"Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God."
1 Peter 2:16
God's word is clear. If you have asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, then you are saved; you are a princess - a daughter of the King of Kings; you are fearfully and wonderfully made; you are no longer in bondage to sin and shame. But let's face it, even though that is truth, we sometimes don't feel that it is and we even go so far as to not believing that these things are true.
The "Act as if" principle simple says that when you don't feel these truths, act as if they are true and pretty soon your emotions will follow. A friend of mine was in a tough custody battle. Her day in court came and she took on the position of the abused wife. Her head was lowered, her body language showed her defeat. Then she remembered that we had prayed just that morning that she would remember that she was a princess. She lifted up her head, looked everyone in the eye, and stood her ground against false accusations and won the case! She was so excited that she had acted out the truth instead of the old lies.
Another time my two prospective daughters-in-law were going to be spending some time with us. My mother had often told me that it was a good thing that I had boys because I would make a terrible mother to girls. I had nightmares the first night they were there and called my friend who is a Christian counselor. She taught me the "Act as if" principle. So, I acted as if I was the best soon to be mother-in-law ever! We had a blast! We made things, and shopped, and talked, and cooked, and had a great time. When they were ready to leave, I knew that I was going to be the best mother-in-law ever! I had replaced a lie with the truth.
So, if you are not feeling your princess status this morning, get up and get going and act as if you are a princess - royalty! This does not mean snotty and demanding, by the way! Just worthy, loved, appreciated, and cared for!
Hint for the day: Your brothers and sisters in Christ (including husbands and children) are also princes and princesses. Remember to treat them with that respect even when they are not acting that way. Their reaction over time will be to act as the royalty that they are also! Respect demands respect.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
God's Rest
"So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God." Hebrews 4:9
"Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28
There is a rest to come - heaven! But there is also the ability to rest here and now in spite of the circumstances. In the midst of raising kids, going to the office, taking care of older parents, meeting the needs of the family, and occassionally finding time for yourself, there is rest. Rest is an easyness of heart. It is quieting the mind and soul and meditating on Jesus and the word. Rest comes with praise and with relinquishment of those things that we cannot change, but that we just put into God's hands.
Psalm 138:8 says, "The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands."
If God, who is everlasting, has it under control then my worry and busyness is not going to help, but may hinder. "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10. Another version says, "Cease striving..." Allow yourself times of rest. That may be at 5:00 in the morning or 12:00 at night. Elizabeth Wesley, mother of ten, found rest by sitting at the table and putting her apron over her head! The kids knew that the apron meant that mom was praying and they needed to be quiet.
Still your mind that God may steal your heart!
Hint for the Day: When our kids were younger and we were homeschooling we had an enforced rest period for one hour after lunch each day. The little ones napped, the toddlers looked at books or did puzzles, the older ones could play quietly in their rooms, and mom went to her room to rest, read, soak, or get dressed and put on her make-up! When we regrouped afterwards, we were refreshed and ready to deal with each other again. Even your kids need a break from siblings. The days that the rest time didn't happen, there were more fights, more complaining, and I know I was more tired and irritable. Rest - a daily need.
"Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28
There is a rest to come - heaven! But there is also the ability to rest here and now in spite of the circumstances. In the midst of raising kids, going to the office, taking care of older parents, meeting the needs of the family, and occassionally finding time for yourself, there is rest. Rest is an easyness of heart. It is quieting the mind and soul and meditating on Jesus and the word. Rest comes with praise and with relinquishment of those things that we cannot change, but that we just put into God's hands.
Psalm 138:8 says, "The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands."
If God, who is everlasting, has it under control then my worry and busyness is not going to help, but may hinder. "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10. Another version says, "Cease striving..." Allow yourself times of rest. That may be at 5:00 in the morning or 12:00 at night. Elizabeth Wesley, mother of ten, found rest by sitting at the table and putting her apron over her head! The kids knew that the apron meant that mom was praying and they needed to be quiet.
Still your mind that God may steal your heart!
Hint for the Day: When our kids were younger and we were homeschooling we had an enforced rest period for one hour after lunch each day. The little ones napped, the toddlers looked at books or did puzzles, the older ones could play quietly in their rooms, and mom went to her room to rest, read, soak, or get dressed and put on her make-up! When we regrouped afterwards, we were refreshed and ready to deal with each other again. Even your kids need a break from siblings. The days that the rest time didn't happen, there were more fights, more complaining, and I know I was more tired and irritable. Rest - a daily need.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Jesus wept
"Jesus wept." John 11:35
"When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come forth.'" John 11:43
These verses changed my life! I had learned that depression was the way to handle life's circumstances when life was overwhelming or chaotic or sad. Then I saw that Jesus wept, but He didn't stay there! The next 8 verses tell of Him getting up and raising LazarusI!
It is okay to be sad, to grieve, to be overwhelmed, and to weep. Jesus did. But it is not okay to wallow in the grief or sadness. As time passes, we are to get up and be about the Father's business.
I used to think that Philippians 3:13-14 ("...forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead...") meant that I couldn't take the time to deal with the hurts of the past and present, but that I was to just keep looking forward. I was learning that one cannot go forward, until one has dealt with the past and then put it behind. Repressing the hurt or anger only leads to destruction, depression, and even death. It is okay to weep!
A friend told me that forgetting and reaching were active verbs. In other words we are to be about the business of putting the past behind and we are to be about the business of reaching forward. She described a big bonfire. That fire is our past. We may be crawling away, walking away, or running away, but we need to be actively moving away. It is a process. Sometimes that process comes with weeping and groaning and, hopefully, lots of prayer.
Then, when the weeping is over, the fire can no longer burn us, and we can reach for the hope of the cross and eternal life. A Christian who smiles and glazes over anything that would be sad is fake and will eventually reap the consequences of burying their feelings. A Christian who weeps, who lays prostrate before God in anguish, and then rises to victory and effectiveness will reap joy.
Are you in a season of weeping? If you are, that's okay, just don't stay there. Remember, Jesus wept, but then He got up and raised Lazarus from the dead!
Hint for the Day: If you are dealing with bitterness, anger, or grief, give yourself time. These emotions take a lot of energy. It is okay if you cannot function up to your normal level during these times. Make meals easy, don't over commit, and give yourself extra time to be in the word and on your knees. Tomorrow will come with rejoicing and praise. Go to Jesus, He is there and He understands.
"When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come forth.'" John 11:43
These verses changed my life! I had learned that depression was the way to handle life's circumstances when life was overwhelming or chaotic or sad. Then I saw that Jesus wept, but He didn't stay there! The next 8 verses tell of Him getting up and raising LazarusI!
It is okay to be sad, to grieve, to be overwhelmed, and to weep. Jesus did. But it is not okay to wallow in the grief or sadness. As time passes, we are to get up and be about the Father's business.
I used to think that Philippians 3:13-14 ("...forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead...") meant that I couldn't take the time to deal with the hurts of the past and present, but that I was to just keep looking forward. I was learning that one cannot go forward, until one has dealt with the past and then put it behind. Repressing the hurt or anger only leads to destruction, depression, and even death. It is okay to weep!
A friend told me that forgetting and reaching were active verbs. In other words we are to be about the business of putting the past behind and we are to be about the business of reaching forward. She described a big bonfire. That fire is our past. We may be crawling away, walking away, or running away, but we need to be actively moving away. It is a process. Sometimes that process comes with weeping and groaning and, hopefully, lots of prayer.
Then, when the weeping is over, the fire can no longer burn us, and we can reach for the hope of the cross and eternal life. A Christian who smiles and glazes over anything that would be sad is fake and will eventually reap the consequences of burying their feelings. A Christian who weeps, who lays prostrate before God in anguish, and then rises to victory and effectiveness will reap joy.
Are you in a season of weeping? If you are, that's okay, just don't stay there. Remember, Jesus wept, but then He got up and raised Lazarus from the dead!
Hint for the Day: If you are dealing with bitterness, anger, or grief, give yourself time. These emotions take a lot of energy. It is okay if you cannot function up to your normal level during these times. Make meals easy, don't over commit, and give yourself extra time to be in the word and on your knees. Tomorrow will come with rejoicing and praise. Go to Jesus, He is there and He understands.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Emotions: The engine or the caboose
"Therefore humble yourselves, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7
When our emotions are raging or weeping or ecstatic we are to humble ourselves before God. That humbling is putting our emotions in the correct perspective. If we allow our emotions to be our train engine, then our reactions and decisions will be born out of the emotion of the moment, not godly truth and counsel. Emotions are not wrong. God had emotions and we are made in His image. But how we handle our emotions will separate us from the immature.
A mature Christian always lays his/her emotions before the truth of God's word and chooses to stand on that truth. My emotions were locked away for many years. Before I could allow God to have my whole heart, I had to let the walls down around my heart so that He could get to it. Then I was able to let Him heal and claim my heart. I was able to do this based on God's truth: "...He cares for you." I had read enough Scripture, had been in His presence, and had seen Him work in my life enough to know that I could trust God with my heart.
When I want to follow my emotions now, I first seek God's truth. Then, as I stand on that truth, He brings my emotions into line. Oh yeah, I can still be emotional, but my emotions are the caboose of God's truth, not the engine. This keeps them in perspective. Even if I don't feel like praising, God is still worthy of praise. As I begin to praise, my emotions come along and finally I am singing with a whole heart before my King.
Hint of the Day: Some kids need help naming and recognizing emotions. You can show them a page of cartoon faces showing different emotions and ask them to point out how they are feeling. Or you can show them the page and have them try to put the emotion with the face. We also act out emotions at an unemotional time pretending that we are mad, angry, scared, happy, excited, etc. This will make them more comfortable with their emotions and make them better writers someday! Also, don't be afraid to show raw emotion around your children. Just explain to them that that was how you were feeling, but that God's word says "..." and that is how you will choose to act in that circumstance. Ffr instance, your friend hurts you and you are angry. Be angry, but sin not. Stomp and storm and say, "I am so angry." But then let the kids see you pray for your friend, buy your friend a gift, and make up with that friend. This will give them a role model to follow when they are angry rather than stuffing the feelings or acting out the emotion.
When our emotions are raging or weeping or ecstatic we are to humble ourselves before God. That humbling is putting our emotions in the correct perspective. If we allow our emotions to be our train engine, then our reactions and decisions will be born out of the emotion of the moment, not godly truth and counsel. Emotions are not wrong. God had emotions and we are made in His image. But how we handle our emotions will separate us from the immature.
A mature Christian always lays his/her emotions before the truth of God's word and chooses to stand on that truth. My emotions were locked away for many years. Before I could allow God to have my whole heart, I had to let the walls down around my heart so that He could get to it. Then I was able to let Him heal and claim my heart. I was able to do this based on God's truth: "...He cares for you." I had read enough Scripture, had been in His presence, and had seen Him work in my life enough to know that I could trust God with my heart.
When I want to follow my emotions now, I first seek God's truth. Then, as I stand on that truth, He brings my emotions into line. Oh yeah, I can still be emotional, but my emotions are the caboose of God's truth, not the engine. This keeps them in perspective. Even if I don't feel like praising, God is still worthy of praise. As I begin to praise, my emotions come along and finally I am singing with a whole heart before my King.
Hint of the Day: Some kids need help naming and recognizing emotions. You can show them a page of cartoon faces showing different emotions and ask them to point out how they are feeling. Or you can show them the page and have them try to put the emotion with the face. We also act out emotions at an unemotional time pretending that we are mad, angry, scared, happy, excited, etc. This will make them more comfortable with their emotions and make them better writers someday! Also, don't be afraid to show raw emotion around your children. Just explain to them that that was how you were feeling, but that God's word says "..." and that is how you will choose to act in that circumstance. Ffr instance, your friend hurts you and you are angry. Be angry, but sin not. Stomp and storm and say, "I am so angry." But then let the kids see you pray for your friend, buy your friend a gift, and make up with that friend. This will give them a role model to follow when they are angry rather than stuffing the feelings or acting out the emotion.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Anger
"Be angry, and yet do not sin..." Eph. 4:26
I spoke on raising Godly children this past weekend and the issue of anger always comes up. Anger is not a sin. It is an emotion. God was angry with His people when they worshipped idols. We are made in His image and therefore, we get angry. But! What we do with that anger is our choice and sometimes that choice is sinful. Anger is a signal that something is wrong. That your needs are not being met. That you are not feeling loved or affirmed or appreciated.
When a child (and some adults) feel angry they need a physical release. We always suggest running, shooting baskets, or hitting a pillow. Let your child know that it is never okay to scream, yell, or hit or kick another person.
Once the physical release has calmed them down, then it is time to talk. The talk must be respectful and healthy. The communication must be honest and working towards a solution, not blaming, accusing, or name calling.
When anger is handled in this way, then it dissipates. When feelings are stuffed, they just build up and the next time they are angry, all the stuffed anger comes out as well. Then there is an explosion!!!
Hint of the Day: Keep your own anger under control by being filled up with the Word of God through prayer and praise. Speak honestly to someone when you are angry. And always end the communication with hugs.
I spoke on raising Godly children this past weekend and the issue of anger always comes up. Anger is not a sin. It is an emotion. God was angry with His people when they worshipped idols. We are made in His image and therefore, we get angry. But! What we do with that anger is our choice and sometimes that choice is sinful. Anger is a signal that something is wrong. That your needs are not being met. That you are not feeling loved or affirmed or appreciated.
When a child (and some adults) feel angry they need a physical release. We always suggest running, shooting baskets, or hitting a pillow. Let your child know that it is never okay to scream, yell, or hit or kick another person.
Once the physical release has calmed them down, then it is time to talk. The talk must be respectful and healthy. The communication must be honest and working towards a solution, not blaming, accusing, or name calling.
When anger is handled in this way, then it dissipates. When feelings are stuffed, they just build up and the next time they are angry, all the stuffed anger comes out as well. Then there is an explosion!!!
Hint of the Day: Keep your own anger under control by being filled up with the Word of God through prayer and praise. Speak honestly to someone when you are angry. And always end the communication with hugs.
Friday, March 16, 2012
God answers prayer
"So God heard their groaning; and god remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob."
Exodus 2:24
Think about it: God heard thte Israelites over in Goshen, Egypt and prepared Moses in Midian to lead them out of slavery. The next chapter is the burning bush call in Moses' life to go and be God's hand to the people of God. I don't think the people in Egypt saw that one coming! God is so great and is infinite wisdom and His ways are not our ways and His thoughts not out thoughts! ( Isaiah55:8)
Think about it: An amazing God had a plan from before time began and before sin entered the world to send His only Son and allow Him to die for us. People prayed for thousands of years for salvation, for rescue. God heard and answered.
Think about it: This same amazing God reached down into a family and called me to His throne room. He allowed me to dance before Him. He saved me and loved me with an everlasting love. Wow!
Think about it: He heard your prayer and called you home. He loves you and delights in you and forgives you. Amazing!
Hint of the Day: Teach your children to prayer by example. Be in a constant state of praise and prayer throughout the day. Practice the Presence of God always; dwell in His courtroom. the kids will see and learn!
Exodus 2:24
Think about it: God heard thte Israelites over in Goshen, Egypt and prepared Moses in Midian to lead them out of slavery. The next chapter is the burning bush call in Moses' life to go and be God's hand to the people of God. I don't think the people in Egypt saw that one coming! God is so great and is infinite wisdom and His ways are not our ways and His thoughts not out thoughts! ( Isaiah55:8)
Think about it: An amazing God had a plan from before time began and before sin entered the world to send His only Son and allow Him to die for us. People prayed for thousands of years for salvation, for rescue. God heard and answered.
Think about it: This same amazing God reached down into a family and called me to His throne room. He allowed me to dance before Him. He saved me and loved me with an everlasting love. Wow!
Think about it: He heard your prayer and called you home. He loves you and delights in you and forgives you. Amazing!
Hint of the Day: Teach your children to prayer by example. Be in a constant state of praise and prayer throughout the day. Practice the Presence of God always; dwell in His courtroom. the kids will see and learn!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Desire God or His gifts?
Boy, that question has caught me a couple of times! This goes along with yesterday’s post of yielding. Am I seeking God for a relationship – the good, the bad, and the ugly (in my limited scope), or am I seeking a holy Santa Claus that will give me what I want?
Sometimes, I hate to admit it, but I want what I want. I beg God for what I think is best. But when I back away, calm down, and let Him be God, then what I get is always better!
When I yield my rights and desires to an omnipotent, caring, loving God, I am rewarded with Him. And that’s enough!
What about you? Are you yielding up those things in your life that you complain about? Body image, singleness, sickness, grief, busyness, etc. to your Father Who Cares for You? Try it! You will experience sweet release!
Hint for the Day: My boys thought that sweets were the best thing ever! They wanted it all the time. Of course we said, “No,” some of the time. They had a week where they really complained about this. So, we decided to teach them that Mom and Dad know best. When they came down for breakfast the table was full of ice cream, candy, chocolate milk, etc. They thought they were in heaven. We let them have all they wanted. Lunch time came and we again put the sweets out. They weren’t quite as excited this time, but indulged anyway. By mid-afternoon, they were dragging! Dinner was the same, and they all begged for “real” food. We finally gave in and made them something nutritious. For quiet time that night we discussed asking God for what we needed, rather than what we wanted and how we can trust God even when we don’t get what we want!
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