In Matthew 14, we are told the story of King Herod who was enticed into killing John the Baptist. He was living in sin with Herodias, his brother Philip's wife and was confronted by John the Baptist for his intentional mockery of God. It made King Herod mad! But, the people considered John a great prophet, and King Herod feared public disapproval if he were to have him murdered. After his niece danced enticingly for him, he promised her whatever she wanted. He had no idea what she would ask! Her mother had already told her what to ask for: John the Baptist's head on a silver plate!
When Herod realized what he had done, he was sorry; but, because he had made a vow, he did as he promised and had John the Baptist beheaded in prison. What an incredibly prideful man! He didn't want to appear weak in front of all those who heard him make the vow to his niece. Even though he was sorry and knew that he'd spoken foolishly in promising such a thing, he had too much pride to admit he was wrong.
Pride is a wicked thing, girls, for it leads to so much more. It is pride that mocks us when we refuse to say sorry when we're in the wrong, and it is the same pride that refuses to accept others' apologies. How many times I've argued just for the sake of arguing even when I knew I was wrong! We just hate to be wrong, don't we? But, it's certainly not doing us any favors because there will always be times when we are wrong in life! We harm no one more than our own selves when we, like King Herod, would rather continue down the wrong path just because we don't have the character to admit we've made a mistake.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 29
Matthew 14
Friday, March 28th
Many people believe in "fate" and are not convinced when you attempt to look for the positive in our negative society. What's frightening is that some Christians have also somewhat accepted that line of thinking. Instead of digging in our heels and working harder for the cause of Christ, we've backed off from causing confrontation and allowed our convictions to be slowly stripped away. We feel defeated and take an attitude of, "Well, if we can't beat 'em, might as well join 'em". Many of us just feel like our society can't be changed; it's beyond hope, so why try? Girls, we are not the only ones who've ever felt like this. Throughout time there have been those who have chosen to focus on making a difference for Christ one person at a time.
If there was ever anyone who might have had reason to forget about being different, it could have been Noah. Imagine working every day building a boat, as well as sharing about the one, true God with everyone you meet. A hundred years pass, and you're still working on that boat. And, so far, not one single person outside your own family has chosen to walk the righteous path with you. If Noah was discouraged, we aren't told about it. He was human, so I'm sure he had some measure of doubt. It would've been so easy to lay aside the ridicule and embarrassment. After all, no one stood with him except for those of his own home. But, he didn't quit. He didn't become despondent because of their circumstances. He just continued warning people of the impending judgment of God and swinging that hammer.
If there has ever been a time when we ought to be forging full-speed ahead, it's now. Don't allow our godless culture to take away your voice for Christ. We win, girls....Christians win! So, why don't we start acting like it? Be excited...don't be defeated. Ask God to use you as you yield to Him. And, get out there and reach people for Christ!
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 28
Matthew 13
If there was ever anyone who might have had reason to forget about being different, it could have been Noah. Imagine working every day building a boat, as well as sharing about the one, true God with everyone you meet. A hundred years pass, and you're still working on that boat. And, so far, not one single person outside your own family has chosen to walk the righteous path with you. If Noah was discouraged, we aren't told about it. He was human, so I'm sure he had some measure of doubt. It would've been so easy to lay aside the ridicule and embarrassment. After all, no one stood with him except for those of his own home. But, he didn't quit. He didn't become despondent because of their circumstances. He just continued warning people of the impending judgment of God and swinging that hammer.
If there has ever been a time when we ought to be forging full-speed ahead, it's now. Don't allow our godless culture to take away your voice for Christ. We win, girls....Christians win! So, why don't we start acting like it? Be excited...don't be defeated. Ask God to use you as you yield to Him. And, get out there and reach people for Christ!
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 28
Matthew 13
Thursday, March 27th
I talked about this verse with my children today at Bible this morning.
It seems pretty self-explanatory, and at face value, it is. But, to make a spiritual application I want to use an example. If I had spent all day eating potato chips, chocolate, and ice-cream, I'd be more than full by the evening. What if one day after pigging out all day someone stopped by the house and said, "Mrs. Kim, we'd love to take you out right now to Chipotle's (my favorite). While I may go along, but I certainly wouldn't enjoy the food very much because I would already be full. It doesn't matter that the food I ate was nutritionless and full of preservatives, I still wouldn't be hungry---even for my favorite food. In the same way, if I spend my time with spiritually-nutritionless habits and do not feed myself sustaining spiritual food (the Word of God), then come Sunday morning, I am full already and do not desire "a good meal" at God's house. Why? Because I've feasted through the week on a spiritual diet of little Bible reading and even less prayer. So, even though I'm full, I'm not full with the right kind of spiritual nourishment. And, when it's time for the Holy Spirit to speak to my heart, He can't because I'm already full.
What about you? Are you so full of the wrong things that come Sunday you have no room for spiritual food?
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 27
Matthew 12
The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
Proverbs 27:7
It seems pretty self-explanatory, and at face value, it is. But, to make a spiritual application I want to use an example. If I had spent all day eating potato chips, chocolate, and ice-cream, I'd be more than full by the evening. What if one day after pigging out all day someone stopped by the house and said, "Mrs. Kim, we'd love to take you out right now to Chipotle's (my favorite). While I may go along, but I certainly wouldn't enjoy the food very much because I would already be full. It doesn't matter that the food I ate was nutritionless and full of preservatives, I still wouldn't be hungry---even for my favorite food. In the same way, if I spend my time with spiritually-nutritionless habits and do not feed myself sustaining spiritual food (the Word of God), then come Sunday morning, I am full already and do not desire "a good meal" at God's house. Why? Because I've feasted through the week on a spiritual diet of little Bible reading and even less prayer. So, even though I'm full, I'm not full with the right kind of spiritual nourishment. And, when it's time for the Holy Spirit to speak to my heart, He can't because I'm already full.
What about you? Are you so full of the wrong things that come Sunday you have no room for spiritual food?
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 27
Matthew 12
Wednesday, March 26th
Life can be frightening and at times, very unsettling. Even for the most faithful of the Lord's servants, circumstances can sometimes cause feelings of defeat and despair. Certainly all of us have been there; some of us may even be there right now. I don't know any Christian who's never felt alone---like they'd been forgotten. There was one believer in the Bible though whose testimoy always encourages me.
We call him John the Baptist, and Jesus said that there was not a greater man born. John was a determined man, living his whole life for the purpose he'd been born for---to pave the path for Christ to be revealed to the world. Fearlessly preaching repentance, John made an enemy by telling King Herod that he shouldn't be living with his brother Philip's wife. Cast into prison and feeling like no one knew his name, he must have felt abandoned. In his heart, he knew who Jesus was and believed with every ounce of his being that Christ was the Savior of the world. Still, in the stillness of the moment in that nasty, musty jail, John called for Jesus' disciples. He asked but one question: Are you the Messiah or are we supposed to look for someone else? Why did he ask that? I believe in my heart that John knew the answer. So, why did he ask? Because he was human, and he needed the compassionate reminder the Lord sent back through his disciples:
Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. Matthew 11:4-5
Jesus didn't scold him for his momentary lack of faith. He knew John's heart and knew where he was. Just as a shepherd gently picks up a lost, wounded lamb, Jesus sent back words of comfort, explaining that John could be confident in all that he'd seen the Lord do.
In the same way, the Lord knows our frames, girls. He delights in our strengths and longs to comfort us when we hurt. Jesus could have said something like, "Seriously, John?? After all I've done for you...after all you've seen Me do....and you still doubt???"
Jesus didn't say that though. He encouraged John to hold on; to remember all that John had seen with his own eyes. You and I need to do the same thing. When we are feeling just a little lost and alone, we need to remember how we've seen the Lord work in our own life. John had to take a minute to reflect and remember. You and I need to do the same thing.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 26
Matthew 11
We call him John the Baptist, and Jesus said that there was not a greater man born. John was a determined man, living his whole life for the purpose he'd been born for---to pave the path for Christ to be revealed to the world. Fearlessly preaching repentance, John made an enemy by telling King Herod that he shouldn't be living with his brother Philip's wife. Cast into prison and feeling like no one knew his name, he must have felt abandoned. In his heart, he knew who Jesus was and believed with every ounce of his being that Christ was the Savior of the world. Still, in the stillness of the moment in that nasty, musty jail, John called for Jesus' disciples. He asked but one question: Are you the Messiah or are we supposed to look for someone else? Why did he ask that? I believe in my heart that John knew the answer. So, why did he ask? Because he was human, and he needed the compassionate reminder the Lord sent back through his disciples:
Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. Matthew 11:4-5
Jesus didn't scold him for his momentary lack of faith. He knew John's heart and knew where he was. Just as a shepherd gently picks up a lost, wounded lamb, Jesus sent back words of comfort, explaining that John could be confident in all that he'd seen the Lord do.
In the same way, the Lord knows our frames, girls. He delights in our strengths and longs to comfort us when we hurt. Jesus could have said something like, "Seriously, John?? After all I've done for you...after all you've seen Me do....and you still doubt???"
Jesus didn't say that though. He encouraged John to hold on; to remember all that John had seen with his own eyes. You and I need to do the same thing. When we are feeling just a little lost and alone, we need to remember how we've seen the Lord work in our own life. John had to take a minute to reflect and remember. You and I need to do the same thing.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 26
Matthew 11
Tuesday, March 25th
I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, O Lord : I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me. … Psalm 142:1-7
That we will have discouragement in this life is very plain. The question is not IF we will face heartbreak; it is WHEN we will face heartbreak. Many of you have already faced untold grief, fear, and emotional shipwreck. That's part of being human. It is certainly not an indication of your spirituality either. Even the most godly, the most spirit-led people are faced with the reality of being disappointed, disillusioned, and dismayed. King David is not the only Scriptural example, but he is one of the most widely recognized.
The book of Psalms is full of real-life, walking-with-the-Lord testimonies of King David's relationship with God. The praising Psalms (as I call them) are not surprising; God was great in the life of King David, so he had much to praise God for. These remind me of King David's spiritual nature. Though I've read the Bible many times, I still marvel (every time I read the book of Psalms, in fact!) that King David didn't try to disguise those bad days when he despaired of life itself---and there were plenty of those days. That reveals King David's human nature. What encourages me is that although there were plenty of times when David doubted God's presence, God never removed Himself from David. Though David couldn't see Him, God remained faithful. David couldn't see God with his human eyes, but no doubt, he knew the comfort of His presence.
You and I may not see God with our eyes, but there can be no doubt He carries us. Don't be dismayed, dear girls. Whatever you're facing, our God is bigger still.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 25
Matthew 10
Monday, March 24th
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Matthew 9:13
The Lord was very thorough with His instructions for building the Temple. He was equally devoted in His directions to the children of Israel concerning proper worship. The sacrifices were precise; His commandments very plainly given. That is why the verse today is so important.
As significant as the manner of worship is, God's heart has always been about mercy. Yes, He is a just God. Yes, sin requires a penalty that cannot be manipulated. But, Matthew 9:13 explains that empty sacrifices and unrepentant service means nothing to the Lord. What pleases Him is a broken and contrite spirit.
When the Bible says that He came to call sinners to repentance, to whom do you think the Scriptures are referring? For the righteous need no repentance, right? But, who is righteous? Well, that's just it, girls. There is none righteous, no, not one: Romans 3:10. So, if we are all sinners, He came for every last one of us.
The next time we are anxious to see the fiery judgment upon another, remember: Jesus came to save sinners---all sinners. And, that, dear girls, includes you and me.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 24
Matthew 9
Sunday, March 23rd
Probably none of us have ever seen a person with leprosy, but in Bible times, to have leprosy was pretty much a death sentence. You were isolated from others, and there was no treatment.
The Bible gives an account of a leper who knew that if he could get to Jesus, he could be healed.
Girls, we are all in need of healing. Some of us need physical healing for sickness or pain; others of us might need emotional healing today. But, The Lord is still healing people! Do we have enough confidence in the power of God to say, "Lord, you can heal me...if you only will"?
Just like this leper, we can experience the touch of God in our lives. Just like The Lord very simply said, "I will" to the leper, He may have an "I will" for you, too. But, you will never know unless you go to Him in prayer with just a tiny mustard seed of faith.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 23
Matthew 8
The Bible gives an account of a leper who knew that if he could get to Jesus, he could be healed.
And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Matthew 8:2-3
Read again the faith that this man exhibited. The Scripture doesn't say he doubted at all; instead, he demonstrated his faith by saying more or less, Lord, you can heal me...if you only will.
Girls, we are all in need of healing. Some of us need physical healing for sickness or pain; others of us might need emotional healing today. But, The Lord is still healing people! Do we have enough confidence in the power of God to say, "Lord, you can heal me...if you only will"?
Just like this leper, we can experience the touch of God in our lives. Just like The Lord very simply said, "I will" to the leper, He may have an "I will" for you, too. But, you will never know unless you go to Him in prayer with just a tiny mustard seed of faith.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 23
Matthew 8
Saturday, March 22nd
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. Matthew 7:1-2
One of the ways "to judge" is to form an opinion after careful consideration or thought. While not always true, most of the time Christians are very quick to pass judgment on others' situations or circumstances. Most of the time, we voice our opinions just as quickly as we form them. Today's devotional Scripture covers this very thing.
Sometimes we think we have all the answers, girls. Some of the most loving Christians can sometimes be the most judgmental. It is part of our sin nature, to be sure. We are not naturally given to considering the behind-the-scenes story, are we? And, girls, everyone has a story. The young lady you pass in the hallway every morning...the one who seems to be very promiscuous with all the guys? She might have been molested or sexually assaulted. The guy who sits near you in first period math class...the one who walks around like he's ALL THAT? He may be acting that way to hide the pain of being rejected by his parents for so long. The lady you see at church who seems to always bite people's heads off? What if she was beaten and abused as a child and learned to be hard and callous to keep from facing her private pain? You see, girls, we all have a story. I don't mean to justify sin, for truly there is no justification in God's eyes. But, that's the thing, it is in GOD'S EYES, not our own.
Sometimes we think we have all the answers, girls. Some of the most loving Christians can sometimes be the most judgmental. It is part of our sin nature, to be sure. We are not naturally given to considering the behind-the-scenes story, are we? And, girls, everyone has a story. The young lady you pass in the hallway every morning...the one who seems to be very promiscuous with all the guys? She might have been molested or sexually assaulted. The guy who sits near you in first period math class...the one who walks around like he's ALL THAT? He may be acting that way to hide the pain of being rejected by his parents for so long. The lady you see at church who seems to always bite people's heads off? What if she was beaten and abused as a child and learned to be hard and callous to keep from facing her private pain? You see, girls, we all have a story. I don't mean to justify sin, for truly there is no justification in God's eyes. But, that's the thing, it is in GOD'S EYES, not our own.
The truth is that we all come to places in our lives when we need to know that we are not judged by our Christian brothers and sisters. I don't mean that we are not accountable for our actions,. But since we all have our own issues that we struggle with, doesn't it stand to reason that we extend the acceptance that we would want extended to us?
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 22
Matthew 7
Friday, March 21st
I'd like for you to consider something today, girls. I have a question for you: are you playing in the shadows?
Strange question, right? It is prompted by something I read in a Sunday school lesson. Remember the soldiers standing around the foot of the cross when Christ was crucified? The Roman soldiers were cold, unfeeling men who could literally take a man's life and then have lunch a few minutes later. They were callous and cruel. The day Jesus was crucified, these soldiers stood around mocking Jesus. They platted a crown of thorns and forced it into the Savior's scalp. They put on Him a purple robe and laughed and sneered as they mocked His royalty. Spitting on him, they did everything within their power to humiliate and shame a man that they'd likely never met before. And, as the precious, humble King of kings hung, beaten and bleeding, they laughed and gambled for his clothes. They were playing in the shadows, girls. In dark obscurity, they ignored the pleas of a broken man to play their games.
Some of us are playing in the shadows, too. While the world is crying for hope, in the shadow of our steeple, we ignore the Scriptural mandate to be different--to be concerned for the souls of men.
I've played in the shadows many times, girls. Content in my own little world, I ignore the helpless, hopeless cries of those without Christ.
Are you playing the shadows?
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 21
Matthew 6
Strange question, right? It is prompted by something I read in a Sunday school lesson. Remember the soldiers standing around the foot of the cross when Christ was crucified? The Roman soldiers were cold, unfeeling men who could literally take a man's life and then have lunch a few minutes later. They were callous and cruel. The day Jesus was crucified, these soldiers stood around mocking Jesus. They platted a crown of thorns and forced it into the Savior's scalp. They put on Him a purple robe and laughed and sneered as they mocked His royalty. Spitting on him, they did everything within their power to humiliate and shame a man that they'd likely never met before. And, as the precious, humble King of kings hung, beaten and bleeding, they laughed and gambled for his clothes. They were playing in the shadows, girls. In dark obscurity, they ignored the pleas of a broken man to play their games.
Some of us are playing in the shadows, too. While the world is crying for hope, in the shadow of our steeple, we ignore the Scriptural mandate to be different--to be concerned for the souls of men.
I've played in the shadows many times, girls. Content in my own little world, I ignore the helpless, hopeless cries of those without Christ.
Are you playing the shadows?
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 21
Matthew 6
Thursday, March 20th
I have taught my children that they should never call someone a fool. This isn't a matter of calling someone foolish. That's different. Acting foolish simply means acting without a sense of judgement or discretion. Quite frankly, we all behave foolishly sometimes! But, that's not what I mean.
Perhaps you've heard me tell one of the teen boys, "You don't call someone a fool". I want you to understand the "why" behind that teaching.
I've heard people call others, "You old fool!" Scripturally, I think we ought to abstain from calling anyone that for a simple reason: the Bible tells us not to.
Today's devotion isn't deep. I just wanted you to have the Scriptural reason for prohibiting calling each other a fool.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 20
Matthew 5
Perhaps you've heard me tell one of the teen boys, "You don't call someone a fool". I want you to understand the "why" behind that teaching.
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
Matthew 5:21-22
Today's devotion isn't deep. I just wanted you to have the Scriptural reason for prohibiting calling each other a fool.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 20
Matthew 5
Wednesday, March 19th
In my personal Bible reading this morning I read something that stuck in my mind all day today. In Exodus 35, The Lord recapped all that he had previously told Moses concerning the temple's construction. One phrase kept coming up..."whose heart made them willing." God was talking about the services that would be needed for the temple to be built as He had instructed. He needed people to bring certain materials. God needed people to volunteer their services, their time, and their effort. But, throughout the chapter, he repeats the phrase "whose heart made them willing." Wonder why God kept saying that? Throughout the whole chapter the common thread is that they were serving because their heart were pointed in that direction. Could it have been because God only wanted the offerings of those who were truly giving from their hearts? Let's be honest, the Lord didn't need their offerings then, and He doesn't need ours now. He is the Creator of everything. To serve our God is a high calling and priceless privilege. But, many of us are serving out of duty instead of love.
I wonder if each of us can honestly say that we are serving because our "hearts have made us willing" ? Or, do we serve because we know it's right? Believe me, girls, serving without passion for Jesus is empty and only leads to frustration. Serving because our hearts are overflowing is different and produces a far different effect---contentment. Ask yourself this, does your service for God fill your soul to overflowing or is it burdensome. If it doesn't encourage you to serve then perhaps your heart has not made you willing. In that case, you need a good ole' fashioned heart surgery. Ask God to create in you a new vision with a clean slate.
Remember, dear girls, there is no other life worth living than one spent in service to the Lord.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 19
Matthew 4
I wonder if each of us can honestly say that we are serving because our "hearts have made us willing" ? Or, do we serve because we know it's right? Believe me, girls, serving without passion for Jesus is empty and only leads to frustration. Serving because our hearts are overflowing is different and produces a far different effect---contentment. Ask yourself this, does your service for God fill your soul to overflowing or is it burdensome. If it doesn't encourage you to serve then perhaps your heart has not made you willing. In that case, you need a good ole' fashioned heart surgery. Ask God to create in you a new vision with a clean slate.
Remember, dear girls, there is no other life worth living than one spent in service to the Lord.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 19
Matthew 4
Tuesday, March 18th
The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly. Proverbs 18:23
If you were to "intreat" someone, you would basically beg using gentle but urgent requests. Now, why do you think the Scriptures tell us that the poor ask for things in this manner? Basically, because they are in need. They are humbled to a point that being right is unimportant. If you are truly poor and in desperation, you learn very quickly how to use the words "thank you" and "please". Why? Because the need for help is greater than the need to hold onto pride.
Speaking gently should be a goal for all of us. But because none of us could be considered "poor", we don't know what it's like to be really in need. Even so, we would all do well to remember that speaking softly and modestly is a worthy goal. There's nothing more vile than a young lady whose language and approach is nasty.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 18
Matthew 3
Monday, March 17th
A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool. Proverbs 17:10
The word reproof means to criticize or blame. In this verse, we understand that if we are wise, it shouldn't take shouting, spanking, or grounding to get our attention. As godly young women, the only thing that we should need when we are wrong is just verbal correction. However, that's not always the case, is it? In fact, when I was your age, that was far from the case. I wasn't a bad girl, per say. Quite the opposite actually. I was obedient and I did my best to honor my mother. However, when I was wrong (and I was..ALL THE TIME!), I wasn't easily corrected. I hated to be wrong, no matter what the issue was about. In fact, there were times when I knew I was wrong, but I'd argue just for the sake of arguing. I was foolish and hardheaded.
We should all be willingly corrected, and to be honest, as we grow in Christ, we should more and more easily corrected. Parents do not expect perfect kids; needing to correct them is part of training. But, when kids and teens refuse correction, it becomes wearisome.
Girls, ask the Lord today to give you a teachable spirit and a correctable attitude. It will definitely be to your benefit to learn to be more yielding to the authority in your life.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 17
Matthew 2
Sunday, March 16th
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. Ecclesiastes 7:3
Who would have thought that you'd ever hear me say that a sad face is better than a happy one? Haven't we always heard that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile? I'll be honest, I've never really taken a lot of time with this verse; never really considered it much actually. I'm very translucent. No matter how hard I try, when my heart is heavy, it shows on my face. That's not always the best thing, but I guess reading over this verse I understand that it's not always the worst thing either.
Many times the burdens we carry are made heavier because we try to act like we aren't bothered. We have to wear the "face" of a Christian, right? The problem with that thinking is that the question remains: what is the "face" of a Christian? David was a man after God's own heart, yet, his heart was overwhelmed many, many times, and there's no indication that David tried to disguise the burdens he carried.
What exactly does the verse mean when it says, by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better? Many times our hearts don't heal from wounds because we don't allow ourselves to be "real". The one example that I can think of is the Sunday that Hailey and Daniel moved to Key West. It was a Sunday, and I knew I wouldn't be able to make it through the services. I stayed in the nursery because I didn't want to be an emotional mess during the service. As the day wore on though, it became very apparent that I wasn't going to be able to stop the torrential flood of tears that besieged me literally all day long. By the evening, I had given up reapplying make-up to my tear-stained face and just let myself cry. I cried before the service, I cried during the service, and I cried literally all day long. What happened? I realized that I couldn't pretend I was okay on the outside when on the inside my heart was shattered. And, guess what happened? When I stopped trying to be Miss Got-It-All-Together, the Lord could comfort me.
I'm not advocating crying needlessly and promoting drama. You girls know me better than that. But, I am saying that we need to stop being afraid of being real people dealing with real burdens by the grace of a real Savior.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 16
Matthew 1
Saturday, March 15th
The Bible talks about a woman who did something for the Lord that brought whispers from those watching. I can imagine their small voices, "Just look at her...she thinks she's so spiritual...she should have sold that alabaster box and given the money to people who need it more!" Instead of being thankful that something priceless was done for Jesus, they murmured and complained. Do you know the story I am talking about?
It's found in Mark 14. A woman came to Jesus as he sat down to a meal with a crowd. His disciples and others gathered around and talked with the Lord while they ate. In the middle of the meal, a woman came in and fell at his feet. She took out an Alabaster box and poured the contents on the Savior. Immediately, some of those watching started talking about how she should have done this and she shouldn't have done that....yada, yada, yada. Instead of being excited about the Lord receiving special treatment, some were so super-spiritual that they actually condemned what she did. What does that tell you about their closeness with the Savior? But, in all honesty, that's what they were trying to be...spiritual. They ended up sounding selfish and ungrateful.
Now, let me ask you. How do we sound when we try to sound spiritual but have absolutely no spiritual motive at all for what we are saying? What do the ears of The Lord hear when we either vocally or inwardly question others' motivations. Let me give you an example. If someone in our church was to single out, say Sarah, and bless her abundantly. Let's say Sarah got the royal treatment. She was taken to get her nails done, to eat at Olive Garden, to indulge at Menchie's, and finally to pick out a new, complete outfit. When she comes to the next Beautiful Girlhood meeting and shares about how she was treated, how many of us inwardly seethe at the unfairness of Sarah being the only one taken? Tell the truth to yourself, girls, because Christ knows it already anyway. This is exactly what this Bible example is about. The Lord was ministered to, and instead of being glad, they not only thought it inwardly but voiced their selfishness. But, instead of looking spiritual, it showed their motives for exactly what they were...self-centered.
The woman didn't care what was said about her. She did what she did for Who she was trying to impress. If you are like this woman, take courage! The Lord saw her motivation and commended her publicly. But, if you are more likely to be like one of those who were jealous and disguised their whining as spirituality, Jesus knows that, too.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
It's found in Mark 14. A woman came to Jesus as he sat down to a meal with a crowd. His disciples and others gathered around and talked with the Lord while they ate. In the middle of the meal, a woman came in and fell at his feet. She took out an Alabaster box and poured the contents on the Savior. Immediately, some of those watching started talking about how she should have done this and she shouldn't have done that....yada, yada, yada. Instead of being excited about the Lord receiving special treatment, some were so super-spiritual that they actually condemned what she did. What does that tell you about their closeness with the Savior? But, in all honesty, that's what they were trying to be...spiritual. They ended up sounding selfish and ungrateful.
Now, let me ask you. How do we sound when we try to sound spiritual but have absolutely no spiritual motive at all for what we are saying? What do the ears of The Lord hear when we either vocally or inwardly question others' motivations. Let me give you an example. If someone in our church was to single out, say Sarah, and bless her abundantly. Let's say Sarah got the royal treatment. She was taken to get her nails done, to eat at Olive Garden, to indulge at Menchie's, and finally to pick out a new, complete outfit. When she comes to the next Beautiful Girlhood meeting and shares about how she was treated, how many of us inwardly seethe at the unfairness of Sarah being the only one taken? Tell the truth to yourself, girls, because Christ knows it already anyway. This is exactly what this Bible example is about. The Lord was ministered to, and instead of being glad, they not only thought it inwardly but voiced their selfishness. But, instead of looking spiritual, it showed their motives for exactly what they were...self-centered.
The woman didn't care what was said about her. She did what she did for Who she was trying to impress. If you are like this woman, take courage! The Lord saw her motivation and commended her publicly. But, if you are more likely to be like one of those who were jealous and disguised their whining as spirituality, Jesus knows that, too.
She hath done what she could: Mark 14:8
May this verse may be said about each of us too.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 15
Revelation 22
Friday, March 14th
Ironically I came across this article after watching the most amazing of all miracles--the birth of Skylee Rae. I'm copying the article in its entirety for each of you to read:
Babies are precious to the Lord, girls. You must choose now to be adamant and unmoving in your conviction of this very controversial topic. However, let me remind you, it's not controversial or "grey" with God.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
BRANFORD, Conn. (WTNH)– Life-sized replicas of fetuses are too much for lunchtime at Branford High School. A student leader of the school’s pro-life club says the principal banned her from using the models and she is fighting that.
Seventeen-year-old Samantha is a senior at Branford High School and she is learning a harsh lesson in education policy after trying to set up a pro-life table during lunch at Branford High.
“When we asked our principal at our school if we can have this set up during lunch and have an opportunity for kids to come over and take a look at our display, he said no,” said Samantha Bailey-Loomis.
Samantha is the founder of the students for life club. Their table is complete with blown-up images of fetuses and real- life sized fetus models that look just like the real thing and she says that doesn’t sit well with her principal.
“He tells us that this topic in particular is too controversial to be talked about in public school,” said Bailey-Loomis.
But she says other school clubs are able to promote their views during lunch.
“They had information about what their club does and what they have done in the past and they have pictures and they have poster boards just like ours, except for with different content on it,” said Bailey-Loomis.
News 8 reached out to the principal of Branford High School and the superintendent of the school district but both declined to comment.
But Samantha says she is not giving up. She is going to continue to fight for her right to have her views heard.
One Branford parent says she doesn’t see the problem with Samantha’s pro-life display.
“There is nothing wrong with it,” said Melissa Walkley. “I mean, I would let my kids see it. This is what a baby looks like as its growing in a mommy’s belly.”
She even even let her elementary-aged children see it.
“Just the life cycle of a baby like you learn in school,” said Walkley.
She plans to set up her profile table on April 6 on the Branford Green and still put pressure on the school district to reconsider in Branford.
All this group wanted to do was to show a replica of a baby at various stages of growth in the womb. Why would anybody object to that? Quite simply because if high school girls like yourselves can visualize what a baby at 7 months gestation (in the womb) looks like, you will have a very different viewpoint of a woman's right to choose. I applaud this group and hope that the Lord will raise up more young ladies who are willing to take a stand for the unborn.Babies are precious to the Lord, girls. You must choose now to be adamant and unmoving in your conviction of this very controversial topic. However, let me remind you, it's not controversial or "grey" with God.
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord : and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 14
Revelation 21
Thursday, March 13th: Guest Writer, Mrs. Lois Ormsby
Glorifying God on Facebook – Part 2
“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.” ~ Ecclesiastes 12:1
It is really, really easy to spend too much time on Facebook/social media. Sometimes (maybe more like a lot of times) we even deprive our bodies of the sleep we need just so we can sit up and surf Facebook, Pinterest, etc. Then, the next morning we check our Facebook first-thing, before we even spend time with God. We might even get on Facebook in the middle of the night if we can’t sleep.
Today I want to challenge us to make some new habits:
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Pick a Bible verse that you need to memorize (or maybe one that Pastor Stockton has encouraged us to memorize). Every time you think to check your Facebook, read that Bible verse first. Continue this habit to the point that you begin reciting the verse to yourself, thus eventually memorizing it.
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When you wake up in the night, instead of checking your phone for a text or looking at social media for a notification, talk to God.
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Purpose that you will spend time reading the Bible each day before you get on any form of social media. If you end up going to work or beginning school without reading your Bible, keep yourself from doing anything on social media until you have spent time in God’s Word.
Making these habits now – “remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” - is part of becoming a Godly adult woman. It is part of giving God our best instead of just giving Him the basics. I will tell you which habit I need to work on: the first one – memorizing Scripture. So, I am going to start purposing to work on a Bible memory verse before I get on Facebook – every time! Comment today and let us know which one of these habits you are going to work on!
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 13
Revelation 20
Wednesday, March 12th
I wait for the Lord , my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. Psalm 130:5
This week has sure been a week of waiting! Of course, we're all ready for Skylee to make her appearance, and so waiting has been very difficult for all of us. But, I began contemplating just how impatient we are. Not just for things like births but other things. We are certainly a "give it to me NOW" people, aren't we? But, I realized something this week. Just as getting impatient for my sweet granddaughter didn't get her moving any quicker, neither does it rush my Heavenly Father when I try to hurry Him up!
It's so easy to talk the lingo of trusting God's timing or allowing the Lord to have His way, but living that is much harder. We must wait on the Lord not only for the good things in our lives (like the birth of my Skylee Rae!), but sometimes we have to wait for the timing of God's working in other areas of our lives, too.
What ways might you be waiting for the Lord's timing?
1.) Deliverance from something that has plagued you for longer than you think you should have had to deal with it. Think of Paul in II Corinthians 12:8, For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. This could involve a physical ailment or perhaps something that you've tried unsuccessfully to have victory over.
2.) God's will to be shown in your life. Sometimes we want to see the big picture , but we aren't doing so well with even the little snapshots God's showing us.
3.) We want what we want....and we want it now! What if it's not God's will? Do you still want what you're praying for if it's not His plan? None of us would answer that we want our way in spite of our way being against God's way, so why do we pout when we don't get the answer we are looking for? Simply because we know with our heads God knows best; but, we don't always believe that with our hearts.
It's so easy to talk the lingo of trusting God's timing or allowing the Lord to have His way, but living that is much harder. We must wait on the Lord not only for the good things in our lives (like the birth of my Skylee Rae!), but sometimes we have to wait for the timing of God's working in other areas of our lives, too.
What ways might you be waiting for the Lord's timing?
1.) Deliverance from something that has plagued you for longer than you think you should have had to deal with it. Think of Paul in II Corinthians 12:8, For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. This could involve a physical ailment or perhaps something that you've tried unsuccessfully to have victory over.
2.) God's will to be shown in your life. Sometimes we want to see the big picture , but we aren't doing so well with even the little snapshots God's showing us.
3.) We want what we want....and we want it now! What if it's not God's will? Do you still want what you're praying for if it's not His plan? None of us would answer that we want our way in spite of our way being against God's way, so why do we pout when we don't get the answer we are looking for? Simply because we know with our heads God knows best; but, we don't always believe that with our hearts.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 12
Revelation 19
Tuesday, March 11th: Guest Writer, Mrs. Lois Ormsby
Glorifying God on Facebook – Part 1
“And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.” ~ 1 Timothy 5:13
The verse above is specifically what God says usually happens to young widows who do not remarry. However, whenever I am on Facebook, I often think of this verse. Let me explain this verse a little, and I think you’ll see why it reminds me of Facebook:
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*Idle: doing nothing of purpose, whiling away time
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Wandering about from house to house: it’s certainly possible to do this via“cyberspace”
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Tattlers also and busybodies: speaking of other people’s business publicly; gossiping
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*Speaking things which they ought not: anything that is not edifying
All of us do not have Facebook :) But, these truths can apply to Pinterest also, or any other social media, for that matter. Likewise, the post I wrote about Pinterest also applies to Facebookand other social media.
You don’t have to look far on Facebook to find things like 1 Timothy 5:13 is talking about. This verse serves as a good reminder to me that I do not want to be that kind of woman.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 11
Revelation 18
Monday, March 10th
Sometimes we go through the motions of doing what we know we're supposed to do, but we don't do it with joy. It becomes ritualistic and monotonous. There's such a fine line here, girls, so I want you to understand my heart. There are times in your Christian faith that you will, say, read your Bible because it's what your supposed to do. You will take time to pray because the Lord commands us to pray. You will do the right thing just because it's the right thing. There are times in our faith that we will do what we're supposed to do just because we're supposed to do it. However, this shouldn't be EVERY DAY. We all have rough days...weeks. Sometimes months and years. I can remember a time in my walk with Christ when we were in Greece that I felt like I was just going through the motions. Josh was my first child to leave the home, and I struggled. Instead of it just being an emotional struggle surrendered to the Lord, it turned into a spiritual battle as I shrunk inward instead of reaching upward to deal with my worry and anxiety. I was still doing all the right things, but I wasn't doing them with joy in my heart. This kind of mindless, robotic service is not what the Lord intends because He's clear in Psalm 100:2 to,
Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
There is no joy in serving God because you have to. The joy comes in getting to the place that you realize exactly how much the Savior has done for you, that serving the Lord is your PRIVILEGE (not your right), and that there are times that you have to let go of circumstances that you cannot control (like my first son stepping out on his own).
Happiness is based on outward circumstances---like we'd be really happy if Skylee came today; but, joy has no outward basis---like knowing that the Savior knows the best day for Skylee to arrive, and we can rest in Him. Serve the Lord with joy, girls. We've got so much to be joyful about. No, none of us have a perfect life, but we have awesome lives. Everyone of us is facing hardship or trial in some measure, but we are facing it with our Savior walking beside us, hand in hand. There's no reason for our Christian faith to be boring or monotonous!
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 10
Revelation 17
Sunday, March 9th: Guest Writer, Mrs. Lois Ormsby
Glorifying God As Women
When I was a teenager, the LORD used a sermon at camp to point out to me a very sad, disgraceful story of two sisters in the Bible. Please take the time to read through Ezekiel 23, the entire chapter. Here are some of the ungodly things that God said these sisters did:
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They committed multiple sexual sins – whoredom, fornication, prostitution
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They defiled their bodies through the religious practices of the men they had relationships with
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They engaged in sexual sin as young, unmarried women
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They admired pictures of men
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They eventually lusted after these pictures of men so much that they “had to have” sex with them
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They continued as adults in the sins they had committed as young women
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They sacrificed their children to the gods of heathen lands
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While still in sin, they acted like they were still in tune with God
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They put on excess makeup and jewelry for the sole purpose of attracting “sexy” men
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They used things set apart for worship of God to enhance their sexual experiences
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They got to the point that they would engage in sexual sins with anyone and everyone
What a terrible chapter! Today what I want to exhort us with is this: do you see how one or more of these things are normal in our society today? I am not talking about people of this world – this chapter is about two sisters who knew exactly who God was and even pretended to be pious women. God is trying to show us here what kind of women we should NOT be.
Though a sickening chapter to study, it is an important one for us to think about. Sin usually begins with “a little harmless ___________”. Let us now, while we’re still young, think about what we allow into our life and ask the LORD if it would one day lead us to sin. Doing some self-examination now can save you from a life of sorrow and deceit!
I do not know your own stories firsthand. Each of us probably have things in our past (or maybe present) that we would not want people at church to know about. My exhortation today is that we would be willing to let go of whatever it is that is keeping us from being the opposite of what these two sisters were. Remember that God knows all about us, even if no one else does – and just like He did with these two sisters, He will hold us accountable for the way we live our lives.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 9
Revelation 16
Saturday, March 8th
Many times I've heard parents excuse their teens' bad behavior by saying, "They're just kids...they'll find their way. They have to be allowed to have a 'taste' of the world..."
Have any of you ever heard statements like that? While it is true that some teens make wrong choices and derail their lives, it is not always the case. What's more, there's clear Biblical teaching that it surely doesn't have to be the case. The Bible gives us examples of young people who, in all actuality, had better discernment and wisdom than many of the adults in their day.
One such example was David. Destined to be Israel's King, David had humble beginnings. He loved God even from his youth. As a teenager, he walked with God and made tough decisions to keep himself pure. Already in this blog we've covered Joseph, a teen chosen to spare the lives of his people simply because he was usable. Then, there's Timothy. Timothy was New Testament Christian whose Godly foundation was secured by his mother and grandmother. Timothy knew what it was like to face persecution for his faith. Perhaps he faced many of the same trials that some of you face. Yet, Timothy had such a walk with Christ that he is mentioned many times by the Apostle Paul. With the many fellow laborers Paul could have mentioned, he chose Timothy. Paul had taken Timothy under his wing and was mentoring him, so to speak. Though the faith of Timothy's mother and grandmother are mentioned, apparently Timothy's father didn't share the Christian faith. Paul chose to make an impact in this teen's life because he saw a need. Is there an adult that has taken you under their wing to mentor and shape your walk with Christ? Thank God for them because surely God has brought them to your life to deepen your faith.
Paul writes to Timothy to,
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Have any of you ever heard statements like that? While it is true that some teens make wrong choices and derail their lives, it is not always the case. What's more, there's clear Biblical teaching that it surely doesn't have to be the case. The Bible gives us examples of young people who, in all actuality, had better discernment and wisdom than many of the adults in their day.
One such example was David. Destined to be Israel's King, David had humble beginnings. He loved God even from his youth. As a teenager, he walked with God and made tough decisions to keep himself pure. Already in this blog we've covered Joseph, a teen chosen to spare the lives of his people simply because he was usable. Then, there's Timothy. Timothy was New Testament Christian whose Godly foundation was secured by his mother and grandmother. Timothy knew what it was like to face persecution for his faith. Perhaps he faced many of the same trials that some of you face. Yet, Timothy had such a walk with Christ that he is mentioned many times by the Apostle Paul. With the many fellow laborers Paul could have mentioned, he chose Timothy. Paul had taken Timothy under his wing and was mentoring him, so to speak. Though the faith of Timothy's mother and grandmother are mentioned, apparently Timothy's father didn't share the Christian faith. Paul chose to make an impact in this teen's life because he saw a need. Is there an adult that has taken you under their wing to mentor and shape your walk with Christ? Thank God for them because surely God has brought them to your life to deepen your faith.
Paul writes to Timothy to,
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. I Timothy 4:12
It's obvious that Paul didn't share the philosophy that teens must sow their wild oats. He didn't buy into the theology that in order to keep kids from the world, you have to let them experience the world. Sounds pretty dumb when you see it in writing, doesn't it? But, that is the stand many parents and youth leaders have taken.
Keep yourselves pure, girls. Be an example for this lost world. Don't believe the false teaching that to win the world, you have to be like the world. Rather remember this: You must be in the world but you don't have to be of the world.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 8
Revelation 15
Friday, March 7th: Guest Writer, Mrs. Lois Ormsby
Glorifying God with Forgiveness
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” ~ Matthew 18:21, 22
We’ve already covered a lot of ways through which we can glorify God. Did you ever think of how we can glorify God by forgiving those who have done us wrong? Over the past few years, the LORD has been teaching me that forgiveness is one of the most extreme, most important ways we need to be like Christ…yet sadly, it is one of the ways that so many Christians are NOT like Christ.How easy it is to hold grudges; to wish bad things to happen to those who have hurt us; to want to run away from painful circumstances; to say that “I will never talk to that person again!”; to feel justified in being rude to someone who has hurt us because “what they did to me is SO much worse than anything I have ever done”…the list goes on and on. I think we get the idea.
…but think about it, girls: do any of the things in the previous paragraph mimic what Jesus did? We know He bore the entire world’s sins – the thought of that is something we truly cannot comprehend. Yet, the way that becomes personal to us is when we think about the fact that Jesus bore pain and suffering because of our sins. My sins. Ouch.
“Forgive and forget” – it’s something we hear a lot. Yet, forgiving and forgetting is something God has not given us the ability to do. The Bible tells us that God is able to truly forgive and forget – but we are not able to. Sometimes I ask Him, why can’t we forgive and forget like You do, Father? It sure would make things easier!
What He has shown me is that, perhaps the main reason we aren’t able to do this is because He knows there are vital lessons we will learn through the struggle of learning to forgive others. He would not have asked us to forgive others if doing so was not possible; so, somehow (probably in a different way for each of us), there is a way to forgive those who hurt us. God has given us plenty of truths about forgiveness in His Word – so it is up to us to discover the personal steps of forgiveness He has for us by studying the Bible.
Forgiving like Christ is not easy – in fact, it is quite painful. But think back to what Christ endured for us! If Christ did that for us, can’t we learn to do that for others?
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 7
Revelation 14
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