~ You're More Beautiful Than You Think ~

~ You're More Beautiful Than You Think ~

My darling and humorous husband loves to tell me how beautiful I look first thing in the morning before I even say goodbye to my comfy bed.   He says, “You are so beautiful, even with your wild and all-over-the-place hair, raccoon eyes (leftover mascara that I missed washing off the night before), no lip gloss, no make-up, just simply you.”  He says this to me so much now that my response went from “You’re kidding, right?”, to my heart melting from his genuine sincerity.   Now, let it be known, I still reach for the Sephora Cosmetic Bag!

There’s one thing though that I’ve learned to realize and it is the power that I have within me to redefine what the world calls beauty.  The world defines beauty as a small waist, perfect smiles and straight hair.   Well, I have the straight hair, but only because of the awesome hair technology treatment called ‘Keratin’ – whoop whoop!  I have discovered the ability to see my real beauty through the eyes of someone who loves me: Jesus Christ.  I’ve discovered my value is not defined by my position or possessions or how I look. 

I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!

    Body and soul, I am marvelously made!

    I worship in adoration—what a creation!

You know me inside and out,

    you know every bone in my body;

You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,

    how I was sculpted from nothing into something.

Psalms 139:13-16 (MSG)

Did you know that only 4% of women all over the world think their body is beautiful? Isn't that unbelievable?!  The bizarre thing is, when asked about the worst part of their bodies, women replied within 2 seconds.  That’s quick, right?  We talk about our thighs, our arms, our nose, our hair, our belly, our toes and more.  Apparently, we know a lot of things about ourselves that we don’t like.  But what about the things we DO like?  How about a beauty challenge ladies?  Let’s start looking at the things we love about ourselves.  Instead of spending so much time analyzing, let’s be more grateful for our natural beauty and spend more time appreciating the things we do like.  

Women and girls of all ages . . . . who doesn’t take a sneak peak in a mirror reflecting object to see yourself?  From cell phones to the ipad, car mirrors, chrome teapots, toasters, windows, bathroom mirrors, to name just a few.  But, when was the last time you smiled back at yourself in that mirror reflecting object and realized you are more than what you see in the mirror?  Starting today, let’s get past the mirror.  Perhaps you could start by giving the women around you compliments, and then start giving yourselves even better ones – lighten up on yourself.  God doesn’t make junk; you’re His unique masterpiece.  Even as a mother, the way a girl feels about her beauty starts with the way you feel about yours.  Wow!  There’s a beauty legacy starting right there! You are more beautiful than you think!  Happy girls really are the prettiest girls! 

~ Mary McIver

                                                                                             

Read more >>

Practicing His Presence

Have you ever wondered how it's possible to fulfill certain scriptures? I Thessalonians 5:16-18 offers these instructions to us as believers. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

The words used here are pretty emphatic... "always, without ceasing, and in everything". I think where I've gotten tripped up in the past is looking at scriptures like this as a task list, when really what God is talking about is doing a heart check.

Rejoicing always and giving thanks are a state of the heart, not just positive words and emotions. For myself, these things spring from knowing and focusing on all that Christ has done for me on the inside, that as time goes on I see so marvelously manifesting all around me on the outside. It doesn't mean I never have "a moment" when I feel upset or discouraged, but it does mean that it will stay just that...a moment. Rejoicing always and giving thanks are the intentional decision to move past negative feelings and choose not to focus on a problem or challenge, but on the fact my God is bigger than any problem or challenge! 

"Pray without ceasing" can sound like a big order until we understand what prayer really is -- not just words, but a constant state of fellowship between my heart and the Father. I certainly believe that we should have personal, focused times of prayer, but when we leave those times is prayer over for the day? The great evangelist Smith Wigglesworth is quoted as saying this regarding prayer, "I rarely pray longer than 20 minutes at a time, but I never go for more than 20 minutes without praying."

I was walking around my house this morning just loving on the Father...spending time telling Him how grateful I am for all He has done and thanking Him for His goodness. While doing this, I was doing laundry and making my breakfast. When I sat down to eat, I had taken a few bites before I realized I hadn't specifically prayed over my food. All at once I felt a pang of guilt, but no worries... that was quickly dispelled by the Holy Spirit reminding me that I had been in prayer all morning, and my thanksgiving covered the food I was eating. Am I saying not to pray over our food when we eat? Of course not! What I am saying is that a continual state of fellowship with the Father covers so much more than we realize. What God truly desires is my fellowship, not just the things (that if we're honest) we often do more out of form and tradition. I can recall countless times of sweet fellowship when doing housework or driving down the road the Father has revealed things to me, comforted me in amazing ways, and given me direction I needed.

I encourage you to simply begin to practice God's presence. He is always there...right there with you, right now. It doesn't matter where you are in the world, what is going on in your country, in your house, on your job...or anywhere else...He is there. Really, that's all that matters. Don't let so many moments pass without speaking to Him. Love Him... tell Him what is on your heart... thank Him for all He's done... ask Him questions... just be with Him. My eyes fill with tears just thinking of how very glad I am to have Him always so near. He truly is the friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Amazed at His love,

Debbie Beck

Read more >>

The Ugly Sin Within

When I began my research on the topic of the sin of pride, I didn't think that I would be the one getting the lesson on humility. That should have been an obvious sign to me right there! God began to show me how our culture perpetuates this sin, to the Nth degree! Think about social media. What is it that we see a lot on social media? Not all of the time or for all people, but sometimes people post and display their vainglory accomplishments and grandeur that they have attained. Never mind that they have gone into untold debt to "afford" said grandiose ways of life or objects.  And then sometimes we feel compelled to "stay up with the Joneses" so to speak. I suspect some of these same people post their accomplishments to feel approved, "liked," or to feel superior. What ends up happening many times is that it puffs up. I am guilty of this myself. Ouch. Being real honest here. The more likes I may get on that sermon I preached, I feel a little bit of pride trying to subtly inch its way into my life. I have to be very careful not to let this attitude and sin of pride become entrenched in me. I guess I'm in good company. I read a story about a very famous preacher by the name of Charles Spurgeon. It made me feel a little better, but not much ;). Spurgeon had just finished preaching a powerful sermon and as soon as he had spoken his last word, the devil whispered to him, "That was a fine sermon. You preached magnificently!" And for just a moment, he agreed with him. As he was stepping off of the platform, a deacon of that church told him his preaching was a masterpiece. Interrupting him, Spurgeon says, "You're too late. The devil told me that a few moments ago." All people, I don't care who you are, super-spiritual Christian, pastor, volunteer at the church-all of us must engage in the battle to keep the sin of pride from rearing its ugly head. And if you hear preachers who never admit to any weaknesses or shortcomings, beware. A preacher who won't authentically be themselves from the pulpit and every once in while show themselves to have weaknesses, probably has pride. Pride sees faults in others, not within.

So how does God view pride, what are its fruits, and what is the answer to the sin of pride?

Pride stands in direct opposition to God. God hates the sin of pride (Prov. 8:13). God never will and never has tolerated pride. Remember what happened to Lucifer? We read in Ezekiel 28:17 how he was puffed up with pride because of his own beauty and splendor and because of that he wanted to exalt his throne above the stars of God. This literally got him thrown out of heaven and then he became what we call the devil, all because of pride.

We read in 1 John 2:16 that everything in the world system comes from the sin of pride (the boasting of what one has and does) and from the lust of the eyes. Every sin in the world is spawned from these two sins. 

One of the "fruits" (if you want to call it that) of the sin of pride is conflict. Proverbs 13:10 says, "Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise." I dare say that every argument, disagreement, marital conflict, family turmoil, church split, even war-can all be traced back to pride. Pride separates us from other people and from God. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. I surely don't want God to resist me, I want grace! Much better for us to dwell with humility. 

Pride sets itself against God; it says, "I don't need God. I know so much that I can do this on my own!" In regards to people, it places little to no value on God's gifts in others. In relation to oneself, pride boasts that those talents and abilities, which are really gifts from God, were the result of our own doing.  

Pride will cause us to judge other people, to look down on others, to defend ourselves, and to refuse to forgive. If we don't want broken relationships with God and with others, we need to learn to say these words, and say them quickly: "I'm sorry," "I was wrong," "Will you forgive me?" 

Again and again the Bible also repeatedly warns us that pride comes before destruction and a fall (Proverbs 16:18). We should take this pride thing seriously!

The answer, of course, to pride is humility. Humility has the power to annihilate pride. Humility could be defined as not thinking of oneself. C.S. Lewis writes, "Christian humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less." Paul in Philippians 2:3 admonishes us, "Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves." We need to learn from our Master, the Lord Jesus. Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble in heart."  (Matthew 11:29) The evidence that we are learning of Christ is that we are becoming more and more like Him. He humbled himself and took on the nature of a servant and became obedient to death on the cross-for us! (Phil. 2:7-8) If we take an honest assessment of ourselves, are we looking more and more like Jesus or less and less like him? Are we humble, a servant to others, willing to wash others' feet, as the Lord did? 

In order to learn humility, we must first acknowledge that we are proud-whatever that looks like in our lives. And it can take so many different forms. I think one of the most offensive forms is that of religious pride. Pride can be so deceptive-we can even pride ourselves on how humble we are! Oh my, how backwards and upside down is that?! But if we are careful to honestly see ourselves in view of the cross and see how desperately we need a Savior, pride doesn't stand a chance. How can it? All of our righteous acts are like filthy rags to a holy God (Isaiah 64:6). When we remember that, we will truly stay humbled. But we must constantly fight to keep a right view of ourselves in order to not become inflated with pride. Everything we are and everything we have, we have because of God's grace and love. I am sure thankful that the sin of pride, just like every other sin, can be washed away in the blood of Jesus.

Grateful,
Kim Dillingham

Read more >>

I am Enough

"Grace mixed with faith and love poured over me and into me.  All because of Jesus."

(1 Timothy 1:14)

Grace doesn't stop pouring over us the day we call on the name of Jesus, but it continues to wash over our daily lives.  Grace awakens us to a new day and extends to us divine favor.  It exempts us from our debts, evaporates anxiety and drives out fear.  Circumstances arise, but grace overwhelms us with joy.  Grace overflows into the lives around us.. extending God's grace as we love others the way God loved us, through Christ.  The Lord declared,

  "My grace is enough, it's all you need." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

We live in a generation that takes twelve selfies before posting the one where our flaws are hidden by the lighting and perfectly angled lens... we all do it! We update our social media sites with scriptures, recipes, share parenting advice, post workout selfies as well as celebrate life events and pray for one another.  Our lives are intwined together via Facebook, Instagram and Pintrest.. it's a wonderful tool to stay connected with friends across the world.  But when we share our cropped and filtered life, it's easy to forget the battles that each of us are forging through and we may even be tempted to compare our real life "selfie" to the photoshopped lives of our friends.  Well, I have news for you...God created you in HIS image.   He "liked" your unfiltered "selfie" before leaving a comment...

"You are enough." - Jesus

  "Yet grace (God's unmerited favor) was given to each of us individually [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ's [rich and bounteous] gift.  

(Ephesians 4:7)

You are uniquely designed by your creator to fulfill what He has purposed in you from the beginning of time. His grace (unmerited favor, exemption, approval, mercy, pardon, privilege) is enough.  If you didn't take your kids apple picking and bake pumpkin muffins from scratch, His grace is enough.  If you didn't freeze your crockpot meals for the month, and make your own laundry detergent, you are enough.  If you didn't risk hypothermia to dump ice water over your head... we haven't forgotten! ;) When our awareness becomes who we are IN HIM, and we allow God's grace to consume our lives, we can rise above the noise that says we have to be something or do something and we can experience the freedom of...

"I am enough."

"And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted) forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

     The awareness of God's grace working in our lives creates an overflow...that extends grace to those around us.  When we accept Christ to be the Lord over our lives, we are not just excepting a one time gift..we are allowing HIS grace to flow through us on a daily basis. We can put on the new self, created after the likeness of God (Eph. 4:24)...and extend grace to others, just as God has done for us, through His son!

     We don't have to filter and crop our lives for God to accept us as His friend..  We can let go of our shortcomings and allow God's grace to be enough!  It's not about what we do, but what HE has done!
We can wake up and go to bed knowing that no matter what has happened in our day.... "I am enough!"

Read more >>

If I Only Had More Time

Sorry, I don’t have enough time.

I just need more hours in the day.

Have you ever caught yourself thinking these things?  Me too, however I’m convinced I’m wrong!

Our God in His infinite wisdom gave us 24 hours in the day & ordained part of that for sleep, rejuvenation.  He also is the one who numbers our days & promises to give us grace that will help us to live light & free.

“Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  Matthew 11:28-30

I once heard a great man of God say something that impacted me still to this day.  He said, “God won’t give you more than you can do in one day.”  He is a just & loving God!

Well, then, how come our days are too full?  Many reasons, actually!  Are we led by need or by conviction?  In other words, are we doing what everyone asks us to do or what we believe God is telling us to do.  I’m moved by compassion, but refuse to be led by need.

Trust me, everyone needs you!

Nonetheless, I have no problem turning off my phone or letting a call go to voicemail.  This one is just my personal preference, but my phone doesn’t alert me every time I have a new e-mail or a social media update.  No, I just look at those when I have the time to give. 

I guess I’m a mission field junky.  I lived on the mission field before cell phones & even laptops. Yes, no Internet. Gasp.  I long for those days when my day was fully mine & strive to keep in that attitude even now.  It’s nice not to have your attention diverted when focused on something God wants you to accomplish.

I also don’t drop what I’m doing for emergencies that aren’t emergencies at all.  Even Jesus didn’t.  How about the time they were all but demanding He stay, yet He said He had to go in Luke chapter 4.  “The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. ⁴³ But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”

Oh, to learn this lesson.  Yes, I think we overload our schedules by saying, “yes” to man rather than “yes” to God.  After all, He is the one who sees the big picture & knows what will yield the greatest results.

Mastering our own time, one of life’s greatest lessons! 

I’ll conclude with this thought on what God does require of us. As we choose to give God the time He deserves each day, we allow Him to be the orchestrator of our life! He is the best day planner you can ever invest in…  trust me, the one who created it all in 6 & rested on the 7^th, knows just how to order our week!  

~Judi Jo

Read more >>

Quick - Get Into the Lifeboat!

Many years ago, my husband and I were in a small church, which we just loved. As I was praying one morning in March, the Lord spoke to me that we would be leaving that church in July of that year. It was so specific and vivid, that I wrote it in my journal.

We had 3 young children, I was working, and we were very involved in the church. So, I put aside the thought that we would be leaving the church. I put it aside so much, that I completely forgot about it - until the first day of July. The Lord promptly brought it back to my memory. I had shared the Word I received with my husband and he was ready to take the step. I, however, drug my feet. I just wasn't sure it was the right thing to do. I fasted and prayed and prayed and fasted seeking the Lord on what was a big decision for us. Finally, at the end of August, a month late, we shared with the pastors that we would be leaving. Why was it so hard for me to be obedient to what the Lord had given me much notice about?

In Acts 27:27-31, it says: "On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet deep. A short time later, they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet deep. Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved." So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it fall away." [emphasis mine]

In the scripture preceding the above text, Paul and the other shipmates had been battling this storm for several days. They were beginning to give up hope of surviving. But an angel of the Lord had come to Paul the night before and told him that they would all be spared. Paul had then shared this message with those onboard.

But the reality is, that it was not looking good. A few sailors decided they were going to escape via lifeboat. What's the purpose of a lifeboat? To do just that, to save your life; to rescue you at sea. Paul discerned their plan and quickly told them that if they left, they would die.

The very thing that was intended to spare their life (the lifeboat), would be what would take it from them.

I'm just going to ask the question boldly. What are you clinging too, thinking it is your life source, when really it is taking life from you? Maybe it's a relationship, maybe it's a job, maybe it's a church. You are the only one that can answer that question. The truth is this - you will only find life when you cut it away. Perhaps you are like me and God has told you more than once (for me it was way more than once). I encourage you to take the step and cut the lifeboat away. He has not called you to cut it because he wants to take your life. Rather, He wants to GIVE you life.

You see, my friend, when we left that church, it was so hard for me and I fought it. From the natural, it did not look like the right time or the right thing to do in any way. And yet, many years later, I understand that God called us out because He had a mission to accomplish. The church we moved to was pivotal in the spiritual growth of our daughter. Had we not moved, she would have missed that. We had to cut the lifeboat ropes of comfort and familiarity of the church we were in, and trust that God was going to lead us to safety. He did and I am ever so thankful we let the lifeboat go. 

As humans, it is easy to become secure in what is familiar to us. When we have to step into the unknown, that security can wane. Trust me, there is nothing on earth that can provide for you better than Almighty God. He is a good God and He wants to give you life and life more abundantly (John 10:10). Be bold, be obedient, and receive life!

All For Him,

Dawn

Read more >>

Everyone likes new clothes. Right?

Everyone likes new clothes. Right?  Putting on a new outfit can change the way you see yourself.  It can change the way you feel and can have an emotional effect. It also has a practical, functional side, for instance it protects the human body from the environment; weather, insects, germs. For that I am grateful.

Look in any clothing store or watch the runways and you will see that humans have put a great deal of time and creativity into how they cloth themselves.  From elaborate gowns to protective undergarments, much thought has gone into not only protecting ourselves but making sure we look good in the process….well, most of the time.

Clothing can be an indication of who we are.  Certain clothing and how it’s worn can symbolize our social status, marital status or religion.  What we wear speaks of the time and culture we live, telling a story about us.

Whether we like it or not, what we wear matters and it is foolish to think “this does not apply to me.”  You may not care but it doesn't change it’s importance. 

From the beginning, starting with Adam and Eve, clothing spoke of protection and status.  In the case of Adam and Eve the clothing they wore specifically spoke of their relationship with God or the unfortunate lack of it.

We wear more than the clothing on our back.  When Adam and Eve chose disobedience, they ended up putting on more than animal skins. They also put on shame and regret.  They put on a sin nature that made them painfully aware of how far they had fallen from God.  One of their children put on jealousy, anger and hatred resulting in the murder of his brother.   The trend continued down through the ages, and even with our best efforts to be good and do good mankind has still ended up wearing what the word of God calls in Isaiah 64:5-7 “filthy rags”.

Jesus told a parable one day in an effort to explain the kingdom of heaven that spoke of this very thing. 

Vs 8-13 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests. “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment.  And he said to him, “Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness…

Good and bad were invited to the wedding feast.   The condition of the person was not held against him concerning the invitation.   ALL where invited but not all came in their wedding clothes.  There was one who didn’t think it was important.  Maybe he mistakingly thought, “I’m invited surely no one will care what I am wearing.” Or maybe he thought,  “This will have to be good enough. This is who I am and what I have!”  The problem was that although the invitation was open to all, the King still found it very important that wedding garments were worn.   

We can be at the party, thinking that everything is great because we got an invitation but an invitation isn’t enough. Feeling loved and accepted by the King because he invited us, isn't enough.   Being in the room with all the other invited people isn't enough.  Seeing and maybe even tasting the feast isn't enough if we end up getting thrown out because of refusing to take off the old clothes to put on the wedding garment.

What are old clothes or filthy rags?  They are works of the flesh, the Apostle Paul explains in Galatians 5:19-21,

We now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Works of the flesh don’t always look so awful, they can also look like good works. Galatians 2:16 tells us that “A man is not justified or made right by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.”  Jesus tells us in Matt 5:8-9, "These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

Pristine or filthy and stained, holding onto the remnant of “old clothing” for the sake of identity, tradition, individuality or any other excuse with will seem futile and regretfully a huge mistake if in the end eternity is lost because of it. 

The amazing thing about all this is that the Lord has not only sent out the invitation to all but also He has also provided the wedding garment through Jesus Christ. 

Isa 61:10 tells us, “ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”

The wedding garment simply must be put on and worn.  Put on the “robe of righteousness” just like a the bride puts on her dress and jewels.  

Daily we must choose to dress ourselves in all that God has provided.  As tempting as it may be to stay in those old, worn out, comfortable rags, I encourage you to lay them aside and cloth yourself in the new, and quite costly, clothes the Lord has provided for you.  Keep your wedding garment, tend to it, wear it boldly and stand ready in it. 

I encourage you to take Revelation 16:15 to heart, “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame”. 

And, if by chance you see a brother at the party who is not wearing the wedding garment. Please, tell him, encourage him, plead with him to lay down that which will ultimately get him removed. 

Read more >>

Why Do We Judge Ourselves So Harshly?

In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul made an interesting statement:

"But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself" (1 Corinthians 4:3).

How many of us make it "a very BIG thing" to be judged? Whether by others, or by ourselves, it seems being judged is often a source of contention in our lives. We're tempted to be angry and defensive if we feel people are judging us in any way-- and then we are just as guilty of judging when we face our own mirrors.

"As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don't even trust my own judgment on this point" (NLT).

We have to be careful that in an attempt to "not care" about being judged that we actually become hardened and rebellious. This is not at all what the Apostle Paul was trying to communicate. He goes on to say, "My conscience is clear, but that doesn't prove I'm right. It is the Lord Himself who will examine me and decide" (verse 4).

In other words, Paul strived to live conscience-free. And believe it or not, it's possible. Whenever our heart convicts us, we should be quick to repent. "If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). If, when you recognize you've missed it in an area, you are quick to say sorry (first in your heart to God, and then to others if necessary), then you too can have a clean conscience.

This is why Paul was able to say, "I'm not aware of anything that would disqualify me..." (MSG).

"It matters very little to me what you think of me, even less where I rank in popular opinion. I don't even rank myself. Comparisons in these matters are pointless" (MSG).

When we judge ourselves, are we not really just comparing?

And understand, I'm not referring to keeping yourself in check regarding sin and righteousness. I'm asking the question, "Why do we personally judge ourselves so harshly?" I believe the answer is because we care too much about what others think and we've not understood the power of forgiveness (toward self and from God).

"But [as for me personally] it matters very little to me that I should be put on trial by you [on this point], and that you or any other human tribunal should investigate and question and cross-question me. I do not even put myself on trial and judge myself. I am not conscious of anything against myself, and I feel blameless; but I am not vindicated and acquitted before God on that account. It is the Lord [Himself] Who examines and judges me" (1 Corinthians 4:3-4, AMP).

When you understand God's love for you, and it is your daily goal to live with a clear conscience toward Him, then there's nothing to judge-- there's no fear of man or lack of sleep.

Concerning God's Word and our application of it, Paul said, "For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged" (1 Corinthians 11:31). In other words, we don't want to be ignorant of God's way of doing things. There is a right and wrong way, and we need to care about that. But concerning the harsh comparison of self to others, we don't need to put ourselves on trial.

So repent quickly when you miss it and you too can have a clear conscience. Then when you look in your mirror, you'll be able to say, "Quit judging me. I'm not disqualified."

-Daphne Delay

Read more >>

out of control

out of control

She’s out of control; he’s out of control, they’re out of control, I’m out of control . . . . sad to say, but this has become a very popular phrase in the 21^st Century.  According to Dictionary.com the definition for ‘out of control’ is:  not under management or direction; unmanageable or wild.  Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon follows suit with this expanded phrase for ‘out of control’ // Also, out of hand.  No longer under management, direction, or regulation; unmanageable or unruly.  For example, Housing costs are out of control, or the children were getting out of hand again. The first term uses control in the sense of “restraint,” a usage dating from the late 1500s.

Oh my!  This is most amazing: this term is dated all the way back to the 1500s.  Out of control – this conflict knows no age limits and no gender; no one is immune from experiencing it at some point in their lifetime.  It’s a place that really does match this definition of unmanageable or wild – wild emotions like spaghetti noodles all stuck together.   Your soul going to a place that is unruly and unimaginable; just as David said, why art thou downcast, why are you so restless, why are you down in the dumps, why are you so upset inside, ohhhhhhh my soul.   But, here’s good news……..             

Recently, I picked John G. Lake’s book back up: “His Life, His Sermons, His Boldness of Faith.”  As I was reading the Forward (again) by Gloria Copeland, I made a fresh commitment to read one of his sermons every day.  There’s one particular chapter that has changed my life forever.  I believe you will experience the same; here are some excerpts taken from his sermon, Triune Salvation:

   

Man is triune… spirit and soul and body . . . just the same as God is triune, being Father and Son and Holy Ghost.  Salvation begins at the time when the spirit is surrendered to God.  People wonder why, after having given their hearts to God and after having received a witness of the spirit, they are still troubled with evil desires and tempted in evil ways.  The nature has three departments, and therefore, the surrender of the spirit to God is not all that He demands.  God demands also the mind and the body.  The mind is the soul life; and it continues being of the earth – earthy - and doing earthy things until God does something to that mind, until we seek God for a new mind.

The Church at large recognizes the salvation of the spirit.  But they have not recognized the salvation of the mind and salvation for the body.  It’s found in the same manner: by committing the body and mind now and forever to God.  When we trust our minds (souls) and our bodies to man, two parts are out of the hands of God, and there remains only our spirits in tune with heaven.  It ought not to be so.  This absolute consecration to God, this triune salvation, is the secret of the successful Christian life.  Amen, Brother John Lake! 

23 And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah).  24 Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy, and He will also do it [fulfill His call by hallowing and keeping you].  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (AMP)

The Lord has led me just today to recommit and consecrate my whole being to Him; spirit and soul (my mind, my intellect, my will, my emotions, my thoughts) and body.  All three parts in His hands, under His management, in tune with heaven and definitely NOT out of control!  Blessed be His name!

Mary McIver

Read more >>

The Best Job Of All

 "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us... according to the proportion of faith."  Romans 12:5-6

Having 5 girls in the house makes every day an AMAZING adventure! When they were smaller, it was an incredible amount of work just to maintain a daily routine of working, cooking, cleaning, homework, doctor's appointments, shopping....and the list goes on and on. As they are getting older, things are getting much easier around the Beck house! I am working with them to learn all of the aspects of running a home, and along the way it is becoming clear what each of my girls is best at doing around the house. Still it is important to me that they continue to learn skills in different areas and that means they don't always get to do their favorite jobs.

There are various reasons I may ask a certain one of my girls to help me in different areas. If I need it done quickly, I'll ask the one who is best in that area knowing that it will be done right the first time. If time is not an issue and I know one of girls needs to work on that area, I may choose her so that she has an opportunity to work on that task and become better at it. If I need to spend some time with one of the girls, I may choose her just so that we can be together while getting the job done.

Now and then I may get a bit of an attitude because they don't want to do what I've asked of them. Depending on the situation sometimes I will explain why they are doing it, but I also believe that at times it's an important life lesson to learn to obey whether they understand or not. The good thing is that even though they don't always understand, I know exactly why I chose them and am confident all will be well when the assignment is complete. What I also know is that no assignment has to do with the worth of any of my girls. I love each and every one of them just the same, and their assignment does not make them any more or less valuable in my eyes! The assignments I give them may be different because I understand their abilities and graces, but each of them is precious in their own right because of who they are to me...they are my children.

It's probably not hard to see where I'm going with this. :)  Even though we are adults naturally speaking, we are God's kids and have assignments He hands out at home, on the job and in ministry throughout our communities and around the world.

I wish I could say every assignment and season of life has been glorious and enjoyable, but honestly some have been very difficult to get through. Yet even at times when I felt as though I just couldn't go any further, His grace was always present and sufficient. As we grow and mature, we learn that assignments have more to do with His purposes than our comfort or preferences. Often the assignments of the past that we didn't understand become crystal clear to us as the rest of His plan for our live manifests. I have personally found that my most difficult assignments were simply training ground for the wonderful things that lied ahead in the future.

The most important thing to understand is that we are not defined by our assignment in the Kingdom. We are defined by our relationship with Jesus Christ that makes us children of our Father God! God is not like the earthly culture we see around us. He is not more proud of someone with a certain position or title, and He doesn't value one of His children over another based on what they do or don't do. Father God is just as pleased with the faithfulness of the Sunday School teacher assigned to teach 2 or 3 as He is with the faithfulness of the Pastor assigned to teach 10,000! He sees our hearts and our faith in what He has given us to do, and that is all that truly matters.

So, as the sign says...Keep Calm and Do Your Assignment! Be comfortable in your own skin and in your own purpose. You are precious and valuable in the Father's sight. No matter how great or how seemingly small the task at hand may seem, it is needed and necessary to the Kingdom, so give it your best! 

What's the best job of all? The one He gives you!

Enjoying the journey,

Debbie Beck

Read more >>

Right On Time

Have you ever felt like you are in a holding pattern? Circling the same airport, waiting to land? I certainly have! In fact, it best describes the season of life in which I find myself right now. Just like that airplane, I feel as if I have been circling the same promises in scripture and in prayer for months and months, waiting for the answer to be manifested in this natural realm in which I live. Sometimes in the waiting, we can become weary, for I think waiting is one of the hardest things to do. Galatians 6:9 tells us to not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest of blessing if we just don't give up. That's all we have to do, just don't give up! Honestly, at times, that is easier said than done.

Abraham and Sarah's story of how they overcame unimaginable obstacles to receive their child of promise, Isaac, is such a source of inspiration to me. In Genesis chapters 16-18, we read how God had promised Abraham through his wife Sarah, who had been barren for years and years, would bear him a son in their old age and that through them all the nations of the earth would be blessed, AND that their descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky! What an incredible promise and miracle! Do you know how long he had to wait for this to come to pass? It was 25 years! Now that's a long time to wait to see a promise from God come to pass in your life! But a huge part of trusting God's promises is trusting God's timing for it.

So why would God do this, make them wait that long? I believe there are at least two reasons that I can see. First, only in God's timing could God get all of the glory. Romans chapter 4 says that Abraham's body was as good as dead and Sarah's womb also. Yet Abraham did not waver through unbelief but was STRENGTHENED in his faith and gave glory to God, being persuaded that God had power to do what He promised. You see, if God had caused their child of promise to be born in anyone's but HIS timing, then people could say that it would have happened anyway, that God had nothing to do with it. But, in His timing, it was humanly impossible for a child to be born to a woman of 90 and a man of 100 years old! So now, God is able to receive all the glory! Hallelujah!

Waiting, today in our American culture, is certainly not a virtue. We live in such a fast paced society. Everything from our food to finding out news and information happens in mere minutes and sometimes seconds. Here's a news flash for you, God is NOT a fast food drive through! Hebrews 6:12 says that we inherit the promises of God through faith AND PATIENCE. It takes both!

The second reason I can see why God made them wait that long is that He wanted to do a work in them. James 1:2 says it perfectly, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance [patience]. Perseverance must finish its work so that you are mature and complete, not lacking anything." NIV   And it's no different for us, today.  God is ultimately concerned with our character and maturity. He wants us to grow up, and not be deficient in any way.

We can trust God. He knows what He's doing. He is worthy of our trust. Numbers 23:19 says, "God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?" We see only what is right in front of us, God sees eternity. We see the short term, God sees the long term. We see the finite, God sees the infinite.

We can trust God's promises and His timing so He gets the glory and so He can do a work in us. It may be the 11th hour and the 59th minute, but God is never late; He's always right on time! Hang in there, my friends, the promise WILL manifest, we just can't give up!

Not giving up,

Kim Dillingham

Read more >>

I Will Never Be Dependent On A Man!

These are the words I declared in my heart at 16 years old - "I will never be dependent on a man!" 

For years I had observed the dysfunction of my parents' marriage. After yet another explosive evening, I determined that I would position myself, so that if I ever wanted to leave a marriage, I could do so. To me, this meant being financially self sufficient and independent. 

So, I chose my career path based on annual income. I graduated from college and got a job in my field right away. Because I am a natural leader and because I was not going to be dominated by a man, I was the leader of our household. Life was good!

But then.....the Lord began to deal with me and show me the error of my ways.

I began to learn about submission and I knew that I needed to make a change. Since that time, I have sought to be submitted to my husband. This has been an up and down journey for me. I have not arrived, but I have made progress. I have learned some key principles as I have journeyed his path. I would like to share some of those principles with you.

Why?
You have probably heard the scripture in Eph 5:22 that says - "Wives submit to your husbands as to the Lord." We submit because we are commanded to submit. That's the order that God ordained. And because God ordained it that way, that's where the anointing is. Men are anointed to be the head of the home. 

But ladies, we are not left out. Prov. 31:27 says, "She watches over the affairs of her household." Over the course of my marriage, there would be various times when there would be unspoken undertones in our home. I would mention it to my husband and he had no idea they even existed. Sometimes they were so obvious to me and I could not understand how he could NOT have picked up on it. Now I know why - that's not where his anointing is. It's my anointing to watch over the affairs of the home and in so doing, I pick up on those things. I am the anointed watchman, the guard of our home!

What?
What does submission look like? Some say it is agreeing with your spouse. I have to challenge that perspective. I believe that submission only comes when you both disagree. To move forward, one has to give in. That's us Ladies! When there is disagreement, we can state our view, but if he still sees it differently, we are the ones to give in, to submit to his decision. If he is making what seems like a completely silly decision, that's ok. God will honor us for submitting. 

How?
There are two ways - 1) by faith and 2) as unto the Lord. In 1 Pet 3:1-5 it says:

"Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the Word, they without a word may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. Do not let your adornment be merely outward - arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves being submissive to their own husbands." [emphasis mine]

This passage also tells us to be submissive and gives great insight as to why and how. But I believe a key here is that simple phrase, these women of previous generations who are to be admired and respected, trusted in God. We have to trust God that as we submit, He will have His hand on our husbands, as the head of household. It is an act of faith.

For me that means I have to pray and otherwise, keep my mouth shut!

The second way we submit is as to the Lord. As we saw in Eph. 5:22 - we are told to submit to our husbands as to the Lord. Husbands are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the church. There will be times when you don't think he's loving you that way. 

Submit anyway - you are doing it as unto the Lord, because God commanded you to, not because your husband deserves it.

Now a disclaimer - If you are in an abusive relationship, you need to seek outside counsel and soon. This devotion is not directed to those relationships.

With the exception of abusive situations, we should always be submitted to our husbands. A good rule of thumb to live by, is considering Christ and the church. The church is the bride of Christ. If you are in a situation and you are not sure what direction to take, consider if it would be appropriate for the church to respond in like manner to Christ. The church should always be in submission to Christ and should never try to manipulate or control the Savior.

I've found that submission is very freeing. There are decisions that I do not have to be responsible for - woohoo! I've also found it to be very challenging, especially to keep quiet. But we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13), and so I press on!

I would love to hear your story on submission! 

Be Blessed!

Dawn

Read more >>

Are You Hungry?

Our vacation was as normal as any other until she asked, "Are you a Christian"? The maid saw our Bible and a book by Kenneth Copeland next to our bed as she was cleaning our room and was brave enough to speak.  Every day thereafter when she finished work she came to our room with several women in tow just to hear more about Jesus.  She was HUNGRY for more of God! So hungry that she was willing to risk her job and chastisement from friends for fraternizing with the guests.  As we prayed over and encouraged those precious women with the Word I was overwhelmed and humbled that God could use me to minister to Christian sisters who had a much greater spiritual appetite than I.  After seeing their zeal I realized that I was hungry and thirsty for Him but didn't know it.  Yes, I love Jesus, and my lifestyle says that I love Him but somewhere along the way I had lost that deep hunger and longing of which David speaks in Psalm 42.  I had become a spiritual anorexic who was living off of yesterday's meal and was starving myself without realizing it.  

Anorexics go so long without food that their appetite decreases and they literally do not experience hunger.  In the same way when we don't feed our spirit man with the Word and have fellowship with the Father we will lose our appetite for His presence.  This puts us in a weakened condition with no strength to fight when the enemy strikes.  Luke 6:21 says, "Blessed are those who hunger and seek with eager desire now, for you shall be filled and completely satisfied".

Like me, are you hungry and don't know it?   If you will eagerly seek Jesus He will begin to revive your appetite.  As you sup with The Lord your hunger for Him will grow and He will fill you to overflowing.  I encourage you to not just live in a state of blind spiritual starvation but rather dine on His Word in His glorious presence.  Your joy will be unspeakable no matter what circumstances you may face.  Yes, it really is that simple!  Just seeking Him NOW will put you in a position to be filled and completely satisfied to do His will and purpose on the earth.  

Brooke Glass 

Read more >>

I Am A Missionary

I am a missionary.

That’s who I am at the core of my being.  Even though my home is in the country of my birth, my heart encompasses the peoples of the world. 

I long for others to grasp that they will be accountable for harvest.  

Recently, I was looking for a good book that explains thoroughly how we are all called to love the world. I had difficulties finding the one that expressed my heart toward the faces I’ve seen & our responsibility to them; for we are all called to go.  Yes, that means different things to different people, yet the call remains the same.

“Go into all the world & preach the gospel to all creation.” Mk 16:15

This command is for all of us & we all are responsible to own it, though our feet may never leave our own soil.   In some way, we have to come face to face with this scripture & our part in its command.

For me, I’m the happiest when I’m on my way!  I remember the first time I took a missions trip.  I was 16 when I went to Brazil  & it was like putting on a suit that fit… I had found my destiny!

I purpose to live every day, well that’s my goal anyway, as if knowing Jesus will return soon.  I believe that’s how the disciples lived as well; it’s what spurred them on.  My heart cries out, “Come, Jesus!”  I know He answers back that He is coming:

He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon!" ~ Rev 22:20

All the while, I’ve seen the masses & I know the great work to be accomplished before He can return.  My own two feet have travelled through Asia, well over 200 hours on 2^nd class Indian trains on one trip alone.  I’ve seen amount of people in so many countries that haven’t heard & wonder directionless or, worse, are worshipping a god that offers no loving relationship.

With so much work to be done, won’t it require more hands on deck?

My heart cries out, “How can I make a difference, I’m only one.”  Can I? Absolutely.  Can you? Yes!  Words comes back to me from a dear man who has given his all in the streets of New York City, “To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the whole world.”

Most will never gather in the masses or preach to a crowded football field.  All of us can however live our life of love to the one who walks beside us.  For those people too far to physically reach, we can all pray & out of our generosity we can give.

Let’s let Jesus walk the earth again through us & feel His heart beat for the nations of the world.

You can be that one!  Will you pray?  Will you go? Will you give?

Together, let’s say “Yes, Lord.”

Judi Jo

Read more >>