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MOTIVATE Me Oh Lord, To Sow

August 25, 2011
Filed In Daily Devotionals

I know for a fact that sometimes (many times), I do things to receive a smile, a surprised elation, an expression of gratitude from whomever I treat kindly. I watch for a show of appreciation. I know this because when it doesn’t occur, I feel wounded. That, my friends, is not love, nor kindness. It is flat-out selfishness. So, I find that when God gives me the seed of an idea to show kindness and love, then He blesses my action through His Spirit as I obey. Love is not self-seeking, it simply loves because it can do no different. When I don’t plant that seed and sow it where I am, it is sin, because when you know what to do and don’t do it, it is the same thing as knowing what not to do and doing it. Needless to say, I sin a lot in a day. Praise God for His mercy and grace. Like the old hym says, “Without Him I would be nothing; like a ship without a sail.”

It is God…

“who has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,” 2 Timothy 1:9

Grace saves us. And that same grace is our motivating force. Sometimes I am amazed at that little voice within that urges me to reach out and touch another in my day. Sometimes I walk away wondering what possessed me to do a specific thing. Then I realize it was of God. His Spirit reveals to me ways to be light in a dark world. When I act upon what is revealed, I become the salt He wants to use to season and add flavor to a tasteless society empty of nutrients, starving for love.

God is unbelieveably awesome. He intricately lives with us each day and guides us in His righteousness for His sake. He weaves a tapestry of goodness of which Christians are a thread to add color and meaning. He has it all figured out. He knows the plans He has for my life as I pick and choose where I go in any given day. He knows where I plan to walk and where I plan to stop and rest. As I make my schedule, He has inked-in divine appointments for me to play a part. He places various people He wants me and, me alone, to show compassion, empathy and encouragment in circumstances I encounter. I find that exciting.

When you think about today and what comes your way, I pray you have the discernment to see the ways the Spirit reveals His will.  It could be a very exciting day to let go of ourselves and simply be all He has created us to be.  To love others as He loved us…first. Think about it.

When others are mean, we can show kindness. When others are impatient, we can show patience. When others say discouraging things, we can encourage. When others are selfish, we can share what we have. When others ignore someone, we can notice them, smile, and say hello. When others reject us, insult us, betray us, we can accept, love and forgive. We may never know in our lifetime, how some small thing we do today will reap benefits for His kingdom. But we do know that Scripture says,

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6

© Hariette Petersen, SelahV Today, 2011

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The Scent of Lavender and the Fragrance of Knowledge

August 21, 2011
Filed In Daily Devotionals

Lavender grows along my patio. Its fragrance wafts the air each time Oklahoma winds comb through its stately stems. The stems I gathered last year and placed in a clay pot to dry, release a sweet aroma when I walk by the simple arrangement, or brush against it when I dust. At the end of a frenzied day, I can break off a few dried buds and crush them between my fingers, then add them to my bath to create a calming scent for a relaxing soak in the tub. I love lavender.  Each year, without a bit of coaxing from me, its perennial presence rushes out to greet Spring, then lingers all Summer long.

Christians are like that.

“… thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death,to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficientfor these things?” 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 ESV

Did you get that? We are the aroma of Christ to God. Those of us being saved pour forth a fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus everywhere we go. We cannot help ourselves because He lives within us–just as the fragrance of my lavender lives encased within its stems and buds. Through believers, God always leads in triumphal procession. We spread His life when we drive to work, stop for coffee, go to the grocery, tend to our children, do the laundry, prepare dinner, say hello to the mailman, answer a telemarketer’s call, or… forgive an insult. We are always an aroma of Christ to God, no matter how dry or lifeless we may seem to some around us.  He smells the freshness of life in the midst of a dying, rebellious world.

And He takes pleasure.

Do you see how important you are to God? Can you fathom the pleasure He receives each moment of the day as Christians all over the world represent His Son and honor His name? How sweet is the fragrance of life! In Him is our sufficiency, mercy and grace. In Him is our faith, our hope, our love. I pray you notice the fragrance of others this week as you pass them on your way. But more than that, I pray others notice the fragrance of Christ in you…and most especially me.

© Hariette Petersen, SelahV Today, 2011

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Building A House On A Strong Foundation

August 17, 2011
Filed In Daily Devotionals

We are building a house. We decided not to do the traditional wood, brick and mortar. We’re using steel. We have steel beams, steel studs, steel roof and steel siding. We are putting together a home that has already been through the fire and poured out to become stronger for it. Our foundation is made of concrete poured on top of hundreds of steel rods which reinforce the stability and strength of the concrete. Without a firm foundation, the steel girders and posts would not stand alone. A few Oklahoma wind gusts would level our house. Instead it is secured with thousands of steel bolts driven deep into the concrete. Likewise, Christians are secured to Christ as the foundation of His church. The church is strengthened by the indwelling power of God. We merely stand bolted to Him.

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22

God uses us to build His kingdom. We are His church. We are a portion of the beams, the walls, the siding. Jesus is our foundation, just as our house’s foundation is cement poured into a foundation of more steel rods. I think sometimes, me? I am the church for whom Jesus gave His life? I am the walls, the siding, the beams, the roof? Yes, and just as the materials used to build our house were put through the fire and tempered to make the strongest steel, the Lord gives us His power through His Spirit to withstand the trials of life…not that we can boast faith, wisdom or strength, no. Our endurance is because of the power the Lord gives us as we persevere and look to Him in faith.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,” 1 Corinthians 3:16

When storms come, we are secured in our faith. When death pays its visit, we are secured by the blood of the Lamb and assured of eternal life with God where it cannot be taken away. Because the Spirit of God makes His dwelling place within us, He strengthens us greater than any steel beam could ever be strengthened.

Do you ever feel worthless in the kingdom of God? Ever wonder whether what you do or don’t do matters in the scheme of things? It matters. You matter. Jesus gave His life to ensure it matters. You are a part of His church. Open the windows of your life and let others see Jesus in you–the spirit who lives within you. Let people see the fruit the Spirit gives you. Peace, love, joy, kindness, gentleness, self-control and hope. When storms buffet and threaten your faith and commitment, remember your foundation is secure in Christ. No one and nothing is stronger than He.

© Hariette Petersen, SelahV Today, 2011

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The Power In Peace

August 11, 2011
Filed In Daily Devotionals

Power Of Peace

Have you ever experienced the power in God’s peace? Peace is sometimes defined as a state in which turmoil ceases. It occurs between nations when they sign an agreement with one another on the parameters and borders and interactions between themselves. Peace is not the document. Peace is the trust of individuals to keep their word concerning the document. Peace is the absence of conflict, battles, and war.

Synonyms of peace are tranquility, calmness, stillness. For us, it is the absence of chaotic heartbeats and sweaty palms and frantic activity. It comes in quietly, yet simultaneously floods your soul and stills the rapid rythym of the blood coursing through your veins.

What causes you unrest, disquiet, anxiety? The outward circumstances? The unknown and unproven? The regrets and apprehension you will repeat your actions and end up with the same results? That is because you trust in your own abilities, your own experiences, your own resources. When we think it is all up to us, our adrenaline surges, our blood begins to pump. Sometimes we lose the ability to reason. We are confused. We envision all the problems that can occur.

When we trust in God, in His Word–we do not lean on our own understanding, but rely on and depend on God. When we rely on Him and His proven promises, He stills our hearts and calms our spirit; He gives wisdom and discernment to our minds. When that occurs, our bodies find His peace waiting to quiet our heartbeat. He creates a respite of refuge we cannot grasp or describe with human words. Even now, my words are inadequate, they are clumsy wads of vagueness. However, you know it when you have it–just as you know you know God, when you know Him. And when you don’t have peace, you know it cannot be produced by your own means. It is of God.

It’s like watching water pooling in one area, seemingly without one ripple of movement. Unless you walk down a bit further, you would miss seeing its power pouring over a dam of rocks and surging mightily on down the stream of water.

When men make peace, they place confidence in other men’s integrity and honesty. Yet, even in their most sincere moment, they each know the other could change course and break the treaty agreement. When God makes peace, He reconciles our hearts to His; He fuses His life into ours. He dwells in us and gives us the peace and confidence in Him that flows with power based on His strength, His ability to move the water downstream. Peace knows God is moving, acting and working together all things according to His riches in Christ Jesus. Peace rests in the pool of God’s will as He moves the current and releases His power.

God’s peace releases an inner confidence that cements faith in place. It’s power calms the calamity within an anxious heart just as certain as Jesus calmed the raging seas which terrified His disciples.

Jesus does the same for us. “Peace I leave you…”, He promises. He calls us to come:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

PRAYER: O, LORD, thank you for Your peace.  Thank you for giving me calm in my turmoils.  You are the answer to my questions. You are the protection for my life. You are the provision for my needs. You are the peace I can depend upon to see me through whatever comes my way. Keep me ever mindful of these facts so I continue to rest in the peace You freely give to me.

© Hariette Petersen, SelahV Today, 2011

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I Take It For Granted

August 1, 2011
Filed In Daily Devotionals

Four-year-old Conner cuddled in my arms as we watched Rango on television. We watched a little green gecko get repeatedly tossed into the air by traffic on the Mohave Desert highway. Conner said, “That green guy is gonna get squashed.”

“That’s why we don’t go in the streets.”

“No,” he replied, “I don’t go in the streets.” I squeezed him closer and he blurted, “Opps, I’m out of time.” I looked down at the 4-inch plastic hour-glass he held in his tiny hand. He turned it so the sand was on top and watched it begin to fall down into the empty side of the glass. “I got more.” As soon as the sand filled the empty glass, he flipped it over and said, “Opps, I’m out of time.” Again and again he flipped the hourglass until my daughter called, “Time for dinner.”

Time. Time to lie with Conner and watch a video. Time to spend with family on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Time to take a nap. Time to write. Time to finish my book. How often I take it for granted. Hours. Days. Years.  We are each given an alloted amount of time. There are no guarantees of next week, of tomorrow.  Sometimes I balk at the interruptions in my day–the thieves of my time–when the sand goes through the glass faster than I want. I get frustrated because I take for granted I’m in control–when I am not at all.  In the final analysis, it is God who controls the hourglass of our individual lives.

“He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” Daniel 2:21

The wise rise up and look to God for strength and help. The discerning choose His ways in all their actions and words. Dwelling on yesterday only robs us of today.

When Conner ran out of “time”, he just flipped his hourglass. We can’t do that. Our times are in God’s hands. We can only control what we do with the moments at hand. God is in total control of the seasons…He changes the time as He sees fit. We cannot change the time by setting our clocks back or forward. God can make it stand still if He so chooses. Indeed, there have been times in my life when I could not possibly have accomplished all I did in the timespan I had. It was as if God stretched the time…literally giving me more. It seemed like time stood still around me as I completed a task. Some would say I’m crazy.  But Daniel says God changes time and seasons.  And I believe him.

PRAYER: LORD, I long to be the “wise” and the “discerning”. Give me wisdom and knowledge. Let me use it for Your glory. Let Your thoughts be my thoughts, Your love be mine. Show me what You’d have me do today so I do not waste the time You bless me with.

© Hariette Petersen, SelahV Today, 2011

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Don’t Keep It To Yourself

July 30, 2011
Filed In Daily Devotionals

Some things are better left unsaid. Recently I overheard someone say, “I don’t mean to be critical, but…”. Then they proceeded to deliver an unbridled critique of another lady’s parenting decision. Sprinkled throughout the conversation were other phrases that foretold impending insult:

“I’m not trying to tell you what to do, but…”

“I don’t mean to sound judgmental, but…”

“I hope you don’t think I’m rude, but…”

“If I’ve offended you, I’m sorry, but…”

There is a reason we are to “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:15

There is a reason to present ourselves as a living sacrifice, and to be renewed in the spirit our minds. There is a reason we are to keep a short leash on our sensitivity and emotions. There is a reason we are to walk carefully with the Lord’s Word as the lamp unto our feet. The world is full of darkness. Vigilance is vital. We need to be different from the rest of the world. Even though there are wolves among us, and tares growing within the fields we tend, we need to heed Paul’s charge to the Philippians:

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 2:1-5

Paul exhorts us to have “this mind” which is ours in Christ. It’s already ours; we just need to let it shine for His glory. We may think we know best for another (in fact we may even be right), but it doesn’t mean we ought to share our thoughts and hurt another brother or sister in Christ. Paul instructs us to keep our motives pure–to be humble and value others above ourselves–to be considerate of the interests of others, rather than our own.

If we have any “encouragement” from our in union with Jesus, “any comfort”…”any common sharing”…”any tenderness and compassion,” it is our blessing to share with others. It’s our joy. I want to encourage you today, if you have this mind in Christ, don’t keep it to yourself.

PRAYER: Lord, fill us with Your mind, Your compassion, Your love, Your purity, and understanding. Let us look beyond ourselves, and pour out Your goodness to those who need Your love and saving grace. Let us join our hearts in prayer for those who do not know You, for those who do not even realize the void in their lives is their need for Your filling.

© Hariette Petersen, SelahV Today, 2011

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When We Are Offended

July 27, 2011
Filed In Daily Devotionals

Have you ever offended someone? Ever been offended? I’m guilty on both counts.  

Just before I came to Christ, I didn’t much care if I offended another person. If they interfered with my goals or ambitions, look out. I didn’t care how carefully I talked when I was treated unkindly. Turn-about was fair play as far as I was concerned. “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” I was so truthful I was brutally blunt. I remember challenging a Christian over lifestyle choices and know I was not the most diplomatic of people at the time. I rarely weighed my words. I did what I felt like doing.

After Christ, I changed. I began to care that I didn’t offend others with my words and actions. I considered the feelings of others even when I was hurt. I was careful with my words. I thought seriously about doing to others as I wanted others to do to me. I must have read 1 Corinthians 13 a hundred times and took it to heart that love was not rude, nor did it keep account of wrongs. It took work on my part to break some of my impulsive habits and to practice love that the Apostle Paul urged we practice in Chapter 14. But in time, the LORD worked in me and I know that my conscience began to be clearer and clearer. At the end of the day, there were fewer and fewer times I felt guilty.

“And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” Acts 24:16

Since becoming a child of God, I pay more attention to how I speak to others…how I treat them. I find myself looking for more ways to encourage, than denigrate. To praise than criticize. To control my emotions than letting my emotions control me. The beauty in being a Christian is God shows us so much mercy and grace in our slips and stumbles. He cleanses us from all iniquity and has already paid the debt for our sinful nature.

With this in mind, it behooves me to show mercy and grace when another offends me. I usually get a bit more uptight when someone offends a friend or loved one of mine, than myself. But I have to bring all these feelings to God and recognize them for what they are. Pride. The how-dare-they attitude really has no place in the thought patterns of those who follow Jesus. After all…what did Jesus do when criticized, rejected, scorned, and mocked? He said, “Forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Sadly, some folks today know exactly what they are doing when they say things to offend, when they do things to get a rise out of us, to incite others to anger. Some folks have no desire to be less offensive, or render mercy. But I can only control me and myself. I can only come to Jesus with my own weaknesses and flaws. Others must answer for themselves.

PRAYER: LORD, help us master the offensive nature we battle. Let us so fill ourselves with your grace that we pour out kindness, peace and love to others. Give us more of You, LORD. Let us so shine before man that we bring glory to You and You alone.

© Hariette Petersen, SelahV Today, 2011

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Stoned but Unshaken

July 21, 2011
Filed In Daily Devotionals

We only had the car 3 months–a 2005 model, but in mint condition. Garage-kept, not a speck, nick, or scratch. Near perfect. One day my husband returned from an errand and asked how I got the crack in my windshield. I was dumbfounded. I went out to inspect my car and noticed a tiny hole on the driver’s side where the nine-inch crack had originated. I spotted another tiny hole on the passenger’s side.  To me, it was obvious; a couple of stones fell off a truck, or were tossed by a lawnmower and popped against my window.  As I drove over speed bumps, potholes and rough roads, the tiny hole trailed across my windshield.  Now the crack has grown; it extends nearly the entire height of the window.

“5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. 6 Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. 7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:5-8

Just when life seems to be rolling along rather smoothly, a stone pops up and cracks the windshield of our lives. Often Christians can be like those stones which inadvertantly pop into the air and hit an unsuspecting soul. We do not notice the significance of that hit; we do not feel the sting of words hurled impulsively without thought during a passing conversation. We roll on thinking nothing of how we affect another’s world. I dare say that a good majority of the people who have hurt me in my lifetime are totally unaware of it.

I tend to stuff stuff; I swallow insults and tuck things away. I live with pinpricks and stone-fissures. Then one day, I hit a bigger bump that causes the tiny fissure in my security to fracture my heart. Unless I take the time to follow the crack to the origin, I may not know exactly why I am upset. But once I’ve gotten alone with God, prayed about my pain, lain my hurt before Him, He heals my heart and seals the fissure. He helps me see the initial offense I ignored that produced the crack.

Yes, sometimes a scar is there…visible to me, but not to others. Its tenderness, when touched by some unguarded moment, is a reminder for me to watch how I walk each day. I use it to pray for more discernment as I talk with others, as I pass them on the roads of life. I pray they not be shaken by troubling and burdening experiences. I pray they find the refuge available in Christ. I pray for those who cast stones to be filled with grace, to know the love of Christ. I ask God to have mercy upon them for the things they do and say that may inadvertantly crack my windshield.  Then I forgive and move on.

© Hariette Petersen, SelahV Today, 2011

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