Lyli Dunbar's Blog, page 26
March 8, 2017
Delightful
The last weekend in February, I hosted a most fabulous bridal shower for my bestie, who is getting hitched this month. A simply delightful time was had by all.
My hubby relished his job as cleaner upper of the yard. He spent hours outside clipping hedges and making all the plants obey his bidding. Our grass has never looked greener or more uniform in length. Bruce loves to get dirty in our planting areas.
The awesome Cassie whipped up a cake extraordinaire. Every morsel was like a piece of heaven melting in my mouth. She seriously needs to start her own bakery. I have trouble putting a Betty Crocker cake mix in the oven, but Cassie is skilled at concocting scrumptious confectionery.
The devotional challenge to the bride was fabulous. Eileen, who teaches for BSF, was kind enough to break open the Word and offer up a few words of wisdom that frankly brought the house down. I wanted a copy to pour over and possibly pray through. Her grace and authenticity in sharing filled up the room with the sweet fragrance of the Holy Spirit.
As the hostess with the mostess, I mixed thawed frozen orange juice concentrate into the yummy punch recipe and simmered the killer frozen meatballs in the crock pot. I also decided to dial up the corner Italian restaurant for two fabulous takeout pans of baked ziti with garlic rolls, rather than slaving over the stove and greeting my guests covered in sweat and tomato sauce.
Here’s the thing, each of us did what delighted us. If I’d had to grab a pair of shears and hunch over into the side yard to tackle the weeds, I would have grumbled and complained the whole time. Cassie may love baking cakes, but flour and I are not fast friends. My delight is in coordinating the fun and warmly greeting my guests at the door. I love sitting in a quiet corner and chatting with the girls.
I’ve learned to delegate what doesn’t delight me. Life is too short to spend all my energy on the dreary that drains.
It’s part of the reason that I am super thankful for Traci and Mandy who are working behind the scenes on the “fresh look” for this blog. I needed to focus on the fun bridal shower and leave the nitty-gritty design to the experts.
What are you drudging through right now that is not a delight? Sometimes we need to step away from what is sapping us of energy.
This morning, I read a good Word that made my heart smile:
God delights in mercy.
I grew fascinated by the concept. God delights.
On the drive to work, I contemplated what else might tickle His fancy.
This afternoon, I did a quick word study to find out:
God delights in the welfare of His servants. (Psalm 37:27, ESV)
God delights in the truth in our inward being. (Psalms 51:6)
God delights in the soul of the blameless. (Proverbs 11:20)
God delights in those who act faithfully. (Proverbs 12:22)
God delights in justice. (Psalm 37:28, NASB)
God delights in the prayer of the upright. (Proverbs 15:8, AMP)
God delights in practicing lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth. (Jeremiah 9:24)
God delights in steadfast loyalty, faithfulness in the covenant relationship. (Hosea 6:6)
His delight dwells in us (John 15:11, AMP). Christ prayed for us to experience His joy made full and complete and perfect within us filling our hearts with His delight (John 17:13, AMP).
My friend, He has promised to “keep you from stumbling or falling into sin, and to present you unblemished, blameless and faultless, in the presence of His glory with triumphant joy and unspeakable delight” (Jude 1;24, NLT). He wants to feed you from the abundance of His house and let you drink from His river of delights (Psalm 36:8). He delights in every detail of your life (Psalm 37:23).
Let these words fill you with delight today: “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs” (Zephaniah 3:17, NLT).
God delights in you. He never grows dreary of dazzling you with His mercy and love.
God delights in you. He never grows dreary of dazzling you with His mercy and love.
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Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Delightful” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. 
March 1, 2017
An Emblematic Life
I’ve spent the entire week looking at clip art and fonts. Giving this blog a fresh look is serious work.
In the meantime, I haven’t folded the laundry or washed my hair. But, I’ve picked a snappy color scheme after signing a contract with the awesome Traci Michelle and Mandy Roberson.
Remember I hate change, so choosing a new logo is akin to selecting an emblem for my own personal torture chamber.
What object best characterizes my identity? I must confess that I had no idea. After hours of scrolling through potential logos, my head started to throb.
Instead of choosing a symbol to represent my distinctiveness, I took two Advil instead.
Tonight it finally dawned on me that God has an insignia. Choosing my trademark is not problematic at all.
I am called to life an emblematic life. My banner is the cross. No cross. No crown.
I am called to life an emblematic life. My banner is the cross. No cross. No crown.
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3 Ways to Live an Emblematic Life
Praise Your Redeemer: Our lives are marked by transformation. Because God has written forgiveness on our hearts, we must joyfully proclaim “Soli Deo Gloria,” To God alone be the glory.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31, ESV).
Picture His Grace: Our calling card is unconditional love. Our job description is to humbly serve and encourage.
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24, NIV).
Publicize the Truth: Our motto is simply the Gospel. Share the Good News and tell the world that salvation is here. Make Christ known with your every breath.
May our emblematic lives invite the watching world to worship the God who works wonders.
Something to think about…
I’m sharing “An Emblematic Life” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
February 22, 2017
A Fresh Look
In 1983, I decided to cut my hair shorter. My friend, Maria, got a snazzy fresh look, and I played copy cat.
I loved my shorter locks on the front and side. The layers made it easy to blow dry and style. I walked the halls at school feeling lighter and way cooler.
In case you are wondering…. Yes, it is true. I was proud of my mullet.
In 1983, my mullet was all the rage.
The problem is that I loathe change. (I mentioned this last week, remember?).
When I looked in the mirror, that mullet looked great to me over a decade later. Many kindhearted people tried to help me adopt a different perspective. I can’t tell you how many of my 10th grade English students asked, “Ma’am, have you ever considered growing out your hair?”
No. No. No.
I kept that mullet until 2005. (No, I am not kidding. I am picturing you reading this e-mail and shaking your head in disbelief.)
Every time I considered growing out my out-dated hairdo, I’d reach a point where the discomfort of the long scraggly sides made me reach for the scissors. I’d stand in front of the mirror and chop away.
It looked clean and crisp and easy to manage to me.
I might have gone on this way forever, but one day I finally experienced an epiphany. I finally frowned into the mirror and perceived how completely archaic and unappealing I appeared to the world.
So, I hid my scissors.
I grit my teeth when the hair on the side reached down below my ears and looked uneven and messy.
I tried not to stare too long at my current reflection, and instead I imagined how beautiful my hair was going to look in the future.
A year after my scissors went into hibernation, I started a new job and made an appointment with a fancy hairdresser. I got lovely honey-colored highlights and completely updated my look.
Soon after, I met my husband. He is not a fan of the mullet, and I am probably married today because I parted with my scissors.
So my friends, I want to confess that this week I realized that I have a new “mullet” to tackle. For years now, friends have encouraged me to re-brand this blog. I know that I need to, but frankly, I didn’t want to deal with the discomfort. I like things the way they are, and updating didn’t seem all that necessary.
The time is now. If I don’t refresh and move forward, this space will grow redundant and ineffective.
I want to sparkle instead of fizzle out.
So, for the next few days, I am going to grit my teeth and deal with the discomfort.
A fresh look is coming. You don’t need to do a thing. I’ve invited someone to help dress up things a bit, and although my new home will be LyliDunbar.com, you will still receive encouragement in your inbox if you are subscribed.
My blogging friends should know that the link-up is going to move to Fridays soon under a new name. I will e-mail you all the details once we are ready to roll out the revamped blog.
How about you?
What’s your mullet?
Sometimes we must take a hard look in the mirror and make changes if we want to glitter for God’s glory.
Let’s take a hard look in the mirror and make changes to glitter for God’s glory.
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Something to think about…
I’m sharing “A Fresh Look” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
February 17, 2017
4 Ways to Make History
His bold shirt immediately caught my attention. He was patiently waiting in the long Customs line at the port. We’d both just returned home from vacation. The crowded room was packed with travelers from all over the world, but this one man stood out.
He kind of looked like an elderly Norwegian weight lifter. He was obviously in good shape, and his bright eyes and upturned smile quietly spoke of passion and purpose.
I wanted to cut through the throng over to where he was planted and ask him about his life. “What makes your heart come alive, sir?”
I was incredibly challenged by the message his attire declared.
The black t-shirt was emblazoned with 2 simple words in neon yellow. Two words proclaiming, “My life is going to make a difference.” Two words that tipped the scales from mediocre to magnificent:
Make History
The guy in the black t-shirt was a world changer, and I wanted to join his club. I want my life to make a difference in this world.
I want to make history, not excuses.
I want to make history, not excuses.
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How about you? Are you ready to change the world for Jesus? In the New Testament, we see how God used simple, uneducated men to change the course of history. They weren’t talented or super geniuses. They just allowed God to use them and followed the leading of the Holy Spirit.
If you want to “Make History,” I’ve got 4 suggestions on how you can start today right where you are…
I’m sharing “4 Ways to Make History at Missional Women today.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
The post 4 Ways to Make History appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
February 15, 2017
Culture of Change
I hate change.
I go to the same restaurant every Saturday night. After scouring the menu, I always order the Number Two with a Pepsi.
When I go to church, I always sit in the same seat way back in the right corner. The row with only 3 seats is my territory.
I worked at my first job for 17 years, and I’ve been at my current job for over a decade. I can drive to work in my sleep.
I apply the same shade of pinkish lipstick every morning as I stand in front of my bathroom mirror.
I love that Scripture in the Bible that says God never changes because upsetting the apple cart makes me very unhappy.
Here’s the problem though. Yes, God is the same yesterday and today and forever, but life is constantly evolving. Therefore, I need to get with the program and rise up from my couch of complacency.
God never tells me that I don’t have to change. Sanctification implies continual transformation.
I’ve read my Bible. In theory I understand the principle of presenting my body as a living sacrifice, but in practice I am a rebel at heart.
I’d rather just sit in the same row and have it my way.
When I read my New Testament, I see clearly how God hates willful people who are stubborn of heart and loathe to change.
Jesus heard about it and spoke up, ‘Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting outsiders, not insiders—an invitation to a changed life, changed inside and out.’ ~ Luke 5:31-32, MSG
Christ invites us to walk with Him so that He can work His wonder in our lives. We are called to be display cases for His glory.
I cannot fly like a butterfly unless I am first willing to break out of my cocoon of fear.
I cannot fly like a butterfly unless I am first willing to break out of my cocoon of fear.
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Tonight, I’m asking God to birth a metamorphosis in my heart and mind.
How about you? Do you long to fly for God’s glory? I’ve got 3 suggestions to jump-start our journey.
3 Changes to Launch Your Flight
Be a Truth Teller: Stop lying to yourself about yourself. Be authentically you — flaws, weaknesses, and brokenness are cracks where God’s glorious light shines through to this world. Tell your story warts and all. Speak the unedited truth to everyone you meet.
“What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself” (Ephesians 4:25, MSG).
Be a Grace Extender: The enemy of your soul wants to get you mad at everybody. He would prefer for you to stay home on the couch nursing a grudge than out and about sharing the Good News. Don’t give him that pleasure. Extend God’s forgiveness and find freedom.
“Be angry at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior, yet do not sin; do not let your anger cause you shame, nor allow it to last until the sun goes down. And do not give the devil an opportunity to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness… Do not let unwholesome foul, profane, worthless, vulgar words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear you speak. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God but seek to please Him, by whom you were sealed and marked branded as God’s own for the day of redemption the final deliverance from the consequences of sin. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice – all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence. Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted, compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another readily and freely, just as God in Christ also forgave you” (vs. 26-27, 29-32 AMP).
Be a Generous Giver: Hoarding has no place in the heart of a believer. Ask God to give you a passion for sharing from your stockpile. We lack for nothing, but many around us are hurting and in desperate need of our compassion.
“If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need” (vs. 28, NLT).
Let’s stop crawling and create a culture of change that springboards us to soar for God’s glory.
Stop crawling and create a culture of change that springboards you to soar for God’s glory.
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Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Culture of Change” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
February 8, 2017
Due Diligence
I have a confession to make. I love my couch.
I could sit on my couch all day reading a book or watching a movie and never get up except if I have to go tinkle.
This is not an exaggeration.
I could live in my pajamas permanently.
I am a fan of naps, binge watching Fixer Upper for extensive hours, and trolling Facebook until my finger hurts.
I’d rather eat potato chips on the couch than clean my house or go to the grocery store.
I feel that you should know this about me before we move any deeper into our friendship.
At the core, I am secretly a couch potato who would love to have a personal valet so that things would get done around my messy house.
The other night I was sitting comfy on my couch in my jammies when I read a verse in Proverbs that made my want to curl up into the fetal position and have a good cry:
The soul appetite of the lazy person craves and gets nothing for lethargy overcomes ambition, But the soul appetite of the diligent who works willingly is rich and abundantly supplied. ~ Proverbs 13:4, AMP
I’m not giving God due diligence.
God isn’t interested in my leftovers. He doesn’t like it when I am inattentive and indifferent to what He’s placed in my care.
He hasn’t called me to a vigilant focus on Instagram and Amazon daily deals.
Tonight I read up on diligence in my Bible because I hear God impressing that word on my heart. The words of Isaiah challenged me: “Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food” (Is 55:2, ESV).
Am I diligently delighting in what will feed my spirit?
I want my heart to zealously pursue what pleases my Father. So, I am taking notes on what He considers due diligence.
4 Ways to Give God Due Diligence
Fuel your faith with ARDOR and zeal: Fan the flames of your faith daily and continue growing in your reverence for God. Stamp out any flickers of doubt and apathy.
“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall (II Peter 1:3-10, ESV).
Choose to APPLY your energy toward eternal priorities: Remember that today is a gift and purpose to make every minute count for God’s Kingdom purposes. Pursue what pleases your Master with the goal of greatly glorying Him.
“Therefore see that you walk carefully living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil, not as the unwise, but as wise sensible, intelligent, discerning people, making the very most of your time on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence, because the days are filled with evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16, AMP).
Keep hope ACTIVE in your heart: Keep looking forward with expectation trusting that your faithful God is at work. Continue patiently putting feet to your faith and moving forward with eagerness because you know that greater things are yet to come.
“God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It’s a good thing when you’re young to stick it out through the hard times” (Lamentations 3:25-27, MSG).
Stay ALERT to His handiwork: Remember to look for splashes of His grace in your day and write down how His hand is evident and at work in your life. Be mindful of His abundant blessings and live with a thankful disposition.
“Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude” (Colossians 4:2, MSG).
Hear the heart of your Savior: “I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference” (Revelation 3:19, NLT).
I’m praying for God to give me a diligent heart.
I want to get up from the couch and cozy up to Jesus.
The diligent effort required to walk with prudence and purpose will have an eternal payoff.
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Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Due Diligence” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
January 27, 2017
4 Ways to Persevere When You Face Opposition
In the last month, we’ve watched on TV as our new president took the oath of office in the midst of an environment filled with discord. Protestors took to the streets to voice their displeasure with the current state of affairs in our nation. The anger and divisiveness is frankly quite scary. We have people standing firm on three different platforms – liberal, conservative, and completely indifferent.
I must confess that I don’t stand on any of these platforms. My peace and stability are not impacted by who is in the White House. I serve the King of Kings, and He is always on the throne. If I am going to march for anyone, I want to march for Jesus. But, I am finding that the banner under which I stand has increasingly become viewed as polarizing. Those who stand for Jesus seem to face more and more opposition in our world.
How can I reach those who oppose the Truth? How can I share the Good News with those who aren’t willing to listen because they are too busy fighting for the here and now when they should be focused on their eternal destiny?
The truth is that those who carry the Light have always faced opposition. All I need to do is open up my Bible and see how those who have gone before me stood strong in troubled times…
I’m sharing “4 Ways to Persevere When You Face Opposition at Missional Women today.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
The post 4 Ways to Persevere When You Face Opposition appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
January 25, 2017
Sweet Reasonableness
So last week in the midst of marches and protests and social media vitriol, I heard the Lord speak to me clearly.
I didn’t hear Him as I watched FOX News or CNN.
Nor did He say a word as I scrolled through the barrage of news media tweets on my phone.
He was completely silent as I trolled Facebook and lamented over the clash of opinions.
No, the Lord spoke not a peep as I rehashed the latest.
When I finally decided that I was done with all the noise, I made space for His voice to whisper in the quiet.
I was driving to work on the turnpike lost in thought with the radio set to K-LOVE when my senses were awakened by the clear call of the Holy Spirit.
I honestly have no idea who was broadcasting on the radio, but the prophet proclaimed two words that quietly planted themselves in my heart:
Sweet Reasonableness
Yes, Lord. Yes.
This is the call.
I’m saying goodbye to controversy and contention.
I will walk humbly forward with hands extended. My words will be laced with grace that rises up from a poised soul.
Rather than opine and offend to win, I will open up and offer all to invite others in to His redemption.
I will be sweetly reasonable. Want to join me?
4 Ways to Live with Sweet Reasonableness
Stand on your firm foundation: Speak the truth in love, but never shout. Respectfully communicate your firm resolve with strength under control. (Philippians 4:1)
Seek common ground: Look for areas where mutual understanding is possible. Listen with compassion. (vs. 2-3)
Sparkle with His joy: The joy of the Lord is your strength. Let it rise up within you and bubble over into every corner of contention. Rejoicing, not rancor must be your resolve. (v. 4)
Storm heaven’s gates: If you are going to strive anywhere, let it be in your prayer closet. Offer up the unhappy state of affairs to your Sovereign King. He alone transforms hearts and re-writes history. (vs. 6-7)
Stimulate hopeful thoughts: Don’t get dragged into discord. Defend your heart and mind by rehearsing the never-changing promises of God. (vs.8-9)
Let’s purpose to soften our approach and just maybe our sweet reasonableness will stimulate a change in our world.
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Something to think about…
Writer Friends: I’m going to be taking a bit of a bloggy break next week. Let’s meet here again in February to link up and share our stories.
I’m sharing “Sweet Reasonableness” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. 
January 24, 2017
Read in 2016: Books that Make You Think
In case you forgot, I love to read. Stacks of books seem to pile up all over the house — most of them half read. Other women buy shoes; I buy books.
I love chatting about books. Don’t you? For a couple of weeks now, I’ve wanted to share with you my most recent good reads — because a good book will change your thinking and transform your tomorrow. I’ve read several powerful books last year, and although this post is very tardy, I still wanted to share.
Here is a quick wrap up of what I read in 2016:
Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer
The Rundown: Priscilla Shirer challenges her readers to create a personalized prayer strategy by selecting specific Scriptures to use for pinpoint petitions in the areas of their focus, identity, passion, family, past, fears, purity, pressures, hurts, and relationships. Just as a soldier needs a battle plan, we must create a blueprint for intercession that will empower us to prevail over the schemes of the adversary. By framing our supplications with praise, repentance, asking, and the yes promises of Scripture, we invite God to pour out His strength and position us for victory.
Memorable Quotes: “Prayer is a reminder to yourself, as well as a declaration to the enemy, that you know he’s there. That you’re on to him. When you bring your concerns and fears and irritations to the Lord in prayer, you’re aligning your weakling spirit with the full force of God’s Holy Spirit. Instead of continuing to fail by taking the battle into your own hands–and taking the battle to the wrong people–you’re joining instead with all the power of heaven to take your fight directly to the source of the problem” (p. 44). “Unforgiveness is a strategic ‘design’ craftily implemented by your enemy to ‘outwit’ you, to cripple your effectiveness in prayer and your power to stand against him victoriously” (p. 153). “Prayer is what greases the friction between us, lubricating the grit and flecks of irritability that work themselves into the system, preventing the normal wear and tear of life from causing us to grate against or rub one another” (pp. 172-173).
Biggest Takeaway: What struck me the most about this book was the importance of praying specific prayers for myself. I am used to interceding with intention for my spouse, family, and loved ones, but never spent a big chunk of time really praying a covering over targeted areas that impact my effectiveness. Shirer’s book made me think about how I needed to arm myself against the schemes of the enemy to defeat my passion and purpose.
Whispers of Hope: 10 Weeks of Devotional Prayer
The Rundown: Beth Moore helps her readers put prayer into practice by pairing Scripture reading with prayer journaling. Each of the 70 devotionals is followed by a journal entry using the “P.R.A.I.S.E” format: Praise, Repentance, Acknowledgement of God’s authority, Intercession, Supplication for Self, and Equipping (asking God to empower you for a victorious day).
Memorable Quotes: “Beloved, we’re living in the lions’ den. Victory is ours when we walk with God daily in habitual prayer, when we know His Word well enough to trust His sovereignty, and when we cast ourselves on Him and make an honest plea for help. He derives great satisfaction from shutting that lion’s mouth” (p. 41). “How we define and exercise faith makes all the difference in our lives. Believers in Christ must place their faith in one of two factors: either what God does or who God is. If we place our faith in what God is doing, we should brace ourselves for a lifelong roller-coaster ride. Our faith will be high and mighty one day and free-falling the next because it is based on the apparent activity of God in our circumstances…Many answers will never come; much of His activity will never be seen. Victorious faith walks evolve from seeking Him” (p. 112). “We have His thumbprint on us the moment we’re conceived and the imprint of His little finger the moment we leave. Every moment in between, we’re covered by His love. Every moment of our belief, we’re covered by His blood. And when the last breath is drawn, if we are His own, He wraps His arms around our lives and takes us safely home” (p. 209).
Biggest Takeaway: “Be a neon sign” for God in this dark world: “We are stones rolled away, giving them [people who have given up on finding real life] a glance in the empty tomb. We provide evidence that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Do yourself and your neighbors a big favor. Don’t wait for death to really live. Tell God you want to be a neon sign of life–lingering proof of the resurrection” (p. 23).
The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath
The Rundown: Mark Buchanan argues that setting aside time for Sabbath in our lives creates space for God to replenish our weary souls so that we can live full lives. He invites us to stop striving and start listening for God’s still small voice in the stillness. As we attend to the presence of God, we gain a fresh perspective on our lives and our place in God’s kingdom.
Memorable Quotes: “The opposite of a slave is not a free man. It’s a worshiper. The one who is most free is the one who turns the work of his hands into sacrament, into offering” (p. 24). “The law of Sabbath is not legalistic. It is a command given to save us from ourselves. If anything, the Sabbath command breaks us of the prison of our own selfishness: it undoes our legalistic bent to go our own way” (p. 115). “A well kept Sabbath is a dress rehearsal for things above. In finding the rest of God now, we prepare for the fullness of God one day. In Sabbath, we anticipate forever” (p. 213).
Biggest Takeaway: I need to purposefully listen for the voice of God during Sabbath moments: “…Sabbath is when we stop. We slow down We play, we rest, we dream, we wonder. We cease from that which is necessary and turn to that which gives life. And in that hush that descends, we listen” (p. 188).
Every Little Thing: Making a World of Difference Right Where You Are
The Rundown: Deidra Riggs believes that every single person is designed to make a difference right where they are at this very omement. We change the world when we cooperate with God in seemingly little ways that make an eternal difference. She invites her reader to adventure with God by surrendering expectations to fully worship Him in every little thing.
Memorable Quotes: “We build trust in God by putting matters back into His hands, one small moment at a time. We build trust in God by taking one small step in His directions and finding out He will always be there to catch us” (p. 73). “When we allow the wilderness experience to strip us down to ‘simply me,’ we are just the right size for God’s big plans” (p. 95). “You do not need to fancy up your life. You don’t need a bigger platform, or a more significant ministry, or a bigger house, or another circle of friends, or more members in your small group, or anything more than what you have when you lift your eyes from the page and take a good, long look around you. The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not need us to make it anything more than it already is. What the Gospel of Jesus Christ invites us to do is to be exactly who we are, in the places where we find ourselves, and to be infused with the salty goodness that comes when we surrender our lives, and our agendas and our hopes and dreams to the power and control of the Holy Spirit” (p. 140).
Biggest Takeaway: My job is not to fix things. My job is to be faithful. “He calls us to faithfulness in both the miraculous and the mundane (p 56).
The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands
The Rundown: Lysa TerKeurst provides a remedy plan for people pleasers who too busy rushing today to sense God’s calling for our tomorrow. Rather than being carried away by unreasonable expectations, we must slow down and wisely recognize God’s assignments.
Memorable Quotes: “Whatever attitude we bring into a situation will be multiplied (p. 58). “Our decisions aren’t just isolated choices. Our decisions point our lives in the direction we’re about to head. Show me a decision and I’ll show you a direction” (p. 68). “…even when we are in chains, God’s Word is still at work within us. In other words, when we tie our identities to God’s truth, God’s Word can and will lift us above the insecurities holding us down, taking us under, and threatening to drown us” (p. 200).
Biggest Takeaway: “Strength and courage come from keeping God’s Word close” (p. 148).
The Happiness Dare: Pursuing Your Heart’s Deepest, Holiest, and Most Vulnerable Desire
The Rundown: Jennifer Dukes is daring us to be happy. Lee created a Happiness Assessment tool for her readers to discover their happiness style: everyone is either a Doer, Relater, Experiencer, Giver, or Thinker. She argues that happiness and holiness are two sides of the same coin and gives us permission to be happy.
Memorable Quotes: “Happiness isn’t unholy. It’s just misunderstood. What is we began to imagine Jesus with us when we are enjoying what we enjoy? What if, starting today, you tried placing a chair (or picturing one) in whatever room you’ve in and inviting Jesus into the chair? Imagine Him sitting with you. Imagine Jesus with you,wherever you are, not as watchdog for your behavior, but as a friend, delighting in what brings you delight. Share your Master’s happiness, and let Him share in yours” (p. 26). “Our collective happiness is elevated when we all live as our realest selves” (p. 107). “Some of the most stunning journeys toward happiness begin in the darkest dark. And the candle that lights the way out is this tiny, flickering flame of hope” (p. 236).
Biggest Takeaway: You have to fight for your happy in the midst of sorrow: “Happy people don’t turn away. They sit right in the middle of our mess with us and they cup the broken pieces in their hands as it to say, ‘Here, maybe I can help you with this. And then they lift those broken shards up to God on our behalf because we don’t have the strength to do it on our own” (p. 229).
Breaking Busy: How to Find Peace and Purpose in a World of Crazy
The Rundown: Alli Worthington encourages her readers to get off the hamster wheel of busy and step out courageously toward the greater purpose God has created you to accomplish. She argues that God “promises us a spiritual sweet spot even within the crazy that surrounds us” (p. 37). We must learn to say know to the things that drain our souls and focus on what fuels our passion.
Memorable Quotes: “If you stay focused on God, you will not miss your destiny” (p. 68). “In order for any plant to grow and produce fruit, it must be deeply rooted in good soil. We break busy and find our peace in a world of worry when we live our lives in the knowledge that God loves us and is in control of our lives. By recognizing and releasing our fears to god, bu letting go of our white-knuckled hold on the details of our lives, and by walking in the belief that He loves us and will provide for us, we find peace and comfort” (p. 117).
Biggest Takeaway: My worth is not based on what I do but on who God is.
Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World
The Rundown: Shelly Miller believes that Sabbath is a delight, not just a duty. She invites her readers to embrace the gift of rest by turning off the noise and tuning in to God. As we set aside time for the sacred, we will find renewal and greater passion for life.
Memorable Quotes: “Sabbath provides space between you and your problems, enabling you to see from God’s perspective, often with surprising results, like a word breaking through your questions about life and awakening you to something more important” (p. 47). “Acknowledging rest is not a recipe with five easy steps, but a reorientation toward what makes me hungry in the first place. We must rest in order for Him to rise within us” (p. 183). “Sabbath is a holy writ–His love letter to us once a week. When we believe Him by obeying the commandment of Sabbath, His face shines upon us the same way it did on Moses. And everyone notices the brightness” (p. 202).
Biggest Takeaway: Shelly started the book by sharing how her mother in law likes to say “I don’t do guilt” (p. 21). She argues that guilt is one of the main roadblocks to making Sabbath a reality.
Love and War: Find Your Way to Something Beautiful in Your Marriage
The Rundown: John and Stasi Eldredge challenge husbands and wives to fight together for romance and redemption in marriage.
Memorable Quotes: “Marriage is going to ask everything of you, and that is why you must have a vision for it. (Why do you suppose God has us seal the bond with vows, for heaven’s sake?) So there you have it–we live in a great love story, set in the midst of war. We need each other–desperately. We have been entrusted with the heart of another human being. Our loving will prove to the world that love is real. We will play out before the watching eyes the Great Love Story of the ages” (p. 39). “Encouragement has got to be one of the greatest offerings of true companionship. You, better than anyone else, now your mate’s story, and you know where the enemy likes to stick it to them. You can see when they are down, and your words of encouragement can lift them up again” (p. 119). “A woman offers beauty when she offers kindness. The world does not provide tenderness or mercy on a regular basis and we all need it. Offering your husband a safe harbor for his thoughts, concerns, or doubts, and not giving way to your fear yourself is a beautiful expression of your love. Seeing your husband’s strength and telling him what you see feeds his soul. One of the most priceless gifts a woman can give her husband is the message that she believes in him; he is the real deal; he is a real man” (p. 182).
Biggest Takeaway: I really appreciated the wisdom from experience shared by these 2 authors. They have fought for their marriage in the trenches and on their knees. Their vulnerability with each other and with their readers encouraged me to stay in the fight and to continue to prevail in prayer for my marriage.
The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential
The Rundown: John Maxwell unpacks 15 rules to live by that promote growth and maximize our potential. He states: “Not reaching your potential is like dying with the music still inside of you.” The author challenges his readers choose to intentionally learn the laws and then live them.
Memorable Quotes: “Small disciplines repeated with consistency every day lead to great achievements gained slowly over time” (p. 73). “You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine” (p. 116). “Our choices will either lead us to the pain of self discipline or to the pain of regret” (p. 133). “Nobody admires average” (p. 162).
Biggest Takeaway: Maxwell’s book is a must-read for anyone who feels stuck in a quagmire that keeps you from fulfilling your dreams. His book was like a swift kick in the pants, and I really needed someone to hold up a mirror to my mediocrity. I particularly resonated with Law 8, which he titled “The Law of Pain” and summarized with this wise tag line: “Good management of bad experiences leads to greater growth.” (Note: I read this book as part of an online John Maxwell Mastermind Group lead by my mentor, Craig Huston. The weekly conference calls to discuss our progress made me take a hard look at how this book applied to my life right now. I am so glad that I made this investment. If you are interested in joining an upcoming group, you can connect with Craig through his Facebook page.)
The Bait of Satan: Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense
The Rundown: John Bevere points out that the enemy of our souls is working overtime to keep us trapped in a prison of offense. We begin to filter all of life through the lens of hurt, and this negatively impacts our fellowship with God and others. Bevere encourages the reader to release the offense and walk in forgiveness so that relationships can be restored.
Memorable Quotes: “If you have given yourself to Jesus and are committed to His care, you cannot be offended because you are not your own” (p. 87). “Our liberty has been given to us for serving and laying down our lives. We are to build and not to destroy. Nor was this liberty given to us to heap things on ourselves. Because we have used it in this manner, many today are offended by the lifestyles of Christians” (p. 117). “The love of God is the key to freedom from the baited trap of offense. This must be an abounding love, a love that continually grows and is strengthened in our hearts. So many in today’s society are deceived y a superficial love, a love that talks but does not act. The love that will keep us from stumbling lays down its life selflessly–even for the good of an enemy. When we walk in this kind of love, we cannot be seduced into talking the bait of Satan” (p. 163).
Biggest Takeaway: This book was incredibly convicting. It caused me to take a deep look at my heart examine how my selfishness often causes me to be offended, when I should respond with humility and grace.
Meet the Bible: A Panorama of God’s Word in 366 Daily Reading and Reflections
The Rundown: Philip Yancey and Brenda Quinn have penned a devotional masterpiece that walks the reader through the “grand narrative” of the Holy Bible. Each day has a reading from Scripture in long story format without the verse divisions followed by a devotional and capped up with a question for “contemplation” and application.
Memorable Quotes: “God sees each part of our lives as a puzzle piece in the larger picture of life that belongs to Him and is being mae ready for His purpose” (p. 129, Day 68). “Following God calls for hard work. His love and blessings may be easy to receive, but when obedience to God requires us to do something contrary to our human nature, a conflict sets in that tests our commitment. God desires His holiness to take root in us, and He can use precisely these trials of the will to make us more like Himself” (p. 273, Day 147). “Suffering changes my awareness… While being refined by God may be painful, it also points ahead to a better life that awaits me–a life with no need for songs about suffering” (p 665, Day 354).
Biggest Takeaway: This wonderful devotional walked with me through 2016 like a wise old friend. I have purchased it as a gift for all my loves and count it as one of my favorite books of all time.
Well, there you go! I managed to finish this post before the end of January. I am counting that as a victory at this point. I would love to hear about what is sitting on your nightstand right now.
Q4U: Have you read any good books that make you think lately?
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I am sharing “Read in 2016: Books That Make You Think” and joining like-minded sisters at Faith-Filled Friday, Fresh Market Friday, Blessing Counters, Tell His Story, Coffee for Your Heart, Three-Word Wednesday, Purposeful Faith’s RaRaLinkup, Rich-Faith Rising, Testimony Tuesday, and Moments of Hope.
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The post Read in 2016: Books that Make You Think appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
January 18, 2017
Lady Wisdom
Tonight at church pastor shared a shorter sermon on the strength found in our diversity as a body of believers. Then, he invited 4 multi-racial friends up on to to stage to share their story and talk about how we can better cross the divide between races and build bridges toward unity.
Five stools were placed at the front of the stage, but only one of them was occupied by a woman. Each time the microphone was passed to her, my ears perked up.
Every word she shared was laced with hard-earned wisdom.
I found myself leaning in. I wanted to gobble up every morsel she offered.
She embodied what I’d read that morning during my quiet time:
You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,
when you make friends with Madame Insight.
She’s worth far more than money in the bank;
her friendship is better than a big salary.
Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;
nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
With one hand she gives long life,
with the other she confers recognition.
Her manner is beautiful,
her life wonderfully complete.
She’s the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.
Hold her tight—and be blessed! ~ Proverbs 3:13-18, MSG
I don’t know about you, but I long to be like Lady Wisdom. I want my countenance and conversation to speak life into others. I’m studying Proverbs in hopes of making some progress, and I wanted to share 4 ways Lady Wisdom walks.
4 Ways to Walk Like Lady Wisdom
Stay on your knees: A wise woman walks with reverence and respect. Her life is a worshipful offering to her God.
“Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning” (Proverbs 1:7, MSG).
Savor the Truth: Lady Wisdom has no taste for wordly fare. Her pure palate fills her mouth with common sense and discernment.
“Do you hear Lady Wisdom calling? Can you hear Madame Insight raising her voice? …My mouth chews and savors and relishes truth—I can’t stand the taste of evil!” (Proverbs 8:1 & 8).
Yield to authority: Submission characterizes the life of a wise woman. She is an obedient follower.
“A wise heart takes orders; an empty head will come unglued” (Proverbs 10:8, MSG).
Keep your ears perked up: Lady Wisdom has a teachable spirit. She considers life her schoolroom and is always adjusting her understanding based on the tutelage of her Master Teacher.
“Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights” (Proverbs 18:15, MSG).
Tonight, I listened in as Lady Wisdom shared how God had turned her wounds into wisdom. Her life was broken but beautiful.
“Charm and grace are deceptive, and superficial beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord reverently worshiping,
obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect,
she shall be praised.”
~Proverbs 31:30, AMP.
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Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Lady Wisdom” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
