Pages flipped behind me as I tried to listen to the preacher.

Flip. Flip. Flip.

It was rhythmic. My concentration paused as I waited for it to stop. A second of silence and then…

Join me today at 5 Minutes for Faith to find out what happened next. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

Carol

“Hey, its’ me…”

I paused after playing my answering machine message to listen closely. The voice on the other end sounded familiar, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on which of my friends was “me”.

Preoccupied with the mail, I hadn’t focused on the message the first time. So, I replayed the message, and listened carefully to the mystery caller…

Join me today as I post at the Internet Cafe. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

Carol

“I think I’m going to fail,” my son mumbled about his upcoming standardized test at school.  “You can’t fail,” I explained.  “It’s just a test to let the teacher know where you stand. She needs to know your level, so she can plan for the third grade.”

I recalled my years of training to become a teacher. I knew the importance of testing, but I also knew how nervous it could make the children. I tried to encourage my son to do his best, so that he could let the teacher know what things he mastered and where he needed help.

The conversation led me to think of some of the tests in my life lately. If God already knows everything, I wondered, then why does He test us at all? He knows the outcome before it even happens. I spent some time in prayer and in God’s Word looking for the answers.  I’d love to share with you what I found.

1.  The one who learns from the test is you.

While our children are tested for the benefit of the teacher, we are tested for our own benefit.  When we go through trials, it brings us to a place where we learn more about ourselves.

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied.  Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” Genesis 22:1-2 NIV

God used this test to teach Abraham that he truly could depend on Him to provide. Abraham was willing to give his long-awaited child back to God, and God instead provided a ram for the sacrifice.

Often we don’t know how much our faith can be stretched until it’s tested.

2. Testing is a catalyst that brings us to change.

When we are riding the fence of faith, God can use a test to push us to the other side. We become who God wants us to be only through the trials of the test.

Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. Exodus 16:4 NIV

The Israelites weren’t completely dependent on God at this point. They knew He was powerful and He was the God of Moses, but it wasn’t until they were tested that they learned to fully depend on Him.  God wanted His people to trust Him to meet their needs daily. Through the test, their relationship with Him changed from one of distance to one of intimacy. He became their personal God.

3.  Testing makes us stronger.

To discuss this, I must talk about heating steel.  The hardness of steel is created by the degree at which it is heated and cooled. When it has been heated to cherry hot and then plunged into freezing water (Ever been in a test that felt like this?), the steel becomes stronger. Steel that has been slowly heated and slowly cooled is much softer.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV

Paul had this one figured out. He tells us, “Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.” (2 Cor. 11:24-26 NIV) And I would venture to say Paul had one strong faith.

God already knows the answers, but more importantly He knows the person you are going to become. So next time you find yourself in the midst of a trial, stop and remember God is just bringing you to become the person He created you to be. And in that, find peace.

This is a post originally from June of 2009. It speaks to me again today. Are you being tested right now? Stand firm and cling to God.

Carol

Do you have a perfect love? Join me at the Presidential Prayer Team to hear more about it. Click HERE to read my devotion.

**Reminder: This direct link is only good for today. After today, you’ll have to choose 2/14 from the drop down menu.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Carol

A splash of color caught my eye as my fingers stretched and popped over my keyboard. Glancing down at my hand, I found the culprit.

Mashed between gold settings and the flash of diamonds was neon yellow play-doh dried in my wedding band. My mind immediately flashed to hours earlier when I rolled, cut, pressed and molded the squishy stuff with my daughter Grace. While trying to write at the kitchen table, she begged for me to get down cans of the age-old toy and join her. I figured I must have gotten it stuck in my ring while rolling snakes. “’Nother one,” Grace kept telling me as she slithered bright blue and yellow serpents across the table. “Sssssssss,” her tongue wagged between her tiny lips and teeth.

Focusing again on my wedding ring, I reached over to scratch away the dried up substance only to find it wouldn’t budge. As I walked to the bathroom to wash the play-doh away, I noticed how it covered the sparkle of my diamonds and realized it was a great representation of my marriage.

Sometimes, without me realizing, the kids get put first, and my husband is moved to the back burner. The glitz and sparkle of our passion is covered with Barbie, Legos, and Polly Pocket shoes. If I were to look closely, I’d notice the big clump of Play-doh on top of my hubby, but more often than not I’m too busy to pay attention.

Not long ago, I was in a group of women where one of them said, “I feel so guilty when I put my kids second. I feel like they should always come first, but sometimes I have to put my man first.” When the lady shared, heads all over the room began nodding. Unfortunately, this is the opinion of many. Women feel guilty when they put their kids on hold for their husbands. This shouldn’t be.

For as many who don’t understand the correct order of things are the ones who understand it, but fail to make it happen. I know my husband should come before my kids but am often guilty of getting the order reversed. I’m preaching to the ladies here but gentlemen, you aren’t off the hook. Guys are just as guilty of allowing their jobs to take top priority.

If you aren’t sure whether or not you’ve put your kids before your spouse, just ask. Make time to talk to the love of your life and check to see if you make them feel important.

As you prepare for Valentine’s Day tomorrow, reflect on your relationship and make sure you have your priorities in the right order: 1. God 2. Spouse 3. Kids. It’s really as easy as 1,2, 3.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Cor. 13:7 ESV

What things do you do to help keep your marriage relationship before the kids?

Carol

My Sunday school teacher is dead.

His death was just as blunt and rude as that statement. We were given no time to say good-bye, no adjustment period, no moments (even fleeting) to allow our minds to comprehend the possibility. And we were left standing stock still with our mouths hanging collectively open wondering, “What happened?”

He slipped quietly from this world with no one watching. No wife to hold his hand. No mother shedding tears. He was across the nation on business and suffered a heart attack. He was gone – just like that. By the time his wife was informed, he was already walking with Jesus.

This man was not just my Sunday school teacher for the past eleven years; he was my friend. Like many whose lives have been touched, I am broken. Why is it we Christians can preach, teach, sing, write and wear t-shirts about life after death? We talk about heaven with stars in our eyes, but when one of our own is granted passage, we act as if it isn’t fair.

I’m guilty as charged. When I heard the news, I left my full cart in the grocery aisle and ran from the store with tears flowing. As soon as I was alone in my car the sobs rolled out in wails, and the moan that followed was probably one uttered by many. “Why, Lord? Why?”

Do we shake our heads and stomp our feet when we hear of someone winning the lottery, saying, “That’s just not right. He shouldn’t have to deal with that much money?” Obviously not.

I’ve been praying a lot about this situation – hurting for my friend who is left to raise her two young children alone, but believing her husband is truly in the arms of God. I do believe there is life after death for those of us who choose to claim it. (Romans 10:9) But I also believe there is life IN death. Let me explain.

On January 12, 2012 (exactly three weeks before the death), I wrote in my journal, “For the past 3 days, I have seen/read the story of Lazarus 3 times in 3 different places. I know God is trying to speak to me through it.” I went on to write, “God, what is dead that you are going to bring back to life?” You see, I had no idea God was preparing me for this. But in His ultimate sovereignty, He was.

In the days leading up to the funeral, I’ve had the opportunity to really become the Everyday Missionary – to meet the needs of those hurting around me. I’ve been allowed to minister to my friend while she mourns. I was given the honor of writing the obituary. And to my great surprise, others have been watching. They have contacted me to let me know how touched they’ve been by it. While I’ve been shaking my head in confusion, my husband said, “Is it possible that God is using this to launch and grow your idea of being an Everyday Missionary?” There is life IN death.

Another close friend of mine called me last night excited. God has been speaking to her through this death, as well. He is opening doors for a large-scale ministry she has only dreamed of for years. “Shawn’s death has motivated me to move forward,” she told me. There is life IN death.

I sat listening to the gospel message yesterday during the funeral. I knew without a shadow of doubt there were those in the church who were making a decision to choose Christ over death, and many others were committing to change the way they were doing life. There is life IN death.

This realization doesn’t change that every other second I’m thinking of my precious friend and her sweet children as they learn to live again without their daddy. I’m still hurting, and I’m still crying. But here’s the thing. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. We have to start making a difference today. There is life IN death – if we allow Christ to raise it.

When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11:43-44 ESV

 

If you’ve been broken, if you’ve lost someone close to you, if your marriage is dead, allow Jesus to gently blow in you the hope of the living. He can perform a Lazarus moment in you. There is life IN death. What will you choose to do about it?

Please pray for my friend Valerie and her children as they mourn the loss of a great man. Shawn Smith left a wonderful legacy to inspire us all. 

***UPDATE: Due to the large numbers of people reading and sharing this post, I have to believe that some of you may not be sure of your salvation. Shawn Smith is in Heaven. Do you know without a shadow of a doubt that you will see him again? If you aren’t sure where you’ll go when you die, did you know that you can? God gives anyone who chooses it the free gift of salvation. Want to know how?

It’s really pretty simple. Scroll down to the bottom of the page until you see, “Do you know my Jesus?” This will lead you through the steps to accept Christ as your personal Savior. If you do this, please email me so that I can pray for you.

Carol

I cooked this dinner. Why is it that I have to clean it up, too? I grumbled to myself as I rinsed chicken bits and peas down the disposal. I turned to grab the pan from the stove and rammed my shin into the dishwasher.

“OUCH!” I yelled, but there was no one to hear me. My husband and children were playing tag in the backyard in the early evening sun. Every so often I’d hear the squeals of my daughter over the running water at the sink.

I sighed and tried to keep my attitude in check. You told them to go on out, I told myself. But part of me wanted them to decline the offer and insist on helping with the dishes.

“What if this were a homeless shelter and you were washing the dishes there after you’d already cooked the dinner? Would you complain then?”

I knew immediately the Holy Spirit’s voice inside my head and stood still at the sink, the garbage disposal gargling in front of me. Would I? I wondered. No. I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t complain if I were doing the dishes at a shelter. Not only would I not complain; I’d be doing them with a happy heart. I love ministry.

“Guess what, Carol? This family is your ministry – the ministry I have specifically given to you.”

It was a light bulb moment. Aha! Eureka! My family was my ministry. I needed to serve them with the same joy I served the men at the prison or at the food pantry. But, I’d been treating them like a cumbersome part of my life that I needed to tolerate in order to get to real ministry.

I wanted to rush outside to join in the game of tag, to kick up my heels and say, “I love you! I will serve you!” Instead, I walked over to the table and put the butter and ketchup away. But as I neared the window, I looked at those precious people the Lord entrusted to me and with a happy heart, I whispered, “I love you. I will serve you.”

I’m currently writing a book called Sheep to the Right, Becoming an Everyday Missionary. It’s about how we balance taking care of our family with serving others the way Christ asks us to do in Matthew 25:35-36.

So, I’m going to be sharing some things on my blog about how to become an Everyday Missionary. One of these things will be to provide you with a free downloadable calendar at the first of each month. This calendar will have service ideas for you to do – some you may do alone, but many will include your family. Some of the ideas will include reaching out to others and some will focus on your immediate family (your first ministry). Becoming an Everyday Missionary is a combination of both.

I hope you’ll help me spread the word by sharing these posts on Facebook and Twitter or just emailing them to people you know. If you don’t get my posts by email subscription, sign up now so you won’t miss anything! You’ll only get an email from me when I post. (If you sign up, just be sure you look for the confirmation email and click on the link to get your subscription started.) I’ll also be featuring some service organizations and doing some give-aways. But don’t worry; I’ll still be doing my regular devotions, too.

If you have some ideas for service projects, leave me a comment or drop me an email and tell me about them. I’d also love to hear about your favorite organizations. Who knows? Your ideas may be included in one of the calendars.

Don’t you think it’s time we as Christians took back our world? Let’s work to become Everyday Missionaries and change the world around us.

Download the Service Calendar for February HERE.

Carol

What do you think your true mission is from God? Do you struggle to submit to His call? I’ve just finished reading an eye-opening book by Zeke Lam called subMISSION. This book really made me stop and think. His book is a wake-up call for Christians. Zeke has honored us with an interview today.

Welcome Zeke!

1) Tell us more about yourself. (maybe one paragraph)

I am 27 years old and have been married to my beautiful wife, Kathleen, for 6 years. We have three children (4, 2, and 2 months) that we love very much. I have ministered since the age of 18 as a youth minister and evangelist. In addition to this, I operate a small business which constructs ornamental concrete such as flower pots, bird baths, etc. I also help out with the family furniture when time permits. We are passionate to see Christ glorified through our lives, and constantly remain seek to use our lives to share the Gospel. This has led our family all over the world.  Our most recent “adventure” involved us literally driving to a town in Texas, renting an apartment, and seeking the Lord. Although we knew nobody or anything about the place, God gave us an entire church fellowship in 2 days! This turned into an incredible 7 month stay that is surely not finished yet.

 2) What motivated you to write this book?

Compromise is way too commonplace today. I have seen it in the church, in families, and in my own life. If revival is to take place in or society, God’s people must be willing to operate with the level of obedience and submission God requires. Mixing our opinions with God’s commands or desires is the very recipe for disaster. If we will fully release ourselves to Jesus Christ, and be willing to follow Him the way He commands, a shift will take place in our society! Ultimately, shortcomings in my own life with regards to submissions sparked this fire.

3) What do you hope this book accomplishes?

My hope and prayer is that Christians nationwide will be challenged to step into a realm of Scriptural obedience that will spark revival!

4) Did you learn anything (or did God show you anything) as you were writing?

I certainly experienced moments where I was convicted about the level of submission I lived under. God revealed to me the importance of denying any and all voices that seek to lure us from His presence. Submission to Him will position us for spiritual greatness!

5) Do you believe people struggle with the idea of “submission”? If so, why?

Yes, we all struggle with the idea of full submission. It means releasing our control and desires to the Lord. When we do not feel in control, it creates an emotion of insecurity. This insecurity is what makes us resists submission on many levels. When it comes to submitting to our Lord Jesus, we must reject these emotions, and faithfully surrender our lives.

6) Your subtitle mentions obeying only God’s voice. What are some ways people can hear God’s voice?

God desires to interact with us in ways we could never imagine. The Holy Spirit is very much alive and active, but the question is, will we allow ourselves to get in position to hear Him. He speaks through the Scriptures, His written word. He speaks to our hearts as we intimately seek Him daily through prayer and fasting. He can speak through people and situations around us. God is not limited to anything and can therefore speak any way He chooses. The only real issue is that which restricts and hinders us from hearing.

Friends, I would encourage you to pick up a copy of Zeke’s book and ask yourself what is God calling you to do? Here is some more information about Zeke and where you can order a copy of subMISSION.

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What is the greatest challenge that the Church is facing today? Zeke Lam suggests that one word is the greatest challenge:  submission, or the lack thereof. It is not external forces that nullify the testimony of a Christ-centered believer, but rather the failure to humbly submit to the voice of the Lord. This book will help you to live a surrendered life abiding in Christ.

-  Is the approval of God more important to you than the approval of man?

-  Is the presence of God evident in your life?

-  Do you fiercely protect your intimacy with Christ?

-  Do you desire to live a life of truth, free from the lies of the devil?

-  Is God’s divine character visible to those around you?

Learn how to submit your life wholeheartedly to the Lord so that you can dwell continually in the secret place—a place of intimacy, surrender and joy.

ZEKE LAM is the founder of SUBMISSION Ministries—a ministry devoted to seeing lost souls encounter God and live lives fully surrendered to the risen Christ. A graduate of Liberty University, Zeke’s deep passion for following Christ’s will has led him through many years of youth ministry and itinerant evangelism. Both of these experiences have enriched and fueled his desire to hand others the keys to a Christ-centered life. Zeke resides in Virginia with his beautiful wife, Kathleen, and a growing family of future world-changers.

To order a copy of the book or connect with Zeke, visit submissionministries.org

Carol

It wasn’t like I turned my back on God.

I just couldn’t fit Him in my schedule. The birth of our third child pushed me over the edge – the pages of my carefully crafted day planner fluttering in the breeze. Normally, I spent time in Bible study and prayer in the morning after the kids left for school. But nothing was normal…

Join me today at 5 Minutes for Faith. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion.

“Thank you for being my eyes.”

I remember my grandmother relaying her gratitude when I pointed out the layer of mold on top of the preserves she was about to spread on her toast. She lost most of her eyesight due to macular degeneration, so in her nineties, she was completely dependent on others…

I’m doing double duty today. I’m also posting at the Internet Cafe. Click HERE to read the rest of my devotion there.

Carol

I didn’t think anyone would notice.

I felt like a schoolgirl putting it on. I squirted it carefully on my fingertip and smoothed it across my lids, the ones half covering eyes that spent the day bouncing from kitchen countertops to laundry basins. Eyes that searched for missing pacifiers and scanned the pantry for dinner ideas.

It sparkled – or rather, once it was applied, I sparkled. This tiny tube of eye gel with glitter was a gift from a friend. A friend who understands me. A friend who knows what makes me tick. And glittery eyes do just that. In my faded tee and jeans, I glanced down at my slippered feet and back to the mirror wondering if I needed lipstick. Can one have uptown eyes and naked lips?

I was ready for my grand outing of the day – a trip to the bus stop. I put my glasses on in order to see the kids hop off the bus from a distance but wondered if they hid my pizzazz.

My dark-haired beauty was the second arrival in our family but the first off the bus.

I found myself grinning before she even reached me, thinking of my newfound beauty secret.

Seeing me, she ran up the hill and showered me with love to make up for the hours we were apart. Her arms around me, she looked up and tilted her head with a grin.

“Mommy, why do you have glitter on your eyes?”

I’m not sure if I giggled because she noticed or because I felt young and hip, but I draped my arm across her shoulders, guided her towards the house and told her my reason.

“I just do.”

Blink.

Thank you God for the simplicity of every day. Thank you for friends that know me to the core. Thank you that my children notice me. And thank you Lord for glittery eye gel.

Carol