Insignificant? Says who?

When was the last time you felt insignificant? Like you wished you were all that to someone else or the most popular and sought after person in the group? We all times when we feel frustrated and unimportant…so I wonder who needs to hear today the words of Psalm 17:8–”Keep me as the apple of your eye” You, sweet sister, are the apple of your maker’s eye–who feels better now?

David wrote those words in the worst of circumstances. he was on the run from Saul (who he had been serving faithfully) he had just been betrayed to Saul by the Zipphites and he was probably feeling like he had no friends, no one really cared about him, everyone liked Saul better, he had no where to turn where someone would have his back—sound familiar??

It happens to us all at some time or another where we get lost in the shuffle of life and feel unimportant–thats when we need to learn from David to go to God and seek Him. You may even feel some type of persecution along with being overlooked or betrayed–if so then read the rest of verse 8 because it says “hide me in the shelter of your wings”. That is a beautiful picture and one that I think we all need to practice. You see, if you are going to be under the shelter of His wings then you have to be pretty close to Him in the first place–you can’t seek shelter under His wings from far away.

When you are struggling don’t give in to the temptation to be the pity party hostess of the year—Draw near to God and be sheltered today, after all you are the apple of His eye and He wants the best for you!

expecting more,
Rachel

WARNING!! Deception is possible…

When was the last time you felt like you had been deceived? I just wrote an article on this subject that was posted on my church’s blog. Check it out here http://longhollowwomen.com/?p=319

Have a great day and be sure to ‘consult with the Lord’ regularly and diligently.
JOYfully,
Rachel

I confess…

Last night I did something I have never done before. Actually I never wanted to or even thought that I would but…I went to the 12:01 premiere of Hunger Games with my 15 yr old. If you know me this is even more strange because you know that I need my sleep and I don’t really even like movies..

Here’s the deal. There are times that I need to step out of my comfort zone and do things I don’t normally do. That was me last night. Why did I stay up till the wee hours and miss out on sleep I obviously need?? it’s like this. My son is 15. He is growing up and rarely asks me to do special things with him. He wanted me to go. Not to just take him with some friends but to go with him. That just doesn’t happen that much and I felt like I had to take advantage of the opportunity that came my way. It was about the experience.

The movie itself was good. I haven’t read the book so I was on pins and needles the whole time. I also couldn’t help but notice how hunger was such a powerful motivator. In that world, people struggled to find enough food and although most of us in this culture have no idea what real physical hunger is like on a daily basis, I can see parallels in my life. Think about it. What we hunger for can dictate the decision we make.

In the movie, hunger and fear of extreme hunger were used as motivation for behavior that was outside the norm. Not to stretch it too much, but I can’t help be challenged with this thought: Do I hunger enough for things of the Lord that I am willing to act outside the norm or outside my comfort zone?? or…have I stuffed myself with things of the world to the point that I actually don’t even have a hunger for spiritual things anymore?

Although nothing can satisfy the spiritual needs we have except Jesus, we can have our appetite for Him dulled when we feed ourselves on everything else.

I can’t seem to get some lines from the movie out of my head so I may revisit it soon. But as I leave this thought, let me share a verse I read today that seems fitting. Moses at the end of his life wrote the words of Psalm 90 and in verse 14 he said “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing fro joy and be glad all our days”. That was a timely read and it makes me convinced even more that we must hunger for the Lord and seek to be satisfied with Him–daily.

Don’t settle. Everything else is a poor substitute. Now it’s off to bed early for me tonight:)
Rachel

Choices…

How many choices/decisions do you make in a day??? probably even more than you think because there are all those ones we make without even thinking about them. You know, like the routine you go through to get ready in the morning. You don’t debate with yourself whether or not you should brush your teeth (unless your a middle school boy) you just make that choice and keep going.

I was reading in Deuteronomy this morning and I keep noticing in this book that God through Moses continues to point out the choices the people have. Life or death, blessing or curses, obedience or disobedience—your choice. I think I am loving Deuteronomy more than ever before because I keep seeing such cool things that challenge or encourage me in it. I love the recaps that Moses does with the people–he reminds them of all the Lord has done for them. (good reminder for us to regularly revisit the activity of God in our lives) and it strengthens their faith.

He also goes over with them, again, the words of the Law (good reminder for us to stay in the Word and know it–daily) Although they had heard it before, they could still choose to ignore it. AND then Moses has this section of the book where he points out the consequences for not choosing obedience. WOW. Those listed consequences are meant to put a little fear of the Lord into the people and this is where I am most intrigued right now. How much do you and I ‘fear the Lord’? Do we really recognize the power of the God we serve? and do we take into consideration the great responsibility we have as His representatives on this earth to lead people to Him (think of it like being good advertisement for Christianity)?

or…have we in our twisted complacency and odd sense of entitlements that we slip into, become a bit blase about our Lord? I know that I have times where I am guilty of taking for granted all that He has done for me, or for missing out on how awesome and fearful He really is. Do we avoid some choices because they are too hard for us? or do we make wrong choices because we know we can get forgiveness later???

I wonder if we need a little wake up call today. A little word from Moses to remind us as we make the choices before us today that He has given us options–life or death, blessings or curses, obedience or disobedience—and the choices we make will have an impact on our effectiveness as Christ followers.

Remember there are consequences to wrong choices. Don’t take grace for granted and know that He is holy therefore we are called to be holy…..and I love the words God gave Moses them to Joshua “Be string and courageous for I am with you”

That my friends is what can give us the strength to make right choices even when they are tough–because we are not alone:)

Today may we honor Him and glorify Him in ALL that we do…
JOYfully,
Rachel

When you’re stuck in a rut….

I recently had the opportunity to share a short video lesson on the issue of being stuck in a rut spiritually (getting me to teach on anything in that short of time was a miracle in itself–i usually can’t even get my name said that quickly) anyway–the wonderful ladies over at Jennifer Rothschild’s site at womensministry.net included my video as their tip of the week this week—here is the link if you’re interested:) Tip of the Week: Video – How to Get Out of a Spiritual Rut http://conta.cc/x3J5fy

There is also a written piece that expands on the subject–help yourself and please let me know if you have any suggestions to add–after all its a subject we all can relate to.

Many blessings to you each this week and sometime soon I will share my garbage can story with you as evidence of the dangers of going through life on autopilot!
JOYfully,
Rachel