FATHER - It's Your Day!

We honor You...We esteem You...We love You...

Fathers generally hold a special place in our hearts that is so unique, it is hard to define. 

I suppose that has to do with the fact that they are quite often the first true male role model we have in our earthly family.

For the newborn, the toddler, and the young child - Dad is the main man.  He is the one you cuddle-up with in his over sized easy chair. He is the one who holds your tiny hands as he leads you across the room step by step. He plays peek-a-boo and chases you through the house as you squeal in delight. He tucks you in bed and scares away bad dreams and dreaded monsters in the closet. He reads you stories and answers endless questions. He stands guard as you venture out into your strange new world...

Our heavenly Father likewise cares for us - both in the natural world and the spiritual realm.

When we are hurting and venerable, we can approach our Abba (daddy) and crawl up into His lap of mercy. There we feel secure and safe. When we acknowledge His positional sovereignty, we begin to grasp His great power and authority. As the child's song Jesus Loves Me says, "We are weak - but He is strong".

In Luke 12:32 Jesus says, "Do not fear little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

Our heavenly Father longs for us to solely rely upon Him. Our efforts apart from Him are futile and empty. When we give Him our availability - He will give us our ability to do what He has called us to do. He is our advocate and counselor. He is our teacher and mentor. All of our dreams and desires are nestled safely in our God ordained destiny.

Celebrate this Father's Day knowing that your heavenly Father rejoices in the day your were born. 

God longs to make us children of His Kingdom. He draws us unto Himself and awaits our spiritual rebirth. We were created for His good pleasure and fellowship. Celebrate that relationship.

Here are a couple of past posts to read and share with others for Father's Day

A Tribute to my Dad on Father's Day

Military Dad Far From Home

Finally, when life is pressure filled and complicated  - make time with your Father and sit in His presence. I enjoy visualizing sitting in a tranquil garden communing with my heavenly Father.

Imagine the wonderment, the serenity, the beauty...

Smell the flowers' fragrant scent. Listen to the trickling water as it flows downstream. Gaze upon the colorful flora. Listen to the cheerful singing of the birds. Feel the gentle breezes on your cheek. Touch the grassy carpet beneath your feet. Engage your full senses as you rest in His creation.

Psalm 46:10 tells us to, "be still and know He is God."  That means stilling your mind and thoughts. Let His holy Word infuse you with truth and life. Meditate on His goodness, His faithfulness, and His promises.

Have a journal nearby to write out questions or jot down Scriptures that come to mind. Pour your heart out to Him as the psalmist David did. Be real with God - after all, He knows your inner most thoughts. He knows your pain and your disappointments. He loves you with His perfect love...

Jesus prayed for all believers in John 17:24 

 "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world."

Enjoy the hymn "In the Garden" as sung by Alan Jackson... 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

FATHER - It's Your Day!

How to Turn Your Devastation Into A Healthy Regeneration

When we meet with discouragement, what do we do with it?  

There are situations in your marriage that will require you to make a choice right away. Your spouse might have done something that deeply hurt or offended you, and now you are faced with a dilemma: respond in a Christ centered way, or the world's way, which inevitably leads to remorse. As Oswald Chambers says, "Life serves back in the coin you pay..."

Do not confer with “flesh and blood”, rather go to your Heavenly Father and spill out your heart before Him. A popular Christian author and speaker says this: “Go to the Throne, instead of the phone.”

Living in an unequally-yoked marriage is stressful enough. You don't need to increase your level of anxiety by creating problems where they don't exist. You might be harboring resentment towards God for something you think He should have done in your marriage or family.  Maybe you're upset because you were sure you heard from God, and now you doubt yourself and His plans for your life. 

You are at a crossroads.  Every decision leads you somewhere.  Your devastation can be turned into a healthy regeneration.

A short Bible study will set the scene for us:  

In II Samuel 12, King David was confronted by the prophet Nathan over his sin. This included lusting after and taking another man's wife, purposing to frame him for the pregnancy, and eventually plotting to kill him to cover his own sin.  David was oblivious to the fact that it was him that the prophet was speaking of in the story he was telling the King.  God directed Nathan to tell David, "You are the man!"  After declaring to David that God had indeed blessed him, and would have done even more to exalt him in the eyes of Israel, Nathan proceeded to deliver an admonishment to the King from God, and pronounce a prophesy of doom on him and his household for the evil he had done.  

David was at a standstill and a choice had to be made.  

He admitted the secret sins and wailed, "I have sinned against the LORD."   At that moment, Nathan said to him, "The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.  However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die."  It was a horrendous penalty to pay for his sins, and it involved an innocent victim.  King David chose rightly because he admitted his sin and accepted the consequences. He knew who God was and His righteous character.

David wrote many of the stirring Psalms that we so dearly embrace and recite in times of despair.  He used the time of restoration after his fall from grace to extol the virtues and mercies of God for all to reflect upon.  He spent countless nights praising his LORD and giving thanks for the mighty hand that guided him into truth and grace, as he sought to live out his days as a "man after God's own heart."   David pleaded with God to punish him, but not the child.  However, God's Word stood and David accepted the consequence.  He showed a level of maturity that we need to embrace.   

When you are distressed and in deep despair, get alone with God and His Word.  Do some true soul-searching.  Bring all of your hurts and disappointments to Him.

God will regenerate your thinking to line up with His thoughts, and align your will with His.  Instead of letting disappointment overtake him, David ultimately accepted the circumstances and praised God for them. 

What took place next is amazing.  Verse 20 tells us that, "David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the LORD and worshiped."  

David arose in the newness of God's grace, and came forth from the grave of self-pity and defeat.  He was regenerated by God's promises and truths from His Word.  Isaiah 61:3 declares the LORD will, "console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness..."   Psalm 30:5 states, "For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."  David saw the dawn of a new day in God's sovereignty.

When we have come face to face with a crisis that tears at the very core of your being, that is when we must go to God and lean on His mercies.  

Gain renewed strength from Who He Is.  Rest assured that His grace will be sufficient and His power adequate to sustain you in your weakness (II Corinthians 12: 9-10).

Regenerate your spiritual life by renewing your mind and reinvigorating your faith walk. God will meet you at your weakest point to bring you to His best for your life...

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with

others.

How to Turn Your Devastation Into A Healthy Regeneration

How Would You Rate Yourself as a MOM ?

Image credit: 123rf.com

It is true that we judge ourselves harsher than others would.  We often use unfair parameters and unrealistic comparisons while we do it.

It is not uncommon to critique our mothering abilities – especially when we see our children stray from the faith they grew up with.  However, don’t be deceived into thinking you have no further influence or reach in their lives. 

Once your children have left the “nest” rest assured you can still pour Godly advice, comfort and wisdom into them on a regular basis.  The key to doing it successfully is – moderation and discernment.

How many Moms have worn out knees and prayer journals full of petitions on behalf of their children – both young and adult?  How many of us have purchased books like The New Strong Willed Child by James Dobson, or The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartin?  None of us are beyond the help of those who have blazed the trail before us…

As a tribute to Mothers – below are three famous Moms and their sons…

Billy Graham:

[Excerpt from his biography]

Billy Graham said,“Jesus’ word picture of a hen gathering her brood under her wing fits my mother. She saw to it that we gathered frequently and regularly—and not just around the dinner table or in front of the radio for favorite broadcasts. She gathered us around herself and my father to listen to Bible stories, to join in family prayers, and to share a sense of the presence of God."

On August 14, 1981, Morrow Graham quietly left this earth in her sleep and entered Heaven.

"When word came," said Billy, "I wept and yet rejoiced at the same time. Of all the people I have ever known, she had the greatest influence on me.  She and my father didn’t have much education … But my mother was a woman of God. She always had devotions with us, she always prayed with us, she always loved us, and did so many things, as I look back now, out of the way. And she and my father, when I was in Bible school, they would go up to a room upstairs and kneel down every morning at 10 o’clock to pray for their son in Bible school."

John Wesley and Charles Wesley:

Susanna Wesley was the mother of 19 children, including John and Charles Wesley. Through much adversity, she dedicated her life to instilling a sense of Christian destiny into each of her children.  Her children went on to change the world. Susanna Wesley believed that for a child to grow into a self-disciplined adult, they must first be a disciplined child. To her, the stubborn flesh was the hardest battle for Christians to fight, and Godly parents would do well to equip their children to overcome it early. Susanna Wesley wrote:

"When the will of a child is totally subdued, and it is brought to revere and stand in awe of the parents, then a great many childish follies ... may be passed by…I insist on the conquering of the will of children betimes, because this is the only strong and rational foundation of a religious education ...  when this is thoroughly done, then a child is capable of being governed by reason and piety."

Moses - the Prince of Egypt

In Exodus 2 we are introduced to Jochebed, the daughter of Levi - born to him in Egypt.  She was the wife of Amram and was the mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses.  Her courage and ingenuity saved her son Moses from the wicked mandate of Pharaoh to kill every male Israelite child.  She cleverly hid him for three months, before placing him among the reeds in a water-tight basket along the Nile River.

As she watched Miriam approach Pharaoh’s daughter, she must have been relieved to hear that she would be nursing and weaning the child herself before handing him over permanently.  Those few early years were no doubt full of Godly teaching and a loving example to that little Hebrew child.  Can you imagine the pain and sacrifice she endured as she watched her young son disappear into Pharaoh’s exotic palace to be raised as an Egyptian?

 I believe Jochebed was an important part of Moses’ life as a young child and into the reaches of adulthood.  She no doubt had an influence on his character, integrity and love for the Lord God of Israel.   She also raised Miriam (the eldest) and their brother Aaron, who appeared with Moses in front of the great Pharaoh of Egypt prior to releasing the children of Israel.  Were her children perfect?  No way.  They all displayed major character flaws.  All were reprimanded and punished by God for their disobedience.  However, all three witnessed God’s Sovereign power, deliverance and blessing in their lives and in their future destinies. 

God’s Word tells us the following:

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.  (Proverbs 29:15

The Apostle Paul recalled Timothy's spiritual heritage when he said, "I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my ancestors did, when I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day. Remembering your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy, clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also." (II Timothy 1:3-5)

This Mother's Day give yourself permission to ease your grading scale when you look in the mirror.  Be less critical and more thankful as you open that Mother's Day card to read it.  Your children want someone to admire, emulate and trust.  Let that Someone be Jesus in you...  

You most likely have more to do with your children's successes than their failures.  The time you invested in their spiritual upbringing is not wasted.  What you've poured into their souls is waiting to spring forth. Your prayers and petitions have been heard.

Trust that God will use it all to bring many sons unto the faith and to bring Him the Glory He is due...

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

How Would You Rate Yourself as a MOM ?

Grandma...pick me up ---

Emotions are running high and a melt-down occurs. Or maybe they're just tired and cranky as they slide to the ground in a puddle. They stand there looking at you with their arms extended upwards.

My husband and I have had the pleasure of keeping our little granddaughter overnight at least once every weekend.  At three years old she is very demonstrative and animated.  She’s learning to assert herself more and has a keen sense of the dramatic – especially when she reacts to situations she cannot control.

One of the motions that she frequently displays is to reach up and say, “Grandma… pick me up---“

What a great spiritual truth we find in that expression - complete surrender.  Let go and let God is a familiar saying.  

What does the “raised arms” mean while they’re extended?  It means I am at a loss for what to do.  It means I have come to the end of myself.  It means I recognize that God has the answer for my shortfall.

Back to my little granddaughter… when she stands there, looking up at me and shrieking “Pick me up, Grandma!”, she is acknowledging her venerability and usually one of these things:

§  She is hungry

§  She is tired

§  She is sick

§  She is afraid

In Jesus’ day, Jewish children often called out using the endearing term Abba, which is the Aramaic form of  “father”. 

When we are at the end of ourselves, our Heavenly Daddy awaits our outreach.  When our strength fails us, He is there to pick us up.  We simply need to reach up in faith.

In Mark 14:36 Jesus expressed absolute trust in His Father when He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You.”  This was during an intense period of prayer and seeking God’s will for Himself in the Garden of Gathsemane, which means “olive press”.  Think of the word-picture associated with the crushing weight of the world’s sin as the hour of His death approached.

When a toddler reaches for their earthly Daddy, we know that they have confidence that they will be lifted into the safety of loving arms.  I realize this might not be the case for some, but for illustration purposes, we can visualize the tender scenario. How much more so when we are comforted by our Heavenly Father!  

Image credit: nexusplexus / 123RF Stock Photo

Once my granddaughter is in my embrace, she settles down and simply rests her head on my shoulder.  She no longer struggles – but simply releases herself to me.  She is safe… she is resting.  She is emptied of all her inner turmoil – often lying limp.  I love that feeling of caring for her and taking on the responsibility of her well-being – even if it is just for a moment.

I imagine God feels much the same way when we release all to Him.  Realizing that our Abba indeed delights in our ceasing to strive towards an end that is wrong for us, or when we simply release our will to His greater plans.

The Apostle Paul speaks of our adoption into God’s family with the same loving term.  Romans 8:15 tells us, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”  Paul knew that adoption gave inherent rights to those who were being brought into a family – one of which was the right of inheritance as a bona fide child. This point is lovingly expressed in verse 17 as we are told we are joint heirs with Christ.

Then in Galatians 4:6 he says, “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”  What a beautiful promise to the believer, and encouragement to those who cry out to God from a sincere heart.

Have you reached out to your Abba?  Do you feel the security of His loving arms around you?  I’ll end with this familiar children’s song…

Jesus loves me this I know

For the Bible tells me so

Little ones to Him belong

They are weak, but He is strong

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com 

Grandma...pick me up ---

Don't Trash Your Marriage...

Okay… so you’ve run into another roadblock in your relationship.  

You and your husband have been treating each other to a less than “civil” dialog lately and you’re looking for a place to broadcast it.  Not a good idea…

One of the best quotes I’ve ever heard regarding a hurting heart is from Joyce Meyer .  Her advice is to, “Run to the Throne instead of the phone.”  It’s a simple concept:  when you’ve been emotionally hurt and you want some sympathy from your best friend or neighbor, run to God instead.  He will listen without prejudice and love you without condemnation.  Most importantly, He will not just tell you what you want to hear. He will speak directly to your heart.

Why – do you say – would I not want to go visit my friend and pour my heart out to her?  Simple enough…  Let’s suppose the situation is reversed.  What if your best friend called you or ran over to your house to tell you the latest trash talk about her marriage.  What would you do?

Before you answer that question – let me ask you this: Do you consider yourself to be a mentor to someone else in your church, family or circle of friends (Titus 2:3-5)?  Do you feel a greater level of responsibility and accountability for your answers and advice?  Do you grasp for something to say, or do you prayerfully seek Godly wisdom and direction first?

Believe me – I’m preaching to myself here!

Though we can be an oasis at times for others, we must point them to Jesus, the eternal well of Living Water.  God’s Word quenches every thirst and satisfies truly parched souls.  It holds the key to a fulfilling marriage - even when only one of you follow it's principles.  

Back to the original dilemma – You or your friend are fuming because of something that happened at home.  Maybe you’re still angry or upset because it appears he just isn’t sensitive to your feelings.  Somehow you feel that you’ve been taken advantage of.  You're getting tired of arguing over the same old things.  Nothing ever changes – it’s always your fault somehow…

Married life is so much more rewarding when we cooperate with each other.  Remember, we’re on the same team! 

Enjoy these insightful quotes about cooperation:

Cooperation is spelled with two letters:  we.    -G.M. Verity

Coming together is a beginning; staying together is progress; working together is success.

  -Anonymous

Can two walk together, except they be agreed?   -Amos (Amos 3:3 KJV)

We may not always see eye to eye, but we should always walk hand in hand.   -Anonymous

Here are some basic Biblical points concerning our husbands –

1.      Men need to be loved and respected.  (Ephes. 5:33)

2.      Men need to be affirmed and appreciated.  (Ephes. 4:29)

3.      Men need to feel they are needed and have purpose. (Gen. 2:15-18)

That being said - there are times when we just don't feel like they deserve it...

This is an excerpt from my book 

Mission Possible – Chapter 4 – Painful Reality

Another area of battle is coping with the daily changes that occur within yourself, and how that interacts with your mate… Part of that is reflected in your relationship – as a wife, friend and lover.  There unfortunately are things that you begin to dislike about him.  We are to “love the sinner, but hate the sin.”

There were times I had to pray, “Lord, give me a desire for my husband… help me to love him with Your love, because I don’t like him very much right now.”  Remember, you have to “take every thought captive, unto the obedience of Christ” (II Corinthians 10:5).  Give it to God and then you will have peace.   Isaiah 3:26 says, “You will keep him [her] in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trust in You.”

Just remember that grace extended goes a long way to fostering harmony in the home. 

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn't share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit

http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Don't Trash Your Marriage...

Guest Author Lorilyn Roberts & her book Children of Dreams

Children of Dreams and the God of Hope

by Lorilyn Roberts

When I took the introductory class for my Masters in Creative Writing, one of the books I had to read was Writing for Story by Jon Franklin. The fourth chapter in the book, “Stalking the True Short Story,” was based on two famous stories he wrote, one of which was his Pulitzer Prize-winning entry, “Mrs. Kelly’s Monster.”

Because everybody would love to win a Pulitzer Prize, his comments are worth noting. To quote Jon Franklin on page 81: “One of the best ways to teach positive lessons while entertaining at the same time is to write stories about how people successfully cope with the world, endure, and even sometimes win.”

I have thought a lot about that. Much of what I report as a television captioner is mundane news to a world that hardly blinks an eye at the everyday, run-of-the-mill, shoot ‘em up, rob-him blind, dope-addicted, shoddy moral, or over-spending bureaucratic figure news story which people scoff and ignore if it doesn’t affect them directly.

In contrast, Jon Franklin dug deep for the motivations, the conflicts, the resolutions, and the redemptive endings in his books and articles. In the same vein, when I wrote Children of Dreams, I wanted to share a part of me that no one else knew. I risked being venerable, revealing traits and values that I knew some would not understand. I am not perfect, and did I really want to reveal my failures, confess by doubts, and admit my flaws?

Our lives, particularly if we are memoir authors, must be real or we will come across every bit like the superficial news stories that I alluded to above—irrelevant to the reader. Too much of our time is lived at a frenzied pace with quick posts on Facebook and Twitter, or text messages written in code, risking little, and only recognizable enough to make us feel we have value in the world of cyberspace.

If you have been forsaken by your family, hurt by others, stuck in a job you hate, gone through a divorce, experienced major health issues, sacrificed your own lost dreams, or struggled in your Christian walk, I share unabashedly with profound honesty how God helped me through these tragedies. This is the “true story” within the story in Children of Dreams. There is no superficiality—only raw emotion and truth. I had to get permission from my kids and family. There are still open wounds that God will have to heal. There was a price to pay and I am still dealing with it now. Do I regret it? No. I know God will eventually redeem all which is broken.

The typical reader, much like a typical reporter, will see Children of Dreams as another adoption story; give it a cursory glance, and move on. The sensate reader, who reads for deeper meaning, will experience God’s profound love and redemptive hope, knowing without any doubt, God is the fulfiller of dreams.

My desire is that the reader will be stirred—emotionally renewed and batteries charged, believing if God can do the impossible for me, he can do the same for him. God can heal infected wounds, redeem broken dreams, and convince the skeptic to believe in miracles. None of us should live as though we have no hope, and Children of Dreams is a testimony to God’s grace, reassuring the reader that where there is God, there is always hope.

Lorilyn grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and currently lives in Gainesville, Florida, with her two daughters, four cats, and two dogs.  She is pursuing her Master of Arts in Creative Writing from Perelandra College.

Lorilyn is a media professional, providing broadcast captioning for television, but makes time to pursue her passion for creative writing.

She has homeschooled her daughters for the past fifteen years. 

Lorilyn has published two books, The Donkey and the King and Children of Dreams; is president of the Gainesville, Florida, Word Weavers Chapter; and the founder of the John 316 Marketing Network.

Lorilyn's personal website can be found at http://lorilynroberts.com and you can follow her blog at http://lorilynroberts.blogspot.com/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/#%21/llwroberts . You can check out her Facebook fan page where she shares writing tips at http://on.fb.me/mqTpZs.

To learn more about the John 316 Marketing Network, visit http://www.john316mn.blogspot.com/.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

http://www.godmissionpossible.com/

Guest Author Lorilyn Roberts & her book Children of Dreams

When The Going Gets Tough - Eat Angel Food Cake And Rest!

When was the last time you were ready to scream, “I can’t take it anymore!”?  You’ve come to the end of your rope and you can’t even hang onto the threads! If one more person tugs at you and needs a moment of your time, you’re going to walk right out of that door and not come back!

Okay… well, maybe it’s not that bad – but it’s getting there! We’ve all had times when we’ve decided we just can’t handle one more thing on our plate, or one more demand on us. There comes a time when we have to stop and evaluate our very existence! Why are we here? We don’t really need to be so melodramatic, we just have to put it all in perspective.

We are often the most venerable when we’re physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted.  You may be in a high risk group such as a new mom, a student, a high-level career professional, a nurse, a public servant, or a retailer. The list is endless, but in reality – we’re all “at risk” for being worn out at some time or another.

Often, during our time of stress, we are also a target for Satan’s temptations and snares. He loves to attack the weak, the sick and the defenseless. As a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, our adversary preys on those who are exhausted and venerable. Just as a lion in the wild isolates his victim, so does the enemy of our souls. We need to be vigilant and resist him, steadfast in the faith (I Peter 5:8-9).

In the Gospels, Jesus was tempted by Satan when He was hungry, tired and isolated. He had human limitations even though He was the incarnate God. He rebuked Satan by quoting Scripture. We can do the same by exclaiming, “It is written…”  Using our sword of the Sprit effectively is our greatest weapon against the father of lies.

One of the best examples in the Bible of spiritual and emotional exhaustion is the prophet Elijah. 

In I Kings chapters 17 thru 19, we see Elijah about to have a monumental showdown on Mount Carmel with over eight hundred false prophets of Baal and Asherah that served at thte pleasure of King Ahab's evil wife, Queen Jezebel.

Elijah set up an elaborate altar surrounded by a trench, offered a sacrifice on it, but put no fire under it, saying, “Then you call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord, and the God who answer by fire, He is God.” After hours of coaxing and mocking them, at the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah prayed aloud for God to vindicate him. Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice including the wood, stones, and water. The people acknowledged the Lord God and they seized and executed the false prophets. That did it! Jezebel took it personally and wanted her revenge against Elijah.

When the going gets tough –run for your life!  Elijah must have forgotten all about the miraculous success on Mt. Carmel. How many times do we forget what the Lord has done for us?  Chapter 19 verse 4 tells us he went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and sat down under a broom tree. There he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” Verse 5 says that as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him to “Arise and eat.” By his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. The Scripture says that he ate and drank, and lay down again.

This scenario repeated itself for a second time, and we are told he went in the strength of that food for forty days and forty nights as far as Mt. Horeb. It was here in a crag on Mt. Horeb that God spoke to Elijah in a still small voice. Elijah had attended his own pity party, and God in His mercy came to his rescue. In the end God restored Elijah to his rightful place as prophet, directed him to anoint Elisha to take his place, and reinforced his fortitude by reminding him that there were still seven thousand in Israel who had not bowed down to Baal.

God is still in the business of comforting his saints.  He sends us provisions when we are weary. Often all that is needed to help us through the crisis is a good hot meal, and a good night’s sleep. As the manna rained down from heaven, so shall your sustenance be. Psalm 78:23-25 tells us, “Yet He [God] had commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven, had rained down manna on them to eat, and given them of the bread of heaven. Men ate angels’ food; He sent them food to the full.”  Elijah had his own brand of angel food cake and rest.

The Bread of Life Himself will fill your hunger, 

and His Living Water will quench your thirst 

(John 6:22; John 7:37-38).

Resting in the Lord gives you a renewed vigor and stamina. Meditate on His Goodness. Read Psalm 23 and picture yourself in a lush, green pasture, following your Shepherd as He makes His way to a fresh, cool brook. Psalm 37:3 says, “Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness." Verse 7 says, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him…”  In Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus invites us to “Come, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

It is said that Susannah Wesley, the mother of John and Charles Wesley, often pulled her outer skirt over her head to find peace and a stillness when her offspring were little. As a mother of over a dozen children, she resorted to whatever means was necessary to rest in the Lord, even if it was for but a moment.



Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com 

When The Going Gets Tough - Eat Angel Food Cake And Rest!

Fellowship - One Word Blog Tour

Fellowship conjures up visions of a latte at the corner Starbucks, or perhaps a potluck dinner at church.

The Greek word koinonia means “that which is in common.”

Fellowship often denotes membership in a local Christian church or in the Church [Body of Christ]. Acts 2:42 tells us that believers who were present at the Pentecost “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

Fellowship also refers to a deep, abiding friendship between believers. God’s Word uses the term “agape” in the description of a love and fellowship which is deeper and more satisfying than any human relationship including social, parental, conjugal or any other form. This is ideally portrayed in the unique God-ordained friendship between David and Jonathan in I Samuel.

In his thank-you note to the Philippians, Paul exhorts them to have their confidence in Christ. Chapter 3, verse 10 says, “…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” He knew that identification with Christ was the key to pressing “toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” In this instance, Paul wanted to share the commonality with His Savior, in the sufferings that would produce righteousness in him. The fellowship he spoke of was an intimacy he longed for, that the church might also embrace.

John also spoke of fellowship in his epistle, which was most likely written to the Asian churches. In I John 1:3-4, John writes, “…that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” John had personally seen Jesus converse with His Father, and heard the heartfelt prayers He uttered on behalf of His disciples and all believers. His desire was for the church to have that same intimate relationship with the Savior, and enjoy the full benefits of true sonship.

This hymn was written by a young man named John Fawcett, who was converted at age sixteen under the preaching of George Whitefield, and was ordained a minister at the age of twenty-five. He wrote this hymn for the small church he pastored in northern England.  It portrays a beautiful picture of the true heart of fellowship:

Blest Be the Tie That Binds

Blest be the tie that binds

Our hearts in Christian love:

The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like to that above

Before our Father’s throne

We pour our ardent prayers;

Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,

Our comforts and our cares.

We share each others woes,

Our mutual burdens bear,

And often for each other flows

The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,

It gives us inward pain;

But we shall still be joined in heart,

And hope to meet again.

John Fawcett (1740-1817)

* This post is part of the One Word Blog Carnival at BridgetChumbley.com . Please visit her site to read the other blog posts on Fellowship *

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com



Fellowship - One Word Blog Tour