Breaking Camp

Deuteronomy 1:6-8 - The Lord our God said to us at Horeb, "You have stayed long enough at this mountain.  Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites; go to all the neighboring peoples ....." 

God's word of confirmation regarding our decision to enroll our girls in public school next year.  God truly speaks personally into our lives if we will get still, be quiet and are in His word on a consistent basis. He speaks to us through His word and through the nudges of the Holy Spirit.

For the past three years, I've felt gentle nudges and knew a change of direction was in store for our family but wanted to make sure I wasn't loosing my mind!  After much asking, seeking and knocking He has made it clear for all of us. 

When I read the verse above, the first question I asked myself was, "what represents our mountain" and immediately God whispered into my heart, "homeschooling".  Just like Mt. Sinai or Horeb was the place where God taught the people to fear him, to obey him; where he gave them His Word (law) and  warned them about the place they would be living in on a daily basis and how to be "set-apart" in a pagan society.  So homeschooling has been that mountain for our family. It has been a place of not only academic instruction but also one of spiritual instruction.  The time and togetherness homeschooling has afforded us has been a training ground of sorts.  A place where discipleship was intentional. A place where we have worshipped, worked and witnessed together. They have been grounded in God's word and have been equipped to have a personal relationship with God through salvation in Jesus Christ, if they so choose.  Homeschooling has been a place of preparation to enter the "world" where they can be tested and tried with the careful guidance of their parents. 

I've had some other homeschoolers make comments like, "God never calls his children to sit under the tutelage of the world", I get what they are saying but I'm not following any man's voice, I am listening to the voice of my shepherd Jesus Christ and He knows all my fears, concerns, apprehensions and believe me there are many. 

In a sense I feel like Abraham when God asked him to go and sacrifice his son of promise Issac.  He didn't consult with man, Abraham had a three day journey to listen to the voice of "reason", to the voice of his own conscience, but He headed straight to that mountain with knife in hand and the wood on his son's back.  We all know how the story ended.  Abraham knew that God was the PROMISE keeper and He had promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, he didn't understand but he trusted the Lord knowing that according to Hebrews 11:17-19 - By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Issac, and he who had received the promise was offering up his only begotten son; it was he to whom it was said; "In Issac your descendants shall be called." He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type. 

Thankfully God isn't asking us to sacrifice our children on a literal alter!  He is however asking us to trust in His person, promises and power.  He is asking us to sacrifice our version of "best" for His best!  To die to some dreams we might have had in order to embrace the plans and purposes He has designed for these children.  If my girls were younger I don't think we would even be having this discussion.  He led us to home school for a season.  Now it's time to move on into a new season. 

While I am apprehensive about this year I am also excited at the possibilities and opportunities to "go" on a daily basis.  Trusting in the Good Shepherd to guide, protect and provide them with what they need to face this world.  Of course we aren't throwing them to the wolves, we will be there guiding them as well, teaching them His word, praying for them.  We are still their parents and will still be overseeing their education, just in a different way. 

In the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91)

A Message for Young Moms

Young christian Moms listen to me - It's good to want to do "it all right" (but you won't), to desire the very best for your children (you would be abnormal if you didn't want their best),to teach your little ones about Jesus, God's Word and to train them up in the Lord. It's all part of God's plan for us as parents. We should do these things, but remember nothing is "textbook"!

Today in the church and in our society we want everything to be programmed and packaged nice, neat, tidy and clean that sometimes we get the message that if we follow the "rules" and "do it right" we will produce these godly little people or big people who will always follow Christ, always love Him and serve Him. Have we forgotten that we are dealing with little people who are born to sin, chose to sin and live (for the most part) for the flesh. Why do we expect them to behave perfect or "godly" when we are made out of the same stuff they are? Why do we become shocked when our precious little ones act well "sinful"? When they argue with their siblings, or hit their friends? It doesn't shock God, after all His children behave the same way, yes even those "righteous", "rule keeping" "good" children.

After being a Mom for 25 years - (the first three of which I was living in and for the world lost as a goose!) What I have learned after reading scores of good books on parenting, attending several bible studies and digging into His word for insight, is this...ready? GOD is Able, He is big enough to cover all the gaps we leave. To repair the damage we have done or will do. He is ABLE! YOU will NOT do it all right neither will your friends, don't look to another Mom to follow. Mentors are NOT to be our idols. One time I heard a young Mom say "I'm going to look for a Mom whose kids have turned out "godly" and hook myself up with her and follow what she did". I get that, after all Titus 2 tells the older women to teach the younger....I get that. We all need mentors but we aren't to be carbon copies of any person other than Jesus Christ. Most of my mentors have been through tapes, CD, books and I've been fortunate to be a parent long enough to walk along side some awesome mothers and friends. These mentors have pointed me to God.

So, Look to God The Father. Cling to Him and love Him with all your heart, soul and mind. Let your words be few but let them be full of grace. If you err - err on the side of mercy. Allow the Holy Spirit to work in your child's heart, dont' control!!! When you blow it confess it to the Father and to your children they need to see vulnerability and transparency in this area. Laugh alot, laugh at your mistakes, laugh with your children NOT at them. Guard your relationship with your children. Ask God to do what ONLY HE can do. Don't stop doing what you are called to do as christian Mother.  Keep on but keep trusting and turning it all over to God. 

One very important and I truly believe one of the last things even "good christian parents" dont' do enough of is to Bathe them in prayer. As a friend's face book post reminded me this morning "when was the last time you were driven to your knees?" The daunting and often demanding role of parenting should drive us to our knees or like Beth Moore says, "nose to carpet", that's desperate, that's dependent!

Every one has heard about St. Augustine but few have heard about his mother. She was a prayer warrior on her sons behalf. She saw him going the wrong way, the way of the world and went to her pastor and begged him to speak to Augustine, to which he replied, "no, he is not ready to hear", the pastor told Augustine's mother to pray, to let God do what only He can do. The rest is history! Intercessory prayer will not always result in the outcome we desire. It will however keep us devoted & dependent upon God Almighty!

Lastly, be there when they fall, if they live long enough you can bet your bottom dollar they will. Trust in His plans NOT in your plans no matter how spiritual they are. God knows how to get our children's attention and He knows the plans He has for them you don't. He loves them more than you do!

Enjoy your children they grow up so quickly! They will still need you but in very different ways as they grow up and out. If you have an open and honest relationship built on trust in each other and in the Lord Jesus Christ you will become some of your grown children's trusted advisers. God bless you in this wonderful journey!

Learning at His Feet,

Ministering As We Go!

Do you believe in divine appointments?  I believe divinely directed appointments or maybe a better word would be "interruptions" are placed on our path each and every day; if only we would have the eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart that would respond to the Holy Spirit's nudges! 

Over the past several weeks God has put people in my path at unexpected places.   Not in a homeless shelter setting or during a scheduled "ministry" event, but just as I am going about my day.  Yesterday was such a day.  I took my 16 year old to get her hair highlighted and cut. We were there for a long time, normally I would have been very frustrated and anxious but while there I met an odd little woman who  told me her life story.  She was so proud of so many things: her big house, how beautiful she once was, how talented she had been as a ballerina, how smart, successful and beautiful all her family was.   She talked about herself for at least 45 minutes.   I just sat and listened and made a few comments here and there, when she would come up for air!. 

Since my daughter was still in the salon chair, I ended up giving the lady a ride home because she hinted that she didn't know how she would get home! During the ride to her house I sensed how lonely, hurt and empty she really was.  My heart broke for her.  When we arrived at her driveway she asked me if I wanted to exchange numbers; now to be completely honest, my flesh wanted to find a way NOT to give her my number but the Holy Spirit nudged me so we exchanged numbers and went on my way. 

I couldn't get her off my mind all night and prayed for her that God would go to her and reveal His amazing love for her in the quietness of her home and life.  Then this morning God reminded me of the way Jesus ministered to those around him; with these words, "as he went", or "as he was going".  God revealed to me this was no chance encounter.  It was indeed a divine interruption.  This lady needs Jesus!  I am to be the channel of His love and grace to her. I am to "minister as I go". 

We are such busy people.  We don't have time to sit and listen to some one's life story.  If we do listen, it is usually not with attentive hearts and ears.  I know I don't, as a mom of four with my plate running over with things to do, plan and places to be; my schedule is usually so full of me, mine and scheduled ministry appointments that I just don't see those divine interruptions that God places in my path each day.  Because of the distractions and yes sometimes the "to do list" I miss out on being His eyes, arms, hands and feet in this world.  I miss out on being a blessing and receiving His blessing.

There are so many broken hearted people all around us.  So many lonely, isolated people who just want a friend.  Someone to listen to their story.  Someone to care.  Jesus, our Savior, our Shepherd looked at the multitudes and had compassion on them because they were, "sheep without a shepherd".  He took the time to minister "as he went along his way" to see their need, to hear the cries of the brokenhearted, sick and blind.  Jesus "as he walked along the way", didn't walk aimlessly through life, even though he was headed to the Cross of Calvary to die for our sins; he took the time to see people, to look into their eyes, to hear their stories, to "minister as He went". 

Help us Lord to see people with your eyes and hear them with your heart.  Help us to see that those seemingly insignificant interruptions that so irritate and frustrate our busy schedules are actually divine appointments.  Help us to "minister as we are going".  I love you Lord Jesus.  Thank you for not seeing me as an irritating interruption to your kingdom agenda but as a lost sheep who needed a Shepherd! Thank you for reaching out to me through others, for healing my broken heart and for setting me free.  Help me to point others to You!

Renee

"It's only an hour"

One Sunday morning I heard someone say when they were trying to decide if they would go to church or stay home and do some yard work, "Well, it's only an hour". Those words penetrated my heart and hurt down to my core! The first thing I said to them was, "Jesus hung on a cross for us for 6 hours, the least we can do is honor Him by going to worship." I ended up in my prayer closet, crying crocodile tears over the condition of hearts. When I came out my anger, hurt and tears were gone. Worship was great for me. I enjoyed every song, every word the pastor preached from Colossians 2:1-5! I realized in my prayer closet, that God can handle the other person's heart condition, I can't make anyone love God. No amount of preaching or prodding on my part will make a difference in the lives of others. What I can do is worship my Lord, give myself away to Him daily. Live out His purpose in my life, day in and day out. He is plenty BIG enough to handle the others.

I have asked God for years to break my heart with what breaks His. This morning was a sweet and painful reminder that He has heard my prayer and He is indeed breaking my heart with what breaks His. It literally broke my heart to think about how callous and flippant that comment was..."It's only an hour". To think of all my Savior went through for us. To think of how that must make God feel after He gave His most precious Son to redeem a sinful world. How that must be a slap in His holy face? The Holy Spirit gently reminded me not to judge for I too have had those thoughts here and there over the years when I was tired on Sunday or had lots on my to do list. 

What if God had the same attitude towards? What if He didn't give us the time of day unless He needed something? What if God only talked to us when He had no one else to call on? What if God had the attitude of,  "It's only six hours", then it's done and I'm through? What if God said, ok I've done my part, I gave you the six hours I sent my son to die isn't that enough already, you are on your own now. I've got more important things to do today?

What if God had such a flippant attitude towards you and I? Wow, what trouble we would be in, what turmoil, anguish, darkness we would be in. But God, is long suffering, merciful and full of compassion. I am so thankful that God is not like us.

Proverbs 14:12 - There is a way which seems right to a man, But it's end is the way of death.

We do our part and HE will always do His part. What areas are you pursuing, plotting, planning and trying to produce life in that are coming up empty or lifeless? God is in control. Do what He has called YOU to do and leave the results to Him. He is our Enabler! He calls us to be obedient and follow him.  We are not responsible for the results.

Are there areas (be honest) in your life, marriage, parenting, work situations, leadership roles where you are trying to produce life but they are coming up dead? Have you done all the right things (as much as you can do) and yet, things have not turned out the way you imagined or thought they would? Could it be that you either knowingly or unknowingly have been IN CONTROL? Could it be that you have a TRUST issue? Could it be that you are using subtle methods of manipulation to "get the results" you want or desire?

I know for me looking back over the years I can say a hearty AMEN to that one!  God's word tells us in Jeremiah 17:9 - "the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it?".  It's true that if you are a disciple of Christ you have been given a new heart, a pure heart; but we can still deceive ourselves especially where our children are involved.  What's even worse is sometimes we add a layer of spiritual flavor to it. This is a hard one to see because the root of control and manipulation is PRIDE! Yes, one of the seven things God hates!

Hard to admit, but if we are COMPLETELY honest with ourselves and God (no shock to Him) and remember God also hates a lying tongue; we have to admit that there have been times, maybe even years where we have had such a controlling grip on those closest to us or were manipulating the circumstances that we have hurt more than we have helped. We like being in control. It gives us a sense of safety for a season.   The fallout or backlash from that tight grip of control can be very destructive. 

Recently, God has broken my heart once again by putting His finger on something I was about to do without realizing the fallout.  I was pursuing, plotting, planning and trying to produce life all in an effort to "help" and show "mercy" but that too has come up empty.  The backlash has been painful but I would rather fear God than man. I would rather fear God and live than fear the backlash of man's response and possibly bring destruction or even death by choosing to break God's heart!  Thankfully God's word stopped me in my tracks and showed me just how manipulative, mis-guided and down right wrong it would be in His sight, and it's Him I want to please.  

Proverbs 19:21-23 - Many plans are in a man's heart But the counsel of the LORD will stand.  What is desirable in a man is his kindness, And it is better to be poor than a liar.  The fear of the LORD leads to life.  So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil.

Are You a Disinfected Christian or a Disciple of Christ?

Last year me and my girls read "Radical" by David Platt.  This book rocked my world!  It left my mind reeling and my heart rolling around the words of Jesus Christ.  I love to read books that help weave God's word into my life.  I've read lots of books on prayer, fasting, bible study, books written about books of the bible, leadership, etc.  No other book besides the bible itself has made such an impact on me.  This little book has drastically changed the way I look at the world around me, discipleship, the church, my home, family, friendships, finances, well; everything to tell you the truth. 

For more than 7 years I have had these thoughts that I thought were contrary to what I was seeing and at times hearing in the church today.  I knew there had to be more to this Christian life than attending a bible believing church, serving, going to revival (which were placed on a calendar a year before?).   Can I just say religious routine and at times boring?  Really, when you go back and read the gospels and the words of Christ, there is nothing boring about being a disciple of Christ. 

Never could put my finger on why I would become angry at leadership when they did things like give away gifts to the students if they could get a set number of youth to an event or things like park a car in our welcome center to be given away to the student who could get the most "unchurched" kids to come to an event at their church.  I remember being so deeply angry, so disappointed.  I would make comments and no one would seem to be tracking with me; so I thought the problem must be with me!  I mean if the pastors see nothing wrong with parking a car in the welcome center or bribing kids with prizes to get people inside the church then why should I?  


Oddly enough I never remember Jesus offering such trinkets for following him?  I always thought giving a kid an i-pod because he brought 10 kids to church who for the most part already attended their own church, was twisted to say the least...what kind of message are we sending to the future leaders of the next generation? If you commit to serve Jesus, your reward will be a new car, i-pod, lots of money? It flies in the face of the Word's of Jesus. Who according to His Word and according to the book Radical, promised those who would live godly in Christ Jesus would get just the opposite...."will suffer persecution". Jesus promised you would indeed suffer for the sake of the gospel...He promised you would be laughed at, ridiculed, spit on, beaten, flogged, shipwrecked, whipped, made a mockery of and possibly loose your life for picking up your cross and following HIM.

We have taught the youth of today to "be good" to "not touch" to be "disinfected" Christians. We have taught them to follow a set of rules and if we do it right, everything will be ok...WRONG! How dare we take such liberty with the Word of God Almighty! We are called to be "disciples" of Christ not just disinfected Christians. I believe every Youth worker and leader needs to read the book Radical. I believe anyone who is working with this generation should read this book.

 

The first chapter of Radical my eyes filled with tears and my heart ached.  I saw through the words of Jesus that we are NOT making disciples in "most" of our youth groups.  We are making worldly, carnal Christians all in the name of  "salvation".  It makes me cringe as I read about the lives of the disciples and church history books of the persecuted church, even today's persecuted church all across the globe; we are doing our youth a HUGE disservice!

Ministry is not "ministry" anymore.  True ministry according to the way Jesus did it looked like, getting involved in the lives of the lost, broken-hearted and the hurting.  To bind up the wounds. To walk alongside and help others grow in Christ. Not to just bring people to your church event but to bring them into your life and invite them into your home.  To help those who actually needed and wanted help (not a hand out) but a hand up! 

To be a disciple of Christ is to be His hands and feet and that requires action! It is not always something we can put on a calendar or plan.  True ministry is "as we go", it's those divine appointment moments that interrupt our plans in order to fulfill His purpose.  Ministry is not a business or an organization.  Ministry is to be done by the church (the body of Christ) which is not in a building!  We are the church, each of us individually as well as corporately.   

Not disinfected from the world but disciples in the world! 

Extravagant Worship

Matthew 26:6 - Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table. (read the rest of the passage). 

A woman worshipped Jesus in a way that seemed extravagant to those who witnessed it.  She poured out very costly perfume on His head as an act of worship.  Others became indignant with  her, asking "why she had "wasted" what could have been used to help the poor."  Jesus, knowing their hearts rebuked them and told them to leave her alone; not only that, He honored her for her extravagant worship. 

What about us?  Do we worship God extravagantly?  His love for us is certainly extravagant isn't it?  He held nothing back.   He gave His all.   He gave His best.  He is still giving today.  His mercy, grace & forgivness are extremely extravagant. 

I am definitely not known as an extravagant person.  I'm pretty simple really, frugal even.  My needs aren't extravagant or expensive.  I've never spent alot of money on clothes, cars, or material things.  I like nice things but due to one income and a big household, being "extravagant" has never been part of my vocabulary. 

After watching a dear friend of mine walk through some hard things because of her extravagant love for the Father; I've realized that God loves an extravagant worshipper!

I want to be known by God as an extravagant worhshipper.  To pour out my life and love for the Savior in a way that would make others curious about this God I worship.  To exceed the limits of reason or necessity.  To not care about what those watching think, but to bring honor and glory to the ONE who died for me. 

What about you do you think of yourself as an extravagant worshipper?

Extravagantly Loved,
Renee

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Are You a Squirrel or a Bird When it Comes to Feeding on God's Word?

A devotion my Mom wrote a few years back.  Thought it was worth sharing......

I was standing at the kitchen window and looking out this morning, after my quiet time with God.  There at the bird feeder, where usually birds come to eat all day, was a squirrel eating the seeds that had fallen on the ground from the feeder.  She doesn't come everyday, but when she does, she eats her belly full.  Then she scampers off to do her folly and comes back every now and then to eat some more.  A little bird was standing there at a distance watching, but making no move to disturb the squirrel, just allowing her to eat the seed. 

The picture I saw was one of a spiritually hungry believer (the bird) who knows who she is in Christ Jesus, and she knows she  needs the seed (God's word) everyday.  So, faithfully she comes every single day to eat the seed (the word of God). 

Then I saw the carnal believer (the squirrel), who has  not fully grasped who she is in Christ Jesus.  After being gone for days or weeks and taking part in the world.  She doesn't sustain her balance because she is still out in the world eating all it has to offer her.  She realizes that God is drawing her back to Him, wooing her to eat the good seed that will heal, nourish and strengthen her (His Word).  The more often she comes to eat from the good seed, the more she understands who she truly is in Christ and how much she needs the Word of God.  Sooner or later, she begins to mature as God's daily seed gives balance to her life.   

Sometimes we are more like the squirrel.  Can you relate? 

Reminds me of Luke 8:5-15 The Parable of the Sower.   The Sower is God, the seed is the Word of God, some seed fell on the road where it was trampled underfoot. Some fell on the rocky soil, but as soon as it grew up it withered away because it had no root, some fell among thorns and the thorns grew up and choked it out.  Other seed fell on good soil and grew up and produced a crop a hundred times as great.  The soil represents the hearers or the hearts of the hearers.  All soil received the seed (heard the word), but with very different results. 

Which soil is your heart most like today?  If we are honest, we have experienced every type of soil where the Word of God is concerned.  There have been times in my walk when my heart has been like the "road" where it is heard but certainly not heeded.  Other times my heart has been like the "rocky" soil.  I've been attentive and heard the word and begun to apply it but because I wasn't "rooted" in Chris but rooted in the things of this world or self, it yields no fruit.  Of course we have all had days when our hearts were like the "thorny" soil, where the cares and worries of this world of the temporal things have choked out the word of God.  Oh, but then there are the days where hopefully we live most of our life with God; where our hearts are the "good" soil.  We not only receive the seed but because we are rooted in Christ, we respond to the heart of our Father with honest, open hearts and it grows up and produces a crop a hundred times as great. 

Dear Lord, you are the master gardener you know condition of hearts (soil).  You alone know how to cultivate our hearts into the good soil.  I ask you today dear Lord to prepare our hearts, to give us the "Son", the Living Water and remove the rocks, thorns and anything else that is preventing us from hearing and heeding your word.  I want to be a fruitful believer.  Producing fruit that will last.  Thank you Jesus.

10 Things I'm Thankful for today

Well I'm a few day behind on 10 thing I'm thankful for?  Here goes....

1 - Time to sit still and know!


2 - A fresh cup of coffee.




3 - Kids who slept late so I could sit still and know.


4 - Good friends who are helping me to plan a wedding. 


5 - Date with my sweet Jessie yesterday.


6 - God's forgiveness, grace, mercy and blessings. 


7 - Opportunities to be the  hands and feet of Christ!


8 - The Power of Prayer.


9 - That God is teaching me a new language.


10- The Body of Christ.


Thanks for the idea Beth Herbert from http://nclighthousekeeper.blogspot.com/

Is Our Faithfulness Important to God?

1 Chronicles 9:1-10:14 Focusing on verses 1 & 14

Today while reading my One Year Bible the two verses above connected for me and  stopped me in my tracks.  "The people of Judah were taken captive to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness." Then again at end of chapter, "Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the LORD.  So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse."

The two words that jumped off the page at me were in verse 1 as well as 13; unfaithfulness and unfaithful, then the words "to the LORD" in verse 13 stood out to me.

Most of us would consider ourselves faithful wouldn't we?  We are faithful to our spouses, children, careers, churches, even to our ministries.  We faithfully pay our bills, keep up our homes, show up at work on time, work hard at whatever we do.  Could it be that we are still found unfaithful to the LORD? 

Think about it.  Look at verse 13-14 again.  "So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD."  Can I truly say I have been faithful to the LORD?  Can you?  Look again,  "He did not keep the word of the LORD."   Can we truly say we have been faithful to keep the word of the LORD in our lives? 

Check this out!, "and even consulted a medium for guidance", are we in the practice of consulting mediums through horoscopes, seminars, CD's, books, new age practices of our day?  How about the Oprah craze or Dr. Phil?  The 1st part of verse 14 states: "and did not inquire of the LORD.  So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse."  How many times have we made decisions whether small or big without first inquiring of the LORD through prayer, God's word or godly counsel?  What were the results?

This passage has made me stop and take a good look at my faithfulness "to the LORD".  The Holy Spirit has already begun working and showing me areas of my life where I too have been unfaithful "to the LORD". 

How about you?  Where have you been unfaithful "to the LORD"?   Will you stop, be still, ask God to search your heart and show you those areas of unfaithfulness and respond with repentance?  Don't you want to hear God say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant"? 

God, forgive us for neglecting our relationship with your Son Jesus Christ.  Forgive us for neglecting the house of God.  Forgive us for forgetting our first love.  Forgive us (the church) for prideful and arrogant hearts. Forgive us for being so critical of our brothers/sisters in Christ.   Forgive us for being really good "doers" but unfaithful "be-ers".  Show us where we have been unfaithful to You Oh LORD.  Thank you for your mercy and grace as we confess, repent and turn back to you with faithful hearts. 

In Jesus Name,

MATCH

I am posting today to spread the word about a wonderful program in the North Carolina Women's Prison System.  It's called MATCH which stands for Mothers and Their Children.  MATCH is a program that is run entirely by volunteers and donations.  You can go and to the following link to learn more: http://www.mothersandtheirchildren.org/. 

I had already been exposed to the women prison through serving as a small group bible study shepherd for a few years.  So, I already knew about the women's prison environment.  It was exciting to help these women learn to study God's word and learn about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  When I realized that the prison also had a program for children I was ecstatic!  To be able to make a difference in the lives of their children as well?  What an opportunity to reach into the next generation and make a kingdom difference.  

Would you be willing to make a difference in the life of a child?  You can help by donating money, gas cards, toys for the birthday closet, or by donating your time to sit in on a visit with a mother and her children.  This would be a great project for a ladies ministry or small group to take one.   

These children by no fault of their own are living each and everyday seperated from their mothers.  That just breaks my heart.  Thank you for prayerfully considering how you can help.  Go to the link above. 

In Christ,

Your Status Never Changes with Jesus!

Colossians 1:13-14 (from message preached by Mark Cottrell, Pearces Baptist Church)

While listening to a wonderful message at a church in our community, I heard a quote that stuck in my mind, "Your status never changes with Jesus".

Our status changes weekly and sometimes daily on our facebook pages. Our status in our places of employment can change on a dime these days; one day you have a well paying "secure" job and the next you're standing in the un-employment line. As a follower of Christ a believers status in the world is sometimes seen as weak, helpless and sometimes a laughing stock, but with Jesus Christ our status is secured forever!

The pastor pointed out 5 things God has done for us. These five things came from the book of Colossians out of 2 little power-packed verses!

1 - He has qualified us

2 - He has rescued us

3 - He has transferred us

4 - He has redeemed us

5 - He has forgiven us

Because of those 5 things that GOD alone did for us who were once without hope, our "status" can never change with Jesus.

Those 5 things would not have been possible except for the Cross of Calvary. Those 5 things are not something we can do by working harder, attending church more, denying self, serving, nothing we can ever do in regards to "good works" would ever be enough. God in His love, mercy and grace did these five things for us!

These 5 things can never be removed from a believers life. They are all dependent upon His faithfulness and promises! Isn't that good news!

Book Give Away at "Growing in Godliness" Check it out!

Go to link below and comment on Growing in Godliness's post Resurrection Day Book Giveaway for a chance to win a bible study book... http://www.growingodliness.com/2011/04/resurrection-day-and-giveaway.html 

So excited I won a book at http://surviving-motherhood.blogspot.com/ written by Leah at http://www.leahadams.org/2006/01/point-ministries.html  

So Excited During Christmas! A Devotion I wrote was published!

I was so excited during Christmas break to receive the Jan/Feb issue of Home School Enrichment Magazine and to see my name in the table of contents section!  To my surprise a devotion I sent in a while back made it in the magazine.  It was a full page (not the article) but large title, beautiful  picture and then there it was my name in print!  I know I'm not the best writer in the homeschooling or blogging world but it was such a treat to see something I had written in my quiet time end up in a national magazine!  Picture below: 

Not such a great picture but who cares!

Parenting is Like Panning for Gold

Proverbs 2:1-5 - My son, if you will receive my words And treasure my commandments within you, Make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, Lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the LORD And discover the knowledge of God.

Have you ever thought that parenting is a lot like panning for gold?

When my oldest daughter was in 1st grade we took a field trip with her class to pan or "mine" for gems. The kids wore plastic smocks and were handed a sifting screen with wooden handles. They worked diligently looking for something of value. Most of their time was spent sifting through the sediment and sand to find only a few pebbles or stones, but by the end of the field trip, many of the children came away with a few pieces of ruby, emerald or topaz! Their patience, practice and perseverance paid off!

The memory of that field trip was tucked nice and neatly away, until a recent phone conversation with a dear friend retrieved it from my memory file. We were catching up, sharing the struggles and joys of parenting. I shared with her something my oldest daughter had said, that was full of wisdom. My friend made the comment, "You have received a gold nugget!". She went on to explain, that one day her mother told her,"Parenting is just like panning for gold or gems. Most of our days are spent sifting through sediment and only to discover a few pebbles or stones. Then there are those days, when you least expect it, your child says or does something that just blesses your heart. God has just given you a gold nugget!

What perspective! I know so many parents today who have given up on panning for anything of value in their children's lives. If we are not careful we get so busy looking at the sediment, sand, pebbles and stones that we overlook the gold nuggets! In a world that demands instant gratification and quick results, parents must learn to be patient, through the practice of parenting. If we diligently persevere through the sediment, sand, pebbles and stones we will find a few gold nuggets along the way.

Keep on panning,
Renee

Are You A Friend of God?

James 4:4 - You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.


I have been thinking lately about why so many in this generation can claim Jesus as their Savior but not live for Him. To live year after year with one foot deep in the world and the other in the church. Many have been raised in Christian homes, gone to church all their lives, know the language and music yet, there is no change in lifestyle or behavior; nothing to set them apart from the world. Other than the fact that they attend church on Sunday morning. I am afraid that many in this generation have believed a lie from the enemy of their soul disguised as an angel of light. The lie that they can "accept Jesus as Savior", say a prayer, walk down an aisle, bend a knee and they are good to go, heaven bound! Still embracing the same lifestyle as before, because after all, "Jesus is my friend", right?

Could it be that many churches today are preaching and teaching a one sided Jesus? A "Jesus is your friend", all inclusive Jesus? A Jesus that is accepting of us no matter what? Don't misunderstand what I just said. Jesus is all inclusive, He does accept us when we come to Him, "just as we are", but part of as we are is with an understanding that we have remorse over our sinful condition, we are not just sorry we are caught in our sin or that our "poor choices, or mistakes" have been found out, NO we are truly sorrowful over our sin. We realize that Jesus is God, He is Holy and we deserve death, not mercy or grace. We realize what He did on the Cross of Calvary was for our personal sin not just the world's. We enter into a personal relationship with the true and living God. It doesn't stop with a get into heaven "Free" card!

The problem with seeing Jesus as only our friend is we leave out the biggest side of His character and person. He is STILL HOLY! He does have a standard of right and wrong. He does have moral absolutes. Truth is not "relative" to each person's situation or morals. He is TRUTH and His Word is Truth! He does require some things of those who say they love Him. So maybe we have done this generation a dis-service by teaching them that "Jesus is their friend"?

The truth is we are the ones who need to do the accepting of HIM! Maybe we just haven't taught them about the Jesus of the Bible. The Jesus in John Chapter 8 who told the woman caught in adultery..."woman where are your accusers?...they are gone she told Jesus, to which he replied, "neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more". He didn't embrace her sinful behavior or excuse it, nor did he condemn her...he did have an absolute about her sin, "don't' do it again". This same Jesus of the bible said in Matthew 7:12-14 "Wide is the gate that leads to destruction, many there will be who find it ", "Narrow is the way that leads to eternal life, few there will be that find it". Again, the Jesus of the bible told his disciples in John 8:30-31 "If you are truly my disciples, you will continue in My Word." This same Jesus talked alot about denying yourself, picking up your cross and following Him. What happened to teaching the Jesus of the Bible?

God's word tells us that to be a friend of the world is to be an enemy of God. So maybe what we should be teaching them is that they need to be "a friend of God". We teach so much about Jesus accepting us "where we are", but what we should be teaching is that we must accept Him completely. If we are a friend of God we will spend time getting to know Him, talking to Him, sharing our life with Him. We will go the places He wants us to go. We will live a life set apart unto Him. We will understand that to be friends with the world would betray our friendship with God. We will follow the Jesus of the Bible, not some watered down, Jesus made in our image version!

So, is Jesus our friend? I guess that depends on where you stand with Jesus? He told the disciples after they had walked with him for three years and witnessed His miracles, heard His teaching, believed in HIM, left all to follow Him, that they were indeed His friends, so yes He can be our friend, but I believe a much better question to ask is...AM I A FRIEND OF GOD?

A Must Read Blog Post from a Fellow Blogger....

Cultivating a Friendship with Your Husband

This year I have seen many Christian marriages fall apart and it has made me take a long  hard look at my own marriage.  It's made me ask myself some important questions like: am I my husband's friend or simply his wife?  Do I take the vows I made before God serious?  Do I work at making my marriage good or do I simply just let it happen.  Am I intentional in loving my husband or just hope he knows I love him?  How much time do I spend cultivating a friendship with my husband compared to the time I spend cultivating my relationship with my children or girlfriends?



I think of my husband as more than just my "significant other", my "spouse" or "husband"; he is also my closest friend and he tells me I am his closest friend too.  We enjoy being together whether we are sitting on our deck drinking a cup of coffee, catching up after a long day or taking a walk through our neighborhood.  We don't feel the need to spend lots of money and go "do" something.  Just being together is enough for us.



I've often told my girlfriends that I'd rather be with Lynn than with any of my other friends. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the friendships God has blessed me with.  I have a few really good and godly friends in my life and I know if I ever needed them or they need me we are there for one another.  I enjoy time away with a friend as much as the next woman; but my marriage comes first after my relationship with Jesus. 



God's word has called me to be a "help meet" according to Genesis 2:19-22 I was made to be a "helper suitable for him".  Wow!  Made suitable to my husband.  We are complete in Christ and also we complete one another in our marriage.  His strengths compliment my weaknesses, and visa versa.  It's amazing when we take the time to invest into our marriages how rich they become.  Marriage was  meant to be enjoyed! Funny in today's world even well meaning "godly" women have flipped it to the point that their husband's are their "help meet".  Totally contrary to God's word, yet we can justify it by adding a "spiritual" twist to it.

I wonder what would happen if  we would cultivate a friendship with our husbands.  If we would accept them for who they are and pray for those areas where they need to "step it up" or maybe areas they need to be more tender in?  Instead of trying to change them or dictate to them how it's gonna be, what if we took God's word seriously and did what scripture clearly teaches a wife to do.  To have a gentle and quiet spirit.  To submit to our husbands as is fitting in the Lord.  To without a word "win" our husbands over to God and to us (Peter 3:1 - In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives).






What if we quit trying to be in control of everything and everyone around us.  What if we quit manipulating the situations and began to truly trust in our Sovereign Lord?  If marriage is a picture of Christ and the Church, He being the bridegroom and the church being the Bride shouldn't we be more well, "bridely" (made that one up).  More pure in our hearts, more pure in our behavior, more purely devoted to our God and husbands? 



A pastor once said, "Marriage was not meant to make you happy but to make you holy".  Unfortunately, if we are not in love with Jesus allowing Him to meet those deepest needs that ONLY He can meet marriage is not very happy.  It is down right miserable.  Assuming that my husband knows how I'm feeling (like he's God or something) how crazy is that?  We've heard it said, " communication is the key".  That pertains to any good marriage, but it has to be kind communication, not ridicule or belittling communication.  Believe me after 22 yrs. of marriage I know what I'm talking about.  I used to belittle and demean my husband ALOT, of course most of the time I didnt' realize I was doing this, but then there were those times when I knew exactly what I was doing.  All it did was put distance between us and make him feel like less of a man.   If I'm honest my flesh liked being able to put someone in their place and I could wrap it all up in scripture to top it off.  I spent lots of time reading books on marriage, written by people who were just as "dysfunctional" as we were.  I bought all the books for him to read and would end up reading them myself, which only made me more discontent which led to more arguments, more belittling and more negative communication. 



As I have thought about what marriage can be I wondered if most of us go into marriage thinking our relationship with our husband will fulfill our deepest needs?  Or we don't see the whole meaning of marriage from a biblical perspective.   For years after I was saved I truly thought if I did what a   wife is "supposed" to do: provide nice meals each and every night, a clean and organized home, make sure his laundry is done and folded, hung up and put away, make time for him in the bedroom, that I was being a "good" wife.  What I missed for many years was he needed me to be his companion and friend! Friends encourage one another, want God's best for their friend.  Care about what is going on in their life.  Prays for their friend.  Spends time with their friend building a solid relationship.  Friendship takes time, energy and effort.  Husbands want someone to listen to them.  Someone to appreciate how hard they work to provide for their families.  To be respected for who they are, not who we are trying to make them.



So I ask you today; are you and your  husband friends?  If not, what steps can you take today (without saying a word) to begin cultivating a solid friendship with your husband?