“But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” James 1:25 (ESV)
It takes time to look intently into a matter … to analyze it … to let it simmer in your thoughts … to question it … to look at it from a different perspective.
How are you doing? I admit it, I get caught up in the busyness of the daily responsibilities.
Continue reading 3-Steps to Blessing … How to Gaze Into the Word
Jesus said to His disciples, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15
Surely the pandemic will be over by the end of July, I reasoned. Disappointment greeted me when I learned that the She Speaks Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina was canceled. An online version of the conference was being considered.
I signed up for the online conference, thinking that something was better than nothing, but really not expecting much.
After all, how could the planners create the experience of close contacts? That’s one of the benefits that an attendee wants from an in-person conference.
Tremendous disappointment.
Continue reading COVID-19 Blessings
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
Church; a big, well-worn Bible; fishing; watermelon and rhubarb pie; many conversations about Jesus. These are some of my memories of my Momo and Popo. They laughed; they loved; they prayed; they served; they worshipped. They helped plant a church in a poor section of Lawton, Oklahoma.
Momo and Popo didn’t have much, but what they had they gave to others. Popo would spend all day fishing and return that night with a load of croppie. He cleaned them for the next hour or two and then packaged them to give to friends, family, neighbors, and church members.
Momo and Popo were not focused on their gain, but rather on the welfare of others. They were controlled by the Holy Spirit and trusted in God to control their lives.
It is the distinguishing character of the people of God that they are the meek ones of the earth; this is their badge; it is their livery. They are modest, and humble, and low in their own eyes; they are mild, and gentle, and yielding to others, not soon angry, not very angry, not long angry; they are the quiet in the land, Ps. 35:20. And they are subject and submissive to their God, to all his precepts and all his providences. Actuated by this principle and disposition, they have wrought his judgments, that is, have obeyed his laws, observed his institutions, have made conscience of their duty to him, and have laid out themselves for the advancement of his honour and interest in the world.
Miriam and Aaron, sister and brother of Moses, spoke against Moses because he had married an Ethiopian woman. The Bible says that Moses was “very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” Numbers 12:3
Moses did not defend himself. God defended Moses and struck Miriam with leprosy. Moses humbly let God defend him, and then he prayed for Miriam to be healed … Moses was meek, and he was strong. He led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the desert following the commands of God.
Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. Numbers 12:13
“SAY TO THE DAUGHTER OF ZION,
‘BEHOLD YOUR KING IS COMING TO YOU,
GENTLE, [humble, meek] AND MOUNTED ON A DONKEY,
EVEN ON A COLT, THE FOAL OF A BEAST OF BURDEN.’” Matthew 21:5
King Jesus entered Jerusalem not on a stallion declaring victory, but on a donkey in peace and humility. Jesus was strong. That same day, He entered the temple, “drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons.” Matthew 12:12
Jesus’ destination was the cross where He would take on the sins of the world – past, present, and future.
He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He did not open His mouth;
Like a lamb that is led to slaughter,
And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,
So He did not open His mouth. Isaiah 53:7
Like Moses, Jesus did not defend Himself.
Jesus chose to allow Himself to be nailed to the cross by sinful men. Jesus chose to hang on that cross and take on the sin of the world … your sins, my sins, paying the price for sin forever. Jesus gave up His spirit on the cross and died. But the third day, He rose from the dead, declaring victory over sin and death. He purchased our salvation, so that we could live with Him forever.
Jesus is gentle, humble, meek, and He loves you and me.
For the LORD takes pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation. Psalm 149:4
This week, ask God to show you meekness in His Word. Ask Him to show you meekness in your life. Then, share what God has taught you below this post.
Father, You are so gracious. Teach us what it means to be meek. Guide us into meekness. Thank You for Jesus and His redeeming love. Bring us closer to You. We love You, Lord!
How many categories of “Yes” do you have? Susie Larson, in Your Sacred Yes: Trading Life-Draining Obligations for Freedom, Passion & Joy, groups 12 reasons for saying “yes” into three categories: the “sloppy yes,” the “shackled yes,” and the “sacred yes.”
Larson has filled each chapter with nuggets of practical truth and application, beginning with a Bible verse and a quote. Personal anecdotes illustrate the topic of the chapter, and practical application follows with ample Scripture references. Prayer wraps the chapter with grace. Larson asks the reader to reflect upon her personal experiences. Then, “A Wise Word” serves as a memorable metaphor of the chapter. If the reader is using the book as small group study, “Group Discussion Starters” encourage conversation. Each chapter ends with a “Faith Declaration” resounding in “I refuse the rat race because God has called me to the sacred race.”
Because I’m in the rat race, I found this book especially convicting … in a good way. So much so, that when my husband and I finish our current study, we’ll take six weeks to work through the free downloadable workbook if you sign up for the study that begins July 13. We’ve also purchased the 30-minute DVD lessons that Larson has developed. That’s how much I value this message!
“We’re not called to a busyness that drains us; we’re called to an abundance that trains us.”
One of the Personal Reflections captured my attention:
“Dream with me for a moment. If you imagined your life to be above and beyond all you could ever dare to ask or think according to Christ’s glorious work in and through you (see Ephesians 3:20-21), what would that abundant life look like on you?” (Chapter 3 Personal Reflection Question)
Seldom, do I read a book other than the Bible, that inspires me to slow down, take some time, and reflect upon it with my husband. Your Sacred Yes has done this. Imagine, if all Christian “A-types” did this. Dream about that moment! It would change the world.
Thank you, Susie, for imagining the abundant life!
Father, Thank You for Susie Larson’s reflection upon the abundant life You have planned for each one of Your children. May readers capture the essence of their sacred “yes” and honor their “yes.” Teach me to honor my sacred “yes,” so that I can point more people to You and all that is sacred about You. Thank You!
I received a complimentary copy of Your Sacred Yes from the publisher, Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group, for an honest opinion.
