Word Filled Wednesday

And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let himdeny himself andtake up his crossdaily and follow me.For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Luke 9:23-24

Have you ever came across some verses in the Bible that you skim over, thinking they don’t apply to you? When I would read the above verses, I always imagined that Jesus was talking about missionaries serving Him, in a land far away, diligently and fervently working for Him in danger of their very lives each day. That is not me, by a long shot!

Last night I was attempting for the first time to make strawberry jam. Fresh produce, homemade goodness for my family, this was surely a labor of love and service for my family. My youngest son was working on a school project while I was preparing the jam. Over and over again, he would ask a question for his project. I could not just walk away from the jam and began to struggle against showing irritation and short answers. He needed help, I was busy and a tug of war began in my heart.

As I read this verse this morning, it hit me that there are numerous opportunities in each day to deny ourselves and take up our cross and lay my life down for others. Interruptions, distractions and plans that go wayward can be viewed as putting the needs of others above ourselves. Anytime we embrace (or gracefully handle without grumbling!) an unexpected event in our daily lives, we can practice denying ourselves. Looking around to the needs of others before considering any inconvenience to ourselves begins the path of choosing God’s way instead of ours. When that tug of war between my wants and another’s needs begins, that is the perfect opportunity to put into practice what Jesus taught.

Of course there are much greater depths where this verse applies and I am mindful of thousands daily who lose their physical lives for Christ’s name. There are so many on the mission fields daily in danger but continue steadfast to share the Word of God. These precious saints need our fervent prayers and support. May their willing surrender and example daily inspire us in our sphere of ministry to be open and obedient each day.

Sometimes We Score, Sometimes We Block

Our family is in the midst of little league soccer season. My youngest son is playing and his enthusiasm is contagious. He is pretty good at the sport, but what makes it so great is that he loves it! He counts the days until the next game or practice. He loves his coach and teammates. He has moved up an age level this year and the players are working more like team, passing to each other and watching out for each other during play. During the last game, my son scored two goals, they were the only goals of the game. In today's game the team scored eight goals. My son came up afterwards to me and said, "I didn't score today, but I blocked". What a powerful truth those words can hold. In life, sometimes we score, sometimes we block. Sometimes we do great things, we excel, we achieve, we meet our goal - we score! There are also times we see the needs of others, sometimes they are sad or hurting, we block their hits. We look out for them so they can score. We

Relationships and Redemption

In every friendship or relationship, there is a common hope that they will grow and flourish. There is something inside of us that longs for a 'happy every after' story. We dream about it and work to make that happen. But in reality, relationships are a challenge. The bridging of values, lifestyles, interests and sacrificing for another are simply hard things to do! No matter how much we dream of the perfect fit, some relationships will not endure the stress. When differences appear and tensions arise, prayer can change situations, attitudes and ourselves. For the Christian, we know God can transform, change, heal. We cannot change others, but prayer opens us the door for God to step in and answer. God desires transformation, but does not demand it. The gift of free will allows us to choose to say Yes or No to Him. Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Take notice of the first two words: “If possible …” This implies that some

A Blank Page - A Great Way to Fill It

A blank page - that is the first view of a new blog post. It has been a while since I have faced the blank page of my little blog! A blank page can bring a variety of emotions - emptiness, anxiety, pressure to perform or emotions such as inspiration, encouragement or simply bursting to share something. But there is always something fresh and exciting about the blank page of a New Year. Happy 2023! This is always a time in my life where inspiration and plans are formed and ready to be implemented for greater change. Aspirations may start strong, but alone do not make a difference. It takes consistency to create change. The changing or adding small habits is a key to great changes. A habit that has been beneficial in my life for many years is rising early. It began when the children were small and was the only pocket of time I had to myself. Through the years, mornings have become my favorite time of the day. Now that my husband and I are empty nesters, we go to bed early and rise early.

MindyApril 21, 2010 at 1:00 PM
"Interruptions, distractions and plans that go wayward can be viewed as putting the needs of others above ourselves."

Thank you for giving me the spiritual tool to handle the CONSTANT interruptions in my life. How much easier it is going to be when I realize I get to CHOOSE to put someone else first.

Although, eventually, I am going to HAVE to do some of those things I need to do without interruptions...

any advice on how to get more time in a day? :)
Carrie CooperApril 21, 2010 at 4:12 PM
Carrie @ comfortedbyGodblogspot.com

Hi, Joyfull! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving me with such sweet encouragement. You have a beautiful ministry imparting joy to a discouraged world.
MissieApril 21, 2010 at 5:52 PM
Hard to do, but we always need a constant reminder
NicApril 21, 2010 at 10:41 PM
What a great life illustration and perspective to go with that verse! Definitely food for thought. THanks for that! :-)

Joyfull Living

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