Work With What You Have - Oct. 23, 2009
Posted in Inspirations
Have you ever wanted to do something but thought you lacked the tools? Happens to me all the time. I see a project I want to attempt, but then I realize I don’t have exactly the right tools to do the job perfectly as described by the instructions, and since we’re basically poor, I usually can’t purchase the missing items. The idea then gets abandoned, and I move on to something else. Now, abandoning the inconsequential I-just-want-do-this-‘cause-it-looks-like-fun project is probably the best choice anyway, but what about the God-wants-me-to-do-this project? You know the ones I mean. The Bible study God wants you to host, but you won’t because you can’t afford a bigger coffee pot, or your table’s too small. Or the church construction project that needs extra hands, but you just don’t own the “right” tools so you don’t get involved. Or the homeless people we all should be helping, but the budget is so tight that we just don’t feel we have the money. It’s so much easier to let these obstacles stop us instead of having to spend the time and energy finding a solution. I should know. I do it all the time. “There’s no time on our already packed schedule to volunteer for this, and no money to give for that,” I think as I peruse the church bulletin. By the time I’m done, I’ve this’d and that’d myself out of doing anything productive! However, I came across a very interesting story in the Bible this week that helped me put things in a little better perspective.
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
6Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. (John 9:1-7)
While this is a wonderful and touching story of how Jesus heals us from our blindness, there’s a part here that I overlooked very time I’ve read the story. I think I overlooked it because it kind of grosses me out. Jesus spit in the dirt, made a little mud, and put it on the man’s eyes. Yes, there a small, girlie part of me that can’t help but say, “Ew!” However, that reaction had me missing a very important part of the story. Jesus worked with what he had on hand. He didn’t look at the man and say, “Hang on while I get my degree in ophthalmology.” He didn’t create an elaborate plan and make endless lists of things he couldn’t get anyway. No, he worked with what was available. He made things happen with what he had on hand. Let’s face it. That’s what he always did. His preaching wasn’t hindered because his outfit might not look good on the internet, or he didn’t have just the right graphics for his PowerPoint. He preached on the side of a mountain and made miracles out of mud.
I think we spend too much time worrying about having just the “right” tools before we’re willing to do what he’s called us to do. Even a tight budget can purchase a single can of vegetables for the food pantry or maybe even a couple of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches handed to the homeless people who have been reduced to begging on the street corner. And God already gave you the most useful tools you will ever need: your hands. As for that Bible study, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised that God will only send the number of people that your space and your coffee pot can handle. So, what has he called you to do that you’ve avoided because you don’t think you’re equipped enough?
Thanks for stopping by.
Betty
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
.
• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
Bible Study Review: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World - Jun. 17, 2009
Posted in Inspirations
This week, my Bible Study group will be finishing a twelve-week study that has been heart-changing for all of us. To tell you the truth, we weren’t sure what to expect out of this study. Although we are all women in our group, we’ve been shying away from studies directed at women. We already grasp the “honor your husband” and “manage your home” concepts, but after back-to-back intense studies written by Philip Yancey, we were ready for something different. Maybe even something a little on the light side.
For about two weeks, my friend Amy and I poured over information about different studies. We prayed for guidance on what to choose. We read description after description on website after website. We prayed some more. Then we went to a local Family Christian Bookstore to wander around and page through the books there, still undecided. We’d found many studies that looked great, but nothing that really jumped out at us, so a field trip to the bookstore seemed like a good idea. And it was!
Sitting on the top shelf of the women’s section with its simple, unassuming cover was a title that just screamed, “Pick me, pick me!” Honestly, we barely paged through it before deciding. We loved the title and our gut instinct the voice of the Holy Spirit loudly said this is the perfect “light” study you’re looking for. By the way, did you know that the word “light” is relative? The Holy Spirit’s vision of “light” and our vision of “light” are two different things. But, we didn’t know that at the time so we were easily sucked in. I’m so glad we were!
We pitched the book to the rest of the group, and with everyone in agreement, started twelve weeks about Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. I was a bit apprehensive, however. I’d never done a study that wasn’t DVD-driven. Would I really be able to find time to read the book every week and answer the questions beforehand? I had my doubts, but was willing to give it a try. Let’s face it; this was supposed to be light and fluffy anyway. How much would I actually have to think? Famous last words.
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World has been a wonderful journey filled with twists and turns none of us ever expected. Joanna Weaver did a beautiful job of creating a book whose spiritual depth sneaks up on you. She appeals to the Martha in all of us with short chapters broken into even shorter segments that fit into the busiest of schedules. Then, she hits you with scripture that awakens the Mary sleeping deep within your heart. I really hadn’t expected so much from so little.
Do you know the story of Martha and Mary? In case you’ve forgotten their story, let me share it with you here.
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’
‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing I needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:38-42
Isn’t it amazing that this story is only five verses? Yet, those five verses have been known to ruffle the feathers of many women who cannot understand why Jesus sided with the lazy Mary instead of the industrious Martha. And, I’m one of them! I would often wonder, “What was He thinking chastising Martha? She’s just trying to serve Him! Someone’s got to do the work. Besides, if Mary would have just gotten up to help, then they both could have listened.” Every woman I have ever spoken to about this story has echoed those same words almost verbatim. How wonderful for Lord to hear our lack of understanding and provide enlightenment through Joanna Weaver and her book!
Now, I’m not going to spoil the surprises buried deep in this book by revealing too much, but I do want to give you a peak at some of the lessons you’ll learn in Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.
When we finished the first week, and I finally understood what was behind Jesus’ rebuke of Martha in the story, I was concerned about being bored for the next eleven weeks. After all, how many times does the light switch need to be flipped if the light is already on? No need for concern. Ms. Weaver artfully weaves lessons throughout the book that deepens your understanding of God’s desire for an intimate relationship with each one of us and just how to achieve that relationship. Instead of flipping the lightswitch on over and over again each week, Joanna Weaver keeps turning up the brightness. Be prepared to examine just about every corner of your life: your heart, your schedule, your history, your motives, and your relationship with Jesus Christ. Be prepared for what my dear friend Wendy “lovingly” calls “God Smacks.” And, be prepared for changes you never thought you’d experience. Yes, it really is that good!
By the way, while I highly recommend reading Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, I do not recommend it as a large group study. We have a very small group of six ladies, and that is perfect for us. This study encourages discussion, and a small group setting of six or eight participants would probably work best.
Thank you for stopping by! I’m sorry to say that this is our last week for Bible Study until Fall. Summer schedules are so haphazard and crazy that we’re taking a break. However, feel free to join me in reading My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chamber and The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, and in re-reading Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss over the summer. Hopefully, these three books aren’t too ambitious of an undertaking for me. I like to be able to focus when I’m reading so I don’t miss a single treat the authors have hidden in the pages of their books!
Betty
Peace and grace be yours in abundance. 1Peter1:2b
• 0 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
Unexpected Encouragement - May. 12, 2009
Posted in Inspirations
Did you ever sit down to your quiet time and realize that what you are about to read in the Bible is not really what you think you should be reading? You look at your reading plan, and your nose crinkles up a bit in distaste. Or maybe you’ve asked God to lead your reading, and you find yourself arguing with Him over what you want to read versus what He wants you to read. That’s the place I was yesterday.
My life has taken a few unexpected turns lately, and the future is looking a bit uncertain and unpredictable. We seem to be speeding headlong into the Great Unknown. Deep down in my soul I believe in God’s sovereignty in all things. I know He has plans for me and my family. I know I’m not always privy to those plans, but because His ways are so much higher than mine, I can trust in those plans. However, my very human heart and mind can sometimes be quite unnerved by the unknown. So, to me, I needed comfort in my quiet time this week not the ancient history of the Old Testament. Believe me, I argued good and long with Him over this. “You know my heart,” I prayed, “You know how crazy the future looks to me right now. How about a nice gospel this week, or maybe some Psalms?” But no. I was lead to read Joshua after I finished Romans, so Joshua it is. You cannot imagine how humble I felt when I read the very first chapter of Joshua? Humble yet confident of my oh-so-uncertain future.
Let me set the stage a bit for you. The Israelites have been wandering around the desert for 40 years now. They are about to cross the
“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Joshua 1:5
Oh, I hope those words sounded as precious to Joshua as they sound to me! I stayed here for a moment savoring the thought that the Lord will never leave me nor forsake me. The tension in my shoulders began to ease just a bit. I let out a breath that I hadn’t realized I’d been holding for what felt like days. Even the beating of my heart seemed to slow and relax a bit. And I read a little further.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Now that’s encouragement! If we let God command our lives we can trust the Great Unknown because He will be there with us. We can be strong. We can be courageous. We do not have to be terrified. We do not have to be discouraged. God will be with us wherever we go. The Great Unknown that my family and I are now facing really is going to be amazing simply because God is in it. I can’t wait!
However, as encouraged as I was in reading these passages, I was also humbled. I tried everything to ignore the call to read Joshua this week. I looked at the study guide at the back of my Bible for something else to read. I tried a Tim Lahaye book about how to study the Bible for advice. I stared at my Bible’s Table of Contents willing the words of the Holy Spirit to change. But they didn’t, and I’m glad. Not only am I blessed with God’s words of comfort and encouragement, but I am reminded that no matter what I think I need, God knows what I need.
Thank you for stopping by! I hope you found as much encouragement in these verses as I did. Have you had your quiet time in God’s Word today? If not, don’t you think it’s time to stop for a moment and have a cup of coffee with God today? You might be happily surprised to find where He leads you.
Betty
Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 1Peter1:2b
• 0 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link
<- Last Page • Next Page ->
