Month: August 2018

“Because, I said so!”

” Because, I said so!”

I wonder how many times, as a child, I heard the phrase: “Because, I said so”. You either know a “why?” kid, you have one, or you ARE one. To be honest, I was that child. The one with fifty million “why?” questions who drives you bonkers because I always have to know more, be assured that the world is logical, life is fair and things make sense. Many of you wonder how a precious child can be so awe-inspiring and irritating at the same time!?

Moms, I know that you struggle in those moments of frustration, and sometimes guilt, when you’ve reached your limit and you just shout out: “Because, I said so…and I KNOW because I’m the Mom!”

Suddenly, there’s some quiet and the wheels stop moving so fast in that little mind. You can see some relief due to your impressive, all-knowing, mom status and if you’re lucky…they’ll just believe you…for now. Sometimes the assurance of your word is enough to feel peace.

So, ladies, why don’t we listen as adults when God “says so”? We need to trust His word, with faith like a child. What does God say to us to give us comfort and peace, to assure us of our value and our worth?

[ezcol_1half]• We are Holy
• We are worthy
• We are chosen
• We are strong
• We are protected
• We are made in His image
• We are beautiful and lovely
• We are LOVED
• We are redeemed
• We are important
• We are enough [/ezcol_1half] [ezcol_1half_end] 1 Peter 1:16
Psalm 8:3-8
Colossians 3:12
Philippians 4:13
Psalm 46:5
Genesis 1:26-27
Song of Songs 2:14; 4:7
Jeremiah 31:3
Psalm 130:7
John 3:16
Romans 5:8[/ezcol_1half_end]

And all these truths are just “because He said so”…

So, if you are looking for another go-to answer for your kids or even for yourself, try these out next time you don’t have the answers or the patience:

• “I don’t know why, but isn’t it exciting that we will be able to ask God one day?”
• Or “Let’s see what God says about that in the Bible…”

I have definitely grown, over time, to handle my own adult questions about the world and about life. I try to always seek God’s answers or His promises when I can’t make sense of things. His word is comforting and his promises fill me with hope. I recently heard a new Lauren Daigle song (You Say) that is absolutely worth a listen. I felt it was exactly what I needed to hear this week! Click the link Below to see the video:

Sometimes, even though we don’t yet have the peace or the answers, we just have to BELIEVE.

Believe what HE says; our Abba Father, our Creator, our King and Redeemer, our Heartache-Healer. Take comfort in His assurances and remember that our Heavenly Father is always faithful.

In Christ,

Kelley Warne

Hope!

Hope. We all need it. While we can’t lose faith, it is far too often that we find ourselves having lost our hope. Though Paul wrote famously in 1 Corinthians 13, “These three remain: faith, hope and love…” sometimes we feel that hope is nowhere to be found.

Maybe that’s your status today. Dr. Arnold Hutschnecker wrote, “Since my early years as a physician, I learned that taking away hope is, to most… a death sentence.” Hope is not wishful thinking, like “I hope the Jaguars have a winning season.” It is not blind optimism. It is not “wishing on a star.”

Hope has a grounding in reality. It is a realistic expectation. God is known as “the God of hope.” (Romans 15:13). He is the Source of our hope. He is the REASON for our hope.
One person defined hope as “the inextinguishable flicker God ignites in our soul to keep us believing in the prevailing power of His light even when we are surrounded by utter darkness.” In a dark world, we need His hope to find our way.

Starting this Sunday, we are beginning a sermon series titled, “The Power of Resounding Hope.” This will be a study in 1 Thessalonians, as we see Paul breathing God’s hope into a newly-formed gathering of believers in 1st century Greece. The hope he speaks about, I believe, will speak to us in the 21st century too!

Join us as we talk about such topics as hope beyond the grave… hope in spite of the darkness of our culture… living in hope until Christ returns. If your hope needs a transfusion, us each Sunday through September as we find our hope resounding in Christ Jesus!

Busyness is not a Fruit of the Spirit

Busyness is not a Fruit of the Spirit

 

“How are you, friend?” My reply: “Busy, SO busy.”

Why do we always default to responding to our friends, family or acquaintances that we are “so busy”, as if this is an enviable state of being, a spiritual gift or a Fruit of the Spirit. (It is certainly NOT, sisters!) Sometimes we say it with pride and accomplishment, other times we respond in resentment or defeat. Our culture has encouraged the pace and content of our days to be an ever – increasing race to fit in every activity, job, appointment, hobby or social event.

We compare ourselves to others and pack our schedules so full that sometimes we are ready to run away from our own lives! So we take a much needed break. Many of you have heard, or even used, the phrase “I need a vacation from my vacation” after returning from a break intended for rest and relaxation.

Ladies, why do we push ourselves to the edge of sanity to reach unrealistic expectations?

  • What does God expect of us?
  • Who can we look to as an example of how to spend our time? How to keep a balance?
  • Remember Lydia of Macedonia? After being baptized by Paul, she faithfully hosted missionaries while maintaining a thriving business and taking care of her family? She still found strength for hospitality and blessed others. Whenever we can…say “yes” to serving God and pray for opportunities to show His love. (Acts 16:14-15)

  •  Remember Mary of Bethany (Lazarus’ sister) who sat at the feet of Jesus when Martha was working so hard in the kitchen to prepare a meal? Whenever we can…sit like Mary, and listen for Jesus. (Luke 10:38-42)

  • One of my favorite authors Lysa Terkhurst (of Proverbs 31 Ministries) said, “We run at break neck pace to try and achieve what God wants us to slow down enough to receive.

  • In a January sermon series (God and Your Stuff) Pastor Tim said “God cannot put His eternal riches (blessings) in hands that are already full…God says ‘I want to fill you with things that are eternally good’…but first we have to let go.” Even though he was referring to our tithing, I really connected with this message in a way that relates to all the meaningless things that we hold onto in life. We must raise open hands upward to receive.

Let’s make it a point this summer to prioritize our schedules.

Serve, rest, receive, let go… Say “no” when we should… Say “yes” when we can.

We can start by choosing to be present with our loved ones, connecting with friends and neighbors, putting down technology and social media distractions…and asking God to help us hear Him in the midst of our self-driven chaos. Make the time. God is waiting for us to take a moment with Him to enjoy His presence.

Take off the badge of busyness and receive the spirit of peace.

In Christ,

Kelley Warne

Ecclesiastes 4:6 Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing the wind.

Psalm 46:10  Be still and know that I am God.

Psalm 29:11  The Lord gives strength to his people; The Lord Blesses His people with peace.

Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

 

 

 

 

 

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