A frequently asked question by busy parents is “How do you have time for devotions and Bible study?” They continue by saying, “We are so busy raising our children, we seldom have time for Bible study.” My response, “What you are doing is so important, you can’t afford NOT to take time for Bible study. Raising your children is so important; the results will matter in eternity.”
Parents today are being attacked by the world in such an overwhelming way that not being filled with God’s Word will result in spiritual suicide and the demise of the American Christian family.
I was preparing for the birth of my third child before I was willing to commit to the Lord that I would spend time in God’s Word every day. I saw that my time with God made a difference in how I related to my family. My kids benefited from the fact their mom had spent time with Jesus.
Spending time with God may mean you have to set your alarm for one-half hour earlier than your family gets up. Or you may need to spend time with God while the kids are taking a nap or on your break at work.
Purchase a good, practical devotional. I found Streams In the Desert to be my favorite. Go to a Christian bookstore and see what is available today. I also started using different versions of the One Year Bible. With this Bible, the portion of Scripture I read each day is already decided for me. I also like to write out a prayer each day. I call my daily writing A Letter to Jesus. I sign off my letter by saying, “I love You, Jesus.” Then I listen as I hear Jesus say, “I love you, too, Marilyn.” What a way to start the day!
Find a special spot to use each day for your time with God. Turn off the TV and let the answering machine take phone messages. Place a note pad next to you to write extraneous thoughts but things you need to remember later, such as Call Mary, pick up the cleaning, take cookies to school.
As a couple, you can determine to protect each other’s time with God. You can agree to work with the children while your spouse has his or her devotions. Glen and I now live in a 35′ motor home and private space is limited. I am generally the first one up. I get dressed, fix my coffee, and do my Bible reading. Glen has agreed not to get up until I am finished with my daily routine. Talk to your mate. Help each other find time with God.

“Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation” (Psalm 5:1-3, NIV).

Marilyn Heavilin

Well and With Great Love

Today I received an email forward. You know, one of those with a message at the end telling you to send it to 9, 10, and 11 etc., more people…or else. This particular one was about the patron saint of something that I almost didn’t bother to read. But, since it was from my sister, I decided to give a quick read and embedded within, was the following nugget about saint whoever:

“She believed in doing the little things in life well and with great love.”

What came to mind instantly were the number of times I’ve thought, said or heard statements that are focused on the big things of life. In fact, sometimes there is a sense or feeling of discouragement because you can’t do or be something as well as another person can or does. Praise God that there are people born with or gifted with a boldness and a bigness in doing things. In fact, some of them couldn’t do small if they tried. The job that they are given to do is all a part of the Masters plan and so are all the small parts!
God doesn’t waste anything! Remember the parable of the talents? (You can read it in Matthew 25:14-28)

Anyway, if you ever find yourself minimizing some aspect of your life and ministry I want to encourage you to STOP IT! Take those thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. Period. Whatever your area of influence or ministry is, do it well and with great love. And lest we forget, let me remind you. We have a very real enemy who delights in hearing us waste God’s time on such trivial thinking. Such thinking is self-serving and full of pride and it’s also an opportunity for praising God for His Presence in our lives. For without Him we couldn’t do even the little things.

So, what this sister of yours gleaned from the forwarded email was this. With great love, energy, enthusiasm and joy, I purpose, I vow to do everything; all those little things that make up my day, in a way that is well pleasing to the Lord.

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Colossians 3:23-24

Bottom line: Let’s refuse to repeat the enemy’s negative report and chose to be all we can be and are in Christ. We are after all made in His image and He didn’t make a mistake when He gave us His work to accomplish for His glory…the big things and the small things.

This prayer was attached to the email I received. I share it with you for your own heart’s sake.
“May today, there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the endless possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let His presence settle in your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.”

That was easy…..
Most of the commercials on TV today are just as bad as the content of the programs they sponsor. But there are some I really enjoy and they make me laugh each time I see them. I really like the Staples commercials with the Easy Button. I’m sure most of you have seen them. All you have to do is press that Easy button and poof your needs are met! Well, now wouldn’t it be nice to be able to have one of those?
As a counselor, bible teacher and mother there are many times when someone says that it’s just too hard to hang in there, persevere, change, study and well, anything else that you can think of because the list is long. I know I’ve said it too, “Isn’t there an easier way?”
There isn’t one of us who hasn’t gone through trials; it’s just part of life. In John 16, Jesus is speaking with His disciples and they are finally beginning to understand His teachings. Jesus wants them to understand, as disciples, their lives will not be a rose garden. John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” Did you see the “will” have trouble? I’m sure you wish that that 3 letter word could be replaced with a 2 letter word “if”. But the good news is, Jesus didn’t leave His disciples hanging out there all on their own or for that matter, you and me either.
In that same verse He says that we need not sink into depression because trouble will come. Jesus tells us to take heart, rejoice, He already has the answer to our hardships and He promises that if we are in Him we will have peace even in the midst of trouble. I know that gives me great peace. I’ve had trials in the past and I know (because Jesus said so) there will be more in my future, but my Jesus is with me and He gives me His peace.
Well, I just had to buy one of those Easy Buttons. I’ve tried it. I press it and it says “that was easy”. Well, it was “easy” to press the button, but none of my problems disappeared. And as I think about it…. it was easy for me to push the button, but for how many other countless people even pushing the Easy Button isn’t easy because of arthritis, some other pain or even missing limbs?
Rev. 2:3 – You have persevered and endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
Heb. 10:36 – You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will received what He has promised.
The Word calls us to endurance and perseverance in trials but also has a wonderful promise if we do.
James 1:12 – Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
What a promise!
I’m sticking with the way of the Lord. But if you think you might like to try that Easy button, feel free to stop by and press that Easy Button!
MaryAnn

Often as Christians we have a picture of God as the rigid and mean disciplinarian, the unrelenting judge, or the parent who is always punishing, but seldom loving. Let me help you change that picture today. As we quickly glance through Scripture, we read words such as Advocate, Anointed One, Author of Life, Counselor, Defender, Faithful and True, Father of Compassion, Lord Who Heals, or Shepherd. Christ loves us. He wants us to return His love just as a parent wants the love of their children. It is Satan who wants us to have negative and foreboding images of God.

Not so long ago, I had a very difficult week. I had spoken many times over the weekend. I came home to see a pile of work on my desk. I didn’t feel like praying; I felt like giving up. I wanted to quit traveling and speaking. I managed to convince myself that my speaking wasn’t doing any good anyway. I was sure no one loved me and no one would notice if I quit. I felt locked in a box of performance with little compensation or encouragement. I tried to pray, but all I could do was cry. I did manage however to let God know that I needed some love, attention, and encouragement.

I returned to my house after a brief shopping trip to find someone had left a beautiful little miniature rosebush at my door. The card simply said, “We love you.” Later several people called saying they were just “checking in,” and wanted me to know they loved me. When I finally got to my scripture reading for the day, the verse said, “Will ye also go away?” John 6:67. I felt as though Christ was saying to me personally, “Marilyn, are you going to leave Me, too?” I wept as I realized Christ loved me enough to prompt someone to leave a little rose bush at my door. He loved me enough to have friends call just to say they loved me. Then Christ arranged my devotions so that on the very day I needed to be reminded that I mattered to Christ, He would so sweetly ask me, “Are you going to leave Me, too?”

Satan had constricted me and put me in a box of self pity and self-condemnation. But Christ’s love had constrained me, unlocked the box and set me free to bask in His love.

Marilyn Heavilin

Make Every Minute Count

“These are evil times, so make every minute count. Don’t be stupid. Instead, find out what the Lord wants you to do.”
Ephesians 5:16 NIV

“Don’t waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are. It’s a scandal when people waste their lives on things they must do in the darkness where no one will see. Rip the cover off those frauds and see how attractive they look in the light of Christ.
Wake up from your sleep. Climb out of your coffins. Christ will show you the light!
So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times!”
Ephesians 5:11-16 The Message

The Message paraphrase is almost a devotion in itself, isn’t it?

Dear ones, it only takes the pressing of your thumb on the television remote for even the dull of mind to see that we live in desperate times. The news is full of war and rumors of war. Families are being torn apart by so many external and internal forces.

May I encourage you in one thing? Draw near to God! Much of what we see and hear is outside the realm of our human control. But what happens within the walls of our homes after dark…all of that is ours to control.

Is there anyone under your roof who is perishing? Have they turned from faith in Christ, in an effort to find their own way, on their own terms? Has the enemy of your soul and theirs told you that there is nothing you can do about it?

Guess what? He is a liar! And there is something you and I can do about it! We can begin with confession and repentance and leap face first into a position of fervent prayer. Ask God to show up and show us how we may be wasting our own time on useless busywork and empty, vain pursuits. Ask Him to rip the covers off any deeds of darkness that exist under our roof.

Then with full authority as given to you by the Lord, kick the enemy to the curb like the mangy dog he is. No more whining and crying in the corner! No more sniveling and woe is me! Stop listening to yourself!

WAKE UP!
STOP IT!
TAKE OFF THOSE DEAD MANS CLOTHES!!
THE CHRIST OF CALVARY IS ALIVE IN YOU!!
HE IS NOT DEAD!
DRAW NEAR TO HIM AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU!
TRUST GOD TO BE GOD!
PUT ON THE OIL OF GLADNESS!
REJOICE IN THE LORD AND LET YOUR COUNTENANCE REFLECT THE JESUS IN YOU!

Dear sisters, we are all in this together and we all, every one of us needs the other! Let’s leave the work of changing those loved ones in the Lord’s capable Hands. Let’s continue or begin, to speak and more importantly live The Truth that we believe and know.

Selah…

Stephanie

I was listening to Christian radio on my way home from work a while back when the speaker made the following statement: “You love God no more than you love the person you like the least.”

Read that again.

Let it sink in; it took me a moment to grasp the gravity of the statement. “I love God no more that I love the person I like least.”
I think we all have individuals in our lives that test our patience, kindness and nerves. Now think about whom that person or those people might be in your life. Picture them right now in your minds eye.
Ask yourself the question – “How much or how well do I love them?” Now, consider that your love for God is no greater than that.
It’s hard to get our minds around, isn’t it? Surely, it’s not true.

I am reminded of a few scriptures:
Matthew 25:40 “‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'”
1 John 4:20 “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?”

It is true!!

Are you as challenged by this thought as I am?

Diane

Little Children
Mark 10:13-16
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
My sister Mina recently called me on the phone and exclaimed “You won’t believe this! We have experienced a miracle and you are going to hear it!” I was excited and happy but confused. If anyone needed a miracle in their life, it was my sister, she has gone through many hardships, too many to count. But how was I going to “hear” it over the phone?
Mina’s oldest daughter Connie is a very special woman. When she was just a tiny baby she became very ill and as a result suffered brain damage. So although Connie is 48 years old chronologically, mentally she is about 9 or 10 years old.
God has given Connie a beautiful loving spirit. She loves everybody and everyone loves Connie. We all look forward to one of her special hugs. But as much as she loves everyone, she loves Jesus even more. I remember when Mina, Connie and I went to a women’s conference at Sandy Cove about 10 years ago. After one of the conference meetings we were outside talking about how we were impacted by the message. Connie couldn’t contain herself, she said, “Mommy, Mommy I put my hand up in the air and I felt Jesus come into my hand, down my arm, and into my heart!” We were so excited, WOW, we wished we could have had “felt” Jesus that way too. “Let the little children come to me….”
Well back to the miracle….
Connie has always loved music and especially ” ‘ligious” (contemporary Christian) music. Connie’s sister bought her a keyboard about a month ago, the kind that has keys light up, you press the keys and you “play” a song. Connie was having fun with it. One day after a few short weeks, Connie told her Mom that God spoke to her. “You don’t need the lights anymore. I will guide your hands.” So she turned the lights off and she began to play “Amazing Grace”!!! That is the miracle I heard over the phone that day, Connie beautifully playing “Amazing Grace”. I cried, I laughed! She could play any of the songs she had heard – just like she had been playing them for years! I can’t wait to see Connie face to face and hear her miracle in person. “Let the little children come to me”…..
Oh to have the heart of a child! To be so innocent and free from the worlds trappings to hear our Fathers voice so clearly! Jesus said we need to come to Him as with a heart of child. Why do we get ourselves so bound up with “stuff” that we block out the voice of God?
My prayer for you and me is that we strip away all the “stuff” (the worries, problems, doubts, stress, whatever) that stands in the way of us hearing God’s voice so that we too could hear His words, “Let go, I will guide you.” Glory to God!
“Let the little children come to me……”
Mary Ann

Because they are different…

Are you an odd-ball? Do you consider yourself different from others? Do you see yourself not fitting into the norm? Would you say “no”, that you feel they are pretty normal and can fit in anywhere?

I remember a speaker we had where I had worked; she spoke at a ladies event about 10 years ago. She illustrated women today such as a bag lady, a prostitute, and other types of women that we probably would not be so willing to reach out to. She then compared them to women and situations in the Bible and showed how the Lord and other believers reached out to them.
John 13:34 (New International Version)
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another”.
Romans 12:10 (New International Version)
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves”.
Ephesians 4:2 (New International Version)
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love”.

I have worked in the Travel & Tourism industry for over 20 years now and some of this time was also in ministry serving as well. This industry seems to lend to some strange characters coming through your door. If you watch some of your co-workers or other people in a service position, when someone who looks different, smells different, talks different or walks different is around, people seem to scatter. Why is this, why do we look the other way? If the Lord reached out a hand and a kind word to the odd-ball people, are we not to do the same. If our example comes from the scriptures and from the Lord…why are we not following this? I think we forget that God created every living person and who are we to not see them as God’s creation, and to see them as only someone different.

Something happened to me at work yesterday and I could not seem to get anyone to help me with a “strange person”. In the end the Lord took over and the situation and it was taken care of. My heart went out to this person. Who are they, why are they so different and why would no one helping me?

Sisters in Christ…if you have never felt the pains of feeling different or not in the norm, today I ask you to pray that God would place you in one situation today to remind you of how this feels. Once you have felt this discomfort, pain and loneliness that some others feel all the time, and then reach out to someone that you normally would not.

Is it not our mission to reach everyone the Lord has created with his Love?

John 3:16 (New International Version)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”.
Lynn W

Garage Sale God

Ahh, summer time. So many things are specific to summertime. Yes, that includes a slew of garage sales, yard sales, flea markets, etc… Some of us at Keswick held a sale early in the summer, and I live next to Keswick’s perpetual sale ~ the thrift shop.

I see things come and go and often wonder why did they bring us that. Or who’s going to want that? It is amazing to watch people find treasures at the thrift shop. I see junk while others see potential and possibilities. Yes, I admit I regularly find my own treasures at the thrift shop.

So, God taught me another lesson this summer… our God is a God of Garage Sales. See while we see things as being trash, or without value… He sees the potential and the treasure in it all. And I’m not talking about material items now, I’m talking about people. I don’t know about you but I am so moved when I realize that in us he only sees our potential and our value. He has a plan and purpose for us even when we think of our selves as a potential garage sale item. God has no plan of selling you at a garage sale, but he will purchase you and give you value, hope, and purpose.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

LDJ

Like a Flint

Isaiah 50:7 “For the Lord GOD will help Me;
Therefore I will not be disgraced;
Therefore I have set My face like a flint,
And I know that I will not be ashamed.

Have you ever had to set your face like a flint and be unyielding? Doesn’t sound right does it, being unyielding? But in fact, at times, it is right.
Last summer my ten-year-old son had an emergency appendectomy. It wasn’t a long surgery but the recovery was very uncomfortable. As they rolled my son out of recovery I went to his side immediately and spoke to him so that he knew I was there and that is was over. I asked him, “Was it really bad?” and he replied; “Mom, it was a living hell!” I almost passed out! All I could do was shush him as I thought to myself, these nurses are going to think we’re both nuts. Finally, he got settled into a semi-private room and as soon as we arrived I knew this was going to be a bad night. When he got settled and fell asleep a nurse took me next door to answer numerous questions of no relevance what-so-ever. Did I nurse him? Was it a normal delivery? Did he sleep the night as a baby? I was more concerned with was he going to sleep tonight? And what can he have for the pain?
Back in his room he was throwing up from the anesthesia and the meds etc… I soon realized his roomie was loud and obnoxious with no consideration for anyone else. Around midnight he was on the phone with his girlfriend with the TV blasting. I very nicely asked him to please be quiet but he ignored me. I asked him a second time and he gave me a smart mouth answer. So I went to the nurse’s desk where they also attempted to ignore me. I kindly told them that they had two options, 1. Give my son another room or 2. Move his roomie out. I was prepared to wheel his bed out into a lounge myself if they didn’t do something. Of course they had nothing available… until five minutes and a prayer later, he had a private room! I was truly thankful and extended my appreciation to them.
The doctors were wonderful, the nurses gave good care but poor John had two rough nights. Thankfully, he is fully recovered, Praise God.
Could I have been kinder, gentler, and more adaptable? I don’t think so. If you are a mom, you know what I mean. We need to be prepared to set our faces like a flint to do what’s right and necessary.
Yield to authority, absolutely. Pray for discernment on when to assert yours, absolutely.
Dina