by Sarah L. Bryant

Ring….ringgg…..riiinnnnngggg!

“Hello, Julie speaking!” the voice on the other end of the line was that of a sweet young lady. The voices of young children could be heard faintly in the background.

“Hello, Julie! How is the Lord blessing you today?” Rose greeted her friend.

“Dear Rose, thank you for your kind phone call; the Lord planned that perfectly, because I was just thinking of you this morning. I wanted to tell you what He showed me this morning during my daily devotions. I am studying Colossians – you know the passage I am memorizing in chapter one? – and how my heart was struck by verse seventeen! It says of Christ, ‘He is before all things, and by him all things consist‘! Isn’t that an amazing statement?!” Excitement flowed from Julie’s voice, who ardently loved the Word of God, and was always eager to share it with others.

“Oh, that is one of my favorite chapters in the New Testament, Julie! I can hardly comprehend the depths of the truth of this verse.” Rose mused, “Just think, God put Christ before all of His creation, higher than the heavens, thrones, dominions, principalities, and all powers!”

“So true. One day how glorious it will be to at last see this great Savior Who has redeemed us from the power of darkness and brought us into His truly glorious light. He seemed to prick my heart gently this morning, by asking me, ‘I am before all things in this world. Do you allow me to sit on the throne of your heart in every area?”

For a few moments, there was a deep pondering silence as both young ladies dwelt on this all-encompassing question.

“How prone to wander is this heart,” Julie continued, with a sigh. “May we from our lives whatever may be distracting our focus from Jesus Christ, the only One worthy of our thoughts. You know, I was thinking today, that maybe I have not quiet given CHrist preeminence in my life in the area of my thoughts. It seems like they have been allowed a bit too much freedom and that is something I desire to give over to Jesus, that vain imaginations and unrealistic, unbiblical dreams are not allowed any foothold in my life.”

“Julie, I can certainly relate, and will be praying for you, dear friend, because Christ is pleased to see your desire to maintain a pure heart all for Him. May He give you grace as you pray toward that goal…” Rose and Julie continued to share what the Lord had been teaching their hearts.

 Dear Sisters,

How rich is the communication Christ has given to us among other believers! I often thank the God for the godly sisters in the faith through whom He has blessed my life. What a privilege it is to hear how He is working in other’s hearts through His powerful Word. Malachi 3:16 rings in my mind – that beautiful picture of the remnant who spoke of the Lord and whose words brought a pleasant aroma to Him in heaven – “They that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.”

The Lord has given unto us the gift of communication. How are we using this gift? Do we enrich our family, friends, and acquaintances through God-honoring conversations and uplifting recollection of God’s Word and faithfulness?

Friendships are powerful and the words which we employ are life-giving or tearing down. I encourage you to seriously look at your relationships and your conversations according to God’s Word and principles.

• Frequently share verses the Lord has blessed you through in the Word. Psalm 119:46 proclaims, “I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.”
• Speak uplifting words that encourage others in the Lord. 1 Peter 4:11 tells us, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 
• Display the love and humility of Christ in your words and attitudes. Philippians 2:5-7 explains, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”
• Take every every opportunity to speak of the Gospel. Philippians 1:27 says, “Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”
• Steer your conversations away from all gossip and vain topics. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
• Limit the time you spend on the phone – remember that your family relationships should have first priority. Keep your conversations focused and purposeful. Proverbs 31:26 tells, “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”
• Pray often with and for others in your conversations. If you are speaking with a friend who is struggling through a trial, lift her before the Throne of Grace. You can pray spiritual prayers for her. Here are some Biblical prayers to study, pray, memorize, and model your prayers after:
  Numbers 6:24-27
  Colossians 1:9-12
  2 Thessalonians 3:3-5
  Philippians 1:9-11
  Ephesians 3:14-21

Sisters, let us ask the Lord to “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3), for we cannot guard our words by our own power. Paul warned of the great danger in untamed tongues, “The tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). May others “behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear” (1 Peter 3:2). May the Christ who dwells in our hearts be the overflow of our words, that He is magnified in our conversations. God bless you!

Speaking the Word,

Sarah L. Bryant is the oldest daughter of Tom and Dana Bryant, who seeks to be a vessel that glorifies her Savior and Lord. Her heart’s desire is that Christ would be magnified in all her life, through honoring her parents, serving her father, encouraging her siblings in loving God’s precious Word, and girding herself with skills that will bless her future family, if God so leads. 

As we enter a new year, it is an ideal time to prayerfully evaluate our lives in light of God’s Word and make goals for the new season ahead. Our friendships, as well as every other area of our lives, should be centered on God’s glory and Kingdom. My friend Amelia has shared some thoughts below on this topic, encouraging others to cultivate friendships that will build one another up in the Lord. And never forget, that the year 2012 presents the best opportunity to seek a deeper, closer relationship with the One Who sticks closer than a brother – our precious Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, let all other relationships flow from that unhindered communion with Him.

Seeking the One Who is the closest Friend,

 

The Lord has blessed me with several wonderful, encouraging, Godly friendships. Some lessons in being a friend I have learned the hard way. Looking back, I can see a lot of superfluity in the friend relationships that no longer exist. When one particular friendship of mine began to hit rocky shores, it was simply because our lives were headed in different directions. Another time, the friendship didn’t last because the other party didn’t think as highly of our friendship as I did. With some relationships, I had to be content to walk away.

Nonetheless, these lessons were not in vain, because using them as I have grown older (and hopefully wiser), my friendships have lasted; but only because we have used a very special glue: the Lord Jesus Christ and the principles of His Word.

Think of the names of your three closest friends. Once you have them, consider the following questions in the context of those relationships.

» Is your conversation about the Lord at least 20% of the time? If not, make an effort in your next conversation to turn the tide—and make it real.
» Do your conversation and actions edify one another? If you only talk about others, what is it doing for eternity?

Every Godly relationship takes a lot of time and effort to make it strong and maintain that strength. Here is a list of ideas that you can do together with your friends to not only have fun, but also to strengthen your friendship:

» Pray together for someone’s salvation.

» Memorize a book of the Bible together. When you are finished, go to dinner to celebrate.

» If your relationship is long-distance, begin a devotional blog together.

» Plan a shopping day together and determine to hand out at least 25 gospel tracts. See if you can get into a conversation about the Lord with a cashier or fellow customer.

» Make a commitment to keep each other accountable about one character trait a month for one season. Make weekly phone check-ups.

» Read the Bible through together, and share notes about how the experience changed your life.

» Start a younger girl’s devotional group together. Choose a book to work through and schedule meetings once or twice a month. At the end, host a tea party for all participants.

» Make a quilt together and send to a foreign missionary.

» Have a baking day and deliver the cookies to shut-ins.

Don’t forget, there is still The Friend that sticketh closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24)!

Amelia B. (17) is the only daughter in her family of six. She enjoys edifying others, web design, and preparing to be a homemaker.

“Knowing that of the Lord
ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance:
for ye serve the Lord Christ.”
{Colossians 3:24}

This morning I was annoyed with the setbacks I had already faced before 9:00am. I found myself impatient and disconcerted. Granted, now these inconveniences seem so minor and petty, but at the time I was struggling with my attitude and failing to react with grace in these circumstances. I was unable to complete my kitchen chores because other jobs had not been done, and I impatiently thought, “I’ll just leave it for someone else to finish. I’m not going to pick up their jobs!”

However, as I moved on to the next project, the merciful Spirit of God began to prick my conscience. I’ve been seeing the abundant grace of God displayed in the Bible and in my own life through sanctification. I humbly saw my selfishness in comparison with that great measure of mercy and grace dealt out to me, despitemy own shortcomings. I felt convicted that instead of just contributing to the unfinished chores in the kitchen, that I could deal with grace and pick up those extra jobs. Not only do it, but do it with a kind heart and happy attitude.

When I become aggravated with the inconveniences of daily life that might increase my burden and labor, it is my fleshly reaction to resist…to put my foot down…to say I am not going to keep giving. “I am tired of serving. I’ll leave and let that person figure out how to do it themselves. It’s not even my job – so I won’t do it!”

Am I the only one who ever thinks these selfish things? I sure hope so!

As the Holy Spirit worked in my heart this morning about my selfish attitude, my eyes were turned to the incredible example of my merciful Savior. I must be “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). When I look to the life of Jesus, I see complete selfless service throughout His entire life – up until His last moments when “saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother!” (John 19:27) His life was one of mercy and servanthood. He was rejected more than we can ever feel or imagine, yet He did not fight back: “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously” (1Peter 2:23). He bore the pain of humanity and the betrayel of both his friends and disciples – and He took on the curse that must be dealt out to mankind. And He never resisted, for it was His Father’s will. He never once said, “That’s enough. I have served others and given up my own desires all these years. I will choose my own comforts today. Let those sinful wretches save themselves!” Jesus faced human emotions (Hebrews 4:15); He was touched with the “feelings of our infirmities,” yet He choose obedience. He choose to serve…to give away Himself…until that very last drop of blood and last cry of agony and that last excruciatingly painful breath…because it was His Father’s will.

He was victorious! I don’t know about you, but I am so humbled when I compare my small inconveniences and minor scuffles with the cross that Jesus carried for 33 years.

“We are the children of God:
and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;
if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy
to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
{Romans 8:17-18}

We as Christians, as we seek to follow in these footsteps of our Master, are commanded to be givers and not takers. Our world exalts self and taking, not others and giving. Have you ever been told, “You deserve it?” Well, in the Bible, we are told what we truly deserve – and it’s nothing we want – the wrath and punishment and damnation of a holy God because of our terrible sins against Him. Yet, He has exhibited such amazing mercy to save us from the curse (Deuteronomy 27-28), thus we are indebted lives of service to His Kingdom. We should never grow weary in offering acts of love and sacrifice. We should press on, despite the cost and the sacrifice. When I begin to feel weary and like throwing in the towel (literally, sometimes), a motto that comes to mind is, Give until it hurts!

To keep going, especially when I start to feel the pain. Then is when I know I am truly serving, not because it’s convenient, but because of a choice that it is right and I am commanded to serve my precious Savior. In this sacrifice is found joy.“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Psalm 126:5). Next time you feel impatient with difficulties, remember our Savior and keep giving.

Have you found joy in sacrifice, in service? I pray that you might, as you give and give and give for the glory Christ.

“O that there were such an heart in them,
that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always,
that it might be well with them,
and with their children for ever!

Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 
Ye shall walk in all the ways which the
LORD your God hath commanded you,
that ye may live, and that it may be well with you,
and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.”
{Deuteronomy 5}

Looking to Christ,

n o t e » I want to share with you a summer challenge I am taking along with my sister – a challenge to read your Bible at least 15 minutes a day and memorize one verse a week for this summer (June 1-August 31). It is hosted by Loving the Lord Ministries and I would love to know if you are taking the challenge so I can pray for you! I can’t wait to see how God uses it in so many lives, and enjoy the accountability that it provides, knowing that we are doing it together with so many other girls. I encourage you to take the challenge because only when you pour out your life in God’s Word and at His feet, will you reap the rich blessings of His truths (Psalm 27:8) and the joy of His presence (Psalm 16:11). “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8).

3 c o m m e n t s »

SAMANTHA R. Thank you for sharing with us, Sarah. I’ve been convicted quite a bit lately of how I haven’t been giving God my “all” but only part of me. And in reality, He owns all of me!! To see how far I have to go is very humbling. I know that I am selfish at times and have had the same attitude as you mentioned… “I don’t want to serve in that way” or “I really don’t want to have to take up the ‘slack’ when it’s not my responsibility” sort of attitude. It’s awful!!
By the way, thank you for sending me the summer challenge. I am definitely doing it!!

MARTHA JOY Hello Sarah, I just wanted to say that I was really encouraged by your article! I also have trouble with just ‘leaving things for someone else to do’ and that was such a beautifully written encouragment! Thank you so much for what you do with KBR! I look forward to every magazine issue. Hope you’re having a wonderful day!
Love & Blessings, Martha Joy

SARAH LEE Thank you so much for sharing what the Lord has been convicting you of, Samantha. I have so much to learn myself and after writing this article, only proved how far I have to learn these exact truths of service. I also am thrilled to hear that you are taking the summer challenge! You will be in my prayers!

Martha, your thoughts are a blessing. Thank you for sharing – we can pray for one another as we strive to serve our Savior together! God bless you today!

REBEKAH P. Thank you so much for sharing, Sarah! What a good reminder. Colossians 3:23-24 is always such a sweet reminder: “Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord and not for men . . . IT IS THE LORD CHRIST YOU ARE SERVING.” May we continue to “give and give and give”, in the joy knowing we serve our King and Master gives us!

We were in the motel lobby eating breakfast as a family, when an older gentleman walked into the room with his wife. Right away I could tell from their countenances that they were just “different,” – you know, the like-mindedness that you sometimes feel when you meet another believer? As the gentleman crossed the room to the breakfast line, I saw him casually ask my dad about the blueberry waffles. I could tell that he was using this as a conversation starter, and sure enough, a few minutes later we found that we had met some dear missionaries who were on a short furlough from their overseas mission work.

I pondered this “coincidental” meeting all day. How had I known from the first glance that this couple were believers? What was so unique about the casual, yet intentional, cheerfulness Mr. W. had shown?

Upon contemplation, I finally concluded that the fact that this kind Christian gentleman had made eye contact with each person in his path – even during such a mundane thing as eating breakfast! – and was obviously happy. These “simple things” speak volumes to a watching, hungering world. Mr. and Mrs. W. were not self-obsorbed, but instead were overflowing with love for the One they served, looking for ways to share about Him wherever He led. I realized that these seemingly small, basic things are truly great ways to be a shining witness for Christ. By simply showing friendliness and genuine care wherever they went, this couple had opened the doors for witnessing opportunities – they didn’t wait to “pick someone” to preach to – instead their smile and friendliness did a world of “preaching” to anyone they came in contact with.

The news we have to share abroad, as Christians, is no small joy. It is life-changing and must overflow from our hearts of love for our Savior! Carefully read this prophecy by a great man of God, Isaiah. Our Savior, our Light, our Salvation, our Provider, our Protector – He has come!

“Arise, 
shine;
for thy light is come,
and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
and gross darkness the people:
but the LORD shall arise upon thee,
and his glory shall be seen upon thee…
The sun shall be no more thy light by day;
neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee:
but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light,
and thy God thy glory.”
{From Isaiah 60}

Every phrase of this passage is a beautiful prophesy of the glory of our Messiah and a prompting reminder to live in the light of His incredible love – to show it to a mass of people bound by the darkness covering the world. This is the incredible joy we have been given! How can we not shine for our Savior when His love burns in our heart? How can the countenance of our faces not just radiate with love for the Great One Who has come and redeemed us from darkness? Do we as Christians bear in mind that we are His ambassadors wherever He sends us – whether we be on an overseas mission field or shopping in Wal-Mart?

Do we realize the seriousness of our calling to shine for the Lord? If the lost men and women around us do not accept the Lord Jesus as their path of Salvation, they are headed to eternal doom (Romans 3:23). Our joyful friendliness and witness for Christ can bear witness of God’s truth (Matthew 5:14). But it is not an option, not just a good idea. It is a command for all believers – and a matter of eternal life and death for those around us! Everything I do and every move I make must be for the glory of God and light of Christ to be proclaimed to a dark and dying world. Matthew 5:14 says, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us, “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” Jesus has saved us from eternal darkness and brought us into His light and love. Life is so short, and we may be given only one brief chance to witness to someone.

The Lord has driven home the importance of our witness for Him as our family has been sobered by many sad occurrences. In just the past few weeks, we have heard of numerous accidents and tragic, unexpected deaths…the two young men who were injured in a wreck right on our highway…the family whose all three children were tragically killed in a car accident…the young friend who died of cancer…the 21-year-old young lady who died instantly in an interstate collision…the father who was killed in a storm, leaving behind a grieving family…the mother who is dying of an unknown yet extremely painful disease…the gentleman who was killed in a plane crash a few miles away… The Lord has used these sobering instances to cause our family to look to Him and remember the brevity of man’s breath – the truth of James 4:14,

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.
For what is your life? 
It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time,
and then vanisheth away.”

How can we as believers have an infectious, joyful attitude and countenance? The Lord has been showing me through His Word that it all begins with how we view Him. Are we utterly grateful for His Lordship and do we carry the joy of “the God of [our] salvation” (Hab. 3:18)? Are our hearts overflowing with gratitude and love for Him and the sacrifice Christ Jesus has made on our behalf? Do we “know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that [we] might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:19)? This is where it all begins. We must realize God’s love for us, His mercy, His faithfulness, and our responsibility to live fully for His sake. And then, when we are wholly committed to Him, we will be a shining beacon of joy and love to a hurting world. If you are desiring to know more of the depths of Christ’s love, I would encourage you to read the Gospel of John. It has deepened my love and faith and commitment to my Savior this past month as I have studied it. I am continually awed at the compassionate love which Jesus lived out daily in His earthly ministry – and challenged to live it out myself and to understand it more fully, that I might “love one another; as Christ has loved me”(John 13:34). The world around me is dying and suffering in darkness. Let me feel that burden and Christ’s burden for the Lost, and live radiating His love to all.

“Giving thanks unto the Father,
which hath made us meet to be partakers
of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness,
and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
In whom we have redemption through his blood,
even the forgiveness of sins.”
{Colossians 1:12-14}

Grateful for my Savior,

NOTE » The internet challenge that I took last month was incredibly blessed! Each day’s devotions were a joy as I sought out the face of God and prayed for wisdom and growth: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psalm 119:18). He has abundantly answered, despite my small faith, which has served to increase my trust in Him to fulfill His promises. “Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise” (1Kings 8:56). This has become my theme verse, “I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it” (Psalm 81:10). As we truly seek God with wide open hands, ready to give up whatever it costs to know Him more, He will reward (Hebrews 11:6). This is my prayer for my life: “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.” (Psalm 138:8). I can’t wait to see how He does this and am praying for more love for Him. Personally, I am planning to continue a sort of challenge this month as well. I am going to pray for at least 5 minutes every day, as I desire to grow in this area! Please share with me how the Lord has taught you this past month!

3 c o m m e n t s »

SAMANTHA P  Thank you, Sarah, for both March and April’s monthly thought! They were perfect for me and just the reminders I needed! I so often forget that I am Christ’s ambassador, especially when I am out shopping and such. Our Savior truly is our light and the more time we spend seeking His face, the more we will radiate His glory to a watching world. As Psalm 34:5 says, “Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” We will never be ashamed when we look to Christ as our all in all! Last month, I also focused on greatly reducing the amount of time I spent on the internet. It was such a rewarding experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who does not want to make the internet an “idol” in their life! The Lord truly does open the eyes of those who seek Him to the riches contained in the Scriptures! Psalm 27:8 is my prayer – “You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, LORD, do I seek’.” The internet can be very good and helpful, but I found that I often waste a lot of time on it. We have to clean our lives of some “good” things in order to make room for the “best” things. Spending time studying the Word of God, communing with Him, and investing in the lives of our family members are some of the best things you can spend your time doing! Sometimes doing things like spending time with our siblings feels like a waste, but if we only had an eternal focus, we would see that it is not a waste at all. On that last day, when we stand before the judgment seat of God, we will be called to give an account of how we have spent our lives. May that thought encourage us to think more carefully about how we spend our time!

BETHANY COLE Thank you for the challenge to show forth Christ! It has been an encouragement to me to set my mind on things above, and on Christ. If we do that, then it truly will be seen in our faces that we belong to Christ. We are to be ambassadors for Christ everywhere we go.

MRS. LARSEN It truly is a testimony that it is not our dress or our words sometimes but it is the fact that God himself dwells in us. The more we deny ourselves and strive to be changed into His image (sometimes through the trials of life) we emanate the Spirit of Christ. We had a guest missionary at our church and he talked about living for Christ in such a way that people wouldn’t say “They’re probably Christians or they go to church” but “They truly are disciples of Christ!” If we live this way then when the trials of life come we can have joy and thankfulness knowing that God is in control and His promises are TRUE!! Do people KNOW that we are disciples of Christ? So many people “say” they are Christians but by looking at their lives one can see they are not. That is why so many of the Lost look at Christianity and scoff. They don’t see true believers living as Christ did. Lord help us to be pleasing to you! (1 Cor. 1:18-31)

SARAH LEEThank you ladies, for sharing your encouragement and insights on the topic of witnessing for Jesus Christ. May He teach us and fill us with His spirit that we might be bright lights in our age! God bless you each – “The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1Peter 5:10).

“Now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three;
but the greatest of these is charity” (I Corinthians 13:13).

These words are so often forgotten in the rush of life and the hurry to accomplish our tasks! The admonition that Paul beautifully gives to us in this chapter in I Corinthians is the key to Christian life, the key to living Christ in every moment. In the Bible, the story of Mary and Martha is related with the resounding lesson – actions without love are not what Christ wants from us. He wants our heart (John 11). He wants our love. And when we love Jesus, and do all things for Him, our actions will bring glory to Him.

Let us seek to show the love and grace of Jesus in all our actions, in all of our work – and as my friend Samantha points out – in the work of our hands for our family.

Blessings to you,

~ ~ ~

Having a Heart of Joy in the Kitchen
by Samantha Parker

“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith” (Proverbs 15:17).

Have you ever thought about this verse before? What exactly does it mean to us, as daughters of the King? The book of Proverbs is so full of wisdom! I have found that there is always something new to be learned when I read Proverbs. My parents have often pointed out the principle of Proverbs 15:17 to me. One way our family seeks to apply this verse to our everyday lives is to focus on the attitude we have when we prepare food. Recently, this has been something that I have been especially working on. Many of you may enjoy cooking/baking in the kitchen (like me!). If we don’t have the proper attitude, though, all our hard work is naught.

There have been times when I am working really hard to get a certain meal on the table. Sometimes it is a special feast, but more often I am simply trying to get dinner on the table at an early hour. Since I am so busy (seeking to do a good thing by serving my family and friends), I can easily let my guard down. Then, angry and bossy words come spilling out. “Go get this – QUICKLY!!!!!…. Why did you do that – don’t you know any better?!…. Quick, quick, quick!” I guess since I am the oldest in our family, I tend to be the one leading. Sadly, all too often I lead in the wrong way. When this happens, sometimes my parents remind me of this simple truth: It is much better to have a “dinner of herbs” – a simple, plain meal that might be late, yet made with love and cheerful spirits, than to have a nice, fancy dinner -even if it does not include a fattened ox, but is “on time” and well thought-out, yet was prepared with strife. Do you see the difference?

I am not saying that making a well-prepared feast or having your dinner on time is not something to be desired. We should be careful, though, to not let those temporary things to ever distract us from the more important task of renewing our relationships with our families! Dear sisters, let us seek to bring glory to the Lord in everything – even in the most “normal” tasks of our everyday lives! True joy comes only from knowing Jesus. If fact, joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). As we serve the Lord with all our hearts, He will fill us to over-flowing with true lasting joy! May we seek to share that joy with all those we come in contact with. Keep pressing on with joy!

“These things have I spoken unto you, do it
that my joy might remain in you,
and that your joy may be full.”
(John 15:11)

Because our Savior lives,
Samantha

____________________________

1 Comments »

BETHANY WARD » What a beautiful article! I have also been thinking a lot on this subject, I am afraid to say that even though I love cooking, I often look towards “getting it done now” no matter how I must act to get it done instead of being cheerful and kind in the way that I serve (and in the way that Jesus would want me to act). Thank you so much Samantha for writing on this, it has really blessed me!!!
Blessings, Bethany
P.S. Another good thing to do in the kitchen is cleaning with a cheerful heart. I LOVE cooking but I am not always so happy to get the cleaning up job. :) Most of older girls in bigger families usually get the cleaning job. But it is very important to be happy and cheerful in that job. “Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS”, but I have found that this applies to everything…even the cleaning job. I have personally been trying to work on this in my own life. It is always so much better to be cheerful than to be rude and grumpy. But anyway, thanks again for your great article!

SARAH LEE » Thank you for sharing your thoughts and encouragement dear Bethany. We all fall into this habit of “getting it done” and we must all just the same seek to overcome it through the example of Christ and His help. Blessings as you seek to do that in your home!