shadow

Developing Endurance and Maturity

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
James 1:2-4 NLT

In Arizona, under a three acre glass dome, scientists tried to re-construct Earth’s ecosystem. Windless, scientists were quite surprised when trees suddenly started falling over, collapsing under their own weight. These scientists discovered wind actually plays a vital role in a plant’s life. The stress of the wind causes trees to grow what is known as “stress wood,” which helps the tree to complete maturity to live a long, healthy life. (Anupum Pant, “A Role of Wind in a Tree’s Life,” Awesci Science Everyday, accessed February 21, 2017, http://www.awesci.com/the-role-of-wind-in-a-trees-life/)

James commands us to rejoice in trails because they make our faith mature and complete. The disciples witnessed one of Jesus’ coolest miracles when they were in the midst of gale force winds on the Sea of Galilee. Mark 4:35-41 tells us that Jesus rebuked the wind and waves commanding them to “Be still!”. The disciples were witnesses to the wind and waves obeying Jesus! Just as Jesus has power over the wind and waves, so too He has power over any storm in your life.

Living life in a protective bubble might sound ideal, but I submit to you we would miss some of God’s mightiest works in our lives if we did live in a bubble. With this in mind, I encourage you to trust and praise Him in your storms of life. He is faithful.

Noree Wegmeyer

 

Photo Credit: Image courtesy of http://www.freeimages.com/photo/tree-1547504

Taking Charge of Your Day

“This is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it!”
Psalm 118:24

“BEEP-BEEP-BEEP”  As I reach over groggily to turn my alarm clock off, I say in a half-awake whisper, “this is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.” After my bare feet pad their way over to the bathroom sink so I can throw water on my face to help me wake up, I say more confidently with a smile on my face, “this is the day the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.” As my baby lays on the changing table after waking up I sing to him, “This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it…”.

Why this morning mantra you ask? The Bible describes our mind as a battlefield (Romans 7:23). As believers we have the Holy Spirit living inside us wanting to transform us through the renewal of our minds (Romans 12:2). Unfortunately there is also a very real enemy out there who is described as the father of lies (John 8:44). He takes great pleasure in trying to make us succumb to the doubt, discouragement and deceit he whispers in our ears.

The Bible places great emphasis on godly knowledge and wisdom. And because I have the knowledge that my mind is a battlefield, I wisely choose to start my day primed for victory! Instead of waking up and dejectedly thinking about how many more hours of sleep your body is craving, or how many household chores await your presence, or how you can keep your little ones entertained at the hospital while their older sibling gets a check-up, I encourage you to instead begin your day rejoicing in the Lord and telling yourself that whatever God requires of you today (and everyday), you can do all things (rejoicing) through Him who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13).

Noree Wegmeyer

 

photo credit: http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/asura-45946

Rejoicing In ALL Things – Even Cracked Eggs and Spilled Milk!

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 NASB

beth_messTake a good look at today’s picture and see if you can tell what it is. It is a for real picture I recently received via text from my daughter Bethany. There’s close to a gallon of milk and two dozen eggs on the floor because the grocery bag ripped seconds before making it to the kitchen counter. What a mess!

Bethany’s morning had not gone well. She woke up sleep deprived due to her little girls not sleeping well during the night. The cupboards were bare so it was off to the store. Once there, she discovered she had left her grocery list at home. I had been receiving texts on and off from her all morning. Then came the picture of the fiasco. Our text conversation follows:

Bethany: Jesus take me home. Out of 2 dozen eggs only 5 survived.

Me:  What happened?

Bethany: The paper bag said, “Nope! Not today!” I was inches away from the counter. (frown face)

Me: Even if they are cracked you could still use them. At least soon or in baking.

Bethany: There were no cracks. They were all exploded except for five.

Can any of you relate??? If you have kids, I know you can. I hate to admit it, but I did chuckle a bit. Memories flooded my mind of similar days when raising my four children.

Now take a look at today’s Scripture verse. Rejoice . . . ALWAYS! Is that really possible? I’ll admit I fall short of that command at times. However, if you read the verse in its context, you’ll discover helps that make it easier to rejoice in the tough times. In verses 6-9, we’re encouraged to not be anxious, to lift our requests to God with thanksgiving, to dwell on the good things, and to practice the teachings of God taught to us by our spiritual leaders.

Next time you find your day not going as planned, stop and rejoice in the Lord. Give it to Him and let His peace fill you. I’m proud to say that my daughter chose to rejoice in the Lord even with milk and eggs all over the floor. Her last text said, “I made chocolate chip cookies to make the day better and praised God when they came out good!”

[Digging deeper – Ephesians 5:20. Philippians 4:4-9. 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 18]

Ever rejoicing,

Beverly <><