KBR Ministries » Forum | Encouraging Girls to Grow in their Walk with Christ

June 1, 2011 KBR Ministries Leave a comment

“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!

Walk With Christ

May 1, 2011 KBR Ministries Leave a comment

“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,
the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him?
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels,
and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”
{Psalm 8:3-5}

When things go wrong, what is our response?Who do we blame? Since we know that God can do anything,our problems must be His fault, right? We want everything to go according to our own personal good. And if we find things uncomfortable, then we often blame God for being unfair. If He was truly good, He would not let us encounter pain, right?

At least, this is the ideology that the world proposes. How often do we as Christians find ourselves thinking something along the same line of thought? When things go wrong, we complain to God, as if we deserve something better. When He doesn’t answer or relieve our circumstances, then do we give up on Him?

As I have been delving into the Word of God lately, I have seen – only in part! – what a great God we serve. He is the Almighty Creator of the earth and universe.“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God”(Hebrews 11:3). Jehovah has infinite power and He created human beings for His own glory and pleasure. But His perfect plan was quickly ruined when man decided to rebel against his Master. We decided to take our own way; Isaiah said, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). The very fact that our Creator has not completely wiped us from the face of the earth because of our rebellion to His name, is vibrant testimony to the unreachable span of His mercies.The verse which says, “For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds,” (Psalm 57:10) has an entire new meaning and depth to me as I realize this, yet even the Psalmist’s inspired words do not fully reveal the depths of God’s mercy. How can word or pen describe the wonders and character of God?

Yet, we often find ourselves complaining and lacking an attitude of humble thankfulness! Why is this? Last week, I listened to a striking sermon by Dr. Voddie Baucham, “Who Do You Think You Are?” based on Romans 9. I now reading this passage with new eyes, in a humbling realization of the place I have been given in God’s kingdom.

“Thou wilt say then unto me,
Why doth he yet find fault?
For who hath resisted his will?
Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?
Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it,
Why hast thou made me thus?
Hath not the potter power over the clay,
of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour,
and another unto dishonour?
What if God, willing to shew his wrath,
and to make his power known,
endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
And that he might make known the riches of his glory
on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory.”
{Romans 9:19-23}

Who are we to question our great Potter? The One who deals in great mercy toward us, when we are only fit for destruction! Who am I to do anything but bow my head in thanksgiving for what He has for me, no matter what that entails? He has given me breath, and yet I trespassed against His holy name and rebelled against Him. He created by body for His glory, yet I am bent toward my fleshly nature and desires. He offered me mercy and completely justification from my sins – and has granted eternal life to me! So who am I to ask Him anything, outside of wisdom that I may know how to bless His name all the louder and ability to worship Him more whole-heartedly?

When we realize who we are – and Who God is – then we will sheepishly see the foolishness of questioning anything our God has for our life or any suffering we might encounter. Who are we to question His plan? When we look at the truths of God and His just nature, His sovereignty – yet at the same time, His love and mercy usward – we should be completely awed and humbled at the place we hold in His world (Psalm 8). How does our soul not bow in complete surrender and adoration for Who God is and the mercy He has outpoured on us? I owe every breath to Him who has saved me! I deserve an eternity of damnation and unutterable suffering. “Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered” (Psalm 40:5). The fact that this world has green grass and water – all resources that sustain human life overflowing – witnesses of God’s love and mercy. And that our God cares for each one of us and has plans for our future – what an incredible thought! As I witness the mercy of God, then I wilt in wonder at the fact that God has given me life bearable, much more in fact – but it is a blessed joy! Thank you Jesus, for your blessings innumerable!

“In God will I praise his word:
in the LORD will I praise his word.
In God have I put my trust:
I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.
For thou hast delivered my soul from death: [what else can we ask for?]
wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling,
that I may walk before God in the light of the living?”
{Psalm 56}

The miracle of our salvation also must drive us to our knees in humble thanksgiving. We have broken the commandments of the covenant found in Deuteronomy 27-28. We deserve all the curses that should be hailed on us. Until we realize what we deserve, we will not grasp what our Savior Jesus Christ has done for us. Jesus Christ, the only perfect One who lived up to God’s commands – HE took the curse! He bore the suffering on our behalf. And this too is even more blessing to be grateful for each day we abide in His grace!

“My soul hath them still in remembrance,
& is humbled in me.
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed,
because his compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
{Lamentations 3:20-3}

I am finding just how much I have to be grateful for each day. Instead of grumbling because of some inconvenience or a change in plans, I am slowly learning to instead remember what I have been blessed with every moment. This month, I am going to make a goal to write down at least five of God’s blessings I am thankful for each day in my journal. This will require a constant attitude of awareness for the many ways He has taught and blessed!

May we never cease to wonder at the hope found in God’s mercy. Let us remember that we are to humbly bow the knee in submission for His will, in gratitude that He is patient enough to make us His workmanship for His eternal plan. We exist for His purpose and His eternal glory! May He receive glory in our lives: “All mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them” (John 17:10).

Bow the Knee
“What a privilege to come into God’s presence,
Just to linger with the one who set me free.
As I lift my eyes and see His awesome glory,
I remember who He is and bow the knee.

“With His voice He spoke and all things came to be.
Yet He hears each simple prayer I bring before Him
When I humbly seek His face and bow the knee.
Bow the knee, bow the knee, He is king of all the ages, bow the knee!
God alone on His throne, see Him high and lifted up and bow the knee!
Kneel before Him, all adore Him…
As you live to love Him more,
bow the knee.“

“O LORD, thou art my God;
I will exalt thee,I will praise thy name;
for thou hast done wonderful things;
thy counsels of old are faithfulness & truth.”
{Isaiah 25:1}

Humbled in Joy,

Blessing Others

April 1, 2011 KBR Ministries Leave a comment

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).

Walk With Christ

March 1, 2011 KBR Ministries Leave a comment

“Blessed are they that keep his testimonies,
and that seek him with the whole heart.
They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!”
{From Psalm 119}

The Lord has been teaching me so much through His Word, especially through Psalms, lately. I have always loved the Psalms, but they have more and more echoed my heart’s cry for a deeper love and worship of my Father. He has gently been teaching me about trusting Him and committing my way to His will – delighting in His path for me (Psalm 37:3-7).

Recently, I was encouraged to seek the Lord more fully and to fill my mind more and more with His Words, rather than the words and things of the world. My old sin nature must be continually pruned and starved – and in that place I should be ardently feeding and growing the new nature that Christ has renewed within me. I must fill my mind with more of God, less of the world: thus I have been striving to fill my mind with more of God’s precious, pure Words of life. Psalm 8, 27, 34, 55, and 119 are a just a few passages that I have been memorizing portions from andmeditating on. I have been reading one stanza from Psalm 119 each morning before delving into my devotional time. David’s love and hunger for God’s Word, for His Law and Statutes – this chapter rings with His adoration and worship of God. I must daily pray for more love for Christ and His Word. As we do this and seek Him diligently, He will reward us and draw nigh unto us, as James 4:8 promises, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” I memorized this verse as a very young child, but its truths only seem to become more real and true to me as I get older! He truly blesses and rewards those who diligently seek His face in faith (Hebrews 11:6). In January, I memorized Psalm 116 with my sister, and these verses have continually reverberated in my heart lately:

“I love the LORD,
because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me,
therefore will I call upon him as long as I live…
Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.
Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
For thou hast delivered my soul from death,
mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living…
O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant,
and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
& will call upon the name of the LORD…”

The more I study and meditation on these beautiful portions of Scripture, the more I soak my mind in His promises found therein, the dearer and more treasured the Bible has grown to me! I love reading it and finding the promises and commands it contains for the diligent seeker of Christ. My “verse underlining pen” has been very active lately in my Bible as Christ has shown me these treasures! I love this verse:“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek” (Psalm 27:8). I want to seek His face with my whole heart! And there is no better time to do so than today!

Can we say that we truly, deeply love the Lord with all of our heart? Is that our life’s cry? Are we offering Him the sacrifice of thanksgiving for the doom He has saved us from in His mercy? Are we looking to Him for Who He is and thanking Him for His grace? I have been asking myself these questions and found myself deeply lacking. A recent journal entry reads,

“I am finding as I meditate on Psalms and the worship of God, just how awesome and powerful and good He is – and how small and weak I am, without His grace. See, that is the main key I have to realize: that my hope is found in His sanctifying grace. If I keep this in perspective, so much falls into place (including my humility). I am praying for a smaller view of myself and a larger one of God. I hope to reap much growth by investing in this relationship, seeking to love Jesus more and put all things under that subjection. I want this to be my goal: ‘One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple’ (Psalm 27:4).”

Recently, a friend told me that she fasts from a certain food each March, to show the Lord she loves Him. When I heard about a media challenge that some dear young ladies are taking together – and seeing all that the Lord has been showing me and desiring to grow in my walk with Him, I decided to take a “fast” this month myself. I am purposing to stay off the internet during the month of March (outside of a set time each day to check email). Along with staying offline, I will be spending more time in the Word, prayer, memorizing Scripture, seeking and serving the Lord. A friend and I are going to keep one another accountable in this challenge throughout the month (via phone). I am looking forward to seeing what the Lord does through this and am praying for His blessing.

Would you like to join me in a commitment to seek the Lord more diligently this next month? Is your heart willing to give up a particular area (something you enjoy doing or eating) for His cause? Or simply to spend more time seeking Him and investing in your walk with Christ? This can be through daily Bible reading, longer prayer time, doing certain projects this month which will deepen your walk with Him, or serving Him in certain ways. I am realizing that my walk with Christ will not “just happen” – it will take sacrifice and commitment on my part as I seek to put Him first in my heart and life. I would love to hear if you will take the challenge.

“Seek the Lord and his strength,
seek his face continually.”
(1 Chronicles 16:11)

May the Lord Jesus be first in our hearts, may His Word be precious to us, and may we love Him more than the whole world beside! I am determined that “my meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD” (Psalm 104:34). Are you?

Seeking Him,

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KATIE H. » Thank you for the encouraging post! Instead of “fasting” from the Internet for the month of March, I’m going to be doing something my dad suggested and use every thought of something I’ve been dwelling/focusing too much as a trigger to go practice my piano pieces that I am practicing for offertory. This way I’ll be taking my focus from this thing and placing it on developing my skill to better praise the Lord! Blessings! Katie

SARAH LEE »Katie, thank you so much for sharing! I am excited to hear about your resolve to take captive every thought for the Lord’s glory. This is an important area for us all to learn, and may God bless you as you seek to obey His command. Keep seeking the Lord Jesus with your whole heart!

Walk With Christ

February 1, 2011 KBR Ministries Leave a comment

How much time have you spent in prayer today?

Last week, I was reading a biography of a great woman of the Faith, Frances Havergal, and her words about prayer were humbling true:

“Ten minutes or a quarter of an hour! Is that enough for the many things which he has to say to us? Is that enough time to spend in converse with the Friend of friends? Does this look as if we really cared very much about Him?”

This struck me hard. It is so true that I often bemoan the dedication of such a small amount of time to go to the Lord Jesus in prayer. How can I hold back anything from Him when through prayer He speaks to me, I find strength and power to live for His glory? Arthur Pink says of prayer,

“Only three ends are permissible: that God may be glorified, that our spirituality may be promoted, that our brethren may be blessed.”

This is what we must seek, dear friends, and nothing less! The results of prayer are incalculable. Following, my friend Maggie shares some of her thoughts on the power of our faithful intercessions and prayer. May God bless you as you seek Him humbly on your knees!

Prayer
by Maggie Bullington

A little girl dressed in a pink striped dress toddles over to her daddy, who is sitting in his favorite chair reading a book. She stands there for a second and then crawls into his lap and looks up at him with loving eyes. He smiles down at her and hugs her tight. She then begins to tell her daddy all of the things that went on that day, and that she is having trouble learning to write her name and that the neighbor girl is too shy to play. He listens well and then reassures his daughter that he’ll help her with her problems. She smiles, as peace once again enters her small mind. “I luv you, Daddy,” she says sweetly. Such is prayer.

Prayer is a very important part of having a strong walk with the Lord because it is during our time in prayer that we have direct communication with God. God is our Heavenly Father and we can approach with matters of any kind. We can make special requests for healing or needs that we have…or we can even just use our time with Him to praise Him for His goodness and love. Don’t hesitate thinking that your request is too small or large for Him.

Prayer is obviously very important because throughout the accounts of Jesus’ life that are in the Bible, there are several instances of Jesus praying all through the night and for other long periods of time. Look up Mark 6:46 and Luke 22:39-46 for just a few examples. Jesus says several things about prayer throughout the Gospels. And in the book of Luke, chapter eleven, verse one, Jesus was approached by His disciples and asked a question. “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” Jesus’ answer is known as the Lord’s Prayer.

“When you pray, say:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who
is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into
temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.”

Prayer and faith, coupled together, has fed thousands, healed the lame and blind and even raised people from the dead. But not only big problems can be brought before the Father. While trying to find a certain kind of blouse that I needed recently, we went to several thrift and consignment stores. I prayed to Him, asking Him to help us find one. Walking up to the checkout counter at the last place we stopped, I noticed several blouses on a rack behind the counter that looked to be just the right color. Upon asking the checkout clerk she found that there was one in my size. I looked at it and decided that it was what I needed. I then asked the price… “Oh, these are free – you can have it,” she answered to my joy. Luke 11:9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will fins; knock, and it will be opened unto you.”

There are so many examples of God’s love and miracles that are the direct answer to prayer and it would be impossible to name them all. Some, like my personal example may be small, and to many people, insignificant, but others have changed lives and even history.

Take Hannah, who prayed for a son, even though she was barren. She was blessed with Samuel, who would one day be a great prophet.

Take Zacharias and Elizabeth who wanted a son. God heard their prayer and blessed them with a son named John who became known as John the Baptist and prepared the way for Jesus.

Take Peter who, with prayer and faith, was God’s instrument in bringing Dorcas back to life.

Take George Müller, who ran an orphanage for poor English children. One day his cook informed him that there was nothing for the children to eat. While the staff was still praying for God to give them something to eat, a knock sounded on the door. A wagon had broken down and the driver had no way to transport a load of bread. “Could Mr. Müller use the bread for the children?”

Take Hudson Taylor who had a ministry in China and who also prayed for food when they had none. A letter arrived that same day from a friend who had inherited a sum of money…enclosed were the badly needed funds.

All through the Bible and through history there are amazing and thrilling stories of what the Lord has done for those who believed and asked. “…With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” Cast your cares upon your Heavenly Father and stand back to see His love for you.

~Maggie

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SAMAMTHA P. »Thank you for this great reminder, Sarah and Maggie! I especially loved the examples that Maggie gave of men and women in Scripture, throughout history, and in her personal life who prayed the sincere prayer of faith. I am always amazed at the greatness of our God when I read stories like those. God, in His infinite goodness and grace has chosen to use sinful humans – like you and me – to accomplish His great purposes! He delights in answering our prayers, especially when all looks hopeless, for then it brings more glory to His Holy Name. He is the God of the impossible! I am finding more and more what blessed joy comes from worshiping the Lord through the fruit of my lips. I have so much to praise Him for! I could spend eternity just worshiping and praising Him for all He has done, is doing, and will do!

KAITLYN F. »Thank you Sarah and Maggie for the wonderful reminders on how powerful and important prayer is! How humbling it is to think that He is constantly loving us, watching us, caring for us….just waiting for us to talk to Him. May we all “Pray without ceasing”!