Kathy Collard Miller's Blog, page 2

9 Ways to Know God–from Exodus

9 Ways to Know God—from ExodusI love to study the Bible noticing repeated words or phrases.In the book of Exodus, the phrase “know that I am the Lord your God” (or variations) is mentioned 9 times. But, hold onto your seat, in Ezekiel, it is said 72 times! Yes! 72!

And it is also said many other times in the Bible!

So let’s take a fast journey through the 9 times God tells us we can know that He is the Lord our God—and what it can mean for our daily lives.

#1 Exodus 6:7 “I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.”

We can know Him as a personal God who wants relationship with us. He “takes” us—chooses us. And what does He do for His chosen ones (both the Israelites and for us—Ephesians 1:4)? He is a powerful God who delivers. He delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and He delivers us from the bondage of sin. Praise God!

#2 Exodus 7:5 “The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them.”

God also wants the Egyptians to know Him and acknowledge Him as powerful. The Egyptians worshipped their Pharaoh as a kind of god. Every plague in the book of Exodus refers to some sort of “god” the Egyptians worshipped and how Jehovah God defeated them. God is real but their gods—including Pharoah—weren’t. Jehovah was crying out, “Know Me instead—in truth.”

#3 Exodus 7:17 “Thus says the Lord [through Moses], ‘By this you shall know that I am the Lord: behold, with the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water that is in the Nile, and it shall turn into blood.’”

The Egyptians considered the Nile “Father of Life” and the “Mother of All Men,” a kind of “lifeblood” because of its importance. The Nile is the longest river on earth—4,000 miles long. The river also represented their god Hapi, the source of good life.

But God Almighty wanted the Egyptians and the Israelites to know Him as the source of life. The Nile was limited and could be putrefied by blood but God’s nature stays the same.

(PS I had to look it up. In contrast, the Mississippi River is 2,340 miles long. And also, some sources claim the Amazon River is the longest river in the world.)

#4 Exodus 8:22 “But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people dwell, so that no swarms of flies shall be there, that you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth.”

The background for this story is that God is revealing His power through the different plagues the land of Egypt is experiencing. After the water was turned to blood, then there were massive influxes of frogs, gnats, and now flies.

To show Himself merciful to His people, He restricts the flies from reaching the land of Goshen where the Israelites live. He is also communicating to the Egyptians, “See how I protect my people? I want to be your Protector.”

#5 Exodus 10:2 “… and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and of your grandson how I have dealt harshly with the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them, that you may know that I am the Lord.”

God works mightily for our good and His glory with the intention that we will have stories to tell the next generation. We can testify how we knew God through Him dealing harshly with our “enemies” (things like our sinful patterns, those who sin against us, etc.).

Several years ago, I began to write out my prayers for each of my two grandchildren in separate notebooks. I look for opportunities when I’m with them to read one of the written prayers to each one out loud. I pray this will be a kind of example of how the battles they are facing were “dealt” with by their loving and powerful God. I pray they refer to those notebooks even after I’ve left for heaven.

#6 Exodus 14:4 “And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will pursue them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord.” And they did so.

It might be difficult to think of why God would want to harden anyone’s heart, but there is evidence that Pharaoh was also resistant as he keeps trying to negotiate with Moses to get his own way. There is only a stubborn “surrender,” not a wholehearted desire to know God.

In the story of Israel’s deliverance as they travel out of Egypt, evidently some Egyptians joined the Israelites (Numbers 11:4). God’s desire for the Egyptians to know Him worked! Have hope that your loved one can come to know the Lord as God, Savior, and protector, no matter how resistant he is now.

#7 Exodus 14:18 “And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” 

In the context of what’s happening, the Israelites have cried out to God in deadly fear, believing the Egyptians will soon destroy them (vs. 10-18). God tells them He will be victorious and receive glory.

When I concentrate on how God can receive glory—credit, acclaim, lifted up, spoken well of—I think less of protecting myself and instead trust God do what is best for the whole situation. My trust and faith grow.

#8 Exodus 16:12 “I have heard the grumbling of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’”

If you know the story of how God provided quail and manna in the wilderness (for 40 years!), then you know He provided little by little. Just enough for each day and then extra for Friday in preparation for Saturday (the day of rest).

As a recovering perfectionist, I would have asked for a year’s worth in case God slept in that day! Let’s ponder how our “knowing” of who God is, is growing by seeing His glory through His day by day provision.

#9 Exodus 29:46 “And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.”

And here we have the fabulous summary of all we’ve studied.

God’s three primary purposesHe will be known and acknowledged as the only God AlmightyHe provided everything they needed—food, deliverance, assurance, victory, and protectionHe wants to dwell with His people without them being interrupted by the troubles of being slaves.Applications for usWill we know Him through His consistent and eternal attributes?Will we have confidence He will provide everything we truly need?Will we welcome not only Him dwelling in us as His temple, but abide and rest in Him moment by moment?

Misunderstood? Three Victorious Principles for Peace and Joy

Misunderstood? Three Victorious Principles to Peace and Joy I hate being misunderstood!

I feel insecure, fearful, and out of control. I desperately want people to see me correctly so that they will be pleased with me. That’s called people pleasing!

(By the way, in case you didn’t get a chance to enter the drawing for Dr. Michelle Bengton’s book Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past is not Wasted, there’s still time. The drawing ends on July 14, 2024. Enter to WIN here:https://bit.ly/3zGb9QX)

Unfortunately, this dread of being misunderstand can steal my joy and peace.

Hate being misunderstood? Here are 3 principles for godly reactions to have #peace and #joy. #trustGod @ElkLakepubInc https://bit.ly/464vls2
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Identify where the dangerous feelings of being misunderstood originated. When being misunderstood brings fear and anger, slow down and ask, “When did I experience a similar kind of misunderstanding or want to retaliate with anger?” Examine questions like, “Did I feel voiceless? Unheard? Maligned? Unsafe?”

If you relate to anything similar, you may feel like you are back being that wounded little girl. You may feel like all the resources and truth you currently trust about God is being thrown out the window. You are back to being voiceless, powerless, or without protection. The feelings are the same even though the situation is different. In those moments, God wants to assure you he loves you unconditionally, values you, protects you, and will never abandon you. He will help you respond to the current situation with peace and wisdom.

You are no longer a little girl thinking you are on your own.

2. Being misunderstood most often comes because the other person feels threatened in some way. Most of the time, she is reacting out of her own pain. She may feel rejected or worthless. Even if you make a mistake or react in a hurtful way, she is responsible before God for her own choices. He offers both of you the strength needed to make a wise choice. Don’t take her behavior personally. Reacting in anger only increases the problems.

3. Look to God Who Understands You and Believes the Truth About You. God totally understands you! We can’t expect anyone else to give us that.

Just think….you never have to explain yourself to God. You never have to convince him of your good intentions. God created you and knows you! Here’s proof:

O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
    you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
    and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
    behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. (Psalm 139:1-4)

Not only are we known as creations of God, when we are “in Christ,” the first chapter of Ephesians identifies us as loved, forgiven, blessed, redeemed, accepted, adopted, and many other truths. Make a list of who God says you are and post it in a prominent place. Reflect on it to gain strength and confidence.

Only believing those truths will counteract the atom bomb going off in our soul and minds when we feel misunderstood. Indeed, our audience of one—God himself—is still seeing us “in Christ” regardless of another person’s opinions.

God Will Fulfill His Will–Even if You Are Misunderstood

When I became a Christian at eighteen, I was thrilled. I wanted to tell everyone. I began sharing with my best friend, Linda, while we sat opposite each other on the twin beds in my bedroom. The more I talked, the farther Linda slid down from the bed onto the floor. She looked confused, even angry. In my nervousness, I kept talking while internally criticizing myself for not being able to say the right thing.

My mom must have been listening outside the door, because after a while she called to me, interrupting the conversation. The fact my mom was a Christian communicated I must be doing something wrong because otherwise she would be cheering me on.

I was never able to strike up a spiritual conversation again with Linda. I felt downhearted, wondering, If she goes to hell, will I be blamed? Why can’t I communicate well?

After several years, Linda and I lost touch. I continued to judge myself inadequate for not communicating well. I felt anger toward Linda that she had misunderstood me.

Wonder of wonders, decades later, Linda and I somehow became reconnected on Facebook. The first time we talked on the phone, I tried to hold back tears. “Linda, do you remember that day I shared about Jesus in my bedroom? I have felt horrible over the years that I couldn’t communicate clearly about God’s salvation. Will you forgive me? You looked so confused and upset.” I expected her to be angry with me.

She replied, “Kathy, are you kidding? No! I was only confused and didn’t know what to say. I wanted to do whatever it took like you had, but I didn’t know the right questions to ask. But guess what? I always remembered your words and while I was in the Navy, the chaplain went over how I could become a Christian. I received Christ as my Savior and Lord. I love the Lord and I’ve always considered you my spiritual mom.”

To say I was shocked was an understatement. All those years I had agonized over my words, blaming and condemning myself. To hear Linda’s words relieved my pain. It also reinforced the truths I learned about God’s sovereignty. If he wants someone to understand, he will make it happen. I don’t know why Linda’s understanding came later, but God’s timing said nothing about me.

Maybe you have a similar story. The stakes for being misunderstood were hefty. You blamed yourself.

Assure yourself of God’s loving view of you and his sovereign control over what happens, even when you are misunderstood.

What have you found helpful when being misunderstood threatens to diminish your peace and joy?

(Excerpt adapted from my book to be released in August, 2024: Anger Management: Jesus’ Style.)

Book Drawing! “Sacred Scars” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Book Drawing! “Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past is Not Wasted” by Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Dr. Bengtson says, “Your ragged and torn past may be the key to God’s future for you!”

That’s why I’m so excited to feature Dr. Bengtson’s fabulous book in a drawing. You might win her book! Drawing ends evening of July 14, 2024. Keep reading for more details.

Michelle writes, “We all endure trials, pain, and hardship in this life. Too often we believe these experiences disqualify us from being useful to God. But the truth is, your past pain and brokenness serve as preparation for what God wants to do in and through you—if you will surrender to and trust him.

In Sacred Scars, neuropsychologist and fellow sufferer Dr. Michelle Bengtson helps you

understand suffering from a biblical perspectivediscover how the trials of your life serve a purposereflect on the healing that God has accomplishedcomfort others with the comfort God has given you

Just as Jesus’s scars didn’t disappear after his resurrection, our emotional or physical scars tell our story and lend credence to our testimony of God’s love and power. If you are ready to turn your past pain into present comfort and future hope, let Dr. Bengtson be your compassionate guide.

Doesn’t her book sound fabulous? And it is. I have personally seen God use my own sins as sacred scars that He has used for His glory. Your scars may be physical, emotional, spiritually, or mental. It doesn’t matter, God says He is powerful enough to use them. That’s why Sacred Scars is being used by God in great ways. Here is an excerpt from Dr. Bengtson’s book.

Your Scars Are Valuable for God’s Use

by Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Pain. If we aren’t experiencing physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual pain now, either we recently have, we likely soon will, or we are walking alongside someone in the trenches who wonders if they will survive. For many, this world is a treacherous place, and pain and sorrow seem daily on the horizon. There is no escaping the pain of this life until God calls us home, but there is hope in the waiting. There are lessons to be gleaned from the wilderness. There are promises we’ve been given as a lifeline when no one else can offer assurances.

Friend, I don’t know what variety of pain you’re walking through or have recently survived, but I want you to know you’re not alone and God doesn’t waste our pain. Time and distance may make sharing over coffee together an impossibility, but you’re in my thoughts, in my heart, and in my prayers as I type these words. I want you to know you will get through this, of that I’m certain. How can I be so certain, you ask? Have you not so far survived every single difficult circumstance in your life one hundred percent of the time? You have. You’re here now. Those trials may not have turned out exactly as you’d hoped, and you may have made a few mistakes along the way. We’re all flawed, and that’s okay. You may have the bumps, bruises, and scars in the form of loss, grief, shame, guilt, or regret to show for the battles you fought, but that means you SURVIVED!

If we were sitting together, watching the cows graze next door, me with my coffee in hand and you with your beverage of choice, I’d hope that you would share about your battle wounds and scars.

Each one tells an important story and helps create the narrative of who you are. And each one is sacred. God doesn’t treat your scars lightly. Nor does he ignore their impact on your life. He doesn’t just use your scars as a tool. God shapes your scars and shapes you in the process. You are braver, stronger, more tenacious, more resilient, and more beautiful for them.

Your scars are valuable, as are the stories they tell. Your scars may not be physical scars that can be seen by the eye but may be emotional scars, relationship scars, grief-born scars, or even spiritual scars—scars that can be perceived and understood only through the wisdom and experience of a fellow sufferer.

And some scars may be known only by God. Friend, I don’t know the pain you’ve endured or the scars you now carry, but I have found that, much like soldiers on the front lines of war, we can endure much more when we know we aren’t in the muck alone.

When we’re in a painful battle, we wonder, Will I make it through this? How will this change my life? and Is there purpose in my pain? Loneliness often accompanies the crucible of pain, and we long to know we aren’t alone in our suffering and that someone else understands. It’s then that reading the stories of others who have walked similar paths has the potential to most encourage our hearts. And once we’ve come through the furnace of suffering, we can share our stories with others who feel the way we once did. Sometimes our stories encourage others to stay the course. Many times, stories inform and give hard-earned wisdom to someone just a few rungs down on the ladder of their own journey. Often, they inspire us to reach beyond what we thought we were capable of. Occasionally, they redirect the course of our future. But they always serve a purpose and impact us if we’ll let them, because God never wastes our pain.

Thank you, Michelle for writing this book and making a copy available for the winner of the random drawing. The drawing ends Sunday evening, July 14, 2024. Only US addresses can win.

Enter by commenting on the blog post.

Dr. Michelle Bengtson is a hope concierge! Her passion is to share hope and encouragement with others, whether as a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, host of the award-winning podcast Your Hope Filled Perspective, or the author of several award-winning books including Hope Prevails, Breaking Anxiety’s Grip, and The Hem of His Garment. Her newest release is Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past is Not Wasted. She loves all things teal, spending time with friends and family, taking long walks, or sitting by quiet shores, and it’s a bonus when any of those are accompanied by sea salt caramel chocolate! You can find her and her hope-filled resources at DrMichelleB.com

Links for connecting with Michelle and buying her book::

Website: https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com

Blog: https://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson/

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MichelleBengtson

Podcast: https://apple.co/2madPRo or https://bit.ly/3ef2fvs

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3w64SHF

PREVIEW! My next book: “Anger Management–Jesus Style”

PREVIEW of my next book: “Anger Management–Jesus Style“

My friends! I’m so excited that next month/August, my next book will be published! It’s titled Anger Management–Jesus Style

One of the main misconceptions from my childhood was: “all anger is wrong—I will refuse to feel any anger.” Then I heard for the first time at a seminar: “The first flash feeling of anger is neither right nor wrong; how you manage your feeling is right or wrong.”

Stunned, I wondered, “Can that be? Have I entertained the wrong ideas about anger all these years? I thought Christians aren’t supposed to even feel angry.”

Then the Lord caused a portion of Scripture to jump off the page: “Be angry and do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26 ESV).

Had I read correctly? Did the verse actually say: “be angry”? The Bible confirmed I could feel angry, but I needed to respond appropriately as Ephesians 4:26-27 further explained: “Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” Misusing anger gives Satan an opportunity to fuel destructive attitudes and responses like bitterness, resentment and actions like hitting or screaming.

The truths in Ephesians were further affirmed in an examination of the first record of named anger in the Scriptures, Genesis 4:6-7:

The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

God doesn’t rebuke Cain for being angry. We might have expected him to say, “Now, Cain, you shouldn’t be feeling angry, you are sinning. Your brother is a good guy, and you should be thrilled I’m pleased with him. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and stop feeling angry. You’ve already blown it.”

Sometimes we think God is condemning us when we feel angry. But instead, God tells Cain in essence, “You haven’t sinned, but you are being tempted to take destructive action. You can resist and not sin. Your feeling of anger is revealing a corrupted heart motive. Deal with your heart motive. It is still possible for you to enjoy my acceptance.” In the case of Cain, his heart motive was jealousy and rebellion. Cain’s initial response was not sin, but the destructive choices he made to kill his brother and hide the murder were entirely sin.

Why didn’t God condemn Cain’s initial angry reaction, which seemingly demonstrates Cain’s hatred for his brother? Yes, his hate was sinful as the opposite of love, but anger is not the opposite of love. The feelings of anger and love can exist side by side.

This insight of “the feelings of anger and love can exist side by side” is only one of the many insights you’ll find in this new book.

True transformational self-control comes from not just resisting sinful anger but knowing the underlying reasons why resisting is difficult.

Would you like to grow in your ability to resist anger when you encounter temptation, the inadequacies of others, misunderstandings, lack of other’s cooperation, criticisms, demands, disappointments, and shame?

You can! Whether you feel anger, rage, frustration, annoyance, irritation, or a hardened heart.

Jesus leads the way to reveal how to love others, deal with conflict, not take the reactions of others personally, and so much more. You will study both the humanity and godhood of Jesus in this book like never before. 

If you’d like to be notified when my new book is published, you can become a follower of my Amazon author page (click here). Of course, you’ll be receiving notifications here on my blog posts also.

What do you think about the idea of “the feelings of anger and love can exist side by side”?

How does Jesus demonstrate godly reactions to irritating situations?

Summer MUST-READS Giveaway!!!! Win books!

Summer MUST-READS Giveaway!!!

Brighten your vacations and staycations with brilliant, must-read books this summer!

Want insights and strategies to optimize your life?

Seeking a compelling, fabulous novel to bless your time in the sun?

Would your kids LOVE inspiring new books this summer?

Are you seeking an opportunity to discover AWARD Winning Authors and WIN BOOKS?

If you answered YES to any of these questions then YOU WANT TO ENTER THE Summer MUST-READS Giveaway!!!

I’m excited to be a part of this Summer MUST-READS Giveaway and here’s what the grand prize winner will receive. PLUS EVERY PERSON who enters receives free downloads from EVERY AUTHOR!!!!!

We are giving away:

1 winner of the GRAND PRIZE 

$300 Amazon Gift Card AND this Book/Gift Bundle worth over $150…

PLUS ALL THESE BOOKS:

Finally Forever by Karin BeeryHeart of Courage: Daughters of the King Bible Study Series by Kathy Collard MillerPete and Pals’ Christmas Surprise! by Liz Aldred PitmanBaseball Family: The 9 Core Qualities for Developing Healthy Relationships by Billie JaussThe Making of a BraveHearted Woman: Courage, Confidence, and Vision in Midlife by Dawn DamonRAHAB Rediscovering the God Who Saves Me by Shadia HrichiThe Little Pot by Dawn StephensVisible by Darlene CorbettEveryday Joys Devotional by Tama FortnerUpcycled: Crafted for a Purpose by Tina Yeager

AND WAIT, THERE’S MORE …

EVERY ENTRANT will get a FREE GIFT from all the participating authors!

 Be sure to enter TODAY! Contest opens July 3rd, 2024 and ends July 17th, 2024.

Enter at https://kingsumo.com/g/3z9plxm/summer-must-reads-giveaway

 

When You Don’t Feel Heard

When You Don’t Feel Heard

I hate the feeling of not being heard. Such a verbal exchange brings feelings of worthlessness and being de-valued–even a sense of danger–like something bad is going to happen.

Unfortunately, my natural response is to talk more, raise my voice, and think I must force the other person to understand me. Yet these are the very three responses that bring the least effective results. Instead, let’s find the healthy and effective responses from the biblical book of Proverbs.

1. Talk less than you think you should even if you feel defensive.

This can be very difficult. Although sometimes I do withdraw and shut down, other times, I try to convince with a verbal chef’s salad. I don’t realize I’m thinking (metaphorically) if the tomatoes don’t apply, maybe the sliced ham will. I throw everything I can think of toward the person.

Proverbs 10:19 urges us, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent” (ESV). How true, how true. We all are able to hold our tongue and at that point things are going well. But then we reach our limit and we try to defend ourselves with many words.

Most of the time, many words get us in big trouble.

The more we say the less we are heard and understood. One temptation is adding points that aren’t relevant to the current topic. “Oh, and by the way, I’ve been meaning to tell you also about how a month ago you….” Our many words have now become more complicated and the real issue is harder to deal with.

 Less is more in relationships, and especially with someone we aren’t in good connections with. Let’s ask God to help us speak less than more.

2. Keep your voice soft.

Of course such advice as “keep your voice soft” seems impossible, but it really is possible to learn. You’ll be motivated even more when you begin to see the advantages it brings.

Proverbs 15:1 tells us, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” At the time of dealing with someone who seems against us, we feel powerless. They won’t listen nor heed what we’re saying. Everything within us wants to be heard and by golly, we’ll raise our voice to make it happen.

Don’t. It’ll be the hardest thing ever but don’t. Instead use the “broken record technique.” Just say the main point over again in a normal voice. For instance, “I hear you think I said … but I really said ….” When the person raises his voice and is defensive, again repeat softly, “I hear you think I said … but I really said…” Repeat again as needed—softly!

I remember when Larry and I were newly married, I rehearsed what I would say to him when he walked in the door. I had been thinking about confronting him all day and I was ready to give him a piece of my mind–and my frustration. I had the script carefully laid out and I knew this was the time to get it done. I would say … and then he would say …. and then I was going to say …. and he would reply … and then I was going to seal the deal.

I heard the garage door open and then close and Larry walked through the entry door. I started in on my script and he said something. So I started in on my carefully worded rebuttal.

Larry looked at me and for once, his face caught my attention. I paused.

“Kathy, I just agreed with you. Didn’t you hear me?”

I was stunned. No, I hadn’t heard him because I was too well prepared to go through my rehearsed script.

Although that was many years ago, (we just celebrated our 54th wedding anniversary), I’ve never forgotten the lesson. I haven’t always done the right thing, but remembering to use a soft answer is a part of being willing to change my script–and be heard clearly.

This is extremely hard but it is possible in God’s power. As a result, you’ll see anger is less likely to be stirred up and there’s a better possibility of a positive conversation.

3. Depend upon God to protect you and accomplish His will.

After all we’ve done,  even if we softly speak with less words, our efforts may not gain us what we want. The other person may respond more aggressively and we wonder what they are thinking of us.

Our only peace must come from the truth of Proverbs 30:5: “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” Our words haven’t gained us what we wanted, but God’s Word never goes wrong. He knows the truth about us and our intentions and He will protect us according to His loving will for us. We can trust Him.

What have you found helpful in applying these wise principles? I’d love to hear your wisdom.

(To study the book of Proverbs, consider my women’s Bible study, Heart Wisdom: Daughters of the King Bible Study Series.)

Book Drawing! “Embracing Joy” by Jean Wilund

Book Drawing! “Embracing Joy: An 8-Week Transformational Bible Study of Habakkuk” by Jean Wilund

If you’ve ever studied the biblical book of Habakkuk or have wanted to, you’ll be excited to hear about Jean Wilund’s book Embracing Joy  as my next book drawing. In Jean’s 8-week Bible study of the tiny book of Habakkuk, you’ll dive into the turbulent world of one of the Old Testament prophets—a world not that different from ours today. You’ll discover how Hababkkuk pushed forward to choose trust and find joy despite the violence that ruled his homeland. With a conversational tone, guiding questions, and Jean’s three-step transformational Bible study method, Jean Wilund makes relevant connections to our life and times. Whether studying alone or with a group, you will experience the same powerful, life-altering truths that changed Habakkuk’s perspective long ago.

You can enter the drawing to win a copy of Embracing Joy by reading this post and following the directions at the end of the post.

Here’s an excerpt from her book to inspire you and motivate you to benefit from this Bible study book.

When Circumstances Seem Like Monstersby Jean Wilund

 “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”—John 8:32

I have one brother, and he’s a good one—except maybe on that day when I was eight years old.

Thirteen-year-old Rob thundered up our staircase doing his best impression of a monster. I beat him to my room, slammed and locked the door behind me, and cowered in the corner.

His ominous footsteps overwhelmed the truth I knew about him. He’s not a monster. He’s not a monster. The worst Rob would do if he broke through the door was tickle me, but fear had won the moment as I succumbed to my imagination.

Trust the Truth

Habakkuk’s fears weren’t rooted in imagination but in God’s word to him. Real danger would soon bust down Judah’s doors. If the Lord didn’t restrain Babylon, they’d all die at the end of a sword, spear, or whatever weapon they’d wield. Babylonian war plans did not include tickling. And so Habakkuk prayed and did the one thing that makes all the difference when we face a trial. He fixed his mind on truth.

Habakkuk looked upward beyond his fears and reminded himself of what he knew to be true about God’s unchanging nature. Trusting the truth disarms our fears and puts them in their proper place–under God’s feet.

Truth Controls the Monsters

When my brother thundered up the stairs, I overreacted because I imagined he was a monster. Once I acknowledged the truth, the truth controlled the monster, which was my fear, not my brother. I stopped being afraid, and he went back downstairs.

Unlike me, God never overreacts or thinks irrationally. He doesn’t have mood swings–or moods. In fact, He doesn’t have reactions. He responds.

He knew everything we’d ever do before we were born. He responds to our actions out of His omniscience and wisdom. This should comfort us when trouble comes. God already knew it was coming. He set His purposes for it in eternity.

When Judah received the news about their monster, Babylon, terror was a reasonable response. Since Judah had refused to fear God, God would cause them to fear Babylon.

For hundreds of years, Judah had known God’s promises of blessings and curses. They can’t cry, “Wait, what?” They rejected the truth they knew and imagined they could keep living the lie that God would never hold them accountable to their sin.

But God and His promises never change. He’s Yahweh Elohim, the supreme God who made an everlasting covenant with Judah. He would forever be their God, but Judah needed judgment. At the appointed time, He’d restore them into His love and into their land. But first they needed Babylon.

God never allows trauma to touch us for no reason. But trauma is still terrifying. Truth puts our fears in their proper place, but we can only trust the truth we know.

The more we know the truth through God’s Word, the more our fears will fall under God’s control. The God who disciplines His children but will never leave or forsake us.

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”—Matthew 28:20

Transformational Truth: Truth puts our fears in their proper place, but we can only trust the truth we know.

Thank you, Jean, for sharing with us these significant, life-changing truths.

To enter the drawing make a comment on this blog post. Only USA addresses can win. Drawing will end on Tuesday evening, June 4, 2024.

Here are the links for buying this important book and for connecting with Jean.

Buy Embracing Joy on Amazon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jean.wilundInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanwilund/You tubePodcast: https://jeanwilund.com/podcast-its-all-about-him

Jean Wilund is the author of Embracing Joy: An 8-Week Transformational Bible Study of Habakkuk. She writes at JeanWilund.com and for Revive Our Hearts ministry to help lead women into a greater understanding of the Bible and a deeper relationship with God.

Her next book is coming out in August, 2024— Ease into the Bible: How to Wade into the Water of God’s Word with Confidence, Want to read the Bible but not sure how? Ease in. Ease into the Bible removes the intimidation factor of this sacred but often overwhelming book. It gently leads readers to understand what the Bible is about and teaches them how to read, study, and be transformed by it. Publisher: B&H Books

 

Do You Say? “Why Should I Go To Church? Everyone There Is Imperfect.”

Do You Say? “Why Should I Go To Church? Everyone There Is Imperfect.”

The conflict between Paul and Barnabas can be disconcerting (Acts 15:36–41). Here’s the account:

“And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” (ESV)

Paul and Barnabas had already been ministering side by side and traveling together for years. Paul’s love of churches influenced him to conclude Mark’s abandonment put the ministry at risk. Of course, he loved individuals, but Barnabas’s love for the individual was greater. The fact Mark was Barnabas’s relative also must have contributed to Barnabas’s loyalty to Mark.

Barnabas’s name means “son of encouragement,” and he was known for encouraging everyone around him. He knew John Mark was overwhelmed by the demands of ministry and didn’t have the spiritual maturity to be steadfast. Barnabas’s people-loving nature wanted to build up the faint-hearted.

Both Paul and Barnabas were right … and wrong. They loved all aspects of ministry but in this situation, their commitment valued one aspect as more important than another. Paul saw the big picture of the church’s needs. Barnabas saw the little picture of the individual within the church. Knowing their bents, we can understand how each contributed an important part for a wholesome, effective ministry.

God wasn’t caught short when the two leaders separated. Paul took Silas with him, and Barnabas took Mark. The outreach was doubled. Later, Mark became associated with Peter, and Mark ended up writing the Gospel account entitled “Mark,” based on the information Peter gave him. Plus, Paul learned to value Mark so much that later he wrote of Mark’s “helpfulness” (2 Timothy 4:11).

Notice in 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul comments Demas “deserted” him. The Greek word is “forsaken,” meaning to “utterly abandon with the sense of leaving someone in a desperate situation.” Yet Paul persevered.

If anyone had reason to say, “Why should I go to church, everyone there is imperfect,” it was Paul. Only keeping his eyes on Jesus kept Paul faithfully serving imperfect people. Paul knew he wasn’t serving people; he was serving God who would never desert him.

Such confidence can empower us to persevere in serving an imperfect group of people making up the church…and when we look in the mirror and realize we are one of them!

 

(Excerpt from my women’s Bible Study, Heart of Courage: Daughters of the King Bible Study Series.)

I Don’t Like Thinking of Myself as Simple–But I Am

I Don’t Like Thinking of Myself as Simple–But I Am

I’ll tell you the truth. I don’t like being thought of as simple. Nor do I like thinking of myself as a scorner or a fool. But the truth is–I am, at times.

simple thinking can be “all or nothing thinking”: “I keep failing in the same way. God has given up on me.”a scorner can express disbelief like: “God can’t possibly work in that person’s life.”a fool thinks: “God isn’t powerful enough to handle this problem.”

Yet, God reaches out to us and pleads with us. He calls to us, How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? (Proverbs 1:22)

The biblical book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom for the times we are simple, or we scorn, or we are a fool. And yes, we all react in those ways at one time or another.

And in one sense, all of Proverbs is God speaking because the writers of Proverbs were led by God to think of wisdom representing the coming Messiah, Jesus. We know Jesus certainly embodies pure wisdom as we see how He lives as revealed in the stories in the Gospels. The definition of wisdom includes discernment, understanding, prudence, discretion, ability to evaluate rightly, awareness of multiple aspects of a topic, and being cooperative with God’s control.

In Proverbs 1:22, God asks two questions: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?” (ESV)

God uses three descriptions for a person rejecting God’s wisdom: being simple, a scoffer, and a fool. In Hebrew, these words refer to someone with characteristics like dull thinking, hardened heart, laziness, naivete, short-sighted, spiritually blinded, and arrogant.

Although hopefully none of us are totally described in one of those ways, there are always times when we act and think foolishly as a result of distrusting God. We are overcome by only seeing our own perspective, not God’s. The gentle and patient Holy Spirit inquires, “How long will you choose this path? You don’t have to continue. Don’t you see the damage to your life? How long will you be blind? I want the best for you and my way is the best for you. Will you see my reproof as a wake-up call?”

The first phrase in Proverbs 1:22 is “how long,” indicating God wants an end to our foolishness, which is fueled by believing He isn’t wise enough to help and He can’t deliver us. Yet God doesn’t give up. He never says, “I understand you are stuck and can’t move therefore I won’t inquire into your heart.” He persists and calls us out of our spiritual blindness and arrogance to help us know there are His better—perfect—alternatives. He gives instructions indicating we can change and grow in wisdom as we are enlightened by Him. How?

The naive simpleton can ask God to provide an eternal perspective. Transformed spiritual eyes will see God’s good work and trust Him more.The scorner can give grace to others who struggle knowing everyone struggles and must vulnerably ask for forgiveness.The fool who hates knowledge can ask God for the gift of hunger for God’s Word, thus comprehending the deep things of God.

The simpleton, scorner, and fool will want to change after understanding God’s love and care motivates His call for our godly living.

#Love is defined as wanting the best for His created beings, and God’s best is the best. The book of #Proverbs is God’s manual for knowing God’s loving best. #trustGod #Bible https://bit.ly/3WPO73W
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We can be assured God offers the benefits and joys of a changed life because the next verse, Proverbs 1:23, gives God’s promise: “If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.”

As a result, we can stop being simple, a scorner, and a fool. And we can start being happier. Here are two questions to consider:

How do you think God’s wisdom is related to His love?In what way do you need to be more assured of God’s wise love right now?Omnipotent God, I praise you how your loving nature motivates everything you do. Thank you for your patient willingness to show me what’s best for my life.

(Would you like to study the biblical book of The Proverbs? I’d love for you to consider my women’s Bible study “Heart Wisdom: Daughters of the King Bible Study Series.” It has ten lessons examining with commentary and questions, topics like communication, marriage, parenting, conflict, money, trusting God, love/hatred, correction, pride/humility, and a woman after God’s own heart. This study book is perfect for individual and group study.)

Book Drawing: “Shaving Off His Mane” by Dana Rausch

Book Drawing: “Shaving Off His Mane” by Dana Rausch

Would you like to have a happier marriage? Do you sometimes feel confused about why your reactions toward your husband seem to discourage him rather than encourage him? Do you sometimes think you don’t understand him at all? If Dana Rausch’s book Shaving Off His Mane: Overcoming the Habit of Devaluing Your Husband had been available early in our marriage, we would have had a happier start and foundation.

That’s why I”m so excited to acquaint you with her book through a Book Drawing! Keep reading to be blessed by the excerpt from her book and then find out how you can enter the drawing and possibly win her book. If you don’t want to wait to gain from her book, buy it now HERE.

I Didn’t Know I was Devaluing My Husband by Dana Rausch

Do you believe your husband’s expectations of you are unrealistic? Perhaps you didn’t measure up, so you gave up. Or did your faulty belief system place an unattainable standard on yourself or your husband as you failed to realize how much your actions undermined your marriage?

Proverbs 14:1 says, “A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.” Subconsciously I tore down my marriage. My self-sufficiency chipped away at the foundation until it started to crumble. As that became clear, I realized I had the destructive habit of devaluing Don, which had frightening and widespread collateral damage. Not only does this destroy a marriage, but the ripple effect stretches from the husband and wife to the children (and their children), to other family members, and beyond.

When we devalue someone, we degrade, alter, or cheapen that person. I didn’t know I was devaluing Don by putting him down or embarrassing him in front of others. I used sarcasm to try to come off as funny, but Don wasn’t laughing. When I needed something done, I went to my dad instead of my husband. Often, my family and friends were more important to me than he was. And I took advantage of his weaknesses.

The LIon’s Mane

Devaluing our husbands is like shaving off a lion’s mane. A lion is known by his mane. It’s the distinguishing factor between him and a lioness. The mane gives him courage, protects him from adversaries, and establishes his authority. It makes him who he is. If you shave off a lion’s mane, you alter, degrade, and diminish him. We ultimately do the same when we devalue our husbands. We changed who they are meant to be, and this results in brokenness. It causes broken homes, broken kids, and broken hearts.

This book is written for wives who want positive change in their marriages. It will equip you to overcome the habits of shaving off your husband’s mane. We’ll explore various ways we wives use the razor. Our words, looking back, attitudes, finances, and intimacy are just a few. For each example, we will discuss one wife in the Bible who attempted to devalue her husband and another who chose to build hers up.

Don and I were unprepared for the battle before us when we married in 1980. We brought with us so much baggage of old wounds, unrealistic expectations, and secrets. He came into the marriage a humble lion but had no idea he had just married a wild lioness who would challenge him constantly, trying to steal his role. The razor sat on my bedside table or in my purse so I could pull it out at any given time to shave Don’s mane. This book is our journey through the needless conflicts of those years.

Today, I’m thankful that Don displays his mighty mane with dignity, and I have become a powerful lioness. The razor no longer exists, and the turnaround that has taken place in our marriage is nothing less than a miracle.

Walk with me through the jungle of the world’s misconception of marriage.

Here are four examination questions:

Have you shaved off your husband’s mane? Why or why not?In what ways have you devalued your husband?Do you want change in your marriage? Why or why not?What can you ask God to change?

Thank you, Dana, for sharing these hope-inspired thoughts. I know your book will be used greatly by the Lord.

TO MY READERS: enter your name into the drawing by making a comment on this blog post. To qualify, you must have a USA mailing address. The drawing ends Thursday evening, May 16, 2024.Dana Rausch is a speaker, women’s ministry leader, event planner, and Bible study facilitator with thirty-two years experience in church work, including as an administrative assistant to a lead pastor. She and her husband were junior-high leaders for several years. Married for forty-three years, she is the mother of three adult children, and grandmother of eight. She enjoys reading, writing, boating, and attending Christian women’s leadership and writers’ conferences.

Connect with Dana at: https://applyyourheart.com

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