True Identity Ministries Blog

This past fall I made the significant achievement of completing my first 5K! It was a goal I had made for myself at the beginning of the summer and worked very hard to train for. As the months of training progressed, so did the anticipation of finishing the race. Throughout my training, it was commonly asked by the "serious" runners what finish time I wanted to achieve. I would explain to each that I had no set time; just a desire to finish the race, and to finish it well.

On the brisk fall morning of the run, excitement was high. I made a pact with a co-worker (a regular marathon runner) and my boss to run the entire race together. As I started off, energy was good and I couldn't have asked for better running conditions. However, over the hills and through the streets three miles in and I was about ready to give up. My training had taken me down straight and easy roads, and I was ill-prepared for the more difficult hills that this 5K brought my way.

I had been anticipating this 5K for months and started off the run with high-hopes, however as the difficulty increased, my endurance decreased. It was only at the encouragement (and pushing) of my co-workers was I able to finish that race. As I began to mutter words of wanting to give up, they showed me that the finish line was near and encouraged me to sprint as fast as I could to the end. I gave everything I had left to finish that race and let me tell you, boy did it feel amazing to do so!

My experience at that 5K reminds me very much of certain points in my life. There have been opportunities or situations or relationships that started off very well and all seemed right with the world. Eventually difficulty or obstacles arose, as they often do, that I was not quite ready to handle. In those moments, and I'm sure you can relate from your own circumstances, I debated giving up. I wanted a way out; anything to get me out of the difficulty I was in. It was in my early twenties, a relatively new believer at the time, that God brought me to a beautiful verse that strengthens me each time I find myself in this place:

"So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised." Hebrews 10.35-36

This verse speaks to a particular situation that has one meaning, however we know that although a verse has one meaning  there are many applications. The application in my life that this verse has had is invaluable. It has encouraged me to keep going when the going got tough. It has pushed me to persevere and move forward even though I have wanted to give up. You must know that 'there will ALWAYS be situations that will cause us to want to give up. But we cant.

I wonder how many times I have given up on something or someone just before God was about to answer that prayer? I wonder how many dreams I, and all of us, have missed because we gave up too soon?

Let's be honest about a down fall of our current generation, shall we. Can you be transparent with me for a moment? Our generation wants things easy. We are a society of instant gratification, are we not? Innovation is always at work creating the latest gadgets to make life easier. Movies tell us stories of love at first sight. The media feeds our appetite for "I want it and I want it now." How could we not desire to give in? When anything gets tough, we instantly believe it's "not meant to be" or "it's not worth it" and we give up. We give up and we move on to what seemingly appears to be the next best thing. Ironically, anything worth having requires some work and endurance, so we find ourselves in a constant cycle of disappointment.

Work is not a bad thing. In fact, I think the lack of it may be one of the great deficiencies of our culture.  I would say we are all very busy, but busy at what? Busy at obtaining and maintaining the things of this world, but unwilling to fight and work for the most precious gifts in life. We all have this voice telling us to keep busy with the distractions of this world, but where is the innate spark to work for what really matters in life?

We were not created by God to be quitters or to be lazy or to....lack faith. Is that not what it boils down to? We lack the faith to see the storms through? We lack the conviction that God is working (even when we can't see it) and do not step out into what He has for us. I"ll admit it was my lack of faith that caused me to give up at times.

We must be PATIENT (I know, that requires waiting) and ENDURE (even harder because it means we can't run away) to receive the reward and promises God has for you. It means relying on the Lord and not on ourselves (constant note to myself!). I am reminded of what John MacArthur said in his commentary on verse 26, "To trust in Christ fully by living daily in the will of the Father." We cannot be people of God who throw away our confident trust in Him!

I've lost things that have really mattered because it was too tough to see it through or I tried to take the easy way out. What about you? A dream? A relationship? It's a question that is not meant to guilt you, but to help you recognize that God has so much more for you than you could ever imagine! Let's commit together, you and me, to be people who won't give up. I'm not talking about forcing the hand, but if God has put something on your heart or has a direction for you, don't give up! 

I can't stress enough; I believe this is a message that is very important for me to share and I want to communicate it clearly: 

THE BEST THAT GOD HAS FOR YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THE GREATEST CHALLENGE.

Don't give up. Please, oh please, do not give up. Not only are we all in this together, but more importantly, we have a Savior interceding on our behalf at the right hand of God. He is our sustainer. He is our provider. He is our victory. 

Don't give up on the dreams and plans God has for you!

Here we are, the end of our look at Ruth. Perhaps it it this final look that is the most important in our study. A few devotionals ago I mentioned that throughout the book there is a comparison of Boaz to Jesus Christ as a redeemer,  which is highlighted most closely in this chapter as Boaz redeems Ruth.

Chapter four opens up to Boaz at the gate, which would have been the center of the town. He is here because if you remember from Ruth 3, Boaz would like to marry a godly woman we are all well acquainted with. He is looking for the appropriate kinsmen redeemer of Ruth, which he does find. The nearest living relative to Ruth and Naomi is a man we do not know, however we can learn quite a bit about his character just by this short passage. We know that this man is obligated to take care of the two women, but not once has he stepped in to offer them any help since they have returned to Bethlehem. Beyond that, when Boaz asks the man if he would like to redeem Ruth, he declines to do so. This was a man who lacked integrity and character, especially in comparison to Boaz. Boaz was a man who treated Ruth with kindness when she was a stranger in a new land. He took care of her and Naomi. He treated her with respect at the threshing floor. Even now, when he wants to marry Ruth, he doesn't try to deceitfully do so, but takes the appropriate actions to redeem her. What a man!

Boaz make s a legal transaction with the relative to have the redeeming rights to Ruth so that he may marry her. He had no legal obligation to do anything for Ruth, however he has done nothing but care for her throughout the book. Boaz has extended grace to the woman just as Jesus extends grace to us. Let me be clear so as to paint the picture vividly for you; Jesus has no obligation to do anything for us. He didn't have to give up Heaven and come to Earth to die for us. But he did. He gave up the glory of Heaven and humbled himself to death on a cross so that we might live.

God's grace is sufficient for us. And we should all, any of us who have experienced the grace of God (which we have), should be constant in our thanksgiving and worship. We have been redeemed by Jesus Christ, foreigners who deserved nothing but have been given the rights of a son. Now as Jesus redeems his bride (the Church), Boaz redeems his bride (Ruth). He marries her and she conceives.

Interestingly, Ruth had not conceived in her previous marriage, which lasted ten years. We can assume that she had been barren during this time, however God has opened her womb at this time in order to give birth. She does so to a little boy named Obed, who becomes the grandfather of the great King David.

I want to paint one more picture of God's grace and sovereignty through the birth of this child. Ruth was a Moabite, a foreigner who had no rights. However, through grace and redemption she becomes a part of the genealogy of Christ. How incredible of a story!

It wasn't an easy life for Ruth. She grew up in a wicked nation. She suffered the loss of her husband. She followed Naomi to a foreign land. She was poor and needy. All very difficult circumstances to say the least. However, as I pointed out in the beginning of this series, we can see Gods fingerprints all over Ruth's story and there is no doubt He was at work the entire time. It was a long and difficult journey, but it ended with redemption. Ruth started out empty, but she ended full!

Friend, be encouraged. No matter what your season may be, however difficult the situation you are facing, remember that God is at work in your life. He is weaving a beautiful tapestry...it's not finished, but it is in progress. Know that God is gracious and good and that He loves you. If you find yourself discouraged on this journey, take another look at the life of Ruth and remember that God works for the good of His people.

Reading Ruth 3, you would instinctively think that the idea most drawn to is Ruth coming to the feet of Boaz in the middle of the night. See, already you wonder if this can really be in the Bible! It is indeed...I couldn't make this stuff up! However, as I read through the chapter, I can't help but be drawn to Ruth's character. A woman who displays faith, humility and kindness to all of those around her. In fact, I can't help but think of the resemblance between her and the Proverbs 31 woman.

Ruth and Boaz are great examples to us. Your everyday people highlighted for their faith and obedience. Ruth was a woman of faith, no doubt. She had a genuine conversion on the road to Bethlehem and continued her journey to the new land. She believed that God would provide for her and Naomi (Ruth 2.2) as she went out to glean. She believed and she trusted in the midst of difficulty. Dear friend, if there's one thing we can be sure of it's that no matter how difficult our season may be, we must believe and trust God to provide and be who He is...good. As difficult as some times may be, if we can't allow our faith to be stretched to the place of trusting God, our faith will never grow. We will never see the fullness of what God wants to do in our lives.

Ruth was also a woman of great humility. When Naomi instructs her to go to the feet of Boaz and essentially propose a proposal, she willingly submits to such a bizarre request. She doesn't fight Naomi, or tell her it's a crazy idea, or suggest another route. She quickly and willingly submits, gets all dolled up and heads to the threshing floor.

She also is a woman of hesed, or loving kindness. She shows great kindness to Naomi and Boaz, as he indicates in verse 10.

" You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich."


Ruth showed hesed, the characteristic most attributed to God in the Bible. A characteristic that we are called to show to the people around us.

Ruth is a virtuous woman, as so is the man who's feet she lays at. Boaz and Ruth are a great match in that way. Two people of great virtue brought together through God's providence and goodness. I believe there is a lot to be said through this story.

As Ruth walked in kindness, faith and humility, she was commended by the man that she loved. He noticed her excellence and virtue and honored her for it by answering his own prayer in chapter 2 for her. But more than that, God noticed her excellence and virtue.

I have heard the saying, "character is who you are when no one is watching." Ruth certainly had no idea that her life would be highlighted to such an extent, but millions look to her as an example. Imagine what God wants to do through His people that have great character. It's in the moments when we think no one is watching or there is no reward for our actions that character is noticed by God.

May you and I be people who can be called men and women of virtue like Ruth and Boaz. Operate in faith when hope is near gone. Respond in humility to the opportunities presented to you. Extend loving kindness to all those around. You may never know who your life is touching?

A few weeks ago I was at a restaurant having dinner with my brothers and incredibly adorable nephew, Paxton. As I was holding him and enjoying him, he could not tear his face away from the window we sat next to; he was drawn to the hustle and bustle outside. His fingerprints definitely showed this because by the end of the dinner, I could see his tiny fingerprints all over the window!

I can't help but think of that story and not think about my Father. Although we can't see his fingerprints on our life like I could see Paxtons on the window, God has touched all of our lives in truly profound ways that leaves His fingerprints all over lives. Luckily for us, as an observer, we can see the fingerprints of God all over the lives of Ruth and Naomi and be encouraged.

Today we begin to really see God's providence and plan at work as Ruth begins her new life in Bethlehem. Can you imagine being her? She was a widow from a foreign country that was not respected. She knew no one. She was a recent believer. Everything was new and unfamiliar to her. I can imagine the emotions that would have washed over her, and perhaps you can as well? She probably had a host of feelings. I'm sure she was still experiencing grief and pain at the loss of her husband. Fear from leaivng her home to travel to an unfmailiar town. Excitement in her new found relationship with Christ. Humility while gleaning from the field with the poor. But through it all and despite every emotion, she held tightly to the confidence she had in God.

In the beginning of chapter 2, we see Ruth take the initiative to go to a field and glean in order to put food on the table. According to Levitical law (Leviticus 19), harvesters were commanded not to glean the entire field, but to leave the corners for the poor. This provision in the Word was God's way of taking care of those in need. It was a humbling task, but one that required great effort as well. Not only was Ruth stepping out to do the hard labor of gathering scraps, but she humbly did it in the field of a wealthy man.

Enter Boaz, the redeemer! Boaz very much symbolizes throughout out the book Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. A beautiful picture of Jesus taking in the sinner into his loving arms. However, we will look more closely at that later. Right now, Ruth "just so happens" to make her way into the field of Boaz. I absolutely adore that the Bible says it like this, almost like God is chuckling because He knows it's not by chance.

Who is this man named Boaz. We know he is related by marriage to Naomi. Some scholars believe he could have been as close as Elimelechs brother. We know that he is a man of standing in the community. He is wealthy. He is older. His name literally means "strength." We know he treats his employees well. He also treats strangers kindly. Most importantly, we know he is a man of God.

There is much to glean from this chapter, but the verse I find most wonderful is verse 12.

"The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!”  

After Boaz had spotted Ruth in his field and inquired about her, he went to go speak with her. He told her to stay in his field and he would be sure she was taken care of and provided for (wow!). At such a kind offer, Ruth dropped to the ground and asked why Boaz had shown her such kindness. Remember, Ruth was a Moabite, yet Boaz went above and beyond the call to leave scraps for the poor.

Ruth's character had preceded her. A side note: men, like Boaz, be men of valor and kindness. Be men who go above and beyond. Women, be known for your character. I'm sure Ruth was beautiful, however it was her character that drew Boaz to her.

At her question of kindness, Boaz makes a beautiful statement. Not only does Boaz recognize Ruth's inner beauty and character, he also says a blessing over her. My favorite part is his prayer that Ruth would find shelter under the wings of God. How beautiful! This is a picture of a mother bird sheltering her young ones. (See below for other verses relating to shelter under His wings).

God desires to take all of us: the foreigner, the poor, the needy, the lonely, the hurting, the scarred, the broken, the bitter, the people with a past...all of us, He desires to take under His wings. He desires to protect YOU. To shelter you. To bring you comfort and joy. To sustain you. Boaz's desire for Ruth is a picture of God's desire for us. That we would all find rest and shelter under His wing. I love that! Just as a mother bird protects her young, God wants to protect you and allow you to grow into the person He has designed you to be.

When Ruth returned home to Naomi, she returned with more food than she could have imagined. Some scholars believe Ruth walked away with enough food for a year! Friend, today you may be looking for some scrap of hope or healing, but God wants to give you so much more! Anticipate God to provide for you above and beyond what you could hope for or imagine!

**Psalm 17.8, 36.7, 57.1, 61.4, 63.7, 91.1

As a believer, it is very encouraging to know that God is for us...He is on our side...He is good. And above all, that He loves us. Oh, how He loves us. Through it all, no matter how wretched we may feel or discouraging life may seem, the truth remains that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Few stories paint this picture better than that of Naomi and Ruth's. This week we find them both widows; two women mourning the loss of the men they love, alone in a wicked nation. However, things are about to shift in the direction of their lives. One day Naomi hears that God's favor has returned to Bethlehem and that food is available again in the "house of bread." With almost immediate action, Naomi decides to return to her home and people.

At first, both Orpah and Ruth decide to journey to Behtlehem with Naomi. Not too far into the journey, Naomi seemingly changes her mind about her company. At the urgency of Naomi, Orpah returns to Moab. Ruth makes a different choice. Ruth makes a decision to follow God and we see a genuine conversion on the road to Bethlehem.

"Your people shall be my people, and your God my God." (Ruth 1.16)

The two women continue their journey until they reach Bethlehem. When they do, the Bible says that the whole town was stirred. It appears that Naomi and her family were well known there. When she returns after being a way, the women of the town are all in a frenzy at the return of Naomi (as most women are, correct). 

When confronted with her identity, Naomi asks the women of the town to no longer call her Naomi (pleasant), but to call her Mara (bitter). Have you ever felt like Naomi (or Mara)?  Felt like you were once full but now empty? I felt like this not too long ago. I faced the stripping of what I held most dear in life and felt those moments of bitterness. It is in those moments when something dear has been stripped away, we feel vulnerable and angry. It's not unnatural to become angry; we just need to be sure that the anger does not turn into bitterness. 

I must say, I like that about Naomi in this story. She didn't come back and put on the mask or the front. She returned to her people and she was honest. Brutally honest. May we all be willing to be honest with the people around us in our struggles. To admit when we need help and encouragement. Having a community of believers around you in difficult times is key to a healing process.

I have found the book of Ruth to be truly life giving and refreshing during this current chapter of my life. If you know anything about this story, you know that it is a story of God's providence and redemption. The life of Ruth and Naomi as told in this book show the fingerprints of God in a very encouraging and hopeful way to the everyday believer. We don't see any miracles or divine intervention from Heaven; we see God subtly at work as He guides the two women down a path of restoration and fruitfulness. My prayer is that as I have been encouraged by their story, you would be as well.

Have you ever wondered if God is at work in your life? I have plenty of times. We can look at the book of Ruth and know that God is near and He does have a plan, even if we don't see it in the moment. We can see that no matter how difficult or impossible our situation may seem, God is in control, and He is good.

The book of Ruth opens up and tells us the story of a family living in Bethlehem. The husband, named Elimelech (which means "my God is King") is living in Bethlehem ("house of bread") with his wife Naomi ("pleasant") and two sons, Mahlon ("sickly") and Chilion ("pining"). I just gave you a lot of word meanings, but they are important to know. They are living in a town known as the house of bread, yet are there in a time of famine during the reign of the judges. The writer doesn't tell us much about the circumstances of the family; we begin almost immediately with them traveling to the land of Moab.

To give you some history on Moab, the wicked nation began with one man, named, as you might guess, Moab. This man was born out of an incestuous union between Lot and his eldest daughter, as told in Genesis 19. From the beginning, this nation was deceived. Yet Elimelech made the decision to uproot his family from the house of bread to travel to a foreign nation filled with sin and deception.

We don't travel too far into chapter one before we find a vital application for our own lives. When we come to difficult times, we must not rely on human understanding or take the easy way out; we must seek God for His purposes. Elimelech did not ask God what His will would be for that time, nor did he trust God. Instead he uprooted his family from the place God's people dwelt to live in a wicked country where there would be no church, no place to worship the true God, and no fellowship with other believers. Ironically, Elimelech left to escape death, and yet him and his sons would find just that within a decade. Not only did his poor decision negatively effect him, but it effected his whole family. Just as our own decisions don't just effect us. We must come to the realization that the choices we make in life will impact others. 

Once Elimelech went outside of God's will, he no longer had the ability to distinguish between good and bad; right or wrong. He allowed his sons to marry Moab women. These women did not know God, yet he allowed unequally yoked marriages. With one bad decision, Elimelech led his family further away from the things and will of God. It is important that you and I seek God's will instead of doing what we think is best. One poor decision can lead us into a string of poor decisions. It's like the snowball that continues down the hill, becoming larger and causing more destruction as long as it is allowed to go.

The good news is, God restores and God is good! We don't just see a family destroyed with one decision. God isn't finished yet. We will see in the weeks to come that God is at work in the life of Naomi and Ruth as He brings them back to the house of bread and restores their fortunes. However, let us reflect on the nugget we have in today's passage. 

As God's people we have the unique opportunity to know His will and live under His umbrella. There are times in our life when the storm hits. It is in those seasons that we can either seek His will and trust Him, or we can rely on our own understanding and make the decision we think best. Ultimately, God's plan for us is better than our own.

As you face decisions that must be made, please seek the Lords will above all else. With one poor decision we can begin a chain reaction of disillusionment and heartache. Or we can seek God and operate under His umbrella of blessing and protection. Be encouraged that God always takes care of His people, and He will take care of you if you will simply trust Him.

Remember, God's fingerprints are all over the believers life. You, my friend, have the fingerprints of God all over your story. Take heart and know that He is with you!

Do you ever feel like you just aren't doing anything real big for God? Just the monotonous activities that fill your schedule...one day spilling over into the next?

Sometimes it's easy to look at what others are doing to impact God's kingdom in big ways and walk away wondering, "what am I really doing?" We can look at the nationally known speakers, the oversea missionaries and the individual who had a vision for building an orphanage in another country and is now serving there. The list goes on and on. And while all of these things are part of God's great big plan, we must be careful to not lose sight of our possibilities that we have right here where our two feet are planted.

Steven Furtick, author of Sun Stand Still, says, "Miracles happen when ordinary people do ordinary things with extraordinary passion for the glory of God. No act of service is insignificant when done for the most significant purpose in the universe: proclaiming the gospel of Jesus."

We are called to be marketplace missionaries right where we are. When we live our lives in our workplace, our homes, at the ballpark or anywhere we go, we are the image of God within our sphere of influence.

Whether we are serving at a local soup kitchen, listening to a hurting friend, helping coach a little league team, taking a meal to a neighbor who just lost their elderly parent....no ordinary thing is just ordinary when we do it with passion and purpose. Our passion and purpose is to be a light for Him, sharing His love in this dark and needy world.

My 6 year old daughter is thrilled to start volunteering at a nursing home. She's going to help me polish elderly women's nails and read books to them. It's not ordinary...when it's done with passion. A passion to show love...time...and compassion.

Wherever God has you right now...purpose in your heart to share the love of Jesus and His truth as a marketplace missionary.


Stephanie

Years ago, I went through a season where I was more fatigued and run down than usual. I struggled with feeling tired and more unmotivated than usual. I was experiencing headaches and a list of other symptoms. I simply remember feeling unproductive during that time.

My husband and I prayed for wisdom for what to do and we felt God was leading me to see a nutritionist/pharmacist/doctor’s assistant. She was very good at being able to discover what was the root cause, or problem, instead of just simply masking it with another medication. So, I met with her and after some blood testing, I simply found out that I had reason to be fatigued! After having four children so close together with close pregnancies and child-rearing to little ones, I was drained of some serious nutrition! I was deficient in Vit B, C and D and was very low in iron. No wonder I was so tired and felt unproductive!

After she started me on some vitamin supplements, I couldn’t believe how much better I felt! My body now had what it needed in order to be productive once again. I won’t tell you that I always had all the energy I wanted…but it sure helped when I was faithful in taking the supplements like I was supposed to! :)

When I was studying 2 Peter 1 this week, it brought back memories of that time in my life. Paul is talking about how God has given us everything we need for living a Godly life. But he instructs us on how important it is to supplement that faith with some very healthy and key things. This is just how it is in our physical bodies. We may get what we need through eating healthy foods, but it can be very helpful to supplement with some good vitamins to increase our health. Here’s what Peter tells us:

2 Peter 1:3-11 (NLT), “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins.
10 So, dear brothers and sisters,- work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things and you will never fall away. 11 Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

If we want to be more productive and useful in our spiritual lives, (and I know I sure want to be!) Peter tells us very clearly what we need in order to supplement our lives and grow.

1. Moral excellence-living our lives with excellent morals!

2. Knowledge-how do we gain this? Getting into God’s word and/or Christian books that will help us grow!

3. Self-control-learning when to say ‘no!’-to things that are dragging us down and slowing our productiveness. (food choices, over spending, unhealthy relationships, gossip, lack of priorities)

4. Patient endurance-when we are going through our daily drudges, endure-push through-don’t give up!

5. Godliness-how do we do this? Fill ourselves with more of God and His truths!

6. Brotherly affection-showing others a caring heart through our actions. (serving!)

7. Love (love, love and love!)

These actions do not come automatically, they require hard work. They are not optional either; we must make them a part of our Christian life. But, we don’t have to attain this on our own-God empowers us and enables us! But just like it was my responsibility to take my vitamin supplements, we also have a responsibility to learn and to grow.

I know that I want to be productive and useful for God and His kingdom…so I am off to supplement!

Love ya!
Stephanie

The other day as I was reading through the fifteenth proverb, I came across a verse in The Message that stuck out to me. One that places the words "disgust" and "God" in the same sentence. If that doesn't make you perk up and listen, I don't know what does?!

Before I read the above verse, it was actually a thought that was already stirring in my heart. This idea that God could take me at any moment, and how to make my moments count. Not in a morbid way, but in an eternal perspective kind of way. I'm sure you can relate to me when I say that when I stand before God, I want to hear the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

What does this mean for us? I want to encourage you to take a few moments to truly examine your life and wonder how you're making the most out of the days God is giving you. To perhaps let is settle in that we were made to live everyday with an eternal perspective.

It's always intriguing to look at the life of Jesus. And if we did, we would see a man with an agenda. Everything he did had purpose. Every moment he had he made count. Jesus was a man who lived with an eternal perspective.

I'm inspired by my Savior to do the same. I don't want to walk through the fire at the end of my life and see that most things I did were consumed in the fire because they had no eternal value. Don't you want the same?

It's a simple message today. One I hope would inspire you to live with the end in mind. In fact, right now I want you to ask yourself, "How will I make this day count." Go ahead, think about how you can impact your world today for the Kingdom of God. We ALL have a purpose that God wants to work out through us. Be available and purposeful for that to happen. Have an agenda.

Many times in Scripture we are challenged to run the race...to strain ahead...with perseverance...and throwing off everything that so easily entangles us. Do that today. And everyday ahead. Run this race to the finish line with all you got sister!

Good morning girls! Sorry it's been a while since I've stopped in to say "hello" and write. I've been missing it but life has been so full of sport camps, vacation, baseball, 4 H and all of the other great summer treats!

I recently read this devotional from a women's magazine I receive and just knew I had to share with all. It was such a great reminder for me....and knew you'd all enjoy and be challenged yourselves!


"Here in Colorado the meteorologists really earn their pay. Ours may be the only state where you use the heater and the air conditioner in the same day--or even in the same hour. Colorado's weather can change faster than a menopausal woman's emotions. Which gets me to my thought for today . . .

As women, we have more impact on the emotional temperature of our homes than anyone else. After all, "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."

Our challenge is to take on the role of thermostat, not thermometer. A thermometer merely reflects the temperature in the room. It may be emotionally chilly because two family members are disagreeing. It may show temperatures rising when one explodes in anger against another. A thermometer is a passive instrument of measurement. It doesn't change the environment--it reveals it.

A thermostat, on the other hand, is an active tool. If it's too warm in the room, lower the thermostat. If it's too chilly, raise the thermostat. The thermostat changes the environment of the home.

As wives and mothers, we have the ability, if we choose to accept it, to regulate the emotional temperature in our homes, with God's help. Let's step up to that proactive role today, asking Him for the grace to be thermostats, not thermometers." (Marcia Washburn)

So, after reading that, where do you see yourself lately? Are you being a thermostat or a thermometer?

The amazing truth about this devotional is that we see that we can choose our way of regulating it! We don't just have to let our emotions and feelings rule us.

Galations 6:16 says, "So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves." Our sinful nature is going to tend to become impatient, unkind and unlovely during those real challenging times! We can't change on our own. We need the Holy Spirit to guide us each and every minute of our days. When we feel our thermometer rising...pause, take a deep breath and ask God to send his stregnth, patience and wisdom. We have the choice to choose the temperature-what are you going to choose today?

Love,
Stephanie

A few weeks ago, my son and I were out working in the garden and he had put his pet turtle out in the grass to walk around while we were working. This was something he had always done, but on that particular day, the turtle decided to take off when we weren’t looking. My son was flustered, looking all over for little Willie. No turtle anywhere!

After looking a bit, I said, “Well, let’s pray that we find him.” My son and I said a quick prayer together and I had hopes that this was going to be an opportunity for my son to have faith that God was going to help him. About 15 minutes after looking for little Willie, my son found him under a bush! He was thrilled. I said, “We prayed, didn’t we?” My 5 year-old daughter who was playing nearby over heard us and said, “Well,Mom….prayer works!!”

The faith of a child. The simple belief that God was going to answer our prayers. Why even be surprised? I loved her response and the child like faith that spoke from her lips without even any hesitation.

It challenged my heart a bit. Do I have a child like faith?

In Mark 10:13-16 (CEV), we see that Jesus wants us to have this kind faith. Here’s what it tells us,

"Some people brought their children to Jesus so that he could bless them by placing his hands on them. But his disciples told the people to stop bothering him.
When Jesus saw this, he became angry and said, "Let the children come to me! Don't try to stop them. People who are like these little children belong to the kingdom of God I promise you that you cannot get into God's kingdom, unless you accept it the way a child does." Then Jesus took the children in his arms and blessed them by placing his hands on them.

Jesus simply wants us to trust in Him with this kind of childlike faith.

Is there anything you are facing today, big or small that gives you an opportunity to choose child-like faith?

Because as my five-year-old put it, “prayer works!”

Today I thought I would do a little fitness encouragement since it's summer time and we should have NO excuses for not being more active! Unless you are 8 months pregnant with low iron, have a two year old, and it's 100 degrees outside...then you're off the hook (aka...me). I can't think of a more motivating way to get more physically active than to have a goal in mind...better yet, to do it for a cause. That's why I have such a heart for a cause called Racing 2 Rescue. As you know TIM is a close partner with Rescue Her organization working at raising awareness and resources to help rescue women and girls out of human trafficking. One way this is happening is by communities holding race fundraisers such as a 5Ks called Racing 2 Rescue. It's an amazing way to raise awareness and support for women and girls being abused and missused in sex and slave trafficking across the world. Just because the problem may be miles from where you or I live doesn't mean that God is willing to allow us to just look the other way. We can save lives!

Not only does Racing 2 Rescue give you a goal to physically train for, but you can stay motivated because you know that the cause you are running for is literally going to be life changing for someone. What a great challenge for each of us to take!

Today consider running a race 2 rescue...or if there isn't one in your area, consider hosting one. I promise as you are faithful to step out into what may seem the unknown and uncomfortable, God will show up to help you. He is so faithful and loves it when we take risks to bring him glory and impact others. What about you, what risk can you take that may save a life?

Visit the below links for more information or feel free to contact TIM for more ideas on how you can get involved in the "rescue".

Racing2Rescue info >

Live in South Dakota area? Race with us in September! Email Karen today for more info at:
RACE2RESCUEBROOKINGS@GMAIL.COM 

Visit TIM for more info and resources: http://www.trueidentityministries.com/

So let's get moving...moving for a cause!

xoxo
Justeina

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24

I can tell you with all confidence that saying I’m sorry isn’t something that comes to me naturally. Have you ever had one of those moments that you know you have done something that offended or hurt a friend or family member? After we realize our offense there are usually two routes we seem to take. One is that we just try to pretend like nothing happened and expect and hope that they will get over it and soon forget without us ever apologizing. The other is that we try to apologize in a roundabout way, never really getting to the point. That apology usually includes a laundry list of reasons of why we did what we did that ended up hurting them. We work very hard at justifying our own actions while also trying to mend our offense.

Been there lately? I know I have. So often when my husband and I find ourselves in an argument because one of us has offended the other, it seems to take hours for anyone to finally say they are sorry; and if they do say it, it is always coupled with a lot of justifying. Recently I have come to a stark realization…God’s just not okay with that. There is a better way to say I’m sorry. It’s sincere and it’s genuine. It’s the type of I’m sorry that is believable and isn’t candy coated with all of our excuses. When was the last time you said an I’m sorry like that? When was the last time you just said with an overflowing heart, “I’m so sorry”? You didn’t justify it but you said it as soon as you knew you had hurt or offended and… you meant it.

I have realized that the biggest enemy to our sincere apology is pride. So often our need to be right can hinder our ability to apologize. Even when we deep down know that someone has been hurt as a result of our intentional or unintentional actions we will hold out on apologizing because of our own pride and desire to be right. On the other hand the greatest friend of our sincere apology is humility. Humility in an apology is when we decide that we value the other person and that relationship more than we value being right. If we can get ourselves to that humble place, a genuine I’m sorry will come naturally and instantly. I can tell you from personal experience that there has been so much freedom that has come to me when I am quick to apologize for my offenses. Jesus knew how important our ‘I’m sorry’ would be. That’s why in Matthew 5:23-24 he tells us that if we know someone is offended at us we need to immediately stop what we are doing and go and make amends reconciling the relationship.

So what does a true apology really look like? There are a few different things that will always take place during a sincere apology; the kind of apology that God will honor. The first thing that we need to do in our apology is get specific. We can’t just say I’m sorry you are hurt. We need to specifically apologize for the action that caused the offense. Let the other person know that you realize the behavior that caused the offense. The next thing to remember in an apology is to never make excuses. Don’t give every reason you behaved the way you did. Don’t explain to them that they just took it wrong. Be humble and just apologize for the behavior knowing that even if it was unintentional, that person’s pain is still valid.

The third thing to remember in an apology is to be ready to accept the consequences. Even if you get specific about the offending behavior and you don’t make excuses…there still may be consequences. If you have gossiped about a friend and they find out. Even after an apology they may be slow to trust you again. That is the consequence of your offense. The next step in a sincere apology is to change the offending behavior. And finally, and most importantly a sincere apology will always include the words, “Will you forgive me.” Don’t just assume that I’m sorry is enough. You need to take that apology to the next level with all humility and ask that person for forgiveness. It’s a biblical principal and one that will bring great restoration into conflicted relationships. I don’t know about you, but I want to be quick to say I’m sorry to those I’ve hurt not just to honor them and our relationship, but to always honor my God. Nothing pleases our God like a sincere and heartfelt humble apology. So who do you need to say I’m sorry to? Hmmm...I think I better call my husband now....

xoxo
Justeina

I felt led to share with all of you an entry I wrote in my personal journal almost four years ago:

"The other day I was really battling a 'What about me?!' kind of attitude. I felt like I was running in circles; changing diapers, tending to a crying baby, picking up after 4 kids, cleaning the house non-stop, trying to get homeschooling done and on and on...all with a not so great attitude. First of all, I got lousy sleep the night before and my quiet times consisted of about 2 minutes of uninterrupted time with the Lord. Wow, I didn’t like the feeling of thinking of myself.

There was nothing specifically wrong, I just felt down. So, I did what every desperate woman does-calls up the hubby for some affirmation! :) I called up Bill and was looking forward to a pick-me-up of some sorts, but the Lord did not allow him to be available. As I sat down to nurse the baby, the Lord spoke to me and told me to "count my blessings…be thankful".

Oh, it's so easy to loose track of our thoughts, emotions and perspective when we are focused on ourselves and all that is going on around us.

Later that afternoon, during my quiet times I ran across the verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17, “Be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances for this is Christ’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This was no coincidence, huh? Wow, did I ever start counting my many blessings!

Instead of focusing my mind to the mounds of dirty (and some clean) laundry-I instead said, "Thank you God for these four children you've blessed me with."

Instead of focusing on the carpet that needed a desperate vaccuum job and kitchen crumbs on the floor that needed swept, I said, "Thank you God for a home that keeps us warm and safe. We are so thankful for the food we can eat together."

Instead of feeling sorry for myself for the small amount of time I had to myself, I whispered a "Thank you God for speaking to me through all of the day, even when my quiet times are short (and interuppted!).

It's amazing what a thankful heart does-changes perspective, lifts our spirit and get's our eyes off of ourselves and onto Him and others."

I felt led to share that with for some reason...so,what do you have to be thankful for today?

Join me today as I am choosing to be thankful in all circumstances (even the crazy, busy ones!)

Love,
Stephanie

I absolutely have a passion for and love talking about the Holy Spirit. It seems to me He may be one of the most neglected persons in the Church, which boggles my mind. We talk about God the Father and God the Son on a regular basis, and that's fantastic, but few people know much about God the Holy Spirit. I think people know more about Moses or Abraham or Paul than they do about this Person of the Godhead.

Why is this? John 16.7 says, "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you." Sounds like He's kind of a big deal to me! Jesus says that it is to our advantage that he go so that the Helper (Holy Spirit) may come.

I honestly believe that if the Church and believers got this understanding of the moving and power of the Holy Spirit, and allowed Him to move in and through it/them the way He desires, there would be a shift on the earth.

I don't dare go into all the theology and what we know of the Holy Spirit; it would take too long. But I have this burning desire to help people understand Him and His moving a little better...because the Holy Spirit is moving today!

I am tempted to go in depth about the movings and workings of the Holy Spirit. But to summarize, there are two movings: dwelling and baptism. The dwelling of the Holy Spirit happens at the moment of salvation, when the believer is born in the Spirit. Through this, He makes us more like Christ and enables us to do our Fathers will.

Why did Jesus say that it would be better for him to leave and for the Helper to come? Wouldn't it be better to have Jesus there, in person? For a moment, you would think so...to have the Son of God, in the flesh, walking on the earth. But think about it this way. The Holy Spirit lives in us, and what's better than having God in us? To talk to Jesus on earth, you would have to fly to where he was, wait in line to talk to him, and then maybe get a question in. It's not that Jesus wouldn't want to spend all day talking to you, but there are six billion other people who would be vying for his attention. With the Holy Spirit, we have unlimited access to God, no matter where we are. How awesome is that!

The second moving is the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which happens to a believer at some point. What I would like to emphasize is that this filling is for ALL believers. That's right; Gods desire is for you to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. Acts 2.34 says, "For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." Do you see that? It's for all who are far off...to everyone whom the Lord calls to himself? Sounds like every believer to me.

So why, if this gift is for all believers, are so many missing it? It is so important that believers be baptized. Not only does it speed up the process that makes us more like Christ, but with it comes the power to witness and the gifts of the Spirit. I cannot express enough the importance of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. My prayer is that churches, leaders and believers all across the earth would eagerly seek the moving and power of the Holy Spirit. My prayer is that there would be a freedom for His moving. If there was, just think of what God would do through His Church for His glory!

A relationship with the Holy Sprit is a unique one, and one that I enjoy cultivating with each day. That relationship must be protected, nurtured, developed and guarded. You won't regret for a second the effort you put into the relationship.

God wants to maximize His power through our lives, but we must be willing.
Pray for the baptism if you have yet to experience it.
Seek it.
Have an open heart and an open mind.
Have faith; it is essential.
Be obedient.

It is Gods desire for His children to be baptized, and we should all eagerly desire it. If you have not, seek it. Don't be discouraged if it doesn't happen the first or fifth or tenth time you have prayed...keep praying and it will happen. If you have been, cultivate your relationship with the Holy Spirit. It's a two sided relationship; a communication that goes both ways.

The Holy Spirit longs to work in and through your life!

A few years ago I bought my son some of those water capsules that you are supposed to soak in warm water and wait for a short time before an animal or car or a ‘surprise’ shape comes out of it. Well, he was so excited! Even though it was supposed to change into something within a few hours, the waiting time was so challenging because my son couldn’t wait to see what was inside of it! He couldn’t stop staying, “Mom…I just can’t wait to see what’s inside!”

A few weeks after this, I was thinking that this is often how it is when we impatiently wait for ourselves to make changes.

Do you ever feel like you just know you are spiritually making some changes?

Sometimes it can be challenging because we want changes NOW and it just takes time. It takes time for the Holy Spirit to do his work and bring about the beautiful surprise that’s inside of each of us. We all have gifts, talents, and strengths within us, but sometimes they are covered by a hard ‘capsule’ or what the Word of God calls sin. Sin of pride, anger, impatience, lust, or any other acts of the sinful nature.

In John 4, Jesus talks about living waters. Just like soaking that toy capsule in water, we must continually soak ourselves in the Living Waters!

That living water is Jesus! Time with Him each and every day...allowing Him to make changes within us moment by moment...step by step in this journey of life.

What does this look like?

Maybe it's the next time I am tempted to get impatient when a child does something real irritating, instead of getting so aggravated, I instead respond in patience and mercy.

Someone offends me...instead of letting it affect my mood or emotions, I give it over to God and extend forgiveness and grace.

I'm asking Him daily to soak away (chip away) any hard coating; i.e-sin that is preventing the inward fruit from coming out.

Ask Him to change you!

When He keeps showing us what's inside...it's beyond what we could ever dream~!


Love ya!
Stephanie


(Psalms 36:9 says, “For with you is the fountain of life, in your light we see light."-which is the power of the Almighty God, we are made new!!)

"Then when you pray, God will answer. You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.'"
Isaiah 58.9

Isaiah 58 is a beautiful passage, and I would highly recommend that you read it. I am quite fond of The Message translation because the Scripture seems to burst forth right in front of you! It is certainly a chapter worth reading in full.

Over the last four weeks, we have been able to take a glimpse into the lives of four men in the Bible who showed faith, courage, and obedience. Abraham, Jacob, Moses and Ananias all responded with "Here I am," when the Lord called their name. They were in place, both in their walk with God and in their purpose, in order that they may be ready when the Lord called upon them. Don't worry if you feel you can't relate. Truth is, they didn't have it all together, either. God calls on anyone who is willing, and it is HIM who equips us for the task.

What we have been able to learn is that when God calls our name for an assignment, we must first be in a place where we are willing to hear from Him. Then, with immediate obedience, we step out in faith and courage to accomplish the task He has set before us, in His mighty power!

Today we turn the tables and look to our Father for this response. In Isaiah 58, we find a promise. Oh, I just love Gods promises, don't you?! Even though we don't deserve any good thing, he longs to be gracious to us. Beyond that, He promises us so much! We find one right here, tucked away in verse 9...that when we call out to Him, He will say "Here I am."

The phrase "Here I am" actually notes a person ready at hand to help. When we call Gods name, when we seek Him out, He is ready to respond! If Abraham responded so quickly when God called him to sacrifice his son, how much more quickly will God respond to help His children?

We don't have to fear if our prayers will fall flat. Or if we have too much baggage for God to hear us. And we certainly don't have to worry if God cares. Because He does...about everything! Even what may seem small in contrast to everything else, God cares if it matters to us.

I want to be careful not to take this verse out of context. It must be read in a way that it is linked to the rest of the passage, which would be necessary. There is much in the chapter that addresses an action on our part. To care for the poor, stand up for injustice, to not gossip and to be generous. "THEN when you pray, God will answer."

I want to encourage you to today, and every day henceforth, to call out the name of the Lord. There is power in His name, and in prayer. And when you do, watch God respond!

Ananias...the one who started it all for me. It was reading in Acts 9 that I came across the account of the Lord calling out to Ananias in a vision, and Ananias responding with, "Here I am."

In the past few weeks, we have been able to take a glimpse into the lives of three men who said the same thing: Abraham, Jacob, and Moses. I don't know about you, but I have been encouraged and challenged by their example of obedience and courage...and above all, faith. As I have been in study for this series, I've heard the Lord speak things to my heart that I had never heard in quite the same way before. His Word is coming alive in me!

Ananias, the one that started it all for me, and the only example we will look at from the New Testament. Who is this man?

Ananias was a disciple of Jesus, and Paul later says, well spoken of by the Jews. I do want to address that this is not the same Ananias we find in Acts 5 who, with his wife Sapphira, sold his property, yet kept a portion of the proceeds for himself. His deeds were made known to the apostles, and at that point his life was lost. Nor is this Ananias, the high priest in Acts 23-24 who brought a case against Paul. No, indeed this is not the same Ananias we find in these two accounts. He was a man, perhaps not as well known as others we often think of, but without a doubt one of faith.

In Acts 9, Saul, who would come to be known as Paul, was on his way to Damascus. Verse 1-2 introduces Saul with, "But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem." Saul was not one to be trifled with, and you can be sure Christians knew his name.

On his was to Damascus, Saul encounters the Lord, is stricken blind, and is told to go to Damascus and find a man named Ananias. About the same time, the Lord comes to Ananias in a vision, calling his name. Then we hear it..."Hear I am, Lord." The Lord proceeds to tell Ananias to go to a man named Saul, and to lay his hands on him.

Ananias knew who Saul was, and even asks God about it. No doubt there is a hint of fear in his voice. But as we have looked at before, there is often fear when God calls us to do something. However, Ananias didn't run away or avoid Saul, as many may have well done knowing Saul's reputation. No, he went right away to find Saul.

I can't help but chuckle a bit. If only Ananias knew what was about to happen. If only he knew what God was about to unleash through Saul/Paul. I don't think he could have imagined it!

Ananias finds Saul, lays his hands on him, and Saul regains his sight. Immediately, Ananias prophesizes over him and baptizes him. He gets to witness the transformation of a persecutor into a mighty man of God. Knowing Saul's reputation, I can imagine that Ananias must have felt some sense of how big this time was.

I can't help but think how exciting it must have been for Ananias. He made himself available to God, and when called upon to do something fearful, he proceeded with obedience and courage. The result of his faith was the conversion of Saul into Paul. The impact Paul made for the gospel cannot be counted or imagined. I'm amazed at what that meant for Ananias, and what that means for us.

Before we conclude, it would be appropriate to make known that Ananias is mentioned once more, in Acts 22.12-16. Paul is recounting his conversion, and mentions Ananias, and even recounts the conversion with a bit more detail. We can learn from this example given to us through Ananias, and be encouraged to step out in faith and expect that God will use our faith to do great things for His kingdom.

As we look back over the last few weeks:

Abraham has convicted me to be willing to lay my dreams on the altar. Never has this been more necessary or been called upon me more than in the last few weeks as I have been asked to lay down my greatest dream, and it has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do. But I would rather lay my dream down than be disobedient to my loving Father.

Jacob's testimony has encouraged me to go forward when I am called, even in the presence of fear. To take a step into the unknown when I am called.

Moses has challenged me to proceed when called upon, even though I might not feel qualified. We can be sure that when God calls us to do something, no matter the task, He will equip us to do it. We must just step out and believe He will give us what we need, when we rely on Him, to go forth.

And in Ananias, also teaching us to step out when we are afraid, we see the possibility of what one act of obedience can do to advance the gospel, impact the Kingdom, and change many lives.

My prayer for you would be that God would stir something in your heart through this study. That you would be challenged by each of these accounts to step out in obedience and courage when you are called upon.

However, we are not done. Next we will conclude our study by turning the tables a little, and taking a look at an Old Testament account of God replying to His child, "Here I am." You wont want to miss it!

Do you ever find your mind wondering off in several directions? A certain worry or concern sets your mind in panic mode? I don’t know if it’s just a ‘Mommy’ thing, but when it comes to my kids, my mind can easily wander off before I know it. Just for example, a few days ago when I was brushing my daughter’s hair, I noticed a tick stuck to her head. I tried all of the tick removal ‘tricks’ that I discovered on Google, and after several attempts, I removed the tick. Well, the following day my daughter started complaining of a headache and not feeling well. That quickly my mind began to go in a million directions, “I wonder if her headache is related to that tick bite?” “What if that tick had Lyme’s disease?” “Should I call the pediatrician and ask them if I should be watching my daughter for any symptoms?” Seriously, my mind started going a million miles a minute!

Ever been there?

Maybe it’s some worries with your children. Your marriage. Or any of the other hundreds of things that can flood our minds and rob our joy?

An unusual doctor’s report on our child?

Your child looks like his heart is far from God?

A marriage that looks completely hopeless?

Aging parents with health issues-and a future that is looking bleak?

Financial difficulties?

Fortunately, I recognized this worry sooner than later and gave my motherly panic over to God. I reminded myself that it’s at these times in our lives where we have to continually meditate on the scriptures, Philippians 4:6-7, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he’s done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Did you notice that?

As we pray instead of worry and be thankful for all He’s done… then God is going to give us a supernatural peace that will guard our wandering minds! It's a supernatural peace-one that's given by our loving Father not a peace we can muster up on our own. This is the kind of peace I need at times my wandering mind has the best of me!

We need to fix our wandering minds on God-the maker of this world and the creator of the planets and stars. Let’s agree together today that the next time our minds begin to wonder and worry, we’re going to give it ALL to Him! I know we can trust Him! :)

Love,
Stephanie

More to meditate on: Philippians 4:8-9

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. Eph 5:1-3 MSG


Have you ever felt like your relationships were falling apart? Or simply barely hanging on at best? Wondered why your marriage and friendships seemed to always stay at surface level? Trust me I have felt like that before too. I have watched other women as they can’t stop talking about their “wonderful” husband they are so in love with and how fun marriage is and sometimes thought to myself, “why don’t I always feel like that too?” Other times I have sat in envy watching other women’s friendships and how committed they were to one another, again thinking to myself, “do I have a friend that close?”

Likely you have found yourself there before as well. So often we begin to feel sorry for ourselves. We think if we could have married the right man or if we could just find that one faithful friend, our world would be so different, so satisfying. The truth is that while we continue to blame the other parties for our surface level superficial relationship experiences, we might ought to take a look in the mirror. I have had to do that recently as well. As I stared intently into the reflection of my own relationships, I realized that I myself had built up a wall around my life allowing no one to get too close. I’m not sure if it was a fear of rejection or a fear of disappointment, but either way it caused me to continue to keep all the people God wanted to connect me with at arm’s length. Then I read Ephesians 5:1-3. I realized I was being…cautious.

Let’s face it, most of us have experienced some kind of relational hurt in our past, present and too be sure it will be in our future. So often we allow those experiences to cause us to become cautious in relationships. To be cautious according to the dictionary is to: be careful, watchful, alert, vigilant, guarded, and wary. According to Ephesians 5 that was something Jesus was not when it came to his relationships. Instead it teaches us that he was extravagant, he went above and beyond what was reasonable when it came to loving others. I wonder today…which one are you. Cautious or extravagant when it comes to your own relationships. Do you constantly become offended and guarded? Do you feel sorry for yourself that everyone else seems to have deeper connections than you? Do you walk around with your guard up never willing to be transparent with others in your life? If so I want to challenge you…take a step of faith and ask God to teach you how to be extravagant. Initiate deeper levels in your marriage, family ties, and friendships. That means you will have to take chances on getting hurt because let’s face it people are sure to fail us. But when you and I connect with others like God has planned for us to do, it will be one of the greatest joys of your life.

Want to know how I think it’s going to happen for you? One important way: Don’t love someone to get something from them, but instead to offer something to them. If you change that one principal in your life you are sure to see satisfying fruit begin to form in each of your relationships. Jesus was a perfect example of love…Love Like That.

Xoxo

Justeina