Seasons Whisperings: 3/21/10

Friday, March 26, 2010

I need Rest, Devotional 2/26/2010

Today's Truth

"The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place" (Mark 6:30-32, NIV).

Friend To Friend

I spin plates. Not real plates. Metaphorical plates. I spin lots of plates at the same time and I multi-task. This is both a blessing and a curse in my life. Sometimes my attention is divided in too many directions, leaving me harried … while at other times, I'm energized by the amount of things I can get done in a small window of time. Regardless, there just never seems to be enough hours in the day to get things done or enough hours in the night to give me complete rest.

Being a plate-spinning mom is a challenge. When my kids want me, they don't like to wait for me to spin three more plates before I answer them or give them my attention. When my daughter Kennedy was a toddler, she figured out a way to stop me mid-task, no matter what I was doing. She would place her chubby little hands on my cheeks, look me in the eye, and demand my full attention. Then she would deliver her message or question to me. I became her captive audience.

Just like Kennedy used to seek my attention, the Spirit of the Lord often speaks a similar message to my heart: "Don't forget about me, Gwen! I know you have a lot going on, but your attention should be mine. I love you. Come sit with me a while."

Life is busy. Each day we have activities, tasks and distractions that vie for our time and attention. If we aren't careful and deliberate, our relationship with God can suffer as a result. The Lord doesn't want to be an after-thought and He doesn't want to be penciled in to our schedules. He wants us to prioritize Him. Focus our hearts on Him. Worship Him. Be with Him.

Rest in Him.

What are your priorities?

Where does God fit into your schedule?

How vital is it to you that you spend one-on-one time with God each day?

Are you experiencing the supernatural rest that's found in His presence?

In Mark 6:30-32, we learn that Jesus and His apostles had been busy working for their heavenly Father. In fact, they had worked with such vigor that they hadn't even gotten a decent meal in their belly. (Boy, do I know what that's like!) In response, Jesus invited them to get away with Him so they could find some rest and rejuvenation in His presence. He said, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest" (Mark 6:31, NIV). That same invitation is extended to you and me.

God wants you to pause the plate spinning and be His captive audience in this very moment. He wants you to go with Him to a quiet place: to be still, to gaze into His eyes, to worship Him in Spirit and in truth, to be lost in His glory, and found by His grace - to find rest.

I'd like you to imagine His strong yet gentle hands reaching for your cheeks, lifting your chin, and drawing your eyes to His. Fix your gaze on His beautiful, blazing, mercy-filled eyes. Give the Lord your full attention. He will be your rest.

I co-wrote a song called "Sacred Place" that is purposed to lead you to His presence. After you pray the prayer below, please take a moment to listen to "Sacred Place" and personally respond to Him.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO SACRED PLACE

Let's Pray

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for all of the times I fail to give You my attention. I shake my head at the very thought that You want to lock gazes with someone like me, yet Scripture clearly tells me that You desire to be sought after and found by me. I'm here. You have my full attention, please speak to my heart and help me to be Your captive audience throughout today and everyday.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Find a solitary place, grab your Bible and read Psalm 103.
Write down your favorite verses from that chapter and journal about what they teach you.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

The Beatitudes of Anger Management- Part 2 3/25/2010

The Beatitudes of Anger Management

Part 2
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth Ephesians 4:26 "In your anger, do not sin."

Friend To Friend

Anger is an emotional warning light that tells us something is wrong. We are hurt, frustrated, wronged or rejected but something has changed and we do not like it. Anger itself is not sin. In Ephesians 4:26, Paul warns, "In your anger, do not sin" which means that while God created us with the capacity for anger, it is possible to be angry and yet not sin. The key to dealing with anger is learning to express it correctly. Yesterday, we talked about four actions that will help us manage anger. Today, we will complete the list of choices we can make in controlling anger - instead of allowing it to control us.

Be focused.

Psalm 37:8 "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret; it leads only to evil."

I witnessed the utter strength and beauty of our daughter-in-law as she went through hours of labor during the birth of our twin grandchildren. The pain was excruciating, but Jodi worked through each contraction by doing two things: controlling her breathing and choosing a focus point. We need to do the same. When anger consumes you, take several deep breaths, releasing each one slowly as we focus on the peace of God. Sometimes, you may need to excuse yourself for a short break in order to gain the right perspective. If possible, try walking for a few minutes to work off anger rather than take it out on someone. Walk the dog or simply stroll around the block. Physical activity offers an outlet for anger. Getting into the habit of taking 30-minute walks several times a week will improve your overall state of mind and lessen the occurrence and intensity of your anger.

Be understanding.

James 1:19 "Everyone should be quick to listen."

We have two ears and one mouth for a reason—to listen twice as much as we speak. When you begin getting angry with someone, take time to listen to what the other person has to say. Make sure you understand that person's viewpoint. In fact, it might be a good idea for you to repeat it back to make sure you get the point. Only then, when you have processed that information and reigned in your emotions, should you offer a reply. Listening skills play a significant role in anger management.

Be kind.

Proverbs 15:1 "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

The next time someone makes you angry, put a smile on your face. No, I am not kidding! It is hard to stay upset when you are smiling. Smiling is one of the best and most affordable anger management tips because you can do it anytime, almost anywhere, and to pretty much anyone. The next time you are angry, choose to give a friendly smile of understanding, appreciation, or patience as you listen to the other side of the story; and make sure it is a real smile—not a sarcastic grin.

Be ready.

1 Peter 5:8 "Be self-controlled and alert."

The best way to manage anger is to prevent it in the first place. How? Balance your schedule and priorities so that you will not live in a constant state of frustration and exhaustion. Avoid spending time with angry people. Proverbs 22:24 is very clear, "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man; do not associate with one easily angered." We really do become like the people with whom we spend the most time. Pray constantly, asking the Holy Spirit to help you cultivate the habits that encourage peace instead of anger.

Memorize Scripture. The Word of God is a powerful weapon in dealing with and managing our emotions.
God created us with the capacity for emotions. That means He has a right plan and a right place for emotions in our lives. Anger management is a spiritual discipline that God honors, blesses and empowers.

Let's Pray

Father, thank You for creating me with the capacity to experience emotions. Sometimes I have a hard time controlling those emotions - especially my anger. Please help me learn how to express my emotions in a way that is healing to my relationships and pleasing to You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

Review the eight beatitudes of anger management.

Which one do you need to cultivate in your life?
Be ready.
Be kind.
Be understanding.
Be focused.
Be still.
Be quiet.
Be wise.
Be discerning.
Record these beatitudes in your journal.

Write out your prayer of commitment to cultivate attitudes and habits that will help you manage anger in your life.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The Beatitudes of Anger Management-Part 1 3/24/2010

The Beatitudes of Anger Management

Part 1
Mary Southerland

Today's Truth Ephesians 4:26 "In your anger, do not sin."

Friend To Friend

Everyone gets angry and everyone must learn to deal with his or her anger. Anger is an emotional warning light that tells us something is wrong. We are hurt, frustrated, wronged or rejected. Something has changed and we do not like it. It is important to remember that anger itself is not sin. In Ephesians 4:26, Paul warns, "In your anger, do not sin" which means that while God created us with the capacity for anger, it is possible to be angry and yet not sin.

Anger handled correctly becomes a tool for good but anger that is mishandled leads to destruction and can even get in the way of God's justice. We must choose to cultivate spiritual disciplines and habits that will enable us to deal with and express anger correctly. Today, we will examine choices we must make to control and manage anger.

Be still.

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."

Anger is more likely to flourish in a life that is too busy. If we are busy, it is much easier to ignore or refuse to face and deal with the real source of anger. Anger that is not dealt with in the right way accumulates over time, allowing bitterness to take root and rage to simmer just below the surface of everything we do, say, think or feel. In order to manage anger, we need to incorporate frequent and regular "stops" into our schedules; time set aside to simply be still and hear the voice of God.

Be quiet.

James 1:19-20 "Everyone should be slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."

Our first response to conflict is often not a response at all but a reaction. We jump in with a brutal rebuttal or a thoughtless correction - which is like pouring gasoline on a fire. An explosion is certain. Our first action should be to stop and think instead of rushing to respond sarcasm or an offensive rebuttal. Let the other person(s) have their say and try to understand all the perspectives before taking your turn to offer an opinion. Try to view the facts objectively by seeing the "big picture." Try counting to ten before saying anything. This may not address the anger directly, but it can minimize the damage you will do while angry.

Be wise.

Proverbs 25:28 "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control."

Wisdom is doing the right thing at the right time for the right reason. Anger management comes from wisdom rooted in self-control. I love the story of Jesus driving the moneychangers out of His Father's temple. In John 2:15, scripture says Jesus "made a whip out of cords." Don't miss this picture. At the height of His anger, Jesus wisely took the time to gather several cords with which he braided a whip. Jesus was so angry that He knew He needed to cool off, so He deliberately chose to be still and quiet for a time. When we are close to losing control of anger, we need to do what Jesus did - take a break from the situation in order to control our anger in the situation.

Be discerning.

Psalm 4:4 "In your anger do not sin…search your hearts and be silent."

When you are angry with someone, ask yourself why. Think back to what led up to the conflict. Was it something someone said to you? Could a past problem have triggered your present anger? Give yourself time to consider why you are upset and what you should do to handle it in the most effective and appropriate way.

We need to deal with anger in the right way for our own good. However, there is another reason - a higher reason to practice anger management. The story is told of a preacher who was putting in a wooden fence. As he hammered away, he noticed a little boy quietly watching him. The boy didn't say a word so the preacher kept working, thinking the little boy would leave - but he didn't. Pleased at the thought that his work was being admired, the preacher finally said, "Well, son, are you trying to pick up some pointers on building?" The little boy quickly responded, "No! I'm just waiting to see what a preacher says when he hits his thumb with a hammer." answered.
The world is watching and waiting to see what we do when our emotional buttons are pushed because what is really inside comes out when anger strikes.

Join me tomorrow as we examine four more beatitudes of anger management.

Let's Pray

Father, I want to thank You for creating me with the capacity to feel and to experience emotions. Please help me learn how to control my emotions and use them for good. Help me eliminate anything in my life that is a source of anger and frustration. I want to please You and honor You but I need Your strength to obey Your commands. Today, I choose against destructive anger and ask you to teach me how to experience and promote peace.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now It's Your Turn

The longer I work with people the more I realize that there is always a reason for their behavior. Hurt people - hurt people. Anger is often hurt and pain in disguise. When we choose to focus on the hurt behind the anger instead of the anger itself, our response has a greater chance of being right.

Is there any hurt or pain in your life that you have not addressed?

How has that pain affected your life?

Your relationships?

Are you ready to experience God's healing in your life so that you can lay down your hurt and anger?

Which one of the four attitudes listed above do you struggle with most?

What first step do you need to take in order to correct that attitude?

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Approval Addiction

Approval Addiction
Shari Braendel

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4 (NIV)

Devotion:
One day I got tired of hearing myself talk.

During a time when everything seemed to be going well, I found myself in a whirlwind where God revealed to me that my life was actually out of control. I knew I was walking the path He had laid out for me and it lined up with my passion for helping others. The problem was that I had become so good at it I didn't feel the need to call on God's help anymore.

What I did come to need, however, was others to tell me I was doing a good job. In fact, if someone didn't pat me on the back, I would tell them about my good deeds!
Everywhere I went people told me how skilled I was at doing this particular thing. I had become so adept at it that I figured there was no need to consult God anymore. I stopped praying much about it and would just "do." In the middle of my doing, however, I would make sure and ask others if I was doing it okay.
One day I was talking to someone and God allowed me to see myself, almost like I was listening as an outsider. I hated what I had become. Who was this person? Why was she talking so much? Who cared that she did this or that? Oh my goodness, what had become of me?!

I decided that day to stop talking about myself. I decided to quit depending on other people's thoughts about what I was doing, or how I was doing it. I decided that the only One I needed to impress was God. I knew that it wasn't going to happen without thought and planning. This desire for approval was not going to go away by itself.
First, I sat down and had a good cry. Then I consulted God and prayed. I made a decision to be quiet about myself for 30 days. Whenever I talked to someone, I would not mention "me" at all. I would not recount my accomplishments, my breakthroughs, or my shortcomings. Nothing. I decided to begin listening to others as if hearing them for the first time. If they asked about me, I would simply answer, "I'm doing great, thank you." That's it. No more information. I wanted to turn outward and begin to invest in other people's lives.

Well, 30 days turned into 60 days, and then into 90. I will tell you…I'm different now. My friends would probably agree, but I can honestly say I don't desire their approval anymore. It's funny how when we turn attention away from ourselves, we end up feeling more complete in the end. Because truly, the only thing that completes us is God.

Dear Lord, forgive me for seeking approval from anyone but You. Teach me to be silent so I can hear others and most importantly, hear You. Bring to my attention, in a way that only You can, times when I am becoming self-absorbed during conversations. Thank You for loving me enough to help me grow. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?

30 Days to Taming Your Tongue and accompanying Workbook by Deborah Smith Pegues

6 Habits of Highly Effective Christians by Brian T. Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer

Visit Shari's blog

Begin listening at home first! For more ideas check out Conversations Starters for the Dinner Table

Application Steps:
Spend some time in prayer and sit silently. What is God telling you?

If we practice sitting quietly and listening to our heavenly Father we are sure to become a better friend to those around us. Pray to become a great listener and decide to encourage others in what they are doing well instead of telling them about your good deeds or the good deeds of someone else you know.

Reflections:
When a friend tells me something that's happened to her, do I have to recount a situation that's happened to me or someone else I know? Why not let her tell her story and just listen?

Do I need to set aside some time to be silent and practice listening?

What would I observe if I stepped outside my conversations and looked in? Would I see an encourager or someone who talks a lot about herself or others?

Power Verses:
James 1:19, "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (NIV)

1 Samuel 2:3, "Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed." (NIV)

Jeremiah 9:24, "'But let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the LORD." (NIV)

© 2010 by Shari Braendel. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/index.php

Monday, March 22, 2010

Great Faith Devotional 3/22/2010

Great Faith
Micca Monda Campbell

"Then Jesus answered, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.'"
Matthew 15:28 (NIV)

Devotion:
I used to covet others' faith. I'd watch the spiritual "giants" in my church and community and wonder why they were given a greater faith than me. It didn't seem fair. Even worse were people with great faith who never seemed to have any type of adversity. Do you know the kind of people I'm describing?

One day, I decided to get to know a person with obvious great faith. I think it was one of the best things I've done to increase my own faith. The first thing I learned was people with great faith got it from their abundance of trials, not from their lack of trials. Trusting God in one trouble gave them courage to trust Him in another. Before they knew it, they had developed great faith in God. Great faith didn't happen overnight; it was a process.

Through the course of trusting God, we discover several things about great faith. First, it leads to great undertakings. Take the Gentile woman with a demon-possessed daughter found in Matthew 15 - pause to read her story if you can. She cried out for Jesus to heal her daughter, but she received no response.

This action on Christ's part can seem confusing. Therefore, it is important to know that this woman was not only a Gentile, but was of Canaanite descent. The Canaanites were an immoral people God had commanded Israel to completely destroy during their invasion of Canaan under the command of Joshua. Israel did not fully obey God's order and some Canaanites survived the invasion. This woman was their descendant. Nonetheless, this didn't stop her from appealing to Jesus for mercy and help.

Annoyed by her attempts, the disciples urged Jesus to send her away. She was a nuisance to them, but to Jesus the woman was an example of great faith. She was determined to do whatever was necessary to get what she needed.

Great faith also brings about great expectations. If you're like me, you often don't expect great results from your labors and prayers. This is because we lack faith. This was not true of the Gentile woman. She expected the Savior to heal her daughter.

That's not all. Great faith awakens great earnestness. This woman didn't play by the rules so to speak. She didn't care what others thought about her actions. Crying, she fell at the feet of Jesus and worshiped Him. I've seen this kind of earnestness in others with great faith as well. They pray with persistence until God moves.

Great faith conquers great difficulties. The woman kept on pursuing Jesus even though He reminded her of her position as a Gentile, not a Jew. Christ responded to her begging, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs" (vs.26). In other words, why should He give her, a Gentile, what He had come to give the Jews?

Her answer to that was to agree with Him, "Yes, Lord." And then throw herself on His mercy again by adding, "…even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table" (vs. 27). She understood that even one morsel of God's power was more than enough to heal her daughter. Pleased with her faith, Jesus commended her.

Finally, great faith achieves great victories. Jesus rewarded the woman's faith by healing her daughter. Our difficulties can be overcome by expressing great faith in Christ's mercy and love, which provide for our needs.

Great faith isn't given to some and not to others. It is a choice we make to trust and pursue God even when at first there appears to be no response.

Dear Lord, my circumstances call for great faith. Today, I'm ready to undertake whatever I need to do in this situation. I expect You to hear and respond to all my concerns. With earnestness, I promise to seek Your will in this area so that I may be more than a conquer. Victory is already mine because I trust in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
An Untroubled Heart: Finding Faith that is Stronger than My Fears by Micca Campbell

Birds in My Mustard Tree: How to Grow Your Faith by Susanne Scheppmann

Visit Micca's blog

Application Steps:
Do not give up. Find a mentor with great faith and become their student.

Practice great faith by expecting God to hear and meet your needs.

Reflections:
Do you ask God to provide for a need and then try to take care of it yourself? If so, why?

Do you think following the example of the Gentile woman will increase your faith?

Power Verses:
Mark 9:23b, "Everything is possible for him who believes." (NIV)

Psalm 130:5, "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, in his word I put my hope." (NIV)

© 2010 by Micca Campbell. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/index.php

Seasons Whisperings

Friday, March 26, 2010

I need Rest, Devotional 2/26/2010

Thursday, March 25, 2010

The Beatitudes of Anger Management- Part 2 3/25/2010

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The Beatitudes of Anger Management-Part 1 3/24/2010

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Approval Addiction

Monday, March 22, 2010

Great Faith Devotional 3/22/2010

Blog Archive

Women's Fellowship Opportunities

Subscribe via email

NorthStar Information & Schedule

Women's Ministry Playlist

Websites of Interest

Followers

Thank you for visiting our site.