What Pleases God?~

Greetings, brothers and sisters. May you have a beautiful and blessed day!

 

Remember my friend Pam--the pediatrician? I originally wrote about her on March 8th's DEVO, which appears below. Today we refresh our memories; tomorrow we find out about her life-changing experience.

 

Hebrews 13:16

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

 

I have a friend named Pam, and she is a brainiac pediatrician. Next month she is leaving on a medical missionary trip to La Paz, Bolivia where she will be traveling by river boat up and down the Amazon River tributaries to provide medical treatment to the fine indigenous tribes of the region. For two weeks she will live upon this river boat and bathe with the muddy waters of the Amazon while she inoculates babies and hugs them in the name of Jesus.

 

She is living the verse above by doing good, sharing with others, making sacrifices and pleasing God in the process.

 

Kudos to Pam! But did you know that you do not have to go that far to do the exact same things?

 

Right where you are you can make sacrifices by doing good and sharing with others. It starts right in your own family. God is pleased when you sacrifice your spare time to work on a project, or provide an understanding shoulder to lean on, or keep your right to be angry to yourself and encourage someone instead, or when you enter into a season of prayer for someone's well-being... Maybe your kids are grown and gone, but you can still buy a dessert for a sick neighbor or let someone pay ahead of you in the 10 items or less lane. There are a million possibilities.

 

Yes, we all sometimes find ourselves fatigued and wondering who the heck is going to do good for us, share with us, make sacrifices for us, but talk to Pam and she will tell you that there is a miraculous aspect to pleasing God. Somehow, someway, she always always always winds up feeling more blessed by her efforts than she would have if she saved her energy and not done anything at all.

 

And did I mention that she is having her gallbladder removed today? Let's do some good ourselves today and include her in our prayers:)

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord,

Thank You for encouraging us to do good and share with others. These sacrifices are sometimes hard, but they are worth the effort. We pray for Pam and ask for a speedy recovery for her;she has a lot of work ahead of her. We also thank You that You use our time and trouble to bless others, but You also bless us in the process. It's a glorious win-win. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Perfect Harmony~

Good morning! Finally--some sunshiny weather:)

 

One of you dear and precious souls wrote to me asking why I am such a fan of marriage. First, thank you for noticing, and second, it's because there is no other institution on earth that will contribute to our personal growth, maturity, and happiness like having a spouse and/or children will.

 

Maybe some of us don't think personal growth, maturity, and happiness are important, but let's face it--do any of us really want our kids hanging around the house until they are 40? Sleeping in until 1PM? Yelling at us and making demands?

 

Sure, they could live with someone without being married, but do a simple Google search and ask, "Does living together lead to marriage or long-term relationships," and article after article will confirm that no, no way, nope, sorry, ain't gonna happen...

 

Colossians 3:12-14 says, "Put on then, as God's holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other...and above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

 

I love that we are God's beloved. And I love that we have a choice as to what we will wear. But what I love the most is that choosing how we will dress will directly impact the quality of our lives. Putting on love leads to perfect harmony, or as another version of the Bible states, "Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly."

 

Love ties everything together perfectly--how perfectly wonderful! And while this verse if for everyone--marrieds and singles alike--those of us who are married, know that the day-in day-out of living in a committed relationship will push our buttons like nothing else on the planet. It brings out the best and worst in us, which makes it the ideal setting for us to practice all the virtues in the verse above.

 

Why bother? You may be asking. Because again, the promise in the verse is that when done right it leads to perfect harmony. I want this for myself and my kids. And I want it for you too.

 

Are you kidding me? I can't wait for my kids to have kids themselves so they can then come running to me with teary eyes and apologize for the stuff they did, like sneak out of school in the trunk of a friend's car every day for a semester or set fire to the terrace, and then profusely thank me for keeping my cool when they deserved for me to throw shoes at them. ( I may have done this once or twice.) But honestly, over the years I learned (I am still learning) to keep my judgments to myself for the greater goal of living in peace.

 

It's the circle of life, and we should embrace it. Start asking God now to send your child or to send to you a suitable companion. One who will embrace the truth contained in today's verse. One who will purposely be compassionate, kind, humble, patient, forgiving, and above all else, loving. Sorry, folks, but anything else other than that is being mean, angry, unforgiving, proud, and hateful. And that, as I am fond of saying, is highly unacceptable.

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, Perfect harmony sounds great, and if You are saying it's possible, then we are on board. Help us to "dress" this way so that we attract someone who clearly understands that if we practice what we preach, then they better as well. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

He Will Give You Everything You Need~

TGIF Greetings :)

 

Relationships have been front and center for almost two weeks in the DEVOs, and today we tie up some loose strings.

 

Have you wondered why Boaz spoke so graciously to Ruth in the first place? Why he touched her heart with her words? Why he blessed her and Naomi with provision and protection?

 

Ruth 2:11 "Boaz replied, 'I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.'”

 

Ruth's reputation preceded her. Boaz knew she was worth getting to know. It is true that there are those who are not necessarily after a long-term relationship and could care less about a young woman's character. But this works in our favor.

 

If we conduct ourselves in a respectable way we will attract those who are respectable. The riff raff will stay away because they know that, first and foremost, we are taking refuge under the God of Israel's wings.

 

This is a powerful principle: SEEK GOD FIRST--TRUST HIM WITH YOUR FUTURE--HOLD ONTO YOUR CHARACTER AND MORALITY--AND THE RIGHT GUY OR GAL WILL NOTICE.

 

It is so romantic to me that a guy would say to a young woman that I have heard about you--you have been so kind in your life that I ask God to bless you for it.

 

Those words might be a little dated for 2013. But you know what I mean. Boaz approached Ruth for the right reasons. And it made him want to share everything he owned with her to make her happy.

 

Back in 1982 I worked at Sedano's Pharmacy. There was a regular customer who would come in once a week during my shift and make small talk. He was cute, and everything was fine at first. He did indeed ask me out. When he found out I couldn't date without a chaperon, he said, "Can't you meet me somewhere?" Uh, no.

 

Don't think I didn't think that having a chaperon was ridiculous, because it was. But honestly, if this guy could not respect my family's way of doing things, how would he ever respect me?

 

Ask Jorge and he will tell you that once he and I started dating I welcomed my mom's overbearing rules.

 

For example:

(1) If you see Jorge on Friday, there's no need to see him on Saturday and vice-versa.

(2) You must be home by midnight, and your brother is going with you every where you go. (I was 20 years old! Most kids don't even start getting ready to go out until 11PM nowadays).

(3) You may see him every Sunday--at church.

(4) He may visit once during the week and stay for an hour or less. I have things to do and can not sit there and babysit you.

 

It was rough, to say the least, but I welcomed these suffocating and unreasonable rules to see just how much Jorge was willing to put up with. He did not flinch--not once--the entire 18 months we dated before we were married. Not even when we arrived 10 minutes late one Saturday night--from youth group no less--and my mom punished me for one entire month. No Jorge for one month! I thought I would die! But I didn't, and neither did he. And, most importantly, I knew that I knew that I knew that Jorge was the guy for me.

 

There are ways in which a young man can touch our heart that does not require words; there are ways in which a young woman acts that draws the attention from the right guy. And vice-versa. And everything starts to fall into place when we, like Ruth, decide to make the One True God our God.

 

Matthew 6:33 "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need (including a blessed relationship)."

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, We have been so blessed by the story of Ruth. It truly is a beautiful love story between two people who knew how to treat one another and respect the elders in their lives. The consequences of their behavior inspires us today. We all want to true love in our lives and the first step is to take refuge under Your wings. Cover us with your guidance and protection as we make relationship decisions. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

I Dare You~

Greetings and blessings :)

 

Tomorrow we will wrap up the story of Ruth; today is shout-out day.

 

Here's a shout out to a phenomenal mom who took a step of faith yesterday and faced her child's health issue head on by boldly going up to her adult-aged offspring and praying--out loud and fearlessly--for his healing and recovery.

 

Of course I asked for a detailed report on how it all went, and I am happy to say that mom and child will be praying again today.

 

Never ever underestimate the impact we have on others when we do something spiritually bold. And never ever underestimate the power that comes down from heaven when we invite God into the midst of our lives.

 

Maybe most of us did not grow up with such public displays of prayer and/or faith. But hopefully we have been bucking that trend and others are taking note.

 

I invite you all to do something crazy today and pray out loud over someone you love--right in front of them. Put your hand right on their shoulder and say, "I bless you in the name of Christ with health, peace, and joy."

 

I double double dog dog slathered in onions and mustard dare you.

 

It is no secret that I am a little pushy--just a little. So for the past few weeks a special person and I have been praying together for break through. Talk about a well-rounded mess--every area of this young person's life was in shambles.

 

But there are few things in life more joyous to me than coming alongside someone who is willing to take a step of faith and together believing God for the seemingly impossible.

 

Sometimes things are so messed up that when situations start to turn around we can only conclude that it was God's handiwork. No mere mortal can take the credit. So consider this turnaround.

 

From heartbreak over a relationship to peace and joy that God is in control.

From being out of work to working and making a good income.

From being on your own to being reunited to family.

From never going to church to going every week and loving it--and getting your family in on the blessings!

 

And all this for one person! Hallelujah!

 

Think about the circumstance you face and take heart--God has an answer. He fathers millions of millions of kids, and He has seen it all. Surprise! We can't surprise Him!

 

And I do not know who said this but it is so true, "If you never ask, the answer will always be no."

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, We do ask because we need Your yes--yes to health, yes to peace, yes to provision, yes to joy, yes to hope, yes to guidance, yes to love. Thank You that are always willing to give to those who ask.John 16:24 "Ask and ye shall receive." We have prayed and we are grateful for the answers that are on the way. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

I'll Do Whatever You Say~

Happy Wednesday:)




Naomi and Ruth have been our focus lately and for good reason. Their relationship teaches us so much, and let's face it--is there any decision we make more important than who we will marry?



Let me rephrase that. Deciding to love God and become His child is ultimately the most important decision we will ever make because it has eternal implications. But deciding who to date and who to marry will affect everything else we will ever do as long as we live.



So many parents I meet think that once the kids are 18 their worries are over. Sorry! In many ways the challenging years are just beginning. Why? Because the decisions our kids make as adults are for keeps. A middle school relationship does not have nearly the importance, then say, the ones that start freshman year of college.



I once read a metaphor about marriage that really made sense to me.



When our kids start to date, it's as though they are out at sea--dancing on the waves--sometimes going from relationship to relationship. When they finally settle down with a nice vessel--no dinghies allowed--it's as though the ship has come in and anchored in the safety of a harbor.



Marriage is intended to be a happy and secure harbor, and so it is of vital importance that we lovingly and firmly guide our kids along these sometimes choppy waters. Or find someone to lovingly and firmly guide us if we are the one seeking a relationship or looking to improve upon an existing one.



Naomi played such an important role in helping Ruth navigate her relationship with Boaz. She gave her some great advice, like, "Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes..." And Ruth was wise enough to follow the advice. She says to Naomi, "I will do whatever you say."



STOP RIGHT THERE!!!



Those words are music to any parent's ears. Can you imagine your kids answering you like that? No temper tantrums, no "Why?", no "You can't tell me what to do!"



What was the result of Naomi's advice and Ruth's willingness to follow it?



Ruth 4:13 "So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the Lord enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son."



And not just any son either, but one who would grow up and marry and have another son and so on and so forth until Joseph, Christ's father, was born. Skip all the way to the first book in the New Testament and you will see Ruth's name right there in verse five in the genealogy of Jesus. Not bad for a foreigner from a godless land who took a step of faith and followed her mother-in-law all the way to the true God and into the arms of a loving, wonderful, generous, and gracious spouse.



In other words, incredible and amazing things happen when we mentor others and they listen. Never underestimate the impact that you are having on your kids or anyone else who you are praying for or helping.



PRAYER: Dear Lord, The story of Ruth and Boaz is an inspiration. We all want what they had--a mutually loving relationship--for ourselves and for our children. Guide us as we make these incredibly important decisions and thank You that the Bible has such great advice. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

In Ways That No Human Ever Could...~

Sometimes we take little detours in our DEVOs, but they serve a good purpose because, hopefully, we can all learn something beneficial from other people's questions/testimonies:)

 

My friend has given me permission to share her story.

 

"After being married for over five years my husband decided he no longer wanted to be married to me. I was angry and heartbroken and wondering how on earth I was going to make it on my own. I was especially concerned for our child. I did not want him growing up without a dad. I turned to God and started devouring the Bible.

 

I never pictured myself as the kind of woman who would be willing to forgive the kind of stuff my husband was doing to me--he was having an affair--but I did forgive him.

 

I also discovered something amazing in the process: God is enough for me too.

 

I have found new depths of joy in the midst of my pain that comes from an increasing faith in God. I can not explain this, but I know how I feel, and I feel at peace.

 

The biggest truth out of all of this is that God has shifted my focus off my husband and my hurt onto Him as the Ultimate source of everything I need in life--including and especially love.

 

Don't get me wrong. I pray everyday for a reconciliation between my husband and me--for him to turn his heart back toward our home like the Bible teaches. But in the meantime, my priority is to be restored. To let God love me back to a place where I can be content even without my husband because GOD is the Lover of my soul.

 

This takes work because a relationship is a two-way thing. I wake up and purposely start a conversation with God, and I let Him know that I am trusting Him for the daily bread.

 

Yesterday's DEVO was a good reminder that God has everything I need, including the emotional stability I need to be a single parent...including the self-control I need not to speak poorly of my husband to our child...including the joy I need to protect myself from the bitterness and envy I feel toward other happily married couples...including the strength I need not to spoil my son because I feel sorry that his dad is not there for him...including the self-esteem I need because I struggle with rejection...including even the money I need to pay bills because no one else is helping me.

 

What if I told you that this spiritual adventure I am on is actually exciting? It is scary sometimes, but it is also amazing to see God showing up for me in ways that no human ever could.

 

My life is in His hands, and so is my son's."

 

 

Wow, people! Wow! Wow! Wow!

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, You show up for us in ways that no human ever could. Glory! We pray Psalm 68:28 and ask You to "Summon your might, O God. Display your power, O God," in our lives. In Jesus' name, AMEN~

A Life of Free and Open Access to God~

Good Monday Morning~

Let's hit the pause button on relationships for one day to review something that will benefit us all moving forward. Sometimes it can get a little overwhelming thinking about all the "do's" and "don'ts" of Christian living. But God never intended for us to feel overwhelmed, but rather liberated, light, joyous and free!

I dedicate the following passage from 1 Corinthians Chapter 1 (Message Version) to us all:

^{3 "} May all the gifts and benefits that come from God our Father, and Jesus Christ, be yours.

^4-5Every time I think of you—and I think of you often!—I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus.

^7-9 Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you. And not only that, but God himself is right alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Friend Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that."

There are gifts and benefits that belong to us, which is great news because we could all use a heaping dose of joy right now.

We have free and open access to God. This boggles my mind, but not enough to keep me quiet. No way! Use it or lose it, as they say.

We've got everything we need, so we should start acting like it.
God Himself is alongside us to keep us steady and on track until the perfection of Heaven. Glory! 

Whatever you are facing today remind yourself that God is right there next to you. Put it on a sticky note and adhere it to your mirror or visor or in my case, your computer monitor.

God never gives up on us. It doesn't matter how we feel; if we fall off track or get pushed off track, He gets us back on track. GLORY!

These verses should positively impact the way we look at life and the way we make decisions.

For example:
My buddy, "K", was having difficulty getting pregnant. The doctors were good at taking her money, but not good at giving much hope after several failed in-virtro treatments. She honed in on verses five and seven, and with her free and open access to God she said, "God, you said we don't need a thing because in You we have it all. That means You have a baby for me. You have healing for me. You have peace for me. You have joy for me. You are with me on this spiritual adventure, and I trust You."

"K" has been enjoying sleepless nights for the past two years after having two red-headed chubby boys 11 months apart.

Fill in your own blank as we pray today. Maybe you are looking for love, or a job, or just an improvement in your existing relationship. When God says we have it all He means it.

PRAYER:
Dear Lord, Thank You for this passage. We needed the reminder. You are right here with us, and we need You. We are grateful that we have everything we need to live a blessed life. In Jesus' name, AMEN~