Thankful Thursday

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord:

and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”

Psalm 127:3

Work-To-Do-Wednesday - Eleven Suggestions on Prayer

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1.     Pray more. The average Christian spends a very limited amount of time in prayer. We often reserve prayer for emergency use only. How much time would you estimate you spent in prayer yesterday? How much time last week? More Daniels are needed today (Daniel 6:10).

2.     Be more specific in prayer. Prayers are often far too general, too vague. More praying should be done for specific people, specific needs. Prayer should be fitted to the occasion and need. Too often our prayers are like that of the young boy when he and a friend found themselves in the pathway of what appeared to be sure disaster with no way of escape. One of the boys prayed the only prayer he had ever heard his father pray, and before meals. He said, “God, make us thankful for what we are about to receive!” It may be that our prayers are often no more appropriate for the occasion.

3.     Pray with greater faith. James said that weak faith and futile prayers are connected (1:6). Doubts and uncertainties hinder prayer. The source for a greater faith is God’s Word (Rom. 10:17).

4.     Rise above the sin of covetousness. A covetous spirit hinders prayer (Jam. 4:2). Selfish hearts do not gain the ear of God. A loving and giving God is seeking to bless those with generous spirits.

5.     Pray with greater zeal and fervency. Another important ingredient of acceptable prayer is enthusiasm and fervency (Jam. 5:16). Prayers coming only from the lips, and not from the hearts, are hollow and empty. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day prayed such prayers (Matt. 23).

6.     Grow more godly. The more righteous we become, the prayer accomplishes (Jam. 5:!6; 1 Pet. 3:12). Elijah success in prayer was directly related to his righteousness in life. The rebellious spirit and the unrepented sins will always hinder our prayers (Prov. 1:28; Isa. 59:2).

7.     Improve martial relationships. Peter tells us that relationships between husbands and wives either help or hinder our prayers (1 Pet. 3:7). When relationships break down between marriage partners our relationship with God is affected.

8.     Grow in humility. The first beatitude in the Sermon on the mount was on humility (Matt. 5:3). The proud heart is rejected by God (Jam. 4:6). The Pharisee’s prayer was rejected because of pride (Luk. 18).

9.     Cultivate a forgiving spirit. Jesus declared that we cannot expect forgiveness from God if we refuse to forgive our fellowman (Matt. 6:12).

10.  Persist in prayer. Jesus taught two parables regarding the importance of persistence in prayer (Luk. 11:18). In each instance, perseverance was a key ingredient to success.

11.   Combine action with prayers. Pray as if everything depended on God. Then work as if everything depends on you. Somewhere, I read about a farmer with this sign on his farm: “Pray for a good harvest, but keep on plowing.”

-unknown

Tough Truth Tuesday-Reading is Essential.

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            Not everyone enjoys reading. I have a passion for it. If you’ve ever visited my boards on Pinterest or befriended my on Goodreads, you are already aware of this. I know many people who enjoy reading, as well as those who do not. Perhaps you fall into the category of enjoying reading but fail to make it a priority. Perhaps you fail to make it priority because it is something you don’t enjoy. Regardless of your preference, it should be a priority for you. Why? Well, because….

Reading is good for you! Reading has been known to reduce stress and build self-esteem. Reading strengthens the brain tissue reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia, as well as, increasing memory. Reading provides great imaginations and vocabularies for children. Reading opens doors that allow us to succeed and excel in life.

           

            Still aren’t convinced that reading is important? If reading isn’t important explain to me why the Nazis began burning books in Germany. Explain why the Communist regime in Russia tried to ban books from their citizens. Knowledge is power. It is this gal’s opinion that books are taken for granted far too much in the US. Books of all kinds are so easily accessible to us; we forget what a blessing that is.

            Now that we’ve established the importance of reading, you might be wondering what type of books to read. Let me suggest an amazing book known as the Bible. It is really 66 separate books in one. Still not convinced it’s a book worth your time? Let me ask you this…how many books have been written about the Bible? The countless number of books written about the Bible speaks volumes about the book itself.

            As Christians, we have an obligation to read (1 Timothy 4:13). Failing to read leads to losing sight of what God wants for us. We must give the Bible its due amount of attention for several reasons; the first being that it is the word of God. (That fact alone should be reason enough.) If you choose not to read, in effect, you are saying that you don’t have time to listen to God, or he bores you, or you just don’t care.

            Reason number two to read the Bible is that it will build up and encourage us if we are in a correct relationship with God. We will be instilled with joy! Who doesn’t need joy in their life?!

            The final reason I will mention for reading the Bible is that it keeps us from sin and it holds the solution to all our problems. We have no problem that God cannot solve, but we must take the time to listen to him.

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

Romans 15:4

Mention-Worthy Monday

Simple Ways to Connect With Your Kids When You're Already Tired - When I look at my calendar and see "Monday," I do a mental (okay, sometimes even an audible) sigh. Just the thought of Monday alone makes us tired. It means its time to go back to work and for those of us who are stay-at-home moms, it means we're left to entertain and care for our children on our own...again. While this is a blessing unlike any other, it can be an overwhelming feeling when tiredness seems to take over our bodies and minds, yet our little ones are still going strong (they must be kin to the energizer bunny). So what's a mom to do? Read this article. Let it remind you that the little things are really the big things and you aren't the first one to feel like a "Mombie."

Things I Wish Older Women Would Teach Younger Women (Like Me) - Hannah (Colley) Giselbach recently guest wrote for her husbands blog. If you're familiar with Hannah's previous works, you know it is always worth your time. In this post, she tackles the command in Titus 2:3-5. Ladies, get your pen & paper ready-you'll want to take notes.

New Podcasts - I know I've already recommended Emily's website to you, but it really is something you need to checkout. Doubly exciting is this announcement regarding the Light Network! I cannot stress what a great resource TLN is for Christians.

A Stronger Faith launched a series today on "Growing Closer to God" and I must admit, I'm a little partial to this one, since my husband is the author. Go over and check it out!

Fill-Your-Cup-Friday-What You Bring To It

“Well, I didn’t get anything out of that.” This is a statement used more and more by the society we live in. It is used in reference to relationships, education, and sadly, even in religion. The world wants us to believe that our time is wasted if we are participating in activities in which we do not benefit from. With this attitude it becomes very easy for us to begin to look at the world with a callous heart. We become parents who try to toughen up our children to face a cruel and heartless world rather than parents who raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.

“It's just that I went looking for my ideals outside of myself. I discovered it's not what the world holds for you, it's what you bring to it. The dreams dearest to my heart are right here.”

-Anne, Anne of Green Gables

Thankful Thursday

Offer unto God thanksgiving;

and pay thy vows unto the most High:

Psalm 50:14

Work-To-Do-Wednesday-Fill Their Cups

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Elders carry an incredibly important responsibility on their shoulders. They are the feeders of the flock (1 Peter 5:1-2). They are to be examples to us (1 Peter 5:3). Although the ultimate responsibility for our entrance to heaven depends on us, they have the task of helping us get there, but who helps them? They give of their time, attention and often their material blessings, yet are rewarded with complaints and gripes about what they are not doing. The same is true of preachers, deacons, Bible class teachers and so forth; they pour out their emotional cup and no one refills it. It is our job not to let the cups of our leaders become empty.

I read an article written by the wife of an elder who likened being an elder to a school principal because he must constantly deal with the “bad kids.” For this reason she encouraged him to start programs that would allow the elders to work with the “good kids.” She also makes a special point to flood him with good news. Encouraging is not exclusive to an elder’s wife; it is a work we can all do. Being a leader does come with negativity and discouragement, but it also includes positives. It is our responsibility to point out those positives. It is tough being the wife of a spiritual leader-they need encouragement as well. If you are the wife of a spiritual leader, focus on the encouragements more than the discouragements. Remember to stay busy by encouraging and evangelizing. Most importantly, be thankful for the position in which God has placed you and the opportunities before you. It is so easy to look around at the lives of others and have a pity party for ourselves, but we cannot afford to do so. We must view difficulties as opportunities rather than struggles and always be looking for ways to focus on others rather than ourselves.

            Whether you know of a sister in Christ always taking plates to the shut-ins or just a new convert liking spiritual articles and links on Facebook, mention it. No matter how small and insignificant you may think the gesture is, it could have far reaching effects of encouragement. Being made aware of the positive things going on in a congregation will help the elders and other leaders to see that people really do care and are trying. It will help them to be better encouragers, more upbeat and more positive. It will help them be even better leaders.

What suggestions do you have for encouraging leaders?

Tough Truth Tuesday

3 things you cannot recover in life:

the WORD after it is said

the MOMENT after it is missed

and

the TIME after it is gone.

-unknown

Mention-Worthy Monday

“‘I wonder what good work the Lord has for me to do here.’” That is the attitude we should all have.

-Matt Choate

“God is going to give a final exam. He provided all the answers in this book called the Bible. If we want to pass the test, we had better know the material.”

-Carl Dunlap

“There is no excuse for a Christian not to grow. There simply is no alternative. Young Christians must grow. Old Christians must grow. There is not a day that we cannot grow.”

-Buddy Elders

“You will never convert anyone by telling them to do what they do not see in your actions.”

-Buddy Elders

Fill-Your-Cup-Friday (For Parents)

Be kind to me for I am young,

And make mistakes, I know;

But in my heart you’ll find this true,

I always love you so.

Be patient, too, and do not scold,

and help me find my way.

That I may walk a happy path,

By kindly words you say.

Teach me the meaning of a prayer;

And the value of a song.

Help me to understand all things,

And know the right from wrong.

Give me some hours by your side

That we may dream and smile.

And share sweet joys together,

For youth lasts just awhile.

But most of all—love me please,

As only you can do.

For God has placed me within your care,

And my whole world is you.

Author unknown

Thankful Thursday-Citizenship

         Like many of you, my thoughts today are naturally centered on our country. I love this country. I love celebrating it’s birthday. I wear red, white and blue with pride. Yet, as proud as I am to be a citizen of this 200-year-old country, I am more thankful to be a member in the 2,000-year-old kingdom of the Lord’s (Philp. 3:18 ASV). What a comforting thought it is to know that no matter what the future holds for this country, my citizenship in the kingdom of God will not change. Do you enjoy this spiritual citizenship? Would you like to? You can and I would love to study more with you about it.  

Work-To-Do-Wednesday-Fill Their Cups

Elders carry an incredibly important responsibility on their shoulders. They are the feeders of the flock (1 Peter 5:1-2). They are to be examples to us (1 Peter 5:3). Although the ultimate responsibility for our entrance to heaven depends on us, they have the task of helping us get there, but who helps them? They give of their time, attention and often their material blessings, yet are rewarded with complaints and gripes about what they are not doing. The same is true of preachers, deacons, Bible class teachers and so forth; they pour out their emotional cup and no one refills it. It is our job not to let the cups of our leaders become empty.

I read an article written by the wife of an elder who likened being an elder to a school principal because he must constantly deal with the “bad kids.” For this reason she encouraged him to start programs that would allow the elders to work with the “good kids.” She also makes a special point to flood him with good news. Encouraging is not exclusive to an elder’s wife; it is a work we can all do. Being a leader does come with negativity and discouragement, but it also includes positives. It is our responsibility to point out those positives. It is tough being the wife of a spiritual leader-they need encouragement as well. If you are the wife of a spiritual leader, focus on the encouragements more than the discouragements. Remember to stay busy by encouraging and evangelizing. Most importantly, be thankful for the position in which God has placed you and the opportunities before you. It is so easy to look around at the lives of others and have a pity party for ourselves, but we cannot afford to do so. We must view difficulties as opportunities rather than struggles and always be looking for ways to focus on others rather than ourselves.

            Whether you know of a sister in Christ always taking plates to the shut-ins or just a new convert liking spiritual articles and links on Facebook, mention it. No matter how small and insignificant you may think the gesture is, it could have far reaching effects of encouragement. Being made aware of the positive things going on in a congregation will help the elders and other leaders to see that people really do care and are trying. It will help them to be better encouragers, more upbeat and more positive. It will help them be even better leaders.

What suggestions do you have for encouraging leaders?

You Can Do This Too (with a little help)...

You may notice that the blog has undergone some subtle changes today. If you’d like to add some the things you see here check out the links below:

 http://beautifuldawndesigns.net/tutorial-add-social-media-icons-to-blogger-step-by-step/ 

http://www.pureimaginationblog.com/2012/10/fun-stuff-for-your-blog-2.html

Need more help? I'm happy to answer any questions I can for you.Just email me!

Tough Truth Tuesday-Saturating Our Homes with Scripture

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Recently I listened to a podcast in which the host was reviewing a book. In this book, a friend tells the author that on a recent mission trip, he noticed the furniture centered around the statue of Buddha, in many of the homes he visited. The author ponders the sadness of this idol worship in the comfort of his home later that night and as he looks around his den from the comfort of his recliner, he realizes every piece of furniture in his home (and the majority of American homes) is centered around, (yep, you guessed it) the TV.

            Did I share that story to suggest we rearrange our furniture to purposely face opposite the television? No, of course not. I do not think it is wrong for your furniture to face the TV. It is a matter of practicality; no one wants to sit on the couch and get a crick in his or her neck from straining to see the show they’re watching. However when we make that TV the center of our lives as well as our room, to say it is a problem is an understatement. So as keepers at home, how can we ensure that we keep our focus where it should be? Saturate your home with scripture!

           

            Growing up, my mom had a framed Bible verse hanging in our hall. I saw that verse over and over. Out of habit, I read it every time I looked at it until I could quote it. I can still quote that verse. God knows that we learn through repetition and for that reason he told the people of Israel to write His commandments on the posts in their homes and on their gates (Deut. 6:4-9). We need to follow their example and remember that Scripture does not only belong in our Bibles. We need to incorporate it into our homes and hearts.

*WRITE IT!

Write a verse on a post-it note and put by your kitchen and bathroom sinks

*DISPLAY IT!

Make it the center of a wall photo collage

*CHANGE IT!

Display it on a small chalkboard and change the verse each week

*FRAME IT!

Type the verse, print it out and place in a picture frame instead of a photo

The possibilities are endless.

Need more ideas and inspirations? My Pinterest page might help you out!

Mention-Worthy Monday

A Modest Wedding is a must read by ladies of all ages. Although the post is over a month old and is geared more toward summer weddings this is a topic that needs to be dealt with all year long.

In keeping with the theme of modesty, Emily Hatfield’s post Modest is Hardest has a link to a lesson given by her husband, Robert which is desperately needed in every congregation of our Lord’s church today.

Seek Spiritual Beauty is a new blog featuring brief daily devotionals. While the focus of most posts is preteen & teenage girls, Life Happens is a post worthy of your attention, regardless of your age.

Enjoy!