Enthusiasm- Overrated or Not?

I recently heard a pastor talk about the value of enthusiasm.  Now I was not in a particularly excitable mood this day and knew that God was using this message to challenge my 'unenthusiastic' disposition of the day. My first thought when I heard the title of the sermon was, "Enthusiasm is highly overrated!"  And then I heard the voice of truth whisper, "It's not overrated - actually, you could stand to be a bit more enthusiastic about a few things in your own life..."  OUCH!  I could feel the sting of God's word attacking my own pessimism and melancholy disposition.

Ephesians 6:7-8 NLT
"Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free."

Romans 12: 9-13 NLT
"Don't just pretend to love others.  Really love them.  Hate what is wrong.  Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.  Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.  Rejoice in our confident hope.  Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.  When God's people are in need, be ready to help them.  Always be eager to practice hospitality."

These two scriptures segments help me to understand that the kind of energy I put forth toward others and my daily tasks is important to God. God doesn't just want my grudging obedience, but my cheerful, willing response to His will.   I prayed that day for God to re-energize my heart toward Him, toward others and toward the daily activities of my life.  To help me find joy and express enthusiasm in my work and play.

His response to my prayer was a loving reminder that enthusiasm is an external expression of an internal resolve to enjoy the process!  Joy is present within me as a fruit of the Holy Spirit, a by-product of living in Christ.  Enthusiasm is simply the overflow of that joyful attitude that God is good and worth the best of me in whatever I do.

The key to being enthusiastic is remembering that life is expended as unto the Lord and not simply unto men.  It means we can enjoy helping others whether they appreciate it or not.  It means we can express delight in our work regardless of the task.  We are not responding to life, but to our God who gives life. We understand that everyday is a gift, an opportunity to please our maker.  It is an expression of our gratitude for His goodness toward us.

Our gratitude is a direct result of our choice to think about what is good more than what is not. Philippians 4:8 ,(NLT) "And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, and right, and pure and lovely and admirable.  Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."  Thinking this way invites the peace of God, and helps us remain thankful.  And in the words of one very blueberry "Veggie Tale" character "A thankful heart is a happy heart!"

Until next time....

Why is it so hard to change?

I heard a relative share once, "living things grow, and growing things change."  Me and my four have experienced change in the most wonderful way over the past several months.  Its so nice to have some time to reflect on how God uses everything to remind us that we are alive!  To help us see the need to grow, and to change us to accommodate it!

Homeschooling is still the 'cheese'. I wouldn't have it any other way!  Its taken a while for our family to find our groove, but all Glory to God- we are moving forward one subject, one student, one day at a time!!

This week I am preparing to reenter the world of travel.  Sharing the great news of God's love to women across the country is a welcome opportunity.  God has accomplished so much in my heart this past year- I am excited about it! A change of heart does not come easily, but the struggle, the heartache, the growth and the joy that results is worth every minute of the process!

So, Why is it so hard to change?...

Why is it so hard to change?  Perhaps it is due to our unwillingness to restructure our thoughts and attitudes toward the people and the purposes of God in our life. Our family, our church, our co-workers and friends.  Lasting victory comes when we consistently re-evaluate our personal perspective and willingly, humbly submit our ideas to God's idea.

Why are we unwilling to give up our thoughts for His?  Perhaps it is a reflection of our pride.  The pride we fail to acknowledge and release.  The pride we cover and ignore in hopes that it will go away.  The pride that constantly allows us to think that our ways, our thoughts are higher and better than the ways and thoughts of our Creator.

Why do we give in to this pride?  Perhaps this weakness is due to our laziness in reading the bible, prayer and contemplation of God's word.  Perhaps we have created an atmosphere around us that is more grievous than gracious to the presence of God.  We allow the chaos of life to be an invitation for pride instead of a motivation to worship.

Why do we forfeit the peace and power of His presence for chaos?  Perhaps we have gone so long, feeding the desires that only find fulfillment in our flesh, rather than receiving the benefits of our righteous standing with God through Christ.

Perhaps its time for us to remember:

• God is for us, not against us!  (Romans 8:31)
• Our flesh can never accommodate our spirit! (Galatians 5:16) 
• Pride is just an excuse and a cover up - your effort to hide that you think you and Satan are actually smarter, more powerful and more effective than God! (Job 38:4-7, Isaiah 45:18, Proverbs 29:23, Proverbs 16:18)
• God is smarter! God is more capable! God has the right answer! (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Feels good to get back in the blogosphere!
Until next post....

Dealing with Details and Distractions...Part 1

This past month has been wonderfully busy!  In my world, busy beats bored any day of the week.  But busy often brings two of its traveling companions to the party that often take the fun out of what caused you to be busy in the first place.  I am speaking of those devilish cousins named details and distractions.  
Now I like to dot my I's and cross my T's as much as the next person (the next person that does not suffer from OCD), but my recent battle overcoming the myriad of distractions and the irrelevant details of certain circumstances have once again pushed me to the prayer room looking for the kind of wisdom that comes from God.

Here are some thoughts on dealing effectively with counterproductive details and distractions:
1) Decide that your perspective will be governed by what is  eternal in nature and not just what is temporary.
If something is important enough to hijack your thoughts write it down and prioritize it based on an eternal perspective of this life.  What do I mean by that? When matching socks becomes more important than instilling character in your children by spending time with them...go for what is eternal in reward and let the socks find their own mates.
Now that you have proper perspective on the task or detail... set aside a time in the future (the next day, later that evening) and give yourself a reasonable limit of time to devote solely to that task at the specific level of detail that tried to assert itself before. (For example...Decide that at 9pm you will spend 25 minutes matching only white or dark socks).
Phillipians 3:19 and Colossians 3:2 help us realize that God wants us to be able to focus our thoughts on things that matter- forever...and for eternity and not allow the mundane and necessary tasks of human life on earth to gain higher priority than Himself and His kingdom.

2) Distractions...Dare to let it go....
So I found that distractions are often only  relevant when I am pushing the limits of boredom and need to effect some kind of change in posture or environment to keep my mind focused.  Sometimes its as simple as saying a verse of scripture out loud.  Sometimes its as aggressive and turning off my cell phone and using the word No with my kids.  Usually whatever I have to do to rid myself of the distraction involves me first resolving internally that everything will be ok if I dont...(whatever the task or accommodation that tempts me).
Mathew 6:25-34 is my go to scripture for undue worry and concern

3) Rally your supporters and keep them within earshot (phone or walking partner...)
Sometimes my biggest support is an specific song
Sometimes its a note that I write in Dry Erase on my mirror
Sometimes I call my sister or a friend and ask for a particular kind of peptalk to help me overcome the fleeting moments of conflict when I have to let a detail or distraction go unaddressed.

I plan to share more on this subject over the next month.  I would love to hear your thoughts, and ideas on overcoming details and distractions.    Post a comment !


Blessings and Grace
Stephanie O.

Don't Forfeit Your Victory!

1 Samuel 4
I was studying this morning the book of 1st Samuel and wow was the Holy Spirit speaking!  I am always amazed at how alive and relevant the scriptures become when we allow the Holy Spirit to speak through them.
In the beginning of 1st Samuel we are introduced to Hannah, Samuel and the sons of Eli.  The story of Hannah is such an encouragement for us to never give up in prayer and seeking the Lord for the desires of our heart, The introduction of Samuel's life gives hope that God always has a plan for our deliverance, but its the story of Eli's sons that jumped at me this morning.  These two boys lived a 'hellious' lifestyle.  Sleeping with women that were submitted to temple service, stealing the choice parts of the offerings that were supposed to be offered to God and threatening those that came to the temple to worship.  They were the ultimate representation of rebellion!  Though their position in life afforded them opportunity to the best that God had to offer ( His presence, His word, His provision)...they refused to receive it according to God's will for their lives.  
By the 4th chapter of Samuel Israel is engaged in a fight against the Philistines and attempting to win without appropriating the presence of God in the midst of their battle.  Of course-  they lose.  It isn't until after this loss that they recognize that something was missing.  The Ark- the power of God's presence with them, the very thing that represented God's desire to be with them was not with them at all.  [How many times do we engage in a conflict or circumstance or difficult conversation without first appropriating and submitting to the presence and word of God concerning the matter?]  So, they send out for the ark and have it brought into the camp.  The people are ecstatic, they send out a great shout because now they feel they have what they need to defeat the enemy.  Here is where the story takes a turn, they are still responding to what The Ark represents more so than WHO it represents.  But the Philistines (their enemies) know better.  They realize that not just a symbol of victory has entered the Israelite camp- but the same God that destroyed the Egyptians on their behalf...and they begin to respond not to the presence of the Ark...but to the power of who it represents.  They take on a more aggressive strategy and eventually steal the ark from the Israelites and kill the two sons of Eli.

What a powerful parallel this story brings to our present day experience.  Could it be that there are instances when the enemy of our souls understands the power that lives in us even more than we do? And could it be that the magnitude of attack/ hardship/ difficulty we experience at times in this life have more to do with his efforts to steal the power of "God with us" from us?  We cant' afford to be like Hophni and Phinehas and pursue a lifestyle that ignores the power of God, and refuses to cultivate and appropriate the presence of God- not if we desire true victory.

Eli and his sons perished, not because the Philistines outsmarted the Israelite military strategy, but because long before the battle- they forfeited their privilege of living in God's presence.  

Be determined to respond fully to the power of God's presence in your life.  Be determined to let the word of God keep your heart from rebellion and defeat!  Embrace the gift that God has given us through Jesus Christ and that is according to....
Luke 10:19- power over every evil work
John 10:10- life abundantly
John 14:6- truth
Luke 4:18- deliverance and freedom from oppression
 And the list could go on.

Blessings and Grace until next time....

Wow, What Worship Can Do!

This week has been challenging physically.  Its been a long time since my husband had to physically help me attend to the basics of my morning routine.  So thankful for a husband that loves me like Christ loves the church.  Hardship has a way of really exposing what is in someone's heart and his heart is wonderful towards me .

I have noticed a peculiar thing though with my physical body's response to the atmosphere of worship.  This morning I began to pray and felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to just put on some music and saturate the atmosphere not just with my confession of healing - but with songs of praise.  What a difference it made!!!
I found my stiffness loosening and my facial expression changing from concentration to move to ease and joy!

I opened my bible to two interesting Psalms and just began to meditate on them until praise just oozed from my heart!  Psalm 61:2-5 reminded me that I have a strength, a rock that is higher than I.  A place to find refuge outside of myself!  How wonderful is that? Knowing that help and protection from the attacks of the enemy are just a 'perspective' change away gives me hope.  Yes, all I have to do is turn my attention, my perspective toward the rock [God] and the magnitude of His offering of help becomes more tangible and clear and brings me HOPE! And when physical symptoms try to invite discouragement or frustration, hope has a way of chasing them off.

Worship feeds hope.  This is what I am experiencing today. Because of my choice to praise, worship and rejoice in the Lord, my hope is renewed and the physical benefit of the joy it brings.  Proverbs 13:12 tells me that "hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing realized is a tree of life"- because of this I know that I can't afford to 'defer' my confidence in what God has promised.

Psalm 71:14- is such a good declaration for this..." As for me, I will always have hope.  I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long,..."

Then second Psalm I turned to this morning was Psalm 65 where I am reminded that God does answer prayer and " Blessed are those you choose and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your [his] house, of your holy temple"  I read this and think, well who does God choose and bring near to live in his courts?  Those that are willing to come, he extended an open invitation through Jesus Christ and all that are willing to draw near to him, He will draw near to them ( See Hebrews 10- I will have to write a post later about drawing near to God.)  God brings near those that seek to come nearer...those that respond to His voice, His invitation to experience His presence.    Boy could I use an overdose of the good things of His house, His temple.  There is no sickness in His temple, no struggle to survive in His court, there is only His presence and my response.  There is only His presence and my response!

How will you respond to the invitation to adjust your perspective and look toward the Father and worship Him?  Music is such a powerful tool to accomplish that.  Take some time today listen to a tune or a song that puts your thoughts back toward Him and reminds you of  His goodness toward you.  Your physical circumstance will be "better for it".

Here is a link to song that helped me get going today:   http://youtu.be/NQW1FFRzSEw

Blessings and Grace....
Stephanie O.

Mustard Seeds and Mulberry Trees...

Luke 17:6    And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and be planted in the sea'; and it would obey you. 

2013 was a tremendous time of trial, learning to walk by faith .  I am so grateful for the miracles that have taken place  in my life and the lives of others.  I hope to share experiences that will encourage your faith and challenge you to live in the simplicity of Trusting God with everything.  These are my  testimonies of mustard seeds and mulberry trees, miraculous potential bursting into reality and demonstrating the glorious nature of our God!!  From saving my life from a fatal instance of  lymphadenopathy (lymph nodes were increased,  enlarged and wrapped around my heart) to reviving a beloved goldfish - God has used every experience in my life to demonstrate His goodness and grace.  I have found that it doesn't take a Goliath measure of  biblical knowledge, insight, understanding or spiritual aptitude to experience the supernatural, peace giving love of God...just a heart that is willing to come to Him.

Now on the subject of seeds and trees, there are two things that have become more clear to me as I progress to total healing:

• How will I respond to the presence of this 'mulberry tree', that stands to block my progress?
• What will I tell the Mulberry Tree (my circumstance that seems larger than my faith)?

First I must rest in my soul and declare the will of God for me directly to my circumstance...I have to speak to the tree!  Speak to the tree... not out of fear that it won't respond, not out of intimidation of the circumstance, but out of a restful trust in my exercise of faith in Christ's authority through me;  this tree cannot ignore my declaration.

Coming to God and resting in His authority and word , taking on His way of dealing with life,  is not an easy task.  I remind myself daily of Matthew 11:28-29 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."  Last year I felt like I had to fight to stay alive, and it turned out He (God) did the fighting for me...so now I finally get it.  I'm going to rest, I am going to let my soul (my mind, will and emotions) rest in what I learn of Christ and His love for me.  What kind of woman would I be- what kind of person would you be if you learned to rest like this?

Now what about moving the tree?  The most of my effort I am challenged to offer is the movement of my lips  and projection of my voice in the exercise of my trust in God-  my faith.  Where will I tell this Mulberry Tree to go?  I was recently reminded of the importance of my confession and never getting so weary or intimidated that I sit down and let the tree/circumstance remain in my way.   I love the scripture that says, " It is written, I believed, therefore I have spoken, Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak." (2 Corinthians 4:13) I think I have been quiet at times because I question whether I have enough faith to produce a response...but then I remember the mustard seed...even a little is more than enough.  I am now speaking to my 'Mulberry Trees' and reminding them that they are not permanent and subject to change with the activation of my faith.  Still growing in this thing - but grateful for God's help in the process-  Enjoying the journey!

Blessings and Grace