Things That Matter Most

A new year has begun. Time to reflect on the past year, has helped me identify the things I’ll continue in 2013, and recognize the things I need to eliminate. Each new beginning offers an opportunity to focus on what really matters:

Keeping Him first.

This is a daily challenge for me. When I think about who He is, I’m humbled.

“For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are idols: but the Lord made the heavens,” (1 Chronicles 16:25-26; KJV).  

He is the Creator. I am His creation.

My to-do list doesn’t end, and it’s easy to plunge into the day with my plans in place. It’s when I take time to talk to God and identify His will for the day that I’m able to accomplish the most.

His Word reminds me: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Developing quality relationships and serving others.

I have to admit, I’m selfish. I typically think of my needs first. God’s Word points out a better way – I’m to put others ahead of myself. In the book of Philippians Paul writes: “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves,” (2:3).

Taking the attitude of a servant goes a long way toward pointing others to Christ. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,” (Galatians 5:13-14).

Doing what He’s given me to do one step at a time.

God has a plan for my life. It’s up to me to use the abilities He’s given me, and rely on His strength to help me accomplish that plan. He won’t force me to fulfill His plan, but He’s given me the incredible opportunity to partner with Him in something that will bring Him glory. It’s His hope that I’ll join Him to fulfill His will for my life: “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling . . .” (Ephesians 1:18).

The Lord shares a marvelous promise: “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass,” (Psalm 37:5). And His presence goes with me: “. . . I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” (Hebrews 13:5b)

What decisions have you made for 2013? Will you focus on what really matters? Take steps today to put God first, serve others, and fulfill the plan God has for your life.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of a new year. Help me grow in grace and in the knowledge of you every day. I want to put you first today and serve those you’ve brought into my life. Help me fulfill the plan you have for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Happy New Year!

An Interview with Missionary Wife, Corli Hall

Sweet-spirited, soft-spoken, and beautiful - all words I would use to describe today's guest. I had the pleasure of meeting Corli Hall and her family earlier this year, when my husband and I went on a mission trip to the country of South Africa. I learned a lot from Corli in the brief time we were in Port Elizabeth, and it's my privilege to introduce her to you!  

Maria: Welcome, Corli! Tell us a bit about yourself:

Corli: I am a native to the country of South Africa. I was born in the big city of Johannesburg and grew up in a smaller town called Bloemfontein. My mother-tongue is Afrikaans but after marrying my American husband I gained the opportunity to get better acquainted with English. After moving back to South Africa to start our ministry with the Xhosa people, I also had the privilege of learning the Xhosa language. I am passionate about my Lord and Savior and I am passionate about my family, especially my role as a wife and mother.

I love to bake, and I love to eat all things baked, especially the sugary kind! Apart from my delight in all things sweet, I am very interested in healthy living. I strive to be an encouragement to others!

Maria: Wonderful! Did you always dream of being a missionary's wife?

Corli: As a matter of fact, no. I used to enjoy the idea of following my family's footsteps into the world of education, but when I was 17 years old I fell in love, and as a result, my life took another direction. Who did I fall in love with? I fell in love with Jesus!!! From then on, the only thing I wanted to do was serve Him. In submission to Him and according to His plan for my life, He proceeded to put those dreams and desires, such as serving on the mission field, in my heart. Then as an answer to prayer, He brought my prince in shining armor from across the seas and today I have the privilege of serving the Lord alongside my husband here in South Africa.

Maria: What a beautiful love story! Describe the mission field in South Africa:

Corli: South Africa is a unique country. It consists of four main people groups. The apartheid regime left visible scars as even today, the majority of these people groups are still segregated within their own areas. Typical to the apartheid era there is still a lot of animosity and division between particularly the white and African people. We work in areas locally known as 'townships' with a mostly African population. These areas surround the cities and towns. The townships are for the most part poverty stricken, high crime areas.

We work amongst a people group called "Amaxhosa". The Xhosa people are warm and friendly. They are traditionally ancestor worshippers, devoted to their culture and traditions. South Africa is a country where religion is abundant - a personal relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ is not. There are church buildings on every corner of the townships where we work, but sadly many of these 'churches' incorporate their ancestor worship into whatever form of Christianity it mimics. In many instances there isn't a clear presentation of the gospel, or it is entirely absent. Our church members attest to this. The first six to eight months of our first church plant was a period of rejection. In spite of all the effort made, we met with literally a handful of believers - the young men we started Bible studies with while in language school. The political implications became clear.

So with that as a backdrop , we rejoice in the miracle and grace of God as He continues to build a loving church family here, adding to His family, Xhosa brothers and sisters, some of whom are the most devoted Christians we know! We also praise Him for the excellent young preachers He has raised up here! The ladies in our church are some of the kindest, selfless, most hardworking women I know. It is an honor to work with them!

Maria: Sounds like a challenging mission field - yet it's so encouraging to hear how the Lord is working there! What language do the people speak and how long did it take you to learn the language?

Corli: South Africa actually has eleven official languages! Each of the nine provinces has a language that, apart from English and Afrikaans, is predominantly spoken there. We work in the Eastern Cape province where Xhosa is the language spoken most often.

In regards to how long it took me to learn Xhosa - I am still learning and I will remain a student of the language for as long as I am here. However, it did take about 2 years before I felt like I was actually conversing and not merely digging in my mind for the things I wanted to say.

For those interested, I will share that Xhosa is a clicking language and apart from the clicks the whole language is based on 13 different noun classes, so any given sentence can be said 13 different ways depending on the nouns present. You basically do math with letters when there's more than one noun in a sentence as the prefixes and suffixes to the words following these nouns all have to change accordingly!

Maria: Wow! My hat is off to you for persevering while learning such a difficult language. What is the biggest challenge to raising your children on the mission field?

Corli: My situation is somewhat unique in that I am from South Africa and my mother and sister live close by! They have proven to be an enormous blessing not only in the physical aspect of helping with our little ones (especially in the busy times when hosting big groups etc.), but my mother is also a great source of wisdom and encouragement.

However, that being said, we still face some challenges:

*Finding a proper balance between family and ministry!

*Consistently being the right examples to our children

*Keeping the right attitude (as our attitudes affect those of our children)

*Instilling right motives  (i.e. pleasing God, not man)

*Being willing to work in areas where crime is common

Maria: Those are definitely challenges. It's so good to know that you have family close by to support you and your ministry. Do you have mission teams come to help with the work there in Port Elizabeth? If so, how can a person get involved?

Corli: We have had the privilege of hosting several teams and individuals here in Port Elizabeth. There are many areas for people to get involved: preaching; teaching (children, women, men, youth etc) ; music; social aids (such as nursing); construction etc. Prayer is always welcomed too!

Maria: Sounds like a lot of opportunities! On a lighter note, what is the funniest thing that's happened on the mission field?

Corli: Anytime we get together as ladies, we have a time of fun and laughing! One thing that sticks out in my mind though is when, back in the beginning, I got the word for napkin in English confused with the word for diaper in Xhosa and would repeatedly and ever so kindly ask if I could, "Please have a diaper to wipe my mouth!!"

By the way, the word for diaper in Xhosa is 'inapukeni!'

Maria: That's hilarious - I can see how it would be easy to confuse the words! What is the most important lesson God has taught you, while on the field?

Corli: Humility and dependance upon God. I am constantly reminded of Corrie ten Boom's words: "When I try, I fail. When I trust, He succeeds." In short: it is all about, all for, and all through Him!

Maria: Fantastic words of wisdom, Corli. What goals do you have for the future?

Corli: A goal that is always before me is that of growing in the Word and becoming more like my Savior! Following closely behind that, is growing in my role as wife and mother. Also, becoming a better teacher. There is always a need to get more materials for Sunday School, ladies meeting etc., translated, edited and filed, and I will spend much of the next few months working on this.

Something else that I would like to tackle in the near future is that of learning more about blogging and also cake decorating.

Maria: I believe you'll stay busy! What words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Corli: I am truly thankful for the valuable lessons the Lord has been teaching me over the last several years. Most of these lessons, are not learned in the warmth and security of one's comfort zone, but I am learning to embrace the challenges set before us, trusting that it will conceive and bring forth that fruit which is pleasing and acceptable to our Heavenly Father. I could write paragraphs about these lessons but in all honesty, I can say that I have learned to sit at the Master's feet fixing my eyes upon Him. If I don't, I am tempted to fret, doubt, complain and even serve with selfish motives. How thankful I am that He is carving these things away, teaching that it is all about Him and that He is able!!

I have also learned to choose gratitude. With a grateful heart even the smallest blessings are immense. The smallest victories in battle, won! Even the hardships, appreciated!

Last but not least, and of great importance: treasure and nurture your family! No doubt, the home is under attack. Remember, you are the only wife and mother your family has. Honor your husband as the hero of your home. Determine to love, respect and support him. Give your hubby some freedom from his heavy load as you learn to lean on the Lord and not expect him to take care of every need in your life (especially during those needy times on the mission field)! Remember: "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want," (Psalm 23:1; KJV).

Put your children ahead of yourself. Be actively involved in discipling your children and strive to be a walking example of what you are teaching them (may the Lord help us!). If you are also one to host many guests, strive to be a proper hostess, but when circumstances do not allow, don't neglect your children in order to receive applause for your clean home and perfectly planned, delicious cooking.

Maria: Thank you so much for that valuable insight! It's been such a joy to have you visit with us today. My prayers are with you and the ministry in South Africa. God bless you and your family!

Connect with Corli and learn more about she and her husband's ministry:

http://corlihall.wordpress.com

How Do You Decide?

As the old saying goes, 'Time marches on.' Seems like only a few years ago, my husband and I were bringing our daughter home from the hospital. But in March, she left the glorious teen years behind - a new decade unfolding before her.

Remember being twenty? I do. Life was full of decisions - what college major to pursue, what job to apply for, who to date? Things haven't changed that much. A twenty-year-old still faces lots of decisions. Don't we all? I'm glad there's Someone available to guide that decision-making process, no matter how old we are!

Decisions don't always seem that important to me. Sure, I pray for direction concerning the seemingly 'big' things, but sometimes I fool myself into thinking I can handle the 'small' decisions. As I perused the clothes racks at the mall recently, I was excited to find lots of things on clearance. I was tempted to scoop up a number of items and head back to the dressing room...until I remembered the reason for my trip to the store. I didn't need winter clothes, I was looking for a spring outfit. Logic triumphed over emotional spending! Lesson learned. Oftentimes, it's the little things that take me furthest off course.

God wants me to come to Him anytime I need direction. In fact, He encourages me to ask for wisdom, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him," (James 1:5; KJV). Because Jesus lived on this earth, He knows the difficulties I face. He endured temptations, yet He never sinned. He extends an incredible invitation, "...come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need," (Hebrews 4:16).

The more I read and study God's Word, the better equipped I am to make good decisions - whether big or small. The Apostle Paul was quick to remind the Corinthians to do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).Today, I'm determined to trust the Lord, and acknowledge Him in all I do, knowing that He will direct my paths! (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Are you facing lots of decisions? What step are you willing to take to seek direction from the Lord?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for caring about every decision I make. Help me ask for Your wisdom, and be obedient to the direction You give. In Jesus' name, Amen.

*This article appeared in the March 2012 edition of My Forsyth.

Need Help?

I'm not sure how it happened. We were preparing to film another episode for Life Lessons, and I had run upstairs to get a towel to block some unwanted sunlight. I wasn't paying attention as I hurried back downstairs, and before I knew it, I was on the floor - with my right foot bent underneath me. Somehow, I had miscalculated how many stairs I'd come down, and stepped out thinking I was at the bottom of the staircase. With nothing but air to greet my extended leg, I pitched forward, landing on the top of my foot. Needless to say, nothing was filmed that day!

Remember the classic fainting spells on your favorite cartoons? I have to admit, they're pretty accurate. As I sat on the floor, propped up against the wall, I did indeed see stars and it was difficult to hear over the roaring noise that had taken up residence in my ears. Whatever I had done to my foot couldn't be good.

My husband, Steve, to the rescue! Although he didn't SEE me fall, he HEARD it. As I struggled to remain conscious, he was convinced that a trip to the doctor would be a good thing. I was in full agreement - I knew I needed help. Steve's calm demeanor helped me stay focused. Within just a couple of minutes, he had grabbed my purse and shoes and was ready to carry me out to the car.

   

I've battled weak ankles all my life. The good news? The x-rays showed no broken bones. I had only sprained my ankle. Armed with crutches and the determination to be more alert in the future, we made the drive back home.

There's a bigger truth here. Each one of us goes through life focused on our own plans. At some point, something happens and we're faced with the truth: life isn't all about me, and my life won't last forever. We realize we're NOT in control, and in fact, we need help. God's Word sheds light on our condition, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23; KJV).

A decision needs to be made. Will we admit our sinful condition and our need for the Savior? Or will we stubbornly insist on doing things our own way, denying any need for help? The choice is ours. Will we put our faith in ourselves or in the Savior?

Jesus already died on the cross to pay the sin debt for all mankind. He's finished the work that allows you to be reconciled to a holy God. Will you have faith in His atoning work? "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation," (Romans 10:9-10).

When I hurt my ankle, I knew I couldn't make it to the doctor on my own. I was grateful my husband was able to help me. If you're on life's proverbial 'floor,' and you don't know Jesus, are you willing to trust in Him today? He'll give you a life full of meaning and purpose as you serve Him, and an eternal home in heaven.

If you already know Jesus as your Savior, will you share Him with someone today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace and mercy in my life. Thank You for giving me Your Word that shows me the truth - I'm a sinner. How wonderful to know that You love me, and paid my sin debt, so I can be reconciled to God. Help me share You with others today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Created for a Purpose

Something was definitely wrong. It was cold. As I stood at the kitchen sink, the air blowing out of the vent at my feet was anything but warm. Overnight, the temperature in our balmy state of Georgia had plummeted, causing us to flip the switch from air conditioning to heat. The only problem was that no warm air was rushing out of the vents to greet us. After a brief trip to the basement, my husband realized that the pilot light was not on and was stubbornly refusing to be re-lit. Time to call the heating and air specialists.

We placed a call to FlowTech Mechanical Services first thing Monday morning. Fortunately they were able to put us on the schedule for later in the evening. Unfortunately, that meant we had to endure the arctic chill that had crept into our house overnight. Its icy fingers convinced us that layers were an absolute 'must.'

Clothed in winter coats and toasty slippers, I wrapped my hands around a steaming mug of coffee, resisting the urge to don a pair of gloves. Ok, so it wasn't quite that cold, but you get the picture! Since our upstairs heating unit was working just fine, both my husband and I retreated upstairs to begin the day's work.

Throughout the day, it was humorous to note that neither one of us spent an extended period of time downstairs. Each of us would only do what was absolutely necessary, before heading back to the comfort of the upstairs. The temperature difference from the chilly downstairs to the pleasantly warm upstairs was noticeable.

It didn't take the heating/air specialist long to determine the cause of our problem. The circuit board was bad and would no longer allow the igniter to do its job; hence the cold air in spite of moving the switch to 'heat.' If I'm not mistaken, when it was originally manufactured, the circuit board's job was to provide power to the igniter which, in turn, causes the unit to heat the air and push it out through the vents, warming the house.

What an accurate picture of our lives before salvation. God created each one of us in His image. Genesis 1:27 spells it out plainly, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (KJV). He created us for a specific purpose: to walk in fellowship with Him, bringing Him honor and glory. When Adam and Eve chose to sin against God, man was no longer in fellowship with his Creator. He could no longer fulfill his God-given role. Similarly, when the circuit board in our furnace stopped working, the pilot light went out and the unit stopped performing the function it was created to fulfill. It no longer heated our home.

A blood sacrifice had to be made to atone for sin so man could once again enjoy a relationship with God (Heb. 9:22). Throughout the Old Testament, animal sacrifices were made according to God's instructions. When God the Father sent His son, Jesus Christ to this earth, He became the ultimate sacrifice to forever atone for the sins of the whole world (Heb. 10:10).

When we accept God's gift of salvation by grace through faith, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Paul words it beautifully in the book of Ephesians, "...in whom (Christ) also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise" (1:13b). We are once again brought into fellowship with God and we can chose to live a life that is pleasing to Him. We can chose to fulfill His purpose for our lives. In much the same way, when the faulty circuit board was replaced, power raced to the igniter, and once the pilot light was lit, warm air coursed through our house. The furnace was doing the job it was created to do.

What about you? Have you accepted God's gift of salvation by grace through faith so you can walk in fellowship with your Creator? If so, are you fulfilling the role He's called you to?  Pray for His guidance as you follow Him, today.

*A re-post from October 2009.

Why?

Sometimes I don't understand why things happen. I can't give an answer to the age-old question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" For some reason, I fall for the belief that if I do the right thing, a good outcome is guaranteed. Oftentimes along life's journey, I forget my purpose and begin to live as if life was given to me for my happiness and personal fulfillment. Time for a reality check!

Although I know that life has its fair share of ups and downs, why is it so difficult to embrace the 'downs?' The Bible is full of examples of men and women who experienced unexplained hardships. Remember Job? He's described as a "perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil," (Job 1:8; KJV). Very impressive when you consider it was the Lord who described Job this way!

Job had everything going for him. He had a wonderful family, was wildly wealthy, and was well respected in his community. Job loved God and made constant intercession for his children. Yet one day, everything changed. In a matter of hours, Job lost his sons and daughters, his cattle and livestock, and even his health. Job lost it all. Why?

The book of Job lets me in on some things that weren't revealed to Job. The Lord allowed Satan to wreck havoc in Job's life. Tough to understand. Job was a prime servant of the Lord, yet the Lord allowed him to be severely tested.

When faced with the tragic news that his children had been killed and his livestock destroyed, Job's response is nothing short of astounding, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord," (Job 1:21). What faith! But the enemy wasn't willing to give in to defeat so easily. If Job wouldn't curse God as a result of losing everything, surely he would break if he lost his health.

Once again, for reasons known only to God, He allowed Satan to afflict Job with painful boils from the top of his head to the soles of his feet. Job's wife was of little comfort. She couldn't get beyond the difficult question: Why? Her advice to her husband, "...curse God, and die," (Job 2:9b). But Job saw things from a different perspective, and answered his wife with words indicative of his faith, "...What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" (Job 2:10b).

It 's not too challenging to be positive for a day, but when trials stretch on day after day with no end in sight, faith is stretched to the limit. Job never cursed God, yet his outlook became bleak. He wished he had never been born, and he wanted answers. Why had tragedy struck his life? Why was God punishing him?

After a long time of silence, God DID speak to Job - but not with the answers Job expected. God's response was to remind Job that He created the world and everything in it, and His ways are far above man's ways. As Creator, God's purpose for His creation is to serve and honor Him, not for man to be focused on getting through life unscathed. Job realized the greatness of God, "I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee...Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes," (Job 42:2,6). And God blessed Job, "So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning..." (Job 42:12a).

   

Knowing why something happened is not nearly as important as realizing that no matter how I feel, nothing - no trial, no tragedy - can separate me from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). Life will continue to be peppered with ups and downs. I can take what comes, knowing that I serve a God who loves me!

Do you get tripped up when you don't understand why something happened? Will you trust God today and exercise faith in His control of your future?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your love. Help me to remember that You are in control and can be trusted, even when I don't understand why things happen. I choose to live for You today. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Come join in the discussion!