Lori Hatcher's Blog: Refresh Blog, page 21
December 28, 2021
The Best Way to Draw Near to God this Year
The headline read, “Ten Ways to Draw Closer to God this Year.” As I looked down the long list, I sighed. I was a young mom overwhelmed with the responsibilities of caring for two young children, homeschooling, serving in church, and working outside the home part time. I didn’t need ten more things to do.
Why doesn’t anyone write an article giving ONE way to draw close to God this year? I wondered. I might actually be able to do that.
Twenty years later, this is that article. ONE WAY TO DRAW CLOSER TO GOD THIS YEAR.
And here’s the one way: read your Bible.
If you’re super busy and need to move on, you can stop reading now. You know what to do. If you’d like to hear my story (and read several reasons why I believe this is the best way to draw closer to God), read on.
I’ve been a Christian for almost forty years. I’ve done Bible studies, joined women’s groups, attended retreats and conferences, and practiced all the spiritual disciplines, but only reading the Bible has revolutionized my life and drawn me closer to God.
I’m not saying Bible studies, women’s retreats, and all the other things I just mentioned aren’t helpful. They are, and I recommend them all. But nothing has transformed my life and drawn me closer to God than reading His Word.
Fits and Starts
For years I treated the Bible like my favorite piece of jewelry. I’d pick it up and put it down based on the occasion. During times of trial, I wore it close to my heart. During times of busyness or prosperity, I left it on the dresser.
Every December when our pastor or Sunday school teacher encouraged us to commit to read the Bible in the new year, I’d sign on the pledge card and make a good start.
Many years I sailed all the way through Genesis and Exodus only to shipwreck on the rocks of Leviticus. My relationship with and commitment to reading God’s Word was as fickle as a toddler at a buffet. Some days I’d feast, and other days I’d snack. Some days (months), I’d fast completely.
My spiritual life mirrored my commitment level. In some seasons, I grew and flourished. Other times I struggled, languished, and fainted.
Many times my motivation for reading was off base. I used it to bargain for God’s favor. “Lord, I read my Bible every day this week. Haven’t I earned a blessing?” I used it as a lucky rabbit’s foot. “Well, nothing bad can happen to me today because I checked off the Bible Reading box on my Good Christian scorecard.”
Sometimes I used it to prop up my weak self-esteem and sense of worth. “I’m super spiritual. I read my Bible every day.”
Then one day, I heard a Bible study leader tell her story. As a fairly new believer, she had joined the Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru) staff as a college leader. One day a speaker challenged the Cru leaders to commit to read the Bible for five minutes a day. Just five minutes. Every day. “See if it doesn’t change your life,” he said.
She and the other students took the challenge. Some days she’d read more, but she never read less. She read her Bible every day for at least five minutes. The habit drew her closer to God and transformed her life.
Twenty years later, she said, the group of college students, now middle-aged adults, held a reunion. Every person who had kept the commitment to read their Bibles for at least five minutes a day were still passionately walking with the Lord. Many were serving Him in full time ministry.
When I heard her story, my heart stirred. I want the kind of faith that lasts, I thought. I want to be like Jesus. I’m tired of wobbling around like a toddler, spending more time picking myself up off the ground than moving forward. I want to know God.
So I committed to read my Bible every day.
Much later, I discovered Psalm 19:7-13, which gives fourteen reasons to feast on God’s Word:
God’s Word:
Converts the soul (v. 7). Makes the simple wise (v. 7). Brings joy to our hearts (v. 8). Enlightens our eyes (v. 8).Is pure and enduring (v. 9). Can be trusted (v. 9). Is more valuable than fine gold (v. 10). Adds sweetness to our lives (v. 10). Warns us of danger (v. 11). Bestows a special reward (v. 11). Reveals error in our lives (v. 12). Keeps us from presumption (v. 12). Guards us from becoming enslaved by sin (v. 13). Protects us from great transgressions (v. 13).
Don’t you want these blessings? I do.
If you’re sick of half-hearted Christianity and up-again-down-again spiritual growth, commit to read the Bible every day. Not to check off a box, acquire knowledge, or impress those around you. Read it to learn more about God.
Ask the question, “God, what will you show me about yourself today?” and then look for His answer, You will draw closer to God, and your life will be transformed.
I know. It happened to me.
A Christian cannot look sincerely into the Word of God—the whole word of God—and remain the same. And you cannot know God without knowing His Word.
But once you do, oh my. You’ll never look back.
On January 1, 2022, I will commit again to read my Bible through this year. Although I’ve done this for more than a decade, God has already show me exciting new insights and glimpses of His heart, His love, and His character on these familiar pages.
Do you want to draw closer to God this year? Do you want to know Him intimately and love Him deeply? Do you want to experience His power in your life?
Read your Bible.
Now it’s your turn. Do you read the Bible daily? What benefits have you received? If you don’t have a regular habit, what’s stopping you? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
It’s my pleasure to share Jean Wilund’s excellent article, “It Takes a Whole Bible to Make a Whole Christian.”
Have you subscribed to Refresh?
If you’d like to receive a weekly 5-minute devotion to help you rediscover the excitement of God’s Word, CLICK HERE.
Does Your Faith Need Refreshing?
That’s in the Bible? I’ve never noticed that before!
It’s probably been too long since you’ve newly discovered a story that speaks to your soul or a verse that pops with truth. But that’s about to change!
Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible is here!
When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it’s time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori’s conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you’ve never thought about before.
“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher’s devotional style
The post The Best Way to Draw Near to God this Year appeared first on Lori Hatcher.
CommentsCan Prayer Change God’s Mind? by LoriAHatcherHow to Pray as a Beloved Child, Not a Despised Orphan by LoriAHatcherLearning to Trust — The Amazing Gift Prayer Gives Us by LoriAHatcherDo You Feel Frustrated with Your Prayer Life? by LoriAHatcher“Give Out” for Jesus — One Thing to Remember When You Feel Like You Have Nothing Left by LoriAHatcherPlus 5 more...Related Stories4 Simple Clues to Know It’s God’s Voice You’re HearingCreative Ways to Honor Your Missing Loved Ones at ChristmasHow to Pray as a Beloved Child, Not a Despised Orphan
June 18, 2021
Breaking the Silence with Exciting News!
Greetings, Hungry for God readers,
I have exciting news to share!You may have noticed I’ve been a little quiet on the blog recently. Now it’s time to break the silence.
First, I’ve been designing a new website, one better equipped to handle the growing needs of the Hungry for God family. I’d love for you to click over and take a peek (http://www.lorihatcher.com). It’s so pretty! On it you'll find a whole page dedicated to some of the most popular blog posts from Hungry for God.
You'll also find an About Lori page where I share quirky things you'd never know otherwise, a Speaking Ministry page (I'd love to come to your women's ministry event and encourage you and your friends) and a book page. Click over and check it out. Remember to leave a comment and tell me what you think.
Second, I’ve implemented a new email provider. As of June 30, Google will no longer email out blog posts, so I’ve switched services. This is the last you’ll receive from Feedburner. The only difference you’ll see is that the posts will come from a different address. I plan to continue emailing weekly (Sunday evening) five-minute devotions to encourage you in your faith and keep us connected. Thank you for being part of the Hungry for God family.
To ensure my emails don't go to your Spam or Junk folder, please add feedblitz@mail.feedblitz.com to your address book or approved sender list.
Here’s a description:
Refresh Your Prayers,
Uncommon Devotions to Restore Power and Praise
Are you struggling in your prayer life? When you talk to God, do you come away with more questions than answers? Do you long for the intimacy you once had or the closeness and power you see in others?
What if you could sit across the table from a wise friend and sort through the questions you have about prayer?
Questions like:
Why does God answer some prayers, but not others?
What’s the secret to effective prayer?
If God is sovereign, why pray at all?
Lori Hatcher is that wise friend. In 60 story-driven devotions, she explores the mysterious gift of prayer, wrestles with the questions that plague us, and showcases some of the most beautiful prayers in the Bible. She’ll take you from where you are to where you want to be in your prayer life.
The second writing project that has my heart beating hard is a THIRD volume in the Refresh series, Refresh Your Hope, 60 Unshakeable Reasons Not to Lose Heart. Now more than ever we need to be reminded of the solid and unfailing hope only God can give us. Please pray for me as I write. Only God can enable me to write a book that will strengthen your faith and grow your hope.
Well friends, that’s all for me. Please leave me a comment and let me know how you’re doing. And don’t forget to hop over to the new website and look around. The welcome mat is out.
I love and appreciate you so much!
Does Your Faith Need Refreshing?
That's in the Bible? I've never noticed that before!
It's probably been too long since you've newly discovered a story that speaks to your soul or a verse that pops with truth. But that's about to change!
Refresh Your Faith contains 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions, one from each book of the Bible. Each real-life story spotlights an unusual verse or Bible passage that you may have overlooked in your usual Bible reading. Lori Hatcher challenges you with additional features like an uncommon thought to ponder; an unusual faith action step; and an unfamiliar passage suggestion for additional Bible reading.
When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it's time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori's conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you've never thought about before.
“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher's devotional style
May 23, 2021
Lydia and the Money Man - How We, Too, Can Give Precious Gifts
Every summer of my childhood my family attended our town’s Fourth of July parade. One year a kind-faced man in a striped hat marched beside the bands, fire engines, and Revolutionary War reenactors.
As he walked in step with the beat of the drum, he drew near to the curb where my sisters and I sat. Reaching into his vest pocket, he extracted three shiny half dollar coins and pressed them into our hands. We pocketed our treasures and grinned for the rest of the day.
It's been a long time since we received those unexpected gifts, but the memory lingers. Although I never saw the Money Man again, God has brought other kind and generous people into my life. Like him, they leave unexpected treasures behind and make me smile.
My friend Lydia is one of them.
I met Lydia when I was a young mother, struggling to figure out how to parent and homeschool my two daughters. Although she was spiritually mature and wise, she never made me feel like she was looking down on me. Every time we hung out together, she’d say something to lift my spirits or build me up.
I remember sharing my frustration with her one gloomy winter day.
“Some days I spend so much time breaking up squabbles and making sure my kids do what they’re supposed to do that I barely have time to teach math and reading. They complain about doing their chores and wait ‘til the last minute to finish their assignments. Yesterday I sent the youngest to clean her room. She finished in ten minutes and ran out the door. When I checked behind her, she’d stuffed everything under the bed and into the closet. Sometimes I get so angry I yell,” I admitted, afraid to meet her eyes.
“Lori,” she said, “You’re building good habits into your children. It takes time to see results. Remember what Deuteronomy 6 says about training our children ‘when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up’? One day all this will bear fruit. You’re doing a great job.”
Lydia has the gift of encouragement. Today’s culture calls it positivity. In the spiritual realm, it’s the God-given ability to see the good side of everything—even disobedient children or difficult days—and find something redeeming in it. But more than just saying something to help me feel better, she points me to the hope and encouragement of God’s Word.
This makes all the difference.
When I lose perspective, Lydia reminds me of what’s true. She exemplifies what the apostle Paul spoke of when he instructed the Philippian believers, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
She models how to think good things and speak them aloud for others to hear. She calls attention to what’s noble. She praises what is lovely and true.
One day, basking in the warm glow of something Lydia had said, I decided, I want to be like Lydia (and Paul, and Jesus). I want to build people up and encourage them.
The coins the Money Man dropped into my sisters’ and my hands that Fourth of July had little material value, but they brought us great delight. The same is true of carefully chosen words of affirmation. And when we pair encouraging words with the truth of Scripture, the combination is powerful and life giving. Unlike the coins in the kind man’s pocket that eventually ran out, the twin treasures of affirmation and biblical encouragement never run out.
Lord Jesus, help me use my words to build others up and reflect the love you have for us. Remind me not only to think good things, but to speak them to others. In the strong name of Jesus I ask, Amen.
Does Your Faith Need Refreshing?
That's in the Bible? I've never noticed that before!
It's probably been too long since you've newly discovered a story that speaks to your soul or a verse that pops with truth. But that's about to change!
Refresh Your Faith contains 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions, one from each book of the Bible. Each real-life story spotlights an unusual verse or Bible passage that you may have overlooked in your usual Bible reading. Lori Hatcher challenges you with additional features like an uncommon thought to ponder; an unusual faith action step; and an unfamiliar passage suggestion for additional Bible reading.
When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it's time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori's conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you've never thought about before.
“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher's devotional style
Are you hungry for God, but starving for time?
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion twice a week to start your day off with the Lord.
Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive.
Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.
Because busy women need to connect with God in the craziness of everyday life.
If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher
April 18, 2021
Random or God-Sent? How Kindness Changes Everything
I was feeling overwhelmed.
I was trying to be all things to all people—people I love and consider it an honor to serve. The fact that I was running behind didn't help my angst. On the way to bring food and supplies to my dad and my mom, who’d just gotten out of the hospital, nothing had gone as planned that morning.
The grand boys and I decided to stop at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts to pick up a dozen doughnuts, because doughnuts fix everything, right? The drive thru line was a mile long, so I parked, unstrapped both boys from their car seats, and headed in.Just grab a dozen doughnuts and get back on the interstate for the 30-mile drive to Mom and Dad's. While we waited for our doughnuts, a young guy with a huge smile struck up a conversation with Andrew, the three year old, who had his nose pressed up against the doughnut case.
When I pulled out my card to pay for the doughnuts, the guy said to the cashier, “I got this,” and handed her his card.. When I protested, he insisted.
“I do this about once a month,” he said. “I wait for a group to walk in and take care of their order. It brings me joy. I work as a mentor to youth and help them get on the right path.”
These doughnuts are for my mom and dad," I told him. "Mom was just released from the hospital. So you’re not just blessing us, you’re blessing them, too.”
He smiled even bigger.
"May I take your picture?" I asked. "People post pictures on social media of people doing bad stuff all the time. I’d like to post a picture of someone doing something good for a change.”
We posed. He smiled.
And then he was gone.
You can’t see my smile behind my mask, but you can probably see the tears that sprang to my eyes.
That young man had no idea what my week had been like, but God did. He moved him to be the hands and feet of Jesus to me.
Sometimes God moves mountains and parts seas. Other times He buys doughnuts for an overwhelmed woman trying to love and care for her family.
Thank you, kind stranger, for blessing us with your random act of kindness.
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights," (James 1:17).
Have you ever been the recipient of a random act of kindness? Have you ever performed one? Leave a comment and share your story.
Do you live within driving distance of South Carolina?Are you ready to gather with sisters in Christ for fellowship, games, door prizes, an amazing lunch, and spiritual encouragement?
Please join me at the
Princeton Baptist Church Ladies' Spring LuncheonPrinceton Baptist Church, Honea Path, SCSaturday, May 8
I'll be sharing the message, "Uncommon Hope -- Four Reasons Not to Lose Heart."
The event is free, and childcare is provided, but you must REGISTER.For more information, contact
Does Your Faith Need Refreshing?That's in the Bible? I've never noticed that before!
It's probably been too long since you've newly discovered a story that speaks to your soul or a verse that pops with truth. But that's about to change!
Refresh Your Faith contains 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions, one from each book of the Bible. Each real-life story spotlights an unusual verse or Bible passage that you may have overlooked in your usual Bible reading. Lori Hatcher challenges you with additional features like an uncommon thought to ponder; an unusual faith action step; and an unfamiliar passage suggestion for additional Bible reading.
When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it's time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori's conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you've never thought about before.
“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher's devotional style
Are you hungry for God, but starving for time?
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion twice a week to start your day off with the Lord.
Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive.
Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.
Because busy women need to connect with God in the craziness of everyday life.
If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher
When You're Struggling to Know God's Will
“I’ve been chasing this dream for years,” a friend said, “but I’m not convinced it’s God’s will for me. And I’m afraid I’m running right past the really important stuff sitting right in front of me.”
It’s a common dilemma, one I struggle with, too. Our world offers so many opportunities. How do we know what’s God’s will for us?
A dozen requests to serve on a board, volunteer for a ministry, or work with needy individuals. And opportunities to give? Oh my. Every month I receive requests for support from missionaries, non-profits, and ministries. And then there are the needs of my family. And friends. My church, my neighbors, and my circle of influence. Everyone wants a share of my time and energy, and I want to help them all. They’re all good causes.
But my time, energy, and money isn’t as expansive as my heart. They have limits.
How do I decide where to spend the resources I have? How do I know, like my friend, which dreams to chase without missing the calling sitting right there in front of me? How can I determine what is God’s will for this day, this season, this time in my life?
“The good is the enemy of the best,” Oswald Chambers said, and it is true. It’s so easy to say “Yes” to a hundred good things. But every time we say “Yes” to one thing, we say “No” to two or three others. Every choice we make has trickle down effects.
An event in 1 Samuel 15 reminded me of this good versus best principle. As King Saul prepared to lead the Israelites into battle against the Amalekites, God gave him very specific instructions through the prophet Samuel: “I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt. Now go, attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them” (v. 2).
Saul had clear instructions, but he chose not to obey. He instructed his men to kill the Amalekites, “but Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs-- everything that was good” (v. 15:9). Saul chose the good instead of the best.
The good, in his mind, was to spare King Agag’s life and keep the best of the livestock. History tells us otherwise.
The best is to obey the Lord. Every time.
So how can we, 21st-century Christians with no prophet to speak God’s words into our ears, know what is best? We begin with obedience.
“To obey is better than sacrifice,” Samuel said as he viewed the evidence of Saul’s sin. God doesn’t care whether we’re rich, successful, or highly-esteemed. He cares if we obey him. Every day, in every way.
And how do we know what he wants us to do? We can’t, like King Saul, consult our resident prophet for advice. But we have something better—the Holy Spirit who lives inside us. “He will guide you into all truth,” Jesus promised.
With the help of the Holy Spirit, God the Father speaks to his children in a variety of ways:
Through his Word (Psalm 119:105). Through his people (Proverbs 11:14).
Through circumstances (Acts 16:6-10).
And through the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit (James 1:5).
James 1:5 promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
So the next time you wonder what God’s will is, large or small, begin with prayer. Ask him to show you. Then search his Word for principles to apply. Seek the advice of godly people, especially if it’s a big decision. Watch how the circumstances unfold around you. Do they confirm or challenge the direction you think you should go? Finally, sit quietly before the Lord so you can hear the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit speak to your soul.
If you sincerely seek God’s will, he will reveal it to you. Your obedience will still require a measure of faith, but he will guide you. It’s his nature. The Good Shepherd never sends his sheep on alone. Instead, he goes before us every step of the way.
“He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice” (John 10:3-4).
Now it’s your turn. In what area are you struggling to discern God’s will? Which of the steps above might help bring further clarity?
Does Your Faith Need Refreshing?
Did you make a commitment to read the Bible this year, but now you're struggling?
Do you need a resource to take you through each book of the Bible?
That's in the Bible? I've never noticed that before!
It's probably been too long since you've newly discovered a story that speaks to your soul or a verse that pops with truth. But that's about to change!
Refresh Your Faith contains 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions, one from each book of the Bible. Each real-life story spotlights an unusual verse or Bible passage that you may have overlooked in your usual Bible reading. Lori Hatcher challenges you with additional features like an uncommon thought to ponder; an unusual faith action step; and an unfamiliar passage suggestion for additional Bible reading.
When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it's time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori's conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you've never thought about before.
“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher's devotional style
Are you hungry for God, but starving for time?
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion once a week to start your day off with the Lord.
Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive.
Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.
Because busy women need to connect with God in the craziness of everyday life.
If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher
March 28, 2021
When You Lack Compassion-- A Confession and a Hope
Those with the gift of mercy may find this post unnecessary, but if you lack compassion or feel overwhelmed in this area, read on.
One of my strongest spiritual gifts is the gift of administration. (See Romans 12:6–8.) I’m a firstborn go-getter who can take a complex project, break it down into its respective parts, and figure out how to get it done. I work most successfully when I pair up with a visionary who can think up something wonderful or creative (not my strong suit), then hand it off to me to make it happen.
Jesus’ Healing Ministry
If I’d been in charge of Jesus’ healing ministry, I would require everyone to reserve their appointments at least three days in advance, list them on a spreadsheet-style scroll, and you can bet I’d check their synagogue IDs when they arrive.
Like a Chick-Fil-A drive through, I’d have greeters, traffic control officers, and three lines. -Demoniacs to the right. Don’t shove and please keep the noise down. -Contagious diseases? Far left. -Masks on until you approach the front, and please, stay six feet apart at all times. -Crippled? You and your helper stand (or lie) in the middle line—only one helper allowed per person, please.
Jesus’ Example
Interestingly enough, Jesus operated quite efficiently without an organizer like me. . .
Today I'm guest posting over at Revive Our Hearts. To read the rest of When You Lack Compassion, click over to the Revive Our Hearts blog
https://www.reviveourhearts.com/leaders/blog/when-you-lack-compassion/
Does Your Faith Need Refreshing?
Did you make a commitment to read the Bible this year, but now you're struggling?
Do you need a resource to take you through each book of the Bible?
That's in the Bible? I've never noticed that before!
It's probably been too long since you've newly discovered a story that speaks to your soul or a verse that pops with truth. But that's about to change!
Refresh Your Faith contains 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions, one from each book of the Bible. Each real-life story spotlights an unusual verse or Bible passage that you may have overlooked in your usual Bible reading. Lori Hatcher challenges you with additional features like an uncommon thought to ponder; an unusual faith action step; and an unfamiliar passage suggestion for additional Bible reading.
When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it's time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori's conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you've never thought about before.
“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher's devotional style
Are you hungry for God, but starving for time?
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion twice a week to start your day off with the Lord.
Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive.
Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.
Because busy women need to connect with God in the craziness of everyday life.
If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher
March 25, 2021
Always Wanted -- A Birthday Post
Because today's my birthday, I thought it appropriate to share the story of my first BIRTHday. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for always making me feel wanted.
I always knew my parents wanted me. From my earliest existence, I was welcomed, celebrated (maybe too much), and loved. Not because I was the firstborn, but because I was the second.
My brother, Robert, was born just eighteen months prior to me. He lived only three days. Complications from a challenging delivery took him from my parents before they even had a chance to hold him.
My mother was only eighteen years old.
In time God blessed them with another baby—me.
Halfway through Mom’s pregnancy, her doctor discovered a cyst on her ovary. It blocked the birth canal and took up much-needed space in her abdomen. Without surgery, my growth and development would be hindered, and my mother would be unable to deliver me.
But with the surgery came the risk that I could be born deaf, blind, or both. The procedure could also trigger early labor. In the sixties, babies born three months prematurely had little or no chance of survival.
Imagine what it would be like to be nineteen years old, mourning the loss of your first child, and fearing for the life of your second. My mom was wheeled into the delivery room. My dad chain-smoked in the waiting room.
“We didn’t know if you’d make it,” he told me years later. “I don’t know how we’d have borne it if you hadn’t.”
As you already know, I survived. I arrived right on schedule three months later, neither blind nor deaf.
As you can imagine, my parents celebrated my birth as a grand and glorious gift from God.
Unlike me, not everyone has the privilege of being wanted by their parents. Some don’t even know their parents. Many were born into impoverished, dysfunctional, or turbulent homes and families. Others were “unplanned” or “unwanted.” Some were celebrated, but later, when the winds of circumstance changed, they became a burden.
Whether we were wanted or unwanted by the people in our lives, the apostle Paul’s words to the church in Galatia speak truth: “God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace.”
What does it mean, for Paul and for us, to be set apart from our mother’s womb and called by God’s grace?
Here are three truths to consider:
1. Your birth was not an accident or a mistake.
Psalm 139:15–16 reads, “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together. . . . Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
2. You were set apart for a purpose.
Paul’s purpose was to preach Christ to the Gentiles, yet he didn’t start out that way. Instead, he persecuted the church of Christ, jailing and killing sincere believers. But instead of disqualifying him from the purpose for which God had set him apart, his tragic early years added weight to his testimony that Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom he was the worst.
Our purpose may be something less grandiose than evangelizing half of the known world, but it is significant, nonetheless. We may never understand how our life impacts others, but we can rest assured, God will use us for His glory.
3. Our encounter with God wasn’t by chance.
On the contrary, before the foundations of the world were formed, God ordered our days. Through a divine work of grace, He revealed himself to you (perhaps He’s doing this right now) and called you to himself. No one comes to Jesus, the Bible says, unless God the Father draws him.
What a thought.
God invites imperfect people like us to have a relationship with Him—the almighty God of the universe.
I don’t know your background. You may have read my story and wished it were yours (minus the part about my brother). Maybe you’ve always longed to be treasured and loved.
If you’ve spent most of your life feeling more like a burden and less like a blessing, consider this: On the day you were born, God welcomed you, celebrated you, and loved you. He set you apart for His glory and good pleasure. He’s inviting you, by His grace, to walk with Him all the days of your life. Uncommon Thought
Whether or not you were wanted by your mother, father, or other significant person in your life, God the Father has always wanted you.
Unusual Faith
Think back over your life. Have you ever felt unwanted? Have you doubted your value or questioned if your life has a purpose? Instead of allowing the circumstances of your birth or the opinions of others to define you, embrace the truth of Galatians 1. You have been set apart by God and called for His glory. Tuck this truth deep into your soul and embrace it. When other people’s words or the voices in your head contradict what you know to be true, personalize and quote this verse aloud. “God set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace.”
Read Galatians 1:15–24.
Taken from Refresh Your Faith: Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible by Lori Hatcher© 2020. Used by permission of Our Daily Bread Publishing®, Box 3566, Grand Rapids, MI 49501. All rights reserved. Further distribution is prohibited without written permission from Our Daily Bread Publishing® at permissionsdept@odb.org.
Does Your Faith Need Refreshing?That's in the Bible? I've never noticed that before!
It's probably been too long since you've newly discovered a story that speaks to your soul or a verse that pops with truth. But that's about to change!
Refresh Your Faith contains 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions, one from each book of the Bible. Each real-life story spotlights an unusual verse or Bible passage that you may have overlooked in your usual Bible reading. Lori Hatcher challenges you with additional features like an uncommon thought to ponder; an unusual faith action step; and an unfamiliar passage suggestion for additional Bible reading.
When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it's time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori's conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you've never thought about before.
“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher's devotional style
Are you hungry for God, but starving for time?
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion twice a week to start your day off with the Lord.
Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive.
Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.
Because busy women need to connect with God in the craziness of everyday life.
If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher
March 21, 2021
This I Know -- A Guest Post by Allison Jones
A theology discussion in one of her classes made Allison Jones realize she didn't know what she believed about a certain topic.
"I left that class feeling really confused about almost everything other than my core beliefs," she said.
To remind herself of what she believed and that core beliefs are what really matter, she penned the poem, "This I Know."I asked her if I could share her poem with the Hungry for God readers, and she graciously agreed. I'm confident Allison's spiritual depth and insightful perspective will bless you, as they have me. Be sure to leave kind words for her in the comment box.
This I Know
I don’t know Much about Theology, Or philosophy, Or ethics, Or anything really.
But this I know: That I have believed In my heart, And confessed With my mouth, That Jesus is Lord.
I don’t know Much about Theology, Or philosophy,Or ethics, Or anything really.
But this I know: I have died, And my life Is hidden With Christ, Who is my life.
I don’t know Much about Theology, Or philosophy, Or ethics, Or anything really.
But this I know: That my Father knows me, And holds me In His hand, And no one is able To snatch me away.
I don’t know Much about Theology, Or philosophy, Or ethics, Or anything really.
But this I know: That my Father Is slowly but surely, Conforming me To the image Of His Son.
I don’t know Much about Theology, Or philosophy, Or ethics, Or anything really.
But this I know: That my Father Is working in me, To will And to work For His good pleasure.
But this I know: That He Who testifies To these things Is coming soon.
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Allison Jones is a freshman at Anderson University, double majoring in Biblical Studies and Creative Writing. She's a triplet with two sisters who also attend Anderson University. They have twin siblings who are juniors in high school. This poem first released on her blog Fixing Our Eyes, Setting Our Hearts, Running the Race. You can connect with her on Instagram @fixingoureyesblog or Allison Jones on Facebook.That's in the Bible? I've never noticed that before!
It's probably been too long since you've newly discovered a story that speaks to your soul or a verse that pops with truth. But that's about to change!
Refresh Your Faith contains 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions, one from each book of the Bible. Each real-life story spotlights an unusual verse or Bible passage that you may have overlooked in your usual Bible reading. Lori Hatcher challenges you with additional features like an uncommon thought to ponder; an unusual faith action step; and an unfamiliar passage suggestion for additional Bible reading.When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it's time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori's conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you've never thought about before.
“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher's devotional style
Are you hungry for God, but starving for time?
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion twice a week to start your day off with the Lord.
Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive.
Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.
Because busy women need to connect with God in the craziness of everyday life.
If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher
March 14, 2021
What Kind of Spy Are You? How Faith Changes Everything
How do you react when an opportunity comes your way that you feel is over your head? When a task or assignment arrives that requires skills you haven’t mastered? Perseverance you don’t have? Or courage you don’t possess?
Many of us say no.
Teach that Sunday school class? Oh no, I haven’t had formal training.
Share my testimony with that group? Nope. I’m not a public speaker.
Accept that job/position/assignment? Not me. Other people are far more qualified.
And what about the tasks we can’t refuse but still doubt our ability to accomplish? Caring for a seriously ill family member, raising children (or grandchildren) in this troubled world, persevering despite overwhelming odds.
Twelve men faced a similar scenario many years ago.
Twelve men went to spy on Canaan, the children's church song goes. Ten were bad and two were good. What do you think they saw in Canaan? Ten were bad and two were good.
Appointed to scout out the land God had promised to Israel, the spies came back with a mixed report (Numbers 13). The land was everything God promised—filled with lush gardens and well-established cities. And the food! After forty years of manna-everything, the prospect of milk, honey, grapes, and grain made the spies’ mouths water in anticipation.
But the Promised Land held more than grapes and gardens. It held giants.
“The people are powerful, and the cites are very large,” the spies reported, terrifying the Israelites with their exaggerated description.
“We should go up and take possession of the land,” Caleb declared, “for we can certainly do it.”
“Are you crazy?” the others said. “Didn’t you hear what we just said? We can't attack those people; they’re stronger than we are” (v. 30-31).
We face the same choice the spies did when we encounter an “impossible” task. Will we look at the circumstances or look at God’s calling?
Remember, God had already promised to give the Promised Land to the Israelites. If He called them to it, He’d provide what they needed to conquer it.
The same is true for us.
Has He called you to an impossible task? Something too big for you to accomplish in your own strength, ability, or training?
Then you’re right where He wants you to be—poised to show the world what God can do through someone who fully relies on Him.
God calls us to impossible tasks so He'll get the glory.
Remember, God didn’t send the spies into Canaan to assess whether they could conquer the land. God had already declared they would conquer the land. He sent them in to gather information so they could prepare.
The inhabitants are big? Better sharpen those arrows.
The walls are high? Time to practice mountain climbing.
The armies are strong? Back to the gym for a few more pushups.
Relying on God doesn’t mean we sit back and do nothing. It means that when we have prepared to the best of our ability, we march forward, resting in what He promises to do in us and through us.
What This Looks Like in My Life
Last summer I received a contract to write a book on prayer. My mind was excited, but my heart quaked in fear.
Stormie O’Martian, Tim Keller, and Max Lucado write books on prayer, I thought, not Lori Hatcher.
What do I have to say that hasn’t already been said? And said better?
How can I write a book in six months? I’ve never done that before.
And furthermore (don’t you hate it when someone says, “And furthermore”?) I’m not theologically trained. I’ve never been to seminary, and this is an important topic.
These words were true. So was the report the spies brought back. The giants were big and the cities were strong.
But God had called the Israelites to conquer the land.
And God called me to write a book on prayer.
So I did what Caleb the good spy did. I countered fearful truth with faith-filled truth.
God didn’t call Stormie O’Martian, Tim Keller, or Max Lucado to write this book on prayer.
For reasons known only to Him, He has called me. If God has given me a contract with a six-month deadline, then He’ll enable me to meet that deadline.
Education is important, but dedication is equally important. I’ve spent the last twenty years of my life studying and practicing the discipline of prayer. The Holy Spirit has been my teacher, and I can trust Him to direct and inspire my writing.
On August 25, I signed a contract with Our Daily Bread Publishing to write Refresh Your Prayers: Uncommon Devotions to Restore Power and Praise.
Three months later (not six, or nine, or twelve), I submitted the manuscript.
Lord willing, Refresh Your Prayers will release in early 2022, and God gets the glory.
What impossible task has God called you to do? What opportunity, ministry, or life circumstance has God allowed to elbow its way into your life? If He’s called you to it, He will give you what you need to accomplish it.
A plague destroyed ten bad spies for their unbelief. An entire generation wandered in the wilderness for forty years because they were afraid to trust God to enable them to do what He’d called them to do.
Two good spies received God’s blessing and entered the Promise Land.
What kind of spy are you?
Does Your Faith Need Refreshing?
Did you make a commitment to read the Bible this year, but now you're struggling?
Do you need a resource to take you through each book of the Bible?
That's in the Bible? I've never noticed that before!
It's probably been too long since you've newly discovered a story that speaks to your soul or a verse that pops with truth. But that's about to change!
Refresh Your Faith contains 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions, one from each book of the Bible. Each real-life story spotlights an unusual verse or Bible passage that you may have overlooked in your usual Bible reading. Lori Hatcher challenges you with additional features like an uncommon thought to ponder; an unusual faith action step; and an unfamiliar passage suggestion for additional Bible reading.
When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it's time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori's conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you've never thought about before.
“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher's devotional style
Are you hungry for God, but starving for time?
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion twice a week to start your day off with the Lord.
Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive.
Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.
Because busy women need to connect with God in the craziness of everyday life.
If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher
March 7, 2021
"Still Dead" My Life through a Five-Year-Old's Eyes
“It’s dead. Spider mites, the landscaper said. We’ll have to rip it out and start over.”
As my neighbor described her horticultural woes, five-year-old Caroline listened in.
“What’s dead, Gigi?” “That cute little Christmas-tree-looking bush over there,” I said, pointing to the shrub.
“Mrs. Esther says it’s dead, and they’re going to have to pull it up.”
Although still shaped like a holiday tree, the plant’s foliage had turned ash gray and brittle. Caroline eyed the plant thoughtfully, glancing between the obviously dead bush and a nearby flowering camellia. Her face, scrunched in thought, suddenly brightened. She lifted a finger.
“I have an idea,” she declared. “We can decorate it!”
She scurried to the camellia bush dripping with ruby red blossoms and filled her arms. Before long, she’d adorned the sad dead bush with spring beauty. She stood back to admire her work, tilted her head one way, then the other, and squinted in the sunlight. With the unfiltered honesty that characterizes the very young, she announced,
“It looks better. . . but it’s still dead.”
Caroline’s bush reminded me of myself many years ago.
I was so dead. No spiritual life flowed through my soul.
For years I tried to disguise the obvious by adorning myself with the outward trappings of religion. I attended church. I said the right things. I even prayed—occasionally—when I felt desperate. Like the Pharisees who Jesus called “whitewashed tombs,” I looked okay on the outside (if you didn’t look to closely), but inside my soul was deader than dead.
Fear haunted my days and tormented my nights. Laziness, selfishness, and independence charted the course of my life. I disrespected my parents and chose friends over family every time. Decisions overwhelmed me because I had no wise foundation on which to base my choices.
I’ve never met the apostle Paul, but he described my condition perfectly in Ephesians 2:1-3:
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins.
“You followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. . . . gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.”
God would have been perfectly justified, like my neighbor planned to do with her bush, to pluck me up and incinerate me.Instead He looked on me with eyes of love, saw through my pitiful attempts to disguise my spiritual condition, and redeemed me.
He didn’t just clean me up on the outside. He transformed me on the inside. He breathed life into my deader-than-dead spirit, removed my heart of stone, and gave me a heart that pulsed with spiritual life.
Ephesians 2:4-5 describes salvation this way:
“Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
And then, if a new birth isn’t enough, “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” (v. 6-7).
Great love. Incomparable grace. Kindness. This is what God extends toward us if we’ll do two things:
1. Acknowledge that we are dead in our sins.
2. Cry out to Him in confession and repentance.
Don’t you want to do this? Don’t you want to live a life that is vibrant and full, trusting in what Jesus has already done to secure your place in heaven rather than vainly attempting to earn your way into God’s favor? “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9 declares.
If you’re not sure you’ll spend eternity with God in heaven when you die; if you cannot gain victory over the behaviors and mindsets that threaten to destroy you; if you want peace, and joy, and purpose, say yes to Jesus. Allow Him to raise you from the dead.
My prayer that day long ago went something like this:
God, I’ve been living my life my way, and I’ve made a mess of it. I confess my sins to you. I believe Jesus died for my sins and took my punishment on the cross. Please forgive me and change me. In Jesus’ name I ask, Amen.
Will God hear you if you pray a similar prayer? Absolutely. Listen to what He says in the Bible:
“If we confess our sins, he [God] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
If you prayed this prayer, or one like it, God says this to you:
“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).
Theologian and author C. S. Lewis said, “There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’ All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. Those who knock it is opened.”
And so two questions remain: Are you spiritually alive or dead? and What are you going to do about it?
I pray you choose life.
Now it’s your turn. Have you trusted in Christ to give you eternal life? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.
Do you know someone who needs this message? Why not share it with them or post it on social media?
That's in the Bible? I've never noticed that before!
It's probably been too long since you've newly discovered a story that speaks to your soul or a verse that pops with truth. But that's about to change!
Refresh Your Faith contains 66 culturally relevant, story-driven devotions, one from each book of the Bible. Each real-life story spotlights an unusual verse or Bible passage that you may have overlooked in your usual Bible reading. Lori Hatcher challenges you with additional features like an uncommon thought to ponder; an unusual faith action step; and an unfamiliar passage suggestion for additional Bible reading.When the fabulous has become familiar and your quiet times are more like nap times, it's time to step out of spiritual boredom and ignite the spark that will keep you growing. No matter where you are on your faith journey, Lori's conversational and engaging style will challenge you to think about things you've never thought about before.
“Real-life inspiration and candid wit. These 5-minute devotions will change your life.” —Psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Kevin Leman, commenting on Lori Hatcher's devotional style.
Are you hungry for God, but starving for time?
I’d love to send you a 5-minute e-mail devotion twice a week to start your day off with the Lord.
Sign up for a free subscription to Hungry for God by CLICKING HERE.
Then, be sure to VALIDATE the confirmation email you receive.
Note: I promise never to spam you or share your email address.
Because busy women need to connect with God in the craziness of everyday life.
If this post was meaningful to you, would you consider sharing it with a friend by clicking on one of the buttons below? Did you know you can receive bi-weekly Hungry for God posts sent directly to your email inbox? Visit http://www.lori-benotweary.blogspot.com and click on the link in the right hand corner to Subscribe Via Email.Copyright 2018 by Lori Hatcher
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A place to refresh your faith, hope, and prayers with 5-minute weekly posts.
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