Sojourner's Journal

300 Posts and Goodbye

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Missy Grant

300 posts today! That is a lot of words - a lot of encouragement - a lot of joy - a lot of tears - a lot of Him. This 300^th post comes with sadness as well. After much thought and prayer we are suspending the Sojourner Blog. We have had a really wonderful year with this project. I’m not sure the gals knew exactly what they were getting into when they signed on. I do know that I personally have been blessed by their words, their encouragement, their conviction, their humor, their hearts so much like His. I know many of you have been blessed as well as you have expressed to me many times how these women have encouraged you.

I want you to know they are not going away altogether. If you look down the list on the right hand side of the blog, you will see that several of them have personal blogs. Make sure to stop by and read them. You will continue to be blessed.

For those on the Central Coast, there is a new Community Wide Women’s ministry kicking off. It is called Drawing Near Ministries and is committed to providing opportunities for ladies to come together under God’s word through teaching, worship and evangelizing the lost. They are hosting a summer series starting on Monday June 22 and will be utilizing Beth Moore’s study Stepping Up – A Journey through the Psalms of Ascent.

A few of the gals from Sojourner’s will also be blogging regularly at the Drawing Near Blog. You can find it by clicking here…

As a group we want to thank you for your daily commitment to reading Sojourner’s Journal and encouraging us with your kind words. We pray you have been blessed as readers as we have been as contributors.

“Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate…my mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.” Psalm 145:3-5,21

Amen.

Prepared By Grace

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Tue, 26 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Sue Donaldson

I’ve been lifted by grace this past week. I guess I always am, but some weeks I call out for it more, need it more, and rest in it more. (And, my friends hear about it more!) My year’s verse—John 15:5 – is all about abiding. And, through prayers of friends, I’ve been riding the grace-wave, learning to abide even while anxious and a bit trembly at times.

On Sunday last, Dad, at 92, broke the inevitable hip. He got the titanium ball replacement the very next evening, and is walking slow paces down hospital halls a bit more every day. I went down to LA to stay with mom a few days. I wondered more than once, “Will daddy die this week? He’s certainly old enough. And, how will mom endure his death?”

My college friend, Lizzie, had asked me a few months back: “Are you prepared for your folks’ deaths?” “No,” I replied, “I don’t think I am – even tho they are long past due at their age!”

How does one “prepare?” I don’t know. Maybe you do. I knew I was lifted by grace this week because the trip went well, I was able to encourage and serve mom gracefully, and the kids and Mark survived my being gone. Dad, the incredible optimist, is anxious to get home. His main concern was mom – he kept calling his friends: “Don’t forget Betty.” Sweet.

My main preparation for any day – since we don’t know what any day will hold – is learning to abide in Jesus. Psalm 73:23 states: “I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” Sounds like abiding to me. And, it sounds mutual: I’m with Him, and He holds onto me – tight. I’m grateful and still growing. Should be a great year.

Father God,

Thank You for friends who lift me to You when I’m weak and trembly. Your counsel is what I need. Thank You for strengthening weak hearts and hips. Help me to abide day in and day out – preparing me as You see fit.

Amen.

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Mon, 25 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Peggy Brown

Dear Blog Readers,

I have decided that since we have a very hectic and “unplannable” summer coming up I am going to take the summer off from writing for Sojourner's Journal.

I have been enjoying putting my thoughts on “paper” for you each week but for it to be useful, like most things, it takes time. It takes time to sit down and collect sometimes-errant thoughts and get them captured in a coherant manner and it takes time to get said thoughts down in writing.

Let’s make a plan, you and I. I will pray for you over the summer and I will come back to blogging in September. In return will you pray for me as we travel, visit kids (and grandbaby), possibly relocate my mother-in-law here from Sacramento (anyone have an inexpensive apartment to rent in SLO?) just to name a few.

Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to encourage me with feedback, both written and verbal.

What you might not realize is that the goal we have as writers is to encourage and bless you with the thoughts that God puts in our minds and hearts. Feedback lets us know that we are meeting that goal.

So, until September, I will leave you with this:

Eph 3:14-21 (the Message) My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit - not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength - that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you'll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ's love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God. God can do anything, you know - far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church! Glory to God in the Messiah, in Jesus! Glory down all the generations! Glory through all millennia! Oh, yes!

Dear Father, thank you for the opportunity to give words to your work in my life. I ask that as I step away for this time that eah reader will be blessed with the encouragement of the other writers. I ask that you would bless our summers with rest, recuperation and renewal. Help us to have eyes to see the “extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love”. Amen

Listening for His Voice

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Cindy Frauenheim

“…so David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, "Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army." 2 Samuel 5:23-24

When I read this passage recently, I was just blown away by how specific the answer was to David’s question! I immediately thought how lucky David was to be able to have clear and specific answers when he had big decisions to make. Wouldn’t that be nice? But as I gave it more thought, I realized that I often don’t acknowledge just how fortunate I am to have the very Spirit of God residing in me. After Jesus was resurrected and ascended to be with God, God gave us the person of the Holy Spirit. This is an amazing privilege, and access to the very mind of Christ. We also have the completed scriptures. David did not have this. And God even helps me to understand the Word through his spirit:

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. John 16:13a

When I have a decision to make, this is what I usually do:

I inquire of God through prayer, then
I often tend to seek out the advice of others I trust
I go to my Bible to find out how to act in accordance with his will
I look at circumstances (probably way too much), and use reason and common sense

These are all good, and I believe it’s wise to use all of them together. But I admit that I need more practice in really listening for the voice of the Holy Spirit as I do all these things. It’s almost as if I don’t really believe that God will speak to me this way. It’s not as tangible. I am hesitant because I don’t trust myself or my feelings. But in numerous scriptures he has promised to guide us with his spirit. I need to take him at his word and expect him to speak to me this way. Of course I also need to check what I think I hear from God against his Word and in light of godly counsel. But sometimes I will pray for direction and then try to figure out what to do on my own. I’m sure many of you have much better practice with this, and have learned to discern how God speaks to you. I am convicted that I need to mature in this way. I am resolved to be a better listener, and with God’s help, to come to recognize and trust his voice completely. I love how the Message puts it, from one of my favorite passages of scripture:

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Proverbs 3:5-7 (The Message)

Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for not believing that you can clearly communicate to me through your spirit. Please teach me how to discern your voice. Help me to be quiet and still enough to allow you room to speak. Please give me wisdom to rightly hear you, and the patience to wait for you. Keep me diligently in your Word, and give me willingness to seek and learn from godly counsel. Thank you that you don’t leave me to flounder on my own, but you care intimately about every decision I make and desire to lead me into your perfect will.

The Vinedresser

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Wed, 20 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Missy Grant

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” John 15:1-2

“Taking courage one hot summer day, the young branch looked up at the old branch and said in its squeaky voice, ‘It must be great to have people travel from miles around just to taste the sweetness of your fruit.’ The old branch nodded. Feeling encouraged, the young branch continued, ‘I have been talking with the other branches in the garden, and they say yours is the sweetest fruit.’ The old branch smiled. ‘When I grow up, I want to be just like you! How can I have sweet fruit like yours? I’ll do anything you say.’ As the old branch looked down on the young branch, he remembered the day when, as a young branch himself, he asked an old branch the same question. In his baritone voice, he gave the young branch the same answer he had received years earlier: ‘Be willing’.”

When advice is given to you to ‘Be willing’, what is your response? Is it a bowed heart or a canned response? Do you respond out of your poverty of spirit or your abundance of affluence? Do you examine your intentions or are you intent on examining the requestor? Do you seek His glory or glorify your complaints? Do you gratefully receive or receive without gratitude?

What does willingness look like, anyway? Have you ever given thought to that? What compass or barometer or yard stick or measuring tape are you using to determine your level of willingness? The definition of ‘willing’ is...prompt to act or respond.

All of us respond – you do realize that, yes? No matter what action or circumstance just played out, whether you take action or not, speak or not, we all respond at some level internally or externally. What drives your response? Is it a willing spirit? Is it directed by the Lord? The above scripture speaks to where our response should come from, what happens with responses not of Him, and what takes place when a willing heart allows for the pain of pruning to produce fruit of His desire – to His glory.

“Just then the gardener stopped by the old branch, and the young branch saw the old branch raise his leaves high in the air. He heard a snip, and the old branch lay on the ground except for the nub. Then the gardener turned to the young branch. His leaves were shaking, and tears rolled down his side, but with every ounce of strength he raised his leaves high in the air. He looked up into the gardener’s face and said, “Kind and gentle gardener, I’m willing.”

Heavenly Gardener full of grace, help us to have willing hearts – hearts accepting the pain of pruning for Your glory. May we seek your barometer – your word - with passion that permits the pain of pruning for fruit fit for a heavenly kingdom. Your Son modeled just that for us. In your Son’s blessed name, we praise you. Amen.

Story excerpts from Becoming God’s True Woman

The Unfolding of Your Words

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Sue Donaldson

Since I am the last person in SLO to have finally read Safely Home by Randy Alcorn, perhaps you need to be reminded of what the Chinese Christian, Li Quan thought while suffering alone in his prison cell:

“In this cell, stripped of comfort and ease, unable to do what he would like, he was free from distraction. He had only his mind, and what he had put into it. Quan thanked God every hour spent meditating on his Word, which constituted the reservoir from which he now drew daily.”

If I found myself in his place – having only my mind, and what I had put into it—would I find such an overflowing reservoir? I think not. As much as I love and depend on and read God’s river Word, my reservoir is not near full enough. Perhaps Americans are flabby Christians – not “needing” to exercise our minds so much in Scripture since it is so readily available to us. I can pick up a different version of my host of Bibles in every room of our home. But that doesn’t mean it readily flows through my heart at any given moment.

Summer can bring more flab than usual. Our usual study is “on break” for the summer. That’s not a bad thing, but it can mean we are not automatically studying as much. Does that mean less of the Word in our reservoir?

I hope not. You can always check with your local Christian bookstore for some short-term Bible study books that you can do with a friend or neighbor. (A friend helps keep us accountable, you know.)

One study I did years ago (which bears repeating) was to study Psalm 119 – it’s all about the Word. I listed all of the effects of Scripture, all my responsibilities, and all of God’s responsibilities. It made a neat study – all those columns. Time to pour it back into my reservoir, I think.

Here’s a taste: “Your statutes are wonderful; therefore, I obey them. The unfolding of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119: 129,130)

We need light, don’t you think? Let His Words unfold all the more as the summer approaches.

Lord,

Thank You for your Word that never comes to an end. Help us soak it up this summer.

Love, Sue

The Majesty of God

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Peggy Brown

Well, a week in Yosemite can really focus your thoughts on the majesty of God! Close your eyes and picture the majestic granite rock walls towering high above you. Hear the sounds of the gentle breeze rustling the leaves on the trees, the river, swollen from melted snow, rushing through the valley, the squirrels scolding one another as they protect a bit of food and the birds chirping and squawking in the sky overhead. God seems so big and mighty in this place.

We were blessed with two new, amazing sights while we were there this year. One night we hiked up to the base of Yosemite falls where we saw a “moonbow”. The full moon shining on the mist, rising as the raging fall plunged into the pool below, created a bow (like a rainbow). It was ever so slightly rainbow colored, but mainly it was a silvery arch rising up over the pool. We were cold and wet from the mist, but we were awestruck!

The second sight was an actual rainbow. While we stood looking at Bridalveil Fall from across the valley, the sinking afternoon sun struck the mist at the bottom of the fall. There, where it looked like the trees were sitting at the bottom of the fall, color spread in the mist over the tops of the trees. Orange began to rise up the waterfall bringing behind it yellow, then green, followed by blue and finally purple. The colors kept rising fluidly up the fall as the mists were blown side to side by the wind, until finally it disappeared. It disolved, one color following the other until only purple remained momentarily and then faded away.

Every now and then it is good to take time to contemplate our God in ways that take our breath away. I could not see this wonder without thanking God for being bigger than I am, for knowing more than I do and for being in charge of my life, my family’s life, and even our world. The reminder that nothing comes to us without first coming through His loving, all-powerful hand is a comfort and a reassurance.

Isaiah 55:8-11 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Dear Father, You are a mighty God. You rule over all the earth in ways I cannot even imagine. Thank you. Increase my faith as I see You in new ways. Help me to trust You more with every detail of my life.

Amen

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Fri, 15 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

"Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy house of worship,
praise him under the open skies;
Praise him for his acts of power,
praise him for his magnificent greatness;
Praise with a blast on the trumpet,
praise by strumming soft strings;
Praise him with castanets and dance,
praise him with banjo and flute;
Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,
praise him with fiddles and mandolin.
Let every living, breathing creature praise God!
Hallelujah!"
Psalm 150

Much-Afraid

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Wed, 13 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Missy Grant

“As she looked down into the depths of the valley, the heart of Much-Afraid went numb. For the first time on the journey she actually asked herself if she ought not have attempted to follow the Shepherd. How could one follow a person who asked so much, who demanded such impossible things, who took everything?”

I had two families I love experience tragedy this past week. Actually, it was the same night and the calls came minutes apart. My normal mode is to run to the scriptures – which I did – and pray – which I did, but I also read through the book Hinds’ Feet on High Places over the weekend. I first read this book in high school and have pulled it out fairly regularly over the ensuing years.

I was struck with the above quote. I have had many moments in my life where I have stood looking down into the depths of the valley and gone numb. Where I prayed with everything I had for the path to go up to the high places – only to discover the path wound down into the depths. How about you? Are you doing any valley gazing?

I was recently asked by someone to define faith…many scriptures come to mind, but I think faith is best defined this way, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Your will be done….And being in agony He was praying fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. When He rose from prayer…” (Luke 22:42,44-45)

Faith is the action of our heart to allow for the painful journey to unfold. To be in agony – yet pray fervently, “Not My will, but Your will…” – to allow the blood to flow freely, and to know we will arise.

“How little she had imagined when first she set out on that strange journey, what lay ahead of her and the things which she would be called upon to pass through. So for a long time she sat silent-remembering, wondering and thankful. At last she put her hand in his and said softly, “My Lord, I will tell you what I learned…”

Heavenly Father…you broke my heart this past week, but because of the blood of your Son, I can say those words to you and know your heart broke as well. May we pray like your Son! May we have faith that takes action in our hearts. May we take hold of your hand and share our heart with you. Amen

Out Of The Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Tue, 12 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Sue Donaldson

How great that we have the advantage to communicate quickly and immediately to people all over the world. Last night Bethany was bantering back and forth on email with Jeff D’Jernes – the Wycliffe translator she will be working with in Papua New Guinea this summer. How great that it’s so fast and free!

However, there’s still nothing like the spot of encouragement sent through the old-fashioned US Post Office. Isn’t it amazing when we open the snail- mail box, and in the midst of bills and ads, we come across a handwritten note. A little archaic, I realize, but a lovely piece of stationery – handmade or otherwise – can make someone’s day.

Paul wrote a lot in his day, and one encouraging note he sent to his buddy, Philemon, was a case in point:

“Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, ‘Oh, thank You, God!’ I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the master Jesus, which brims over to other Christians. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel…” (Philemon 4-7 The Message)

I don’t say this to add guilt to your already full file of guilt – better known as your “good intentions file.” (We all have one – and sometimes I can even find it…) But, my wonderful sister-in-law, Anne, showed me her new filing system and first on the list was her: OOTB file – “Out of the Blue.”

In this file she keeps her note cards, stickers, and ideas to send to a friend and relative – so that they will be blessed with a note– right “out of the blue.” Isn’t that a great idea? And, I know it works because I received a handmade note from Anne which included 3 of her favorite teabags – plus, loving, encouraging words (“Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel…”)

Part of every day needs to include good works and words that refresh the hearts of the saints. Let’s get that OOTB file started – I’ll see you at Staples.

Father,

Help us not to forget to build up each other – get us organized – for Your sake and each others’. May we recognize You in all of it.

Amen.

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Mon, 11 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Peggy Brown

If you are reading this on Monday, I am on my way home from a week camping in Yosemite. I am sure I will have a lot to tell you when I get home, since as I write this, the rain is falling and the snow is melting. That bodes well for some wonderful waterfall action!!

Here are some verses to ponder.....until next week.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light "day" and the darkness "night." And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day. Then God said, “Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth.” And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters of the earth from the waters of the heavens. God called the space “sky.” And evening passed and morning came, marking the second day.” Genesis 1

God's Breath

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Cindy Frauenheim

At the Women’s Salad Supper this week, I was really blessed by singing the hymn Breathe on Me, Breath of God. I have sung it many times before, but this time I almost felt His breath as I took in those simple yet profound words. The words became my prayer. This morning I dug out the words again to sing it in the privacy of my kitchen, alone. I cannot sing well at all, and am not given to breaking out in song, so this is really a rare thing for me to do! Later I sang it as I drove to and from errands.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

Fill me with life anew,

That I may love what Thou dost love,

And do what Thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

Until my heart is pure,

Until my will is one with Thine,

To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

Till I am wholly Thine,

Until this earthly part of me

Glows with Thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, Breath of God,

So shall I never die,

But live with Thee the perfect life

Of Thine eternity.

I especially want to meditate on the first two verses and how the hymn points me to the enabling breath of God. If I am to love, act, will, and endure in ways pleasing to God – in His ways – then I must have His breath upon me. I cannot just decide that I want to love others and be Christ-like out of my own strength and initiative.

^“…for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13

God working in me is his Holy Spirit – breath has long been associated with the concept of the Holy Spirit. I love the promise that God is even shaping my desires. I just need to yield to his life-giving breath. His spirit also enables me to endure – both in the sense of enduring hard things, and in the sense of persevering and standing firm in the truth. So I am encouraged to ask daily for a fresh breath from the Lord. I need to be filled with His Spirit to be about His business.

Lord, thank you for your breath that creates and fills with life. Thank you that your breath in me gives me the desire and ability to love and live according to your will. May I daily yield to your Spirit, from my first moments of consciousness each morning. And may you fill me more and more so that I end up “glowing with your fire” to those around me.

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

"I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from God,
who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

He won't let you stumble,
your Guardian God won't fall asleep.
Not on your life! Israel's
Guardian will never doze or sleep.

God's your Guardian,
right at your side to protect you—
Shielding you from sunstroke,
sheltering you from moonstroke.

God guards you from every evil,
he guards your very life.
He guards you when you leave and when you return,
he guards you now, he guards you always."

psalm 121 (The Message)

The Queen and Her Court

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Missy Grant

“Some time later, when he went back to marry her, he turned aside to look at the lion's carcass. In it was a swarm of bees and some honey” Judges 14:8

Ok, I admit, that is an odd scripture to open a devotional with, but lets see where the Lord takes us.

I like bees (as long as they don’t sting me). I do not like wasps, or yellow jackets or hornets, but bees….they hold a different spot in my heart. I think it has much to do with Winnie The Pooh and his ongoing desire to meet his hunger needs with pots (or paws full) of the golden syrup. Winnie….he has had many adventures in his pursuit of the sticky, flower scented drippings from the bees. I have not given much thought to bees lately. As a matter of fact, I have not given them any thought until last evening. Why this evening you ask? Well, all the bees in the universe descended onto the trampoline in my backyard. I do not exaggerate. Apparently the queen decided to take an afternoon siesta on our springy, black mat of fun and every bee within shouting distance came to party.

There have been several suggestions made on how to break up the party of fun taking place in the backyard – everything from call your local exterminator (you do not want to know the cost…), to “Let’s blast them with the hose”, to the calmer…”leave them be (no pun intended). They will swarm again and leave”. Seriously, if the queen doesn’t take her royal backside to a castle fit for her majesty, I may just be the one with the water hose.

As I was having a brief meltdown, the Lord reminded me of the story of Samson and the bees which took up residence in a lion carcass. A carcass that was created when Samson killed the lion as it attacked him in a vineyard. There was a slight problem with Samson and this lion. Samson had taken the vow of a Nazirite and was forbidden to touch the carcass of this animal. He not only touched it, but ate sweet honey from the hive of bees which had taken up residence in the carcass. Then to make matters worse, he withheld this information from his parents and shared the honey with them.

It made me ask the question, what in your life are you “hiding”? What seemingly inconsequential act, word, or behavior has you eating honey out of a forbidden container? What are the results of your eating out of the forbidden container? Hmmnn…now we are hitting the heart. You know the expression, “confession is good for the soul.” Well, confession is necessary soul food - confession between you and the Lord that is. He desires for you to walk in His ways, but when we stumble, he has provided the path back to Him…also known as the blood of Christ. It is time to stop hiding.

Try this… “Lord, you know my heart, you know my contrary ways, you know my ‘hiding’ place. Help me this day Lord, to not hide from you. Let me taste the fruits of Your Spirit – the fruits that set me free. Thank you Lord. For how your creation reminds us that there is only one way to the hive…and that is through the blood of your precious Son. Amen.”

Delighting and Enjoying, Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Sue Donaldson

So, how has it been – this process of delighting and enjoying your Lord this week?

I still find myself mostly still asking and begging in my prayers – with thanks and gratefulness thrown in all over the place. But, still, not so much the enjoying and the delighting of just being with God.

I am aware of it now, and I try not to be too hard on myself.

This morning’s reading helped:

“The Lord Himself is my inheritance, my prize. He is my food and drink, my highest joy!

I am always thinking of the Lord; and because He is so near, I never need to stumble or to fall. You have let me experience the joys of life and exquisite pleasures of Your own eternal presence.” (Psalm 16:5,8,11 – The Living Bible)

I love food and drink – a foodie, as they say. I can relate to that image. And, I love prizes (Jean just called and practically yelled into the phone: “I won! I won! I got the prize of a bag of free groceries this week at New Frontiers! I told the guy, ‘I LOVE winning!’”

Don’t we all? And, we’ve already won. Jesus, my prize! Wow! I LOVE winning!

Father God,

Thanks for being my very prize. Help me drink in Your presence all day long. And, thanks for blessing dear Jean.

Amen.

Anchored or Drifting

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Mon, 04 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Peggy Brown

Imagine floating in the ocean on a raft along the beach, eyes closed, listening to the gentle crash of waves along the shore and baking in the warm sun. You don’t have any cares or worries until you open your eyes! Then you realize that the shore is alarmingly distant.

Every one of us has the tendency to drift spiritually. I guess there are a variety of reasons, but I think one of the main reasons is summed up in the previous paragraph. We relax, eyes closed, floating unattached, at the whim of the water’s ebb and flow!

I find myself in one of those times right now. Life has been busy and I have been lazy! I have floated and drifted with the current and I have not taken the time to anchor myself tightly to Jesus. I have been drifting unattached. My relationship with my Lord has not taken first priority in my time and my thoughts. It’s not that I have drifted into major sin, or become an evil person; I have just drifted away from the closeness that comes from being firmly anchored in relationship with Him.

Staying close to anyone doesn’t just happen. If I want to stay close to my husband, I have to talk to him, spend time listening to him and enjoying his company. If I want to keep a close tie with my children who live away from me, (and have I mentioned I have a new grandson???) I have to pick up the phone and call them from time to time. I also have to check the mailbox, the email inbox and my Facebook to see if they’ve contacted me.

Doesn’t it stand to reason that if I want to stay close to my Savior, I will need to spend time with Him and search for His words to me?

I heard this as a kid and I think it makes a good point: A husband and wife were driving in the car, him on the driver’s side and her on the passenger side. The wife looks at the husband and says “Remember when we were first married and we always sat right next to each other when we drove?” (For those of you under 40, there used to be bench seats in front seats of cars and no seatbelts!) The husband looks at the wife from behind the steering wheel and answers “Who moved?”

If I am drifting from closeness with Jesus, who do you think moved? The good news is that He hasn’t moved and He is right where He’s always been, waiting for me to anchor myself back in the harbor of relationship with Him! Not that anything I do has any bearing on His love for me, or His grace of acceptance and salvation. But I want that closeness, so I must run to Him.

Hebrews 6:19

"This hope (the promise of salvation) we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil," (parenthesis mine)

Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to they bosom fly,

While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.

Hide me; O my savior, hide, till the storm of life is past;

Safe into the haven guide, oh receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on thee;

Leave, ah! Leave me not alone, still support and comfort me.

All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring;

Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.

Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find;

Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick and lead the blind.

Just and holy is Thy name, I am all unrighteousness;

False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace. Amen

(Jesus, Lover of My Soul by Charles Wesley)

Goodbye

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Fri, 01 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Kate Hasson

Since I’ve started contributing to this blog in May of last year, my family has gone through much. We moved to our first owned home, failed with our adoption plans, got pregnant, smoked out our house, have lived in several different homes over the past 4 ½ months, had my parents live in a foreign land, and as of yesterday have birthed our 3^rd daughter. Life is full of unexpected blessings and we have been blessed to be the recipients of such a Good Gift Giver.

Our world view has changed much since we haven’t been able to live in our own home; a blessing. Our hearts have been opened even more greatly to loving the fatherless through our failed attempts at adoption; a blessing. Our passion for making Christ’s name known in foreign lands has exploded; a blessing indeed!

Our family has grown with the addition of our new baby Elizabeth Love, another blessing.

Though each experience has had it’s struggles I can only come away labeling each as such from our great God. Through them we have come to know Him more sweetly and He is oh, so good and watchful of His children; I am comforted to be in the palm of His hand.

Now it is time for me to drop some commitments and take care of my family, so this is my last post. Thank you for letting me share my wrestling's and thoughts with you over the year, it has been an encouragement to me. Please be in prayer for me, I covet your prayers quite intensely, as I endeavor to walk through the new stage of life being a mother of three.

Last night, through a particularly rough stage of labor I was compelled to cry out to my Savior. Nothing could provide as much security and comfort at that time than calling on Him and focusing my mind on the joy of who He is. The only thing I could think of at the moment was singing (and at times whispering) the song How Great Thou Art. Travis belted it out with me and helped me get through my pain with the sweetness of his voice beside me ringing in my ear. I’d like to leave you with those words that brought oh so much comfort in hopes that they will in turn provide the proper focus for your heart and mind if and when difficulty arises. Oh How Great He Is!

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,

Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,

Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

 Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

 And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;

That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

 When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.

Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,

And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

 Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

Bless You

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Rebecca Irwin

I have a dear friend from college who has the habit, when we correspond, to respond with a written prayer just for me. She will address the concerns I have written about in an email or note as we “catch up” on each other’s lives and boldly claim God’s promises and power to address them. It is an indescribable blessing.

In Ephesians 6, Paul wrote : “Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” (vs. 14-18,)

In 1 Timothy, chapter 2, we read : “The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know…Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray - not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God.” (vs 1, 8).

James also writes in 5:16 “Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.”

Sisters in Christ, I offer you a challenge today. Bring someone into the intimacy of prayer and bless him or her by writing a prayer for them or praying out loud over the phone or in person. It has a powerful impact when another hears your prayer for them (or reads it) and knows you mean it when you say, “I’m praying for you”.

Lord, I pray for this dear reader that she would have the boldness to bless someone with her spoken or written prayer today. I pray that she would not worry what the other person might think or her words or language. If she lacks words Lord, reminder her of yours. Amen.

Whose Voice?

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Missy Grant

“In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.” Psalm 5:3

What voice do you hear in the morning? Better yet, does the Lord hear your voice in the morning? I’m on a mission….my mission is to encourage you sleepy heads to get up – get God – and get going in the morning.

“In the morning, O Lord…”, Now think on that. It doesn’t say in the afternoon, at night, or sometime in between. It speaks specifically to your morning.

“You will hear my voice…” Whose voice? Your voice. What is He hearing you say? Are you speaking to Him in the morning? Is it praise worthy? He is praise worthy.

“In the morning I will order my prayer to You…” There it is again – specific to morning. What are you to do? Order your prayer to Him. That would imply you are up and speaking to Him in the morning.

Then what happens? You eagerly watch. What are you watching for? You are watching for Him to reveal himself in your day. For example, the neighbor who waved at you this morning, the grocery store clerk who needed a kind word from you, the co-worker who said she just needed to put some papers on your desk…but really needed a word of encouragement, the customer who yelled at me on the phone – then shared how he and his wife spend three months a year in India teaching in some of the worst conditions known to man (he apologized for yelling – I forgave him. He blessed my day).

The point is this…Get Up – Get God – Get Going. There is no better way to combat satan than to start you day with scripture said to the Lord. Try saying the verse at the top of this post every morning for the next week – then eagerly watch…you might be surprised at how He will change your vision and your voice.

Mighty God, how often we forget your desire to be with us. We treat you, at times, like an acquaintance as opposed to our creator. The One who knows our thoughts, our struggles, our joy. Your word says over and over to start our day with you. Strengthen us to give you our first fruit of the morning and then have the patience to watch for you during our day. We praise you Lord.

Delighting and Enjoying - It's a Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Sue Donaldson

My theme verse for the year is:

John 15:5 – “I am the Vine, you are the branches. If a man abides in Me and I in you, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

Liz Young showed me a devotional selection on how to abide in Jesus. It’s a gradual process – “up the scale” – from knowing He’s there, to consulting with Him on all my concerns, and, finally – the most intimate – to delighting in and enjoying His person. This process includes a climb, but it’s not a matter of sweat – more, a matter of desire.

How much do you enjoy Jesus? Not His gifts, not His peace, not His assurances – just Himself?

Last night Mark and I had a date. Sitting together, watching a movie (The Soloist,) talking about it afterward (schizophrenia and it’s implications) over Mexican food at Chili Pepper’s (his turn to choose – we go there every other time – he is consistent.) – all that built intimacy and enjoyment. Not just because of the food or the entertainment – but because of the time spent together. Time well-spent, money and energy well-spent.

After 20 years of marriage, intimacy grows. Delight and enjoyment is easier. It’s a gift.

I love Jesus. I want to love Him more, enjoy His person, sit and chew the fat (or, the rice and beans, whatever the case) – just because. Just because. Listening to “Mercy Me” (loudly) in the van helped me do just that today. In fact, I couldn’t sing along without crying – wonder how they do it?

“I can feel Your presence here with me, Suddenly I’m lost within Your beauty,

Caught up in the wonder of Your touch, Here in this moment I surrender to Your love…”

Enjoying and delighting in the person of Jesus. It’s a gift. The best and the biggest.

How’s your enjoyment factor? Delighting and enjoying. I look forward to this year of learning to abide.

I’ll borrow the prayer from Liz’s devotional: “Lord, help me to graduate up the scale from convert, to ambassador, to confidant. To abide in You is to ride the high places of the earth.” Amen. Enjoy your ride.

A little postscript:

I would never had read about that ride to abiding if I hadn’t called Liz for coffee – I actually invited myself to her house. You can’t do that with everyone – you can with Liz. God puts people around us who love to be called and have so much to give. Ask Him if He has someone special in mind for you to call this week. It’s a gift.

Family

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Peggy Brown

It is very common to hear the people in church referred to as the “church family”. In years past, we referred to one another as “brother Bob” or “sister Sue”. Scripture is full of references to the brothers and sisters in the faith, and it reminds us that we are all part of one body.

In our Sunday school class a few weeks ago, we saw in Acts how the infant church gave of what they had so that no one in their group would have need. They took care of one another as if they were family.

Acts 4:32, 34-35

"All the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own; they shared everything they had. There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need."

It seems to me like we may have lost sight of the importance of the concept of the church as Family. I don’t know if it’s the culture we live in, or maybe we’ve become too self-centered. We come and go to church semi-regularly; we have difficulty committing to regular attendance of a Sunday school class, or a Bible study. Some may even feel like all that is needed is to attend on Sunday morning and that’s going to do it.

I’m here to tell you that that isn’t the case. This past weekend, my family packed up and drove to San Jose to hold the memorial service for my aunt Alma. (I can see you scratching your head and wondering what this has to do with anything…have faith, I’m getting there!) We held the service at the church where my family attended for over 55 years. I went there my entire life (I think I was about a month old when I went to my first service). My aunt attended there for 53 years!

There is a big new building now, with a huge new sanctuary, but we held the service in the old sanctuary…where I grew up, was baptized, married, and began my “grown-up” life. What struck me was that even though the building had changed some, it seemed like I was walking into my old home. As I stood, transported back in time, the people began to arrive. Familiar faces began surrounding me, looking 25 years older, but flooding my heart with an amazing feeling of being loved. If there was any question of my still being loved, the hugs and tears of joy were there to remove all doubt! There was my mom’s friend who knew me “before you were”! There was the mom of a high school friend in whose home I had been a frequent visitor. There were the friends who got married the same summer we did, with whom we have stayed in contact over the last 35 years. Then there was Dom…he and his wife were youth sponsors when I was in high school. I babysat their children. He nicknamed me “Alice” because I had a yellow jumper and long blonde hair and he said I reminded him of Alice in Wonderland. He helped me feel like I was special during a period of life when most of us don’t feel very special (those turbulent teens!). There were the people that became our friends as newlyweds. What a precious flood of memories came over me as I reconnected with all of that family.

What made those people family? Time together, relationship, fellowship around the Word, caring. It wasn’t a magic formula, it was life. It was being involved in each other’s lives, not just on the surface, but deeply involved.

It grieves me when I hear people say things like “my needs aren’t being met so I’m going to another church” or “I’m not happy with this decision, so I’m taking my family to worship elsewhere”. Not to say that there’s no reason for leaving a church, but I think we run away too easily.

Our pastor is fond of saying that being involved in each other’s lives is “messy”, but so does having parents, siblings and children. Most of us don’t run away from our children when they don’t treat us well. (Put them out with the dog, maybe, but I digress! ) Most of us continue to have relationships with our parents, even though they aren’t perfect.

If you don’t have a church home, why not? If you have one, but have never gone any deeper than the Sunday morning worship service, why not? Please consider what you are giving up by not getting in and getting “messy” with the family! There are friendships waiting, there is encouragement to be found, and there is even the occasional exhortation (that word means to spur on) in our Christian walk. I can’t think of anything better or more crucial for your spiritual growth.

Once you find a “fit”, plan on staying. Don’t be so thin skinned that you run at the first sign that the people there may not be perfect (you will fit in, and besides, it’s good practice for the eternity that you’ll be spending with those very same folks!) Grow your roots down deep into the family. Make it a place where you can know and be known. I know for a fact, from experience, that it doesn’t get any better than that!

Lord, thank you for the refreshment of my “old” family. Thank you that the love that was cultivated for so many years still grows strong. Please remind me of that when I become impatient with my “new” family. Remind me that it’s only been 15 years with them and we still have time to go. Please help me to remember that life together is messy and don’t let me be easily offended by the mess. Show me where I can help and lead me to where I can be helped! Thank you that the church is your plan, not man’s. Amen

Pray for Peace in Jerusalem

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Cindy Frauenheim

"Pray for peace in Jerusalem.
May all who love this city prosper.
O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls
and prosperity in your palaces.
For the sake of my family and friends, I will say,
“May you have peace.”
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem."

Psalm 122:6-9

I hear God asking me to pray for Israel. It is a fairly recent conviction, like in the last few years. Over the past week or so, it has again been on my heart several times. I believe that we as Christians and as the church are called to actively pray for God’s chosen people. Why would I, a middle-aged (ugh) wife and mom living in the United States, be concerned with Israel when I have plenty of other concerns to pray about? Part of this is just the fact that I am getting older, and I think more about the world and where it’s headed – especially for my children. The biggest reason, however, that I am convicted to pray for Israel is found in the Word. The more I study the scriptures, I see glimpses of the overall plan, and how the pieces all fit together. Prophecies for the future and the end times revolve around the nation of Israel. Heaven’s capital is the new Jerusalem – it thrills my heart with anticipation!

Though I was raised in the church, it was never mentioned as far as I can remember. I think that’s pretty common, though I don’t know why. Or maybe I just wasn’t hearing it then? I don’t believe we should pray for Israel because they are better or more deserving than any other nation; it is purely because they are the nation through whom God has chosen to work out his plan of redemption, and whatever happens with Israel affects the rest of humanity. And we have been “grafted in” to that nation through Christ! Pay attention to what is happening in Israel. I am so excited to see how God will work out His-Story through them. Pray for them – for Jews everywhere - to embrace the one true Messiah, Jesus Christ. Know that in the turmoil that surrounds Israel, and affects the rest of the world, God is working and is in complete control. No one knows God’s timing. Don’t be fearful, but be ready, and be prayerful.

Lord, thank you that you have the perfect plan for the redemption of your people, and that you have chosen to use the nation of Israel in a special way. I pray that you will use believers everywhere to pray for Jerusalem, and to both tell and show them the love of Christ. Work in the hearts and minds of the leaders of Israel, and leaders throughout the world to act according to your purposes. Only you can bring peace and salvation, and you will in your perfect timing.

Instruction

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Missy Grant

Where or who do you take instruction from? Do you give thought to why you do what you do? What gives order to your day? Do you ever open your eyes in the morning and the previous days “issues” are still flooding your brain? Let’s give this a read…

“But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope: God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up. They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left. God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It's a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It's a good thing when you're young to stick it out through the hard times. When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst. Why? Because the Master won't ever walk out and fail to return. If he works severely, he also works tenderly. His stockpiles of loyal love are immense.” Lamentations 3:22-33 (the message).

I love those words! Face it…I like orderly instruction, but I love the passion of the text more.

I’m going to resist the urge to pull out teaching points (the post would end up being very, very long). Instead, I’m going to give you an assignment…

Cut and paste the above scripture onto some paper stock. Put it in a place you will see it and be able to read it EVERY day for the next week. Seriously, I know many of you…I will come to your house and see if you followed my instruction!!! (and I’m not above taking a road trip..) Now, when you read the text, I want you to read it out loud. When you finish reading it….pray….as simple as saying, “Lord, I’m bowing low, I’m not running from my troubles, I am trusting the “worst” is never the worst. I’m sticking with you!”

You just took a HUGE, big step in taking instruction from the Lord and allowing Him to order your day. One more instruction from me…call or email or text a friend each day this week and share one hardship you saw the Lord work through that day.

Mighty God, we need to bow down and enter the silence. In our silence may we hear Your voice saying, “Come to me all who are weary...that I may give you rest.” Help us to “diligently seek and passionately wait.” I love the action words, Lord. Thank You. Lord, we know in our heads that you are tenderhearted towards us, may you transform it to heart language. May we see your “mercies new every morning.” We praise you Lord. Amen.

God's Eyes

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

by Sue Donaldson

II Chronicles 16:9 caught my eye this morning:

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him…” (NIV)

The Lord is on a search, it seems--His eyes on the look-out, seeking for certain types. He wants to pass on His strength. He’s ready and willing to give what we need.

Would His search stop over your house this morning?

“Hey, look! There’s Sue. Here’s one whose heart is fully committed to Me. That’s so great – okay, here’s the strength she needs for today. Onward and upward.”

Or, not:

“Uhh…no use stopping here. Sue thinks she’s got it together without Me. She loves me somewhat, obeys when it’s convenient, and serves Me if it doesn’t hurt too much. Nope. She’s Mine, all right, but not exactly fully committed. Too bad. She’s going to need my strength today. Let’s move on. Maybe she’ll wake up soon.”

(I’m an idiot.)

I like the NAS: “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”

No room around that phrase: “completely His.”

Lord,

Have mercy on my soul. I need Your strength every minute – even when I forget. Remind me, remind me. I don’t want a day or minute without You.

Completely Your’s,

Sue

Psalm 108 - Scripture Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Women of Grace...) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Scripture reading for the week of April 20....Psalm 108:1-5

"My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul.
Awake, harp and lyre;
I will awaken the dawn!
I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
For Your lovingkindness is great above the heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
And Your glory above all the earth."
nasb