I Need The Every Hour (Selah, 2004)

Since having my second child, I'm faced more and more each day with the reality of how inadequate I am as a parent. Without God's grace and guidance, these poor kids would probably be in a world of trouble. Some days I'm sleep deprived, anxious, irritable, and fatigued. Saying I'm not my best would be an understatement.

When I think about how often I call on the name of the Lord throughout each day, it makes me smile. Part of me is amused at how I must sound to God like my two year old sounds to me sometimes. Another part of me smiles because I know the Lord is using this time to show me how much I need him...and I surely need him!!

Proverbs 3:5-8 reminds me to trust in the LORD with all my heart and do not lean on my own understanding. In all my ways acknowledge Him, and He will make my paths straight. I must not be wise in my own eyes but must fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to my body and refreshment to my bones. I used to think of this scripture only in regards to fleeing sin. But, today, it speaks to me of my need to rely on the Lord's guidance in everyday living--even things like parenting and mundane monotonous housework.

I've learned to not think my schedule and plans for the day are written in stone. Been there, done that, and it often ends in my having a meltdown when things don't go my way. But, as I seek the Lord and ask His direction for each day, He makes my path straight and leads me to what He ordained for me. Learning to rely on Him has been so freeing. It's truly been healing to my body and refreshment to my bones!! It takes the pressure off me and puts it in the hands of the ONLY one who can handle it: My Lord. He knows what's best for me and these precious babies entrusted into my care. So, I am trusting His direction instead of my own!

Steady On (Point of Grace, 2002)

Okay, so I've never professed to be the most decisive of people. That's my disclaimer for today since I'm going to deviate from Philippians 4. Instead, I want to look at Philippians 3:13-14.

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind me, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

I've heard many a sermon and spoken with so many that see "those things behind" as all the sinful acts from which we've been redeemed once we repent. I definitely see that in these verses. But, today, the Lord reminded me of some other aspects of "those things which are behind."

Let's admit it, sometimes, sin feels good to our flesh. So, there are times Satan tries to use those past things to not make us feel guilty, but to make us feel good. I can recall instances in life when he's tried to remind me of how good it felt to sin in my anger, act like a glutton, gossip, or engage in immoral behavior. But, when I line that up with God's Word and think about the life I have in Jesus Christ, I know those things that once felt good to my flesh were grief to my spirit. Though they felt good for a moment, the end was death. Death of a relationship, my kindness, integrity...the list goes on and on. So, thank the Lord that He gives me perspective when Satan tries to remind me of those sinfully fun things of my past.

Also, sometimes, there are things in my past that were God glorifying great works. That's good, right? Sure it is...but not if I dwell on them to excuse myself from what God is calling me to complete today. At times, the enemy uses those things to try and increase apathy in me. I find myself thinking: "Well Lord, I spent all day praying and worshipping you yesterday. It's not that crucial if I don't put you first today." Even if I felt the Lord nudging me towards a particular act of worship or service, I'm sad to admit that I've been guilty of thinking: "But, I did _____. Why can't someone else do that?" But, God calls me from glory to glory to glory, not to rest on the good works of yesterday.

So today, the Lord is reminding me to forget those things in my past that would hinder me in anyway: Forget those sinful acts that Satan would use to make me feel defeated; forget those sins that Satan lies and tells me were just for fun; and forget the "great" things that I think I've done for the Lord. Instead, continue on to the works He's calling me to complete today. Everyday of this Christian walk, I'm given new grace, new power, and new blessings! So, I'm going to forget the old and press on toward the prize of my high calling!

Again I Say Rejoice (Israel Houghton & New Breed, 2004)

Philippians 4 is among my favorite chapters in the Bible. It's a perfect model for walking in contentment. Today, I find myself in great need of a reminder. For, as Sassy draws near to her due date, she's kind of hating the world. Although, I'm not ornery or moody--as my actions do not define me, Christ does--I sure am behaving that way lately. So, today, I need a reminder in dieing to this flesh of mine.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:4-7)

I used to believe the peace of God was automatic. However, reading these verses reminds me that it requires active participation on my part. To tap into that peace, my focus must lie in the correct place. That place is not only in the Lord, but rejoicing in Him--remember who He is, what He's done, how He loves me--and rejoicing in that. Just imagine. If we spent our days with that focus, there wouldn't much time to fall into the ornery pattern I've been in lately. With that focus, I'm enabled to better practice gentleness and grace because I recognize that the Lord does the same with me. Thank you Jesus!

Join Sassy in practicing verses 4 and 5 today. We'll delve into the others as the week progresses. But for today, the challenge of turning my focus from myself to my Lord and others, is more than enough!

Out of Sight (Jennifer Lopez, George Clooney, 1998)

Then the LORD answered me and said, write the vision. And inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.

I sat in a financial stewardship Bible study class recently. During the course, a student mentioned the above scripture from Hab. 2. He made the point that this scripture can apply to budgeting our money. His point was that we need to write down our financial plans and diligently work toward them. Do not be discouraged if it takes time. Keep working toward your vision and it will one day come to pass. His point struck me so profoundly. I'd never considered how that scripture could apply to my attempts to get out of debt!

Then, I realized, it can apply to so much more in life. No matter what your goal is, if it's something that God would desire for you, it will come to pass. Even if it tarries, just keep working and waiting. It will certainly come and not delay.

Whatever the vision: Weight loss, debt reduction, dropping a bad habit, earning a degree...write it down; work towards it; do not give up; do not faint. Even if you can't see it, the Lord will accomplish it in your life!

The Heartbreak Kid (Charles Grobin, 1973)

During the Christmas season, I typically attend a local production that features the life of Christ: His birth, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection. As odd as it sounds, today, the crucifixion held special comfort for me. Viewing (a watered down version of) it reminded that not only did Jesus take my sins to the cross, He also took my pains. Every hurt that I endure, He's already handled.

I have a sweet sweet friend who recently experienced a terrible loss. It's a type of grief with which Sassy is personally acquainted. So, I have been contemplating the grief and loss she must feel. But, just as there was for me, there is a balm for her pain--and it's found in the cross.

As I watched the play today, I was reminded of how true it is that God's grace is sufficient for me and His power is made perfect in my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). So, when the hard times come, I cast all my cares on Him because truly He cares for me (I Peter 5:7).

One day, my God will wipe every tear from our eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for that order of things will pass away (Rev 2:14). Until then, I find comfort in knowing that The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18).