Proverbs 31 Woman

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2031:10-31&version=AMP

Memorial Day - Thank you and God bless you to all who serve and their families

WISH

WISHES

Make a wish into the sky 
Don’t analyze it nor ask why 
Wish into now - reach out and grasp 
What's done is done - dead in the past 
Wish not for then, of sad regrets 
But wish for what is unseen yet 
Wish for your now and future days 
Wish free and deep and be amazed 
At what may come and blessings more 
For joyous whens so close in store 
So wish away with all your might 
And watch as wishes then take flight  

Poem and photography by Linda Bush

On Walking the Path of Gracious Uncertainty

Grounds for Sculpture pathway - photo by Linda Bush

I have a penchant for worry and anxiety and a desire for control.  I do not like to not know what is happening next, nor am I one who easily “wings it.”  I like plan and purpose and certainty.  How often I have told people, “I am a black and white gal.  Tell me the black, tell me the white, and I can deal with it.  Put me in the gray area of uncertainty, of not knowing, and I go crazy.”  It is probably one, if the THE, most difficult areas of my faith and my spiritual walk with God.  I want to know what is going on, what will happen… I just HATE HATE HATE not knowing.  The down side/curse of being one who has a very active imagination and healthy sense of creativity is being able to think of the millions of things that COULD happen… and usually they are all negative.  I project what may take place if this or that occurs or doesn’t transpire.  My mind can materialize vast scenarios for any unknown.  It takes me to weird and wild places from the logical to the completely outlandish… to places I should not let me go. 

I confess that, like termites, these times eat away at the foundation of my faith in God to know what is best for me.  Like a bratty child whining from the back seat “Are we there yet?” I shamefully bellyache my prayers and drone on and on. Trust is not a natural gift/talent for me… sitting with a quiet and gentle spirit while God is doing what He deems best in my life for His glory, for my obedience and growth and honing into the holy woman of God He sees in me (something I am blind to most of the time), comes with great difficulty.  It is hard labor for me to sit on my hands and not meddle and maneuver and manipulate my way into just that – MY way.  Instead of my heart singing the hymn, “Have THINE own way, Lord” I sing Frank Sinatra’s signature anthem at the top of my lungs… in spite of the knowledge that when I have chosen to walk that slippery slope of disobedience, I always fall down and hurt myself and God and others.

After reading the beautiful and poignant (and timely) devotion in today’s “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers, I am again reminded how my patient and loving Father knows best.  I must learn to embrace His gracious uncertainty.  I may present my requests to His listening heart, of course, but I must learn (and be content and satisfied and rejoice in the fact) that His ways are not my ways, and that there will be times when what I want to happen now may not be part of the present and future in His grand scheme.

Oh God, forgive me for always wanting my own way and wanting to know it all right now.  Give me courage, grace and strength to look to You only, to trust You only and welcome the uncertainty of my future that I might, step by step and moment by moment, grow in faith as I walk along the path You have designed for me in love before the world began.

http://utmost.org/

Gracious Uncertainty

. . . it has not yet been revealed what we shall be . . . —1 John 3:2

Our natural inclination is to be so precise—trying always to forecast accurately what will happen next—that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We think that we must reach some predetermined goal, but that is not the nature of the spiritual life. The nature of the spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty. Consequently, we do not put down roots. Our common sense says, “Well, what if I were in that circumstance?” We cannot presume to see ourselves in any circumstance in which we have never been.

Certainty is the mark of the commonsense life—gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, not knowing what tomorrow may bring. This is generally expressed with a sigh of sadness, but it should be an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. As soon as we abandon ourselves to God and do the task He has placed closest to us, He begins to fill our lives with surprises. When we become simply a promoter or a defender of a particular belief, something within us dies. That is not believing God—it is only believing our belief about Him. Jesus said, “. . . unless you . . . become as little children . . .” (Matthew 18:3). The spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, just uncertain of what He is going to do next. If our certainty is only in our beliefs, we develop a sense of self-righteousness, become overly critical, and are limited by the view that our beliefs are complete and settled. But when we have the right relationship with God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy. Jesus said, “. . . believe also in Me” (John 14:1), not, “Believe certain things about Me”. Leave everything to Him and it will be gloriously and graciously uncertain how He will come in—but you can be certain that He will come. Remain faithful to Him.

Ann Voskamp's Website for Today

Photo by Linda Bush - Cape May Sunrise

Today I'd like to invite you to a very special few moments of quiet bliss - a feast for the eyes, the ears and the heart/soul.  Go over to Ann Voskamp's website "A Holy Experience" and look at her blog for today entitled "How to Make a Home".  CLICK HERE

I love the way this woman writes - it is a gift from God, and she is a magnificant photographer, able to capture life in ways words, even hers,simply cannot.  She is the author of "One Thousand Gifts" which I highly recommend and which is featured as April's Book of the Month.  I also participate on her "Take the Joy Dare"  and I try to Twitter three joys daily based on her guide.  Some days I fail, some days I can think of many.. but each time I do it I feel I'm building a few moments of eternity by thanking God for the blessings right under my nose that I'm guilty of not seeing in the midst of my hamster-wheel busy-ness.

So, please treat yourself to a few moments of joy... a respite from your crazy day.  I encourage you to grab a cup of tea and linger there.

Blessings and joy,
Linda

Follow me at Twitter:  https://twitter.com/kre8tv4Him

Dark Night of the Soul

This morning in my devotional reading from Our Daily Bread was a portion of the passage from John 13 from the Last Supper, the night before Jesus’ crucifixion.  It got me thinking about Jesus’ last “free” night on earth.  He knew exactly what was to come.  He faced the horror of the upcoming betrayal, pain and Cross. 

Have you ever had a time in your life when it was the eve of something tragic and beyond agonizing for you?  The night before a funeral of a beloved one?  The night before a divorce?  The night before surgery?  The night before some incredible loss that you knew was coming?  It is almost unbearable… you cannot find breath, your body is wracked with heartbreak, dread and mind-numbing disbelief.  You are unable to allow the grief to touch the root of your soul for fear it will take your own life right then and there.  Perhaps you even wish it would end your life as a means of escape.

How much more must Jesus have felt as His future loomed before Him?  To face not only the horrific upcoming torture of His body but the separation from His Father, to Whom He was in constant union since before time began?  To face that severance of blessed communion with His beloved Father, to have the Father turn His back on Jesus?  Is it any wonder that, in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, He sweat drops of blood as He found one last shred of sanctuary in a time of prayer and fellowship with His Abba? 

And yet, in the midst of all this foreknowledge, in John 14:1 He is able to tell His disciples (and us) “Let not your heart be troubled…”

Perhaps you are also facing a dark night of the soul.  If not now, I am sure you have in the past and can easily go back there in mind, body and soul – these are not nights we ever forget… ever.  May I ask you to momentarily remember that Jesus has been there and knows what you are going through or have experienced?  This is not a Savior Who sits high in some lofty throne in the heavens unaware and untouched by your tragedy and grief.  He has walked in your shoes… and so much more.  He has been crucified, buried, and experienced Hell.  By choice… for us… in our place... for our redemption.

Your life will never be the same after what you have faced or are about to go through soon.  But take heart in the fact that, when we have Christ as our Savior and Lord, we have One who ensures that your eternal life has also been transformed forver.  You will never have to face the torment of being separated from the Father.  Because Christ chose us by electing His painful path that night so many centuries ago, we can allow ourselves – in Him – to not let our hearts be troubled.  Right now you may not be able to wrap yourself around that eternal truth, but know beyond feelings… know the truth of the fact… that in Him your heart may rest.  And in time there will be the glory of a resurrected day for you in the here and now on earth, as well as the unspeakable joy and victory of forever with Christ, never to be separated, never to feel pain, but only the sweet victory of salvation through the One Who rose from the grave and conquered death… on our behalf.  He chose you and gladly went through everything because of His love for you. YOU.

As you turn off the light tonight and lie in darkness remember His dark night of the soul, and look beyond – as He did – to a time when there will be no more pain or sorrow… only the peace that will come in His arms… opened wide before time began, opened wide as He hung on the cross… opened wide now with love for you.  Accept this comfort… accept Him… and let not your heart be troubled.  Believe in Him.

Today as I was feeding my pinterest addiction (yes, it is a hobby, distraction, calming agent, procrastination tool of choice)...  but I digress...

I saw a pin that led me to the blog of Rachel Wojnarowski, and it seems we both share a common love of technology and the Bible.  She had a great little posting on "10 Groovy Ways to Use Bible Aps".  Being an old hippie, I saw the word groovy, my kinship grew deeper, so I just had to check it out.  It was a good 101 primer set of ideas for using your Bible aps, so I thought I'd share it here.

I've copied it below, or if you prefer, you can find it at http://rachelwojo.com/10-groovy-ways-to-use-bible-apps/.  Be sure to surf over to her site and check it out!

Oh yes, and if you'd like to follow me as on pinterest, click here at:  http://pinterest.com/kre8tv4him/

Blessings!

Linda

********************************************

10 Groovy Ways to Use Bible Apps by Rachael Wojnarowski

1. Read the Bible. I know, totally floored by that, aren’t you? Let’s keep going.

2. Easily use a Bible reading plan. For folks who like to have a printed Bible reading plan so that you can physically check off the paper- I get it. And I have one right here for you.  If you are not a paper person, but love to check off the plan as you go, then Bible Reading Plans on the Olive Tree App have accessibility to mark off the assignments as you go. This feature is highly popular on Bible apps in general.

3. Can’t remember all the words in a verse or you just want to know the reference?  Do a word search right there on the spot and find the verse you are trying to remember in a split second.

4. Keep your study notes or notes from sermons in the handy notes section of Bible apps.

5. Highlight your favorite verses as you read. Or highlight words that speak especially to your heart. One very cool feature is that the highlighters come in different colors. You could color code the highlights by topic or by personal meaning.

6. View a history of what you have read. When reading various references throughout a teaching or preaching session, if you need to go back to a previously-referenced section, simply tap the history and tap the appropriate reference on the list. Very cool for students AND teachers.

7. Utilize the various translations, Bible dictionaries, and commentaries that are automatically included in many Bible apps.

8. Go to any verse in the Bible in three taps or less.

9. Change font sizes to accommodate eyes that appreciate large font type.

10. Use the split screen feature to read two different resources at the same time. In the Olive Tree app, this feature allows you to view the Bible and a commentary that are synced to the same verses. By turning off the sync feature, you can also read two totally different selections.

Life Leeches

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

Have you ever seen the classic movie “The African Queen” with Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn?  If not, let me recommend you put it on your list of must see movies!!  There’s a scene in the movie where Bogart and Hepburn are stuck in his broken down tramp steamer that has become trapped in the tangled weeds and mire of the Ulanga River.  In a daunting task, he submerges himself up to his shoulders in the muddy canal and literally pulls the boat along by a rope until he gets it to higher waters.  Just as he begins to celebrate their victory with Hepburn, he looks down to discover he’s been covered with leeches hidden in the murky waters.  Horrified, they begin pulling the disgusting, slimy critters from his body before he becomes their bloody lunch!

How many times I have thought of that movie when I find myself overwhelmed by the “dailies” of life… the small, individually insignificant irritations/clamorings for my time, energy and attention.  In and of themselves, these problems can be exhausting yet manageable.  But when you’re weary from the day-to-day battle, especially when there seems no end in sight, these back-to-back in-your-face troubles can toss you from the sure-footing of your own life’s boat into a stagnant and muddy river that threatens to wash over you and swallow you whole as you gasp for breath.  And just when you find your balance long enough to stand up again, you’re covered by what I call “life leeches” – the seemingly innocuous small events that bleed you dry.  It can be anything from a suddenly broken dryer (when, of course, you’ve just put in a full, dripping load of laundry), to an argument with someone, to a bad day at work or school, to a flat tire, or even discovering that your cell phone has lost it’s charge… even something as plain as not getting enough sleep.  Again, it’s not the big events – it’s the never-ending onslaught of these little life leeches that suck the energy, joy and hope right out of you until you’re ready to just call it a day and self-medicate in your own special way to numb the monotonous ache of facing another day… anything to escape.

I have to have faith that Jesus experienced this in His live as a carpenter, even before He began His public ministry.  And then… as He dealt with His ministry, the crowds, the disciples and His enemies, He had to have gone through His own “dailies” that drained Him as well.  I wonder if that was how He felt after being baptized and then spending 40 days in the desert, and then having to face the enemy?  In His humanity, He had to battle fatigue, hunger, discouragement, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of His future.  Surely He must have dealt with the struggle and juggle and attack of these insidious life leeches.

I’m not saying that knowing this makes it easier for me when I’m in the middle of the mess… I’m no saint who smiles brightly and sings Kum Bay Ah when I’m really ready to scream at the top of my lunges and drive off the nearest cliff.  I do yell and cry – and I try to do it with Him in the quietness of my room or in my car (in the garage, not necessarily on the road… although I admit I have found myself close to tearing off the steering wheel sobbing and shouting on a back road once or twice as I ever-so-Christianly “had fellowship and prayer with the Lah-or-Dah (yes, that’s Lord in three syllables).  I cling to the belief that He can handle it, and understands and allows me to come to Him in my imperfection/despair/disappointment/depression o cry and vent and find comfort, without condemnation or disapproval because I’m not some strong and perfect Super-Believer.

I’m also not saying that it makes everything a bed of roses, either.  But it does give me His power, His peace and His courage to face and tackle those bloodsucking life leeches and try again another day. 

So if you find yourself in the same situation, my friend, before you go off the deep end (and I know you may be teetering off the edge right now), come to Jesus.  Be earthy and real and share yourself and your pain honestly and openly.  Dump it all on Him… because He cares for you, and you will find rest and answers with Him.  

Regret

Regret… the word immediately assaults your senses, doesn’t it? Thoughts automatically turn back in time to the things you wish you had or hadn’t done, and you find your emotions swirling down into the black pit of depression. There’s no way you can read this word and feel happy and joyous… it’s one of those noun/verbs that weighs in your memory/brain/heart/pit of your stomach like a cold stone of death with an epitaph that reads “If only... woulda/shoulda/coulda.”

I don’t think the death reference is overly dramatic, because it can sicken your heart, kill your mood and absolutely paralyze your emotions and future. It lingers like a quiet but deadly cancer and eats away at your soul… day by day, as you invite it in to live with you it grows and eventually smothers all the areas in your life.

We ALL have Regrets… we’ve all blown it in the past. There is not one person I know who doesn’t look back and wince or cry or hang their head over some (or many) unwise/ungodly actions or decisions. We’ve all stumbled and sinned… sadly, often making the same mistakes over and over again. It’s no wonder the definition of insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results.

So…

There it is – Regret. Looming larger than life, relentlessly whispering your failures into your ear, kicking you when you’re down, reminding you and chiding you and laughing as you writhe in pain and remorse and hopelessness until you’re not even sure you can live with yourself and your past. Regret gleefully points to the consequences of your actions and tells you that you can never go back, that your actions have forever destroyed yourself, others and any sense of future.

Have I got it pretty accurate so far?

Whenever I hear Regret playing his deadly tune as he invites me back into his dance of demoralizing death (any wonder why they call it dancing with the devil?), I have a choice. I can let him in, take his hand and be dragged across the shard-infested dance floor of a past I cannot change, allowing myself be bloodied and shredded and unable to walk.

Or…

I can run, walk or crawl to Jesus.

Yes, I’m sickened by myself and my actions and the fact that I can’t change any of it, even though I would give anything to go back and choose differently. I’m ashamed and guilt-ridden and sure what I’ve done makes me useless to Christ and myself and everyone around me… forever. I’ve bought into the lies of the enemy (via his number one boy Regret) and now I’m useless.

Am I?

NO! Even when I can’t face Jesus, even when I want to run hiding from Him like Adam and Eve did in the Garden so long ago, He seeks me out with arms wide open, gathering my sobbing soul into His arms and reminding me that He already knows everything. He knows my sin, He knows what I’ve done… even as a believer… (God, even after I’ve worn the name of Christian yet shamed You after You’ve saved me? “Yes… child… even then, especially then.”). He knows my failures. In fact, He knew exactly what I was going to do long before it happened – He knew as He hung on that cross, and He still chooses to love me and believe in me and offer me a hope and a future. It wasn’t a surprise to Him… He knew then, He knows now and still He offers forgiveness and cleansing. Even when my choices have caused the damage and loss of relationships and changed the path of my life, He whispers that He will never leave me or forsake me… in spite of myself. He reminds me that if I confess my sins to Him, He will cleanse me from all unrighteousness and wash them away as far as the East is from the West. He will restore to me the joy of my salvation, and give back to me the years that were destroyed.

Therefore…

What do I do? First, I believe the truth Christ tells me, and choose to listen to Him. I confess (1 John 1:(9). I ask Him for wisdom in how to deal with my past, my present circumstances and the future (James 1:5). If there is anything I can do/have control over to remedy what has happened, take action (Matthew 5:23-24). Forgive whoever else needs to be forgiven, but especially, forgive myself (Ephesians 4:31-32). Oooo… forgive myself? Am I not the one who royally screwed the situation up to begin with? Yep. But that’s where grace and mercy comes in. Christ has washed away the blame with His blood. Now granted, others may assist Regret in his barrage of blame and delight in reminding me again and again of my sins, but that’s not in my control. What is in my control is my choice of how to respond– to react and go back into Regret’s arms, or to trust God and move forward in His strength. He will give me wisdom on how to handle today, the now of my life and will not only do damage control but will turn the ashes into beauty, working it together miraculously into good (Isaiah 61:3; Romans 8:28)

Now…

It’s time to wipe the tears away, to learn and then to move on into the life God has planned for you. Regret is all about destruction – God is all about restoration. This is the God of resurrection power! He can raise the dead, so surely He can raise our lives, mend the brokenness, restore our hope… and our future (Jeremiah 29:11). Trust Him… ask Him to work in the hearts of those who have been wounded and then leave it in His hands and go about your Father’s business, cleansed and fit for His duty. He’s got wonderful things planned for you, but you can’t pursue them by looking back in the rear view mirror… it’s time to go into God’s future for you – full throttle!

So the next time Regret pounds at your door spewing lies to drag you back down into the pit determined to steal your future, remember you belong to Christ, and ask Him to get the door… and give Regret a taste of his own medicine!

2013

Jeremiah 29:11-13  For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Oh Father above

As we start this new year

I look at my life

All that I hold so dear

The man that I love

My family and health

My friends, my career

My possessions and wealth

I wrap them all up

With the dreams in my heart

Tie them with ribbons

Of hopes for new starts

It's all that I am

It's all my precious plans

I lift them before You

And place them in Your hands

You hold my future

Only You know what's best

I leave them with You

In Your will I shall rest

I confess I'm scared

As tears roll down my face

Afraid You might choose

Some of them to replace

Please, Abba, forgive
My weak trust in Your will
My heart's desires
You do want to fulfill

I guess I'm frightened
You plans won't look like mine

So I loosen my grip

Leaving all me behind

Your plans are better

Filled with love, peace and grace

And inside Your will

Is the ultimate place

That I want to be

All the rest of my days

Take them all, Father

Let me walk in Your ways

I rise from my knees

A bright new year ahead

Walking with Jesus

I have nothing to dread

I'll trust in His plans

Imagine what they'll bring

Wrapped up in His love

Praises to Him I'll sing

Return to the manger... and remain

Joel 2:12-13
"Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity."

Lord, each year at this time we come to the manger to remember Your birth and to celebrate. But all too often we walk away within a matter of days, our "holy" devotion as dry and forgotten as the obsolete Christmas trees lying in wait for collection at the cold and muddy curb.

Today may we rend (open, make large) our hearts to You. May we return to You and never leave Your side. May each day forward find us daily kneeling before Christ, whether at the manger, the foot of the cross or the empty tomb... Or in joyful anticipation of His return. May our faith and devotion to You keep our hearts ever green and fresh each morning.

Twas the Week Before Christmas Eve

‘Twas the week before Christmas Eve
My nerves are just shot
Seems all in the office
Are stressed out – a LOT

My coworker talks to
Herself all day long
So I plug in my ear buds
To block it with song

The workload is growing
There’s no end in sight
No holiday spirit
Just work morning till night

My tree isn’t up yet
There’s just been no time
At this point all shopping
Must be done online

I’m frazzled and tired
And ready to cry
My hands in my head
I just keep asking why?

Then God gently answers
You’ve crowded out Me
Instead of the manger
It’s the world’s view you see

Come sit here beside Me
I’ll give you some rest
Stop the hustle and bustle
And look at the best

Let that be the focus
This holy of seasons
Remember Christ Jesus
His birth is the reason

So I sat down in silence
And took a deep breath
And focused on Jesus
And there I found rest

Yes, the world still is crazy
In the harried holi-daze
But now I’m much calmer
Relaxing, in praise

Of the Savior who came down
From heaven above
To give me His gift
Unconditional love

Come to Me

Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." 

I have read this verse so many times, especially when I was tired and needed rest.  But this morning, as I was spending devotional time with God, what hit me fresh in the face was the image of Jesus.  He stands in front of me, stretching out his nail-pierced hand, and with unspeakable tenderness and love whispers, "Come to Me..."  I find myself catching my breath and feeling tears streaming down my face.

Jesus, Lord of the Universe, Creator of Heaven and Earth, wants me. 

We all want to be loved and cherished.  We all want to belong to someone and share our lives in love.  How often do we watch as the media shows as a man kneels down, hand outstretched to the woman he loves, asking her for her hand in marriage?  Isn't a woman's heart meant to be thrilled by that kind of love?

And yet here I am, faced with the reality that Jesus Himself is asking me to be His bride - to come to Him and let Him love me forever.  To be wrapped up in His loving arms for all eternity.  He will never leave me, never divorce me, never hurt me.  I can be myself with Him, because He always knows the good/bad/ugly of me.  I don't have to pretend to be perfect, or worry about saying the wrong thing and feeling vulnerable and foolish and scared in His presence. 

He will always be there to listen, to encourage, to share His wisdom for my life.  He will protect me, be my ultimate knight in shining armor and love me unconditionally and sacrifically... always.  He laid down His life for me already... and conquered death... for me.  For me...

Jesus, as I write this with the tears blurring my vision, I once again say yes.  In my head I see myself resting my head against You as You wrap your arms around me and hold me close.  Draw me close to you... never let me go...

I love You.

What's That Scent You're Wearing?

Have you ever walked past someone and caught the slightest trace of their perfume? The aromatic bouquet seems to slowly rise in the air like the smoke from incense until it quietly swirls around your head and tickles your olfactory senses? Often I find myself turning around to see who is wearing it, and may even go up and ask what the person is wearing. I want to know!


I love my fragrances and have my own “signature” scent which I always apply before I leave the house. It’s one of the primary and mandatory accessories of my wardrobe; it matches everything and always fits. While I don’t douse myself with it (or at least I try not to), a little mist in the air here and there does the trick. It makes me feel more feminine and even a bit prettier. I like to think that whenever someone catches a whiff of that particular perfume, they will think of me.

When I read 2 Corinthians 2:15, I wonder…does the fragrance of Christ within me catch the attention of others and make them turn their heads from a pleasant scent encounter? Do they want to know more about it? Without a word, does Christ’s presence in my life make itself know? Does a quiet, gentle and obedient spirit give rise to a delicate aroma? Am I a fetching fragrance of my Lord? Do I rise up into His heavens and please Him?

Or is my behavior, words and attitude more like the stuff which causes God and people to wrinkle their noses as if they’ve just stepped in something not so nice or just driven past a ripe landfill on a hot July afternoon? Haven’t you ever caught yourself saying someone’s attitude stinks? Well, there you go… and no amount of lovely or expensive perfume can camouflage the truth of a foul disposition or a disobedient heart.

Before you leave your house today, be sure to bathe in the Word of God. Don’t leave without a time of prayer with Him. Let Him cover you with the fragrance of Christ that will rise up and envelop you throughout your day, wherever you go. Today, make your life a sweet-smelling offering to the Lord.

Riverfront Property

Psalm 1:1-3: Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

Luke 7:37-38: 37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

John 4:13-14 13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Recently I was reading about prayer, and in Mark 9:29 when Jesus is talking with His disciples about prayer, the Greek word is “proseuche” (Strongs 4336). It means prayer addressed to God; a place set apart, a synagogue. Such places were situated on the bank of a stream or the shore of a sea where there was a supply of water for washing the hands before prayer. I loved the fact that this noun is a feminine noun, just made it a little more personal for me.

It brought to mind one of my favorite verses in the Psalms - Psalm 1:3. I’ve always imagined a beautiful weeping willow tree next to a flowing river. It’s so peaceful and comforting – a place of nourishment where one can retreat and find rest and renewal. I have found that some of my closest times with the Lord have been when I’ve taken my Bible, a notebook and just gone to a local park or wooded area where there is a stream or river. There’s just something about that place -- the natural sanctuary crafted by my Father, where I feel most in His presence as the winds dance across the grasses and the water bubbles over the rocks in harmony with the praises sung by the birds.

So... when I pray I take this body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, and allow Christ to fill me to overflowing from within. It is a choosing to set myself apart to be nourished and renewed, drinking Him in and allowing Him to wash over me and flow through me.

I want to be a woman of spiritual substance, deeply rooted in Christ wholeheartedly -- passionately and solidly embedded in Him. I confess time and time again in my life these sinful, selfish feet of clay have uprooted like the trees that recently were destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. No long entrenched by the Living Waterbed of Christ, my faith has withered. Yet, in His mercy, love and patience my Abba has gently picked me up, replanted me, nourished me and brought me back to life in Himself. He tenderly washes away my sins and allows me to drink deeply of His waters until I am strong once more. I am always amazed at His love for me.

Oh Father, I want to consistently be rooted in You, moment by moment every day of my life. I want to be riverfront property, never moving again from Your side… or Your Living Water. Today I choose to lift my face to the loving warmth of Your Son, drink Him in, and wiggle my spiritual toes down a little deeper.

I love You.

Pray and Vote!

2 Chronicles 7:14  "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Before you take a stand at the polls, please get down on your face before the Lord, pray pray pray, and then VOTE!  And then pray all day for this crucial election!

God bless America!

Are You Praying for the Hubs?

I wanted to share this article by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.  Whether we are praying for our own husbands, our future husbands, the husbands of our family and friends, or even the ex-husbands, we should be praying!  Wave the man flag, as my friend Karla says -- the hubs of the world need our prayers!!  To read the associated Bible verse, you can CLICK HERE for an online Bible.

31 Days of Praying for Your Husband by Nancy Leigh DeMoss


“She does him good . . .” (Proverbs 31:12a)

Bless your husband by praying for him! The Apostle Paul instructed all Christians to pray for one another (Ephesians 6:18). This includes wives’ responsibility and privilege to pray for their husbands. Earnest prayer for your husband is good for him, for you and the spiritual health of your home (Proverbs 31:11-12).

Satan desires to destroy your husband, especially his character and his leadership in your relationship. Trust God through prayer as you daily surrender your husband and marriage to the Lord’s wise, loving care.

Day 1
Pray that your husband will grow spiritually and consider his accountability before the Lord. Pray that he will guard his heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc. (2 Peter 3:18; Prov. 4:23)

Day 2
Pray that your husband’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his life. Pray that he will be a man of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord. (Prov. 3:7, 9:10; Ps. 112:1)

Day 3
Pray that your husband will be humble and quick to agree with God about his sin. Pray that his heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord. (Ps. 51:2-4; Micah 6:8)

Day 4
Pray that your husband will grow in leadership skills in your relationship—protecting and providing for you. Pray that he will lead you wisely and love you sacrificially, so that God will be glorified in your marriage. (Eph. 5:25-29; Col. 3:19)

Day 5
Pray that your husband will be faithful to his wedding vows. Pray that he will have a desire to cultivate your relationship as a sign of his loyalty and commitment to you, and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church. (Prov. 20:6; Gen. 2:24)

Day 6
Pray that your husband will love righteousness and hate wickedness, especially the evils of the culture. Pray that he will recognize and avoid wickedness in his own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil. (Prov. 27:12; John 17:15; 1 Cor. 10:12-13)

Day 7
Pray that your husband will safeguard his heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex. Pray that his heart will be pure and undivided in his commitment to you. (Prov. 6:23-24, 26; Rom. 13:14)

Day 8
Pray that your husband will work hard to provide for your family, to the best of his ability. Pray that the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his character—persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people, determination, etc. (Rom. 12:11; 1 Cor. 15:58)

Day 9
Pray that your husband handle finances wisely, will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments, and will be a good steward of his money in regard to giving to the Lord’s work. Pray that money will not become a source of discord in your family. (Prov. 23:4-5; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:5)

Day 10
Pray that your husband will cultivate strong integrity, and not compromise his convictions. Pray that his testimony will be genuine, that he will be honest in his business dealings, and will never do anything that he needs to hide from others. (Prov. 20:7; 1 Tim. 1:5, 3:7; Eph. 6:10-12)

Day 11
Pray that your husband will have a humble, teachable spirit and a servant’s heart before the Lord. Pray that he will listen to God and desire to do His will. (Prov. 15:33; Eph. 6:6)

Day 12
Pray that your husband will yield his sexual drive to the Lord and practice self control. Pray that your sexual intimacy together will be fresh, positive, and a reflection of selfless love. (Prov. 5:15, 18; 1 Cor. 7:3; Song of Solomon 7:10)

Day 13
Pray that your husband use practical skills to build your family and make wise decisions for your welfare. Pray that he will serve unselfishly. (Gal. 5:13; Phil. 2:3-4)

Day 14
Pray that your husband will speak words that build you and your family, and reflect a heart of love. Pray that he will not use filthy language. (Prov. 18:21; Eph. 4:29)

Day 15
Pray that your husband will choose his friends wisely. Pray that God will bring him men who will encourage his accountability before God, and will not lead him into sin. (Prov. 13:20; Prov. 27:17)

Day 16
Pray that your husband will choose healthy, God-honoring activities. Pray that he will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, but that he will experience freedom in holiness as he yields to the Spirit’s control. (1 Cor. 6:12, 10:31; 2 Tim. 2:4)

Day 17
Pray that your husband will enjoy his manliness as he patterns his life after Christ and strong men in the faith. Pray for his physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength. (Eph. 3:16; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 Cor. 10:11)

Day 18
Pray that your husband will have an eternal perspective—living in light of eternity. Pray that he will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his life. (Matt. 6:33; Deut. 6:5; Eph. 5:16; Ps. 90:12)

Day 19
Pray that your husband will be patient and a man of peace. Pray that he will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his responses. (Rom. 14:19; Ps. 34:14)

Day 20
Pray that your husband will yield his mind and thoughts to the Lord. Pray that he will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts, and that he will resist the temptation to indulge in pornography. (Prov. 27:12; 2 Cor. 10:5)

Day 21
Pray that your husband will learn how to relax in the Lord and, in his greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his relationship with God. Pray that he will submit his schedule to the Lord. (Neh. 8:10; Prov. 17:22; Ps. 16:11)

Day 22
Pray that your husband will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others. Pray that he will recognize any roots of bitterness, and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord. (Eph. 4:32; Heb. 12:15)

Day 23
Pray that your husband will be a good father—disciplining his children wisely and loving them unconditionally. If he is not a father, pray that he will find a young man to mentor in the things of the Lord. (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21; 2 Tim. 2:1-2)

Day 24
Pray that your husband will have a balanced life—that he will balance work and play. Pray that he will fear God, but also gain favor with people he knows at work and church. (Luke 2:52; Prov. 13:15)

Day 25
Pray that your husband will be courageous in his stand against evil and injustice, and that he will stand for the truth. Pray that he will protect you and your family from Satan’s attacks. (Ps. 31:24; Eph. 6:13; Ps. 27:14)

Day 26
Pray that your husband will discover and live his God-given purpose. Pray that he will offer all his dreams to the Lord, and pursue only those goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity. (Jer. 29:11; 1 Cor. 10:31)

Day 27
Pray that your husband will understand the importance of taking care of his body—the temple of the Holy Spirit—for the glory of God. Pray that he will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy. (Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Cor. 6:19-20, 9:27)

Day 28
Pray that your husband will be a man of prayer. Pray that he will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times. (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 22:46; James 5:16)

Day 29
Pray that your husband will surrender his time and talents to the Lord. Pray that his spiritual gifts will be manifest in his career, at church, and in your home. (Eph. 5:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:4, 7)

Day 30
Pray that your husband will serve God and others with pure motives. Pray that he will obey the Lord from his heart, and glorify Him in everything. (1 Cor. 10:13; John 7:17-18; Col. 3:23-24)

Day 31
Pray that your husband will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his life. Pray that his attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he brings his thoughts into captivity to the Word of God. (John 8:44; 2 Cor. 10:4-5)

© Revive Our Hearts. www.TrueWoman.com

Consecrated

Leviticus 20:7-8: Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy.


What does it mean to consecrate myself? It’s so much more than to follow some legalistic rules put on me by some church or organization. Oh, it’s easy enough to put on the front, the false mask of being perfect, consecrated and holy. I can wear the face and clothes of the tight-spirited holy-roller church lady and carry a Bible and spout verses and quotes and speak "Christianese." But when I come home at night and look in the mirror, the soul mirror that reflects who I truly am in front of nobody but me and God, what do He and I really see?

At times it is the woman who doesn’t see herself as being worthy to be honored, to be treated as sacred or sanctified. It is the woman who can’t see herself the way her Lord sees her – special and wonderful and loved beyond measure.

Sometimes it is the woman who follows her rebellious heart to paths that lead away from God’s will. Pride and stubbornness replace humility and obedience and I choose the instant gratification of sin instead of patiently waiting on the Lord. Like a restless and strong-willed child I wriggle away from the loving warmth of my Abba’s hand and go running off to play in dangerous passageways that leave me broken and bruised and hurt.

But on rare occasions… in blessed moments that I pray will happen with increasing consistency as I grow in His grace… I look in the soul mirror and see glimpses of the woman God has designed -- a woman who sets herself apart for her Bridegroom, Christ Jesus. A woman who seeks His will above all and chooses to dedicate and keep holy her mind, her body, and her heart. Reflected back to me is a woman who lives intentionally within His paths of righteousness each day, moment-by-moment. It is in these times of “consecrated choices” I discover my true identify and worth… and with it the sweetest moments of peace and satisfaction and joy.

So today, I will mindfully choose to dedicate all I am, all I have and all I love to Him. I will humble myself and gladly submit to His will for me that I might become the holy and consecrated woman that He has designed me to be. Not perfect… just me, fully me. And so grateful that I am always, no matter what, passionately loved and treasured by my Father.

Hands of Love in the Aftermath...

There is so much that goes on in a given 24 hour period, and now that we are dealing with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, it only adds to the stress and daily hardships we face. Some of us still do not have power, others have downed trees, damaged property. I am particularly heartsick for my friends who have suffered significant losses, including one dear couple who lost their only home which was at the Jersey Shore. I cannot even wrap my brain around the videos and photographs that have been shown in the media of towns like Seaside Heights and Long Beach Island wiped out.

For those of us who still have power and heat, but are at a loss to even know where to begin to help your friends and neighbors, may I suggest one or more of the following?

1) Pray, Pray, Pray – for them, with them

2) Wrap your arms around them if possible and just hug them, silently. Let them cry and grieve.

3) Offer them your home, your shower, a meal, a ride.

4) If you have a generator, offer it to them, or if you’re using it, offer them an extension cord hookup!

5) Help them begin the clean-up process – don’t say, “Oh if you need anything just let me know.” Be there – show up and say “put me to work.”

 

6) Call and text to let them know you’re thinking of them and praying for them.

In the days to come as the rebuilding begins, continue these things, and send a card, give them a gift card to help them replace items if they can, continue to bring meals, offer babysitting. Help them feel some sense of being normal in the midst of chaos. Give them a big gift basket filled with everyday items they may have lost – think along the lines of a shower wishing well basket, or everyday pantry items like flour, baking soda and powder, rolls of wax paper or aluminum foil – you know what I mean! Stop by with a cup of coffee from Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts and sit for 15 minutes. Let them cry when then need to, and help them laugh through their pain.

The main thing is – be there for them consistently through the long haul. They’re going to need to more than you or they realize. We’re all still in shock and reeling from the storm. Do one simple thing… then another… then another. It is amazing how those seemingly miniscule acts will make such a lifelong impact. Reach out and be the hands, the heart and the loving arms of Jesus.

If you can think of other ways, please share them here in the comments section, or email me at westudygodsword@gmail.com.  I'd be happy to share your ideas!

Blessings,

Linda

Haiku of the Heart

Though sadness is not

Tangible, the weight to the

Heart is arduous