Blogging Fast

Beginning today, I am taking a blogging fast. My girls are leaving tomorrow morning for a trip with Jay's parents to Opp for their traditional "week with the girls."

Since my mother -in-law is a teacher, they love to have the girls with them a whole week every summer...without us parents around! So, while they are gone and Jay is hard at work all week (he is beginning a new job on Tuesday at Noonday Baptist Church), I will be busy writing!

I know God has given me the gift of a whole week by myself during the days to write and I have to be diligent to this time. So, though I love to blog...I will be fasting from that during the day to focus completely on what God has given me the task to finish.

I will resume blogging the Desert Devotions when I have finished this assignment. Please stay in the word and you can still let me know what YOU are studying this week! Thanks for your understanding...and your prayers as we work towards finishing our Bible curriculum.

Desert Devotion: June 24, 2008

"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.'

" 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. "Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered,

'I will, sir,' but he did not go.

"Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they answered." Matthew 21:28-31

Today as I read this passage, I was convicted that many time I am like the second son. God commands me to "go and make disciples of all nations." I agree passionately and tell Him I will, but do not share with the people in my day. This really convicted me today.

I know that I am like that second son about sharing my faith. I'm not talking about going through the FAITH outline (which is wonderful). I am talking about working in the fields that are ripe unto harvest. I'm talking sharing hope with a dying world. I answer the call God commands with a resounding, "I will, sir" but many days I just don't go and share.

Today, that is my prayer. I pray that I will no longer by that second son. I really don't even want to be the first son either! I want to be the child of God that says I will go...and then goes to do the work the Father has for me. Boy, how the Word of God gets in my business!

Which son or daughter are you today? If you are like me, let's not just say we'll follow Christ by sharing the hope of salvation and love...let's DO IT today!

God has shown me a way that I can share His Word and love with others every day. I went to Lifeway and bought their Invitation Bible (New Testament and plan of salvation) for .50 each! I bought all they had along with the Invitation CD with Rick Warren (no matter what you think about him...it's a great CD) that clearly outlines in very simple terms how to be saved. Those only cost $1.00 each. I wrote a card on each of them telling them why I have given them this gift and my email (one I registered with Yahoo for these gifts only) and remind them that if they have one of these and have already accepted the eternal gift of salvation to pass it on to someone else.

Many times during my day I am in places like Wal-Mart, Kroger, etc running errands. This way I can give the person I am feeling led to by God a gift to take home if I haven't had the time to share with them extensively. This is something that God has led me to do...maybe one a day.

But, some days...I have gotten distracted. I still have many to give away! But, today through His Word God convicted me of the work to do in the vineyard. He convicted me that I said, "I will, sir" and then didn't. It's not fun to admit these kinds of things...but they are true.

Today, I will. Today, I will ask God to open my eyes to someone in need of hope. If God allows time, I will share personally. But, if not...I will share a gift of His Word. May my actions match my passion (thanks VBS!).

Desert Devotion: June 23, 2008

"Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves." Matthew 21:18

There are so very many today that are simply portraying a kind of cultural Christianity. They go to church, they do "good" things, they try to be honest and have integrity. They may even serve as Sunday School teachers, deacons, or ministers. They are trees without fruit.

As I read this passage today, I am grateful for the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. It is that presence of God in my life every moment giving me things I could never have...bearing fruit I could never bear. Take a long look at the kind of fruit the Spirit bears in the life surrendered to Christ...

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23

This world is hungry to see people bearing fruit of a different kind. They understand the fruit of self: anger, frustration, stealing, cheating, lust, adultery, addiction, lying, gossip, depression, irritation and pride. But, this is not the fruit that the Spirit bears!

This world is tired of seeing people say they have fruit...but when the hungry come by...there is only the appearance of growth. There isn't any fruit. How do we bear this fruit? Take a look at what Jesus said...

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:1-5

Wow! This passage is so rich! But, don't miss the instructions of bearing fruit...did you get it? We must remain in Christ, because no branch by itself can bear fruit. We must remain in Christ and surrender to the saving grace given to us on the cross of Calvary.

Oh, how this world is starving for those who can not only bear fruit...but can show them how to bear fruit themselves! Perhaps today you are one of those trees that looks great, but can't bear fruit because you are not in Christ. You know of Him...but you've never been a part of the vine for real. You are like an artifical tree...looking fine but will never be able to bear fruit or live.

Perhaps today, you are a part of that vine, but you are being pruned. Oh, friends I understand how that feels. I am always undergoing discipline and pruning...but it is to make us MORE fruitful!

Don't miss that precious little sentence that tells us that we are clean by the word He has spoken to us! Stay in the word and in step with the Spirit's leading and you will be bearing amazing God-glorifying fruit. Give it away...there's someone in your life today that is hungry to know the fruit of God! Share your sweet self today...

Desert Devotion: June 22, 2008

“Out of the mouths of infants and nursing babies, you have prepared praise.” Matthew 21:16

I am trying to write my desert devotions in the evenings (when I can) so that those of you who check this early in the morning will have something fresh to think on during the day from God’s Word.

I need you to know that as I am sitting here writing this entry, I am listening to my kids’ room (yes, I know they are 7 and 9 years old and I still have a monitor!) as they are settling down for bed. The sounds of familiar hymns that are being played by a classical piano are coming from their room. Their voices laughing and whispering are so precious to my ears. They love life, each other, their mom and dad…and they love God.

Just a few minutes ago, we sat together on Virginia’s bed reading about the powerful ways God showed Himself to the Egyptians and the Israelites. We read about the plagues of the hail and locusts…and then Anli looked at us with her little eyes shining and reminded us about John the Baptist EATING locusts! We all smiled as Anli (our own Food Network Star) showed us how she thought he would “drizzle” them with honey!

I tell you this, because God reminded me that through these quiet moments that their simple faith and love of Him are powerful. The praise that comes from their mouths during prayer time changes my life every night…because they praise Him for simple things. They praise Him for getting go to church, for our family, for spending time together today, and the list goes on and on. They are thankful for today…what a lesson for me.

May my praise look more like that which comes from the mouths of children. May it be simple, full of faith, grounded in the moment, and full of gratefulness to my Father. The children Jesus is talking about here are simply saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” They were praise Jesus for who He is! May I follow today…

DFM Mission Trip 2009

We are excited to announce that our first DFM mission trip will be to Dhaka, Bangladesh in February 2009! We are so thrilled to be partnering with South Asia in their vision to provide retreats for their missionary wives. We can't wait to lavish love, prayer, and pampering on them!

Please begin to pray with us as we are starting to plan for this trip. Fall is a extrememly busy time for our ministry and I will be traveling most weeks from Septmember until the end of October. So, the planning is starting now!

I am thrilled that so far we have TWO definate women going on the trip (there can only be 5 at the most)! Ginger Debusk and Paula Folsom are going with me for sure and I am thankful God has brought them both on this journey! They are both so gifted in different ways and we are also really great friends too...God is good!

God has also brough Shannon Baughn on the home team along with Jennifer Smathers, Becky Stall, and Michelle Williams. They will be helping in various ways here to ensure that this retreat is amazing for these very precious women.

Thanks for all your prayers! We can't wait to see what is up to!!!

Desert Devotion: June 19,2008

"Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, 'Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." ' Matthew 21:1-3

This was such a wonderful reminder that God provides what He plans for His glory! I am so grateful that it's not because of my own talents, abilities, merits or intelligence. I am just the donkey that Christ has allowed to carry His glory to those in this world who are lost and dying. And the coolest part to me is that he knew right where that donkey was located and it was there waiting for a task that he didn't know existed!

Many days we feel overwhelmed with the things God has called us and allowed us to do to share His glory. We can get overwhelmed by parenting, marriage, jobs, family, ministering in our churches or to the world, and just about anything! But, this passage so gently and kindly reminds me today that though I am just a lowly donkey...Christ had a purpose for that donkey and it was right where there when He needed it.

I pray today that God continues to use donkeys like me! I am grateful that though I have no idea what He is up to in my family, children, ministry, church or in my own life...I know that He is the King of Glory! I know that He has me where He wants me to be to bring Him the most glory. He has the plan...I just walk the road. That's my job! Not to get the shouts of praise, not to gain anything myself, but to carry the glory of Christ to the nations. What a great day to be a donkey! If I think anything more...I just really overwhelmed!

Desert Devotion: June 18, 2008

As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" Matthew 20:29-31

What desperation and faith! They were a little undignified if you ask me! I was challenged today by these two men. How often in my daily life am I that desperate for Jesus to show up? How many times am I willing to do whatever it takes to be healed and forgiven by God? Am I usually more concerned with what the "crowd" might think or say about me...or am I more concerned about following Jesus?

Today those convictions were in my heart today. After Jesus healed those men, they followed him. I pray today that I be desperate for Jesus. I pray that I will be willing to give up everything to follow him. I pray that no matter what others think...I will be shouting all the louder for the Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!"

We are in desperate need of Jesus' healing today...whether we admit it or not. Some of us need forgiveness and healing from our sins. We need to ask Jesus Christ to be the Savior and Lord of our lives. Others of us need Jesus' healing from past wounds and hurts. We need to forgive and be forgiven. Some of us need healing in our marriages, jobs, minds, bodies, thoughts, and relationships.

So, today may we put aside our false control and our reputation and become desperate for Jesus' touch. May we break free of the bondage of the "crowd" and what they say to us or think of us...and shout all the louder for the merciful touch today of Jesus Christ! What freedom there is in Christ today...let's shout about it!

Desert Devotion: June 16, 2008

"The workers who were hired about the eleventh hour came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'

"But he answered one of them, 'Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?'

"So the last will be first, and the first will be last." Matthew 20:9-16

Today I am so grateful that God's grace is the same no matter what I have done, how hard I have worked, how distracted I become, or how much I sin! Jesus Christ's blood forgave us all! That is the thought that I am leaving this passage with today.

I am so grateful that the same forgiveness that was given to amazing saints before me like Paul, Moses, Abraham, Jacob, Noah, and David. I am amazed that Christ would reserve grace for someone like me. I am in awe of God's generosity to any of us. I can't believe that He would lavish His love, grace, and forgiveness on a sinner such as I.

This past month, God has been doing some huge things in our ministry. He is opening more doors than I can answer at this time. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed. I feel like I'm running next to an avalanche...and can't keep up!

But, I love passages like this that remind me that God is the one who gives the "wages". It is ALL a gift from Him alone. It has nothing to do with my work or performance...it is the sheer generosity of the Father. What a freedom! Thank you for that Word today, may I live in that today!

There is a song recently that keeps my perspective during this time. Take a moment to listen to the words...they are awesome! Let's bask in the grace given to each of us from a generous Father...what an abundant life.

Desert Devotion: June 13, 2008

We are back from our Families on Mission trip with the North American Mission Board! I look forward to updating you on all that happened this week. God was amazing and the week was awesome for every member of our family.

There were so many things that I learned and I hope to share some of those with you next week as I process everything over the weekend. But, for today...God's Word speaks!

"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." Matthew 19:29-30

God's Word is so timely in my life! I never have to fear about Him speaking to me, because daily His Word pierces right to the core of what I am dealing with in my life. Right now, I have jokingly said to friends and family, that it feels like I am running beside an avalanche! Daily God brings forth opportunities into my life...and right now they all are awesome. But, with those opportunities comes responsibility and dedication.

I have been struggling with a decision about a trip I have been invited to take in the fall. I have agonized and prayed and prayed some more. When I came to this passage in scripture...I was encouraged and challenged. Here Jesus is speaking with His disciples about how difficult it is for the rich to follow Him. They look at their own lives and are wondering how anyone can be saved! Jesus confirms that without God it IS impossible...but WITH God nothing will be impossible!

But, they remind Jesus that they have left everything to follow Him and ask what will happen to them? Jesus kindly tells them that those who leave homes, fathers, mothers, children, and lands in His Name will be rewarded a hundredfold in "the renewal of all things."

As I am praying about following God's word to Central Europe, I am comforted by Jesus in His words to the disciples. I am encouraged that if truly God is leading me there, that He will reward that step of faith a hundredfold!

Think about decisions in your own life today. What are you struggling with today? What are you praying for today? Know that Jesus knows your heart and your every need. With Him all things are possible! If He calls you to leave anything on this earth and you obey in His Name...He will reward you a hundredfold in the renewal of all things! And He will provide the peace, strength, and way to obey Him!

Lord,
Thank you for this Word today! Thank you for reminding me in such a timely way that you are the one who takes care of my family and my life...not me. Lord, help me to obey and to only do anything through Your power. Help me daily to remember that without this life is impossible, but with YOU all things are possible! I love you!

We're off...

We are leaving for our family mission trip tomorrow. Jay took off work today and we spent it packing, washing, shopping for last minute items we need to take...and practicing the VBS music. Our job is to lead the music for our campground ministry time. It worked out great because we spent all week at VBS, so we know all the music by heart!

Jay just got a call a few minutes ago from our Families on Mission leader that a pastor of a local church had a stroke today. They asked Jay to preach in his place on Sunday. Please pray for this pastor, his congregation, and Jay as he puts together a sermon on really short notice!

We will have wireless at the hotel we are staying in...so I will try to post during the week...but I can't promise!

Please keep us in your prayers as we minister together this week. We can't wait! The girls have been so excited and have been a big help getting ready today. With VBS all week, we tried to rest some today too.

Desert Devotion: June 5, 2008

"'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." Matthew 18:32-35

Jesus is our example and His Word is our standard. Here Jesus shows us a picture of a master who forgave his servant of a huge debt. The servant then left and tried to kill someone who owed him merely some change in comparison. The master called the wicked, unforgiving servant in and threw him into jail. The servant didn't appreciate and understand the forgiveness of the master.

The same is true in our lives today! If we have accepted God's forgiveness for our lies, attitudes, stealing, cheating, lust, anger, and selfishness..then we have a standard to follow ourselves. It's easy to forget how great a debt we have been forgiven. We don't have the correct perspective when it comes to people hurting us. We want to make them suffer or pay for their wrongs...when God has given the gift of eternal forgiveness to us!

I recently had a situation in my life where I was greatly hurt...by lots of people very close to me. It was extremely personal and I was innocent in this particular event. It was a dark time in my life and my solution to this was to crawl into bed and never have another relationship again. I wanted to put up walls to protect myself, wallow in self pity, hold grudges, run away, fight back...you name it...I wanted to do it.

But, God spoke to me so kindly. He reminded me that HE had never stopped forgiving ME. He had never served me divorce papers. He had always loved me...even when I was running from Him. He had given His Son so that I could be forgiven, and I could forgive. That has been a defining moment in my life. And at that moment, I learned that I can trust God...even when I can't always trust others. I can love God and through that love I can begin to love others like He does. I didn't want to be like the wicked servant. I wanted to embrace the freedom of forgiving others, loving them when they hurt me, returning evil with good, and trusting others by trusting God.

It wasn't easy! But, it is amazing! It is not something that many people understand, because it is a God thing. But, when you realize you have been forgiven much...you can't help but forgive and love much. We can't protect ourselves from hurt in this world. God's tells us in James that we WILL have trouble and trials. But, we can be tiny glimpses for God's forgiveness to those around us!

Are there those you haven't forgiven? Are you trying to protect yourself from being hurt by those around you? Are you the wicked servant? If so, spend some time with God today. Allow His forgiveness to penetrate your heart. You'll find it amazing how much easier it is to forgive others when you truly begin to see the amount of forgiveness God has given you!

Desert Devotion: June 4, 2008

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:19-20

*I'm sorry this post is late...with VBS at night I have not been able to post in the evenings like I would prefer so that it is ready in the morning.*

Today I was struck again by Jesus' emphasis on unity in the body of Christ. This passage right here relates the power in unity. Now, this verse does not relate that unity equals asking and getting anything we want. Many people would preach that to you today, but personally I don't see this as being Biblical as we take the entire counsel of the Word into account.

What I want to focus on today is the latter sentence. What an awesome privilege we have as believers! When we come together in Jesus' Name...He is among us. That is so very powerful. But, also quite convicting too.

I know there are many time when I am in a group of two or three Christians...and we are not focused on the bond of Christ. We may focus on ourselves, our frustrations, our irritation with another friend...and the list could go on and on. Today, I am asking that God would remind me that when I am with my sisters and brothers in Christ...He is there among us! I want those time to be filled with praise, prayer, encouragement, exhortation, and JOY.

I know that I am guilty of taking those relationships God has given me for granted at times. He has placed me in those relationships to glorify and honor His Name...because when we are together...He is there with us!

Lord,

Today as I talk and visit with my brothers and sisters in Christ, I ask that remind me to focus on You. Lord, may the meditations of my heart and the words of my mouth be pleasing to You. Help me to seek unity in my relationship to bring the most glory to Your Name. Father, in word or in deed, may I do all things to glorify You. Thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ that gives us connection to You every moment of our days. Father, please help me to experience the power of unity in my relationships! I love you Jesus!

What about you today? What did God say to you in your time with Him? Please take a moment to share a verse, prayer, or thought! We want to journey along with you today...

Desert Devotion: June 3, 2008

"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector." Matthew 18:15-17

Oh girls, this passage is a tough one to put into practice isn't it? So many times it is easier to "get advice" from another friend, talk about them behind their backs, keep it to ourselves stewing about it for month...or years, holding a grudge, being irritable and frustrated with everyone around us, or simply never speaking to them again.

It's hard to reconcile with someone who has wronged us. It's even harder to be the one to start that process. We would rather they come crawling back to us begging forgiveness. But, that doesn't always happen...what do we do then?

I love that God's Word is always ready to answer our every question! This is a step by step prescription of the road to reconciliation between Christians.

First WE are to go to that person who has wronged us. Wow...that is hard to do. It's hard to make the first step of forgiveness when you were the one hurt. It's hard to lay down our pride and self protection in order to embrace forgiveness and unity. We want that person to be really, really, really sorry first before we think about forgiveness.

But, that is not what God tells us, as Christian, to do here. We are to be willing to do whatever it takes...as far as it depends on us...to seek to reconcile ourselves with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

What stands in our way of doing this? PRIDE! We all deal with it from time to time. And it really rears it's ugly head when we get hurt. We want to protect ourselves. But, if there is one major thing I have learned and shared this year, it's that we CAN'T protect ourselves.

People are going to hurt you. They are going to disappoint you. Friends are going to choose to talk to others instead of coming to you. You spouse will break your trust. Your kids will lie to you. Your coworkers will blame you when you are innocent. It's going to happen. Why? Because we are all sinful. Relationship are two sinful, imperfect humans hanging out together!

But, God is the one I trust! I trust God...and therefore I can seek unity and forgiveness and love with those around me. Not because I have surrounded myself with only those that won't hurt, challenge, disappoint, or frustrate me. It's because my trust is in God. He's in control and He is my standard.

Out of that love and forgiveness He alone gives to us...can we turn around and give that gift to those around us. It doesn't matter if you were wronged...seek unity! You be the one to obey God and let Him worry about the other person. You be vulnerable first...be the one to forgive...be the one to seek unity...and trust God above all else.

Will that person always want to be reconciled...no. Will you always gain that relationship back...no. But, you can stand before the Lord and know that you did what He laid out in Matthew 18. You went to that person first...and then followed the rest of those steps.

But, most of us don't even get to those others steps because we won't go to the person who has hurt us so deeply. We simply get out our brinks and start building walls. We determine that we won't get hurt like that again. We separate ourselves from the hurt...and from God's comfort.

Freedom comes in laying down pride and embracing the gift of God's love! So grab a brick today and tear down a wall that has been there far too long!

What about you? What are your thoughts on these verses? What has God shown you today through His Word? What is He up to in your own personal reading today...we want to hear what He's doing! Comment below...