The Teacher was Not Silent During My Test

By Shelly Burke, Editor

(Google Images) 

Recently I’ve been seeing this quote on Facebook: “Sometimes you can’t hear God’s voice during your trials. Remember, the teacher is always silent during the test.” The first few times I saw it I nodded and thought, “Oh, that’s nice.” But when I continued to see it, I thought more about it. And the more I thought about it, the more I realized that it’s most definitely not true, at least not in my life.  

During the last few years I’ve faced the biggest tests in my life when my marriage broke up--through no choice of my own!--and I moved to a new town. Through the tears, the heartbreak, and the decisions, God was there, right with me, every single day, every hour, every minute. Here’s how I felt His presence:

•  Through His Word, specifically the Psalms. When I couldn’t concentrate enough to read anything else, I could read the Psalms, especially the Psalms of Ascents, Psalms 120-134. Researchers have several theories as to why these Psalms were written, but regardless of who wrote them and why, their words of despair mirrored my own, and the words of hope lifted me up.
•  Worship. Just being in my church home, hearing the words of the pastors and partaking of the Lord’s Supper, surrounded by fellow believers and friends…the Teacher was not silent. I was especially blessed when I was able to visit my parents and hear my dad preach and take Communion with my whole family. I felt His presence, forgiveness and strength during these times more clearly than I ever have.
•  My friends. God has blessed me with so many friends, and He spoke to me through their prayers for me and with me, through their words of encouragement and support, hugs, cards, and just listening when I needed to talk.
• Answered prayers. I cannot count the prayers—some of them very specific--that God has answered during my test. After I moved it was necessary to find a job to support myself.  I prayed for a job or jobs that would be in town (I hate driving in bad weather), not too stressful (I hadn’t worked in nursing for several years and wasn’t up to date on “the latest” of anything), and flexible enough to allow me to continue publishing the Nebraska Family Times. He blessed me with not one but two part-time nursing jobs. And they’re not just “jobs”, but the jobs I’ve enjoyed most during my nursing career. And He answered a prayer I did not even pray—for new friends, Christian friends, at both of these jobs.

How can you hear from the teacher during your test?

God is always present, during every moment, good and bad. He is with you even if your actions were part “The Lord…will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:8) Here is how you can hear from Him.

(Google Images) 

of the cause of the circumstances in which you find yourself. Whether your test involves the death of a loved one, a scary medical diagnosis, family problems, financial issues, a marriage breakup, or anything else, He promises us, just as He, through Moses, promised Joshua and the Israelites as they were about to enter the promised land;

•     Study His Word. When you study the Bible you will develop a deeper relationship with the Lord. His Word will guide you away from at least some “test” situations (temptations), and it will guide you through tests and trials that are a part of life in this sinful world.
•     Prayer. When you spend time in prayer you will, again, deepen your relationship with the Lord. When you don’t know what to pray, remember that the Holy Spirit will do so for you; “For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26)
•    Listen for His “still, small voice.” God does not always speak in big, loud ways. He may speak to you through the words and actions of others, or through something seemingly small that brings you great joy. One day when I was missing living in the country, I came across a small, lone sunflower plant in a vacant lot, on my walk. It was unexpected…and showed me evidence of His love, yet again.
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            How have you heard from the Teacher during your test? 

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This article appears in the September issue of the “Nebraska Family Times.” It is my prayer that it encourages others during hard times; if you know someone who needs encouragement, would you share it with them? Thank you. To subscribe and receive articles “to inspire, encourage and motivate you in your Christian walk” every month in your mailbox,  click the button in the right sidebar.

A to Z Blogging {Almost Caught Up!} Wait

Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord!

Psalm 27:14

I am not a very good wait-er--I don’t like to wait.

I want all of the answers, right now.

I want to know—now!-- the direction in which I’m to go in life.

I want to know how situations are going to resolve themselves and I don’t want to have to wait to find out.

I am so often tempted to jump right in and act—call someone!! Do something!! Send an e-mail!! Speak my mind!!

Sometimes I react quickly—in anger, in retribution, in fear and depression.

But the above verse reminds me—twice in one verse, to “wait for the Lord.”

And it doesn’t tell me just to wait, it gives me something to do while I wait: “be strong and let your heart take courage.”

I can be strong, by reading the Bible and praying to the Lord to guide and lead me. I find strength in knowing that He is with me every single step of the way, no matter what. And He is stronger than anything, any circumstance, that I will encounter during my life.

I can have courage while I wait because I know the Lord knows what is happening. He knows every detail about every aspect of my circumstances, even when I’m blindsided by something. He is right beside me, every second.

He knows the direction in which He wants me to go. He knows all the details. He knows the bigger story.

And truth be told, I know the bigger story too. I know the end of the story. At the end of the story, no matter what happens to me here—I will spend eternity with Him.

Knowing that enables me to “wait…” with courage in my heart.

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is . Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging Challenge T is for Tribulation

Tribulation

Jesus said, “…in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation.

But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

What are you troubled about today?

Your financial situation?

A serious diagnosis or illness?

A challenging relationship with someone you love?

A difficult decision that you have to make?

These are all worldly  things, a result of the sin in this world. We will never be free of the trials and tribulation and chaos of this world.

But Jesus has overcome the world and He assures us in the verse above that we can have peace. The peace only He can bring, a peace not of this world but a supernatural, spiritual peace.

Take heart; He has overcome the world, and despite the troubles here on earth, we will spend eternity in perfect peace and joy.

What are you troubled about today? 

Ask the Lord to give you the peace that only He can give.

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is. Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging -- N is for Near

Near

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,

that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

Do you ever hesitate to pray about your problems, your fears, your mistakes, your concerns?

Do you doubt that the Lord understands?

Do you wonder if He can really forgive your sins? He H

Hebrews 4:14-15 tells us, “For we do not have a High Priest {Jesus} Who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one Who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

So you see, He does understand.  You can draw near to him, knowing that He was tempted as we are; He did not sin but He knows how we feel and He shows us mercy and grace when we fail, no matter what our failures are.

Take comfort in drawing near to the Lord today; experience His mercy and grace no matter what your need. 

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is. Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging -- J is for Joyful

Joyful

“What gain has the worker from his toil? …I perceived that there is nothing better for them to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.”

Ecclesiastes 3:9, 12-13

We do not know what our lives will bring. We do know that there will be heart ache, and heart break. There will be stress and sadness. And some days will seem long, tedious and even boring.

But we also know that the years God grants us here on earth are nothing compared to what we will have, living in eternity with the Lord.

But God does not intend us to live unhappily here on earth. He wants us to have fun! He wants us to be joyful in what we are doing! He wants us to take pleasure in eating and drinking (not to excess of course!) He wants us to take pleasure in our toil. It is His gift to us—that we will be joyful in our daily lives.

Here are a few things I am joyful about today:

• Hearing the birds sing and only wearing a light sweatshirt when I walked Jenny (the beagle) early this morning.
• Finding out that the “zinging” pain in my tooth was just a “strained ligament”—not a cracked tooth or broken filling as I feared—not treatment required (but no more chewing my favorite candy mints!). And I laughed with joy when the receptionist told me “There is no charge for your visit today!”
• Talking with a friend who was down, and planning to spend a day with her.
• Finishing the laundry!
• Talking to my sister. 
• Writing this blog post! I’m joyful when I am using the talents God has given me and I pray what I write gives you joy and encouragement, as well.
• Making and enjoying a (to me) gourmet dish of pasta, fresh asparagus, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. 

What made you joyful today?

(I’m also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is .

Click over to read “Just five Minutes? Twenty-five Things You Can Do.”)

A to Z Blogging -- H is for Hope

Hope

Paul said, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Romans 15:13

What are you hoping for today? An easy day at work? Spring to get here and stay? A shorter to-do list?

Or are you hoping for something much more important, like the restoration of a broken relationship, relief from financial stress, or the return of health in yourself or someone you love?

Look at the Lord’s track record—He has kept every single promise He ever made. He offers us, through the Holy Spirit, hope; hope that gives us joy and peace. Of course we hope for things here on the earth—health, financial stability, relationships. But because of sinfulness in the world we will probably never have everything we hope for.

However, even in difficult times here on earth we can find true joy and deep, abiding peace because we do believe in Him. We believe in God the Father, who made the heavens and earth, who made us, and who blessed us with His Son, Jesus, who came to earth, died, and rose again. Jesus conquered death so that we have, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the absolute hope, the absolute knowledge that we will live in heaven, our true, eternal home, with Him.

What are you hoping for today? Pray about that hope, knowing that “…for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is , where you’ll find some put-to-use-right-away tips for Health, Steps to Improving Yours.)

Remember to comment on this post or any other post between now and Saturday at midnight to be entered to win the gift basket pictured below! 

A to Z Blogging -- F is for Falls

Falls 

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the one who falls and has no one to help him up!!”  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Friends are one of God’s greatest blessings. But even the best of friends can disappoint—after all, they are only humans, with the failures and follies of all humans and the earthly demands that naturally divide attention among many people and things.  

When you fall down, literally or figuratively, your earthly friends will be there for you…most of the time. They might have the right answers for you…some of the time. They will be there support you…many times.

But there is one Friend who will never, ever disappoint. He will be there for you…all of the time. He has the right answers…every single time. He will support and encourage you…any and every time you need support and encouragement.

Remember your earthly friends, but never forget the One Friend who is always there for you, every time you fall down in any way.  

How do you help a friend who has fallen? How have friends helped you when you’ve fallen?

Thank God for your friends today, and thank Him for being the One Friend Who will never disappoint.

 (I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is. Click to read "Financial Sites and Advice, My Favorite".)

A to Z Blogging -- E is for Every

Every Thought

Paul commanded, “…and take every thought captive to obey Christ…”

2 Corinthians 10:5b

Thoughts are powerful. They can build us up, or wear us down. They can encourage, or discourage.

How often do you have discouraging thoughts?

Thoughts of “I’m not good enough.”

“God can never forgive my sins—they are too bad.”

“I will never succeed at what I’m trying to do.”

“I am a failure at marriage…as a parent…at my job…as a daughter…as a Christian…in everything.”

These thoughts that come from disappointment can lead to a spiral of discouragement and despair.

Take these thoughts captive! Tell yourself, “That is not true. That is not how the Lord sees me!” and then replace them with positive thoughts

“The Lord has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession.” 

Deuteronomy 14:2

“…casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” Psalm 56:3

“Whatever is true…honorable…just…pure…lovely…commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

What thoughts are YOU going to “take captive” today?

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is . The post for today is titled “E-mail…More Productive Things to do than to Check Yet Again.” Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging -- C is for Comfort

Comfort

Paul says, “Praise be to the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

1 Corinthians 1:3-4

During tough times we can find comfort in knowing that no matter what the circumstances, the Lord loves us and cares for us and forgives us. Jesus was made man when He came to earth as a baby and throughout His life He felt the emotions that we feel. Hebrews 4:15 tells us, “Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because He was tempted just as we are, the only difference being He did not sin.”  

How has He comforted you during tough times? Did He send a friend, or a job, or financial help? Comforting words from someone who had experienced similar circumstances? Did He lead you to a Bible passage appropriate to your situation? Did you feel the comfort of His presence and peace?

Who in your life needs comforting right now? A friend who has lost a child? The neighbor who lost his job? The child who didn’t get into the college of choice? Someone whose marriage is going through a difficult time, or even ending?

Today, thank God for the ways He comforted you, and ask Him how you can comfort someone in your life, perhaps sharing your experiences while going through a similar difficult time.

Who are you going to comfort today, and how?

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide. Today’s post lists some of my favorite Chapters in the Bible. Check it out!)

A to Z Blogging -- B is for Beautiful

Beautiful

He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Some things in life aren't beautiful at all. A health battle. A child going down the wrong path. The loss of a job.

When my marriage broke up it was definitely not beautiful. It was ugly. It was sad. It was – and is –the most UN-beautiful thing, the biggest disappointment and failure in my life.

Many days are still very hard, but after time I am seeing some beautiful things come out of the pain.

A much deeper faith and dependence on the Lord.

Wonderful new friends.

Jobs I love.

Most of all, the absolute knowledge that I am forgiven by the Lord, for every single sin. I am forgiven and free from the weight, the guilt, the ugliness of those sins.  

What could be more beautiful?

How have you seen God make a dark time in your life beautiful? 

Are you in a dark time in your life? Take a few minutes today to pray to God to show you even a glimpse of what is beautiful. And if you know a friend going through a hard time, show her a glimpse of beauty in sharing His love; send a card with His encouraging words, pray for her, send a grocery store gift card anonymously, share a hug.  

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(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Home is Where the Mom Is

Check it out!)

His Hand

by Shelly Burke

"For I am the Lord your God Who takes hold of your right hand and 

says to you "Do not fear; I will help you." 

Isaiah 41:13

What are you afraid of today? 

Test results?

Job uncertainty?

Family stress?

A loved one making bad decisions?

The future?

God promises to be with you always. He knows what you fear and He knows the future. I find it comforting that nothing happens without God knowing about it. I find it more than comforting that He is always with me and knows all of my fears. 

When fears come to mind, picture the Lord reaching down with His hand and taking hold of your hand. Hear Him saying to you, "Do not fear. I will help you." He will always help you; all you have to do is accept His help. 

New Beginnings

By Shelly Burke

“Remember not the former things,

nor consider the things of old.

Behold, I am doing a new thing;

now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Isaiah 43:18-19

On this final day of 2013, what do you want to “remember not”?

·    Unkind words—said by you or to you

·         A broken relationship

·         Bad decisions

·         Persistent sins

·         Regrets

In these verses God assures us that He can do a “new thing” in us. My Bible study notes say that we should not forget the “former things” but instead focus on the future. We cannot (and should not) ignore the “things of old”—many, if not most of those things can teach us valuable lessons. However, we cannot perceive the “new thing” God is doing unless we change our focus to what is ahead.

No matter what you have done, God will forgive—all you have to do is ask. He removes our sin “as far as the east is from the west.” (Psalm 103:12).

And no matter what you are facing—an illness, financial stress, relationship troubles, a crisis of faith—even when there appears to be no possible path through it—God can “make a way in the wilderness.” He can do the seemingly impossible—like make a river in the dessert. Nothing is impossible with Him.

And most importantly remember that no matter how difficult the path, He is always, always with you (Matthew 28:20).

What “new thing” is God doing for you in 2014? 

A to Z Blogging: T is for...Thoughts

By Shelly Burke, Editor

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” 2 Corin. 10:5

My thoughts, especially in the middle of the night, can take me to scary places. “What if I lose my jobs—both of them…can’t get another nursing job of any kind anywhere in the whole state (or country!)… and I eat alllllllllll of the food in my cupboards….still don’t have a job so get evicted…and my Envoy breaks down….so I have to have it towed down by the river so I can live in an Envoy, down by the river…?(Like whatever that song is, about “ living in a van, down by the river”).

Or, even darker…”What if I can’t get insurance when our COBRA runs out…and then I get cancer (I’ve had two friends diagnosed with breast cancer in the last few weeks)…and I’m all alone…and NONE of my friends will take me to ANY appointments…and anyway I’m living in my broken-down Envoy, down by the river…”

OK, in the bright light of day, and even during the night, I realize how ridiculous these thoughts are. For one thing I am blessed with many wonderful friends who would help me out, just as I would help them.  But I think everyone has had those dark and racing thoughts at some point—especially during a time of transition and in the dark of night.

I think the devil likes us to have these thoughts—he wants us to live in fear, both to take away our joy of living, and to make us doubt what we know about God, and the promises that God has given us.

What Paul is telling us here is that we have more than just ourselves—our flesh—to fight these thoughts. We do not have to do it alone! We have the divine power of the Holy Spirit, working through God’s Word, the Holy Bible, on our side, to dispute these thoughts. We can look to His word and destroy the thoughts that are contrary to what we know of God.  

And what does God’s word say about His character and His promises to us?

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

     Deuteronomy 31:6

“And He will give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.”

Psalm 91:11

“Cast all your anxiety upon the Lord because He cares for you!”

1 Peter 5:7

Pray to be discerning, to be able to tell when your thoughts are going into those dark places. When dark thoughts enter your mind, take them captive. Compare them to what you know about God and about His Word. Claim His promises. Accept His peace.

For FREE verse cards of the above verses, e-mail your request to shelly@shellyburke.net. I’ll get the verse cards in the mail to you, to encourage you when those dark thoughts intrude on the peace that God wants you to have, in Him.  

Would you like to read articles to “encourage, inspire and motivate you in your Christian walk”  every month? Subscribe to the Nebraska Family Times and you’ll find local, Nebraska

and national news from a Christian point of view, as well as devotions, columns by

Nebraska and nationally-known Christian authors, and much more, in your mailbox every month!

A one-year, 12-issue subscription is only $20! See the

right sidebar on this page to order, or e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net for details.

Shelly is also the author of the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home. Click to find out more!

J is for…Joy

By Shelly Burke, Editor, Nebraska Family Times and Author, Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide

(GoogleImages)

I was trying to define “joy” (it’s one of those words that is hard to describe—to me at least) and finally decided to go to my Bible dictionary, which defines joy as the “State of delight and well being that results from knowing and serving God…the fruit of a right relation with God…not something people can create by their own efforts.”

The first thing that hit me was that I don’t have to—in fact, I cannot—create joy by my own efforts. This is good, because it would be pretty hard for me to create my own joy in the context of some of the events in my life and some of the Bible verses I found for this devotion.

“Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalm 30:5b

I have wept during many nights, and I’ve been with friends who have wept during dark times of their lives. I could not have found joy in the morning in those situations and I think they would have said the same. Yet all of us, at some point, had a sense of well being or at least peace in the situation, and that could have only come from God. When we know God and are right with Him, we know that He has a purpose for everything that happens—even in terrible circumstances. We might not know or understand for many years, or we may not know until we get to heaven, but we have faith that there is a reason.

Jesus said, “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.” John 16:22

In many cases the word “joy” is at the end of a verse that talks about sadness. How can we so quickly move from sorrow to joy? Again, this is something that we cannot do by our own efforts. In the verse above Jesus is talking about His death and resurrection.  I think God is reminding us that  even though we don’t always have “happy endings” here on earth, we can be sure that in heaven we will be with the Lord and all of the other believers we knew on earth.

Another part of this verse that I like is the end; “no one will take your joy from you.” Just as no human can create joy, no human can take it away. I can claim—and keep—my joy no matter what. This is part of the gift of a “right relation” with God. When I know Him through the Bible, church, and Bible class, when I communicate with Him through prayer, and seek to do His will, I will have a right relationship with Him and the joy that is a result of that relationship.

Thankfully we do not have to be perfect in our relationship with God; He forgives us through His grace—and He takes joy in doing so! “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10

“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor the fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail, and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:17-18

Here, Habakkuk is warning readers that Judah’s faith would be tested—but he is convinced that they can rejoice despite circumstances. I think we could all make this verse our own, substituting the negative events in our lives for what Judah would face. Though we face broken relationships, troubled children, financial problems, illness and disease, vehicle breakdowns, and more, we can still “take joy in the God of {our} salvation.”

Thank You so much, Lord, for the joy you give me in spite of circumstances. Amen.

Would you like to read articles to “encourage, inspire and motivate you in your Christian walk”  every month? Subscribe to the Nebraska Family Times and you’ll find local, Nebraska

and national news from a Christian point of view, as well as devotions, columns by

Nebraska and nationally-known Christian authors, and much more, in your mailbox every month!

A one-year, 12-issue subscription is only $20! See the

right sidebar on this page to order, or e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net for details.

Shelly is also the author of the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide toCaring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home". Click to find out more!

H is for…Hope

by Shelly Burke, Editor and Publisher 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

What are you hoping for today?

Enough rain to break the drought? A new job? A way out of financial troubles? A relationship repaired? A new home? A new baby? A disease cured?

Paul’s letter to the Romans tells them (and us) to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12) How can we rejoice, when our hope is that a hopeless situation won’t turn out in the way it seems destined to? How can we be patient when our world seems to be falling apart around us? For me, being “constant in prayer” is easy when I’m struggling. Thankfully God doesn’t require fancy phrases or the “right” words—I can just plead, “Lord, help me endure this! Show me what to do! Be with me!”

We can rejoice in hope because of what Psalm 39:7 says: “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You.” Our hope is not in earthly things like money, or banks, or a new job, or a relationship, or even an earthly cure for a terminal illness. Our hope is in the Lord, and in the gift that He has given believers, of eternal life. We can rejoice in hope because we know that even if our hope is not realized here on earth, it will be in heaven.

Many times our hopes will be fulfilled here on earth. God answers our prayers, often in ways we do not expect, in ways that seem to be impossible. We thank Him for those times.

While we are in that time of waiting to see how our prayers will be answered, we can pray that God will fill us with joy and peace in believing in Him, and that through the Holy Spirit we will continue to have hope.

Lord, you know what I am hoping for today. I do not know what Your will is regarding this situation, although I pray that you will answer my prayers. While I wait, please enable me to rejoice, to be patient, and to fill me with joy and peace. Amen.

Would you like to read articles to “encourage, inspire and motivate you in  your Christian walk”  every month? Subscribe to the Nebraska Family Times and you’ll find local, Nebraska

and national news from a Christian point of view, as well as devotions, columns by

Nebraska and nationally-known Christian authors, and much more, in your mailbox every month!

A one-year, 12-issue subscription is only $20! See the

right sidebar on this page to order, or e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net for details.

G is for…Gift

by Shelly Burke, Editor and Publisher 

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace…”

1 Peter 4:10

(Google Images)

God has given each of us unique gifts. Every one of us has something to offer.  

Paul told the Corinthians, and by extension, us, that as there are many parts of a human body that must work together to make it function, so are we all part of the body of Christ and all necessary for it to function.

What is your gift? What do you enjoy doing? What are you good at doing? Do you feel like if you find a task “fun” it’s probably not what God wants you to do? God loves you—don’t you think He would give you a gift of doing something you enjoy? Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 tells us that “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from Him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?” While we know that what we do here on earth will never bring us complete fulfillment, God does want us to use and enjoy the gifts He has given us.

No matter your age or physical ability, you are a part of the Body of Christ and therefore have a purpose. I saw this last year when our church hosted its annual salad luncheon. Several of our members are elderly and don’t like to be out and about; they offered to make phone calls from their homes. One lady gets around with the help of a walker and can’t stand for more than a few minutes. She offered to take money at the door; she sat at a table to do so. One lady has painful arthritis; she volunteered to wash dishes as the hot water eased her pain. Those who enjoy cooking made several salads; those with good organizational skills oversaw the whole event.

You, too, have a gift to share, not only in church work but in your work, in your family, in your community. I enjoy writing and don’t mind talking in front of people, so I occasionally write blurbs for the bulletin about upcoming events, and talk to Bible Study groups about them. I enjoy teaching so volunteered to present new things to the nurses at work.

A friend of mine is great on the computer, so she creates posters for events. I know several people who are shy in large groups but great in small groups, especially brainstorming about new ideas. Another friend remembers the details of everyone’s lives and asks about the new grandbaby, or how college classes are going, or how tests turned out.

To figure out what your gift is, just ask yourself what you enjoy doing, and what you are good at. Pray for God to show you your gift, and how He wants you to use it. Every gift can be used in some way. If you feel your gift is minimal, remember that Jesus served others by washing their feet. Even the least-seeming gifts are important and useful.

If you’re asked to be part of an organization or help with an event, consider saying “yes” even if it’s something you’ve never done and don’t know if you’ll enjoy. You might discover a new talent!

On the other hand, if you’re asked to do something for which you don’t have a gift, it’s ok to say “no.” While I enjoy teaching adults, I’m not good at teaching children. When asked to teach Sunday School I simply replied that that was not one of my gifts, and offered to bring snacks instead.

Remember—God wants you to enjoy your life here on earth. Honor Him by determining what your gift is and how you can use it for Him.

Lord, thank You for the gifts You have given to me. Please show me how You want me to use them.  Amen. 

Would you like to read articles to “encourage, inspire and motivate you in  your Christian walk”  every month? Subscribe to the Nebraska Family Times and you’ll find local, Nebraska

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F is for…Fear

By Shelly Burke

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”  2 Tim. 1:7

What are you afraid of today?

Perhaps your financial situation is not stable or you have overwhelming debt or are in danger of losing your job.

Maybe you’re worried about test results, or a family member or friend suffering from a disease or illness.

Are you apprehensive about a relationship that is going through a hard time? Maybe a child is making bad decisions in his or her life and you fear the consequences, or your marriage is rocky with the future uncertain.

It is normal to have a healthy fear of things that could, realistically, happen. In 2 Timothy 1:7 Paul writes to Timothy from a Roman prison; Timothy could be persecuted and  imprisoned as well, for his preaching. But God does not want us to live with a spirit of fear; fear is not to dominate our emotions.

Paul says that God gave us a spirit…of “power and love and self-control.”       

We are not powerless in the face of fear; we have power in our faith, in prayer, and in action appropriate to the situation. Remember, “I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13). We cannot do it through our own power, but through the power the Lord gives us.

We are to have a spirit of love. We can love the person who has done wrong; we can ask the Lord to show us how to do so through His love for us.

And we are to have self-control. Even when we cannot control a situation, we can control how we react to it. Rather than lose control or react in anger, we can count to 10, or not say a word. Rather than withdraw in fear, we can reach out to Christian friends and ask for prayer. Rather than sit helplessly we can open our Bibles and read God’s word, and ask Him to take away our fear.

You are not alone in facing your fears. We are never, ever alone, even during the times that we are the most afraid. God says, “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; It is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the One Who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13

Would you like to read articles to “encourage, inspire and motivate you in  your Christian walk”  every month? Subscribe to the Nebraska Family Times and you’ll find local, Nebraska

and national news from a Christian point of view, as well as devotions, columns by

Nebraska and nationally-known Christian authors, and much more, in your mailbox every month!

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sidebar of this page to order, or e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net. 

E is for…Encouragement

by Shelly Burke

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”  1 Thess. 5:11

One thing I’ve realized as I’ve gotten older (more “mature”) is that even the most confident-appearing, fashionably dressed, perfect-hair-day-every-day person is insecure in some way.

The person who (to my eyes) gives brilliant answers in Bible class worries that people will think she’s “dumb” or “talks too much.”

The member of the choir who sings beautifully? Fears that others will think she is “showing off”.

And the “everyday” people? The mom who takes her kids to church thinks her kids are “too loud” during the sermon.

The quiet elderly man in Bible Class? Terrified to ask a question (which happens to be a question I’ve thought about for years).

Everyone—even the most confident-appearing people—needs and appreciates encouragement.  1 Thessalonians 5:11 instructs the Thessalonians, and by extension, us, to encourage each other “just as you are doing.” Paul doesn’t provide a list of things the people had been doing, so I think they were simple, every day things—probably things you have been doing or can easily start doing, in order to “encourage and build one another up.”

     *Tell the harried mom whose kids kept her busy during church, “I’m so glad you’re here! I know it’s a challenge, but it’s worth it to get your kids to know God.”

     *Thank the pastor, choir director, soloist, education director, organist, secretary, Bible Study leader, your co-workers or boss, for what they do. So often we are touched and encouraged by what they do…but we forget that they need encouragement too.

     *Ask someone you know is going through a difficult time, “How are things going?” The person may answer with just a few words—or you might hear a detailed accounting of the last few days. Either way, you’ve showed that you care. You don’t have to have the “right” words—just listen and, if appropriate, tell her you are praying for her.

     *Give a hug “just because.”

    

     *Text a Bible verse to your kids or a friend facing a difficulty.

     *Pray…for your family, for friends, for acquaintances if you know they are facing a tough decision or hard time. You do not have to know the details; ask God to bless the person and care for and provide for him or her as the person needs. God knows the details!

     *Send someone a card of encouragement and include a Bible verse that is specific to his or her situation.

  

     *Surprise a friend or acquaintance—with a flower, treat, or something they’ve mentioned needing or wanting, like a book, a CD, or scented lotion.

     *Give anonymously or to a stranger. Pay for the purchase of the car behind you in the fast-food drive through. Ask the cashier to apply the change from your purchase, to that of the person behind you in the check-out line. Wish the cashier a nice day. Smile at the person who looks lonely; take a few minutes to chat about the weather or what you’re making for supper.

A wonderful "side effect" of encouraging others is that you will immediately feel better about yourself and your life. God Himself encourages us through His Word and the people He puts in our lives. Share His love and encouragement by passing on that love and encouragement to those whose lives you touch.

Lord, thank You for encouraging me through Your word. Please, help me to show your love by encouraging and lifting others up. Amen. 

Would you like to read articles to “encourage, inspire and motivate you in  your Christian walk”  every month? Subscribe to the Nebraska Family Times and you’ll find local, Nebraska

and national news from a Christian point of view, as well as devotions, columns by

Nebraska and nationally-known Christian authors, and much more, in your mailbox every month!

A one-year, 12-issue subscription is only $20! See the

right sidebar on this page to order, or e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net for details.