Blessings of Motherhood: The Mini-Miracles

Thank you Lord that…

The laundry I forgot in the washing machine hasn’t started molding.

I can cut a PB&J sandwich into a different shape and my kids now
                 think it’s now a cool meal.

Dishwashers are fancy boxes to hide dirty dishes.

You renew my strength and give me caffeine.

You made children to need more sleep than adults.

Spilled water cleans up spilled messes.

Baths can be fun when soap bubbles are added.

When desperation sets in, You seem to multiply goldfish crackers
                  too.

You made fruit so easy.

Dust is the ultimate dry erase board.

Everyday News

For those of you who haven't heard, Christian artist Jennifer Knapp has decided to come back to the music industry, but not within the same genre. With the release of her new album entitled Letting Go set to hit stores May 11th, she has also opened the personal pages of her life style revealing her choice to be a lesbian. Christianity Today: Jennifer Knapp Come Out

What does the everyday Christian do with that?

There will be some who pretend like Jennifer's career never existed, while others berate her, boycotting any store that sells her music. There are those who fear haveing to explain it to their children or new a believer in Christ. Situations like this are messy and uncomfortable, and for good reason: How do we handle a fallen hero of the faith?

There are several verses that come to mind:

The first is Luke 6:46, "Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and don't do the things I say?" Homosexuality is very clear in the Bible as being against God. It is the choice of a sinful lifestyle. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says, "Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit God's kingdom? Do not be deceived: no sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, drunkards, revilers, or swindlers will inherit God's kingdom." But verse 11 is what we need to focus on, "Some of you were like this; but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

No, Ms. Knapp is not displaying the fruit of a disciple of Christ, but that does not mean she is doomed for eternity. Whether she was truly saved before, or has never been doesn't make a difference. We need to pray - in love - for her to repent, now. Remember, we have all been there. Perhaps not as homosexuals, but as lifestyle sinners. "...There is no one righteous, not even one...For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23, 10


So what is the message for us? Diligence. We are to focus on keeping ourselves pure and not be afraid to confront our brothers and sisters in love when we see them beginning to stray. We exercise endurance. "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24


As for children, new believers, and those who are searching, we tell them the truth. God hates sin, for it can not be in His presence, but the Good News is that Jesus Christ died to save each one of us from the sins we commit. We pray for their eyes to be open and their hearts softened. If we are completely devastated by a role model's failure, to the point where it causes one to stumble, then perhaps our eyes have been focused on the wrong Person, anyway. Idolatry comes in many forms. What a precious chance to repent ourselves!

Our God of More

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask of Him!
Matthew 7:11


The person who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; the person who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.
Matthew 10:37


And everyone who las left houses, brothers or sisters, father or mother, children, or fields because of My name ill receive 100 times more and will inherit eternal life.
Matthew 19:29


For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
Matthew 25:29


And to love Him with all you heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is far more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Mark 12:33


For life is more than food and the body more than clothing.
Luke 12:23


I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous people who don't need repentance.
Luke 15:7


Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.
John 15:2


The people here were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, since they welcomed the message with eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if there things were so.
Acts 17:11


For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by His life!
Romans 5:10


No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:37


But He  said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9


Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3


We must therefore pay more attention to what we have hears, so that we will not drift away.
Hebrews 2:1




How could God be any more?

Make Every Effort: Confirm Your Calling

Confirm Your Calling

2 Peter 1:10-11

 For His divine power has given us everything required 

for life and godliness, 

through the knowledge of Him who called us

 by His own glory and goodness.

   By these He has given us very great and precious promises, 

so that through them you may share in the divine nature,

escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires.

   

For this very reason,

 make every effort to supplement your 

faith with goodness, 

goodness with knowledge, 

   knowledge with self-control, 

self-control with endurance, 

endurance with godliness, 

   godliness with brotherly affection, 

and brotherly affection with love.

   For if these qualities are yours 

and are increasing, 

they will keep you from being 

useless or unfruitful 

in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

   The person who lacks these things 

is blind and shortsighted, 

and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins. 

   

Therefore, brothers, make every effort 

to confirm your calling and election, 

because if you do these things 

you will never stumble.

   For in this way, 

entry into the eternal kingdom of 

our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 

will be richly supplied to you.

2 Peter 1:3-11

Being a details person, when I go on a trip I check and recheck my luggage and tickets. Kevin laughs at me when a plane is involved because I will look at the schedule for take off and landing at least a dozen times. I'm always concerned that I didn't look at the time right and that in my head it's completley wrong. Trust me, it's happened before.

I'm not saying that being completely obsessive/compulsive is the way to go, but I believe Scripture suggests we should practice it a little in our Spiritual life. This is one area where we really don't want to miss the plane because we got it wrong in our heads! The New Testament often shows us we are encouraged to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12), to "not give up" for "...our inner person is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16), and to train ourselves and strive for godliness (1 Timothy 4:6-10). It is the daily process by which we are being sanctified.

Now don't get me wrong, we were sanctified when we chose to sacrifice our lives for the sake of Christ, but we have not reached the ultimate goal yet. As my Pastor so aptly puts it, "We were sanctified, we are being sanctified, and one day we will be sanctified." We were washed by the blood, we are daily being washed by the blood (for the new sins we fall for), and one day we will get our final cleansing and be pure and holy forever at the resurrection. Until we reach that final day however, we must strive and work in order not to stumble.

To be richly supplied entry into the kingdom of heaven reminds me of my children:
We recently had basic cable run to our home for the first time in 8 years. We've had a television with DVD and VHS players, but never live TV. Thus, they had never experienced infomercials. Numerous times over the last month the children have run to me so excited about the amazing product they could get for only three easy payments of $60! They have no idea really what the product even is- but they want it!

That is how I feel about this section of Scripture. I really don't understand how a person can be richly supplied entrance into the kingdom of heaven instead of just gaining general admission, but I want it! Don't you? Well, He graciously has supplied the knowledge of how to obtain it:

We are to confirm our calling. 

Battleing Greatness

Do you realize that most Christians who have a close, fresh walk with Christ Jesus tend to battle their greatness? I'd say it's about 90%, which  means odds are... you do. Have you ever thought about it? The strange thing is that we usually go to Him and complain about it as well. It's funny that He blesses us with the strength for so much greatness and yet we fuss about it. Why? Our human nature wants to be least...

Then an argument started among them about who would be the greatest of them. But Jesus knowing the thoughts of their hearts, took a little child and had him stand next to Him. He told them, "Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes Me. And whoever welcomes Me welcomes Him who sent Me. For whoever is least among you - this one is great." Emphasis mine
Luke 9:46-48
(See also Matthew 18:1-6)

A New Day

One of my favorite lines from the movie Chicken Little is often quoted by the sad little chicken himself. While trying to make something of himself in the height-impaired life he is living, Chicken Little often says, "Today is a new day!" This brave little chicken will not let his past mistakes, messed up relationships, and unfair situations overshadow the possibility of the brightness of today.

Why is it then, that we as Christians often live in the defeats and troubles of the past when we have been created new? (2 Corinthians 5:17) Was Jesus' saving blood just good for yesterday, or is it washing you anew today? We are to live victoriously through Christ. That does not mean, however, that we are to be snotty to those around us who have not come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We are to guide and shepherd them with love, not haughtiness.

Today is your new day. Live fully for Christ so that His radiance shines through you drawing others to ask what is up with you today. Take some time to mend a broken relationship, call that person you've been meaning to check on, take those old clothes to a ministry who can use them, or share a word of love and kindness with those who desperately need it.

After all, today can be their new day too. Don't you want to be the one blessed enough to share that with them?

...you took off your former way of life, the old man that is corrupted by deceitful desires; you are being renewed in the spirit of your minds; you but on the new man, the one created according to God's likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.
Ephesians 4:22-24

Prayer Request

Kevin and I think we have a miracle starting and could use your prayers for discernment, please. A few months ago we learned of a mission trip our church would be going on in October that we would love to be able to participate in, however there was just no way it could work out. First was the children. We have no family in the area and so have never been able to do anything like this. Also, Kevin has to sign up for his vacations in November for the entire next year. That makes planning activities like mission trips very difficult since they are usually not settled on that far in advance. Third was the difficulty of finances.

There were many obstacles to overcome.

A few weeks ago we saw the dates for the trip and they were so close to his vacation time! But, the trip was to be a Tuesday through Tuesday and Kevin's vacation was Friday through Friday. Laughingly we said that if God wanted us to go He'd have to change the date by a few days and then pay for it. We have seen God pay for so many of our needs that the date change would be our sign.

Well, this morning as we opened the worship guide we both did a double take and turned to each other with astonished eyes: The dates had been changed to the exact dates he has off. Then I remembered my mother doesn't work now and she'd be able to watch the children since they will be on fall break that week. OK God, check one and two, but what about check three? It's a BIG ole' check, too.

That's what I am asking you to pray for. If God wants us to go we will. No doubt. Right now we are trying to discern His will, because we want to go. That's not the issue. The issue is whether or not He wants us to go- and we need to know by the first of May when the deposit is due. Pray it will be made clear to us and that our own wishes and desires will not get in the way. I have to admit I really want to go for several reasons, but none so much as the fact Kevin and I have never been able to go on a mission trip together. He's done several things and I have as well, but we've never gone as a couple, and I long to serve beside him.

Thanks for your prayer - I covet them!

Whew!

It has been quite the busy last few days, and I have learned much about myself.

1. I am quite the book pack rat. I hate to get rid of a good book... or one I think might be a good book.

2. Dust is my Achilles heel. It is everywhere and no matter how many times I wipe it keeps coming back. Ugh- just like my multitude of character flaws. Thank you Jesus for dusting me so often!

3. My favorite thing about painting is that the impossible to get dust in the crevices and corners can be painted over. (I'm glad Jesus doesn't do that though.)

4. I have written for years. As I cleaned out many old binders and folders, I was surprised by how many "blogs" I came across. I've been doing this since the sixth grade and just didn't know it. I remember times where I couldn't help but write what I felt and was learning about the Lord, but I found a lot more than I realized. It was such a sweet time time today reading some of what I had penned. I witnessed how far He's brought me and how much I've changed. There were also times that my relationship with God couldn't have been sweeter, and I long to return there.

5. I have been overly blessed with so many things. God is so good to us that I have to sift through many things as I move them around. So many in the world have so much less.

Though this week has been difficult, it has been good for talking to the Lord. There isn't much to do while spackling, taping, and painting. But it's perfect for talking with God. I can't wait for church tomorrow! He and I have had a great week, and I'm so excited to see the rest of my church family. I'm expecting much tomorrow!

How about you? In what ways have you seen God working and moving in your life? Cry out to Him - He is always willing to answer and come closer!

A Blessed Day

I started to write a blog today about our adventures in painting, but realized I would have been fussing a little too much. Sometimes it's better to cool off for a while and let your "paint" dry...

Instead, I will tell you how blessed I was yesterday! It's been almost 4 years since I started teaching my first Bible study class in the fall of 2006. Though I had 3 people sign up, there was only one dear lady who showed up every night. As frustrated as I was though, God knew I couldn't have handled any more. 

Yesterday in my Bible study group there were 17, with a few missing. God is so good! How I have grown to love these women as we spend time diving into God's precious Word together. I wouldn't miss it for the world. What excites me greatly is that we have ladies from all ages, churches, and walks of life. Who, but our God, could bring such a group together in love?

After an amazing lesson, where I believe they encouraged me more than I could them, I got to have coffee with a girl I would have to call my best friend. We're not able to get together very often, but have known each other since childhood. It's one of those comfortable relationships that has stood the test of time and is a precious gift from God where we encourage and sharpen each other. She gives me glimpses of a vivid spiritual walk that makes me jealous (In a good way!) for one of my own. That's a rare treasure! To top it all off, I splurged on an Almond Joy Latte with real whipped cream. Yummy food always makes it better...

At church later that evening, the choir talked about the Tenebrae service we had on Good Friday. It was a special time where we participated in the Lord's supper, read Scripture, and sang praises to Jesus in remembrance of His great sacrifice, and then all left the darkened building in silence as the Christ candle was taken away. We were all blown away by depth of the Spirit's presence there and spent most of last night discussing it and sharing in the blessings we received from it. Not only had that service stood out, but it made the anticipation for Easter Sunday all that much more vivid. I was truly blessed.

As I started thinking about it, days like yesterday seem treasured and rare. Why is that? I know that even when hard times come, God wants me to expect Him in mighty ways. That is not so difficult for the big stuff, but what about everyday life? Why not expect it there too? We should. I'm not talking about winning the lottery or landing the new dream job, but in the every day things we can be blessed greatly by seeing God's hand, or fingerprint, there. He is always there. We just need to really look.

Expect to be blessed today, and it will happen. 

How the Lord Helped Today

This week is my husband's vacation so we decided to paint the whole inside of the house. That's not a very bright idea. It would probably be OK if I had the week set aside as well, but I don't. So now I'm running around doubly exhausted and covered in paint. To make matters worse, I think we are both allergic to the fumes.

Sneeze...wipe...roll...wipe...

It's times like these I revel in the peace verses in the Bible, and because God is gracious and kind, those are just the verses I'm having to read for the Bible study we are currently doing. It's funny that the verses I have focused on this week are perfect for describing how I feel about my personal journey at home. Especially when you just take the first verse of the three Psalms we have spotlighted: Psalm 120:1; 121:1; 122:1

In my distress I called to the Lord and He answered me...

I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from?...

I rejoice with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord."

"Gee, honey, sorry I have to leave you to paint by yourself today. I have to go to church for my Bible study class." 

See, ladies? There are many good reasons for joining!

Make Every Effort: Useless

Useless

2 Peter 1:8-9

 For His divine power has given us everything required 

for life and godliness, 

through the knowledge of Him who called us

 by His own glory and goodness.

   By these He has given us very great and precious promises, 

so that through them you may share in the divine nature,

escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires.

   

For this very reason,

 make every effort to supplement your 

faith with goodness, 

goodness with knowledge, 

   knowledge with self-control, 

self-control with endurance, 

endurance with godliness, 

   godliness with brotherly affection, 

and brotherly affection with love.

   For if these qualities are yours 

and are increasing, 

they will keep you from being 

useless or unfruitful 

in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

   The person who lacks these things 

is blind and shortsighted, 

and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins. 

   

Therefore, brothers, make every effort 

to confirm your calling and election, 

because if you do these things 

you will never stumble.

   For in this way, 

entry into the eternal kingdom of 

our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 

will be richly supplied to you.

2 Peter 1:3-11

If there is one thing that makes me shudder, it's the thought of being useless. I am a doer, and like to get things done without waisting time. I've caught myself saying to Kevin too many times, "Well, it would make more sense to do "X" in this way..." Efficiency and quality are important to me. How much more so they should be when concerning God!

God is saying, "Hey, if you truly love Me and want to be of any service to Me these are the things you should do."  2 Timothy 2: 20-26 begins by giving us another way to look at it. "Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and earthenware, some for special use, some for ordinary. So if anyone purifies himself form these things, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work..." It goes on to give more examples of how to be of use in God's kingdom. Stop and consider your walk with Christ. Are you a special gold or silver bowl shiny with use, or have you become a bit tarnished?

We also don't want to be considered blind, shortsighted, or forgetful. Jesus Christ paid an enormous price for us freely by living as a human for 33 years and then dieing a horrendous death on the cross while God's wrath was poured out on Him for the wrong you and I have done. How could we show Him we have forgotten that grace? The Gospels are full of examples of Jesus telling the religious leaders of the time that they just didn't get it. They were blinded to the Truth. Matthew 15:1-20 John 12:37-43

Paul has encouraged us not to be come like them by giving us a list of steps to take to open our eyes and see the usefulness within. Perhaps at times when we begin to notice our sight is failing, we need to come to the Savior to be healed and reminded of His glory and worth. Then let us go wash and rejoice, singing His praises before men! John 9

Make Every Effort: Supplement

Supplement

2 Peter 1:5b-7

For His divine power has given us everything required 

for life and godliness, 

through the knowledge of Him who called us

 by His own glory and goodness.

   By these He has given us very great and precious promises, 

so that through them you may share in the divine nature,

escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires.

   

For this very reason,

 make every effort to supplement your 

faith with goodness, 

goodness with knowledge, 

   knowledge with self-control, 

self-control with endurance, 

endurance with godliness, 

   godliness with brotherly affection, 

and brotherly affection with love.

   For if these qualities are yours 

and are increasing, 

they will keep you from being 

useless or unfruitful 

in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

   The person who lacks these things 

is blind and shortsighted, 

and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins. 

   

Therefore, brothers, make every effort 

to confirm your calling and election, 

because if you do these things 

you will never stumble.

   For in this way, 

entry into the eternal kingdom of 

our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 

will be richly supplied to you.

2 Peter 1:3-11

Do you know what it means to supplement? The first thing I thought of were the vitamins many people take for extra health protection- more of an "add on" to something already there. However, the true definition is slightly different: "something added to complete a thing, supply a deficiency, or reinforce or extend a whole." dictionary.com

Christians strive to be complete, or perfect in Christ, which is a goal we obtain at our death and resurrection. (Philippians 3:12, Hebrews 12:22-24) But how do we know what to do? We are to supplement many things in order to be complete. Today’s passage gives us a wonderful blueprint to follow in building our house. (Matthew 7:24) We are to accomplish them step by step and with much prayer.

2 Peter 1:5-7 truly is a fantastic step-by-step growth chart for the maturing Christian. Just imagine these listed on God's door post - bottom to top - with your name scribbled at each milestone:

Faith 

We know that it is "by grace we are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift-" Ephesians 2:8. It is the required entry point of salvation. Without faith, the rest is moot.

Goodness

When first becoming a Christian, the Bible can be a little overwhelming. Honestly, at times it can be for the veteran as well! When we are lost and don't know what to do, do something good. That is no simple matter when we are not use to it, or things have been going rough, but it is the step we must take to follow Him and get out of our pit.

Knowledge

OK, so you've practiced being good for a while, but have begun to crave more. What do you do? Crack open the Bible and learn something new. So often we open the Bible to read what we've been told by a pastor or teacher, but how often do we start sifting through in search for answers to our own questions and concerns. That is when we are gaining the best knowledge I believe. It is motivated by our spirit to feed our soul.

Self-control

Now that we have learned a few nuggets of wisdom we must apply it to our lives, and that takes more self-control than any of us would like to exude. It truly is one of those baby step necessities. With much prayer and, well... more prayer, it is possible. There is no excuse that "I'm just that kind of person", or "God will still love me and forgive me anyway". Either you love God enough to try and try again, begging His forgiveness each time you stumble, or you don't.

Endurance

We all know that maintaining self-control, the desire to gain knowledge, and being good take a whole lot of endurance. We are told in verse 6 that endurance is an integral part of our growth and maturity, and for good reason. We want to be grown up now! Endurance is the ultimate self-control. God encourages us here that we must keep on keeping on.

Godliness

 I have always thought this sounded somewhat unattainable and overwhelming- as though we were to be almost as perfect as God. However, godliness is defined as conforming to the laws and wishes of God, and having a great reverence for Him. That is the next natural step in growth. Once we have endured in a particular matter, we respect God for who He is and what He has done for us. This love should naturally manifest itself as a desire to conform with great reverence to Him. This is godliness.

Brotherly Affection

Up to this point we have been somewhat self focused and internal. Now, it is time to take what we have learned in our growth and branch out. Brotherly affection is not natural for some – OK, many – of us and it takes discipline, but the love and respect we have for our Lord and Savior enables us. Here is the neat thing: It’s not just for those brothers and sisters in Christ we like or humor… it’s everyone. Suddenly, we find that not only do we begin to tolerate people who we never could before, but we actually start to care about them. Who says He isn’t the God of miracles!

Love

True, pure love is supernatural.

But as we plant the seeds of brotherly affection, in the fertile soil of godliness, having been tilled by endurance and self-control with the knowledge gained by goodness in our field of faith… we reap the most delicious fruits of love.

This cycle within a cycle is a path we tread with every lesson learned, yet at the same time is a total growth process in and of itself. What has God been teaching you lately? Where are you on the growth chart? How about the sum of your spiritual maturity? Would you say your Father in heaven is proud our your growth, or are you needing a few supplements?

Praise

Easter is a special time of celebrating my Lord's great sacrifice and victory, and music is a large part of worship for me. The Revelation Song is one of my absolute favorites!

The Revelation Song

What are some of your favorite songs to sing to worship our risen Savior?  If there is a video of it, post a link to share!

Happy Easter!

He Is Risen!!

We Interrupt This Study for a Meltdown From Our Sponsor...

I will be very honest with you faithful few that I am sitting here in tears while writing this. Why? Because once again, God has tenderly, yet forcefully, shown me that the path He has set before me is as unique and different as I am. (By the way, when trying to make yourself feel better, don't look up the synonyms for different or unique in a thesaurus. "Flaky, mental, nonstandard, odd", and "something else" were among my favorite...)

It's interesting that over the last few years as I have begun to develop a ministry, there have been a few ideas I have taken from others, but in general whenever I heard of a program or a semi-scripted resource, there has been the slightest warning in my spirit. Truly, I have nothing against all these things, it's just that the Lord has spoken to me again and again that my path is going to be different. So on I wade through unseen waters.

I do have my suspicions as to some of the reason why. I desperately want to please people. So much so that I tend to automatically become a chameleon and imitate whatever it is they do, how they speak, and frequently feed off of their ideas. I allow them to block out the sweet whispering of the Spirit's plans for my life. What they are doing isn't necessarily wrong, it's just wrong for me.

Here's the other kicker: He has planted within me the seeds of rebellion. No, I'm not talking anarchy. I've just never been one for liking or doing what everyone else is swayed to do. I don't like being a moo-cow, blindly lacking the free will to not follow the herd into the slaughter house. (Yes, I read Slaughterhouse Five one too many times, much to the indignation of my AP teacher.) I even remember in junior high deciding not to think Maxwell was the hottest guy ever since all the other girls did. The other option was Kevin. I love my man...

So here I have two opposite factions waring with in me. My desperate longing to belong is chastened by the desire to buck the system. How well Paul described this phenomenon in Romans 7:15-25! He begins in verse 15 saying, "I do not understand what I am doing..." Amen to that! How many times have you just said or done something that a moment later you have to ask yourself, "What just happened?!?"

Today's little tirade began as I found an amazing opportunity at the She Speaks Conference to be held in Concord, NC later this summer. It's one of those moments that when the Session Descriptions was clicked, I felt like they had downloaded the wish list from my brain. I was SO excited! Then I looked at the cost- I was SO overwhelmed. Ouch! "But," I thought, "God will provide a way if it's to be!" Low and behold, they were having a contest to give away 3 tickets! ...and I was 6 days late in meeting the deadline. Rats.

Then I did what I knew I shouldn't. I looked at the blogs of those wonderfully gifted women who had entered. I will be honest with you that I don't read many other peoples blogs because I feel the Lord has warned me not to for now. I know that sounds odd, but I always felt it was because He knew I would either try and imitate them or get discouraged that I just couldn't match their skills and creativity. I felt pathetic.

Strike one.

Next, I decided to look at some of what the conference was about. Ironically, one of the first things I read was in the FAQ section, "How should I dress for the conference?" Ugh. I know most of you won't believe this, but I like to dress up. There are just several things that prevent me from it: Health, finances, and God. He has very specifically told me to focus on the real, down-to-earth, everyday girl. Look around at my generation and below. They have changed, and there don't seem to be many in the church who cater to them. I don't feel comfortable doing that in high heels and perfect make-up. The suggestion for the conference was business-casual with occasions where professional dress was expected.

Strike two.

Oh, by the way? Meals were included in the cost.

Strike three.

I felt God shaking me. "Tiffany, this isn't your path. I know it makes sense. But how often do I do that? Remember, My ways are not your ways, and aren't you glad My thoughts are not like your thoughts?"

Yea, God. I really am, but this is going to be hard and confusing.

At least I have the Instruction Book.

Make Every Effort: Are You Thirsty?

There is just too much meat in this next section to discuss in one day, so I've broken it in two portions. Today, let's focus on just the first half of verse 5:

To Make Every Effort

2 Peter 1:5a

For His divine power has given us everything required 

for life and godliness, 

through the knowledge of Him who called us

 by His own glory and goodness.

   By these He has given us very great and precious promises, 

so that through them you may share in the divine nature,

escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires.

   

For this very reason,

 make every effort to supplement your 

faith with goodness, 

goodness with knowledge, 

   knowledge with self-control, 

self-control with endurance, 

endurance with godliness, 

   godliness with brotherly affection, 

and brotherly affection with love.

   For if these qualities are yours 

and are increasing, 

they will keep you from being 

useless or unfruitful 

in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

   The person who lacks these things 

is blind and shortsighted, 

and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins. 

   

Therefore, brothers, make every effort 

to confirm your calling and election, 

because if you do these things 

you will never stumble.

   For in this way, 

entry into the eternal kingdom of 

our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 

will be richly supplied to you.

2 Peter 1:3-11

If someone you dearly loved asked you to make every effort to bring them a gallon of water every day, and you knew that what you brought was most of what they would have to live on, what would you do to ensure you got that water to them? Do you think you'd forget after a week or two? Or would it become a regular part of your routine?

Why do we think it's any different when God gives us the life sustaining advise to "make every effort" in our Christian walk? We are told in the New Testament to make ever effort...
   to enter. Luke 13:24, Hebrews 4:11
   to take hold. Philippians 3:12
   to supplement. 2 Peter 1:5
   to confirm. 2 Peter 1:10
   to recall. 2 Peter 1:15
   to be found in peace. 2 Peter 3:14
These things are given for us to do for our own benefit in order to stay healthy as slaves of Christ Jesus. But the question is, are we willing to do them?

Interestingly, the phrase "make every effort" is used only ten times in the New Testament. Seven of them - above -are between a human and God. They are things given for each of us personally, by God, to strive for. The other three still require action, but they are person to person. They were written through Paul, saying "make every effort to come (to me)". 2 Timothy 4:9, 21; Titus 3:12


Christianity is not a lone religion. If it were, we would not be called on to encourage one another so much-  "But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin's deception." Hebrews 13:3 (See also: Romans 1:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)  There would also be no need for lessons on the Church as the body of Christ if we were to tread this path alone. "And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ..." Ephesians 4:11-12 (See also: Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12). 


Paul realized his God-given need for fellow believers to help him in his own ministry and walk. He made every effort, and in doing so, set a prime example for us to follow. 


I have faith that because Paul had made every effort to know and follow Christ himself, if he had been the one bringing that gallon of water daily for me to stay alive, it would have been done with brotherly love and affection. In doing so, Paul's encouragement through an act of love would have inspired me to make every effort to follow my own narrow path with Jesus Christ, resulting in the continuation of the cycle. 


How about you? Have you brought, or been brought, a "gallon of water" everyday, or is your witness for Christ Jesus a bit dehydrated?