Come Into The Deep End... with ImHisServant (3)

[cristianna]

Thank you for this devotion - I realise I am a little late in responding to it.

Mundane daily task: Marking exercise books (for school pupils).
I think if I rememberd I was doing it for Jesus I would do it with more of a cheerful heart.

How would it affect slaves?
I think it would give them encouragement and help them to value the work they did and not resent their masters/mistresses.

Is there anything you feel enslaved to?
Definitely! I feel enslaved to my job. In fact, at times it seems as though my whole life is centered around this rather than God, to the detriment of my relationships and my health. I see my job as doing God's work because I have plenty of opportunity to witness. However, I am finding it hard to prevent myself treating my job as the centre and therefore an idol. I would love to get the balance right, and do my job for the Lord without overdoing it but I'm still learning how to do it. I was thinking of limiting myself on how many hours per week I should spend working, but it is quite difficult as a teacher to do this.

How do we serve God by doing our best at our daily responsibilities?

We are serving God because Jesus told us that whatever we do for the least of people we are doing for Him. We are the body of Christ in the world and by serving others we are following the example of Christ.

Has anyone got any tips on not overdoing it at work?

I cannot really offer any tips having never been in the educational field. My bff is one, and I've seen how much that truly can take over one's life. It's one hefty committment that I hold in great respect.

I'll be praying for you (and that bundle of joy!).

thanks for your sharing...this post encouraged me a lot and remind me to thank God for having a good husband ya!and appreciate for what he had done ya!God bless!

I'm glad to read how encouraging this was for you ysl!

GREAT devotional!!

I want to share something that ties in to this. A friend of mine gave me a one inch little flat pebble that was painted like a ladybug. It's a thankful bug. It's there to bug you about being more thanksful! You keep it in your pocket, in your wallet, on your dresser...wherever you will see it or touch it several times a day. I wear scrub tops with big pockets and I keep it in there. Everytime I stick my hand in my pocket I feel it. That's when you are to say thank you to God for something. I usually thank Him for my husband at least once or twice a day. It's a great reminder!

I LOVE that! Thank you for sharing!

this is such an uplifting thread. i came here a couple times in the past but then forgot about this thread..theres so many things going on at CF and in my real life..my mind just goes blank sometimes! i am going to try and visit more often. hugs to all.

Hi RTM! My mind goes blank too, don't worry.

 

[cristianna]

Waiting for My Portion
By Amy Carroll


"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.'" Lamentations 3:22 (NIV)


Devotion:
It was going to be one of those days. I had gone to sleep with the long list of things to do rattling around in my head, slept fitfully and awakened with a knot of anxiety. I'm sure that you know exactly what I'm talking about. I was facing a day with more list than time and none of it could wait. I drug myself out of bed and through the morning routine with my children.

As I walked back into the house from the bus stop, I was tempted to skip the one thing that I can't live without. "But, Lord," I argued silently, "you know that I'm dust." (Yes, that's scriptural, but also one of my favorite cop-outs.) "You've given me most of the assignments on my list today, so I know that You'll understand if I skip my prayer and Bible study time." Even while I rehearsed the argument in my head, I felt the draw of the One who could bring order to this chaotic day.

At this point I need to say that many times I've made the argument and gone straight to my check list. On this particular day, however, God brought to my memory something that my friend and leader Lysa TerKeurst had said many times. She encourages us to ask God each morning for our assignment and then ask Him for our portion. Asking for my portion was a phrase that had really stuck with me.

Scripture has a lot to say about how God feeds and strengthens His children. When Jesus was teaching His disciples to pray, He instructed them to pray, "Give us this day our daily bread." (Matt. 6:11 NIV) Notice that He didn't say weekly bread (as if we could get everything we need at church each week and live the rest of the time on our own), monthly bread, or yearly bread.

The picture I love most, though, is that of the Israelites in the desert gathering the manna that God had provided as food. God's direction was to gather as much as they could eat for the day but not to try to keep it over night. Some ignored this last part of the instruction and found themselves left in the morning with stinky, maggoty leftovers! (Exodus 16). God wants the same thing for us as He wanted for the Israelites. He wants us to trust Him each day for what we need. He wants us to be dependent on Him each morning as we face the day asking our Provider for our portion.

I recently heard a question that I've been chewing on for some time. If I could knock on the door of God's office and ask for a look at His heavenly calendar, what would be on it that day for me? The speaker followed with an even more piercing question-what would NOT be on it that day for me? God clearly extends mercy to His overextended children, but I think that maybe the portion is for the items that He divinely has included on my daily agenda.

That morning I took the lesson to heart. I spent some time on my knees crying out for my portion, for God's order for the day and for a change in my own rotten attitude. Friends, I want to testify that He is faithful! The day went smoothly, and I even had a few minutes to put my feet up, to close my eyes and to thank Him before the bus returned to bring home my next assignment. He is good!


Dear Lord, I thank You that You promise to provide just the portion of strength and faith to face each day. Help me to come to You trusting that You will be my Provider. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


Reflections:
Start with a saying that I love: "I'm too busy today NOT to pray!"

Schedule an appointment with Jesus everyday. He promises to be there.

Be real in your time with God. Pour out your heart and talk to Him as you would a trusted friend. You can be reverent without being formal.

What is the source of my strength to meet the day's challenges?

On the days that I don't seek God for my portion, how is that working for me?


Power Verses:
Psalm 36:5, "Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." (NIV)

Psalm 73:26, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

 

[bornagain91]

TO BE LIKE HIM


Demonstrative in word and deed
Decisive faithful true
Beneficial where ere there’s need
Righteousness through and through

He’ll judge the quick He’ll judge the dead
He’ll judge both head and tail
He’ll judge all found in Satan’s bed
With righteous line and scale

Perfection now must be our aim
Our thoughts, The Lord’s delight
That when life’s works He tries by Flame
They’re pleasing in His sight

Stand strong in Christ for Christ is strong
Yet tolerate the weak
Trust in The Lord whose arm is long
No need where else to seek

Return to Christ who’ve gone astray
Give bread to those with none
Help your brother along The Way
That God’s true will be done

Words are power where hearts are right
Where souls make Christ their choice
Where spirits drink The Morning Light
And hearken to His voice

Rely on Christ not worldly stays
Take heart and never feign
Be Jesus true in all your ways
Let life be now your gain

The faithful will The Father please
Obedience draws His love
The Way is found on bended knees
When eyes are trained above


Michael P. Johnson​

 

[cristianna]

Thanks and Giving
By Zoë Elmore


"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48b (NIV)



Devotion:
Okay, I'll admit I'm no spring chicken, but I'm still full of life; so I decided that I would spend this year doing 51 things I've never done before (yes, that's one thing for every birthday I've had). I wanted to do things I've always talked about doing, but somehow just never got around to doing.

It's been fun to use the good china & crystal everyday, as well as the nice towels. I light my favorite candle each evening when I get home from work and I even drove a Jet Ski in the Atlantic Ocean while dolphins raced beside me. I've checked off many things from my list this year but there are still things to do before the year is done. Not to give the impression that I've only been doing things for myself this year, I also have a few items on my list that will allow me to "give back" to our community. For instance, I've always wanted to make dinner for the firemen at our local fire station.

When a neighbor's home recently caught fire I was so impressed with the firemen who put out the fire and the care they gave to the gentleman living in the home who needed some minor medical attention. After the hoses were rolled up and the ladders stowed I spoke to the shift captain and volunteered to cook dinner for the men of the fire station. He replied "Thank you mam, people are always dropping off cookies; but no one has ever volunteered to feed all thirty-one of us".

Thirty-one hungry firemen, oh my goodness! What have I gotten myself into? Oh well... numbers aside I said I wanted to do this and do it I will. I think a Thanksgiving dinner would be an appropriate way to say thanks and one way to give back to the men and women who serve my community.

As Thanksgiving approaches and thoughts turn to the food and the whirlwind of details associated with that holiday, I'm reminded that my blessings are too numerous to count or even measure. So this year as the turkey roasts and the marshmallows melt on top of the yams I will rejoice in this new Thanksgiving tradition. I indeed have been given so very much and now I want to find ways to give thanks to those who give of themselves everyday. I hope my list of fifty-one things to do will inspire you to find a way to give thanks to those who serve your community. I can't think of a better time of year to do just that.


Dear Lord, You continue to lavish your blessings upon me and I am grateful. Help me to find ways to give thanks to those who serve and protect my community. Bless them and their families with Your grace and protection. In Jesus' Name, Amen.



Reflections:
Make a list of the blessings you have received this year.

When you see a fireman or policeman, do like my husband Tom does; go over and say "Thank you for your service to our community."

Finds ways to involve your small group, Sunday School class or neighborhood in giving thanks to your community.

What are you doing to give thanks?

How can you encourage your family to become active in giving thanks?


Power Verses:
Acts 20:35b, "Remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (NIV)

Proverbs 28:20, "A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished." (NIV)

 

[bornagain91]

OH THE TONGUE


The Lord can hear our every word –Ps.139:2
The evil and the good –Mt.9:4
He’ll judge us on the things He’s heard –Lk.12:2-5
Proceeding as He should –Pr.10:13

Defeat will dawn on those who doubt –Jn.8:24
Victory, whom Christ believe –Jn.3:16-18
The joyful word God’s children shout –Zec.9:9
The scornful soon will grieve –Pr.12:13-22

It’s through the tongue we come to stand –Ro.10:9
Through words we come to fall -Pr.13:13
True value’s taught in Jesus’ hand –Jn.8:32
By those who heed the call –Ps.141:3

There’s life or death on every tongue –Pr.10:11
And God has all surveyed –Gen.31:50
According to the songs we’ve sung –Mt.12:34
The piper must be paid –Nu.14:28

We can’t delude the risen Lord –Gal.6:7
The eye of Truth sees all –Ps.94:8-9
A reckless word may mean the sword –Pr.12:18
On which a child could fall –Lk.17:1-3

The least of words can lead astray –Jas.3:4
Bring saintly lamps to leak –Mt.25:8
We must beware of what we say –Ps.19:14
Of all we choose to speak –Ps.17:3

What now we sew we also reap –Gal.6:7
This law’s to understand –Pr.3:1
We need to look before we leap –Pr.3:6
To know just where we’ll land –Ps.119:105

Allow no lie ride on your breath –Pr.5:3-5
No heart, spew forth deceit –Ps.55:21
For such may lead to certain death –Ps.2:16-19
God’s vengeful wrath to greet –Ps.5:6…


Michael P. Johnson​

 

[ysl_75]

your posts and your sharing is so good, remind us that never forget to pray to God every morning no matter how busy we are...God bless you sister!you are the best!

 

[cristianna]

Thank you! And may God continue to bless all of us here!



Living Beyond Myself
By Micca Campbell



“The flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” Galatians 5:17(NIV)

Devotion:
I wanted to do the right the right thing, but when push came to shove I reacted according to my flesh instead of the Spirit of God.

My son had become the victim of a school prank. It just wasn’t any kind of prank. It was the kind of practical joke that could have ended in tragedy.

Mitch was on his way home from school when he noticed a foul smell. Suddenly, his car was filled with smoke. He pulled over, got out to check the car, and noticed that someone had pulled the rubber bumper down over the exhaust pipe of his car. Concerned about the deadly fumes, Mitch called from his cell phone to be picked up.

While I was furious that someone would play such a trick, I was also thankful that my son knew the danger of the situation and called for help. Had he not, and continued driving, the fumes could have caused him to pass out at the wheel injuring himself and possibly others.

The next day, my husband didn’t get the response he had expected while speaking with the school principal. Instead, he got a lesson toward the assumption that “boys will be boys.” Again, I was furious!

Instead of listening to my husband’s advice, I decided to talk with the principal myself. I prayed before hand in hopes of conducting myself in a Christ-like manner. It was my hearts desire to do the right thing. Unfortunately, when the principal said, “Hello,” I let him have it! In the midst of my angry outburst, I even blamed the principal for causing me to sin!

Later, I felt so ashamed. I felt convicted over my actions and for not representing the Name I carry…Christian. I could have defended my son and honored God if only I had obeyed the Spirit instead of reacting according to my flesh. I was hurt and confused. “Why do I struggle this way when I truly want to do the right thing?” I pondered within.

I wonder are you also confused to find that struggling with sin is the basic problem of your life. Aren’t we supposed to be free from the struggle with sin?

The Bible tells us that even though we are Christians, we will battle our flesh which works to keep us from God. Our key verse describes it this way:
“The flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please."

You see, before you and I received new life, we could sin and it wouldn’t bother us because the Spirit of God was not living in us convicting us of sin. Once saved, the Sprit of God convicts us of our sinful ways. Therefore, the struggle is on.

We each have old habits and old ways of thinking to break. The Holy Spirit in our hearts breaks the rule of sin in our lives and gives us a new nature and new life by purifying our motives, renewing our minds, and giving us the desire to become like Him. However, it’s a life-long process. Our flesh will trip us up sometimes, but allowing Christ’s life to flow through us will result in victory over sin.

You and I will continue to struggle while here on earth, but the good news is, one day, when we see Christ face-to-face, the fight will be over. Our flesh will forever be put to death and final victory will be ours!



Dear Lord, I want to live in a way that is pleasing to you but I’m weak and often give in to my fleshly desires. It’s only by your Spirit that I can live free from sin. Forgive me, Lord, and fill me with your enabling power, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.



Reflections:
Using the power verses below, present yourself as a living sacrifice before God each day (Romans 12:1). Sacrifice your fleshly desires, asking God to fill you with His Spirit (Eph 5:18). Next, live by the power of the Holy Spirit so that you do not gratify your flesh (Gal 5:15). If you should sin, confess it and repeat these steps.

What sin do you struggle with most—pride, anger, lust, selfishness?

What sins have you already experienced freedom from?

How can recalling your freedom from past sins encourage you about the ones you are still struggling with?



Power Verses:
Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.” (NIV)

Ephesians 5:18 “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (NIV)

Galatians 5:16, “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” (NIV)

 

[bornagain91]

OBSTINATE MOUNTAINS

In Christ at times we ask so much –Mt.7:7
We wait what God will tell –Isa.30:18
We hope to feel The Spirit’s touch –1Sa.10:26
Yet silence seems to dwell –Jn.12:

On bended knees we wait a while –Da.10:2,12-14
To see what God would give –Da.9:7
We’ve walked in truth that extra mile –Mt.5:41
A righteous life to live –2Ti.2:22

However much we fast and pray –Pr.29:9
However much we trust –2Sa.12:15-17
Life’s mountains seem to always stay –2Sa.12:18-23
No evil turns to dust –Jer.12:1

Like children spoilt, we frown and pout –1Ki.19:1-4
Between ourselves we cry –Ex.16:3-4
Till shallow faith makes room for doubt –Jas.1:6
Some turn from Christ and die –Gen.19:26

Let patience be our bridal gown –Col.1:11
Let love consume our fears –1Jn.4:18
Can God not tear our mountains down? –Mt.17:20
Each stronghold that appears –2Co.10:4

Has Christ not come and made us free –Jn.8:36
Can Jesus Spirit fail –Isa.51:5-6
Have faith in Him we cannot see –Heb.11:1
Break out from Satan’s jail –2Co.10:5

Stand firm through faith in Heavens’ love –Jas.5:7-8
Trust Jesus not to fall –Jn.16:33
With Him we’ll reign as kings above –Ro.8:17
In answer to His call –Ro.8:28-30

If yet earth’s mountains fail to move –2Co.12:7-10
Truth leads to understand –Deut.8:2-5
Through trials! The Lord our lives may prove –Ps.23:4
Until The Promised Land –1Pe.1:6…

Michael P. Johnson

 

[hannahfievel]

Hello family,
Hoping it is okay to put this here, just a note from the Lord one day I expect for many to read, not for just me. I hope you all enjoy this..author unknown:

My child,

I had to send a note to tell you how much I love you and care about you. I saw you yesterday as you were walking with your friends. I waited all day hoping you would want to talk with me, also. As evening drew near, I gave you a sunset to close your day and a cool breeze to refresh you. And, I waited, but you never came. It hurt me, but I still love you because I am your friend.

I saw you fall asleep last night and I longed to touch your brow. So, I spilled moonlight onto your pillow and your face. And, again I waited, wanting to rush down so that we could talk. I have so many gifts for you. But you awakened late the next day and rushed off to work. My tears were in the rain.

Today you looked so sad, so all alone. It made my heart ache because I understand. My friends let me down and hurt me many times too. But, I love you. Oh, if you would only listen to me. I really love you. I try to tell you in the blue sky and in the quiet green grass. I whisper it on the leaves of the trees, and breathe it into the colors of the flowers. I shout it to you in the mountains streams and give the birds love songs to sing. I clothed you with warm sunshine and perfumed the air with natures scents. My love for you is deeper than the oceans and bigger than the biggest want or need in your heart.

If you only knew how much I want to help you. I want you to meet my Father. He wants to help you too. Talk with me. I have so much to share with you. But, I won't hassle you. I'll wait because I love you. Your Friend, Jesus

Whenever I feel blue I love reading this letter, reminds me HE wants us as badly as we want HIM, amen! Love to all, your sister, hannah

 

[Templedweller]

hmmmmm been invited and checking it out

 

[bornagain91]

GOD’S WELL OILED MACHINE

Like living cogs in life’s machine
We’re interactive parts
God makes performance true and clean
Through power in our hearts


Although life’s pressures may increase
On piston valve and rod
Function’s maintained in every piece
Within the hands of God


Yet in the work’s quite oft we see
The devil’s spanner fall
But Jesus comes to set us free
When on His name we call


Maintenance is a daily chore
So work may never cease
The Master’s hand seeks out each flaw
In each and every piece


No part can function out of sink
This rule’s made all too plain
As chains judged by their weakest link
Will always bear the strain


How smooth united parts will run
When free of filth and grime
When by the hand of Christ God’s Son
We’re oiled from time to time


Each part well formed in Jesus’ hand
Will storm and flood prevail
Will now complete the work as planned
Will run and never fail


Each valve maintained, all cogs precise
In Christ we’re made complete
For this was Jesus sacrifice
Uniting God’s elite…

Michael P. Johnson​

 

[FireyAngel]

Another beautiful poem! Nice way to start my day! thanks Michael!

 

[bornagain91]

THERE IS A WAY


“Today you’re down so plagued with doubt
You fail to see what life’s about
You find no peace no sleep at night
No remedy has come to light


This life’s so bad you fail to cope
You’ve thought to end it with a rope
Then deep inside you hear the cry
What happens next when people die?


There is a way to end it all
There’s someone now for you to call
A helping hand is always there
With so much love and joy to share


Of Jesus Christ you may have heard
Yet still believe no single word
But let this servant testify
I’ve heard the One who came to die


No doubt at first you won’t believe
For Satan’s job is to deceive
But Christ in truth is whom you need
God’s bread of life on which to feed


Allow His love to flood your heart
The Truth received will never part
God’s Wind will blow where’re He will
But wait my friend humble and still


Your troubled thoughts will come to cease
God’s Spirit flows with joyful peace
Your life that once was void of light
Will soon pulsate with awesome might


God’s promised life is given free
The price Christ paid on Calvary
But yet there’s something you can do
Spread Heaven’s Truth coming to you!”


Michael P. Johnson​

 

[ysl_75]

 

[Templedweller]

Hello Is anyone in here ???

 

[JPPT1974]

THERE IS A WAY


“Today you’re down so plagued with doubt
You fail to see what life’s about
You find no peace no sleep at night
No remedy has come to light


This life’s so bad you fail to cope
You’ve thought to end it with a rope
Then deep inside you hear the cry
What happens next when people die?


There is a way to end it all
There’s someone now for you to call
A helping hand is always there
With so much love and joy to share


Of Jesus Christ you may have heard
Yet still believe no single word
But let this servant testify
I’ve heard the One who came to die


No doubt at first you won’t believe
For Satan’s job is to deceive
But Christ in truth is whom you need
God’s bread of life on which to feed


Allow His love to flood your heart
The Truth received will never part
God’s Wind will blow where’re He will
But wait my friend humble and still


Your troubled thoughts will come to cease
God’s Spirit flows with joyful peace
Your life that once was void of light
Will soon pulsate with awesome might


God’s promised life is given free
The price Christ paid on Calvary
But yet there’s something you can do
Spread Heaven’s Truth coming to you!”


Michael P. Johnson​

Amen to that as Jesus is the way, truth, the life!
And that He will lead us to the light!

 

[ysl_75]

 

[bornagain91]

IT’S ALWAYS DARKEST


“Redundant” was his bitter cry
He’d heard it in the town
It left his family high and dry
His works were closing down



How sad he thought whilst in the queue
From now I’ll have no pay
Oh Lord my God can this be true
I’m standing here today



I’m unemployed they heard him sob

Just how could all this be
There’s now no way I’ll find a job
For now I’m fifty three

But still there must be something new
Life can’t be so unkind
My job was good the wages too
But now what’s left to find

Right then he heard his Saviour’s voice
So soft and full of care
“Lift up your heart my child rejoice
I heard your tearful prayer


Come now and work for me my son
Come join my chosen few
I have some work that must be done
And have a place for you

Your job with me will never cease
I hope that you’ll agree
For endless life of love and peace
Awaits who work for me”

All this was done to save one man
God closed a factory down
Who knows what next the Lord will plan
To give a child Life’s crown

Michael P. Johnson​

 

[cristianna]

It’s all in the Character
By Michelle Weber



“Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.” Ephesians 5:2



Devotion:
“I’ll race you to the top,” my 6 year-old daughter Emily shouted to her 4 year-old little sister Amanda. Emily was already at the top and headed into her room before Amanda was barely half way up the steps. I waited for Amanda as she carefully climbed the stairs, pulling herself up with her arms to compensate for the weakness in her legs.

As I tucked Emily into bed that night I asked her to please stop turning everything into a race. “You’re asking Amanda to play a game that she just can’t win and it’s making her very sad.” With a heavy heart Emily replied, “Mommy why did God give ME all the gifts?” Searching for the right words I told her that God didn’t give her all the gifts, just different ones. I reminded her that God has given Amanda a bunch of gifts too, but hers just aren’t as easy to see right now.

The following year my little Amanda was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. The world as I had planned it with my beautiful healthy children came crashing down around me. “How could this be? We are an active family. We are going to take ski vacations, ride bikes and horses together.” Everyday I found myself crying uncontrollably and thinking about how incredibly unfair life was. It just had to change, it just had to.

The first thing I had to do was kick myself out of my personal pity party and get serious about helping Amanda. I wasn’t the victim here and I wasn’t going to sign Amanda up to be one either. In addition to talking to other doctors, I examined my role and became very intentional about focusing on the one thing that made both of my girls special and valuable in their own ways. We began celebrating the gift God gave them both which made them each unique. We turned our focus to their character - who they are, not what they can or cannot do.

Now preteens, my husband and I celebrate our daughters’ character and the choices they’ve made which have led to many different kinds of accomplishments, both simple and monumental. Simple acts of kindness never go unnoticed. Perseverance and a good attitude are always cause to celebrate someone, their character, and the choices they’re making.

The perfect resource and teacher for me is Christ. Because I am a believer, I have chosen to be guided by His virtues, which mold my life and influence my choices as well. Before I could hope to see His virtues in my children I needed to first model them myself. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control became my personal mantra and daily cheat sheet. Galatians 5:23 states “against such things there is no law.” My children are learning about Christ through me and my daily dealings in the circumstances of life. His virtues are also plainly displayed in our kitchen as a daily reminder to all of us.

We’ve had our share of accomplishments and struggles over the past several years, each providing invaluable lessons and glimpses into each one’s character. Accomplishments and successes as well as struggles and failures in this life are temporary but necessary for developing the soul, which is eternal. My hope is that no matter what God’s plan is for Emily and Amanda, regardless of what he gives them or takes away, that they know they are special, equally valuable and amazingly unique.


Dear Lord, thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made so we can be so blessed. Give me the strength and wisdom to honor you as I raise and encourage my children to be virtuous and honorable adults who glorify you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Reflections:
When was the last time you gave your child a compliment that highlighted their character? Tonight, take a recent accomplishment and think about the character shown and choices your child made which resulted in that particular success. Bring up that occasion and focus your conversation on the character traits they showed and choices they made. Help them understand and feel good about the many variables and choices which led to that particular success.



Power Verses:
Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”

1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ”

Deuteronomy 6:7, “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and whey you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

 

[woman.at.the.well]

It’s all in the Character
By Michelle Weber



“Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.” Ephesians 5:2



Devotion:
“I’ll race you to the top,” my 6 year-old daughter Emily shouted to her 4 year-old little sister Amanda. Emily was already at the top and headed into her room before Amanda was barely half way up the steps. I waited for Amanda as she carefully climbed the stairs, pulling herself up with her arms to compensate for the weakness in her legs.

As I tucked Emily into bed that night I asked her to please stop turning everything into a race. “You’re asking Amanda to play a game that she just can’t win and it’s making her very sad.” With a heavy heart Emily replied, “Mommy why did God give ME all the gifts?” Searching for the right words I told her that God didn’t give her all the gifts, just different ones. I reminded her that God has given Amanda a bunch of gifts too, but hers just aren’t as easy to see right now.

The following year my little Amanda was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. The world as I had planned it with my beautiful healthy children came crashing down around me. “How could this be? We are an active family. We are going to take ski vacations, ride bikes and horses together.” Everyday I found myself crying uncontrollably and thinking about how incredibly unfair life was. It just had to change, it just had to.

The first thing I had to do was kick myself out of my personal pity party and get serious about helping Amanda. I wasn’t the victim here and I wasn’t going to sign Amanda up to be one either. In addition to talking to other doctors, I examined my role and became very intentional about focusing on the one thing that made both of my girls special and valuable in their own ways. We began celebrating the gift God gave them both which made them each unique. We turned our focus to their character - who they are, not what they can or cannot do.

Now preteens, my husband and I celebrate our daughters’ character and the choices they’ve made which have led to many different kinds of accomplishments, both simple and monumental. Simple acts of kindness never go unnoticed. Perseverance and a good attitude are always cause to celebrate someone, their character, and the choices they’re making.

The perfect resource and teacher for me is Christ. Because I am a believer, I have chosen to be guided by His virtues, which mold my life and influence my choices as well. Before I could hope to see His virtues in my children I needed to first model them myself. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control became my personal mantra and daily cheat sheet. Galatians 5:23 states “against such things there is no law.” My children are learning about Christ through me and my daily dealings in the circumstances of life. His virtues are also plainly displayed in our kitchen as a daily reminder to all of us.

We’ve had our share of accomplishments and struggles over the past several years, each providing invaluable lessons and glimpses into each one’s character. Accomplishments and successes as well as struggles and failures in this life are temporary but necessary for developing the soul, which is eternal. My hope is that no matter what God’s plan is for Emily and Amanda, regardless of what he gives them or takes away, that they know they are special, equally valuable and amazingly unique.


Dear Lord, thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made so we can be so blessed. Give me the strength and wisdom to honor you as I raise and encourage my children to be virtuous and honorable adults who glorify you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Reflections:
When was the last time you gave your child a compliment that highlighted their character? Tonight, take a recent accomplishment and think about the character shown and choices your child made which resulted in that particular success. Bring up that occasion and focus your conversation on the character traits they showed and choices they made. Help them understand and feel good about the many variables and choices which led to that particular success.



Power Verses:
Ephesians 6:4, “Fathers do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”

1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ”

Deuteronomy 6:7, “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and whey you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

What an excellent idea. Give them some positive feedback and encouragement that will really build their character up!

I came by to post today's topic which was already done. So thank you Cristianna!