Teachable Moments

When I received the friend request, I knew the name sounded familiar. I repeated the name several times, and it dawned on me. The young lady had been a member of a teen Bible study I had co-taught several years earlier. It was so good to reconnect and find out that she was doing well. Now in high school, she continues to grow in Christ through an outreach on campus.

Knowing that I have the opportunity to impact lives for Jesus Christ is truly humbling. Beginning in my own family, each day offers me the chance to teach the principles of God's Word from ordinary experiences. The words of Moses reiterate this fact, "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up," (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; KJV). Basically, it should be natural to speak of the Lord and His ways. And to speak of Him often. Every time an occasion presents itself, whether to family or a new acquaintance.

Life is full of difficulties. From sibling rivalries to unfair treatment, what better time to introduce the caring, compassionate Savior, who invites us into His presence? "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need," (Hebrews 4:16). No matter what the difficulty, He wants us to leave our burden with Him, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you," (1 Peter 5:7). As prayers are lifted, and answers are received, faith in a mighty God begins to grow.

Good times can also present challenges. There is a delicate balance between enjoying a victory, and becoming prideful in its wake. Being reminded of the One who gave the victory goes a long way in cultivating the right attitude. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights..." (James 1:17a). Reviewing God's many blessings keeps us focused on His goodness, "O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever," (Psalm 107:1).

Numerous opportunities to share Christ's principles present themselves every day. I only need to keep my eyes open for the teachable moments. Each day we get the chance to make a mark on those who are in the sphere of our influence. Are we diligently teaching the ways of the Master? Pointing others to the Truth?

As you consider those on whom you have an impact, pray that the Lord would equip you to make much of Him! May we have the excitement of Peter and John, who boldly proclaimed, "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard," (Acts 4:20).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunities You give me to influence others for You. Equip me with the ability to share Your principles naturally with those You bring across my path. Help me to keep my eyes open for teachable moments, and communicate Your ways so others may grow in their faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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

Exciting Changes

Hard to believe I began my blogging journey three years ago. In that timeframe, the look and layout of my blog have changed very little. Time to shake things up a bit! Some exciting changes will be taking place over the next several weeks, one of which I'll be rolling out next Thursday.

Join me July 19th, when my Thursday posts begin featuring interviews with fellow writers, missionaries, photographers, and other ordinary people who have a passion to use their talents for Christ. I can't wait for you to meet the inspirational individuals I have lined up, as I kick off this new element on my site.

In the meantime, I'd like to thank each of you for your support over the years. Your comments and encouragement mean a great deal, and it's been a pleasure meeting so many kindred spirits throughout the blogging community. Hurray for YOU!

Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.   

Preconceived Ideas

Have you ever prayed about a situation with a preconceived idea of how God should answer? I have. When He doesn't answer my prayer the way I think He should, I have to admit I'm not thrilled. Flesh and spirit wrestle - engaged in a battle that has been fought throughout the ages.

Remember Naaman? He was the captain of the host of the king of Syria. He held this impressive position in spite of his physical condition - he was a leper. Several forms of leprosy were highly contagious and, for the most part, incurable. Naaman's prognosis was not good.

But there was hope. Naaman's wife had a young servant girl who knew someone who could help Naaman. The prophet, Elisha. Naaman wasted no time travelling to Elisha's house. I'm sure he knocked on the door in anticipation - eager to stand before the prophet and receive healing. But Elisha didn't open the door, a messenger stood in his place.

The messenger issued instructions for Naaman to go wash in the Jordan River seven times, and he would be cured of his leprosy. Naaman's response? "But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper. Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean?" (2 Kings 5:11; KJV).

Pride got the best of Naaman. A man of his rank bathing in the Jordan River? Surely there was a better way! As he stalked back to his chariot in a rage, his servants tried to get him to see reason, "My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?" (2 Kings 5:13).

The instructions WERE simple. Dipping seven times in the Jordan River couldn't hurt. Maybe he WOULD give it a try. Each time he disappeared below the muddy waters, his hope grew. The seventh time he came up from the water, his eyes grew large with amazement - he was healed!

If Naaman had persisted in his pride, he would still be a leper without hope. Instead, he made the decision to humble himself, follow the simple instructions, and be cured of his disease. Most importantly, he put his faith in the God of Israel (2 Kings 5:15).  

I can be just like Naaman, thinking I know the best way for the God of heaven to answer my prayers. My pride can get the best of me. But when I recall that He is the Creator and I'm His creation, humility follows. I remember that His ways are higher than my ways and his thoughts are higher than my thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).

Do you struggle with God's answers to your prayers? What step will you take today to walk in humility and not allow pride to get the best of you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that your answers to my prayers are best. Forgive me when I respond in pride. Help me remember the story of Naaman and humble myself and truly seek your will for my life. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

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

Are You Celebrating?

Every year we celebrate it – our independence. Wikipedia gives an accurate description of the importance of this celebration, “Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.”

Freedom is worth celebrating. I remember a group of people who endured over 400 years of slavery – the children of Israel. They were in bondage to Pharaoh, and were responsible for making bricks to construct buildings throughout Egypt.

Imagine their joy when Pharaoh finally let them go! It didn’t happen overnight, in fact, the Lord sent ten horrific plagues that affected land and people alike. It took the death of Pharaoh’s son to convince him that the God of the Israelites was indeed a God to be feared.

The people were free. No more making bricks, no more taskmasters, no more beatings. They were free to worship the Lord in the manner that He showed them. But freedom didn’t come easy. There was hard work involved – travelling hundreds of miles on foot, setting up and taking down tents, getting along with everyone else who was on this pilgrimage from Egypt to the Promised Land.

On several occasions, the children of Israel became disenchanted with their freedom. When they came into the wilderness of Sin, they had reached their limit. Grumbling turned into complaints against Moses and Aaron, “Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth in to this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger,” (Exodus 16:3; KJV). In a matter of months, the Israelites had shifted from celebrating their freedom, to longing for the land where they had been enslaved.

What silly people! Yet don’t I do the same thing? I was set free from the slavery of sin when I put my faith in the completed work of Jesus Christ on the cross. What a reason to celebrate. But as I journey through life, difficulties trip me up and I forget the joy I originally experienced. Just like the children of Israel, I begin to take my freedom for granted and complaining soon follows. Once again I fall prey to the slavery of sin.

God’s Word provides the map I need to get back on course. He is gracious, “For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust,”  (Psalm 103:14). He reminds me I’m freed from sin and am able to serve Him, “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life,” (Romans 6:22).

I have every reason to celebrate – I’m free from the grip of sin, and I live in a country where I am free to worship the God of heaven.

Have you experienced freedom from sin by accepting Christ as your Savior (Ephesians 2:8-9)? If so, are you living like the children of Israel, disenchanted with your freedom? What step will you take today to get back on course and celebrate your freedom?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to celebrate true freedom – freedom from the slavery of sin. Help me to realize what a precious gift you’ve given me. Help me not to take it for granted. Thank you for America, a country where I can worship you freely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

Uniquely You

It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to be someone I’m not. Writing like an author I admire. Or presenting like a Bible teacher I’ve studied under. There’s nothing wrong with admiring great character qualities of other people, but God made me unique – and that’s reason enough to shine for Him with the gifts and abilities He’s given me.

The story of David and Goliath is very familiar. Remember the details? David was the young shepherd boy, who had seven older brothers. Goliath was the Philistine giant who challenged the Israelites to a fight. David found himself in the midst of the Israelites’ camp, when his father sent him to check on his brothers who were part of the army.

The entire Israelite army cowered in fear of Goliath’s threats. His words were brash and bold, punctuated with blasphemy against the God of Israel. David couldn’t believe his ears. As he looked around, he couldn’t believe his eyes. One by one, the men in the army were retreating – taking shelter behind boulders and anything that would give them protection from this formidable enemy.

David knew the God of Israel could prevail. How dare this Philistine defy his God! David presented his case before King Saul: “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine,” (1 Samuel 17:32; KJV). King Saul warned David of the enemy’s ability - pointing out the fact that Goliath was a skilled warrior, having fought in battles since he was young.

David’s confidence didn’t waiver, “The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the Lord be with thee,” (1 Samuel 17:32, 37).

Saul offered David his armor. He put on the helmet of brass and the coat of mail, girded his sword on his armor, and attempted to go. But something wasn’t right. The armor felt heavy and awkward. David had never worn armor before. Although it might be what the warriors wore, he knew it wasn’t right for him. He took off the protective gear, and exchanged it for what he was skilled at using: his shepherd’s staff, sling and pouch for stones.

Carefully selecting five smooth stones, David made his way toward Goliath. The giant thought this was some sort of Israelite joke, but David’s voice was strong and clear, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied…And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands,” (1 Samuel 17:45, 47).

With one, well-aimed stone, Goliath was killed, and the Philistine army was scattered. David chose to use the abilities God had honed in him, rather than the armor of the warriors. And God used David to win a mighty victory in Israel.

Although I may not have the same skills and abilities other great men and women of God possess, He has equipped me to magnify Him with the talents He’s given me. What an opportunity to develop those talents for His glory!

Do you wish you had someone else’s talents? Take time to praise the Lord for the way He’s equipped you to serve Him, and work on honing your skills today!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for allowing me to serve You. Help me to see that each person You’ve created has different talents and abilities. My job is to use what You’ve given me to bring You honor and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Setback or Opportunity?

Setbacks – none of us are immune. The missed deadline. The unexpected illness. The loss of a job. Some setbacks are nothing more than minor inconveniences, while others rank up there on the Richter scale.

I remember the year my husband’s company merged two business units. Steve wasn’t interested in the position he was offered, so he voluntarily left the company. What we didn’t know at the time, was that it would be nine months before he’d find a suitable job. This setback touched many areas of our lives and launched us on a daily walk of faith.

During this same period of time, our pastor experienced a heart attack following a prolonged battle with diabetes. His untimely death was a huge setback for our congregation. A setback that once again called us to walk by faith.

Steve and two other men from our congregation were chosen to head up a pulpit committee to search for a new pastor. A difficult task. A task that would require much time and prayer. Because of his availability, Steve was able to devote his time to this all-important task. And the Lord knew exactly what He was doing. Within days of choosing a pastor, the Lord provided Steve with a new job.

I’m reminded of a setback in the life of the apostle Paul. He was put in prison for preaching the gospel. Talk about a major setback! It seemed his ministry was put on hold – what could he possibly accomplish while he was in jail? God had a plan.

Although his circumstances were far from ideal, Paul continued to trust Christ. Paul looked beyond his circumstances and continued to share the gospel with anyone who would listen – jailers and guards included. Paul’s focus? “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” (Philippians 1:21; KJV). The Lord also used this time to inspire Paul to write many of the epistles - books of the Bible he wouldn’t have had time to write while on the road.

When setbacks come, I want to respond like Paul – focusing on Christ instead of my circumstances. What about you? Do setbacks derail you from living the Christian life? What step will you take today to stay on the path of faith?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me that setbacks often serve as interludes for me to refocus on you and your plan. Help me to learn from the example of Paul and stay devoted to  reaching others for you no matter what. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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.