Going Through the Motions

Day to day we go through tasks, "the same old same old". Do you ever wake up with the feeling "I just don't wanna"? We tend to get so accustomed to every day tasks that they start to become tedious, monotonous, and sometimes we just can't bring ourselves to do better, to have the same "feeling" in this task as we have day by day, week by week before. Unfortunately, this doesn't apply only to our daily tasks, it also can be found in religion.

As God called us to being in Creation, He didn't create us for meaningless tasks, He called us for something far greater.

Isaiah 55:8 "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. NIV

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

We often get stuck in a rut in our lives, and are merely existing. It's because our lives have gotten out of balance, because we have gotten out of proper alignment.

Isaiah 53:6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

If we lose our focus, on the plans that God has for us and we start looking into our own we

are carried away. Sometimes we are carried away by tasks, and sometimes these tasks may be good things but they have us overscheduled and it causes our focus to shift. Other times we are distracted by a person. You know that person - the "so called friend" that's traveling in the wrong direction but we still want to be their friend! But before we know it their influences have affected our lives.

Romans 5:19 For just as through the disobedience of the one manA)'> the many were made sinners,B)'> so also through the obedienceC)'> of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Matthew 6:33 "seek first His kingdom.."

How can we go through life with meaningless tasks -"going through the motions" - if our lives are first seeking His Kingdom? They can't! If we are truly seeking His kingdom and not our own personal gain and ways, it cannot be meaningless.

Acts 19 3 And he said, E)'>“Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into F)'>John's baptism.” 4 And Paul said, G)'>“John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people H)'>to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, I)'>they were baptized inb]'>[b] the name of the Lord Jesus. 6

You can see by this Scripture that this is not a new problem. Those who thought they had done the right thing, had gone about it in the wrong circumstances. Paul didn't tell them they had strayed, but corrected them and helped them get on the correct path of life, but receiving Christ.

Just as Paul had the people go back to the basics, or "press the restart button", this option is available to you. 1 John 1:19 " If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

If you find yourself stuck, going through the motions, ask God today to reveal to you what is holding you back from experiencing the fullness which He offers, repent or turn from that after asking Him to forgive you, and He will make your path straight so you can experience the joy, peace, and confidence He offers.

Seek His will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take... Proverbs 3:6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaHmiFaX_pk&noredirect=1

~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock

Are You a Stumbling Block to Someone's Church Attendance?

I met a lady at the bank - oddly enough she and I were the only two present at this particular time -and I noticed she was reading a book that had a Christian title and her Bible was beside it. I asked her about the book, and told her I noticed her Bible and we began to discuss faith in Jesus. I asked her where she attended church and her reply has really stuck with me. She said "We do not observe corporate worship." My reply, "Not to pry but is there any particular reason that you don't?" She continued to tell me she was strong in her faith and did at home Bible study with her family but, had many encounters in churches that she wasn't happy with. Immediately Hebrews 10:25 came to mind "Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now.." hmm.. I listened intently to her talking, realizing that local assembling isn't always perfect. There are cliques, there are grumblings, there are those you see once a year, there are those who may be there for the wrong reasons, but who are we to judge? There are many mentions in The Word of God, telling us not to judge, Matthew 7:5 - "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye." stands out most clearly to me. Are there any imperfections in yourself? None of of us are perfect. Scripture clearly defines that as well, that we all fall short.

The problems that are mentioned about church are also defined in Scripture with great warning:

Cliques in church:1 Corinthians 1:10 " by the authority of The Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other let there be NO DIVISIONS in church"

Grumbling or Complaining: Philippians 2:14, which says, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings"

The Greek word for murmur means “to murmur, mutter, grumble, say anything against in a low tone, of those who discontentedly complain.”

Back to the original verse in Hebrews 10, lets look at verse 24- 25 "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. and let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do but encourage one another, especially now.."

We are to come together for one commonality, Jesus. We are to attend to motivate and love on each other, and encourage one another. Each one of us have that responsibility. Not just one of us, two of us or a group of us - each of us are responsible for our actions, as the Body of Christ. Maybe you struggle with forgiving someone for a wrong they don't even know they have done, or maybe you just can't get past it, Sister  - The Lord is clear that forgiveness is a must!  Matthew 18:22, He tells us to forgive and keep forgiving 7x70 times. And speaking of cliques, sure we all have common interests with one group of people who are in the same age as us, the same things we like but, as the Body of Christ, we have a common interest, to focus on Him, not ourselves. When we engage in 'cliques' it doesn't effect us, but those that come to church feel like persons in that group are unapproachable, they feel left out, less than you. While it's great to have common interests and friends in church we cannot allow it to be a stumbling block for someone else.

Seek God in prayer, ask Him if there is anything in your life that may create a stumbling block for someone else, don't let pride be your stumbling block for overcoming this thing. Jesus tells us to follow Him we must deny ourselves, and die to ourselves daily. Daily. Every single day, denying.

~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock

Shower of Grace

 

Standing in the shower putting shampoo in my hair, I avoided sticking my whole face in the water so as not to get shampoo in my eyes.   Instead of letting the water wash over me, I hold my a head certain way to ensure that doesn't happen. At that moment, it hit me that too many times this is how we approach grace. We avoid water in the bath for different reasons, not wanting water in our eyes, ears, or especially if we have some type injury that can't get wet.  And when we deal with grace we treat it much the same; we allow it to wash over us in certain areas and others we avoid.

 

Hebrews 4:16 tells us to approach the throne of grace boldly or with confidence so that we may receive mercy and grace in time of need. Too many of us feel like grace is a one time measure given at salvation, or we refrain from letting it wash certain areas of our life, especially those areas that are injured - emotionally injured that is. Instead we convince ourselves that partial cleansing is enough, all because we fear getting ' shampoo in our eyes' so to speak.

The Bible tells us, many times, that grace is from God (2 Timothy 11:2), once we are saved He gives more grace (James 4:6), grace is made perfect in weakness and is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9), we are justified by grace (Romans 3:24), grace is abundant (1 Peter 1:2), we are to set our hope on grace (1 Peter 1:13), grace is abundant (Romans 5:17), grace is glorious (Ephesians 1:6), we are granted grace by faith (Romans 5:2), grace is surpassing (2 Corinthians 9:14), we excel in grace (2 Corinthians 8:7), grace enables (Acts 14:3), grace is promised or guaranteed (Romans 4:16), we are strengthened by grace (Hebrews 13:9), encouraged by grace (2 Thess, 2:16) we receive help in grace (Acts 18:27) grace is rich (Eph 2:7), its powerful (Acts 4:33) its given ( Eph. 3:7)

Grace is unmerited, unearned favor from God that affords joy, pleasure, and delight. As a born again believer in Jesus Christ it is readily available, but too often we avoid letting it refresh and cleanse us.

What area of your life today is God speaking to your heart about that you need to approach him boldly with? Allow God to wash you completely. As you stand in the shower, remind yourself that Gods grace is much like the pouring shower, you can have as much as you want and exactly where you want it.

The blood of Jesus set us free, to wash away our sin He offers grace in perfect measure.. we just have to reach out take His hand and receive it. Seek His throne boldly, let the grace of God be sufficient for you in all ways.

 

~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock

Call My name....

Throughout Scripture, we read about blessings upon blessings, in so many different forms and fashions, from Genesis to Revelation.

John 1:16 "From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another"

Have you ever been out shopping or running an errand and hear someone call your name?  You turn to them, they greet you with a smile and ....you totally cannot remember their name!  Every time you see this person, she always makes it a point to call you by my name. What a great witness she is! Every day in life we receive blessings, and a lot of times fail to acknowledge them, or the giver of them.

It got us thinking how so many times people say things somewhat generically about "blessings" or "gifts from above" but, they don't always say God or Jesus' name. If it makes us feel good to be called by name, can you imagine how it feels to God? Acknowledging The Lord for His abundant blessings, is a small part of praising and glorifying Him. Nehemiah 9:5 " Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise"


All blessings come from God, Isaiah 65:16 "Whoever invokes a blessing in the land will do so by the God of truth"


We have many opportunities to be a witness for God, don't pass them up!  Whether it's a big opportunity such as a calling to the Mission field or those everyday opportunities such as giving God and Jesus credit for our "blessings".  Whenever we say His name we are Exalting Him and being His witness to a lost world.


~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock & Beth Dishman

Restoration

 

 

 In the past months I have adopted a new hobby of restoring furniture. My friends had picked up a buffet from someone who was throwing it away and they didn't have room for it so they gave it to me, The saying "one man's trash is another mans treasure" was profoundly true!   I fell in love with this piece! I had decided to strip it and refinish it back to the natural wood. I would sand and sand, and sand some more to find that it had been painted, varnished, and even lacquered. For the first time I tried to use chemicals to help break through the layers, but to no avail .. it didn't touch it. I had to get the most course grit sand paper I could find, and after the first 4 layers and inches of what appeared to be red clay dust everywhere, I felt I had finally come to the end. As I wiped off the surface to clean it, there was yet another layer. Now that the project is complete I appreciate the beautiful cherry wood that was exposed -with a lot of elbow grease and frustration.. Finally. It is done.

The original owners of this piece of furniture probably had purchased it and had great love for it, yet the new wore off, which was obvious by the number of times it had been painted over. They were trying to conceal the furniture as it once was with layers of paint to change its appearance, yet the old was coming through in certain spots where it was peeling, but the piece was still in tact.

Revelation 2:3 "and you have perseverance and have endured for My name's sake, and have not grown weary."

 Much like the furniture we are still intact, with layers and layers of stuff covering us. We continue on with life and work for the Lord.

Revelation 2:4 But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

Yet, with all the layers and layers, commitments and problems, we forget whats underneath. We continue to cover it up trying to conceal things in us, thus forgetting what is really in there. That beautiful cherry wood was so covered, so misused and mistreated. Yet so our our souls. Our First Love, Christ Jesus that bore our sins in shame, is covered up by all the 'good things' we do and allow to cover us up.

At the moment we accept Christ our Savior, our souls experience Restoration. Christ Restores

~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock

Rewash or Renew?

 

 

 

Last night, I remembered that I had put a load of laundry in and didn't put it in the dryer. As I approached the washer I found myself saying "Oh Lord, please don't let these clothes have soured!" I flipped open the washer, and immediately Thanked God that they hadn't soured. Its difficult to get the 'stink' out of those soured clothes. It occurred to me, I have never thanked God for that one before. How often can our lives be that way? We forget to do that tedious task, or we sit idly too long in our walk with Christ and we become 'soured'. All the work and effort you put in at first is all wasted, unless you can catch it fast enough and it hasn't had time to sour; and sometimes its all the things we do and fail to get accomplished.  For others its simply that they are bogged down by all the 'souring' in their lives.

Lamentations 3:22-23 "Because of the Lords great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness"

Our Faithful, Loving, Merciful heavenly Father does not want us to feel consumed. All of the areas in our life that have soured and grown stagnant - God can refresh with His new mercies, every morning. Sometimes we simply need to rewash the load, starting all over - but we cant let the loads of life pull us down. We just have to pick up and move on.


Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

I don't know what 'load' in your life has 'soured', but  Let God make it anew for you today. Don't allow yourself to get entangled in these things. You just persevere by fixing your eyes on Jesus, just as He did for you.

~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock

You're Known by the Company You Keep....

Have you ever been in a friendship for an extended period of time when all of a sudden, that long time friend finds new friends? It leaves you wondering what have I done? Why have they forsaken me? And then you start to see that friend with new eyes. This long time friend seems to have adapted to their 'new friends' ways. Whether it be new attitudes, habits, or personalities. This is not something that has just happened to you. It happens alot.
In Galations 2:11-17, Paul is discusssing his conversation with Peter about this very thing.  Peter was older than Paul, had physically walked with Christ and was very close to him . Peter had seperated himself from those who were his old friends because he was afraid of losing popularity with the rest of the church, the Judiazers. Just by eating with them, it was thought by the old friends that Peter had adopted their beliefs. And by gradually withdrawing from his old 'friends', he had. He was falling into believing the way they did.

The old saying "you're known by the company you keep".. well its true. Because the ones we occupy most of our time with tend to rub off on us. Therefore if we choose our friends wisely, we can adapt new godly character, however the opposite also holds true - some associations lead us to adopt behaviors and beliefs that do not honor God.

As hard as it must have been, Paul confronted Peter on the "not so good things" that had developed in his life, as it was an eternal problem. We can't simpy run and admoish our friends for every mistake made, but if it's going to affect them eternally, which is their Christ following destiny or witness, we must... but out of love.

~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock

Make Your Resolution for God

Nehemiah is a great testimony to how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things, but there is much more.  New Year's is a time for resolutions, a time for making things new, a time when we desire to improve ourselves in some form or fashion.
I don't know about you, but as I start on a 'resolution', or a new journey, at first there is a great desire and urge, a drive to make plans and great perseverance.  But as the weeks wear on, it becomes much harder.

Nehemiah was a cup bearer for the king , which was a great job!  Today we would call it a '9-5 job'. Yet Nehemiah was moved to go rebuild the wall in Jerusalem. God was favorable to this and opened many doors for Nehemiah, giving him materials and servants to do the work. He was able to find all sorts of different people for all the jobs and they were making great progress; even priests were working!  Then, Sanballat came along mocking all of them, proclaiming their weaknesses, saying they were feeble.. and on and on and on...

Isn't that usually how it goes? God calls us out to do something great for His kingdom: discipling, teaching, encouraging one another, going on mission trips, supporting missionaries, giving to our church and other needs, and then obstacles start to appear.
Nehemiah 4:12 "they will come up against us from every place where you may turn..."

Let's face it, we live in a nation that is corrupt with wickedness, jealousy, strife, and contention. It's hard just to go through the every day motions of life. We are to press forward, keeping our eyes fixed on the "things of God".  
Verse 14 continues, "...when I saw their fear, I rose and spoke,  'Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your sons, daughters, wives and your houses.'"

As we start this 2013, make resolutions to do things to advance the kingdom of God, keep a note card with these verses and if you become discouraged, rise up, don't be afraid, and remember The Lord is great and awesome.   Keep to your resolution!

~ submitted by Jeni Morelock

Let's Not Be Hasty.....

 

Looking back at this past year, it seems like such a whirlwind. Time flew by! Everyday life can be like a cyclone; things coming at you in every direction, not knowing which way to go next. Emotions start to race, confusion of which direction or what task to do first.. agh. Overwhelming!

In today's reading, Matthew 5:1 "When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him."

The Word really comes to life as we put our situation into that of Jesus. Sometimes 'the crowds' are all of these decisions we have to make, all the tasks we have to do that crowd our brains. How did Jesus handle it? He went away from it and sat down. The reality is, sometimes just stepping away from the things that crowd us in life- just to sit away from things - is what we need.  A time out. Jesus still fulfilled all that He needed to fulfill, just not in that moment.

The book of Matthew goes on to explain everything from personal relationships to giving, finding treasure, anxiety, judging, bearing fruit. These are all very practical applications for our lives today.

Matthew 7:6 "Don't give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw away your pearls before the swine.." If we make hasty decisions, or 'spur of the moment hurry and get it done' decisions, that's what we're doing. We're giving our precious time -as well as God's material blessings- away.

Verse 7 goes on to tell us "Ask, it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you"

Before making a hasty decision, take time, talk to God, seek out what He desires be done and He will show you.

 

~ submitted by Jeni Morelock

Mary Did You Know? Part II

Today, let's continue our discussion of Mary, Mother of Jesus.....

The only question Mary asked of Gabriel was ' how can it be since I have never known a man?'   Mary asked the obvious question of how this would physically happen.


She willingly entered into an unexpected virgin pregnancy. Her beloved fiance, Joseph, could not believe it.   Who could blame him?!   He considered a quiet divorce, not wanting to embarrass or humiliate her. What godly character! Until, while He was asleep, the angel appeared to him, telling him to marry Mary, that she indeed was carrying the Son of God. And He did. And kept her a virgin until after she delivered, Immanuel. (Matthew 1:18-25)NASV  There was no law preventing them from having intercourse, since they were married, but if they had succumbed to temptation of a sexual relationship, it would give doubt that Mary was impregnated by God, and there would only be a virgin conception, not a virgin birth. God had His hand in every situation Mary and Joseph were in.

Think about how Mary would have to be feeling, what a roller coaster of emotions. From wedding preparations, to seeing an angel, the angel telling her that she had found great favor with God, divine conception, pregnancy and delivery of The Most High's only begotten Son, not to mention risking losing her family friends and her fiance.  Wow! And she's only just begun.


As she gives birth to her Son, whose name Jesus, has already been chosen, she was not at a local hospital delivery room, but she and Joseph were in a strange place. After months of anticipation, The Son of God makes his entry into the world.   The birth of a child is such a miracle in itself, the emotions we experience now, but knowing that this is The Son.. I can only imagine. She is spending those first moments of her Sons new life, their peace abruptly interrupted by the nearby Shepherds bursting in to see the new baby, led there by following this brilliant light.

Regardless of the divine immaculate conception and delivery of the Son of God, Mary and Joseph maintained all the ritual cleansing and sacrifices necessary to the Law. (Luke 2:21-24) Mary never expected to be treated differently, by throwing her weight around as the mother of God's Son, but regarded her love for God by doing what He said.

Mary may not have thought about the full extent of her suffering to come. Mary delighted in Gods will and placed her life into God's hands and doing what He called her to do, despite any difficulty, and even became a disciple of her Son.  What a truly Biblical example for us all!

~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock

Mary, Mother of Jesus; Unlikely Choice, Great Reward: Part I

This year I haven't given a lot of thought to Mary, Mother of Jesus. Very few details are given about Mary, with great reason. The focus was not on Mary, but on  Jesus- her beloved Son. However, there is much for us to learn from Mary; her faith, courage, and humility.

Mary was a young girl, probably between the ages of 12-14, as this was the age at which Jewish girls commonly entered into betrothal during her time. Betrothal was a period of two years. In today's age we refer to this as engagement. However, once a man became betrothed to a young lady it was a covenant, legally binding. In order to 'get out' of' this arrangement, you would have to file for divorce. During the period of betrothal, the bride and bridegroom lived apart. The time was spent by the bridegroom preparing for marriage.

For those of us who have been engaged, we know that period of our life was so exciting!  And so it was for Mary as she made her wedding plans and looked forward to marriage.  But in the matter of a moment, her life as well as everyone's in history, would be forever changed.

Mary came from a poor family, and in this era women were not held in very high regard, much less deemed worthy of being used by God.

The angel Gabriel, appeared to the young girl, and told her that she wass highly favored by God. Isn't that just remarkable? To be favored by God!

A woman that gave birth out of wedlock in Mary's time, was a disgrace, not to mention that Joseph, the man she has planned to marry, could possibly divorce her. That one moment when Gabriel appeared to her, I can only imagine what thoughts would go through my head. My thoughts would be running so frantic "But, why me? What about my family and everyone forsaking me and leaving me alone? What about my plans to..." But, Mary never did. She replied "I am the Lords servant.. May it be to me as you have said" Luke 1:38. God knew, that Mary would gladly follow His will and not question Him, she willingly submitted to God's plan.

God chose what most would have seen as an unlikely choice, thus fulfilling Scripture that God does not see as man sees but sees our hearts. Our obedience and trust.

During this season of celebration of the birth of our beloved, take a moment and ask yourself, am I willing to accept Gods plan regardless of the cost?

~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock

Sowing Seeds for Salvation

 

You know those times in life where you work so hard on a project and then have to sit back and not see the benefits in the end?  Maybe you have coordinated an event, and didn't get to enjoy it.  Maybe you have been a backstage hand at a play, yet never gotten to watch. Nurses often work diligently caring for patients and then are off work and miss the outcome of the patients recovery - yet they had a hand in it.  Maybe you had a heart to heart conversation with your child when they seem to pay no attention.. but then later on you find out that they did heed your words of wisdom - you just didn't get to see it happen. We might talk to that person that God lays on our hearts and sometimes they receive Jesus their as their Savior, but at other times it seems to go unnoticed. Discipleship is very often this way.  Every conversation we have is planting a seed. For instance, we plant grass seeds in our lawn; we don't notice the amount of growth everyday, but you certainly see your effort when after a month passes and mowing is required everyday!


Mark 4:26-29 "And He was saying, ' The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; and he goes to bed at night and gets up by the day, and the seed sprouts and grows- how, he himself does not know. The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come"


Has God ever led you to talk to that person at the grocery store, or at school to tell them about Him, and you felt it wouldn't do any good, so you didn't?

The sower in the parable represents us as we witness to the lost people, also taking care of those seemingly unnoticed tasks in life.
The earth represents God, how He is self sufficient and is the one to bring forth the fruit.
The harvest represents Salvation.

The parable Jesus spoke to His disciples teaches us that sometimes we don't see the fruit of our labor immediately, but if we do our part in planting the seed God Himself will grow it.

Maybe you have a loved one that you have reached out to and they seem to reject your words. Maybe its a coworker, friend, or neighbor. Just know that if you have done your part in planting the seeds, God will handle the rest in His time.

In the meantime, be persistent in prayer, that God draw them unto Himself.  All too often we have motivation and when others don't accept it, we tend to feel like its going nowhere. Two other parables Jesus spoke, The Parable of The Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:1-3)and The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8), both were spoken for us to be persistent in prayer. To teach us to pray with determination and purpose.

Persistent prayer demonstrates faith in God, while He may delay His answers He will act decisively. You can't save them, only Jesus can. Plant seeds.. wait for God to harvest.

 

~ submitted by Jeni Morelock

The Biblical Model for a Woman - Part II

 

 

 1 Timothy 3:11 "Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things"

Titus 2:3 "Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips"

Last time, we looked at the first portion of these scriptures on being dignified and reverent. This week we are going to proceed into the next part ; "not being malicious gossips." I dont know about you, but when I started looking at these scriptures I would have rather skipped over that part!  If we are honest with ourselves, we know that gossip is a major problem for women. We seem to be hardwired to talk. We say an average of three times more words per day than a man. But what do we talk about? Frankly, in the midst of our conversations, and our great need to talk, the subject other people come up. And sometimes, it's not for the right reasons. Is it bad to have conversations about other people? No. Its impossible. In life, we have to talk about other people because other people encompass a big part of our life. They are our families, friends, coworkers, neighbors, etc.  We have relationships therefore we talk to people and of people. It's when we start talking about these people in a negative sense this is a problem.

Definition of the word malicious : intending to do harm or hateful.
Synonyms for malicous; malignant, vicious, spiteful, cussed, jealous, mean, mischievous, resentful, spiteful.

I don't know if that hit you in the same way as it did me, but I especially had to pause at the synonym malignant. If someone is diagnosed with a malignant tumor - that's a very scary diagnosis. And to think that our words could be malignant gossip? Which confirms the scriptures that says our tongue is sharper than any two edged sword, that we can murder with our tongue, and that we alone can not control our tongue.

Do you ever have feelings for someone that are spiteful? Do you ever just feel mean? Do you ever curse someone? Do you have feelings of resentment? The moment that you utter words regarding these just mentioned, you are guilty of malicious gossip.

God has entrusted our ability to think, speak, and have emotions for a reason. Unfortunatly, with our 'old sin nature' it can easily get the best of us.  The flesh gets carried away and we lose control of our tongue, which dishonors God. We have to allow the Holy Spirit to take over and be that Spirit controlled woman God wants us to be, by stopping these feelings from the start. Our feelings are indicators of the condition of our heart and what flows out of our mouths reveals our condition.

Maybe you need a few minutes of knee time with God today, ask Him to reveal what is in your heart causing these feelings before they evolve and erupt into malicous gossip.


~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock

The Biblical Model for a Woman - Part I - Being Dignified and Reverent

This week in my quiet time, God has led me to explore some very practical scriptures about the Biblical model for a woman. It's been very eye opening to see, the scriptures He has shown me and His expectations for me. As I read through these, and broke down the verses looking at definitions, (even on words that I thought I understood) it has been captivating. For the next few weeks, I would like to share with you what The Lord has shown me.

1 Timothy 3:11 "Women must likewise be dignified, not malicous gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things" NASV

Dignified - having or showing a composed or serious manner that is worthy of respect;
   synonyms - honor, reward, formal, distinguished, self respecting, stately

I don't know about you, but showing a composed serious manner.. isn't exactly me all the time!  Certainly not formal, distinguished, and stately.  However that one synonym - "self respecting"- really stood out to me. We could easily look over that one and not give it much thought.  However, if we aren't self respecting it affects our behavior, language and all relationships in our life, because we try to make up for our non abilities.

Now a little background behind this passage, Paul was writing to Timothy with clear cut instructions on setting up the church, and just how it should be.   And the verse we just covered was instruction for women in the church. I could elaborate, but instead let's look at Titus 2:3a "Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior.."(NASV)


Reverent - an act of showing respect; a feeling or attitude of profound respect; high opinion of
.. it's an attitude, an emotion, it is something we do. 
synonyms: admiration, devotion, esteem, high esteem

Notice how both dignified and reverent both express traits about respect. One shows that we are to be respectable the other is the we are to be respectable to others; showing respect.
You know the old saying, respect is something earned......

How do you measure up? Is your lifestyle reflective of being respected? How are you doing respecting others? The definition of respect is a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something, to consider worthy of high regard.

As women, a lot of times, we are caught up in 'to-do' lists and it leaves very little time for reflection of the expectations God has for us. Knowing that we live in a 'hurry up' society, my prayer for you is that you will take a moment of reflection in prayer to see what God might be trying to show you. Especially in the holiday season, we tend to get caught up in the "but I have to...." of life.  Let's commit to a moment of reflection to allow God to show us areas were we might better glorify Him in being dignified,  reverent and respectful.



~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock

Mercy?

Most of us have memories that have stuck with us for a lifetime.  Often it is a good memory!  But many times it is a "not so good" memory..... Maybe it's from yesterday, months, or even years ago. That certain person that did you wrong - very wrong.  Have you allowed that bitterness to build up in your heart so that it holds you back from receiving the richness of Gods mercy?

When the word "mercy" is mentioned, many of us tend to confuse it with "grace".  Just to clarify:
God's Mercy is NOT getting what we deserve.
God's Grace is getting what we don't deserve.

Perhaps that person in your life did something so hurtful to you that you still wear the scars in your life to prove it. It has caused you to have issues with trust, love, peace, and joy - the very things that the grace of God gives us. Maybe that person doesn't even know that you harbor these feelings of resentment.  It could be the smallest situation - a coworker you don't see eye to eye with, your nosy neighbor, your husband who didn't take out the trash, or your kids who forgot to walk the dog.. the list could be infinite.

The thing is, as we harbor these feelings, have these chips on our shoulder, or even create iceburgs (giving the cold shoulder), the Bible is clear that we have to forgive. One example: Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you" .  When Jesus sacrificed His life for your sin, He didn't show any partiality in doing it. He didn't hang on the cross, battered beaten and bruised saying 'Oh, wait.. now her sin, it was too bad - I just can't do this for her.' He did it, for you, for all of us.

So maybe in your mind right now, your're thinking, " but my situation is different - this person has hurt me more than once. I forgave them once but it's not going to happen again...".  Luke 17:4 "and if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times.. forgive him...."
seven times seventy times..."

God is not telling us that we have to run with open arms back into a harmful relationship, He is freeing us of the burden of not forgiving them. Christ stands there for us willing to take it off our hands, we just have to do the footwork.. give it to Him, and leave it with Him, by forgiving just as He did for us. Verse 3 in Luke 17 actually warns us of that very thing right before.. "be on guard!" That doesn't mean to turn around and put ourself in a situation for hurt again, but we must forgive.

Once we get past the forgiving part, Satan uses these little tactics to try and remind us of that thing, trying to plant it back on us... but take heed!  Forgive and forget.. be done with it... in prayer and supplication cast your anxiety on the Lord! He is able and willing!

Be merciful.. even though its not deserved.


~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock

Hindsight is 20/20

I have a friend who has been going through not only some difficult life situations but has been stricken with illness for quite some time.  She has not been to church in a long while.  I have tried to encourage her and get her to come back to church.  But recently I felt that I really needed to lay the cards out on the table and tell her - spiritual warfare is being waged against her, and it seems so obvious to me.  When dealing with someone else's problems we often feel that from the outside looking in, we "see more than they might see."

Well, lets just say.. it backfired. Not only did she not heed what I was telling her, but it also has turned her against any of my words.  Although I meant to be encouraging, she didn't take it that way. As I sought her forgiveness, she refused to respond.

I have prayed for this person for a long time, but when I literally poured my heart out to God about the situation, He took me to a passage;  Luke 18.  It's Jesus talking in a parable to show times that we ought to pray and not lose heart.  He says "in a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. There was a widow in that city and she kept coming to him, saying "give me legal protection from my opponent." For a while he was unwilling"

At this point in the verses I was thinking, okay, maybe the Lord is revealing persistence, which is what I have shown by continually approaching my friend although she has been unwilling to respond. Then it continues, "but afterward he said to himself  'even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out'".  Of course then my thought process was , ' Oh, this is interesting, maybe if my friend comes back to church just because I am bothering her into it then God will have His way with her, even though she came for the wrong reasons'.  Then verse 6.... "And the Lord said, now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly."

Then the passage came to life.  I was bothering her and that was wrong in itself.  I can't bring anyone to any place I think they should be, God will.  He will.

Instead of me pushing her, bothering her, pursuing her, I should have cried out to God for her day and night, so that He could do His work.   Instead, I have pushed her away.   Although my intentions were good intentions, they failed.   Hind sight is 20/20...

Has this happened to you?   Maybe you are in a situation where you can't see justice prevail.  Maybe you have sought counsel with godly people, maybe you were doing what you 'thought' were all the right things.. but in all reality, we just need some time with God.  Those times we spend on our knees with the Creator of The World, are precious times.  To think that we get to go into His presence, because of the blood of His Son!  Maybe in your situation, this is the answer you need as well.. as He will not delay, but come quickly to to His children who cry out to Him.

~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock

What's in a Reputation?

When God pours out financial blessings, material blessings, blessings of employment, and various other areas, how easy is it for us to feel "regarded" or "esteemed"?  We could say, "Oh Never! Not me!  I wouldn't do that"  But really think about that new position in the office, that car you have, the clothes you wear.. (the list could go on)..  have you ever been guilty of this? Allowing your possessions to control you?

Paul wrote in galations 2:6 "but from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality) well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me."

We can easily look at our lives and think "I'm not really a person of high reputation". Regardless where you are on the totem pole at your work, the church you attend, the children you are raising, the neighbor you are.. it's all a high standard, if you are in Christ. How do you portray your faith? Are you allowing that old sin nature to creep in and take over?

Reading further in Galations 2:20 " For I have been crucified with Christ; and it's no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me"

We are the body of Christ. Galations 2:28..."you are all one in Christ Jesus"
As a born again believer you represent the Savior of the World! That's a very high reputation to be accountable to. So how can we live up to those promises? By taking up the cross daily as Luke 9:23 tells us. It can't simply be a one time utterence of a prayer to receive this Savior, it's from deeper within,  from your true heart of hearts, and daily taking that cross up to follow Him. Can we maintain a sinless lifestyle?  No. We are not Jesus. Are we to try? Absolutley!

Galations 6:4-10 "each should examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load..." verse 7 "do not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life" ...verse 10.."so then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Thessalonians 4:11-12 "make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and work with your hands just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need"

~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock

Resisting the Prowling Lion

Recently I was talking with my dear friend Nicole.  We were talking about problems and hurdles that we have in life.  I made the statement, "If I didn't have problems I wouldn't have any problems!"  She replied, "Well, if it wasn't that - Satan would be using something else."   My reply, "oh, you're so right." But then, later on it really began to hit me.  All around I see broken marriages, broken hearts, broken homes, broken dreams, broken..broken..broken.   It was what I call an "ah-ha" moment. That moment where something clicks.

The Bible tells us that Satan "prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8)  But right before that warning it says "be of sober spirit, be on alert."   I realized in my "ah-ha moment" that if Satan is going to be prowling around in something I would much rather it be in my problem than in my marriage, my family, my health, or.. who knows. The "great deceiver" will use anything! As we look around at people in life, and see some of the terrible things going on, whether on the news, in the newspaper, your friends and families burdens.. it certainly can make yours seem, well... not as big. Then we are more thankful that our problems are just...that one.

1 Peter 5:9 goes on to say "But, resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are be accomplished by your brethren who are in the world". Verse 10 - "after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you."

If you were to resist a physical attacker, what would you do? Me?  I'd look like a crazy lady screaming, kicking, etc.  I certainly wouldn't stand and take it!

Think about that phrase; "Firm in your faith".  When something  is firm it's tight, it's held together, strong.. "in your faith"; that's believing God, a knowledge of something bigger, unseen; believing He is who He says He is, and will do what He says He can do.. Faith. God is not a mere sinner, a man. He is the Righteous, Holy, Loving, Gracious, All knowing, Sovereign God.

After a while, God Himself will perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.. Wow! God Himself will perfect me. Strengthen me. Wow!

Sometimes we just need to shift our focus, and realize that these sufferings, these things we go through.. they are known by God.

Hebrews 11, I came to in reading this week, I thought "Oh, read this one.. lets just go on.. The Hall of Faith..." But, that still small voice.. Read it. There is more. So as I read, words began to pop off the page.. I won't go into all the details but, take a few minutes and open your Bible and read it.. Here's what I got, these are the words that just stood out: FAITH, IS THE ASSURANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, BY FAITH WE UNDERSTAND, BY FAITH WE OBTAIN, AND ARE PLEASING TO GOD, WITHOUT FAITH IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO PLEASE HIM, BY BELIEVING HE IS AND HE IS A REWARD OF THOSE WHO SEEK HIM BECOME AN HEIR OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, BY FAITH SARAH RECEIVED, ABRAHAM RECEIVED, DID NOT PERISH, BY FAITH CONQUERED, PERFORMED ACTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, OBTAINED PROMISES, ESCAPED THE EDGE OF THE SWORD, FROM WEAKNESS BECAME STRONG, AND RECEIVED BACK (VS 40) BECAUSE GOD HAD PROVIDED SOMETHING BETTER FOR US, SO THAT APART FROM US THEY WOULD NOT BE MADE PERFECT.


This is so true for us, all by faith...we are able.


~ Jeni Morelock

How Do You Portray Success?

When we have success in our lives, or in our children we feel it's necessary to share it with others. Problems can quickly arise when good news about our accomplishments is too plentiful. While it is our natural tendency to want to share good news about all the great things going on in our lives, (or for parents in our children's lives) we should consider our motive and who we are sharing with. Naturally parents can share with grandparents all the accomplishments of the grandkids.  And we should share with our spouse and parents what we consider accomplishments.  However, we can share too much. The other party your sharing with can feel awkward, like a fish out if water. There is a fine line between sharing success and being prideful. What does success look like to you? Are you sharing out of gratitude of a blessing or are you struggling with pride? Yes, pride. That ugly sounding word, as you read it, are "oh, not me!" thoughts are rolling through your head? Do you share to make yourself feel better? Do you share to make you or your children look good? Do you share all the great things in life so that it outweighs the not so good ones? Philippians 2:1-4 "if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if thee is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look at your own interests, but also for the interests of others" There are SO many Scriptures about pride and boasting, but the passage from Philippians, really sums it up. When we are so intensely focused on our own success and interests, we're not one with The Spirit nor, are we showing compassion. Christ emptied Himself, becoming emptied to the point of death.  What a great example of humility. I challenge you - instead of being focused on yourself, your children, and accomplishments focus on The Savior, Jesus.

Luke 9:23 "if anyone desires to follow Me, he must deny himself daily, take up his cross and follow Me"
~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock

Do you cause God grief?

Ephesians 4:30 " Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.."

This verse has been knocking at my door all week. After careful consideration, and meditation God revealed to me why this has burdened me so.

As Ephesians 4 starts out, Paul is telling the Ephesians about the unity of The Spirit in verses 1-16. In verses 17-32 he is telling how Christians are to walk..or how to act. He says we should walk in, or act in a manner worthy of our calling. Verse 22 says "to lay aside our old self and put on the new self which is the likeness of God. More specifically Paul tells us not to: be angry, don't steal, don't be bitter, and dont believe everything we hear, but, speak truth in love, walk in love, be kind, tender, patient, and tolerant and speak nicely.

We've heard this before. But, that verse "don't grieve the Holy Spirit".  What does it mean to grieve? We've all experienced our own grief as a human being; the best example being the loss of a loved one.  Grief is also an unhappy, painful emotion that we can give to another!  We can mourn, sadden, sorrow or distress someone else. The Holy Spirit is the 3rd person of the Holy Trinity; God.

To think that I could sadden God, cause Him sorrow, distress... that hurts. The Holy Spirit was a gift from Christ He left with us when He ascended (verses 8-9 of this chapter).  We take part of God left for us as a gift and cause Him distress and sorrow.  But how? By being angry, bitter, unloving, speaking in an unwholesome manner, believing everything we hear and stealing. When you think of stealing, do you think of shop lifting? Taking something that's not yours?  Hmm.. Taking something that's not yours-to take .. that is part of anger, bitterness and unwholesomeness too. The Holy Spirit (God) is part of us, dwelling within us if we are born again believers.  We are sealed by The Holy Spirit - this is how God shows we are His. He doesn't harbor anger or bitterness or say bad things, etc. - it's not part of who He is, therefore it can't be part of we are. Verse 27 is very specific in telling us that these things are opportunities for Satan - because they are not of God. We have to stop saddening God, and seek our renewal in Him.  Love!  Get rid of all this junk Satan uses! Whether it's the cashier at Walmart, the lady who cuts you off in traffic, the not so nice coworker, a family member, our neighbor, or whoever it may be - don't allow Satan the opportunity to use you to sadden, and grieve God.

Today, I stand up in opposition to allowing Satan to use me for His lies and deceit .. Will you join me as I put on love instead of bitterness anger and unwholesome talk.

Prayer for today:
Heavenly Father, I must confess my anger, I struggle with kindness.  I know that it's part of Satan's tactics to grieve you and I have allowed it.  But today I give my anger, my bitterness to you - renew my mind.  Renew my thinking, I want to show the love you've given me.  I want to be a light for you, and I ask you to turn this struggle with anger to tenderness starting today and renew it daily. Lord give me a heart of compassion, gentleness, and humility so I can be a vessel to preserve peace and unity in You. All praise honor and glory to You through the precious blood of Jesus. Amen

submitted by Jeni Morelock