PUTTING YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS?

There are so many things going through my mind lately. It's difficult to be the one who created a ministry and then have to use and build upon the practical applications you have tried to encourage your team and your teens to apply to their own lives. In some ways I would liken my own children to Pastor's kids. They are watched very closely, they are expected to perform at a totally different level/standard than any other kid and when they make a mistake it has greater repercussions than other young people their age.

How does a parent be supportive of their child, allow them to grow up and learn to make their own decisions yet not give them "enough rope to hang themselves"?

I wish I could say that as a mom of four daughters I have answers for you all - but I don't. And the more I walk this road, the more I realize it's REALLY DIFFICULT.

I just wanted to put this out there for you girls so you can see just how tough it really is for your parents and maybe you could cut them some slack. Those of you who have parents that are actually involved in your lives - learn to appreciate this! It's not uncommon for parents to be so consumed with their jobs and themselves that they are not involved in their children's lives at all. So, of you come from a home where your mom and dad actually take time to talk to you and you think they're prying - THINK AGAIN and give them a little credit for taking time to be involved in your lives.

I guess the reason I have titled this "PUTTING YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS" is just the thought that so many of the young women I've worked with have committed to purity and desire to live a lifestyle that exemplifies purity but the first guy that comes along that they fall head over heels for everything is out the window. Don't jump in with both feet. Take some time...pray about things...forging ahead throwing caution to the wind is dangerous. If your parents are concerned and not to sure about the relationship, LISTEN TO THEM. They aren't doing this to make you miserable. They aren't saying things to undermine your love story. They are sincerely desiring to help guide you and direct you. All those things you thought about and talked about at the purity conferences or journaled during your quiet times...REREAD THEM! Take time to go over everything then "put your money where your mouth is" and stay within the parameters you set for yourself. God placed those on your heart for a reason and He wants what's best for you. He doesn't want you miserable. He wants you to be focused on Him.

My friend Kristie had this on her status: I think often when we are waiting prayerfully and desperately for an answer from the Lord, especially if the wait is long, it's easy to get more focused on the hope of the answer rather than the Answerer. HE is the prize. HE is always the prize.


The PRIZE...is it worth waiting for? worth working towards? DON'T SETTLE...Don't block those who truly love you out of your life just because they're not saying what you want to hear. They have your best interest at heart as well and God has placed them in your life for a reason!

Next time your mom or dad take a moment to share their concerns with you - don't shut them down, don't throw a tantrum, don't close them out. Take a deep breath and listen. Listen closely, openly and pray about it. Then formulate your response and talk it over with them.

He is the prize! He's ALWAYS the prize! For our focus to be on Him and not the moment will enable us to put our money where our mouth is and actually fulfill those commitments we have made to Him.

WHEN THINGS GET YOU DOWN

If there’s one thing I believe we all struggle with it’s the trials or difficulties that come with life. Sometimes it seems there’s no end to the trials we may be dealing with. They can be discouraging, they can bring despair and depression. But there is one thing I’ve found that has helped me significantly through my trials and that would be FOCUS. When I’m struggling in life and I feel myself spiraling downwards in self-pity or consumed with a trial rather than walking in joy, I have to adjust my focus.

This past Sunday, Turning Point, a Dr. David Jeremiah broadcast was all about trials. Entitled “What to do When the Heat’s Turned Up” – I found this very encouraging and wanted to share a few points from it:

Using James 1:1-12, his first point was:

CELEBRATE THE REASON BEHIND YOUR TRIALS
A trial could be financial strain, loss of job, death in family, relationship problems, health issues, job stress, or simply exhaustion. From the outset of James’ letter – he discusses some key words. The first word is WHEN. James 1:2 says, “Count it all joy WHEN (not IF!) you fall into many trials.”

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TRIALS. But we need to remember to respond to our trial from God’s perspective and realize it’s being used by God to produce something valuable in us.

The second word is COUNT or CONSIDER in the Greek this word means “think forward.” When you find yourself in the midst of trials take a moment and fast forward in your mind to what God is up to and REJOICE in what He’s going to do within and through you as you walk through this trial. Deal with it by seeing what God is up to.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

Jesus looked forward to the results of His sacrifice and found joy in it which gave Him the strength to finish out the journey.
 

CALCULATE THE JOY IN YOUR TRIALS
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face testing or trials of many kinds, because you that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” James 1:2-3 PERSEVERANCE is also PATIENCE however, patience is not sitting back and letting things just happen, it’s doing what God has called us to do regardless of the circumstances. Do what we ought to do even though the expected result is not there. Trials produce within us durability and maturity. Without durability in trials believers can’t grow up.  “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything.” James 1:4 How do we become mature? By going through stuff. God uses the irritations to grow us up in Him! This puts muscle in our spiritual being so we can say, “I know that I know that I know my God is enough in the midst of all things!” He is going to teach us durability and help us look at life through the lens of reality.

CALL UPON GOD’S RESOURCES IN YOUR TRIALS
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 Just go and ask him! He will give wisdom to us liberally without reproach.

God is good! (and the source of our wisdom) In James 1:17 it states, “every good and perfect gift comes from God.” He is the God of wisdom (Job 12:13, Job 28:23, Proverbs 2:6, Ephesians 1:17) He will help us figure it out and know what to do.

God is generous. James 1:5 – he gives to us liberally. God reaches down from heaven and stretches out to give us what we need.

God is gracious. James 1:5 – he gives without reproach. Ever had to go to God several times about the same thing? Have you apologized for it? God is never insulted by our coming to him over and over again with the needs of our heart! He is NEVER insulted and won’t scold us for coming. Don’t ever use the excuse, “I already asked once and hate to go back again.” God wants us to come back again. (I am personally guilty of this next point that Dr. Jeremiah makes…) The last person we ask about what we’re going through is the only person who can give any real insight into the issue – that’s God!! (I am really “good at” going to my husband, my daughters, my friends, my mentor, but my last stop had always been GOD – this practice continued in my life for several years until I realized what I was doing and began making a more concentrated effort to shift my focus and begin ASKING GOD FIRST!) Cut through all the lower layers and go straight to the top! God is willing and longing to help us. But, don’t come lacking in faith…don’t be double minded (James 1:8). Come to God as our ONLY option not ONE of our options. We need to concentrate and focus on what HE says and not what others have told us. Let the other stuff go.

CONSIDER YOUR REACTIONS TO YOUR TRIALS (James 1:9-10)
When we’re going through stuff we will discover that trials and testing even the playing field. They are the same for the rich as the poor. There’s no rich version of cancer or poor version – it hits everybody the same. When you’re going through trouble understand God is using this and may use it to exalt you. He loves to lift up the humble.

CONTEMPLATE THE REWARDS OF THE TRIALS
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of glory that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 Trials are linked to our future to prepare us for what He wants to do for us. We must face our difficulties by honoring the Lord. 

God uses them to create spiritual pearls in our lives.

What is He up to in you? Ask Him what it is He wants you to learn and how he wants you to grow in the midst of all this! If you know Jesus, you know God is enough!

I’ve been dealing with some health trials in my life that tend to weigh heavy on my heart, but since moving to North Dakota it seems the intensity of other trials around me have become even greater than my health issues. I have had to adjust my focus on all fronts and God’s been reminding me time and time again to bring set them before Him.  It is not easy. It’s not fun. But…it is worth it!!! I have grown exponentially through it all and am LOOKING FORWARD to the lessons that are coming just around the corner.

So…with all that in mind…what is God up to in your life?!?!