By: Katie Naff
When my husband and I were dating, we went through a book together entitled The Principles of Spiritual Growth. It's an older book, not very attractive- but filled with good truths. There was a section in there that revolutionized my thinking. I summarize it with this phrase, "Plead Less, Claim More." I often found myself begging God for things He has already spelled out for me in His word. "God, I'm scared!" "God, that person hurt me!"
This is not to say that I don't pour my heart out to God, but rather, instead of spending all my time concentrating on my feelings, I realized that God has already provided the answers to my problems. I just needed to get up and claim the promises found in His Word (which contains everything I need) and rest in Him.
Are you feeling scared? God is watching over you! Are you feeling alone? God is with you! Are you feeling inadequate? God will enable you for His purposes! Are you feeling hurt? Christ weeps with you! And the list goes on.
God has been re-iterating this concept to me this month, telling me to get up, let go of the life lived by untrustworthy emotions, and grasp tightly to the precious truths of the Word that are strong enough to carry me through any storm.
(P.S. I highly recommend the little book entitled God's Promises for Your Every Need. It is straight scripture, organized by topics such as "Fear," "Death," etc. It is nice to be able to find the promises you're looking for very quickly!)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
My Old Truck : By Will Wall
Last Saturday morning I woke up a little earlier than normal for a Saturday. I fired up my old red 1986 Dodge pickup and I drove to our old house to get started on a few projects. After a few hours of working it was time for a trip to the hardware store. Grab the keys, lock up the house, start the truck...start the truck...stink I left the lights on. I was going no where quick. In just two short hours my old reliable truck had turned into a useless heap. I had some time to think while I sat there waiting for my wife to come and help me out of a pretty routine mess. When she arrived I was ready with what I thought was a grand revelation..."I am just like my truck.""What do you mean?" Mary asked.I said, "I am just like this old heap; old, beat up, and unreliable. As a matter of fact I usually stop working right in the middle of something important. Sometimes though if you give me a good jump start I usually get myself moving and finish right before it's too late."Mary laughed. She laughed in part because I continually joke about being old even though I'm not, and partly because there was truth to what I had said and like myself she was surprised that I was just putting these pieces together.The question that I am asking myself now, over a week later, "does God want me to live my life as if I'm a red 1986 Dodge pickup." I don't think so...I am called by God to love my wife just as Christ loves the church. I should be leading my family with love, vision. and the attitude of a servant. I should be striving every day to know more, live more and share more. The fact is none of these sound anything like an opportunity to be unreliable, but instead they seem like a responsibility to be quite the opposite. I have no business acting like my old pickup.I know God had transformed me into a new creation, the old has gone. I know that I don't need to be jump started, I've been given the full resources of God's Holy Spirit. I know I'll never be left stranded because Jesus has promised to leave me nor forsake me. I know that I am not an old beat up 1986 Dodge pickup but a brand new 2009 Ford F150. I know what God has done for me and in me...and so...
Friday, May 22, 2009
PROVE IT by Maria Hartman
In my recent study of Romans, I have learned incredible things about how our loving Father instructs His needy children. I finished Chapter 12 this morning but keep thinking about many of the verses. Today I'd like to share some of what the Holy Spirit has taught me regarding the first couple.
Romans 12:1 talks about how we must present to God, our body....in the form of a living sacrifice. This is something that will require much of me. My body is to be holy and acceptable to God; not acceptable to me, or to the world, but to God only. It goes on to say that this is my reasonable service. In light of God's provision for me, this is what is reasonable for me and you. V2 says: And do not be conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. I have a challenge for you. Don't skim over that verse because you have read it and heard it so many times.
We are receiving instructions from God. He is speaking to YOU about what He wants, and He is telling you HOW and what will happen. He is also giving us very descriptive words that require careful consideration.
When we are conformed to something, we become like it; it is a shared similarity. We conform to all sorts of things, but what pops right into my mind is how teenagers dress. They conform to the dressing styles of their peers.
The definition of 'transformed' is very different: it is to change the nature, function, or condition of. This word is a verb; it is action.......your NATURE, although not done away with fully, it is no longer a dominating factor for every choice (now we can choose Christ instead of sin!), your FUNCTION has been changed, (its no longer about wanting what I want, its about wanting more of HIM!) and so has your CONDITION (death and hell are no longer mine but I am made alive in Jesus now, and will live with Him for all eternity!)
Transformation does not happen overnight; it is a process just like that of a creeping caterpillar on its way to becoming a butterfly. But the process literally requires some work on our part. God begins it at the moment of salvation and enables it to happen by His Spirit, but look and see what YOU and I have to do next. We are told to renew our minds. Here is where I began to get a fresh revelation of God's Word. We renew our minds in and through the Word first; our output will never change unless the input is holy. We renew our minds in prayer, and we renew our minds as we sing praises to God, publicly or privately. We also renew our minds when we choose obedience over sin, and when we place another before ourselves in any situation. These are the characteristics of godliness which are all a part of the renewing process.
Now, get this: when I do that, and when you do that.......we may prove, to the watching world and even to ourselves, what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God!! Friends, God has told us how we can PROVE Him true and real and powerful to another person! It cannot be done any other way, but it can be done this way!!
For Today: After we have clearly made a decision for Christ, we are called to present our bodies a living sacrifice to Him, and we are called to renew our minds.
But notice, without renewing my mind, I won't be transformed. A caterpillar cannot fly, but instead crawls on the ground, and is bound to this earth in a body that is greatly limited, until the time of transformation. And then, it has a new nature, function, and condition! It is NOTHING like what it once was! And we too, unless we renew our minds by the washing of the Word, will not be transformed. We'll work without results and give up in utter frustration, only proving that we are inadequate in our own strength.
If you know Jesus Christ, you are new. If you know Him, you are a 'butterfly' who has been set free; no longer bound by crawling along the earth and looking down at the dirt, but flying high to wherever He leads. And with that, comes the great privilege and responsibility to renew your mind.............you are set free to 'fly' to a position and place where you can PROVE the perfect will of God...........that Jesus Christ is the only One with the power to change anyone, for life.
I'm sure the butterfly is exactly what a discouraged old caterpillar needs every time! What better proof is there than that?
Has your life proved to another something incredible and beautiful about God today?
Romans 12:1 talks about how we must present to God, our body....in the form of a living sacrifice. This is something that will require much of me. My body is to be holy and acceptable to God; not acceptable to me, or to the world, but to God only. It goes on to say that this is my reasonable service. In light of God's provision for me, this is what is reasonable for me and you. V2 says: And do not be conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. I have a challenge for you. Don't skim over that verse because you have read it and heard it so many times.
We are receiving instructions from God. He is speaking to YOU about what He wants, and He is telling you HOW and what will happen. He is also giving us very descriptive words that require careful consideration.
When we are conformed to something, we become like it; it is a shared similarity. We conform to all sorts of things, but what pops right into my mind is how teenagers dress. They conform to the dressing styles of their peers.
The definition of 'transformed' is very different: it is to change the nature, function, or condition of. This word is a verb; it is action.......your NATURE, although not done away with fully, it is no longer a dominating factor for every choice (now we can choose Christ instead of sin!), your FUNCTION has been changed, (its no longer about wanting what I want, its about wanting more of HIM!) and so has your CONDITION (death and hell are no longer mine but I am made alive in Jesus now, and will live with Him for all eternity!)
Transformation does not happen overnight; it is a process just like that of a creeping caterpillar on its way to becoming a butterfly. But the process literally requires some work on our part. God begins it at the moment of salvation and enables it to happen by His Spirit, but look and see what YOU and I have to do next. We are told to renew our minds. Here is where I began to get a fresh revelation of God's Word. We renew our minds in and through the Word first; our output will never change unless the input is holy. We renew our minds in prayer, and we renew our minds as we sing praises to God, publicly or privately. We also renew our minds when we choose obedience over sin, and when we place another before ourselves in any situation. These are the characteristics of godliness which are all a part of the renewing process.
Now, get this: when I do that, and when you do that.......we may prove, to the watching world and even to ourselves, what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God!! Friends, God has told us how we can PROVE Him true and real and powerful to another person! It cannot be done any other way, but it can be done this way!!
For Today: After we have clearly made a decision for Christ, we are called to present our bodies a living sacrifice to Him, and we are called to renew our minds.
But notice, without renewing my mind, I won't be transformed. A caterpillar cannot fly, but instead crawls on the ground, and is bound to this earth in a body that is greatly limited, until the time of transformation. And then, it has a new nature, function, and condition! It is NOTHING like what it once was! And we too, unless we renew our minds by the washing of the Word, will not be transformed. We'll work without results and give up in utter frustration, only proving that we are inadequate in our own strength.
If you know Jesus Christ, you are new. If you know Him, you are a 'butterfly' who has been set free; no longer bound by crawling along the earth and looking down at the dirt, but flying high to wherever He leads. And with that, comes the great privilege and responsibility to renew your mind.............you are set free to 'fly' to a position and place where you can PROVE the perfect will of God...........that Jesus Christ is the only One with the power to change anyone, for life.
I'm sure the butterfly is exactly what a discouraged old caterpillar needs every time! What better proof is there than that?
Has your life proved to another something incredible and beautiful about God today?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Have to and Want to by Maria Hartman
I am Italian and I must confess, I love to eat. I do realize that being Italian is not the cause for my love of food, but it sure has contributed to it!! I remember saying to my mom once that I was sure she put pasta in the blender and mixed it in with my milk when I was a baby!
Over the years I have gained some weight and have just not been able to get it off. I haven't tried to gain the weight, but it has come nonetheless. And although I have tried to lose weight, I haven't. I've fluctuated within a few pounds of the same weight for at least 5 years now. My downfall occurs every evening after dinner as I snack too much or on things I shouldn't.
Just a few weeks ago, I went for over 41 hours without eating. Yes I am serious. I had a test done that required a liquid diet the entire day before. My procedure wasn't until 1:30 so by the time I got out of recovery and out of the hospital, it was after 3:00. ( Yes, I did learn that I can say NO to food, even in the evenings!)
I went through this test because I had to. Did I want to? No, I didn't. But there were reasons that this test was necessary and I understood the significance of the doctor's concerns, as well as the issues I had been dealing with for almost 2 months. So, I attached a want to, and was able to do what I'd normally say I couldn't do.
Over the years I have gained some weight and have just not been able to get it off. I haven't tried to gain the weight, but it has come nonetheless. And although I have tried to lose weight, I haven't. I've fluctuated within a few pounds of the same weight for at least 5 years now. My downfall occurs every evening after dinner as I snack too much or on things I shouldn't.
Just a few weeks ago, I went for over 41 hours without eating. Yes I am serious. I had a test done that required a liquid diet the entire day before. My procedure wasn't until 1:30 so by the time I got out of recovery and out of the hospital, it was after 3:00. ( Yes, I did learn that I can say NO to food, even in the evenings!)
I went through this test because I had to. Did I want to? No, I didn't. But there were reasons that this test was necessary and I understood the significance of the doctor's concerns, as well as the issues I had been dealing with for almost 2 months. So, I attached a want to, and was able to do what I'd normally say I couldn't do.
Now if a doctor I didn't know told me I could not eat for 41+ hours because of some isue which did not apply to me, I'd NEVER do it. I wouldn't even do it for half that amount of time!! What is the difference? Well, first of all, I didn't know the doctor, nor did I believe I had a need for the 'have to' given to me. Therefore, there would be absolutely no 'want to' on my part.
As God so often does, He taught me an important lesson through this trial. The same is true with my spiritual walk with Him. He knows me and my needs. He has told me specifically what it is that I need. I know Him, and that His reputation and authority surpasses that of any earthly man or woman. My need has been explained and there is a have to applied to the privilege of being His child. But I must also have the desire to follow the have to; the want to is what motivates me. This is the definition of obedience.
What DOES it take to obey God? Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And though shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
There it is. Can we obey out of wanting to alone? Can we obey out of having to alone? No. You and I will serve the Living God with a strong overlap of the two. I believe we must obey with a right heart because we love God. But it is vital that we understand who He is, and that we are the clay; He is the Potter. We are the child, He is the Father. We are the sheep, He is the Shepherd. We were helplessly lost in sin, He paid the ransom at the cost of His only Son.
I am His now, so I have to. He knows me, has saved me, and loves me with an indescribable love, so now, I want to.
For today: Although we may not understand all the 'whys' of His ways, we can know Him and trust His clear directions for what is non-negotiable and required (our 'have to').............But unless out of love and thanksgiving we attach a fervent 'want to' to what He calls us to, our obedience will falter and may become subject to change.
I thank God for the good report on my test, but most especially for His ability to teach me by His Spirit things that I'd never know otherwise.
I pray that you too will consider this for your own life. Do you understand that you have to do what God says, 100% His Way? Do you have a love and devotion for your Savior that gives you the want to? Lets encourage one another with these 2 simple words which give feet to our faith.
Yes, I know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28. Yes, that even includes not eating for almost 2 days!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
In Holy Hands by Maria Hartman
It was almost 2 years ago now. My mom and dad were visiting from NY, and something took place that was not noteworthy at all. At the time that is. I was listening to a Kathy Troccoli CD, and one of my favorite songs began to play: 'My life is in Your hands'. I went to the radio and cranked it up. Grace came running into my arms, and we did what we often do. I held her close and we 'danced'. As we spun and swayed, I sang the words to her. My dad was in the kitchen, and after the song was over he looked at me and said, "Her life is really in your hands". I remember my response was one of gentle disagreement, that no, her life was in God's hands.
God brought this moment to my mind recently, and I've come to understand something a bit more clearly. I was not wrong in my belief that Grace's life is in the hands of Almighty God. Of that I am 100% certain. But in retrospect I realize that my dad's statement was not wrong either. To the degree that Kurt and I have been entrusted with our children, their lives are in our hands. We are accountable and responsible for all aspects of their upbringing, and although we're not sovereign over what will occur in their lives, our commitment to the Lord and to obeying what He has called us to do, will shape their lives.
Graces' life is in my hands today as I teach and instruct her of the things of God. Her life is in my hands as I make decisions which will affect where she goes, what she can look at, and what is acceptable or unacceptable for her. What kind of friend, neighbor, wife and mother she may be one day does depend on what my life is all about. She is young and impressionable; often I can forget that. She is watching closely and will model what she sees in me.
Being a stay at home mom is fantastic and I love it, but sometimes it is really hard. And sometimes I forget that I am actually in a position of great influence. I am a channel of who God is to this little girl; all day long, I am influencing a 'sponge' of sorts, either helping shepherd her to God or allowing the world to draw her away.
What is it that I want her to soak up more than anything?
I want her to know who God is and be drawn to Him because her mom, who she loves, loves Him so very much. I want her to see mercy and forgiveness and patience in a variety of situations in our family's life. I want her to see what Christ looks like in action, and not just be able to recall facts about Him based on what she has been taught at church. I want God to be honored in my life so that one day He may be honored in hers.
I have been given this incredible opportunity, therefore each day I must purpose in my heart that it will count for Him. I must be diligent to teach her what matters most. I am the teacher she will look to; He is the Teacher I will look to.
For today: Without a doubt, my daughter's life is ultimately in the hands of the One who created her and loves her with an everlasting love. But God placed her in our home and in our hands specifically for a reason. He wants her life to be impacted by my life; how careful I must be as I live before my little ones.
May we as mothers never underestimate the very high calling we have been given.
Today, and everyday, as we desire to impact this world for Jesus Christ, let us impact our children for Him most of all.
Psalm 138:8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me; thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
God brought this moment to my mind recently, and I've come to understand something a bit more clearly. I was not wrong in my belief that Grace's life is in the hands of Almighty God. Of that I am 100% certain. But in retrospect I realize that my dad's statement was not wrong either. To the degree that Kurt and I have been entrusted with our children, their lives are in our hands. We are accountable and responsible for all aspects of their upbringing, and although we're not sovereign over what will occur in their lives, our commitment to the Lord and to obeying what He has called us to do, will shape their lives.
Graces' life is in my hands today as I teach and instruct her of the things of God. Her life is in my hands as I make decisions which will affect where she goes, what she can look at, and what is acceptable or unacceptable for her. What kind of friend, neighbor, wife and mother she may be one day does depend on what my life is all about. She is young and impressionable; often I can forget that. She is watching closely and will model what she sees in me.
Being a stay at home mom is fantastic and I love it, but sometimes it is really hard. And sometimes I forget that I am actually in a position of great influence. I am a channel of who God is to this little girl; all day long, I am influencing a 'sponge' of sorts, either helping shepherd her to God or allowing the world to draw her away.
What is it that I want her to soak up more than anything?
I want her to know who God is and be drawn to Him because her mom, who she loves, loves Him so very much. I want her to see mercy and forgiveness and patience in a variety of situations in our family's life. I want her to see what Christ looks like in action, and not just be able to recall facts about Him based on what she has been taught at church. I want God to be honored in my life so that one day He may be honored in hers.
I have been given this incredible opportunity, therefore each day I must purpose in my heart that it will count for Him. I must be diligent to teach her what matters most. I am the teacher she will look to; He is the Teacher I will look to.
For today: Without a doubt, my daughter's life is ultimately in the hands of the One who created her and loves her with an everlasting love. But God placed her in our home and in our hands specifically for a reason. He wants her life to be impacted by my life; how careful I must be as I live before my little ones.
May we as mothers never underestimate the very high calling we have been given.
Today, and everyday, as we desire to impact this world for Jesus Christ, let us impact our children for Him most of all.
Psalm 138:8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me; thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
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