ARCHIVES -- Inspirational Vitamin
This is an archive of the inspirational vitamins that have been submitted thus far ...
Why Storms? (10/3/08)
Job 23:8-10
8 "Behold, I go forward but He is not there, And backward, but I cannot perceive Him;
9 When He acts on the left, I cannot behold Him; He turns on the right, I cannot see Him.
10 "But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold."
Storms never come without cause. They come to teach us, show us, or sometimes punish us, but always that God may get the glory. Storms often come to destroy, not necessarily destroying stuff or relationships, but rather habits, attitudes, or ungodly behavior. Your storms should also bring questions. One in particular is that of "Lord, what is it that you would have me to get or understand in this?".
Storms often come as a surprise. We don't always see them brewing. Oh but God knows all! He also knows just how much you can bare. God knows just how much pressure to apply to break that habit or prideful spirit without breaking you. God is so good. And just as suddenly as the storm rolled in with one word from God, it is over. Look at Mark 4:35-41. It tells us here that the Lord spoke to the winds and the waves and they obeyed! They had to .. He (Jesus) is after all Lord of all. Not some, but all.
Now don't get in a rush to get out. Look that storm in the eye, the center, or rather the heart of it, and get what God is giving. Believe it or not, your storms bring something valuable. It does. What you ask? You .. a better, stronger, wiser, and more valuable you! But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10 NAS)
So when your storm comes, don't get an umbrella, but grow wings and soar. Wings are sprouted through faith in God. Trust Him so that after the storm has passed, you can live your life like it's Golden.
** Source: "Morning Coffee 140", Morning Coffee with Lady Terrie, Terrie Williams, 2008
Diet and Exercise (9/17/08)
Every time I ask a woman who's enjoying an energetic life and ministry how she does it, I cringe. Two words are always the predictable answer: diet and exercise. Were you hoping this subject wouldn't come up? We're told in the Bible that how we manage our body affects our ministries and the quality of our lives. The apostle Paul put it this way: "I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself."(I Corinthians 9: 26-27 MSG). If your goal is a quality of life filled with quality days of serving the Lord, attention to your body is key.
Father, the human body is so complex and intricate. What amazing creatures You created! Becasue I want to be a good steward of the body You gave me, I'm going to start exercising in some way and eating more nutritious foods. Please watch over me [and my co-officials] and guard my health. Amen.
** Source: A Woman After God's Own Heart: A Daily Devotional, p. 45, Elizabeth George.
Diet and Exercise (9/17/08)
Every time I ask a woman who's enjoying an energetic life and ministry how she does it, I cringe. Two words are always the predictable answer: diet and exercise. Were you hoping this subject wouldn't come up? We're told in the Bible that how we manage our body affects our ministries and the quality of our lives. The apostle Paul put it this way: "I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself."(I Corinthians 9: 26-27 MSG). If your goal is a quality of life filled with quality days of serving the Lord, attention to your body is key.
Father, the human body is so complex and intricate. What amazing creatures You created! Becasue I want to be a good steward of the body You gave me, I'm going to start exercising in some way and eating more nutritious foods. Please watch over me [and my co-officials] and guard my health. Amen.
** Source: A Woman After God's Own Heart: A Daily Devotional, p. 45, Elizabeth George.
God Uses Teachers (9/5/08)
Make no mistake -- you are a teacher. For instance, gossip may seem like a little thing because many people do it. When you choose not to gossip, you stand out and teach other women the beauty of obedience to God's wisdom: "A gossip goes around revealing secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence" (Proverbs 11:13 NLT). When you say, "I want to ask my husband about that," you show other wives how to make their husbands a priority. When you plan your day around your children's schedules, you model for other moms respect and consideration for their children. When you choose not to gossip about other's problems or situations, you model maturity and love and respect for others. You don't have to be a leader to teach. People will be watching you, and hopefully they will be encouraged in their own quest to follow God. You have a powerful teaching ministry!
Lord, please give me patience and gentleness as I model Your love and values to those around me. I want to be an encourager, someone who uplifts others. With a grateful ear, I want to share the joy of Your presence. Amen.
** Source: A Woman After God's Own Heart: A Daily Devotional, p. 56, Elizabeth George.