Are You One of Them?

Posted on March 31, 2013 by 4Seasons2013

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering”—Romans 8:1-2 (NIV).

Hypocrites. Sinners. They warm the church pews each Sunday. They’re not perfect, just forgiven. I’m one of them. I’m not where I want to be, but by God’s grace, I’m not where I used to be.

According to the “World English Dictionary,” the word hypocrite has its origins from the Old French “ipocrite,” via Late Latin, from Greek “hupokrites,” or one who plays a part, a person who pretends to be what he is not. Yes, there are hypocrites in the church, people who play a role, who pretend to know Christ.

Before I came to know Jesus as my personal Savior, my identity was linked to the expectations of others. In the past, if someone had asked me, “Who are you?” I would have defined myself by my career. I might have also replied that I was someone’s daughter or the mother of two sons. My identity was wrapped up in the roles I played, the positions I held and the awards I received. I was in my late 40s before I found freedom to be who God created me to be in Him.

Since rededicating my life to the Lord, in 2001, I have strived to live a life of intention, a purposeful life of discovering who I am in Christ. To accomplish this, one must do as Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3: “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

Today, as in Jesus’ day, people still have a hard time grasping this eternal truth. We all have sinned and fall short of everything God intends us to be. None of us is perfect but “by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (Hebrews 10:14).

We’re not there yet. However, in spite of our imperfections, we strive to be faithful.

Jesus was faithful to death. Remember Good Friday?  A gruesome death. A perfect sacrifice. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

When the Unknown Soldier was buried in Arlington, he was given the Congressional Medal of Honor and other decorations. However, when our Savior was laid to rest, he knew no pomp and ceremony. His only honor came from His Father who caused the earth to shake, the midday sun to become shrouded in darkness and who opened graves to let the dead walk.  A Roman centurion said, “Truly this man was the Son of God.”

However, it didn’t end with His death. Easter Sunday is coming. Have you accepted His perfect plan?

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He’s Doing a New Thing

Posted on January 14, 2013 by 4Seasons2013

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19 (NIV).

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? How many are you still keeping? I don’t want to sound negative but I realize the odds are usually against most of us achieving our resolutions.

According to an article in the “Journal of Clinical Psychology,” only 45 percent of us make resolutions. Can you guess how many people are successful? The journal article says that only eight percent of those making resolutions achieve their goals. The top-rated resolutions, related to self-improvement, education, weight, finances or relationships, was no surprise to me. However, the percentage of those who make and achieve goals did.

Part of making New Year’s resolutions involves evaluating the past year to see if there are things we could do better or attitudes we need to change. I have to admit I don’t make New Year’s resolutions anymore, even though I know I need to improve in so many areas of my life. I definitely don’t want to dwell on the past, over which I have no control, but I do strive toward one goal—to make my life reflect the character of Christ more each day.

Although I don’t make resolutions, I am a list-maker and I have set two major objectives for 2013, both writing-related. Since my writing is a reflection of who I am in Christ, I know in my spirit that these two goals are leading me to a greater understanding of where He is leading me and what He wants me to do with my life as I continue to grow.

A recent devotional, by Rebecca Barlow Jordan, revealed that she is also a list-maker, not a resolution maker. While reading the Psalms, she says, “I noticed that the Psalmist writer, David, wanted those same things (to make his life a reflection of our Lord Jesus). But his ‘list’ did not smack of self-motivated resolutions, but of affirming commitments. David’s shepherd heart knew the power of trusting in God through all kinds of difficulties. Even in the midst of danger, he determined to choose the right action and attitude. Now as I stand on the threshold of each year and face new choices, I try to adopt some of those same affirmations David wrote about in Psalms: How will I choose to handle adversity? ‘I will bless the Lord at all times’ (Psalm 34:1, NASB). What will I think about? ‘I will meditate on your wonders’ (Psalm 119:27, NASB). How can I make God known? ‘I will tell of your greatness’ (Psalm 145:6, NASB).

The word, “affirmation,” means to declare the truth of something. When we declare the truth of God’s promises, it means trusting that Jesus wants to do a new thing through us, not just at the beginning of a new year, but also at the start of each day. Do you know that Jesus wants to transform your life, one day at a time? Decide today which commitments you will choose to make to Him this year.

I would love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below.

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Discovering the Greatest Gift

Posted on January 7, 2013 by 4Seasons2013

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand”–Psalm 16:11 (NIV).

In his book “Every Day is a Gift,” author Barry Gottlieb says when he was a younger man, “I lived my life with a philosophy of, ‘What’s in it for me?’”

His life, however, changed with two sentences. “You need to get your affairs in order. You have three months, six at the most, to live.” Sitting across from his oncologist that day, Barry says, “Those words shook my world. I thought he must be talking about somebody else.”

Diagnosed with a very rapid, fatal form of cancer, he was told there really wasn’t anything they could do for him. Since he didn’t think he had any options, Barry agreed to try some experimental treatments, which would make him unbelievably ill. A few weeks later, however, Barry received a call from his doctor who was screaming over the phone, “You don’t have cancer! It was a misdiagnosis…a mistake by the lab.”

Can you imagine the roller coaster of emotions Barry experienced? For Barry, however, it changed the way he thought about life. From that day forward, he said, “I made the decision to treat every day as a gift.”

What if, upon awakening, we looked at each day as a gift and decided to take action? Barry offers the following action steps in his book:

  1. Gratitude. Every night before you go to sleep, recite aloud at least 10 things for which you are grateful.
  2. Forgive. Let go of the past. Forgive those who have hurt or angered you. Stop carrying this poison around with you every day.
  3. Love. Be sure to tell those people in your life who mean so much to you that you love them and appreciate them.
  4. Donate. Go through your closets. Anything you haven’t worn or used in the past year, box it or bag it and take it to a place where those who are less fortunate will benefit from your donation. Get your children involved!
  5. Praise. Make time to praise. Look for and recognize the good in others.

I recall a quiz I received via email once. Asked to identify the following, most people can’t give an answer: Name the five wealthiest people in the world or the last five Miss America pageant winners. Name 10 people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize or the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

However, most of us can list a few teachers who aided our journey through school or three friends who have helped us through a difficult time. We can easily name five people who have taught us something worthwhile or who have made us feel appreciated and special.

What lesson can we learn from this quiz? People who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards. They are the ones who care the most.

Share your thoughts with the author below. Please leave a comment.
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Have You Always Believed?

Posted on October 8, 2012 by 4Seasons2013

“Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”—Mark 9:24(NIV)

“Nana, have you always believed in God?” When my seven-year-old grandson asked this question, I didn’t have to reach far into the recesses of my almost 59-year-old memory for the answer. I replied, “Yes.”

I can’t recall a time when I didn’t believe in God. Growing up in southwestern Louisiana, my sister and I walked to a small church a block from our house. I seldom missed church or Sunday school and even earned pins for perfect attendance. However, I was in my late 40s when I became aware of an emptiness inside my soul that I thought nothing could fill. When I finally cried out to God, seeking direction in my life, He answered me. Since that time, almost 11 years ago, I have been on a journey to know Him better, to trust Him more and to share with others what He has done in my life.

Although I drifted away from church during my 20s, and again in my 30s, I returned in my 40s when I realized the importance of corporate worship, spiritual growth and fellowship. However, many have turned away from organized religion and others have rejected God outright, choosing not to believe in a Creator who loves them.

A recently released poll by WIN-Gallup International revealed 13 percent of the world population now identifies themselves as convinced atheists. This number is up from a 2005 poll that cited 4 percent of people as not believing in God. More than 50,000 people from 39 nations were asked, “Irrespective of whether you attend a place of worship or not, would you say you are a religious person, not a religious person, or a convinced atheist?”

I often wonder why people choose not to believe in God. While we can’t see Him, neither can we see the electricity coming into our homes. We flip the switch, expecting the bulbs to illuminate the room. While we can’t just flip a switch and expect to see God, we can see Him at work in our lives, if we only believe.

Mark 9 tells us that Jesus is asked to heal a demon-possessed boy after His disciples fail to do so. Not pleased, Jesus rebukes them for their “little faith.” It was not the first time He had chided the 12 for their lack of faith. He asks the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

The father replies, “From childhood. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

Jesus replies. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately, the boy’s father exclaims, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

When Jesus commands the demons to leave the boy, healing is immediate.

While God has not always answered my prayers, nor answered them instantly, He has brought healing in my life, my family’s lives and the lives of friends. I know my Heavenly Father exists. He is still in the healing business and cares about every aspect of our lives.

Carol loves to hear from her readers at carolaround@yahoo.com.

 

 

 

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What will you do with an extra 24 hours?

Posted on February 29, 2012 by 4Seasons2013

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 is a well-known chapter in the Bible. It is also one of my favorites. Wise King Solomon is the author of this book. When I look at this scripture, I am reminded of how fleeting life really is. As I live more years, I am amazed at how fast each second, minute, hour, day, week, month and year passes.

When we observed Ash Wednesday last week at my church with the  the practice of placing ashes on our foreheads as a sign of repentance to God, we were reminded by out pastor that these ashes were gathered after the palms the children had waved in church on Palm Sunday 2011 had been burned. Hadn’t we just celebrated that day?

Why does time go by slowly when we are younger, anticipating important dates, like getting our driver’s license, high school graduation and so forth? Time seems to crawl.

However, somewhere along the journey, we quit anticipating and looking forward to milestones. Maybe it is because we begin to realize that our time is limited. Maybe it is because we are more aware of what really matters in life. Hopefully, we come to the point where our priorities change and our life slows down enough to spend more time with God and in service to others.

2012 is a Leap Year. It only happens once every four years. What will you do with your extra 24 hours?

 

 

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Everyday Graces

Posted on February 6, 2012 by 4Seasons2013

Sometimes a daily devotional strikes my soul to the very core because I think God knew I needed to read it that particular day. Has that every happened to you? I wanted to share Julie Clinton’s Everyday Graces with you today because too many times, I think we are so busy we forget to notice. Enjoy Julie’s message today. I know I did.

“From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.” John 1:16

Most of the time we refer to the gift of salvation as a gift of grace. But God’s grace also comes in tiny little packages marked “FREE GIFT” inside. Each day God presents gifts of His grace. Most of the time we take them for granted.

Take some time to appreciate some of these gifts:

  • freedom to be real
  • quiet moments
  • walking
  • a friend who listens
  • a sunrise
  • the brilliant colors of spring
  • knowing you’re loved
  • a child’s hug

Start looking at each of these as little dreams come true. God’s dream for us unfolds in thousands of little ways through everyday graces He places in our lives.

Too often we are just too busy to notice. Or, we are so eager to have the big dream come true we forget to watch for little things that are the dream coming true.

Most Christians can trust God for Heaven – Eternity with Him, but we can’t trust Him for everyday life.  Start seeing and living differently…it will turn your life around!

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Ten Questions to Ask at the Start of a New Year

Posted on December 28, 2011 by 4Seasons2013

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage.”  Proverbs 21:5

A new year, for the majority of us, means setting goals or making resolutions. The top resolutions made each year include losing weight, paying off debt and saving more money.

The beginning of a new year is also a good time to seek the presence of our Heavenly Father and His guidance for our lives. I came across these ten questions, posed by writer Don Whitney, and thought I would share them with my readers as the New Year approaches.

  1. What’s one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?
  2. What’s the most humanly impossible thing you will ask God to do this year?
  3. What’s the single most important thing you could do to improve the quality of your family life this year?
  4. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year, and what will you do about it?
  5. What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?
  6. What is the most helpful new way you could strengthen your church?
  7. For whose salvation will you pray most fervently this year?
  8. What’s the most important way you will, by God’s grace, try to make this year different from last year?
  9. What one thing could you do to improve your prayer life this year?
  10. What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in ten years? In eternity?

If you choose one question a day for the next ten days and seriously seek the Lord in prayer to direct your steps in 2012, then share your replies by clicking on the comment link below. Happy New Year!

May you and yours be continually transformed by HIS love!

 

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Setting priorities

Posted on October 25, 2011 by 4Seasons2013

I wanted to share with my readers the following devotional by Julie Clinton, a member of the Extraordinary Woman team.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:31 NIV

What if you were given $86,400, every day for the rest of your life?  What would you do with it? Let’s add one caveat. You have to spend all of it each day! Could you do it? How would you spend it? Tough decision, right?! Guess what—God gives you 86,400 seconds every day… and you spend every one! Every day! How are you using your time?

Most of us are so harried and desperate just to get through another day that we don’t take time to step back and ask ourselves if what we’re doing really matters and if our activities reflect our priorities. Often the two are disconnected, though we may be too busy to see it. However, the Bible says, “For where your treasure is there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Do the things you do reflect eternal treasures? Are you seeking His kingdom with the time you’ve been given? What are you pouring your heart into? Take a personal inventory. Find out where you’re investing your time and if the expenditure reflects your priorities. Be sure to spend your time wisely. You never get it back!

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