A Difference Maker

I know your works-your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance.

Revelation 2:19

Today the writer talks about a woman in her church. She says that she has never seen a more servant-hearted person than Shirley. She tells of all the little things that Shirley does behind the scenes of the church, that probably not many people notice, and how Shirley does these things faithfully, and with a joyful heart. She says that Shirley never forgets to send you a birthday card, or an anniversary card, she holds you up in prayer when your child is in the hospital, and is the first to hug you when you are hurting. The writer says that while Shirley does all of these things faithfully, the most beautiful thing that Shirley does, is her ministry to the children of a nearby apartment complex. Every week Shirley and a few volunteers meet the children in the apartment's clubhouse after school, and for the next 2 hours, Shirley gives the children a snack, reads them a bible story, and helps them with a craft. They sing songs, and play games, all the while learning about Jesus.

Wow, I aspire to be like Shirley. Shirley is a perfect example of someone living for Jesus, and He shines clearly in the way she lives her life. She is someone who definately has her priorities in order. I wish that my life reflected Jesus as much as Shirley. I know that I have the heart to do things, but like I said in my previous blog, I am slug. I start getting busy, and I let the things I have or need to do take priority over the things that I should be doing, like spending time with God. Sometimes I get so busy doing things, even things for church, that I am just doing them, and not doing them with the heart that I need to be doing them with. If I would just realize that if I prepared my heart, and spent time with my Saviour, the time that he wants with me and that I know I very desperatly want with Him, that my impact in my ministries would be greater.

Steps of Faith:
Father, help me to make an impact on my community that will reverberate into eternity. Give me a servant's heart and help me to remember that You see my efforts, no matter how small they may seem to the world.

Deeper Walk:
Mark 10: 43-45 NAS

But it is not this way amoung you, but whoever wishes to become great amoung you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first amoung you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransome for many.

God Promised

God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.

Psalm 46:1

Ok, I have been a slug. I haven't written my blog in sometime. I haven't done my devotionals during that time either, and I have felt the impact on my life. This is actually yesterday's devotional. I did read it yesterday, but wanted to reflect on it a little more before writing. I did intend to write it last night, but instead spent some quality time with my hubby, so I am doing it now.

The devotional talks about crisis. The writer tells a story about how her friend seems to go through crisis after crisis. She got divorced, then struggled with her finances, work became stressful, her son was in trouble at school, and her daughter had been sick, and then broke her arm. She was telling her friend that she was just exhausted. The writer told her friend that she knew she was going through a rough patch right now, and how she can only imagine how hard it is to be a single parent, but that her friend was doing a good job, even if she didn't think she was. Her friend thanked her for the encouragement, but let the writer know that she had reminded her that God hasn't forgotten her.

The writer goes on to talk about how none of us is able to avoid having problems from time to time, but that God promised He would be with us, she also reminds us of Isaiah 43:1-2, 5 which says, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk throught the fire, and the flame will not burn you. Do not fear, for I am with you."

I have to admit, I have had a period of difficult times. It has felt like I have fought one battle after another. It does get exhausting, and at times I feel so battle warn and weary. But then just when I think I can't possibly take it any longer, God picks me up, He gives me the courage and strength to go on and keep fighting. I always know this comes from my Lord, because I know I would not have been able to go on, on my own. My husband always jokes that he thinks that God made me a warrior, and that God made him a peacemaker. Maybe there's some truth to that, I don't know. But I know that through it all, I have had peace that God has always been right there with me, sometimes I needed to be reminded of that fact, but I know he was always there.

Steps of Faith:
"Lord, hear my prayer; listen to my plea for mercy. I call on You in the day of my distress, for You will answer me." Psalm 86:6-7

Deeper Walk:
Psalm 46 NAS
For the choir director. A Psalm of the sons of Korah, set to Alamoth. A song.
Theme: God is always there to help, providing refuge, security, and peace. God's power is complete and his ultimate victory is certain. He will not fail to rescue those who love him.
Author: The sons of Korah (temple assistants)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Come, behold the works of the LORD, who has wrought desolations in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted amoung the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.