Over the next forty days, I will post excerpts from a devotional I am writing called "Free to Thrive!" This devotional is designed for women on the go. I invite you to join in the study via this blog and learn how biblical freedom can be a reality in your life.
Key Verse:
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:18-19
"Today’s culture needs a new definition of freedom--- a definition based on biblical truth. Often, believers in Jesus Christ, grossly misunderstand freedom by thinking freedom occurs when I do what I want to do and have the resources available to do it. According to the Bible, freedom has nothing to do with earthly things. The Bible teaches that freedom is found in Jesus Christ. Your freedom does not hinge on comfortable situations or circumstances. Nor does your freedom hinge on available resources such as money, power, or influence. Your freedom was bought with the precious blood of Christ. The choice you now face is this--- will you embrace the freedom Christ provides? I hope your answer is “YES!"
In order to live in the freedom Christ provides, you must surrender to Christ’s plans and live His way, not your own. You must have ardent loyalty to truth and look to heaven as your home. Simply put, your freedom is found in the spotless lamb of Jesus Christ. Dear sister, forsake the things of this world. Forsake the world’s definition of freedom and embrace the freedom that comes in Jesus Christ!"
Questions:
Have you bought into the world’s definition of freedom?
Do you long to live in the freedom Christ provides?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Free To Thrive!!
Tomorrow is the kick off day for my new Bible Study called Free to Thrive! I am really excited about the new study! The Lord has brought a good group of ladies and we are going to dig deep into His Word.
Galatians 5:1 sets the tone for the study. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Based on this verse the battle cry for every believer in Jesus Christ should be--- "I will not merely survive--- I will thrive!" Think how often you go into "survival mode." This occurs each time you do your best just to make it through the day. For what purpose---- so you can wake up the next day and do it all over again. Dear sister, Christ offers you so much more than a life of survival! He offers you a life that is full of His wonderful adventure.
Today, will you embrace a life that thrives? If so, you will have to forsake the world's definition of freedom (doing what I want to do, when I want to do it, and having the resources necessary to make it all happen) and embrace Christ's definition of freedom. His definition becomes a life that is totally surrendered to His plans for you. I can promise you that once you surrender every part of your life to Christ, you will no longer be in "survival mode." You will thrive!!
Galatians 5:1 sets the tone for the study. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Based on this verse the battle cry for every believer in Jesus Christ should be--- "I will not merely survive--- I will thrive!" Think how often you go into "survival mode." This occurs each time you do your best just to make it through the day. For what purpose---- so you can wake up the next day and do it all over again. Dear sister, Christ offers you so much more than a life of survival! He offers you a life that is full of His wonderful adventure.
Today, will you embrace a life that thrives? If so, you will have to forsake the world's definition of freedom (doing what I want to do, when I want to do it, and having the resources necessary to make it all happen) and embrace Christ's definition of freedom. His definition becomes a life that is totally surrendered to His plans for you. I can promise you that once you surrender every part of your life to Christ, you will no longer be in "survival mode." You will thrive!!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Friends!
Last night I spoke at Hot Springs Baptist Church. What a wonderful evening!! The tables were beautiful. The food was delicious. God's presence was tangible. The theme for the evening was "Friends... rejoice with me." We talked about friendships and the fact that God places different people in our lives for different purposes. Rejoicing takes place, in heaven and on earth, when we surrender to this truth.
In God's Word we see four types of friendships.
1. Covenant Friend as seen in David and Jonathan. These friends hold you accountable in life. God's Word plays central focus in the friendship.
2. Close Friend as seen in the early church. The purpose of this friendship is to love and encourage one another in the Lord.
3. Casual Friend as seen demonstrated in the life of Job. Caution must be used in this friendship. You are in their life to set an example of Godly living.
4. Confused Friend as seen in Jesus' heart for people who do not know the Lord.
Below you will find a list of characteristics that are true for each type of friendship.
Covenant: 1 Samuel 18-20
~The Lord is the central focus of the friendship.
~There is a willingness to do anything for one another.
~Both parties recognize the authority of the Lord and as a result have a proper fear of God. This fear becomes the motivating factor for treating one another with Christ-like love.
~Comfort level exists between friends allowing them to call on one another day or night.
~The Word of God becomes the standard by which each party lives.
~Even in times of disagreement or tension, covenant friends ask tough and seek truth. Once the truth is found, decisions are made based on God’s desire not human desire.
~Accountability plays a paramount role in this type of friendship.
Close: Acts 2:42-46
~Both people possess a passionate love for God.
~Both friends obey the Word of God and hold the Word of God as their standard for how to live.
~The friends share more things in common than not in common.
~Both parties are willing to give to one another in times of need.
~Close friends genuinely enjoy being around one another and always feel edified after their time together.
~Both parties feel a freedom to be sincere or real with one another. As a result, close friends do not feel the need to be superficial or to try to be someone they are not.
~Close friends are fun friends and available in times of need.
Casual: Job 1 (Job had lots of friends when things were going well; Job 19 his "friends" took off when things went bad)
~Friendship based on mutual interests or similar life stage.
~Foundational beliefs about God, Bible, and moral excellence are not shared.
~The friendship functions at a superficial level. As a result, the goal of this friendship involves allowing this person to see that Jesus makes a real difference in your life.
~As you are friends with this person, you look for spiritual opportunities to share the love and grace of Christ.
~Boundaries are imperative so that you do not lose your spiritual focus as you interact with this friendship level. If boundaries are not set, this person will influence you towards ungodliness.
Confused: Matthew 9:35-38
~Lost or not attending Church
~Placed in your life for the purpose of evangelism and discipleship.
~Suffering from a mental, emotional, or psychological hurt.
Ask yourself this question--- "Do I have different types of friendships in my life?" "Are my covenant friends and close friends the primary influencers in my life?" "Do I guard my casual friendship so that I am influencing them towards Godliness instead of them influencing me towards worldliness?" "Am I open to confused friends knowing that God places them in my life so they can see the love of Jesus in me?"
As you are open to different types of friendships, God is honored.
In God's Word we see four types of friendships.
1. Covenant Friend as seen in David and Jonathan. These friends hold you accountable in life. God's Word plays central focus in the friendship.
2. Close Friend as seen in the early church. The purpose of this friendship is to love and encourage one another in the Lord.
3. Casual Friend as seen demonstrated in the life of Job. Caution must be used in this friendship. You are in their life to set an example of Godly living.
4. Confused Friend as seen in Jesus' heart for people who do not know the Lord.
Below you will find a list of characteristics that are true for each type of friendship.
Covenant: 1 Samuel 18-20
~The Lord is the central focus of the friendship.
~There is a willingness to do anything for one another.
~Both parties recognize the authority of the Lord and as a result have a proper fear of God. This fear becomes the motivating factor for treating one another with Christ-like love.
~Comfort level exists between friends allowing them to call on one another day or night.
~The Word of God becomes the standard by which each party lives.
~Even in times of disagreement or tension, covenant friends ask tough and seek truth. Once the truth is found, decisions are made based on God’s desire not human desire.
~Accountability plays a paramount role in this type of friendship.
Close: Acts 2:42-46
~Both people possess a passionate love for God.
~Both friends obey the Word of God and hold the Word of God as their standard for how to live.
~The friends share more things in common than not in common.
~Both parties are willing to give to one another in times of need.
~Close friends genuinely enjoy being around one another and always feel edified after their time together.
~Both parties feel a freedom to be sincere or real with one another. As a result, close friends do not feel the need to be superficial or to try to be someone they are not.
~Close friends are fun friends and available in times of need.
Casual: Job 1 (Job had lots of friends when things were going well; Job 19 his "friends" took off when things went bad)
~Friendship based on mutual interests or similar life stage.
~Foundational beliefs about God, Bible, and moral excellence are not shared.
~The friendship functions at a superficial level. As a result, the goal of this friendship involves allowing this person to see that Jesus makes a real difference in your life.
~As you are friends with this person, you look for spiritual opportunities to share the love and grace of Christ.
~Boundaries are imperative so that you do not lose your spiritual focus as you interact with this friendship level. If boundaries are not set, this person will influence you towards ungodliness.
Confused: Matthew 9:35-38
~Lost or not attending Church
~Placed in your life for the purpose of evangelism and discipleship.
~Suffering from a mental, emotional, or psychological hurt.
Ask yourself this question--- "Do I have different types of friendships in my life?" "Are my covenant friends and close friends the primary influencers in my life?" "Do I guard my casual friendship so that I am influencing them towards Godliness instead of them influencing me towards worldliness?" "Am I open to confused friends knowing that God places them in my life so they can see the love of Jesus in me?"
As you are open to different types of friendships, God is honored.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Temporary Focus vs. Eternal Focus
As a believer in Jesus Christ, do you live with a temporary focus or do you live with an eternal focus? Your answer to this question determines so much in your life. I ask you to prayerfully consider the following lists.
Living with a temporary focus involves:
~ A concern for status and possessions.
~ A desire to live a problem free life.
~ A longing for security that comes from earthly resources.
~ A focus on gaining experiences that supposedly lead to a full life.
Living with an eternal focus:
~ Forsaking the things of this world for the glory of Jesus Christ.
~ Having no regard for your own name.
~ Embracing risk in order to share the love of Jesus Christ.
~ Living from a place of surrender that responds to Jesus in every area of life.
~ Cultivating a sense of urgency to share God's Word and hope with others.
~ The longing for your ultimate home in Heaven.
~ A daily dying to self.
I invite you to take stock of your life and embrace the call to risk everything for God's plan. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you are here to point others to Him. That is your mission. As you focus on eternity, you will find yourself naturally concerned with eternal things instead of temporary things. The Bible teaches that a day is coming when the temporary things of this world will pass away. At that moment, all that will matter are the eternal things of God. Today, I encourage you to begin living with an eternal focus. A day is coming when you will be glad you did!!!
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God." He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Rev. 21:1-4
Living with a temporary focus involves:
~ A concern for status and possessions.
~ A desire to live a problem free life.
~ A longing for security that comes from earthly resources.
~ A focus on gaining experiences that supposedly lead to a full life.
Living with an eternal focus:
~ Forsaking the things of this world for the glory of Jesus Christ.
~ Having no regard for your own name.
~ Embracing risk in order to share the love of Jesus Christ.
~ Living from a place of surrender that responds to Jesus in every area of life.
~ Cultivating a sense of urgency to share God's Word and hope with others.
~ The longing for your ultimate home in Heaven.
~ A daily dying to self.
I invite you to take stock of your life and embrace the call to risk everything for God's plan. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you are here to point others to Him. That is your mission. As you focus on eternity, you will find yourself naturally concerned with eternal things instead of temporary things. The Bible teaches that a day is coming when the temporary things of this world will pass away. At that moment, all that will matter are the eternal things of God. Today, I encourage you to begin living with an eternal focus. A day is coming when you will be glad you did!!!
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God." He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Rev. 21:1-4
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Scripture Memory
Hey Friends!!
I hope your week is going great!! Today I want to encourage you to train your mind with God's Word. I have been challenged in my personal walk to begin memorizing large sections of Scripture. At first, I was overwhelmed by this call. Now, I embrace this call with all my heart. You see, as I take God's Word into my life, I am changed. I am changed by the living active Words of God. These Words point out sin in my life and spotlight areas where my theology is weak or just plain wrong.
Not too many years ago, I would have been afraid of this process in my life. In those days, it was all about being right in my own eyes. Not anymore!! Now, I want to be right in God's eyes. As a result, I pray, "Lord, show me my sin and reveal my shallow views of You!" I welcome the work of the Spirit in my life because I want to know Christ and I want to live my life for Christ. Sin and shallow views simply must go and I must cling to God's Words every single day.
As you and I memorize God's Word, we are equipped. We are readied to face the decisions, tasks, and difficult circumstances that come our way. When split second decisions are required, we can draw on God's Word, which is hidden in our hearts, to guide us in His way.
I am currently working on memorizing the book of 1 Peter. I have the first ten verses of chapter one down. I know that is not a lot of progress, but I am thankful. Within the first ten verses, there are many deep truths taught. God's Word is rich and will change the way you and I live our lives.
I challenge you to pick a passage of scripture and memorize it. Quote the passage through out your day. When you feel anxious--- speak God's Word and experience His peace. When you feel your heart wandering--- challenge your focus with God's Holy Word. When you feel confused, heartbroken, or filled with joy, proclaim God's Word and know He is more than enough for whatever circumstance you face.
The motto for my life has become--- know truth; live truth; share truth. Step one: we have to know truth! I invite you to join me in knowing truth. Hide His holy Word in your heart and know you will be ready to face your day. And, along the way, you will know Him more!
I hope your week is going great!! Today I want to encourage you to train your mind with God's Word. I have been challenged in my personal walk to begin memorizing large sections of Scripture. At first, I was overwhelmed by this call. Now, I embrace this call with all my heart. You see, as I take God's Word into my life, I am changed. I am changed by the living active Words of God. These Words point out sin in my life and spotlight areas where my theology is weak or just plain wrong.
Not too many years ago, I would have been afraid of this process in my life. In those days, it was all about being right in my own eyes. Not anymore!! Now, I want to be right in God's eyes. As a result, I pray, "Lord, show me my sin and reveal my shallow views of You!" I welcome the work of the Spirit in my life because I want to know Christ and I want to live my life for Christ. Sin and shallow views simply must go and I must cling to God's Words every single day.
As you and I memorize God's Word, we are equipped. We are readied to face the decisions, tasks, and difficult circumstances that come our way. When split second decisions are required, we can draw on God's Word, which is hidden in our hearts, to guide us in His way.
I am currently working on memorizing the book of 1 Peter. I have the first ten verses of chapter one down. I know that is not a lot of progress, but I am thankful. Within the first ten verses, there are many deep truths taught. God's Word is rich and will change the way you and I live our lives.
I challenge you to pick a passage of scripture and memorize it. Quote the passage through out your day. When you feel anxious--- speak God's Word and experience His peace. When you feel your heart wandering--- challenge your focus with God's Holy Word. When you feel confused, heartbroken, or filled with joy, proclaim God's Word and know He is more than enough for whatever circumstance you face.
The motto for my life has become--- know truth; live truth; share truth. Step one: we have to know truth! I invite you to join me in knowing truth. Hide His holy Word in your heart and know you will be ready to face your day. And, along the way, you will know Him more!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
AM and Wives Mid Year Retreat
So are you asking, "What in the world is an AM?" If so, great question!! In Baptist lingo, an AM is an Associational Missionary. These are men who serve as leaders for the various associations in the state of Arkansas. These men provide, support, training, and encouragement for the pastors who live and serve in their area of the state.
Tomorrow I will spend the day with the AM's and have the honor of leading their wives in the study of God's holy Word. I am looking forward to seeing many friends and catching up on what has taken place over the last year.
The teaching schedule will allow for an extended period of time in God's Word. In fact, one session is two hours in length!! I am really looking forward to the day. It will be fun to see what God has in store for us. Please pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and for me to listen carefully and speak wisely.
Tomorrow I will spend the day with the AM's and have the honor of leading their wives in the study of God's holy Word. I am looking forward to seeing many friends and catching up on what has taken place over the last year.
The teaching schedule will allow for an extended period of time in God's Word. In fact, one session is two hours in length!! I am really looking forward to the day. It will be fun to see what God has in store for us. Please pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and for me to listen carefully and speak wisely.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
Summer 2009 has been great! I had so much fun with my family. Jay and I enjoyed a trip to Germany. Throughout the summer, Jay and I took the boys to do several day/weekend trips. These trips included: Silver Dollar City in Branson, the Memphis Zoo, a day at the RiverMarket in Little Rock, exploring several caves in NW Arkansas, lots of hiking, and swimming at the pool/ Wild River Country. Without a doubt, it was a great summer!!
Now, it is time to look ahead as we enter the next chapter of our lives. Tomorrow school begins and for the first time in 9 years, I will be home alone! I have mixed feelings about this new stage of life. I am excited because the boys are growing up and they are ready to tackle 3rd grade and Kindergarten. The free time will also be wonderful for me on a personal/ministry level. However, I feel a tinge of sadness because things will never be the same. That is okay, it will just take some time to adjust.
I have big plans for my new found free time. I am going to get focused. In fact, God has challenged me to get hyper focused. Each day I will have three tasks to complete. First, I will focus on loving God and His holy Word. Second, I will focus on serving my family and close friends. Third, I will focus on ministering to the people God places in my life. It is my hope that each day my activities will fall into one of these three categories. Of course, I am sure I will make an occasional trip to TJ MAXX :)
I sense that the next year will be crucial for the development of True Vine Ministry. Specifically, the year 2010. I plan to devote much of my time to this part of my life. I have a long list of books and material that I need to work through in order to challenge my current knowledge of God and His Word. I also need to complete a second Bible Study called Free To Thrive! (I started on this project earlier this year and look forward to returning to it.) Lord willing, Reflecting His Glory will be published by the end of this year or the first of next year. The Lord has opened up doors for me to begin doing some web based teaching as well. Scripture memory will also be on the top of my to do list. I am currently working on the first chapter of 1 Peter and hope to memorize the entire book. Regularly updating this blog will also be on my new to do list. I am committed to making this blog a helpful tool for women to access.
All in all, I am very excited about the future. God is so good and I want to spend every single day of my life telling those around me about His goodness and grace. Of course, I cannot do this based on my own strength and power. It will only happen as God works in me for His glory. Paul says it best in Colossians 1:28-29, "We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me." Amen to that!!
Now, it is time to look ahead as we enter the next chapter of our lives. Tomorrow school begins and for the first time in 9 years, I will be home alone! I have mixed feelings about this new stage of life. I am excited because the boys are growing up and they are ready to tackle 3rd grade and Kindergarten. The free time will also be wonderful for me on a personal/ministry level. However, I feel a tinge of sadness because things will never be the same. That is okay, it will just take some time to adjust.
I have big plans for my new found free time. I am going to get focused. In fact, God has challenged me to get hyper focused. Each day I will have three tasks to complete. First, I will focus on loving God and His holy Word. Second, I will focus on serving my family and close friends. Third, I will focus on ministering to the people God places in my life. It is my hope that each day my activities will fall into one of these three categories. Of course, I am sure I will make an occasional trip to TJ MAXX :)
I sense that the next year will be crucial for the development of True Vine Ministry. Specifically, the year 2010. I plan to devote much of my time to this part of my life. I have a long list of books and material that I need to work through in order to challenge my current knowledge of God and His Word. I also need to complete a second Bible Study called Free To Thrive! (I started on this project earlier this year and look forward to returning to it.) Lord willing, Reflecting His Glory will be published by the end of this year or the first of next year. The Lord has opened up doors for me to begin doing some web based teaching as well. Scripture memory will also be on the top of my to do list. I am currently working on the first chapter of 1 Peter and hope to memorize the entire book. Regularly updating this blog will also be on my new to do list. I am committed to making this blog a helpful tool for women to access.
All in all, I am very excited about the future. God is so good and I want to spend every single day of my life telling those around me about His goodness and grace. Of course, I cannot do this based on my own strength and power. It will only happen as God works in me for His glory. Paul says it best in Colossians 1:28-29, "We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me." Amen to that!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)