Accept One Another

by Bethany Lashbrook

This week's verse: Romans 15:7, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (NIV)

Devotion:

Recently, one of my friends cried to me and other friends regarding a way someone had spoke about her child. As a mother, there is nothing more discouraging than others thinking your child is inadequate. After all, they came from us. We raised them. They are a blessing in our lives, no matter their circumstances. Everyone makes mistakes, but let's face it, when it is our children - we have more compassion.

Our children are condemned by others. Yet, when I am upset with someone (for simple or large things) I tend to forget that this child has a mother, a father, and a family who loves and cares for them deeply - even with their inadequacies.

Just the same, God loves us as we love our children. God has watched us from the beginning idolize other gods (Deuteronomy 7:4 & Jeremiah 5:7) but continues to adore us (John 13:1, Deuteronomy 7:9). Our inadequacies don't matter. We know we can repent and ask for forgiveness (Acts 2:38). So, why don't we use this general rule when applied to our own lives? Why look so harshly upon others? We don't know the whole story.

But, God does know our whole story, and He loves us anyway. Today, let's be less judgmental and more loving towards others. Let's remember who Jesus loves - each and every single one of us. We are all created in his image (Genesis 1:27). Praise the Lord for that!

Dear Lord, thank you for your forgiveness when we are wrong. Thank you for making us each unique. When we fail you Lord, help us to remember that you love us anyway. When others fail us, help us to remember we are all human. We know we all make mistakes, but help us to remember we all need forgiven too. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.

Application: Do you have an issue with someone in your life? Do you look down on someone for choices they have made? This week, every time you want to snuff them, pray blessings upon them and let's all marvel on how our lives will be changed!

Power Verses:

John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (NIV)

Acts 10:43, "All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (NIV)

Wait Upon the Lord

by Charity Pence

This Week’s Verse: Proverbs 20:24, “A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?” (NIV)

Devotion:
A few months ago, I read a book called A Moment of Weakness by Karen Kingsbury. I mention this book because the message I took from it has stayed with me since I finished it. The message is this: God has a plan for His children, a plan He will bring about in His way and timing. When we try to accomplish God’s plan in our own way and in our own time, the consequences can be devastating. And in the end, God’s plan will still be completed. Now, I’m not sure this is the intended message of the author. However, I am sure it’s what God intended for me.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV) I love this verse, and it is repeated throughout the book. This verse instills hope in me. I find comfort in knowing God has a plan for my life which at times seems chaotic and out of control. However, I have to be patient. And patience is not something that comes easily to me. The Bible tells us, “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.” Isaiah 64:4 (KJV) Still, how often do we try to come up with our own plan anyway? Or how often do we fail to wait? When God reveals His plan for us, and we try to speed things up or cut corners, we may end up doing more damage than good. When I consider my life, I wonder how much pain I could have avoided had I sought God’s direction and what circumstances could have been prevented if I had waited for God to move instead of doing things my way.

God’s plan is much better than any plan we could devise. Psalm 118:8 says, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” (NIV) I have to remember God really does have my best interest at heart.

Dear Heavenly Father, I know your plans are better than mine. Help me to sit still when I need to sit still and move when I need to move. Direct my steps, Lord, and show me your way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application: Sometimes we find comfort in having our own plan; we trust in it instead of trusting in God. And sometimes, when we know and accept God’s plan, we get in such a hurry to accomplish it that we start running before we’ve been given directions. If you’re struggling in this area this week, take time to seek God. Let him show you the way.

Power Verses:
Psalm 127:1-2, “If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap.” (MSG)
Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (KJV)

Who Am I? I am Yours

Submitted Anonymously

This week's verse: Psalm 103: 11-13, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him. (NIV)

I personally know someone who has come to Christ later in life. Don’t we all? Some are “born” into Christ because their family brings them up from birth. Some come to Christ as a child or teen and get baptized in their own time. But, there are still some that come to Christ late in their adult life after a lot of mistakes have been made. The Lord forgives all of these equally and remembers those mistakes no more. Yeah!!

As I was watching “Four Christmases” this year I heard a comment that put me in mind of this new Christian as he relates to his immediate family. The couple was going to meet each other’s parents for the first time and who they wanted to be was confronted by who they used to be in their families eyes. Their families still saw them the way they were in the past and went to great lengths to embarrass them in front of their mate. Unfortunately, this sometimes happens in the new Christian’s life much the same way. Any change is forgotten or ignored. The first time the new Christian is faced with ridicule of His new found love for Christ is possibly within his own family.

We must never forget that everyone has a story about his or her life. It’s a rough world out there and some have been affected by it more than others. That’s why salvation in the Lord IS so important – for those who NEED God’s love and compassion and forgiveness. The fact that they waited until they were 40, 50, 60, or even 70 to acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and Savior is a matter between them and the Lord.

Our job as Christians is to be just as Colossians 3:12 states: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe you with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (NIV, emphasis mine). Patience is the key here. New Christians are watching us and they need to know that we don’t see their past anymore either.

Colossians 3:13-14 Bear with each other and forgive one another. If any of you has a grievance against someone forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV).

Lord, please help us to remember that everyone is forgiven who comes to you with a repentant heart. You love everyone equally, no matter where they have walked. You created each and every one of us and have a plan for each of us. Thank you for your unending love and unbelievable huge heart to forgive us all our debts – large and small. In Your Sons’ Name, Amen.

Application:

Are you a “new” Christian that has a hard past? Maybe you need to ask others for forgiveness from your past behaviors. Have you hurt others because of who you used to be? A small “forgive me” can go a long way.

Perhaps as a Christian you have had negative thoughts about a family member who has different beliefs than you and you have a hard time seeing them the way our Lord sees them. Take those thoughts captive with these memory verses:

Power Verses:

Psalm 25:7, “Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. (NLT)

Romans 12:10, “Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.” (MSG)

Ephesians 1:7, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (NIV)

Carry Each Other

By Bethany Lashbrook

This Week’s Verse: Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (NIV)

Devotion: Clint and I have been blessed with friends since we have moved back to Marshall. We have been a part of a Sunday school class now for 3 years. We have been in several small groups and have met with our church family on lots of occasions outside of church. We have come to treasure these friendships we have built with others through the years.

In Jewish tradition, a couple gets married under a chuppah. A chuppah symbolizes the home that the couple will build together. Clint and I have this saying when we know we want to keep something between us. We say “let’s keep this under the chuppah”. That way, we know not even our closest friends should know about it. We want it to be sacred - just between God and us.

But, one thing as a woman I have learned is to “hide” our imperfections from our friends. Now, I know I don’t need to “air our laundry” so to say, but it wouldn’t hurt for me to be more honest either. I tend to think that having it all together is very Christian. When in fact, NOT having it all together is more honorable.

Who am I trying to impress by trying to keep it all together? Big deal that I can work outside the home, make supper in the evenings, and keep a drill sergeants schedule! Most of the women reading this do it too! Keeping a clean home isn’t earning me brownie points with God nor is it helping my anxiety levels either!

I forget sometimes that the Lord has told us to carry each other’s burdens. I forget that the reason we become a church family is to hold each other up.

This week, I am asking you all to carry a burden for me. It’s simple yet weighs me down, especially in the winter. Yet, I cannot ask you to carry a burden for me unless you let me carry one for you. Luke records that Jesus says, “And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them (11:46, NIV). Well, I want to lift a finger for you. So here it goes:

In the winter, most evenings I want to curl up in a ball and sleep all night. Not having sunlight really affects my behavior. I have no ambition whatsoever to do ANYTHING! It’s incredible how different I am from the summer months to the winter months. It affects my friendships and my family life. This year, thankfully, it started early and seems to be ending early too! I dread winters because it happens every year. I have no control - only faith that God will get me through.

So there you have it. Would you like to take a load off your shoulders too?

Dear Lord, thank you so much for our church families. Thank you for the many parts of the church that make it whole! Help us to love the church as you do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Applications: Would you like me (us) to carry a burden for you? You can ask us through commenting on this blog either anonymously or using your name. Either way, know that I (we) will be praying for you!

Power Verses:

Proverbs 12:9, “Better to be ordinary and work for a living than act important and starve in the process.” (MSG)

Psalm 68:19, “Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms.” (NLT)

1 John 4:11, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. “(NKJV)

Strength vs. Weakness

By Lisa Lashbrook

This Week’s Verse: 1 Chronicles 16:11 “Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his presence continually.” (NIV)

Devotion: I attended Women of Faith in Portland, Oregon recently. Shelia Walsh, author and singer stated that talking was one of her gifts, but as a child people would smack her gift. We all got a good laugh but really there is so much truth to that. Why don’t we focus on our own strengths and continue to build on them? Instead, we seem to try to improve our weaknesses.

Gallup Organization, states in 2000 people focused 59% on their weakness and 41% on their strengths. In 2009 people focused on 55% focused on their weakness and 45% on their strengths, just a 4% difference in 9 years.

As an example, what would you do if your child came home from school with their report card reflecting an A in English, 2 B’s, a C and 1 D in Math? How would this change your conversations? I can bet that every night at the dinner table there would be a question asking, “Do you have your Math homework done? How was Math class today?” Before the child goes to bed, again there is a question if the Math homework was completed. As a parent would you hire a tutor for your child?

However, throughout the night, do you think a question or comment could be made about the English class or the 2 B classes? Would there be a compliment made on how well the child was doing in that field? Would you pursue an outside activity where they could enhance their specialty field? Would you encourage them to be involved in a spelling Bee, Bible bowl, or just be a help to other children in need?

This happened to us when our children were in grade school. One of them was having trouble with Math and we hired a retired schoolteacher to come to the house one night a week. She was a sweet lady and was so beautiful in her interaction with the kids. It didn’t take but just a few weeks and we had a better understanding of the subject. It was definitely worth the investment because it built confidence again in my child. I discovered that my child learned easier from the tutor than the teacher. Maybe that was what my child needed - a fresh face to help understand the subject more clearly.

I can’t remember how much we verbally dwelled on this subject, but I do know it didn’t consume our focus. We dealt with the subject it and then moved on.

But I have to stop and think - did I really pursue their strengths? Sure, Kelli got “Most Improved” softball player, Clint was a baseball pitcher and did well in golf, and they both loved going to Awana. But on a day-to-day basis did I always have their strengths in my best interest or was I always concerned about “improving” their weakness for a well- balanced child?

I know I don’t have any strength on my own, it is only by letting God work through me. The Lord would like to work through you too!

Father, help us to find our strength through you in every aspect of our life! Help us to look at our strengths and dwell on those more than our weaknesses. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Applications: List 5 strengths in your life and share them with others.

Power Verses:

1 Samuel 2:1 "My heart exults in the LORD; my strength is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in thy salvation.” (NIV)

1 Chronicles 16:11 “Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his presence continually!” (NIV)

Psalms 28:8 “The LORD is the strength of his people, he is the saving refuge of his anointed.” (NIV)

Re-run: In Defense of Apathy

(***This post is a re-run of a devotion that was originally posted in the Fall of '07.)

by Kathy Lay

This Week's Verse:
Luke 10:41—"The Master said, 'Martha, dear Martha, you're fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her.'" (MSG)

Devotion:
My hubby and I were talking as we bustled around one morning getting ready to go somewhere. I don’t even remember the specific observation he made, but apparently I considered it trivial. It was something like “The chairs sure did get dirty fast” or “Man, that plant looks bad.” My reply was, “Who cares?”

Now, take note: it was not said in a snotty way and he didn’t take it that way. I meant it in a “that is so not a priority right now” sort of way. In fact, we started laughing, and he said “That’s great—apathy, ya gotta love it.”

Not two minutes later, I responded to something else he said with a similar “So?” As soon as our eyes connected we cracked up! We even began to think of other phrases to communicate apathy…Big deal! Oh well! I could not care any less than I do right now. Whatever! Talk to the hand. Doesn’t matter (or if you’re from where I’m from, “Dudn’t” matter). It has now become a running joke with us.

Here’s my disclaimer: OF COURSE when we’re dealing with others—family, friends, enemies, or strangers—and their needs, apathy is NOT an option for Christians. We are to wear love (Col. 3:14) and usually love and apathy blend about as well as oil and water. That’s a given.

But for a former perfectionist control-freak like me (okay, a current-but-workin’-on-it perfectionist control freak like me) a little apathy aimed in the right direction goes a long way in helping me walk in a more Christ-like way. Don’t believe me? Consider these examples:

*I’ve been working on my hair for fifteen minutes and my stubborn area will not conform to my wishes.
Option A: Waste more time on it, delaying breakfast for my family, and becoming crabby over something no one else will probably even notice.
Option B: Sigh “Oh well,” unplug the curling iron, and turn my attention to helping my family get ready for their day.

*A tractor pulls out right in front of me—I mean, how did he not see me?!
Option A: Think and probably mumble something derogatory as I get worked up and impatient to pass him.
Option B: Exhale “big deal” as I slow down and appreciate the beautiful autumn splendor all around me.

*One of the kiddos comes out to the breakfast table in socks that I certainly wouldn’t have chosen with the outfit.
Option A: Voice my opinion, showing clear disapproval at her choice, and force her to change into more appropriately suited hosiery.
Option B: Tell myself “So what?” At least she took creative initiative.

*Guests are arriving soon, one of whom is a pretty important gentleman. The house is a wreck and food needs prepared.
Option A: Fly into a cleaning and cooking frenzy, barking orders to anyone who dares to get in my way, or worse, doesn’t help.
Option B: “Who cares?!” (Actually, I do…I’m still working on that one.)

But you get the idea. Option A involves spending emotional energy on something inconsequential and possibly even doing some damage. Option B conserves my efforts for other more significant situations that will no doubt arise throughout the day.

You’ve heard the rhetorical question before: A year from now, will what you’re so worked up about really matter? When I ask myself that question, more often than not the reply is something along the lines of “A whole year? I probably won’t even remember two hours from now what currently has my panties in a bunge!”

It all comes down to choosing my battles, knowing which ones are worthy of my time and effort. Mismatched socks aren't, but my daughter developing her own style (albeit a quirky one) is. Being a few minutes late because of a slow moving vehicle isn’t, but honing patience and valuing others is. In fact, most situations dealing with appearances aren't, but the relationship involved most definitely is because it would be worthy to Jesus.

In fact, let’s look at that last example again. Martha was being a responsible hostess. She was expending her efforts to make a pleasing environment for her special guest and that ol’ Mary wasn’t doing her part. But Jesus praised her. She had chosen what was most important. If we placed the scenario in 2007, I can see Martha confronting Mary in a corner and Mary retorting, “Talk to the hand, Sister! I’m going to my Master’s feet.”

So I maintain that apathy has its place. When we use it to replace preoccupation with things that are insignificant to God, it's a tool for growth, for proper perspective. Still confined to our earthly bodies, we only have so much energy. Let’s use ours for what truly matters and develop some healthy apathy for the things that, over the long haul, really don’t.

Lord God, thank you for equipping your daughters with passion for what you’ve entrusted to us. Help us direct our energy towards only what matters to you and to say “Whatever!” as we walk away from the things that don’t. Give us discernment to know the difference. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application:
What kinds of situations do you tend to get worked up about? After you’re removed from them, does your perspective of their importance change? What’s your favorite apathetic response that you could pull out to use in such circumstances?

Power Verses:
Colossians 3:11—"In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us." (NLT, emphasis mine)
Daniel 12:13—"And you? Go about your business without fretting or worrying. Relax. When it's all over, you will be on your feet to receive your reward." (MSG)
Matthew 6:25—"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" (NIV)
Ecclesiastes 2:22—"What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun?" (NIV)

Realizations

by Bethany Lashbrook

This Week’s Verse: Ecclesiastes 5:18, "It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life." (NIV)

Devotion:
A few weeks ago, I wrote a devotion called “Confessions” regarding my personal struggles with my body and how I have asked God to help me love my body like he does. He has given me some answers most recently on how I should feel about myself, and I wanted to openly share them with my fellow sisters.

Regarding my belly roll, my Father has said: “My daughter, don’t you know I gave you that roll to remember giving birth to your two lovely daughters? Some women can’t have children, and you want to complain?”

Regarding the dark circles under my eyes, my Creator says: “Oh child, all of those years that you stayed up late, partying the night away. If only you would have known then what you know now. I just gave you those circles of a reminder of where you came from. Never ever look down on others who are having a rough time. Never dwell on your past – rather, help those who are going through a situation like yours and let them know how well lit their future is with Jesus.”

Regarding the age spots appearing on my body, my King says: “Oh beautiful, these spots are a sign of maturity and age. Do you dare complain to me about getting older? Aren’t you glad you can say you have been on this Earth for 30 years?”

Regarding the wrinkles appearing on my face, my God says: “Darling, don’t you know that wrinkles can be caused from the sun? Dare you complain about spending too much time in the sun? You have a life of liberty to be able to lay out by a pool and soak up the sun all summer long and then want to ask why I gave you wrinkles?”

Regarding my fat dangle from my arms (no snickering please), my Maker says: “Honey, that is to remind you of your family whom you so dearly loved. I gave you a piece of each of them on your body. Your dangly arms from Grandma Virgie, your skinny feet from your Grandma Viv, your hands exactly like your Grandpa Bill’s, and your love of children from your Grandpa Dick. Although it might not look right to you, this is perfect to me! Remember their hard work and their dedication to their family. They knew the important moments in life were well worth remembering. They taught you many things.”

The Lord has spoken to me through prayer, through my heart, through dear friends and family, through His Word, and through other reading material constantly the last three weeks. I need to remember that I am precious to my Maker. I am a princess, belonging to the King. I can openly choose to accept my lot in life, and be happy or I can complain, looking down on the way God created me. I choose to be happy.

Dear Lord, thank you for giving me the security of having three meals to eat everyday. Thank you for allowing me to stay home with my children, and enjoy almost each and every summer day in the sun by a pool. Thank you for reminding me of my history. Thank you for planting each of my grandparents and parents into my body so I can remember them daily. Thank you for allowing others to speak to me and opening my ears to listen. I still might struggle from time to time with my body, but I will praise you for making me – well, me.

Application:
Do you have honest friends and family who help you in times of need? Sometimes friends can spell it out for us in the easiest ways. Be open to suggestions and feedback from good Christian sisters and brothers!

Power Verses:
Matthew 10:29-31, "What's the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries. (MSG)
Genesis 1:26, "Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” (NLT)
Matthew 6:25, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" (NIV)

Infinite Word, Personal Savior

by Kathy Lay

This Week’s Verse: John 1:1-4, “In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and he was God. He was in the beginning with God. He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn’t make. Life itself was in him, and this life gives light to everyone.” (NLT)

Make no mistake—there is no greater authority than Jesus Christ, the Word, who existed with God before He created a single thing. When the apostle John established this “bigger than we can imagine” aspect of our Lord at the beginning of his gospel, he was leading up to the ultimate irony: that so many who were eagerly awaiting their Savior did not accept him when he came. The Word made flesh was even rejected by many of His own people.

On a much smaller scale, that’s like saying, “Tom, I’ll pass on the Mercedes so that I can see what’s behind door number two.” And behind door number two is a toaster.

It’s like brushing off a child’s sweet curiosity with an abrupt “Um hmm” because you’re busy checking email.

It’s like missing the majestic splendor of a vivid winter sunset because the guy in the car in front of yours isn’t driving fast enough.

It’s about the sting of missed opportunity, missed blessing. We don’t want to miss a thing, do we? There’s never been anyone like Jesus and there never will be again. God sent His Son to earth once for all time and for every sin.

All you have to do is accept Him. Accept Him as your Savior, yes. But far beyond that, accept Him into every minute of your life—submitting each one to His awesome, eternal authority—as His true child.

Lord, I confess that I often overlook your infinite awe-inspiring “big-ness”—maybe in part because it’s difficult for me to fully grasp. Instill in us a deeper sense of wonder as we discover new aspects of your divine nature in our daily, sometimes ho-hum lives. We don’t want to miss a single opportunity that you have for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application: Read John 1:1-14 and try to wrap your mind around the infinite depth and wonder of The Word made flesh. He’s so much more than we often allow Him to be. Is there anything He doesn’t see? Is there anything that He can’t handle?

Power Verses:
John 1: 14, “So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.” (NLT)
Mark 6:4-5, “Jesus told them, ‘A prophet has little honor in his hometown, among his relatives, on the streets he played in as a child.’ Jesus wasn't able to do much of anything there—he laid hands on a few sick people and healed them, that's all. He couldn't get over their stubbornness. He left and made a circuit of the other villages, teaching.” (MSG)