Consider the Lilies of the Field

Beautiful photography today courtesy of Eileen DeCamp--Blue Ridge Lavender

Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin, Matthew 6:28b (KJV).

With six children, there is always something I could worry about. And with a hundred and fifty high school students on my class rosters, my head could spin about that. But wouldn't that be a waste of my time? Isn't that a lack of faith in God?

So much has been written about worry, I'm sure I can't say anything new. It's a part of the universal human condition. Jesus knew our condition when he gave us his principle for living worry-free.

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto this day is the evil thereof," Matthew 6:34 (KJV).

Jesus spoke about worry in his Sermon on the Mount. Take therefore no thought for the morrow . . . . Don't worry about tomorrow. Don't even give it a thought. We're given only one day at a time.  Tomorrow may never come.

 

For the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself . . . . Tomorrow we can think about tomorrow's business.

 

Sufficient unto this day is the evil thereof. There is enough to deal with today.

We know His words.

 

We know our God is bigger than all our problems today and the ones that we might face tomorrow. Yet, it is a step-by-step walk of faith every day.

 

And when each day is done, it becomes that wonderful part of our story called the past. Once lived, it's done, saved for all eternity. If we trust Jesus to help us live each day as best we can, without worry, we can enjoy the treasure of a life well-lived. Trusting Him to take care of us just like he does the lilies of the field.

Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you, 1 Peter 5:7.

 

I know He cares for you, precious one. Be blessed with a carefree day.  You are so much more valuable that the lilies and the birds. I have to hang onto His Truth.

Might you consider leaving a comment below?  I love hearing from you.  Please visit again.

And leave a comment on the previous post regarding Jennifer Rothschild.  It's not too late to qualify to win one of her inspirational books!

Jennifer Rothschild -- featured author and monthly Book Give-away

Jennifer Rothschild is my guest author today. I was delighted to discover her writings this Christmas holiday, and I have since read two of her books, and  have two more waiting in my stack of must-reads.  I don’t know Jennifer personally; I usually do with my featured authors.  However, I was so blessed and encouraged by her powerful story, I wanted to introduce her to you right away.  (I apologize that there are no pictures.  Blogger is not letting me upload any today.  If you click on her name below, you'll see her picture on her website.)

Lessons I Learned in the Dark is challenging and inspiring. It's beautifully written and scripturally sound. Jennifer writes that it is "impossible to separate who God is from His word". In my opinion, that's reason enough for lots of Scripture. I like that she incorporates a lot of Scripture in her writing. This book perfectly illustrates Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Jennifer gives some of her story, and some of the practical steps she took to learn to walk by faith, and not by sight. I loved her statement that "trust is a choice I make . . . trust is a risk I take . . . the journey is worth the risk". We could all benefit from the spiritual truths she presents. I was blessed and encouraged by her story. As soon as I finished reading Lessons I Learned in the Dark, I read Self Talk Soul Talk.

Self Talk Soul Talk could be a life-changer for many women.  What follows here are a few questions and answers provided by Jennifer Rothschild about that book.

 Q&A with Jennifer Rothschild--Author of Self Talk, Soul Talk

What is soul talk?

Over the years, I have gradually learned what to say when I talk to myself, and that has truly made all the difference in my life. After years of struggling beneath the weight of my own slander and lies, I have learned to speak truth into my soul. It’s what I call soul talk.

How does soul talk work?

Everybody practices self talk, but few of us actually take time to think about the things we say to ourselves. The process is so natural we don’t even notice it. Amazingly, much of our self talk is false. The words we say shape the way we think about ourselves. They influence our emotions, our thoughts, and our decisions. They resurface in our conversations with other people. They can spur us on to live meaningful, productive lives, or they can drag us down to lethargy and despair. Soul talk is about replacing the lies you may have been telling yourself with the truth.

What kinds of struggles with self talk have you had personally?

My steady flow of disapproving thoughts and self talk once formed a constant stream. I badgered, nagged, devalued, and said cutting words to myself. At times, all those dark, negative put-downs have felt like a raging river, tossing me mercilessly until I thought I might drown in my own self-condemnation.

What was the physical setback that you faced in your teens?

At the age of 15, I became legally blind due to a disease called retinitis pigmentosa. Even though I received that difficulty with grace and resolve, the extra challenges of the disability and the knowledge that blindness was inevitable brought even more opportunities for me to struggle with negative thoughts and destructive self talk. For me, blindness is a circumstance that opens the door to a host of other bewildering issues. One of the biggest daily realities I face is the stress of not being able to drive, read, or enjoy independence.

What is the paradox of emotions?

If you try to think with your feelings, you’ll fall into all manner of false conclusions. Emotions are supposed to serve and strengthen us. Left to themselves, however, they enslave and deplete us. We need a thought closet well stocked with timeless truth, or we will clothe ourselves with the feelings of the moment.

How important is our spiritual well-being?

Hopelessness, fear and depression often grow out of unsatisfied longings. C.S. Lewis said, “If I can find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” We can try to fill the longing with relationships, religion, volunteerism, or just being good. But the deep ache from the bottom of our souls can only be satisfied in a relationship with God.

Is it healthy to remember the past? What memories should we revisit?

 

The real power of any moment is fully realized when it is remembered. The experience might have been painful or pleasant, but its intensity and meaning grow when we remember and reflect upon it. Remembering is essential to the health of our souls. So we must tell our souls to look back often. Memories store great anthologies of stories that tell us who we are. They become intimate reminders of our personal histories. However, tell your soul to look back only at what is profitable. Profitable memories are those that add to your soul wellness rather than subtract from it.

* * *

I know this is just a little sampling about Jennifer Rothschild's books.  She has written several others not mentioned here.  You can find out more about Jennifer and her books and Bible studies on her website. (Click on the highlighted words.)

Now, for an opportunity to receive a copy of one of Jennifer's books.

At least ten readers must comment and share in order for there to be a book give-away. So come on everyone. Join in. Follow these easy steps to qualify for the random drawing.

1. Leave a comment on this blog. (Include your name and email address if you want to be included in the drawing. I will use your address to contact you if you win.)  

2. Share this blog post on Facebook so your friends will read about it and visit too, tweet it if you have twitter, and mention the book give-away on your own blog if you have one.  It would be great it you would become a follower of this site, so you won't miss a single post. 

Complete these steps by 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 12th. A winner will be announced here on Monday, January 14th, so be sure to check back to see if you've won.

Thank you for supporting my writing by reading and commenting on this blog. You are a blessing to me. Please come again. 

For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for well-being, and not for calamity, in order to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ISV

 

 

Fit for the Flames -- Throwing out the flowers and resolving to abide in the Vine

Dead flowers thrown into the fire--January 1, 2013

The bright colors of my Christmas bouquet faded and the pristine blossoms wilted.  The once vibrant and fragrant beauties withered, and now they are without a doubt . . . lifeless. Their drooping heads over dried and brittle leaves were no longer of any use to me, so . . . I tossed them into the fire last night.  As I watched them burn, I thought. . . that’s me without God. 

If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.  John 15:6

These are Jesus' words.

Think about it.  Jesus is our source of life.  He is our life blood.  He is the True Vine.  We are the branches that flourish and grow as long as we are connected to Him—abiding in Him.  If we become cut off from the source of Life, by our own choice or neglect or by never having connected to Him in the first place, we cannot sustain life.  We wither.  Strength and vitality fades away. 

Jesus said He came not only that we might have life, but also that we might have it abundantly.  (See John 10:10)

That connectivity, that abiding, is through a relationship with God.  We can have the abundant life that God wants us to have if we maintain our connection to Him.  It’s through that relationship that we draw from the boundless source of all things good. 

As we stay connected to Him every day, we bring forth fruit.  Beautiful delicious life-giving fruit.  All that we are created to be in Christ Jesus, all the good things that we go about doing each day--all the things that we do to His glory.  Jesus said we will bring forth fruit.

I am the vine, ye are the branches.  He that abideth in me, and I in Him, the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without me ye can do nothing.  John 15:15

Photo courtesy of Jeanne Henriques



Can this be our New Year’s resolution?  To abide in the Vine?  And what might we do to maintain that connectivity to God in the everyday moments of life?

Might you consider leaving a comment?  I’d love to read your thoughts.

How the Moose in the Microwave Jarred My Memory

My microwaveable moose

I might pride myself on my marvelous memory if it weren’t for the moose in the microwave.  I open the door of the microwave to prepare some frozen veggies for dinner, and out pops his fuzzy head.

 How did I forget him there?
 

It’s a microwaveable plush pet filled with dried lavender that provides hours of warm comfort on a winter night . . . when I don’t forget to take it out of the microwave.  I really do enjoy its soothing aromatic benefits, so how is it that distractions or busyness or just plain forgetfulness cause me to leave it forgotten there.

The moose in the microwave reminded me last night that I need not forget the Lord’s benefits.  (I love how Scriptures pop into my mind at unexpected times.)  When I saw the moose, I remembered these words. . .

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm103:2

With 2012 almost history, and the New Year a sunrise away, now is a good time to remember all the things that God has done for us this year.  Coming face to face with my forgetfulness last night, I got out a pen and paper and made a list of all the noteworthy things that have happened to me and for me in 2012.  I filled several pages with. . .

—particular prayers that God had answered not only for me and my family but on behalf of others as well

--the many times He got me and mine over hurdles, moving a few mountains too

--the milestones accomplished by nothing less than His mercy and grace

--and special memories I now treasure.

I was surprised by how much I had already forgotten.  It was a joy to look back over the year and make the list.

This week a friend shared an idea for a “kindness jar”, or a “thankfulness jar” as some people call it.  It's a way to keep track of the good that happens over the year.  Write down the things you want to remember on slips of paper, store them in a jar, then read them all over again at the end of the year.  That's a fun way to preserve those memories. 

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34.

                                         Court House in historic Washington, Georgia
 

As we count down the minutes until the New Year, I am thanking God for you along with all my other blessings.  Thank you so much for being a part of Write Moments with God.

Go into the New Year with God and allow Him to lead the way for you.  Happy New Year!

Click on the word "comment" or the little pencil image below if you would like to leave a comment.  I appreciate hearing from you.

For Unto Us a Child is Born

The day after Christmas . . .

I slept late, then had coffee in bed where I finished reading one book and started another.  What a luxury to linger in my own comfortable place.  I thanked God for the quiet stillness.

After checking my messages and mail, I stretched out on the sofa and watched the lights twinkling on the tree.  Shining bright. . . I thanked the Light of the World for bringing us all together for the celebration of His birth.

After days and days of fast-paced holiday preparations, Christmas day has come and passed. I praise God for all the good times and wonderful memories.  I needed this day to linger in His peace, and remember with gratitude the love and laughter in my life.  My spirit is renewed.

I notice the baby Jesus in the nativity scene we've had since 1980.  I praise God for my family.

According to my nightly routine, I turned on the TV for the evening news.  Chaos erupted on the screen--reports of murder, homes ablaze, anguish, and confusion in the world.  Tonight, it's just too much to take in.  Not tonight.  I can't watch it.  I immediately turn it off. 

I'd rather hold onto the baby Jesus.  I thank God for loving us so much that He sent the Christ Child to be the Savior of the world.  I want to embrace all the promises embodied in His Name.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  (Isaiah 9:6)



                                                                     Our Precious Moments nativity

I pray that Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace will live and reign in your heart.  I welcome Him into mine, and you as well.  May God be with you.

Come Quickly Lord Jesus

On the way to Bethlehem -- Google image

I’ve heard it said that we are in God’s waiting room.  At first thought somber images come to mind, but those are quickly displaced by the sweetest memories of waiting in the delivery room.  We’ve all awaited the birth of a baby.  An expectant mother learns best what it means to wait.  She anticipates in trepidation the long awaited event.  Although she may fear the unknown and the pain to be endured, she expects to joyfully welcome the baby into her arms and her heart and her life.  I remember well preparing with tender care for the arrivals of my own six children. I would clean the house, and pack my overnight bag, having prepared a place for the baby, and gently folding and touching every piece of the tiny layette.

Mary waited for the arrival of  her child--the long anticipated, foretold through the ages, arrival of our flesh and blood Savior.  Like every young mother, she watched for signs that the day was approaching.  Every little flutter deep within, as close as her heartbeat, caused her to be still and know that the day was coming.

Advent marks a season when Christians everywhere relive those events which led up to the birth of the Messiah.  Advent is a season of waiting in which we prepare our hearts to receive our Lord.  Every year we celebrate with renewed joy because we know it is eternally relevant to us who live by faith. 

Yes, you might say, we are in God’s waiting room. 

With his humble birth, the Word of God was made flesh, and God lived amongst us.  

After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into Heaven, the apostles and believers awaited the promise of the Father, and the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost. 

Today we await the final manifestation of His glory for which we pray every day . . . thy kingdom come . . .  the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

And it will surely come, just as surely as the child was born, and the Holy Spirit descended from Heaven.

May our hearts be filled with joy this season.  We serve a faithful and living God who always delivers what He promises. He will not disappoint us.  Today let us pray as Mary must have prayed, Oh come quickly Lord Jesus. 

Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he comes shall find watching.  Luke 12:37a (KJV)

Window in The Church of the Most Holy Trinity--Augusta, GA

 



God bless you at Christmas and always.  I'm so glad we can meet on Write Moments with God.

Deliver Us from Evil

 

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

This is not the meditation I intended to write for you during this Holy season.  It's not the meditation I want to write.  But with evil spreading like a cancer throughout the world, I think I must write these strong words, at least this once.  We must recognize our enemy.

Be vigilant, my brothers and sisters.

A horrible and unimaginable slaughter happened on Friday.  Twenty innocent six and seven year old children were murdered in their classrooms.  Six of their teachers and caregivers were slaughtered along with them.  A mother died at the hands of her son.  And the murderer took his own life.  Hundreds of children and families were terrorized, scarred for life, and a community is devastated.  We are in shock.

As our hearts break, so let any illusions shatter that we might have about the existence of evil.  Evil is amongst us.

As Christians, we know that Satan is the god of this world and he claims authority over it.  (See John 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4)  We know that he comes to kill, steal, and destroy.  Anyone or anything that causes such death and destruction has the devil's mark on it.  Satan's signature.  He is the guilty one.  Evil exits in this world, but we are not without hope.

Jesus prayed to His Father for us who believe in Him.  Read His words.

"I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  I pray not that thou should take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil."  John 17:14-15

He asked God to keep us from the evil.  In the garden of Gethsemane, knowing what He would endure, He knew we would face the problem of evil. 

Jesus taught us to pray, succint and powerful words.  See Matthew 6:9-13 for our Lord's prayer.

. . . and deliver us from evil, He said.

Jesus did not pray that we would be taken out of this world.  On the contrary.  He said, "Go".  (See Matthew 28: 16-20)  He sent us out into the world with the Great Commission.  He wants us to be His body here, doing the Father's will until He returns.

But He encouraged us and expects us to encourage one another.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be
where I am."  John 14:1-3

Thank you Jesus for that promise.

The Apostle Paul, who would suffer great evil and died a martyr's death for the cause of Christ, wrote these words.

"We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.  According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage each other with these words." 1 Thessalonians 4: 14-18

One day those of us who believe will be reunited with those who have gone before, and evil will be no more.

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor cryng, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4

Our hearts break for those suffering families in Newtown, Connecticut.  But not only for those there.  But there, and there, and there. . . everywhere in the world where Satan leaves his signature. 

I ask you to pray for God's mercy for those who suffer and for the world.  Care for one another and encourage each other, and pray often, Lord deliver us from evil.  Jesus Christ alone can heal the broken hearts and restore lives.  He alone is the answer to the problem of evil in this world.

 

Please forgive me for being lengthy, but this has been burning in my heart all weekend. God be with you and yours.

 

(All highlighted words are linked to an online bible if you want to read more of the referenced Scriptures.)