Why do we think we still have to accomplish everything even when we are sick?
Today God reminded me of Peter's mother-in-law as encouragement. I was feeling guilty for being sick, to be quite honest, while at the same time was not surprised that I was. That's when He reminded me of Matthew 8:14, "When Jesus went into Peter's house, He saw his mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever."
It doesn't say she was putting around the house trying to get things done, or that she was coughing and sneezing on them while serving: She was in bed.
Thank you Lord for reminding me it's OK to rest when I'm sick. I needed that.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Just Try
It is so hard to remain faithful to some tasks when you are sick. Sometimes for good reason, and sometime not. I have felt horrible today and though I was able to get all of my studying done, I just can't seem to think straight.
God will honor that I truly believe.
I may not be eloquent, but I am here.
I may not have comprehended most things I normally would, but I tried.
I may not feel ready, but I did what I could.
I may not even remember a thing, but He will.
Sometimes all we can do is try. Praise God He loves us with grace and not works. I pray my trying honors Him, even when it doesn't amount to much. He's the God who can do that.
God will honor that I truly believe.
I may not be eloquent, but I am here.
I may not have comprehended most things I normally would, but I tried.
I may not feel ready, but I did what I could.
I may not even remember a thing, but He will.
Sometimes all we can do is try. Praise God He loves us with grace and not works. I pray my trying honors Him, even when it doesn't amount to much. He's the God who can do that.
Monday, May 3, 2010
When the Schedule is Interrupted
How do you respond to God when your life in interrupted?
Here in the Nashville, Tennessee area we have had flooding for the last few days due to a frontal system that stalled over us for about two days. Truly for once, to call it Epic is appropriate.(Building floating down I-24)
I have to admit that while I have talked to God and prayed for many friends whose homes have flooded or were about to, I haven't gotten into the Word as deeply. I'm not saying that God is horribly disappointed or that He doesn't understand and I've been bad. I just miss Him. I miss the Word speaking to me freshly. I'm so grateful that I do. It's a good indicator to me that I really do care deeply about Him and what He has to say to me.
So I'm going to go gorge on it.
Here in the Nashville, Tennessee area we have had flooding for the last few days due to a frontal system that stalled over us for about two days. Truly for once, to call it Epic is appropriate.(Building floating down I-24)
I have to admit that while I have talked to God and prayed for many friends whose homes have flooded or were about to, I haven't gotten into the Word as deeply. I'm not saying that God is horribly disappointed or that He doesn't understand and I've been bad. I just miss Him. I miss the Word speaking to me freshly. I'm so grateful that I do. It's a good indicator to me that I really do care deeply about Him and what He has to say to me.
So I'm going to go gorge on it.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Gardening
Guess what God has been doing in my life the last few days? Gardening.
I've come to see my life as this beautiful field full of tall grasses, shrubs, and flowers: Rather like a lush, English garden. He and I have worked very hard to make it so. We had cut down all the briers and pulled many weeds. (Those pesky little things just kept popping up! But less in the last few years...) My Father has been great at teaching me when to water, fertilize, and prune. He always knows just when it's needed most in order to flourish. And He knows where to get the best seeds...
But, He's decided it's time to change it up a bit. He wants to plant some things that will produce a lot of fruit. So, He's been digging up some old roots that were still there, hidden underneath and forgotten. He say they're in the way.
But it really hurts.
I'm so glad He's taught me to trust Him. Otherwise there's no way I'd let Him tear me up like this! But I know He's doing it so we can have a great harvest. I'll just keep my focus on Him and think about how good that fruit will taste...
I've come to see my life as this beautiful field full of tall grasses, shrubs, and flowers: Rather like a lush, English garden. He and I have worked very hard to make it so. We had cut down all the briers and pulled many weeds. (Those pesky little things just kept popping up! But less in the last few years...) My Father has been great at teaching me when to water, fertilize, and prune. He always knows just when it's needed most in order to flourish. And He knows where to get the best seeds...
But, He's decided it's time to change it up a bit. He wants to plant some things that will produce a lot of fruit. So, He's been digging up some old roots that were still there, hidden underneath and forgotten. He say they're in the way.
But it really hurts.
I'm so glad He's taught me to trust Him. Otherwise there's no way I'd let Him tear me up like this! But I know He's doing it so we can have a great harvest. I'll just keep my focus on Him and think about how good that fruit will taste...
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Your Calling
We are all called to service in Christ Jesus.
I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop. The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me. Where I am, there My servant also will be. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
John 12:24-26 Emphasis mine
In what way has God called you to serve? Another way this is termed is "Our Ministry". Some are called to minister to the poor, the hurting, the lost, or to help mature and encourage their fellow Christians.
What is your ministry? How has God called you to service?
If you're not sure what it is, how are you so sure you are serving Him?
I assure you: Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces a large crop. The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me. Where I am, there My servant also will be. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.
John 12:24-26 Emphasis mine
In what way has God called you to serve? Another way this is termed is "Our Ministry". Some are called to minister to the poor, the hurting, the lost, or to help mature and encourage their fellow Christians.
What is your ministry? How has God called you to service?
If you're not sure what it is, how are you so sure you are serving Him?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Hurting
Did you really know that you are not the only one hurting?
You are not the only one with a closet full skeletons. Did you know that it doesn't matter if it's one little toy sized skeleton or the closet's jammed packed with monstrous sized ones? Rather like sin, even the smallest, white ones are still dry bones.
The wondrous thing is that we don't have to keep them there. Christ Jesus died to save us from the punishment of our sins and those include every brittle bone we have ever stuffed away. It's funny that we all recognize and accept Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God", but when it comes to admitting that we still may have consequences from past sins, we feel so alone and that no other Christian will understand.
But, you are not alone.
What is so amazing and gracious about God is He can take those skeletons and use them to His glory through our lives. We can live victoriously, after all!
We need only open the closet door.
You are not the only one with a closet full skeletons. Did you know that it doesn't matter if it's one little toy sized skeleton or the closet's jammed packed with monstrous sized ones? Rather like sin, even the smallest, white ones are still dry bones.
The wondrous thing is that we don't have to keep them there. Christ Jesus died to save us from the punishment of our sins and those include every brittle bone we have ever stuffed away. It's funny that we all recognize and accept Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God", but when it comes to admitting that we still may have consequences from past sins, we feel so alone and that no other Christian will understand.
But, you are not alone.
What is so amazing and gracious about God is He can take those skeletons and use them to His glory through our lives. We can live victoriously, after all!
We need only open the closet door.
What then are we to say about these things?
If God is for us, who is against us?
He did not even spare His own Son, but offered Him up for us all;
how will He not also with Him grant us everything?
Who can bring an accusation against God's elect? God is the one who justifies.
Who is the one who condemns?
Christ Jesus is the One who dies, but even more, has been raised;
He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.
Who can separate us from the love of Christ?
Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written:
Because you were being put to death all day long;
we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered.
No, in all these things
we are more than victorious
through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing
will have the power to separate us from the love of God
that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!
Romans 8:31-39
Monday, April 26, 2010
Prayer
Wikipedia: Prayer
Tiffany: Prayer
I communicated with the Creator of everything today. I told Him I love Him and was unsure about some things. He knows what to do....
Prayer is a form of religious practice that seeks to activate a volitional connection to some greater power in the universe through deliberate intentional practice. Prayer may be either individual or communal and take place in public or in private. It may involve the use of words, song, or complete silence. When language is used, prayer may take the form of a hymn, incantation, formal creedal statement, or a spontaneous utterance in the praying person. There are different forms of prayer such as petitionary prayer, prayers of supplication, thanksgiving, and worship/praise. Prayer may be directed towards a deity, spirit, deceased person, or lofty idea, for the purpose of worshiping, requesting guidance, requesting assistance, confessing sins or to express one's thoughts and emotions. Thus, people pray for many reasons such as personal benefit or for the sake of others.
Most major religions involve prayer in one way or another. Some ritualize the act of prayer—requiring a strict sequence of actions, or placing a restriction on who is permitted to pray—while many teach that prayer may be practiced spontaneously by anyone at any moment.
Tiffany: Prayer
I communicated with the Creator of everything today. I told Him I love Him and was unsure about some things. He knows what to do....
Sunday, April 25, 2010
A Few Great Web Sites
Yesterday my daughter and I were blessed to be able to attend a Secret Keeper Girls event held here in the Nashville, TN area. It was a meaty, yet light-hearted event that left my daughter commenting at bed time, "We sure got to hug a lot today, didn't we mom?" I would highly recommend it to any mom who wants to enforce the beauty God created us for in her daughter. My personal favorite comment from the speakers was about how many men we should intoxicate with our beauty in our lives: One. Not one in elementary school, one in middle school, one in high school, one in college..... and so on and so forth!
Take some time to check out their website Secret Keeper Girl. It is full of great tips and resources for both moms and girls.
Another ministry I learned about today is Holt International. This organization is dedicated to supporting orphans in many countries until their adoption and also helps with the adoption process for those who have the heart to expand their family in this way. I have to say my heart went immediately to those in the Waiting Child program who are older, have medical problems, or are in sibling groups. Please take a few minutes to check out this organization and pray for them.
There have also been several of you who have asked for great online resources for Biblical studying. Below are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!
Bible Gateway
Study Light
Blue Letter Bible
E-Sword This is a great FREE download to have on your computer at all times. Great for quickly finding the Greek or Hebrew word with Strong's reference number.
Bible Explorer This is my favorite FREE downloaded program. Just make sure you go to the main page after the initial download and find all the free books you can add. This program is great because there are numerous other materials you can add in an a-la-carte format.
Take some time to check out their website Secret Keeper Girl. It is full of great tips and resources for both moms and girls.
Another ministry I learned about today is Holt International. This organization is dedicated to supporting orphans in many countries until their adoption and also helps with the adoption process for those who have the heart to expand their family in this way. I have to say my heart went immediately to those in the Waiting Child program who are older, have medical problems, or are in sibling groups. Please take a few minutes to check out this organization and pray for them.
There have also been several of you who have asked for great online resources for Biblical studying. Below are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!
Bible Gateway
Study Light
Blue Letter Bible
E-Sword This is a great FREE download to have on your computer at all times. Great for quickly finding the Greek or Hebrew word with Strong's reference number.
Bible Explorer This is my favorite FREE downloaded program. Just make sure you go to the main page after the initial download and find all the free books you can add. This program is great because there are numerous other materials you can add in an a-la-carte format.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Giving
One person gives freely, yet gains more;
another withholds what is right, only to become poor.
Proverbs 11:24
Do we really believe that? If so, why not practice it more?
This is the challenge given to my small group this past Wednesday: Give something freely this week with no resentment. When your friend compliments your jacket- hand it over. If your co-worker comments she wished she had ordered that coffee drink when the run was made- pass it on! There are so many ways to give, but how often do we do it?
As I started thinking about this, I realized that it is just easier for some than others. Some wonderful people are just naturally gifted at "gifting". However, we are all called to grow in this area as Christians, so I pondered how we can all be challenged. I found there are three different areas we can give in:
Financial (Physical Gifts),
Love (Compassion/ Acceptance/ A Listening Ear), and
Time.
We all have one of these areas that we are good at giving in and one that we struggle with.
Take some time today to ask the Lord to make it very evident as to which one you need the most practice in. Then go and give in that way! Make the decision to do so at least once this week, and you'll be amazed at how much you gain.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Happy Anniversary!!!
Guess what today is?
This blog, Everyday With God, is one year old today!
I can't believe what I have learned and the ride God and I have been through this year...
First is His strength. You all have no idea how many times I sat down late at night and thought, "I have nothing to say. What in the world am I going to write about?" Then an hour or so later, I read over what has poured out and am blown away and humbled at the way God has worked through me. I look back and have proof of His love poured out on us to accomplish works for His glory.
Second is that when I rely on my own strength, crickets tend to chirp. It's so funny to me that the blogs I am sure will get comments and am most proud of (yes, that should have been a hint...) get no response what so ever. On the other hand, the ones with which I am brutally honest with myself and hope everyone decides to skip reading that day are the exact ones God uses to touch you all with. "Yes, Lord. Your ways are not my ways, and my thoughts are nothing like Yours. Thank you!" (Isaiah 55:8)
Most vivid to me though, is how He sustains. I was hoping to make around three months of regular posting and perhaps get a hundred or so posts in a year. My Master, however, drove His slave to write three-hundred and three! Not only did He exceed my expectations there, but our family has been blessed beyond measure this year. We attribute it to finally following His will with this blog. It truly is a family calling since my husband has supported me in numerous ways and my children have had to accommodate as well. The most difficult of circumstances - even those that come every year at certain times - were eased beyond measure, and we can't really explain how. He has just provided. I like to say He sold quite a few of those cattle on the hills. (Psalm 50:10) Good thing He can create an unlimited number!
So, if you will bless me, which postings have stood out most to you? There are several that have particular significance to me, and I'd like to know which one have for you.
God bless you all, and we'll discuss another year of blessing next April 22nd!
Your sister and servant in Christ Jesus-
Tiffany
This blog, Everyday With God, is one year old today!
I can't believe what I have learned and the ride God and I have been through this year...
First is His strength. You all have no idea how many times I sat down late at night and thought, "I have nothing to say. What in the world am I going to write about?" Then an hour or so later, I read over what has poured out and am blown away and humbled at the way God has worked through me. I look back and have proof of His love poured out on us to accomplish works for His glory.
Second is that when I rely on my own strength, crickets tend to chirp. It's so funny to me that the blogs I am sure will get comments and am most proud of (yes, that should have been a hint...) get no response what so ever. On the other hand, the ones with which I am brutally honest with myself and hope everyone decides to skip reading that day are the exact ones God uses to touch you all with. "Yes, Lord. Your ways are not my ways, and my thoughts are nothing like Yours. Thank you!" (Isaiah 55:8)
Most vivid to me though, is how He sustains. I was hoping to make around three months of regular posting and perhaps get a hundred or so posts in a year. My Master, however, drove His slave to write three-hundred and three! Not only did He exceed my expectations there, but our family has been blessed beyond measure this year. We attribute it to finally following His will with this blog. It truly is a family calling since my husband has supported me in numerous ways and my children have had to accommodate as well. The most difficult of circumstances - even those that come every year at certain times - were eased beyond measure, and we can't really explain how. He has just provided. I like to say He sold quite a few of those cattle on the hills. (Psalm 50:10) Good thing He can create an unlimited number!
So, if you will bless me, which postings have stood out most to you? There are several that have particular significance to me, and I'd like to know which one have for you.
God bless you all, and we'll discuss another year of blessing next April 22nd!
Your sister and servant in Christ Jesus-
Tiffany
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Catching Up
Don't you love catching up with friends? It's so nice to see what they have been up to lately and tell them about your life. That fellowship is so sweet.
Yesterday, I did some catching up. Yes, I did meet some friends at Panera, but that is not what I'm referring to. I had the chance to catch up with God. With all the studying and other prep work I do, I had fallen behind on my daily reading of the Scripture, so He called me to some personal time with Him since I seemed to be too busy. I happened to bring my Bible to do a little reading if I had a few minutes and ended up sitting there for four hours with an IV in my arm: He had a captive audience.
I love that He cares enough to do that.
Do you need to have some catching up time with your Father, Brother, and favorite Counselor today? They are eagerly waiting, so go spend some time catching up with them before they have to make the time for you!
Yesterday, I did some catching up. Yes, I did meet some friends at Panera, but that is not what I'm referring to. I had the chance to catch up with God. With all the studying and other prep work I do, I had fallen behind on my daily reading of the Scripture, so He called me to some personal time with Him since I seemed to be too busy. I happened to bring my Bible to do a little reading if I had a few minutes and ended up sitting there for four hours with an IV in my arm: He had a captive audience.
I love that He cares enough to do that.
Do you need to have some catching up time with your Father, Brother, and favorite Counselor today? They are eagerly waiting, so go spend some time catching up with them before they have to make the time for you!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Forget MY Word. Go To THE Word.
Today I am just a little too foggy headed to put much into words. This allergy season is killing me!
As I spent time reading God's Word though yesterday, He was showing me so much. Have you ever been so saturated with Him that your leaky vessel can't quite contain it? That is me. All I can say is the the book of James and 1 John have been sweeping me off my feet and planting me firmly before my Lord. What a blessing to know that even when I don't feel I can stand, that He has me firmly in His hand. I can trust Him in all things and should be more vigilant in doing so every day.
Here is one passage I remind myself of often, which I read once again today. I pray it speaks to you as much as it has to me. Since I can't seem to find the words, let's just go straight to THE Word!
Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit." You don't even know what tomorrow will bring - what your life will be! For you are a bit of smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes.
Instead, you should say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." But as it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So for the person who knows to do good and doesn't do it, it is a sin.
James 4:13-17
As I spent time reading God's Word though yesterday, He was showing me so much. Have you ever been so saturated with Him that your leaky vessel can't quite contain it? That is me. All I can say is the the book of James and 1 John have been sweeping me off my feet and planting me firmly before my Lord. What a blessing to know that even when I don't feel I can stand, that He has me firmly in His hand. I can trust Him in all things and should be more vigilant in doing so every day.
Here is one passage I remind myself of often, which I read once again today. I pray it speaks to you as much as it has to me. Since I can't seem to find the words, let's just go straight to THE Word!
Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit." You don't even know what tomorrow will bring - what your life will be! For you are a bit of smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes.
Instead, you should say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." But as it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So for the person who knows to do good and doesn't do it, it is a sin.
James 4:13-17
Monday, April 19, 2010
Take Five
Take a few minutes to think about how God is working in your life right now.
How has He blessed you?
Corrected you?
Encouraged you?
Challenged you?
Blown your mind?
We have an active, living God, yet so often don't live as though we really think of Him that way. If you have forgotten, take the time to remember. If it is fresh on your mind, share it! This is a large part of your witness.
No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are int he house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:15-16
How has He blessed you?
Corrected you?
Encouraged you?
Challenged you?
Blown your mind?
We have an active, living God, yet so often don't live as though we really think of Him that way. If you have forgotten, take the time to remember. If it is fresh on your mind, share it! This is a large part of your witness.
No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are int he house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:15-16
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