Disciplined Women - Overindulgence

In today’s turbulent world, God needs disciplined men and women--soldiers tried, true, and battle-ready! In summary, the plight of modern man is a striving for the road of self-indulgence. The way of least resistance is the goal. Sacrifice, discipline, restraint--these words present “ideas” that are hard to come by in our generation.

Before commencing this series, allow this lesson figuratively, to shape an alliance with individuals who aspire to growing and overcoming those areas in their own lives that they long to have victory in.

Our emphasis is on overindulgence. There is a need for us all to be self-controlled in our eating habits and temperate with our food choices. This article is not a campaign designed to pick on chubby women. The purpose is for us all to link together and learn what being disciplined means and how we can apply it in a practical sense, to a variety of ways in our own lives.

There is character shallowness in our culture and a dire need for disciplined living. The truth is, we are living in an age wired for sound, but the sounds are ominous.

Having decided to run a series on the specific disciplines required to soar in the Christian life and have a profound influence on others, whilst developing personal character; this week, we will focus on weight. Following on from this discipline, we will highlight and expound on a different subject. We will have plenty to chew on (pardon the pun).

“Discipline is what moderns need the most and want the least. Much of our restlessness and instability can be traced to a lack of discipline. Our overflowing asylums, our jails, and hospitals, are but symptoms of an undisciplined age. There may be many secondary causes and there may be many secondary cures, but somewhere behind these is the need for discipline. The kind of discipline needed is far deeper than the rule of alarm clocks and time cards; it embraces self-restraint, courage, perseverance, and resiliency as the inner panoply of the soul” – The Disciplined Life by Richard S. Taylor

Many nervous and emotional disorders are the accumulated result of years of self-indulgent living. A lifelong pattern of running away from difficulties, of avoiding incompatible people, of seeking the easy way, of quitting when the going gets rough, finally shows up in neurotic semi-invalidism and incapacity. Numerous books read, many doctors and preachers consulted, innumerable prayers offered, and religious commitments made; the patient (sufferer) inundated with drugs, advice, costly treatment, and spiritual scourging; yet none lay bare the real cause - a lack of discipline. Moreover, the only real cure is to become a disciplined person.

Notwithstanding, there are those afflicted with nervous and emotional disorders, none of which they hold the very least responsibility. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a pattern of mental and physical defects that can develop in a fetus in association with high levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. We have primary disabilities and we have secondary disabilities.

What was conclusive and what stood out in these extensive tests, were as in any gift and talent, these children and adults improved, and went onto living successful lives, whilst a treatment plan involving a disciplined structure was introduced and applied each day – “Trying different rather than harder,” Dr. D. Malbin

The root cause filtered down through generations of countless cases of ADHD, FAS, and numerous medical research and data on so many hidden disabilities; trace down to a lack of discipline. Inadvertently or not, discipline presents itself as a cause with an effect.

We all struggle with discipline in one or more areas of our lives.

The Bible says, “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” Weakness is demonstrated when we weaken through self-induced illness, by blaming others, by resigning, by displays of “nerves” – almost any method which presents the possibility of escape. Strength of character developed through consistent disciplined living, can face adversities without fainting.

One of the greatest disciplines is the ability to say “no” in what we eat and how often we eat. So many excuses made for us and they provide nothing more than an escape from what we fear or dread, rather than a means of strengthening our character.  So many times, pushing the goal aside of being in control of personal weight has left nothing more than feelings of failure and a lack of focus.

The first step toward change is through acknowledging the weakness. Once we claim this before God, He is more than able and willing to give us the necessary strength and wisdom to mastermind an eating plan. The Bible says, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19

Where there is a sincere desire to do the will of God, no Christian should live to gratify his own inclinations or appetite. How we need to remind ourselves of this daily. Paul said, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection:” 1 Corinthians 9:27

The source of our joy, whether we have acknowledged or have an awareness of, is our Heavenly Father. Overeating may satisfy the flesh for a moment, but the effect over time is nothing but disappointment and disempowerment. Food does not control us! We control food, and losing weight begins in a decision. A decision to discipline your mind and your appetite every day is more common than you think.

Most recently, this article written by the Diabetes Association in Australia has been very enlightening, and to share the information with you seemed a good step. Do you realize how food portions have changed in twenty-years? http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/portion/

To the right of the page, it reads ‘Portion Distortion I.’ If you click on this line, you will then go to a series of questions. As my family and I went through the test, we had a good laugh. When it was over, we realized that we ate too much. We too are victims of portion distortion.

As Disciples of Christ, we ought to be disciplined ones, partially or effectively. Discipline in the Greek language is a learner. Whether you desire discipline for your life, you are on the road to more discipline, or you are highly disciplined; we will never stop learning. The case for applying this knowledge stands strong. Do not use it experimentally. Use it wisely and ask God to give you the strength to bring it into effect.

I love you and I believe in you,

Deborah

A New Beginning - With or Without Distractions

Having recorded new beginnings from the time this girl could write, there is quite the repertoire of stories to share about life. In fact, subsequent years have presented an array of additional new beginnings.

Most label these as a New Year's Resolution. Experience has taught that a resolve to do something has an element of procrastination attached. A new beginning is a statement of fact. It is the start of something already in existence. In thought or deed, something has started to move toward the mark of achievement. "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7

This verse is the sum total of why we dream and then why we despair; why we get excited about ideas we would love to see synthesize, yet a year later, or two, or five, or a decade, and our position has not changed. Figuratively, we stare down the dream tunnel, defeated, disarmed, and unproductive.

Have you ever considered that your dreams may be a camouflage for what really is self-gratification? It has its place. After being awake for eighteen hours, self-gratification with sleep is a good thing.

At which point have you or would you invite God, the Author, and Finisher of the Believer’s faith, to mastermind, and in fact, give you the ‘how to’ on living out your dreams? Formed, as we most definitely are, in the image of God, as a visionary, He has imparted dreams and He has the tools that will equip us for success.

In fact, the heart of the problem is more often a problem with the heart.

In the Bible, Genesis is the book of new beginnings. It records the beginning of the heavens, earth, plants, animals, and human life. In addition, it records new beginnings in all human institutions and relationships. Typically, it speaks of the new birth, the new creation, where all was chaos and ruin.

The problem with new beginnings is the problem of man’s sin, as affecting man’s condition on this earth, and his relationship to God. The Divine solutions of that problem, are here in essence. Our behavior is not new. Reflected in the garden long ago, we must acknowledge a propensity to follow our own desires and lusts.

In discipling other women; under the canopy of their strongholds and patterns of thinking, rather than a focus on past failures, with proven principles, they are shown how to shift their thinking onto new beginnings. Do not spin on your tail of regrets. There comes a point at which you must cut the tail off and move on.

A new beginning for 2012 is to read the Bible in three months. A plan devised to reach this goal by achievable increments along the way, will ensure productivity and arrival at the finish line. In order to read your Bible in three months, one must embrace it by reading twelve chapters a day. Having read the Bible many times over, it has always taken a year to do so. This new beginning is exciting! Being fed chunks of Scripture is very nourishing to the soul.

The motive behind this new beginning is a desire for the blessings of God on my life. “Blessed is he that readeth,” Revelation 1:3 this verse is not restricted to Bible prophesies on Christ’s return. It is applicable to our whole lives, that is, in our mind and memory, in our affection and practice, we must adhere to the truth, whatever trials, and temptations it may expose.

In light of what is taught to those under my personal influence, withstanding as I practice and apply these principles to my own life; a move toward righteousness will procure growth in many areas. In addition, when we open the living, breathing Word of God with the purpose of seeking Him and a motive to live a righteous life; we are empowered with the tools of wisdom and understanding; for our marriage, family, business, finances, relationships, and future decisions.

You cannot lose when you live on the winning side.

Upon hearing women say, “I was going so well and now this happened.” Stuff happens. Remain flexible in your attitude to allow diversion however, not to allow distractions to take root and sabotage your goal. Have a motto – “No Excuses!” Then there is this statement, “What’s the use? This will never change!” With that attitude, no it will not.

Change has begun the moment you decide.

If you would allow the use of a metaphor, if you get off track, do not park your truck, and walk away. Flat tires in the form of negative thinking must find a source of fresh air. Pump the Word of God into your thinking and start your engine up. Then get back on the road. If you lose focus for a day, do not revisit it tomorrow. In fear and regret, get with it! This is a new beginning. Do not wait for the motivation to do right. Do right and the motivation will follow.

Remind yourself, you are driving away from old ways in the form of old patterns of thinking and old patterns of negative talk and thoughts. The car is under your control. Keep reading the roadmap, which in case you do not have it yet, is the roadmap for life – God’s Word. It is life changing. Our testimony validates our statements, not the least, what is demonstrated in my own life. There were areas that needed to be changed and that I was very well aware of. There were areas that I was totally unaware of, until God shone the light of truth onto the condition of my heart. The need to align ourselves with God’s ways and thinking is a motion in progress. It never ends!

We are as busy as the next person is and there is no excuse for not making time to read the Bible. Excuses come in many forms. If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always had.

As Christian women, we are to embrace truth and apply it to every area of our lives. Not forgetting, when we have dreams, Satan uses the same strategy to steal the ideal, as he used in the garden with Eve. He does not want what is best for us. In fact, he wants to procure defeat and disgust.

Ideally, when the serpent approached Eve, it would have been in her best interest (and ours), if she were to have turned to her authority and said, “Adam Darling. Did you hear what that jerk said?”

The reality is, that we all have the propensity to get off track and run things in our own steam. Steam has its purpose but it usually runs out. The wrong turns in our life are in the form of these five signposts; distractions, disappointments, despair, dishonesty, and disobedience. Signposts come in many forms but nonetheless, they are diversions.

No one beguiles thoughts, but I. Stop allowing your stinking thinking to cheat you out of achieving your goals. The moment we stop shifting blame and take the steering wheel of our decisions, God will compliment, and in fact, complete what He has begun.

We are all a work in progress. Learn yourself!

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" Philippians 1:6

He loves you and believes in you. Moreover, I do!

Deborah

Embrace Your Position

It’s fascinating to establish your lineage. My heritage stems back to an ancestry entrenched from the same seed as King David. 

In every respect, I’m royalty. My life reflects my Father; speeches and how I walk, dress, attention to detail, extend to others, and help in the community; replicate what I’ve learned and in fact, enjoy. I’m passionate about where I came from and who I am.

I’m the daughter of a King and I am privileged to hold this title. I love what I do and what I have. There is no one else’s life I would want to exchange places with and there is no position I dream of more than my own.

One would assume that my poise in life would require little effort. In fact, it requires more effort than any other vocation I’m aware of.

If you have asked Christ into your life, and you declare Him as your Heavenly Father, then you too are royalty.

For most, discovering their position as a son or daughter of a King has never materialized in their life; their speech, walk, dress sense, attention to detail, and everything that reflects excellence, lies dormant at their feet. Metaphorically speaking, as a royal cloak never picked up and placed upon their shoulders, most Christians neglect their royal garments and honorable position.

We are heirs to the King!

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18

As a Believer, we hold the right to receive our high calling and all the benefits that go with that title. We are inheritors of His characteristics. Doesn’t that make you feel honored and privileged?

We must separate ourselves from all corrupting influences. We are to be distinguished in moral purity from all the rest of the world. The gospel calls for unity as well as purity.

In summary, I share with you an exert from one of Charles Spurgeon’s fabulous sermons in 1881 –

The Christian, while in the world, is not to be of the world. He should be distinguished from it in the great object of his life. To him, "to live," should be "Christ." Whether he eats, or drinks, or whatever he does, he should do all to God's glory. You may lay up treasure; but lay it up in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, where thieves break not through nor steal. You may strive to be rich; but be it your ambition to be "rich in faith," and good works. You may have pleasure; but when you are merry, sing psalms and make melody in your hearts to the Lord. In your spirit, as well as in your aim, you should differ from the world. Waiting humbly before God, always conscious of His presence, delighting in communion with Him, and seeking to know His will, you will prove that you are of heavenly race.

And you should be separate from the world in your actions. If a thing be right, though you lose by it, it must be done; if it be wrong, though you would gain by it, you must scorn the sin for your Master's sake. You must have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Walk worthy of your high calling and dignity. Remember, O Christian, that thou art a son of the King of kings. Therefore, keep thyself unspotted from the world. Soil not the fingers which are soon to sweep celestial strings; let not these eyes become the windows of lust which are soon to see the King in His beauty--let not those feet be defiled in miry places, which are soon to walk the golden streets--let not those hearts be filled with pride and bitterness which are ere long to be filled with heaven, and to overflow with ecstatic joy.

How do we embrace our royal position? We must first learn and then we are to apply this knowledge in a practical and obvious sense.

PRACTICAL WAYS TO WALK WITH GOD

1.    Read your Bible and pray every day. Have a set time and place. Give God the best of your day.

2.    Change the time and place if things become stale and unsteady.

3.    Have a devotional portfolio, basket, or drawer, near your devotional place. Contents will include; Bible, journal, prayer list, pen, Kleenex, reading glasses.

4.    Do practical things to make it enjoyable.

5.    Have a Bible reading plan.

6.    Memorize the Bible.

7.    Study the Bible.

8.    Keep a journal. Ask God to show Himself to you each day. Write down one thing he did each day.

9.    Pray.

Have a written prayer list. Get on your knees before God for some time each morning. Pray as you get ready in the morning. Pray as you drive. I love to drive through the back roads and pray. Pray when you are alone.

10. Meditate on the Bible. Underline special verses and read them throughout the day.

Always be growing in your relationship with the Bible. God magnifies His Word above His name. Psalm 138:2

What we do with the Bible determines what God will do with us!

I love you and I believe in you,

Deborah

I Have a Dream

 

For some reason, I like to test the ability of my car to drive in a straight line. There is no rhyme or rationale however, from time to time I remove my hands to test the wheel balance. The car always veers to the left of the road when I do this. Quickly, I place my hands back onto the steering wheel and align the car once again.

This pattern of behavior is acutely in sync with how we drive ourselves through life. For some of us, our day is predictable, organized, and under the harness of routine. For others, routine is the goal however; the association of an ideal and the reality of life - are chasms apart. Disability, either physical or invisible, can shift our goals temporarily. Furthermore, disappointment can get us off track, not to mention, a lack of focus. Figuratively, taking our hands off the steering wheel of our goals is such a small move yet the effect can be   catastrophic.

We are not merely on this earth to be fashioned into self-gratifying individuals. We were created for God’s pleasure and glory. All of us have a unique fingerprint and whoever we are, from the least to the greatest; we have in possession the ability to excel above and beyond all that our self-limitations can imagine. God made us in His image and has a unique purpose for us. Individually, we were designed and equipped to fulfill what God has intended for our life.

Having lived in America for seven years, there has never been a time that I have entered into a store, library, business, church, or any other social circle, where heads did not turn 180-degrees because of my distinctive accent. It’s fascinating to me. My own perspective is much broader. I hear different accents from every person I come into contact with each day.

With laser precision, God knows our voice and each one of us is distinctive to Him. He knows how we think and what we dream about. We are made in His image and He adores us.

So what does driving and dreaming have in common? A whole lot! If I can use a metaphor, without control of the vehicle (which represents our character and goals), for the duration of the journey (which represents our choices, focus, and realistic goals), then we most likely will never reach our destination – our dream.

Has it ever occurred to you that God is the mastermind behind your dream? What stops you from achieving? Are you figuratively up against a wall, unable to conquer the climb? The victory is already at hand. If God created us in His image; gave us a body, receptors, a brain, and a soul, do you think He would withhold the means for us to reach our destiny?

Destiny comes from the word destination. There is a place where we are headed in life, and the obscurity is to figure out our purpose. The Bible uses the phrase “the will of God,” and this phrase is similar to a person’s destiny. The will of God is His plan for your life. The will of God is not mysterious; it is practical and down to earth. The will of God is not a set of marching orders; His will is predominantly expansive and slightly restrictive.

So, how do we remove some of the anxiety of the future, stay in the will of God, and live the dream?

STAY ON THE RIGHT ROAD

1.    God’s expansive will allows us to choose within the set of options He avails to us. His options are based upon righteousness, holiness, and justice. People who have a problem with God will probably have a problem with righteousness, holiness, and justice. God’s will is expansive not restrictive. God allows us to choose within this realm and there are a lot of choices. We will reach our potential and meet our dreams when we make choices within the expansive, or widely extended, will of God.

KEEP YOUR TANK FILLED

2.    Borders, boundaries, and edges surround the will of God. Adam and Eve were never allowed back into the garden. Eden was God’s will for them, but they stepped outside of Eden’s boundaries and lost their opportunities in that haven. God laws and rules are not a guilt trip to weigh down our lives. The restrictions within God’s will are designed to keep us in the fence of His will and to keep our power of choice rich. How do we understand the road map of rules if we don’t read and embrace them? Going through life without the best advice is like jumping out of a plane without a parachute. His Word is our road map.

FOCUS AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS

3.    The will of God is not a certain path and only path that must be followed or else. It is narrow but never a tightrope. God is interested in the way we walk the path of our life, not on which cobblestones or bricks we step as we navigate the path.

God’s will is to be discovered. It’s an adventure!

So much of our time can be pulled in directions that bare little relevance to what’s important to us. Daily we make choices that will bring us closer to our goals and dreams, delay them, or divert our attention long enough to dismay.

In finishing, a week ago, my husband leaned over in church and made this statement, “You’d better prepare to go.” My heart leapt. I have a dream. In October, I plan to go to School in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s quite an investment of money. Understanding that God gave root to my dream before I thought it possible, and knowing that He’s crazy about me, is enough horse power to drive me toward touch down in October. I’ve crafted goals to get there, aligned people in strategic places to fuel me along the way, and I have the best coach of all – my Lord and Shepherd, who will lead me every step of the way.

Do you have a dream?

Do you believe in the Lord Jesus, who, if you were the only one on earth at the time, would have died on the cross for your sins, and gifted you with eternal life? If you were to die tonight, are you 100% sure you would go to Heaven? The Bible tells us that we can know.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

The Bible also says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9

That’s our roadmap for Eternal security – Confess and Believe.

I pray that you secure your dreams, but more importantly, I pray that you secure your Eternal destination before it’s too late.

I love you and I believe in you.

Deborah

Let Go!

It's great to be a 'giver' of ideas especially when it is validated with experience. As part of your journey, why don't you align yourself with a group of Believers' who love to let go of the bondage from past strongholds in their lives. This statement from a friend summarizes Bible Buddies so well - "A place to encourage, uplift, honor, and hold one another to the highest standards." I like this and if you're part of this group of thinkers, to be sure, I like you. Metaphors connect the dots that we often don't as we verbalize ideas and beliefs to others. If I can use a gardening metaphor, sowing seeds into the lives of others will always give you fruit. It's a Biblical principle set in stone. As we learn, we must sow learning into the life of another. It matters that we enrich our lives through learning. But what use is our life if we can't transfer what we have learned into the life of another person? You might as well be a cistern.


When I speak at a conference, I always use a metaphor. In addition, I introduce my session with a personal story that has directly affected me or someone else in my life. When we personalize what we are teaching it suddenly becomes very real to the listener. Quite often I'll make it fun.

During those indelible moments when I have captivated the audience, won their hearts, and gone onto a dynamic teaching session, I have used an unexpected introduction - an unusual or 'out of the box'  intro.

For instance, I was presenting to a group of 500 college girls. My speaking time was 20-minutes. The conference had been running for almost 5-hours (long, long, long), and the girls were hungry, tired, bored, and very restless. I ditched my presentation and came up with something totally spontaneous - same content but changed my props. This all occurred within moments of me being introduced as the second last speaker. 

I came on stage and walked the runway acting out a model who was showing off her outfit. Because I'm in my 50's, and because I played the part completely; fully absorbed in making it work...going 'all out' as the audience squealed with excitement at this unusual lady pretending that she had never experienced stardom before and couldn't wait to have the spotlight on her...THE ROOM WENT "OFF" - so to speak. 

It was so much fun! The girls were reignited and ready to learn. 

Before I put my pen down and now that I have your attention, this verse has become very real to me - "Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness." Psalm 97:10-12

God's always giving isn't He? As if giving isn't enough, He continually advantages us. His light (truth) most certainly sets us free and what follows is unspeakable gladness.

As I reflect back on 2011, I'm incredibly grateful that God has brought me to America. Prior to this time, I have had no desire to stay.

The greatest lessons I have learned to date are:

1. Being content under any canopy of circumstances.

2. Gratitude for my very rich life.

In the context of these verses, being delivered for me represents being delivered from my discontentment. As I have clung to God and very much kept my home an oasis, I have spent huge chunks of time alone over these almost seven years. His Word has truly sown light and defined my self-pitying soul for what it was. With laser accuracy, He has shone clarity into the heart of the issue with Deborah.

The fruit is most definitely unspeakable gladness. In fact, until six months ago, and through my endeavors to be a godly woman, my lust for past wealth continued to haunt me. But alas, the shift has been in my focus and in what I now consider to be true riches.

Our success does not move of its own accord. I use to think it did. Our confidence and balance is validated when we give praise to whom it belongs. Praise very much belongs at the Throne. Seeds were sown by others along my foggy path, for which I also give praise and my heart in a deep appreciation.

Reader, if you knew what I came from then you would comprehend more fully the miracle for Deborah; unspeakable joy, unquenchable love, and continuing gratitude.


The miracle for Deborah is not in the circumstances changing, the miracle is in a heart change.

As the tears roll down my cheeks, it could only be HIM! Not even a jack hammer could of torn the layers that kept me from what God was trying to teach me. My lust for past wealth kept me in bondage and unknowingly put down my husband - my provider and protector. How deceptive our sin is.

Thank you for an ear to listen and perhaps a heart to understand just a little of the miracles carved within the walls of the Choma's Castle. My husband is truly my King and my hero. Very patiently, he is most definitely the beneficiary of God's handiwork.

We pivot our daily living on our walk with God, on the preaching, on wisdom transferred from the pulpit, and on a greater vision than what we could ever dream of.

Ladies, we don't need a makeover in 2012. Plug into God and leave the rest up to Him. He refines our total overall appearance from head to toe - and it shows! The more we grow in grace and in love, the more HE illuminates within us. I find this to be the most captivating aspect of a godly women.

Why don't you read more in 2012. The heart of my life is books. The heartbeat of my life is the Bible.


My favorite saying is this: “You are the same today you’ll be in five years except for two things: the people you meet and the books you read." In every turning point and crisis of my life, there’s always been a book that helped me think and see more clearly, a book that has kept me laughing, looking up, and a book that has kept my mouth shut.


What we learn ought to change the way we think enough to change the way we live - for Eternity's sake! - Quote by Deborah Choma Jan 2012

I love you.  

In Him,
Deborah

I Understand But I Just Don't Get It!

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the son of God hath not life.” 1 John 5:11 & 12

Have you ever wondered what your purpose in life is? Perhaps you have climbed the corporate ladder and find incredible self-worth and fulfillment in your career. You’re a mother, and you spend your days absorbed in providing a haven for your family. You love what you do regardless of the yardstick by which your accomplishment is measured. And what if you are single? You have freedom to choose who you spend time with and where you find your fun and satisfaction.

My life is a repertoire of all of the above, and some. As I peel back a portion of what I have learned, I want you to think on these statements;

• What is my purpose?
• If my purpose; career, child, or freedom, were to change, who am I left with?

Whilst we have the choice to continue in what it is that imparts a sense of self-worth and belonging, as a Believer, we must all reach a platform of obedience. If we are ever going to experience a deep, abiding, and fulfilling life, then we must embrace this truth.

Most recently and during one of the most difficult times in my own life, I made a decision to step up to a level of obedience, and onto ground I had never experienced prior to my decision. I have made a conscious choice that my focus must be on the great for God, not, how will I survive the Christian life?

Is that you? Are you barely surviving the Christian life? Has a hand been dealt that you are unable to come to terms with? For the most part, do you consider yourself a victim? “Life isn’t easy, but bless my socks, I’ll drag my sorry toes through this somehow!”

I want to encourage your disillusioned heart. If you can relate to this so far, your focus is funky.

You can have victory and joy regardless of the hurt! I don’t just merely talk the talk. I have a very real and present account as I walk the talk.

My husband was teaching our adult Sunday school class last week, and his lesson was entitled, “I understand, but I just don’t get it.” For the most part, Christian women spend their entire saved lives void of victory, and strumming the same sad songs. I would like to encourage you. There is hope and the key is in your willingness to get it!

What is the purpose of life?

“And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all they heart and with all thy soul.” Deuteronomy 10:12

God wants us to turn to Him and obey Him. Every thought within us must be brought down. Our thinking is stinking girls! It must be brought into obedience to God if we would walk comfortably with him. “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” Micah 6:8

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.” Mark 12:30 This verse magnifies God as the self-existent One. The “I AM.” It is better to have one fountain than a thousand cisterns; one all-sufficient God than a thousand insufficient friends.

We all start life as “I” specialists. Our actions are governed by self-interest. But ladies, the purpose of life is to see God in everything and reflect Him in every way.

What does God require of Believers? As I have studied the verses outlined in this devotion, I have found them to be helpful in my own life. I have added a word study to each instruction:

• To fear the Lord thy God - [Hebrew; to revere Him & hate sin]
• To walk in all His ways – [Hebrew; to grow, lead, march, prosper] through constant prayer and watchfulness.
• To love Him with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength – [Hebrew; affection for Him]
• To serve with all thy heart and soul – [Hebrew; to work and labor, compel, do, execute] these all have a common thread of doing.
• To do justly – [Hebrew; determination, discretion]
• To love mercy – [Hebrew; reproof, kindness, favor] a hearty desire to do good for others.
• To walk humbly with thy God – [Hebrew; lowly] active obedience toward God.

What is our emphasis as a Believer? Is it Holiness, or our service for God? Is it the seeking of inner spiritual experiences?

Man was created to delight God and respond to His Divine affection. God spoke everything into existence. To live for Him and to do His will. Broken fellowship with God came through Adam and Eve. The love of God purposed man’s recovery through the Cross. Submissiveness and God-centeredness were lost in the fall. To bring us back is the one great object of all His dealings with us. “There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.” Romans 3:11

God, the searcher of hearts and none can escape the notice of His eye. The Hebrew explains this further; there were none that comprehended, that sought wisdom, which considered His ways and put them together for themselves. No one craved Him.

In our need we find our need for Him. It’s because I have desperate needs that I need Him desperately.

God is mainly concerned about our coldness of heart toward Him and our proud unbroken nature.

Because of a God-given influence over other women, I ought to consider the following:

• Do I give to others an answer which I have not truly and deeply found for myself?
• Am I concentrating on seeing God for myself and finding the deep answer for life in Him?

If so, even if I were located in the most obscure corner of the globe, the world will make a road to my door to get that answer.

Our service of help is the direct consequence to our vision of God, and becomes incidental to this. His purpose is often far greater and different than what we think. Our service, in His mind, is to be far more the potter’s wheel on which He can mold us than the achieving of those spectacular objectives on which we set our hearts.

He sees the sharp point in our makeup that is continually wounding others. He sees within our hearts the motives of self-seeking and pride. He therefore, allows someone to come and work alongside us who will rub against that sharp point and round it off. Or, He allows someone to thwart our plans and perhaps even step into our shoes.

As a Believer, through all our endeavors, there will come a point when the spotlight will illuminate truth.

Sunday school teacher, Christian education teacher, church staff; have you entered into a deeper experience of His grace and of His power? Does He satisfy your heart with Himself alone?

The seeking for inner spiritually experiences leaves the Believer still self-centered and occupied with himself and his experiences. It can lead to much mental anguish through the confusion of our many teachings and false doctrines.

I personally have stood by a woman for well over twenty years, whose life mirrors the consequences of this particular scenario. She has never moved on in the Christian life, but rather, she is constantly seeking inner spiritual experiences. Her mental anguish grips her, sabotaging her ability to see truth.

Throughout my entire fifty-two years of living, I have never come across a woman more entangled by false-teaching and doctrines of the devil.

There is One alone who can satisfy the heart. He is by our side, longing to be known, and loved, and proved.

This, then, is the purpose of life: to see God, and to allow Him to bring us back to the old relationship of submission to Him. Clay does not argue with the potter. It knows that the potter has every right to make it into whatever shape He chooses.

Our higher good is achieved only in submitting.

It has been said that there is a God-shaped blank in every man’s heart. If we yield to this fact, some of us will have a new outlook on life. The situation may not change, but we will change. If fellowship with God is our first concern, then we can have fellowship with Him in the kitchen, in sickness, in any kind of trying and difficult situation. Whatever lies across our “to-be-done” path, even the most irksome chore, it is there to be done for God and for His glory. Gone will be the former striving, bondage, and frustration. We shall be at peace with God and with ourselves.

Even in our hardship, as a Believer, we must reach a spiritual plain of asking God daily, “What must I do Lord?” We gain confidence by following the Holy Ghost. The temptation is to argue and resist Him.

The tool that will change our life is obedience. Obedience imparts God’s power and brings understanding. Understanding never brings obedience.

Stop pushing your own agenda on others. Pray to be filled with the Holy Ghost and ask God to point out where you need to align yourself with Him. You don’t have to understand the problem to fix the problem. Time spent waiting to understand is time wasted in disobedience. By the doing of it, the understanding follows.

If God has pierced your heart during this devotion, why don't you pray with me; 

O God, with every step I take today, may wisdom rise to the surface and bring glory to your name. My thoughts and the words that I use, I pray that they reflect a spirit of oneness with you. As a willing vessel, allow your love to shine through me. Let truth be my only guide, having your perfect plan fulfilled through me Lord.

Forgive me for my disobedience and for the pride that has stopped a change in my attitude, my thoughts, and my conversation.

God, I hurt deeply as only you know. I love deeper as only you know. Thank you for the pain of it all. “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”

Thank you for enlightening my eyes. I could never of understood without this very present experience? Thank you that my life of faith finds food in everything. Thank you for the gift of grace and strength because of my suffering.

Your Word is sweet to me. My mouth shall praise you with joyful lips. I desire to see you today and to grow. ”I have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”

I Love You – In Christ,

Deborah

                                                                                

Who Flung Tongue?

“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” James 3:5-6

Words have become the current focus of my attention. Apart from being in the middle of some much needed dental work, I am learning about the impact my words have on others and what God's Word has to say.

My walk with God is important to me – important enough to align myself with His standards. It’s not easy, and embracing a word awareness has been a humbling exercise. I acknowledge how unrestrained I have been in the past.

Our tongue, for the most part, is unbridled. The words we use have an influence and nothing falls on deaf ears. It matters what we say!

The Word of God instructs us on how we ought to have balance in every area of life. Within God’s principles for balance, He warns of whole body defilement because of our tongue. “The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity:”

This verse teaches us that the tongue produces a disturbance and an agitation that can be compared with the inferno often produced by a spark. With all the good which it does, who can estimate the amount of evil the tongue can cause. If we spoke what we should speak, what a change would come over the face of all our relationships and human affairs!

To live in the spirit and operate in the flesh simultaneously - is impossible! Simply put, if I blurt words out, “Because I have a point to make,” I am controlled by my flesh. Before it comes out of our mouths, it is filtered through our brain. Don’t you think it’s a good idea to get our brains in gear before we run off with our mouths?

Independent studies have stated that the average woman speaks 20,000 words in a day. My own independent study has revealed that most of what we hear and repeat is idle gossip and the slandering of others. In this respect, I’m ashamed of our self-fulfilling reputation. God already knew. Why else did He give us a manual for our mouths?

There is so much Scripture that can teach us the right way to treat others; our conversation, control of our temper, and restraint of our tongue.

“He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.” Proverbs 20:19

Two sorts of women are dangerous to converse with - talebearers and flatterers. Flatterers are often talebearers.

Talebearers, as the Bible teaches, are unprincipled people, that go about sharing stories. They sow jealousy in the minds of others and reveal secrets they have been entrusted with. Don’t give these ladies a hearing! When they go to tell you their tales and secrets, cut the conversation short or change the topic. To be sure, if they are full of words about others, then you too will be the center piece of their conversation - behind your back.

On August 24, 2000, a 46-year-old woman tossed a burning match onto the ground when she stopped by the road to light a cigarette. Rather than putting out the burning match, she just glanced at it and left the area. Many days later, the fire she had recklessly begun was finally contained. Timber worth more than 40 million dollars was destroyed, and over 80,000 acres were burned.

It’s easy to hear this story and think, “What an uncaring woman to leave a burning match in a dry forest!” Yet how often do we fling our lingo without thinking about the consequences? How many times have you walked away after saying something that deeply wounded someone – ignorant or deliberately impolite, not wanting to look at the enormous damage that you have caused?

Too often I talk without thinking, never considering the one receiving my words. It’s easy to blurt out words when we’re ruffled or the pressure is on. Although our focus is on getting the point across, or justifying our actions, or whatever excuse we use for having to state anything for that matter – our words can inflict great damage. Much like a burned forest, the damage can take years to restore.

“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4

Does your language grieve or appease others? A good tongue is healing. A bad tongue is wounding.

When I was a little girl and other girls would make fun of me, I would say, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names can never hurt me.” This poem is profoundly inaccurate. Hard words indeed break no bones, but many a heart has been broken by them. It’s because my heart has been pierced many times by the words of another, that I’m very careful about my verbatim.

Do I ever hurt with my words? Unfortunately, yes! But I’m in God’s classroom for word wisdom, seeking Him with my heart and specifically when it comes to my mouth. He has the tools that we need to sharpen our tongues for good, and to bring Him glory and not shame with our untamed tongue.

Can you remember a time when someone said particularly encouraging words to you and how God used those words to bless you? “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24

How can you encourage someone with your words today? If you are feeling discouraged, then build someone’s life today with words of encouragement. Write them a card, or leave a message. We reap what we sow!

I love you and I believe in you!

Deborah