Usually, we think of “me first” as a selfish idea. Most of the time it is. However, when it comes to giving – we should lovingly say, “Let me give first”. When a conflict arises, love says, “Let me makes things right first.” When there is a need, Christ-likeness decides to go first to meet that need.
So the next time you have the chance – go first for the sake of Christ and others.
A friend of mine once said, “There are so many good verses and I haven’t mastered any of them.” That is why we are good friends. She sends me to God’s Word.
Perfect for all situations.
Too often we view the Bible through the lens of our experience. Instead, we should view our experience through the lens of Scripture.
God’s view is perfect. Mine is flawed.
John 3:30 He must increase; I must disappear.
I want to wish my dad a Happy Father’s Day.
I was born a “daddy’s girl”. I have always adored my father (although when I was in trouble I may have faltered a bit – we won’t say how often that happened).
I heard a song when I was young called “I Want to Marry Daddy When I Grow Up”. I believe if God has marriage for my life, then my husband will be a man similar to my dad. A man of integrity, who seeks to put God first and share that with others. My dad took me on my first date – when I was 8 years old. He taught me how I should be treated. Let’s just say I have very high standards.
I shared in a previous post how my dad taught me to love thunderstorms. Another special memory is when I was 14. The memory of the day I trusted Christ as my personal Savior was fading. I had doubts about my salvation. Youth leaders and Christian school teachers often taught that we should “make sure” we were saved. I felt I needed to pray to ask Jesus to save me from my sins. I knew I had to tell someone, so one night I told my dad. Instead of having me “make sure” he started telling me why he thought I was truly a Christian. I’m pretty sure I thought he was crazy (I’ve said this before). I had it so ingrained in my head that I needed to “make sure” that I didn’t think there was any other option. However, in godly wisdom, my dad listed evidence of salvation and shared Romans 10:9-10 with me. I realized that this was true in my life (due to the ministry of the Holy Spirit). I have at times struggled with doubt since that day, however, God used my dad to give me assurance based on Bible teaching.
So on Father’s Day this year, I want to publicly say, “Thank you , Dad. I love you. Happy Father’s Day.”
I often read from Streams in the Desert by L.B.Cowman. It is loaded with Biblical advice on how to handle trials. Here is one poem that has stood out to me. This has often been the plea of my heart.
Father God, please draw me to Yourself.
We all have people we look up to and respect. This may be a favorite teacher/college professor, a pastor, parents, a close friend, etc. However, when you look up to them – who are you really watching?
God has been teaching me that when I look at people I admire, I shouldn’t watch the person. I should look at Christ’s work in their lives. People will make mistakes. The best examples are people who seek Christ and allow Christ to shine through them.
How about the reverse? Who is watching you? And whom do they see? I pray that God increases in my life and I disappear – so people only see Christ and His work.
You cannot find more depth of friendship than when Christ is in the center of the relationship.
God works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). That doesn’t mean everything is good.
But God is good. Always good.
I want to wish my mom a Happy Mother’s Day. As with many, my mom has been important in my life. She took care of me, nurturing me as I grew up.
My mom married a pastor. An honorable profession, but one that can be difficult. She gave birth to three wonderful, little sinners (although I’m sure my brothers caused more trouble than I did). 🙂 Caring for a family of 5 on a limited budget was a burden she bore. She fought to meet our needs and often went without. She worked hard to make special occasions like birthdays and graduations extra special.
My mom trusted Jesus Christ as her Savior at a young age and has shared that with others including her children. I remember one time my mom prayed with me after breakfast that I would learn to know Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. I didn’t trust Christ that day, but the memory has stayed with me.
So on Mother’s Day this year, I want to publicly say, “Thank you, Mom. I love you. Happy Mother’s Day.”
Pleading in Prayer 