And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.Matthew 2:12
Listen to He Will See You Through - She Said
“Arrrggh. Will you let me sleep?” I shouted when I bolted up from the bed. I knew there was a decision to make…one that affected my entire family and God wasn’t going to let me rest until I said yes.
It meant stepping out on faith. "God," I said, "I have a good job at a time in our economy when thousands do not and you’re asking me to give it up?"
He was. So I did.
Three months after I retired, the house fell into dire need of repair. New siding, new fencing, new stairs, broken driveway, and I’d taken early retirement. Mistake, I wondered?
I call God the great nudger. He’s like the cartoon Daffy Duck dressed as an angel, sitting on my shoulder nudging me. He wakes me in the night whispering in my ear, “Come, follow Me.” Yet when I say yes, His devil counterpart is thrilled when, for lack of better words, “all hell breaks loose.” Something just isn’t right here. When you go to work for God, you’d think things would be smooth sailing.
God nudged the Magi too. After their visit to the Christ child they were warned in a dream not to return home by the usual route. It was their hint from God that it wouldn’t be safe to revisit Herod.
More times than not, when He calls us to do something for Him, it involves a price. These Magi, scholars of their time, had studied for years, paid attention to the signs and wonders and when God placed it on their hearts to GO, they did. They were to serve as witnesses of the fulfillment of scripture and it meant danger for them. Still they did what they were led to do.
Despite the hardship and dangers any of us face in the service of Christ, God always provides care for us. He never fails to open a door of safety, send provision, or warn us of the dangers we might face when we say “yes.” He doesn’t promise a smooth path, for in the wake of Him are those who work to destroy His ways.
God provided for us just as He did for the Magi. The math doesn’t work out on paper but somehow we’ve managed to survive the impact of major home repairs on one income. And we’re still managing because God is Jehovah Jireh (God of Provision). The Magi returned home safely even through the danger because God is Jehovah Shammah (God who is there).
When God calls you, listen...answer...trust. Will it be easy? Definitely not but El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty) will see you through.
How many of you have heard the old story about the bumblebee? Supposedly, a scientist compared the weight and measurements of its body to its wingspan and judged that bumblebees cannot fly. However, the bumblebee just keeps vibrating its wings and buzzing away from flower to flower.
Lately I've been getting little love notes from God. No, I'm not hearing voices, but do you ever find yourself seeing things with a common theme over and over? Lately, my theme has been, "Don't be afraid."
"Don't be afraid," you ask? Am I climbing a mountain, taming lions or fighting a war? No. I'm just writing a little novel and sometimes it terrifies me. The What-If-Asaurus hovers over me as I type, his stinging stinky breath settling over me like a cloak, telling me I'm going to fail or I'll never finish or even, I'll finish and be published (which in some ways is even more terrifying).
But these little love notes keep popping up for me. Scriptures such as Deut. 31:6 -
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Or I may "happen" to read blog posts or inspiring articles while waiting in the doctor's office on conquering fear. Over and over again, I find this topic keeps popping up and you know what it tells me (besides the obvious)? It's telling me that Someone loves me enough to make sure I hear His message. It also tells me to keep on going, even when the little voice inside me says I can't do it. I'm supposed to keep on writing even if what I wrote last night sounds ridiculous the next morning.
Did you know there are at least 11 references in the Bible that say, "Be strong and courageous?" From Deuteronomy to the Psalms and through the New Testament to Ephesians, we are admonished to go forth with courage and strength.
In addition, we're also reminded that we should:
• Not be frightened (Joshua 1:9)
• Obey the Lord's commands (Joshua 1:7)
• Remember the Lord will defeat our enemies (Joshua 10: 25)
• Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-11)
• Obey the Lord's commands and don't be sad (1 Chronicles 22:13)
• Remember the Lord will be with you until our work is finished (2 Chronicles 15:7)
• Wait on the Lord (Psalm 27:14)
• Remember the Lord will not leave us (Deuteronomy 31:6)
• Remember the Lord will be with us (Deuteronomy 31:23)
And I have to do more than just show up. Remember the bumblebee can't fly unless it vibrates its wings. I've got to move my fingers and try, at least. And I've got to trust Him to do the rest.
What a wonderful testimony to God's love for us and His commitment to His plans for us! If God is for us, who can be against us? As long as obey His commands and do His will, we have no reason to be afraid. God is in control!
Angela Arndt is a writer living in "smalltown" South Carolina. She has her master's from the University of South Carolina in Education and currently writing a series of mystery novels. Check out Angela's site at:
Life does have a way of happening. As much as I make the effort to control the things around me the truth is, I’m not in control at all. Publishers and professionals tell me, “You must blog. Facebook is an asset to your writing career. And oh, chirp, warble…uh no, it’s tweet, tweet, TWEET .”
When I gazed across my to-do list and see its length, my stomach churned. Worse yet, none of the work is my personal writing. It’s writing for others, reading submissions and editing. In the back of my head my own novel flailed, bobbing up and down through the river of “stuff” that called my hand of attention. My work was floating but I am personally drowning.
How do we manage to write when we’re overwhelmed? It begins when we re-examine the reason we write. The reason we write is from a love, a passion that burns deep inside us—that gift God has placed within us to nurture and develop so He is able to use our talent. When we allow the world to overwhelm us with earthly junk, God won’t work through us. We shove God to the bottom of the slush pile when it’s His calling that has ignited the desire to write.
I sat in front of my computer screen in a fog. Tweets popped up in the corner of the screen and instant messages lined the bottom. Who do I answer first? I slowly inched the cursor over the x and closed out Tweetdeck. One by one, I closed the instant messages and marked myself…off-line in Gmail. My heart knew I needed quiet.
I turned my Bible Isaiah and his words of encouragement…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Just reading these words gave me a renewed strength.
Mental and physical overload is a worldly thing that sends me into a frenzy where the unimportant cloud the words God speaks to me to write.
Fighting overload begins at the feet of Christ—here we release the unnecessary and regain the necessary.
The work is too much to handle alone. Be quiet. Lift your weariness to the one who can manage it. Give the work to God. Renew your strength. Then, will you find the strength to fight the overwhelming junk of the world.
I get it God, I thought. So I slammed my Bible closed and grinned as a Twitter feather floated to the floor.
You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Exodus 18:18
Below you will find a very unique piece sent to me recently. It didn't fit the criteria for our devotional site but at the same time, what is written was a message that needs to be shared. A special thank you to Sheree Whitby for allowing me to reprint her work on my blog. Read through. Think on this.
-Cindy
(used by permission by Sheree Whitby)
By the Lord God Almighty
A Proclamation
Whereas on eleventh day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, a proclamation was issued by the Sheree Whitby, inspired by the Lord Jesus Christ, containing among other things the following, to wit:
Today, all persons held as slaves (me, my family, my bloodline, my friends, my associates and all who come in contact with me), within any State or designated part of a State and especially in our bloodline, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and or financially, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the Lord God Almighty, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the devil of hell and all his minion, legions, authorities, followers and powers will recognize and maintain the freedom of God’s people and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.
And by virtue of the power and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, and for the purpose aforesaid, we do order and declare that all persons held as slaves (me, my family, my bloodline, my friends, my associates and all who come in contact with me) within any designated States, and parts of States, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and or financially, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the High authority of our Heavenly Father, including Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.
And we hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free to abstain from all violence, unless necessary self-defense; and we recommend to them that, in all cases when allowed by God, they labor faithfully for more than reasonable wages.
And we further declare and make known, that such persons of suitable condition, will be received into God’s armed service to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places and to man vessels of all sorts in said service. And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Bible, upon God’s military necessity, we invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God. We shall be free and free indeed!
In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hand and caused the seal of the Lord God Almighty to be affixed.
Done in the city of Heaven and on Earth, this eleventh day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the people of the Lord God Almighty.
Therefore this is what the LORD says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman…Jeremiah 15:19 NIV
If but only for a minute, I thought. Only a minute, can I speak with grace. I waited my turn to do a 5-minute tape recorded presentation
.
God knows me and my mouth. He also knows my naivety and I have to wonder, since He does know these things…why He doesn’t always open my eyes. I’d sat and listened quietly at the stories of 23 amazing women. I could see where their stories came from and how they could make motivational and inspired talks. What I didn’t know …was my story.
I’d planned something humorous. A true story from an eldercare visit but in my naivety I didn’t see it might not be the right presentation for that particular moment and when I found out from loving friends it wasn’t…I was not only embarrassed but at a loss.
I guess I’ll close myself into the closet upstairs and work through the night, I thought. So I did. I closed myself inside a small closet away from everyone with my Bible and a blank sheet of paper that lay, untouched, all night. My mind was blank. Fear closed in around me. Failure seemed imminent.
The women at this speakers conference were amazing. My life had been somewhat mundane compared to theirs. I felt so undeserving…unworthy to stand in their presence. God had worked wonders in their lives and though I knew He’d done great things for me, nothing seemed to “top” what I’d heard.
“God do you want me to be a speaker?” I asked. “Cuz’ I’m not doin’ so hot.”
The minutes turned in to hours and before long morning had come. There I still sat without a presentation.
“God,” I said. “I need to do this presentation. I got nothing. Nadda. I’m up second to speak. The words I had were wrong. I’m sorry. All I can do is trust when I stand in front of this group, You will speak.” I folded my paper in half and tore it into four pieces. They were blank…waiting for God to print on the page.
If but only for a minute, I prayed, can I speak with grace. My name was called and I laid the four blank papers on the small table. “But if only for a minute,” I whispered. “Grace.”
That’s the amazing thing about God. Sometimes He makes us wait to the ultimate last moment. But He promised He’d restore us…me… so I could serve Him and if I uttered worthy words, I could be His spokesman. My pages were blank but as the cue to speak came, my heart was filled.
Graceful words slipped from my mouth, gentle gestures, strong phrases and articulate sentences. I, me…Cindy…just opened my mouth and God allowed me to be His spokesman.
I learned this week, we’re all His spokesmen. He’s given us all a story to tell. Some amazing while others are steadfast, but until we utter them as worthy words, they cannot be heard and others cannot be touched.
Look for your story. Find it and then “Oh, but if only for a minute, speak with grace.” God will bless.
P.S. I AM A SPEAKER. Do you need one for an event?
Who'd have really expected what would happen? Not me, but then, I wasn't really looking for the unusual.
When I turned 50 the reality of half my life having passed was a snapshot of one picture. Me with a plastic crown and a pink wand labeled, "Princess." (A nickname lovingly bestowed on me by a best friend from college - Thanks Keeb...it stuck.)
Today, marked another of those memorable days. I think, the one I expected least. Outside of the fact it was another birthday, the unexpected part was this outpouring of love and kindness. Literally hundreds of emails and facebook messages wishing ME...of all people...ME, a happy birthday.
I just didn't expect or deserve such a gift.
This past week, I came under fire. It's not the first time and I doubt it will be the last, but the attacks were personal and deep. I can say, without a doubt, my heart was broken.
Probably not much to the average Joe, but to me, a big deal. Now, I'm no saint, no Peter or Paul, but I make every effort to be a good and kind person. Though I've suffered and survived a divorce, I brought out of it two wonderful sons that have been my lifeblood for 31 years. Two years past the aftermath of divorce, God provided someone who has taught me what it means to be loved and cherished--something I'm grateful for everyday I open my eyes.
Our blended family gave us 4 sons. I've never called my stepsons, stepsons...they've always been "My BOYS." And likewise, have my sons been Tim's. We've struggled through near financial disaster from medical bills, learned to manage the special education maze, managed to raise a son with a disability to be a wonderfully loved and respected citizen, cried through a prodigal and rejoiced when he came home. We've lost parents, fought through cancer scares, dug through blood clots that nearly took Tim and still we've been continually lifted from the mire of despair virtually unscathed.
This week has been a test. A hard test. My ministry partner said, "Satan knows where you are vulnerable...your heart." And he is right. I've not slept well this week, had a few moments of tears, a few times I wanted to throw up. But here's what I've learned.
1) When we're attacked it always looks bigger than it really is. That's part of the lie Satan tells.
2) God is a God of foolproof promises and His comfort is available at the sound of a whisper.
3) When we feel as though we are alone in the battle, God surrounds us with people who stand shoulder to shoulder forming a wall of protection.
4) And finally, that all of these people show you just how much they love you.
Today is my birthday. I really don't think much of them (except that I expect my children to at least call)...but otherwise, I'm as happy to pass it by and remain unnoticed. Through this week of trial, literally hundreds of people have emailed me, commented a birthday wish on Facebook or tweeted a wish. My sweet friend, Kevin wrote a devotion in my honor and though I nearly didn't post it, the staff of Christian Devotions over rode my vote. And tonight, during choir practice, the entire choir harmonized the happy birthday chorus to me. My son called from Florida, my cousins took me out to eat lunch and my mom, husband and another son, joined the party. My brother and sister-in-law called too not to mention an email from a man I'd never met who spent two full paragraphs telling me what the ministry of Christian Devotions and He Said, She Said had meant to his life. My friends Edie and Mary called me from South Carolina (Sorry girls I was in church when you called), and my buddy Marianne sent me this HUGE box of treats (You always know how to treat a friend) and finally, Tim took me out for a chocolate extreme Blizzard. What more could you ask for?
Frankly, the attention made me feel small, undeserving and a little embarrassed. Then I thought of a song by Greater Vision called Faces where a person stands before Christ and reviews his life feeling as though he'd done nothing special or unique.
See I'd done my best to share
That Jesus really cares
And he would save if they just believe
Oh, but seldom did harvest come
And so few did I see won
Until the Lord said, "turn around and see."
(Chorus)
Then he showed me the faces of the ones who'd come because of me
So many faces that my life had led to Calvary
All those years I thought nobody saw as I labored in lowly places
That's when Jesus smiled and showed me all the faces.
This is not to say, I'm one who saves thousands. But it is to say, none of us know...I mean REALLY know the people we touch on a daily basis. We never know the moments that a touch on the shoulder, a smile, a call...really makes a difference. We tend to miss those things.We rarely see the instant that something we do, changes a life, offers hope or stands in our behalf.
Throughout this week of tests and trials, I felt broken and lost until today. I'd probably never mention the deepest part of the hurt to anyone, instead, I'd just swallow it, pray over it and keep it buried. Until today.
I've never had such an outpouring of genuine love in my life and I am so touched...so grateful that through it all my amazing Father in heaven loved me enough to show me the FACES of those who care for me.
Thank you doesn't seem to be enough. But I can tell you this. My tears are no longer tears of broken sadness, but tears of joy. So, NO, I didn't expect this gift of love today. Wasn't looking for it coming...but I'm grateful. I hope you'll zip back to the top of this page and listen to the song FACES by Greater Vision. Then when it's done know that you are standing before God and He tells you TO TURN AROUND AND SEE MY FACE. Thank you for touching my life. Thank you for taking the time to make a difference. May God heap blessings over you.
I’m probably not what my folks expected. When most parents spent sleepless nights wondering where their children were, I was stuffed neatly under Mom’s handmade quilts, sleeping. When compared to my friends who caused constant worry, I wasn’t what my parents expected.
They taught me to say thank you and to encourage the spirit of others. It was “right” to:
- Allow others to step in front of me—they may have never had an opportunity to lead.
- Share all I had with others because the joy was not in the possession but in the opportunity to experience it with someone else.
- Remain silent than to utter hurtful words.
- Be more productive to help others succeed–my success would be in theirs.
- Seek spiritual rewards rather than earthly ones and enjoy the blessings of humility.
- Work for free and expect nothing in return because payment comes from the Father.
I could have shunned my parents, said “Nope,” but I didn’t. I honored them. That probably wasn’t what they expected.
When I married a preacher, they didn’t expect to see me divorced and broken. My folks didn’t expect I’d deal with a disabled child or a prodigal son. They expected the best for me. Instead, they saw struggle and pain.
Jesus learned these same principles as a child. Mary and Joseph didn’t expect to find Him teaching in the synagogue as a boy. When He was spat on, shunned, had no place to lay His head...I doubt they expected that either. As He shouldered the sin of man, blood trickled down his legs and dripped into a pool at His mother’s knees. My best guess was, this wasn’t what Mary expected.
Jesus was a son…the Son of Man and the Son of God, and He was raised to honor His parents. Few expected miracles from a carpenter and fewer expected salvation from His wounds. Still, He kept His eye firmly fixed on His Father and honored Him. Not what most expected.
We can’t chose the paths our children will take. The world offers them such neatly painted lies that tempt them to stray. All I can do is plant the seeds of honor within them and then pray for them daily. I have honored my earthly parents and my Father in heaven by teaching my children all that was instilled in me. Do I always get what I expect? No, but then sometimes I do.
Honor your father and mother by being godly parents. Give them what they expect.
(Happy Father's Day dad. Fifteen years and we still miss you.)
Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles are friends and cofounders of ChristianDevotions.us. They cowrite the popular He Said, She Said devotions and host Blog Talk Radio's Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! along with Scott McCausey. And now you can catch them each Friday evening at their new time,6 p.m. on He Said, She Said Radio. (Call in number, 646-929-0706 ).
Do you sense something vital missing from you relationship with your spouse, children and God?
Try He Said, She Said: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion. This compilation of 54 devotions includes scripture verses, space for journaling, individual prayers and words of wisdom from two of today's funniest and insightful Christian authors. This heart-warming collection of stories will inspire you to reach for the true source of joy: a life lived for and through God. These deeply personal devotions offer biblical insights and spiritual truths from the perspective of one man and one woman.
Perfect for your quiet time. No matter if you are newlyweds or newly retired, this book of devotions will help you put the spark back into your love life and explore the precious relationships God desires for you. Begin this new year committed to spending a few moments each day connected to God. He Said, She Said: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion touches the heart, tickles the funny bone and brings you to your knees in worship.
He Said, She Said: A Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of Passion
by Cindy Sproles & Eddie Jones
In Gems of Wisdom: For A Treasure-Filled Life you'll embark on a treasure hunt for God's unique gems of wisdom. Be empowered, learn to influence through your own life lessons, and preserve important relationships. Gems of Wisdom invites the reader on a treasure hunt to find important life concepts represented by the beautiful stones God created. Excellent for Bible study and book clubs as well as individual study.
Angela Breidenbach is Mrs. Montana International 2009, a multi-award winning inspirational speaker and the author of the Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Lifefrom Journey Press, the Creative Cooking Series including the new release of Creative Cooking for Simple Eleganceand the new Kindle release, Creative Cooking for Colitis. Other works by Angela include compilation books and devotionals from Guidepost, Group, and articles in magazines, ezines, and newspapers. She connects missions to her work with Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries and the Jadyn Fred Foundation. Angela also teaches online classes and coaches one-on-one in courageous confidence, personal growth, and powerful living. She’s certified in mentor/peer counseling as a Stephen Minister and life coach. Angela serves as an assisting minister for her congregation in Missoula, MT. She volunteered as the American Christian Fiction Writer's publicity officer for two years. Not only did she walk the hard line of deciding to donate her mom's brain for the study of schizophrenia, but she’s also on the brain donation list at the Brain Bank-Harvard McLean Hospital. Angela is married with a combined family of six grown children and two grand children. Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life releases May 2011 from Journey Press, a Sheaf House imprint.
Listen to He Will See You Through - She Said
Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles are friends and cofounders of
