by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Lucky for Brian, I’m not into vase-filled flowers but I don’t mind sharing that he does owe me a $40.00 Strawberries and Cream Hydrangea (hyperlinked just for you, hun!), purchased with birthday money a few years ago. Let’s just say his lawn mower gave it a big warm hug…twice. As the fellas on Duck Dynasty would say, “It gone!”
Speaking of Valentine’s Day, I have to agree with those who say it’s commercialized (more than one florist is sweating this snowmeggedan!) but alas, it still offers a plethora of opportunities to not only show our love, but more importantly, God’s love, on this special day.
For those of us experiencing historic snowfall this week our options may be limited but not everyone is snowed in, and most everyone wants to be remembered—especially on Valentine’s Day—so here are a few ideas that may brighten someone’s Friday:
- Visit a nearby nursing home. Your face in a lonely place is a gift, period, but if you don’t want to arrive empty-handed, bring some Valentines Day cards. It’s especially fun and meaningful if you have children who could join you. Many residents are widows or widowers and need to be reminded they’re not forgotten.
- Remember those who’ve lost a mate, especially if it’s a more recent loss. Share Hebrews 13:5 — and sign the card from God or Jesus. It’s not credit we’re seeking, but comfort, and what greater comfort is there than to be reminded that He is ever present and will never leave or forsake them?
- Pray! God may want you to send a card, leave a box of candy, or simply give someone a hug that you would’ve never considered otherwise. We can know that when we ask Him to open our eyes to those around us, He will deliver.
And for those of us snowed in, there’s always social media…unless our power goes out. 🙂
But let’s face it. A heart-shaped candy-filled box is simply a reminder to love. February 14th neither defines or confines our ability to love others extravagantly, selflessly, and unconditionally. Any time. Any where. Any day.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
How might the LORD want to use our hands and feet to draw others closer to Him this Valentine’s Day?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
While encouraging Piper’s coloring skills last week, the word popped out without warning. I’d promised myself to keep the word Perfect! under wraps, especially with my grandchildren, but there it was in all its glory.
It’s a seemingly innocent word but it can wreak havoc in our psyche if we’re not careful.
From a writing standpoint, this word has left me paralyzed more times than I’d like to admit.
If the “perfect” word doesn’t come to mind, I can’t begin the poem.
If the “perfect” word picture doesn’t happen, how can I finish the devotion?
And on and on.
So pages of uncompleted work scribbled between two thin blue lines remain scattered among our library, shelved by perfectionism.
Perhaps it’s for this reason I can’t get enough of Emily P. Freeman’s book, A Million Little Ways. Asterisks, underlined words and phrases, Wows!, and several exclamation marks find their way on practically every page. Yes, it’s that good.
One favorite chapter Offer includes this wisdom:
When I hoard my gifts and my gifting under piles of doubt, perfectionism, and demand for appreciation, I forget the six pots in Cana filled with dusty water, the ones holding nearly thirty gallons each. I forget how Jesus takes small offerings and turns them around to glorify his Father.
A salty splotch of water mingled slowly with underlined words as I read this paragraph for a second time. Never had I associated my perfectionism with hoarding God’s gifts. All along, I’d considered my finished piece of work as an offering to the Lord—but now I see it’s because of Christ’s finished work that I can find rest in offering my best, but far from perfect work, for His glory.
If you’re struggling to climb out from beneath piles of doubt, perfectionism, or a demand for appreciation, I would welcome the opportunity to pray for you (and ask that you pray for me, as well.) I have a feeling we’re not alone on this journey!
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Hand me a staff and cloak ’cause I’m feeling like Moses today.
Remember Exodus 4:10-12?
Moses said to the Lord,
“Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the
past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and
tongue.” The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
Recently, I was asked to lead a workshop, Writing to Heal, for a one-day retreat specifically designed to minister to parents who’ve lost children.
I’ve journaled for years but I thank God I have no experience in this specific area of grief. Soon after accepting the opportunity, concerns began cropping up. What do I say? How can they relate to me? Where do I begin?
I feel so inadequate. And the truth of the matter is, I am.
But while studying Exodus 4 this morning, six words climbed from the Book and curled up snug against my concerns: Now go; I will help you…
My responsibility is to prayerfully prepare while resting in the knowledge that it is through my very weaknesses that God will be strong, and above all, glorified.
You will be known by your adequacy. God will be known by your inadequacy.
Cal Jernigan
Is God calling you to do something outside of your comfort zone today? Please share so I can be praying for you and I appreciate your prayers as well!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
A prayer-filled friend is a powerful foe—not to the befriended—but to the father of lies, the deceiver, the sly one.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16
I
recently met with Kay, a godly mentor of twenty years. I’d not seen her in awhile but during an extended time of prayer the week before, I sensed God prompting me to ask her to meet me. I’d been on a roller coaster ride for six months, and trust me, there were no Mickey ears in sight.
I knew from the moment our meeting was penned on her calendar Kay would begin praying, but I was especially humbled to learn how on that morning, she covered us in prayer from 5:00-6:15 a.m.
After returning home, I phoned another friend who was aware of my meeting with Kay. Before I could share all God had accomplished, she said God woke her up at 4:30 a.m. to begin praying.
An unspeakable appreciation swelled in my spirit as I thanked God for these friends, and those like them who I know would drop everything, wake up early, or stay up late to pray on behalf of others.
God used my prayer-filled friends to wield the weapon of truth in the face of my enemy that morning and life took a different direction as a result. Prayer-filled friends are incredibly powerful foes, which is why we so desperately need each other in the battle. I plan to share more about my non-Mickey roller coaster ride in the near future, but until then, please know this:
Prayer-filled people are not perfect people. They are, however, people who know who they are in Christ, have a clear understanding of Who they are praying to, and have faith that God has the power to accomplish His desires for those being lifted before His throne of grace. Prayer-filled people also tend to repent quickly and find deep abiding joy in their community with other Christ-followers.
Is there any doubt why James tells us that their prayers – those who are “right” before God – are powerful and effective?
Let us appreciate our prayer-filled friends — but may we also seek to be one ourselves.
“Prayer strikes the winning blow; service is
simply picking up the pieces.” S.D. Gordon
“I would rather teach one man to pray than ten men to
preach.” Charles Spurgeon
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Earlier this week I came across a puny piece of paper with the words Sacred Rhythms: Arranging our Lives for Spiritual Transformation scribbled sideways. I don’t recall jotting them down but I’ve no doubt as to the Prompter.
Although I’m only half-way through my latest Kindle download, I appreciate how Ruth Haley Barton tenderly sifts through the truths of spiritual transformation, slowing her reader down to receive fresh approaches to prayer and engaging scripture.
As a goal-oriented person, my tendency is to feel gratified after reading through set chapters of the Bible in order to finish it in a year—but is that to be my end goal? Reading through the Bible in a year? Don’t get me wrong. Doing so is beneficial for us all on many levels and I’m glad I’ve done it (even that sounds like a ✓ – sigh!), but as I often share in our community group, it’s never about information—but rather, transformation.
One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 15:16:
When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, LORD God Almighty.
When a meal is enjoyable we naturally slow down, savoring each bite. In the same way, Ruth suggests reading only six to eight verses, which increases the likelihood of ingesting the Word rather than simply reading them. In Sacred Rhythms, she provides questions to ask God and ourselves as we move through the verses. This does not replace our need for indepth studying of the Word. It’s simply one more way we can engage God via scripture throughout the day.
As we look ahead to 2014, I hope we’re found having God’s Word at the top of our reading list. The Holy Spirit longs to reveal this Word that is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, but we must access it. Whether by chunks or bites, it matters not. Just do it — for it is our joy and heart’s delight.
So as we begin this new year, in addition to the Bible, what’s your first read of 2014?
