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.
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.
Ruth and Naomi have returned to the house of bread at the beginning of barley harvest. Coincidence? I think not. An unseen force is moving and these two women are about to see God do great and wonderful things that are invisible to them at this time.
My encouragement to you today, if are in a difficult season (and if you're not, one will soon appear), to trust that God is at work. Know that His plan is in motion and you are in His sight. He has not forgot about you, and nothing could make Him stop loving you. If you're struggling or feel alone, don't be afraid to reach out to the godly people you are surrounded by.
Be sure to return next week: Boaz is coming!
Category:
Redemption,
Ruth
0
comments
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!
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!
Category:
Redemption,
Ruth
0
comments
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
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
Category:
challenge
1 comments
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
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
Category:
encouragement,
faith
0
comments
"A life frittered away disgusts God; he loves those who run straight for the finish line." Proverbs 15.9 (MSG)
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!
Category:
encouragement,
proverbs
0
comments
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
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
Category:
challenge,
encouragement
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