Whatever You Do...

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23


When I thought about this verse today, I realized that the principle here, of working as to GOD and not man, reflects one of the first "commandments" of effective time management. When I teach a workshop on How to Write A Novel, I tell writers that the biggest and most effective thing they can do to reach the goal of novel writing is to FOCUS unswervingly from it. To work at it consistently, and without allowing distractions to get in their line of vision. Is not this the same as working at it "with all your heart"?



In this small verse, the Lord gives us one of the MOST effective principles to live by, period. Even people who live ungodly lives, if they follow this idea, of working at something with all their heart, can accomplish great goals.

This does not mean that we develop tunnel vision and ONLY work at one goal; it does not mean that we spend all our time obsessed with one idea. We can approach every area of our lives with the hope and privilege of bringing it to the feet of Christ, offering it to Him, and working towards improvement in that area for Him, and not man.

Think about something you have wanted to improve at, something that has long been on your heart but which you have not focused on, or made holy through consecration to the Lord. Can you think of one thing, one goal, one aspiration that has been on the back burner but needs to be brought forward? Perhaps you have a few things on the burners of your life, and they all need to be consecrated?

Give those things to the Lord today; do it right now.
Ask Him to empower you as you offer them to Him, that you may work as unto GOD and not man. Thank Him for the help and improvement you will receive.

And, if your goals are not in line with what God would have you do, ask Him to help you give them up, period. Life is too short to spend it on the wrong pursuits.

Whatever you do today, do it as unto Him!

Today's image from www.readthespirit.com

I'm furiously at work on my next novel, which leaves me short on time for blogging. Until I meet this deadline with my agent, I'll be sharing mostly short, succinct posts or quotes from my personal collection. If I can team up a quote with a scripture, I'll do so.

When read often, encouraging quotes can be quite powerful, and scripture, of course, never returns to God void. In other words, it has inherent power. Use it in your life daily!

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."
Thomas A. Edison

And, "With God, all things are possible."
Matthew 19:26

GOOD NEWS

Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!"
Isaiah 40:9

On today's "Revive Our Heart" broadcast, Nancy Leigh DeMoss reminds us that we have GOOD news to share with this world. Are you weary of all the bad news today? Look up, and BEHOLD YOUR GOD.

Be reminded of the One who has all things in His hands.
Who has called you with an everlasting love,
Who knew you from the womb, before you were born,
Who is the same yesterday, today and forever;
Be reminded of the love of the Saviour for YOU.

To forget God in his glory and strength is to forget His love and care for you.
It is to falter from the wind and waves like Peter on the water.

Your life is the water, fellow believer.
Don't allow the wind and waves to frighten you, though at times they may be fierce.

Instead, BEHOLD YOUR GOD.
Accept his strong hand of help. Bask in the GOOD news that He is
ready and willing to help you across the sea of this life.
In fact, He knows precisely which direction for you to take.
He certainly has led me on my path! And I praise him for it.

Behold your God!
Amen.

Happiness and Fun (Are Not Related)

According to theologian Dennis Prager, "Fun and happiness have nothing in common."

He points out that rich and beautiful people like Hollywood stars get to have loads of fun--luxurious vacations, expensive toys, elite parties--but yet many admit to having great depression, loneliness and emptiness. In short, they are not happy. What should have brought them joy instead left them high and dry.

I read one book about Princess Di (written by her former butler) and the depths of her unhappiness astounded me. Don't little girls everywhere dream of being a real princess? My youngest daughter sure does. But it is obvious that being royalty is not a shortcut to happiness, any more than other types of celebrity. (Sarah Ferguson would agree!)

So if money, beauty, fame and fortune--even royalty--do not bring happiness, what does?

Things that involve "considerable pain," says Prager. "Marriage, raising children, helping others, personal achievement"--things that take time, commitment, and come with a cost. These are the things in life that truly bring happiness--not the bells and whistles.

The good news is that you don't have to worry about the people who seem to have "all the fun." Beyond a basic need for rest and relaxation, having fun just doesn't hold water for us emotionally. It's like the broken cisterns the people in Isaiah's time carved for themselves, only to discover they leaked. They were trying to fill themselves up apart from God, but their "cisterns" didn't hold water then, and they won't for us, either.

God's solution is to come to him for his water, what he calls "living water." It satisfies. It brings happiness. It may lead us down a tough path involving pain and self-sacrifice, but we'll be all the better for it.

I'll take the living water anyday. And I can commit myself to spending time on the really important, though painful things in life, for they are the ones that give back a real reward.

Besides, the next time your kids want to go to Disney, you can just read them this post. Fun doesn't bring happiness. (HA! Kidding.)

"Only One Thing is Needed"

I still haven't left the "Mary vs. Martha" musings, and I am going over the same chapter in a devotional I read (Disciplines for Life: Steps to Spiritual Strength, by C.J.Mahaney and John Loftness)-again and again. Why? Because I still haven't "got it." I mean, deep down in my soul--The truth, that sitting at the feet of my Saviour tops all of the Martha activities I fill my hours with.

Rest assured that neither I (nor Jesus) are undermining all of the necessary tasks we must do in life-tasks that take us from listening at His feet. But if we do manage to "get it"--the listening part, that is--then nothing can take us from Him, no matter how much activity and busy-ness we undertake. We may not always be able to sit still like Mary and drink in His truths and love, but if we do it enough, and learn to hear him well, when it is time to go forth and be about our business in life, we will go forth fortified and stronger.

Isn't this the same as having a daily quiet time, you may ask?
Well, yes, and no.

Even our quiet time can be done by rote, filled with our own thoughts, and we can miss hearing His voice. Oh, have I been there, done that.

Other times we are so convinced that what we are doing is part of our calling, that we barely wait to hear further instructions.

Mahaney quotes Charles Hummel, who points out that one way to discern between the tyranny of the urgent vs. "what is needful," is in fact by careful listening.

"He impresses on our minds the assignments he wants us to undertake. THE NEED ITSELF IS NOT THE CALL...The call must come from the God who knows our limitations."

"It is not God who loads us until we crack..."

Did you get that? The need itself is not the call! If you're like me, you often mistake the two.

More next time.....

image from theframeitshop.com/Nathan_greene

Download A List of "Indispensable Ingredients for Life"

from Nancy Leigh DeMoss and
Revive Our Hearts Ministry. Just click HERE.

It's short and sweet like any good morning recipe should be; and free.
Blessings,

Linore

Schedule and Priorities

“They want me to help decorate the church Saturday night, but I can’t even get my own house straightened up! What should I do?”

Nancy Leigh DeMoss: There are a lot of books and seminars on time management, but the best counsel comes from God Himself. I’m learning to submit my calendar and daily schedule to the Lord to seek His will for my priorities.

When interruptions come, I ask Him for wisdom to know whether they’re from Him or whether I should avoid them as unnecessary distractions. I try to remember Proverbs 16:3: “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

There will probably never be enough time in a day for you to finish your whole to-do list. There definitely won’t be time for you to do everything everybody else wants you to do. But there will always be enough time for you to do everything on God’s to-do list for your day. When is the last time you asked for His direction?

With Seeking Him, I’m Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

[This post from Revive Our Hearts, with Nancy Leigh DeMoss.] I just love Nancy's brief daily devotions, and am happy to share them now and again on this blog--especially while I finish my latest book; which, by the way, I have just newly committed to Him. : ) What project or situation do you need to entrust to God? Do it now!

You may have surmised by now that I read a couple different devotionals. I don't always read each one every day, but I do play "catch up" if I need to, so I don't miss anything wonderful. (smile) I have reached the conclusion, however, that if I miss a needed message from one source, God will nevertheless speak to me through another one. He is so faithful.

Today, this brief message was encouraging to me. I'm facing a mega-crowded schedule, and I need the engery to do it all! I pray that it encourages you also.

From Nancy Leigh DeMoss:

God Grants Stamina

Lessons from the Life of Joshua (Part 11): Waging and Winning Spiritual Battles

Do you ever find it easier to start a project than to finish it? As he began his military command, Joshua fought some exciting, dramatic battles. But as the years progressed, stamina was required to finish the job he'd been called to tackle.

• The Christian life is lived, fought, and won one step at a time. There are no shortcuts, no such thing as instantaneous sanctification.
• There's no avoiding the enemy until we are through with this life--don't expect it to be easy. Don't expect instantaneous growth, instantaneous victory.
• The goal of the Christian life is to bring all things into subjection to Jesus Christ in every area of my life. Every particle of my life belongs to Him, but in order to get to that point, I'm going to have to fight battles on different fronts.

PS: Six more people subscribed yesterday--not enough for me to hold the drawing. I'm extending it for one more day, for that reason.

RULES: When TEN new people subscribe to this blog, I will choose from among them and award one person a copy of my latest historical romance, "The House in Grosvenor Square."

Subscribe by entering your email in the box at left. It's that simple! Winner will be chosen the evening after reaching the number of 25 subscribers.

Send your friends over! Thanks!

“But God raised Him from the dead” (Acts 13:30).

[Today's guest devotional is from Author and Speaker Kathi Macias. You can learn more about Kathi through the links at the end of this post. In case you're new here, I'll be using guest devotionals until I meet the deadline for my current book, which is the first week of June. ] Linore

We all know that nothing is impossible with God, but do we really believe it? How many of us are up against situations that overwhelm and dismay us, as we realize how impotent we are to overcome them? But do we also realize that’s exactly where God wants us to be—at the end of ourselves and totally dependent on the God of the impossible to get us through?

Acts 13:30 sums it up so well: But God raised Him from the dead. After Jesus was arrested and falsely accused, tortured and tormented, nailed to a Cross where He hung between heaven and earth—for us—and then sealed in a tomb, GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD. Think about it: It doesn’t get much more hopeless than being murdered and sealed in a tomb. But even then, God can bring life from death.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that the Father didn’t spare the Son when it came to the agony of the Cross. He didn’t take Him over or under or around it—He took Him through it. And that’s what He offers to do for us. As difficult as our trials may seem at the time, we don’t have to walk through them alone. Not only will He walk beside us if we take His outstretched hand, but He will carry us if necessary.

I recently re-watched one of my favorite movies, “The Hiding Place,” where I was reminded of this great quote: “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.” Whatever you’re facing today and however deep your pit may seem, God’s love is deeper still, and there is nothing impossible for Him. Rest in that powerful truth, beloved—and watch Him bring forth life from the dead.

***Please take a moment to visit my website at www.kathimacias.com to sign my guestbook or leave a comment on my blog for a chance to win one of my new books.

***Also, please visit www.setfreetoday.com, where I serve as Spiritual Director. Come as you are…leave with a new beginning! Drop us a note or prayer request while you’re there.

Communicating the vision… (Hab.2:2)
alandkathi@ca.rr.com
www.kathimacias.com

Guest Devotional: My Peace

I've been getting this wonderful devotional via email. It's an experiment on the part of Thomas Nelson Publishing in which they're giving a 30 day preview of the book, Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence, by Sarah Young, for free to readers who sign up for it. To sign up for your own daily devotion (for 30 days, not the entire book), click HERE.

Now, prepare to hear from the Lord! [This is not on the level of Scripture, of course, but it's lovely and sweet and in line with it. It feels personal, and as part of a daily prayer time and study of the Word, it's been edifying to me. Hope you feel that way, too.--Linore]

MY PEACE is the treasure of treasures: the pearl of
great price. It is an exquisitely costly gift, both for the Giver
and the receiver. I purchased this Peace for you with My
blood. You receive this gift by trusting Me in the midst of
life’s storms. If you have the world’s peace—everything
going your way—you don’t seek My unfathomable Peace.
Thank Me when things do not go your way, because spiritual
blessings come wrapped in trials. Adverse circumstances are
normal in a fallen world. Expect them each day. Rejoice in
the face of hardship, for I have overcome the world.

MATTHEW 13 : 46 (NKJV) ; JAMES 1 : 2 ; JOHN 16 : 33

[Excerpt from Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young]

Girl Talk: What did you think? Did this format of a devotion work for you? Why or why not?

When the Church Thrives

The current political climate,(it is nearly impossible to miss) is becoming
increasingly anti-Christian. It is a difficult time for this country,
and for people of faith. However, read the following words and take
heart:

"Christianity has always thrived under persecution. At such times she has
no lukewarm professors, no adherents concerning whom it is doubtful to what
party they belong. The Christian then is reminded at every turn that his
Master's kingdom is not of this world. When all on earth wear a black and
threatening aspect, he looks up to heaven for consolation; he learns practically
to consider himself as a pilgrim and stranger...[But] when Christianity is in a state
of external quiet and prosperity, the contrary of all this naturally takes
place. The soldiers of the church militant forget that they are in a state of
warfare. Their ardor slackens, their zeal languishes. Like a colony long
settled in a strange country, they are gradually assimilated in features
and demeanor and language to the native inhabitants till at length almost every
vestige of peculiarity dies away."
William Wilberforce

Persecution is what separates the chaff from the wheat here on earth.

Most people who speak to me of why they do not come to faith raise
the issue of all the bad things happening in the world; how can God be
good, they ask, and allow all these things?
They have forgotten that mankind is in a state of rebellion against their Creator.
Unfortunately, in times of prosperity, the Church forgets this, too!

Mankind ignores and disobeys God, and then wonders why all is not well.
Until we fully accept that we are at war--whether it is a time of persecution
or not--we will continue to be surprised by the effects of that war. The
"fall out" of the spiritual battle raging constantly is the price of sin. It is "death"
in the material world, manifested from death in the spiritual one, which in turn is
a result of rebellion.

If we must face persecution, let it strengthen our faith, hone our convictions,
and bring forth a church triumphant in the end.
And, let us say with the writer of Revelations, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"

quotation taken from 365 WWJD? by Nick Harrison

Today's message is from Nancy Leigh DeMoss, that intrepid lady of faith:

April 27, 2009

El Shaddai

(baby crying)

Nancy Leigh DeMoss: A newborn baby can be so fretful and disturbed. It seems like you can’t do anything to comfort it. But when a mom pulls the baby close and begins to feed it, everything’s okay.

That’s the way God wants to relate to us. One of the names of God is El Shaddai. That’s usually translated “God Almighty” in English. But there’s more to this name than suggested by that translation.

El or Elohim speaks of God’s power and strength. But the word Shaddai is a tender, touching word that speaks of a nursing mother supplying everything a child needs.

The name El Shaddai tells us that God is the strength-giver and satisfier of His people. What do you need today? Instead of looking around for a solution or inward to your own strength, look to El Shaddai for everything you need.

With Seeking Him, I’m Nancy Leigh DeMoss

This transcript is taken from the nationally-syndicated
daily radio program Seeking Him with Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

I have a devotion for you today from that wonderful lady, Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Remember, I "borrow " devotions when I'm writing on deadline--not every day, but when I'm in a time crunch. Enjoy.

April 24, 2009

Keep the Commitment

“Please leave your question at the tone.” (beep)

“My quiet time seems like something to check off my to-do list every day. If I really loved God, wouldn’t I jump out of bed every morning and run to spend time with Him?”

Nancy Leigh DeMoss: Not necessarily. You don’t want to live by your emotions, but there is something to be said for maintaining any good habit—even if we’re not full of warm feelings.

A lot of times when we’re faithful to carry out a discipline, the desire follows. For instance, even if a woman doesn’t feel warm toward her husband, she can act in a loving way. And she’ll probably find that her feelings for him will grow.

The same is true in our relationship with God. As Charles Spurgeon said:

“We should pray when we are in a praying mood, for it would be sinful to neglect so fair an opportunity. We should pray when we are not in the proper mood, for it would be dangerous to remain in so unhealthy a condition.”

With Seeking Him, I'm Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

This transcript is taken from the nationally-syndicated
daily radio program Seeking Him with Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

Are you using a devotional in your quiet times?
Today's reflection comes from, 365 WWJD?, a daily devotional by Nick Harrison.

"Though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again." Proverbs 24:16

"James says, 'We all stumble in many ways' (3:2)....For most of us, I'm sure the number of times we've fallen far exceeds seven. Yet up we stand, dust ourselves off, and move on."

"Never let your humanity discourage you. Jesus knows us quite well and He is our greatest advocate. If He is still for us, who can be against us? Certainly not ourselves with our tendency towards self-condemnation. Stand up straight today. You are God's child, doing what Jesus would have you do."

Just a quick reminder that we are loosely following along with this book (365 WWJD?) in WOW_Women_of_the_Word, a Yahoo group aimed at encouraging and empowering Christian women. Of course, due to copyright issues, I can't transcribe each day's devotion for you, for which reason I recommend getting your own copy. Now and again I will post excerpts, such as today's; But whether you choose to use this devotional or some other, I definitely recommend using something. With one caution:

Your reading of anything other than Scripture, no matter how brilliant or edifying should only be a starting point for your own prayer and praise. To live as vibrant women of faith, we need more than a daily reading of anyone's good thoughts or devotional writing. We need to take what is meant for us from this reading, meditate on it in light of Scripture, and then turn our focus to Jesus.
The danger of using a devotional is in thinking that once you have read the day's portion, that you have "done your duty," spent your time with God. This can be true, but often isn't. Never lose sight of the fact that it is only the Word of God--and the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ--from which we can really draw sustenance to grow on.

I love to use devotionals, and I enjoy writing them; but I need to guard that I never allow them to displace real connection with my Saviour! And I suspect that you do, too.

Got a thought or comment? Post it; Once a month I'll be choosing from among commenters to win a copy of one of my novels. (To see them, click here)

ARE YOU A MOM?

Today I'd like to point you to an encouraging broadcast for mothers,
which you can listen to through Nancy Leigh DeMoss's website.
Click HERE
or, cut
and paste this into your browser:
http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=10199

This is a great reminder of the work and faith of moms from the Bible.
If you're ever prone to wonder if motherhood is not a noble calling, you need this.
Until next time,

Linore

Considering Treasure

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and
rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Matthew 6:20


Today's verse reminds me of the vanity of possessions. I don't mean
the necessities of life--shelter, food and clothing. I mean all the extra
"stuff" we surround ourselves with to be comfortable, or to enhance
the appearance of our abodes.

I constantly challenge myself to rid the house of some of my "stuff."
(Usually books). I am pitiful at getting rid of any. No matter how ruthless
I determine to be, I end up with maybe four or five that I can part with--
out of hundreds. We have bookcases all over the house.

As a habitual bargain-hunter (with five children, you sort of have to
do this!) we also have plenty of clothing. I find it much easier to give
away bags of good clothing that has been outgrown, or not worn much,
to those who can use it, or to GoodWill or the Salvation Army. Actually,
I love to fill bags of stuff for young families, and there is one way that
I can even give books and godly magazines with no misgivings--

knowing
that another mom or dad will use them.

But even though I do this regularly, we still have/ too much stuff./
Stuff in itself is not sinful; but am I also careful to store up treasure in
heaven? It is counter-intuitive to do this, as what is stored in heaven is
precisely that which we do /not /keep: it is what we give away in love.
And not necessarily all of our giving even qualifies for heavenly treasure--
as Jesus pointed out at the Temple, it is when we give out of our own
need, our lack, that we give the most.

When I make up my bags of stuff for young families, I am giving out
of my abundance. That is no big deal, and what the world often does, too.
Lord, help me to give even when it hurts. Help me to give in faith. Out of
need. And let me let YOU be my treasure--now and forever.
Amen.


Linore

THE PATH OF LIFE

"You will make known to me the path of life;
In your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever."
Psalm 16:11

Here we see that God promises to make known to us
the "path of life." It is not, in a sense, the big mystery that
we often make it to be. Yes, there are mysteries of life,
and things we will never fathom; to do so would be having
the full knowledge of God. But in a sweeping, all-encompassing
sense, the "path of life," is truly quite simple:
It is a journey towards God.

"You will make known to me the path of life;
IN YOUR PRESENCE IS FULLNESS OF JOY:"

The path of life leads to God's presence, and in that
presence is fullness of joy.

"IN YOUR RIGHT HAND THERE ARE PLEASURES FOREVER."
The path of life leads to the pleasures He holds for us, which
last forever. In a word, Heaven.

In the next Psalm, the psalmist asks God to deliver him from men
"whose portion is in this life." But, "as for me," he says, "I shall
behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your
likeness when I awake." (Psalm 17: 14b, 15)
Awake from what? From the sleep of death.
Our portion is not in this life. This is not to say that we don't have
A portion--God is so abundantly good that He blesses us right here
and now. But our truest, biggest and best portion is reached by
following the path of life to it. To God Himself. To God and His
heaven.

How do we know if we are men or women whose portion is only
in this life? See what the psalmist says: "I shall behold Your face
in righteousness." We have the righteousness of Christ when we
believe in Him, and in His work for us on the Cross. The work of
redemption. We can then wear His righteousness like a robe,
and we are accepted in the Beloved.

How good God is! How much He has waiting for us!
I don't know about you, but I look forward to beholding His face,
having fullness of joy in His presence, and enjoying the pleasures
of His right hand forever!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for showing us the path of life; thank you
for your goodness, for sending Your Son, that we might awake to see
Your likeness and dwell in your goodness forever. Thank you for
Jesus, who died for us precisely so that we could share in this joy.
Help us to lead others to your salvation, that they may know it, too.
We love you, Lord! We bless Your name! Amen.

Hugs,

Linore


©2009 Linore Rose Burkard

Image: "Pathway to Spring" Oil on Panel by Scott Baltz

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable
in Your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19: 14

Imagine for a moment if every word you spoke was pleasing to God;
if every thought of your heart was "acceptable.

" Would you not be
doing what Jesus would do? This morning as I meditated on this
verse, it occurred to me that if we could only control our tongues
and thoughts, we would live constantly in God's will, and by
extension, be living the life He approves of. It suddenly seemed so
simple!think

But alas, the same Bible tells us that "the heart is deceitful and
desperately wicked: who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) Notice the emphasis
is on the heart more than the tongue. Jesus explains: "For out of the heart
come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false
witness, slanders. These are the things which defile a man." For,
"The things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and
those defile the man." (or woman.) Matt.15:19-20, 18

This is not to say the situation is hopeless, however! Jesus is the ultimate
"heart-changer."
As we go about our day today, I encourage you to pray with the psalmist,
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable
in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer." (Ps.19:14)
Let the Redeemer redeem you! I certainly need the filter of the Holy Spirit
as I speak, answer email, and interact with my family. What about you?

PRAYER: O Father, let us today speak and even more, /think,/ as You
would have us do. We pray that you would guard the door of our lips,
be our "filter"-- and sprinkle our thoughts and words with salt and
light so that
we, in turn, may show such to the world. Even better, we will be
acceptable in Your sight. We know that You accept us in Christ, Lord--no
matter how short we fall, or how easily beset with sin; But speak to our
hearts when we err in our thoughts; bring truth where are lies, and shine
Your light upon us so that we may reflect that light to a dark world.
In Jesus' Name, and by Your mercy , Amen.

Hugs,

Linore