The Best Gift

A Friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time.

Proverbs 17:17

Today's devotional tells a story about a woman who is picking out a book for her friend, whose teen daughter has just tried to commit suicide. She sees another one of her friends in the bookstore, and they talk about it. Her friend suggests that the book may not be the best choice for their hurting friend, as she is already beating herself up at the moment for not seeing signs that her daughter was in trouble. The woman realizes that her friend is right, what her hurting friend needs at the moment, is not a gift that suggests she needs some parenting advice, but her friends to listen and hurt with her.

I understand how both the hurting friend, and the woman feel in this story. So many times when I have been going through a personal or family crisis, I just want someone to hurt with me, and I have had that, and sometimes I haven't. The times I haven't have made it that much worse. I felt alone. But for the most part, a lot of that was my own doing, because I kept it close and didn't share what I was going through with others. There is a sweet sister who in our church that has so much on her plate right now, her mom has cancer, her dad is not doing well at all, and her husband is having some health issues. She has two teenagers at home, and her family lives in another state. I really feel her stress, and pain, I think it homes with me, because my family lives in another state also. I know what it's like to feel torn between need to be at home with your kids and needing to be with those that need you in another state. I pray that the Lord will ease her stress, and give her the strength that she needs to get her through.

Steps of Faith:
God, I never want to hurt a friend who is already overwhelmed. Help me to be sensitive to those who are going through difficulties.

The Hall of Unfaith

Faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

It has been a while, I have not been good about doing my devotional or blogging about it. Time to start anew again.

Today's devotional talks about what I feel I have been going through. The hall of unfaith. Hebrews 11 talks about the faith of all these great men and women of the bible, these were people who didn't have the benefit of the bible, daily devotionals or study groups to help and encourage them in their faith. The author points out how she felt ashamed reading about these men and women who had such great faith, and if there were a hall of unfaith, her picture would be there. I feel the same.....God has provided, and provided abundantly for me and my family yet I still don't fully trust and rely on Him all of the time. I still try to take control of the wheel, or be a bad backseat driver! I read about these great men and women of faith, and feel that I fall way short! My faith is so little compared to theirs!

I am leading a girls bible study, my prayer is that I am honoring God through this study, that I am reaching the girls to hear what He has to say about the topics, but as I do it, I wonder if I am taking control and trying to accomplish things for Him on my own. I don't want to do that.....I want Him to accomplish things through me, and above all I want Him to have the glory. I so long for this study to be honoring to God, and I feel like it was put on my heart for a reason, but I have been going through a valley personally, and I think that has something to do with my doubting. I need to give my troubles over, and have faith that He will sort them out, have faith that He will get me through, and have faith, that He will work through me.

Steps of Faith:
Thank You, Father, for the examples in the Scripture of faithful men, and women. I want to please You, Lord.

Called

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

Matthew 6:33

The writer tells a story about her daughter-in-law, and her search for a job. Her DIL graduated in December from college with a degree to teach special education students. She says that graduating in December is a bad time to find a full time teaching job, but her DIL worked as a substitute. However, before the end of the year the economy did a nose dive, and schools were letting teachers go and increasing class sizes rather than hiring new teachers. Her son and DIL were praying, as were the writer and her husband. Her DIL's student loans were coming due, and their budget was in a big strain. However, a couple of months later her DIL received a job offer, and was finally working with special needs students. The writer says that she didn't know how her DIL did it, the kids were so needy. But her DIL told her that she loved her job, and she loved the kids. She said she felt that God had called her to this work.

Many people around the country have suffered from the down economy. As the writer pointed out, just having a college degree isn't enough anymore, and people from all walks of life are unemployed or underemployed. My husband and I have experienced the strain of unemployment, and the scare of going through many rounds of layoffs. It can be such a stressful burden to bear, but God always watches out for His children.

Steps of Faith:
Father, provide hope for those who are trying to find employment. Give them wisdom, let them find favor with the people who can help them, and provide for all of their needs.

Deeper Walk:
Luke 18:1-8 NAS
Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow.

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, "In certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me legal protection from my opponent.' For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'" And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"

a little side note from me....This passage gives me great comfort right now. I have a situation in my life that I don't understand. I almost feel lost about how this can happen. It is something that is out of my control, there is someone who has made a decision, and I can't change it, and while this decision is not about me, it hurts me deeply because of the love I have for them. It hurts to watch them walk down a dark and dangerous path and feel you have no control. I feel that God is reminding me in this passage that I need to continually bring this to Him, day and night like the widow in the story, and He will not delay over it.

Unique Purpose

My grace is suffcient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.

2 Corinthian 12:9

Yes, I am back 2 days in a row!! I know I'm on a roll!! =)

In today's devotional the writer told a story from her childhood. She wanted to join the band at her elementary school. Her mother got her all signed up, only to learn that the school district would not allow her or her sister to participate due to their being visually impaired. Her mother decided instead of fighting the system, to sign her daughters up for piano lessons instead. She had heard enough "can't" messages, what about the things her daughters could do? The writer goes on to say that whatever her parents original dream for their children, the only disappointment they heard was how hard it was for them to watch their children struggle.

I don't specifically know the heartbreak of having a child with special needs. However, when I was pregnant with my son, we had one bad diagnosis after another. At one point in my pregnancy there was the chance that he had spine abifida (sp?) then at another point they thought that his abdomen wall had not closed and some of his intestine was outside his body. While they assured us they could correct these things it was difficult to hear these diagnosis. Everyone dreams of having a happy healthy baby, with ten perfect little fingers, and 10 cute little toes, that you leave the hospital with 3 days after delivery.

My son ended up coming to us a little more than 6 weeks early, with much trama involved for both baby and mama. The hardest thing I have ever endured in my life, is seeing my newborn in the NICU, being on the maternity ward surrounded by mother's with their newborn babies in their rooms with them, and then being discharged from the hospital without my baby. We brought our son home 4 weeks later, and has been happy and healthy ever since.

Every time we got another possible diagnosis about our unborn baby, it shattered what dreams we had conceived when we learned that we were going to have a child. When we were going through some testing, we were referred to a genetic counselor, who called to set up an appointment with us. I promptly told the counselor, that she would be wasting her time talking with us, because it really didn't matter what the diagnosis was, we would never consider aborting our baby. God carried us through those long months of worry, and even though I wasn't in church at the time, and where I needed to be in my walk with Him, I always knew He was right there beside me guiding me through, and giving me the strength I needed to endure this trial. I always knew that if our baby was born with a special need, then that was God's plan for our lives, and for the life of my son.

Steps of Faith:
Creator God, some see disabilities as flaws while You call all Your work perfect. Abundantly bless children with special needs and their parents. Use the body of Christ to help and encourage them.

Deeper Walk:
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NAS

Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Minister with Joy

Now we ask you, brothers, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you.

1 Thessalonians 5:12

Yes, I am finally back.....if there are any of you left reading my blog I know you will be surprised, I am surprised myself. I have been a slug. I couldn't get a September issue of my devotional, so I pretty much just used that as an excuse not to do it. I however did get an October issue, and as you can see, I have procrastinated, as it is October 4. But I am working on it.....

Today's devotional was a story about a deacon fielding a multitude of complaints about everything from their pastor, to the music to the youth dept. to the children's dept. The deacon was on the phone with a member of the congregation fielding a particularly difficult complaint, when he reminded the memeber that the pastor is called to shepherd God's flock, and that the pastor was appointed by the Holy Spirit.

The pastor is an imperfect person, just as we all are. We all fail in some way or another. It is oftentimes easy to see the flaws in others, but not in ourselves. I know I have been guilty of this myself. We tend to see the leaders of our church as above reproach, we hold them to a higher standard, fair or not. What we need to remember is that they are human, and that we are all sinners. We need to let the petty little things go, and focus on encouraging where there is no encouragment from others.

I think we can be particularly hard on our pastors. We feel like they should be the ultimate man of God. But I think pastors take the most verbal beatings of anyone in the church. I know how hard those verbal beatings can be on a person. Sometimes it seems all you are hearing is what you are doing wrong.....and it can be quite discouraging. I have been guilty of judging my pastor a little to harshly in the past. I am fortunate to have a wonderful pastor, who is a very godly man, and who seeks God's will above all else. I might not agree with everything....but those petty little things aren't worth him hearing my discouragement over. Our pastor needs to hear our encouragment, and know that we love him, and that we appreciate the sacrifice he is making for us and for God.

Steps of Faith:
Father, help us to honor, encourage, and support the pastors You have appointed to lead us, Your flock. Help us to keep any criticism constructive, and build up our pastors.

Deeper Walk:
1 Timothy 5: 17-19 NAS
Concerning Elders

The elders who rule well are to considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages." Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.

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.