One morning as a young child, I was to learn a valuable lesson about grace. Except I had no idea it was called grace, back in the day....I loved the little lambs frolicking around the farm where we my parents rented a little house. The farmer's daughter's had lambs for Lamb and Calf day and I probably thought I would like that too.This particular morning, I chose a little lamb that I would play with after school. Knowing nothing of the dangers of a thin rope called twine, I tied the lamb to the fence on one end and his neck on the other...
Off to school I went, without a care. My parents told me later in that the lamb indeed had died...he must have chocked and hanged himself on the fence trying to get free. The farmer asked my parents to pay the price for a fully grown sheep. Over 50 years later, I still feel sad that I did that but it was accidental. A child has very little foresight.
As a child; sometimes as adults; we do and say things that we later regret and there is nothing- absolutely nothing- we can do to change the situation. The only thing we can do is throw ourselves at the mercy of God and His grace.
So what actually is this 'grace'?? I have experianced grace as God's unmerited favour. No- it is not overlooking our sin but a way of restoring us after we have acknowledged our mistakes. Restoring us so that we can start again.
Grace is also given to us to strengthen us in our weakness for Jesus tells us My grace is sufficient for you.
There are countless stories in the Bible of Jesus extending grace-not wrath- to men and women who have done things that there was no going back from. In fact, if there was no grace extended, the person may have decided they didn't want to live. Such is the power of grace.
How about you? Have you extended grace to someone who has hurt you?
In John 8 verses 2- 11 is the account of a woman being brought to Jesus as she had been caught in the act of adultery. The teachers of the law who had brought her to Jesus, stood ready to stone her- such was the law at that time. On this occasion- instead of answering their questions, Jesus wrote something on the ground with his finger. Then he asked that those who were without sin to cast the first stone. After this,He wrote something else on the ground. As he did this the men left -one at a time.....until there was only the woman and Jesus.
v 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you? "
11. "No one, Sir," she said. Then neither do I condemn you." Jesus declared. "go and leave your life of sin."
This is an example of grace. Restorative grace. The law said she must be stoned. John 1 v 14b Jesus came- full of grace and truth.
I wish I could tell you that I didn't do anything stupid after that episode with the lamb but alas I have blown it several times in my life. Mistakes as a daughter, a wife, a mother,a nurse, a friend... and you too will have your own stories where unless you sought the goodness,forgiveness and the grace of God and accepted it; you would have found it hard to live another day.
What I am so grateful for is that Jesus went ahead of us. He went ahead to the Cross; He went ahead to pay a debt that we could never pay; He went ahead and prepared grace and and mercy for us because He knew in advance that without His grace we might be tempted to give up- such is our disdain, shame and disgust in ourselves at the thought of some of things we have done. He went ahead and planned for us to understand and experiance grace at salvation and He continues to offer grace to those still considering their options. How are you at receiving this grace?
“The past is a foreign country. They do things differently there.” Novelist L. P. Hartley's opening line in “The Go-Between” resonates with me.
It does so because I'm an author of historical fiction set during the English Reformation. My research has shown me how different life was in 1500s England than in today's Western world. The differences aren't seen only in food, housing, clothes and transportation. The two time periods have totally different worldviews.
It also resonates because I'm a missionary in Hong Kong. While Chinese make up 93% of the population, the remaining 7% represent a diversity of cultures and religions. Over the last 40+ years I've worked with people from three different nationalities, each with its own worldview, and have had casual contact with others. I don't have to go back to the past to find myself in places where they do things differently.
These differences even show in how people view holidays.
As a former British colony, Hong Kong holidays include both Western and Chinese. Christmas decorations, such as those pictured here, appear for a few weeks. But the true meaning of Christmas is lost on most Hong Kong residents. For them, it's nothing more than a day when banks and government offices are closed and schools have a holiday.
The three day CNY holiday is a different matter. For Chinese residents, it's the most important holiday of the year. The focus is on getting as much good luck in the coming year as possible. So you eat the lucky foods, visit the temple to get your fortune told, put up “god of wealth” posters by your door and avoid cleaning house during the holiday since you don't want to sweep your luck away. Decorations reflecting the worldview of traditional Chinese religion are everywhere.
Returning to Hartley's opening line. As a Caucasian and US citizen, I'm a foreigner here in Hong Kong and I do things differently than the local Chinese.
As a follower of Christ, 1 Peter 2:11-12 makes it clear that, regardless of my earthly citizenship, I'm a foreigner and alien wherever I live. I'm to do things differently from the world around me.
I'm not the center of my universe. God is. Everything I have comes from Him (1 Cor. 4:7) and I'm created to serve Him (Eph. 2:10). Everything I do should bring Him glory. (1 Cor 10:31)
I'm to treat everyone, friend and enemy alike, as God would treat them. (Matt 5:43-48) I'm to listen before speaking (James 1:19-20) and quit complaining and arguing. (Phil 2:14) I'm to share with those in need. (Romans 12:13) Matthew 22:37-39 best sums up this different worldview.
Here's my question. Am I truly doing things differently from the world?
God has the answer. Whatever it is, his answer will always come with love.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 John 2 (NKJV)
Inspiration and Habits
Some writers stick to a fixed schedule. First thing in the morning before the birds and children are moving around. Two o’clock at the same café every other afternoon. Ten o'clock to midnight every evening. Others write when inspiration prompts them, hastily recording their thoughts onto napkins, scraps of paper, or into electronic devices.
One famous writer visited Bermuda many times and considered the Island vital to his health and creativity. Between 1867 and 1910, Mark Twain (born Samuel Clemens) frequented the Island as an escape from his routine life in favor of the natural beauty and slower pace that he enjoyed during his residences here. His famous quote, “You can go to heaven if you want to; I’d rather stay in Bermuda,” floats around the Island like a longtail (white-tailed tropicbird) soaring over the ocean. I liked the idea of a connection between the Island and this revered literary figure, but the statement never settled well with me. As beautiful as Bermuda is, it can't compare to God’s heavenly paradise.
Digging into the context of the quotation, however, I discovered that Mark Twain’s intention is opposite to the message that is conveyed as popular understanding. Or misunderstanding. Whether convalescing at one of the local hotels or enjoying the eerie beauty of the Crystal Caves, Mr. Twain experienced a revival in his health after the doctors had pronounced their grim prognoses. As a man defying his ailments and infirmities, he declared to those who seemed poised to make funeral arrangements, “You can go to heaven if you want to; I’d rather stay in Bermuda.” In other words, “Don’t write me off yet; I’m not going anywhere.”
In one particular way, he was right about staying in Bermuda. Bronze statues of Mark Twain dot the Island, giving him a permanent presence, albeit in an immobile form. I recently worked in an office building that boasted a statue of the author at its entrance. His bronze likeness also sits on a bench at the hotel he frequented in the City of Hamilton.
What inspires you?
As writers, we receive inspiration from many sources, and we pour these experiences into words, sentences, novels, a series. What inspires you? Is it a long, scenic walk? Camping by a lake? Or playing with your grandchildren? Jesus connected with people through stories crafted from situations in ordinary life. Seeds and sowers. A woman sweeping. Lost coins. Vineyards and grapes. A traveler who helps an unfortunate man without expecting a reward.
Some of us may not be as prolific as Mark Twain. And having multiple statues built in our honor? Probably a long shot. Maybe we have one book in us. One book that will fulfill our purpose. One book that will touch the heart of someone who will experience God’s love and grace through our story. As the words of a favorite hymn say, You may have this whole world; give me Jesus.
Let's chat: Where do you live? Has any particular place, close to home or far away, inspired you on your writing journey? I'd love to hear about it!
About Sherma . . .
Sherma is a contemporary fiction writer, amateur photographer, reading enthusiast, and wife who often takes her husband by the hand to explore nearby and far-flung areas of the globe. This wanderlust has its perks. She credits many of her story ideas to these adventures, which provide great opportunities for research for short stories and the novel series she is currently working on. Quiet, early-morning walks along the railroad trails on her home island of Bermuda provide inspiration when she is homebound.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5, 6 (NKJV)
My daughter is blessed with a keen sense of direction. She remembers landmarks and learns her way around new places quickly. Even if she is a stranger to an area, she maneuvers on foot or on public transportation as if she lived there all her life. I was amazed that, on her first trip to London, she was able to guide me from place to place using the Underground and bus system after only a matter of hours. On several occasions during our time together in London, I relied on her to get us to our destinations without getting lost.
I am the opposite.
I arm myself with detailed, written instructions or a map to find my way around in unfamiliar places. Before starting any trip, I pour over the directions several times to create a mental map. Online maps are great for virtually “walking” the streets of an unfamiliar destination. When driving, I use GPS to guide me, although I have been known to argue with the mechanical voice. “Are you sure?” I ask.
Even with ample preparation, there is no guarantee I won’t lose my way while trying to find a hotel, locate a particular store, or drive to a certain town or city as a first-time visitor. I have a talent for getting lost. A street sign could be missing. Or I might get sidetracked by an unexpected event (or a bookstore). More than once, a detour has caused me to take a different route than anticipated, sending my anxiety level through the roof of my rental car. The airport of one particular city--that shall remain nameless--is constantly involved in or surrounded by construction. Construction means detours. Detours mean. . . well, let's just say I'd rather have someone pick me up than attempt to drive from that airport.
Sometimes self-doubt is the culprit. At the last minute, I turn right when I should have turned left at the grocery store on the corner or at the second intersection. These mistakes can result in frustration, not to mention in a loss of time and energy. Doubting clear directions can be particularly costly when making life choices. Some can be life changing.
Peer pressure may lead to addictive habits such as drug or alcohol abuse or lifelong struggles with nicotine. Hasty purchases can result in long-term financial debt. Life is full of detours and side roads. It provides more than anyone’s fair share of doubtful moments. As writers, we stare at the page and make no progress in finding the words we need. We compare the first draft of our WIP to another writer’s new release and question our talent. We think it would be wonderful if we could make all our plans work out according to our timing and desires. But when self-reliance or self-doubt creeps into our thinking, plans go awry.
God’s word reminds me that the most essential sense of direction I need comes from following Jesus. I can have confidence in Him because He already knows what is best for me (Jeremiah 29:11). He sets up divine appointments. If I follow and obey, I don’t need to depend on my own instructions, a carefully drawn map, or even the skill of others when traveling in unfamiliar territory. All I need to do is put my hand in His and allow Him to lead.
Do you have a testimony about claiming Proverbs 3:5-6? Please share in the comment section. It might encourage someone else.
About Sherma...
Sherma Webbe Clarke is a contemporary fiction writer and a 2017 ACFW First Impressions Finalist. Her inspirational writing has been included in Christian devotional books: Grace Notes and Blessed. She loves to take her husband by the hand to explore nearby and far-flung areas of the globe. This wanderlust has its perks. She credits many of her story ideas to these adventures. Quiet, early-morning walks along the railroad trails on her home island of Bermuda provide inspiration when she is homebound.
Rusty A Lang (Pseudonym for Marlene Anne Morphew | @AnneMorphew
Don’t mix genre
My logic mind screamed, “I can’t do that!”
God had given me an idea for my third book and I was not sure if it was okay by the rules of writer engagement with the world. He wanted a fictional story included in a non-fiction book on wisdom.
Have a clear outline
A writer is to know the direction of the proposed fictional manuscript. But my fictional part started as an allegory, and ended up a full blown story of a relationship between a grandfather and his grandson.
I learned the characters could go any direction - people come and go - circumstances and events ebb and flow. As I kept in mind the purpose of the book, living life with wisdom, the concept fell into place.
As the characters lived through the highs and lows of everyday existence, I was swept along with the practical wisdom oozing from an older man overflowing to his grandson.
Instead of a set outline, I chose to trust my characters to direct me. I love this photo. I do not know the man but he is so like my main character I wanted to share it with you.
Write from experience
I am a nonfiction writer so this was new territory for me. I am not a grandmother. I have never had children of my own. I argued with God that it is best to write from experience. He reminded me Jesus was not a grandparent or father yet he understands the hearts and minds of all God’s children.
Christian writers have God’s Word stored in our hearts so it is from there he brings forth words he wants us to write, whether we have experienced the emotion, event or circumstance.
Deuteronomy 11:18, ‘You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead.’ I hope you sense the wonder of this young boy discovering God in the pages of the bible - as my boy in the book did.
Format material for easy reading
My book was to fill a void between the shallow and superficial and deeper theological treatises on wisdom - each chapter in three parts. This format sounded confusing to me but for a teaching book to be interesting to time poor readers it had to be different. God reminded me he compiled the Old Testament and it is not arranged in chronological order.
First part was the allegory. The second teaching on wisdom from the Word of God and the third included optional questions for personal or small group study.
The multipurpose format makes people stop reading and think about the contents. Learning rather than getting swept along by the story alone.
Cover design relate to topic
In this I did err on the side of common sense. But the full meaning of the reference to the owl only comes to those who take the time to read the preface. I was told nobody reads the front matter. So at book signings I guide people towards the preface.
Building perusers and scanners into readers is part of a writer’s job.
Obey the rules for success
Breaking man’s rules if binding on creativity is okay, for obedience to God counts for eternity.
‘But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “We must obey God rather than man”’ (Acts 5:29).
Are you writing by the rules or for the glory of God?
About the author
Marlene Anne Morphew/Rusty A. Lang – healed from dyslexia, schooled in brokenness, writing is in her DNA. Discover her testimony in her autobiography, Good Things Take Time: Metamorphosis of a Damaged Soul. Explore her other non-fiction publications on her website rustyalang.com. Her international ministry takes her away from her writing desk throughout the year but her heart home is still Australia with her husband, Ray.
A certain father had two very different sons. They all lived on a farm where we are to conclude that the two sons worked. If you know the story of the Prodigal son, you will know that one day, one of the sons decided he was done with working for his father. He asked- in advance- for his share of his fathers estate. Normally, this share is not given until the death of the parent.
I wonder what was going on in the heart of the son at that time and in the father's heart? The father loved his son very much. He had provided his sons with everything they needed; yet this son seemed to think there was more to be found in Tinseltown.
"I cant wait to get to the Big Smoke" he thought. "I'm out of here".... Out from the Old mans rules...out from getting up early and busting my guts working on the farm.
I'm going to party hard...with my mates...every single day and night!! Woohooo!! Total freedom is where its at!!
V 14: After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country and he began to be in need. V15. so he went off and hired himself out to a citizen of that country who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. Vs 16. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating but no one gave him anything.
Wasteful living! We have all done it- in our own fashion and in some measure. Some of us start waking up to ourselves when we reach a scenario that is as attractive as a pigpen.
The mood changes. Gone is his money... The pumping music, his drunk mates, ladies of the night- they have all lost their appeal and have split the scene. Funny that! While he had money, he had lots of.... 'mates'.
The face of his father comes to his mind.
V17: When he came to his senses...
The son starts rehearsing a speech to his father. He remembers his fathers wise counsel: "Tell the truth and shame the devil."
V18: I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and and against you. v 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men v 20 So he got up and went to his father..
Shame has a way of pounding in our ears and telling us lies. Shame can also motivate us to make new choices if we turn our back on it and tell the truth to ourselves and then to a loving father.
Every man and every woman gets the opportunity to rehearse their own speech. As we go to our earthly and our heavenly Father and speak from the heart, we are released from the shame and become unashamed! If we hold onto our pride and collude with shame, we risk being unforgiven and bound.
What about you ? Have you ever been in a position where you either held onto your pride or you starting rehearsing a speech?
This story is a picture of the love of a heavenly father who loves all of us but puts no pressure on us to come to him.
So where are you in the story of the prodigal son? Do you identify with either son? Do you get a sense that this was really about a fathers love for his children?
In reading the parable many times, I had no sense of pressure or coercion to come to the father for relationship. However that is what our Heavenly Father is actually more interested in. Yes- its one thing to go to our parents and ask for a loan but a parent longs for relationship. At the end of the day, the prodigal son sees it was all a waste of time to indulge in temporary thrills. He wanted his relationship with his father restored.
It all comes down to identity. The prodigal son now had a revelation that he was already a son in his fathers house and had been, all along. The father loved him enough to let him go and try out the temporary things of this world that he believed would bring him life.
The father wasted no time after hearing his sons confession. He asked his servants to quickly bring the best robe and then a ring, then sandals on his feet. He had to celebrate the return of his son. His son now had a revelation that he was and still is a loving Father. Our Heavenly Father also puts on a party when we acknowledge His great love for us and with our free will, recite our prepared speech
The son was beginning to see he had a whole inheritance to step into that was heavenly, invisible and eternal. Is this something you have ever given thought to? His earthly father appeared to be quite rich but a heavenly Father has far more for us in terms of inheritance.We dont know how long it took the son to get to a heart shift from "Give me" to "Father I have sinned against heaven and against you".
The father was so patient and kind towards his sons- both of them- and yet the elder brother changed his tune and resented the attention shown to his brother by his father upon his return. God equally loves the son who remained at home who spurns the love and the inheritance that his father has for him. For those who spurn His love, they still have the opportunity to accept what the father has for them.
It seemed to be unjust to the faithful son who had stayed at home. We do not know how long his brother had been away. Is it possible that this faithful brother was harbouring anger at his brother and at his father because maybe in his mind, this killing the fatted calf was just too unjust??? Or was this about the fact that this son had actually chosen to harden his heart at the perceived injustice of a feast!
Maybe this was the older son getting a revelation of the grace and forgiveness of God.
The last word comes from the father Vs 31. " 'My son,' the father said, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.vs 32. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead(spiritually) and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "
In conclusion, in the parables of the lost coin and the lost sheep, someone went looking for them. These reflect material possessions however how much more valuable is a soul who is found!!!!!! This time, the Father waited for the son to come to himself. That is where God comes in. He waits. And Waits. And waits. He waits for US to make the first move back to Him. He; in His great love for us MUST let us decide if we want to be found. His heart more than desperately wants us to come to Him but He also gave us a freewill. This means we are FREE to do as we WILL.... and that can be for good or bad. We get to choose what we WILL.
What a risk God takes!! All LOVING!!! He allows us the respect, dignity and the honour to CHOOSE for ourselves the bend of our will. God is a perfect gentleman and he will let us do what we want.
In this example, the younger son -of his own freewill- chose to return to the silent but steady love and waiting Father. It would not be love freely reciprocated, if He demanded the affections of our heart.
About Lorraine Goulton
Hi, Im Lorraine Goulton from Masterton North Island New Zealand. I love writing and passionately working on my first work about our Identity in Christ. I know what it is to stuff things up and rehearse speeches. I enjoy shaming the devil!
Married to Colin, we have 7 daughters between us and have 13 granddchildren. Currently working as a Registered Nurse with Wairarapa DHB. Also a volunteer Support Coordinator for Crisis Pregnancy Support-Wairarapa.
https://www.crisispregnancysupport.org.nz/
Many years ago, I lost a very close friendship due to a misunderstanding that occurred between us. Although I tried, I was not able to build a bridge to her ever again. I was stunned at her response but I know its not about her response. Its about mine. I just felt sad. Sad that she was choosing that response. Sad she allowed this misunderstanding to break up a lovely friendship. I wonder if she ever forgave me or whether it still stings when she thinks of me?
To be completely honest, I too have drunk at the fount of bitterness from time to time, drinking brine; bringing up in my mind all those things I hold against people. Sometimes I'm only at the fount for a short time, but I'm ashamed to admit that sometimes I'm a bit like Herodias. I am guilty of nursing that "thing." What about you? How long was your longest stay? Looking back, was it worth it?
Herodias had an axe to grind in Mark 6 verse 19. Actually, it was more of an Executioners Sword. She didn't take kindly to what John the Baptist had to say about her being Herods's wife and she wanted to kill him. Such was her desire to kill him that Herod her husband had John the Baptist arrested, bound and imprisoned. I have a feeling she may have been drinking the brine of bitterness...
Mark 6 v 19 writes she nursed a grudge.
Nursing a baby
Having been a nursing mother; way back when my four daughters were babies, nursing (breastfeeding) was a full time job. I demand fed and sometimes it seemed the baby of the day was permanently latched at a nipple. Some days it seemed I couldn't do anything else because baby needed to be fed ALL the time. The beauty was you knew it was a good thing to do for you and baby. I cant say the same for grudges.
The perils of nursing a grudge
Carrying that grudge all day and all night long. Feeding it. Stroking it. Stoking up the fire of that grudge. Defending that grudge. Adding in the ninety parts unforgiveness and hatred. How exhausting! But this is what Herodias did ... And we do it too! Don't we? Go on. Be honest! We take the bait and we nibble on it and the offense grow and grows.
Offense - The Bait of Satan
John Bevere wrote a book called The Bait of Satan which talks about the power of an offense to be the veritable bait of satan. Here we see Herodias captivated by the ever seductive self righteous elixer of bitterness. Addictive at best and self protective at worst.
The tempting allure from the couldron of contempt, misunderstanding and offense provide the perfect conditions for the idol of Herodias's self to be placated. The brine would do its deadly work.. if she waited long enough. She nursed that grudge for- who knows how long -but the moment came when she had drained the dregs of the last drop of this imaginary and invisible brine. Except that drinking the brine of bitterness will be deadly.. for someone.
Unforgiveness is deadly
Verse 21 The opportune time came. A banquet was held for King Herod's Birthday. Herodias's daughter performed a pleasing dance to King Herod and his dinner guests. King Herod who was protecting John and looking after him in the prison was so enthralled with her dance that he offered her anything at all up to half of his estate. The daughter went straight to her Mother to ask her what she should ask for.
The fact that Herodias told her daughter INSTANTLY what to ask for, may indicate that this grudge nursing thing was about to pay off ! To save face, King Herod was under oath to deliver!
Who is watching you?
Hebrews 12 v15 reads: See to it that no one MISSES the grace of God and that no BITTER ROOT grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
We could speculate Herodias's choice to model hatred of John the Baptist to her daughter likely had far reaching consequences to her daughter and her daughter's lineage. This dancing daughter valued her Mothers opinion and when it counted most, her Mother taught her how to treat people who upset you. Off with their heads!
What about us?
Titus 3 vs 3 At one time, we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy,being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness of and love of God appeared, v5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour v7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we night become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
For reflection
This verse speaks the truth of our human condition BUT it also speaks more about the love of God and what the death of Jesus purchased for us and achieves for us- in an ongoing way. It speaks to all of us that have been brine drinkers and the occasional imbibers.
Jesus is after our hearts. He wants us to take steps towards Him when we believe we have missed the mark. The good news is that He accepts us even in our spiritual immaturity. What can you do to ensure you do some regular spiritual weeding and pull out any bitter roots? Can you believe that you are called Beloved - even at your worst? Can you appreciate that we are required to forgive ourselves? This can be very difficult to do but vital for us to do in order to move on to be the Heirs that we literally are.
Isaiah 1vs 18. "Come now, let us settle the matter," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be as wool.
The Cup of Wrath
Jesus prayed TWICE in Gethsemene- the night before he was crucified Matthew 26 v 39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will,but as you will." And again in vs 42. He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."
I have heard this "cup" likened to a cup full of the rubbish of every mans sin from the beginning of time; pulverised with the dirt and filth of every vile, wicked and sinful thought, word and deed of mankind. My understanding is that the cup of which Jesus speaks here is about the act of crucifixion-taking on the sin of the world.
I am more than grateful that I came to the fount of Jesus and asked for His cleansing- in exchange for the brine of bitterness. For now, Im fresh out of brine and if I find some I think I will pour it down the toilet. I suggest you do the same. It's deadly stuff.
We can now drink from the Cup of the New Covenant
Matthew 26 v 27: Then he took the cup gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.v 28: This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins
About Lorraine Goulton
Lorraine Goulton is a budding writer from Masterton, North Island New Zealand. Happily married to husband Colin, she works four days a week as a Registered Nurse. Between them, they have seven daughters and thirteen grandchildren. Lorraine loves baking treats for grandchildren and working on a book about Our Identity in Christ. For the most part, Lorraine is ignoring the fact that her 60th birthday has been and gone and is adopting the motto "If you don't write now, when are you going to!" You will find her on Facebook (scrolling) but when she gets her act together, she will get her website up and running.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2) Do you have a red cape in your closet? Is there a power ring in your jewelry box? Can you tap into the Speed Force to become like The Flash, gaining the ability to move faster than light and cut through time and matter? If your answer is ‘no’, you’re not alone. But we give it a good try, don’t we? No wonder we are in jeopardy of burning out when we can’t accomplish everything on our to-do lists.
The Top Three
The truth is, we can’t take care of others or do our best if we’re exhausted. Here are the top three lifelines that I cling to when I’m feeling overwhelmed:
Pray
I believe prayer should be our first step in any situation, not the last resort. Let God give you a fresh perspective. After all, He sees the entire situation and is already in the future and has worked things out for us. When we cry out, He answers with an invitation: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Worship
When I worship in the midst of chaotic 21st-century life, it’s a matter of allowing my mind to get distracted by the wonder and majesty of God. Sometimes my hands pop into the air in praise. At other times, I press my eyes closed and imagine the splendor of heaven.
Read the Bible
Turn to Bible truths to combat stress and worry. It's like finding treasure. Biblical accounts of others help us see God’s faithfulness. His promises can be found throughout His Word. The Psalms are a good place to start.
When You’re Prayed Up But Still Need a Break
We’re fearfully and wonderfully made, fashioned in the image of God. We have interests, abilities, and curiosity about the world around us. These are gifts we can use to shift our perspectives when we expect to pack 35 hours of continuous action into a single day. There are better options than pushing ourselves into exhaustion. Here are four:
Engage in a hobby
Even when free time is a luxury, favorite pastimes can be squeezed into our schedules. Snap a picture of a sunset, a rare flower, or your kids' big smiles. Cycle to an appointment. A few compromises can allow us to infuse some fun into our routines.
Help someone else
Is there a way to use your talents or gifts to ease someone’s burden? A friend of mine has a heart for writing poetry for those going through difficult times. She has blessed many people with her comforting words.
Record a song
I hope you don’t mind this bit of whimsy. You don’t have to upload the recording to YouTube—or even keep it. Not feeling so dramatic? Hum your favorite song while doing chores. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it helps to make a joyful noise.
Talk it out
Find a trusted friend, family member, your pastor, or if necessary, mental health professional. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek help. We are social beings, and we weren’t meant to struggle alone. As it turns out, God has many ways to show me how to guard against becoming too busy. I’ll share more in another post. In the meantime, what strategies do you suggest? Let’s see how many we have in common.
About Sherma...
SHERMA WEBBE CLARKE is a contemporary fiction writer and a 2017 ACFW First Impressions Finalist. Her inspirational writing has been included in Christian devotional books: Grace Notes and Blessed. She loves to take her husband by the hand to explore nearby and far-flung areas of the globe. This wanderlust has its perks. She credits many of her story ideas to these adventures. Quiet, early-morning walks along the railroad trails on her home island of Bermuda provide inspiration when she is homebound.
