Ready & Willing

He did it again. Provided just the words of encouragement I needed to pick up and move ahead. My husband's good at that. He helps me see things from a different perspective. He provides the sounding board I so desperately need when I'm considering my options. He talks me through discouragement, pointing out the endless possibilities. He cheers me on when I feel like quitting. And guides me to the One who filled me with a purpose in the first place - my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

I was never promised life without difficulties. Even when I'm convinced that I'm pursuing the purposes God has called me to, challenges pop up along the path. Yet with each challenge, God provides me with someone to come alongside and help put things in perspective. Precious believers, living out the words of the apostle Paul, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ," (Galatians 6:2; KJV).

I'm reminded of the mighty man of God, Moses. He had no small task leading the children of Israel out of Egypt to the promised land. Imagine being responsible for the well-being of millions of people! Along their journey, the Amalekites had come out to fight with Israel in Rephidim. Moses' directions to his military leader, Joshua, were clear, "Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand," (Exodus 17:9).

The next day dawned with Joshua leading the army out to battle and Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbing to the top of the hill - a great vantage point from which to view the fight. Moses quickly noticed an amazing phenomenon, when he held up his hands, Israel overcame the enemy, but when he put his hands down, the Amalekites began beating the Israelites. A bit uncanny, but true!

Moses soon realized he wouldn't be able to hold his arms up throughout the battle without help. Aaron and Hur to the rescue! They found a stone for Moses to sit on, and with Aaron on one side and Hur on the other, they held up Moses hands for him. What were the results? "...and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword," (Exodus 17:12b-13). Wow! Look at what was accomplished when these friends came alongside Moses and offered their help! A great victory!

King Solomon outlined several blessings of godly companionship. "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will life up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken," (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

When I'm rooted in Christ and I come alongside a fellow believer, there's no limit to what God can accomplish!

Is there someone the Lord is directing you to help and support? Arm yourself with the Word of God and prayer and be prepared to see God work!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for believers You've put in my life who provide encouragement and support. Help me to be quick to come alongside others who are in need of help. Allow me to point them to You and be careful to praise You for the outcome. In Jesus' name, Amen.        

*I'm hosting over at Living by Grace today. Join in the conversation!

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!

While I'm Waiting

We waited in traffic. And as we eased our way into the restaurant parking lot, we realized we would have to wait awhile longer before we'd be seated. The lobby was crowded to capacity. With pager in hand, we retreated to a small space meant to corral highchairs. The four by eight foot area was plenty big enough and gave us a bit of breathing room away from the crowd. A healthy 45-minute wait stood between us and dinner.

Waiters and waitresses passed by, trays laden with mouth-watering appetizers, entrees and desserts. Baskets of biscuits and fresh salads tantalized us as we settled down to wait. One compassionate waiter praised us for choosing such a clever spot, and offered to bring us some water while we continued to monitor our pager. What a guy! The water was a welcome distraction for our rumbling stomachs.

Finally, the pager lit up and began vibrating. Our table was ready! We stepped out of our waiting area and wove our way through the throng of people. A hostess seated us at a cozy table for two. It was our turn to enjoy a delicious meal. A much-anticipated dinner finally became a reality. And the wait made it memorable!

Life is full of waiting. I remember anxiously awaiting my graduation from high school, only to realize that I had four more years of college to get through. With college diploma in hand, I eagerly waited for the perfect job offer. Then I could hardly wait to get married. And nine months gave us lots of time to wait before our baby girl was born.

It's important to look forward to the future, but just as important to savor each moment. Moses, the servant of God, put it this way, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom," (Psalm 90:12; KJV). Realize each day is a gift from God. In the midst of anticipating my future, I need to be mindful that, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it," (Psalm 118:24). Each day brings fresh opportunities to serve others and point them to a loving God. I think about the waiter who so graciously offered to bring us water. He was busy waiting on other guests, yet he noticed us and took the time to serve us, making our time more enjoyable.

Waiting. Something I'm not good at. But necessary to help me develop patience and a servant-attitude. David, a man after God's own heart, penned these encouraging words, "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord," (Psalm 27:14). Today, I choose to serve my Savior by using times of waiting as opportunities to reach out to others who need to know Him!

Are you faced with a time of waiting? Do you see the value in it? Will you choose to enjoy each day, knowing that God desires to use you to reach others?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for times of waiting in my life. Forgive me when I rush through life, not fully appreciating each moment You give me. Thank You for the opportunity to serve You! Help my eyes to be open to those You'd have me serve while I'm waiting. In Jesus' name, Amen.

To Serve or Be Served

The selections on the buffet looked delicious. Everything from breakfast fare to salad and desserts, tempted us to fill our plates to overflowing. Our waiter catered to our every need, making sure our glasses were topped off, and whisking away empty plates to give us plenty of elbowroom. Every so often, he'd ask how we were doing, and if there was anything else he could do for us. Having been to several restaurants where the service was sadly lacking, it was a breath of fresh air, to observe his obvious desire to serve and please his customers. I'm sure you can relate.

In today's culture, the idea of serving others is somewhat foreign. Having grown up in an era with commercial slogans like, "have it your way," and, "because you're worth it," it's easy to see why the focus has shifted to self. To serve, is to meet the requirements or needs of someone, to satisfy. Literally to put oneself in the role of a servant: one who expresses submission, recognizance, or debt to another.

Think about the King of the universe, Jesus Christ. In order to fulfill the will of His Father, he "...made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross," (Philippians 2:7-8; KJV). I was struck by the thought that Christ was willing to lay aside the majesty that He shared with God, and come to earth to give His life, that I might be redeemed. He endured shame and excruciating pain that I might be freed from my burden of sin. He did all of this for me, and yet I ignore the opportunity to serve Him. Often expecting Him to be a God who serves me.

I'm forced to look at my prayer life. Some days, instead of taking time to praise Him, I find myself rushing into His throne room and pitching all my requests into His lap. Instead of allowing Him to work out the details, I add my two cents on how He should answer each prayer. Can I truly say I desire His will for my life when I'm clearly telling Him what to do? Who am I, that I should expect the God of the universe to cater to my every whim?! After all He's done for me, my proper response is to take my rightful place as His servant. Remembering that it's all about Him and not about me.

Spending time reading His Word clarifies how I can serve Him. "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (Micah 6:8). Being honorable and fair when dealing with others. Extending kindness and forgiveness to others even when it's undeserved. Adopting meek and modest behavior toward my fellow man. These characteristics are unnatural, unless I've submitted myself to the power of the Holy Spirit. He enables me to treat others as I ought to, pointing others to Him all the while.

Understanding His unconditional love for me, fuels a passion for Him that motivates me to serve Him willingly. Today, I choose to give Christ first place in my life. And by careful meditation on His Word, instead of expecting my God to serve me, I humbly submit myself to Him, a servant to accomplish His will.

When you evaluate your life, do your actions indicate that you expect God to serve you? What steps are you willing to take to turn the tables and begin serving Him?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me so much that you sent Jesus to die on the cross, to pay my sin debt. After all You've done for me, forgive me for expecting You to serve me. I realize I have the opportunity to serve a great God who deserves all of my praise. Help me to internalize Your Word and submit to Your Holy Spirit, that I might serve You all of my days. In Jesus' name, Amen.