Are You Stuck in the Mud?
My husband and I live across the street from a pond. The geese come over all the time, but on this particular day we also had a turtle visit. As I drove out of the driveway I noticed him attempting to get up on solid ground but it seemed the more he tried the more his back legs produced a mud puddle. He just could not get enough traction to get himself up out of that hole. He needed help. So I got out and used a stick to help lift him up.
Deciding to observe his progress, I sat there watching. Low and behold he worked himself right back down in to the mud. I thought okay I will get out and give him another opportunity to get going. This time his back feet found the solid ground and he starting moving very quickly away from the trap that had had him stuck.
I usually ask God what He would have me learn spiritually from such a lesson. I began to think of all the times I have been stuck in the same sin, the same rut, the same bad habit or wrong attitude. I, like the turtle, have often slipped right back down, unable to get a foothold to get out and move toward the goal and purpose for my life.
God comes along and say’s, “Oh, Sandra, here you are again in the same rut, let me help you”. Praise Him He does not use a stick to brow beat me or punish me for my failure. He gently uses what it takes to move me out of my rut and help me progress to my destination. Sometimes He has to use the refining fire. It may not feel good but He knows just what I need.
Hopefully, I have learned to head straight to God’s designed calling in my desire to make it home to my finished line. The turtle knew where he wanted to go as he walked lickety split across the road and up the hill to the pond where he would receive the water and nourishment he needed, but without a little assistance I don’t know if He would have made it out of the rut.
I have found that it is a whole lot easier to allow God to use the method He needs to help me progress toward the goal of the His high calling for me. You might find yourself in a hard place, feeling as if you are stuck in the mud, not going anywhere. I urge you to remember that God is watching and knows when to arise and push you onto solid ground. Cry out for His help. The more you fight the more mud you make creating no way out. If you wait on Him, maybe the mud would dry up and then you could have that foothold. Let’s be smarter than the turtle and learn to wait on Him.
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Friday, February 20, 2015
Day 52
Are you praying for Divine appointments each day?
“2 Chronicles 16:9, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”
As a nurse I came in contact with many people during the course of a workday. I approached each day with anticipation of who the Lord will bring my way. I prayed on the way to work that He would use me in any way He would see fit and that I would be attune to His leading. I have been amazed at the times I knew in my heart that the patient I spoke to that day was my divine appointment.
One day I knew as I looked into the eyes of my patient that she was filled with pain and sorrow. As we talked and I got her health history the subject came up that she had lost her son in an awful automobile accident years ago and several years later she also lost her husband to cancer.
As she shared tears began to well up in her eyes and it seemed that she was talking about a recent loss but the more we talked I realized that both losses had been years ago. My job was to listen but I found there was another voice speaking. I knew the Holy Spirit was telling me to pray with her before I left the room. There have been some times that the Lord instructed me to speak with folks when I did not want to but my desire is to always be obedient, even when it doesn't feel comfortable.
Gratefully, the lady accepted my offer to pray as giant tears rolled down her cheeks. It was the most precious moment as we bowed to pray together.
I urge you each morning, before your daily activities, to meet with the Lord in prayer and Bible reading, asking Him to show you your divine appointment for the day. You will sense the Holy Spirit quickening your heart to reach out to the people He brings, whether it's to pray with them or to speak just the right word they need for that day.
As you pray for your divine appointment they will come but the test will be your response? Will you be too afraid to speak out and miss that opportunity to share the Lord with them or will you choose to be obedient to His leading? We are often quick to be critical of Jonah who didn’t want to witness to the people of Ninevah but then we do the same thing when we refuse to be a witness to those He brings across our paths on a daily basis.
In “A passion for God” by Greg Laurie he writes: “Nothing is more exciting than knowing you’re in the midst of a divine appointment and that God is using you at that moment for His purposes.”
Will you begin, if you haven’t already, looking for His divine assignments? Remember He brings us through things in our lives so that we can bring comfort to others because of the comfort He has comforted us with. He knows your heart and I pray it is loyal to Him and that His eye will find you strong on His behalf.
“2 Chronicles 16:9, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”
As a nurse I came in contact with many people during the course of a workday. I approached each day with anticipation of who the Lord will bring my way. I prayed on the way to work that He would use me in any way He would see fit and that I would be attune to His leading. I have been amazed at the times I knew in my heart that the patient I spoke to that day was my divine appointment.
One day I knew as I looked into the eyes of my patient that she was filled with pain and sorrow. As we talked and I got her health history the subject came up that she had lost her son in an awful automobile accident years ago and several years later she also lost her husband to cancer.
As she shared tears began to well up in her eyes and it seemed that she was talking about a recent loss but the more we talked I realized that both losses had been years ago. My job was to listen but I found there was another voice speaking. I knew the Holy Spirit was telling me to pray with her before I left the room. There have been some times that the Lord instructed me to speak with folks when I did not want to but my desire is to always be obedient, even when it doesn't feel comfortable.
Gratefully, the lady accepted my offer to pray as giant tears rolled down her cheeks. It was the most precious moment as we bowed to pray together.
I urge you each morning, before your daily activities, to meet with the Lord in prayer and Bible reading, asking Him to show you your divine appointment for the day. You will sense the Holy Spirit quickening your heart to reach out to the people He brings, whether it's to pray with them or to speak just the right word they need for that day.
As you pray for your divine appointment they will come but the test will be your response? Will you be too afraid to speak out and miss that opportunity to share the Lord with them or will you choose to be obedient to His leading? We are often quick to be critical of Jonah who didn’t want to witness to the people of Ninevah but then we do the same thing when we refuse to be a witness to those He brings across our paths on a daily basis.
In “A passion for God” by Greg Laurie he writes: “Nothing is more exciting than knowing you’re in the midst of a divine appointment and that God is using you at that moment for His purposes.”
Will you begin, if you haven’t already, looking for His divine assignments? Remember He brings us through things in our lives so that we can bring comfort to others because of the comfort He has comforted us with. He knows your heart and I pray it is loyal to Him and that His eye will find you strong on His behalf.
Day 51
Choosing a Spiritual Mentor
For several years, I have had a picture on the end table with this Bible verse on it: “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4 NASB
This year has been a fulfillment of seeing both our children desiring a deeper walk in the truth of God’s Word for their lives. One has come a far distance from a far country. One has stayed close to home but the desire to draw nearer in her relationship with the Lord, is no less sweet. Our son had a deep personal experience with the Lord recently, surrendering to Him and His purpose for his life. Afterwards, he asked me to give him a daily Bible verse. We have had many opportunities for discussion and sharing because of his new found openness to the Word.
Our daughter recently asked me if I would be her spiritual mentor. What a privilege it was to be asked to fill such an important role. For several years, I have been blessed by my own spiritual mentor… most often I call her my Spiritual Mother. I have been strengthened and encouraged beyond measure just knowing she is praying and seeking God’s Word for me.
What is a mentor? Funk and Wagner’s states: “A wise and trusted teacher, guide, friend, an elderly mentor or adviser.” Sometimes I question my wisdom; but the elderly part sure fits the bill! As we age, we sometimes come to the false conclusion that we are not valuable. Let’s face it, sometimes the worldly realm forces that concept but age is often a qualification for being a wise mentor yet not all elderly are wise.
Several years ago, a friend gave me a handkerchief with the word Mother on it. In her card, she stated that she was looking for just the right thing to send with me on an upcoming mission trip and was led to this handkerchief. She said, “but Lord it says Mother on it.” She wrote: “I said “now what Lord?” And He said, “she is your mother… your Spiritual Mother.” I have carried that card and hanky in my Bible since 2003 as a reminder that God has entrusted me with a grave responsibility as I mentor each spiritual child He sends my way.
Who has God placed in your sphere of influence to either be a mentor to or to mentor you? Your choice of a mentor is critical, chose wisely.
Ruth 1:16King James Version (KJV)
16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
You never know when you may be having an impact on someone with whom God has connected you. He may use you to be a mentor to a younger woman either in age or spiritual maturity. It is an awesome responsibility as we show by example what an intimate walk with the Lord can be.
God wants to mentor you and guide you as you submit to Him by His indwelling Spirit but it can be prudent to have a human mentor to guide you also.
When choosing a mentor, follow these guidelines:
Choose someone you have observed for a period of time on their journey with the Lord. Do they practice Godly principles?
Do they wholeheartedly love the Word and direct you to it. His Word is life to us. We don’t need someone else’s opinion but rather a Word from God.
Do they daily display the fruit of the spirit as much as is humanly possible?
Do they have joy in their hearts despite their circumstances?
Do they love unconditionally and listen to you without judgment?
Do they set aside personal time to retreat with the Lord and hear from Him on a regular basis?
Have you observed their prayer life and believe they will remain faithful in their prayers for you?
Are they seeking the mind of Christ through personal Bible study and personal growth?
Are you strengthened and uplifted in your spirit by their spirit as it is nurtured and guided by the Holy Spirit and God’s Word?
Does their passion for the Lord ignite in you a hunger and thirst for God and the things of God?
Pray for those you mentor today. If you need a mentor ask God to show you that perfect person for you. I am so grateful for the Spiritual Mother God brought to me years ago. To know she is praying for me is in itself empowering.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Day 50
Follow God Wherever He calls
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" Psalm 32:8
Finding the need to get away for renewal and refreshment after full-time ministry I enrolled for a spiritual refreshment seminar at the Cove. Little did I know what God had prepared for me there.
As I checked in at the Lodge a conversation developed on the way to our rooms with a couple on the elevator. They shared that they were in ministry in the Bronx, N.Y. and I remember saying, "I need to hear your story". Imagine my surprise as the speaker called them up on stage to give a synopsis of how God was using them a day later.
Their mission was to reach the prostitute, the homeless, the drug addicts, the poor, the destitute, anyone who needed Christ in their lives. What a demonstration of God's love they were as they shared the passion of their heart.
As I continued to listen to their story I sensed God instructing me to join this couple in their efforts. He began to teach us what that would look like in the following days to come. He also promised to counsel us and watch over us as we obeyed His call.
Is God instructing you to step out in faith and follow Him? Will you trust His promise in faith and follow Him no matter it takes you? Will you trust His promise in our passage to counsel and watch over you in the way you should go? In a little over a month's time we were priveleged to join this couple on mission in the Bronx. God is so amazing!
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you" Psalm 32:8
Finding the need to get away for renewal and refreshment after full-time ministry I enrolled for a spiritual refreshment seminar at the Cove. Little did I know what God had prepared for me there.
As I checked in at the Lodge a conversation developed on the way to our rooms with a couple on the elevator. They shared that they were in ministry in the Bronx, N.Y. and I remember saying, "I need to hear your story". Imagine my surprise as the speaker called them up on stage to give a synopsis of how God was using them a day later.
Their mission was to reach the prostitute, the homeless, the drug addicts, the poor, the destitute, anyone who needed Christ in their lives. What a demonstration of God's love they were as they shared the passion of their heart.
As I continued to listen to their story I sensed God instructing me to join this couple in their efforts. He began to teach us what that would look like in the following days to come. He also promised to counsel us and watch over us as we obeyed His call.
Is God instructing you to step out in faith and follow Him? Will you trust His promise in faith and follow Him no matter it takes you? Will you trust His promise in our passage to counsel and watch over you in the way you should go? In a little over a month's time we were priveleged to join this couple on mission in the Bronx. God is so amazing!
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
Day 48
Get Some Rest
"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest" Mark 6:31.
You know how you long for a time you can get away from the everyday grind and just relax? It seemed our upcoming beach trip was coming at the perfect time to do just that. My body, my mind, my emotions were at an all time point of weariness. Minstry needs and demands were seemingly overwhelming so an out of town get away was more than a longing, it had become a necessity.
As my husband and I drove away from our home, I remember the process of unwinding along the way. I say process because it seems to take me a while to let the responsibilities at home go. I knew God was calling us to come away to a quiet place and to get some much needed rest .
Walking aimlessly on the beach together with my husband or on my own has had some marvelous results. The sight and sounds of the ocean have been renewing in mind and body. The ocean seems to accomplish that for me as I look out over the expanse of the water and marvel.
Even the animals walking and running on the beach seemed to sense it. There is a sense of freedom, of letting go of the cares of the world. There's the opportunity to sing along with the music playing in my ears in a space wide open to God's ears only. Then there's the view and the sounds of His great creation which causes me to praise His goodness. the treasures of special shells lying on the beach just for me, the sense of peace, the knowledge of His love for me in light of my sense of smallness.
Maybe you find you are in a place that you hear Him calling to come aside and rest from your busy schedule. Be obedient to His call, you might find it will be worth it. Make plans to get away and be alone with Him. Sometimes it's the only way you can refocus and hear Him. Then you can return home with a new vision of His plan for the future and renewed energy to carry it out.
Day 47
After the Storm
“He hushes the storm to a calm and to a gentle whisper so that the waves of the sea are still”. Psalm 107:29
When planning a vacation we are often anticipating that the weather will be great each day so we can enjoy our planned activities. When waiting for a recent retreat to the beach we envisioned walks on the beach each day under brightly shining rays of the sun over the waters in the early hours of the day and in the beauty of the sunset.
Most of the days we had set aside to go on that perfect get away had rain and clouds in the forecast. In fact, one day was particularly stormy and we awoke to the sound of high waves crashing on shore.
As evening approached the worse of the storm seemed to be over so I decided to venture out for a walk on the beach. I love walking and gazing over the expanse of the ocean in amazement of God’s creation and the power He has over the boundaries of the ocean. With one word He can cause the waters to ripple as smooth as glass and the next moment He speaks and the waters begin to churn.
this particular day God drew my attention to the shore as I was walking because the waves had produced a lot of dirty foam as they crashed onto the sand. Foam was flying around everywhere as the high winds caught it taking it scurrying everywhere. My thought was how dirty it was but just then as that little ray of sun shone through the clouds, I saw beautifully colored bubbles caused by the crashing waves. There were blues, greens, purples and golden bubbles.
I thought about how the storms of life come crashing in upon us and how we have the choice of allowing them to leave us like the dirty foam, ugly, bitter, unattractive,blown around by the wind. Or, we can allow God to produce beauty in us like the beautifully colored bubbles so that we reflect the rays of the “Son” as we allow His work to be done in us for His kingdom purposes?
Lets chose to praise God for the storms that He has either brought or allowed in our life to grow us, purify us, test us therefore allowing us to walk a closer with Him.
What a difference a day can make in nature and in our lives. One day the waters are calm but many of us know the next can be raging like the crashing of the high waves. How will you respond when the storms come in your life? Will you allow God to do the work in you He wants to and come out of the storm more beautiful? Or will you be found dirty as the foam being blown here and there caught up in the enemies agenda?
Ponder these things and agree with God that no matter what storm comes you will allow Him to do the work in you He desires so that you, as His light shines on you, will reflect His glory where He places you.
“He hushes the storm to a calm and to a gentle whisper so that the waves of the sea are still”. Psalm 107:29
When planning a vacation we are often anticipating that the weather will be great each day so we can enjoy our planned activities. When waiting for a recent retreat to the beach we envisioned walks on the beach each day under brightly shining rays of the sun over the waters in the early hours of the day and in the beauty of the sunset.
Most of the days we had set aside to go on that perfect get away had rain and clouds in the forecast. In fact, one day was particularly stormy and we awoke to the sound of high waves crashing on shore.
As evening approached the worse of the storm seemed to be over so I decided to venture out for a walk on the beach. I love walking and gazing over the expanse of the ocean in amazement of God’s creation and the power He has over the boundaries of the ocean. With one word He can cause the waters to ripple as smooth as glass and the next moment He speaks and the waters begin to churn.
this particular day God drew my attention to the shore as I was walking because the waves had produced a lot of dirty foam as they crashed onto the sand. Foam was flying around everywhere as the high winds caught it taking it scurrying everywhere. My thought was how dirty it was but just then as that little ray of sun shone through the clouds, I saw beautifully colored bubbles caused by the crashing waves. There were blues, greens, purples and golden bubbles.
I thought about how the storms of life come crashing in upon us and how we have the choice of allowing them to leave us like the dirty foam, ugly, bitter, unattractive,blown around by the wind. Or, we can allow God to produce beauty in us like the beautifully colored bubbles so that we reflect the rays of the “Son” as we allow His work to be done in us for His kingdom purposes?
Lets chose to praise God for the storms that He has either brought or allowed in our life to grow us, purify us, test us therefore allowing us to walk a closer with Him.
What a difference a day can make in nature and in our lives. One day the waters are calm but many of us know the next can be raging like the crashing of the high waves. How will you respond when the storms come in your life? Will you allow God to do the work in you He wants to and come out of the storm more beautiful? Or will you be found dirty as the foam being blown here and there caught up in the enemies agenda?
Ponder these things and agree with God that no matter what storm comes you will allow Him to do the work in you He desires so that you, as His light shines on you, will reflect His glory where He places you.
Day 46
Engraved on the Father’s hand
Isaiah 49:16a
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands;.
After a visit to see our son in prison the remembrance of it was indelibly imprinted not only on my mind, but on my hand. As I sat in church the next day preparing for worship I happened to look down and saw the telltale sign of PCI (Piedmont Correctional Institution),which had been stamped on my hand the day before as we checked in to see our son.
I saw many sad things while waiting in line that day with many other family members and friends. Such things as older parents who waited patiently to have those precious two hours with their sons, some with canes, some with oxygen giving them their very breath, yet they made the effort to come visit with their loved one. Those scenes will also be indelibly printed on my mind.
One thing really touched my heart as a family in front of us in line presented themselves at the window to be processed in for their visit with their husband and Father. It took them a very long time and others were becoming very impatient with the wait. After what seemed a very long time, they were turned away because their names were not on the approved list for entrance.
As they turned away from the window I saw the disappointment written all over their faces as the realization sunk in that they would not be seeing their loved one that day. Tears flowed down the cheeks of the young teenage daughter as her Mother explained the situation.
I felt very sad for the family as they made their way back to their car with heads hanging. I also found myself hurting for the inmate who probably was expecting his family for a visit that day. Can you imagine his disappointment and the worry he experienced not knowing why they had not come as promised.
Our names are engraved on the palm of our Heavenly Father’s hand as promised in God’s Word. Engraved, not just stamped with ink that washes away over time. Our names will never be removed, just like the names of our children cannot be removed from our hearts, no matter what they have done or where they are.
Have you made sure your name is written in the book of life? Don’t assume it is, only to stand before Him one day to discover He has to turn you away. Make sure your name is recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life right now if you haven’t settle that with Him. When it is written it can never be removed.
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