Free eBook – One Month of Devotional Meditations

My mom is working on a full year's worth of devotional meditations.  She has finished volume 1 and would like to offer it to you free of charge.

Each day of the month, she shares a passage of Scripture as well as a few thoughts as to how it spoke to her heart.

If you are not sure where to begin in your time alone with the Lord, this eBook is a perfect place to start!  All Scripture is from the King James Version of the Bible.

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*Please note: the download will be sent to your email.  Check your spam folder if you don't see it in your inbox.*

Don't forget to leave a comment letting my mom know that you appreciate her putting this together for you!

When the Tears Just Don’t Fall

This is somewhat of a follow-up to Laura's guest post about tears.

I really appreciated that post because Laura verbalized a lot of the thoughts I had been thinking lately.

So many times I have prayed and asked God to give me a greater burden for the lost, I've begged Him to give me those tears and a broken heart for those who are facing an eternity without Christ.

But here's the thing.  If I don't tell others the way of salvation, it's not God's fault.

I can't base what I do on how I feel.

To be honest, I often feel nothing.  Maybe you don't have that problem, but I do.

I try to look at the faces I walk past in the store and view them not just as a body, but as an eternal soul.  I try to think about whether that soul will spend eternity in heaven or in hell.  I try to let those thoughts really sink in and create a burning desire to point them to Jesus Christ before it's too late.  But still, so often, I feel absolutely nothing.  My humanity still sees that person as nothing more than a body in front of me, making my time in line last a little longer.

My lack of emotion does not excuse me from obeying Christ's command to preach the gospel to every creature.

I'm sure you've heard the phrase, “Love is an action.”

And it is.  If I love Jesus, I will do what he says. (John 14:15)

And in the case of lost souls, he has told me to give them the gospel.  If I don't do that, I am demonstrating not just my lack of love for them, but a lack of love for Jesus Christ himself.

So, the question I must ask myself is, “Do I love Him?”

If the answer is yes, I cannot wait for the tears to fall.  I must obey not as a result of my feelings, but as a choice.

Feelings are usually secondary to actions.  When we act on our love toward others, the emotions usually follow.

Perhaps my tears don't fall because I haven't acted on what I know I should be doing.  Perhaps when I make the choice to reach out to the lost, a heart that is broken over their condition will follow.

So today, just as I have asked myself “Do I love Him?”, I challenge you to ask yourself the same question.  If the answer is yes, then I simply say to you, “Prove it.”

Tears in a Bottle

Guest post by Laura Carnes

Psalm 56:8 –  Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

When I was in college, my roommates and I use to joke that if God put all our tears in a bottle He would have to a have a mighty big closet to keep them all in. Tears in a bottle could have been the title to our college memoirs. Women have a reputation for crying a lot.  Not sure that is really accurate, but in my case, it definitely seems as if I cry more and more each year.

I have been reflecting over this past year and looking forward to 2014. I think that this time of year is pretty good for that. Most people prefer to look back at the happy memories of the past, as do I. I love to think back at all the wonderful memories of 2013, but the Lord keeps bringing me back to this verse.  I have thought to myself this question: If God were to label my bottles of tears for this past year, for what would my tears be shed? One’s character is very clearly seen by what brings them to tears.

 This year I have shed many happy tears- tears of joy!! I have shed tears as I watched my son follow the Lord in baptism, wept as I watched teens follow the Lord in their choices, cried as I saw my kids playing and just realized God’s goodness and mercy upon my family.  I guess I have dried my eyes just a few more times than I can remember at the sheer joy of knowing that I have a God who loves me and cares about every part of me.

Unfortunately, I admit that I also have cried about selfish, petty, prideful things.  You know, when things did not go my way, or just being so consumed with my own problems or disappointments that I could not see my blessings.  Tears would flow, but that again is usually what happens when you follow your own way. After all, it is a biblical principle.  Prov. 16:25 – There is a way that seemeth right unto man but the end thereof are the ways of death.  I cannot really expect to do my own thing apart from God and it turn out to my better. Oh, that I would have the mind of Christ and realize even in everyday things that God works all things for my good.

There have been tears of sadness as well. Tears when I moved away from friends and family, tears when my friends are terminally ill and going through so much miles away.   There have been tears over the hardness of hearts against the loving leading of Christ. Tears at the realization of my own inadequacies. Even more, I have cried at the conviction of the Holy Spirit over sin in my life. Thankfully, those always lead me to tears of joy at the Lord’s forgiveness. Proverbs 28:13 he that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. God is so good to us. I believe we learn the most about ourselves through our hard times.  Times of a broken heart lead us to the one and only Healer of hearts. Though I have to say, though there were sad tears, there were surely more tears of joy than of sorrow.

If God were to take inventory of my tears, there is one type in which I would be lacking I know. Those tears that I truly hope I cry more of in 2014… tears for lost souls.  I have struggled too much with not having a tender heart toward those around me, so caught up with my own little world that I fail to see God’s world full of lost souls bound for hell.       Psalm 126:5-6 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Tears can be good if they are shed for the right reasons. They can truly be a tool to demonstrate our love and appreciation to God and others for the blessings in our lives. My goal this year is to cry more- cry more for what matters.  More tears of love and joy, but also for souls. When you cry for godly reasons it ultimately brings smiles. My daughter informed me that she likes my face better smiling…and with makeup on it.  Guess I need to work on smiling more…and wearing make-up more often, not just on Sundays.

My friend, what tears did you shed this year?  Were they pleasing to God or just a reflection of self?  God says in His Word  that in heaven “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes..”  Until then, I will keep racking up an inventory in God’s bottle of tears. I pray that they will be tears of growth, my gain, and God’s glory.

What made you cry today?

I’ve Got This…Wait…No I Don’t

I had big, starry-eyed ideas before our sweet little munchkin was born.

I would follow my own advice and have low expectations for my days.  Basically, I would focus on the kids'  needs, make sure dinner got made, and try to clean and keep up with laundry as much as I could and not stress about what didn't get done.

Sounds easy, right?

“I've got this.”  I thought to myself.

But God has gentle ways of reminding me that “No, you don't.”

All 3 of the older kids spent the first couple days and nights at their grandparents' house while hubby and I got to enjoy some rest and quiet time with the baby.

Last night they came home, and here's how this morning went…

8:30 am – hubby's phone rings.  It's his boss, saying that he hates to bother him, but they need his help with something at work.  No problem.  He tells me he's going to take the kids with him so I can stay in bed and sleep.  I've been up most of the night with the baby.

11 am – Did you catch the time???  2  1/2 hours later, he's finally going out the door.  The delays included wet beds, a blowout diaper, and coaxing 3 kids to finish their breakfast.  Meanwhile, I still have not made it out of the bedroom, but haven't gotten any extra sleep.  I've been dealing with projectile spit-up and more blowout diapers, changing my own clothes and the baby's a couple times, and trying to figure out what to do with all this milk that is coming in that baby's tummy can't hold.  So far I haven't even managed to find a few seconds to drink a protein shake that my husband made for me a half hour ago.  I know I'm supposed to be eating enough and resting, but it's not working out very well.  And I'm only taking care of one baby while my husband just spent 2  1/2 hours caring for the other 3 kids.

How in the world am I going to do all of this when he goes back to work?

Me and my big ideas.

I planned on keeping things simple, but it's pretty clear that even that's not going to be enough.

Right now it's 8:48 pm.  Hubby took the older kids to Walmart while I'm making dinner.  Yes, that's right.  I am making dinner at 8:48 pm.  At least we are having dinner at all.

I know not every day will be like this.  Once the baby and I get squared away with nursing, she won't take up quite so much of my time.  We'll eventually settle into a routine.  Every kid isn't going to wet their bed every day.

But I need days like this.

I need to be reminded that I can't do it.

My mom has always told me that I was a very independent child, always wanting to “do it myself”.  Apparently, I'm one of God's independent children too.  “I can do it myself,” I tell him.

“Okay, I'll let you try that and see how it works out for you.”

As a child when my mother would let me try doing things myself, I had to finally admit that I really couldn't.  I had to humbly come to her after I'd made a mess of things with my own effort and ask for her help cleaning it all up.

I'm the same way as God's child. After pridefully thinking that I've got things under control, He stands back until I humbly realize that I can't do anything apart from Him.

Yes, these rough newborn days are good for me.

Friend, are you in the same boat?  Maybe not with a newborn, but with whatever your circumstances are?  Do you think you've got things under control?  Run to your Father before you make a mess of things.

Here are three things these past couple days have taught me about what I need to do as “God's independent child” and what I believe you should do when you find yourself fighting that battle too:

Admit that you are weak, and praise Him that He is strong. John 15:5  …without me ye can do nothing.  Tell God honestly that you've been trying to do things yourself, and ask Him to help you.  If there are specific rough spots in your day, pray specifically about those particular things.    

When rough days settle down and start flowing more smoothly, don't turn back away from him.  I admit, I am very bad about doing this.  I realize that I've been depending on my own strength, so I come to him asking for help.  When he answers my prayers, instead of thanking Him, I pat myself on the back and pridefully think that I'm the one who has turned the day from chaos to peace.  Wow. I sure am a slow learner.

Give thanks in everything. Sometimes God doesn't fix all our problems; He simply gives us grace to endure them.  Thank him whether he makes your burdens lighter or simply chooses to help you bear them.

Are you an independent child?  What changes do you need to make in your life?

Guidelines for Christian Conduct on Facebook

Guest post by Denise Myers

Facebook is a phenomenal tool for communication. It is (along with twitter) one of the leading information and connection sources in the world. This communication tool shows no signs of slowing down. Its potential for good is matched by its frequent and frustrating use for evil. Some are struggling with this technology and its ability to create conflict amongst Christians. Have you heard anyone say…

• “They un-friended me.”

• “Did you read what they said about me?”

• “They shouldn’t talk like that.”

and the most common

• “That post wasn’t about them…it was something different (harmless)…I can’t believe they read into that post…etc.”

Before posting, remember, this is a public forum. Think of yourself standing up before a group of several hundred people (or however large your friend list is) with a microphone making your status announcement. This is essentially what you are doing.

Here are some things that I think could help this tool be a blessing and not a curse.

1. Never post negatively. – People will almost always assume you were talking about them (especially if you are upset with them at the time of posting). If they haven’t had interaction with you recently, do you really want everyone to know how bad your life is? Show everyone your positive side…they’ve got their own issues without borrowing yours. People will also “fill-in-the-blanks” on “who you are mad at” or “who is a jerk” etc.
2. Be quick to delete. – The Bible teaches that you are responsible to the Lord for what you put in front of your eyes. Do you remember the words to the children's song, “Oh be careful little eyes what you see, for the Father up above is looking down in love”? If someone uses bad language, delete the post from your view or if someone continually uses bad language, hide their status updates from appearing in your newsfeed or delete them. If a post on your timeline could be misread, delete it. If you thought it, someone else probably did too. If someone is offended because their post was deleted, explain that you are connected with a lot of people and you don’t want them to be perceived as negative. Explain your sensitive delete key. If they harass you about it, delete them.
3. If you can’t handle it, GET OFF. – Be honest with yourself and set time limits. The Bible says, you are responsible to the Lord for how you spend your time. Know yourself and be strong enough to limit yourself. Ephesians 5:16 – “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
4. Use Facebook as a tool to encourage. – Take a few minutes everyday and post something kind on a deserving person’s wall. Be that person that lifts others.
5. Be careful who you befriend. – Never befriend someone who is dangerous to your marriage or walk with God. If someone is rebellious towards spiritual authority, the Bible commands us to leave them alone as they are appointed unto wrath.
6. If someone questions you about a post, remove it. – There are at least 10 other people that thought the same thing but didn’t mention it. Guard your reputation. No one should celebrate being a murmurer, gossiper or slanderer. The Bible calls each of these practices “sin”.
7. Never use Facebook to send a “Woe Is Me” message. – It’s okay to post needs or better yet, contact someone directly. A child of God is NEVER hopeless, helpless or a failure in life. To say otherwise is to claim God isn’t able to work everything for our good. We are told to even rejoice when others speak evil against us.
8. Know your spouse’s sign on info. – Never keep secrets. Marriages are destroyed when private worlds are created and the person you are supposed to be “one” with has no access to your activity on Facebook.
9. Do not assume a negative post is about you. – It may be, but never assume and let it ruin your day without confirmation. Contact the person quickly and ask, “Was this about me?” They might not realize how their post appears. If someone contacts you and asks that question, delete or explain your comment.
10. Sharing too much information is bad. – Be careful little mouth what you say. Protect your marriage/family bubble. Hackers are looking for your info right now.
11. Watch your language (including spell-check). – Vulgar or obscene language is never acceptable. What is or is not offensive language can often depend on the sensitivity of the reader, and although there are groups of words and phrases which will always be offensive, there are words or phrases that should be avoided simply because they COULD be offensive. If in doubt, don’t! While it has created some funny moments, spell check can have the vocabulary of a “pagan sailor”. Read what you post, after you “post it” to save yourself some embarrassing comments. If you do make a major blunder, delete the whole comment (don’t brag about it).

What other suggestions do you have for guarding your Christian testimony on Facebook?

Are You an Imperfect Homemaker?

Do you ever feel like you just don't have it together?

Are you disorganized and undisciplined?

Are you ever ashamed when your husband comes home because you haven't used your time wisely that day?

Do you snap at your kids and speak unkind words to your husband?

Do you think back over the day with feelings of guilt because you know you should have acted differently in the area of __________(you fill in the blank)?

Although  you'll never be perfect, these things really shouldn't be normal.

But you know what? I struggle with them all sometimes. I'm not telling you that because I'm proud of it.  I'm telling you that because I'm sure some of you struggle with these things too.

The question is: What are you going to do about it?

Let me be honest here: tomorrow is the last day of the healthy living bundle, and I was originally planning this post to highlight some of the great books on self-discipline.

But as I began to write, God spoke to my heart and said, “What's more important?  What's going to help women more?  Books? Or THE Book?”

So here I am to say,

If you're an imperfect homemaker, struggling with certain areas in your life that you know need to change, turn to the ONLY book that can change your life. The author is perfect.  The book itself will act as a mirror, revealing what's in your heart. It will act as a sword, cutting out those hidden parts of your life that need to be removed. It will act as a light, to guide you when you know you need to change, but aren't quite sure how.

If I lose some sales because I'm telling you that self-help books won't change your life, so be it.  If I've encouraged someone…anyone…to seek God's face and rely on Him to be the woman He wants you to be, I rejoice.

Do I think your health will benefit from the books and resources in the healthy living bundle? Absolutely.

But I know what's far more important, and if you only choose one book to read, study, and follow, choose God's.

Joshua 1:8   This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.