April 2018

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Picture of day planner and to-do listRelationships take work. The more effort and time we put in, the greater our emotional intimacy with our friend, spouse, and … God. Many of us know this, and yet, if you’re like me, you allow so many lesser things to crowd God out. I know intellectually, when I’m busiest, I need Christ most, and yet often that is when I tend to neglect Him in leu of my agenda or to-do list. In the middle of a busy conference season, my guest’s post today really resonated.

Come Near by Aliseea Cromer

“Come near to God and He will come near to you.” James 4:8, NIV

Relationships. We see them all around us. We all desire to create and grow relationships with others, maybe even to go walking up to a stranger with confidence, a warm smile, our hand out, as we share our name.

For some of you, introducing yourself to others might not have been as easy. Maybe you stood on the sidelines and watched others interact with one another and kept to yourself.

Maybe you’re shy.

Maybe you’ve been hurt in the past and have a hard time opening up to others.

It’s easy for some of us to create relationships while it is more challenging for the rest. But how are you doing with your relationship with God? Are you too caught up with friends and family or too closed off to turn to pursue Him? I’m not asking this with a pointed finger because I’ve been there—pushing off reading my Bible or allowing hurt to keep me from Him.

But our hearts need Jesus. He alone can heal, sustain, and fulfill us. He’s pursued us time and time again, but some of us have ignored Him and dismissed times we could’ve spent with Him.

“I’ll read my Bible later.”

“I have to get ready for work. I don’t have time for God now.”

“I need to clean the kitchen before I leave. I can’t do that and read my devotionals.”

I’ve come up with too many excuses as to why I can’t spend time with God, why it’s ok to put Him at the bottom of my list, stating that I’ll get there when I’ve got time.

Perhaps you’ve been there—entertaining reasons why you don’t need to deepen your relationship with God, why He would

Woman reading on her cell phone.
Image by rawpixel.com on Unsplash

much rather you do that thing than spend time reading Scripture.

We’re imperfect and sinful, more often focused on our agendas than the condition of our hearts. But here’s the amazing thing: we’re imperfect sinners saved by grace. Every day we get a new start to open our Bibles and spend time with Him. (“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV.) We need to begin with saying, “I’m going to spend time with God today. I’m not making any more excuses.” By doing this, we will be rewarded. Not in money, clothes, or beauty, but by growing closer to Him, which is the best reward we could receive. And as we continue spending time with Him, we’ll be more alert to His voice talking back to us.

Let’s talk about this! How are you going to start spending time with God today? What can you do that will make a difference in your walk with God? How can you come near to Him, knowing that He is, in that moment, drawing near to you?

Get to know Aliseea!

Aliseea P. Cromer's headshot
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Aliseea P. Cromer is a youth leader, teacher’s aide, aspiring author, and a firm believer in Christ. She was born and raised in a Christian home and came to know Christ when she was four.

It wasn’t until 2016 that Aliseea truly started to pursue her dream as an author. One of the first books she’s ever written, but never published, was a sci-fi/teen fiction genre about a young girl who was different than anyone else. It was through the time she was looking at getting her book published that the wise words of her mother and the conviction of the Holy Spirit that Aliseea should be using this gift to honor God through her books. After a year of seeking God’s direction, Aliseea wrote the story that’s been on her heart and is now praying for guidance as she looks for an agent to represent her. In the mean time, Aliseea continues to write, whether it’s on her blog or in her journal, to honor and praise God and point others back to Him.

Aliseea is currently in the process of editing her book and doesn’t have anything published. She is getting ready to launch her blog on May 5th, 2018 and prays that it will be used to encourage others.

Before you go, make sure to stop by WhollyLoved.com to catch a glimpse of Christa Cottam’s latest video devotion–focused on starting our day right by spending time with Jesus. That’s our focus all week–learning to abide. Because life is found in Christ alone! Connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for more encouragement on prioritizing Jesus.

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Woman holding her face in her hands

Social awkwardness finds me. In fact, the more I try to avoid it, the more inevitable it is to come. I’m the girl who packs my daughter’s shoes instead of mine to a weekend writer’s conference, only to discover they’re about half a size too big—enough to cause them to slip, very unglamorously, with every step.

I’m the girl who discovers, after a speaking engagement, that my lipstick turned my teeth bright pink.

And I’m the woman who once attended the Cattle Baron’s Ball in North Platte Nebraska wearing glittery pumps and a full-on gown.

I wanted to look beautiful. To stand out.

I did, but so not in the way I’d hoped.

So, there I was, a grown woman looking like a prom queen wanna-be, surrounded by a bunch of cowboys. Standing in the middle of that hay-covered barn, the aroma of horse manure mingling with grilled hotdogs, I was mortified, and wanted to go home immediately. I told my husband that very thing, Again and again, stomping my sparkling, mud-covered shoe for emphasis. Maybe I hoped if I tapped them hard enough, they’d work like Dorothy’s ruby slippers and the Great Wizard would whisk me home.

All I could think of was what an idiot I must’ve looked like. And all my husband could think about was how much he loved Image of woman standing in dirt and straw in a gownme. He grabbed my hand and pulled me close, his arm forming a protective barrier around me, and whispered in my ear, “You’re here with me. You’re mine. Who cares what anyone else thinks.”

Ladies, I think God’s saying the same thing to us.

So often, we can feel like we donned our best dress shoes only to step ankle deep in a pile of manure. The poo smells, sure. We’re bummed about the shoes and nylons, but what cuts deepest are the inadequacies those experiences expose.

When did we allow our identity to get tied into our looks and fashion choices? When did we trade the depth of beauty, true beauty, for such a shallow lie? There’s nothing wrong with dressing nice or getting one’s hair done, but in doing so, may we never forget where our true beauty lies.

We know this intellectually, but it’s easy to forget this in our self-obsessed, photo-shopped culture. To remain centered in Christ takes work, determination, and practice. We have the power to control our thought life and protect our hearts. But we must, daily, make the choice to do so. When we walk into a room full of other women, we can either feed all our self-defeating thoughts that tell us we’re not good enough or pretty enough or smart enough, or we can remember God’s presence and power within us, what He says about us, and we can determine to live in that.

Truly, we can.

We can soak in God’s truth and rest in His grace. We can give Him the final say.

We can filter absolutely everything—every thought and interaction—through the lens of His love and grace.

We can live victoriously, like the beautiful, radiant masterpieces God created us to be. Wholly Loved wants to help us do just that. This week, we’ve been talking about focusing on our inner beauty and taking steps to develop that. Join us on Facebook, engage in the conversation, and be encouraged in your walk with Jesus! For those of you wondering what it’s like to attend one of our conferences, check out this video!

Before you go, make sure to sign up for my free quarterly newsletter, releasing at the end of this month. Subscribers image of cover for study based on 1 Timothyreceive great content, like a short story, devotion, recipe, and more, sent directly to their inbox along with a free 36-lesson study based on 1 Timothy (ebook, sent separately). You can sign up HERE.

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Image of women hiding behind a plantSome sins are blatant and appalled by all, but others seem to be much more tolerated, perhaps even welcomed. Until we see the destruction they cause. Unchecked, these sorts of pests tend to multiply as one white lie bleeds into another, one casually spoken gossip expands to a story, and that pride that, initially, went unnoticed, grows to dominating proportions, soon destroying friendships and hurting those we love.

Sin, big and small, hidden and seen, infects and destroys. But as my guest today shares, our lives and relationships don’t have to be casualties in our battle against sin. There are steps we can take to find and maintain victory.

Creeping, Pestering Sins

by Amy Anguish

I was sitting here, pondering what wisdom I could possibly impart to help someone else with her life when mine isn’t always perfect. And then I saw it.

A mouse.

Funny thing. I actually had a pet mouse when I was in high school. That’s when I discovered how cute they are. Awe. I was like Cinderella – you know, minus the whole evil step-family and slaving away during the day thing.

But undomesticated mice are a different story. They aren’t quiet, clean, and don’t ask if they can share your food first. They just rip a corner off the package and dive in—literally. And when they die under a refrigerator they stink worse than my son’s diapers.

We have our fifth mouse in two months. We’ve disposed of at least four so far. We’ve tried three different kinds of traps. Evidently, they talk to each other, because each trap only works once. We have the wavelength emitters in our plugs that are supposed to discourage the beasts from coming in, but at this point am beginning to doubt anything will work.

I think I found the hole they’re coming in through this afternoon. As long as that opening remains, more will come, no matter how many we exterminate. It’s inevitable. We’re in a quiet neighborhood with trees nearby so there will be mice. But if we can close off how they get from the crawlspace to inside … that’s going to be the cure.

Sin is similar. I can trap and evict things like worry, gossip, anger, hate, or jealousy but if I don’t “stop up the hole” where they’re coming in, I’ll have to do it all again. Now, I know I can’t just plug up my head and keep bad things out of it. But I can avoid the places and entertainment and spending extensive time with friends who are prone to using such things. And I can spend more time engaging in better things and interacting with more encouraging people.

It’s like the story Jesus told in Matthew chapter 12 about the house swept clean: “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none.  Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first.” Matthew 12:43-45 (ESV)*

So, let’s take Paul’s advice in the letter he wrote to the Philippians: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8,9 (ESV)

So, maybe I don’t want to be Cinderella, having mice live in my home. Instead, in my house and my life, I think it’s time to plug up some holes and keep the nasty little buggers out.

Let’s talk about this! Do you have a “rodent” problem? What kinds of holes are letting bad things into your life? Share your thoughts and stories–and your sin-exterminating tips–in the comments below, because we can all learn from and encourage one another.

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Before you go, make sure to sign up for my (Jennifer’s) free quarterly newsletter, releasing at the end of this month. Subscribers image of cover for study based on 1 Timothyreceive great content, like a short story, devotion, recipe, and more, sent directly to their inbox along with a free 36-lesson study based on 1 Timothy (ebook, sent separately). You can sign up HERE. And make sure you stop over at the Wholly Loved Blog to watch a great video devotion by speaker and worship leader Christa Cottam’s.

 

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Amy Anguish's Author photoAmy Anguish grew up a preacher’s kid, and in spite of having lived in seven different states that are all south of the Mason Dixon line, she is not a football fan. Currently, she resides in Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and son, and usually a cat or two. Amy graduated with a degree in English from Freed-Hardeman University and hopes in all her creative endeavors to glorify God, but especially in her writing. She wants her stories to show that while Christians face real struggles, it can still work out for good.

 

Check out her book!

An Unexpected Legacy:

“Smoothies brought them together, but would the past tear them apart?”Book cover image for An Unexpected Legacy

When Chad Manning introduces himself to Jessica Garcia at her favorite smoothie shop, it’s like he stepped out of one of her romance novels. But as she tentatively walks into a relationship with this man of her dreams, secrets from their past threaten to shatter their already fragile bond. Chad and Jessica must struggle to figure out if their relationship has a chance or if there is nothing between them but a love of smoothies.

Buy it HERE!

The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®). ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.