Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 83

Running with Weights

This guest post by Kari Scare was originally published on her blog “Struggle to Victory.”I’d like to thank Christina for sharing how the biblical truths in “God Is My Refuge” impacted her life personally.

When getting ready to run a 5k last fall, I saw a man wearing a weighted vest at the start line. I’m assuming he wore it for the entire race, but I can’t say for sure as my view from the back of the pack did not include keeping track of this particular individual.

Supposedly, running with weights can improve running time and increase endurance. Wearing weights while running should also burn more calories without having to increase distance or speed. For those of us who already struggle to complete a run of 5k (3.1 miles) or more, the idea of running with added weight seems, well, simply crazy.

In fact, in all of the races I have run during my 25 years of being a runner, this is the first person I’ve noticed wearing extra weights during a race. Most of the runners, especially the really good runners, the ones who run to compete, run with very little on their body. In fact, the front-runner almost always has the bare minimum allowable based on the weather.

As I stood waiting to run this 5k last fall and watching this weighted man who seemed quite eager to begin, I couldn’t help but think of 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, fixing our eyes on Jesus,   the pioneer   and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross,   scorning its shame,   and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

In our physical lives, the idea of running with added weight seems foolish to most people. In our spiritual lives, however, most of us carry extra weight that prevents us from running the best race possible even though doing so is not only foolish but can prevent us from a strong finish.

In Kick Off the High Heals, Day Two of Week 10 in God is My Refuge, Kathy Howard expresses this issue by saying:

“Like the heroes of faith who have gone before, let us rid our lives of anything that keeps us from complete obedience to Christ. Maybe a sinful habit or unhealthy relationship prevents us from fully submitting to our Savior. Perhaps pride or selfishness keeps us hanging on to our own will and way.”

The weights I commonly carry as I run “the race marked out” for me include comparisons, fear and pride. And really, those weights show my failure (sin) to believe that Jesus is enough. It’s my failure to believe that He created me for a specific purpose, and that He will make that purpose come to fruition. It’s fear over my kids not following God instead of my having faith to believe God for their security. And it’s my pride that keeps me from asking for help and from admitting my dependence on Him.

But that’s just me. Perhaps the weights that entangle you are quite different from mine.

Looking further into this scripture, Hebrews 12:2 tells us where to focus after we’ve cast off those weights that trip us up, a focus that allows us to endure the race of our lives.

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.”

What does a focus on Jesus do for our ability to run with endurance? Kathy Howard puts it this way:

“Let’s turn our full attention to Christ and consider what He endured for us. His example will help us throw off any sin that entangles us and run freely toward the finish line.”

Just like any runner wanting to improve her speed or endurance or any other aspect of her running will look to the experts who have successfully gone before her, so too must we look to Jesus as we seek to improve how we run this race of life.

DISCUSSION: What sinful attitudes or selfish motivations or activities hold us back from following Christ in complete obedience?Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

The Current of Circumstance

This guest post by Nikki Laven was originally published on her blog “Simply Striving.” I’d like to thank Nikki for sharing how the biblical truths in “God Is My Refuge” impacted her life personally.

It was a white flag kind of day. You know the ones. Where the current of circumstance is so strong you just want pull the cord for the floating device and hope for a tan as it carries you to a deserted island.

Because that’s what it feels like. When your child is sick, the dryer won’t dry, the toaster over-toasts, and the paper boy hits the only wet spot on your driveway. Then you discover your vehicle has issues and your cellphone is MIA and what was that loud crashing sound? Later you receive an email from someone who disagrees with you and as you listen to the news you wonder: how can some people live with themselves? When will they see and where are their mothers?!?

Finally, it was time to write the day off the books. Every muscle moaned as I slipped under the down comforter. I’m not sure if I was too wound up or too exhausted. Regardless, I couldn’t fall asleep and reached for the devotional on my nightstand instead.

Friends, it was as if God had orchestrated the entire day, building to this one event…

She invited me to read Psalm 73:12-26 and I found myself nodding furiously in agreement with the psalmist. He got it. He knew the days. The ones where no matter how hard you try, it’s never enough.

Yet he also knew how to deal with it. Whom to turn to when questions like what, why, or how start creeping in.

My heart began to slow while reading the author‘s thoughts:

“God wants us to take our questions, disappointments, and frustrations to Him. The process of grappling over our weary circumstances with God grows us spiritually and draws us closer to Him. The deeper the intimacy we forge produces comfort and fresh strength to keep going.

Our circumstances may not change, but God prepares us to meet them…Come into His presence. Bring your pain. Allow Him to strengthen your heart.”

Kathy Howard, God is My Refuge: 12 Weeks of Devotions

and Scripture Memory for Troubled Times

I closed the book and my eyes as I finally brought my day to Him. We talked about the moments I had wished for a do-over. I poured out my frustration over this and that and the other thing.

Friends, I talked to Him like He was my unconditional friend. Because He is…

How easy I forget that I’m not in this alone.

I don’t need to have all the answers, He does.

I don’t need any superpowers, He shares.

I don’t need to worry, He’s here.

And as I sat in the peaceful silence, my breaths grew deeper. slower. My heart warmed with each release. And I was reminded why He bids us to come.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

How about you, friend? Where has your current of circumstance taken you lately? How do you enter into His presence and accept His invitation to come? I’d love to hear.

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He is Still Able and He is Still God

This guest post by Christina Burrell was originally published on her blog “Butterfly Kisses and Tasty Dishes.” I’d like to thank Christina for sharing how the biblical truths in “God Is My Refuge” impacted her life personally.

For those of you who do not know our story, we lost a daughter in 2008, and we are currently in the midst of a very emotional adoption journey. (We were one of the families who were adopting from Russia.)

Our daughter who lives in Heaven was named Savannah Grace, and her story can be found here: www.caringbridge.org/visit/savannahgraceburrell

We have named the daughter we are adopting Emma Charity, and our journey to her can be found here: www.emmacharity.blogspot.com

This morning, I found myself on week four of Kathy Howard’s devotional which deals with “Healing”. Day 3 is called “When I am Weak” and the scripture reference is 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. The main focus of today’s lesson was verse 9. We named our daughter Savannah Grace because it means “abundant grace” and we clung to that scripture and the promise that “His Grace is sufficient for us because His power was made perfect in our weakness.” During the rough pregnancy as I dealt with the reality of Savannah’s fatal diagnosis, I desperately needed God’s grace and His power in my weakness. God did not heal our daughter on earth, but He healed her by taking her to be with Him. Would that have been my choice? No. But, do I trust Him? Yes.

So, four years after her death, God reminded me through today’s message that He remembers, He knows my grief, and His love for me is unending. I miss my baby girl daily, with some days being harder than others. The ache and longing are ever-present, but God’s grace and love are even greater and they give me strength to keep going. My sweet Savannah gets to spend her days dancing with Jesus – how I long for the day when I get to join them.

Today’s devotion was a sweet reminder to my heart that “In any situation, God may choose to physically heal or to respond with ‘My grace is sufficient for you’. Either way, He is seeking to work His purposes in your life. Either way, you can experience His power and His love. Either way, God is still God, and He is still able.” This last statement especially resonates with me right now as we trust and wait on God to bring our adoptive daughter home. He is still God; and He is still able; and He will bring our Emma home to our hearts. In His perfect timing, in His perfect way.

One of the Reflection questions in today’s lesson was “Can you think of any ways God has used this situation in your life or the lives of others to carry out His greater purposes.”

This question reminded me of all the “good” He has brought out of Savannah’s life. Because of my loss, I have a greater compassion and I have been able to pray for, listen to, and encourage other women who have lost children. As I have encouraged others, my heart has also received blessing and has been strengthened and healed even further. God used Savannah to teach me the depths of His love and the intimacy found in complete surrender to His Will. God is using our crooked and long journey to Emma to reveal His purpose, His plan, and the comfort we find in abiding in His peace.

My friends, His Grace is ALWAYS SUFFICIENT! I encourage you today to cling to Him. He is your Refuge in the storm, in the sickness, in the hurts, in the sorrows and the tears. He will not forsake you.

I love the song by the Maranatha Praise Band, “You are My Refuge.”



In what ways has God given you His strength when you were weak?

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Do you need a makeover?

America loves dramatic “before and after” stories. We can’t tear ourselves away from The Biggest Loser, What Not to Wear, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. We cheer with the crowd when they shout “move that bus!” We impatiently wait on the edge of our seat for the ugly duckling turned swan to be revealed. And we groan when the number on the scale is far too small.

I’d like to propose a new reality show. This “before and after” will last much longer than any fashion update, hairstyle makeover, or home remodeling. In fact, this “before and after” will have an eternal impact:

Extreme Makeover: Spiritual Edition

Let’s consider the show’s premise. “Before” the makeover the contestant was truly ugly. Her life was futile and dark. She was separated from God, insensitive, and given over to all impurity and greed. But then the truth of Jesus was applied to her heart. She was transformed and her old life became new! (See Ephesians 4:17-24.)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV

The “after” is indeed glorious! She looks more and more like Jesus every day as she seeks to live a righteous and holy life. She clothes herself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 She is patient and quickly forgives others as God forgave her. And most importantly, she covers herself with love. (See Colossians 3:12-14.)

Now this “before and after” is truly something to cheer about. Are you cheering? Crying? Sitting on the edge of your seat?

And what about you? Have you had a spiritual makeover? It’s never too late for an “after.”

What changes have you noticed in your “after salvation” life?Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

How’s the Service?

This post originally appeared on Laced With Grace, November 11, 2011.

Photo from Photobucket.com

Yesterday, my husband and I tried a new restaurant. Well, it’s not really “new,” just new to us. All the restaurants around here are new to us since we just moved to the area. We’ve enjoyed trying them out and discovering which will be our favorites.

The one we tried yesterday serves fried fish, seafood, and Cajun dishes. I had grilled Tilapia and shrimp, Cajun fries and Cole Slaw. My husband had fried catfish. The food was delicious and well-priced. But I don’t know if we will eat there again. Why not? The service was probably the worst we’ve ever encountered.

The atmosphere was casual. They take orders at the counter and then bring the food to your table. I sat in our chosen booth while my husband ordered. It took a full 15 minutes to place the order. The employee was far from informed about the menu and knew less about the register. Thirty minutes later my food came, but Wayne’s did not arrive for another twenty.

We weren’t the only ones having problems. A family behind us had a similar experience. The husband’s meal arrived but the wife and son’s did not. Fifteen minutes later the waitress discovered their meals cooling off in to-go boxes on the counter. Then I heard another man asking why they would not honor the coupon he brought in. And someone else across the restaurant asked why they still had not gotten their food. It doesn’t matter how good the food and the prices are, if this kind of service continues the restaurant won’t be in business much longer.

We Christians have the best news, the best gift to offer in the entire world:

All of us are sinners and deserve death, eternal separation from God. But God offers forgiveness and eternal life through a relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. And all this is free! A gift of grace and mercy from God!

So why isn’t the world jumping at the chance to accept this free gift? There are many reasons people reject Jesus. Sometimes though the problem is in the “service.” Sometimes we Christians give priority to other things. Sometimes, we don’t know how to share the Gospel message. Sometimes, we share the news with a self-righteous attitude. Sometimes, our lives don’t look like they’ve been radically changed by the Spirit of God.

Peter spoke directly to this issue:

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

1 Peter 4:15-16, NIV

Here is a summary of Peter’s points:

Make Christ your absolute priority.
Know how to share the Good News about Him.
Remember you are a sinner saved by grace.
Share the Gospel respectfully and graciously.
Live a godly life so no one can slander Christ’s name because of you.

Have any of these points struck a chord with you today? Is there one you particularly need to work on in your life?Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Words of Grace

Remember that old nursery rhyme we shouted on the playground when we were kids?

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me!

What were we thinking? Sure, sticks and stones can break bones, but bones heal. Words can leave wounds that last for decades and scars that last forever.

God knows both the destructive capability and healing power of words.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29, ESV

These words, written by Paul to the Christians in Ephesus, challenge me. I tend to open my mouth and allow words out before I consider their effect. But I don’t think I’m alone in this struggle. “Speech” seems to be a difficult area for many Christian women.

I believe one reason we struggle with speaking only words that build up others is our own insecurities. We sometimes feel so bad about ourselves we think we will feel better if we bring someone else down – even if we do this subconsciously. But it doesn’t help. We usually just end up feeling worse about ourselves.

I don’t want to tear down and hurt others with my words. I want to encourage, build up, and help. What about you?

Whether we initiate conversation or respond to someone else we should always use words that communicate grace to the hearer.

grace, considering the grace God has given us. Here are a few guidelines:

Remember the grace God has freely given us.
Remember that God will hold us accountable for every word spoken (Matthew 12:33-37).
Refuse to use “corrupt” speech. This is not simply four-letter words, but words that wound, discourage, or tear down.
Commit to using “good” words – kind and gracious words that build up and encourage.
Focus on the positive, not the negative. Find something positive with which to begin and end our conversation.
Don’t waste time talking about things that can’t be changed.
Ask questions. Find out more about the other person and their feelings. Don’t focus on ourselves.
Consider withholding a comment. Sometimes the most gracious thing to say is nothing. Exercise self-control.
Constantly check our hearts. Our words reflect our attitudes and motivations. Ungracious words reveal an ungracious spirit. (See Matthew12:34-36.)

What helps you check your speech and use words that encourage, help, and build up others?

 

 

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Fearsome Distinction

The following story is an excerpt from “Before His Throne: Discovering the Wonder of Intimacy with a Holy God.” Find out more about this 9-week, in-depth Bible study through the book of Malachi. Newly available: 10-Session DVD teaching set for the study!

It was Thanksgiving weekend. I was flying from my home in Calgary, Alberta, to visit my brother and his family in Idaho. As usual, I was running a little late for my flight. Check-in and security check went fairly quickly, so I was feeling good about making my plane until I rounded the last corner and entered the area for US Customs and Immigration. All six lines were backed up past the doorway. There was no way I would make my flight, having to wait in lines like those.

After standing in line for a few minutes, I had moved ahead just enough to notice this glorious little sign way off to the right. It read, “US citizens only,” and a big, bold arrow pointed to a wonderfully short line. “US citizen – that’s me!” I thought. While I happily hurried to the short line, I was careful not to gloat. I made it through customs in about five minutes, leaving behind several hundred frustrated Canadians. I made my flight and had a wonderful holiday.

I can imagine that every Canadian going through US Customs that morning felt that the special treatment given to US citizens was unfair. I even felt that way, though it did stop me from waving my US passport. I guess the bottom line is this: The United States Department of Homeland Security has established guidelines for entering the Unites States. If you want to get in, you have to do it the prescribed way. If that department wants to distinguish between US citizens and non-citizens, it has the right.

In the book of Malachi, God also made a distinction between two groups of people – those who had committed to fear Him and those who did not fear Him.  God has the ultimate right to make distinctions.  After all, He is God.

Those who feared the LORD talked with each other and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored His name. “They will be mine,” says the LORD Almighty, “in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

Malachi 3:16-18

The Bible teaches that “fear” is a positive attitude and the proper response to our holy God. The lives of people who truly fear God are characterized by repentance, submission, obedience, and worship.

The Bible also consistently teaches that God recognizes those who fear Him and chooses to bless them.  Here are just a few of God’s promises from the Psalms to those who fear Him:

He confides in them (Ps 25:14)
He bestows His goodness on them (Ps 31:19)
His eyes are on them to delver them from death (Ps 333:18-19)
He is their help and shield (Ps 115:11)
He fulfills their desires, hears their cries, and saves them (Ps 145:19)

This promise from Psalm 147 is my personal favorite:

 The LORD delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.

Psalm 147:11

 What has been your impression about “fearing” God? Positive? Negative? Why?

  Note: If you’d like to know more about what it means to fear God and what it looks like in daily life, check out the 9-week, in-depth Bible study, “Before His Throne.” 

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Martha and a Pile of Avocados

As I pushed my cart through the produce section, the avocados caught my eye. I had only picked up a couple to inspect when it started. One, then two of the lovely green fruit began to roll from the top of the high pile. (Yes, an avocado is technically a fruit. I checked!)

By the time three of them had hit the floor, I knew I must take drastic action to prevent disaster. With arms open wide, I blocked the shifting pile with the top half of my body. With one arm and my torso keeping the avocados from falling, I repositioned key pieces with my free hand until the moving stopped.

Hoping the other shoppers hadn’t seen me laying on top of the avocados, I casually moved on to the lettuce. It wasn’t long though until I heard laughing and turned to see that a young woman had just had a similar encounter with the pesky green fruit. Undoubtedly the person who stocked the avocados had gotten a little carried away. He or she had put way too many avocados on the pile. The fallout was inevitable!

Sometimes our lives are like that pile of avocados. We keep adding items to our lives and calendars until we have to stand on tip toe to put another thing on top. Jobs, activities, sports, lessons, ministry work, friends, family, leisure.

We can’t possibly give enough attention to the really important things of life because we are constantly chasing after the urgent things rolling off the pile. If we aren’t careful, the entire pile will shift, roll, and collapse leaving us standing in a gooey pile of guacamole.

I’m not saying that any one “avocado” is bad. But trying to juggle too many avocados will derail the abundant life Christ wants to give us. Martha, the New Testament hostess, is a well-known example.

When Jesus visited Martha and Mary, Martha hurried around with meal prep and household chores while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to His teaching. Martha was flustered and upset.

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it.”

Luke 10:41-42a, NLT

Jesus’ loving rebuke was designed to help Martha escape the tyranny of the urgent and discover the life of peace and joy Jesus offers.

Is your pile too big? Are you missing out on some of what Jesus wants to give you because the urgent has replaced the important? I sometimes find myself with a dangerously high pile!

Here’s a few suggestions to help us take control of the pile:

Keep a time log for a week to discover just where all your time goes.
Ask God to show you what can stay and what needs to go.
Limit your children’s activities. All of you need breathing room!

Have you been held captive to the tyranny of the urgent? What avocados are rolling off your pile? Are you willing to make some changes?Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

“Like” if you love Jesus

We’ve all seen them. They work on our conscience like those abused animal commercials on television. If we love Jesus – or our spouse, or our kids, or the dog – we will add our click to the 3 million other clicks. And that will prove our love.

Yep, that will do it. The One who made everything that exists and keeps our world spinning in place is holding His breath to see if we click on the little hand under the image on our Facebook feed. Most of us have probably clicked on at least one of them too. Because after all, we don’t want anyone to think we don’t love Jesus. Or our spouse. Or our kids. Or the dog.

If you’ve “liked” or “shared” one of those pics, please don’t think I’m making fun. It’s nice to see how many people are willing to click publicly for Jesus. And I’ve been tempted. I’ve come close a few times. But something keeps my finger off the clicker.

And this is it: I know it’s not that easy.

Showing real love for Jesus means so much more than “liking” Him. In fact, here’s what Jesus said about showing our love for Him.

“If you love me, you will obey what I command.” John 14:15

“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.” John 14:21

“If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.” John 14:23

Maybe this is really why I have trouble “liking” those pics on Facebook. If I’m not 100% obedient to Jesus then I feel like a hypocrite clicking that little hand. Can I in all honesty tell all of Facebook land that I love Jesus if I’m withholding my obedience in any area?

Those little “thumbs up” icons serve as a heart check for me. Have I laid my will down in complete obedience to God’s? I want to. And some days I do better than others. But I know that I am not fully obedient to Christ in every area of my life.

Am I making too much of a “like” button. Probably. Is it good to regularly check my level of obedience to God? Absolutely.

So I propose we start a new thing: “Obey” if you love Jesus.

How do you show your love for Jesus? Have you checked your level of obedience lately?

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A Safe Place

The following is Week One, Day One from my new devotional book, “God Is My Refuge,” which officially releases this week.  The purpose of this book is to guide women to God’s promises of help in the Bible and help them understand and apply them to their lives. May He be your “ever-present help” in times of trouble.

Week One’s Memory Verse:

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.   Psalm 46:1

A Safe Place

Read: Psalm 46:1-7                                                      Weekly memory verse: Psalm 46:1

“Safe! I’m on base, I’m safe! You can’t get me now!”

Remember playing the game of tag as a child? The person who was “it” chased all the other players hoping to tag one, making them “it” for the next round. Most of the players ran quickly to the safety of home base. However, at least one player would usually tempt fate by continuing to run around, barely darting out of the grasp of “it” again and again. Not me though. I always ran straight to home base and the protection it provided.

I haven’t played tag in a very long time, but I still need a safe place to run to when the troubles of life threaten to overtake me. I need a refuge – a shelter, a place of safety that protects me from danger and trouble.

In John 16:33, Jesus said His followers will have trouble in this world. We live in a fallen world, full of troubles of all kinds. In fact, sometimes, like the mountains in Psalm 46:3, we may see our lives crumbling around us while the flood waters rise. But God offers protection for His children in distress.

According to Psalm 46:1, God is our refuge, our “ever-present help in trouble.” He has the power to save and authority to act. We don’t have to fear our circumstances. God is bigger than our personal crisis, any physical disaster, or political upheaval. Whenever and wherever His children need help, God is there.

Reflect & Apply

What troubles, difficulties, or heart-aches are you dealing with now?

List the things you learned about God from today’s Scripture.

Do you believe God is bigger than your troubles? Reflect on how God may choose to use your troubles for His purposes.

Prayer Prompt

Write a prayer to God acknowledging Him as your refuge, your place of safety.

Memory Minute (Why Should I memorize Scripture?)

Each day of devotions will guide you through a quick exercise to help you memorize that week’s memory verse. Please take a minute or two each day to follow the suggestions and by the end of the week you should know it “by heart.” Don’t forget to review them regularly.

For a constant reminder that God is our source of strength and place of safety, commit to memorize Psalm 46:1.

Read the verse.
Read the verses immediately surrounding it to understand the context in which it is written (in this case, read Psalm 46:1-3).
Rewrite the verse in your own words.
Write the verse and reference on a card. This card should fit the type of storage system you’ve chosen for your verses.
Read it out loud three times.

How do you feel about memorizing Scripture? Is it something you want to do? Have you had success in the past?

A month-long blog tour begins today to spread the word about this resource. This post from last week lists all the bloggers who are participating. If you comment on this post you will be entered for a chance to win a copy of the book.

Find out more about “God Is My Refuge.”  Purchase it now on Amazon or CBD.

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