How to Live in Victory and Peace

Posted on September 13, 2016 by Heart of the Matter

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Does this sound like you? I know Jesus Christ and that he died to save me from my sin. I believe he is the Son of God. I have accepted his gift of forgiveness. I know that the only way to heaven is through His blood. But…

I still feel like I am in bondage to worry, anxiety, and fear. What is wrong with me?!

Many Christians take that first, all-important step of salvation in Jesus Christ but still spend years struggling with issues such as these–unable to live in true victory and peace.

If this is you, ask yourself these questions:

*Have I truly given all of my life over to God? Have I placed everything at His feet–even my precious children? There comes a time when all parents have to say, “God, I give this child to you. I can’t protect them from all the perils and pitfalls of this world. It is too much for me. But…it’s not too much for you! And you love them with such an unfathomable love that you want the absolute best for them; in fact, only you know the path that will take them there.”  Placing our children’s lives in the Savior’s care can greatly reduce fear and worry.

Besides placing our children at His feet, we must also place our marriages, our health, and yes, even our day-to-day survival there, as well. The Bible says that God brilliantly clothed the lilies of the field…how much more will he love and take care of us?! Are you worried about your finances? God’s got you. His desire is that you will seek him for wisdom in that area and trust His provision.There is nothing that will happen to you in your life that God did not allow. He knew it was coming. He knows how to handle it. And…he has a plan to grow you through it!

“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 than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these…so do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’…but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6: 25-33 (NIV)

*Do I believe that prayer is powerful and effective and that God actually hears my prayers? Prayer is real, people! I and many others have  seen it work. The Bible tells us to pray believing that we will receive. God wants us to go to Him with every need and petition, believing, in faith, that he will respond. As you have probably heard before, he may not say “yes”. He may say “no” or possibly, “wait a bit”, but… he will hear and answer. Knowing that I can place every worry, problem, issue and circumstance in the Father’s capable hands and then wipe my hands of it, gives me great peace.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 (NIV)

*Am I trying to exist in a vacuum, without the friendship, love and support of fellow believers? There is power and strength when believers gather together for encouragement and support. We are meant to exist in fellowship with one another. A great place to do that is in the church. There are Sunday school classes, Bible studies, women’s groups, prayer groups and home groups that are there for just that purpose. Our church even has a quilting group that meets weekly and does wonderful projects to send to people in need around the world. Each week they sew while enjoying Christian fellowship with other women. Find a place where you can get regular encouragement from other believers. It will really improve the quality of your life and help to reduce stress and worry.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

*Do I understand that God is ultimately in control of all things? The outcome of my life, or my children’s lives, or my spouse’s life does not depend on me making all the right choices. As Christians, we do the best we can as we seek wisdom and guidance from the Lord. Then we trust Him with the results. Many times we can’t understand why God allows certain things to happen in our lives or the lives of our children but, God knows. He has a plan and His ways are higher than our ways. That certainly takes the burden off of us, doesn’t it? I am a strong, organized, planner. More than once I have diligently worked a plan that ended up going off the rails. After many years, God taught me that often the best plan of all is to let go and let God…or sometimes to submit to my Christian husband and wait, as he hears from God as to how to proceed. (That can be a tough one for strong women married to laid-back men!)

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'” Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV)

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:18-19 (NIV)

As Christians we are meant to live a victorious, purposeful and joy-filled life. Satan, however, desires to sabotage that life by keeping us in bondage to worry, anxiety and fear. With God’s help we can learn to live as the redeemed children of God that we are–empowered by the Holy Spirit, encouraged by the body of Christ (the church), and at peace in the arms of a loving and all-powerful God.

 “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12 (NIV)

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What’s Up With Prayer?

Posted on September 9, 2016 by Heart of the Matter

 

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To some people, the idea of prayer sounds mysterious and other-worldly…sort of like a fairytale. I mean can we really talk to God? The God of the universe? The God who leveled cities, flooded the entire earth, and breathed life into humanity? Yes, yes we can. And it is an experience like no other.

There is no other place where I can bare my soul in brutal honesty–laying my  failures before Him in all their ugliness– or fall at the feet of Jesus for mercy and forgiveness. There’s nowhere else that I can openly share my doubts and fears about life—my life–and about the world at large, as it spirals into chaos and depravity.

Nowhere else can I lift up loved ones and friends who desperately need help, healing, and salvation–from the fount of blessing and hope Himself.

Prayer allows me the opportunity to praise God, as well–for his blessings, his healing, and his sustenance. And, above all, to praise and honor Him for who he is! After all, it is God who sustains my life day after day and therefore, he is worthy of praise!

And where else can I find wisdom for all of life’s decisions and challenges? The task of being a godly and effective wife, mom, daughter, friend and neighbor is completely impossible in my own strength. I need help and guidance from someone outside of myself–the original creator of all that is wise, and perfect, and true. God himself.

Prayer is not a mystical fairytale. It is simply, a conversation with God. At the same time, simple…yet profound. I couldn’t get through life without it. Not only do I talk to God throughout my day, but I set aside special times of quiet solitude to convene with Him. Yes, it can be a challenge for a busy mom in a fast-paced, unforgiving culture, but it will make an astounding difference in your life…I guarantee it! Focus on your prayer life this week or start praying for the very first time. God is waiting. He wants to hear from you– to give you wisdom, hope, strength and healing.

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13 (NIV)

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” Psalm 145:18 (NIV)

“Be anxious for nothing, but in prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

 

 

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Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept it…

Posted on August 28, 2016 by Heart of the Matter

 

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Fellow Christian, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is this: people. Pure and simple…

Big people, little people, black, white, and asian people. Nice people, mean people, loud and soft-spoken people. Poor people, rich people…all people.

We are called to interact lovingly with our fellow citizens on this spinning planet we call home. We are to develop relationships— to guide, advise, serve, love, and influence.

But, as we do, there are some important things we need to remember. We must realize that the person who stands before us is not just like us. They have a different family background, a different history of belief, different personal influences and most certainly, different life experiences than us. They may also be a new believer or just on a different place on the spiritual growth continuum. God is constantly growing and perfecting us…using our experiences, both good and bad, to make us more like Him.

We must learn to see people through the eyes of Jesus. How is this possible? Well, we have lots of guidance in the Bible as we look to Jesus as our perfect example.

Here are 4 tips for impacting people in a positive and life-changing way:

  1. Love them where they are. Everyone is worthy of love. Jesus turned no one away and neither should we. New believers may feel uncomfortable in Christian circles. They may have never held the Word of God in their hands nor even read a single verse. Be patient with them and show them grace. And, remember that not every Christian is in the same place spiritually. Beating people over the head with your Bible to remind them of how they fall short, is not an effective strategy! “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
  2. Overlook their faults and shortcomings. People who are new to a life in the Lord may still have bad habits that are hard to break. (Never mind the rest of us!)  Show others mercy and forgiveness in the same measure that Christ has forgiven you. Those of us who have known the Lord for many years are often quick to judge our brothers and sisters for their failings, personality quirks, lapses in judgement, etc. Let’s not forget to search our own eyes for that telltale “stick” of imperfection before we condemn a brother or sister. In Mark 11:25 Jesus says this: “ And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”(NKJV)
  3. Point them to Jesus. Don’t make the mistake of turning that index finger towards yourself as a model of earthly perfection or life expertise. It is not your life that you want them to emulate but the life of Jesus, who was fully human, yet fully God. The greatest impact you and I could ever have on a person is to help lead them into a relationship with the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. It will not only change their earthly reality but, will change their eternity, as well! As Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:1-2: “Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, as an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”(NKJV)
  4. Stick to God’s Word. Although there is a time and place for sharing our own opinions, our primary guidebook in dealing with others should be the Word of God. As a matter of fact, it is a sin to add to or take away from it. The Bible contains “everything we need for life and godliness”. (2 Peter 1:3) It is full of wisdom regarding this life and… offers a glimpse into the next! Is there a place for Christian literature outside of the Bible? Of course, however, we must be careful to check the wisdom and guidance found therein against the Word of God. His truth, pure and simple, can, and does, change lives. “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)

Our mission, as Christians is to positively impact other people and to point them to Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 says this:

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” (NKJV)

Let’s be the fragrance of Christ to the world as we exhibit mercy, patience, forgiveness, grace, and love– in relationship with our fellow human beings.

It is, after all, our mission…

A mission we must accept!

 

 

 

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Redeemed How I love to Proclaim It!

Posted on August 24, 2016 by Heart of the Matter

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“Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it,

redeemed by the blood of the lamb.

Redeemed, through His infinite mercy,

His child and forever I am.”

Those glorious words by the great hymn-writer, Fanny Crosby, reverberate through my soul as I write today, having just started teaching a Bible study about the very subject contained therein. Redemption.

I am so thankful that God loved me enough to redeem me– sending his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for me.

I am overwhelmed by the fact that he not only saved me, but continues to sanctify me, day-by-day– molding and shaping me like clay, into a child who more closely resembles him. He uses every experience, mistake and encounter to grow and refine me–ever sculpting, ever polishing…mercifully, never leaving me completely to my own devices.

And finally, I am in awe of the fact that one day, according to the Bible, I will be fully and finally redeemed when I see Him face-to-face in glory. The final, polished, finished product of His redemption.

Please be in prayer for the other ladies and I in our little Bible study as we dive deeper into what it means to be redeemed. Thank you, Angela Thomas-Pharr for following the leading of God in writing this life-changing Bible study: Redeemed-Grace to Live Every Day Better Than Before. Looking forward to the great things God has planned for us!

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Happy New Mama Year! A Fresh Start on Being “All In” for the Kingdom!

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Heart of the Matter

 

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Happy New Mama Year! No, that’s not a typo and this isn’t an old post. I realize it’s not January 1st, the time when most people set goals, realign their priorities, and start fresh but, I’m proposing a new time for New Year’s resolutions: the beginning of the school year!

After all, isn’t that when we, as moms, set our schedules, begin new projects, and fill in our calendars with carpool responsibilities, sports practices, music lessons, mama time at the YMCA? Our busy mama year actually begins in August.

So, given that this is a new mama year, I have decided to make some important changes in my life right now–no need to wait for actual New Year’s Day! I began considering these changes when my pastor preached a message this summer on being “all in” for the kingdom of God. He challenged the congregation to give up half-hearted Christianity and to enthusiastically engage with God’s mission in the world. He’s a fire lightin’ pastor, and it sure lit mine!

Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean that I will say “yes” to every opportunity  presented to me, which will inevitably lead to over-commitment and eventual exhaustion! Nor does it mean that I will spend 40 hours a week at church pulling weeds and stacking chairs! It may include more involvement at church but, it’s really about our engagement with God’s mission in our homes, our communities, and the world at large. If your church is so engaged, then it is on point and you are blessed!

Here are some of my mama’s new year resolutions:

  1. I will be all in using my talents and spiritual gifts for the kingdom.
  2. I will be all in helping to meet needs in my local community and my circle of influence.
  3. I will be all in regarding my personal relationship with Jesus Christ–consistently nurturing it by spending time in His Word and in prayer.
  4. I will be all in as a source of spiritual support and encouragement for my husband and children.
  5. I will be all in as I strive for better health and more energy through greater discipline and consistency in my personal life.

Moms, won’t you join me in making some much needed changes this year? You are here for a purpose. God wants to use you for his glory. You have a part to play in his mission in the world. If you are a mama of little ones, then there is no mission of greater importance. Perhaps you can rededicate yourself to that holy task. And for those of us who have children leaving the nest faster than you can say “See you at Christmas!”–we now have some extra time to give. No more bench-warming, pew-sitting, or standing on the sidelines! This year, let’s be all in for the kingdom of God!

Happy New Year!

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