by wendy | Sep 3, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God
I love the scene in the movie, “Facing the Giants” when the prayer walker encourages the coach to prepare for rain. He tells the story of two farmers waiting for rain. He reminds him that though rain will fall on both fields, the farmer that will reap the most rewards is the one who has prepared his field. That farmer will harvest a crop and the other will simply get wet.
Which farmer will I be? Are my “fields” prepared for the rain of God’s righteousness and blessings?
“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.”
Hosea 10:12
If I am to be prepared for the Lord to rain on me, I must examine myself for fallow ground. What areas of my life are overgrown, not fruitful, or simply not in use? I must clear those areas of weeds – get rid of any ungodly attitudes and activities – and sow righteousness there by replacing the ungodly with the godly. I must submit those areas to prayer and seek to give them to God.
“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams.”
Isaiah 44:3
When I prepare for rain – and God pours it out – the rewards are amazing! He says we will spring up like grass – and that is a picture I can fully relate to in this time of rain we are having lately. So much rain and sun that we cannot keep the grass mowed!
“You heavens above, rain down my righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the LORD, have created it.”
Isaiah 45:8
We can receive God’s righteousness and salvation when we are open to it. And the Scripture says we will flourish!
“Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.”
Deuteronomy 32:2
His Word is as refreshing and restoring as the dew, showers, and abundant rain. Oh, that we would soak it in!
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Isaiah 55:10-11
Praise God that His Word does its work every time. I pray that I am open so it will do its work in me!
“Blessed are you whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength till each appears before God in Zion.”
Psalm 84:5-7
The Valley of Baka is also known as The Valley of Weeping. When I am intent on seeking Him – even in the difficult places – may I see His blessings in all things and rely on His strength each day!
Amen
by wendy | Aug 27, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God, Trusting God
Just one month ago – in the midst of a hot July – the brown, dry grass crunched beneath my feet as I walked through the yard. Grass weaves a mat of shallow roots just below the surface of the earth and it depends on frequent moisture to keep it alive. There was no moisture in July this year. Just when I decided to count my blessings that at least we wouldn’t need to mow, the rains of August began to come. and come. and come. It has rained so much this month that our once dried up lawn is lush and constantly growing! Now, instead of crunching beneath my feet, I can’t walk across the yard without my shoes becoming soaking wet and we cannot keep up with the mowing. Those shallow roots are drinking in their fill and new grass has sprung up!
“They will spring up like grass in a meadow,like poplar trees by flowing streams.”
Isaiah 44:4
It is wonderful to see the new green grass, but I don’t want to be like that grass – here today when the blessings flow and withered tomorrow when the sun is scorching – instead I would rather be like my blackberry plants. When we planted the blackberries, we inquired about their care from a neighboring berry farm.
“Do you water them often?” I asked.
“I never water them,” she explained. “I want their roots to go deep to access the natural water supply. If I watered them, the roots would stay shallow depending on me.”
We stay shallow when we depend on earthly things.
We need to go deep – and depend on God.
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8
What does it look like to have confidence in the Lord?
Send out your roots by the water – transplant yourself
All of the language in this passage is active – not passive. Jeremiah says that a person with confidence in the Lord SENDS out their roots. The word for PLANTED in verse 7 also means “transplanted.” If we are not planted by the water currently, then we must dig up our roots and move them.
Dig into the Word, drink in the Spirit, be intentional about staying in the presence of God.
“Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.”
Psalm 1:1-3
by wendy | Aug 20, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Godly Relationships, Trusting God
I came across this passage this week in my reading. Though I would normally just read over these words, they continue to call to me for a deeper look.
“Grace and Peace be yours in abundance.”
1 Peter 1:2
Let’s take that deeper look at the words “grace,” “peace,” and “abundance” together.
Grace
The Greek word for grace is “charis” which describes God freely giving Himself away to us (sinners) simply because His nature is to reach out to us, to be near us, and to bless us! This actually means that God leans toward us – and don’t miss the term “freely.” He doesn’t bless us because we deserve it or we have earned it.
“And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved.”
Romans 11:6 NLT
Grace literally means an underserved gift. There is not one of us that deserves God’s grace. He gives grace to us because of who He is – not because of who we are!
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;”
Ephesians 2:7
In response to this unmerited favor we receive from our Father, we should also give grace to others! Easier said than done when we are disappointed or hurt by them, but let us remember that we are called to offer grace – unmerited favor – just as we have received from God. In the article, “How to Show Grace to Others: 10 Great Ways,” David Peach says this:
“Have you been criticized by someone? Even unjustly? You don’t have to let others walk over you, but you can respond in a gracious way. Accept what they have to say and thank them for their input. The news they bring you may upset you and hurt you deeply. The way you respond can help the healing begin immediately. A quick response with anger will leave you seething. But the sooner you can respond with a smile and a calm spirit the sooner you will be able to see the truth in their words and make the changes that need to be made.”
-David Peach, “How To Show Grace To Others: 10 Great Ways”
It may be difficult to be gracious with those who have not been gracious to us, but just like with God, when we show grace to others, it says more about our character than it does about theirs.
“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;”
Hebrews 12:15
The opposite of grace is unforgiveness and bitterness. The Bible warns of letting a root of bitterness spring up – and that is just how quickly it can happen. When it does, if not dealt with, bitterness and unforgiveness causes trouble in our own hearts. Author, Larry Thompson, reminds us why we should forgive:
“Remember that Christ forgave you far beyond what you deserve, and forgive others in the same way. Give up that grudge or bitterness. Forgive that family member, friend, associate at work or other person with whom you have a problem. The stakes are high, for if you fail to grow strong in grace, and are unable to forgive, you are charting a path to pain and heartbreak — not for the other person, but for yourself.”
-Larry Thompson, “Why We Should Extend Grace To Others”
We must forgive others as God has forgiven us – for that is grace!
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13
Peace
The Greek word for peace is “eirḗnē” and it means wholeness – specifically God’s gift of wholeness. This reminds me of the Old Testament word “Shalom” which also means peace and wholeness. The lack of peace is distraction, agitation, and conflict – all of which cause division.”
The lexicon at Bible Hub describes peace in this way:
“the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is”
Paul says it this way in Philippians:
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:11-13
This state of peace (wholeness) is a gift of God, but it also requires a cooperation from us to receive it. When we continually practice trusting Him, peace reigns in our spirit. This doesn’t happen overnight and it usually doesn’t happen naturally – being content and trusting God is something we consciously develop as we get to know Him.
“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:6″
The word “eirḗnē” – peace – not only applies to our relationship with God, it also refers to peace between individuals. Just as we must work to develop the gift of God’s peace within our spirits, peace with people also requires effort. We can choose to live a life that sets a course of promoting harmony. We certainly cannot control the words and actions of others, but we can control our own words and actions.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:18
If we are unsure how to set a course of peace with others, we need only to follow the example of Christ.
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
Colossians 1:19-20
It was the grace of God – the gift of Jesus’s life that we did not deserve – that made peace between us and God. We too can make peace with others through grace – undeserved favor and blessing from us to other people. And God says we will be blessed for it!
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9
Abundance
The last word I want to take a deep look at today is abundance. God does not say, “I will give you a little peace and a little grace.” He also does not say, “You only need to give others a little grace and a little peace.” He says we are to have both in abundance!
This word “plēthýnō” abundance in Greek means to have it to the full and maximum level and increasingly so. According to this definition, how much peace and grace is enough? There will never be enough, and God will never max out on how much grace and peace He has to give us. That, my friends, is good news!
“Grace and Peace be yours in abundance!”
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10
by wendy | Aug 12, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Godly Relationships, Tips for Encouraging Others
I had the opportunity recently to serve as a mediator between two estranged parties. Each person is interested in helping a third person, but they are unable to cooperate with each other. At a particular point in the conversation, one aimed his angry comments directly at me. I was able to calmly respond because I knew he wasn’t really upset with me, I just happened to be available to absorb the heat of his frustration.
Sadly, this behavior is not all that unusual with any of us. I have a tendency to throw my fiery darts of frustration my husband’s way, even when I am not really frustrated with him at all. I am grateful that he is often able to discern that and does not retaliate, but many times it is this type of incident that births division in otherwise healthy relationships.
How then can we choose a better way? How can we choose to deflect the hurtful words and actions of others in a way that results in mercy, grace, forgiveness, and healing instead of anger, resentment, bitterness, and more pain? What does God ask us to do (and not do) when we become the target of insults and persecution?
Do not retaliate.
“Do not repay evil with evil, or insult with insult.”
1 Peter 3:9a
The idea of refusing to retaliate echos throughout Scripture. Over and over God explains that we should leave justice up to HIm.
“’In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Ephesians 4:26-27
We have a choice in our reactions to the behavior and words of others. Will we choose to take revenge ourselves – allowing the enemy of our souls to dictate our response? Or will we give it over to God and protect our hearts from the dangers of bitterness and resentment? Can we truly trust ourselves to provide justice without any evil thought or prideful actions? Can we trust God that He can provide peace between people and peace in our hearts?
In the article, “Forgiveness and Entrusting Justice to God,” Max Lucado explains why we should leave justice in God’s hands:
“He guarantees the right retribution. We give too much or too little. But the God of justice has the precise prescription. Unlike us, God never gives up on a person. Never.”
– Max Lucado
Our motive is self-preservation and pride. God’s motive is peace and righteousness of all.
Bless.
“On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,”
1 Peter 3:9b
The word blessing here means to speak good of someone, praise them, or do something good. In other words, encourage not discourage. This is so hard to do in the face of ugliness, but Jesus set the example for us.
“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
1 Peter 2:23
What does it look like to bless someone who is evil to us? In the sermon, “The Final Step: Blessing Your Enemies,” Pastor Ray Pritchard lists 7 ways to live this out practically:
- Greet them.
- Disarm them.
- Do good to them.
- Refuse to speak evil of them.
- Thank God for them.
- Pray for them.
- Ask God to bless them.
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:20-21
But why?
“Because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter 3:9b
- We are called. God calls us to put off the old self and put on the new self. (Ephesians 4:22-24) He calls us to honor others before ourselves. (Romans 12:10) He calls us to consider eternity first. (Colossians 3:2)
- We will be rewarded. (James 1:12)
- We can make a way for the other person. God is always interested in reconciliation. His desire is for each one of us to come to Him in repentance and to have a relationship with Him. (2 Peter 3:9) When we step back and allow God to deal with the actions of the one that has hurt us, we open the door for Him to do the work necessary to bring them to Him.
by wendy | Aug 4, 2020 | Encouragement For Your Heart, Uncategorized
Jerry and I are finding ourselves very near a crossroads of our lives. The empty nest stage is literally months away, and we have the option to change the direction of our course. We can certainly stay right where we are – same house, same jobs, same hobbies, same habits – or we can choose change. It’s a bit scary – yes! – but it is also exciting. We love adventure and dreaming and possibilities, but we also love God and we want to follow HIs direction for our lives. We don’t want to stay where we have always been out of fear and we don’t want to leave it all behind based on a whim. How, then, do Jerry and I go about interpreting what God’s will is for our next season?
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9
It seems that we have been hearing this voice inside of us for a while. I have always felt called to “go” and I have mostly interpreted that as a call to missions. While that has only played out in my life in small, temporary ways, I have a missional heart and some wanderlust. Jerry, while he is adventurous in spirit, loves to be at home. But serving and helping are undeniably his gifts. Together, we see a pattern leading to a future of mission and ministry. As some of our responsibilities change, there are few excuses for following that calling.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10
Within the last few years, several things have happened to turn our hearts toward this direction. Even as we knew our kids were growing older and becoming independent, we were still building a dream that would tie us to our home. We loved the possibilities right there on our corner of the world and it seemed to fit with what we had always wanted, but looking back we can see where we veered off the path and chose our own way. As we were struggling through the literal “building” of that dream, God brought it to a sudden halt through several difficult circumstances. He first paused us with red tape from our county, and then when we continued on, He dropped a tree right in the middle of the project!
In the article, “5 Ways to Know You Are Right Where God Wants You”, Meg Bucher says, “We can ask for God’s audible voice of direction in our lives, but if we’re not willing to pull over and listen, frustration will take over.” And that is just what had begun to happen in our lives. Thankfully, God used a tree to get our attention and we listened!
Author Bill Blankschaen, in his article, “How to Know What God Wants You to Do Next” asks 3 questions to help us discern if we are stuck:
- What if the greatest risk you face is of a story left unlived?
- What if true security comes not from what you can see, but what you can’t see?
- And what if your story becomes worth telling not for the bruises you avoid but for the giants you face—and defeat?
Jerry and I have begun to know that we have a story to tell – and to live! – and we know that God has used those difficult experiences (along with others!) to move us out of our comfort zones and into action.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
It can be really hard to consider difficult things good, but God knew that what we were planning was not good for us – and it wasn’t His purpose for us or for our home. The moment that tree fell, I knew it was time for a change. It has taken some time, but Jerry and I came to an understanding that it might be time to move. We felt God calling us to clean up our space, clean up our commitments, and clean up our finances so that we could be free for the next step! So we began to pray – and we got to work.
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:6
Jerry and I still are not exactly sure of the plan. We know we are to move forward in the cleaning up and getting ready process, and, as we are obedient, we trust that God will give us the next step when He is ready.
“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way;”
Psalm 37:23
Here a few of the ways Jerry and are walking in obedience as we wait for the Lord’s direction:
1.We pray together.
Jerry and I discovered the power of praying as a couple when one of our children was struggling with addiction. We knew that the difficulties we were facing could tear us apart or pull us closer together. We began to pray daily as a team to ask for God’s protection and His strength and wisdom. We were amazed at the work we saw God do in our son and in our marriage during that time. We have continued to pray together and we believe it has helped us to discern our dreams and direction.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
James 1:5
2. We talk about our dreams often.
Jerry and I both are verbal processors. As we discuss our thoughts, we allow our dreams to be guided by God through the wisdom and knowledge of others and each other. In my own creative mind, my imagination can go off on tangents, but Jerry keeps me grounded. In Jerry’s logical brain, he can get stuck in the same thinking, while I am able to help him think outside of the box. We also love to surround ourselves with people who know more than we do about many things and we highly respect their opinions.
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Proverbs 11:14
3. We set goals and write them down.
In the last year, Jerry and I have made it a practice to “meet” together to discuss our plans and our finances. These planning sessions inspire us and set us in reality at the same time. It is very exciting to see things crossed off the list and goals being met, and these “meetings” help us remember that we are a team. Sometimes, the numbers and number of tasks on the list can seem overwhelming, but as we have been patiently waiting (and doing), we are beginning to see the fruit.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Hebrews 11:1
4. We do the work.
Keeping our eyes on the goal helps us persevere in the work. It can often seem like we are getting nowhere, but there is reward in rolling up our sleeves and getting busy. Waiting on the Lord is often an active stance (not passive). The miracles are seen in the way He multiplies our efforts and binds us together in the process. We believe that we understand the direction, but even if we are off the mark, we are more easily guided when we are in motion. Jerry and I pray that God will use our efforts to place us right where He wants us – even if that is not where we imagined at all!
“The journey on which you go is under the eye of the Lord.”
Judges 18:6
I love this quote by Meg Buchar!
“Trust that we are not placed on this earth coincidently. God will bring people and situations in our lives in His perfect timing. Our task is to love the best we can with what we’ve been given. When we pay attention to the people and the work God placed in our lives, the journey becomes more enjoyable.”
We look forward to sharing the journey as we move forward and we would love it if you would include us in your prayers!
by wendy | Jul 28, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God, Godly Relationships
Jerry and I went for a walk early this morning. We know we should exercise every day, but today we actually did it. We walk down our rural road – under the shade of the trees that hang over the pavement, past the cows on the neighboring farm, sometimes all the way to the creek in the curve at the bottom of the hill. It is a pleasant walk on the way down, but we trudge uphill all the way back! As I struggled to keep up with my husband this morning, I had to keep reminding myself that walking is an important discipline to strengthen my weak legs.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:11
There are so many things in life that are hard. It seems like this particular time in the world is more difficult than any I can remember before. I often hear people complain that if God really loved us, He wouldn’t allow us to go through difficult things. I even read a post recently that suggested that God enjoyed our disappointments. I thought about all the times I have allowed my kids to go through something difficult because I knew they would grow from it and I remember that it is my love that kept me from “saving” them from the struggle. I want my children to be strong and able to withstand the storms I know they will face, so I lovingly walk alongside them through challenges instead of taking on those challenges for them. I am grateful to know that my Heavenly Father walks alongside me as well.
“Endure hardship as discipline, God is treating you as His children.”
Hebrews 12:7
Even as difficult as those hills are on our journey back home, I always choose that particular road for our walk instead of the street in front of our house. There are less hills to climb along that way, but there is a long stretch of road that tilts sideways and my ankles have a tendency to turn. While my legs are typically screaming on that last incline, I would much prefer a steep but level path than risk injury along the easy way.
“Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”
Hebrews 12:12-13
We should be able to apply this same concept to our attitude toward life and righteousness. We can choose the more difficult path over the easier path that might lead to a fall or setback. Doing the right thing is hard, living a holy life is strenuous, forgiveness and mercy and love require constant effort and choice. The Bible uses words like throw off, cast aside, resist, make every effort, endure – this is not light and fluffy language – we should not be fooled into thinking the journey will be easy.
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14
Suddenly I understand – strengthening my weak self is not just about me – I choose to follow God’s ways because it helps others to be strengthened as well. When I can choose to be holy, do the right thing, forgive, love, show mercy, I am a picture of God’s love to the world. Choosing the level path for myself welcomes others to walk alongside me and invites them to experience righteousness and peace as well.
“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:3
The level path is not popular – many will scoff at our choice to take the hard way. But we have so many examples of faithful followers who chose it anyway. Enjoy the journey. Notice the blessings along the way. Strengthen your arms and your knees and use that uphill march to remind yourself that God is walking alongside and encouraging you all the way home!
“Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
