by his grace, through his word, for our joy, to his glory.
What if my goal — my “one word” — for 2019 were to go “lower?” To addict myself (as Spurgeon puts it) to tasks that most resemble a foot-washing Savior? To research, seek out, and strive for avenues of service that are the most menial and least noticed?
What would the holy work of “lower” look like in my life? Where can I serve in secret so that the work of my right hand is obscured from my left one? How can I go lower in 2019?
Motherhood puts my people-pleasing-talents to the test. Melting back into the couch cushions, knees to my chest, I pray to turn this burden over to the Lord. It’s hard to be a people-pleaser who can’t keep up the pace.
For one thing, I have two little children who’ve taken to heart the words of the old song: “Make all my wants and wishes known.” There’s no way one tired mama can (or should) fulfill all their wants and wishes. And yet, I end each day feeling the weight of not being enough for them.
…
“Do you ever feel like you’re not doing enough for God? Do you ever feel guilty, like you should be working harder for him?”
Many of the ladies in my Sunday School class nodded in response to the questions. Our teacher had struck a chord that resonated with us.
We were studying 2 Samuel, and in chapter 7 we read how David had a plan to do something wonderful for God. He would build God a house. David’s desire to do this work for God flowed out of his love and worship for God….
My favorite time of day is my morning “quiet time.” It used to not always be that way, so I don’t tell you how this is a special time in order to lay one.more.burden on a fellow Christian’s shoulders, but, like a hungry pilgrim who has found a loaf of tasty bread, to invite you, too, to seek to enjoy a time of daily “devotions” in ways that you might not have before considered.…
Cup of hot coffee in hand, I sat in my usual spot at the kitchen counter, positioned to watch the sun rise through an East-facing window. I have been following this Bible reading plan this year, and on this particular morning I opened my Bible to 2 Chronicles.
As often happens, I caught myself reading quickly to “knock out” my Old Testament reading for the day. Although I know that every page of the Old Testament points to Christ, it’s tempting for me to gloss over the words in 2 Chronicles as history that I’ve read before, not expecting to see my Savior and understand the Gospel on these pages….
Do you ever feel overwhelmed when you try to read the Old Testament? Do you wonder whether or not it is even important for us to read it?
The New Testament teaches us that the Old Testament is indispensable and relevant for Christians! Here are 6 reasons why we should embrace reading the Old Testament:…
