NEEDING TO HAVE A SENSE OF WHY WE ARE HERE

As humans we need to know we were created for a purpose. Until we are doing the things we were created to do, we will never find fulfillment and happiness. Unless we have proven faithful in the small things, God will not move us into the big things He has called us to. We need to rejoice when we are doing the things we think are small, and know that God is getting us ready for the big things ahead.

We must not forget that God has an important purpose for our lives and that it is good.

My prayer: Heavenly Father, God Almighty, help us to understand the call You have on our lives. Take away any discouragement we may feel and replace it with joyful anticipation of what You are going to do through us. Use us as Your instrument to make a positive difference in the lives of those that You place in our path. Help us to rest in the confidence of knowing that Your timing is perfect.

We place our identity in You and our destiny in Your hands. Show us if what we are doing now is what we are supposed to be doing. Help us to move into the purpose You have for our life. In Jesus’ name I pray this day, Amen.

God’s Promise: 2 Peter 1:10 Be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.

Resting in Jesus

I can feel the Lord tugging at my heart as I sit down and begin to study the Bible. Scripture is like healing is to a burn. As I snuggle in my chair, I feel as though God is holding me in the hollow of His hand. It is as if at this very moment the world is at peace. A sense of calmness washes over me. “This is it”, I thought. It is serenity! As I ponder the verse before me, I feel as if my troubles are far away. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because He trusts in you” Isaiah 26:3.

“Trust is the easiest and hardest thing to do”. It is not complicated because even children get it. It is simply relinquishing our hold on things and allowing God hold them. We would make it so much easier on ourselves if we would only remember that He is holding them already. Not trusting God is so exhausting. We exert so much effort to control what can not be controlled. Trust is letting go while not holding onto or holding back something.

“A little boy was trapped on the second floor of a house on fire. He stood at the window surrounded by smoke and flames, crying for help. He heard his father’s voice below, yelling for him to jump into his arms. “But I can’t see you Daddy”, the child cried. His father shouted back, “That’s, O.K., I can see you, so jump”. We walk by faith and not by sight, do we not? Beneath us are the everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27).

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”. John 16:33

Our Savior, whose sacrifice on the cross made it possible for us to have the absence of disturbance and trouble as we rest in His state of calmness and peace.

My Prayer: Almighty God you are the Rock eternal. You are the one worthy of all my confidence and trust. I believe, help me when I don’t. In Jesus’ name I pray this day, Amen.

Fexibiliti-Tea

Flexibili-Tea

Flexibility: capable of being; pliable, responsive to change; easily yielding.

As an aspiring ballerina stretching her limbs and bending her spine backwards in graceful movements is normal for my daughter Julie. As she fluidly moves in flowing motion, the pulling and stretching of her muscles and tendons always leaves her restored and refreshed.

When did I loose my flexibility? What happened to the strength and energy I once processed? As I am stepping into my senior years, I sometimes dread climbing a flight of stairs or bending down to pull an unwanted weed.

In my younger years I would have never imagined struggling to complete such simple tasks as getting in and out of my car. Do I possess the fluid movements and gentle gracefulness as my daughter? To what extent has life’s stresses and struggles contributed to the decreased nimbleness of my aging body?

Flexibility involves more than physical movements. It encompasses responses and attitudes. We all know people whose rigidity shattered relationships and made true, self sacrificing love impossible. We all know such people, because we have all been such people. We have all often times refused to bend in submission to God’s purposes for us. Our self-centeredness has made us stiff and inflexible in our relationships with our Lord, and with other people.

When Julie danced, choreographers taught her the importance of proper “centering”. They helped her feel her “center” – in her torso, just below her breastbone. Her motions and positions were to come from there.

We, who know Jesus Christ personally, who trust him as our Savior, acknowledge his rightful central place in our hearts. He sings over us. He sings to our hearts the love song of forgiveness that makes it possible for us to follow our Savior in the dance of life. He fills our hearts with the melodies of fresh challenges, and new goals. He leads us onto the dance floor of life to partner with the most grace-full partner of all, Jesus Christ. We find our “true center” in him, and that brings the freedom and flexibility of love into our lives of service.

Acts: 17:28
“For in him we live and move and have our being.”

My prayer: Dear Father, God Almighty, helps us to be less rigid so that we can be more flexible to be in submission to You for the purposes You have for us. In Jesus’ name I pray this day, Amen.

Generosi-tea

Generosity: willing to give without selfishness to share freely and liberally.

1 Timothy 6:18
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”

The generous woman planned how to present them as she unpacked them. How could she make her practical gift more special? Then an idea came to mind. When it comes time to deliver them I will fill the serving pieces with a delicious homemade meal. She remembered how she remarked to her husband of many years, “Someone may need them one day.” However he couldn’t understand why she purchased several sets of new dinnerware.

“We don’t need these. No one we know will need them”, he told her. “Not yet”, she replied, “but they will”. He sighed. Long ago he had given up trying to change her generous nature. It was one of the character traits he loved most about her. “So, where are you going to store all these boxes?” he asked her.

“Ill find a place for them honey, don’t you worry.” One day these dishes will really help someone. I don’t know when that will be, but God knows.” It seemed it wasn’t the time for her to give them up just yet. At times, she even planned ahead for the occasions that she could model Jesus’ love and generosity.

Whether we share our time, our money, our possessions, personalities, or talents, God wants us to give freely and liberally of ourselves. We can take time to listen to someone who is hurting, mentor a young person, listen to a caregiver, or write a check to meet a financial need. By doing so, we share God’s love.

Why should we want to do this? The reason is simple as God has given us so many wonderful blessings, and the most valuable of which is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Jesus unselfishly laid down his life to pay for the times we are selfish. He died for those times we are selfish or fail to show love to others.

His gifts of love, pardon (forgiveness) and new life are meant to be shared freely and liberally to others. We must not take them for granted. It is such a joy when those gifts are manifested through us onto others in honor of the privilege in knowing God's personally. His love, forgiveness, mercy and grace are not comparable.

My prayer: Heavenly Father, God Almighty help me to be more generous to others and not arrogant, self-seeking, or manipulating in my actions or thoughts towards them. Help me Lord Jesus to genuinely share Your love, forgiveness, mercy and grace even at times when I don’t want to. In Jesus’ name I pray this day, Amen.

Sensitivi-Tea

Sensitivi-Tea

Sensitivity: the quality of being sensitive; attentiveness to the needs of others; the capacity for being easily hurt.

In the 1970s everyone considered sensitivity a highly desirable trait, especially in a man. It was all the rage. Magazine articles celebrated it. Movies and television programs began to depict a softer side of their male characters.

I have always admired strong, sensitive men. As a young girl I daydreamed hours about finding and marrying the ideal man for me. I prayed that God would send him my way. That man is my husband Jerry who is kind, gentle and caring, yet strong enough to lean on.

Although my son is a man, I am proud to say seeing my example and growing up in this kind of environment he has inherited my sensitivity, the kindness I show to others and the compassion I have for them deep within my heart. He too has a ministry heart and a generous spirit. But although sometimes people take advantage of his good nature, he is no pushover.

Sensitive to the concerns of others around him, Jesus cared for their physical needs, emotional needs, and spiritual needs. He fed, healed and loved the hungry, blind, sick, and enslaved.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

Paul describes the process of growth in compassion, in sensitivity to the needs and emotions of others. As God comforts us, he equips us to comfort others. But this process carries with it significant risks. Every time we choose to care the way Christ cared, to love the way Christ loved, we make it possible for others to hurt us.

So, knowing this, why would anyone take that risk? Because, as God’s redeemed children, we have experienced our Savior’s sensitive care in our own lives. We know the completion of feeling his forgiveness, his peace, and the joy he gives. We want other to know these things too. As we share them, we know that disappointments, troubles, and sorrows may come our way, but along with them will come our Lord’s comfort. Comforted in our Savior’s arms, we can comfort others when trouble comes to them.

My prayer: Help us Lord Jesus to be more compassionate and sensitive towards others so that we can see you when we look at them. Help us to give of ourselves to others even in times when we don’t want to. Help us to love others with your love which is a love that is everlasting and not a love that fades away when we get our feelings hurt, or when things don’t go our way. In Jesus’ name I pray this day, Amen.

Productivi-Tea

Productivity: having the power to produce, make or bring forth into view.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the coastal waters of the United States. Alarming reports of devastation began to show up everywhere. Anyone near a television set or computer screen looked in horror at the distressed faces and heard anguished cries for help. Christians around the world joined hands in prayer. What could be done to relieve the suffering and help meet immediate needs? How would God bless the feeble efforts and make them productive?

The churches in many areas organized themselves to countrywide associations. Collectively they own a large pavilion. They make good use of it in organizing a relief effort. Someone has to be in charge. Someone has to pick up the keys, sweep the floors, set up long folding tables and be there to receive donations.

Committed individuals spend hours upon hours inspecting, packing and labeling articles for each transport. Scripture encourages us at times such as these undertakings, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Never are these words enacted with such energy. God’s people respond to disaster with urgency and compassion. Working together multiplies one individual’s efforts many times over. Combining resources gives the productivity needed.

To God be the glory! The wisdom, strength and endurance required for these projects can only come from Him.

One person can do something. Two can do more. But to make a real difference, a group of people empowered by God and working together under His blessing will experience amazing productivi-tea!

Psalm 90:17
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”

Loyal-Tea

In the 6th century B.C., Aesop told this fable: Two travelers were on the road together when a bear suddenly appeared on the scene. Before the bear saw them, 1 ran for a tree at the side of the road, and climbed up into the branches and hid there. The other was not as quick as his companion; since he couldn’t escape, he threw himself on the ground and pretended to be dead. The bear came up and sniffed all around him, but he kept perfectly still and held his breath, for they say that a bear won’t touch a dead body. The bear thought he was dead and went away.

When the bear had left, the man in the tree came down, and asked the other what it was the bear had whispered to him when he put his mouth to his ear. The other replied, “He told me never again to travel with a friend who deserts you at the first sign of danger.

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Jesus has promised to guard and shield us. No matter what happens He walks beside us to guide, help and comfort. In times of joy and times of trouble our Lord treasures His relationship with us. He invites us to spend tie with him, as we bask in the warmth of His friendship.

Each believer enjoys the love of Christ our faithful friend and broth. We are loved, cherished, and protected by the One who would give His life for ours. Someone who did give His life for ours! His love and loyalty will never end. Jesus walks with us through the dark valleys of our questioning, stubbornness, disappointment and despair. Still, His allegiance, grace and commitment never waiver. He never grows tired. He will never leave us or forsake us.

When I was a little child we brought Suzette home as a pup. In just months she had matured into a full grown dog. He self-imposed mission was to be my family’s comrade a guard dog and to protect us. As each day would draw to an end and darkness began settle, Suzette began her guard duty. I found comfort in the occasional hoot of an owl or sound of a cricket chirping. The very thought of Suzette’s presence outside my bedroom window gave me the feeling of being protected and loved by our loyal companion Every hour on the hour, she would inspect the perimeter of our yard. She sniffed, watched, and listened for any sign of intruders. A well worn path around in our yard gave evidence of Suzette’s hourly marches. As dawn appeared Suzette would end her vigil. What a loyal and faithful friend.

Brevi-Tea

My Prayer: "Out Father who art in heaven-in whom we live, and move, and have our being; grant that we as Christians may live worthy of this glorious relation, and that we may not sin, knowing that we are accounted as yours. We are yours by adoption; made us yours by choice of our wil."

John 1:10-13

We may become God's children not by natural birth, but by new birth; or to use Paul's concepts, by the miracle of adoption. This is God's gift to us in Christ to be received by faith, not achieved by human effort but received by simply trusting in His promise that all who believe will receive the gift and the miracle.

If you have never asked God to become your Father through faith in Christ, start there as you go to Him in prayer. Ask Him; trust Him; receive the gift and miracle of new birth. Then say, "Father." Say it over and over again, and let it sink into the depths of your soul and thrill you with its possibilities.

My story:

I can remember a day when I sat curled up in my favorite chair, sipping a cup of tea. The early morning light streamed through the family room windows as I enjoyed a few minutes of "me" time. I slowly turned through the pages of our family photo albums, pondering over my children's childhood.

How fondly I remember the delightful squeals, silly stories and sweet giggles. How good it felt to hold my children close to me, dry their tears, take in the clean smells after bath time, and listen to thier steady breathing after they drifted off to sleep. Where did all that precious time go? I thought of the hectic pace of work, school, and running them around for activities would never end. What happened? The brevity of that sweet season in our lives together flew by. How soon it was gone!

As I reminisced, I thought. Had I taken even a single day for granted? Had I at times allowed life to get so busy, hurried, or stressed that I missed out on what was really important?

The Apostle James wrote, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (James 4:14). How true! God gives each one of us the same 24 hours each day. He lets us spend them in whatever way we choose. Will we waste those hours? Or will we fill them with balance and appreciation, seizing and making the most of each and every moment?

As I grow old I find that the minutes, hours, days, and weeks still pass by to swiftly. I want to shout, "Wait!" I want to savor every precious day and cherish each meoment for they will soon evaporate, lost in the vastness of infinity, never to be recaptured.

Today I thank Jesus for enduring the agony of the cross, for dying in my place to earn the forgiveness I need. I know my days on earth are brief. May God help me to make the most of them, even as I look forward to spending etiernity in heaven with my Savior. In Jesus' name I pray this day, Amen.

Psalm 39:5 "You have made my days a mere handbreadth the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each mans life is but a breath.

Identi-Tea

Identi-Tea

Identity: the condition or fact of being a specific person or thing.

John 1:12 “To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”

These days to write a check, use a credit card, check into the hospital, receive medical attention, or to travel out of the country we must have documentation proving our identity.

“Where are your papers?”
“I need to see a photo I.D.”
“What is your mother’s maiden name?”

Soldiers have “dog tags”, drivers have licenses and travelers have passports. Newborn babies are given a birth certificate and a social security number before they even leave the hospital. Name badges identity employees. It seems that everyone needs to know who you are and whose you are.

An elderly nurse looked through the large plate-glass window where three young men stood, anxious to get a glimpse of the newborn babies. Secretly, they guessed which soft bundle belonged to them. The puzzled expression on each new father’s face betrayed his uncertainty. Which baby belonged to whom? The nurse began to match babies and fathers. Where were her glasses? She motioned for each new daddy to hold up his arm. Narrowing her eyes, she squinted to see the names printed on their wristbands. No mistake would be made on her watch!

Double-checking each new father’s identity, she matched each baby with care. The young fathers chuckled in amusement. Then they thanked her for her conscientiousness as she opened the door and handed the babies one by one to their respective dads. As she turned to go, she overheard one of the young men whisper, “I knew you were mine all along.”

We who have answered Jesus’ gentle call, we who know Him as Lord and Savior, are identified with Him. We belong to Him forever. He knows our names; He has written and sealed them in His Book of Life. Heaven has no need for identification bracelets, account numbers, passports, or birth certificates. This promise is the solid foundation of God’s people. (“The Lord knows who are His” 2 Timothy 2:19). We belong to Him, He redeemed us on Calvary. We have been bought and paid for by His blood, shed on the cross.

Verie-Tea

Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”

Verie-Tea

Variety: A number of different kinds of absence of repetitiveness or sameness.

We have all heard the expression, “variety is the spice of life.” Still, I am astounded by the number of people I encounter day after day who appear to follow the same, well-worn rut. How dull!

Everyday people go to coffee/tea shops, approach the counter and peruse the extensive list of flavors available on the menu. A variety of coffees, sodas, cappuccinos, lattes, smoothes, gourmet hot chocolate, loose-leaf and fancy-flavored teas, chi, juice, milk and water are offered. There are hundreds of combinations, and each drink is prepared to order. Some are overwhelmed with the number of choices and can’t make up their minds while others know right away what they want. You could set your clock by some as they order the same thing every single day. They are consistent, predictable, and adamant about their selections.

Some people are timid and afraid to experiment. Those with more adventurous palates sample their way though the long list of possibilities. Others are open to suggestions.

As I go about my business daily, I pray that what I say and do will direct people toward Jesus and the refuge we can have in Him. What an honor when one thing leads to another in a conversation, and I have the opportunity of introducing someone to their Savior, leading them to a personal relationship with Him.

An amazing, endless peace comes from that saving knowledge, from the assurance of God’s great grace and forgiveness.

Beau-Tea

Beau-Tea

1 Peter 33:4 “Your beauty…should be that of your inner self, the unfolding beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

Beauty that exalts the mind and spirit comes from God. We are made beautiful by Christ’s perfect love for us, love made visible in the beauty of His cross. As we consider that love, the Holy Spirit shapes and transforms our hearts so that little by little we become more like Jesus in love and service.

The cosmetic and clothing industries spend billions of dollars each year in futile attempt to disprove it. Still, those of us whose photograph will never grace the cover of a glamour magazine can find joy in knowing that true beauty doesn’t come from a jar. It can’t be painted on, powered up, nipped or tucked. Mama’s wise words to me were, “It’s what’s on the inside that counts.”

Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

Editorial Manager, Department WOGXSC (Julie & Diane)

A Perfect Pot of Tea
Fill you kettle with cold, clear water and bring to a full boil.
Select you prettiest teapot. Warm the pot under hot running tap water until the porcelain is warm to the touch. Empty it.
Measure one scant level teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per serving into the bottom of the pot.
Add the boiling water. Let the tea steep for a full three minutes before serving. With tea, timing is everything.
Give the tea a little stir just before pouring it through a strainer. Be careful, it’s hot). 