Let’s Get Real

The spiritual ups and downs of 21st century Christian living

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Yesterday was a pause, remember, and reflect day where I celebrated all God has done in my life and renewed my committment to follow whole-heartedly after Him. Which implies I will consistently take the time to actually listen for His direction. That’s the hard part, isn’t it? Especially when things get crazy. Today multi-published author Cara Putman shares her thoughts on calendars, stress, and taking the time to breathe.

Please note, she’s giving away a copy of Shadowed by Grace to one of you, randomly selected from the comments below. Also, don’t forget about Faith-Filled Friends’ month long give-away. šŸ™‚ If you haven’t been over there in a while, now might be a good time. Tuesday, I talked about some of my friends’ greatest fears–finding themselves in my novels. ha! You can read this fun yet thought-provoking post here.

putman-LR-1Taking Time to Breathe by Cara Putman

Itā€™s a new year.

If youā€™re like me, youā€™ve got a new calendar out ā€¦ and are praying for a short reprieve before its nice, clean blocks begin to fill with new events, tasks and activities.

My family graduated from standard blocks several years ago to the kind of calendars that provide separate blocks each day for up to six family members. Even so the days get filled and hard to read.

Is it even possible to stop?

To pause?

To breathe?

Not unless we commit to make it a priority. I can complain that life is busy, or I can take a pocket of time to step back and intentionally evaluate where I am, where my family is, and where we want to be.

So what should we do? I have a few suggestionsā€¦just remember Iā€™m talking to myself just as much as making suggestions to you.

1)Ā Ā Ā Ā  Pause and ask God what He thinks of your schedule. Should some things end for a season? Are there things you should add? Are there things you should do as a family?

2)Ā Ā Ā Ā  Evaluate your familyā€™s pulse. Are you all tired? Is there an attitude creeping in that is tired-boy-899951-ma reflection of a harried life style or too little sleep? Do you need to make some adjustments?

3)Ā Ā Ā Ā  How many activities can each person/child do? Iā€™ve known families that only allow one per child. Or all children do the same sport. What works best for you?

4)Ā Ā Ā Ā  Are there on-going responsibilities youā€™ve taken on that you should release? Just because youā€™ve taught Sunday school for five, ten, twenty years, doesnā€™t mean you should continue to do so. Do you need to step out of the way so someone else can step up and grow?

What would you add to this list of suggestions?

Cara C. Putman graduated high school at 16, college at 20, and completed her law degree at 27. An award-winning author of seventeen books with more on the way, she is active in women’s ministry at her church and is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue Universityā€™s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. Putman is currently pursuing her Masterā€™s in Business Administration at Krannert. She serves on the executive board of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), an organization she has served in various roles since 2007. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana. You can connect with her online at:

Facebook,Ā Twitter,Ā Pinterest, and Goodreads.

ShadowedbyGrace_CVRShadowed by Grace:

Rachel Justice is desperate to save her dying mother. She doesnā€™t want to leave her, but she accepts her newspaperā€™s assignment to travel to Italy and photograph war images. No one knows her photography is a cover and that Rachel is really seeking to find the father she never knew, hopeful to get some help with her failing mother. Dedicated to her mission, Rachel is focused on completing it. Soon, though, she finds her priorities and plans changing when she is assigned to Lt. Scott Lindstrom, on mission as a Monument Man. Their meeting will have far-reaching consequences. Will this derail her plans? Will she ever find her father? Is her faith enough to carry her through?

Buy it here.

Read the first chapter here.

livingbygracepic.jpLet’s talk about this. Do you regularly take time to reflect–on your faith walk, personal growth, AND schedule and commitments? I’ve found, come December, I’ll notice a large number of tasks have been added to my calendar, many that were accepted almost accidentally. Accidental commitments don’t move me in the purposeful direction God’s planned, which means, there are times I must cut back. Then again, there are times He nudges me to add something new. But if my schedule’s loaded with the accidental, there’s no room to embrace God’s new. šŸ˜‰ Join the conversation in the comments below or on Facebook at Living by Grace.

What are some ways you stay on top of your schedule? How do you keep yourself centered in God’s will for you and your family?

Some other articles you might find helpful:

Finding Meaning in the Mundane

Living 2014 With Intentionality

Time to QuitĀ 

Additional book length resources:

Mommy Pick-Me-UpsĀ byĀ Edna EllisonĀ andĀ Linda J. Gilden

Deeper Still byĀ Edna Ellison

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I’m the queen of distraction. I easily get caught up in the tinsel and carols and cinnamon smells of the season, but this year God used a squirrel-like husband and a box of old ornaments to center me in Him and the essence of Christmas. You can read more about that crazy yet emotional morning here.

ā€œIn the beginning was the Word and the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.ā€ John 1:1 (NIV)

Before there was time, the God-head envisioned His creation, a universe filled with radiant light as millions upon millions of stars glimmered throughout infinite space. The earth, now but a vision in the mind of God, would soon abound with life.

Ice-capped mountains would glisten in the sun and gently flowing streams would weave through flower-filled meadows. Jay Larks and Robins would fill the air with song while newborn cubs tumbled over grassy plains.

But the crown of His creation? The creature that brought a song to the Creatorā€™s lips and tears of anguish to His face?

Man. Humans, just like you and I. People that would fight against Him at every turn and ultimate drive Him to the cross.
God made man, knowing man would betray Him. Knowing manā€™s rebellion would result in His death. And yet, He created humans anyway, molding flesh from a mound of earth, breathing life into a lifeless body.

The first man to be created was named Adam. In the beginning, God and Adam enjoyed sweet fellowship, an intimacy unparalleled by any other creature roaming the face of the earth. An intimacy that penetrated to the very depths of the soul.

Fear was unheard of.

Loneliness was unknown. Everything was bliss, like a melodious love song echoed in united hearts.

But then something happened and this heavenly union was shattered. The creature God had created, the creature God loved infinitely and immensely, turned on Him, and the perfect love-bond was broken.

Suddenly the child created to rest in His arms fought against Him, spurning the very love scream-924206-mthat would save Him.

In the depths of manā€™s heart, bitterness took root, weaving its entangling web around everything that was once good and pure and lovely.

And all the while, God watched with breaking heart, knowing the day of total restoration would come.
But it would cost Him everything.

His cross-church-1386416-mvery life.

Merry Christmas, my friend! And as you and your family unwrap your Christmas, pause to remember the Christmas story, from beginning to the glorious, victorious end.

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dianaThere are some people in life that you wish you knew. That you know, had you had the time to connect with them over coffee, or to simply overhear their daily conversations, you’d be better. Stronger. More impactful. Because impactful people inspire others to be impactful.

I regret to say, I didn’t know Diann Hunt, other than what I read on her blog or what I saw on Facebook. And quite honestly, I didn’t really start to pay attention until I learned the devastating news… She had ovarian cancer. Having a grandmother who died from that silent killer, I worried how this author’s fight might end.

But more than that, I marveled at the way she fought. Not so much how she fought the disease itself, but how she fought all those other things that can accompany terminal illness, those things like:

Bitterness

Fear

Defeat

Withdrawal and isolation

She might have “lost” her valiant fight against cancer, but she went home victorious, for even when the claws of death sank deep into her frail frame, she prevailed, and showed the world what it means to have a peace that surpasses understanding, a love that extends far beyond ones self, and a joy based on something much more eternal, much more real, than anything we can grab hold of in this sin ravished world.

She showed the world what Christianity is all about. It’s one thing to say you have faithdelight yourself3 when the blessings abound. It’s another thing entirely to not only cling to that faith but radiate it from your very core when your world falls apart. She lived that which she wrote about.

That was the type of faith Diann had, and her impact will not soon be forgotten.

Today, the ACFW community honors this precious woman of the faith.

To read more about Diann Hunt, her life, her writing, and the impact she made on so many, visit the following blogs:

Trish Perry:Ā www.trishperry.com
Julie Arduini:Ā www.juliearduini.com

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Sherris pictureToday I’m thrilled to have fellow ACFW member, Sherri Stone here on my blog. I don’t know about you, but I’m beginning to notice a common theme in the devotions I’ve posted lately. And no, I don’t plan what my guest bloggers write about. šŸ˜‰ The theme? Pretty sure it’s clear in her title. Wow, this one is a hard one to get. Maybe that’s why God keeps repeating it. šŸ™‚

Oh, and before I go much further, I wanted to announce the winner of last week’s give-away. Elaine Stock, you’re it! I’ve gotta admit, having won give-aways hosted on your blog twice now, I’m uber thrilled! I’ll email you soon to chat about the best way to get Janet’s book, Heaven’s Pray, to you.

Thank God It’s NOT About ME!!

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  I’ve been a social worker for over twenty years, and as you might imagine that has brought me face to face with more problems than I care to remember. Some situations are out of our control as humans, but it’s startling to know how many miseries are self-induced. When you have my job it’s also quite frustrating to see how many “crises” come your way because of someone else’s actions.

One Saturday when I was on call I heard from one of my nurses that a patient was out of diabetic testing supplies and had been for several days. Of course it didn’t become a crisis until Saturday. Replacing those items is not difficult during the week when resources are readily available, but on the weekend…

I was mad. I had a patient to take care of and a nurse to support, and no solutions were coming to mind. I needed to pray but because I felt angry I didn’t feel like I had the right to pray. I certainly wasn’t feeling very ‘spiritual’.

You’re already thinking it, aren’t you? When you least feel it, that’s when you most need to do it. In fact, in that moment God was already speaking to my heart, and as he does so many times, he used that situation as a teaching moment for me. It’s as if he spoke out loud and said, “If I were bound by your feelings, I would be totally useless to you. When will you remember that it’s not about you? It’s never about you. I AM the One whose strength and wisdom matter. I AM the One whose love never waivers. I AM the One who is never surprised. IAM the One with ALL that you will ever need. Ask me.

Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā  Ask me.

So I did. I vented my frustration and thanked Him that no matter how much of a mess my emotions were He was and would always be God. I also thanked Him ahead of time for taking care of the problem, which of course He did.

I do need reminding from time to time, though, so there is now a tab in my bible that marks Numbers 22, the story of Balaam’s donkey. The tab simply says “NOT ABOUT ME!”Ā  God chose to use a donkey to speak to Balaam. (The amazing thing is that Balaam talked back, but that’s a story for another day.) The point is, God can use whatever or whomever is available. Sometimes that’s a donkey. Sometimes that’s me. Sometimes there’s not much difference.

Can we be thankful in all situations? Yes. Is it easy. Of course not. It takes remembering party-balloons-1-1158924-mwhere to focus our thanks. If we wait to feel thankful we have missed it. God is not now, nor will He ever be handicapped by our emotions. Picture God as a large boulder holding down the strings of many balloons. The balloons are our emotions and they may hold perfectly still on a calm day, or they may be whipped intoĀ  a frenzy in a storm, but they will never move the rock!

A thankful heart is not a feeling. It is a choice. Every day, in every situation we have the right, and God’s permission to come to Him at any time no matter how we feel.Ā  We develop a heart quick to give thanks when we take our burdens to him ā€“ no matter how we feel ā€“ trust Him for the results, and give thanks for who He is.

Blessings,

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is Godā€™s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thes. 5:18, NLT).

Sherri is a medical social worker with hospice. She is currently working on her Dark Family Secrets Series, but is also collaborating with her hospice chaplain on a book about the hospice experience. This is her third year with ACFW.Ā  Connect with her atĀ  www.sherristone.net or http://www.facebook.com/sherrilynnestone or on Twitter @sherristone2.

Ā LivingbyGracepicLet’s talk about this. Join the conversation here, in the comments below, or at Living by Grace on Facebook.
I’m sure you’ve all been where Sherri was, when the last thing you want to do is pray. So, what did you do? And what happened? Our pastor said something last Sunday that I found immensely beautiful. He reminded us in those times when we can’t or don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit prays for us. (Romans 8:26) To me, that’s a beautiful reminder of grace. God knows we’re fallible, weak, emotional… But He loves us anyway, and praise God, His faithfulness is not dependent on ours. Granted, that doesn’t mean we toss our hands up and say, “I’m done. Go ahead and pray for me, God.” Nope, because as Janet reminded us last week, prayer is more than popping off a request list. It’s about drawing near to our Creator and allowing Him to align our hearts with His. Allowing Him to fill us with a joy that goes beyond our circumstances and a peace that surpasses understanding.

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contemplativeThe big F.

When you sense a divine nudge, step out in faith even though your knees are buckling, sweat is cascading down your spine, and your stomach feels as if an army of ants not only took up residence but are engaged in some crazy acrobatics, and nothing, absolutely nothing, goes as planned.

In those moments, we may be tempted to raise our fists at God or hide away in our nice, safe homes, determined never, ever, not in a jabillion years, to do ministry again.

But what if our interpretations are wrong? What if what we perceive as failure is but a stepping stone–and a necessary one at that? The hard thing about faith, about having a finite and often faulty brain, is that we may never fully see the results or reasons behind our actions this side of heaven. I’ve shared before, looking back on my life, I remember countless patient, loving Christians whom I have no doubt were called to reach out to and love on me.

In fact, I remember one family in particular. They lived in Ferndale, and they had a daughter my age. In those days, I was a mess. And I imagine, there were many times I was quite difficult to be around. But this family took me in. Fed me, sheltered me, loved on me.

But despite their love and patience, I continued my downward spiral. I imagine they felt they had failed. Or like maybe they’d heard God wrong. Because if God calls us to do something, we have to succeed, right? We’ve got the power of Creator God behind us!

But what if His version of success is different from ours? What if He sees something we can’t–like the slow but persistent softening or healing of a heart?adultchild A heart that might take decades–maybe even a lifetime–to change? And what if in the process, He was working on our heart as well–molding, guiding, teaching, equipping, transforming us from who we are now to who He created us to be? What if every action, every assumed failure is necessary training toward our future calling?

You see, I believe God is sovereign over our successes and our failures. In fact, I believe each moment, He is watching over us with care and love, keeping an eye not only on our hearts but on our final destination as well.

As a reminder of this, I often consider two Scripture passages. They have become my life verses. I recite them when it feels as if God is raining blessings upon me and when it feels as if He’s deadbolted every door.

“For we are Godā€™s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).

“Look here, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.’ How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fogā€”itā€™s here a little while, then itā€™s gone. 15 What you ought to say is, ā€œIf the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.ā€ 16 Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil” (James 4:13-16 NLT).

We are God’s masterpiece. Camp out on that for a moment.

These verses have shaped my definition of success. They remind me God has a glorious plan for me, my life, and every person I touch while here on earth. And He’s taken full responsibility to perfect that which concerns me. (Psalm 138:8) My role is simple: To surrender fully and obey without hesitation, seeking to learn and grow from each and every event or encounter.

That’s it. And here’s the beautiful thing: If I do that, I have succeeded, regardless of how things turn out.

livingbygracepic.jpLet’s talk about this! How often do you contemplate your assumed failures, looking for the hidden lesson God might be trying to show you through them? Are you basing your success on those things you have no control over, like how many people will come to Christ during your ministry events, how many promotions you receive, or how large your paycheck will grow if you do X and Y? Or are you basing your success on the only thing you can control and that which will bring your Heavenly Father exceeding joy–the extent of your surrendered obedience?

Other blog posts you might enjoy:
Rejoicing in Closed Doors
What’s Your Jericho

Books you might find helpful:
<em>Beyond Me by Kathi Macias
Called and Accountable by Henry and Norman Blackaby

Falling Forward by John C. Maxwell

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It’s late October, and many of you are thinking of pumpkins, candy corn, and, well, maybe even dead people. If you’re not, I encourage you to, although my version of dead might surprise you. šŸ˜‰ Come see what I mean by clicking here.

Today, I’m thrilled to share a story my sister, Jesseca Randall, shared with me. You might remember her. In 2011 she visited my blog and talked about something that is and will forever be very close to my heart--hurting children. Ā Fast forward two years, and this sweet Christian woman began feeling an increasingly persistent nudge to put action to her words. But how? And when? Her days were jam packed as it was!

Jessandfamily

She’s in grad school.

Raising two young children.

Jessandkiddos

JessandfriendsTrains for and runs in half marathons. Has a soldier for a spouse, one that recently returned from a one year deployment in Afghanistan.

Honestly, there are days when making it through the day is enough to do her in. How could she possibly add one mort task–or, more accurately, one more heart to care for, in the mix?

But that nudge wouldn’t go away. In fact, the more she tried to deny it, ignore it, the stronger it became.

Here’s her (and a young boy named William’s*) story:

Running yesterday morning I heard a message about how the definition of faith is to step out and do something impossible expecting God to show up.Ā Ā You know me and my brain so I start to think of ways to do this. “Okay, so Iā€™m going to contact the church about a teen mom group, and maybe Iā€™ll revisit the juvenile detention ministryā€¦yada yada yada.” Ā I do, and then proceed to drive to class.Ā During my drive I turn off my radio and just pray about these possible ministries.Ā Ā In the middle of prayer my phone rings. It’s the call asking us to take in a young boy named William*.
Hereā€™s the deal ā€“ this is the fourth time God has put this little guy in front of us since the end of summer.Ā Ā We said no THREE different times.Ā Ā I tell the lady on the phone that weā€™d love to but we donā€™t have childcare, and I am 9 weeks from graduating so ā€œI canā€™t quit nowā€.Ā Ā She thanks me anyway and we hang up.
Now Iā€™m in tears because I know that God has placed this same little boy in front of us now four times, and we have said no every time.Ā Ā I do not believe in coincidences! So, Ā sick to my stomach (you know the feeling when you know God is telling you to do something but you donā€™t), I continue through my classes at school.
But then my husband, Rob, and I talk. We decide we will step out in faith and take this child in and expect God to show up with childcare or some other way.Ā Ā That was Tuesday.Ā Ā By the next day, we have childcare from two unknown families for Friday and Monday (unknown to us but not the agency).
Having said all that, I clearly see God all through this but holy smokes this is one of the hardest thing I have ever done.Ā Ā It is hard to see him suffer, Ā and itā€™s hard to see my kids struggle. He seems to have a love/hate relationship with with my youngest child, and I canā€™t leave the room because he hits her.Ā Ā He is the most active child ever, and again, you canā€™t leave the room.Ā Ā He is also the sweetest thing (especially for what heā€™s been through).
Those who know me know I am a control freak and love my comfort ā€“ this is very trying.Ā Ā God is stretching me.Ā Ā There is also a large part of me that just wants to adopt this little guy and take him away from his chaos. But he is not even up for adoption as his mom says she still wants to have him.Ā Ā Turns out though she has used our state’s programs as well so Iā€™m afraid this little guy has clear attachment issues.
I could use prayers and the constant reminder that this is not about me but about him and Godā€™s overall plan.
*Name changed for privacy reasons.
JessecaĀ Randall is Air Force wife and mother of two who has a God-given passion for helping troubled youth.Ā  While stationed overseas, JessecaĀ completed her Masterā€™s degree in Criminal Justice with a focus on youth at risk.Ā  Once she and her husband returned to the UnitedĀ States, she worked for the State of Oklahoma investigating allegations of child abuse and neglect and as a Foster Care Specialist.Ā  After the birth of their first child, JessecaĀ became an independent contractor, certifying homes for foster care and adoption.Ā  Wanting to work in a more therapeutic role, JessecaĀ is now working on her Masters Degree in Social work and has recently completed her practicumĀ at a child advocacy center.Ā Ā If you have questions about foster care ministry, would like to be come involved, would like moreĀ information,Ā or would like to be added to Jessecaā€™s email loop, contact her at Jesseca.Randall(at)gmail(dot)com
livingbygracepic.jpLet’s Talk About This! What has God placed on your heart? Does it feel impossible? Maybe too hard or too scary? If so, then my guess is that ministry is exactly where you need to be, because it is when we are weak that God’s power is most seen. šŸ™‚ And like Jesseca said, taking in Isaiah wasn’t about her–her abilities, strength, or comfort. It was about saying yes to a mighty God and allowing Him to work in and through her. The same applies to you. šŸ™‚ Will Ā you say yes? Will you humbly and without hesitation offer up to Him all you are and all you have? Chances are, it won’t be easy, but I can gaurantee you, it will be so worth it.
Join the conversation here, in the comments below, or at Living by Grace on Facebook.
Another post you might enjoy: How Big is Your God?

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We all have ideas of who God is. Some of those ideas are grounded in truth, others are assumptions we’ve made or are based on random things we’ve heard throughout our lives. When discussing who God is, I’m often amused by mankind’s adherence to their assumptions–as if they have the right to determine who God is and how they will relate to Him.

Pause to contemplate that for a moment. Then ponder the following questions:

Who do you believe God is?

What do you base that belief on?

Now pause to consider others’ assumptions about you. Which assumptions tend to be the most accurate? I suspect those that are based on things you yourself have revealed.

Why would God be any different?

What I’m saying is this:

Everyone has an idea on who God is, what He has or hasn’t done, and how He wants mankind to relate to Him. But having an idea doesn’t make it so. If we want to truly know God, we will take time to learn what He has to say about Himself. The Bible is God’s revelation to mankind. Through it, God has removed the uncertainty, has brought clarity to confusion, and has shown mankind exactly who He is, what He has and will do, and how we, His creation, can have a vibrant and ever-growing relationship with Him.

Ā© 2010 Martin Alan Grivjack Photography Martin Alan Grivjack PhotographyToday a sweet friend, Ava Pennington, author of Daily Reflections on the Names of God, talks about one aspect of God’s character–glory–and a man who was not content to formulate his own ideas about who God was. Nope. He went straight to the source.

How did God respond? Read on, and you’ll see. šŸ™‚

But before you do, I want to announce the winner of last week’s give-away. Laurean Brooks, congrats! You won a copy of The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, written by Carole Brown. I’ll be contacting you soon. šŸ™‚

Excerpt from Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, by Ava Pennington

Published by Revell Books, 2013 Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā Ā Ā 

Are You Ready?

Glory

 

Exodus 33:12-23

ā€œGive to the Lord the glory his name deservesā€ (I Chronicles 16:29 GW).

 

How intimately do you know God? How intimately do you want to know Him?

Moses knew God in a way few other people knew Him. Itā€™s possible for us to know God in a similar way simply by making the same request Moses did. He asked the Lord, ā€œLet me know Your ways that I may know Youā€ (Exodus 33:13).

After God said He would go with Moses and the people, Moses still was not satisfied. He made a bolder request of the Lord: ā€œShow me Your glory!ā€ (Exodus 33:18). Instead of becoming angry with Moses, God granted his request, causing His glory to pass by him.

What is the glory of the Lord? It is the combination of all His attributes. When He passed Moses in the cleft of the rock, God proclaimed His goodness, graciousness, and compassion. Godā€™s glory is who He is. It is impossible to separate His glory from His character and His ways.

As we read Godā€™s Word and spend time with Him in prayer, He opens our spiritual eyes to see His glory in ways we had not previously recognized. Are you ready to see His glory?

 

Lord God, I want to know Your ways more intimately than I have,

that I may know You.

 

Have I become complacent in my relationship with the Lord?
How will I look for Him to show me His ways today?

Daily Reflections on the Names of God:

Every name of God revealed in the Bible shows us something about his character and his ways. This book offers readers a wonderful opportunity to spend time each day getting to know God more intimately. This insightful guide to the names of God provides 366 life-changing, personal devotions for new Christians and longtime believers. As readers explore 122 names and attributes of God, they will discover something special about who God is, who they are, and how they relate to others. Includes a Scripture and name index for easy navigation to favorite verses. Now in paper.

Ava Pennington is a writer, Bible teacher, and speaker. Her newest book, Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, is endorsed by Kay Arthur, founder of Precept Ministries International.

Additionally, Ava is co-author of Faith Basics for Kids. The first two books in the series are Do You Love Me More? and Will I See You Today? She has also written numerous articles for magazines such as Todayā€™s Christian Woman, Power for Living, and Focus on the Familyā€™s Clubhouse.

Ava also teaches a weekly, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class of 175+ women. She is a passionate speaker and teacher, and delights in engaging audiences with relevant, enjoyable presentations.

For more information, visit her at www.AvaWrites.com

To purchase Daily Reflections on the Names of God, visit:

AMAZON,Ā BARNES & NOBLE,Ā orĀ CHRISTIANBOOK

livingbygracepic.jpLet’s talk about this. At the end of her devotion, Ava encouraged us to ask ourselves some great questions:

Have I become complacent in my relationship with the Lord?
How will I look for Him to show me His ways today?

I’ll answer first. I seem to go up and down in my relationship with God. The “downs” are usually the result of unchecked busyness, and this to my own detriment. I can only be busy and spiritually neglectful for so long before my heart begins to dry out. Ā I’ve found life is so much better, so much richer, more peaceful and fulfilling, when I connect with and stay connected to my Savior. What about you? Join the conversation in the comments below or at Living by Grace on Facebook.Ā 

Oh, and don’t forget about our daily acts of kindness challenge! šŸ™‚ Each day find some way to make someone else’s life a little better.

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Do you ever feel like your brain is combatting itself? Fighting against those nasty lies we soak up and buy into with truth? Clinging to your identity in Christ while echoes of self-loathing swim through your head?

Larry's picToday Larry Timm, fellow ACFW writer and a man who has made countless readers literally laugh out loud turns serious as he shares his thoughts on our identity in Christ. As you read his heart-stirring devotion, I pray God will allow these truths to penetrate deep, to your very core. I pray you would not only believe and accept these truths, but that you would live them out.

 

The Who, What, Where, and Why of You! By Larry W. Timm

Many years ago I developed a ā€œPrayer Mottoā€ that has helped me in my ministry as a preacher/teacher. Most recently it has been a source of inspiration for my ministry as a writer. I share it with you in hopes it will encourage you in whatever area God is using your life.

Dear God,

Please help me remember:

WHO I am, for Iā€™m Your child;

WHAT I am, for Iā€™m Your ambassador;

WHERE I am; for Iā€™m in Your sight;

WHY I am, for Iā€™m forgiven.

 

WHO I AM:Ā  Christian, never forget that you are a child of the King! Relationships on earth are extremely valuable, and I love being a husband, father, preacher, etc., but nothing compares to the wonderful reality that I am a born-again child of the Heavenly Father! The Apostle John wrote, ā€œSee how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God; and such we areā€¦ā€ (I John 3:1 NASB) And our heavenly Father will never abandon, abuse, reject, or refuse us. Ever!

WHAT I AM:Ā  Paul wrote, ā€œā€¦we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us: we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.ā€ (II Corinthians 5:20 NASB). As Christians, weā€™re not just children who wonder around with nothing to do. We are on a mission in a world that is not our home. We represent the Lord Jesus Christ. Weā€™re called to be ambassadorsā€”representatives of One who is greater than us. We are trying to offer light in place to darkness, truth instead of error, and hope in place of despair. You and I have a responsibility to bring people to Christ and Christ to people. And the Holy Spirit supplies our power to carry out this task.

looking-at-the-sea-1282219-mWHERE I AM:Ā  No matter where we are in life, God sees us. His eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me! And you! He never loses sight of us, even for a second.Ā  Hebrews 4:13 says, ā€œFor there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.ā€ (NASB) He sees us through eyes of love and acceptance. No matter how solitary our days may feel, we are never aloneā€¦never unnoticedā€¦never out of His perfect sight.

WHY I AM:Ā  Yes, my friend, take a moment and bask in the soul-cleansing glow of forgiveness. In Christ, we are pardoned. He is the perfect and only sacrifice for our sins. We are Christians, not because we deserve it, but because God has graciously ā€œdelivered us from darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.ā€ (Colossians 1:13-14 NASB). Like John Newton, the author of the hymn Amazing Grace, we once were lost but now weā€™re found, were blind but now we see.

May these truths encourage you as you live your life for the glory of our King. May they strengthen you to be a good steward of whatever responsibility God has entrusted to you.

Larry W Timm is a husband, father, preacher, teacher, writer, child of God, and ambassador for Christ. He lives in south-central Kansas with his wife and two children. Larry loves the power of words. He is represented by Jessica Kirkland of The Blythe Daniel Agency. Heā€™s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian Writers Guild. He has been a two-time double semi-finalist in ACFWā€™s GENESIS contest, a finalist in ACFWā€™s FIRST IMPRESSIONS contest, and recently finished First and Third in the CATEGORY 5 contest sponsored by The Writers of the Storm (an ACFW Chapter in Texas).

Twitter:Ā  @larrywtimm

Blog: www.larrywtimm.com

Facebook:Ā  www.facebook.com/larrywtimm

Letā€™s talk about this. How accurately does your view of yourself line up with what God says about you? And how often do you put yourself down? It’s slightly cliche, but true, we are all our worst critics and tend to obsess over every weakness and imperfection while minimizing the good. But the Bible tells us, if we have surrendered to Christ as our Lord and Savior, we have been given the mind of Christ. So, how can we make our thoughts more closely aligned to God’s? This week, I encourage you to ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you. šŸ™‚

I love this song by Third Day. Whenever I hear it, I think of how often we, God’s chosen children, walk around with shoulders slumped and faces downcast. But God wants to “lift up our face!” To restore our dignity, to transform our thinking, and to fill us to overflowing with the abundant, victorious, peace-filled life He promised. Will you let Him? Will you take your thoughts captive, refusing to dwell on negative thoughts, filling your minds and hearts with God’s truth instead?

LivingbyGracepicIā€™d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below or on Facebook atLiving by Grace.Ā 

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We have a winner! Pam Bock, congrats! You won your choice of Becky Lyles’ books! I’ll be in contact with you shortly. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog last week! And to everyone else–bummed you didn’t win last week’s book give-away? No worries! We have another book give-away today. šŸ™‚ The winner will be randomly selected from the comments below.

headshot red alternateToday pastor’s wife and talented author, Shannon Taylor Vannatter takes a trip back in time…some 2,000 years, well before air conditioning, manis and pedis, and wifi.

What Would I Have Done? by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

21 And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh
unto the sea.

22 And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

23 And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

24 And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him.

I canā€™t focus on this Scripture without mentioning what happened before this. There was no rest for JesusĀ that day. Heā€™d already calmed a storm and cast out demons, thenĀ journeyed across the sea. Again. Why? Because the people asked him to leave. Only the demoniac Jesus had returned to his right mind was grateful.

As soon as he got to the other shore, a crowd awaited him. Jairus fell at his feet, begging Jesus to heal his daughter. Jesus immediately went with him only to be thronged by the crowd.

Iā€™ve wished so many times that I could have lived back when Jesus walked the earth. Meā€”put aside my love for electricity, air conditioning, and indoor plumbing? Yes.

I like to think Iā€™d have been one of the ones who fell at Jesusā€™ feet. Who would have sold everything to follow him. Who would have railed and mourned when they killed him. Who would have been waiting for his resurrection because heā€™d said it was so.

But would I have? Or would I have been frightened by the Gadareneā€™s healing? Would I have been one of the people praying Jesus to depart from my coasts? Would I have been in the press thronging him, getting in his way, and distracting him from Jairusā€™ daughter. Not because I knew who he was, but because Iā€™d heard of his miracles and needed one.

The people living then didnā€™t know who Jesus was. They were looking for the Messiah, but they expected a king not a carpenter. Some didnā€™t recognize him. Even the disciples didnā€™t understand the big picture.

Would I have recognized him? Or would I have fallen asleep in the garden instead of watching? Would I have denied him like Peter? Would I have been one in the crowd crying for the release of Barabbas? Would I have doubted him like Thomas?

Knowing my short-comings and how I often fall at Jesusā€™ feet only after Iā€™ve tried everything else, I think Iā€™m glad I didnā€™t live back then.

Arkansas Weddings coverArkansas Weddings:

Arkansas Weddings: Loveā€™s never easy in three Arkansas romances. Pastor Grayson loves his wife. The problem is, Sara was killed by a hit-and-run driver two years ago. He knows he needs to move on, but itā€™s not until florist Adrea Welch arrives at his church that the seeds of healing are planted in his heart. Laken left home eight years ago and never looked back. Who knew when she applied for the promotion to postmaster that sheā€™d end up in Romance, Arkansas, and much too close to her pastā€”and Hayden Winters? Shell doesnā€™t have a good reputation. But no matter what everyone in Rose Bud, Arkansas, thinks of her, sheā€™s back in town with a job to do. Ryler also has reasons for being in Rose Bud, and they donā€™t include Shell. But Godā€™s love can soften the hardest heart and overcome the darkest past. These hearts may not know it, but theyā€™re about to change.

Shannon Taylor Vannatter is a stay-at-home mom and pastorā€™s wife.Ā Her debut novel won the2011 Inspirational Readersā€™ Choice Award.Ā When not writing, she runs circles in the care and feeding of her husband, their son, and church congregation. Home is a central Arkansas zoo with two charcoal gray cats, a chocolate lab, and three dachshunds in weenie dog heaven. If given the chance to clean house or write, sheā€™d rather write. Her goal is to hire Alice from the Brady Bunch.Ā Visit her online!

Shannon Taylor Vannatter – 2011 Inspirational Readers Choice Award
WHITE ROSES, WHITE DOVES, WHITE PEARLS –Ā barbourbooks.com
RODEO DUST, RODEO HERO, RODEO ASHES
RODEO REGRETS July 2013, RODEO QUEEN, RODEO SONG – 2013 – 2014
http://www.shannonvannatter.comĀ Ā Ā http://www.shannonvannatter.com/blog
http://www.inkspirationalmessages.com

Letā€™s talk about this. For me, it’s so easy to slip into pride and overconfidence. When things are going well, it’s like I don an invincible suit–my faith is strong; unshakable. I can handle anything! Yep! On fire for Jesus and ready to take on the world. Until trials hit, then suddenly, nastiness bubbles forth–nastiness that was always there, hidden beneath a layer of complacency or comfort. What have I learned, having received those surprising glimpses into my sinful heart? That I really don’t know how I’d behave in a certain situation until I’ve been there. šŸ™‚ So, in answer to Shannon’s question about how I might have responded to Jesus had I encountered Him some 2,000 years ago? I don’t know. I hope I’d be an instant follower, because He alone brings life and fulfillment. But then I must also remember, He is so much bigger than my frailties and faithless moments. And praise be to God for that. So, although I have no idea how I might have responded, I have full confidence that my Savior would’ve gently, persistently, and lovingly drawn me to Himself. Ā Because unlike us, He doesn’t give up or lose patience. šŸ™‚

LivingbyGracepicIā€™d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below or on Facebook atLiving by Grace.Ā