Stefanie HutchesonWandering Through the Bible

June 20 at 8:31am near Lenoir ·

• Okay, let's begin this morning's verse. Are you ready?
  
  To begin with "all" is a pretty big word. All? That means every little--and big!--as well as the ones in between--thing that I do is to be about realizing the significance of it. If I begin my morning by having a cup of milk, I should thank God for providing the milk, as well as the cup. As well as the morning. As well as being able to function enough to get up, to get going, to see to get the cup, to be thankful to have a cup, to appreciate that I have a refrigerator to keep the milk in, to be thankful that I have electricity, to be thankful that I have someone who pays the electric bill, to be thankful I have a someone...Whew! I'm already exhausted!
  
  I could just be lazy and say the well-worn expression of "Thank You, God, for this day and all the blessings You provide." Much easier, for sure. Doesn't take much time, which means it doesn't make me fully appreciate all that has gone into me having my simple cup of milk most mornings. This, of course, allows me more time to dwell on me, on my world, and the cares of it. The devil would love that, wouldn't he? Eyes off of God and all of the great things He does for me each day, each moment. That would get me off track and I wouldn't be able to complete the rest of the verse, "He will make your paths straight."
  
  Hmn. I must confess I have some pretty curvy roads ahead of me today. The trouble with the curve is that you cannot see around it, cannot see what lies ahead. What if there is an accident up ahead and you cannot slow down in time to not be a part of it? What if someone is going slower than you are and you nearly drive over them, causing a wreck yourself? Have you ever been going at a nice pace, and perhaps had some things in your passenger seat that you had neatly organized? At times, some crazy soul pulls out in front of you or slams on his/her brakes (probably his). Bam! There go your things, to the floor, in a mess of disarray. What happens next? Usually some harsh word or two comes out of a mouth that may have previously been singing a nice tune or praying or maybe even chatting on the phone with someone. Maybe even a curse is uttered and the person on the other end is offended.
  
  I am one who definitely needs her paths straight. I like to know what the day holds for me. I like to know that the road ahead of me is clear from obstacles that will slow me down, mess up my stuff, or cause me harm. But being straight doesn't necessarily imply that the road is clear from debris, now does it? There may be difficulties that I haven't even considered that pop up. Or, like on today's agenda, the day may contain a doctor's appointment for one of my most loved ones. Being that I knew in advance it was coming, I was able to pray that the Lord would handle this situation and prepare my heart in case something didn't quite go right. I'd much rather be in this shape than to be told unexpectedly that bad news was coming.
  
  Also consider in this verse that it says paths not path. Many roads each of us travel on a daily basis. Some are on regular roads that we may take to work, to do chores, to meet a friend. Other paths though may be ones we aren't familiar with. How much nicer is it to see ahead than to wonder what is around the next curve? While we can't know every obstacle that will be on this road, it is nice to see them coming, to have our hearts prepared, and to know that God already is well-aware of the situation and He's got it, He's got me? Pretty nice, I think!
  
  So, before today gets too far away from us, let's take a moment to stop, to acknowledge God's role in it, and allow Him the opportunity to straighten out some of those rough edges.
  
  Dear God, as I begin my day, I do first off want to thank You for providing it for me. Thank You for the rest I received last night. Thank You for keeping my family secure. Thank You for keeping catastrophe away from me. Thank You that I have a home, that I have provisions, that I have all the blessings that I do.
  As my day continues, God, I ask that You guide me. I know You are in charge of each thing that I will face today. Prepare my heart, my mind, my emotions so that I may be a good reflection of You. Keep me straight less I stray. If, as the song says, it's all about You then my prayer is indeed to let my life show Your love, Your grace, Your mercy in all that I do. That's a pretty big request, but You are a pretty big God.
  Thanks again for providing me with Your Word. Help me to discern its truths and to obey willingly the things You would have me to do. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
  

Isaiah 40:29

Wandering Through the Bible

Yesterday

No might. Might is defined by dictionary.com as:
1. physical strength: He swung with all his might.
2. superior power or strength; force: the theory that might makes right.
3. power or ability to do or accomplish; capacity

So, this verse might be translated as: He gives power to the weak and those who have no physical strength, no superior power, He increases strength. Strength is defined as:
1. the quality or state of being strong; bodily or muscular power; vigor.
2. mental power, force, or vigor.
3. moral power, firmness, or courage.

Vigor? Why is vigor listed twice? Let's see what it means!
1. active strength or force.
2. healthy physical or mental energy or power; vitality.

Ahh, it's becoming more clear. Let's rewrite it again:
Jesus gives power to the weak and those who have no physical strength, He increases their healthy physical mental energy.

Healthy physical mental energy. As one who has been sick for the past two weeks, I am ready to be healthy again! My mental energy has been lacking, which helps (partly) in explaining why my defenses were down and I was not at my peak performance these past days. So, now that I am better, I can allow the vitality of Christ to empower me, to increase in me. I can stop using the excuse of illness and regain my place in this world as a Daughter of the King and start shining again.

Lesson learned? I have to be weak to let the power of Jesus ooze throughout my being. But once my strength has been renewed by Him, I am to be a better person for this active force in my life. Not quite the "new and improved model" but...well, sort of. At least improved.

Dear God, this study this morning has been a jumbled one but I thank You for taking care of me when I am weak. Too often I am weak and/or try to rely on my own strength to get through the day-to-day functions. I appreciate Your reminder that I don't have to do this; that You are my strength. Uh oh: I feel a song coming on. Celine Dion sang it best: ♫

"Because You Loved Me"

For all those times you stood by me
For all the truth that you made me see
For all the joy you brought to my life
For all the wrong that you made right
For every dream you made come true
For all the love I found in you
I'll be forever thankful baby
You're the one who held me up
Never let me fall
You're the one who saw me through through it all

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
I'm grateful for each day you gave me
Maybe I don't know that much
But I know this much is true
I was blessed because I was loved by you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

You were always there for me
The tender wind that carried me
A light in the dark shining your love into my life
You've been my inspiration
Through the lies you were the truth
My world is a better place because of you

You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'coz you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me

I'm everything I am
Because you loved me ♪

Lord, I know not everyone who reads my blog will catch my song references but You know. You know. You know how I can relate almost any of them, or at least parts of them, back to You. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. I love You too! Amen!

 

 

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James 1:19

Wandering Through the Bible

2 hours ago

Okay, fellas, this one is for you!

Let every MAN be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath.

Now, some translations will change the word "man" into everyone but for today, let's keep it in its original text, shall we?

Men, by nature, are fixers. They want to solve the problem in as little time as possible so that they can go on to the important stuff (eating, grunting, scratching, holding that remote). I can start to talk about personal stuff and I see that glazed over look come into my husband's eyes. After nearly 30 years of marriage, I know the signs well. When I want to pour out my heart, I barely get a few words out when Mr. Fix-It starts in with his theories of how to change things. My heart just sighs.

I want him to listen to me. Listen. Not hear my words and impart his wisdom. Not butt in with the great advice on what he would do and how he would do it. Honey, I just want you to be quiet and hear me. Me. My thoughts. My worries. My speculations. My hopes and my fears. Just listen to me, man!

Slow to speak. Very slow so speak, sweetie. Again, this is my turn. It's me, talking to you, trusting you enough with my soul. Won't you please just take a few moments to really hear me?

And lastly, "slow to wrath." My husband is nearly perfect. I don't say this lightly. Ask anyone who knows him and they will tell you what a stand-up guy Steve is. With everyone else--and sometimes with me, though not as often as he used to--he has the patience of Job. He has the tenderness and compassion to make you believe he feels your pain. But, and again I attribute this to our nearly 30 years together, with me he sometimes forgets that he is not perfect and gets a little preachy. "Oh Stef! I would have never done ...blah blah blah." Or, "You did what?!" Maybe even the occasional "Well, if had been me, I would have..." Sigh.

Do you have a man that is this way too? Maybe we should write this verse out and put in his lunch box or affix to his mirror, toolbox, or remote control. Oh, I can see that last one now. Husband finds note pinned to remote and thinks to himself, "Great! I will be off the hook tonight! I'll just turn this volume up a smidge, nod every couple of moments, and maybe pat her on the head as I head to the 'fridge for another refreshment." Or, maybe we could do like I do: get him alone in the car, in the passenger seat, and take him for a little drive (or a long one if there is much on my heart). No escape for him there! Tell him, "Honey, I need you to just listen to me for a little while. Don't try to fix me. Don't tell me what to do or how to do it. Just hear me."

I've done this before and my success rate is quite good. Plus, it's hard for him to escape from a moving vehicle! It's also much easier than trying to have a conversation while I am in one room and he is in the other.

In conclusion, we all should be better listeners. We all should make the effort to hear our brothers and sisters (and wives!) and to be honored that they trust us enough to share their deepest thoughts with us. Lastly, let's keep our condemnations to ourselves. Yes, we would have done things differently but what good is that to brag on? Obviously the one sharing knows his/her mistake and doesn't need kicked while down. Let's just be still and listen and offer a hand up--and maybe a drive to the country. My car is gassed up. Who needs a ride?

Dear God,
Thank You for Your Words that offer so much wisdom. Please let Your men hear them today--and us gals too. Help us to love and be tenderhearted towards one another. Help us to be encouragers and to weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn, and to live with those we love in ways that reflect the love You show to us. This is my humble prayer. Amen.

 

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Psalm 46:10

Wandering Through the Bible

August 10

It's that time of the year again. Commercials abound with "Back to School" themes. Last minute vacations are planned and daycations are also spontaneously taken as we try to savor each second of summer. Child care, sports, meal planning, coordinating schedules...If we aren't careful, we can get so caught up in life that we forget to live.

As the next school year approaches, I encourage us all to remember: we truly do still have the same amount of time in each day. How we choose to spend it is up to us. Let's not get so busy that we forget to take a few moments each day to be still. Let's not pencil God and/or our quiet times in. Make them, make Him a priority, even though we may not have as much free time to linger over the scriptures, the psalms, and the journaling. Commit some time each day to Him, to being still before Christ, and to remember that each day is given to us as a gift. Let's be our best by letting the love, the gentle Spirit of Jesus fill our souls before the day consumes us.

I will if you will!

 

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I Corinthians 10:12

Wandering Through the Bible

August 12

Who was it that just recently wrote about not putting on the whole armor of God so that she would be better prepared for life's little darts? Oh yeah: it was me!!

Yesterday, it happened again. Sigh. Where oh where are my spiritual vitamins, my energy shots that so fill me with the Spirit that I am able to instantaneously ward off these unexpected little nothings that when, thrown together, create such a chaos in my heart?

I guess you could attribute it to a number of items. I am still recovering from my horrid summer cold that has left my defenses--both physical and mental--in a lessened state. Combine that with not taking a nap and deciding it would be a great idea to go out to eat at a nice restaurant with the family. Add one waiter who was a bit too friendly, a bit too touchy (I just cannot stand for another man other than my husband to touch me!!). Lastly, throw in a woman who made my third year of teaching absolute hell at times and voila! There you have it. A recipe for disaster.

Well, maybe that's a bit extreme. Maybe.

Seeing this woman--again--really set me off. Funny though: for some reason, God keeps putting her in my path. Oh no, not on a regular basis. But frequently. I doubt sincerely she has any clue as to the effect seeing her smarky face does to me. Occasionally on these "meetings" our eyes would meet and I'd see a faint glimmer of "Don't I know you from...?" See, that's how it is in Satan's wars: usually the ones who harm us the most have no clue, no indication of the turmoil they have thrown us into.

Recognizing this and dealing with it are two of my peeves at this time. I have forgiven this woman for the pain she caused me. Right? Didn't I? I mean, seriously, it was ten years ago and surely during that time of angst that I went through as I mourned the loss of teaching, surely somewhere in that time I forgave her. Right?

Sigh. Guess not, Stef. Otherwise the Good Lord wouldn't keep putting her in your sights every so often. For if you had dealt with it, why the tribulation upon seeing her? Why the need to get out of the same air that she breathes? She can't hurt you anymore. Unless you let her. Unless you allow those memories of her power trip with you as her kicking stone to permeate your mind and soul. How much longer are you going to do that, Stef? The only power she has over you is the power you give to her. And, didn't we already agree that she most likely doesn't have an inkling of an idea of what she did to you?

Okay, God: let's do it again. With purpose. I'm so tired of falling lately, especially when I am just minding my own business and trying to stay out of conflict's way. My defenses were down and I again need to remind myself to put on my proper attire each day, each time I step out of my little world, each time I am faced with life. Here goes.

Dear God,
I am sorry for the poor witness I was to my family yesterday when I saw this woman and made haste to leave the restaurant before she could see me. I must remember that she professes to be Your child and regardless of the demons she created in my soul, she has her own to deal with. I don't need to be one of them. I don't need to confront her with the fact that she made my life miserable all those years ago. What good would come from that? What good would come from me finally facing her instead of running each time I see her? You and I both know how my mouth gets me into so much trouble!
Help me, God, to forgive her. You put her in my path once again last night and I do not understand why but maybe it's to remind me that I get too haughty in my belief that I am able to stand without You. I didn't realize I was in my own strength rather than relying on Yours to get me through each step of my journey.
I release my hurts she caused me into Your hands, Father. I examine myself as well to see, to think of those harms I caused to Your children unknowingly. Help me to be a peacemaker, a peace sower. Help me to rely solely on You, minute by minute, as I meander my way through each day. Thank You for Your forgiveness, Your tolerance, and Your patience with me. Remind me as often as needed, Lord, that I can't even walk without You holding my hand--and tongue!
In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

 

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The Whole Armor

Wandering Through the Bible

August 7

Last night as I once again lost the fight to get a good night's sleep, I was listening to Pandora, playing Bingo, and doing anything but think. Or at least I tried to. Lately, there have been a lot of nights like this. Since coming back from vacation last week, though, my defenses are especially down because I have been battling--quite unsuccessfully--a severe cold.

So, as I was in my ABT Mode (that's Anything But Think, to the layperson), and a Journey song came on the playlist. It made me think of the latest series at NEXT at MGC and how earlier in the day Pastor Jeff had asked, via Facebook, for folks to list some of their favorite 80s groups. Ahh, the 80s. Big hair, the transition from high school to college to marriage to motherhood to...

The memories were sneaking in. "Open Arms" was playing softly, gently, reminding me of a time when I was with this guy...

"Stop right there! Stop those thoughts immediately," I said to myself. Why in the world do these things try to permeate my soul in the dark hours of the night?

Fairly quickly the answer came to me. I wasn't dressed. I didn't have my armor on. My defenses were down. Blame it on the fever ravaging my body, the thoughts earlier planted in my head, or just plain meanness of the devil. Whatever. As I lay in a relaxed state in my recliner, with the music playing and the computer wide open, there was no shield of protection on my body to have these fiery darts ping off of. My feet were not preparing themselves to further the gospel; they were propped up and tucked under my blankie. No helmet was on my head, for had it been, I daresay I wouldn't have been listening to Journey at a time when it was so easy for my fortress to be invaded.

Ahh, but the belt of truth and the sword of the Spirit? Somehow they were intact. Miracle of all miracles, some of my armor was on and I was able to use these tools to combat the wiles of the devil. Oh how good I felt! See, all day he had been planting those little seeds, strewing stumbling stones about in preparation for my defeat of the midnight hours. However, once again the Word of God is reiterated: when I am weak, He is strong. Hallelujah!

If you are like me, one of the first things you do when you get home is start undressing. First the shoes go off, then the jacket or whatever I feel is confining me. Then I tend to pile up in my recliner, reach for me sweet green tea, and plop the computer in my lap to catch up on the day's events. From this lesson last night, I have learned to not be so quick to discard my "wardrobe" and to be on guard, vigilant in what goes in and out of my head, and to constantly, constantly be on the lookout for those things that may trip me up. Lastly, I have once again rejoiced that my God is bigger than the devil and his tricks, that my God is for me, and that even when I cannot take as good of care of myself as needed, my Great Physician has the prescription of His Holy Word for me to apply to my hurts and balm my soul.

Dear Sweet God,
Thank You again for attending to me. You prove Yourself mighty when I falter in my diligence to remain constant. In the darkest hours of the night, You still shine, still remind me that I am not chained to my past any longer, that I don't have to revert back to old ways and old thoughts--that I don't have to relive old times and wonder about the "one that got away" or the times that were spent, in all honesty, living a life that was not well-pleasing to You. Yes, the 80s were a fun decade. But, they also remind me that I was not always being the child of God, the daughter of the King, that made You proud. Thank You for all the things You are bringing in my life to change me, to make me more like Jesus, and to stand firmly. Sometimes it's all I can do to stand, God, but You promised You'd stand with me, in front of me, and fight my battles for me. Thank You for this, Father. I don't want to wrestle with the images that often come to me, whether through song, pictures, or even just a simple remark. Let me thoughts be on You is my prayer and I pray it in Jesus' Name. Amen!

 

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Psalm 136:1

Wandering Through the Bible

July 22

It's Monday. Let me restate that: It's Monday!! Woo hoo: the start of another week, another chance, another opportunity to make a positive difference in this world. Let's begin it by saying--or singing this verse because it keeps going through my head.

Today, let's do something differently. Would you please list one thing (more if you like) that you are thankful for this day? I'll start!

I am thankful for my quiet mornings that allow me the opportunity to worship, ponder, and wander about all of the things--good and bad-- that go on in this ol' head and heart.

Now it's your turn!

 

 

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Psalm 147:3

Wandering Through the Bible

July 19

Yesterday and today have been days that have had their share of sadnesses. Not so much for me but for those who have been put in my path. Therefore, because of love, I do share in these sorrows. Let me wander through this and see if it makes any sense.

While eating lunch yesterday, a girl that I was barely acquainted with shared some of her woes to my friend and me. And what woes they were! My heart broke as she fought back her tears and told us a little of her story. The more she spoke, the more tender my heart became as I realized she was only 17 and had already been through so much--and now this. Oh my soul!

Later I read of the death of another acquaintance's dog. The loss hit him hard. While not being an animal lover myself, I still empathize with those who make animals a part of their families.

This morning, I was met with the sad sad news that a man I have loved and respected for over 3 decades had passed. His death leaves a great void, for there are few men out there who are as kind, as loving, as gentle as Wyman was.

Grief. Charlie Brown used to say "Good grief" often. So I ponder, is there good in grief? Is there joy in sadness? What about those who keep getting hit, time after time, with battles that most of us will never face? Where is that so-called silver lining in all of this?

Sigh.

I have a couple of friends who are facing life challenges right now. One needs a new home; another had to renege on a job offer because the demands were more than she cared to bear. I admire her for that, by the way. Knowing what you are and are not capable of saves a lot of grief in making decisions that affect you and your loved ones.

The brokenhearted are those whom Christ came to save, to heal. He puts His bandage of love over our wounds, which means He has to touch us. The power of touch is one of those things that it's hard to describe but that once you've experienced it, you cannot wait to have that solace again. The feel of Christ's strong arms around me is one that I want to experience over and over.

I think I will go cry there now. My heart is heavy for those folks I have mentioned. Their grief is my grief and I am so very sad for them and the losses they are facing right now. I know there is healing and that joy will come. But right now, right now they could probably more than anything else just use a hug. Words aren't necessary; the touch says it all. It says, "I'm here. I care. I'm a safe place for you to come to and just cry, just weep, just rest." Oh how I wish I would have given a hug to the young woman yesterday! Would it have made a difference to her? Yeah, I think it would have. Even though we barely know one another's name, that touch, that rush of feeling that says love is available is worth more than the pat answers and usual responses folks give when one hurts.

Let's pray:

Dear God, You are so warm, loving, inviting. Your arms are open for me to run into whenever I need. Lord, I need to run to You now. I need to cry and tell You how my heart aches for these people you privileged me to be a part of their lives. I failed yesterday when I didn't give the hug. I failed when I didn't reach out and at least offer my hand. At the time, I was afraid it would scare her off, or make her break down and it just wasn't the place for that. Please give me another opportunity to love her. And until then, will You love her through it? She said she knows You, that her faith has gotten her this far. Take her further today, Lord, than ever before! Heal her hurts. Use her scars as reminders of the pains you have removed. Love her through folks who know You and show Your mercies I pray.

And for my friends who lost their loved ones, oh God, I ask You to comfort them. Yes, Wyman is in a better place and his hurts are no longer. The void he leaves behind though? Oh, what a large space that is! May You fill it, God, and not let it consume them with its vastness. I don't think they will fall into it but sometimes, God, sometimes we just hurt so much when that loved one is gone. Our loved ones cannot be replaced but they can be enhanced by new experiences, new folks and animals to take a place (not the place) that is hollow. I ask that You do that for my friends.

Thank You for listening to my wayward thoughts this morning, God. I'm ready now for my rest in You. Please send hugs to those who are hurting, I pray, in Jesus' Name.

Amen.

 

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Proverbs 28:23

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Wandering Through the Bible

July 18

 

 

 

We all know the type. They are the ones we want to have around us, the ones who make us feel better about ourselves, the ones who tell us what we (think) want to hear. Oh yes, they are everywhere and are considered to be the most popular in our society. They are the ones we want to be seen with, and they are the ones we want to be known as.

Except....

Except when our world caves in around us. We know something isn't quite right. Probably, we even know what that something is but until it is confirmed by another, we don't want to acknowledge it to ourselves. That way, we can blame them if it doesn't work out right. Right?

The ones who call us on our sins, the ones who dare to speak the truth, who love us enough to speak the truth--these are the ones that the Bible says will find favor. These are the ones who we really count on, the ones who we go to in the dark of the night (for who wants to go in the light where s/he might be seen?!), the ones we call or text or email with our woes. These are the ones who tell us what we don't want to hear but what we know we need to hear so that we can get it all back together.

Are you a rebuker or a flatterer? Personally, I am both. I do start off usually telling, agreeing with, and encouraging my friend as to what she wants to hear. And then, depending on her response, I may go the next step and gently call her on actions that may not be seen on her part, actions that need to change in some way so that she will be an even better person than she already is. I have been called brutally honest by some and I don't like that term. Brutal implies hostility or something painful and yes, the truth does hurt sometimes but I'd rather season it with love. I hope in these years as I've aged that there is more salt and sugar rather than hot pepper and vinegar.

Back in the days of my (first) college experience, I had a roommate that I just loved so much and admired. However, because we were young and trying to get it all figgered out, we messed up. A lot. So, we'd have these "Let's be honest" talks and tell each other the negative things we were doing that perhaps we were unaware of. Ouch! We had some brutal sessions, no doubt. We pricked each others tender hearts more than once but...We loved each other enough to be honest, to care enough to tell things that would help us and see that what we were doing was only hurting ourselves. Whether it was about the clothes we wore, the words we were saying, or the things we were doing, Virg and I let it all out. Surprisingly, we are still friends to this day!

Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue. Yeah, most of us still flock to those flatterers. We want to be around the ones who make us feel pretty, make us feel special. But the wise friend knows who her wise friend is and visits and/or chats with her regularly. It's good to check up, don't you think? I do! Maybe I'll go give Virginia a call and see what she thinks about me, the real me, and get some advice on how to improve. Let's pray!

Dear God, I thank You for the past and current Virginias I have in my life. Thank You for using Your children to help correct one another in love rather than hatred or spite. As I go about my day, I ask that You continue to grow me in wisdom so that, should the cause arrive, that I may speak truths to my friends--seasoned with much love and grace!--and not just let them flounder about in things that I know are harming them.
In Jesus' Name I ask this: amen.

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Luke 10:40

Wandering Through the Bible

July 16

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" (Luke 10:40)

Sunday after the NEXT at MGC service, Steve and I came home and turned on the tv. The pastor at Elevation Church, Steven Furtick, was preaching on Mary and Martha and it was quite entertaining--as well as enlightening. He was telling of Mary's virtues, of course, but jokingly--sort of--spoke of Martha and her woes. I won't recite the sermon (it's available on line) but what struck me the most was when he said a couple of things, such as commending Martha for first voicing her problem; next by voicing it to the only One Who could help her with it. He talked of how we often go to others and/or try to get them to jump on our bandwagon for support when what we really need is good, strong, spiritual advice.

How many times have I fussed, moped, and grined (FYI grine is a word I made up. It consists of gripe+whine=grine) when I felt overwhelmed, underappreciated, or just plain out that someone else was getting off easy while I did all the hard stuff? Too many times, that's how many! Instead of taking the easy, peaceful way I too too often stress about what needs to be done, is there enough food, will so and so get along with this one, did I put extra toilet paper in the bathrooms, is there enough ice...Tell you what: this kind of thinking, of worrying wears an old gal like me out--even before the preparations have begun!

I do have a lot on my mind most of the time. I do make lists, like pictured above, of all the things I need to do in a day. I came up with a great new way of solving this one morning in Bible Study with my friend Lisa. I made a column with an "I will..." list on the left hand side. On the right it said "And I will receive..." This was to help me to show the benefit of doing whatever chores were on it. For instance, I will wash the clothes...and I will be glad when I go to my closet and have plenty to choose from. I will read my Bible...and I will receive peace to start my day. Get the point?

But sometimes, even in my efforts to simplify by making these lists and telling myself that I need to relax, I forget to talk to God about it first. I forget to tell Him what I'm thinking--even though my thoughts are about Him and His work and pleasing Him, I forget to be a Mary and sit at His feet. This is needful and when I do it, it is indeed a much better beginning than when I get out my pencil and paper and write about what I need to do throughout the day.

Dear Lord God,
Sigh. I am such a slacker. My mind is constantly racing with all of the troubles of the day and my heart suffers for it. Please help me as I begin this day to think on You, to talk to You, to be still with You. You aren't interested in my works and plans to better Your kingdom if You haven't directed me to do such. Help me to be quiet, to learn more of You, to talk to You before talking to others. I am sorry for being a Martha. Help me to be more like Mary? In Jesus' Name I ask, amen!

 

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Phillipians 4:8

Wandering Through the Bible

July 11

 

Whatever. Whatever?

Definition of WHATEVER
1a : anything or everything that <take whatever you want>
b : no matter what <whatever he says, they won't believe him>
c : whatnot <enjoys skiing, hiking, or whatever>
2: what 1a(1) —used to express astonishment or perplexity <whatever do you mean by that>

I've done this verse before. Quite a few times. I even have some great stationery, a notebook or two and a file folder with WHATEVER emblazoned on it. And, I also have this really cute wall decoration with it on it that I gaze at when I am in my Pretty Purple Room.

I've taken this verse apart, word by word, and have still yet to make a dent in it. I've got a few of those thoughts written down and on the cork board above my treadmill for me to ponder while I walk.

Whatever I do, wherever I go, I am to think on these things from Philippians 4:8: "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."

I don't know about you, but that pretty much sums up all the good things in my life that I should be dwelling on instead of letting the negativity of the world permeate my thoughts. And there is so much good out there to think about! My health. My family. My home. Flowers. The great messages I am hearing at Next. The Bible Study I have the privilege of dropping in on on Thursday mornings and the prospects of the one I may get to be a part of at Curves.

My husband. My home. My friends that encourage me and love me and put up with me. My country. Music! The unexpected kindnesses I see go on all around me. My tomatoes that are growing so well in spite of all of the rain we've had and the joy at seeing my cucumbers starting to flourish.

My God. Surely He is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and definitely Someone to admire. If I capture my thoughts and take them captive, direct them to thinking about Jesus, and keep them focused there, then I can truly fulfill this verse, 24/7/365. It's easier when I surround myself with things that illustrate Him, with music that praises Him, with friends that love Him like I do. And could anything be more noble than loving Jesus with a pure heart? I don't think so either!

Dear God,
Thank You so much for the whatevers in my life. I am still contemplating how many things I have to be thankful for and one day, I will get to those scrapbook pages and make a dent in what I consider to be worthy of going on those pages.
You are indeed kind, noble, good, righteous, admirable, and oh so praiseworthy! May I think on You as I go about my day and at the end of it, still have so many thoughts going through my mind of how magnificent You are! In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

 

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Exodus 14:14

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Stefanie HutchesonWandering Through the Bible

July 9

 

Good morning! Are you ready to explore another verse with me this morning? Great! Take a moment and read these translations of EXODUS 14:14

New International Version (©2011)
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."
New Living Translation (©2007)
The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."
English Standard Version (©2001)
The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent."
King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
The LORD will fight for you; you must be quiet."
International Standard Version (©2012)
The LORD will fight for you while you keep still."
NET Bible (©2006)
The LORD will fight for you, and you can be still."
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
The LORD is fighting for you! So be still!"
King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
The LORD shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.
American King James Version
The LORD shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.
American Standard Version
Jehovah will fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Douay-Rheims Bible
The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.
Darby Bible Translation
Jehovah will fight for you, and ye shall be still.
English Revised Version
The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Webster's Bible Translation
The LORD will fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
World English Bible
Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall be still."
Young's Literal Translation
Jehovah doth fight for you, and ye keep silent.'


That was quite a lot of different ways of saying the same thing. Or was it? Did you ever play that game "Gossip"? The premise is that somebody whispers a phrase or sentence into someone else's ear. Then that person repeats it to the next person's ear and so on and so on until the last person then recites what s/he heard. In most cases, it is not what the original verbiage was. Close? Mmn, maybe. Maybe not. Lots of things get misinterpreted in the translation.

So back to this verse. The Lord will fight for you; you only need to be still. Hmn. How would you phrase it? Be still or be calm? Hold your peace? Keep silent? Looks like all of those Bible scholars differed a smidge in their latter part of the verse but the first part they seemed to be most agreeable in: it is the Lord Who does the fighting. Our part, however it is deemed, is basically to do nothing.

Do nothing? Let the Lord handle it? I surely have to add to it or voice my opinion or stand up and fight or…On and on it goes and it wearies me just thinking of all the ways I think I need to try to help my God fix things. Funny: I don't recall Him asking me where to hang the stars and galaxies. And the animals? He surely didn't ask my opinion or not on whether to make spiders, snakes, and mosquitoes. Don't even get me started on how I feel about the way He made man for surely I could have assisted Him better with that! Right?

Un, no, Stef. Wrong. Just as God needed no help from me in creating the world, He needs no help from me in the fights, the battles, the disputes with friends, coworkers, family, and such that I face. Truthfully, when I try to make things right within myself, don't I usually mess things up? I just have to have my say. It must be done my way or it just won't suffice. Oh yes, I am just so perfect that if things don't match my standards then they just need to be left alone. Kind of like me. I am alone. All of my master plans, my dictatorship way of thinking, my do-as-I-say attitude left me alone. I may have won a few battles but the war? The war is still being fought and I am on the sidelines, finally still, finally seeing what a mess I made, and wishing, oh how I wish that I had just left it all alone, left it in Your hands, God. Let You fight the misery of broken relationships instead of trying to force them into what I thought was best. I'm alone, on the sidelines, watching those family members, those former friends, those whom I used to work with go on with their lives, leaving me behind as collateral damage because I was too intent on having it my way. The hindsight is indeed 20/20.

So what now? The war still rages in my mind, in my heart. Obviously my battle plans didn't succeed. New thoughts and resolutions come to my mind on how to resolve these broken relationships but…Can they really be put back in place? Can they ever be the same? Are they beyond repair?

You be still, Stef. Just be calm. You only have to be silent, to hold your peace. You must be quiet. You must be still.

Sigh. Okay, Lord. Let's try it Your way. I'm being still. I'm listening. I'm waiting. My tongue is silent. Fight my battles, Father. Fight for me.

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Proverbs 10:9

Wandering Through the Bible

July 8

 

People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall. Proverbs 10:9

I had the great pleasure of reuniting with an old friend last night. We had a blast as we talked about things from kids, husbands, career choices, common friends we had but maybe had not kept up with, and mostly—the best part—was talking about our Lord. I had always been in…I hate to use the word "awe" when talking about my fellow woman. "Reverence" makes her sound too holy and trust me, she isn't—and I mean this in a good way! Lisa is the type of person who, once you're around her, you know she's saved; you know there's a difference about her. But it doesn't come from her speech. Well, that's not quite right: she carefully chooses her words to not be condescending, to not be critical, to not be judgmental. She doesn't loudly proclaim nor need a t-shirt that advertises she is a "Christian." Rather, her speech shows it in the words she doesn't say. Does that make sense? If one has to constantly tell another s/he is a follower of God but doesn't have the actions to back it up, it kind of makes me wonder who s/he is trying to convince.

Anyway, back to my description of my friend. Lisa is kind, smart, fun and funny, and has approached life with a zest that I have always admired. Unlike me who makes all these plans and rarely follows through on them, Lisa acts, and puts her adventures into realities. She's faced many challenges and usually wound up the victor in them. Even back in the day when we were really just girls, Lisa was one of the ones I wanted to be like when I grew up. She had it all together and nothing was going to step in her way of achieving her dreams.

Fast forward (gulp) thirty years. Guess what? She made them happen. She became a teacher and excelled at it. She's even already talking of retiring! Aren't we too young for this—especially since I haven't quite even got started on becoming the woman I used to dream of being? She's a wife—to the same man for nearly that space of time also, as well as being the mother of three kids who seem to get a lot of their great character traits from dear ol' mom. She's active in her church and her community and she's…well, she's Lisa. A woman you can trust with your secrets. A woman who gives great advice but not in an "I'm so much more learned-than-you-are" way. A lady who knows how to act in public but still can cut up and have a good time without having to resort to ugly jokes or put-downs on other people. I daresay if you walked up to Lisa on the street and just started up a casual conversation, you would leave thinking you had been with someone quite special, that you had made a friend. That you had met someone worth getting to know better.

And what is that difference? I'm so glad you asked! Lisa has integrity. Dictionary.com defines this as:
noun
1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire.

Hmn. The state of being whole. Soundness of moral character. Honest. Yep, these terms describe my friend. With Lisa, what you see is what you get. However, if you look a little more closely, if you take the time to discuss the finer things, you will find that she truly lives these traits. She's infectious! The more I am around her, the better type of soul I want to be! I feel safe with her. Sadly, I cannot say that about all of the women in my life. As our Proverb says for today: People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall. Lisa has "walked the walk and talked the talk." She'll probably be mortified and embarrassed that I would devote this blog to her but how could I not? How could I not pat this wonderful creature on the back and say "Well done, my child, my example, my friend. Well done indeed!"

She has made a path, following the moral code of Jesus. Her path is straight, eyes fixed on the prize. Ha! Yesterday's theme song at church was "Eye of the Tiger." No, that's not a typo. The church I am attending has been doing a series on movies and this song was used as an intro to the "Lone Ranger" movie out now. The theme of the message was "who was that masked man?" Though Lisa wears many hats (teacher, mother, wife, friend, caretaker) what you see is what you get. She has no need to hide her identity: she is a child of God and it shows through in all of her ways. She hasn't slipped nor fallen while following Christ. Oh I'm sure she's probably stumbled a time or two. She's not perfect, after all. How else would she be able to relate to the likes of me without getting a stone or two stuck in her shoes on this roadway of life?

In conclusion, I want to say thank you to Lisa. I have known you for…well, we already established we've been friends for several decades. Suffice it to say that in all of the years our paths have crossed, all of the roads we've taken separately and together, and all of the future trails we've yet to blaze that I am proud to call you friend and would still like to be someone like you when I grow up. Until then lady, keep that road paved for me. I'm right behind you!

Dear God, thank You for the Lisas in my life. Yes, I devoted this blog to her but there have been a few other women in my life who have impacted my life in ways that have made me a better person. My hope is that one day I can touch many lives as they have done by living a life that pleases You, that edifies You, that models You. I don't want to say I'm such and such and bring glory to myself—especially when I have no actions to back that up. Rather, Lord, I want to be evidence in this world that I too am Your child, that I have a love for those who struggle, that I want to reach this world and make it a better place by encouraging those around me. Will You help me to do that? Take away my masks and let the real Stef shine through? Make me more like Jesus is my prayer and it's in His Name that I ask these things. Amen.

Psalm 116:16

Wandering Through the Bible

July 4

 

O Lord, truly I am your servant:…You have freed me from my chains. Psalm 116:16

transitive verb freed, freeing
to make free; specif.,
1. to release from bondage or arbitrary power, authority, obligation, etc.
2. to clear of obstruction, entanglement, etc.; disengage

When I first found this verse and read it, Chris Tomlin's song "My Chains Are Gone" came to mind. It's going through my head even now. Have you listened to it? I'll post it in just a moment. It begins with the oh-so-familiar tune "Amazing Grace" and then goes on to speak of the chains being gone.

Chains. Chains are defined as: fetters, bonds, irons, shackles, ball and chain, manacles, leg irons, handcuffs, gyves; see also captivity, confinement 1, imprisonment 1 (thanks YourDictionary.com).

So we have defined freed and we have defined chains. Let's rewrite this verse to suit what is holding us back at this time. Mine looks like this: Oh God, I am Your child…You have released me from the bondage of captivity that sin has imprisoned me with.

Today is the 4th of July, a day we celebrate the freedoms won for us at great sacrifices from others. I appreciate the liberties and freedoms I experience day-to-day and personally know from my son-in-love serving as a Marine what that cost entails. But I also know of another Son Who gave it all so that I might live a life that is free from the penalties of harsh rulers, of laws that are meant to shackle me, of manacles that do not allow me liberty to move. While being married for so long I often feel that "ball and chain" mentality, I know that I am in truth bound to no man and that the way I live my life is through the free will provided by Jesus Christ.

Today, as you look around at the festivities going on, rejoice. As you (hopefully) enjoy the fireworks tonight, think of those little blasts of light, the bursts of sounds as your sins being removed as far as the east is from the west. As the lights turn into beautiful images, picture your life being made brilliant as the old is washed away and the new is in reach. But unlike the fireworks which will fade in an instant or two, you keep on shining. You keep on brightening up a dark world. Tell others that your chains are gone, that you are a new creation, that you serve a living God. Let your light so shine that others may see your good works and glorify your Father. You have the freedom to do so. Let's pray!

Our Father, Who is in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name. You are so good! You are so good to me, to my friends, to this world. Thank You for the liberties provided for me as an American and thank You for the all of the men and women who served throughout history to make it possible for me to not be enslaved to anyone. Mostly though, God, I thank You for Your Son. Jesus. Jesus Christ. May His name not be used in vain today but when people do utter it—and we know they will—may it be in reverence, in thankfulness, in worship.

I love You, God. I truly am Your servant and You have freed me from my chains. I serve You willingly and without fear. You place no obligation on me yet my desire is to serve You and to do the things which will make You smile. Thank You again for my freedom. I choose this day to celebrate You. In Jesus' name, with a grateful heart I pray. Amen!

I Thessalonians 5:11

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Wandering Through the Bible

 

July 2

 

Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

Wow. I was all prepared to give you such a lift this morning with my "encouraging" words but once I read the definition, there wasn't much more to add to it! I told you sometimes just reading the words explained is sermon enough.

Read on and then see how you can implement this word into your actions today. Here's a thought: leave me a comment so that I know you are practicing what you read!

Definition of ENCOURAGE
1 a : to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope : hearten <she was encouraged to continue by her early success>
b : to attempt to persuade : urge <they encouraged him to go back to school>
2: to spur on : stimulate <warm weather encourages plant growth>
3: to give help or patronage to : foster <government grants designed to encourage conservation>
— en•cour•ag•er noun

Examples of ENCOURAGE
1. They encouraged us in our work.
2. Encourage each other with kind words.
3. The program is meant to encourage savings.
4. Warm weather encourages plant growth.
5. He claims the new regulations will encourage investment.
6. He claims the new regulations will encourage people to invest.
7. We want to encourage students to read more.
8. My parents encouraged me to go back to college.
9. They encouraged her to go.

Origin of ENCOURAGE
Middle English encoragen, from Anglo-French encorager, from en- + curage courage
First Known Use: 15th century

Related to ENCOURAGE
Synonyms
bear up, buck up, buoy (up), cheer (up), chirk (up), embolden, hearten, inspire, inspirit, steel

Antonyms
daunt, discourage, dishearten, dispirit

Related Words
animate, enliven, invigorate; enforce, fortify, reinforce (also reenforce), strengthen; assure, reassure; boost, energize, excite, galvanize, provoke, quicken, rally, stimulate, stir

Near Antonyms
demoralize, depress, sadden; debilitate, enfeeble, hamstring, undermine, weaken; intimidate, psych (out)

Synonym Discussion of ENCOURAGE
encourage, inspirit, hearten, embolden mean to fill with courage or strength of purpose. encourage suggests the raising of one's confidence especially by an external agency <the teacher's praise encouraged the students to greater efforts>. inspirit, somewhat literary, implies instilling life, energy, courage, or vigor into something <patriots inspirited the people to resist>. hearten implies the lifting of dispiritedness or despondency by an infusion of fresh courage or zeal <a hospital patient heartened by good news>. embolden implies the giving of courage sufficient to overcome timidity or reluctance <emboldened by her first success, she tried an even more difficult climb>.

Rhymes with ENCOURAGE
demurrage, discourage, Dutch courage


Thanks Merriam-Webster.com for this inspired definition!

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Proverbs 19:23

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Wandering Through the Bible

June 28 near Lenoir

The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.

Fear. Taylor Swift sings of being fearless. "No Fear" is a popular slogan, as well as a line of clothing worn by many. There was even a 1996 movie entitled "Fear" that had Mark Wahlberg and Reece Witherspoon in it. Oh, let's not forget that horrible tv show "Fear Factor." Yes, friends, I think we are all well-acquainted with fear. Who hasn't heard and/or said these words before: Don't be a fraidy pants?

Fear is defined by Dictionary.com as:
1. a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. Synonyms: foreboding, apprehension, consternation, dismay, dread, terror, fright, panic, horror, trepidation, qualm. Antonyms: courage, security, calm, intrepidity.
2. a specific instance of or propensity for such a feeling: an abnormal fear of heights. Synonyms: phobia, aversion; bête noire, bogy, bogey, bugbear. Antonyms: liking, fondness, penchant, predilection.
3. concern or anxiety; solicitude: a fear for someone's safety.
4. reverential awe, especially toward God: the fear of God. Synonyms: awe, respect, reverence, veneration.
5. something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension; something a person is afraid of: Cancer is a common fear.

Last night, I was saddened to read a friend's Facebook status, saying he was basically already doomed for hell so why not go out big? Later, his brother told him he had the condo reserved; to join the party. Ha ha: it's all fun and games until that soul who thinks hell is such a great place finds out it isn't. No parties will be going on; no welcoming group of former friends there to show you around. No continuation of the great life that was lived up here on earth will go on.

I tell you what: my soul is experiencing fear now. See 3 above. My heart is concerned, my mind anxious for these brothers and the oh-so-many folks like them who think heaven and hell are just games, just words, just places. Yes, their safety is in jeopardy and surely to goodness, surely to God, at this stage of their lives they have somewhere along the line heard the truth. Haven't they? Pause. Have they not?

Am I taking for granted that my friends and acquaintances know about Jesus, that they know His story and how He came to save them from an eternity of hell? Am I wrong to assume that because we are half of a century old that someone has at one time or another told them Jesus loves them and they have been walked through the salvation process? When my dad died nearly five years ago, no one knew if he had been saved. My mother liked to think he had been "curious" due to her outstanding witness as a "Christian." My siblings doubted it but a couple of them held out hope that he had been. Friends? He didn't really have any. The funeral was attended to by few, and most of them were family members who thought it the thing to do: to pay respect to those left behind but to not show up before things came to the end. And me? What about me? What part did I have in learning of dear old dad's eternity? I'll tell you.

Years before his health declined but at a time when he was having some issues with it, my husband and I visited with him in the hospital. Without going into my tumultuous relationship with him, suffice it to say I could barely stand to be in the same room as my father, much less show a caring heart towards his eternal resting place. Okay, I admit it: part of me wanted him to die and go to hell because of all the hell he had caused in my life and the lives of others. I felt he deserved it but…But God thought otherwise. He thought it about me and He thought it about him. Through the grace of God, Steve and I talked to my dad about being saved. He told us that he had been, when he was younger, but that he had some questions. Patiently and with a twinge of hope in my heart, I allowed Steve to answer those questions while I nervously sat there, trying to be "good" by praying that this just might be the night things changed for the better.

To sum it all up, we left there, not feeling like much progress had been made. Years went by and still no fruit was shown that we could see. Judge much Stef? Yeah, sadly, I do. But my Bible says believers are known by their fruit. When the tree doesn't produce any, well, then folks are standing around funeral homes, wondering, discussing, and making their own decisions as to that soul's fate who lies there in the casket.

Shouldn't it be known that we are God's children? Shouldn't we have some fruit? Shouldn't our lives reflect fear of God—not the kind where if we mess up He's gonna reach down and zap us but the kind of fear that is reverential, filled with awe, and wonder at how a God like ours would send His Son to die in our place so that we might live eternally, so that our lives down here will reflect His glory, share His love, and tell others of this Great Man Who gave it all?

I'm guilty. I haven't shared with many outside of my little comfort zone the love of Christ. I haven't through my actions and own walk lived a life that showed Jesus shining through it. I've been guilty of not asking my friends if they are saved. Assuming because they say an occasional "I'm praying for you" or "Pray for me that blah blah blah.." Just because someone throws Jesus' Name around in common conversations does not mean they know Him, that they have accepted Him. All those who say, "Oh my God" get on my nerves. I want to reply back, "Oh, so you are saved? Great! That means you are my sister, my brother, that we share the same Father." Somehow though I can't say these words without the sarcasm beating forth. And sarcasm is definitely not one of the fruits of the Spirit!

In conclusion, I apologize. If any of my friends, past or present is reading this, I apologize to you for not showing you the love of God. I am sorry that I haven't witnessed to you in a good way of the grace He has shown to me since saving my soul. If I ever laughed at your jokes of what a fun place hell will be (and yes, I distinctly remember one incident when a friend and I were in college, going for a joyride, and someone asked, "Where are you going?" "To hell," I gleefully responded.) then I am not laughing now. I am ashamed and I fear that my childish ways influenced you poorly. I'm grown up now, and I care for you. With God's help, with God's Words, I want to do better in these next days and show you that I'm not who I was, as Brandon Heath sings.

Am I scared? Oh yeah. I am afraid. This distressing emotion is causing me much apprehension as I wonder if I can love you enough to risk your rejection. My heart is fluttering inside of my chest as your faces pop into my memory. So many faces. Some of you I know well; others I haven't seen in years. What I have to lose though is nothing compared to what you have to gain should you decide to change your lives and live them for Christ. Let's pray.

Dear God, how scared I am right now! Should I even post this devotion, knowing that those whom I hope will read it, will read it indeed? I'm not trying to embarrass them or judge them, Lord. You know my heart and my hope that these jumbled thoughts of mine might point someone towards You. Please let them point someone towards You! Hell is an awful awful place and even though I haven't seen some of these souls in decades, I would like to see them again in glory, as well as this side of heaven. Make me bold, God, and if You can—if I will allow You to-- use me to be salt and light—and a nurturer to the seeds that are being planted all around my world. I want to be fruitful for You. But in myself, God, You know how weak, how timid, how fearful I am. Help me please, I pray. Amen.

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Wandering Through the Bible

June 28

 

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Romans 8:28

Romans 8:28 states: And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Who causes this? God.
All things: what things? My life, my work, my reputation, my trust, my faith, my mistakes?
Work together? This means there is more than one issue at stake, right?
For good? Yay! Something positive is about to come out of this mess!
Those who love God. Aha! There's the catch: they have to love God, not self.
To those who are called...Not to those who seek to do things on their own.
According to His purpose. His. Not mine. Not yours.

So, what in the world are my jumbled thoughts saying this morning? Let's wander through them and see!

I have this "friend" who is going through a trial unlike one faced before. Reputation, family, faith are all being questioned, are all being looked at through a microscope viewed my many (extras, as a matter of fact, thanks to social media). Is it possible that this friend has been right yet...Yet the "accusers" are right too? I think so. I really think so. For you see, sometimes we need to be called out for our actions, we need to be "punished" or reprimanded or even alienated. We need to (wo)man up and own our faults. We need to accept the consequences of our behaviours, even if this means we lose something we valued for so long.

Hey, guess what? What if that is the blessing in disguise? What if that thing we thought was so dear, was so valuable, was so worth all the time we spent on it turned out to be just a little god that needed to be let go of in the first place? What if that thing we thought made us something more than what we actually are was just an albatross that needed to be removed from our neck FOR OUR GOOD (sorry for the caps but I can't use italics here)? What if our focus on this little god took the vision off of our big God and the best-case scenario was to leave it all behind so that everyone could benefit? Hmn.

My friend, I don't know if you realize what a gift God is giving to you by removing you from this situation. Yes, it has caused you pain. Your reputation has taken a hit. Your faith has been shaken but hey: didn't that truthfully bring you to talk to God, to rely on Him, to seek Him out more than perhaps you had been doing? What if those stories told on you actually had some facts in them that needed to be addressed in order for you to do some self-evaluating to see if there was any validity in them and made you aware that oh yeah, I am guilty of that and I need to change this aspect of my walk with God?

Please don't think I am judging you. I may even just be talking to myself. This trial may take you in a place you haven't visited before but guess what?! That place might be better than the one you've been dwelling in. A fresh start may just be what the Doctor ordered!

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Rewritten in my own words it goes like this: God is the Author, making my life and all the chaos and pleasures in it combine into something wonderful because of my love for Him and to fulfill the purpose He has for me. I mentioned I used to be an English teacher so you can imagine how much I love a good book. God is writing mine and if I will just step back and let Him do so without my proofreading and suggestive edits, it may just be a Masterpiece!

Proverbs 12:25

How true is this scripture for today! When my eyes are on my problems rather than on my blessings, I tend to forget all of the good things in my life. I often need someone to remind me of the things perhaps I have been taking for granted. Are my cares of the world really so bad that I cannot (will not) realize how truly taken care of by God I am?

I once attended a series of classes in Sunday School dealing with our spiritual gifts. Mine turned out to be encourager. I wasn't surprised, seeing as how for most of my life I was the one who tried to be the peacemaker, the conflict resolver, the cheerleader. I used to take my mission in life more seriously, by taking one day each week to send out cards and notes to folks to let them know I was thinking of them, praying for them, or just to say hi. The response I sometimes got back was so sweet. Often I heard that that person was just having an awful day and my card came in the mail at just the right time. I was told I was a blessing and it humbled me to think that such a small act of kindness could have such an effect as to make a person feel so much better. Some even said they kept the card on the refrigerator or nearby to look at throughout the day, the week.

I don't write this to pat myself on the back because it is something I used to do and only now do on occasion. Part of that is because I no longer attend that church and the one I go to now I haven't made very many contacts with. However, every once in a while I get my cards out and think, "Hmn. Who could I send a note to today?"

It only takes a moment to offer someone a smile, a kind word, or even give just a little pat on the shoulder to as one walks by. You know you enjoy it when it happens to you. Why not reciprocate? The other day I heard of a woman who had lost her husband early in life to cancer last year. She was using the anniversary of his death to celebrate him and had gone to some businesses for support. Long story short, she collected enough little certificates for a free meal, free parking, and other small gestures that went a huge way in brightening up someone's life. She put these randomly on their parked cars at a treatment center. Can you imagine the looks on the faces of the folks who saw that no, it wasn't a ticket but a reward from an unknown soul, just to say "Hey. I know life is tough for you right now. Maybe this small token of affection will help."

Let's put our faith into practice today. Smile an extra smile to someone who looks like they could use it. Give a friendly gesture to someone you barely know. And if you can afford it, but someone lunch today—or maybe a cup of coffee or a snack. Mostly though, I encourage you to write something down. That tangible piece of paper can be read and reread over and over again. It can be held. It can be comfort. It can lift that weight right off of a person's shoulders and put their perspective back on the One Who probably could use a kind word or two directed His way as well.

Thanks for doing such a great job, God. You made the rain and the sun. You made the heat and the comfort of air conditioning. You made me and while I don't always understand what You are doing with me, I know You have a plan for me. I put my trust in You today and look to You for my security not to myself. Keep on working on me, Lord. I appreciate You in my life!

Proverbs 18:20

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Wandering Through the Bible

Liked · June 25

 

Yesterday my daughter and I had a …spat? Disagreement? Harsh—and hard—words. It was over something I had done that she misconstrued my intentions about. Again. What is it with us mothers and daughters? We can at one moment be the best of friends, sharing our lives and enjoying one another's company and then the next moment? Oh the next moment. And the ones after it. That is when the wisdom of God is so often needed but in the heat of the moment often ignored.

I could have said some things differently. I remember wanting to. I could have said nothing, which would have been wise in some ways but then my point wouldn't have been made and that's what is most important, right? Being the one who knows so much more, being the one who has the last word? Being the one who is above reproach? Sigh.

In retrospect, we probably should have ended the phone call sooner. We should have stuck to the written words of apology, of trying to see one another's stance. With the written word, there are these handy gadgets called "backspace" and "delete" that can erase the things one often wishes weren't said aloud. Doesn't mean they are used as often as they should be but at least one has that option. Anyway, as so often is the case when she and I argue, past grievances were brought up, which causes the floodgates to open. Being wise would mean nipping that in the butt (as my dear cousin Sherrie said once) so that those gates remained close. And I must give each of us some kudos, for we have grown to where we don't say too much harmful stuff and restrain from reverting back to old ways. Nonetheless, the argument that started in the morning ruined my whole day.

I'd like to say that joy came in the morning. While I didn't weep last night, there were some hot, angry tears that rolled down my face. Quietly they rolled, so as to not disturb my husband. He has been an unwilling participant in Ash and my feuds way too many times. We're big girls now and need to woman up, which means not going to him and trying to get him to choose a side like we so often did way back when. We need to be wise: with one another and in our own households.

It's been said that I am a good cook. I learned many of my skills from my grandmother (rumor is she is in charge of the wedding feast). I don't know of anyone who left her home without the appetite being satisfied. I'd like to be remembered that way too but as I become older I want it more for the glory of God rather than that of Stef. I want to be known as a woman who controlled her tongue but when it was used, it was used for edification, for building up, for sensible things. Arguing over things that could easily have been discussed and resolved is just plain silly. Hurtful. Damaging. Why should I, at the ripe old age of 49, have my day ruined because I didn't have better control over my emotions? I'll tell you. It's because my focus was on me, was on Ash, and not on God. The situation did not have to be an earth-shattering event. Oh, the hindsight that comes with wisdom!

When my eyes are on me, the devil comes in with his bag of tricks. He tries to get me to remember things that have already been forgiven. He tries to steal my joy and make me think that my daughter doesn't really love me, for if she did, how could she have treated me that way. He tries to get me to recall past fights and times when she really got on my nerves. He tries a bunch of stuff and didn't even know that instead he was pointing me back to grace, back to the challenges she and I have overcome, back to the new friendship we share as adults rather than just as mother/daughter. He got me to praying for her and the things in her life that I feel she needs help with. He did me a favor by trying his hateful little games.

So how am I going to make this right? How am I going to use my words to bring satisfaction to this situation? What am I going to do to make restoration possible? Honestly, I am more upset over the situation than she was but that's not the point. If I want our relationship to continue, if I want for her to see Jesus in me, then I am going to have to let Him out, let Him shine through me and my words. He was there all along. He whispered to me to not hit "enter," to not hit "send." By not listening, I entered into sin. I just had to be heard. Will she listen to me today though? Hmn.

Dear God, I need Your wisdom this morning. I need to not only be aware of it, of You, I need to push aside my flesh and its desires to be heard, to be right, to express its feelings. Will You help me to once again eat some humble pie and do better this time? Will Your Yourself forgive me for ignoring Your whispers, for not applying the truths You teach me? I hope so! No, I know so. You said You would. Before I allow the devil to come in and try to steal that from me, I rebuke it. Your Words are true. I have not only if I don't ask. I'm asking this morning, God. Grant me wisdom, discernment, and a heart full of love and emptied of Stef. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

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Proverbs 19:12

Wandering Through the Bible Wrath:
1: strong vengeful anger or indignation
2: retributory punishment for an offense or a crime : divine chastisement

Related Words
aggravation, annoyance, exasperation, irritation, vexation; acrimoniousness, acrimony, animosity, antagonism, antipathy, bile, biliousness, bitterness, contempt, embitterment, empoisonment, enmity, grudge, hostility, rancor; envy, jaundice, jealousy, pique, resentment; malevolence, malice, spite, vengefulness, venom, vindictiveness, virulence, vitriol; belligerence, contentiousness, contrariness, crankiness, disputatiousness, hot-headedness, irascibility, irascibleness, irritability, orneriness, pugnaciousness, pugnacity, quarrelsomeness, querulousness; blowup, flare, flare-up, outburst; chafe, dander, dudgeon, huff, pet, rise, ruffle, temper; air rage, road rage; delirium, heat, passion, warmth

Favor is defined as:
1 a (1) : friendly regard shown toward another especially by a superior (2) : approving consideration or attention : approbation
b : partiality
c archaic : leniency
d archaic : permission
e : popularity
2archaic
a : appearance
b (1) : face (2) : a facial feature
3a : gracious kindness; also : an act of such kindness <did you a favor>
b archaic : aid, assistance
c plural : effort in one's behalf or interest : attention

Given the choice, I prefer to be favored rather than to have wrath shown to me!
As an American, I revel in the privileges I have. Not to a king do I answer, but to other governed officials who, for the most part, leave me alone. I am not constantly watched (except perhaps by Google!). My actions do not put me in peril each day of wondering if my head will be chopped off, if I will be imprisoned for some crazy law that was just ordained, or many other things that folks who live under the dominion of a king.
"We've had vicious kings, and we've had idiot kings...but I don't know if we've ever been cursed with a vicious idiot for a king!"
―Tyrion Lannister, summarizing King Joffrey

Lately we have watched a lot of television that deals with kingdoms. The power definitely went to those in official positions heads! Many "crimes" were punished in extreme ways. The fear of the people was palpable. On the other hand, those whom the king favored had it made. They could live a life of peace, of pleasure, of normalcy.
My King Jesus is on His throne, watching me, favoring me, and leading me the way a real king should. He shows me benevolence when I fall, mercy when I stray, and so much kindness in just the day to day silly little mistakes I make. He is Whom I serve and I do so without fear of retribution for my human frailties. I serve Him with love and with obedience because I want to, not because I have to. His "strong vengeful anger" is not going to be directed at me. Thank You, God, that You are a kind King and a loving One.

Proverbs 27:17

Wandering Through the Bible As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
This verse was brought into much practice in 2012 when a friend and I went to The Cove in Asheville and learned a new and exciting way to study our Bibles. Kendra Graham was the teacher and she quoted this verse almost nightly. Since then, I have taught this method of studying to some gals and I feel we each benefited from it.

Studying the Bible is individual. You have to find your own method and let the Lord lead you into which areas you delve more intently on. For me, I enjoy doing studies with friends. I enjoy the feedback, the affirmation as well as the conversation when our viewpoints aren't the same. For instance, Proverbs 17:17 speaks of "a brother is born for adversity." I always thought of this as it being a brother or sister in Christ being put into my life for hard times. However, a friend of mine's interpretation was that a brother was born to her to cause her pain/trials/etc. Hmn. Think on that and tell me what you think!
I am dull. Dense. A little too soft around the edges at times. I need the fellowship and feedback from people who, like me, are just trying to make it a day at a time. Like the old theme song from the tv show "Cheers" I too want to go where everybody knows my name. I need to be fed from others. I need to be encouraged, enlightened, and hear the perspectives of my peers.

So now it's your turn. Tell me what methods work for you. What do you do to stay sharp in the Word? Are you involved in a daily/weekly/monthly meeting? Do you enjoy writing about your lessons? This blog was created for sharing and lifting up Jesus through our study of Him. We may not see each other physically but let's do pull together and see what honing we can do for each other.