It’s Thanksgiving Week!
It’s that time of year!
Thanksgiving is only a few days away.
It kicks off the official holiday season.
Before we know it, Christmas will be here!
Lots of people say it’s the most wonderful time of the year.
For many women it’s often the hardest.
Extra cooking, guests, shopping, holiday parties, and events take a lot of our time, energy, and effort.
I could get tired just thinking about it!
Part of what drives us during this season is a desire to show our family how much we care and to give them a great family holiday filled with lots of memories and love.
That is a good thing as long as we keep it in check and don’t let it overwhelm us.
Unfortunately, too often we get so busy trying to get it right we lose sight of why we’re doing it.
This cheats us out of enjoying it and defeats the purpose of even doing it.
One of the other things that drives us this time of year is fear.
Count It All Joy…
One bible passage I used to really struggle with comes from the book of James.
It says,
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. –James 1:2-4
So, according to this verse, we are supposed to be joyful over the trials of life?!?
In a way that seems far-fetched.
But look closer…
First, James is talking to other Christians.
We know this because he calls them his brothers.
As Christians, we live within the boundaries of God’s economy, not man’s.
This means that the reasoning and morals of God are what we adhere to.
They are different than the world’s and are often complete opposites to each other.
As Christians we cannot look at things from the world’s point of view.
We must look at things from God’s perspective.
Next, notice he says to consider it joy.
He doesn’t say the trial should be joyful in and of itself.
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church 2020
Tomorrow is International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.
Traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday of November, it’s purpose is to highlight the need to pray for our Christian Brothers and Sisters around the world who are not free to openly worship Christ.
Please spend some time this weekend praying for the Persecuted Church.
More information may be found at Voice of the Martyrs.
They have information on ways to pray as well as opportunities to write to Christians inprisoned for their faith.
They also have a phone app called, Pray Today. This app offers a daily prayer prompt for people groups and countries in need of prayer due to the religious persecution they face.
It can be found in your app store or visit their website by clicking here.
Rightly Dividing Scripture
Rightly dividing the Scriptures is very important to me.
God calls us to it in 2 Timothy 2:15 when he tells us, Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (NIV)
When I see someone misquote or misapply Scripture I get very concerned for them; I fear they’re being misled by the enemy.
Taking verses out of context or using only part of a Scripture so that it seems to say something different than it’s actual meaning is a favorite tactic of his.
Seeing people fall for it worries me for their sake.
If it happens in person I will typically try to lead the conversation to a place where I can gently and politely correct them without embarrassing them.
If it’s online I typically just let it go.
Either way, I pray for the person, asking God to educate and correct their understanding so they can learn and be closer to Him.
But then –
Today’s World
I haven’t said anything about what’s been going on in the world lately because I don’t believe in saying anything bad and I don’t believe in giving my opinion unless doing so will be helpful.
The more this has gone on, though, the more I feel the need to say something.
I want to speak some truth about the current world situation.
The truth of our world’s current crisis is this:
The world is broken and will never be completely fixed until Jesus comes back.
Because of this, there is always going to be something bad going on in the world.
That doesn’t mean it is okay that these things are going on.
It doesn’t mean we should just accept it, turn a blind eye, and keep going.
On the contrary, we should be fighting against these terrible injustices wherever and whenever they rear their ugly heads.
The thing is, these dramas and traumas are only symptoms of the problem.
The problem is people have turned away from God and are now doing what is pleasing in their own sight instead of trying to honor God and do what He wants.
Society has turned from God’s truth and focused on chasing sin.
We’ve lost sight of what Jesus said are the first and second greatest commandments.
In Matthew chapter 22 the Pharisees were trying to test Jesus.
He Will Supply All My Needs
I was in a Bible Study recently where the verse Philippians 4:19 came up.
It’s a very popular verse.
It says:
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
It’s reassurance that all our needs will be met.
It’s a good reminder that God is Yahweh Yireh – the God who provides.
People commonly recite this verse when they are concerned about material needs such as rent, utilities, groceries, etc.
That’s a valid and important part of it.
God does supply for all our material needs.
But – there are other aspects to it.
Ones we don’t always stop to realize and appreciate.
Word of the Year 2020
It’s a New Year.
With it comes a new word.
Each year I choose a word to focus on throughout the year.
Last year my word was resolve. (read that post here)
It came from 1 Corinthians 2:2:
“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you, except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (NIV)
Paul was explaining to the Christians in Corinth that he wasn’t interested in material things or fame. He wanted only to share the gospel and lead people to Christ. His only focus was Christ and the importance of the crucifixion.
I spent a good portion of my study and prayer time seeking to better know and understand who Christ is.
I also focused on putting Him first in every situation.
It was hard.
There were times when I failed, had to repent, and start again but I learned so much.
I learned first hand just how much Christ loves us and just how close to us He is, if we will just pay attention.
It was a year of huge growth I am eternally grateful for.
When I was praying and looking through Scripture for 2020’s word I came across John 8:25-30.
Sunday School Lessons
I recently started teaching a Women’s Sunday School class at my church.
From time to time I will be posting the outline of the previous day’s lesson here on the blog.
It is my hope these lessons will help you better understand God’s word.
You are free to use them to teach your own classes or to share with others. All I ask is that you let them know where you got the material.
If you have any comments or would like to discuss any of the lessons, please be sure to let me know. I would love an opportunity to speak with you!
A list of the available lessons can be found on my Lessons Outlines page.
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church 2019
There are several countries and regions of the world where Christianity is prohibited.
Because of this, many Christians in these areas are not free to openly worship God or serve Christ.
They are displaced from their homes and villages, discriminated against, beaten, and in some cases killed simply for believing in Jesus.
Today Christians around the world are joining together and praying for these brothers and sisters who are suffering greatly for their faith.
Please help us pray for their safety as well as for governments and countries to change and allow religious freedom.
Visit Voice of the Martyrs where you can learn more as well as receive resources to help you share this important ministry.