When You Face Unfairness

 By: Paula Short

"But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." —Genesis 39:20-21—NIV

Joseph's story is one of repeated unfairness. First, his brothers throw him down into a dark ditch. I picture panic and fear running through him. Can you imagine what must have been going through his head as he heard his family offhandedly deliberating on how to kill him?

When he's pulled out of the pit, he's taken to a foreign land and forced into slavery. But Joseph works hard in Egypt. His work ethic catches his master's eye, and it isn't long before he's second in command.

But unfortunately, his job comes with a snag. His master's wife now wants him. She purposely arranges time alone together and tries to seduce him. It's not so much what she says as the way she acts, purposefully draping herself over the desk to reveal a bit of cleavage. And maybe a pouting look sent his way as he left the office.

When Joseph rejects her, he's the one accused of wrongdoing! Now he's in prison, serving time for a crime he never committed. At this point, no one would fault Joseph if he decided to become bitter. He's already endured so much unfairness. 

But through it all, Joseph trusts that God is working a plan. Years later, when he meets with his brothers again, he explains:

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." —Genesis 50:20—NIV

As a prisoner, Joseph could have seen his situation as hopeless. Instead, he did his best with each small task given to him. His diligence and positive attitude were soon noticed, and he was promoted.

It's difficult when we're faced with unfairness. Perhaps a co-worker lied about you. Maybe someone is verbally abusive when you're alone but charming to everyone else. 

Whatever your unfairness, you can trust that God is still in control. He is not the author of evil, but He promises to redeem these terrible moments and use them for your good and His glory.

Are you facing a seemingly hopeless predicament? Join me in following Joseph's example by taking each small task and doing your best.

Remember how God turned Joseph's situation around. He will see your efforts and can reverse even overwhelming odds.

Pray,

God, I struggle. I want to be bitter and angry. This isn't fair. It's like sandpaper against my heart, and I can't take anymore. Don't let this consume me. Redeem the evil in my life and set me free from this pain. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Photo by Hector Ramon Perez on Unsplash

Oh, Be Careful Little Eyes...

By: Melanie Moore

Each weekend, I sit down with my planner and create a meal plan for the week. I check all of our appointments, work schedule, ballgames, practices, etc. to create a list of the days we will be eating at home. Then, I create the list of (hopefully somewhat healthy-ish) meals for the week. I know that if I create a meal plan for the week, we are more likely to eat healthy meals at home rather than ordering takeout or getting fast food when we are starving at 6:00 with no plans or groceries.

As I thought about this routine, I realized that I try to be very intentional with what food we use to nourish our physical bodies. Lately, I haven't been as careful with what I eat, and I can tell a difference! My clothes don't fit as well, and my energy level has been dragging a bit. In order to feel better, I know that I need to be more careful about what I'm eating to nourish my body well.

In the same way, I realized that I need to be careful in what enters my heart and mind as well as my body. There is a song we used to sing as children that says: "Oh be careful little eyes what you see". Anything that enters our minds and hearts through our eyes is just like food. It has a direct effect on our spiritual health so we need to be very careful in what we look at.

"Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways."
Psalm 119:37 (ESV)

Social media, TV, movies, books, the internet in general.... it's all filled with images, videos, and content that can either be spiritual nourishing to us or spiritually harmful. We need to be careful with what we see. Is it pleasing to God? Does it point us to God or draw us farther away? Are we focused on sights that are spiritually nourishing and life giving? Or, do our eyes seek out things that the Holy Spirit is nudging us to realize are harmful?

Today's Challenge

Join me in taking a few moments to think about all the images and content we see on a regular basis. Let's examine it together -- is there any content that you need to step away from? Perhaps anyone you need to unfollow on social media or any TV shows or movies you need to stop watching? Instead, what are some spiritual nourishing content that you can make more time for? Are there any social media accounts that challenge you to seek out time with God? Any books that you could read and spiritually nourish your heart? I challenge you to join me in making smart swaps to protect our eyes and our hearts!

Today's Prayer

Lord, we thank you for the gift of eyesight. I pray that you will help us to guard what our eyes see and to think about ways we can use our eyesight to honor you. Please convict our hearts when we look on something we should not, and I pray you will draw us to look upon those things that point us to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Kindness Has a Hidden Power

By: Sarah Geringer

We are all hungry for the fruit of kindness in our contentious culture. 

Meanness seems to abound. But kindness has a hidden power that can't be denied.

Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to be kind to one another, tender and forgiving. That's the life Jesus wants us to live, and the Holy Spirit will empower us to be kind when we feel like being mean (or doing nothing at all).

Do you know that kindness has a hidden power?

Active kindness blesses people. Normally you can tell when someone appreciates a kind word or action. Their facial expression softens. Their eyes light up. They might even smile.

Passive kindness is a hidden blessing. When we don't react in anger but withhold our tongues in a spirit of kindness, we secretly bless the other person.

Here are examples of when we can do this:

• Not complaining when a cashier doesn't offer the best customer service
• Praying instead of voicing displeasure for a waiter who isn't very attentive
• Assuming the best rather than deciding someone was being intentionally rude

Sometimes, the kindest thing to do is nothing at all. Times when you have the right to issue a complaint. But the Holy Spirit may nudge you to be kind and just let it go. Secret kindness is often more powerful than showing anger.

The hidden power for me in the above situations was walking away and feeling peaceful and released. When I've done the necessary confronting before (and it is definitely necessary sometimes), I leave all stirred up. But kindness grants me peace when I follow God's will.

Kindness holds hidden power to transform our hearts.

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Do you want to feel calmer? Less aggravated? Less weighed down? Try showing kindness, whether in active or passive forms. 

Let the Holy Spirit work through you, and listen for the times He prompts you to be kind. Then take action!

He bears this sweet fruit through you. You simply need to be the branch that bears His fruit. Be kind today, and bless someone else while you cultivate peace and godliness in your own heart.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings and God's peace to you,

Sarah Geringer
Finding Peace in God's Word

Photo from Pexels.com

Reflection questions:

1. What's the kindest thing someone ever did for you?

2. Who needs your kindness most today?

Note: The original version of this post published on this site on 6/29/2018.

Following the Shepherd in the Shadows

 

By: Donna Bucher

Many times we sing the refrain "Follow, follow, I will follow Jesus, anywhere, everywhere, I will follow on...". But what happens when following the shepherd in the shadows is the only course? We talk of praying for God's will and direction, but find it hard to surrender to a direction we don't favor.

Psalm 23 is the quintessential shepherd psalm. It is one I memorized long ago for a number of reasons. It's almost become a cliché instead of God-inspired comfort. But if we re-visit the Psalm, we can see all is not peace and green pastures.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
     for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
     I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
     your rod and your staff,
     they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
     in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
     my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
     all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

 

David writes, "even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." This valley is one of great darkness and unknown danger. Enemies and fear lurk here, it is the place no one chooses to go. But it is the comfort found in even this dark place that endears the Psalm to us.

Following not only involves surrender, but also trust. Following means surrender of your will and choice of direction to the leader. Your ability to surrender in this way rests solely on how much you trust the person you're following. When following the Shepherd in the shadows, consider these lessons from Psalm 23.

 

• Remember Who Leads. When the Shepherd leads us into dark valleys, we remember He is the same Shepherd who leads us beside still waters. He makes us lay down in green pastures, He restores our soul. David writes he will fear no evil because God is with him. We trust the Shepherd intended we pass this way.
• Rest in the Shepherd's Preparedness. David mentions finding comfort in the Shepherd's rod and staff. These constitute the weapons of the Shepherd. David, a shepherd himself knew their use for protecting the sheep. David also speaks of the Shepherd preparing a table before his enemies. Only in the complete protection of the Shepherd can the sheep eat in safety.
• Consider "why" the Shepherd leads in these paths. Sometimes the Shepherd graciously bids us lie down in green pastures, enjoying a sunny day. Other times He leads us beside still waters refreshing and restoring us. In still other times, we must follow into the shadows learning there to walk by faith, not by sight.
• Consider "how" He leads. Don't miss one important word, "through". David says the Shepherd leads "through" the dark valley. Not the final destination, the valley represents but a hallway. The Shepherd leads "through" the valley.

Ultimately, in all of the paths the Shepherd leads us, He leads us in "paths of righteousness for His name's sake." He leads us towards things that make us more like Him. Each place He leads, teaches us something. At times we learn to rest in green pastures; sometimes we enjoy the comfort of His presence beside still waters. Then at times, we need to follow Him into the shadows of uncertainty. In all of the paths, His purpose is our eternal good and His glory in making us more like Him.

In His goodness sometimes the dark valleys remain shadows, but not without exception. Sometimes we leave the dark valley touched by death, tragedy, and brokenness. The deliverance so hoped for, never comes.

Yet, you rest in His promise that goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life; even the worst days. Knowing that upon all paths the Shepherd leads us, even the path through the valley of death, ultimately leads us to one place; to Him.

Find more encouragement and FREE Resources at Serenity in Suffering!

 

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Building a Community or Gossip?

By: Jenifer Metzger

"Did you hear what she said/did?"

"I probably shouldn't say anything, but..."

"I'm only tell you so you can pray."

You've probably heard these phrases right before someone launches into a story you probably shouldn't hear. Dare I say, maybe you've even said these phrases.

While gossip is often done from a malicious place, purposely trying to slander another, it is often disguised as community. We truly believe we are sharing from the goodness of our heart. We gather with friends, we go out for Sunday lunch after church, we meet together for coffee, or just text back and forth. Our conversations start off innocent enough. We chat about our children, the weather, plans for an upcoming vacation, or share a favorite recipe.

Then it happens. We decide to confide in each other, maybe even just look to fill a gap in conversation. Before we know it, we are sharing someone else's story. A story we have no business repeating. Maybe it was something that was told to us in confidence so we "share it in confidence." Maybe it was just something we heard and we need to get off our chest. Or maybe we want them to "join us in prayer" so we share.

If you claim to be religious but don’t

control your tongue, you are fooling

yourself, and your religion is worthless.

James 1:26

Gossip doesn't grow a relationship. Instead, it is like a weed choking out what could be. This includes gossip we believe is simply growing our community, sharing in love, or sharing for prayer. The Bible tells us to control our tongue. It even tells us to avoid chatterers.

A gossip goes around telling secrets,

so don’t hang around with chatterers.

Proverbs 20:19

How to recognize gossip

Whether you are the one sharing or the one listening, ask yourself these questions:
Does this conversation lift up or put down another?
Am I sharing with permission or out of turn?
Do I really need to share/hear these details in order to pray for this person? (Hint: the answer here is always no! We can pray for another without having the details of their circumstances because God already knows the details!)

How to stop gossip

If you are the one sharing and realize that what you are sharing is gossip, pause and simply say, "I realize I am not sharing this with permission" and steer the conversation elsewhere. If you are the one listening and realize the sharer is gossiping, simply say, "I am sorry to interrupt but I do not need to know these details" and steer the conversation away.

How to avoid gossip

Whether you struggle with sharing or hearing gossip, pray and ask God for help. Before conversing with another, purpose in your mind that you will not share or listen to anything that is not yours to share. Think of a few conversation starters you can use when there is a lull in conversation, this will help from trying to fill the void. And always make sure your words of others are positive and full of praise.

When we avoid gossip and speak positively of others, we can build a true community. Let's be women who build our community of friends without the weeds of gossip.

Discussion:
1. Do you struggle with sharing or listening to gossip, even if unintentionally?
2. What are ways you avoid sharing or listening to gossip?

Leading by Example as a Mom

 By: Rebekah Hargraves

Photo Courtesy Of: Alexander Dummer

"A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher."

~Luke 6:40

This verse is equal parts terrifying and encouraging, when viewed in light of our mothering. Terrifying if we are being lazy and complacent, failing to truly train our children up in the way that they should go, while encouraging if we are seeking to do our best to walk by the Spirit in our mothering (certainly not perfectly, but with intention and the gospel ever before our eyes).


The truth I’m learning right now is this: whatever it is that I want my children to prioritize when they are adults is what I need to be prioritizing in our home and family life right now. Whatever I want them to grow up believing is normal for the Christian life is what I need to be emulating for them right now.


Do I want my children to grow up thinking part of living a victorious Christian life is cultivating and loving a daily practice of being in the Word? Then that is what they need to see me doing now.


Do I want my children to grow up to be readers, believing it’s important even as busy adults, to still make time to read and grow your mind? Then that is what they need to see me doing now (and not claiming I’m too busy to do so!).


Do I want my children to grow up to never be slaves to their phones, but to instead love and enjoy the real life going on all around them? Then that is how I need to be living myself.


Do I want my children to grow up to love everyone - even the seemingly unlovable, the enemy, the marginalized, the one who sins differently than I do, and the one with different political views than my own? Then that is how I have to be living in front of them now.


Do I want my children to grow up believing it is a normal part of the Christian life to extend hospitality on a regular basis? Then that had better be a part of my monthly calendar now.


Do I want my children to grow up believing Christ has called us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and help the destitute? Then that’s what they should see me doing.


The reality is that what my children see me doing, hear me saying, and watch me prioritizing is what they will naturally take on in their own lives. May it be worth emulating!

When Stars & Wonders Speak

 By: Joanne Viola

Vacations are always a special family time. A time to get away, be together, make memories, and just rest. There is no way to know what the week will hold for any of us.

So many memories stay in the forefront of our minds, able to be retrieved vividly.

It was the night they called me out onto the deck, into the stillness and blackest of nights. “Look up!” they shouted. Above us was the clearest, brightest, and most distinct sky my eyes have ever beheld.

Countless stars, each twinkling. The big dipper visible in its glory.

The sky looked like a panoramic photo. Too perfect to be real and yet, there it was before us. We stood silent and in awe.

The sky and the moment spoke to my heart. I knew there was more, more than simply the wonder of it all. God had something He was wanting to say, but stayed silent, letting the memory become ingrained in my mind. Until the morning, once home from vacation, when I read this Scripture:

“The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.”
(Psalm 33:6, NLT)

God’s Word and creation display His character and His power to us in ways our minds simply cannot comprehend. Omnipotently, He created everything out of nothing. He simply breathed, spoke the word, and the stars came into being without any opposition for there is no power greater than His.

In that moment on the deck, I felt small as His vastness was declared in the sky above me.

“The sovereignty of God is that golden scepter in his hand by which he will make all bow, either by his word or by his works, by his mercies or by his judgments.” (Thomas Brooks)

My heart has been bowed low by His works displayed that night, and by His Word since. God is sovereign over His works and over our lives. I may not understand all the ways God works in our lives, but this I am sure, God will intervene in the lives of His people at the right moment, for He is faithful to His own.

Here’s the thing God has been speaking into my heart ever since –

He is still breathing the word, His Word –
into our lives, into our circumstances, and
bringing new life.

 

Photo by Ryan Hutton on Unsplash

 

Asking For Wisdom In The Everyday

 By: Paula Short

Then he prayed, "Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham." —Genesis 24:12 — NIV

Abraham was getting on in age, and as a father, he often watched his son, Isaac, walk alone. This concerned him. He knew he would soon be passing on, and he didn't want his child to be without companionship, so he called his servant to him and presented him with a very important task. 

For this task, he chose his most dependable and steadfast servant Eliezer. This man would carry out this imperative task with wisdom and discretion.

Before he left, Abraham's servant asked God for guidance in this critical task. Obviously, Eliezer had learned much about faith and God from his master. 

So, he leaves and travels a reasonable distance. As he enters one city, he prays for God's blessing over his master and for a sign that the woman he talks to would be the right one for Isaac.

May it be that when I say to a young woman, 'Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, 'Drink, and I'll water your camels too'—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master." —Genesis 24:14— NIV

The sign he requested was only slightly out of the ordinary. You see, the hospitality of the day required women at the well to offer water to weary travelers but not their animals. 

Eliezer was simply asking God to show him a woman with an attitude of service— Someone who would go beyond the expected. An offer to water his camels would indicate that kind of attitude. 

Eliezer did not ask a woman with looks or wealth. He knew the importance of finding a woman with the right heart and asked God to help him with his task.

When he spots Rebekah, Eliezer humbly asks for water. Without knowing this weary traveler, Rebekah is instantly helpful. She gives not only the man water but is willing to water his camels as well. This is the sign he asked for, and seeing it, he worships God for showing him favor.

Sometimes, we're called to do things that feel overwhelming or seem impossible. But just like Abraham's servant, we need to take the time to stop, pause and pray and reflect. 

Be like Abraham, setting an example of dependent faith. And be like Eliezer and ask God for wisdom and direction in whatever task or venture you face. Then wait to see how He moves.

Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash

Make Time for Spiritual Nourishment

By: Melanie Moore

It's just past 6 p.m., and I feel my stomach start to rumble. Suddenly, all I can think about is food! Unfortunately, I'm not feeling very inspired to cook, and I mentally take inventory of the ingredients I have on hand. For inspiration, I decide to look online for recipe ideas. I scroll through social media and discover all kinds of videos of recipes which look absolutely delicious. 

My mouth is watering as I watch a roasted chicken prepared, coming out of the oven hot with golden brown skin. Next, I am entranced my several cake decorating videos which for some reason, I find so calming and peaceful to watch. As soon as one video ends, another one automatically begins and I officially am in a "food trance". 

I realize that almost thirty minutes have passed since I started watching these food videos... but I'm still hungry! In fact, I'm even hungrier than when I began, but now I have less time to prepare any food!

As I pondered this situation, I realized that many times I treat my spiritual hunger the same way. God longs to speak to me through His Word in order to feed and nourish my soul. However, sometimes I take the easy way out and instead of opening my Bible, I open Instagram or Facebook. I see small clips of what someone else has posted as their key takeaways from their Bible study, and instead of actually reading the Bible myself, I rely on their quick highlight reel.

Reading the thoughts of someone else who has read the Bible for me is just like watching recipe videos online. It may give us inspiration to read the Bible ourselves, which is great, but we can't rely on it for spiritual nourishment. Instead, we have to get into the Word and read it for ourselves!

Instead of scrolling through social media for my physical hunger, I needed to prepare an actual meal so that my body could benefit from the vitamins, protein, and nutrients. Likewise, instead of scrolling through social media for my spiritual hunger, I need to open my Bible and read it for myself so that my heart and mind may be renewed by the Word of God!

Today's Challenge

I encourage you to join me in committing to read God's Word each day for ourselves. It is always great to share what we learn, so feel free to post your thoughts and verses which inspired you! That may be the inspiration someone else needs to get into the Word themselves and nourish their hearts.

Today's Prayer

Lord, we want to know you. I pray that you will give us hearts that seek you and a burning desire to make time to dig into your Word. Please show us your hand all around us and feed our souls as we study the Bible. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Why You Need Both Patience and Self-Control

 

By: Sarah Geringer

When I study the fruits of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, these two always trip me up.

Love, peace and joy seem more attainable. Kindness, goodness, gentleness, and faithfulness aren’t huge challenges for me.

But patience and self-control? They are constant challenges.

Do you feel that way too?

We live in a fast-paced, indulgent world. Patience and self-control aren’t valued in the culture-at-large. The messages we hear and the images we see promote Satisfaction. Right. Now.

Our theme verse for today indicates that power and the ability to conquer others were highly valued then as they are now. Pride is at the root of a desire for power, conquering, and immediately having your own way.

Scripture affirms the greater value of both patience and self-control—two fruits we may not appreciate as much as God does. But He wants our appreciation to grow, so we can serve and inspire others.

Consider these additional verses:

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11 NIV

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. James 5:7 NIV

Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. Titus 1:8 NIV

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:5-7 NIV

Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2:4-5 NIV

Here's why we need both patience and self-control.

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Jesus was both patient and self-controlled. If we want to become more like Jesus, we must pursue both unappreciated fruits. We can take practical steps to grow each fruit in the following ways:

Remember that these two fruits are the fruits of the Holy Spirit, who bears the fruit in you. Pray to the Holy Spirit, asking Him to use you as a vine for both fruits.

Choose one of the above verses for Christian meditation this week. Ponder every word in the verse, asking yourself what it tells you about God and what it tells you about yourself.

Learn your triggers for both impatience and a lack of self-control. When faced with temptation in those areas, recite the verse to yourself and count to ten, telling yourself you will choose God’s way instead of your own.

This summer, you can develop a new appreciation for these two fruits. As you bear them in your life, you will show Jesus to others and gain greater peace.

Have a wonderful week!

Blessings and God's peace to you,

Sarah Geringer
Finding Peace in God's Word

Photo from Pexels.com

Reflection questions:

1. Which of these two fruits is hardest for you to bear, and why?

2. What change will you make today to start bearing more fruit for God’s glory?

Note: A version of this post was originally published on June 15, 2018.