Friends,
Yesterday, God allowed me to carry the burdens of my sisters who posted on my blog or who submitted a prayer request to Proverbs 31. The last I heard, we had almost 500 prayer requests submitted yesterday - that is a one-day record for us.
All day as I prayed, I sensed that the Lord wanted to work miracles in many lives. I continually asked Him for that for my sisters in pain. If God worked a miracle in your life, please tell us about it. We will give Him all the glory.
This morning, I spent some time in God's Word, asking Him to show me scriptures that would encourage those who are worried, fearful, anxious and shaken. Below you'll see what He selected. I pray God's Word continues to lift you up in these difficult times. God's not going anywhere, and neither am I.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Deuteronomy 31:6, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
Romans 8:36-39, "As it is written: 'For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Mark 6:50-51, “Immediately he spoke to them and said, 'Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.' Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed …” (I loved that Jesus climbed in the boat!!!)
Psalm 91 – all of it! http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2091&version=NIV
Psalm 25:3, “No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.”
Psalm 33:20, “We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.”
Psalm 116:7-9, “Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.”
1 Corinthians 2:9, “However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
We praise you God for what You have done, what You are doing right now that we can't see, and what You will do! We will give you all the glory for Your might acts. Open our eyes to see you at work. Bring Your Holy Spirit to comfort, encourage, strengthen, refresh, give discernment and hope. We can't do it without You. But in You all things are possible. Be our strength today. Be our hope today. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I wish I could welcome you with a big hug, and invite you into my kitchen for a cup of coffee! I guess we'll have to settle for a little cyber-chat.
Today I've got a devotion running titled "A Ram is on the Way." Although I've read the story of Abraham and Isaac many times, it was only recently I got the visual image of the ram walking up the other side of the mountain at the same time as Abraham, after reading a segments of the "Knowing Jesus Bible." I hold that image in my mind now when I'm facing an "impossible" situation.
Another thing that hit me reading that passage in Genesis 22 was that it was all a test. We learn that in the first verse of the chapter: "Some time later God tested Abraham."
Personally, I like knowing when a test is coming. In school, I loved having the test schedule in advance. I'm one of those students who needed lots of studying.
If God's tests were pre-announced, I'm sure I'd do much better on them. In fact, I think God should be the like the Public Broadcasting System and announce, "This is only a test. For the next 6 months, it will only look like your finances are tanking. At the end of the time, I will surprise you with a job and then a raise shortly after that."
But that's not how God works. We'd all get A's and what would that prove? It would prove we could study for the test.
Abraham's testing, on the other hand, revealed true faith. Not faith that mouths the words, "I trust You God." But faith that really, really, really trusts God. I'm sure Abraham believed that if God took His son's life, God would raise Him from the dead.
Many times, and in many different situations, God has tested me with the question, "Do you trust Me ... or do you just say you trust Me?"
He has asked me ...
Do you trust Me with your health? Do you trust Me with your children? Do you trust Me with your reputation? Do you trust Me with your dreams? Do you trust Me with your career?
Or do you just say you trust Me?
It has taken numerous pop quizzes for me to really get this concept. Even though the testing was grueling, and the results sometimes revealed my faith wasn't where I wished it was, I'm thankful. I'm thankful God cares enough about me to test me. I'm thankful He longs for my full devotion. I'm thankful that through the testing, my faith is stronger than it's been in the past.
The truth is, we never know when God is testing us. The challenge for me is being honest about where I'm at spiritually. It's only when I acknowledge that truth I can deal with the deeper issues of doubt and misplaced trust.
Is God asking you today, "Do you trust Me, or do you just say you trust Me?"
We live in very difficult times. I know there are many fears that overwhelm my sisters in Christ. If you need to confess some unbelief, please feel free to post a comment. I will pray for you, and I invite the other readers of my blog to pray for you as well. Post it anonymously if need be.
God isn't mad about your shaky faith. I believe He wants to carry you today so you are standing on His unshakable foundation.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Today I've got a devotion running titled "A Ram is on the Way." Although I've read the story of Abraham and Isaac many times, it was only recently I got the visual image of the ram walking up the other side of the mountain at the same time as Abraham, after reading a segments of the "Knowing Jesus Bible." I hold that image in my mind now when I'm facing an "impossible" situation.
Another thing that hit me reading that passage in Genesis 22 was that it was all a test. We learn that in the first verse of the chapter: "Some time later God tested Abraham."
Personally, I like knowing when a test is coming. In school, I loved having the test schedule in advance. I'm one of those students who needed lots of studying.
If God's tests were pre-announced, I'm sure I'd do much better on them. In fact, I think God should be the like the Public Broadcasting System and announce, "This is only a test. For the next 6 months, it will only look like your finances are tanking. At the end of the time, I will surprise you with a job and then a raise shortly after that."
But that's not how God works. We'd all get A's and what would that prove? It would prove we could study for the test.
Abraham's testing, on the other hand, revealed true faith. Not faith that mouths the words, "I trust You God." But faith that really, really, really trusts God. I'm sure Abraham believed that if God took His son's life, God would raise Him from the dead.
Many times, and in many different situations, God has tested me with the question, "Do you trust Me ... or do you just say you trust Me?"
He has asked me ...
Do you trust Me with your health? Do you trust Me with your children? Do you trust Me with your reputation? Do you trust Me with your dreams? Do you trust Me with your career?
Or do you just say you trust Me?
It has taken numerous pop quizzes for me to really get this concept. Even though the testing was grueling, and the results sometimes revealed my faith wasn't where I wished it was, I'm thankful. I'm thankful God cares enough about me to test me. I'm thankful He longs for my full devotion. I'm thankful that through the testing, my faith is stronger than it's been in the past.
The truth is, we never know when God is testing us. The challenge for me is being honest about where I'm at spiritually. It's only when I acknowledge that truth I can deal with the deeper issues of doubt and misplaced trust.
Is God asking you today, "Do you trust Me, or do you just say you trust Me?"
We live in very difficult times. I know there are many fears that overwhelm my sisters in Christ. If you need to confess some unbelief, please feel free to post a comment. I will pray for you, and I invite the other readers of my blog to pray for you as well. Post it anonymously if need be.
God isn't mad about your shaky faith. I believe He wants to carry you today so you are standing on His unshakable foundation.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
I'd like to welcome any visitors who are reading my blog for the first time, or who visited from Encouragement for Today devotions. My devotion today was titled, "Raising Children with Moral Courage." You can read it by clicking here.
This hasn't been an easy part of parenting for me. You see, I tend towards being an over-protective and worried mom. My instinct is to pull my children in closer at the first scent of danger. And believe me when I say that raising three boys close in age involved lots of danger.
All three have the spirits of warriors and adventurers. There was no puddle deep enough or fence high enough that one of my three wouldn't try to battle their way through, over, under and beyond. Every stick became a sword, and towel a cape. Quite unlike their mama, who prefers a cozy couch and book to the wild life.
Back when they were small, I had to make a choice. Honestly, my husband sort of prodded me to do it. He recognized their amazing spirit, because he's got it too. So instead of trying to make them more like me (which would have been futile and sad) I realized I had help them become who God had already designed them to be. Which was bold boys who would become bold men.
I had to (and still do) choose to allow them to do things that seemed scary. But I didn't always do it right. One of my biggest regrets was when my oldest son wanted to take a mission trip. In junior high he spent a weekend at an orphanage in Mexico. He loved it and wanted to plan for a longer, more involved, trip to Honduras the following year.
Everything in me cringed in fear. And I let him know it. I listed every reason why it would be dangerous for him to go that far. He was too young, it was too expensive, and so on. Sadly, my son dropped the issue and never brought it up again.
The hard part about this task of raising brave children is there are real dangers in our world. Every day, a parent has to balance wisdom and risk. However, to be brave, there has to be a risk. If there is no challenge, it's not bravery.
The kingdom of God is advanced by men and women with moral courage. And faith is only strengthened by stepping out (often in fear) and discovering for yourself that God is faithful. But it must start at an early age. So what can parents do? Here are a few things to consider.
1) Address your own fear level. Is there any chance you might be over-protective and hinder your child from stepping out in faith?
2) Read about biblical virtues of faithful men and women. You'll find that many of the heroes of our faith did very brave and dangerous acts for God.
3) Teach your children the difference between being assertive and being aggressive. Christians should be assertive for the right reasons.
4) Let your children know you will support them for doing the right thing. We always told our children to stick up for the weak, and we would stand beside them to face the consequences.
5) Allow your child to do something for God you consider risky. Not unsafe or foolish. But risky.
6) Do something risky for God yourself, and allow your child to watch or participate.
Here are some quotes that inspire me:
1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” (NLT)
A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Moral excellence comes about as a result of habit. We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts. Aristotle
The world needs more brave women and men. We need more people who feel moral outrage over injustice, poverty, inequality, cruelty, hatred, bullying, lying, and all kinds of sinful behavior. And will be brave enough to do something about it. We can do something about it now with our children.
That's my prayer for my children and yours.
In His Love,
Glynnis
This hasn't been an easy part of parenting for me. You see, I tend towards being an over-protective and worried mom. My instinct is to pull my children in closer at the first scent of danger. And believe me when I say that raising three boys close in age involved lots of danger.
All three have the spirits of warriors and adventurers. There was no puddle deep enough or fence high enough that one of my three wouldn't try to battle their way through, over, under and beyond. Every stick became a sword, and towel a cape. Quite unlike their mama, who prefers a cozy couch and book to the wild life.
Back when they were small, I had to make a choice. Honestly, my husband sort of prodded me to do it. He recognized their amazing spirit, because he's got it too. So instead of trying to make them more like me (which would have been futile and sad) I realized I had help them become who God had already designed them to be. Which was bold boys who would become bold men.
I had to (and still do) choose to allow them to do things that seemed scary. But I didn't always do it right. One of my biggest regrets was when my oldest son wanted to take a mission trip. In junior high he spent a weekend at an orphanage in Mexico. He loved it and wanted to plan for a longer, more involved, trip to Honduras the following year.
Everything in me cringed in fear. And I let him know it. I listed every reason why it would be dangerous for him to go that far. He was too young, it was too expensive, and so on. Sadly, my son dropped the issue and never brought it up again.
The hard part about this task of raising brave children is there are real dangers in our world. Every day, a parent has to balance wisdom and risk. However, to be brave, there has to be a risk. If there is no challenge, it's not bravery.
The kingdom of God is advanced by men and women with moral courage. And faith is only strengthened by stepping out (often in fear) and discovering for yourself that God is faithful. But it must start at an early age. So what can parents do? Here are a few things to consider.
1) Address your own fear level. Is there any chance you might be over-protective and hinder your child from stepping out in faith?
2) Read about biblical virtues of faithful men and women. You'll find that many of the heroes of our faith did very brave and dangerous acts for God.
3) Teach your children the difference between being assertive and being aggressive. Christians should be assertive for the right reasons.
4) Let your children know you will support them for doing the right thing. We always told our children to stick up for the weak, and we would stand beside them to face the consequences.
5) Allow your child to do something for God you consider risky. Not unsafe or foolish. But risky.
6) Do something risky for God yourself, and allow your child to watch or participate.
Here are some quotes that inspire me:
1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” (NLT)
A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Moral excellence comes about as a result of habit. We become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts. Aristotle
The world needs more brave women and men. We need more people who feel moral outrage over injustice, poverty, inequality, cruelty, hatred, bullying, lying, and all kinds of sinful behavior. And will be brave enough to do something about it. We can do something about it now with our children.
That's my prayer for my children and yours.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Recently my husband and I got nostalgic about watching home videos. It's been years since we pulled them out of the drawer and oohed and aahed over how cute the kids were when they were little. We were sure they would enjoy watching their younger selves too.
We did have a good time watching the videos. And the kids laughed hysterically at certain parts. Mind you, they were not the parts I thought were funny. For example, we used to have a day bed, and for years our three boys slept together in that one bed. There was a trundle bed we would pull out, but the boys would somehow find themselves snuggled up next to each other night after night.
The trundle bed was used for bouncing instead of sleeping.
One night when Josh was about 3-1/2 and Dylan about 2, we were sitting in their room watching them jump from the bed to the trundle bed - which was about a foot drop. I was holding the video camera while Tod sat on the floor next to the bed, just in case somebody took a tumble.
It was Dylan's turn to jump, and he said in the most adorable two-year-old voice you can imagine: "Watch me Daddy, watch me." He then proceeded to jump off the bed, but not far enough out. His little diapered bottom caught the edge of the bed and catapulted him forward onto the bottom bed and then onto the floor - just out of reach of his waiting daddy.
The video comes to a screeching halt as I probably threw it on the floor and dove to grab my baby, knocking my husband out of the way in the process.
I wanted to cry watching that video of my poor baby. The four males in my household, on the other hand, were laughing so hard they could hardly press the rewind button to watch it again ... and again ... and again. Dylan and Robbie grabbed their phones in order to record it and send it around their cyber world. Not sure if it's on YouTube yet. Tod and Josh couldn't stop laughing long enough to do that.
All I wanted to do was grab Dylan, who is now 16 and as tall as me, and rock him in my arms to comfort him. That wasn't happening. I think I caught a warning glance from his face in between snorts of laughter.
As I contemplated that part of my heart that was breaking all over again at Dylan's fall, I realized God was showing me a part of Himself - the part that longs for me to turn to Him when I need comfort.
The longing to comfort my children when they are in pain is almost physical. It's odd to admit, but I get a bit of pleasure and satisfaction at being able to ease their pain. It connects us in a rare way when I'm able to reach past their exteriors and touch their hearts.
Is this how God feels? Does it give Him pleasure when I turn to Him in my pain? Not pleasure because of the pain I'm feeling, but because I acknowledge I need Him. I can't do this on my own. I can't erase my pain. I can't ease my own stress. I need God's comfort and peace.
And yet I repeatedly try to do just the opposite. I try and fill the empty, broken places of myself with busyness and tasks.
After Dylan's fall, he allowed his Mommy to scoop him up in her arms and hold him until his crying ceased. Then, reassured of my love and presence, I'm pretty sure I remember him getting back up on the bed and trying again.
There was definitely a lesson in that video for me. It wasn't why guys love the best sports bloopers of the year. It was that I need to allow God to comfort me more, instead of trying to do it myself.
How do I do this? The psalmist spoke God's directions for this in the most simple terms:
"Be still and know that I am God."
I don't have to go anywhere, buy any special book or CD or have anyone help me find God's comfort. I just have to be still long enough for God to draw near to me and make His loving presence known. Just like I raced to Dylan, God races to me.
If you need comfort today, my friend. I pray you allow God to scoop you up in His arms until you feel His peace seep into your heart.
In His Love,
Glynnis
We did have a good time watching the videos. And the kids laughed hysterically at certain parts. Mind you, they were not the parts I thought were funny. For example, we used to have a day bed, and for years our three boys slept together in that one bed. There was a trundle bed we would pull out, but the boys would somehow find themselves snuggled up next to each other night after night.
The trundle bed was used for bouncing instead of sleeping.
One night when Josh was about 3-1/2 and Dylan about 2, we were sitting in their room watching them jump from the bed to the trundle bed - which was about a foot drop. I was holding the video camera while Tod sat on the floor next to the bed, just in case somebody took a tumble.
It was Dylan's turn to jump, and he said in the most adorable two-year-old voice you can imagine: "Watch me Daddy, watch me." He then proceeded to jump off the bed, but not far enough out. His little diapered bottom caught the edge of the bed and catapulted him forward onto the bottom bed and then onto the floor - just out of reach of his waiting daddy.
The video comes to a screeching halt as I probably threw it on the floor and dove to grab my baby, knocking my husband out of the way in the process.
I wanted to cry watching that video of my poor baby. The four males in my household, on the other hand, were laughing so hard they could hardly press the rewind button to watch it again ... and again ... and again. Dylan and Robbie grabbed their phones in order to record it and send it around their cyber world. Not sure if it's on YouTube yet. Tod and Josh couldn't stop laughing long enough to do that.
All I wanted to do was grab Dylan, who is now 16 and as tall as me, and rock him in my arms to comfort him. That wasn't happening. I think I caught a warning glance from his face in between snorts of laughter.
As I contemplated that part of my heart that was breaking all over again at Dylan's fall, I realized God was showing me a part of Himself - the part that longs for me to turn to Him when I need comfort.
The longing to comfort my children when they are in pain is almost physical. It's odd to admit, but I get a bit of pleasure and satisfaction at being able to ease their pain. It connects us in a rare way when I'm able to reach past their exteriors and touch their hearts.
Is this how God feels? Does it give Him pleasure when I turn to Him in my pain? Not pleasure because of the pain I'm feeling, but because I acknowledge I need Him. I can't do this on my own. I can't erase my pain. I can't ease my own stress. I need God's comfort and peace.
And yet I repeatedly try to do just the opposite. I try and fill the empty, broken places of myself with busyness and tasks.
After Dylan's fall, he allowed his Mommy to scoop him up in her arms and hold him until his crying ceased. Then, reassured of my love and presence, I'm pretty sure I remember him getting back up on the bed and trying again.
There was definitely a lesson in that video for me. It wasn't why guys love the best sports bloopers of the year. It was that I need to allow God to comfort me more, instead of trying to do it myself.
How do I do this? The psalmist spoke God's directions for this in the most simple terms:
"Be still and know that I am God."
I don't have to go anywhere, buy any special book or CD or have anyone help me find God's comfort. I just have to be still long enough for God to draw near to me and make His loving presence known. Just like I raced to Dylan, God races to me.
If you need comfort today, my friend. I pray you allow God to scoop you up in His arms until you feel His peace seep into your heart.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Monday, October 5, 2009
I'm so happy to welcome my friend Melanie Chitwood, as a guest blogger today. She is one of my partners in ministry at Proverbs 31, and an author and speaker as well. Her first book was published a few years ago titled "What a Husband Needs from His Wife," and God is using it in amazing ways to strengthen marriages. Melanie's next book is due out in January and will be for the husbands. Today, I asked Melanie to share some tips on how wives can invest in their husbands and their marriage.
Top Ten Tips for Turning Your Heart to Your Husband
When I think about marriage, I always think about the phrase, “The best of times and the worst of times.” My marriage has lots of ups and downs and God sure has used it to refine my character.
One thing I know: investing in your marriage pays off. God tells us in Galatians 6:7, “…for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” So here are some ideas to sow into your marriage.
1. Make sure friendship with your husband is a top priority. Don’t let girlfriends, hobbies, work, kids, and other interests cause your life to be too crowded for friendship with your husband.
2. Have fun! Do something together you both enjoy (or used to enjoy). Laugh and get refreshed.
3. Thank God for 5 specific ways your husband is “it on a stick.”
4. Little things matter. Do the little things to invest in your marriage. Send a sweet email, make a favorite meal, do a chore he normally does, smile, tell him you respect his hard work ethic.
5. Zip your lips. God’s Word tells us there’s a time to speak and a time to be silent. Does your husband really need your advice, judgment or complaint?
6. Guard your heart – be careful what you watch on tv, read, conversations with others that make you feel like your husband is lacking.
7. Deal with unforgiveness today. Talk to God, confess, repent, ask God if you need to talk to your husband about the situation or if it’s something between just you and God.
8. Don’t replay in your head an argument you had with your husband. Let it go.
9. Be careful how you talk to others, including your mom, your best friend, and your kids, about your husband.
10. Your husband wants to be intimate with you in all ways, emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically. For a man often the easiest way to feel connected to his wife is to make love. Then he’ll be ready to connect with you emotionally. So have some fun in the bedroom!
From Melanie:
Thanks for reading today! A little about me – I live in Charlotte, NC with my husband and two sons where we spend a whole lot of time at our new business, Carolina Courts, an indoor basketball/volleyball facility. I serve with Proverbs 31 Ministries and have written What a Husband Needs from His Wife and What a Wife Needs from Her Husband (available January 2010). I’d love for you to visit me at www.melaniechitwood.com.
This is the last in my series of tips. I hope you've enjoyed them.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Top Ten Tips for Turning Your Heart to Your Husband
When I think about marriage, I always think about the phrase, “The best of times and the worst of times.” My marriage has lots of ups and downs and God sure has used it to refine my character.
One thing I know: investing in your marriage pays off. God tells us in Galatians 6:7, “…for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.” So here are some ideas to sow into your marriage.
1. Make sure friendship with your husband is a top priority. Don’t let girlfriends, hobbies, work, kids, and other interests cause your life to be too crowded for friendship with your husband.
2. Have fun! Do something together you both enjoy (or used to enjoy). Laugh and get refreshed.
3. Thank God for 5 specific ways your husband is “it on a stick.”
4. Little things matter. Do the little things to invest in your marriage. Send a sweet email, make a favorite meal, do a chore he normally does, smile, tell him you respect his hard work ethic.
5. Zip your lips. God’s Word tells us there’s a time to speak and a time to be silent. Does your husband really need your advice, judgment or complaint?
6. Guard your heart – be careful what you watch on tv, read, conversations with others that make you feel like your husband is lacking.
7. Deal with unforgiveness today. Talk to God, confess, repent, ask God if you need to talk to your husband about the situation or if it’s something between just you and God.
8. Don’t replay in your head an argument you had with your husband. Let it go.
9. Be careful how you talk to others, including your mom, your best friend, and your kids, about your husband.
10. Your husband wants to be intimate with you in all ways, emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically. For a man often the easiest way to feel connected to his wife is to make love. Then he’ll be ready to connect with you emotionally. So have some fun in the bedroom!
From Melanie:
Thanks for reading today! A little about me – I live in Charlotte, NC with my husband and two sons where we spend a whole lot of time at our new business, Carolina Courts, an indoor basketball/volleyball facility. I serve with Proverbs 31 Ministries and have written What a Husband Needs from His Wife and What a Wife Needs from Her Husband (available January 2010). I’d love for you to visit me at www.melaniechitwood.com.
This is the last in my series of tips. I hope you've enjoyed them.
In His Love,
Glynnis
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