August 21, 2010
Before I share an awesome word with you about today's reading I would like to draw attention to a great website that I use on this blog. Clair and Brooke Darling a mother and daughter team bless me because they do an excellent job at managing the Word Daily website. This site honors God and inspires many people.
At the beginning of every daily post on this blog you will see today's date. If you click on that date it will automatically send you to Gods word for that day (the bible at your finger tips). My writing has inspired through the reading and devotion time I had that morning in the Word. I would love to challenge you to read along side me. I would love for you to stop by and visit their site. Thank you Brooke and Clair for managing/stewarding this site. I know you will be rewarded by your owner!
Today's passage that jumped out to me was 1 Corinthians 4: 1-2 "Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful."
A steward is like a manager. A manager always represents his owner. A manager is responsible to the owner and lastly the manager is rewarded by his owner.
As women we manage SO MUCH! We manage households, children, husbands, relationships of all kinds, our health, jobs outside the home, self employed businesses, and much more!
I struggled huge in managing all this in my life and then FAILED. I was not rewarded, I was broken and discouraged because I could not manage it all! I tried to manage so much INDEPENDENTLY. Ignoring Gods principle for living because I did not have time or made fun of others that followed God so sweetly. I wanted to do my own thing regardless. Yes, I am stubborn by nature! The bible calls this attitude SIN. Wow, sins not a word that comes up in our girlfriend lunches or shopping sprees! At least it was not the topic of my conversations!
Sin breaks our relationship with the God who created us. When our relationship is off or not acknowledged it will cause problems in EVERY area of our lives. Marriage, Careers, Relationships, Emotional and physical health and finances. When we fall into problems we often try many different ways of coping before we turn to God.
Proverbs 16:25 "There is a way that seems right to a man (woman), but in the end it leads to death"
Friends, I cannot stress the importance of not being an INDEPENDENT manager of your life. I realized this when I decided to be dependent on God. He began to be my owner and I learned through His word, friends, the church and other divine connections how to manage the things He gave me in life.
I desired to want to represent Him. I realized I was responsible to Him and lastly the rewards and blessings of discovering and experiencing Him are overwhelming. The rewards have been multiplied into my family!
Are you an INDEPENDENT manager or do you manage through your DEPENDENCE on God?
Allow God to manage your life today!
I want to thank Brad Powell the Pastor of Northridge church in Plymouth, Mi. for pointing out the importance of independent verses dependent living! A good pastor will help you manage what God wants you to learn!
If you have any prayers or questions in regards to anything I shared, I want you to know I care for you and I am here to help. Please email me personally at hbaxterhiswow@aol.com.
Dependent on Him,
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Frogs, Gnats & Flies, Oh My!
August 20th Reading
Good Morning Everyone!!!
I am pleased to be here writing again. It must be said that the devil has tried his hardest to get me off track and distracted all week long, but God has seen me and my family through. Praise God!
It is difficult trying to make sure that you are living for God and to stay focused, so many times people are not able to do it. They fall off the wagon and can not manage to find the endurance to continue forward. Not to mention, giving up is far easier, but much more costly. Psalms 106:1 tells us that God's love endures forever, so I would think that we could try to endure things on a daily basis and really only take it one day at a time. God continuously forgives us, as hard headed as we may be, He does get angry with us and He will chasten us for our misdoings, but He still loves us and will take care of us.
So many people claim to be anointed from God, but they are only harming themselves. Claiming to be something you are not will only cause God to become very upset and some unfortunate events may happen. Could you really imagine going to bed, or being in bed and then your room is full of frogs??? Psalms 105:30-31 talk about an over abundance of frogs, gnats and flies in homes and cities. It is nothing that I want to be a part of. People were ignoring God's commands and living the way they chose to, well being bombarded with frogs, gnats and flies would be an understatement of being chastened to me. I love cute little frogs, but real ones, with gnats and flies, oh no!!!
1 Corinthians 3:3 says, "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" Jealousy and quarreling amongst each other is unnecessary, if we are doing that then we are not working towards the same goals. God does NOT dwell in mess and confusion, we should all be doing what He has ordained for us to do. If I am to write, you are to speak and she is counsel, then that is what we should be doing. We should not be thinking we are better than one other, because maybe my message isn't for "your crowd" and your message isn't for "my crowd" so we should be where God put us and do His work there. If we are busy judging others then perhaps we have too much time on our hands and maybe there is more work we could be doing. Do not let your work suffer due to your own arrogance. Just like 1 Corinthians 3:7 says, We are but vessels for God's work, if I plant and you are the water source, God is still the one growing the plant.
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."
I challenge those of you that are already actively serving God , do you tend to compare your works to the works of others? Or are you genuinely happy that others are actively trying to get others closer to the Lord? If you think that your works are "better" than someone else, find something that you could help them make better and more pleasing to the Lord. After all we are all after the same prize, aren't we? Remember to encourage other believers and non-believers alike, do not judge and discourage.
If you are not actively serving God, get plugged in! It is almost a certainty that you are needed somewhere. Call your church home and ask where you could help out. They may be waiting on you to call right now, you may very well be the answer to a prayer for them.
Frog, gnat and fly free (for now),
Kari
Good Morning Everyone!!!
I am pleased to be here writing again. It must be said that the devil has tried his hardest to get me off track and distracted all week long, but God has seen me and my family through. Praise God!
It is difficult trying to make sure that you are living for God and to stay focused, so many times people are not able to do it. They fall off the wagon and can not manage to find the endurance to continue forward. Not to mention, giving up is far easier, but much more costly. Psalms 106:1 tells us that God's love endures forever, so I would think that we could try to endure things on a daily basis and really only take it one day at a time. God continuously forgives us, as hard headed as we may be, He does get angry with us and He will chasten us for our misdoings, but He still loves us and will take care of us.
So many people claim to be anointed from God, but they are only harming themselves. Claiming to be something you are not will only cause God to become very upset and some unfortunate events may happen. Could you really imagine going to bed, or being in bed and then your room is full of frogs??? Psalms 105:30-31 talk about an over abundance of frogs, gnats and flies in homes and cities. It is nothing that I want to be a part of. People were ignoring God's commands and living the way they chose to, well being bombarded with frogs, gnats and flies would be an understatement of being chastened to me. I love cute little frogs, but real ones, with gnats and flies, oh no!!!
1 Corinthians 3:3 says, "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" Jealousy and quarreling amongst each other is unnecessary, if we are doing that then we are not working towards the same goals. God does NOT dwell in mess and confusion, we should all be doing what He has ordained for us to do. If I am to write, you are to speak and she is counsel, then that is what we should be doing. We should not be thinking we are better than one other, because maybe my message isn't for "your crowd" and your message isn't for "my crowd" so we should be where God put us and do His work there. If we are busy judging others then perhaps we have too much time on our hands and maybe there is more work we could be doing. Do not let your work suffer due to your own arrogance. Just like 1 Corinthians 3:7 says, We are but vessels for God's work, if I plant and you are the water source, God is still the one growing the plant.
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."
I challenge those of you that are already actively serving God , do you tend to compare your works to the works of others? Or are you genuinely happy that others are actively trying to get others closer to the Lord? If you think that your works are "better" than someone else, find something that you could help them make better and more pleasing to the Lord. After all we are all after the same prize, aren't we? Remember to encourage other believers and non-believers alike, do not judge and discourage.
If you are not actively serving God, get plugged in! It is almost a certainty that you are needed somewhere. Call your church home and ask where you could help out. They may be waiting on you to call right now, you may very well be the answer to a prayer for them.
Frog, gnat and fly free (for now),
Kari
Thursday, August 19, 2010
TRUE WISDOM
August 19, 2010 Reading
After returning from an evening run together, my husband and I discovered a very odd horrible smell in the kitchen. I then noticed a gooey like substance all over the trash can lid! (sidebar) If you have kids I'm sure you find all sorts of interesting textures on the lids of your trash cans right?
Anyway... my attention was then drawn to the microwave. It was as if God just took my head and turned it right to the problem. Oh my poor microwave, it was the biggest goo mess I have ever seen folks!
My blood pressure was rising as I searched for my kiddos! My oldest son was hanging on the couch oblivious to the smell. I asked him if he knew what happened.
Mom, I was curious about what a banana would do in a microwave...... Trust me the mystery is solved . The banana heats up and oozes making a horrible mess and the stench created, will knock you over.
The joy of having children, right?
Mystery, according to the Webster dictionary is anything that remains unexplained or unknown. My sons curiosity lead him to the actions taken so he could explain the unknown!
I was reminded of the mystery of the banana today after reading 1 Corinthians 2:7 "But we speak of the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our own glory"
v.10 "God has revealed to them to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God."
The Holy spirit offers Divine wisdom to every person. God has an amazing way of helping us understand the unexplainable or unknown. He may not answer all our questions completely or the way we want but He will unfold the mystery for us in fitting ways.
The key to understanding Gods wisdom lies with the Spirit not a religion. The spirit is the link between God and humanity and this makes knowing God possible. Without the spirit things will be foolish, dull or tasteless. A good comparison would be having no taste buds on your tongue. Taste buds bring flavor into the mouth. The spirit of God is needed in your life to bring about divine flavor and revelation. Most people in the world today regard Gods wisdom as foolish. Gods wisdom is incapable of understanding without the spirit. Gods wisdom is a mystery to the unbeliever. They cannot grasp the unknown without the help of divine revelation. Through His spirit God will reveal himself to men.
Just as my son became curious about what a banana would do in the microwave, I became curious about God and some unexplained hurting questions I had in my life. I desired some things to be made understandable for me. I needed Gods wisdom when my marriage was falling apart, I needed help, and still do, raising my children, Gods forgiveness was hard to understand, I felt so undeserving. Dealing with change, managing loss, making decisions about schooling and the list goes on. I was curious about the mysteries of God. I had enough religion. I desired God!
Gods wisdom is a mystery but it is revealed through Christ and made understandable through the Holy Spirit. Gods wisdom will help you. If you put your faith in Jesus Christ, and make Him Lord and Savior of your life you will receive the mind of Christ in your heart. As you read the word of God the spirit will reveal things about your present situation. Its kinda like an elevator, you will feel God bring something from what feels like the bottom up to the top of your mind. He brings a divine perspective from your humanly distorted perspective. The most interesting things began to occur in my life. He carries the answers to your entire life! The bible began to come alive for me!
Ask God to begin to reveal the mysteries to you today.
My very first prayer in the midst of my biggest pain went something like this.....
Dear Jesus, you are my choice. I want to believe in you but do not know how it all works. I need you in my life. Please take over and forgive me for all I have done. Please lead me in the right direction. I believe in you.
Amen
I promise He will take over in the most mysterious and unique ways! He is the ONLY one that carries the answers.
It is a grand mystery but very exciting adventure,
After returning from an evening run together, my husband and I discovered a very odd horrible smell in the kitchen. I then noticed a gooey like substance all over the trash can lid! (sidebar) If you have kids I'm sure you find all sorts of interesting textures on the lids of your trash cans right?
Anyway... my attention was then drawn to the microwave. It was as if God just took my head and turned it right to the problem. Oh my poor microwave, it was the biggest goo mess I have ever seen folks!
My blood pressure was rising as I searched for my kiddos! My oldest son was hanging on the couch oblivious to the smell. I asked him if he knew what happened.
Mom, I was curious about what a banana would do in a microwave...... Trust me the mystery is solved . The banana heats up and oozes making a horrible mess and the stench created, will knock you over.
The joy of having children, right?
Mystery, according to the Webster dictionary is anything that remains unexplained or unknown. My sons curiosity lead him to the actions taken so he could explain the unknown!
I was reminded of the mystery of the banana today after reading 1 Corinthians 2:7 "But we speak of the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our own glory"
v.10 "God has revealed to them to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God."
The Holy spirit offers Divine wisdom to every person. God has an amazing way of helping us understand the unexplainable or unknown. He may not answer all our questions completely or the way we want but He will unfold the mystery for us in fitting ways.
The key to understanding Gods wisdom lies with the Spirit not a religion. The spirit is the link between God and humanity and this makes knowing God possible. Without the spirit things will be foolish, dull or tasteless. A good comparison would be having no taste buds on your tongue. Taste buds bring flavor into the mouth. The spirit of God is needed in your life to bring about divine flavor and revelation. Most people in the world today regard Gods wisdom as foolish. Gods wisdom is incapable of understanding without the spirit. Gods wisdom is a mystery to the unbeliever. They cannot grasp the unknown without the help of divine revelation. Through His spirit God will reveal himself to men.
Just as my son became curious about what a banana would do in the microwave, I became curious about God and some unexplained hurting questions I had in my life. I desired some things to be made understandable for me. I needed Gods wisdom when my marriage was falling apart, I needed help, and still do, raising my children, Gods forgiveness was hard to understand, I felt so undeserving. Dealing with change, managing loss, making decisions about schooling and the list goes on. I was curious about the mysteries of God. I had enough religion. I desired God!
Gods wisdom is a mystery but it is revealed through Christ and made understandable through the Holy Spirit. Gods wisdom will help you. If you put your faith in Jesus Christ, and make Him Lord and Savior of your life you will receive the mind of Christ in your heart. As you read the word of God the spirit will reveal things about your present situation. Its kinda like an elevator, you will feel God bring something from what feels like the bottom up to the top of your mind. He brings a divine perspective from your humanly distorted perspective. The most interesting things began to occur in my life. He carries the answers to your entire life! The bible began to come alive for me!
Ask God to begin to reveal the mysteries to you today.
My very first prayer in the midst of my biggest pain went something like this.....
Dear Jesus, you are my choice. I want to believe in you but do not know how it all works. I need you in my life. Please take over and forgive me for all I have done. Please lead me in the right direction. I believe in you.
Amen
I promise He will take over in the most mysterious and unique ways! He is the ONLY one that carries the answers.
It is a grand mystery but very exciting adventure,
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Chocolate milk and brown cows
August 18, 2010 Reading
Expecting chocolate milk from a brown cow is foolishness, just as expecting swiss cheese from a spotted cow is udder nonsense. Well I am here to admit in my younger years this is what I had figured out. I convinced myself that this is how it all worked! You can tell I was raised on a farm right? My husband is from up north in the beautiful country and I smile at myself every time I pass a cow pasture. A few years back as we drove the country side roads I shared this awesome wisdom I had about the cows with my husband, who is a very serious wise man, he just turned and looked at me in complete shock at how foolish that sounded!
I was reminded of our brief interaction today as I was reading 1 Corinthians 1:27, "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."
Nevertheless, God has called this foolish girl that believed the best chocolate milk came from the darker brown cows. A call is not based on our own wisdom or status, but on the grace of God. He chooses the weak and foolish so we find glory in HIM and not our own accomplisments, titles and status. I responded to the call on my life about 15 years ago. The call began as a personal invitation by God that drew me into a relationship with His son Jesus. The will of God then called this foolish cow confused girl to much more. My own human origin is not the sharpest in the intellect and smarts category. So I find it funny that God called me into full time ministry through speaking, writing and counseling! Would you feel safe counseling with a lady that thought chocolate milk came from brown cows? I also am very weak when it comes to grammer, spelling, punctuation and enunciation! Ask my family..... I have recently purchased some grammar books and have asked my family to call me out on all my double negatives!
Today the bible reminded me that the power comes from Him and not from us. God will use us most powerfully when we feel the least adequate.
My confidence is taking a sure beating right now. In the past several months God has called me out of my church home and hometown. He called me out of a ministry which I was passionately leading and directing. I could not understand what was happening. It was awfully hard to loose an identity and security that made me feel important to God. This is when you begin to discover who you really are.
God has recently opened new doors. These doors will lead me to a deeper wisdom,(1 Corn. 12:8). The doors I have discovered have me only standing in the entrance. Insecurities and lack of confidence have me standing in the door way buckling at the knees.
God is faithful. Even when the enemy tries to batter us and make us loose confidence in our calling. God often proves himself when we feel we have less to offer. More often than not, the will of God will involve a daring decision that seems unsafe or insane. But if you have the guts, not the smarts to move, God will meet you on the other side of the door.
I find myself telling God, "I am not able to speak perfect, my grammar stinks and I cannot write or spell well." But God reminded me again today in the word that "In Christ Jesus, you become wisdom from God." 1 Corinthians 1:30.
Everyone is called and chosen by God for a purpose. Have you began your adventure God desires for you?
Have you answered the first call to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus? Do not let whats wrong with you keep your from entering into whats right with God.
Have you been feeling like God is positioning you in front of a new opened door? Expand your horizons and allow God to do "a new thing" You will never know whats on the other side of the door until you walk through it! That is the greater calling my friend!
Go after a dream that is destined to fail without DIVINE intervention. God knows a girl like me needs Divine intervention.
By His Grace,
Expecting chocolate milk from a brown cow is foolishness, just as expecting swiss cheese from a spotted cow is udder nonsense. Well I am here to admit in my younger years this is what I had figured out. I convinced myself that this is how it all worked! You can tell I was raised on a farm right? My husband is from up north in the beautiful country and I smile at myself every time I pass a cow pasture. A few years back as we drove the country side roads I shared this awesome wisdom I had about the cows with my husband, who is a very serious wise man, he just turned and looked at me in complete shock at how foolish that sounded!
I was reminded of our brief interaction today as I was reading 1 Corinthians 1:27, "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."
Nevertheless, God has called this foolish girl that believed the best chocolate milk came from the darker brown cows. A call is not based on our own wisdom or status, but on the grace of God. He chooses the weak and foolish so we find glory in HIM and not our own accomplisments, titles and status. I responded to the call on my life about 15 years ago. The call began as a personal invitation by God that drew me into a relationship with His son Jesus. The will of God then called this foolish cow confused girl to much more. My own human origin is not the sharpest in the intellect and smarts category. So I find it funny that God called me into full time ministry through speaking, writing and counseling! Would you feel safe counseling with a lady that thought chocolate milk came from brown cows? I also am very weak when it comes to grammer, spelling, punctuation and enunciation! Ask my family..... I have recently purchased some grammar books and have asked my family to call me out on all my double negatives!
Today the bible reminded me that the power comes from Him and not from us. God will use us most powerfully when we feel the least adequate.
My confidence is taking a sure beating right now. In the past several months God has called me out of my church home and hometown. He called me out of a ministry which I was passionately leading and directing. I could not understand what was happening. It was awfully hard to loose an identity and security that made me feel important to God. This is when you begin to discover who you really are.
God has recently opened new doors. These doors will lead me to a deeper wisdom,(1 Corn. 12:8). The doors I have discovered have me only standing in the entrance. Insecurities and lack of confidence have me standing in the door way buckling at the knees.
God is faithful. Even when the enemy tries to batter us and make us loose confidence in our calling. God often proves himself when we feel we have less to offer. More often than not, the will of God will involve a daring decision that seems unsafe or insane. But if you have the guts, not the smarts to move, God will meet you on the other side of the door.
I find myself telling God, "I am not able to speak perfect, my grammar stinks and I cannot write or spell well." But God reminded me again today in the word that "In Christ Jesus, you become wisdom from God." 1 Corinthians 1:30.
Everyone is called and chosen by God for a purpose. Have you began your adventure God desires for you?
Have you answered the first call to enter into a personal relationship with Jesus? Do not let whats wrong with you keep your from entering into whats right with God.
Have you been feeling like God is positioning you in front of a new opened door? Expand your horizons and allow God to do "a new thing" You will never know whats on the other side of the door until you walk through it! That is the greater calling my friend!
Go after a dream that is destined to fail without DIVINE intervention. God knows a girl like me needs Divine intervention.
By His Grace,
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Women Serving in the Church
August 17, 2010 Reading
Today is opening day for a movie called Nanny Mcphee. I am excited to see this movie with my kids. Nanny Mcphee is not the prettiest thing, but she comes packaged with her unique personality and gifts. She comes to aide and serve a struggling young mother, Mrs Green. The movie portrays much of today's realities of a broken world. The mother is trying to manage her family farm while her husband is away at war. Her kids are out of control and Mom is just plain TIRED! Nanny Mcphee uses her fun skills and uniqueness to teach lessons of cooperation to the children. She loves on them and serves the family sacrificially and with much humor.
Today as I was reading Romans 16, a woman named Phoebe was mentioned. Phoebe was a significant servant in the church of Cencherea. She helped, protected, looked after and provided for many. Phoebe's name in Greek means radiant and pure!
Women had a VERY important part in the ministry of Paul. As we find in many verses throughout Romans 16. Paul specifically mentions Phoebe and speaks highly of her and her strong leadership in the church. He introduces her to other Christians as "sister," "servant," "saint," and "helper." Paul valued her as a radiant light for Jesus.
We as women need the fellowship of Godly women to encourage us into Gods great purposes. Women have the opportunity to help other women struggling with their daily lives. God has a significant purpose for you in His church. I personally encourage you to step out and go to a women's meeting, bible study or other opportunity in your church. God never created you to stay on your personal island. Each women is hand picked by God, situated in Christ's body just as He desires. God will select the perfect place for you appropriate to your talents and gifts. We all go through experiences in life, your story is important! God will put the exact woman in your pathway that needs your aid and help. Many difficult areas of my life have been used to draw other women to the heart of God. If a woman feels inadequate for the ministry task the Lord reveals to her, she needs to only remember Jesus' words, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor 12:9).
Jesus' life began with a woman named Mary and ended at His resurrection with a woman at the tomb. The bible recalls several significant women in the new testament and Paul affirms them by name. Friend, you are significant too! Allow God to establish you according to His ways, He has a story to tell through your life. How are you allowing God to use you today?
Blessings,
Today is opening day for a movie called Nanny Mcphee. I am excited to see this movie with my kids. Nanny Mcphee is not the prettiest thing, but she comes packaged with her unique personality and gifts. She comes to aide and serve a struggling young mother, Mrs Green. The movie portrays much of today's realities of a broken world. The mother is trying to manage her family farm while her husband is away at war. Her kids are out of control and Mom is just plain TIRED! Nanny Mcphee uses her fun skills and uniqueness to teach lessons of cooperation to the children. She loves on them and serves the family sacrificially and with much humor.
Today as I was reading Romans 16, a woman named Phoebe was mentioned. Phoebe was a significant servant in the church of Cencherea. She helped, protected, looked after and provided for many. Phoebe's name in Greek means radiant and pure!
Women had a VERY important part in the ministry of Paul. As we find in many verses throughout Romans 16. Paul specifically mentions Phoebe and speaks highly of her and her strong leadership in the church. He introduces her to other Christians as "sister," "servant," "saint," and "helper." Paul valued her as a radiant light for Jesus.
We as women need the fellowship of Godly women to encourage us into Gods great purposes. Women have the opportunity to help other women struggling with their daily lives. God has a significant purpose for you in His church. I personally encourage you to step out and go to a women's meeting, bible study or other opportunity in your church. God never created you to stay on your personal island. Each women is hand picked by God, situated in Christ's body just as He desires. God will select the perfect place for you appropriate to your talents and gifts. We all go through experiences in life, your story is important! God will put the exact woman in your pathway that needs your aid and help. Many difficult areas of my life have been used to draw other women to the heart of God. If a woman feels inadequate for the ministry task the Lord reveals to her, she needs to only remember Jesus' words, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor 12:9).
Jesus' life began with a woman named Mary and ended at His resurrection with a woman at the tomb. The bible recalls several significant women in the new testament and Paul affirms them by name. Friend, you are significant too! Allow God to establish you according to His ways, He has a story to tell through your life. How are you allowing God to use you today?
Blessings,
Monday, August 16, 2010
My Foot Slipped
August 16, 2010 Reading
The morning was beautiful. A rising sun, fresh air and a sweet time chatting with my God. I remember specifically speaking to God about my need for His help this day. I truly need His divine aid daily or I end up dominated by the natural desires and stumble over my own self.
Running along I hit a bump in the road and went flying gracefully (NOT) through the air. As I was flying, I had a vision of scrapped up knees in my pretty new dress. I prepared to fall on my hands. Miraculously, I pulled myself straight back up out of the fall and landed on both feet. I know God helped me on this one folks!
As I was doing my daily reading this morning, I came across Psalm 94:18-19 If I say, "My foot slips," your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.
I could not help to recall my trip on Saturday morning. I know God caught me. He reminded me today that He wants to hold us and lead us in life. He will lead us away from stress and adversity. Trying to be what we are not is wrong. God knows what we are and what are purpose in life is to be. Without, and I stress the word "WITHOUT" seeking His word, we will slip. God is committed to us and will not forsake us as long as we are committed to Him. His love will lead us through each and every trial, so that His will is accomplished. He will catch us as we trip. His mercy and grace pulls us back up.
Friends, I need the accountability of Gods word. He enables me to act properly so my foot will not slip. However, we are not promised a smooth road with no bumbs. We will trip along the way. God is all knowing, understanding our struggles, flesh desires, weaknesses and hurts. He has equipped us individually with the resource of His word. This word speaks specific to our personal road bumps and will help us triumph completely over the falls and anxieties. His word is alive and powerful. God desires us to live a life of a different kind. An extraordinary life will not happen WITHOUT hearing His word.
Do you wish for a more graceful walk in life without tripping over your own obstacles? Remember today that God is working on you daily. He promises to hold us by the hand. His goodness is rich to the faithful.
Psalm 139:10 "Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."
Blessings,
This past Saturday morning I woke early to get in a morning run. We had an afternoon wedding that day and I was excited to get all dressed up in my new dress. I thought if I worked out before I could loose a quick 5lbs or so and look fabulous in no time! Don't you wish it worked like that? Quick results!
The morning was beautiful. A rising sun, fresh air and a sweet time chatting with my God. I remember specifically speaking to God about my need for His help this day. I truly need His divine aid daily or I end up dominated by the natural desires and stumble over my own self.
Running along I hit a bump in the road and went flying gracefully (NOT) through the air. As I was flying, I had a vision of scrapped up knees in my pretty new dress. I prepared to fall on my hands. Miraculously, I pulled myself straight back up out of the fall and landed on both feet. I know God helped me on this one folks!
As I was doing my daily reading this morning, I came across Psalm 94:18-19 If I say, "My foot slips," your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul.
I could not help to recall my trip on Saturday morning. I know God caught me. He reminded me today that He wants to hold us and lead us in life. He will lead us away from stress and adversity. Trying to be what we are not is wrong. God knows what we are and what are purpose in life is to be. Without, and I stress the word "WITHOUT" seeking His word, we will slip. God is committed to us and will not forsake us as long as we are committed to Him. His love will lead us through each and every trial, so that His will is accomplished. He will catch us as we trip. His mercy and grace pulls us back up.
Friends, I need the accountability of Gods word. He enables me to act properly so my foot will not slip. However, we are not promised a smooth road with no bumbs. We will trip along the way. God is all knowing, understanding our struggles, flesh desires, weaknesses and hurts. He has equipped us individually with the resource of His word. This word speaks specific to our personal road bumps and will help us triumph completely over the falls and anxieties. His word is alive and powerful. God desires us to live a life of a different kind. An extraordinary life will not happen WITHOUT hearing His word.
Do you wish for a more graceful walk in life without tripping over your own obstacles? Remember today that God is working on you daily. He promises to hold us by the hand. His goodness is rich to the faithful.
Psalm 139:10 "Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."
Blessings,
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Women Online Reading Daily (WORD)
We would really LOVE for you to take a few minutes to go to the site that we get the daily reading from. Brooke and Claire Darling have spent a great deal of time to make sure women anywhere and everywhere can access the Word easily. You can click on the link "The WORD" below and go to their site, however their site link is always off to the right of the blog here.
August 15, 2010 Reading <-----Click Here
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Sticks and Stones
August 14, 2010 Reading
No one will ever hear me being boastful and saying that I am a perfect example of Christ-likeness. My learning process is forever ongoing and one can only hope that the right path is the one chosen. However, we all know that the right path is not chosen all of the time.
God is quite convincing when it comes to putting the exact people needed in my life at the precise moment they will be needed. When someone is going through a hard time and they are trying to climb out of their valley or "cell" they do not need to be judged or made to feel bad. In fact that is when others that have already felt God's love and mercy should surround them and help them to see what God has in store for them. It is a beautiful thing to see someone grow and flourish in the Lord.
Romans 14:13 says "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.."
Life is hard enough without fellow Christians that have already been down a bumpy path throwing road blocks in the way. It is very easy to judge others and think that your answers or insight is the "correct" ones. Criticism is nothing new to me, it is quite helpful, prayer and bible reading always tells me whether I need to change or continue forward.
Romans 14:4 states, "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand."
Romas 14:22 states, "Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth."
Trying to serve God is hard, the bible is a perfect set of instructions for us to use. Some people do not use it nearly enough, personally I didn't and then my life was turned upside down for awhile. Once I turned back to God, going in the right direction was much easier.
My hopes for you today is that you can use the Word today and apply it to yourself and see if you stand for what you believe in and truly try to abide by it. Of course we all fall short, but giving up is not the answer, keep plugging along. The precious word says "My Grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Remember that God has a huge purpose in mind for all. Let us be reminded through today's word that we should not focus on ourselves but rather others, seeking not to present a stumbling block to their faith. A stumbling block refers to any attitude or action that causes another believer to sin or to become confused about God's character and purpose. Let us be encourager's today!
Trying to be what I believe,
Kari
No one will ever hear me being boastful and saying that I am a perfect example of Christ-likeness. My learning process is forever ongoing and one can only hope that the right path is the one chosen. However, we all know that the right path is not chosen all of the time.
God is quite convincing when it comes to putting the exact people needed in my life at the precise moment they will be needed. When someone is going through a hard time and they are trying to climb out of their valley or "cell" they do not need to be judged or made to feel bad. In fact that is when others that have already felt God's love and mercy should surround them and help them to see what God has in store for them. It is a beautiful thing to see someone grow and flourish in the Lord.
Romans 14:13 says "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.."
Life is hard enough without fellow Christians that have already been down a bumpy path throwing road blocks in the way. It is very easy to judge others and think that your answers or insight is the "correct" ones. Criticism is nothing new to me, it is quite helpful, prayer and bible reading always tells me whether I need to change or continue forward.
Romans 14:4 states, "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand."
Romas 14:22 states, "Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth."
Trying to serve God is hard, the bible is a perfect set of instructions for us to use. Some people do not use it nearly enough, personally I didn't and then my life was turned upside down for awhile. Once I turned back to God, going in the right direction was much easier.
My hopes for you today is that you can use the Word today and apply it to yourself and see if you stand for what you believe in and truly try to abide by it. Of course we all fall short, but giving up is not the answer, keep plugging along. The precious word says "My Grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Remember that God has a huge purpose in mind for all. Let us be reminded through today's word that we should not focus on ourselves but rather others, seeking not to present a stumbling block to their faith. A stumbling block refers to any attitude or action that causes another believer to sin or to become confused about God's character and purpose. Let us be encourager's today!
Trying to be what I believe,
Kari
Friday, August 13, 2010
Forgiven and Set Free
Hi everyone!
My name is Kari and I am friends with Heather, she has been my mentor for a few years now. She found me when I was in my lowest valley and provided much of the light I needed to find my way out of the darkness. God put her in my life to push, no actually shove me in the right direction. I am really hard headed to begin with, after an abundance of bad choices I found myself looking for God in all the wrong places!
By nature, I am a “fixer,” but in my journey I have figured out that I truly must let go and let God, this is hard for me. I struggle everyday with this.
Heather is convinced that I am hilarious and have words that will help someone. I love her to death, I know I would not be here if it was not for her. I do not think being a comedian is what God has in store for me. I could be wrong, I usually am, but I guess you all will have to suffer through while I am finding my path. Heather has asked me to write the devotion on Friday's. God is working something extraordinary in my life right now, just kind of in limbo while waiting for my directions in the mail…probably will be waiting for awhile though.
After reading the scripture for today, God knew this would be the perfect passages for me. These passages talk about my testimony and life. I was released from Oakland County Jail on March 23, 2009. The scriptures in Psalm 88 hit very close to home for me. I truly felt that my soul was full of trouble, certainly felt close to death. In jail it was nothing but emptiness and loneliness even though it is ram packed full of people!
Psalm 88:2-8 “Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry; For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave. I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength: Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand. Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah. Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.”
The book of Romans speaks about adhering to authority and knowing that you must do so in order to be obedient to God. Romans 13:1-2 “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.” I do not like to be told what to do and how to do it. Being in jail brings you to your knees, quick and in a hurry! After my tears, my self pity, and the why me period, realizing that if I can be obedient to the guards in jail like that, why can’t I be obedient to God? The world tries to control us. We do not get that if we turn ourselves over to God, then we would be much happier.
Now don’t get me wrong, life will never be hunky dory, but it can be acceptable and pleasing if we try to be satisfied with what we have and not worry about what we don’t have. I realize that my physical jail was very real and it was not fun, however not everyone is in a physical jail cell. Sometimes we are in a makeshift jail cell that we have created from our own life’s circumstances. Please know my friends, God is standing there waiting for you to call out to Him, he has the keys in his hand to let you out and set you free. It is truly awesome to see how God has changed my life and made things different. I strive to cling to what is good and hope to be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. I was living in shame, guilt, embarrassment, stress, and anxiety for a very long time. Even though I was away from my family for that time, I was forgiven and set free!!! I urge YOU to read the scriptures today and think of your “cell” and then call out to God and ask him to rescue you. He will hear you, He is waiting for YOU!
Forgiven and set free,
Kari Chasen
Kari Chasen
Thursday, August 12, 2010
A New Texting Code: TWF
August 12, 2010 Reading
I have become pretty good at texting these days! The idea of exchanging brief written messages back and forth is not easy for a girl like me. I have too much hot air to expel from my lungs and half the time I feel like I'm going to explode when texting. My kids do not think I am very good at exchanging "short" messages back and forth either but guess what?
NBFAB! (Not Bad for a Beginner).
I have become pretty good at texting these days! The idea of exchanging brief written messages back and forth is not easy for a girl like me. I have too much hot air to expel from my lungs and half the time I feel like I'm going to explode when texting. My kids do not think I am very good at exchanging "short" messages back and forth either but guess what?NBFAB! (Not Bad for a Beginner).
For the longest time when I received ROFL on my phone I thought someone was getting sick and ralphing but they were really (Rolling On The Floor Laughing) Ok, I know its time to LOL (Laugh out Loud). My mother is even a better texter than me. Right mom?
Text messaging has become part of my daily life and I will admit, it is a great way to communicate a quick comment. So I have decided to create a new text code today because I have a quick comment that I would like to emphasize to my children in the middle of their busy lifestyles!
The text code is TWF. Now follow with me and you will discover the code.
The text code is TWF. Now follow with me and you will discover the code.
In today's bible reading, I came across a passage in my bible that I had highlighted in yellow. If something is highlighted in my bible that means I better emphasise this in my life.
Psalm 86:11 states "TEACH me your ways, O Lord; I will WALK in your Truth; Unite my heart to FEAR your name."
This one promise has taught me 3 very important value points. I hope they bring as much value to your family as they do to mine.
So you are probably wondering what that text code means right? TWF is my personal text code to emphasize an important reminder to my three precious children.....Ask God to Teach and direct them, Walk in truth and watch their lifestyle and lastly Fear the Lord with obedience and respect.
I pray for you to claim today's promise Psalm 86:11, ask God to teach you His ways, help you to walk in His truth and lastly open your heart to fear His name.
My new personal contact information will be coming soon. If you need to reach me on a personal level feel free to email me at:
hbaxterhiswow@aol.com
TWF friends,
Psalm 86:11 states "TEACH me your ways, O Lord; I will WALK in your Truth; Unite my heart to FEAR your name."
This one promise has taught me 3 very important value points. I hope they bring as much value to your family as they do to mine.
- TEACH = God will offer us direction and instruction each day free of charge. He will show you wondrous things. But how often do we really ask God daily to teach us His ways?
- WALK= He desires us to walk in truth. This refers to our lifestyle and commitment to the Lord. In Romans 12:9 it shares "CLING to what is good." The book of Romans in the bible was written by Paul to the Christians in Rome. He wanted to instruct them how to live as Christians "CHRIST LIKE". What really grabs my attention in this context is that God used Paul to teach others how to behave. Paul had taken a 180 degree turn from where he had been. He was a Christian basher to Christian champion. When Jesus captured Paul's heart, He got all of him! The same can be true for you. No matter who you have been or what you have done, your christian life can be complete, filled with passion, purpose and power. Do you desire to walk in truth? When you begin to desire you will then cling to what is good. My first prayer was "Lord, just give me desire to walk in truth and an appetite to crave a Christ like life."
- FEAR= Proverbs 19:23 shares "The fear of the Lord leads to life" Fearing the Lord is about reverence and obedience. He does not want us to have a spirit of fear, but a sound mind. We easily become fearful when our marriages are falling apart, homes breaking down, children rebelling, temptation that is hard to overcome, loneliness, loss of loved ones and many others. However, remember my friend, He has wondrous things for your life!
So you are probably wondering what that text code means right? TWF is my personal text code to emphasize an important reminder to my three precious children.....Ask God to Teach and direct them, Walk in truth and watch their lifestyle and lastly Fear the Lord with obedience and respect.
I pray for you to claim today's promise Psalm 86:11, ask God to teach you His ways, help you to walk in His truth and lastly open your heart to fear His name.
My new personal contact information will be coming soon. If you need to reach me on a personal level feel free to email me at:
hbaxterhiswow@aol.com
TWF friends,
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