A to Z Blogging: Understanding

Understanding

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Are you trusting in the Lord today, or leaning on your own understanding?

Trusting Him means asking Him before you make decisions, before you take action. Your understanding is limited to what you know, at this moment. He knows absolutely every aspect of your situation, every single detail of your life. He knows what will happen as a consequence of your decisions in a day…a month…a year…a lifetime. He knows how your actions will affect those around you…even those you might not even know. He has a plan that you do not know…but His plan is always better than yours.

Are you acknowledging Him in everything you do, in all your ways?

Thank Him, give Him credit for your life. When you go about your daily life, ask Him to guide you, ask Him to show you what to do, strive to live a life that honors Him.

I see the final part of this verse as a promise. When you acknowledge Him in what you do, He will keep you on the straight path. He will keep you from making mistakes. He will guide you.

With what will you trust in the Lord today?

(I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at www.achristianmomsguide.blogspot.com. 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 Challenge -- S is for Small Things

Small Things

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”

Zechariah 4:10

This verse is part of a vision the prophet Zechariah is recounting to the people,  regarding rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The temple had been destroyed years before and the people had been in exile. They were now returning to Jerusalem from exile and would rebuild the temple.

The plumb line was a weight, attached to a string. The plumb line was hung down to make sure the walls of the temple were being built straight. The string and weight were very small, but very important; If the walls were not straight, the temple structure would not be stable.

God rejoiced to see the work on the temple begin, and He rejoices when we begin our work, too. The small steps may not seem to be much but they are a foundation to what you will accomplish.

What is one goal you are working on? Losing weight? Exercising regularly? Paying off a credit card? Establishing an emergency fund? Cleaning your whole house? Growing your relationship with the Lord?

What “small thing” can you do today? Ask the Lord to bless and guide you upon your quest, take a deep breath, and begin. Take a walk around the block. Plan healthy meals. Make a credit card payment. Clean a closet. Read a Psalm. The Lord rejoices to see the work begin!

What “small beginning” are you going to make today?

I’m also blogging at Home is Where the Mom Is . Click to check it out!

A to Z Blogging Challenge -- R is for Refuge

Refuge

“But for me it is good to be near God;

I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of Your works.”

Psalm 73:28

God has been my refuge in the midst of the most difficult time in my life, during the summer of 2012 when my marriage was breaking up and I was starting over. It was more than good to be near Him; it was the greatest blessing I could have at that time.  I knew that He understood, that He had a plan for me, that He would never, ever leave me. When I could not concentrate to read or comprehend anything else in His Word, I could read the Psalms, including Psalm 73.

Have you made God your refuge today? Was He your first choice, or did you only turn to Him after texting your best friend or calling your sister or posting on FaceBook? Turn to Him first; as wonderful as your friends and family are, He offers even more comfort.

What works of His will you tell others of, to strengthen their faith?

I will share this and I hope it encourages readers. I needed a job after I moved out, and asked God for a job that met the following guidelines; in the town in which I was living (I hate driving in bad weather), relatively non-stressful (I had enough stress in my “real” life!), decent paying, and part-time so that I could continue publishing the Nebraska Family Times and writing if that was His will.

Several weeks later I read a want-ad and when I called the number I found that it fit every single one of my requests. After a few months I realized that it was a little too “part time” for me to meet my expenses…and then I found out about another part-time job that, as well as fitting the above requirements, would also fit perfectly into my life. The two jobs are the best jobs I’ve had in my nursing career!

But it gets even better...

A few months ago, I realized that God gave me something in both jobs that I hadn’t even thought to ask for: Christian friends who offered me the support and encouragement I needed during that very hard time. He knew what I needed and blessed me with it, even though I didn’t think to ask.

God truly is my refuge; it is so good to be near Him!

What works has God done in your life, that you can share to encourage others?

 If you’d like, comment below.

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

{{Still Catching up on the A to Z Challenge}} Q is for Quarrel

Quarrel

The beginning of strife is like letting out water,

so quit before the quarrel breaks out.

Proverbs 17:14

Have you been in a quarrel with someone…but you can’t remember how it began? A cross (or perceived to be cross) word can start a back-and-forth that just escalates—and suddenly you’re in an argument—maybe not even knowing what it is really about. It’s happened to me and usually I feel silly that something pretty minor escalated (especially when it was with one of my kids…when they were toddlers).

The verse above tells us to “quit before the quarrel breaks out.”

It’s not easy—we all want to prove ourselves “right.” But oftentimes not arguing at all feels even better than proving a point—and it takes less time, too.

I’ve made a point to try to diffuse conflict before it starts (I’m not always successful…it’s my own fault!).

Sometimes it means saying something completely off topic; my favorite is “How ‘bout them Huskers?” (That is especially mood-changing when I say it because those who know me know that I have no idea if the current season is football, volleyball, or basketball…and I have no idea if players in said sports are trying to hit a ball, throw a ball, kick a ball…).  

Sometimes it means we agree to disagree…and one of us has to agree not to insist on having the last word in the agreeing-to-disagree.

Sometimes it means nodding respectfully and not saying another word (I think I have scars on my tongue from doing that…but I didn’t argue!)

Sometimes it means saying nothing…but having that pit-in-the-stomach feeling of “He was soooo wrong…”

All this is to say, it’s not easy to avoid an argument (especially when you *know* you are right). But God wouldn’t have given us this instruction if it wasn’t important to Him.

Maybe He commanded us not to quarrel because so many of our arguments are so minor…but cause so much stress, tension and chaos—stress, tension and chaos that takes our attention away from the Him and doing His work.

Maybe it’s because quarrels can hurt—sometimes really hurt—all involved.

Maybe it’s because quarrels just do not show His love—the love He wants us to show to everyone.

Maybe it’s because quarreling is a bad example to kids and to non-Christians, you know, the whole setting-a-good-example thing.

It’s not easy, but it is His command. And the Bible tells us that Jesus experienced temptation, too—but He did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15). The next verse says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and grace to help in time of need.”

So there is my solution for you—when you are tempted to quarrel, draw near to the Lord. Pray that He will guard your tongue…will give you something funny to say…will help you control your words…or even put His hand over your mouth to prevent those words from coming out (even if they would convince the other person that you are right).

Do you get caught up in a quarrel before you realize it?

What will you do today, to stop it before it starts?

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

Peaceably

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

Romans 12:18

It is possible to live peaceably with most people; if your personalities clash, you either avoid the person or are distantly polite.

However, there are people with whom it is not possible to live peaceably.

Perhaps when you give an inch they take 10,000 miles.

Maybe they are offended by everything you say, and let you know it.

Or have hurt you so badly in the past (or continue to hurt you) you just cannot face them.

Or their values directly oppose yours—and they enjoy trying to force them on you.

What to do? 

• Avoid the person if possible.
• Pray that the Lord will give you patience and grace if you have to face the person, and that if words are necessary, the Holy Spirit will give you the right ones. And (this is really difficult!) pray for the person. The only thing I could pray for one person who used to be in my life was, “Please Lord give her Your peace.”
• Remember the words that follow the above verse: “Never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:19-20. 
• Hard as it is (I know, I’ve been in the situation!) be kind if you have to have contact, and let the Lord handle the rest. He knows what has happened; He knows what the best solution is. It might not be your solution; pray for His peace with whatever happens.

Who in your life is impossible to live with peaceably? What will you do next time you see that person? Pray for the Lord’s guidance, and that you will show His love, despite the circumstances.

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

 Old Testament

Every word in the Bible is there for a reason. Have you ever wondered what the purpose of the narratives of the Old Testament are? (Our pastor calls them “narratives”, as the word “stories” implies they are fiction. In our denomination we believe that every narrative in the Bible actually happened.)

Paul wrote, in the New Testament, about the events that happened during the time the Israelites were wandering in the desert for 40 years. The Israelites grumbled, complained, disobeyed and doubted the Lord, and worshiped idols.

“Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did…Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction…”

1 Corinthians 10:6, 11

These narratives are not only a record of the events that occurred as our faith-history, they are events that the Lord wants us to remember and look back upon. The Israelites give us many examples of how we should not act. They show us the consequences of evil and of sin.

The Old Testament can also inspire and encourage us. In Romans, St. Paul wrote:

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Romans 15:4

 What is your favorite OT narrative?

I think mine is the narrative of Joseph (Genesis 37-46). He endured so much at the hands of his brothers, then Potiphar (after his wife lied to him that Joseph had tried to assault her). Even when he was in prison for an additional two years (because the cupbearer to whom Joseph had interpreted a dream had forgotten him) Joseph did not give up hope. Eventually Joseph was raised into power and saved the entire country, and his family (who he forgave for selling him into slavery), from starvation. The reach of this narrative—through many years and several nations—shows me how, despite bad things happening, God makes all things for good. During this time Joseph was faithful to the Lord, despite being betrayed over and over. Joseph can be an example for all of us, in how he did not only forgive his brothers, but brought them to live with him.

I am also encouraged by Joshua, who lead the Israelites into the promised land; most experts believe there were several million Israelites by this time—and they were a challenge, to be sure!

Esther’s bravery inspires me to do what is right no matter where I am and what I’m doing.

These narratives and more have encouraged me to endure through the difficult times in my life; I know that, like God’s Old Testament people, I can survive and thrive, with the help of the Lord.

Study the Old Testament, with your children if they are still at home. Every narrative gives guidance and instruction, encouragement. Some give warnings; some help us to endure. As you read the narratives, talk about and write down the life-lessons you can learn from them.

What is your favorite Old Testament narrative and why? Share your comments below.