Refresh, Renew, Recharge

Woman, super mom, volunteer, friend, sister, wife, teacher, nurse, mentor: Do any of these describe you?

Responsibilities can build up and we can grow weary and worn trying to fit it all in. The good news: God doesn’t get weary or worn. We can always find rest in Him and recharge with His strength and direction. Start the new year off focusing on the One who wants to be in the middle of all you do.

Join us for a conference, that will leave you challenged as a woman and encouraged as a child of God, at the Martin County Auditorium in Williamston, NC on February 19th as we Refresh – Renew – Recharge for 2011!

With Keynote Speaker, Renee Swope, Executive Director Proverbs 31 Ministries and Special Guest, Allison T. Cain.Visit my website for registration information – http://www.godchickdevotions.com

Short Cut

I was running late to an appointment after helping out a friend. I do not like to be late! So, I thought it would be a good idea to take a short cut that I had seen my husband take a few times. Of course, I got lost and my short cut turned out to be a long cut and cost me more time. The best laid plans!

The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:7

While lost, I thought this was a great example of how we live our lives sometimes. Often, we decide to take our own path instead of God’s and when we do, we shouldn’t be surprised at the outcome. Looking back I remember just a few of the unproductive, hurtful and scary outcomes of my own short cuts. Whether words or actions they are things that seemed like a great idea at the time, but ended up a disaster in one way or another.

I am sure Satan sits there cheering us on when we get the urge to follow our own desires or the desires of this world over the ones of our Lord and Savior.

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2

“The will of God”

Read that again. We throw those four words around a lot, but do we think about what they really mean. We can’t even fathom what mighty and amazing plans God has is store for us and we don’t always see the benefits while traveling the long road. Many times we want to turn around, take the next turn or even give up and just veer over into the ditch,  but if we focus on God’s Word, His truth and His great love for us the long road can be a wonderful journey that draws us closer to God than we ever imagined. His plan really is perfect and He has one just for you.

God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. Job 37:5

Reveal

You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you’ll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren’t willing to receive from me the life you say you want. John 5:38-40 ( The Message)

Recently, we took a family bike ride through the college campus where my husband and I met. I was getting my Masters degree and he was finishing up his undergraduate courses years ago when our paths first crossed. As we rode through the campus we showed our children were we met, were I had worked as a student and a professional, where we took classes and told them all about the University.

They asked so many questions. “What did you do on your dates? Did you have sleepovers? What movie did you watch?” And our youngest wanted to know who babysat them while we were on our dates. The Universe does revolve around them, right?

They were asking lots questions to find more about their mom and dad, but beyond that. . . through our answers we were revealing a side of us they had not seen before. The “before children” people that we use to be. We were also teaching them about what you do on dates and how love can evolve into marriage and children.

Our Heavenly Father wants us (His children) to ask Him questions. He wants us to dive into His Word, His past, His promises and His character so that He can reveal to us who He was, who He is and who He always will be. One great way that has helped me dig through scriptures and allow God to reveal things to me is the dictionary. I know it sounds elementary, but give me a chance.

When you read a scripture, John 10:10 for example is one we hear all the time. Have you broken it down and looked up the words?

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

In other words the thief (Satan) comes to destroy (to burn, to neutralize, to injure, to defeat), (Christ) comes so we can have life and have it to the full (completely filled, ample, over sized, past capacity).

Just by taking the time to look up two words and dwell on their meaning this scripture comes alive and reveals more to me than it ever has. You know, it isn’t that we don’t know what destroy and full mean – it’s just that when we take the time to look them up and read the definition the meaning sinks in. I have listed a couple more scriptures, most of us have heard many times, below that you can “look up” this week as you do your daily devotions. I encourage you to drag out your dictionary and give it a try.  I pray God will reveal to you a new truth from His heart.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Letting Go

“Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Job 22:21

The holiday season (and often times just life itself) can bring emotions to the surface that we thought had been resolved, emotions we thought we were above or that we pushed so far away we thought they would never surface again. Many times, it has to do with letting go of something: Letting go of a past betrayal, guilt over an action, expectations that were not met or a lifestyle you had grown accustom to. Are you struggling to let go of anything during this season of life?

Sometimes, these emotions creep up on me when I least expect it and I find myself shocked at what my heart is feeling. Then, the guilt starts in  . . . how can I feel like this and have a heart for God? How can God still love me and use me for His purpose when my selfish heart is in the way? I have learned that being honest with God is the best medicine to restore my heart from one of chaos to peace. When I am able to overcome these human emotions I know that God is at work because I could have never done it alone.

“Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23

We have heard many times, “Let Go and Let God”, but do we ever heed the advice?  Think of all the benefits we would receive if we would actually do as this saying suggest and let God in. Let Him in to heal the pain, take the place of something worldly or simply find rest in His presence and many blessings.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

It is impossible for us to change our hearts without God’s help. I urge to you search your heart for the things you have been holding on to, but need to let go. Go to God with it – the pain, the hurt, the guilt, the embarrassment – take it all. Then, Pay attention, and listen to me; be silent, and I will speak. Job 33:31