Devotions

Sacrifice

Published on by Joan

Sacrifice

Sometimes it’s some of the simplest of statements that are made in a message that catch my attention. My daughter and I recently attended a gospel music concert in Asheville at Brookstone Church.  At one point during the concert, the pastor of the church spoke.  As part of the presentation of the gospel, Pastor Jim Dykes talked about offering our lives as a sacrifice to God.  One comment he made that really caught my attention was this:

No sacrifice that was offered on the altar ever got up to walk away. 

Selah.

If you look through the Old Testament, there are precise instructions on how to build an altar and how to offer the sacrifices upon the altar.  One instruction in Leviticus was this:

“The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out. Every morning the priest is to add firewood and arrange the burnt offering on the fire and burn the fat of the fellowship offerings on it. 13 The fire must be kept burning on the altar continuously; it must not go out.”  Leviticus 6:12-13 (NIV)

As Christians, we often quote this verse: 

Romans 12(1)

How often do we hear that verse, we make an effort to offer ourselves to God, but then we get up and walk away to live how we want to.  No, my friend.  When we lay our lives on the altar of God, that is where we should stay.  Our lives should continually put off the sweet smelling aroma like the pleasing sacrifices that the Children of Israel would offer to God.  It should be a continual offering, a continual burning for Him.  The fire should never go out.

How do we do that?

Hebrews 13

Openly professing God and doing good is living a sacrificial life.  And it’s done through Jesus. Staying in close communication with God by having a strong prayer life and worshipping Him is another way of living sacrificially, as David states in the Psalms.

Psalm 141(2)

After the event was over, my daughter and I talked about everything as we headed home.  I noticed when the pastor was speaking, she typed something in her phone about the same time I had grabbed a pen to write down the comment that had stood out to me.  She told me that the comment she had taken a hold of was this:

You don’t just slip into sacrifice.  You make a choice.

My daughter immediately related that to joining the military.  When someone signs up to join the military, it isn’t a simple decision or process.  Martha had thought and prayed about her decision to join the Navy for a long time.  To be accepted into Officer Candidate School, she had to take written tests, physicals, pass background checks and sign many papers.  She had to take an oath, promising her allegiance and life in service to her country. It was an intentional decision and took much effort.  It wasn’t easy thinking about leaving her home and family behind.  But she followed the path she felt God was leading her on.  And once in the military, she had to obey each and every command.  Nothing was optional.  She had to do what she was told to do, how she was told to do it.  Every movement, even the way to hold a spoon when eating, was done precisely how she was instructed.  And she followed each command because she willingly chose that life.

One example of taking a firm stand for God was the story of Joshua.  He gave this challenge to the Children of Israel.

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”  Joshua 24:15 (NIV)

So yes, it is a conscious, deliberate choice we have to make to sacrifice our life to God.  Perhaps the reason some people have trouble living that life of continual sacrifice is because they are trying to just slip in.  They want just enough of Jesus to reap the benefit of eternal life without giving up full control of their life.  However, like the sacrifices of old, we either give it all, or not at all.

But before getting caught up on the thought of sacrifice and giving up control, look at the outcome of truly surrendering to God.

John 1 12

Real surrender, real sacrifice, results in receiving freedom and adoption into God’s family.

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“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  Romans 8:1-18 (NIV)

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Choosing Christ isn’t just saying a quick prayer and then living how we want.  It is a firm decision to allow Him to take over our life.  We lay our life down in sacrifice to the One who sacrificed all for us.  And when we do that, our lives are more alive than ever before.

So I have two questions:

First: Have you ever truly laid your life on the altar before God?

And, secondly – Are you still there?

 

 

 

 

 

I’m A Wimp

Published on by Joan

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here!​​

Grace Sufficient

I hate being sick.  It’s nothing unusual for my head to hurt.  And my aging body tells on itself by being stiff and sore if I sit still for too long without moving.  Those things I can handle without complaining (too much).  But when it comes to a stomach bug or a sinus infection complete with gallons of mucus, I hate it!

Then I think about others who have suffered sicknesses much more severe than anything I have experienced, and I readily admit, I’m a wimp.

I’m also impatient.  I feel persecuted if I’m in a hurry and I end up getting in the wrong line at the grocery store.  You know, the one where there’s only one person in front of you but the line next to you with 4 people gets checked out before you get your turn?

Then I think about the fact that people in other countries are actually being imprisoned or beaten to death because of their faith in Christ.  Yes, I’m surely an impatient wimp.  And definitely not persecuted.

I love reading the writings of the Apostle Paul.  From the moment of his conversion, he experienced suffering.  Struck blind by the Glory of the Lord, he was without sight for three days.  You might could say that it was all downhill from there.

He experienced imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, hunger and numerous other perils.  If anyone had reason to complain, it would have been him.  Yet he said he would be glad to boast in all those things because it was bringing glory to God.

How can our suffering bring glory to God?  How can our being weak be a good thing?

I think the difference between just suffering and suffering for Christ is our focus.  Paul gladly endured all he went through because he was wholly focused on serving the Lord.  He travelled widely, preaching and teaching the message of Christ.  And when he couldn’t get back to previously visited places where there were new believers, he would write to them to encourage them and to further instruct them in living Godly lives.  He didn’t feel sorry for himself.  He just kept trying to spread the Word regardless of his situation.

In 2 Thessalonians, Paul told the church he was proud of their love for each other and that he was telling everyone how people were staying faithful in spite of the persecution they were enduring.  By writing about his own and the persecutions of others, and then sharing the word through letters to so many churches of his day, we have wonderful examples of how to endure our problems.  The hope he gave to the Thessalonians was to tell them that God’s judgment was right.  People one day would get what they deserved and the righteous would be rewarded with an eternity spent with Christ.

We may never know why we have to endure certain problems, be it a little sickness or real persecution for our faith.  But we need to remember, everywhere we go, someone may be watching.  Are we handling our problems in a way that brings glory to God?  Are we being faithful to praise Him for the strength to endure?

Heavenly Father, thank You for the strength you give me each day.  I know that I don’t have the strength to endure anything on my own.  It’s all You!  Instead of feeling sorry for myself when I do have problems or being impatient when things are not on my time table, may I use those moments to focus on You, Lord, and to pray for those around me who really are enduring hard things.  If I’m going to be a wimp, may I be a wimp that openly praises Christ!  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.  5 All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.6 God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you 7 and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with his powerful angels.”  

2 Thessalonians 1:3-7 (NIV)

Fighting Unencumbered

Published on by Joan

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here!​​

David & Goliath

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.   Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

As I struggled to put down all of the grocery bags hanging over my arms, I wondered why I thought I had to carry everything in one trip from the car to the house.  My car is less than a hundred feet from my back door.   I could have made multiple trips and I wouldn’t have the red indentions up and down my arms from the plastic bags.  I wouldn’t have had the frustration of trying to unlock the back door with weighted arms.  And I wouldn’t have groceries all over the kitchen floor because I couldn’t lift my arms high enough to sit things on the counter.  It probably was a funny sight at well, because I’m sure I was waddling more than walking across the yard with my heavy load.

I found myself thinking about the story of David and Goliath.  David came upon the standoff between the Israelites and the Philistines when he went to check on his brothers.  David volunteered to fight the giant.  King Saul tried to dress David up in battle gear.  David was so weighed down with the armor that he could barely walk.  I have often imagined that had it not been so serious a matter, there probably could have been a lot of laughing going on watching David, a small youth, attempting to fill up the armor of a tall King Saul.  David told him he couldn’t wear the armor because he wasn’t used to it, so he took it off and grabbed up what he was used to.  His staff, his shepherds pouch filled with 5 stones and his sling.

Taking that heavy armor and the king’s sword off didn’t change the fact David still had to face the battle.  The giant was still in front of him.  People were still depending on him to conquer that enemy.  But David knew from the battles he had fought against lions and bears in his past that he was prepared to face this battle in front of him.  He only had to trust in the same God that had given him victory then to help him in this instant.

The theme we have had this year in the Encouragement Café ministry is, “Undefeated.”  It dawned on me that one thing that can cause defeat is being encumbered or weighed down with things we shouldn’t be trying to carry on our own to begin with.  Like me trying to carry all my groceries at one time, I often try to shoulder all my burdens and worries on my own.  Instead of making multiple trips before the Lord, I rely on my limited wisdom and strength to figure out what to do.

David could not have defeated Goliath in the armor Saul wanted him to wear.  He had to get back to the basics of his walk with the Lord.  We, too, need to remember some basics:

  • God has shown Himself faithful over and over. Since He was faithful in the past, He will be faithful in the future.
  • Throw off what weighs us down. Stop worrying over things we cannot control, remembering God’s in control.
  • Trust in God and what He has provided for us. What may be good for others is not always what is best for us.

The story of David and Goliath was the first account of a battle David fought on behalf of the Israelites.  But it was not the last.  He had many battles and many victories.  We have many battles in our lives as well.  But when we rely wholly on God and allow Him to shoulder our burdens, we will never be defeated.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for equipping me with all I need to face any situation.  Help me to remember that when I’m faced with a battle, You are with me and I don’t have to carry any of the weight of it on my own.  I trust in You wholly for every victory over the enemy.  Thank You, Father.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Summer Heat Lightening

Published on by Joan

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here!​​

Lightening2

I really enjoy the summer.  I like the longer days.  I enjoy fresh vegetables and fruits.  I love seeing hummingbirds drink from my flowers and the hummingbird feeder in the yard.  The only drawback to summer is the heat – and mosquitoes.

There is an area of woods behind our house that is conducive for mosquitoes.  Anytime we are outside, we can expect to fight the pests.  Bug spray is always readily at hand if needed for longer stays outside.  And even though we can ward off that enemy, we can’t do a lot about the heat.

After the sun goes down, we often see heat lightning.  All my life I have heard of and seen heat lightning and was told it was lightning caused simply by the heat of the day.  I always found it interesting and thought of it as God’s fireworks.

I had this devotion all thought out in my mind about how heat lightning was a representation of God.  When we are enduring the heat in our lives spiritually, God is there with us.

I finally looked up one day to read what heat lightning actually is.  When I read that it’s not real lightning at all, that kind of blew up the devotion I had in mind.

Except maybe it didn’t.  The light we are seeing is actually a reflection of the lightning off of the clouds in a storm up to a hundred miles away.  We don’t realize it’s from a storm because we normally do not hear the thunder from that storm since it’s so far away.  Yet the light from the lightning is so bright, it’s possible to see it.

We can’t see the storm.  We can’t hear the thunder.  But we can still see the lightning.

Many times we go through really rough storms in life.  During those moments, I cling diligently to God’s Hand.  Sometimes we experience times of great victories and see God working in mighty ways.  It’s easy then to praise God for His awesomeness.

But at other times, we are in neither a storm or on a mountain-top high.  Just normal, ho-hum days.  The days may be uncomfortable, like the heat of a summer day, but not unbearable.  But remember that an atmosphere of normalcy is a perfect time for pesky Satan to annoy us.  And like me using that can of bug spray, we can fend him off with the Word of God.

I think it’s on these normal days that it’s important to remember we are still called to be a reflection of Christ.  Some people are struggling in the heat, spiritually speaking.  We can reflect God to them as we tend to our day to day duties.  As we go to our places of work, or tend to our gardens, or take care of chores around home, we can still reflect His love to those living in a dark world.  We can still speak from grateful hearts of the bounty He provides.

We don’t always have to be the blinding lightning accompanied by thunder, bringing attention to God.  We can be that reflective light in the sky to the eyes of those looking out from a dark world.  We can be a quiet example of God’s love.  We can still make an impression on those who are searching for something.  We just have to remember, it’s not us.  We are just reflecting the Light of the World.

 Heavenly Father, Thank you for the long days of summer.  We know sometimes there are storms we have to go through that allow us to cling tightly to You.  But during these so-called normal days free from storms, may we not fall way from You.  May we remember that we are to be a reflection of Your love continually.  And when we are around those who are living in darkness, may Your light shine through us so that they may be drawn to You.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

 

For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.  Matthew 24:27 (NIV)

What If

Published on by Joan

What-If

I’d like to live in a what-if world.  A place where all the what-ifs in my heart were a reality.  Like:

What if everyone was just considerate of others?

I work for the NC Department of Transportation.  I love my job, but it’s not always easy or appreciated.  One day my boss and I were standing in the front yard of a very nice lady who had some concerns about work recently done.  As we were standing there, a jeep came by and the driver threw out a drink can in our direction.  I assume he was not real pleased with DOT.  Another day, I was out looking at some roads on the list to be resurfaced.  I was parked well off the shoulder of the road and was out of my truck taking some measurements.  Someone rode by and hollered out of their window at me.  Thankfully I couldn’t understand all that was said, but I understood their sentiment.  And that was not the only time something like that has happened.

Regardless of what we think about the work being done around us, none of us know the individuals performing those jobs.  Yes, there are some employees who give their employers a bad name.  But there are more hard-working people just trying to make a living.  What if people were just considerate of others instead of being rude and mean?

What if everyone was just respectful?

I know I’m getting old, but I remember the days when people in authority were given their due respect.  I’m not trying to get political, but the way I see our President mocked and degraded just really upsets me.  I’m not going to debate policy, but I was brought up to respectful of those in authority over us.  Teachers, policemen, government leaders, the military, etc.  And if we disagree with things, we have a voice to speak our mind to state our opinion.  But that right doesn’t mean we belittle or attack, it means we give our opinion about the way a problem should be handled, not the person making the policy.  There’s a difference between debating policy and attacking a person.  What if people were just respectful of other’s rights to their opinion and agree to disagree about issues instead of attacking someone for their disagreement?

What if everyone just told the truth?

The most obvious example is our media in regards to reporting about politics.  What is supposed to be freedom of the press has come to reporting opinions instead of all the facts.  There is always more to a story than the few sentences reported.  Depending on which news media a person watches or which publication they read, the same story takes on different slants.  And depending on which facts are brought out and which facts are left out, people hearing or reading just part of those facts rush to judgements not knowing the whole truth.  What if everyone just told the truth, stating facts that allowed people to make their own opinion instead of leading people to believe a certain way?

What if everyone just loved one another?

This is an age-old question if there ever was one.  As a Christian, I believe we are to love everyone as Christ loved everyone.  The problem is, whether we profess to be a Christian or not, we all battle against a sinful nature that many times gets in the way of behaving in a loving way.  And just because I believe we are to love everyone doesn’t mean I agree with the way they live.  I believe God’s Word.  If God calls something sin, then it is a sin.  But Christ died for everyone.  We all have the opportunity to come to Him and to accept Him as our Lord and Savior.  When we accept Christ as our Savior, the person of the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts.  When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily walk, we will exhibit the love of God in all we do.  It doesn’t mean we will condone the sin of people, but it means we will love those people even as we share the truth of God’s Word with them.  So if I believe God said something is a sin, why do people attack me?  God said it, I believe it.  What if everyone just loved one another enough to tell them about God and what Christ did for them to save them from their sin?

And the biggest what if I would like to experience is this.

What if Christ would return today?

When if find myself focusing on so many of the bad things going on in this world, I get so weary and tired of life.  But even as I wish things were different and people would just be kinder and nicer to those around them, I know the only thing that will really make a difference in this world is Jesus.  We live in a sinful world.  It’s not in our natural nature to be considerate, respectful, truthful or loving to others.

But as a believer, I have a hope within me for a day when Christ will return to take me to be with Him.  I long for that day more and more the older I get.

When I first started writing this, I had thought I would be ending by saying the what-if I most want to be a reality is Christ returning and taking me to heaven.  But the more I wrote, I had another what-if.  What if the return of Christ that is truly experienced is Christ coming into the hearts of people?  What if as believers we get on with what we are supposed to be doing by sharing Christ with others so that He can take up residence in their hearts?  What if we share with others how they can have a love living within them like the world can’t give them?  What if those of us who have Christ living in our hearts would really start allowing Him to guide us in every thought, every action, every word spoken?  What if the reason people are not considerate, respectful, truthful and loving is because we are not living what we profess to believe?

What if the return of Christ comes in the form of believers returning to Him?

 

 

Making Lost Memories

Published on by Joan

Parents pride

My husband’s Mom has dementia.  It has been sad watching her progressively get worse over the last several years.   It has come to the point where one son and daughter-in-law started staying with her during the day.  Then her two daughters, my husband’s sisters, who are teachers, began taking turns staying when school let out for the summer.

My husband, Ken, goes by every morning before he goes to work to give her the medicine she takes.  Then every evening when he gets off work, he goes by and makes sure her PM medicine is ready for her to take.  If she is not off with one of the daughters or son and daughter-in-law, he brings his Mom home to our house for the evening.

I often think about the times when Ken and I first got married and we lived beside his parents.  Some of my first mistakes as a young wife were shared with laughter (and my tears) with her.  Mistakes like burning homemade bread I was trying to learn how to make.  Or mistakes she had to help fix when I was learning how to sew clothes under her watchful eye.

I always told people she could work circles around me.  She could keep grandchildren occupied, laundry hung on the line, a big garden tended to, delicious meals cooked, home cooked sweets always on the table and sewing projects handled all at the same time.  And that is just a short list of all she could do.

Now roles are reversed and others tend to her needs.  But she still likes to help.

On this 4th of July holiday, Ken went to his mom’s like usual at 7 AM to give her the morning meds.  She wanted to come back home with him.  My goal for the day was to sweep the front porch and wash down the vinyl rails and columns.  Ken went to work on something else so she came outside to sit on the porch with me while I swept.  When Ken needed to run to town to get a part for what he was working on, she decided to ride with him.  She’s always ready to jump in the car with him when he runs errands.  When they returned I had started washing down the vinyl railings.  She returned to the porch with me and picked up the broom and began sweeping.  We continued to work together and when she had finished sweeping the already swept porch, she sat down to take a break.  When I moved to wiping down another section, she got up to sweep again.

We have found it’s ok to let her think she’s doing something for the first time, even if it’s the second or third time.  Like eating supper.   One evening when Ken brought her to our house, she had already eaten.  Twice.  But when I cooked a late supper, she ate like it was for the first time.

Please understand I share this not to laugh at her, but to share her laughter and enjoyment in the small things.  She enjoyed helping me.  She helps me fold clothes and she dries dishes when we clean up after a meal.  It doesn’t matter if the towels are not folded the way I would fold them, or if some task is done multiple times.  It matters that the strong woman that helped me in so many ways as a young bride still seems to enjoy helping me now.

It matters that it’s now a ritual for our Sunday morning breakfast before church to consist of a biscuit or a lemon filled doughnut (or even both).  It matters that she still can figure out the phrases on Wheel-of-Fortune in the evenings.  It matters that her sometimes glazed eyes will brighten when it’s mentioned about getting a milkshake. It matters that she can enjoy putting together a 25 piece child’s puzzle.  And even though when we take her home, she doesn’t remember that she had even been to our house, it matters.

I’m learning the importance of remembering and the importance of forgetting.  Some things I want to remember and some things I need to remember.

“He remembers His covenant forever, the promise He made, for a thousand generations.” 1 Chronicles 16:15 (NIV)

God made a covenant with His chosen people.  But He also made a new covenant with all of those who accept His Son, Jesus, as their Lord and Savior.  God will never go back on that covenant and He will never forget.

After Christ was resurrected and the disciples discovered the empty tomb, they suddenly had some understanding.  To me, this is a profound short verse.

“Then they remembered his words.”  Luke 24:8 (NIV)

When we get overwhelmed by uncertainty in life, may we always remember what God has done for us and remember the truths in His Word.

But there are things I need to forget, as well.

“Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good.”   Psalm 25:7 (NIV)

I am grateful that my Lord will forgive and forget my sins when I come to Him in repentance.  And if Almighty God can forgive and forget, then I need to forgive and forget myself instead of allowing Satan to use it to try and cause me to feel defeated.

We all have problems that at times can feel overwhelming.  But some day, we will have the opportunity to forget.

“See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.  The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” Isaiah 65:17 (NIV)

Right before Ken took his Mom home for the day, I thanked her for all she had done to help me.  Of course, she didn’t remember helping me with anything.  But there is one thing she doesn’t forget.  As she was getting ready to walk out, she turned and said, “I love you!”

 

 

 

 

What Do You Smell Like?

Published on by Joan

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here!​​

Aroma

No, this is not a commercial for perfume (or deodorant.)  But when I recently read this passage in 2 Corinthians, this thought came to me:  I wonder what God thinks I smell like?

In the Old Testament, people would offer sacrifices to God.  The people were given detailed instructions about how to offer those sacrifices.  If the sacrifices were offered exactly how God had instructed them, the aroma was sweet to Him.  But if the sacrifice involved offering of an unclean or blemished animal, or if the offering was not given with the right motives, those sacrifices were an abomination, a stench, to God.

The people also had to give those sacrifices over and over, year after year.  We no longer have to worry today about offering burnt sacrifices.  Christ came and gave His life as our sacrifice, once and for all, so that we can obtain forgiveness of our sin and have a right-standing before God.  But we still need to make a sacrifice every day.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.    Romans 12:1 NKJV

When we accept Christ as our Savior, we have moments we truly try to live for God.  But then I think we have moments when we take His sacrifice for our sins for granted.  We know we can ask for forgiveness at any time, so we may think it’s ok to do something we shouldn’t do, or not do something we should do, knowing we can ask God for forgiveness afterwards.  We seem to forget God sees our hearts and He knows our thoughts.  Unless we truly become broken and repent and turn away from our sin, God is not obligated to forgive us.  I think it’s then that our sacrifice becomes a stench to Him instead of a sweet aroma.

I’m not saying that people in the Old Testament were more serious about their sacrifices to God than we are today.  They were obeying the Law.  But they saw God often handing down judgment.  They experienced His judgment themselves when they turned away from Him and were defeated by their enemies.  When they followed God, they were given victory over their enemies who worshipped and offered sacrifices to false gods.  They knew with certainty that God was very serious about sin.  So it was a very serious thing for them to offer sacrifices for their sins. I think they probably offered sacrifices in great fear and trembling, hoping God would accept their sacrifice.

But how many today just simply ask God for forgiveness without complete sacrifice of their hearts?  We don’t seem to fear His judgment or worry about the broken relationship having sin in our life causes.

It’s time we start emphasizing the seriousness of sin.  It’s time to come before Christ in fear and trembling, come before Him in awe of His sacrifice for us. It’s time to make sure our heart is offered completely and without the blemish of a sin we are trying to hold on to.

We need to make sure the sacrifice of our hearts and lives to Him makes Him say, “Your sacrifice is a sweet aroma to Me.”

 

Heavenly Father, I offer you praise for allowing Your Son to be the ultimate sacrifice for my sins. Help me not to take that sacrifice and the gift of salvation lightly.  May I remember the seriousness of sin and that it cost Jesus His life. I offer you now my praise, my heart and my life.  May my life be a pleasing aroma to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

A Transforming Image

Published on by Joan

Transforming

I have been blessed in my life to have known and currently know some very Godly women.   Women with gentle, loving spirits that let you know immediately they are children of God.   Women who are always encouraging and who glow with joy no matter what circumstance they may be going through.  Women whose conversations always include the awesomeness of God.  Women whose prayers make me feel like we are sitting in our living rooms having a personal talk with our wonderful Lord.   I have been blessed, indeed, with the wonderful example they have been to me.

I have found myself on many occasions praying for God to help me have the kind of gentle spirit that those ladies have.   I’ve prayed for God to help me be a Godly woman like those other ladies so that when people see me, they see Christ.  I want to portray the joy of the Lord in all I do like I’ve seen them do.

Then I realized I have it all wrong.

It was one Sunday morning when we began a new unit in Sunday School on Transformation.  In the very first lesson I had this “Aha” moment.  Like a smack right up side my head.  Know what I mean?

As wonderful and Godly as those women are, I shouldn’t be praying to be like them.  They are not the ones I need to be transformed into the image of.  Instead of praying to have the characteristics and mannerisms they have, I need to be surrendering and praying for God to transform me into HIS image.

I’m not saying that I have never heard before that I am supposed to be more like Christ every day.  God’s Word tells us that we are.  I guess, though, I have looked at others and have admired the way they seem to be so close to the Lord.  And it is good for people to be Godly examples for all to see.  But ultimately, we all are to keep our eyes on our Lord and determine to allow the Holy Spirit to have full control over our thoughts, actions and entire life so we can look more like Christ.

I think it’s hard for us as women not to compare ourselves with others.  We look at ladies we think have it all together and find ourselves either trying to measure up to them, or we crumple down in defeat because we feel so inferior and unable to be like them.  I have found, though, that even some of the ladies I thought had it all together, were quick to tell me how much of a mess they really felt like they were.  That it was only by the strength of the Lord they were able to do anything.

And that’s the key.  We realize that in and of ourselves, we are nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  But God!  When we allow the Holy Spirit living within us to have control, we will be striving to bring glory and honor to Him.  And when we are living through His power, when our eyes are focused on Him, the love and presence of God will be evident in the things we do.

We can be grateful that God puts other Godly women in our lives to encourage us and to be our mentors.  We need that and we need each other.  I know that I do.  But allow me to encourage you to stop comparing yourself to others that you may think are perfect.  Let’s start focusing more on the awesomeness of God and allow Him to live out through us.

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”  2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

Dear Heavenly Father, as I contemplate Your glory, transform me more each day into Your Holy image.  May I be a reflection of Your glory to those around me, not so that they will see me and desire to be more like me.  No, Father, but that they will see You and long to be drawn closer to You just as I long to be closer to You each moment.  Thank You Father, for the presence of Your Holy Spirit to guide our steps.  May we continually relinquish control of our lives into Your hands for Your glory.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

 

Commit To Submit

Published on by Joan

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here!​​

Delight

We recently had a retreat for the ladies who are part of the Encouragement Café team.  The heart’s desire of these ladies is to write devotionals that uplift God and offer encouragement to everyone who reads them.  But just like all women, we struggle with the busyness of life.  We juggle full time jobs or with being full time moms. There’s chores to do, family members to take care of, etc.  We’re just busy.  And it has affected the number of devotionals we are able to submit.

Sometimes I think that beside the definition of “woman” in the dictionary, it should say: “Female person of the human race who stays busy at fulfilling everything related to the needs of the rest of the human race.”

Getting back to my point (instead of ranting), our wonderful leader Luanne, urged us to “Commit to Submit.”  We as individuals in the group need to set aside time to follow the leadership of God and use the talents He has given us.

I thought it very interesting when she came up with that phrase to prod us forward that my word for the year is “submissive.”  I think God is trying to teach me the real meaning of that.

Many think of submission as a negative thing.  Some think that it means giving up their own desires, their hopes, and their right to do anything they want to do.  Unfortunately in the world we live in, it can mean all those things.  But not when it pertains to God.  When we become completely submissive to God, He will faithfully guide us.  He will provide our needs.  He will give us our heart’s desires.  He will bless us beyond measure.

How do we submit to God? By committing ourselves to Him.  By giving our lives to Him and receiving Him as our Lord and Savior.  It’s not just a one-time thing but a daily commitment.  We may be able to get away with being submissive in one area of our lives but not another.  For example, we may submit to our employer but not to our kids.  We can be submissive to our husbands, but not to a friend.

But when we commit to something, it means we are dedicated to fulfilling that commitment until the end.  It doesn’t mean being committed one day and not the next.  (Does the word diet come to mind?)  If we cannot keep that commitment, then we never completely committed ourselves to it.  It takes us giving completely of ourselves to the object of our commitment.

And that is how it should be with our commitment to God.  Wholeheartedly, with no reservation.  We shouldn’t look back and try to figure out how to get around it or out of it.  We just keep looking forward with perseverance and determination.  Is it easy?  Absolutely not!  (Diet?)  But when it comes to Godly things, we can commit ourselves to Him because we do it through His strength, not ours.  He infuses us with the power of the Holy Spirit and we operate out of His power, not our own.  And if we feel ourselves growing weak, we call out to Christ for more strength and He will give us as much as we need.

Is there something you feel God is asking you to do?  Is there a talent or gift He is asking you to use? Whatever it may be, know that He would not ask you to do something that He will not also give you the strength to do.  So in the words of Mama Lu, I urge you to Commit to Submit.

Heavenly Father, thank You for caring about us so much that You gave Your Son to die for us.  Just as Christ committed His spirit into Your hand when He died on the cross, help us to commit our lives to following You to the very end.  Strengthen us to stay submissive to Your will for our lives.  When we start slipping away from our commitment to You, draw us back.  In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Whole heart

 

Crying Out In Brokenness

Published on by Joan

If you stopped by because you read my devotion today over at Encouragement Cafe, WELCOME!   So glad you are here!​​

Davids Psalm

Have you ever been brokenhearted?  It’s not something we like to feel.  It’s not something we like taking about.  But unfortunately, we do experience brokenness in this fallen world.

I love reading the Psalms of David.  So many of them are filled with nothing but praise and worship of God for who He is and for what He has done.  But there are many of the Psalms where David is crying out, broken-hearted before his Lord.  He cried out when his enemies were pursuing him. He cried out when he was betrayed by his son.  He cried out because of sin he committed.  He cried out to God when he felt all alone.

 

There were times when David felt God was far away and didn’t hear his pleas.  He cried out in Psalm 13:1-2 (NIV):

“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?”

But he was saying by Psalm 13:5-6,

 “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.”

David cried out in Psalm 6:6,

“I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.”

But by verses 8-9, David said,

“Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer.”

There are also times when we can’t even put our pain into words to cry out to God.  However, we are assured that the Holy Spirit that lives in us will pray for us.  “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Romans 8:26

I once experienced that verse.  My heart was hurting so bad that the only words I could say were, “Oh, God!  Oh, God!”  But those words, coming from my broken heart, reached the ears of my Father.  I felt God’s Spirit wrapping His arms around me, picking me up, and just holding me.

David was faithful to praise God even in the midst of his pain.  That’s not an easy thing to do.  The Apostle Paul also knew pain.  Imprisoned, beaten, ship wrecked – in every situation, Paul said to give thanks.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Give thanks?  What is there to be thankful for when the pain is so unbearable that it’s hard to take the next breath?

Giving praise and thanks to God doesn’t always mean that He takes us out of the situation causing the pain.  We still may have to endure the circumstances we are going through.  But praising God, even in the midst of that pain, somehow eases the burden.  In some unexplainable way, we find the strength to keep going, to keep breathing.  We keep trusting that God’s plan is being fulfilled.  We have faith that we will get through whatever we are enduring.

Are you experiencing pain right now?  No matter the reason, whether it is attacks from our enemies, betrayal of someone we trusted, sin we have committed, or depression pulling us down – we can cry out to God.  He knows our pain.  He knows every aspect of our circumstances.  He’s just waiting for us to call on Him.  Like David and his Psalms, we will have songs of praise in our heart mixed with the songs of pain.  But the songs of pain can end in rejoicing as we cry out to our Lord.

 

Heavenly Father, I pray the same prayer that David prayed in Psalm 51:10-12:

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” 

Thank You Father.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.