by wendy | Oct 12, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Prayer, Trusting God
It may seem odd to plan as you seek direction. After all, the Scripture tell us:
“You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.”
Proverbs 19:21 NLT
This passage can lead us to believe that we should not make plans – but that is not the meaning here. In fact, God tells us over and over in the Word that it is wise for us to plan. It is when we consider our plans above Him and disregard His guidance that we find ourselves lost and confused. Let’s unpack that a little.
“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.”
James 4:13-16
Is James saying that planning where to go, where to live, and how to make money is evil? No – it is the boasting that is evil. When we are arrogant enough to assume that our plans are foolproof and without fail then we are considering ourselves above God. What then, does James recommend?
We must always understand that God’s will trumps all of our plans. Just as Proverbs 19:21 says, “God’s purpose will prevail.”
So why bother making plans if we are not certain of God’s purpose and will?
1.Making plans helps us to discern God’s will.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1
As we plan – and transform our minds by reading the Word, praying, seeking guidance – we will be able to test what His will is. We move forward with intention while remaining submissive to His guidance.
2. Making plans helps us to flesh out our own motives.
“The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways.”
Proverbs 14:8
“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.”
Proverbs 16:2
As I plan, it becomes more obvious what my motives are and gives me an opportunity to adjust my heart.
3. Making plans helps us to move in the direction of our calling.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21
In an interview with Jordan Raynor about the Biography of Fred Rogers, “The Good Neighbor, The Life and Works of Fred Rogers”, Maxwell King explains the result of following the winding path of dreams and plans.
“I think he was a remarkably focused guy who was relentless in driving toward goals and objectives. He’s the one who kept narrowing the funnel and creating the focus and heading toward Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. I think he made it happen through his very determined, intentional way of living.”
-Maxwell King, Jordan Raynor Podcast
Fred Rogers called this a “guided drift” and I love the picture that phrase creates for me. The thought of just drifting through life is somewhat hopeless, but the thought that I am being guided as I drift – well that is actually exciting! It suddenly removes the burden of thinking that I am entirely responsible to know my every step. In this line of thinking, I am free to move toward a goal with the assurance that God will move me as needed to hit the actual target! But it also reminds me that I need to be moving in the first place.
“Rogers had a term he loved to use when referring to discerning one’s calling. He called it “guided drift.” The idea was that, while it is good and wise to make plans, “one needed to live a life that was open to change,” led by the Holy Spirit.”
The Call to Create, Bible.com
As we plan – and set that plan into action – God helps us to “narrow the funnel” as King says above.
4. Making plans helps us to discover our gifts – and our weaknesses.
“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?“
Luke 14:28
I am a dreamer and a visionary – and I believe God created me that way – but I also know that I need to step out of the dream and into the reality of a plan if I am ever to accomplish anything. I know that God will equip me to do whatever He calls me to do and sometimes the planning process helps me to recognize where my strengths and weakness lie and where I need to depend upon Him the most!
5. Making plans helps us rely on God’s power and provision.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3
The more I make plans the more I understand my own lack of power. God often asks us to do things beyond ourselves and that helps us to realize the need for His power and resources. As I begin to plan, I must ask God to guide and direct me and also to provide and act in order for the plan to be successful. Sometimes He will guide me toward a different plan and sometimes He will guide me toward the resources to accomplish the plan.
As you seek direction, first pray (continually); second seek wise counsel; and then make an intentional plan. One of my favorite parts of this grand adventure is to watch what amazing things God does with my meager plans – I pray that will become a joy for you as well!
by wendy | Sep 22, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Prayer, Trusting God
Falls Park Greenville, South Carolina
In last week’s post, “Encouragement for Seeking Direction,” step one was to Pray – and I noted that asking for God’s wisdom should always be the first step! Let’s unpack that a little more:
“Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and alert.”
Colossians 4:2
I have been praying for direction for quite some time – for my art business, for my writing, for our life in the next stage, for specific decisions – and I find that God uses many things to guide me. Most recently, He has spoken to me through Sunday’s sermon (working for the right reward Colossians 3:23-24), a sincere social media post by a fellow author (Christine Hoover), and conversations with old and new friends throughout the week.
I truly believe in God’s guiding hand – that He places us in the right position (time and place) to understand what He wants for us – if only we are willing to hear and see. All of the pieces of my ordinary days – the interactions and the interruptions – seem disconnected until I place them in the context of my prayers.
“What do you want me to do Lord?
Where do you want me to go?
What is the purpose of my life right now?”
When I am looking – searching – studying – I find that He is showing me.
I travelled with Jerry this week as he worked, and though I normally stay in the hotel room to study and write, I found myself venturing out into the city we were visiting. I was pleasantly surprised to find a river wandering through the downtown area with a beautiful park built around a waterfall. I was struck by the juxtaposition of the natural scenery and the city built around it. It was entirely possible to focus on the peace of the falling water and hear the cling, clang, hustle, bustle of construction and city life all at the same time. And suddenly, as I sat enjoying my new surroundings, the picture before me became clear:
Everything was built around God’s creation and purpose – not the other way around!
When seeking my direction, I need to see what God is already doing – in my life and all around me. My business, my hobbies, my family, my entertainment, my ministry, my life – should all be built around God’s purpose, and I need to be alert to the direction God is heading.
This is part of being watchful and alert in prayer.
First I pray for direction,
Then I watch, listen, study, seek, looking for signs that point me to the direction of God,
Then I follow!
Prayer is an active process – talking, listening, waiting, receiving, moving – a playlist on repeat! It involves praise, confession, pleading, pouring out, taking in, thanksgiving and more! Prayer is a constant conversation, an ongoing relationship, an unbroken bond between the Father and me as I reach up for the hand that is always extended and ready.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Yes, asking for God’s wisdom should always be the first step. But may I never forget that asking is only a part of the process. I need to stay in the mode of praying – watchful and alert – as He responds with wisdom to light the path, one step at a time.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Psalm 119:105
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 | Jul 22, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Trusting God
Painting in Progress by Wendy Custer
When I was in fourth grade, my teacher noticed my artistic ability. She called it out and encouraged me to continue. I am sure there were other things that led me in that direction as well, but it is that particular moment that I remember defining my future calling as an artist.
Adults have an incredible opportunity to encourage the little ones in our lives. Parents, grandparents, teachers, aunts and uncles, neighbors, babysitters – these are all the obvious influencers in a child’s life, but every one of us have an opportunity to notice and encourage children. Every smile, positive comment, and shining example plants a seed that germinates beneath the surface.
Every encouragement we offer children is important, but the most important encouragement we can offer is the encouragement to strengthen themselves in the Lord! It is this legacy that will serve our children regardless of what worldly direction they follow.
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
When Moses gave God’s commandments to the Israelites at the foot of the mountain, he reminded them of the need to teach their children about following the Lord. Their children had not seen and experienced God the way they had – but they could pass down the stories of God’s love, protection, and provision – and His ways.
“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.”
Deuteronomy 11:18-21
Moses was teaching the people to encourage themselves in the Lord and how to teach their children to encourage themselves in the Lord. This was the inheritance they wanted to pass down to the next generation – trusting God, relying on God, knowing God! If they could learn to call on Him and to depend on Him, Scripture says their days would be many!
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
Romans 10:14
We often rely on other people to teach our children. We might expect that the preaching should come from the Pastor or the Sunday School teacher, and it should, but every believer should be speaking the word – with words and with our lives. When we share the stories of how God is at work in our lives, we are training others – children and adults – to see Him at work in their lives as well.
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 3:14-15
As Paul reminds Timothy to continue in the ways he was taught by his mother and grandmother, we are reminded that our words and teaching have lasting significance in the life of a child – and that our investment in their faith will ripple out to affect generations to come as they continue in what they have learned!
by wendy | Jul 8, 2020 | Encouragement, Encouragement For Your Heart, Focus on God, Godly Relationships, Trusting God
Our Sunday school lesson yesterday was about the Woman at the Well (John 4:4-26). I have come to love this account because of the way it highlights the kindness of God as He chooses the most broken, the most rejected, the least likely of all to spread the news of who He is! This time, as I taught this passage to our youth, I was reminded of His grace – that He would love us and pursue us in our ugliness but doesn’t’ leave us that way. Through His son, He equips us for a life of royalty and service for Him and with Him.
“Because Jesus is about transformation, about finding us just the way we are, but not leaving us that way.”
Zach Hunt Blog
Also this week, our Pastor preached on a portion of Ephesians – about how God gives us pastors and teachers to equip us (Ephesians 4:11-12). Later, I did a little word study on the word equip and found that the Greek word “katartizó” means to prepare or perfect for one’s full destination or use; to bring into one’s proper condition.
It wan’t until I was reviewing the sermon this morning that I recognized the connection between these two teachings. Just as He pursued the Samaritan woman, Jesus pursues us out of his love for us and prepares and perfects us for the good work He has for us to do. In this – the preparing and perfecting, the equipping – He gives us purpose and value, and in turn we encourage and equip others. What a beautiful cycle!
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
I love word study (I use the Hebrew and Greek Lexicon from biblehub.com) and I decided to follow all the links I could find there to see what Scripture says about how God equips us. Here is a bit of what I discovered:
God equips us through Himself
Submit yourself to God and stand firm in your faith – He promises to restore and equip you.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
1 Peter 5:10
God equips us through pastors and teachers
My husband is a coach, and he looks forward to practice because he really wants his players to be well trained. Our pastors and teachers are the same way – they long to encourage and equip us – they want us to be successful in our Christian lives.
“Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.”
1 Thessalonians 3:10
God equips us through other believers
As believers – as people who live in the Spirit – we are to restore and equip other believers by leading them to the Word, praying for and with them, and encouraging them in the Lord.
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.”
Galatians 6:1
God equips us through ourselves
While restoration and equipping ultimately comes through God, we are to participate in the process. As we dig into the Word, spend time talking to God in prayer, and join a body of other believers, we are prepared and perfected.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”
2 corinthians 13:11
I love how this verse reminds of that God is a God of peace! May you find peace as you pursue his preparation and perfecting.
“Now may the God of peace… equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.”
Hebrews 13:20-21
