prepare for the storm

The past few days have brought us a lot of thunderstorms, including a nearby tornado. Yesterday morning after a particularly rough overnight storm, we found a large tree branch in the back yard. We really don't know where it came from. It was blown in. Storms come in the natural world. We have no control over when they come. All we can do is be prepared and seek safety. My husband prepares for storms and emergencies. He has an emergency backpack of supplies and makes sure it is always ready even when there are no storms in the area.  He stays prepared. We know we will have some basic supplies if we ever need them.

Spiritually, we also have storms that arise. We cannot control them, but we can be prepared spiritually to face the storms. We need to be ready even when there is no storm, when all seems right and in our favor.  We still need to be on watch and ready to face a storm. Storms come when we least expect them.
We need to be be on guard and prepared to face situations that may seem to flood over us and overwhelm our soul. We are going to face trials and storms. In this life, we are guaranteed troubles. These struggles come as part of life, but we do not have to be spiritually blindsided. We can be prepared.

Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:6 KJV

When we keep ourselves in a position of drawing closer to God with prayer, study and relationship, we are keeping ourselves in a state of readiness. We will know that in a moment's notice,  we can call on our heavenly Father as a storm begins to brew and blow in our lives. God is ready to hear our prayer and will stand up for us.

So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.
Isaiah 59:19 KJV

We know we can run to Him and find safety, protection and strength to face any storm that comes our way.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10 KJV

His Word is full of promises for us to find strength and in which we can take refuge. We can trust Him through every storm and trial because we have prepared ourselves even when life seemed good and free of struggle. We cannot always lean back and coast along.  We must spend some time in preparation for rough times.
I recall scenes of people boarding up windows and packing sandbags when hurricanes were being predicted to hit coastal areas. They were preparing days in advance. They did not wait till the hurricane was already blowing and flooding their homes and businesses. They were preparing. This did not divert the storm, nor did it keep the storm from causing great struggle and difficulty, but in many cases, it helped them endure and maintain a standing structure.

We will not be able to stand through some of our storms without preparation. We are not strong enough on our own. We need God to bear us up. We need Godly brothers and sisters standing with us in prayer and in faith. We need God and God alone to get through some of the rough storms that blow our way.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 15:13 KJV

We can place our hope in Jesus and know that He will be our peace and our safety to go through every storm and trial. We can build this faith and hope during the good times and the blessings so we can still be standing as the storm blows and brings with it the struggle.
We may need to rebuild some and make a few repairs, but we will know that God carried us through and we are still able to stand and say that He is our strong tower. We will still be praising because He gave us strength. We will still know that He is God  and we have peace in the midst of any storm.  We can prepare to face what comes our way when we have God as our place of refuge and strength. Are you ready to face the storm?

a strong woman is...

For my daughter:
As a mother of a daughter who is growing up very quickly, I am becoming very aware of what type of woman I hope she becomes. There has been a lot of media attention placed on the idea that women need to be strong. There are a lot of images being pushed and concepts portraying women who appear strong according to the current idea of what a strong woman should be. In today's media, a strong woman is independent, on her own, doesn't need a man, decides her own fate, and declares her ambition and self-pride in the face of any who dare question her. I see young girls following after the pattern of those in media telling us to be proud and loud, to be our own person who needs no one.

I dare say, I do not believe this is what a strong woman is or should be.  I grew up with many women  role models whom I always view as strong and amazing.  I grew up hoping to emulate these strong women. They were not famous. They were not on television, in politics, or in books. They were ordinary women living what most would call ordinary lives.  They were my grandmothers, aunts, and women in my church family. They were wives and mothers. They were followers of Jesus Christ.  They were beautiful, hard working, and strong. They were needed and also relied on others as they partnered with husbands and others to make sure things were accomplished. Most of all, they trusted God.

While society in general has misconstrued the value of being a wife and mother, these women in my life have lived out what it means to be a valuable wife and  mother. They fought hard to feed their children, make a home, and support their husbands. They were valued and important. They understood that as a wife, they were a partner with their spouse. They worked together with their husbands to make a good life, to raise their children to be a good part of society, and demonstrated great faith along the way.  I grew up watching these women and hearing their stories of overcoming great obstacles and struggles. I watched my maternal grandmother carry on after the loss of my grandfather as she still had her younger children to take care of. She worked hard, she raised a garden and canned food  to make sure her children never went hungry. She started off every morning early with her Bible and prayer and a very clean house.  I watched my paternal grandmother suffer the loss of two of her daughters. She never once gave in to anger or self pity. She, instead, clung to Jesus and faith that He was carrying them through it all. I remember stories told of how prayer and faith was answered with miracles. A dear woman I grew up admiring told of how she and her husband woke up to find their baby dead. They prayed and he came back to life. She told of how when they had no food, she prayed and God supplied.  I heard of travels and moving across the country with small children and perils faced from my grandmother and great aunt. I watched my own mother, day in and day out, care for us and many others. As a pastor's  wife, she had a lot on her plate, but she did not give up. She fought for others, prayed hard, worked hard and made a difference to many people.  I admired the courage and faith of my mother in law as she laid her husband to rest. These women imparted wisdom to their children, equipped them to live successful lives, and lived out their faith unabashedly. They were and are Biblically strong women. I have many women in my life right now whom carry on day to day as strong wives and mothers.  Not at all what media would consider as the example they want to advertise.

I go to Proverbs chapter 31. There is a description of  a truly strong woman.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.  She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.  She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.  She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.  She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.  She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.  She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.  She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.  She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.  Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.  She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.  Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.  She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.  She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.  Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.  Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.  Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord , she shall be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
Proverbs 31:10‭-‬31 KJV

This woman is described as wise, hardworking, shrewd in business, a homemaker, and highly regarded by both her husband and children. She is an example of faith and praised by her husband and children.  She has earned this praise because of her strength of character and great care of her responsibilities.  She has worked day in and day out to make sure her family and home were cared for and excelled at her endeavors in and out of the home. None of this was about about self, but it was selfless and sacrificial. She gave of herself  for her family. Yet, she is highly valuable, of a price far above rubies.
The role of wife and mother is respected and valued by God as it is described here in Proverbs. She is greatly valued.

Society has taken away the value of the role of a wife and mother. We are told that we must choose between  being a wife and mother and being successful in society. We are told these roles are weak and worthless by media.

The Bible description is the opposite of the societal description of a strong woman.  Not once, did I ever see these women as less than equal or less than strong. They were partners with their spouses, spoke their mind, gave valuable input, and were respected and loved. They were and are my superheroes.  They are my living examples of what a strong woman should be.

I aspire to live a life as equally powerful and strong. I want my daughter to see a woman who is a wife and mother who lives a life full of faith. I want her to know she will be valuable in those roles as well as any career she may choose to pursue. She can stand in faith and live a life that portrays Jesus to her own children someday. I want her to know that strong women do not need to shout about how strong they are in the faces of all she meets. She will be praised by her children and husband.  She will be blessed because of the work she puts into her family and daily life. Her daily persistence and faithfulness will speak volumes of her worth.  I pray she sees how strong of a woman she can be when she leans on Jesus  and His Word. I pray that I can be an example of a strong Godly woman she will want to emulate. I pray she fulfills the description in Proverbs 31. May she see all the ordinary women around her and understand the strength they carry within them.

May all women be valued for they are precious in God's eyes. They are designed and given great purpose. They are to be partners and mothers. They are to be providers and keepers of hearts and homes. They are to be consistent and enduring. They are to be wise and faithful. May we attain this kind of strength knowing there are young girls in need of Godly examples of what it really means to be strong. May we seek to attain true strength.

the burden and blessing of example

During a worship service, as a member of the worship team, I get the privilege of being able to see a lot of what people in the sanctuary do during worship. The other night, as the pastor had called up some folks who needed special prayer, I watched one of our 4 year old little girls on the front row.  As people were being touched and moved by the presence of God at the altar, she was watching intently, raising her hands, praying in her own way. She was responding to the presence of God. She was taking in what she was seeing. She was learning from what she could see happening at that altar.  She was seeing examples of faith right before her and learning from them. I have also sat in Sunday school with the little ones and had another 4 year old little girl tell me about how mommy says bad words that only grownups can say and not little kids. She had a few more things to say. Her example at home is not consistent with what she is being told. She sees an example that does not glorify God in word.  What will she follow when she grows up.

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation(conduct-NIV), in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12-14 The Message (MSG)
11-14 Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.

As a Christian, we are called to be examples in several areas of our lives. We are called to live our faith before others so we can inspire them to also live a life pleasing to God.

Paul instructed Timothy to be an example in several areas:

-word    -the things we say, they are life and death, they betray or reveal our heart
               Psalm 19:14
                Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight,   
                O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

-conversation/conduct- our conduct, actions reveal our walk with God
1 Samuel 2:3
             Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for
             the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

-charity –our love of others reflects the love God has for them
1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

-spirit- walk in the Spirit, spirit of God, not our own spirit, (faith and spirit combined in some versions), this may also be your attitude and demeanor
Galatians 5:16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

-faith –faith is what we believe, and how we respond to what we believe
Philemon 1:6
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

-purity –this is the reflection of choosing what is right. Of allowing even our private thoughts and private life to reflect God’s holiness and purity-his cleansing that has been done and is being done in us.
Proverbs 20:11
Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

Each of these areas need to reflect Christ working in us. Or words and conduct need to reflect the love and Spirit of God. Our faith should be revealed by how we react in every moment. Purity should be upheld in and made clear even in the private moments no one else may see. Those private moments alone are often revealed as God knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts. The thoughts in our hearts are what come out of of our mouths and become our actions. Our example must he consistent regardless of our location or who is or isn't around.

We are also called to be separate from the world. We are to live a life that is different and set apart for the display of God working in our lives. In 2 Corinthians chapter 6 Paul explains that we are a temple of the Living God. We are to be set apart for His Spirit to operate and dwell in us.

16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

We should be a different kind of person. We should stand out, We may not fit in. We should not fit in with the sin around us.

Why is our example so important? I recently read that young people are leaving churches because they are not seeing faith lived out in their homes.  They aren’t seeing their parents live what they say they believe. The faith talked about on Sunday morning  is not evident in the lives of the parents and others they see. What children see and hear in the home is more important than anything else when it comes to raising a child to have faith and relationship with Jesus.  If those telling them about Jesus, aren’t living a life that reflects Him, they are losing that child. Many leave the church or see no need because there is no difference between a Christian or a sinner.The ‘Do as I say not as I do” – attitude has become accepted. We cannot tell a child or any one else to live a certain way and not be an example. We need to show them what faith in God can do.

Complacency in our daily walk has become the norm and we accept a lot to things we should not. We do a lot of things we should not and forget to do things we should be doing for the Kingdom of God.

The definition of complacency means a feeling of contentment or self-satisfaction, often combined with a lack of awareness of pending trouble or controversy.

Effects of complacency are little things creeping in and  no longer alert or alarm us. We allow sinful habits and slowly we move away from God rather than toward Him. Amos warned Israel of this.

Amos 6:1.4-7 NIV
Woe to you who are complacent in Zion,
    and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria,
you notable men of the foremost nation,
    to whom the people of Israel come!
 You lie on beds adorned with ivory
    and lounge on your couches.
You dine on choice lambs
    and fattened calves.
5 You strum away on your harps like David
    and improvise on musical instruments.
6 You drink wine by the bowlful
    and use the finest lotions,
    but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph.

Spiritually Complacent has been shown in research. Barna Research reports that since ’91, Americans have become more spiritually complacent. 40% of born again Christians do not attend church or read the Bible in a typical week, 30% are not "absolutely committed to the Christian faith" and 70% are not involved in a small group that meets for spiritual purposes. The percent-age of adults who can be classified as "born again" rose from 35% in ‘91 to 41% in ‘01. However, participation in 4 key behaviors declined; Bible reading (down from 45% to 37%); church attendance (from 49% to 42%); volunteering at church (from 27% to 20%); and adult Sunday school attendance (from 23% to 19%). (Barna Online 3/5/01)

The Church, the people of God, need to realize that it is time to rise up and fulfill the walk that God has called us to: to be an example, a light set on a hill, a holy priesthood. Not only when we go to the church building, but in our daily routines, activities, interactions, work places and especially in our homes.

The Psalmist said Let the word of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable.
Psalm 19: 7-14
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

I want to be an example that will attract people to Christ, not turn them off or run them off. I want my life to stand as a walking testimony of God's love and faithfulness. I want people to see what God can do by how I live in faith, love and deed.

Matthew 5:13-18
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Our example is seen by those around us. What are they going to see in us that will attract them to Christ?  I hope they see a working of faith that does not fall in the face of adversity. I hope they see a growing example of patience and love that gives Grace and mercy when it is not earned.  I hope they feel love and hope when I am around. I hope the feel the drawing of the presence of God that calls us to  a place of repentance and earnest living for God. I do not want to be an example of complacency and sin that is hidden behind closed doors. One of the greatest testimonies of a pastor that passed  is when his daughter spoke of him and said that the man you saw in church was the same man they saw at home every day. I want my children to say that of me.  I don’t want to appear one way at church and then be completely different in my home. I want my children to see me live what I say and profess about God. I want my daily life to reflect the promises of God. I want to be example that draws men to God not drive them away.

Hebrews 4:11
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

I pray we can live as examples to this world that will show the love of Christ. I pray we take seriously that our example is our testimony of who God is to those around us. Our choices, words, and actions reflect Christ Jesus and what He can do. If we choose not to reflect him in our private actions and in our daily loves, we are failing to give others a true picture God in action. We are to reflect Christ in a way that will make others want Him, not push them away. What we say and do has great influence on those around us.  They need to see God working in us to really understand what He can do for them. We are called to  be an example. This may seem like a weighty burden. We become responsible for our actions and words. We are to bear responsibility. But, this is also a blessing.  We can be blessed as our example grows and we see souls attracted to Christ through our influence. We can be blessed as we can mentor and help guide others to live for Christ. We can continue to grow in wisdom and knowledge of who God is as we lead others. We can be a positive influence as long as we guard our testimony and example as precious and important. May we balance the burden with the blessing of example. May we lead them into the deep of serving God wholeheartedly with no reservations.