Masks

     As a child, I dressed up in a costume that didn't require a mask. I didn't enjoy the smell of the inside of it or the way it blocked my breathing. I usually went as Cinderella, because deep within I wanted to be a beautiful princess discovered at the ball. The problem was my insecurities lived and breathed within my own belief system about myself.

     With time I discovered the reasons I'm not a fan of masks are because they cover up our true identity and keep people at arms length. If we pretend to be someone so others like us, eventually we blow our cover and are discovered.

     As painful as it may be, it is better to not be accepted from the beginning, then pretend, believe you're liked and accepted, and eventually be rejected. The best people in my life have been those who truly saw me and came along beside me on the journey to Christ healing and transforming me.

     My favorite people in the world are those who remove their masks and allow me to journey with them to the heart of Jesus. Together we discover that our redemption clothed us with the righteousness of Jesus and we are the beautiful princess at the ball.
   

Sweet Spirit

Life has loses. Disappointment stays away from no one. We can travel down the road of joy and peace, when a storm unexpectedly rolls in. When the clouds lift, and we assess the damage, we may suddenly find it hard to breathe.

In that moment, how we choose to respond reveals our place of trust. When we lift all the hurt and pain that comes with loss to Jesus, He uses our response to mold our inner character. Some of the sweetest people that live around us, have stories of deep loss.

Kindness, gentleness, humility, and meekness are fruit from the spirit of one who has learned to trust and rest in the truth of God's Word. Circumstances do not need to control our emotions. When laid into the loving arms of our Savior we can know a surpassing peace despite the difficulties of life.

May we lean harder today on the loving shoulders of Jesus, our Savior, and the King of Kings.

Five Daily Gifts

Therefore 

if there is 

any encouragement in Christ, 

if there is 

any consolation of love, 

if there is 

any fellowship of the Spirit, 

if any affection and compassion,   Philippians 2:1 | NASB

Five amazing gifts have been offered here:  encouragement, consolation, fellowship, affection, and compassion.

Consolation is defined in Webster as: something that makes a person feel less sadness, disappointment, etc.

So all five of these gifts, freely offered from the Lord, are ours for the taking, but we need recognize them and be willing to receive them from Him.

Do we truly recognize the way in which the Lord has given these to us on a regular basis? I think we get so caught up in our day that we miss these daily gifts. How do we begin to open our hearts to recognize them?

1) Decide to look for them every day

2) Keep a journal of them

3) Place sticky notes around reminding ourselves to look for them

Faithfulness

For it is only right 

for me 

to feel this way about you all, 

because I have you in my heart, 

since both in my imprisonment 

and in the defense 

and confirmation of the gospel, 

you all are partakers of grace with me.   Philippians 1:7 | NASB

     It makes sense to Paul to feel the way he feels about the Philippians, because they have proven themselves as brothers and sisters. They have been with him during his freedom, his imprisonment, and have worked in his defense.

     Who comes to mind that brings tenderness to the heart because of their faithfulness?

His Work in Us

For I am confident 

of this very thing, 

that He 

who began a good work in you 

will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.   Philippians 1:6 | NASB

     The work of Christ in us was sparked by the Heavenly Father. He created us, knew us, and when our hearts were ready to properly respond, He brought into our lives the flame that would ignite a desire for Him. We choose how to respond to the spark and when we say yes, the Lord runs with it! 

     On those days when we royally mess up, repentance opens the door for the Lord to flood His grace and mercy over us. His transformation in us breathes life into every part of our hearts and lives.

    We must never give up, when we sin. Our hatred of sin and surrender to the Lord are evidence of His work taking root in our lives. We cooperate with His work when we honestly face those sinful areas in our thoughts, words, and actions that dishonor others and our Savior and seek His forgiveness.

Doing?

in view 

of your participation 

in the gospel 

from the first day 

until now.   Philippians 1:5 | NASB

     Paul is grateful for the heart of the Philippians who participated in the gospel on a continual basis. We need to not only be known as people who know the Words of Jesus but those who put it to practice. All around us are people who are dying without ever meeting Jesus. 

     What would Paul say about our participation in the gospel if he met us?

Always??

always 

offering prayer 

with joy 

in my every prayer 

for you all,   Philippians 1:4 | NASB

     "Always" is a high expectation but something Paul encourages the Philippians about in regards to his goal for them in prayer. His heart desire is to always be offering a prayer for them. He wants them to know he prays for them.

     What does it do for your spirit when someone not only says they will pray for you, but you actually know they are doing it?

A Question?

I 

thank 

my God 

in all 

my remembrance 

of you.  Philippians 1:3 | NASB

     As Paul thinks about the saints in Philippi, he is grateful.  These saints have earned his respect. As we continue our reading through the book of Philippians, we discover the reasons Paul feels this way, but for now these few but powerful words stimulate one question. Do our words and actions stir others to gratitude?

Grace and Peace at a Glance

Grace 

to you 

and peace 

from God our Father 

and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Philippians 1:2 | NASB

     Paul begins his letter with the Heavenly Father and Jesus' offer of grace and peace. In a fallen world where so much pain resides around us, we all need His grace and peace.

     Grace is an undeserved and unearned gift freely offered for all. It's bestowed on us from the One who knew us from before time began. The Father and Son withhold it from none who truly seek after it.

     Peace is the assurance of a relationship with our Creator who made us for fellowship with Him and one another. It means the enmity that once existed between us due to our sin has been removed because of what the Father provided through Jesus. It's about reconciliation and restoration.

     Grace and peace, gifts, free and ready for all to receive.

Leave With Grace and Kindness

I recently handed in my resignation at my job. With it, I sat down with my manager and supervisor and gave them an explanation as to the reason this place of employment was no longer a good fit for me. I honestly but kindly voiced the areas that caused me concern and the reasons that I no longer felt comfortable working there. 

During my three years of employment I've sat down with the leadership within and without my branch many times to discuss my issues with the way things were being done. Sometimes it resulted in the necessary changes or a compromise that was best for everyone. Other times the only adjustment necessary was with me and my attitude.

I made sure whenever I talked about my issues, I didn't degrade the person, even though I strongly disagreed with their methods in doing the job. I always treated my co-workers with kindness and respect even when no compromise took place.

When it came time to leave, I didn't butter my resignation with "God's leading" me away. The truth is, rarely will anyone seek a new place of employment when they love their present one. Dissatisfaction with the job or workplace causes one to look for something new. 

Yes, I believe the Lord provided my new job, and it will be a better fit for me. Yet, I left because I wasn't happy there, and I accept full responsibility for my lack of contentment. I displayed honor in my explanation of my decision, and when I left I did it without burning any bridges in my relationships with the people there.

Honestly, it breaks my heart as a pastor's wife when the same consideration and kindness doesn't take place within our places of ministry. I understand the need for some to leave and seek a ministry they feel may better fit their preferences. What hurts is the way most choose to do it. 

Some leave without ever voicing what they are unhappy about to my husband, and others voice their struggles but eventually leave. The decision to seek a different ministry is not the issue as much as what is done in the process of leaving or after they leave. Both groups described above, usually leave and proceeded to speak unkind words to others about my husband's personality, education, methods, and/or talents. Rarely do we hear they have complained about his theology or doctrine.

I myself fell prey to this sin when it came to my problems with my job, and then the Lord reminded me that voicing my complaint about others behind their back dishonored Him. He showed me that if I was unable to work out my differences with others face-to-face, He wanted me keep my words to myself and choose to disagree in an agreeable and kind manner toward them and when speaking about them. I realized since I was the one uncomfortable with the way things were being done at my job, I needed to seek employment that better fit my needs and preferences.

People have never told my husband they were leaving, because they didn't feel it was a good fit for them anymore. Instead they have given false excuses while telling others the real reason. Others buried my husband alive in their cruel and angry words before leaving.

My husband's conclusion after multiple exit interviews like these over the years was to no longer seek doing one with those who don't ask for it. He lets people leave without providing them with an opportunity to sin against him. The church is a voluntary place to serve and everyone has a right to stay or go. May we always choose to make our decisions in a way that honors the Lord and others at all times.

Ruffle Me Feathers

     My panties are definitely bunched in a wad. I accidentally and carelessly backed my Lacrosse into someone's car parked in my driveway, and my husband’s silence unraveled my emotional security. Despite the minimal damage to both vehicles and no one being injured by the incident,the claim increased our insurance’s monthly premium by 20%.

    I understand the reason my husband lacked words for me. Unfortunately I'm prone to these types of incidents when I'm behind schedule or rushing through a task. I don't intend to damageproperty or even hurt the feelings of others when I'm in a hurry or preoccupied. 

    In fact, I beat myself up when I realize the consequences of my actions. It really irritates meeven more that I can't undo it either. I desperately wish when we took responsibility for our actions and sought restoration that it instantly made a permanent erasure of the entire occurrence.

    Since the elimination of my mishap was impossible, I thought about it all the way to work the following day. I found myself mostly wallowing in the sorrow over my husband's irritation with me. As I prayed through my disappointed feelings with his response, I discovered how easily I let others responses affect my mood. 

    Suddenly the Lord brought to mind Ephesians 2:10 (NASB), a verse I read that morning. “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” As I cried out to the Lord with my frustrations, He popped aspecific application into my thoughts. In that moment I realized the “good work the Lord prepared beforehand” for me to learn was to not let others’ choices steal my joy and peace.

    I must admit. Despite how easily those words flow on to paper, their application to everyday living presented a challenge to me. Even as I meditated on the Lord's desire for my walk, I knew without a doubt that the task in front of me would be a moment-by-moment challenge of obedience. 

    The reality of life is that we all face days when we find ourselves bombarded withopportunities to respond to others who ignore us, speak rudely to us, or blame us for their poor attitudes and actions. Outwardly we may appear to have responded correctly to them, but inside we may be seething. It requires every ounce of self-control to muster up a desperate prayer to the Lord, seal our lips, and avoid blurting out our real thoughts or reactions.

    However, we experience tremendous freedom as we trust the Lord to enable us to remain obedient in our thoughts. We also discover how uncomplicated our lives become for us, when we learn to eat humble pie and fight the battles in our heads in silence. It’s easier to face the Lord with our sinful thoughts than working out issues with others injured by our hurtful words and actions.

    As I reflected on my husband’s response, the Lord showed me that sometimes the “good work prepared” for me is acceptance of the gift of silence. My husband understood the way I personally beat myself up for my carelessness and didn’t wish to add to my pain with hurtful words. In those moments on my drive to work, I chose to receive my husband’s gift with joy and peace.

Seeing His Heart for Others

I noticed through my office window, a customer leaving her home. A thought ran through my mind that I wish I could talk to her about my book. I knew the Lord would need to make it happen, because this customer usually only comes to our drive-up window.  

I went on with my work forgetting all about my random thought. An hour passed when suddenly that same customer walked into our branch. The services she needed required me taking her into my office where I kept a supply of my books.

I instantly told her that when I saw her earlier I felt a desire to show her my book.  She read the back cover, asked to purchase it, and informed me she just got back from the doctor's office with a depression diagnosis.

We both agreed that the Lord winked and provided me with the resources to give a story of hope and healing to her.  I love when the Lord uses me and my past to help others.

Do you follow the leading of the Lord when He lays it on your heart to do something?

A Welcomed Visitor with a Word

"...a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home..." Luke 10:38

Martha invited Jesus into her home. In fact, she welcomed Him into her personal space. Yes, she got distracted by all the preparations, but we must not lose focus on the fact that she wanted Him in her home.  

When she spoke to Jesus over her concern with Mary not helping her, she once again invited Him into her life. She opened herself up for the opportunity for Jesus to speak into her life.  She believed Mary needed correcting when in fact the attitude adjustment was her own. 

Even though it must have been difficult to receive, she heeded the words of truth spoken to her by Jesus.  Later when we see Jesus in her home again, we find her serving Him well.

Do we welcome Jesus into our lives and give Him permission to speak truth into our lives? Or are we too concerned over what we believe others should be doing for us that we miss His loving instructions?

Guidance with a Promise

So you_______
           shall observe to do
                            just as the Lord your God has commanded you;______
you_________
            shall not turn aside to the right or to the left.
You _________
             shall walk in all the way which the Lord your God has commanded you,_______
that you ______
              may live
              and that it may be well with you,
              and that you may prolong your days in the land which you will possess.

Deuteronomy 5:32-33 | NASB

Fill in the blank first with your own name....seeking His heart, and then watch a Him keep His promises.  It's His will for all of our lives that we....
       1). Obey His commands
       2). Stay on His path
       3). Follow His direction

When we do, He promises:
        1). Life
        2). Success
        3).  Longevity

Will we take Him up on His Word and do what He directs us to do?

Man-made Solutions

So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. Luke 15:15-16 | NASB

His inheritance had been used up. Still too proud to admit his foolishness, the lost son hires himself out to a farmer in the land he lives. He discovers his solution doesn't work when no one will give him anything to eat.

How often do we try to come up with our own answers to the messes we get ourselves in?  Why do we have to take so long to turn to the Father for help? He waits with open arms for us to turn to Him.

Receiving Back Challenge

The story of the Prodigal Son is filled with amazing life lessons regarding trust. One is ... Trust forgives the wrong decisions of others and receives them back.  Trust restores.  (Luke 15:21)

The father freely gave the younger son his portion of his inheritance and watched him leave. When he returned, the father celebrated his return. It's difficult to watch someone leave and make a mess of their lives, but how well do we leave the door open for them to return?

A Challenge from the Word

And He said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them.  Luke 15:11-12 | NASB

One outwardly demanded, but the father divides and gives each of them their portion. The younger takes off and squanders his portion on loose living, but the truth is, both sons need an attitude adjustment. The older son doesn't reveal his toxic character trait until his brother returns. 

Challenge:  Which son might we be like?  Is there some attitude we need to honestly address with our Heavenly Father?

2nd Annual Freedom Conference, Info & Registration

2nd Annual Ladies’ Freedom Conference “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  John 8:32 Saturday September 26th, 2015 9 am – 4 pm Breakfast & registration  start at 8 am. Grace Bible Church Dallas City, Illinois

NEW THIS YEAR – Free babysitting for children 2-8 years of age will be available for those attending the conference.  Indicate on the registration form the ages of the children you will be bringing. To ensure the highest quality of care for your children, we must know if you are bringing children by September 1st.

Please send in your registration form with payment to: Ladies’ Freedom Conference  c/o Grace Bible Church  2880 N. State Hwy 9 Dallas City, IL  62330.  Registration fees – By September 1st, 2015 –  only $22.  Registration fees received September 2nd and after are $30. If you register an entire group of six people by September 1st (sending their registrations and fees in together in the same envelope), the seventh person may attend free.

Ladiesfreedomconference@gmail.com Are you seeking encouragement from God’s word?  Looking for God focused truth?  Join Beckie at: HTTP//:www.cometomeandrest. blogspot.com Facebook: Come-Here And-Rest Please join the Ladies Freedom Team in praying for this event.  Requests: 1.    God to prepare the hearts of conference attendees. 2.    God to give our speakers, Beckie, Kathy, and Deanna His word to speak, health, and safety. 3.    For this time to be blessed and refreshing for all who come. 4.    God to speak to your heart and impact your spiritual walk through this day.

Schedule: 8-9 am – Registration and Breakfast Session I – “Trust Heals the Broken” Session II – “Rest Empowers the Healed” Session III - “The Healed Fly Free” Each session includes music by our all ladies praise team, prayer, worship, and a lesson. There will be hands on activities in the morning and afternoon.

Meet our speakers:   Our keynote speaker, Beckie Stewart, is the conference originator.  She is a published author, mother, and pastor’s wife.  Her new book will be available at the conference.   Kathy Fowler comes to us as a wife and mother living joyously through Jesus.  Kathy has an exciting testimony of how trusting God empowered her in overcoming a meth addiction.   Deanna Hartrick and her family have been through the fire this year, as her 16 year old son battled stomach cancer.  She shares “In this cancer journey I have learned that no one walks alone!!!”

Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________ Town: ____________________________ Zip Code: ___________  Home phone: (_____)________________ Cell phone: (_____)__________________   e-mail address: __________________________________    Choose one for lunch: _____ Turkey sub sandwich  _____ Ham Sub sandwich Do you need babysitting?  ______ Yes   _____No.    If yes, ages of children coming:____________________ Special needs/accommodations: ____________________________________________________________________

Come “Trust, Rest & Fly Free” Saturday September 26th , 2015 Program: 9 am - 4 pm Registration & breakfast start at 8 am At Grace Bible Church Dallas City, IL This day of spiritual refreshment will focus on how trusting in God, allows us to rest in Him.  This resting in Jesus allows us to fly free to be who  God wants us to be. Bible lessons, praise and worship music, prayer, and hands-on activities are all part of this God focused event.  The continental breakfast starts at 8 am.  Lunch and snacks are included.

The Power Behind the Thought

The winds began to pick up and lightning flashed through the sky. We bolted everything down preparing for another storm, one of many in the last few weeks.  This particular storm came with the threat of tornadoes. 

Suddenly, the unexpected happened. Everything settled down, and when I looked to the skies, it was an array of color. Even though the cloud gave a sense that a huge tornado was on the horizon, it was only a funnel shape cloud with no power behind it.

It reminded me of the way we create storms in our thoughts. We have no facts behind our assumptions.  If we mull it over long enough, we can make ourselves sick to the stomach with fear.  If we entertain a thought long enough, it takes on a life of its own and becomes our reality.

This is the reason Paul instructed the Christians in Corinth to take control of their thoughts. The Lord removes the power behind our imagination when we hand it over to Him. When we surrender to Him, suddenly the storm in our head is just a beautiful cloud formation in the sky...nothing else!