"'Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. … And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make.'"
Exodus 31:2–3, 6
encouragement for today
"Notice what God does: First he creates us with natural talent, then by his Spirit he adds special skill to that so that we can carry out his purposes. And he does it in community. What natural talents were you born with? How might God use them to accomplish his purpose of bringing people to Jesus? How might you team up with others? Any talents can be empowered by the Spirit and used in community for God's purposes. Pray about it!"
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
My morning devotion shares a truth that has personally impacted my life. In fact, I would like to spinoff this devotion on a situation that I often see happen in church and in ministry. Too often, people use 'gifting,' or their perception of a lack thereof to keep them from serving in ministry. We've got it all wrong when we think this way. We have natural God-given gifts and abilities we are born with. But then God can add to that special skills to serve His purpose.
For example, when I was children's director, the number one excuse people gave me as why they could not volunteer in children's ministry was because they just weren't 'gifted' to work with children or teach. Now granted, there are some people who certainly should not work with children. I get that.
However, teaching younger children isn't my natural gift or talent either. My degree is in mathematics and I spent 10 years as a computer programmer before teaching high school math. I felt totally uncomfortable around younger ones yet I volunteered with that age group - 18 years to be exact - from the time my children were born. And you know what happened? God gave me the gifts and talents needed to serve younger children as both a volunteer parent and later in children's ministry leadership.
Parental involvement in the church and in a child's spiritual training is so critical. Children are only in church one hour a week. The other 168 hours of a child's week are spent outside the church. So if you aren't teaching your children about God during those other 168 hours, then who is? And if parents aren't willing to serve in children's ministry, who will? God will bless you with the skills you need if you yield yourself to Him. It will require effort on your part as well. But our children are worth the effort.
And reaching the lost is worth the effort as well. So, the next time you have an opportunity to serve or minister to others, don't whip out the old "I am not gifted" excuse so quickly. Before giving an answer or responding, pray. Get God's direction on the matter. And if the answer you are led to is "yes," then God can help you overcome any hesitations you may have.
Oh yes, I am also not naturally gifted as a writer. Math is my forte. In fact, my standard response to having to write anything is, "Writing isn't my thing. It is not my gift." Seriously, I have absolutely no writing skills on my own. But look at what God has done.
Who knew?
Peace and Blessings!
In His Love, Cathy
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
When We Stumble: Forgiving Yourself
"Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time." Daniel 11:35 (NIV)
I often wonder why I seem to stumble so much. I wonder why, how no matter how hard I try to be faithful or do the right thing, I seem to fail and fall flat on my face. Though I know I am not perfect and that I struggle in the flesh like every other believer on the earth, I tend to beat myself up for stumbling so often. I wonder why this life is such a struggle for me while others seem to glide effortlessly through it - seeming to never fall or even stub a toe. Then I read Daniel 11:35. It spoke truth in my heart on the matter. You see, sometimes we stumble not because of sin, but because God is refining us, purifying us, strengthening us so that, in the end, our impurities are pressed out of us. Our stumbling is for our own edification and growth - spiritually refining us into the men and women God desires us to be.
And when my stumbling is due to my own sin and shortcomings, I know that I can seek God's forgiveness. Yet, I have a difficult time forgiving myself. I'm so very hard on myself. But this is counterproductive to God's work in me and can lead to a state of spiritual paralysis. Instead, I need to cut myself some slack - trust that God has truly forgiven, forgive myself, and understand that He is refining me in the process.
God forgives - and FORGETS. He wipes the slate clean. That is His promise to those who repent and seek His forgiveness. Jesus took care of it...so if He - who bled and died for our sins - can forgive me, shouldn't I learn to forgive myself as well?
Jeremiah 31:34b, “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (ESV)
In His Love, Cathy
I often wonder why I seem to stumble so much. I wonder why, how no matter how hard I try to be faithful or do the right thing, I seem to fail and fall flat on my face. Though I know I am not perfect and that I struggle in the flesh like every other believer on the earth, I tend to beat myself up for stumbling so often. I wonder why this life is such a struggle for me while others seem to glide effortlessly through it - seeming to never fall or even stub a toe. Then I read Daniel 11:35. It spoke truth in my heart on the matter. You see, sometimes we stumble not because of sin, but because God is refining us, purifying us, strengthening us so that, in the end, our impurities are pressed out of us. Our stumbling is for our own edification and growth - spiritually refining us into the men and women God desires us to be.
And when my stumbling is due to my own sin and shortcomings, I know that I can seek God's forgiveness. Yet, I have a difficult time forgiving myself. I'm so very hard on myself. But this is counterproductive to God's work in me and can lead to a state of spiritual paralysis. Instead, I need to cut myself some slack - trust that God has truly forgiven, forgive myself, and understand that He is refining me in the process.
God forgives - and FORGETS. He wipes the slate clean. That is His promise to those who repent and seek His forgiveness. Jesus took care of it...so if He - who bled and died for our sins - can forgive me, shouldn't I learn to forgive myself as well?
Jeremiah 31:34b, “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (ESV)
In His Love, Cathy
Monday, December 26, 2011
Enduring Love
I will advise you and watch over you.' …
Many sorrows come to the wicked,
but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD.
So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him!
Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!"
Psalm 32:8, 10–11
Don't you love it when God says exactly what you need to hear when you need to hear it? The passage above was my morning devotion. It's timing is incredibly perfect. You see, my Grandmother passed away yesterday - on Christmas Day. She passed away in church, worshipping her Loving Creator, in a place she loved to be, with people she loved and who loved her. It's comforting to know that she went to be with the Lord in such a sweet way. It's comforting to know that God's love for her was enduring and her love for Him lasted her whole life...to the very end. Though she experienced some very tough, harsh times in her life, her faith and love never waivered. She always trusted in God. He was her source of joy and strength. If only I could live for Him as faithfully as she did. What a legacy of faith to leave your loved ones with.
Yes, Nana had an enduring faith. My morning devotion was not only timely, but adeptly described the faith that Nana lived out. When we rejoice in Him, when we obey Him, and when we have hearts that are pure (are in Christ) - He promises to guide us along the best pathway of our lives.
Though the wicked are guaranteed to experience sorrows, His unfailing love SURROUNDS those who TRUST in Him! And though God guides us along the best pathway of our lives, this passage does not say we are immune to sorrows along the way. However, when we do encounter sorrows, we have God's promise that He will be there, surrounding us with His ever faithful love. God's love will help us endure those sorrows. And sometimes, it is by enduring sorrows that our faith grows the most. So, in the end, we come out better and stronger with a faith built to last.
So when we encounter sorrows in this life, we are not without hope - we can count on His enduring love to get us through. We can choose to experience His gracious love today...it simply requires us to turn away from our sin, turn to Christ, and let Him be in charge of our hearts.
Peace and blessings!
In His Love,
Cathy
This post is dedicated to my Grandmother, Mildred Goodson Rudd. Nana, you are loved and will be dearly missed.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Change
Change.
Change can be good. Change could be bad.
But most often, change isn't necessarily all good or all bad. Change is usually nothing more than, well, change. It's a mixed bag sometimes eliciting just as many supporters as naysayers.
We often resist change because we fear the unknown. We like things the way they were before. We knew what to expect. But then change comes along and our world is different. We can't as easily predict what will happen. We have a new learning curve . We have to adjust our thinking, our way of life, how we do things, or even our schedule. We become afraid of what might be. And if we are not careful, our inflexibility can prevent us from enjoying positive change.
Yet, as unsettling as change is, we can always count on change. Change happens. It's a given in this life.
Change can take flight in the wind just as we think we've got it by the tail. Or it can dig in and stand it's ground, demanding it's way. Change is always just around the next corner, waiting to happen.
How we face change reflects our character and convictions. In some cases,we fight change kicking and screaming but sooner or later, change still comes. We might have victory over change, for a little while at least, but it still comes. We may mold change into what we want it to be or think it should be,but it still comes.
Change is inevitable. But ultimately, change must answer to the Only ONE who holds real power for change.
If you are facing a lot of changes in your life and you are feeling as if you have no power over those changes, know that Christ does have the power. In Him you will find strength and power to overcome change (or anything else that is thrown your way)!
Trust in Christ today!
"...Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." ~Jesus (John 16:33)
In His Love, Cathy
PS - There's been a lot of change in my life over the past several years but Jesus Christ has been my rock and fortress throughout it all. You can count on Him...I guarantee it!
Change can be good. Change could be bad.
But most often, change isn't necessarily all good or all bad. Change is usually nothing more than, well, change. It's a mixed bag sometimes eliciting just as many supporters as naysayers.
We often resist change because we fear the unknown. We like things the way they were before. We knew what to expect. But then change comes along and our world is different. We can't as easily predict what will happen. We have a new learning curve . We have to adjust our thinking, our way of life, how we do things, or even our schedule. We become afraid of what might be. And if we are not careful, our inflexibility can prevent us from enjoying positive change.
Yet, as unsettling as change is, we can always count on change. Change happens. It's a given in this life.
Change can take flight in the wind just as we think we've got it by the tail. Or it can dig in and stand it's ground, demanding it's way. Change is always just around the next corner, waiting to happen.
How we face change reflects our character and convictions. In some cases,we fight change kicking and screaming but sooner or later, change still comes. We might have victory over change, for a little while at least, but it still comes. We may mold change into what we want it to be or think it should be,but it still comes.
Change is inevitable. But ultimately, change must answer to the Only ONE who holds real power for change.
If you are facing a lot of changes in your life and you are feeling as if you have no power over those changes, know that Christ does have the power. In Him you will find strength and power to overcome change (or anything else that is thrown your way)!
Trust in Christ today!
"...Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." ~Jesus (John 16:33)
In His Love, Cathy
PS - There's been a lot of change in my life over the past several years but Jesus Christ has been my rock and fortress throughout it all. You can count on Him...I guarantee it!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
It's Back to Work...
How appropriate that this would be my e-devotion this morning on the second day of teacher preplanning. God is good and as always, His timing is perfect! Have a blessed day!
"On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, 'Doesn't your teacher pay the Temple tax?'
'Yes, he does,' Peter replied. Then he went into the house.
But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, 'What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?'
'They tax the people they have conquered,' Peter replied.
'Well, then,' Jesus said, 'the citizens are free! However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.'"
Matthew 17:24–27
"Jesus knows we have to live in this world of nitty-gritty, everyday realities such as paying taxes. He wants Peter to see that if one is part of the Kingdom of God, one is free and owes allegiance primarily to that Kingdom. We still must pay taxes, so God provides for that too. He provides through Peter's obedience and Peter's occupation in the world: fishing. Our earthly needs are provided for as we work at our occupations. As we do the work in obedience and with the perspective that we are primarily citizens of God's Kingdom, we experience true freedom."
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
In His Love, Cathy
"On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, 'Doesn't your teacher pay the Temple tax?'
'Yes, he does,' Peter replied. Then he went into the house.
But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, 'What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?'
'They tax the people they have conquered,' Peter replied.
'Well, then,' Jesus said, 'the citizens are free! However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.'"
Matthew 17:24–27
"Jesus knows we have to live in this world of nitty-gritty, everyday realities such as paying taxes. He wants Peter to see that if one is part of the Kingdom of God, one is free and owes allegiance primarily to that Kingdom. We still must pay taxes, so God provides for that too. He provides through Peter's obedience and Peter's occupation in the world: fishing. Our earthly needs are provided for as we work at our occupations. As we do the work in obedience and with the perspective that we are primarily citizens of God's Kingdom, we experience true freedom."
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
In His Love, Cathy
Friday, July 15, 2011
Walking on Storm Waves
"Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
"Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. …
"Then Peter called to him, 'Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.'
"'Yes, come,' Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus."
Matthew 14:22–25, 28–29
view in context
"Jesus sent the disciples away—into a storm. For a time, he left them alone to battle the fierce storm without him. While they struggled, Jesus was praying. Then he came to them, walking on water. He calmly walked on the very water that was causing so much trouble and fear for his loved ones. Remember this: When you battle a storm, Jesus is praying for you. Then Jesus comes to you on the choppy waves of your distress. And, if you keep your eyes on Jesus, as Peter did, you too can walk on the waves of your storm."—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
Sometimes we wander far away from the shores of our faith. This happens when the waters seem calm and clear. We think, "Okay, I really don't need God's help right now. I've got this." But then, out of nowhere, a storm quickly arises, dangerously rocking our boat - threatening to capsize us in the middle of our circumstances. It's in the midst of our storms that we realize just how much we do need Jesus. And when we cry out, our always faithful Savior walks on the tumultuous waters to our sinking ship. Jesus has power over our storms. Some storms He may calm. Others we may have to go through. But no matter what, if you keep your eyes on Him, you can walk on the waves of the storm!
Our part is to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus. No matter how far from shore our hearts are tempted to wander...with Christ's help we can step out of our boat in faith.
In His Love,
Cathy
In His Love, Cathy
"Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. …
"Then Peter called to him, 'Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.'
"'Yes, come,' Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus."
Matthew 14:22–25, 28–29
view in context
"Jesus sent the disciples away—into a storm. For a time, he left them alone to battle the fierce storm without him. While they struggled, Jesus was praying. Then he came to them, walking on water. He calmly walked on the very water that was causing so much trouble and fear for his loved ones. Remember this: When you battle a storm, Jesus is praying for you. Then Jesus comes to you on the choppy waves of your distress. And, if you keep your eyes on Jesus, as Peter did, you too can walk on the waves of your storm."—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
Sometimes we wander far away from the shores of our faith. This happens when the waters seem calm and clear. We think, "Okay, I really don't need God's help right now. I've got this." But then, out of nowhere, a storm quickly arises, dangerously rocking our boat - threatening to capsize us in the middle of our circumstances. It's in the midst of our storms that we realize just how much we do need Jesus. And when we cry out, our always faithful Savior walks on the tumultuous waters to our sinking ship. Jesus has power over our storms. Some storms He may calm. Others we may have to go through. But no matter what, if you keep your eyes on Him, you can walk on the waves of the storm!
Our part is to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus. No matter how far from shore our hearts are tempted to wander...with Christ's help we can step out of our boat in faith.
In His Love,
Cathy
In His Love, Cathy
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