Vulnerable

 

Vulnerable!  The word alone can stir a variety of emotions.  One can feel fear, anxiety, and insecurity.  The greatest can be a sense of exposure – letting the world see weaknesses that you may have.  I happen to love the word.  I associate vulnerable to humility – understanding that I have weaknesses and difficulties and I am not perfect.  Being vulnerable takes humility to the next level; it is where the risk of opening up about your gaps, the insults you may have endured, or the difficulties you have experienced is met with the anticipation of working to close the gaps to bring connection or healing. 

This is beautifully illustrated in our verse for today.  Paul speaks to the community of Corinth and shares his experiences with them.  When I sit quietly and reflect on this verse, I believe Paul is speaking to me as well.  It is hard to imagine a person delighted with the areas Paul addresses in this verse.  Yet, the glory and strength come from God in those moments Paul shares.  How so?

Weaknesses & Difficulties – We are not perfect creatures, only Jesus can claim that!  When I explore myself, there are numerous areas where I am weak.  We may want to try and build on those weaknesses with people here on earth, but when we rely on God to close those gaps, we create a relationship with Him that builds trust in Him.

Insults – Have you ever endured insults being hurled at you?  I have, and it is a horrible feeling that someone would actively work hard to make you feel miserable.  God reminds us that in His eyes, the only eyes that matter, we can gain inner strength to withstand insults that are projected to us.

Hardships & Persecutions -   Throughout this world, people are graced with hardships and are persecuted every day for their belief in our Lord.  Graced hardships in our lives?  Yes, my friends.  These situations that we endure help us to go to God, knowing we will be safe in His arms and grow in our faith.

When we expose our own vulnerability to the weaknesses that we have, it is then that we can go to our Lord for the strength that only He can provide. It is when I am weak that my faith becomes strong, my reliance on Jesus becomes strong, and my growth in God can be strengthened.  Let us explore those areas of weakness and go to God, in Simple Faith, and ask for His help!

Click here for the video companion: Vulnerability

Dearest Father, thank you for being my strength when I am weak, when I ensure hardship or difficulties.  May I grow closer to you during these experiences.  Amen.

Instructions

 

I am sitting on the porch watching my husband put together a toy car for our grandchildren. As he does with most items that come in a box that need to be assembled, he gets a few tools and away he goes. Who needs instructions? For 95% of his projects, this method is successful. Yet the other 5%? Those usually involve an immense sense of frustration and possibly some choice words.

It reminds me of our lives. How many times have you heard, “wouldn’t it be great to have an instruction manual for life”? This is probably shared the most by new parents, referencing the challenges of parenting. How often do we set off in search for that instruction manual? Maybe we look to a self-help book. Possibly we gain the instructions from friends of family members. Other times, we may find ourselves much like my husband, “Give me the tools and I’ll wing it!” Friends, we DO have an instruction manual.

Our guide has been around for thousands of years and is 100% verified, the Bible. Within those pages, we can find the instruction for a God-pleasing life. In the Holy Word, we learn where our priorities should be, what our purpose is, how to act and what to say. Yes, within those hallowed pages we learn how to live our lives with God at the center.

Sure, it may be fun to go through life without a manual. Flying through life without any guardrails! What happens when you have too many ‘screws’ left over after a life project? Where do you go when you come to a crossroads and you don’t know which direction to take? It is typically those times that find us crying out for the map to life - crying out to God.

Friends, before the life here on earth becomes too difficult to manage, go get instruction, go find directions! Go to God’s Word, the Bible, and find the right road for your life. God has all the answers you need and the best directions to assemble a healthy and happy YOU!

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the best instruction for life, your Word. May we turn to the Bible for guidance and direction. In your name we give thanks, Amen!

Our Purpose

 

I am lost!  Not in the physical GPS sense, but with my purpose.  I had plans when I retired a few months ago.  I was going to spend time with my mom - having lunch, taking her on drives through the New Hampshire scenery, chatting. I was looking forward to doing the things that plagued me while I was working long hours.  Then the unimaginable happened, she went to see Jesus two weeks before I retired.  The last few months have left me a bit empty – how do I fill the space and time I was going to spend with mom.

Funny how we can have OUR best laid plans changed up so quickly by JESUS’ best laid plans.  His plan was different than mine.  I cannot share with you how many times that has happened in my life!  How about you?  When has your purpose or your plan changed dramatically when our dear Jesus intervened?  The diversion that Jesus created may have been seen as a barrier to what we wanted to accomplish.  The path that Jesus took us down was completely different than our path. When we reflect on those times, we always see that Jesus’ way worked out for our benefit. 

This verse crossed my devotion a few days ago and hit my soul.  Whatever I am supposed to be doing, whatever path I should be going down, whatever purpose I should have, I know that my Jesus is with me.  If I look to Jesus for that purpose, then I will be doing His will.  I will be living out the life Jesus has for me.  That sounds reasonable, but how do I know what Jesus’ purpose is for me?  I need to listen.  I need to be still and look at what Jesus has put in my path, what Jesus has put on my heart.  It is in those moments that my Jesus will let me know how to proceed.  With purpose in hand, I can gladly shout from the mountain tops the goodness of our Lord.

Friends, finding out what we should do, what we should say, where we should go can be intimidating.  Having that lack of clarity can be scary.  These are the times we need to rest in the arms of Jesus and let Him guide our path.  Let us open our eyes, our ears, and our hearts to see what He has in store for us.  One thing can be guaranteed – if we listen to Him, our purpose will be in His light.  I know that is where I want to be, walking in His light for my life.  Let us take our purpose journey with Jesus.  Let us have simple faith He will always know best!

Video complimenting this blog post:  https://youtu.be/oMVA1raDXEg

Heavenly Father, guide me to my purpose in You.  Help me to do Your will and give You all the praise!  May I bask in your goodness for my life.  Amen!

Stepping Stones of Faith

 

Recently, we had our sidewalk and driveway replaced.  They dug out the old driveway, rescaled it all, and then added layers of gravel and paving to make it look great!  It was an interesting process of layer upon layer until the final result was just what we expected.  Susan, why are we talking about your driveway?  Stay with me!

During devotion this morning, I came across these verses and it pressed upon my heart to share it.  It always amazes me how the Lord shares with us nuggets that we have never seen before.  I absolutely love these verses – so get ready – I believe there will be a blog series in the future.  Today, let’s look at these great stepping stones to add to our faith!

Just as the driveway had to be developed layer by layer until we saw the true beauty, so does our faith.  These beautiful aspects to add to our faith show the world God’s love is something we can be reminded of! 

Goodness – The ability to be good and virtuous.  We are sinners, and ‘being good’ does not happen every minute of every day.  If we make a conscious decision to share goodness with others, that goodness can spread.

Knowledge – Acquiring facts and information.  As Christians, our knowledge comes from the Word of God, the words of the Bible.  There, our facts and information are real and are what we can stand on.

Self-Control – Regulate our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.  This one will get us every time!  It is important to have self-control over things such as the words we use so we don’t hurt others, the thoughts we have so sinful thoughts do not cross our minds and regulating our behaviors on things that are not good for us (gluttony, financial debt, etc).

Perseverance – Moving forward despite difficulty.  To continue the journey regardless of how tough it gets can be exhausting.  If the journey takes us to a closer relationship with Jesus, it is worth the difficult times!

Godliness – Conforming to the laws and wishes of God.  We need to know those laws in order to work hard to try to conform to them.  We will fail, yet striving to be the people God wants us to be will help us to serve God.

Mutual Affection – Shared feeling of like between individuals or groups.  My friends, how we need mutual affection in our world today!  My mom used to say that although we may disagree with others, we can always find one thing to like about the other.  We need to do better – we need to find that common denominator to get to like!

Love – An intense feeling of deep affection.  This is what we strive for.  Building upon all the other ‘steps’ to achieve the love we can share to others – to show God’s love to others.  If we can show all the love that Jesus has for us, all will win!

During this next week, take some time to add one of the stepping stones to your faith character!  Let us show the world Jesus’ love!

To view the companion video:  Stepping Stones of Faith

Dearest Jesus, thank you for these stepping stones of faith.  May they live deep within all of us.  Amen!

Spiritually Balanced

 

How often have you thought, “I have to do all the work while they sit around and do nothing?”  In my mind, more times than I care to mention.  It can be difficult to feel like you are the only one doing the work while someone else is drawing their attention to a different place.  And that is where our story of Mary and Martha takes us!  Every time I read this Bible story, I learn something. Today, it was focusing on being spiritually balanced.

There is a balance between action and listening, especially in a spiritual context.  Jesus wants us to action His love.  He wants us to act on His love for others.  Yet, Jesus makes it perfectly clear that our salvation does NOT rely on our works.  Ephesians 2: 8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” 

It can be difficult to refrain from doing works, as mentioned above.  Often, we want to help others.  God wants us to help others as well.  Yet, when doing works takes you away from listening to God’s word, this is when the struggle of spiritual balance begins.  Having a listening ear on our Lord outweighs everything else.  This does not happen on Sunday morning alone, but every time we have the opportunity to be closer to Jesus.  This happens most strongly while reading His words.  Focusing on what Jesus is saying to us, listening for Him, will outweigh that load of laundry any day!

The same can happen with those around us.  Are we so intent on ensuring the items are checked off our to-do list that we are not listening to our child tell us about their day?  Is the list of things you did not achieve weighing on your mind more than what your spouse is sharing with you?   Having balance in our days is important – listening is important.  Taking time to listen to those around you versus ensuring all the chores are completed by the end of the day can be the best choice for balance.

Nothing will be a better choice than listening to Jesus!  I identify strongly with Martha.  As many of you know, I am a make a list and get it done kind of gal!  Taking any time away from that list can seem ‘unproductive.’  Ah, my friends, quite the contrary.  When I spend time deciding to reflect on a Bible verse or delve into a chapter and verse that catches my attention, I can hear Jesus talking to me.  It may be as subtle as, “You made the right choice, Susan.”  It could be something more definitive as, “Finally, I have your attention, Susan.”  Either way, the balance of action and listening is better when I am listening to God!  We need simple faith that Jesus will guide us there.

Spiritually Balanced Video:  

Dearest Jesus, thank you for giving me the story of Mary and Martha.  Help me to be more like Mary with her intent to listen to Your word.  Bring my attention to you, Lord, and help me to listen to Your words!  Amen.

It's Coming

 

I realize I may be VERY partial, but it is coming – the best season of all – autumn!  Yes, the other three seasons have their good points, but nothing beats all that autumn brings.  The pumpkins, the apples, the mums, the crisp air and best of all, the changing leaves!  There is absolutely nothing better than walking down a path or driving down a road and seeing the colors of red, orange, and yellow adorn the trees.

Although autumn really kicks in during October, in September, you can tell that autumn is coming.  There is a hue of light-yellow gracing the trees.  I cannot even begin to share with you how excited I get when I see the first leaves changing.  It is the hope that autumn will soon be here, and the trees will shine in all their glory.  Meanwhile, I have been preparing – since mid-August!  Usually no later than the 15^th, I have my autumn décor up in the house.  It is filled with beautiful pumpkins of all kinds, mood candle lighting, leaf garland, you get the idea.  I can sit and enjoy each room with the small hints of autumn – all prepared and ready to celebrate.  The best thing is knowing every year will bring a new autumn experience.

Although I am always excited about the coming of autumn, there is something that excites me even more, the coming of Christ.  The promise that Jesus shares in this week’s verse makes me even more excited than autumn arriving!  Jesus makes three confirming statements for me to be excited about – He has prepared a place for me, He will come back, and He will take me with Him.  I do not know about you, but even for this autumn-loving girl, those three promises make me giddy and more excited than cider donuts!

Just as I prepare my home décor for autumn, NOW is the time for us to prepare our hearts for Jesus’ return.  How do we do that?  To be the best version of ourselves that Jesus intended.  Continue to take in His word.  Show His love to others by actions and words.  Spread the good news.  Listen for God’s direction.  Grow closer to God!  By ensuring our hearts and souls are prepared for His arrival, our lives will be filled with His goodness.

As you look to the trees in anticipation of autumn, do not forget to look to the sky in anticipation of Jesus.  Get excited!  His promises are as certain as the returning autumn.  “Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.  1 Thessalonians 4:17. Have Simple Faith!

Dearest Jesus, I cannot wait for you to come and get me to spend an eternity with you!  Help me to prepare myself by pouring your love to others.  Amen!

VIDEO: 

Time to Learn

 

As a kid, I always looked forward to Rally Day!  In the churches I have attended over the years, it is an opportunity for us to get back to Christian Education.  For children, this meant Sunday School!  I was eager to see who my Sunday School teacher was going to be and what we would be learning.  I loved hearing the Bible stories and doing crafts that linked with the stories.  As an adult, I was a Sunday School teacher for many years with my dear friend, Marcia.  We deeply enjoyed the opportunity to share stories and songs with the two- and three-year-olds. 

Rally Day reminds me of our verse for today, starting children off on the path of educating them about Jesus and the Bible – hoping they will utilize the foundation provided for the balance of their lives.  I still remember some of my Sunday School teachers and the impact they made on me!  As parents or any adult who interacts with children, whether it is at school or church, assisting and ensuring we do our part to provide them with solid footing by which to stand when the road gets rough is important.  “Impress them (the commandments) on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”  Deuteronomy 6:7

Rally Day is also a time for adults to engage in Christian Education!  For adults, this means Bible Studies may be starting!  Christian learning does not end when you are confirmed or head off to college.  It is life-long and that means getting back into God’s Word and learn the endless wonders of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit!  It is an exciting time to not only learn yourself, but to show the children around you the importance of continuing their Christian education long after Sunday School. 

Jesus wants us to dive deep into His Word.  He wants us to live out what we have learned and help others to do the same.  Learning and growing in God’s Word does not just provide a great foundation for children, but for adults as well.  Becoming grounded in scripture offers us the opportunity to turn to scripture when times are tough.  Having Bible verses we can turn to in difficult moments helps to provide strength.  “Whatever you have learned and received and heard from me, or seen in me – put into practice.  And the God of peace will be with you.”  Philippians 4:9   Take time to learn, help to instruct our children – all of it is good in God’s eyes!

Heavenly Father, thank you for Rally Days across the world.  Help us to know the value of Christian education and may always have a learning mind for your word.  Amen!

Link for the Video: