Jeremiah 29:11

S - For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

O - God has specific plans for me. It's not just some vague idea of what I will do with my life but He has specific plans. The Strong's definition for welfare includes words like safe, peace, rest, health, prosperity. His plans are full of peace for me and full of hope. It's not just a random set of events happening but there is order and purpose. Just because I don't see it doesn't mean it's not true. He already knows what He wants for my life. His ways are so perfect and good. 

A - If His Word says that He has a plan for me then I need to be asking Him what that plan is. In every situation and circumstance there is a plan.  Just because I have stepped off into my own plan or this world has thrown some of their junk in the mix doesn't mean God's plan is thwarted. I just need to ask Him directions for how to get there from where I am. He fills me with peace and hope as I step forth in His plan.

P - Lord, today I chose Your plan. It will always be better than mine. I know I haven't always looked for your plan though. Remind me Lord to look to You and to seek out Your plan, instead of just trudging forward with whatever I think is right. I know all I have to do is ask. Remind me to ask Lord.

Blessings,

Mara

Renewing the Mind

I've recently heard about a scripture study process called S.O.A.P. The premise of this method is you take a scripture or section of scripture and you break it down by

S - Scripture (write the scripture)

O - Observation (what is it saying to you)

A - Application (how does it apply to you)

P - Prayer (Pray about it)

I really enjoy this method. It gives me direction in my studying of the Word, plus I love that I can just read the Bible and study that. Don't get me wrong, Bible studies are great! It's just that they are pointing you in a specific direction and I like that this allows me to go in any direction the Lord is leading me.  

You know how when you are reading the Word and it just pops out at you? Well, this is some of that. The scriptures may be really random, but other times they are sequential as I'm focusing on one book of the Bible.  

I share these with you in hopes you will join me as we do as Romans 12:2 tells us...

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  

So, let's get a good washing together.

Blessings,

Mara

A Picture of God’s Character

At church this evening we spent time in prayer as a body. It was a great time of intercession and much Kingdom business was done. As we were praying the Lord reminded me that it has been 6 months since my daughter’s accident. I was reflecting on the memory of that day and the Lord showed me a bit more of His character.

I remember that day quite clearly. We were in bed that morning as we received the knock on the door that our daughter was in an accident. All I could think about was getting there and seeing if she was okay. Once there at the scene and seeing her laying there in the ambulance was a moment I shall not soon forget. I remember the trip to the hospital and all the thoughts that crossed my mind. I remember starting to sing the song Blessed be Thy Name. I was trusting in the Lord and believing in His care and love for Her. It was a long 25 minute ride.

Well, there were many things that happened that day, but this is the picture the Lord gave me today of His character. Let me explain.

When I was in the hospital room with my daughter as we waited for them to care for her, I remember looking into her eyes as she began to weep. I looked at her wondering if she was in pain or what the sudden gush of tears was for and said, “what’s wrong”? She looked at me with those tear filled eyes and said “I’m so sorry mom.” I sat wondering for a moment what she could be thinking. I realized she was sorry for the accident yes, but she was also sorry for wrecking the car, our main transportation as a family. She was sorry for everything that was happening and for being in this terrible place, unsure of what the future would bring.

As I thought of this moment the Lord showed me how we are the same way when we find ourselves in a horrible place because of sin, disobedience or pride. How at these time when we are at the end of a road that is not where we wished to be, and all we can do is sob in sorrow for our mistakes, wrong choices, outright disobedience. We look at our heavenly Father and we cry out “Oh Lord I’m so sorry.” And how does He respond?

Well, as my daughter looked at me with those tears, I reassured her because that is what she was looking for. I remember her saying “Aren’t you mad at me?” My answer being, “I’m just thankful that you are here with us and that you are alright.” Isn’t that what our Father God does when we return to Him. He reassures us of His love and rejoices in our return to Him. Remember the story of the prodigal son...

Luke 15:20
So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.

What a beautiful picture right? The Lord is ready and willing to receive us with open arms. He reassures us of His love and tells us how glad He is to have us back.

My daughter walked out of that hospital a miracle. There was no reason for her to do so because the accident was severe. God was merciful and she was able to walk away with only a few bruises. After the initial stuff that had to be done and dealt with, the accident hasn’t been a topic of discussion at our house. We haven’t reminded her that it was it was her fault, nor have we forbidden her from driving. In fact, I remember that we made her drive (Yes, I said made, by me getting in the passenger’s seat and refusing to drive her home.) We encouraged her that she could drive again and she would be alright.

This is how the Lord encourages us when we return to Him. He encourages us to get back in the race and back on our feet.

Hebrews 12:1-2
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;

You know there were consequences from the accident. There was paper work…Oh, the paper work. The phone calls and the doctor bills. The learning to drive a stick shift because our other vehicle is a standard. And yes, our family has had to deal with the effects of her accident also, as many times those around us will suffer because of our sin and disobedience. Yet, we can rest assured that the Lord forgives us and cleanses us thoroughly.

I John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I may not always remember the details of the accident, but I pray that I will remember this picture He has shown me today.

Lord, thank you. Thank you that you love us so much. That you are a merciful and forgiving God and that you are for us and not against us. I can rest in your love for me and I know that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Help me to remember always what you have showed me about yourself today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Blessings,
Mara

Blessing or Tolerating?

I’ve recently been doing a new bible study with the ladies at our church. It’s called “The Frazzled Female”. As I was doing today’s devotional I came across this sentence.

"Building others up with blessings is more than being tolerant of others; it’s loving the way Jesus loved."

Did you get that? Read it again! How often do I think I’m doing good just by putting up with someone. I’m really challenged by this statement. How difficult it is for me to keep my mouth shut at times when I grow impatient with someone. I really feel justified in my impatience and wasn’t I just so godly that I didn’t say a word to them.

Romans 12:9,10 and 14 says-
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them.

Verse 9 says, “Don’t just pretend”, and verse 14 says, “Bless”, that's right “bless those that persecute you and pray that God will bless them”. Oh, sometimes I’ll do that. I’ll send a pop-up prayer asking the Lord to bless them, BUT ME BLESS THEM? Hey, I didn’t blast them or give them a piece of my mind right? Isn’t that blessing them?

What does bless mean? Merriam Webster defines bless as…
1. To hollow or consecrate
2. To invoke divine care for
3. To confer happiness or prosperity upon

Hmmm, I think that is definitely more than just putting up with someone. More than just keeping your mouth shut and not giving them a piece of your mind. Wow, I am really falling short here of what God’s idea of blessing someone is. Praise God for grace and mercy. In my weakness He is strong. If you’re there with me, then let’s pray the Lord help us this year to really bless those around us. To show them the love of Jesus and not just our tolerance.

Lord, thank you for opening my eyes this morning. For helping me to see how to really build up those around me. To love them with Your Love. For revealing to me this new area in my life which you desire to see growth in. I pray Lord that I not only produce good fruit, but that my fruit remains wherever I go. I pray Holy Spirit that you will prompt me whenever I begin to just tolerate someone, to immediately find a way to bless them instead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessings,

Mara

Leaving a legacy

Happy New Years! I pray this year brings you closer to the Lord and that you walk in the fullness of His many blessings.

I was reading a devotional this morning and it asked me the question... "What kind of legacy do I want to leave for my children?" What a good question. For that matter, what kind of legacy do we want to leave behind period?

Our Pastor has been teaching on how God wants us to produce fruit. Then after we produce fruit, He wants us to produce much fruit, not only that, but He desires for our fruit to remain. Do we live our lives with these things in mind. We are always producing fruit. It may not be godly fruit (fruit of the Spirit), but we are always producing fruit.

Much of the fruit we produce is tasted by those around us and discarded. Leaving no trace of the fact that it was there. One that comes to mind is impatience, those around us are affected by it but the time passes and all is forgotten. Then there's the fruit that those around us taste which lingers and it leaves a bad taste in their mouth. Sometimes for a while, sometimes for a lifetime. Words of anger are some of these, they affect those around us sometimes forever, because of the pain they bring. Ah, but the fruit that comes from the Lord... Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control, these last forever. Their taste is always sweet and pleasant. They also are a fruit that remains.

So, what kind of a legacy are we leaving? Our fruit will remain! Think of history and those which we remember. What kind of fruit did they produce which has left an impression in the fabric of time. Our lives may not impact the world, but it will impact those around us. Our spouse, children, parents, siblings, coworkers, brothers and sisters in the Lord, and the countless others we see day in and day out if only for moments.

Praise God, that as it tells us in Galatians 5:22-23, that He is the one that produces the fruit in our lives. All we have to do is ask.

Lord, help us to be a people that leave behind a legacy of Christ-likeness. We pray that you would create in us the fruit of Your Spirit, that remains and leaves a good taste in all those that we come across daily. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Blessings,

Mara