Lori Hatcher's Blog: Refresh Blog, page 70
June 8, 2016
How to Face Uncertain Times and Battle Fear
Sometimes the most profound words come from the mouths of little children.
My daughter and son-in-law were heading out for a date night, and my husband and I were babysitting the littles.
“Come give Mommy a hug,” my daughter said to Lauren, the 2-year-old. Kneeling, she wrapped her arms around her daughter’s wiggly body.
“You come back, Mommy?” Lauren asked, burying her face in her mother’s neck.
“Yes, I’ll come back,” my daughter replied. “Mommies and daddies always come back.”
Later that evening, Lauren asked me, “Mommy and Daddy come back?” Before I could respond, she answered her question with the words her mother had taught her: “Mommies and daddies always come back.”
My daughter is wise. She recognizes that every parting won’t always be as pleasant as this separation with Gigi and Papa. She knows there will be times when their parents' leaving might create anxiety or fear in her daughters’ hearts. She’s preparing them by teaching truths to carry them through the uncertain times and protect their hearts from fear.
I watched another example of this parenting approach during our playtime together. One of Lauren’s favorite toys is a yellow giraffe that rocks and plays music when she sits on it. Now that her little sister is becoming more mobile, the giraffe has also become Caroline's favorite toy.
You see where this is going.
“Lauren, you’ve been riding Giraffe for a while now, it’s time to share with Caroline.”
Her shoulders hunch up and her hands hold more tightly to the handles. I see the struggle on her face.
Then sunshine breaks through, and she hops off. “You can take a turn, and then you’ll get it back,” she says, repeating the words her mother has taught her.
Smart girl.
She applied the principle to the situation and made the right choice. Smart mama, too for teaching her little girls to speak truth to themselves.
The philosophy behind my daughter’s parenting approach is the principle that words have power. When we embrace truth, remind ourselves of it often, and apply it to our lives, we live better.
Maybe this is why Jesus called himself, “The Word,” and why he gives us his Word to base our lives on. If we learn God’s truth and apply it to our lives, we live better. If we learn God’s truth and repeat it to ourselves often, false and destructive thoughts flee. God’s Word guides us, comforts us, and empowers us.
But we must actively engage it or it does us no good.
What situation are you facing today? Which truths from God’s Word can you apply? Our family is currently facing the challenges of unemployment. Here are a few truths we're choosing to focus on:
I’d love to hear the Words you’re claiming today. Leave a comment below and share them. And if you’re reading by email, click here to visit Hungry for God online, scroll to the end of the post, and share your thoughts.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
My daughter and son-in-law were heading out for a date night, and my husband and I were babysitting the littles.
“Come give Mommy a hug,” my daughter said to Lauren, the 2-year-old. Kneeling, she wrapped her arms around her daughter’s wiggly body.
“You come back, Mommy?” Lauren asked, burying her face in her mother’s neck.
“Yes, I’ll come back,” my daughter replied. “Mommies and daddies always come back.”
Later that evening, Lauren asked me, “Mommy and Daddy come back?” Before I could respond, she answered her question with the words her mother had taught her: “Mommies and daddies always come back.”
My daughter is wise. She recognizes that every parting won’t always be as pleasant as this separation with Gigi and Papa. She knows there will be times when their parents' leaving might create anxiety or fear in her daughters’ hearts. She’s preparing them by teaching truths to carry them through the uncertain times and protect their hearts from fear.
I watched another example of this parenting approach during our playtime together. One of Lauren’s favorite toys is a yellow giraffe that rocks and plays music when she sits on it. Now that her little sister is becoming more mobile, the giraffe has also become Caroline's favorite toy.You see where this is going.
“Lauren, you’ve been riding Giraffe for a while now, it’s time to share with Caroline.”
Her shoulders hunch up and her hands hold more tightly to the handles. I see the struggle on her face.
Then sunshine breaks through, and she hops off. “You can take a turn, and then you’ll get it back,” she says, repeating the words her mother has taught her.
Smart girl.
She applied the principle to the situation and made the right choice. Smart mama, too for teaching her little girls to speak truth to themselves.
The philosophy behind my daughter’s parenting approach is the principle that words have power. When we embrace truth, remind ourselves of it often, and apply it to our lives, we live better.
Maybe this is why Jesus called himself, “The Word,” and why he gives us his Word to base our lives on. If we learn God’s truth and apply it to our lives, we live better. If we learn God’s truth and repeat it to ourselves often, false and destructive thoughts flee. God’s Word guides us, comforts us, and empowers us.
But we must actively engage it or it does us no good.
What situation are you facing today? Which truths from God’s Word can you apply? Our family is currently facing the challenges of unemployment. Here are a few truths we're choosing to focus on:
I’d love to hear the Words you’re claiming today. Leave a comment below and share them. And if you’re reading by email, click here to visit Hungry for God online, scroll to the end of the post, and share your thoughts.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
June 5, 2016
3 Ways to Hear God Speak
Have you ever heard God speak?
If you ask this question, you’ll get a variety of answers.
“I hear God speak all the time.”
“I’ve never heard God speak.”
“Sometimes I think I hear God speak, but I’m not sure.”
“God speaks to special people, like Billy Graham, but he’s too busy to speak to ordinary people.”
One morning recently I was struggling. Unexpected circumstances had pulled the rug out from under us, and a thousand thoughts were whirling through my head.
“Lord, I need a word from you,” I prayed.
Every morning I read The One Year Bible , so I opened it to the reading for the day. I began by reading 2 Samuel 22. The final words of the chapter were, “(God) is the tower of salvation to his king, and shows mercy to his anointed, to David and his descendants forevermore.”
I know this passage was originally written about Israel’s King David, but my husband’s name is also David. Through this ancient passage, God reminded me that he would show mercy to my husband and my family. That God would send such a specific passage, with my husband’s name in it, was very sweet and comforting to me.
On the way to church, I checked my email. My friend Heather, who had no idea what was going on in our lives, sent me an encouraging note, which she ended with a Scripture reference, Romans 15:1-13. I looked up the verses, and verses 4, 12, and 13 stood out:
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. . . . Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him." May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
And when we reached church and settled into our Sunday school class, our teacher stood before the group and wrote four big letters on a dry erase board: H – O – P—E.
Do you think God answered my prayer? And what do you think his message to me was?
This series of events is a classic example of a few of the ways God speaks to his children.
One of the most common ways he speaks is through his Word. When I opened my Bible that morning, I heard a personal and powerful word from the Lord.
God also speaks through his people. My friend who sent the email had no idea our family was struggling; she simply obeyed what God told her to do—send Lori an encouraging email and share this Scripture passage with her.
God also speaks through preaching and teaching. My Sunday school teacher presented material that someone had written and published years ago, but God used it (and her) to remind me to have hope, even when circumstances say otherwise.
I began this post by sharing several responses to the question, “Have you ever heard God speak?” My recent experience demonstrated three ways God has spoken to me.
I realize, however, that if I hadn’t positioned myself to hear him, I might have missed his voice. If I hadn’t read my Bible that morning, I wouldn’t have read the Scripture that used my husband’s name. If I hadn’t cultivated friendships with godly believers, I wouldn’t have received my friend’s encouraging email. If I hadn’t gone to church, I would have missed the HOPE-filled message from my Sunday school teacher.
Our family experienced an unexpected challenge, but we were not unprepared. Because we had built spiritual disciplines into our lives, we were positioned to be able to hear God when he spoke. The reassurance we received bolstered our faith, calmed our fears, and reminded us that he is fully in control. And that, my friends, is what the Christian life is all about.
Have you ever heard God speak? How does he usually speak to you? Leave a comment below and join the conversation. If you're reading by email, click here to visit Hungry for God online, scroll to the bottom of the post, share your thoughts.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
If you ask this question, you’ll get a variety of answers.
“I hear God speak all the time.”
“I’ve never heard God speak.”
“Sometimes I think I hear God speak, but I’m not sure.”
“God speaks to special people, like Billy Graham, but he’s too busy to speak to ordinary people.”
One morning recently I was struggling. Unexpected circumstances had pulled the rug out from under us, and a thousand thoughts were whirling through my head.
“Lord, I need a word from you,” I prayed.
Every morning I read The One Year Bible , so I opened it to the reading for the day. I began by reading 2 Samuel 22. The final words of the chapter were, “(God) is the tower of salvation to his king, and shows mercy to his anointed, to David and his descendants forevermore.”
I know this passage was originally written about Israel’s King David, but my husband’s name is also David. Through this ancient passage, God reminded me that he would show mercy to my husband and my family. That God would send such a specific passage, with my husband’s name in it, was very sweet and comforting to me.
On the way to church, I checked my email. My friend Heather, who had no idea what was going on in our lives, sent me an encouraging note, which she ended with a Scripture reference, Romans 15:1-13. I looked up the verses, and verses 4, 12, and 13 stood out:
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. . . . Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him." May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
And when we reached church and settled into our Sunday school class, our teacher stood before the group and wrote four big letters on a dry erase board: H – O – P—E.
Do you think God answered my prayer? And what do you think his message to me was?
This series of events is a classic example of a few of the ways God speaks to his children.
One of the most common ways he speaks is through his Word. When I opened my Bible that morning, I heard a personal and powerful word from the Lord. God also speaks through his people. My friend who sent the email had no idea our family was struggling; she simply obeyed what God told her to do—send Lori an encouraging email and share this Scripture passage with her.
God also speaks through preaching and teaching. My Sunday school teacher presented material that someone had written and published years ago, but God used it (and her) to remind me to have hope, even when circumstances say otherwise.
I began this post by sharing several responses to the question, “Have you ever heard God speak?” My recent experience demonstrated three ways God has spoken to me.
I realize, however, that if I hadn’t positioned myself to hear him, I might have missed his voice. If I hadn’t read my Bible that morning, I wouldn’t have read the Scripture that used my husband’s name. If I hadn’t cultivated friendships with godly believers, I wouldn’t have received my friend’s encouraging email. If I hadn’t gone to church, I would have missed the HOPE-filled message from my Sunday school teacher.
Our family experienced an unexpected challenge, but we were not unprepared. Because we had built spiritual disciplines into our lives, we were positioned to be able to hear God when he spoke. The reassurance we received bolstered our faith, calmed our fears, and reminded us that he is fully in control. And that, my friends, is what the Christian life is all about.
Have you ever heard God speak? How does he usually speak to you? Leave a comment below and join the conversation. If you're reading by email, click here to visit Hungry for God online, scroll to the bottom of the post, share your thoughts.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
June 1, 2016
Why Would Jesus Ask a Stupid Question?
At the risk of sounding irreverent, why in the world would Jesus ask a stupid question?
Here’s the scene: Jesus and his disciples are hanging out on a mountainside. He gazes off into the distance, and what to his wondering eyes should appear but a multitude of people, far as the eye can see, headed his way. They’re bringing their friends, and they’re as hungry as teenage boys after a football game.
That’s when Jesus asks the question: "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?"
Philip’s the first one to speak. “Are you crazy? (my paraphrase) It would cost $15,000 to buy matzo for that crowd.”
Then Peter (God bless him) speaks up, “Lord, there’s a boy with a Captain D’s kids meal. For all the good it does us.”
You know the rest of the story. Jesus takes the five loaves and two fish and does a miracle. Five thousand men plus women and children eat until they’re full.
Buried in this account and immediately following Jesus’ “stupid question,” “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat,” John records a most interesting statement:
“But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.”
He himself knew what He would do.
Jesus knew he was going to feed the multitude. He'd planned it from the beginning of time. He knew he was going to take a tiny boy’s tiny lunch and multiply it so far that the decimal didn’t even remember which column it started in.
So if he already knew what he was going to do, why did he ask the question?
To give his disciples a chance to believe.
He asked Andrew, “Where can we buy enough bread for all these people?”
Andrew looked at his circumstances and the insurmountable odds and said, “There is no way we’re feeding this crowd.”
Peter looked a little higher and considered his resources. “We’re got a little Lord, but it’s nowhere near enough.”
Neither of them stated the obvious: “Lord, why don’t you feed them? After all, you are the Christ.”
Only Jesus saw the potential for a miracle.
“Have the people sit down,” he said. “At least act like you believe in miracles, because I’m about to do one.”
I wonder how many times God allows impossible circumstances and overwhelming odds into our lives to give us a chance to believe?
I wonder what might happen if, the next time an impossible situation comes our way, instead of counting the people on the hillside and the lunch in our baskets, we turn our eyes to the Savior and say, “Lord, only you have the power to change this situation. I trust you.”
Oh, what miracles we might see.
I’m thankful that Jesus performed the miracle of the loaves and fishes despite the disciples’ lack of faith. But how much more might their faith have grown if, instead of counting heads and hedging bets, they’d asked God for a miracle?
I want to be the disciple that answers a stupid question with a smart answer. Don’t you?
What impossible situation are you facing right now? I challenge you—trust God for a miracle. Your disbelief might be the only thing standing in the way.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
Here’s the scene: Jesus and his disciples are hanging out on a mountainside. He gazes off into the distance, and what to his wondering eyes should appear but a multitude of people, far as the eye can see, headed his way. They’re bringing their friends, and they’re as hungry as teenage boys after a football game. That’s when Jesus asks the question: "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?"
Philip’s the first one to speak. “Are you crazy? (my paraphrase) It would cost $15,000 to buy matzo for that crowd.”
Then Peter (God bless him) speaks up, “Lord, there’s a boy with a Captain D’s kids meal. For all the good it does us.”
You know the rest of the story. Jesus takes the five loaves and two fish and does a miracle. Five thousand men plus women and children eat until they’re full.
Buried in this account and immediately following Jesus’ “stupid question,” “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat,” John records a most interesting statement:
“But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do.”
He himself knew what He would do.
Jesus knew he was going to feed the multitude. He'd planned it from the beginning of time. He knew he was going to take a tiny boy’s tiny lunch and multiply it so far that the decimal didn’t even remember which column it started in.
So if he already knew what he was going to do, why did he ask the question?
To give his disciples a chance to believe.
He asked Andrew, “Where can we buy enough bread for all these people?”
Andrew looked at his circumstances and the insurmountable odds and said, “There is no way we’re feeding this crowd.”
Peter looked a little higher and considered his resources. “We’re got a little Lord, but it’s nowhere near enough.”
Neither of them stated the obvious: “Lord, why don’t you feed them? After all, you are the Christ.”
Only Jesus saw the potential for a miracle.
“Have the people sit down,” he said. “At least act like you believe in miracles, because I’m about to do one.”
I wonder how many times God allows impossible circumstances and overwhelming odds into our lives to give us a chance to believe? I wonder what might happen if, the next time an impossible situation comes our way, instead of counting the people on the hillside and the lunch in our baskets, we turn our eyes to the Savior and say, “Lord, only you have the power to change this situation. I trust you.”
Oh, what miracles we might see.
I’m thankful that Jesus performed the miracle of the loaves and fishes despite the disciples’ lack of faith. But how much more might their faith have grown if, instead of counting heads and hedging bets, they’d asked God for a miracle?
I want to be the disciple that answers a stupid question with a smart answer. Don’t you?
What impossible situation are you facing right now? I challenge you—trust God for a miracle. Your disbelief might be the only thing standing in the way.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
May 29, 2016
Remembering - A Post from Arlington
These thoughts from my daughter, Kristen, are worth revisiting this Memorial Day.
Copyright 2012 by Kristen Hatcher
Side by side, shadowed by white markers and red, white, and blue flags, they lay quiet under green grass in long, seemingly endless rows. The silence is loud, the stillness heavy.
The President will be here soon to express the gratitude of a nation. It’s Memorial Day, and it just felt right to begin my day at Arlington National Cemetery remembering just how high a price was paid for my freedom and the freedom of the country I love so much. Living in our nation’s capital, I’ve grown accustomed to seeing monuments to presidents, generals, and others who shaped our country, but the sight of these white headstones stretching as far as I can see never ceases to move me.
A desire to say thank you brought me to Arlington this morning. I didn't expect to leave with a blessing of my own.
When I arrived, a kind volunteer offered me two beautiful long stemmed roses. “Place one on a headstone, and take one with you as a memorial,” she said as I took the flowers. Because I am new to Washington and unsure about what is appropriate, I had considered bringing flowers, but ruled it out.
As I walked through the cemetery, it was difficult to comprehend that under each of the thousands of white headstones dotting the ground lay someone’s husband, wife, mother, father, sister, brother, or friend--there in the ground--because of me. Because they believed that the idea of freedom, of a government by, of, and for the people was worth defending, worth dying for.
Copyright 2012 Kristen HatcherLaying my rose on the headstone of a veteran of World War II and both the Vietnamese and Korean conflicts, I breathed a silent prayer of thanks for this brave man’s sacrifice for my freedom. The words of a song from the Civil war echoed in my ears, “As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free.” Their sacrifice reminded me of another innocent life that was given for my freedom centuries ago. Our nation’s soldiers’ sacrifice freed my body and my mind; His sacrifice freed my heart and my soul.
Abraham Lincoln, while dedicating Gettysburg National Cemetery, said, “The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did.” From where I stand, a river separates our national cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, from our nation’s capital, in Washington, D.C. The Peace Bridge connects the two. This bridge is only possible because of the men who surrendered their lives and were laid to rest here in Arlington. In fitting tribute, I acknowledge that I have peace with God because Jesus Christ surrendered his life long ago for me, because He loved me too much to leave me on the other side of the river without a bridge.
This Memorial Day, we must remember the price that was paid for our right to shop, barbeque, spend time with our children, protest, live based on our religious beliefs, or choose not to believe at all. It’s our right.We have the freedom to do so. But we must remember how much that freedom cost, and we must be thankful.
Copyright 2012 by Kristen Hatcher
If you enjoyed my daughter Kristen's post, would you leave a comment below?
Thank you, Kristen, for allowing me to share this poignant memorial with my readers.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
Hungry for God is on Facebook! Will you take a moment and LIKE my page? CLICK HERE to help HFG share 5-minute devotions.
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
Copyright 2012 by Kristen HatcherSide by side, shadowed by white markers and red, white, and blue flags, they lay quiet under green grass in long, seemingly endless rows. The silence is loud, the stillness heavy.
The President will be here soon to express the gratitude of a nation. It’s Memorial Day, and it just felt right to begin my day at Arlington National Cemetery remembering just how high a price was paid for my freedom and the freedom of the country I love so much. Living in our nation’s capital, I’ve grown accustomed to seeing monuments to presidents, generals, and others who shaped our country, but the sight of these white headstones stretching as far as I can see never ceases to move me.
A desire to say thank you brought me to Arlington this morning. I didn't expect to leave with a blessing of my own.
When I arrived, a kind volunteer offered me two beautiful long stemmed roses. “Place one on a headstone, and take one with you as a memorial,” she said as I took the flowers. Because I am new to Washington and unsure about what is appropriate, I had considered bringing flowers, but ruled it out.
As I walked through the cemetery, it was difficult to comprehend that under each of the thousands of white headstones dotting the ground lay someone’s husband, wife, mother, father, sister, brother, or friend--there in the ground--because of me. Because they believed that the idea of freedom, of a government by, of, and for the people was worth defending, worth dying for.
Copyright 2012 Kristen HatcherLaying my rose on the headstone of a veteran of World War II and both the Vietnamese and Korean conflicts, I breathed a silent prayer of thanks for this brave man’s sacrifice for my freedom. The words of a song from the Civil war echoed in my ears, “As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free.” Their sacrifice reminded me of another innocent life that was given for my freedom centuries ago. Our nation’s soldiers’ sacrifice freed my body and my mind; His sacrifice freed my heart and my soul.
Abraham Lincoln, while dedicating Gettysburg National Cemetery, said, “The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did.” From where I stand, a river separates our national cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, from our nation’s capital, in Washington, D.C. The Peace Bridge connects the two. This bridge is only possible because of the men who surrendered their lives and were laid to rest here in Arlington. In fitting tribute, I acknowledge that I have peace with God because Jesus Christ surrendered his life long ago for me, because He loved me too much to leave me on the other side of the river without a bridge.
This Memorial Day, we must remember the price that was paid for our right to shop, barbeque, spend time with our children, protest, live based on our religious beliefs, or choose not to believe at all. It’s our right.We have the freedom to do so. But we must remember how much that freedom cost, and we must be thankful.
Copyright 2012 by Kristen Hatcher
If you enjoyed my daughter Kristen's post, would you leave a comment below?Thank you, Kristen, for allowing me to share this poignant memorial with my readers.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
Hungry for God is on Facebook! Will you take a moment and LIKE my page? CLICK HERE to help HFG share 5-minute devotions.
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
May 25, 2016
8 Reasons to Do the Right Thing
Some days I don’t want to do the right thing. You’d think after more than 30 years of being a Christian, it would get easier. In many ways, it has. But there are still times when I just don’t want to do the right thing.
Today was one of them.
Get out of my warm bed at 5 a.m. to fix breakfast for my husband? Nope, that wasn’t on the top of my Oh boy, I get to do this today list. Even though I knew after breakfast we’d read a snippet of a devotional book and pray together, one of the best parts of my day, I still didn’t want to get out of bed. My flesh wanted to stay horizontal beneath the covers.
Some days I don’t want to read my Bible, either. Other days I don’t want to be unselfish, or honest, or kind. The alternatives are often mighty tempting.
I suspect I’m not alone.
That high school boyfriend who sent you a private Facebook message? You don’t want to say no. And some days you don’t want to come home. And at night, when the kids have been especially bad and your husband doesn’t appreciate you? You think about walking away and never looking back.
Some days you don’t want to go to church. Or to work. Or to visit your loved one in the nursing home. You don’t want to give. Or serve. Or pray. You don’t want to honor your vows, keep your promises, or train your children.
Some days you just don’t want to do the right thing.
But by God’s good grace, we do.
Thank you, Jesus, for helping us.
Today, on the day I climbed out of bed at 5 a.m. to fix my husband breakfast, and read, and pray, I thought of eight good reasons to do the right thing.
We do the right thing:
1. Because disobedience is sin. “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). When I know what I should do and choose to disobey, there’s only one word to describe my action—sin.
2. Because God punishes sin. “. . . because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Prov. 3:12). Because God loves me, he will punish me for disobeying. His motives are pure. He wants the best for me. He knows that sin and its consequences cannot produce the good life I desire.
3. Because the natural consequences of my disobedience will hurt me. Skipping my Bible reading, eating junk food, and being lazy all come with consequences. And they’re not good.
4. Because doing the right thing lays the foundation for a good life. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Heb. 12:11).
5. Because God sees every sacrificial, selfless thing I do. ”God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Heb.6:10).
6. Because God will reward me—in this life and in the next. “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Mat. 25:21).
7. Because I’ve never regretted doing the right thing, but I usually regret doing the wrong.
8. Because I want to honor God and make him smile. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). Most days I love Jesus more than I love myself. Because I love him, I want to please him. Love is the greatest motivator of them all.
Today we get to decide whether or not to do the right thing. For these eight reasons and many more, I hope you’ll say yes.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
May 22, 2016
"My Desire"
I read something today that made me cry.Not because it was sad, but because it was beautiful.
One of my favorite authors and theologians, John Piper, in two paragraphs, described God. He used a simple word picture and everyday language. No Greek. No Hebrew. No plumbing the depths of his vast theological training. Just a simple example connected to a profound spiritual truth.*
And I bawled like a baby.
I cried because his writing put skin on God. He took God’s lofty grandeur and brought it down to me, a very unlofty and ungrand human being. I often struggle to grasp the magnitude of God. I wonder, how can he love me? Why does he love me? To what extent does he love me?
In a few short paragraphs, Piper made God so personal that I wept with love and gratitude.
Wow.
Oh, how I want to do that.
I want to be able to describe God so well that others are amazed—not by the beauty of my writing, but by the beauty of my Savior.
Father, reveal yourself to me so I can reveal you to others.
I want to share God so transparently that others feel my arms around their shoulders and know I’m walking the faith path with them, not scowling down from a lofty pinnacle.
Father, remove my fear of man and give me a healthy fear of you. Strip me of the sin of pride that wants others to see only the brightest parts of my life. Help me tell the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth.
I want to eliminate anything from my writing that will cause others to stumble in their pursuit of Jesus.
Father, help me learn the craft of writing so well that nothing I write prevents my readers from understanding your truth.
I want to be so in love with God that his love splashes onto every post I write, every article I pen, and every book I create.
Father, draw me near. Keep me close. Guard my heart. Fill my mind. I want to rest so confidently in God’s care that when I hear the enemy of my soul whispering lies, I can point to the cross and never doubt (Romans 8:32). Father, help me say with Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.”
I want to love God well, point others to him, and glorify him with everything I do.
If this is your prayer, too, may God hear from heaven and answer our plea.
Lord, be pleased with the work of our hands and use it to draw others to yourself.
You may not be a writer, but your life tells a story that others around you are reading. Which chapters bring him glory? Share them. Which chapters bring him shame? Ask God to redeem them. Which chapters are still unwritten? Commit them to God so the final chapter of your life story will include the words, “'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord'” (Mat. 25:21).
*The passage I read, “Hugging God’s Neck Takes Away Fear,” is on pages 96-97 of John Piper’s latest book, What Jesus Demands from the World.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
May 19, 2016
Rest or Rustle? Two Choices When We Feel Threatened
Thankfully, the mother bird saw the rat snake before the rat snake saw her. She was perched on the edge of the nest she had woven in my hanging basket, a wriggling worm dangling from her beak. Ready to drop it into the open mouth of one of her fledglings, she froze, then quickly hopped into the nest. Her squawking babies quieted as she covered them with her outstretched wings. Hunkering down atop her tiny charges, she blended into the foliage until the slithering serpent passed by.
Those babies may have been newly hatched, but they knew something I sometimes forget—that danger is an invitation to trust. As my friend Nan Jones says, “It’s better to rest than to rustle.” The Psalmist puts it this way: “I will trust in the shelter of your wings,” (Psalm 61:4).
When danger threatens me or my family, my default setting is to start squawking. I cry. I fret. I call my friends. I wring my hands and wail as if the Philistines were storming the gates. I work myself into an emotional tizzy that would rival a two-year-old’s bedtime meltdown. In the end, I’m left spent and exhausted.
On other days, when my heart is full of God’s Word and I’ve spent time in prayer, I react much differently. Like the baby birds in my geranium, I seek the shadow of my heavenly Father’s protective wings and rest quietly, trusting that he will care for me. What about you? How do you react when something scary threatens you? When are you more likely to respond with faith instead of fear? Leave a comment below and join the conversation. If you're reading by email, click HERE to leave a comment at the bottom of the post.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
May 16, 2016
When the Finger Points Back at You
“Young people are so prideful. They think they know it all. They’re arrogant and unteachable.” A friend was ranting about what a difficult time she was having parenting her young adult children.
“He wasted time, money, and effort,” she continued. “If he’d done what I suggested in the first place, he’d never have gotten into such a mess.”
I nodded sympathetically.
“The worst thing about it,” she said, “is that he's so PRIDEFUL. Why won’t he just admit he needs help? He thinks he knows it all.”
Proverbs 15:31-33 spotlights this problem of prideful arrogance:
“The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gains understanding.
A few days after this conversation, my husband and I were in the car. The air was mighty chilly, not because it was a cool day, but because we were at odds with each other. Even worse, we were at odds together on the way to church.
I was driving, but I had only a vague idea of how to get from our new house to the church. But I sure wasn’t going to admit this to my husband. Especially not while we were giving each other the silent treatment. I wasn't going to ask for directions, because then I’d have to acknowledge he knew something I didn’t.
He wasn’t volunteering any information, because, remember, we were giving each other the silent treatment. Everyone knows the person who speaks first during the game of silent treatment loses.
So after taking the most circuitous route imaginable, we finally arrived at church--ten minutes late and grumpier than ever.
“The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul . . .” Sadly, it’s not just young adults who disdain instruction and pridefully refuse to ask for help. It’s middle adults, and older adults, and senior adults. It's you, and it's me. We’re prideful and hardheaded, oftentimes to our own harm.
But I’m thankful God is patient with me.
Day after day he offers his wisdom and guidance through his Word, his people, and his Holy Spirit. “If any of you lacks wisdom,” he calls, “let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him,” (James 1:5).
He chides me for my prideful spirit and reminds me, “The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.”
If you, like me, struggle with pride, will you join me in laying it down? Remember, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (1 Pet. 5:5).
I certainly don’t want God to resist me.
And who couldn’t use more grace?
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
May 12, 2016
What to Do When You Can't Fix It
Someone you love is struggling. Perhaps she’s sick, or angry, or discouraged. Maybe a child has broken her heart or her marriage is in shambles. Maybe it’s not one big ugly, but a lot of little uglies that have her down. She’s lost her perspective, and her faith is flickering. You know you can’t fix the situation, but you love your friend and you want to help. What can you do?
Here are four steps to take when someone you care about is hurting:
1. Pray
We are in a battle, and the enemy of our souls prowls around, seeking whom he can destroy. Thankfully, we have powerful weapons in our arsenal. Jesus, at the Last Supper, knew he would soon be arrested and separated from his disciples. He warned Peter of the coming trial.
“Peter, Satan desires to sift you as wheat.” Then he said something profound and powerful. “But I have prayed for you.”
This conversation reminds me of two things. First, the forces of evil in this world want to discourage and defeat Christians. Second, that Jesus, the Lover of our souls, who is infinitely more powerful than Satan, is praying for his children. When we add our prayers to Jesus’, we join forces to support those we love. Every time I pray for my loved ones, I can be confident that Jesus has gone ahead of me and is interceding on their behalf. And while prayer, on the surface, seems passive, it is the most dynamic thing we can do.
2. Love them, even when they’re not very loveable.
Hurting people hurt people. It’s sad, but it’s true. Ironically, those who are hurt and angry often direct their negative emotions toward those who love them most. When this happens, our natural response is to pull back and distance ourselves from them. Well if that’s the way they’re going to act, fine. I’ll leave them alone.
Instead, ask God to enable you to love them even more. Try to see life through their eyes. Imagine how you’d feel if you were in a similar situation. Share those thoughts with them. If I had just lost my job, I’d be feeling pretty scared right now. This may open channels of helpful communication and direct them into healthier ways of expressing their feelings.
Determine in advance that no matter what they say, you'll respond with love. Conflict doesn’t start with the first person. It is the second person’s response that determines the course of the conversation.
3. Look for practical ways to serve them.
Kathy, a patient of mine, lost her husband to cancer after an ugly seven-month battle. He was admitted to a hospital 90 miles away the week after Christmas. Shortly after they arrived, she received a series of text messages. When she opened them, she saw pictures of her three best friends--at her house.
What are you doing in my house? she texted back.
We’re taking down your Christmas decorations was their reply.
Kathy’s friends couldn’t stand vigil at the hospital, but they wanted to support and encourage her. Instead of fretting about what they couldn’t do, they did what they could—something practical that still brings a smile to Kathy’s face years later.
4. Leave room for the Holy Spirit to work.
The Lord may give you the opportunity to share scriptural truths, promises to claim, or comforting Bible verses. Do it.
But don’t be surprised if your friend isn’t ready to receive your words. If she responds negatively, take a step back. The Holy Spirit will continue to work, even if your friend appears to have closed the door.
Watching a loved one struggle is hard. We feel helpless, because we want to fix her problem and lift her burden. Sharing words of faith from your own experience, praying, and listening when she feels like talking will help her heal. Continue to love her, and look for ways to serve her. Finally, trust the Holy Spirit to speak to your loved one’s heart and restore its joy.
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).
What about you? What do you find helpful when a loved one is struggling? Leave a comment in the comment box below. And if you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE and scroll down to the end of the post to share your thoughts.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
Here are four steps to take when someone you care about is hurting:
1. Pray We are in a battle, and the enemy of our souls prowls around, seeking whom he can destroy. Thankfully, we have powerful weapons in our arsenal. Jesus, at the Last Supper, knew he would soon be arrested and separated from his disciples. He warned Peter of the coming trial.
“Peter, Satan desires to sift you as wheat.” Then he said something profound and powerful. “But I have prayed for you.”
This conversation reminds me of two things. First, the forces of evil in this world want to discourage and defeat Christians. Second, that Jesus, the Lover of our souls, who is infinitely more powerful than Satan, is praying for his children. When we add our prayers to Jesus’, we join forces to support those we love. Every time I pray for my loved ones, I can be confident that Jesus has gone ahead of me and is interceding on their behalf. And while prayer, on the surface, seems passive, it is the most dynamic thing we can do.
2. Love them, even when they’re not very loveable.
Hurting people hurt people. It’s sad, but it’s true. Ironically, those who are hurt and angry often direct their negative emotions toward those who love them most. When this happens, our natural response is to pull back and distance ourselves from them. Well if that’s the way they’re going to act, fine. I’ll leave them alone.
Instead, ask God to enable you to love them even more. Try to see life through their eyes. Imagine how you’d feel if you were in a similar situation. Share those thoughts with them. If I had just lost my job, I’d be feeling pretty scared right now. This may open channels of helpful communication and direct them into healthier ways of expressing their feelings.
Determine in advance that no matter what they say, you'll respond with love. Conflict doesn’t start with the first person. It is the second person’s response that determines the course of the conversation.
3. Look for practical ways to serve them.
Kathy, a patient of mine, lost her husband to cancer after an ugly seven-month battle. He was admitted to a hospital 90 miles away the week after Christmas. Shortly after they arrived, she received a series of text messages. When she opened them, she saw pictures of her three best friends--at her house.
What are you doing in my house? she texted back.
We’re taking down your Christmas decorations was their reply.
Kathy’s friends couldn’t stand vigil at the hospital, but they wanted to support and encourage her. Instead of fretting about what they couldn’t do, they did what they could—something practical that still brings a smile to Kathy’s face years later.
4. Leave room for the Holy Spirit to work.
The Lord may give you the opportunity to share scriptural truths, promises to claim, or comforting Bible verses. Do it.
But don’t be surprised if your friend isn’t ready to receive your words. If she responds negatively, take a step back. The Holy Spirit will continue to work, even if your friend appears to have closed the door.
Watching a loved one struggle is hard. We feel helpless, because we want to fix her problem and lift her burden. Sharing words of faith from your own experience, praying, and listening when she feels like talking will help her heal. Continue to love her, and look for ways to serve her. Finally, trust the Holy Spirit to speak to your loved one’s heart and restore its joy.
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).
What about you? What do you find helpful when a loved one is struggling? Leave a comment in the comment box below. And if you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE and scroll down to the end of the post to share your thoughts.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
May 9, 2016
When I Am Afraid
“Giiiiiiiiii gi!”
My two-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter’s frightened cry pierced the happy quiet of my backyard.
Moments before, she’d been playing peacefully. Now she was racing toward me, her eyes wide with fear. Kneeling down, I opened my arms, and she flung herself into them, her breath coming in short, hard gasps.
“What’s wrong, baby girl?” I asked, looking around for a big dog or a scary snake.
“Airplane,” she said, pointing to the sky.
Sure enough, there was a jet, high in the sky, making its noisy ascent from the nearby airport.
“That airplane won’t hurt you,” I said, wrapping my arms around her trembling little body, “but you did good to come to Gigi. Gigi will always protect you.”
This morning in my quiet time I read Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.”
It reminded me of the way Lauren ran to me when the airplane frightened her. Because she’s learned to trust me, she instinctively knew I would protect her. Her child-like faith rested securely in me.
I want to be like Lauren when big, scary things disrupt my life and make me afraid. Only instead of running to a person for protection, I want to run straight into the loving arms of my heavenly Father. I know I can trust him, because he’s demonstrated over and over again how much he loves me.
“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32).
I love Lauren, and I would die to save her. God loves me even more, and he already died to save me. What further proof do I need that I can trust him with whatever comes my way?
Although 50 years separate Lauren and me, we’re a lot alike. We are both frightened easily, but we also both know where to run for safety.
What about you? Is something big and scary threatening you today? Run to Jesus.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
My two-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter’s frightened cry pierced the happy quiet of my backyard. Moments before, she’d been playing peacefully. Now she was racing toward me, her eyes wide with fear. Kneeling down, I opened my arms, and she flung herself into them, her breath coming in short, hard gasps.
“What’s wrong, baby girl?” I asked, looking around for a big dog or a scary snake.
“Airplane,” she said, pointing to the sky.
Sure enough, there was a jet, high in the sky, making its noisy ascent from the nearby airport.
“That airplane won’t hurt you,” I said, wrapping my arms around her trembling little body, “but you did good to come to Gigi. Gigi will always protect you.”
This morning in my quiet time I read Psalm 56:3, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” It reminded me of the way Lauren ran to me when the airplane frightened her. Because she’s learned to trust me, she instinctively knew I would protect her. Her child-like faith rested securely in me.
I want to be like Lauren when big, scary things disrupt my life and make me afraid. Only instead of running to a person for protection, I want to run straight into the loving arms of my heavenly Father. I know I can trust him, because he’s demonstrated over and over again how much he loves me.
“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32).
I love Lauren, and I would die to save her. God loves me even more, and he already died to save me. What further proof do I need that I can trust him with whatever comes my way?
Although 50 years separate Lauren and me, we’re a lot alike. We are both frightened easily, but we also both know where to run for safety.
What about you? Is something big and scary threatening you today? Run to Jesus.
If you enjoyed this post, why not subscribe? I'll send you twice-weekly 5-minute devotions to help nourish your soul.
Because women need to connect with God in the craziness of life.
Enter your email address and VALIDATE the Feedburner email sent to your inbox.
Delivered by FeedBurner
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 2012 by Lori Hatcher
Refresh Blog
A place to refresh your faith, hope, and prayers with 5-minute weekly posts.
- Lori Hatcher's profile
- 101 followers
