Kathy Collard Miller's Blog, page 8
January 11, 2023
Do You Love to be “All Done”?
With the beginning of a new year, we often think of turning over a new leaf or raking all the leaves and putting them into a huge bag. When all done, we feel great. What a sense of accomplishment. That big pile is no longer nagging us.
What we might not recognize is a little whisper saying, “I’m so glad I’ll never have to do that again. All done!” We can’t quite identify this message of “all of nothing.” Our heart longs for: “It’s all taken care of and I’ll never have to do it again.”
There are many ways that message can creep into our thinking. Yet the idea can surface with statements like,I’ll never get angry againI’ll always show love toward that person who is unlovableI’ll never be discontent againI’ll always be joyful in every circumstanceI’ll have my devotions every day.It’s easy to think that such determination will bring us success—even that it’s the only way we’ll improve our coming year. We may think God demands such commitments. But have you noticed that when we can’t follow through, we get discouraged and give up? Even thinking God has given up on us also? Suddenly, there are the last “hold out” leaves falling to the ground.
The good news is that God is more patient than we think. And His patience allows us to grow in improving our lives “little by little.” He’s not impatient with us when it takes us time to overcome our struggles. Even when more “spiritual leaves” show up.
I Timothy 4:15 tells us, “Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.” Vine’s Biblical Dictionary says the Greek word “progress” is the idea of a pioneer cutting his way through the brushwood.
How does the pioneer do that? Little by little. He doesn’t have a mile-wide ax to cut down a swath big enough for building his house the next day. Instead, he takes one step and takes one chop in the brushwood with his ax. He progresses one step and chop at a time.
That’s the kind of “progress” the Apostle Paul is encouraging Timothy to have. Step by step. Chop by chop. Little by little. Because there will always be falling leaves.One of the principles I write about and speak about to give the biblical perspective of this is what I call “The 1% Principle.” Instead of expecting or trying to make plans for 100% perfection, we make small goals—like 1% growth.
So let’s apply that to the steps we mentioned above.I’ll never get angry again becomes I’ll concentrate on the time of day I often get angry and make changes that will support patience.I’ll always show love toward that person who is unlovable becomes I’ll find one thing I actually like about them.I’ll never be discontent again becomes I’ll find one thing to be satisfied about right now.I’ll always be joyful in every circumstance becomes I’ll find one thing to appreciate right now.I’ll have my devotions every day becomes I’ll have my devotions three times this week. Such thinking in the power of the Holy Spirit enables us to make more progress because we’ll be persistent rather than get discouraged and give up.Reaching a 1% goal encourages us and empowers us to continue trusting in God for the progress He desires. And we’ll give Him the glory for the progress we’re making rather than pour contempt on ourselves because we haven’t reached perfection.
What 1% goal does God want you to make? I believe you’ll make greater progress rather than forming unrealistic expectations.Just remember that pioneer’s ax when you think of improving your life!
January 2, 2023
Book Drawing!!!! “Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose” by Tina Yeager
Tina Yeager’s newest book! You could win it.
I’m so excited to feature Tina Yeager’s newest book and it applies to all of us.
(Continue reading to find out how to enter the drawing!)
Tina asks us: Ever feel worn, useless, and too broken to belong anywhere but the landfill? Just as chippy cast-offs gain worth as vintage décor, the imperfect pieces of our lives hold incredible potential.
Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose takes you on an interactive journey to discover how God reinvents rusty and flawed folks like us into cherished masterpieces.
Each chapter includes a gift or décor project which illustrates one of the ways the Great Artist remakes us to serve a beautiful purpose. The projects can serve as tangible reminders and opportunities to share hope of renewal with the world.
Encounter the loving craftsmanship of a Savior who makes all things new.Discover new ways to use what you have to honor the Lord.Reevaluate your imperfections as opportunities for God’s upcycling artwork.Find the power of renewal in the Ultimate Artist, God.Here’s an excerpt to encourage you!Divine Works of Heartby Tina YeagerScents of dried lavender and chalk paint embrace me at the threshold of the old mill. Dust from a lost century kisses my soles as I stroll through the aisles. I wink back at rays dappling through the antique windows onto artful projects within. And I’m thoroughly enchanted by the romance oozing from this world of brokenness restored.
Some passersby might see junk—an undeserved price stickered on attic clutter. But I gaze deeper into things love-worn and retouched. Artisans have discovered hidden significance in castoffs. The image of a Creator glimmers in the work of these creatives.
On a mission of restoration, upcylcers seek the lost and abused. Vintage craftsmen lift forsaken items from the dust. Their callused fingers buff scars and filth from unrecognized treasure. Tremendous care and patience grace their efforts. They toil for a vision no one else imagines through sacrifices of sweat, time, and pain. Pieces redeemed from the landfill now stand on display to inspire another generation. Each refinished work of heart reflects the artist’s spirit.
TWEET THIS: Our broken and junky souls need redemption, too. Mine certainly needed rescue.At nineteen, I shuffled along a gutter and pleaded with God to let me die. Roadside grime deepened the scuffs on my nightclub sandals. I fixed my gaze on the trail to the sewer, where I felt I belonged. But Jesus refused to abandon me as waste.
I’m so grateful my Savior rescued me from the dust. My refinished purpose lies in reflecting my Redeemer’s spirit. He sets me out to serve as inspiration to others. I am the heart work of Christ.
Like all mortal sculptures, I remain a work in progress while here in life’s studio. My upcycler offers regular touch-ups and much-needed repairs. His grace adds a gleam to my face. He polishes the grit from my gears, so I function better. Though the sandpaper might offer a little irritation at first, I thank him for every blessed stroke of his hand.
Join us for a hands-on journey with Jesus, the visionary carpenter who makes all things new—even us. And check out my on-line crafts from my book:
Thank you, Tina, for those “uplifting” words and also sharing your video.
To enter the drawing for Tina’s book, make a comment on this blog post by end of day, Monday, January 9, 2023. Only USA addresses can win.
Award-winning author, speaker, Flourish-Meant podcast host, licensed counselor, and life coach, Tina encourages audiences to fulfill their potential. She hosts a Subdue Stress and Anxiety course featuring 15 expert presenters. Check out Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory Over the Lies Formed Against You and Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose (Bold Vision, 2022). Connect with Tina at tinayeager.com.
Tina’s website: https://tinayeager.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tina-Yeager-M.A./e/B06Y4T4TMG/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose (Bold Vision site)
Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory Over the Lies Formed Against You (publisher site): https://www.newhopepublishers.com/shop/beautiful-warrior/
Inkspirations Online (devotional publication by writers for writers): https://www.inkspirationsonline.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyeagerwriting/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinayeager/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina.yeager.9/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tyeagerwrites
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TinaYeager
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tyeagerwrites/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3865622.Tina_Yeager
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tina-yeager?list=author_books
December 30, 2022
Should We Say “Good Riddance to 2022”?
My husband, Larry, and I were talking about our past year and he said, “Good riddance. I can’t wait for 2023!” I felt the same and it seemed reasonable.
We had experienced a flurry of surprising challenges this past year, including both of us being treated for cancer. I had breast cancer surgery (read about my journey HERE) and Larry had radiation for prostate cancer.
Also, we are still adjusting to living in a different state which brought good and unexpected adjustments. We were caught off guard in many ways including our ministry being diminished.
Yet, we reflected on many wonderful parts of 2022 including the best part of living closer to some family members, even as we are farther from other family members.
So after our initial thought of “Good Riddance to 2022,” we began thinking, “What does saying ‘good riddance’ really mean? Is it a godly response?” We decided it could indicate:
An all or nothing attitude that all of 2022 was bad and 2023 is guaranteed to be good.God was just as surprised as we were and maybe even caught off guard like we were.God wasn’t really very wise and will treat us better next year.Maybe the Bible is wrong when God says His ways are always intended for our good.God will have another opportunity to prove Himself good and faithful in 2023.God will be just as eager and relieved to say “good riddance” as we are.Now I recognize these ideas seem silly, even ridiculous, because they are extreme and not what we really think we mean by “good riddance.” After all, isn’t it sorta a “throw-away” kind of phrase we toss out there to express our desire for better circumstances? And if we’re honest, even no difficulties at all?
But what is your heart and mind really believing?The truth as the Bible tells us is:TWEET THIS: What are you thinking about all this? Should we say “Good Riddance to 2022?” I’d love to hear your thoughts.
to expect difficulties all things work together for good to those who love God God is sovereign over all and does what He pleases God providentially plans for good in the midst of difficulty, uncertainty, and pain God uses afflictions of all sorts to develop our faith and dependence on Him.
December 21, 2022
Afraid You Don’t Have Christmas Traditions?
Have you ever thought that? You may not realize you have made more traditions than you recognize. Let me tell you why.
I’m sure my parents never intended to create a Christmas tradition but they did.In our small home in Norwalk, California, where I spent most of my childhood, the living room separated the bedrooms from the kitchen. The Christmas tree was placed in the living room and in our family, Santa brought unwrapped gifts on Sunday morning. That was great! The difficulty was that my mother insisted we three children eat breakfast before we opened our presents. She just knew, rightly so, once we opened our gifts we wouldn’t want to eat (and play instead) and then our little bodies would crave even more sugar than usual. Plus, we wouldn’t get our nutrition for the morning.
So… how could we children get from the bedrooms on Christmas morning to the kitchen without seeing the gifts—especially the unwrapped ones Santa had brought?Who knows who thought of it, but some adult reasoned, “Let’s carry each child from the bedroom to the kitchen and put a blanket over their heads to prevent them from seeing the gifts.” Since my single uncle usually spent the night, between him and my father, we were each carried to the kitchen, where we gobbled down our Malt-O-Meal as quickly as possible. Then we were given the go-ahead, “OK, go into the living room.”
After several years of doing that, it became a tradition! (I can hear Tevya from Fiddler on the Roof singing “Tradition!”) And I’m very sure that this Christmas, as we do every year, when my family are together, we will refer at some point to that “tradition” with great fondness and a big smile.How about you? Are you wondering if you have traditions? First of all, think back to your own childhood and you may recognize traditions that were never intended to be traditions and yet they bring a smile to your face even now. I’m confident that you are building traditions in your family (both at Christmas and throughout the year) more than you realize.
But just in case you’re still looking for some traditions to begin, here are some ideas:***our family began caroling around our cul-de-sac every Christmas eve. Our neighbors began to anticipate our coming.
***you can give each child an ornament with their name and date to hang on the tree. When they move out on their own, those ornaments are theirs to keep.
***a variation of that is creating a family project of making ornaments that are given to friends and relatives with the date on it—along with your name.
***at our Christmas dinner table, there is a question written on a piece of paper in front of each place setting. Each person answers their question as everyone listens. The questions refer to pleasant things like, “What is your favorite memory of this last year?” or “What is a goal you’d like to set for this coming year?”
***set up a cookie bake with family or friends in your home or independently bake a pre-determined cookie to be shared with others who then share their baking with you.
I’m sure you can think of other “traditions” but even if you can’t, just remember that anything you do on a consistent basis is a tradition. Enjoy each one knowing you are making memories with your family. What activity can you identify as being a “tradition,” even if you haven’t called it a tradition?December 17, 2022
People Pleasing at Christmas Time: STRESSFUL!
Here are some signals we have this sinful strategy:
If someone doesn’t like me, I wonder why and think a lot about how to correct their perception of me.I say, “I don’t care what others think” but I also don’t want to reach out to someone, even when God wants me to, because they haven’t been receptive to me in the past. My heart doesn’t feel caring toward them.I “read” the responses of other people to try to figure out what they’re thinking, especially their thinking about me.I feel compelled to correct any misunderstanding I sense.I look for affirmation or displeasure in others as I’m talking to them.When someone is displeased with me (or seems to be), I feel badly about myself.Another person’s beliefs about me are more important than who God says I am “in Christ.”This is not a scientifically proven little quiz but since I am a confirmed, recovering People Pleaser, these are the elements of my own symptoms.
As a result, I often notice how the Bible refers to people pleasing. Isaiah 51 recently spoke to me about this topic, especially verses 12-13:“I, I am he who comforts you;
who are you that you are afraid of man who dies,
of the son of man who is made like grass,
and have forgotten the Lord, your Maker,
who stretched out the heavens
and laid the foundations of the earth,
and you fear continually all the day
because of the wrath of the oppressor,
when he sets himself to destroy?
These verses help us to diminish our People Pleasing tendencies by making a contrast between people and God. God is saying, “I’ve come through for you but you are fearing a person who will die just like the grass, which I created. Their power will die with them. I am in power over the grass and them. I had the power to create everything but your seeming ‘oppressor’ has no power. I’m in control but your fear indicates you fear them more than me.”
We could easily discard the word “oppressor” because the person we want to please isn’t really our enemy and wanting to kill us physically. But when we are spending time, effort, energy, and feeling badly about ourselves because of the responses of others, aren’t we, in a sense, being held hostage by them? We are allowing them to seemingly oppress us. “Oppress” can be defined as subservience or being tyrannized and disheartened. If I’m spending time figuring out to how to please someone else to feel better about myself then I’m discarding God’s opinion that I’m loved unconditionally even if I make a mistake, even sin. I’m making that person more important than God.
In my book, Pure-Hearted: The Blessings of Living Out God’s Glory I point to a little story that personalizes this People Pleasing struggle. In Matthew 15, Jesus has a discussion with the Pharisees and they are unhappy. The disciples say to Jesus, Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this [your] saying?”(vs. 12).The disciples must have expected Jesus to exclaim, “Oh, no. Really? I didn’t expect my words would offend them. I’ll go immediately and ask their forgiveness. I’ll be more careful next time.”
Not quite. Jesus doesn’t change the Father’s plan or diminish speaking the truth because those “in power” are upset. If He did, He would have been motivated by the lack of acceptance by others. And He would actually be loving the Pharisees poorly by encouraging them to continue in their false beliefs and sin. He loved them well by challenging them and correcting them.
The Pharisees didn’t receive His correction, but Jesus didn’t feel responsible to force them to change. Neither was Jesus discontent as if they empowered His ministry’s success. Jesus didn’t have a single people- pleasing bone in His body.I know we want to become more like Jesus and diminish more of our People Pleasing tendencies. We can do that by keeping in mind that just as God created everything, He has more power than anyone we are depending upon to feel good about ourselves.
I do want to clarify that as the Bible instructs, there are times when we know someone is at odds with us and we need to make that right. The problem is when we are discarding God’s love for us and seeing that person as holding the key to our worth and value.
This is especially important in this Christmas season when we are interacting at a stressful level with many people, some whom we don’t have the best relationships with during the year.How are you being aware of people pleasing responses in your life (at any time in the year) and what are you doing, thinking, or believing differently to value God’s unconditional love of you more than another person’s? Please share in the comments so that all of my readers can benefit from your sharing.
December 13, 2022
God Sees You!
(I love to post this story every Christmas. Enjoy it again!)
I waited impatiently along with my sister Karen and brother Chuck at the closed door leading into the living room where we could imagine the sparkling Christmas tree awaiting us. Nine-year-old Karen murmured, “I can’t wait to get my new bicycle. I just know it’s under the tree.”
Then it was time. We sprinted into the living room and gasped with delight. The tree blazed with colored lights. Karen’s eyes scanned over the gifts, some wrapped, some not. But there wasn’t any bike standing by the tree. I heard her murmur Where is it? and knew her heart felt heavy with disappointment. But I could also see that she was trying to push her disappointment aside as she grabbed the unwrapped doll sitting on top of her pile. It was the doll she wanted—but it wasn’t the bike!
From my vantage point, I could see Karen’s bike over by the front door next to the hall closet. Even though I wondered why she didn’t see it, I was too engrossed in my own gifts to say anything.“Karen,” I heard our mother call, “please go to the hall closet and get me one of the folding chairs.”
“But Mommy, I’m not done with my presents…” Our mother’s warning look stopped her whine. She got up slowly. “Oh, OK.” I knew she wanted to scream, “Where’s my bike?” as I saw tears pooling in her eyes. She had been talking for months about getting that bike for Christmas.
Karen walked across the small living room to the hall closet and jerked open the closet door.
Tugging at the chair inside, she pulled it out and carried it to where her mother sat. “Thanks, honey,” her mother grinned.
Moments later, Karen’s shoulders slumped as she reached for her last present which wasn’t her bike.
“Karen, if you’re done opening your presents, what do you say?” her mother asked.
“Thanks for my presents. They’re nice.” But they aren’t my bike, I knew she really wanted to say but knew better. We all did.
Then our mother spoke up again, “Karen…” but started laughing before she could say anything more. Before she could control herself, our father had burst into laughter too.Mom’s giggling subsided and then she said, “Karen, would you please go to the closet again and stand there?”
She obediently trudged toward the closet and then jolted to a stop. There, right in front of her, leaning against the opposite wall, was her shiny, red bike decorated with a big red bow! As she stood transfixed with her mouth agape, we all roared with laughter.
“Honey, why didn’t you see it before?” mommy called out. “It’s been there the whole time. That’s why I interrupted you with that silly task.”
Karen jumped onto her new bike’s red plastic seat that sported bright yellow sunflowers. “I guess I was so disappointed when I didn’t see it under the tree that I just didn’t notice it over here.” She paused. “But it’s here! My bike! I love it!” She ran to mommy and daddy and hugged them.I’ve always remembered that Christmas morning. Karen thought the bike would be under the tree and her ability to see it was blocked by her locked expectations.
When I get disappointed by life and other people, even God, I’m reminded how blessings are often all around me but I just don’t see them. I’m expecting them in a certain way—under the tree not sitting by the closest door.
I must be open to God’s unusual and creative ways to bless me and others. He knows what’s best. How about you?Have a blessed Christmas because of hidden gifts!
(PS Thanks to my sister Karen for always letting me tell this story!)
December 6, 2022
3 Secrets to Peace in the Midst of Christmas Stress
I remember the Christmas seasons from the past when I was a young mom and all the preparations seemed overwhelming. I wish I could have known better how to respond in a godly manner. So let me share with you three secrets to peace in the midst of Christmas Stress. All 3 secrets are found in Luke 10.
Luke 10 contains three stories of Jesus’ responses to those who found greater value in “doing” than in “being.” Let’s look at them. I will give you a summary of each story and then we’ll see how they apply to having peace in the midst of Christmas stress. TWEET THAT!!!!!The First Secret
In Luke 10:1-20, Jesus sends out 72 disciples to share the Gospel. The missionaries return with tremendous news: “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” They return ecstatic. They can’t believe the impressive results. I think they expect Jesus to jump up and down in joy like they are doing. Instead, he says, “Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (10:20).
Jesus emphasizes he values more their “being” His children than their accomplishments in His power. For our Christmas stress theme, we could also emphasize that just because we have great results from one activity, doesn’t always mean doing it again will gain the same results.
What stress are you feeling because you want to gain the same appreciation from a former successful activity? Instead, be at peace that God will bring the “great results” from anything you do if you obey Him.The Second Secret
In the second story in Luke 10:25-19, we read the story of a lawyer who is an expert in defending religious law. He asks Jesus, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (10:25). Jesus doesn’t answer directly because the lawyer isn’t sincere. The defender of the law has kept the law and not only desires “to justify himself” (10:29), he wants acknowledgment, approval, and applause for his “perfect” behavior. But his heart sees no need for a Messiah. By Jesus asking the lawyer what is the most important “Law” command (which is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind), Jesus is pointing not to finding value in being perfect (which is impossible) but in having a heart desire of loving God.
For our Christmas stress theme, I would suggest that we can find greater peace in taking our focus off making everything perfect, and instead caring about the hearts of those we love. Instead of being upset because the children mess up the “perfect” decorations, we give grace to imperfect children who have an imperfect mom.The Third Secret
Thirdly, we have the famous story of Jesus at the home of Martha and Mary (vas. 38-42). Mary completes her hostess assignments and then sits peacefully at Jesus’s feet being spiritually fed. Martha frantically thinks of more she could complete and becomes angry because her efforts aren’t getting the results she wants—acknowledgement of her hospitality.
The connection with Christmas stress is obvious. Peace comes from being spiritually minded rather than performance. It is wanting to please God rather than on receiving acknowledgment from people. The greatest way to overcome stress is to actually be willing to be seen as “less than.” As one who didn’t want anyone visiting unless my house was perfectly clean, I can tell myself now that my attention on visitors is more important than how my house looks. How about you?What Can We Learn?
All three incidents feature someone “doing” and Jesus encouraging them to “be”. In all three, someone has worked hard and reaped stress. Jesus longs for them to know the peace of the security of how they are accepted by the Messiah. All three are “doing it” and wondering why “it isn’t doing it”.
Our sensitive Savior, Jesus, who is sympathetic and empathetic to human feelings, is using a variety of ways to basically say, “You don’t need to be stressed by doing. I want your heart to reside in peace by knowing who you are by being in relationship with me as your Savior and Lord, the source of peace.” As a result of His Spirit’s indwelling, we are empowered for doing his works as he supplies the drive, energy, and passion for his glory, not ours.(This is an adapted excerpt from our book God’s Intriguing Questions: 60 New Testament Devotions Revealing Jesus’s Nature. Available in Kindle, audio, and print). 
November 30, 2022
Book Drawing! “Can You See Me Now?” by Cheri Strange
We all feel lonely, left out and less than at times. I’m so grateful Cheri Strange has tackled this topic to help us all.
Here is how Cheri describes her book: We all want to be loved. But what happens when we get passed over, left out, or seem invisible? How do you make new friends, navigate drama, and enjoy authentic connection? Can You See Me, Now? reveals how you were handpicked by God to express love, thrive in community, and enhance the world around you. Take the 75-day journey and learn how to cultivate the courage to connect with others, counter the nay-sayers who prefer you remain quiet, and kiss goodbye to the old tendencies to blend into the wallpaper. Start enjoying the woman God created you to be, and leave “invisible you” behind.
You can enter the drawing to win a copy of “Can You See Me Now?” by following the instructions below. First you can be blessed by reading an excerpt from her book.Becoming VisibleBy Cheri StrangeJames, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. (James 1:1 ESV)
School recesses during childhood can leave a mark. Where I grew up, unless your teeth were in jeopardy, or you broke a bone, the adults didn’t pay attention to fairness, feelings, or failings. It was the kind of environment where thicker skins developed and existing hurts became more ingrained. Exclusion from a game with the popular girls, vicious name calling, or the humiliation of being the last resort when teams divided could be painful pricks, especially when reinforced through the years. Maybe you can relate. The dread of recognizing all you are not can be debilitating to the point we find ourselves in the corner, once again, questioning God’s purpose for our lives.
From the opening lines of his book, James, if he had any, left that dread on the playground. In one sentence, the man declared his clear sense of God’s purpose for his life.
The victory is not making a smart choice about whether to become a plumber as opposed to the expected carpenter, but knowing to whom he belongs and how that should play out in his life. Paul describes this knowing to the Corinthians, asking them to consider who God calls:
“God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,” (1 Corinthians 1:28-30).
You see, these individuals leaned toward obscurity.
You can see the potential problems if we were left in charge. The prettiest people would get the gifts and blessings. The smartest would be privy to the truth. We would reserve all other offices for those possessing charisma, leaving the rest of humanity out of luck.
Thankfully, it’s not my Gospel. It’s not the Gospel Paul preaches, nor the one James writes about. God chooses the weak, those with no pedigree, who are unworthy of notice. Non-essentials. The nothings of this world. He chooses them on purpose.
There is room for you and for me.Has God found you in all your obscurity, like James? Your God specializes in calling the things that are not, as if they are. Although James holds a place of prominence, leading the Christian church in Jerusalem, he calls himself the servant of God and Jesus Christ. What if you took on this same calling? Consider one difference you could make today toward this goal.
Thank you, Cheri, for your inspirational and motivating words which confirm we are not alone, left out or less than.
Want to enter the drawing for Cheri’s book? Make a comment on this blog post and I’ll enter your name into the drawing. Last day to enter is Wednesday December 7th, 2022. Only USA addresses can win. Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Kse55dYouVersion app: https://www.bible.com/search/plans?query=cheri%20strangewebsite: http://www.sheyearns.com, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheristrange/FB: https://www.facebook.com/Therealcheristrange
Adapted from her new release, Can You See Me, Now? Good news for the lonely, left out, and less than from Bold Vision Books. Cheri Strange has helped over 725,000 women redefine their worth through her writing, speaking, and highly popular YouVersion Bible reading plans. She is a national speaker, visionary of She Yearns Ministries, and the author of Life Principles for Living Out the Greatest Commandment, from AMG. Cheri holds a Ph.D. from Baylor University and lives in Houston with her husband, Chad, their eight children, and her Maine Coon cat.
November 19, 2022
A Unique Perspective on Isaiah’s Gratitude–for Your Thanksgiving Joy
Of course, we are gearing up for Thanksgiving and reminded again how important giving thanks is. Gratitude brings joy, contentment, kindness, responding in love, and so many other wonderful things.
There’s so much to say about gratitude but I thought it would be unique to see how an Old Testament encounter between Isaiah and God in the throne room could inspire us.The story is in Isaiah 6 when Isaiah “saw” the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up (Isaiah 6:1). After Isaiah is cleansed from his sin, God asks, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? (IIsaiah 6:8)
God asks the question and stares right at Isaiah. Because there isn’t any other human in the throne room.
OK, let’s get this clear.
There’s no one else who can take this opportunity (who is human).God knows who he wants to take the opportunity.He’s staring right at Isaiah.Yet God Almighty asks. Asks.Although God has no qualms about directing and telling people what to do, he still asks. He asks knowing the person could refuse. Of course, God knows everything including Isaiah’s answer, but from a human standpoint, he could know it because of what occurred several verses previously.
In verse 3, Isaiah sees the Holy God high and lifted up in all his regal holiness. The continual words spoken by the Seraphim is, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory” (vs. 3). The repeated description of God in triplet is very significant. The more a word or phrase is repeated, the more the meaning is being stressed. And the more the speaker is saying, “pay attention.” This Jewish idea is used by Jesus when he frequently said, “Verily, verily, I say to you …” Anyone listening understands the words are very important.
What is Isaiah’s response to this magnified magnificence about God’s holy nature?
“Woe is me, for I am ruined!Because I am a man of unclean lips,And I live among a people of unclean lips;For my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” (vs. 5)Isaiah fully expects to be killed instantly because the Scriptures say no one can see the Lord and live. Isaiah deserves death as a woefully sinful person. But the Seraphim brings a burning coal and touches Isaiah’s lips, saying, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away and your sin is forgiven” (vs. 7).
Isaiah is about to die and suddenly gets a reprieve. Picture you sitting in the electric chair knowing you deserve death—you really are guilty. Just when the executioner starts to pull the switch someone shouts, “Wait! Clemency has come through from the President of the United States.” Not only would you be stunned, you would be willing to kiss the President’s feet and do anything he requests.
God’s graciousness is demonstrated in a powerful way in this throne room scene pointing to the future Messiah coming to earth to reveal the fulfillment of the gospel predicted back in Genesis 3:15. As a result of realizing we don’t deserve being forgiven by a totally holy God, we are filled with gratitude which motivates and energizes our obedience.
Maybe you could forgive someone who has hurt you knowing you have been forgiven of rebellion against God.Maybe you could express gratitude to a loved one for what he can provide even though he can’t seem to fulfill all your desires.Maybe you could be more at peace with yourself and your failings even though you continue to fail God and others. But because He stands ready in His magnificence to forgive and encourage you, you can relax.Maybe you could think of the coming holidays not as a to-do list or a requirement to please everyone, but to be grateful that there’s really one Person you need to please: God Himself.
As you think of these possibilities, reflect on:
Is there anything new about God’s gracious holiness revealed to you in this throne room scene?How would you like to apply the gratitude Isaiah experienced to your daily living, especially in the midst of stress at the holidays?Gracious God, I praise you that you are totally holy and yet made it possible for my sin to be forgiven. Thank you for motivating me to serve you out of the gratitude for my redemption.
(This is a revised excerpt from Larry and my book, God’s Intriguing Questions: 40 Old Testament Devotions Revealing God’s Nature. To check it out, CLICK HERE.) 
November 2, 2022
Book Drawing: “Is It Safe to Die?” by Kat Dunkle
I’m very, very excited about featuring Kat Dunkle’s book. Kat is a dear, long-time friend of mine and I have cheered her on about writing this memoir that is powerful and gives God so much glory.
Her story includes a near-death experience, divorce, abortion, domestic abuse, childhood trauma, death of a child, and being an atheist. Yet, God’s grace, mercy, and joy overcame all these to bring her to salvation in Christ and a heart for God that inspires me. Her story will astound you. And can I say? I had the privilege of writing the Foreword for her book.
Read below how you can enter the drawing to win a copy of Kat’s book!Here’s the Introduction from Kat’s book:
Is It Safe To Die?by Kat DunkleLife can be a harrowing experience for everyone. Growing up in the 1940s and 50s with an unloving father whose job had us constantly moving around the country left me with many insecurities and just feeling different from all the other kids. I escaped from a difficult homelife into a bad marriage, becoming a mom of two sons by the time I was twenty-one years old. Divorce, poverty, and depression plummeted me deeper into self-loathing.
Then on a blind date, I met a wonderful man, whom I married less than a month later. Another beautiful son came into my life. My husband and I started a business. As far as I was concerned, my life was close to perfect.
One thing this life didn’t include was any relationship with or belief in God. Though I’d attended church in early childhood, God had hardly crossed my mind in over fifteen years. I had seen so much pain and cruelty in my own life and the world around me. If God really existed, then He must be to blame for allowing such pain and cruelty. So I preferred to reject any possibility that God existed.Then devastation hit. My middle son was killed at just eight years old. The business my husband and I had started went bankrupt. My father dropped dead of a heart attack. All within a few months. From that point on, my perfect new life and marriage began unravelling. I grew increasingly bitter and angry. Above all, at any thought that a God might exist who had allowed my precious son to be taken from me at such a young age.
Through a combination of circumstances, I ended up in the hospital for emergency surgery, where I flat-lined and was declared clinically dead. TWEET THAT!!!While the period in which I was clinically dead may have been quite brief in earthly terms, what I experienced during that time seemed far longer and was excruciatingly intense. I was first given the gift of feeling God’s presence. Then “all hell broke loose” as I plummeted into a horrific pit of darkness and burning pain filled with anguishing screams of other lost souls. I knew without a doubt that I was plunging into hell and that it was my own fault for having rejected God.
Amazingly, my heart started beating again, and I came back to life. Why did God let me come back? The one thing I now knew for certain was that God, heaven, and hell were all real and that I’d been given a second chance. While still clinically dead and undergoing that horrific experience of hell, I’d cried out to God, asking for forgiveness and redemption. The last thing I remember before coming back to living was the voice of God saying, “Bring people to me.”
Life drastically changed after my death-to-life experience. God healed me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He healed my marriage and brought my husband and children to faith as well. He also gave me a clear vision for founding a business in a field never tapped before. I became the focus of numerous magazine and newspaper articles on women in business.
Since then, I’ve gone on to be a speaker, Bible teacher, and business consultant as well. I’ve been interviewed for multiple television documentaries and books focused on near death experiences. I believe each of these opportunities were part of God’s directive to me while still clinically dead to “bring people to Me.”
It is for this same reason that I am now writing my story in full. I write this book for every reader who has suffered loss of any kind. Loss of a loved one. A career. Even your own life. I also write for every reader who may be suffering bitterness and anger due to loss, hardship, trauma, abuse, and depression. Or perhaps your life appears to be going well now, but you’ve chosen to reject the existence of a loving God because of past pain and grief.If you are reading these words, then know that God loves you and is calling you this very minute to Himself. I invite you to accompany me on my own death-to-life journey in these pages. As you do so, it is my prayer that you too will seize that second chance, place your faith in a loving heavenly Father, and walk with Him daily.
And when your day should come to leave this earthly life behind, as it comes to all of us, may you have absolute certainty in your heart that it is indeed “safe to die” and that you will live for eternity with God in all His glory.Wow, Kat, thanks so much for having God’s courage to share so vulnerably and honestly. I’m so glad you are offering to send a book to the winner of the drawing.
To enter the drawing, make a comment on the blog post. Only USA addresses can win. Last day to enter the drawing is Friday, November 11, 2022.
If you just can’t wait until then, you can buy Kat’s book (click here)
Author Kat Dunkle is the founder of Customer Research, Inc., an internationally recognized marketing and research corporation. She has been the focus of many articles on women in business and interviewed for multiple television documentaries and books on near-death experiences. She is a frequent speaker, Bible teacher, and business consultant. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and “ever-after” love Don, two sons, and four grandchildren. She can be contacted at thekat137@aol.com
