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

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.”

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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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Trouble Ahead in 2013?

A new year is here! That means fresh starts and new beginnings. Unfortunately when the calendar turned over into 2013, our troubles and difficulties did not fall away with 2012.

But God is bigger than any trial or pain in our lives. He longs to be our refuge, our place of comfort and safety. My new devotional book, God Is My Refuge, provides the direction we need to discover, understand, and apply the “ever-present help” only God can give.

January 8th marks the official release date of God Is My Refuge! A bunch of amazing Christian women have graciously volunteered to participate in a blog tour to help me spread the word!

Below is a list of the dates, their names, and their blogs. I would love for you to stop by and see what’s going on at their place!

I want to give away a copy of God Is My Refuge to one of you. Leave a comment on this post about how God has been your place of refuge in the past and I will enter your name. I will draw the winner on February 1st!

January 7: Kathi Macias
January 8:   Stephanie Bowman (giveaway!) at Bowmania
January 9:   Caroline Flory at Under God’s Mighty Hand
January 10:  Sandra Peoples at Celebrate Every Day
January 15:  Christin Price at The Uncontainable Truth
January 16:  Heather Myrick at Butterfly Genes
January 17:  Kris Cameally at Always Alleluia
January 22: Lori Kasbeer at Lori’s Reflections
January 22:  Kari Scare at Struggle to Victory
January 23:  Mollianne Massey at Cleverly Molli
January 24: Dawn Wilson at Heart Choices Today
January 24:  Kate Battistelli
January 29: Stephanie Shott at The M.O.M. Initiative
January 29:  Mary Beth Ketchum at New Life Steward
January 30: Julie Sanders at Come Have a Peace
January 30: Carey Bailey at Cravings: Desiring God in the midst of motherhood
January 31:  Nikki Laven at Simply Striving
February 5:  Kristin Schell
February 6:  Christina Burrell at Butterfly Kisses and Tasty Dishes
February 7:  Lisa Burgess at Lisa Notes

One last thing… you can help spread the word too. If you know that God is indeed our refuge, tell others. Here are a few ways you can:

Spread the word on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and other social media.
Write a review on Amazon, ChristianBook.com, and other online stores.
Tell your church and women’s ministry leaders.
Ask for it at your local Christian bookstore.
Share this sample day’s devotional!

How has God been your place of refuge during past times of trouble? Tell us about it for a chance to win a copy of “God Is My Refuge!”Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Discipleship Resources for a New Year

As one year sets and a new year dawns, many of us will take a close look at our lives and determine to do things differently. Many Christians, in a desire to grow spiritually and grow closer to God, will set some spiritual goals. These goals may include areas such as Bible reading and study, Scripture memory, service, missions, and prayer.

If you’d like to set some goals for spiritual growth but don’t know how to get started, check out my recent post, “5 Tips for Setting Spiritual Growth Goals in 2013.”

Spiritual growth does not happen by accident. We must purposefully “train ourselves in godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7). Many resources and tools are available to help Christians with spiritual training. I’ve gathered some here for you to check out.

Bible Reading:

“Reading the Bible Together in 2013″ Facebook Group - This group will challenge and encourage you to keep reading! The group uses the same reading plan and comments and discusses the reading each day.
Bible reading plans – I have 6 year-long plans on the resources page of this website, free to download. The plans vary widely in daily reading length, so you can choose one that meets you where you are in your spiritual journey.

Bible Study:

Online study – There are four complete Bible studies on this website. Follow the link and check out the categories in the left sidebar. The studies include Ephesians, The Fruit of the Spirit, Hebrews, and a condensed version of my published study “Unshakeable Faith.”
Bible Study Books - I have three published studies. One may be just what you’re looking for!


“Unshakeable Faith: 8 Traits for Rock-Solid Living”
“Before His Throne: Discovering the Wonder of Intimacy with a Holy God”
“God’s Truth Revealed: Biblical Foundations for the Christian Faith”


Women’s Bible Study Cafe – Beginning January 7, this online group will be studying “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackaby.
Your church – If your church offers a women’s Bible study group, I encourage you to join. There is no substitute for studying God’s Word with members of your own church body!

 Quiet Time Help & Encouragement:

“God is My Refuge” – All of us will face trouble in this life. This 12-week devotional book guides us to discover God’s faithful promises for difficult times and helps us apply them to our lives. Find out more and download a free day’s devotional.
Hello Mornings – Thousands of women from all over the world have found encouragement and accountability to make spending time with God their first priority. This online ministry connects women in small community groups. The winter challenge begins January 16th.
Quiet Time Tips - free download!

Scripture Memory:

“Hide His Word” – This Facebook group does a wonderful job of encouraging and helping people memorize Scripture!
Scripture Memory Tips - this free download gives helpful tips for memorizing God’s Word.
Scripture Memory Plans – the resources page of this website offers 5 free plans!

Other resources to check out:

Girlfriends in God – Encouraging, daily devotional
Do Not Depart – This practical site helps Christians abide in Christ.
Bible Gateway - Dozens of Bible translations, devotionals, reading plans, & more
The M.O.M. Initiative – Mentoring for women in all phases of life!
Living Better at 50+ - online magazine for Christian women covers home, health, fashion, finances, faith, and more!

Do you know of a helpful resource for those of us seeking to follow Christ more closely in 2013? Tell us about it in the comments! Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

5 Tips for Setting Spiritual Growth Goals in 2013

What do the following things have in common?

Exercise more
Lose weight
Improve my relationships
Pay off debt
Get organized

Every year these items pop up in lists of the Top Ten New Year’s Resolutions. Do you plan on making resolutions for 2013? The first of the year is a great time to start fresh, set goals, and begin something new. In fact, it’s the perfect time to evaluate our spiritual health and set some goals for growth.

We can’t cause our spiritual growth. Only the Holy Spirit has the power to transform us into the image of Christ (2 Cor 3:18). But God does expect our obedient and active cooperation (1 Cor 9:24-27). One way we can purposefully “train ourselves to be godly” (1 Tim 4:7-8) is through spiritual evaluation and goal-setting.

Resolutions and goals are often hard to keep. Statistics show that, at best, only 46% of New Year’s resolutions are still kept six months into the year. People lose their resolve quickly because they set unattainable goals.

The following five tips will help us set personal discipleship goals that will keep us growing through 2013:

Concentrate your efforts. Set just one, two, or three goals at a time. Don’t spread yourself too thin. When you experience success then add another goal.
Be realistic. Set goals that are attainable. If you don’t read your Bible regularly now, don’t set a goal to read the entire Bible in three months. Instead commit to read it 3 to 5 times per week.
Think concretely. Set goals so progress can be measured. For instance, this goal is too ambiguous: I’m going to spend more time with God. Instead be concrete: I will read one Bible chapter and pray for 10 minutes five times a week.
Include strategies. Develop strategies designed to move you toward your goals. If one goal is to memorize Scripture, determine how you will do that. What verses you will memorize? How often you will tackle a new one? What memorization techniques you will use?
Create manageable steps. Break your overall goal into a series of smaller goals that are doable and will foster success.

How do we begin? First, take a serious look at your spiritual health. You may use the free “Discipleship Evaluation” download. This tool covers 17 different key discipleship areas. Your weakest areas can be great growth areas in 2013.

Next, set spiritual growth goals using the five tips above. Planning is not “unspiritual.” Living a life that glorifies God will not happen by accident. The free “Spiritual Goals” worksheet walks you through specific areas of discipleship such as time with God, ministry, service, and Christian education.

Most importantly, ask God to guide you as you evaluate your spiritual health and set goals for growth. He will bring the spiritual transformation as you strive to live a live that pleases Him.

What kind of spiritual growth goals have you had in the past? How did it go?Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]