Sweet to the Soul: Health to the Bones

Photo courtesy of Jeanne Henriques Collage of Life

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. (NIV)

Heaviness in the heart of man makes it stoop: but a good word makes it glad. (AKJV)

Grief  in the heart of a man shall bring him low, but with a good word he shall be made glad.(Douay-Rheims) (All the above verses are Proverbs 12:25.)

I unwrapped a Halls cough drop for my sore throat and noticed words, pleasant sayings written on the wrapper.

“Don’t give up.”

“Seize the day.”

“A pep talk in every drop.”

Short simple sayings, but they actually started to work immediately on my attitude. Their effectiveness penetrated deep causing a boost of inspiration. My spirits lifted. I smiled.

We all know pleasant words make us feel good. The proverbs of Solomon instruct us about words and their power. Words can inspire all kinds of emotions and actions. But Proverbs 16:24 takes it further than that.

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Proverbs16:24

Not only do words build up the soul, they can build up the physical body. They can give us strength. Pleasant words can bring joy to the depressed, healing for those who hurt.

I’m not talking about denying reality. We do have to deal with the facts of the struggles and obstacles we face.  Even so, when my soul is built up, my faith is increased, and I am better able to overcome those obstacles.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.  Proverbs 18:21

A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.  Proverbs 18:6

Do we curse ourselves by the poisonous words we speak that are lacking the life-giving power of faith?

I think this week I will be diligent to speak words of faith that promote life  and vitality, words that agree with God’s Word and build up my faith and give me hope.  I want to be diligent to speak words that sooth the soul and strengthens the bones.  Not only for myself, but especially for those in need all around me.  Will you do the same? God will give us the opportunities.  Let’s be ready.

Rainbow passing over her farm ~ photo courtesy of Jeanne Henriques
Collage of Life

Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  I am honored you spent some of your time with me. Feel free to share your thoughts below. I always like to hear from you.

Blessed to Be a Blessing

Beautiful Sunset on Beaver Creek Reservoir ~ photo courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

“I keep to myself.” My friend explained her habit, her way of coping with many of life’s issues. Those words coming from my beautiful self-confident friend surprised me and struck a cord.  I understood oh so well.

 I keep to myself.  

Our lives are so busy with work and family.  We concentrate our efforts at home. In addition to that, people hurt us. It’s natural to withdraw.  But not only withdraw from the person who hurt us, but also to associate the hurts to entire groups of people, to institutions.  

A dog bit you. So now you are afraid of ALL dogs.  Not just the mean little critter that sunk his teeth into your ankle twenty years ago, but to every single creature with four legs and a tail.  (I exaggerate to make my point.)

But the words “I keep to myself” kept nagging me.

I thought about my gifts. Those wonderful graces the Lord has bestowed upon me, my talents and strengths that I usually fail to appreciate.

And what about spiritual gifts?  We are told to “desire spiritual gifts” (1Corinthians 14:1) and “seek that we might excel to the edifying of the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:12)

So that would mean that the gifts God has given me are not just for my own personal development and enjoyment, they are for the benefit of the body of Christ.  We should use our gifts to edify the church.  By the church I’m not speaking of that brick and mortar building on the corner.  I’m referring to the body of Christ—those of us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and call Him Lord.

“Edify” means to build up.  To me that also implies restoration.  A restoration into a relationship God designed us for before the foundation of the world.

So then, my conscience convicts me.

My tendency to “keep to myself”, to withdraw, to be hyper-critical of my gifts and talents and hide them away…to that tendency I begin to sense a gentle calling in my spirit, “No no, my child. Love edifies.  Love builds up.  Love restores.”

And the light comes on in my mind and shines in my heart.  Now I get it Lord!   It would be like hiding my light under a bushel.  (Matthew 5:15)  I can’t do that.  I have to let it shine.

All for His glory.

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: til we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God….

Ephesians 4: 12-13a

Cape Henry Lighthouse on Fort Story ~ by Eileen DeCamp

Thanks for visiting Write Moments with God.  This isn't the neat little devotion I intended to bring you today, but it is the meditation that kept speaking to my heart. I hope it speaks to yours as well.  Be blessed and be a blessing.

I'd like to thank again Eileen DeCamp for her beautiful photography that she so generously shares with me. What a blessing this lovely and talented Christian friend has been to me. Thank you, Eileen.

And now to announce the winner of last week's book give-away.

Janet McPherson will be receiving a copy of Kathy Collard Miller's book, Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries.  Thank you Kathy for being my guest last week, and thank you Janet for sharing your thoughts with us.

Kathy Collard Miller ~ Guest Author, Plus Monthy Book Give-Away

Kathy Collard Miller

Kathy Collard Miller is our guest today on Write Moments with God. She is a speaker and author with a passion to inspire women to trust God. Kathy has 49 published books including Women of the Bible: Smart Guide to the Bible (Thomas Nelson). She has spoken in 31 states and 7 foreign countries, and she blogs at www.KathyCollardMiller.blogspot.com. Kathy lives in Southern California with her husband of 44 years, Larry, and is the proud grandma of Raphael. Kathy and Larry often speak together at marriage events and retreats. 

Kathy is sharing an excerpt from her book, Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries. It really touches my mother's heart. At the end of the post, I will tell you how you can win a copy of Kathy's book.

“Let Him Need Me”

by Kathy Collard Miller

Several years ago, when my son, Mark, was 14, I faced the challenge of releasing him to fly alone for the first time from California to Florida to attend a Christian golf camp. As I explained how he should find his connecting flight in Dallas, Mark brushed me off by saying, “I know, Mom, I’ll be okay.” I didn’t think he knew at all how to “read” the arrival/departure monitor. Dallas was a huge airport, often requiring a long walk to a distant gate—sometimes even transferring to another terminal on a train. “He’ll never find the correct gate,” I moaned to myself.

Several hours later, about the time Mark would arrive in Dallas, I felt tension seep into my neck muscles. I knew the phone would ring any moment with Mark telling me he had missed his connecting flight. How was I going to help him? I felt tense about him being alone and tense that I felt so helpless.

As I tried to keep busy doing housework, I suddenly sensed God whisper in my heart, “You're worried because you want him to fail.”

I couldn’t believe that was true. First of all, I wasn't worried, I was just concerned. And secondly, what kind of mother would want her child's failure?

But God persisted, “You are worried because you want to be needed. Let him need Me instead.”

I was shocked, but soon realized it was true. I wanted to be a part of his life—even in this situation. Mark needing me to help him would make me feel important and included.

That evening, the phone rang and it was Mark—in Florida. He had arrived safely. “Did you have trouble finding your connecting flight in Dallas?” I asked him nervously.

“No, Mom,” he replied matter-of-factly but with a touch of sarcasm in his voice. “It was directly across from the gate where I arrived.”

I fell silent. God had provided for him and I had unexpectedly learned the blessing of releasing my son to God’s loving care and calling worry worry!

BOOK SUMMARY:

It is possible to worry less through trusting God more. Regardless of the storms of trials, temptations, worry, uncertainty, confusion, or regrets that you're facing, you can trust God more. Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries offers personal testimonies, practical illustrations, and solid biblical teaching for breaking anxiety and the devastating effects of worry. Each chapter includes Discussion Questions for individuals or groups, along with a “Letter from God.” In addition, a profile of a woman in the Bible who struggled with or experienced victory over worry is featured in each chapter to inspire every reader to see God's hand in her life.

Don't be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. Luke 12:32 NIV

            I hope Kathy's message has encouraged you.

Please leave a comment below with your email address and you will be included in the drawing for a copy of Partly Cloudy with Scattered Worries. The winner will be announced Monday, August 11th, here on the blog.  Blessings! I'm so glad you joined me today.

Return to Me and Close the Gap

Photo courtesy of Google image

As some of you may know, I’ve just taken a bit of a vacation from my normal routine.  But changing my normal routine caused me to change my daily devotional time, and it was sometimes haphazard.  As I embraced more carefree activities, I neglected to spend as much time in Bible study. I began to feel like I was neglecting God. I certainly didn’t intend to do that.

There is a powerful draw of the world, the flesh, and the devil (See 1 John 2:16) even when we vacation.

But God has made it so easy for us as His children to close the gap between ourselves and Him.

Thus declares the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you.  Zechariah 1:3 b ESV

The apostle James tells us “Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you.” (James 4:8)

He will draw close.  He who is full of mercy and lovingkindness WILL draw close.

If we drift from God, He is happy to renew fellowship and a loving relationship with us.  He waits for our response to Him, and when we draw nearer to Him, He quickly closes that gap between us and Himself.

When we commit ourselves to pursue God, He will be found.  (See Jeremiah 29:14)

His presence can be powerfully real, and by the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we can have a vibrant fulfilling relationship with our God.

Jesus said “Come to me….and I will refresh you.” Matthew 11:28(Douay-Rheims)

I took this picture while on vacation in Quebec City in 2011. 

Thank you for taking some of your time today to visit Write Moments with God.  I pray all is well with you and yours.  It's my pleasure to be back with you today.  May God bless you.

Your Strength is to "Sit Still" in Quietness and Confidence in GOD

A quiet shady place to sit still in my own backyard

Their strength is to sit still. Isaiah 30:7

I understand how not “sitting still” can wear a body out, as well as keep you from hearing from the Lord. My sister used to say to me, almost every time she came over, “Sit down! Can’t you ever be still?” I blamed my constant doing on the fact that I have six children. Well, most of the children have grown up and gone, and I still find myself too busy to be still.

When my Scripture reading led me to the words of Isaiah 30:7 last week, I sat quietly a few minutes to let them sink into my soul…and I listened.

Their strength is to sit still. (v.7)

For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. Isaiah 30:15

But, I’m in the process of doing my thing, ticking off the tasks on my to-do list, accomplishing some goal?  So what!  All of my striving can never take the place of God’s leading and His strength. I don’t want to be as obstinate as the rebellious children of Israel. 

Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:7

God can accomplish His will in my life if I wait patiently on Him. 

Our strength comes when we humble ourselves enough to sit still in dependence upon God and in submission to His Holy will, which is far better and above anything we could imagine. 

I’d like to share a quote from one of my favorite devotionals.  This is from Oswald Chamber’s My Utmost for His Highest:

“It sounds so easy to talk about ‘resting in the Lord’ and ‘waiting patiently for Him’ until the nest is upset—until we live, as so many are doing in tumult and anguish; is it possible then to rest in the Lord? … Resting in the Lord does not depend on external circumstances at all, but on your relationship to God Himself.”

So with my calendar full of visitors and day trips, birthdays and celebrations, I’ve decided to take a little vacation from the blog. I hope to “sit still” before God often and return to you refreshed and inspired with a new meditation on July 28^th.

The Church of the Most Holy Trinity ~ Augusta, GA

Thank you so much for visiting Write Moments with God.

Eileen DeCamp  will be receiving a signed copy of God,Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments. 

My sincere thanks to all of you who visited and commented on the blog last week. Your kind words and encouragement mean more to me than you will ever know.  Be blessed.

Strangers in a Strange Land ~ Plus Win a Signed Copy of God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea

"Bonjour" welcome sign picture courtesy of Jeanne Henriques ~ Collage of Life

Today we're looking forward to the arrival of our French guest.  My daughter and her family are in China; my son is in Japan.  Many of you are planning your own summer travels. With that on my mind, I decided to share a chapter from devotional, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments.  I'm also giving away a signed paperback copy.  I hope you'll enjoy this.

Strangers in a Strange Land

“If you call ‘Father’ the one who judges everyone impartially according to what they have done, you must live in reverent fear as long as you are strangers in a strange land” 1 Peter 1:17 (ISV).

I love being a citizen of the United States of America—a nation of immigrants from all over the world.   So it was with much enthusiasm that I taught English to speakers of other languages.  In addition to language, I also taught our culture and history, and endeavored to impart to my students an appreciation for the American way of life.  Assimilation and acculturation are objectives for newcomers in order to help them overcome the feelings of alienation in a foreign land.  When immigrants begin to melt into the life and culture of American, they begin to feel they belong here.

While reading the above scripture in 1 Peter, I began to realize that we as Christians must do just the opposite of those students.  Rather than assimilate the ways of our world, it is our calling, and our challenge, to live in this world, yet keep ourselves “unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).  We are strangers in a strange land.

 On this journey of faith, we are called to holy living. As we live a sanctified life, we come to realize that all this world has to offer is vanity, and that only God can give us the true desires of our hearts.  Peter beseeches us as “strangers and pilgrims” to live in reverential fear of God the Father.  We must live according to His Holy Word, not being conformed to the customs and ways of this world. 

The Psalmist said “I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me” (Psalm 119:19).  As we walk with Him in faith, on our way to heaven, we desire more and more to understand God’s commandments and serve Him.  With our sights on Him, this world is indeed passing away, and our heavenly destination is becoming more the reality.

Suggested readings:  Psalm 39:12; Psalm 119:19; Psalm 119:54; Hebrews 11:13; James 1:27; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 Peter 2:11.

Journal Considerations:  Are there some “ways of the world” that you are trying not to assimilate?

Why do you think Peter calls us strangers and pilgrims?

Prayer:  Dear Father God, have mercy on me.  Thank you for your grace that sustains me on this journey.  I pray that You might count me in your household of faith.  Thank you for Your Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ Holy Name, I pray. Amen.

Today’s Sweet Tea Moment: May I pass the time of this pilgrimage honoring God.

Prayer Focus: Missionaries serving God in foreign lands.

Photo courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

Thanks for visiting Write Moments with God.  

Now, if you'd like to be included in the drawing for a signed copy of my award 

winning devotional, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea, please leave a 

comment below (with your email address if I don't have it already) AND share 

this post on your social media sites.  I'd appreciate that very much. The 

winner will be announced on Monday, July 7th.  Blessings!

More Than a Mantra ~ All Praise to You Lord God

Ludwig Bemelman's Madeline ~ photo courtesy of Google

My girls and I were big fans of Madeline  , the precocious and charmingly impetuous star of Ludwig Bemelman’s books.  Madeline isn’t afraid of anything and in the movie version her mantra is

“I can do anything.”

(Click on the caption above to watch one of our favorite Madeline stories.)

Her mantra has always reminded me of the following scripture verse:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

The truth of Philippians 4:13 is more than a mantra, more than a “positive declaration”.

It is true that some of us see ourselves so highly that the attitude “I can do anything” lurks just beneath the surface. Most of us are guilty to some extent in some areas of an attitude of superiority. But then again, there is the other extreme.  “I can’t do anything.”  “I can’t get anything right.” Divorce, illnesses, financial difficulties—lots of situations can chip away at self-confidence.

The truth of the matter is wellness resides in the truth of who I am in Christ Jesus.

Based on God’s truth, based on who I am in Him, I can be secure in His promise, that I can do anything that’s in His will for me to do… if I cooperate with Him.

Consider Peter who walked on the water to Jesus.

Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the

water.” And He (Jesus) said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and

walked on the water and came toward Jesus. Matthew 14:28-29

When Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he walked on the water.  It was when he looked at the conditions around him that he became afraid and began to sink. I like the fact that those on the boat worshipped Jesus after they saw what had happened.  They didn’t run to Peter to applaud him for his great feat.

We need to praise God for all our talents and gifts and consecrate them to the service of Him who gave them.

I love King David’s words after his successful fund-raiser for building the great Temple. Was David all puffed up with pride by his success?  Not at all.  Here is his prayer:

So David blessed the LORD in the sight of all the assembly; and David said,

“Blessed are You, O LORD God of Israel our father, forever and ever.

“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the

victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the

earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over

all. “Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in

Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and

to strengthen everyone. “Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and

praise Your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

Can I get an “Amen ”?

This beautiful photo of Virginia Beach is courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

I'm honored you took some of your time to visit Write Moments with God.  I hope you have a glorious day.  All thanks and praise be to God.