SOUL to SOUL with Nicole Arbuckle!!

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family picAwesome wisdom and insight about getting into God’s Word by Nicole Arbuckle!  Nicole has written two amazing studies, Lifeline and Her.meneutics.  In this audio post we discuss her studies and tools/tips to studying the Bible.  Listen and be encouraged! (audio only) 🙂

Some notes:

T.E.A.C.H.

Trust in His Truth

Expect Him to speak

Ask Him to teach you and speak to you

Commit to His ways

Hide His Word in our Hearts

~She Reads Truth App

~Get a Study Bible, Life Application is great!

~Start with the book of John or James in the Bible

~Seamless by Angie Smith is a new women’s bible study that is a great place to start; it’s an overview of the Bible as a whole.  Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro will be offering this study at 5 different times this summer.

teach printable

~For more on Nicole, check out her blog at theoverwhelmedwoman.com

Hymns ~ A Guest Post by my sister, Emily McIllwain

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FullSizeRenderI hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all.”

Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

“Jesus Paid it All” (Elvina M. Hall, 1865)

I just had a very emotional heart to heart with my 3-year-old daughter (hence, the “emotional” part) regarding sin that was built up in her heart.  Amidst tears and hugs she cried out, “I don’t know how to be good! I need God to help me be good!”…Amen sister.  Don’t we all.  The words of the above hymn immediately came to my mind and lips, and she drifted off to a peaceful sleep with a song I learned in my formative years that I now need more than ever.

I frequently sing to (and with) my children.  We sing while we play, while we ride in the car, while we rock-rock, and while they close their eyes and fall asleep.  Music has always played an important role in my life.  It has always been there; something I have always loved and spent a lot of time (and my dad’s money!) invested in.  As I sing to my children, I realize the importance of those Sunday’s that my parents dragged me to church.  Don’t get me wrong- most of the time I really wanted to go, but my motive was not to praise God or to hear Him speak to me through the sermon…it was to flirt with my crush or pass notes to my friends (where to eat for lunch that day was always a hot topic that was sure to distract even the most focused of us).  All were wrong reasons to sit there on Sunday morning, but still, today, as a 32-year-old woman, I benefit from that attendance.  The music and lyrics of the hymns that we sang in our Baptist church growing up are forever etched in my heart, always sure to open up when called upon by the Spirit inside of me.

Hymns are building blocks to the rock-solid foundation of Christianity necessary to a lifetime of persevering and growing in the Lord.  ~“The Solid Rock”
(Edward Mote)

Through the melodious harmony and unapologetic worship of a hymn, ministry happens – to our own hearts, and to others as well.  Worship is not only achieved through music, of course (a concept that hadn’t occurred to me until my 20’s), but through no other venue does the Holy Spirit grab me so strongly and completely. Through no other venue can I personally worship so openly and through no other venue have I witnessed others worship so boldly.

The old classic hymns are still as popular and catchy as ever.  Through them, we are united with Christians from long ago, people who lived in very different times yet still fought the same enemy and felt the same Spirit.  The hymns remain relevant because our God Almighty remains unchanged.

“Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not.

As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.”

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

-Thomas Chisholm, 1923

This is not to say that Christian music published after the 19th century is any less developed or memorable, but isn’t it truly amazing (no pun intended!) that “Amazing Grace” by John Newton in 1779 is still the number one most popular Christian hymn, even though it is two and a half CENTURIES old?  The song is truly powerful, and so very applicable today, but I also think that the concept of memorization has a lot to do with it as well.  “Amazing Grace” is sung at many funerals, and has been remade several time since its release.  The words are etched in our minds and our subconscious, and therefore are easy to call upon when needed.

The notion of using music – specifically hymns – to teach children and adults alike has been around since the time of Moses.  In Deuteronomy chapter 31, Moses recognized the need for accurate memorization of God’s Law, and so he wrote it down and demanded that the laws be read to the entire Hebrew assembly, including the children.

To fulfill God’s purpose and will in our lives we need the content and substance of His Word in our hearts and minds…There is a place for music in Christian education, and for the building up of all believers. Some people memorize classic hymns of the church to help them think of what is true, right and good.*

In the next chapter of Deuteronomy (Chapter 32), Moses himself taught the people through a song entitled “The Song of Moses”.  I’m sure Moses was hoping the song would make the history of Israel, the warnings from their past mistakes, and their hope in the one true God easier to remember.

As I think back to the church attendance of my youth, I realize that my one-year-old and three-year-old benefit from that church attendance as well.  As I sing songs to them, I become conscious of the fast-pace of life and the urgency to cram their sweet little heads full of Jesus and His Love and not Old Mother Goose (not that there is anything wrong with Mother Goose).  No matter what trials they face in life or storms they weather, I want them to be led by His Light (“Be Thou My Vision” -Dallan Forgaill), and if led astray, to come back to Him.  I want them to remember the hymns I sang to them and to hold on to the words that will give them peace and hope amidst pain, suffering and longing like we hear in “It is Well” by Horacio Spafford.  I want them to sing hymns to their children, so that they, too, may experience the undeniable tug of the Holy Spirit through the music and lyrics of Christians over many centuries fighting the good fight together, with the never-changing Lord of All by their side (“Great is Thy Faithfulness” – Thomas Chisholm).

O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting He passed, and we follow Him there; O’er us sin no more hath dominion— For more than conqu’rors we are!

His Word shall not fail you—He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!

“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

Helen Lemmel, 1922

*(Galvin, James C., Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Notes to the Life Application Study Bible, NASV, Updated Edition published by Zondervan, p. 326).

~Emily McIllwain is my precious younger sister.  She lives in Russellville, AR with her husband and their two daughters.  She is a licensed attorney but currently is a IMG_5271stay at home mommy, a challenge which she finds equally exhilarating and exhausting, requiring the constant need for Jesus.  She thanks God for His endless provision.

A Mustard Seed

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“…If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, it is enough.” Matthew 17:20 (NIRV)

“And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” Matthew 17:20 (NASB)

No Other Book

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We are such a blessed generation and a blessed people group in our country that we have such unending access to God’s Word.  Not every country has this abundance of Bibles (or Bible apps!) and not always were they found at every bookstore and on every bookshelf.

We’ve been studying Moses in my BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) class and when I think back to that time I try to vision myself there.  Not only void of the Holy Spirit but with no Bible at hand.  In fact, they only came together once every 7 years to publicly read the words of the law…can you imagine only hearing Scripture every 7 years??  Oh how wayward I think I would be without the anchor of His Word during life.  This was why they wrote it on their foreheads and bound it to their bodies…so they wouldn’t forget; this was why Moses stressed over and over teaching the Law to their children and why they all practiced memorizing it- to carry it from generation to generation.

When was the last time you memorized a Bible verse as an adult?  It’s been a while for me but something I want to start doing again on a regular basis; after all, memorizing scripture isn’t just for our children, we never stop needing the words of God and what better place for them to be than written on our hearts.  We do this by reading them, memorizing and meditating on them, letting them sink deep into our souls so they are there when we need them for ourselves or even to help others.  (some ideas below!)

“The Word of God is alive and active…” Hebrews 4:12

Not only is the Bible one of a kind in it’s physical appearance (don’t you just love the sound and feel of the pages?), it’s the only book whose Author is always present.  No other book has the power to change lives, to save, to offer grace, hope and encouragement like the Bible does.  No other book speaks from God’s heart or of His love like the Bible does.  It’s one big book made up of a treasure of books; His Words with the purpose of showing us His love, mercy and the desires and many promises He has for us.  It breathes of our need for a Savior and tells of the fulfillment of this Savior’s many wonders while He came to save the lost and desperate.

The Book tells of the faith of those who knew Him and walked with Him…and of those who didn’t.  A collection of biographies of the lives of imperfect individuals (and One extremely perfect individual!), the Bible reveals promises of blessings in obedience and consequences of sin, with every word pointing towards Jesus Christ.  Weaved throughout the thin pages is a thickness that can’t be described, only experienced for oneself.

It brings life, it changes lives, it brings conviction, salvation, sanctification…it brings heaven to our souls, it brings HOPE.  It directs our steps and shows us the way.  No matter where you are in life, it’s never too early or too late to open and learn of the greatest Book filled with the most amazing love story that leads the Way, shares the Truth and gives us Life.

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

Ideas for Scripture memorization~

  • Index cards– write the verse on an index card and carry it everywhere with you; your car dashboard is a great place for Bible verses!  Currently on mine I have a verse card with 2 Corinthians 5:9, “Whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.”  Much needed in the car! 🙂
  • Post-it notes– post them on your bathroom mirror and practice memorization while you brush your teeth
  • ABC Scripture cards—  26 verses on individual cards they are great for both kids and adults!  They come with an easel and can be put anywhere (we have ours on our breakfast counter)
  • ABC Printable Scriptures— we love these to give as gifts too! We print them off, laminate, cut accordingly, punch hole in corner of each one and bind together with metal ring and decorate with ribbon
  • Scripture Jar– on small pieces of paper, write out several verses that are general or even more specific for the season of life you are in.  Fold them up and put them in the jar.  Pick one a week to focus on and memorize (or more if you want!)
  • Music– listen to Christian music.  So many of the songs are actually verses put to music.  Listen to some kids music too, we love the Rizers, they take scripture and put music to it in catchy fun songs (you tube has several videos or you can buy the CD’s on amazon).  We love Pandora stations like Cedermont Kids Worship, Totally Kids Worship, Praise Baby, Veggietales Radio, and Jesus Loves the Little Children.

I’m praying the Words of God become more alive than ever to each of us and that we never cease growing in our faith!  Blessing friends! 🙂

Give Them Grace

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17925949_mlGIVE THEM GRACE

We never know what someone is walking through…but we can give them grace

We don’t know what they have been through…but we can give them grace

We may not know why they do what they do…but we can give them grace

If God looks at the heart…then shouldn’t we try to, too?

Just give them grace, just give them grace

By praying for them, not whispering about them…we can show them grace

By lifting them up, not putting them down…we can show them grace

Being tender-hearted, kind and forgiving…we can show them grace

With humility, compassion and love…we can show them grace

If any of this we lack, we can ask of God…who gives us grace and shows us grace

Unending

Unfailing

Abundant

Grace…after grace…after grace

So give them grace, just give them grace

“As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34b

Rolled Away

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“And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb” (Luke 24:2)

The tomb where Jesus’ body lay took on a different appearance that third day after His crucifixion.  No longer was there a huge stone sealing it up hiding the beaten, bruised and bloody body of the King, the stone had been rolled away and Jesus was ALIVE.  This is the day we celebrate; this is the day we call Easter.

Mary Magdalene and Mary, bringing spices and oils to anoint Jesus’ body, found the stone rolled away and discovered the empty tomb.  I’m intrigued by the fact that the stone was rolled to the side and no longer sealing the entrance when the women arrived.  If you think about it, God could have left that one action out and the women would have had the guards move the stone…but the Lord, taking certain measures, took it upon Himself to roll the stone out of the way.

This makes me think of all the stones that have stood in the way of my relationship with Jesus…and it has not been me that rolled them away, but Jesus.

About 5 years ago I distinctly remember a conversation with a good friend from college; she had just given her life to the Lord and was a completely different person.  I was so proud of her and a little jealous, I wanted and needed to be back with Jesus, living for Him and not myself.  I had strayed but my goodness the thought of coming back to Him was daunting…I remember crying and telling her how many things I would have to change in my life before I could commit myself to Him again.  I just didn’t think it was possible, I was too far from Him, too many stones in the way…

Little did I know that exactly 4 months later I would return to the Lord.  Completely, wholeheartedly, back in His arms.  All those things that I thought I had to be the one to change, were His to change.  And change them He did.  Radically.  Amazingly.  An earthquake happened in my soul, I was ALIVE again and all these huge stones were rolled away.  Not by me but by my God.  Oh friends I am emotional just reliving this!

“‘Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord.” (Zechariah 4:6)

Are there stones in your life that need to be rolled away?  Does the task seem too much to bear?  It’s not your job to do it, you possibly can’t; only by the power of our Risen King can the stones that hold us back from Him be removed.  All you have to do is say Yes, Lord, I’m in.  I give.  I’m done trying to do this without You it is TOO HARD.  Then seek Him and you will find Him, draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.  Pray to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and you will know a love and freedom like never before.  Just wait and watch as He transforms you from the inside out…I want to hear about it too, OK!!!?

I love you all so much.  Happy Easter friends.

“I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” (Ezekiel 36:26)

Into Your Hands

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Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Luke 23:46

According to Luke, these are the last words spoken by Jesus right before He breathed His last breath on the cross.  What beautiful words to leave us with and what a humble picture of Jesus’ life on earth; He lived the ultimate example of a life surrendered to God’s will and not His own.  This, of course, was His purpose…but isn’t it ours too?

Surrender: to cease resistance and submit to authority, give up, hand over, abandon oneself entirely, give in to, yield, to agree to stop fighting, hiding, resisting; to give the control to someone else; to allow something to influence or control you

When we surrender to God, we ultimately are saying, “Yes, Lord, I TRUST YOU.”  The true Christian life is lived most full when it is lived surrendered, when it’s lived trusting in Him and His plan for our lives.  This doesn’t mean it will be easy, in fact, it pretty much means it will be hard.  Through circumstances He will continually be asking us if we trust Him.  Do you trust Me?  Do you love Me?  Do you know that I LOVE YOU and can help you live this life free and full of grace, forgiveness and wholeness?

God’s intent for us is to not only to love Him but to trust Him.  There’s the kicker- that trust word.  Sometimes we have an easier time trusting our own ways or friend’s ways than the ways of the Bottom Line (HIS way), and that requires surrendering our spirit into His hands.

So picture yourself, your spirit, your body, your will, your soul and mind in His hands…it’s comforting isn’t it?  There’s not a safer place to live than in His hands.  Fully committed, surrendered, yielding to the work He has for us here, the plan He has laid out specifically just for each one of us.  What an honor to be chosen by God to fulfill His purposes and further His kingdom.  But how often we miss it…let’s not miss it any longer.  Let’s commit our spirits, our wills, and our lives to the ONE who died for us. He will guide and direct us.  He will lead and comfort us.  He will if we will let Him.

The mark of our salvation for those who trust and believe was His blood shed on a wooden cross, the mark of our sanctification and growth is the continual release of entrusting our spirit to Him.  Surrendering, yielding, trusting and believing.  Daily, hourly, momently.

Oh I feel the struggle, though, do you?  Yielding to His will isn’t always the easiest road.  Our flesh often tells us differently, and the norms of society certainly goes against how the Bible instructs us to live.  BUT, our surrender to Him is for our benefit and His glory; our gain, not our loss.  He is in it for US!  Let’s trust Him today and commit our spirits into His mighty, faithful and loving hands.  They are big enough for all of us, thank you, Jesus!

Every day, surrender.  His will, not ours.

Every day, trust, for He is oh so faithful to provide everything we need if we will only commit ourselves to Him.

Father, into your hands, we commit our spirits.  Amen.

Now go.  Go in faith and live like never before.

The Lord Delights

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“The Lord delights in those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His unfailing love.” Psalm 147:11

I woke up one day with this verse on my heart so I dug into it.  Let’s break it apart to digest how beautiful it truly is.

“The Lord delights…”

This means He takes great pleasure in, revels in, adores, rejoices, desires and one definition even says “becomes great friends”.  I love that!  Oh to be not just a friend but a great friend of the most High!  Sign me up for that!

“…those who fear Him…”

The way the word fear is used here, and many other times throughout the Bible, is in reference to “awe, awesome, a proper attitude of awe or respect with/towards God, total allegiance with God, to be a faithful follower and worshiper.”  Trust is also a huge aspect in this healthy fear.  The Bible talks of how this fear of the Lord is a foundation of wisdom and knowledge; it leads to life, security, protection and is a life-giving fountain (um yes please!).

While the word fear in this verse isn’t defined by being afraid, it does make me think of when we are afraid and what happens to us. We normally tremble or shake, right?  Often (and so frequently in the movies!) our mouths are open and we scream, right?  Sometimes we cower down on our knees or faces, sometimes we throw our hands up in surrender.  Ok, those might be a little dramatic but I do find the similarities so interesting.  This fear we are to have of the Lord may occasionally produce some of the same bodily symptoms of being afraid (trembling, mouth open, hands up surrendered), it’s a completely different fear and so amazing.

Think about the last time you were in awe of something…maybe it was an encounter with Jesus, maybe it was a sunset, maybe you have just looked into the eyes of a baby you have been praying for…this awe, this beautiful sense of astounding amazement is how the Lord wants us to view Him.  He is enthralled with us, His creation…are we truly in awe of Him?  He desires our honor, worship, friendship and trust so we can be used for His glory…do we truly fear Him?

“…hope in His unfailing love.”

This just makes me think of Jesus and points me right back to good old John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”  The fact that Jesus is our hope and the most significant source of God’s love for us puts me in awe.  In awe of God for His soveringty, in awe of Jesus for who He was and His sacrifice for our salvation.  HE is our hope, our belief, our promise, our Savior…God’s love for us is not only on the cross but all over this earth and the people in it.  It’s in the tomb where Jesus was resurrected, in the pages of Scripture, in our souls, and abundantly in Heaven where we will see Him face to face.  Talk about awe (mouth open for sure here, right!?)!

“The Lord delights in those who fear Him, those who hope in His unfailing love.”

Today, let’s pray that we see God’s awesomeness in everything; it’s there you know, in everything.  I pray that we sense Him drawing us in, turning our faces towards His.  Look up, in awe of the one true God who loves you more than you can imagine.  Thank Him, trust Him, seek Him, love Him, delight in Him as HE delights in you. 🙂

Let Me Be Singing

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GetAttachmentThe sun comes up it’s a new day dawning

It’s time to sing Your song again

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me

Let me be singing when the evening comes

How often I wake up singing but by the end of the day I am doing the total opposite…ever been there?  I get tired, so much can happen in the course of one day, children disobey and there is always so much to be done.  In fact, I find the evening one of the hardest times to be “singing”, but it’s often when I need it the most.

“Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!” Psalm 96:1

This “singing” that we do is simple, but easy to forget when times are difficult.  It’s praising Him.  It might even be praying to Him, serving Him (or others), worshipping Him, abiding in Him, etc…

My Nana used to say how “it’s hard to think bad thoughts when you are singing a happy tune.”  And it’s true!  Sometimes if I am feeling a lull or sense a bad attitude creeping in during the day, I will turn on some Christian music…it takes the blues away, turns my heart to God and is an awesome way to worship and praise Him (why can’t I remember to do this at night too?!).

Whatever may pass…whatever lies before me…

There is always something to praise Him for – may we never cease – even and especially in the hard times.

Let me be singing (praising, praying, serving, worshiping, loving, add your own word, etc…) when the evening comes.

Make the choice to sing today.  A life of faith is a marathon and not a sprint; we run it with endurance…singing one day at a time (or hour, or moment).  So let’s run our race for today with endurance, from sun up to sun down run at a pace worthy of our calling, keeping our eyes on Jesus and we WILL be singing when the evening comes. 🙂

Oh yes, Lord, may we keep our hearts so in tune with yours that we never stop singing.  Give us a new song for today along with new mercies and new love for others.  May we be singing Your song all day long and well into the evening.  You hold today in Your hands, know the plans and oh how You love us when we are singing and even when we aren’t.  Thank you for Your grace in each moment and area of our lives.  May we never stop singing to You! 

Click here to listen to 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman

Lent

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I had a sweet friend text me last night about Lent; she is wanting to add something to her daily lent, something she can read to learn more about the Bible and was asking for recommendations.  I love her desire to not just give up something but add something to enrich these 40 days and grow in her faith.

Here were some of my suggestions:

~You Version Bible App has a great 40-day Lent reading plan that takes you through the gospels.  I have not done this reading plan, but one can never go wrong adding time to read the Bible as one practices Lent; after all, isn’t the purpose of fasting to turn our hearts towards Him?  And isn’t that what He is truly after, our hearts?  What better way than to get into His Mighty Word!  The book of John is another great place to start!  It has 21 chapters so you could read one chapter a day then pick another book to read.  Romans and then 1 John would be good follow ups and there are others too!  Let the Lord guide you on this and He will!

photo 1~On Calvary’s Hill, 40 readings for the Easter season, is a book by Max Lucado and is full of Scripture and is an in depth look at the final days in the life of our Savior.  It is beautiful; I absolutely love the way Mr. Lucado writes.

~Rick Warren’s the Purpose Driven Life is another 40-day devotional book that can change your life.  It answers the many questions of our true purpose on Earth and living out the Greatest Commandment and Great Commission.

~Prayer.  Prayer is a huge part of fasting, taking our eyes off ourselves and the things of this world and focusing on God.  Fasting isn’t always easy, but if we praise the Lord and pray Scriptures when we desire what we are fasting from, it will help us avoid what we are giving up but most importantly take our focus off of ourselves and onto Him and His amazing sacrifice for our souls.  Again, isn’t this the purpose of Lent?  Let Him hear from you, He loves it!

~Memorizing Scripture.  Focus on one a week or maybe just pick one to meditate on during the 40 days of Lent.  There are so many to choose from but one of my favorites is Zechariah 4:6, “‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord.”  Especially in the realm of fasting (and raising kids ha), this verse can help get our focus off of what we want with His help.  His Spirit is unending and overwhelming inside of believers!  Let’s put it to good use!

I have to admit, I have never officially practiced Lent, but I enjoyed reading and researching more about it from various denominations viewpoints.  I have no doubt that God can work in amazing ways anytime we turn our hearts toward Him, get in His word and pray.  What an exciting time Lent can be and it doesn’t have to stop there!  May we continually seek the Lord every day of the year. 🙂

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The Great Glassblower

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The following post is an article I wrote for the March 2014 edition of My Journey of Faith Magazine…I recently reread these words and was overwhelmed at the way they preached to my own heart right here, right now.  Oh God is so good.  I pray He encourages you in His glassblowing techniques!

Lately I have been thinking about the technique of glassblowing …it starts as a blob and is thrust into and out of a furnace or flame…being refined and purified, beautified by the glassblower. The glassblower knows what he is doing; the glass just takes the heat. It melts and molds and forms this beautiful shape that is known from the beginning only by the glassblower.  Into the fire, out of the fire, into the fire…turned in the fire, molded in the fire…the glass would remain a blob if it weren’t put into the fire, continually rotated and carefully blown into by the skilled glassblower…

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1 Peter 4:12 warns us to “not be surprised at the fiery trials we are going through as if something strange were happening, but to be very glad – these trials make us partners with Christ in His suffering.”  A trial by definition is a test of faith, patience, or stamina through subjection to suffering or temptation.  God, the Great Glassblower, allows various trials in our lives for HIS glory and for our refinement and spiritual growth.  All of our trials, both big and small, are opportunities for Christ to demonstrate His power and presence in and through us.

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine” 1 Peter 1:7 (NLT)

In researching more about glassblowing, I learned that the transformation of raw materials into glass takes place around 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit…that is HOT! We, like a blob of glass, are transformed in our trials no matter how hot they get…IF we keep our eyes on Jesus.  When we keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, we will stand, no matter the fire, no matter our circumstances, and be refined, purified and strengthened.  Only when we take our gaze off of Him and onto the chaos surrounding us do we feel the true heat of the furnace and the weight of our burdens.  I’ve walked through fiery trials where I’ve kept my eyes and entire focus on Jesus Christ and it was amazing; I’ve never experienced God more.  I’ve also walked through fiery trials where my focus was on ME and my circumstances and it was some of the darkest times in my life.  BUT it taught me to let go, trust Him and let Him do the refining and molding.

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15108872_mAre we moldable? Are we letting Him use us in the midst of our trials? Do we know deep down that He LOVES us and has a plan far better than we are capable of understanding? Do we truly know it’s not about US???  This is the world HE created.  We are HIS…WE are his glass blobs to be molded and purified into something so beautiful.  Are we truly letting Him have us?

Glassblowing involves three furnaces: the first is simply referred to as the furnace.  The second is called the glory hole and is used to reheat a piece in between steps of working with it.  The final furnace is called the lehr or annealer, and is used to slowly cool the glass (it can take hours or days).  This final furnace keeps the glass from cracking or shattering due to thermal stress.

This is beautiful! The glory hole (what a name for this process!) is used to reheat a piece in between steps of working with it…isn’t that just what the Lord does with us?  He is working with us, breathing into us and reheating us as needed for HIS glory and our good. That, my friends, is a glory hole.  Just as there is no way for glass to become what the glassblower desires it to be without the glory hole, there is no way to learn of faith except through trials (A.B Simpson).

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed but not driven to despair. We are hunted down but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down but we are not destroyed. Through suffering our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may be seen in our bodies.” 2 Corinthians 4:8

 

4630075_s3150223_mAnd then the final furnace… to keep the glass from cracking or shattering due to thermal stress…oh that I would keep from cracking! I’m convinced this is God’s grace only found in Jesus Christ; His spirit, inside of believers, keeping us from shattering and picking us up if we do.  It’s not always the huge fiery trials that break us, sometimes it’s the day in and day out stresses.  Whether we bring them about on our own, or are being allowed to experience them, Jesus Christ is there to save us.

“So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.”  2 Corinthians 4:18 (MSG)

I’m truly amazed at the glassblowing technique and how similar it is to life. One of my favorite things I’ve learned about glassblowing is the following:  “Skilled glassblowers are capable of shaping almost any vessel forms by rotating the pipe, swinging it and controlling the temperature of the piece while they blow.”

He is the Great Glassblower. New iphone 8226

 

I Have a Dream

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I have a dream…I do.  It’s one where all people stop judging by outward appearance and start looking deep into the eyes and souls of others, seeing them for who they really are; seeing them the way God sees them.

“…the Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them.  People judge by outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.” I Samuel 16:7

Who hasn’t been guilty of this, right?  We are human with human eyes and sinful hearts that judge, criticize, scrutinize and make false assumptions…but this, my friends, is so very wrong and sad and not the way God intends it.  We must change it, today!

What does it mean to look past what our eyes see?  What does it mean to look past skin color, social status, and even behavior??  It means we live out the second greatest commandment from our Lord and Savior; it means we LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14

To love others the way he does, to see others the way He does can only come from Him.  When we truly, truly are loving and seeking Him, amazing love for others, along with true sight for others, is the overflow of this relationship.

“God is love.  He who abides in love abides in God and God in him.” 1 John 4:16

When it’s hard to see past race, ethnic background, outer appearance, may we ask Jesus for help; may we ask for His eyes, not our own.  May we be a generation that chooses to LOVE!

Oh Father God that you would take our eyes and make them your own.  Forgive us when we don’t see past outer appearances.  Help us to see the souls and hearts that you have created.  Thank you for greater unity in this day and age but grow within us- the people of this time and generation and those coming behind us- a greater desire for unity among your people.  We are each handcrafted by YOU!  How amazing you are!  Help us to love You first so we can love Your people–all of Your people.  Help us to live out Your greatest commandment and the most important of faith, hope, and love.  You, Lord are LOVE…oh that we would be too!!  In Jesus precious name, Amen.

In the Manger Lay

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In the tiny manger lay
A gift for many, all who stay

A gift of love, a gift of peace
A gift undeserved yet it won’t cease

A gift for you, a gift for me
Eternal life given so generously

He came to serve, He came to die
Our hearts and souls to sanctify

Come to the manger and come to the cross
The place where our gain was His loss

His perfect life was a ransom for many
For freedom, grace and strength aplenty

So do you stay or do you go?
Come and see Jesus and you will know

Merry Christmas friends!!!
All my love, Sarah

Just as He Promised

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belly

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.  Luke 1:38 (ESV)

This verse is Mary’s amazing response to what God has called her to do, carry and give birth to Jesus; however, it isn’t the first time in Scripture the Lord advises someone about the promise of an impending pregnancy.

My first thoughts go to Sarah, Abraham’s wife.  Oh how she longed for years and years to bear a child and it never happened, and then it was too late.  In Genesis 18:12, we see Sarah’s response to God’s proclamation that she would in fact have a baby:

“So Sarah laughed…”

She laughed at the thought of it wondering how someone of her age could bear a child.  She thought it was funny because it was impossible, right??  But as the angel Gabriel tells Mary in Luke 1:37- with God anything is possible.  God kept His promise to Sarah and that next year she gave birth to a baby boy.  They named him Isaac, which means he laughs.

“The Lord kept His word and did for Sarah exactly what He had promised.” Genesis 21:1

Now let’s move on to Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth.  She, like Sarah, was deemed barren and was also old in age.  One day, the angel Gabriel came to Zechariah, Elizabeth’s husband, and advised him that his wife would give birth to a son who would pave the way for the promised Savior.  Zechariah immediately didn’t believe what He heard and the result of his doubt was him not being able to speak.

Soon after this encounter between Zechariah and Gabriel, Elizabeth did become pregnant and in due time gave birth to a baby boy.  They named him John which means Jehovah has been gracious; has shown favor.  This promised child would become John the Baptist and one day baptize Jesus the One and Only in the Jordan River.  Zechariah was finally able to speak after John was born, circumcised and named; he praised God with his first several words:

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he came and set his people free…just as he promised long ago…” Luke 1:68-70

Three different babies promised, 3 different reactions.  In each of these instances, God knew who He was choosing and what their reaction would be.  He knew He had equipped each of them to carry out His divine plan, no matter their response.

In His Word, the Lord has promised us many things…the promise of truth and salvation, the promise of forgiveness of sins, the promise of a better place called Heaven, the promise to never flood the earth again, the promise of His return, and the list goes on.  Maybe He has promised you something specifically- the salvation of a loved one, a spouse after years of being single, healing from an illness or disease, or perhaps He has promised you a baby?  How do we respond to these promises?  Do we laugh like Sarah?  Disbelieve like Zechariah?  Or do we simply obey as Mary did?

The promise of these babies reminds me not only that there is grace in our doubt, laughter and disobedience but that God’s plan, purposes and promises will prevail no matter our reaction to them.  May we have faith that acts by faith not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) and may we never forget that He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23b)!!!

I am the Lord’s Servant

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“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. Luke 1:38a

Oh Mary…the chosen one.  Her story is remarkable and one I’m fascinated with this Christmas season.  I can’t quit thinking of Luke 1:38, her response to Gabriel, the angel who informed her that she would carry Jesus, the One and Only.  It’s a response of faith, loyalty, humility and obedience.  Wow.   I’ve put myself in her shoes and wondered what my own reaction would have been.

I’ve read that Mary, engaged to Joseph, was possibly around the age of 13 or 14 when she gave birth to Jesus (in that culture, after the onset of adolescence, a thirteen or fourteen year old was commonly preparing for marriage).  She was a child having a baby, but not just any baby- the One who would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace as told by the prophet Isaiah (9:6b) in the Old Testament (the song Mary Did you Know? comes to mind here).

When I think of Mary’s age and her response of faith I am reminded of Matthew 18:4, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.”  The Bible tells us often to have child-like faith; it’s a faith that is humbly surrendered to and dependent on God, a faith that is unwavering, full of awe and wonder with complete trust and hope in God. I think it’s fair to say this ordinary girl from Nazareth had amazing child-like faith.

As I examine my own faith, I am made fully aware of areas that have become a little hardened over the years, areas where my total trust in and obedience to Him waivers.  What about you?  Are there areas you aren’t fully trusting or surrendering to the Lord?  As we pray and ask God to shine His light on these areas in our lives, hearts, souls and minds, may we remember Mary’s response, I am the Lord’s servant.

Lord, we thank you for Mary and her eager obedience and surrender to You.  For the amazing example of child-like faith she had.  May it remind us to listen and obey You and to never stop strengthening and growing our faith.  Give us humble faith, Lord.  Just as you chose Mary to carry out your divine plan, you have chosen each one of us to do the same but in different ways.  May we return to you as children fully in awe of who you are and remember what you have done in our lives as well as other’s.  Return to us the joy of our salvation, Lord.  We are your servants, here for You.  We love you we praise you, Amen.  

It is the role of faith not to question but to simply obey.   A.B. Simpson

Hearts of Gratitude

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heartsofgratitudeIn looking up the word “gratitude” from various sources, most of the definitions were very similar and what one might expect:  thankfulness, the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness; a natural expression of thanks in response to blessings, protection, or love, etc… One definition, however, significantly stuck out to me: gratitude is a joyful commitment of one’s personality to God.

Researching gratitude chronologically in the Bible, it took me a while to find it, which was surprising to me!  Although we don’t see a “thank you” in the first few chapters of Scripture, I’m certain Adam and Eve walked so closely with God their hearts were wrapped in perfect gratitude.  They were joyfully committed to God, until they ate of the forbidden fruit.  The Hebrew term for gratitude, “hakarat hatov” means “recognizing the good”; surely after they were cast out of the Garden they recognized the good they had while in there, although there’s no more mention of them verbally praising God for what was or what could have been.

Moving down several generations to Noah we see everyone has turned their back on God, except Noah; he worshipped and loved God.  Perhaps his amazing obedience was found in his heart of gratitude and what saved and set him and his family apart from those who were wiped out in the great flood.  I can’t imagine a lot (if any!) gratitude going on in anyone other than Noah – the Bible tells us the people of this time were full of evil and sin, which is why God sent the flood.  If the opposite of joyful is sad and the opposite of commitment is refusal, could it be that the people of Noah’s time sadly refused their personality to God?  I’ve heard that the root of all sin is ingratitude; it certainly seems to be a great place for the devil to get a foothold as he did in every person but Noah during this time.

Abraham, the father of faith and many generations, was one whose heart of gratitude almost cost him the life of his beloved son, but God spared Isaac.  His commitment to God was greater than any other thing, even his own son.  God sparing Isaac shows us how He blessed Abraham’s obedience.  Even when he questioned, even when he doubted, obedience flowed from Abraham’s heart of gratitude.

In Exodus 15 we find Moses and the Israelites singing a song of deliverance and praise after God led Israel out of Egypt and saved them by parting the Red Sea.  This is the first record of a written song of praise to the Lord and it is beautiful!  An excerpt:

“I will sing to the Lord for he has triumphed gloriously; He has hurled both horse and rider into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise Him- my father’s God, and I will exalt Him!” Exodus 15:1-2 (NLT)

First Chronicles 16 records King David’s first song of praise to God, and oh how I love it!  An excerpt and my favorite part:

“Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Sing to Him; yes sing His praises. Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds. Exult in His Holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. Search for the Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him. Remember the wonders He has performed, His miracles, and the rulings He has given.” 1 Chronicles 16:8-12 (NLT)

Having written the majority of the Psalms, David went on to write more songs of praise than anyone else in Scripture; perhaps this was why God called David “a man after His own heart.”  Despite his shortcomings, sins and failures, he was committed to God and had a heart of gratitude which never ceased praising God.

Have you stopped praising God?  Are you joyfully committed to Him or maybe just partially committed?  What’s so interesting is the use of “gratitude” in the English language has significantly decreased over the decades…I look at my own life and wonder if the same is true?  Have I let what I want and my many prayer requests take over my heart of gratefulness, gratitude and praise?  Has my lack of possessing a heart of gratitude been the cause of any disobedience?  Having a heart of gratitude, in constant thanks and praise to God can only help us to recognize the good no matter our circumstances.  Starting our days with praise and thanks…for the air in our lungs, for the day He has made, for the grace He has so wonderfully given us in His son Jesus Christ.  Yes, living with hearts of gratitude is the only way to live.  When we are truly grateful, our lives will show it.

This Thanksgiving season and in the days beyond, renew and vow a joyful commitment of your personality and all that you are to Him.  He’s worth it and the blessings He will bestow on you because of your joyful commitment cannot be numbered. 🙂

Distractions

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One day I had a small leaf stuck to my windshield.  It wasn’t very big and wasn’t even blocking my line of vision driving but I found my eyes kept gravitating to it as I was driving down the road.  This would blur my vision of the road.  It wasn’t a bad thing, it was a small leaf and leaves aren’t bad right?  Not like some things that end up on our windshields from time to time, you know, things from birds and such :).  However, this leaf was a distraction; it shifted my focus to it and not the road, which could have caused me to have a wreck and never make it to my destination.

“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.” Proverbs 4:25 (ESV)

Distractions come in many shapes and sizes.  Some good, some bad…what isn’t a distraction for one may be a distraction for another.  The definition of distraction is a thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else.  If Hebrews 12:2 tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus, then as Christians, our eyes are to be on Jesus.  Anything that prevents us from giving our full attention to Him can be classified as a distraction.

“I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on Your ways.” Psalm 119:15 (ESV)

Look at your life, your priorities, your day…prayerfully discern anything that takes your gaze from God, off His ways, His purpose, priorities and true calling He has placed on your life.  Does anything blur where He has you going?  Is there something that shifts your focus to it and any issues that come with it rather than what He has called you to?  Remove it if so- even if it’s hard.  Certain distractions aren’t always easy to give up, especially if they are good things (and especially if you err on the side of people pleasing but that’s another post for another day!), but He will help you.

“Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.” Proverbs 4:25-27 (MSG)

The leaf eventually blew away on it’s own and now my vision through my windshield is clear once again. 🙂 road

What? Me Worry? (guest post by Jim Sprott)

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What? Me worry?

A strange magazine popular among young people in the early 1960’s emblazoned the picture of a toothless under-achiever named Alfred E. Newman asking this question: “What?  Me worry?”  While a far cry from any religious overtones, Mad Magazine’s hero’s lead question is one that should cross the mind of all of us who profess the name of Christ.  Am I to worry?  Am I to be afraid of the unseen future?  As Paul was apt to say in Romans, God forbid!

In fact, it was Paul who made it clear to his young friend, Timothy, that God did not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and a sound mind. (II Tim 1:7)  If God be with us, of whom, or what, shall we be afraid? And there is absolutely nothing that can separate us from the love of God, which is Christ Jesus, our Lord.  (Rom. 8:38 – 39)

So what is it that causes us to fear? Often, it is criticism, what people think of us.  Sometimes, it is a crisis.  We cherish stability and don’t appreciate change.  Problems seem to result when we face the changes life on this earth naturally presents to us.  Sometimes, we fear catastrophes; we focus on bad things that might happen to us or to those we love.  Yes, it is people, problems and prospects that cause us to fear and worry.

And the effects of fear and worry are dramatic. Fear disrupts our souls; it takes away our ability to be ourselves, serving God.  It paralyzes us; God wants us to move forward and grow spiritually, but we are sometimes frozen with fear and worry.  Fear really dishonors God himself, because it ignores His sovereignty, control and promises.

So how shall we overcome fear and worry? First of all, remember whose you are.  If you are a believer, you are a child of the King, part of a Heavenly family who can call upon the very Creator of this universe!  You have a Heavenly Father who loves you, wants the very best for you and can always accomplish what is truly needed in your life.  Will our life always be pleasant and our path free of pain and problems?  Absolutely not!  This is a fallen world, Satan and his evil are all around us; sickness and death will come to us and, even worse, to those we love dearly.  But God is in control, and He loves even me!

David is often the best example of a man who lived in this fallen world and experienced the pain it causes through his experiences and failings, and yet he kept his reliance on God and God’s love for him. In Psalm 56:3 – 4, David wrote “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.  In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do to me.”  Notice he says “What time I fear,” meaning, “When I fear.”  In other words, fear will come, even as it did to this giant in the faith.  The question David faces when it comes, as we too face when it comes, is whether we will allow it to disrupt us or paralyze us and thus dishonor God.

Absolutely not, says David. Instead, he will praise His word.  In other words, David will get into God’s word.  He will dust off his copy of the scriptures and praise God through delving deeply into His word.  In God he will put his trust, and he will not fear what this world (flesh, in the verse) can do to him.  He will not fear the evil of sin; he will not fear the pain of the death of a son; he will not fear social and physical enemies all around him.  Like David, in times when fear and worry come, we must put our trust in the God who loves us, the God who promises never to leave us.

Not only should we remember whose we are, when facing fear, but we should remember how we are made. We are made in the likeness of God himself.  We have been given authority here on earth.  We should remember what we have been given; take the focus off whatever is causing us worry and fear and put our focus on the blessings we have been given by God.  The old gospel song “Count Your Blessings” is not just a ditty, it is a spiritual truth.  We can avoid worry and fear as we focus on the blessings we have been given, counting them “one by one.”

No, God has not given us a spirit to accept fear and worry, but one of power, love and discipline. The power to act boldly with the authority we are given to approach even the very throne of God himself.  If we have the authority to approach the very Creator of the universe, (and we do), what in this world can bother us?  We certainly will experience pain, such as the loss of someone we love, but we must not be worry about such prospects in the future.

Love itself casts out fear. If we focus, through love, on others instead of ourselves and the problem causing us worry, the problem will fade as we express love to others through our actions.  Is something worrying you?  Get up and go help someone less fortunate than you, consider their situation and act to remedy it.  Our problems will fade in comparison when we get outside ourselves and serve others.

We have the Spirit to become disciplined in our approach to this fallen world, a sound mind producing sober thoughts, an understanding of God’s will and purpose in this world, all leading to freedom from fear and worry.

So let’s consider the same question posed decades ago by Alfred E. Newman and Mad Magazine: “What?  Me worry?”  With our loving God’s help, we believers can give a resounding “NO” to that question.

SOUL to SOUL with Andrea Lennon

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So much wisdom and truth in this segment of SOUL to SOUL with Andrea!  “KNOW the Truth, LIVE the Truth and SHARE the Truth.”  For more information on Andrea, her Bible studies and speaking schedule, visit her website: andrealennon.net