It would not be an exaggeration to say that I love notebooks. I’ve always had a slight obsession with notepads, journals, and anything colorful and pretty to use for note-taking, to-do lists, and doodling. I probably definitely have more notebooks than I will need for the next few years (but this comes in handy when giving gifts!). Not too long ago, I bought a notebook because it had three sections, separated by the prettiest pastel-colored pages. This would be perfect for an all-purpose notebook. I could use one section for sermon & class notes at church, one for grocery/shopping lists, and one for miscellaneous/to-do lists. It was a done deal. There was only one problem. The phrase on the cover said, “Do What Makes You Happy.” While, of course, there is nothing wrong with being happy, it seems like this mentality is all about ME.

It is so easy to become too focused on ourselves. We live in a society where we are conditioned to think that it’s normal and appropriate to put ourselves before everyone else. However, this goes against what Scripture teaches.

Society: “If it makes YOU happy, do it.” (Focus: ME)

Scripture: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:4 (Focus: Others)

The less we focus on ourselves, the more we will be like Jesus. Which, by the way, will make us happier than living with a self-centered mindset. It’s a WIN-WIN!

If we let it, society and the culture that surrounds us today can and will shape who we are and who we are becoming. It takes intention and daily effort to go against the grain. But that is what we are called to do as Christians. We aren’t supposed to look like everyone else. Having an “it’s all about me” mentality makes us look and think like the world. Jesus was not conformed to this world, so neither should we be.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

While Jesus lived on this earth, His focus was always on others.

Healing others. Giving His time and energy to others. Loving others. Encouraging others. Guiding others. Comforting others. Praying for others. Dying for others.

There is so much to be learned by the example Jesus gave throughout His life. The more time we spend meditating on His Word, the more His example will impact and shape our mindset, which will in turn, shape our actions. We must make it a priority to allow the Bible to influence us instead of society. We must strive daily to be more and more like Christ.

In his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul could not have stated this more simply:

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”

1 Cor. 11:1

Janelle Pollard

Author Mark Twain had many memorable sayings that are perhaps rooted in Biblical principles.

• “Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”
• “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.”
• “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”

One of my favorites is, “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Our families need more kindness. Our communities, our nation and the world needs more kindness! But how is that achieved? We will not get the answers if we look to society or academia. The one we must turn to is our Father in heaven as He reveals Himself in the Word.
One of God’s attributes is kindness. Nehemiah wrote, But You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness (Nehemiah 9:17).
God’s kindness was revealed when he sent His only begotten Son to redeem mankind from the bondage of sin. God’s plan before the foundation of the world was, “in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:4; 2:7). Paul told Titus that when Jesus appeared in the flesh, he was the embodiment of the kindness and love of God our Savior (3:4).
The apostle Paul told Corinthian Christians that kindness goes hand-in-hand with other qualities, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up” (1 Corinthians 13:4). To the Galatians he defined the fruit of the Spirit, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” (Galatians 5:22). If we Christians are to put on God-likeness, we too should be kind. Paul encouraged Christians at Colossea, “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering” (Colossians 3:12).
The apostle Peter gave a sequence of attributes which Christians should pursue, “…giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-9).
It is evident that God wants His children to be kind to all with whom they come in contact. But what if it is a rude person? Jesus said, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:44-45). He went on to explain why we should love our enemies, For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?  (Matthew 5:46-48).
I witnessed something rare a few years ago. At a doctor’s appointment, while waiting in a crowded lobby an older woman went to the desk and asked a young receptionist to give the doctor a sample of something. The young lady proceeded to launch into a tirade on how to properly bring a sample. She was loud and quite rude. The older woman went to her seat crying. The next day, however, was quite different. The older woman came in with a smile and a beautiful bouquet of flowers. She gave them to the receptionist that had been so unkind the day before. Everyone in the full lobby witnessed the kindness of a Christian woman, and it made a huge impact for the Lord. How do I know she was a Christian? She was my mother!
A kind word or gesture can diffuse an otherwise tense exchange or event between people. They can feel it in a soft touch and hear it with a gentle tone of voice. Mark Twain’s quote is so true! “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

Today’s Verse: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another” (Romans 12:10).

By Teresa Hampton

Acts 18:26 “So he (Apollos) began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”  NKJV

As I packed for the trip, I found myself anxious over the lack of leniency epitomizing the country to which I was heading. So, I thoroughly researched their culture and rules. (Side note: If rule-following were an Olympic sport, pretty sure I would be a medal contender, for strict rule-adherence is in my DNA!) Aware I would be speaking at several large celebratory functions, I packed a simple, yet extremely conservative black dress.

On the day of the event, I donned my long black dress and waited outside the hotel to be picked up for the celebration. The glares from those on the street made me uncomfortable, but even worse was the noticeable expression on my host’s face when he arrived.

A feeling that something was wrong continued throughout the party. Unaccustomed to being a guest of honor at any event, I could only hope those stares and whispers were a normal occurrence for honorees. However, soon a woman approached and asked to speak privately with me. We stepped away from the crowd and she sweetly informed me that the color black, in their culture, was considered the color of death and should NEVER be worn at celebrations of any type. In addition, the modesty of my long, conservative dress was questioned. So, spite of all my rule-research, nothing seemed appropriate about my attire.

Although embarrassed, I found myself indebted to this woman for her gracious guidance. She could have chosen to shame me publicly, yet she addressed my indiscretion kindly and privately, saving me much future embarrassment.

In scripture, Aquila and Priscilla extended Apollos this same generous grace. Apollos, as guest of honor, was speaking in the synagogue, yet misrepresenting truth. No Jew in his audience would have criticized a public humiliation of Apollos. However, the hearts of Aquila and Priscilla leaned toward mercy. They pulled him aside in private and offered correction that held no ridicule nor anger, only the kindness of guidance. Their generous grace encouraged Apollos to continue spreading the Good News, but this time in truth. A public humiliation may have discouraged him to the point of walking away from ministry.

There is much to be learned from this brief encounter with Aquila and Priscilla. Complaining, griping, and criticizing are often fundamental traits of humanity. Handling confrontation with grace is tricky. But, Sisters, there is never a wrong time to show kindness. As we settle our differences, placing aside our own desires to focus on God’s purposes will help us avoid confrontation and allow God to be glorified. Thank you, Aquila and Priscilla, for reminding us of the transforming power of generous grace.

Father God, help us set aside our pride and focus on generous grace.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane

Some people ask “Why me Lord? Why is this happening to me? Why does everyone else have healthy parents and mine are so sick? Why am I alone in this world after trusting that man for a dozen years? Why me? Why am I battling this disease? Why was my child taken before even being born? Why me? Why am I struggling so much financially and emotionally? Why was my house damaged by the tornado? Why me?

Some people ask “Why me, Lord? Why was I allowed this gift of life in your image? Why I am allowed to live this life in a country where I am free to tell others about your grace and fall down and worship you. Why me? Why me? Why am I given more air than I can breathe, more water than I can drink, more food that I can consume and more clothing than I can keep laundered? Why me, Lord? Why was I given people who love me and a house in and/or from which people are loved? Why me, Lord? Why was my sin on the shoulders of the spotless lamb of God? Why me? Why was I among the scoffers instead of on the tree? Why me?  What have I done to deserve the grace of sitting at the table with the family of God? Why me?”

Jesus never said “Why me?” He knew the reason for his birth in Bethlehem, his childhood in Nazareth, his ministry in Capernaum, and his death outside of Jerusalem.  He knew the scope of the “why”. He knew He was God suffering on a tree. He knew from the foundation of this world (Ephesians 1:4-6). He knew He could come off the cross at any moment. But He did not, because He already knew the answer to the question “Why me?”.

I was the answer.

Cindy Colley

There once were four preachers who had a series of theological arguments, and three were always in agreement against the fourth.  One day, the odd preacher out, after the usual “3 to 1, majority rules” statement that signified that he had lost again, decided to appeal to a higher authority.

“Oh, God!” he cried. “I know in my heart that I am right and they are wrong!  Please give me a sign to prove it to them!”

It was a beautiful, sunny day.  As soon as the preacher finished his prayer, a storm cloud moved across the sky above the four.  It rumbled once and dissolved.  “A sign from God!  See, I’m right, I knew it!”  But the other three disagreed, pointing out that storm clouds form on hot days.

So the preacher prayed again: “Oh, God, I need a bigger sign to show that I am right and they are wrong.  So please, God, a bigger sign!”  This time four storm clouds appeared, rushed toward each other to form one big cloud, and a bolt of lightning slammed into a tree on a nearby hill.

“I told you I was right!” cried the preacher, but his friends insisted that nothing had happened that could not be explained by natural causes.

The preacher was getting ready to ask for a *very big* sign, but just as he said, “Oh God…,” the sky turned pitch black, the earth shook, and a deep, booming voice said, “HEEEEEEEE’S RIIIIIIIGHT!”

The preacher put his hands on his hips, turned to the other three, and said, “Well?”

“So,” shrugged one of the other preachers, “now it’s 3 to 2.”

It’s a serious problem.  The problem of putting God’s words on an equal level with man’s words.  But spiritual truth is not determined by taking a vote.  In fact, even if 1,000 people agree with us, it makes no difference unless we agree with God.

As Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

That’s why Paul was so determined that the Thessalonians know the source of his teaching.

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” (I Thess. 2:13)

Father, in the confusion of so many voices telling us what is right and what is wrong, may we look to your word for truth.  Thank you for being a God of truth, one in whom we can place our utmost confidence.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a great day!

A. Smith

audio study.

I recently came across an article giving readers advice on how to get through the “boring” books of the Bible.  You might guess that 1 and 2 Chronicles made the list.  After all, they’re just a repeat from the books of Samuel and Kings, and then there’s all those names, right?  If it’s been a while since you’ve studied through the Chronicles, let me encourage you to take another look, because that’s exactly what it offers us for this time-period of Old Testament history – another look from a different perspective.   Chronicles was written to the remnant of Jews returning from Babylonian captivity, but well after they had already done so.  Unlike Kings which gives a historical/political view and details the failures that led to exile, Chronicles is written from a priestly perspective and is filled with a message of hope!  As you read, take note of the ways that God is giving His people what they so desperately need – hope!

Gems in the Genealogies

Yes, the first nine chapters are a list of genealogies, but don’t miss some important reasons for them being there. Confidence for those returning from exile that they were still God’s chosen people.  Anticipation of the coming Messiah through detailing the entire lineage of David.  Excitement for a new temple seeing the names of those qualified to serve in it.  In a word, hope!

Restoration of Religion

It’s not all repetitive!  In fact, scholars agree that about 50% of I and 2 Chronicles is new material.  Much of that unique information centers around the priesthood, worship, and the temple (note 1 Ch. 22-29).  The remnant needed much encouragement and instruction to do things the right way once again.  God wanted what He wants for every person that’s gone astray – to return to Him.  In these key verses He gives them hope than they can be successful!

“The couriers went throughout all Israel and Judah with the letters from the hand of the king and his princes, even according to the command of the king, saying, “O sons of Israel, return to the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that He may return to those of you who escaped and are left from the hand of the kings of Assyria. Do not be like your fathers and your brothers, who were unfaithful to the Lord God of their fathers, so that He made them a horror, as you see. Now do not stiffen your neck like your fathers, but yield to the Lord and enter His sanctuary which He has consecrated forever, and serve the Lord your God, that His burning anger may turn away from you. For if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your sons will find compassion before those who led them captive and will return to this land. For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him” (2 Chronicles 30:6-9).

God knew their success would require not only a change of action, but a change of heart.  The word heart is the challenge word for this month.  It’s used over 45 times in the book and is often associated with the success or failure of individuals.  Look for those whose hearts were described as loyal, seeking, generous, upright, joyful, courageous, and repentant.  Does that describe your heart?  Ultimately our Father wants not just the individual characteristics, but our whole heart!

We live in a world that is adept at beating us down, reminding us of our failures, and pulling our hearts toward the ungodly.  Hope is often found in unlikely places, and Chronicles is a great reminder that through very dark times in history God has never left His people without hope for the future.  For the Christian, that hope is even better (Heb. 7:19)! And one thing is for sure, hope is certainly not boring!

By Kathryn Baker

Have you ever found yourself on the other side of a situation, asking yourself why you said those hurtful words or used that ugly tone? Maybe you’ve been frustrated that you didn’t speak up about Jesus when an opportunity presented itself. Perhaps you don’t talk to Him or listen to Him anymore. Other times, maybe you want to grow, but you don’t know where to start or how to change, and you lose your resolve long before the ‘resolution’ has been accomplished.

Sometimes, I think we lose our way because we lose our why.

Romans 12:1-2 is a familiar passage in the New Testament. You might even know what is says before you read it below:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

As Christians, we are called to something bigger and better than ourselves. We are told to completely transform (metamorpho?, to change into another form). In Galatians 2:20, Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Christians don’t live for self anymore; they live for Jesus. We go from being dead in sin to alive in Christ! This is a complete transformation. Even our very thoughts are brought under His ownership. This is an inside-out, total change. But wow, growing pains much?

This transformation is hard. The living sacrifice that we are called to offer is hard. Getting the world out of our hearts and telling ourselves no, those are difficult tasks that require maturity and a lot of practice. When we take the concept of transformation as a whole, it can seem daunting and overwhelming, sometimes leaving us wanting to throw in the towel. That is why Paul starts where he does in Romans 12: “I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God” (emp. added).

The therefore seems to be in reference to the final discussion of Romans 11, which is all about the amazing grace and mercy of God toward both the Jews and Gentiles. It may even be in reference to Paul’s entire discussion on God’s love from the first chapter up to this point. All along the way, the apostle has been building an argument of God’s infinite mercy. We are sinners, but God became Just and Justifier by punishing our perfect, innocent Savior instead of us (3:21-26). We didn’t have the strength to save ourselves, but that is why Christ came and took our place (5:6-11). We earned death, but we received the free gift of life in Jesus (6:21-23). Even when we try to keep the law, we aren’t perfect law keepers and we can’t be. God sent His Son to be the perfect fulfillment for us, and now we receive no condemnation (8:1-4). As Paul concludes Romans 11, all he can do is cry out in praise to God for the indescribable wisdom and knowledge and greatness and mercy He has given. Paul ends in an eruption of praise: “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever, Amen.” (v. 36).

Romans 12 begins there, with a look backward at all that God has done and appeal to Christians to completely hand over their minds (ie: their will) to Him. That appeal is given “by the mercies of God.” Yes, giving yourself as a sacrifice seems big. But in response to God’s mercy? It isn’t big enough! God has already given us the biggest and most precious sacrifice. He has held nothing back in His great love for us. Why would we hold any part of ourselves back from Him?

So think about where we started: do you ever lose your way? Maybe you’ve lost your why. Paul tells us that our why is God’s mercy. The motivating factor to living the Christian life is God’s great love. When we are feeling discouraged, God’s mercy is where we should start. When we lack motivation, God’s free gift of grace can help ignite our zeal. When we are tempted to lash out at people, thinking of God’s love for us while we were enemies will help us to rethink our interactions with others.

If we will spend time dwelling on all that God has done for us, we will be different. After all, you can’t dive deeply into the love of God and remain unchanged. When we will look into God’s amazing plan of salvation, that existed before the foundations of the world, we will freely give our entire selves to Him in response. We will give our time and our energy; we will give our words and our interactions, understanding that none of this life is about us, but is instead “of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever.”

Praise be to God for His indescribable gift! Though we were enemies, He made a way for us. And He has a plan for us; a plan to thoroughly and completely change us and mold us into the image of Jesus so that we can have an abundant and eternal life.

What will you do with the mercy of God? May we all use it to motivate us to greater faithfulness.

by Emily Hatfield

Deuteronomy 8:6 “Observe the commands of the Lord your God by walking in His ways and by fearing Him.”

The quote by Henry Ford, “Those who walk with God, always reach their destination,” got me thinking. I love to walk. For decades, my husband and I have risen early to get in a rigorous mall-walk. Most would consider the words “rigorous” and “mall-walk” to be incompatible, never to be used in the same sentence. However, at 5:30 in the mornings we can be found running up and down the mall stairs and lapping all the other mall-walkers. It could become a prideful thing except the next spryest walker is twenty years our senior.

Sometimes in the evenings, I join friends for a walk-and-talk. We chat about our day, our lives, our children, and our jobs. We share stories, encouragement, prayers, laughter, and sometimes tears. This walk is mostly social and spiritual.

Then, there are times I choose to walk, just because I can! I’ve been known to drive around the parking lot to find a parking spot farthest from the entrance. My family thinks I’m crazy, but hey, sometimes I just want to walk.

Notice I haven’t mentioned running. Do you know why? I don’t like it! (Notice the exclamation mark at the end of that sentence.) Oh, I’ve tried it. My son talked my husband and me into running a half-marathon through the hills of Tennessee, and believe me, Tennessee has lots of hills. By the grace of God, I finished the race that day, but it wasn’t pretty. There will be no more such silliness from me! (Notice another exclamation mark.)

So, I walk. Sometimes the walk exhausts me and sometimes it energizes me. There are mornings I don’t care to walk, but with the encouragement of my husband, I walk. There are mornings I walk fast and mornings I can barely place one foot in front of the other. Sometimes, I stray from my normal path to a new route and sometimes I walk in auto-pilot mode, unaware of my husband walking beside me.

My spiritual walk with God in so many ways resembles my physical walk! Sometimes my faith life is filled with energy and excitement in doing God’s will. But sometimes I’m tired, I’m burdened, and my walk with Him is labored. There are times my walk with God is purposeful and uplifting and times when I resent the path He calls me to travel. There are days my spiritual walk defaults to auto pilot mode, and I give no thought to my steps nor realize the presence of my Heavenly Father right beside me.

Our life’s walk should lead us upward to the heavenly finish line, and good old Henry had the answer. “Those who walk with God, always reach their destination.”

Father God, help us walk with You.

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane

As lots of readers know, because of circumstances we would have never chosen in a million years, three of our grandchildren have moved to our street. We praise God that they are nearby and thank so many for frequent prayers in their behalf. They are wonderful and all we want is exactly whatever is best for them now, but mostly heaven for them one day! So now…

Everytime there’s a van in my driveway, no matter how short a time it’s there, there’s at least one straw paper in the edge of my yard.

The rock column beside my front gate has become a return receptacle, for crock-pots, books,  packages of construction paper, casserole dishes and all miscellaneous borrowed toys.

There’s always an extra scooter, little red wagon, bike or soccer ball in the yard. (only two times this summer have we run over a stray scooter.)

There are helmets—helmets everywhere.

When I  bump something in the night. it often starts singing loudly.

There’s almost always a half-finished sippy cup in the pack-and-play and a half-finished soda in the window beside the “special bed.”

I  have counted many fireflies and all my jar lids now have ice-pick holes poked in them.

Nerf bullets are in the tub, the yard, the bed and, now and then, the soup.

I  have learned proper care for a pet crawdad.

My joy jar (reward stash)  needs replenishing all the time (a good thing).

There’s a perpetual monopoly game in progress on the coffee table and I have never heard so much monopoly trash-talk.

I have purchased a lot of pretend ice-cream cones from a pretend ice-cream store.

I  rejoice when I am playing house and the game-boss says “Ok…bedtime.” …only to learn that “bedtime” lasts all of 3.5 seconds in the play house.

I have learned that army men in the fort secretly enjoy eating goldfish (and they leave their wrappers.)

I know exactly how long it takes to scooter from 234 to 221 on my street and I am often outside watching over the rise in the road to be sure the time lapse has never been exceeded. Another adult is watching from the other direction.

Someone asks me to throw superfluous junk mail away, as she leaves the driveway. I take the mail from her car and throw away the junk mail, just on top of the exact same political and store flyers I just threw away from my own mailbox.

I have listened to 12980 pages of Garfield books that I already listened to 30 years ago.

I have relearned that Polly Pocket pieces are almost as painful as Legos are in the middle of the  night.

My refrigerator door is packed again with Zarbees, Kids’ Tylenol, sippy cups and half eaten lollipops. (Occasional super-heroes, too.)

I often depend on someone who is 6 or 8 to translate for some one who is three. (But I’m getting better at that native tongue.)

My kitchen door surely must revolve…and, these days, I need to lock it, or I will be suddenly startled out of my wits. My pantry doubles as the corner market for little people. And I have to sometimes limit the coins taken from the stone crock for the gumboil machine.

Alexa is getting all kinds of new music commands, my jewelry is tangled, there are bubble blowers and water guns all over the front garden. A roll of toilet paper is used up magic-fast and Sunday lunch is an event. But my house is very quiet and my heart has a hole somewhere deep when the kitchen screen door slams for the last time as they leave town for a little while.

Life is different. Days are long, nights are short and blueberries at the bottom of the bush have lots of “pickers.”

Life is different. Digging Deep really has to vie for my time now. It’s harder to prep for lessons. Time alone is a thing of the past. Time with God’s people is a huge blessing…worth lots of effort. God is good. I could not do it without Him!

Cindy Colley