Thought of the Day: #2 "Don't Take it for Granted"

Thought of the day: 
I was sitting in my room with my laptap on my lap trying to get some work done. I had the a/c on, my fan on, feeling nice and cool. It's a warm day today and was thankful that I was comfortable. Then out of nowhere the power went out! Everything turned off in one quick "whoosh!" No a/c. No fans. No wi-fi either. I checked to see what was going on. Bill was paid so that's not it. Everything checked out fine, so, this was one of those things that was out of my control. Ok. "So," I wondered, "what can I do now? With no electricity, what can be done?" Then it hit! Funny how conviction works that way.

How spoiled are we? We depend so much on electricity and the latest gadgets of the day! So much of our days are filled with things we use that need electricity. It's so normal to have the central air/heat readily available. We walk into a room that's dark and the first thing you do is turn on the light. You're hungry, you walk over to the refrigerator and get something to eat. We have it pretty good don't we? But yet...

We dare to complain. We take so much for granted in our lives that we don't even realize we are taking them for granted. It's not until we lose it, even if it's for a brief period of time, that we realize just how much we depend on these things and value them.

I don't know about you, my dear friend, but the next time I go to switch on the light or enjoy the comfort of the coolness of the a/c I will try my hardest to not take it for granted and be thankful instead.

Philippians 4:12, "I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little."

God bless you my dear friend!

Thought of the Day: Stand Firm

My dear friends my thought of the day: "Stand firm," Eph. 6:14. We are to stand firm on what? On something solid. "Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” 2 Timothy 2:18-20. Some live firmly in what they posess instead of on the firm foundation of God's Truths. We need to choose one or the other; choose God or choose money. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matthew 6:23-25. Money comes and goes but the Lord is constant. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow! So let's all "stand firm" on the solid foundation of God's Truths!

Thank you my dear friends for reading this blog! You're in my prayers. If you're on Facebook come and check out the ministry page at www.Facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries.com 

If you or someone you know would prefer to read these postings in Spanish please visit www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com

Devotional #42: “The Never-Ending To-Do List"

Hello my dear friends! It's amazing how quickly time flies! We're already towards the end of October and it feels like we just rang in 2013! In just about 68 days we will be ringing in 2014! WOW! Do you feel like me? Do you stop and think about how quickly time passes by? Do you wonder, like I do, if we're spending the time that the Lord is giving to us adequately? Are we doing what God wants us to do with the time that He's giving us or are we doing what we want to do? Are we just doing what needs to be done and not realizing that time is quickly fading away and the "to-do" lists will always be never-ending but, our time with God, our spouses, our children and other loved one's is fading too?  Did I just get too deep?  

This is what concerns me when I look at the calendar and look at how much time has passed and how much time is left before the end of the year. I'm not just concerned about living for God instead of "self." I'm concerned for you too, my dear friend. There are so many of you that are dear, sweet, wonderful people that are just living for today...getting things done, very important things done but, not enjoying what's going on around you because you're so busy. Please know that I'm sharing this from my heart. I was just like you, living for the right now. Busy getting done what needed to get done and being so busy that I didn't enjoy life anymore.  

Life became this big "to-do" list. Life became redundant. I remember thanking God for the day but wishing it was done…well, because I was tired of being so tired…I was tired of working so hard at trying to keep up with the “to-do” list that I started to resent the never-ending “to-do” list. I started to resent those around me that seemed to be better at accomplishing everything on their “to-do” lists while I seemed to always be behind with mine. 

Oh, my dear friends, it wasn’t until the Lord convicted me about this resentment that was growing quickly in my heart like a cancer!  My heart was growing cold towards Him, my loved ones and even towards myself. I was headed towards a very dangerous place. A place that many have gone to and have never returned. This place is called “abandonment.”  It is the place in the heart that is cold and harsh.  It is where those that have given up go to.  It is in “abandonment” that they dare to do the unthinkable.  

They abandon their spouses, loved ones, their lives as they know it with the belief that they can start anew again.  What they don’t know is that this place of abandon has been set up by the devil himself. It is a trap that is set like a spider that slowly, quietly, patiently weaves its web. Once what’s caught in the web is felt the spider attacks and kills its prey.  This is what the devil does in the place of “abandonment.”  He kills the joy of God, spouse, children…life as we know it. Ephesians 6:12, “^For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (NIV)

No, my dear friends, let’s not take time for granted. Let’s not allow the never-ending “to-do” list keep us from living this beautiful life God has given to us. Yes, it is very important to be responsible for those we so deeply care for.  Yes, it is very important to be responsible with our work, schools, churches and communities.  But, nothing is more important than our relationship with God.  Nothing on our “to-do” list can compare to the joy of laughter from our children.  Let’s live life the way God intended it.  Let’s live and enjoy every minute we get. Let’s enjoy God’s joy and hope. Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)

 

Thank you for reading! It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a devotional! Hope you have all been well. My dear friends you are all in my prayers. God bless you and yours.  For more of my writing check out my other posts on the blog or you can check out my “Thought of the Day” on the ministry’s Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries.com

 

*If you would like to read this same devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com

 

Thought of the Day: Some Other Time

Hello my dear friends!  I thought I'd start sharing with you my "mini" devotionals I post on the ministry's Facebook page that are entitled "Thought of the Day."  I will continue posting my devotionals too here on this blog.  Hope you've all been enjoying your Summer!  May this post be a sweet blessing for you all.

 

"Some Other Time"

            There’s this lie that is really, really old.  It was crafted and has been used over and over again but, even though it’s been used so many times it never seems to get old.  The Deceiver knows how to make the lie new again and tailors it to each and every person he uses it on.  This lie is that you have time; you always have “some other time.”  Why is it that people have fallen for this lie time and time again?  Isn’t it a well known fact that the best time is always now and not later?  How about you, my dear friend, have you fallen for the lie that “some other time” is better than right now?  I know I have.  How about when it comes to something the Lord is asking us to do, what then?  Are you getting it done or are you leaving it for “some other time?”  How about the Lord’s calling for salvation?  I have witnessed this time and time again, a person’s heart is being tugged by the Lord for salvation and they reject the Lord because they believe the Deceiver.  Instead of responding to the Lord’s calling on their life they reject Him by leaving it for “some other time.”  Luke 8:12, “Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.” (NIV)

            This particular lie, the one of delay, has been and still is a successful one for him.  You see we like to believe we have tomorrow available for us to do what we please.  We like to believe we have a sense of control over time itself, knowing deep down we have no control over time at all.  How do we then resist the temptation to delay?  Do we have any power to combat the devil and his schemes? Yes!  Of course we do!

            Ephesians 6:10-18, “Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with his mighty strength!  Use all the armor and weaponry that God provides, so that you will be able to stand against the deceptive tactics of the Adversary.  For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities and cosmic powers governing this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.  So take up every piece of war equipment God provides; so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing.  Therefore, stand! Have the belt of truth buckled around your waist, put on righteousness for a breastplate, and wear on your feet the readiness that comes from the Good News of shalom.  Always carry the shield of trust, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One.  And take the helmet of deliverance; along with the sword given by the Spirit, that is, the Word of God; as you pray at all times, with all kinds of prayers and requests, in the Spirit, vigilantly and persistently, for all God’s people.” (CJB)

            My dear friends, let us not continue participating in the sin of delay. May we all strive for obedience in our delay lives for it is through obedience that we demonstrate our love for Him.  John 14:23, “Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (NIV)

 

My dear friend, thank you for reading this "mini" devotional.  Know that I appreciate you and am praying for you.  Thanks for passing on this blog to others!  If you have a Facebook account just click on www.facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries  .  Click on the "LIKE" on the top right corner of the page and you'll receive updates and more.  God bless you!

*If you would like to read this same devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com

             

           

           

“At Any Time” Devotional #40

          2 Timothy 3:1-5, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,  treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (NIV)

            How amazing is it that the Apostle Paul penned this so long ago?  This is what is going on today.  People are “lovers of themselves.”  Have you ever heard Burger King’s slogan, “Have it your way?”  People think very highly of themselves in our world today.  How about the “lovers of money” part?  How many people do you know in your personal circles that are this way?  They’ll do just about anything for money.  There have been countless crimes, divorces and suicides that have been committed because of money. 

            This passage begins with “there will be terrible times in the last days.”  We are living in the “last days.”  Now, my dear friends, I am not making any special predictions of when the world is coming to an end.  No one knows when that will be; only the Lord himself knows that!  I am saying that we are getting close.  Some experts say that it may be as soon as two generations from now but, keep in mind that’s a “guess-timate.”  1 Thessalonians 5:1-3, “Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,  for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” (NIV)

            It is because we do not know for sure when is the “end” that we need to live each day as if tomorrow is the end.  This is the kind of urgency the authors that penned the God-inspired New Testament Scriptures lived their lives.  Their writing suggests the urgency in their hearts to always be ready to share the Gospel of Christ with others, to live a God-centered life and to teach others to do the same.  2 Timothy 2:1-7, “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.  Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.  The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.  Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” (NIV)

            What does this mean then?  Ephesians 4:14-16, “No prolonged infancies among us, please. We’ll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.” (MSG)

            My dear friends, you and I as followers of the One and Only True Living God, need to live our lives committed to the truth.  That all of those that surround us in our daily lives have no doubt that there is something different about us.  That it is clearly evident that Christ lives in us because of how we speak (always being honest), and how we respond to all life throws at us (always reflecting Jesus’ integrity).  I know that sometimes it’s easier to do this than other times but no matter what, with no matter who, we always need to reflect Jesus to others.  The time is now to be ready so that “at any time” we can “fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,” for which we are “ambassadors in chains,” Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV). 

 

My dear friend, thank you for reading this devotional.  Know that I appreciate you and am praying for you.  Thanks for passing on this blog to others!  Also, I have a Facebook page for the ministry!  It’s a great way to get updates on the ministry and to the latest “Thought of the day” postings. They’re short reads and have gotten great reviews.  Come and join by pressing “like!” on the page:  www.facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries  God bless you!

 

*If you would like to read this same devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com

 

 

“Extenuating Circumstances” Devotional #39

            Have you ever found yourself in an extenuating circumstance?  I have.  There have been times when I have tried to make my mistakes less serious than they really were.  There was a time when I was the Youth Leader of a small church.  I was in college at the time and working part time.  We had planned a Spaghetti Dinner but, because of the lack of time and planning I decided to cancel it.  I thought I had let everyone know that the dinner was cancelled.  There were two ladies that showed up the night the dinner was supposed to be held.  They hadn’t eaten dinner and were looking forward to the meal.  To this day I will never forget the look of disappointment on their faces.  I apologized and gave explanations as to why it was cancelled.  Though to everyone else there the excuses seemed to have calmed the situation but I felt bad about trying to make light of the situation. 

            There were so many times in my life that I tried to cover up my tardiness problem.  They seemed to have been excused all of the time, at school, work, or church but there was one time that the excuses didn’t save me.  I was a new mommy back then and felt like I was in way over my head with my life.  Why?  Wife, mother, almost full time employee and volunteer at church and family functions.  Time was very limited and I was tired all of the time.  I was given a warning and was only given one more opportunity.  If I were to come in late one more time I’d be fired.  It was rough hearing those words but it had to happen.  I didn’t do what I needed to in order to solve my tardiness problem.  They had no choice but to let me go.

            I know that these issues may not sound as bad as the many other “Extenuating Circumstances” that occur in the world every single day.  Some stand out more than others but there is something that ties them all together.  We all have the same reason to make up excuses, to make something sound less serious than it really is.  It’s pride.  Our pride, the fear of “losing face” can become too unbearable if we let it.  It’s the fear of us being “found out” or of someone else being “found out” that causes the pride to take over.  Instead of being honest and deal with the circumstances making up excuses seems to be better and sometimes even easier to do.

            As followers of Christ should we get involved with these “Extenuating Circumstances?”  Should we be doing what the dictionary defines extenuating as?  “Diminish the seriousness of: to make a mistake or wrongdoing seem less serious than it first appeared, e.g. by providing a mitigating excuse for it.” (Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.) 

             Ephesians 4:24-25, “take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.  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.” (MSG)

            In the end no matter how much we try to make something “bad” not look so “bad” we need to remember that it’s the same as lying.  Just about anything can be justified but a sin is a sin no matter how many different ways we try to cover it up or make it look better.  Just because you can find justification doesn’t mean that you have turned the sin into something good or acceptable.  The circumstances, even if they are “extenuating” remain the same.  Once something is done it is done. 

My dear friends thank you for reading my devotional blog!  Know that I care about you and am praying for you.  It is so exciting to know that these devotionals that have been inspired by God are being read throughout the world!  If you have access to “Facebook” I have a ministry page!  The site can be found at www.Facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries.  God bless you! 

*If you would like to read this same devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com

 

“Alliance!” Devotional #38

            Ephesians 6:1-3, Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. “Honor your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, “so you will live well and have a long life.” (MSG)  This verse is what I tend to quote most often to my children when they do not want to listen to me.  As soon as I quote this verse our twelve year old son loves to quote the verse that follows it which is, Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.” (MSG)  We then look at each other and say, “do what the Bible says!”

            Its funny how our children who when they were babies we couldn’t wait for them to learn how to speak but then once they do speak we wish they’d stay quiet!  Not only do they learn how to speak they also learn how to speak in such a manner that irritates us or worst, manipulates us!  There have been times when one of our three children will ask me for something and when the answer is “no” they’ll go to my husband with the very same request but, they do not tell him that I just said “no.”  He’d give them the “yes” they were looking for and I would not find out about it until it was too late.  They have also gone to my husband first and then to me without telling me they had already asked him.  After several times of being played by our kids we figured it out!  Now we run things by each other or we’ll ask them if they had already asked one of us.  Though they still try to play us (manipulate us) we are now on a more united front.

            Ephesians 6:11-13, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (NIV)

            It break’s my heart but, the truth is, the devil can use anyone or anything to try to get us to sin against God.  He can even use our children if we’re not careful.  The constant responsibilities of parenthood coupled with the constant responsibilities that come with marriage, running a household, work…everything and anything that requires your love, attention and or money, is and will always exist in life.  Though the very people you love like your spouse, children, extended families, friends, bring you happiness these very same people can also bring you sadness, stress, anger, frustration…the list can go on and on right?  This is why two parents should work together so that when the devil tries to use your own children against you, you’d be prepared, on a united front together through an alliance. 

             Ephesians 6:13-18, “Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” (MSG)

These instructions given to us by God through Paul are to teach us how to, as a soldier in Christ, be prepared.  As parents being prepared includes being each other’s ally.  Ally: “connect people, or be connected: to connect people or families, or form a connection with another person or family, especially through marriage.” (The definition is from the Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.)  And so, my dear friends if you are married with children keep these truths close to your heart so that you can “stand against the devil’s schemes.”  If you’re not married with children then please pray for those that are.  I know my husband and I would greatly appreciate that!

 

My dear friend, thank you for reading this devotional.  Know that I appreciate you and am praying for you.  Thanks for passing on this blog to others!  Please continue to pass it on.  Also, I have a Facebook page for the ministry!  It’s a great way to get updates on the ministry and when the latest devotionals have been posted on this blog.  I also started posting “Thought of the day.” They’re short reads and have gotten great reviews.  Come and join by pressing “like!” on the page:  www.facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries  God bless you!

*If you would like to read this same devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com

 

“Consequences: Good vs. Bad” Devotional #37

            Every decision we make, whether big or small, has a consequence attached to it.  The consequences can either be good or bad.  Whether we accept the consequence as good or bad depends, sometimes, on our perceptions.  Let me give you an example.  I had a friend in high school that was accustomed to everything going her way.  We were Junior’s (in 11^th grade) and she got her driver’s license shortly before me.  I remember that her father offered to buy her a car but what he offered was a used car.  What she wanted was a brand new car.  He offered to use the money set aside for a used car towards a new car instead but she’d have take over the car note.  In the end she did not choose to receive the free car her father had originally offered.  She chose a new car with the car note too. 

The consequence of her decision was that she had to work part time after school so that she can make the payments.  She was constantly stressed out about the payments.  I could not understand why she chose to go through the stress of paying for a car when a free one with no stress involved had been offered to her.  What I could not understand even more was that even though she was always tired and stressed she did not care because she got what she wanted in the end.  The truth was that the consequence was bad (constantly stressed about responsibility of working while attending school) but, my friend only saw it as good because her perception was that she got the car she wanted.

There’s an example Jesus gave in Luke 15: 11-32, the “Parable of the Lost Son.”  In this parable a man has two sons.  One of the sons asks the father for his inheritance.  After he received it he left home.  He had all the “fun” the world could offer him that is until he spent the last he had left of the inheritance.  Since he no longer had money he lost his so-called friends too.  Soon after he hired himself out and was feeding pigs and because he was so hungry he desired the slop he was feeding them but he wasn’t allowed to eat it or given any food.  When he realized just how wrong he was he decided to go back home and ask his father for forgiveness.  Luke 15:17-18, “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!  I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.” (NIV)  His father forgave him and accepted him not as a servant but as his son.

When the money was there and all of the “fun” of this world were at his fingertips he believed he had it all.  He believed that the consequences of his actions, asking for his inheritance from his living father and then wasting it all away, were good.  Though the consequences were bad, he abandoned his family, moved away and lived a wasteful life, his perception saw it as good that is until he found himself in need.  Aren’t we this way sometimes too my dear friend?  When we desire something so badly, that we’ll do anything for it whether good or bad, we justify our actions to fit our desire.  But then, when we are suffering through the bad consequences we realize just how wrong we were like the Lost Son.

Good consequences come with good decisions based not on our desires, needs or intelligence but instead based on what the Lord leads us to do.  Ephesians 5:1-2, “Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.” (MSG) 

My dear friend, thank you for reading this devotional.  Know that I appreciate you and am praying for you.  Thanks for passing on this blog to others!  Please continue to pass it on.  Also, I have a Facebook page for the ministry!  It’s a great way to get updates on the ministry and when the latest devotionals have been posted on this blog.  I also started posting “Thought of the day.” They’re short reads and have gotten great reviews.  Come and join by pressing “like!” on the page:  www.facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries  God bless you!

*If you would like to read this same devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com

 

“Inconsistencies!” Devotional #36

            For most of my adulthood I have had issues with consistency.  I’m great at starting things but terrible at finishing them.  I have started jobs, projects and church volunteer work with great gusto, passion and enthusiasm.  When people would get excited, enthused or would start to depend on my performance, behavior or my work that’s when I’d start becoming a procrastinator and would find reasons to quit.  Quitting became a bad habit of mine.  It got so bad that after a while quitting became way too easy to do.

            The consequences of becoming a quitter have been really difficult to endure.  Here’s a snapshot into my past inconsistencies.  When I was in college I was enthusiastic and dreamt of receiving my diploma.  In my third year of college, when I was in the program for the degree I found myself disappointed.  I didn’t like the program.  I was bored and unhappy.  Shortly after this I quit school.  Since I was no longer in school I decided to go to work full time.  Jumping from one job to the next became my pattern.  I worked because I needed the money not because I enjoyed what I was doing.  It was because of this lack of enthusiasm that the longest I worked at one place was two years.

            Am I proud of this behavior?  No!  Of course I’m not.  I have lost a lot because of it.  I have lost respect from my peers (who likes a quitter?).  I have lost out on opportunities to grow with a company (I’d quit once the pressure was on to really pursue a promotion).  I have lost out on opportunities for leadership growth as a volunteer at various times in the church (the procrastination problem left too many bad impressions).

            Why am I sharing this with you my dear friend?  It is because the inconsistencies in my life have cost me a lot.  It may be costing you a lot too.  Why is it so easy to fall into patterns of failure?  Psalm 125:1, “All who have faith in the Eternal stand as Mount Zion: unmoved, enduring, eternal.” (VOICE)  “Unmoved” means “not affected emotionally: having or showing no emotional reaction to something when it would usually be expected.”  “Enduring” means “1. persisting or surviving: persisting or surviving in the face of difficulties 2. long-suffering: patient or tolerant despite many difficulties.”  “Eternal” means “unchanging: unaffected by the passage of time.”  (All definitions are from: Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.)

            My inconsistency was that I’d do the opposite of what Psalm 125:1 says.  I was not someone who was “unmoved” because it seemed as though I couldn’t wait to move on to something else.  I was not someone who was “enduring” because once the task of a job, schooling or volunteering became difficult I’d quit.  I was definitely not “eternal” either.  Do you know why I became a quitter?  Do you know why I was unwilling to accept responsibility?  My fear of disappointing anyone was greater than my fear of failing, though I feared failing too.  So, in order to not disappoint anyone with my failure I’d quit before I could fail.

            I now know, through many convictions from the Almighty, that due to the inconsistencies of my life I became a bonafide quitter and that because I was bonafide quitter the Lord was not going to bless me with great responsibilities that would bring great “rewards” (blessings).  Because, if, for example, I was unwilling to make the best of the situation with an entry level position and therefore “endure” through it then how in the world would I be able to handle a management position which comes with even greater responsibilities and trials. Like the Parable of the Loaned Money found in Mathew 25:14-26, in this parable the Lord explains how a man gave his servants different amounts of “talents.”  At the end of the parable he says about the one that only received one, Mathew 25:26, “The master was furious. Master: You are a pathetic excuse for a servant! You have disproved my trust in you and squandered my generosity. You know I always make a profit!  You could have at least put this talent in the bank; then I could have earned a little interest on it!  Take that one talent away, and give it to the servant who doubled my money from five to ten.” (VOICE)

            My dear friend, I am pleased to share with you that this area of my life has changed.  Thankfully the Lord has helped me overcome and I am now a consistent person.  There have been temptations to quit but I know that I can “endure” because the Lord can and will help me through.  Psalm 125:2, “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.” (NIV)  Philipians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (NIV)  Ephesians 5:15, “So be careful how you live. Live as men who are wise and not foolish.” (NLV)

 

My dear friend, thank you for reading this devotional.  Know that I appreciate you and am praying for you.  Thanks for passing on this blog to others!  Please continue to pass it on.  Also, I have a Facebook page for the ministry!  It’s a great way to get updates on the ministry and when the latest devotionals have been posted on this blog.  I also started posting “Thought of the day.” They’re short reads and have gotten great reviews.  Come and join by pressing “like!” on the page:  www.facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries  God bless you! 

*If you would like to read this same devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com

 

 

“Moving Again!” Devotional #35 

            I don’t like to move.  Everything about moving from the packing to the decisions that need to be made like whether to keep things, give them away or throw them out, are tiresome and hard.  Moving is accompanied by lots of changes from the obvious like your address, to the not so obvious like how much time it will take to adjust to all that will be  new.  Moving also means having to get settled in a new place which means more work like unpacking for instance.   

            The other day I was unpacking some boxes.  As I was going through them I started wondering how the Israelites felt as they were moving around in the wilderness for forty years.  They didn’t have the luxury of moving trucks or even boxes to pack things in.  How difficult must it have been for them?  Do I really have reason to complain when I have the ability to pack and move so easily compared to what they went through?  I have friends and family that have moved from time to time too.  Each move that was made was because of a job situation, a family need or a better more comfortable place to live.  Hope is usually attached to a move.  But for the Israelites their hope was gone at least for the generation that was paying for their unbelief.  The hope of the “Promised Land” was passed down to the following generation.

            Numbers 13:18-20, ‘“See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many.  What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified?  How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees in it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land.” (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.)”’ (NIV)

            Moses had given this order to the twelve spies that were chosen to go in and check out the land of Canaan which was the “Promised Land.”  When they had finished spying the land they came back to Moses and the people of Israel to give their report.  Only two of the twelve men believed that God could and would give them victory over all of the battles needed to fight to possess the land.  They convinced the people that God couldn’t do it.  Though the Lord had promised the people and repeatedly reminded them that He would keep His promise made to Abraham they still did not believe. 

            Numbers 14:26-30, “God spoke to Moses and Aaron: “How long is this going to go on, all this grumbling against me by this evil-infested community? I’ve had my fill of complaints from these grumbling Israelites. Tell them, As I live—God’s decree—here’s what I’m going to do: Your corpses are going to litter the wilderness—every one of you twenty years and older who was counted in the census, this whole generation of grumblers and grousers. Not one of you will enter the land and make your home there, the firmly and solemnly promised land, except for Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.” (MSG)  Then in Numbers 14:33-35, “Your children will be shepherds here for forty years, suffering for your unfaithfulness, until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness.  For forty years—one year for each of the forty days you explored the land—you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you.’  I, the Lord, have spoken, and I will surely do these things to this whole wicked community, which has banded together against me. They will meet their end in this wilderness; here they will die.” (NIV)

            As these people moved from time to time in the wilderness for forty years their experience must have been heart wrenching.  Each move was harder than the last.  Each time it was a reminder of their unbelief and the hope that they would one day live in the land “flowing with milk and honey,” was dead for them.  It was because of God’s mercy that their children were able to see the “Promised Land.”  They were the ones that experienced all of the wonders that came with obeying the Lord and living in obedience.  The move for the new generation must have been full of excitement!  They were the ones that had a move to remember!  Though they were probably tired of moving by then that final move into what became Israel must have been the best one ever!  They must have thought to themselves, “We’re moving again!  This time will be our last move!” 

            My dear friends how wonderful it must have been for them.  It was an awesome experience going in side by side with the Lord.  Our daily experiences even our experiences with moves can also be awesome experiences as long as we also go side by side with the Lord. 

 

My dear friend, thank you for reading this devotional.  Know that I appreciate you and am praying for you.  Thanks for passing on this blog to others!  Please continue to pass it on.  Also, I have a Facebook page for the ministry!  It’s a great way to get updates on the ministry and when the latest devotionals have been posted on this blog.  I also started posting “Thought of the day.” They’re short reads and have gotten great reviews.  Come and join by pressing “like!” on the page:  www.facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries  God bless you! 

*If you would like to read this same devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com

 

 

“I Disagree!” Devotional #34

 

            How frustrating it is to have disagreements!  A disagreement can lead to even more disagreements if they are not dealt with.  If things are never cleared up what happens next?  A lot of the times what happens is that the relationship will break.  How many friendships have broken up because of disagreements?  How many marriages have ended in divorce because of disagreements?  How many families have suffered because of disagreements?

            Sometimes all it takes to clear up a disagreement is to talk about it with the other person.  Listening to the other person and having them listen to you can do wonders!  The key is to talk not argue.  Something else is needed to clear a disagreement…forgiveness.  The ability to forgive is not always easy but doable.  The only way really to forgive another is to ask the Lord to help us forgive and to help us let the hurt go which is the “forget” part that we hear people say all of the time…”forgive and forget.”  Another key part in clearing up a disagreement is time.  We need to be willing to give each other time to sit and talk things through…time to forgive and heal (“forget”) and time to let time do its thing.  “Time heals all wounds,” to a certain point I agree but healing, true healing can only happen if the truth was stated which is what is needed to clear up a disagreement.

            There’s an example of Paul and Barnabas in the Bible having a disagreement.  When they were planning out their second missionary trip Barnabas told Paul that he wanted to take John (also known as Mark) and Paul disagreed.  Their disagreement was so bad they went their separate ways! 

            Acts 15:36-41, “Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”  Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.  They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.  He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”

            It’s amazing to me that these two men of God had such a “sharp disagreement.”  They had gone through a lot together and accomplished a lot.  Even though they had such a great history together they could not see eye to eye on the issue of John.  Paul didn’t want to risk being abandoned by John again whereas Barnabas wanted to give him another chance.  Barnabas ended up going on a separate mission trip with John.  Can you imagine how John must have felt?  It was because of his decision to leave Pamphylia when the circumstances grew difficult that changed Paul’s mind of him.  He no longer believed that John had what it took to be a dependable missionary.

            Thankfully the story doesn’t end there.  Years later while Paul was under house arrest in Rome he wrote a letter to Timothy and in it he mentions John Mark.  2 Timothy 4:11, “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.”  In Philemon 1:23-24 Paul mentions Mark’s name too, “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers.” 

            Disagreements will occur.  Reconciliations can follow if we allow them.  As we see in Paul’s case he gave Mark another chance.  My dear friend I know firsthand how much a disagreement can cause discord, hurt, and or frustration.  I’ve had situations where reconciliation never occurred, relationships were broken and hurts took longer to heal from.  I also know that when there is reconciliation the problem is resolved and the relationship can grow and blossom into what the Lord would want it to.  So, like Paul, we too should give another chance and resolve the problems through prayer.  If the Lord’s will is for the two parties to split then that’s what needs to happen.   

 

My dear friend, thank you for reading this devotional.  Know that I appreciate you and am praying for you.  Thanks for passing on this blog to others!  Please continue to pass it on.  Also, I have a Facebook page for the ministry!  It’s a great way to get updates on the ministry and when the latest devotionals have been posted on this blog.  I also started posting “Thought of the day.” They’re short reads and have gotten great reviews.  Come and join by pressing “like!” on the page:  www.facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries  God bless you!

 

*If you would like to read this same devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com

 

 

“The Dreamer” Devotional #33

 

            One of the “titles” given to me by some is, “The Dreamer.”  I dreamt that I’d be speaking in front of large crowds, be a published author and a Christian singer.  It was because of these dreams I grew more and more excited about being called to ministry. But when I didn’t see them coming true I gave up.  Over time I stopped daring to dream at all and the title went away.

            Now that I’m a bit older, wiser, spiritually and emotionally stronger I’m dreaming again!  These dreams that I believed were dead and gone forever have returned!  Why?  The Lord’s calling on my life didn’t die because my dreams did.  The Lord didn’t give up on me.  I started believing again in God’s calling on my life and through His leading He gave me the “green light” to begin this ministry now.  Not only am I dreaming again my dreams are bigger than ever!  Some have been critical, others have ignored me but this time it doesn’t bother me!  I have had to learn; the very hard way, that constantly worrying about what others think isn’t going to make those dreams come true.  In fact the opposite is true.  It was because I paid attention to pleasing others that I listened to the critics, doubters, the dream-crushers and the result was that I stopped believing. 

I learned that what has to matter more than anything else to me is not the approval of others.  What I need more than anything is for God to approve of me!  What I need is not the opinions of others to propel and keep me going through this ministry or life itself.  What I need is God and to live obediently for Him. 

It is through the emotional growth that the Lord has blessed me with that I can love more than ever before!  God’s love is pure.  It is His unconditional love that flows through me so fiercely that it pours out of me and unto others.  It is because of His love that I can dare to dream again.  Joseph was a young man who was known as a dreamer too in the Bible.  He was the second youngest of the twelve sons of Jacob.  He was the firstborn son of Rachel, Jacob’s true love.  Perhaps one of the reasons for Jacob favoring Joseph and his younger brother, Benjamin, was because Rachel died during Benjamin’s birth.

By the time he was seventeen years old his older brothers couldn’t stand him, Genesis 37:4, “When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.” (NIV)  What made things worst were the two dreams he had.  Both meant that his family would one day bow down to him (Genesis 37:5-10).  It was because of these dreams that his brothers hated even more, Genesis 37:5, “Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.” (NIV)

The story doesn’t end there.  His brothers sold him as a slave.  He ended up in Egypt and after many years of emotional pain, increase in wisdom, maturity, strength physically and spiritually, he was placed in a position that in today’s world would be the equivalent to a Prime Minister.  It was through his work for the Pharaoh of Egypt that the Lord saved a nation from starvation.  Not only did He save the nation but the nearby nations were also able to survive because they could buy food from Joseph and the Egyptians.

Later on in the story Joseph’s family were moved by Joseph himself to Egypt.  Seventeen years later Israel (Jacob), his father, died.  His brothers were afraid that Joseph would take revenge upon them.  Joseph showed wisdom, grace and love all at once with his response.  Genesis 50:18-21, “His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.  But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?  You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” (NIV)

            The dreamer, Joseph, was used by God.  His purpose was lived out, and that was why he was able to help so many.  Like Joseph you and I have a purpose. Sometimes our dreams are in line with the purpose the Lord has for us.  It is those dreams that we need to pay attention to.  It is those specific dreams that help us get excited, passionate and create a longing in us for what is to come.  Though Joseph went through a lot he never gave up.  His story is a lesson for us all.  Do not give up on your dreams.  Do not give up on yourself.  Most of all do not give up on God.

 

My dear friend, thank you for reading this devotional.  Know that I appreciate you and am praying for you.  Thanks for passing on this blog to others!  Please continue to pass it on.  Also, I have a Facebook page for the ministry!  It’s a great way to get updates on the ministry and when the latest devotionals have been posted on this blog.  I also started posting “Thought of the day.” They’re short reads and have gotten great reviews.  Come and join by pressing “like!” on the page:  www.facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries  God bless you! 

*If you would like to read this same devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com

 

“Interference!”  Devotional #32

Saturday was an absolutely gorgeous day here in Florida!  My family and I were at our son's baseball game.  It was a good game.  Our other two kids were behaving.  My husband and I were having a nice time.  On our son’s second time at bat all eyes were on him. The parents and team were cheering him on. Then after several pitches it was three balls and two strikes.  There was one man on base.  If our son got a hit or a homerun it would have given his team an opportunity to catch up.  The crowd on both sides of the field grew quiet.  The pitcher was getting into his stance.  He was about to pitch when out of nowhere a really loud car alarm started to sound! It was so loud that everyone stopped to look at what was going on.  It distracted everyone from the game!  How interesting!  Even though the game had everyone's attention the sound of the alarm quickly took everyone's attention away.  This form of distraction was the one that “diverts attention: something that interferes with concentration or takes attention away from something else.” (From the Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.)

We face distractions every single day.  These distractions can be anything from a baby crying in the middle of the night to a car alarm going off in the middle of a ball game.  There are also distractions that forcibly get our attention, even if it’s just for a moment.  Here’s the thing, Satan uses distractions to pull our attention off of what we’re trying to do right (living in obedience) and tries to place our attention on something else.  A distraction can lead to temptation which leads to one of two things a sin or running away from sin.  For example, let’s say both you and your spouse are convicted that you need to be better stewards with the money He provides you.  The both of you pray over how to do this and you are led to establish a sound budget and because of said budget neither of you can buy absolutely anything outside of the needs of the family for the month.  You both pray about this and ask for the Lord’s leading and wisdom on how to better manage the family income.

The weekend comes and you are out with the family, including your spouse.  You’re all at the mall for lunch (which you did budget for).  As you are all walking over to the Food Court all of you see a sign that says, “HUGE SALE, EVERYTHING HALF OFF OR LESS!”  Everyone stops.  None of you can believe what you are seeing!  This is the store that has the big screen 3-D high-definition television you have all been wanting and it’s on sale for half the cost!  Everyone starts chiming in with their reasons of why this television is “needed.”  Both you and your spouse find yourselves wondering what to do and you are trying to justify purchasing it.  What happened? 

The distraction was the sign that stopped everyone.  The temptation was the sale of the much desired television.  The next thing would be what?  If you were to go in and spend the money you both agreed could not be spent then you will have gone back on your word and over your budget, which means that you will have more “month” left at the end of the month instead of money.  If you do not have the money to cover the cost and use a credit card then that means a new bill would be created, a bill that you have no money to pay.  If you succumb to the temptation then it would be a sin.  Why would this be considered a sin? It would be a sin because you went back on your word and misused the income that was for your needs and not your desires.

My friend, I have encountered these distractions many times in my life!  I know that these distractions are merely just that, distractions but, if I pay mind to it, just enough to start getting tempted then the devil has gotten my attention!  Ephesians 4:27, “do not give the devil a foothold.” (NIV)  A foothold is: “firm base for progress: a secure starting position from which further advances can be made.” (From the Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.) Remember that Satan is always looking for a way to get us to sin.  1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”  (GNT)  We need to be vigilant and ready to stand our ground and do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.  Ephesians 6:11, “Wear the full armor of God. Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s clever tricks.” (GNT)  So when the distractions from Satan come, stand firm and choose obedience.  Ephesians 6:10, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. (NIV)

 

My dear friend, thank you for reading this devotional.  Know that I appreciate you and am praying for you.  Thanks for passing on this blog to others!  Please continue to pass it on.  Also, I have a Facebook page for the ministry!  It’s a great way to get updates on the ministry and when the latest devotionals have been posted on this blog.  I also started posting “Thought of the day.” They’re short reads and have gotten great reviews.  Come and join by pressing “like!” on the page:  www.facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries  God bless you!

*If you would like to read this same devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com