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The Beginning of Knowledge

Posted by NormaGail on May 7, 2012 | Comments Off on The Beginning of Knowledge

“The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.” Proverbs 1:7 AMP

My heart ached. After one month of praying, talking over the phone, and studying to answer her questions the woman was leaving the Bible Study Fellowship class because she couldn’t accept that the study of Genesis taught Creation and not evolution. I had prayed and hoped that she would remain. We were almost through that section, and if she would stay in class the Lord could work on her heart. She admitted she had little Bible knowledge.

Many women have left classes I have led over the years, and each and every one hurts, for different reasons, even if I know they are solid in their faith and the Lord is moving them on to something new, I miss them. But this was different. I wasn’t certain this woman knew the Lord. Nothing from our conversations had indicated to me that she did. I had to let her go, praying that in His time, God would bring her to the knowledge of Himself and the salvation He offers.

The first chapter of Proverbs gives insight into why Solomon’s words were being written down, but also the reason for all of scripture, “for gaining wisdom and instruction.” We live in a confusing world where everyone claims to have the answer to any question life gives us. We are bombarded with information everywhere we turn. How our lives turn out depends on where we choose to go for the answer.

There was a time in my life when I went to church, but did not understand that the answers I searched for were contained within the black-bound Bible up on my closet shelf. I regret to say it looks worn out because of lack of use and falling off my closet shelf.

Then I accepted Christ as my Savior and developed insatiable desire for His word. As I read, God’s truth sunk deep in my heart. It changed my life and thinking. I have not needed to look elsewhere for wisdom about life since that time.

I still wonder about that woman and pray she finds God’s truth in answer to her questions.

Where do you go when you need answers to life? Determine to spend time looking into God’s word daily, for only then will you find true answers which lead to wisdom.

The Reflection of Jesus

Posted by NormaGail on Apr 30, 2012 | Comments Off on The Reflection of Jesus

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

I hung up the phone feeling as if I could have offered more comfort, shared more wisdom, and offered my friend more help. There are times we each have to face the pain the Lord allows into our lives and let Him guide us through. There are times when we have to cry and reconcile; learning to accept that often life is just plain hard.

So many people in my life or the lives of those close to me are going through difficulties. Many face a change in circumstances which will change everything for the rest of their lives. Some face the possibility of death.

It is easy to ask “why,” to let ourselves be dragged down to the point where we forget to look to Jesus for help. God never promised us a life that is free of pain and trouble. In fact, He promised quite the opposite, but He did promise the strength to see us through it.

The apostles suffered for their faith. Yet Paul said that the suffering we experience in this world should be considered nothing compared to the glory which will belong to those who persevere. The hope we have for our time in this world is the help and comfort of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us to get through. Our real hope lays in the future, when we reach heaven, and when Jesus returns.

If life is too much for you, take it to the foot of God’s throne, seek Him in prayer for the moment by moment ability to see you through. Don’t be surprised that you suffer, or fight the pain that God allows in this life; embrace it as an opportunity to grow closer to Him. It is the reason He is called the “God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.”

A plaque once hung in my daughter’s room which depicted a little girl looking into the water, but the reflection looking back was the face of Jesus. He wants us to be like Him. Being molded into shape is often a painful process, but the product, our hope of glory, is worth it.

He never promised trouble-free living, but the enabling to persevere. Let Him give you His peace in the midst of your trial so that the world will see Him reflected in you.

Just Do It

Posted by NormaGail on Apr 23, 2012 | 2 comments

“…Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6b

I stared at the computer screen in surprise. The offer from a year before to write a weekly devotional for the church webpage was growing into a ministry, but not just one touching friends and family, one reaching people across the world. How did it happen?

Out of the weekly devotional came the idea for a blog. I had no idea who would read it. I still don’t. Someone mentions it now and then, and it thrills me, as it would any writer. But as I looked at the stats on readership I realized it was growing into something I never expected. Simply sitting at my computer, doing what I love, was reaching people in far off places for Christ: Russia, Germany, Canada, the UK, Brazil, France, Malaysia, the Philippines, Latvia—wherever that is, people were reading my blog.

If we make ourselves available, God will bless. If we step out in obedience, He will be faithful. We say those things and profess to believe them, but then we are completely blown away when He does what He promised.

I spoke to a group of young women recently on spiritual gifts. I urged them to take a test, pray, see what they most loved doing, and ask God how He could use it. We all have gifts, some small, some huge, but God gave them all, and if we let Him, He will use them for His purposes.

I know my gifs are teaching, exhortation and encouragement. But I also know that I have physical limitations. I have health conditions which made me realize a long time ago that small ministries were what God had for me. There’s nothing wrong with that. We’re only asked to be faithful to use and multiply whatever God has given us.

I lead a small women’s Bible study. I write a weekly devotional read by a very small sampling of people, but somehow it made it to Russia, and Latvia of all places. I wanted to be a missionary. Perhaps I am, just not in the way I thought.

What do you do well? How can it be used by God? Ask God to show you what He wants you to do. Then just do it, to the best of your ability, and wait to see where He takes you.

Follower or Fan

Posted by NormaGail on Apr 2, 2012 | Comments Off on Follower or Fan

“They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!’” John 12:19

“’Here is your King,’ Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, ‘Take Him away! Take Him away! Crucify Him!’” John 19:14b, 15

The loud howling and yelping of a pack of coyotes in the woods below our mountain home sent a shiver up my spine, startling me as I sat down to write an Easter devotional. I often go out on the patio and look down into the trees and oak brush, hoping for a sight of them, knowing some innocent creature has become their prey. Seldom do I hear the cry of their victim, as they come upon it and tear it to pieces. But their cries of victory and bloodlust echo through our small valley.

This morning I was reminded of the cries of the Jewish leaders and people on a long ago day in Jerusalem as the innocent Son of God stood before them, bloodied by their lashings and reeling from their blows, yet not speaking a word. He knew His death was imminent, but He stood in silence, hearing the people who proclaimed Him their king a few days before, denounce Him and hail Caesar as king.

He wept over the city, saying He longed to gather them together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings for protection. But they rejected Him in favor of corrupt leaders and a foreign power which would eventually destroy their city and scatter them like leaves in the wind.

I just completed a Bible study which challenges those who believe in Jesus to decide if they are a fan who hangs on while it is fun and popular, then fades away as someone else rises to their attention, or a follower. To be a true follower you stick with your decision through bad times and good. You don’t just have the cap and t-shirt, your loyalty is branded on your heart, unchanging no matter the consequences, a life-time commitment that often demands your all to keep.

This week, perhaps more than any other on our calendar, those who consider themselves followers of Christ are reminded of the cost He paid on our behalf, the suffering He bore that we might live. Unlike the innocent prey of the coyotes, we have a chance to escape the torture of a life without hope, and a death which holds no hope of release from suffering.

Which group will you be in, those who proclaim Jesus King of their lives, or those who fall prey to the lie of temporal pleasure?

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Posted by NormaGail on Mar 26, 2012 | Comments Off on Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Holding my tiny great nephew in my arms, I was once again amazed at the infinite love and care taken by our Creator God in fashioning the human body. No matter how large it grows, the scarring from accidents, the marring of body piercing or tattoos inflicted by its inhabitant, the human body is fearfully and wonderfully fashioned by God. It functions with amazing and intricate capabilities, surviving horrible destructive forces and fighting for survival to its last breathe–so “fearfully and wonderfully” crafted by its Maker.

The Gift of Friendship

Posted by NormaGail on Mar 19, 2012 | Comments Off on The Gift of Friendship

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

Sometimes life can get us down. However, this morning I heard from friends of over thirty years, relationships which have endured many trials and triumphs. They both brought great consolation and rejoicing to my heart as I thought of these dear ones who have been faithful friends for all our adult lives.

In recent weeks I have been to a funeral at the church where I grew up and was married. God called my family elsewhere many years ago. The change left broken relationships, but over the years the differences faded, and those old friends now welcome us when we meet.

I have sat with an old family friend and tried to bring a bit of encouragement as she goes through a difficult trial. I have been blessed to hear that a poem, written in my own time of difficulty, brought comfort to my sister and a friend in their own current trials. I will have lunch with two friends who now worship at another church, but rejoice in the common ground which continues to hold us close. Jesus is the great common denominator for His followers.

Life is full of changes, but our hearts always need friends. God’s word is a guidebook to successful relationships. In the body of Christ, there are relationships which last for a season and some that last for a lifetime, but we will all be together in eternity where earthly differences no longer matter.

An old adage says, “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other gold.” Never neglect to pray for and be thankful for your friendships. Do your best to keep them intact, even when differences of opinion occur.

Thank God for your best friends, the ones you run to knowing they will always be there, the ones who know you so well that you don’t have to explain details, just fill in recent events. Maintain relationships where you are the encourager and helper to a lonely soul with few to lean on in times of need. Keep a few friendships with non-believers, that you might be a witness in love.

Thank God for the friends He has given you. Do your best to show love at all times, especially when adversity comes. Seek to settle differences without severing relationships.