Category: Spiritual

It Is Well

~ everydaycrossliving ~ Leave a comment

Recently, I was blessed to be in a worship service of approximately 2,000 women. Hands were lifted as we adored our King. Yet, there was one moment, during the service, that cemented in my spirit. The worship leader began to sing, “It Is Well With My Soul.” In the midst of this diverse group, I knew all of our lives weren’t perfect and nicely wrapped. Yet, we all boldly confessed, “It is well with my soul!”

In a group this large, surely sickness or heartache was present, but we still confessed boldly, “It is well with my soul.” I’m sure someone was wrestling with addiction, yet that didn’t stop our proclamation, “It is well with my soul.” Most likely there were a host of issues, hardships, despairs, trials, and tribulations represented in this body of believers, but we boldly confessed, “It is well with my soul.”

Now its your turn to take a moment and declare, “It is well with my soul!”

Let’s think on the words of the Apostle Paul:

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;                                2 Corinthians 4:8-9

You might be experiencing troubles on every side. There may be trouble in your home, on your job, everywhere you turn, but the word declares you don’t have to be distressed – riddled by anxiety, sorrow, and pain. The Bible instructs us in Philippians 4:6, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” So, in spite of the troubles you’re facing, boldly confess by faith, “It is well with my soul!”

You may be perplexed, confused, unsure, even uncertain by the current conditions of your life. The hardships you are facing my have completely caught you off guard. But guess what…the Word of God declares you are not in despair. You still have hope! The Lord even declares in Jeremiah 29:11, that He plans to give you hope and a future. Regardless of what has popped up and surprised you, you are not in despair, you still have hope. Therefore you should declare by faith, “It is well with my soul!”

You might be experiencing persecution. Due to the persecution, you feel alone, left out, misunderstood, and isolated. Yet, in the face of persecution, be confident, as the word declares that you are not forsaken. In fact, Jesus declares in Matthew 28:20, that He is always with you! Persecution is never easy, but you are a conqueror. Declare as the bold conqueror, you are, it is well with my soul!

As it is written:
“For Your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
Romans 8:36-37

Lastly, you may be struck down, feeling as if you have hit rock bottom. Unsure of how you will recover. But guess what the word of God says… it declares you are not destroyed! Regardless of how dire your situation is, you are not destroyed! Life may have completely knocked you down, but it hasn’t knocked you out! Boldly proclaim, “It is well with my soul!”

Don’t give up, don’t give in. Keep bearing your cross regardless of what you are facing. Today I’m praying for you and I declare, “It is well with your soul!”

Pursue Peace

~ everydaycrossliving ~ Leave a comment

As believers, we have peace with God and the peace of God. If you have yet to experience this divine peace, lean into God, you don’t want to miss His perfect peace! It’s a peace that He pursued to have with you. It’s a peace that gives you confidence that the Perfect Savior is not mad at you, but is madly in love with you. And, once you come into relationship with Him, you will have peace with the God of the entire universe. But He also transplants His peace within us, giving us the peace of God. Philippians 4:7, details this peace, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The peace of God is indescribable, it transcends dark nights and long days.

God has made peace attainable. We have the privilege of peace, because of Christ’s work. So, quite naturally we should make it our mission to pursue peace with others.

When to pursue peace?

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18

We should pursue peace whenever possible. This is not an occasional command. Although we cannot control the path of another, it’s our responsibility, as believers, to pursue peace. Our world may thrive on hatred, dissension, strive, and vain arguments. However, we are commanded to do our very best, to live at peace with everyone. Is this true for your life? As God’s follower, have you made it your intent to live at peace with everyone? Even that one who sins differently than you? Even that one that thinks differently than you? Even that one that votes differently than you? Even that one who looks different than you? Even that one who believes differently than you?

Where to pursue peace?

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
-Hebrews 12:14

Our command to pursue peace is not limited to a particular location. Follow the peaceful path on your job, in your home, in your church, in your community…Everywhere you go, aggressively follow peace.

Why pursue peace?

and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
-Colossians 1:20

Jesus purchased our peace, through the shedding of His blood, surely we should make every attempt to pursue peace with others!

How to pursue peace?

Take a moment to read and meditate on the scriptures below, allow the scriptures to speak to your heart and provide insight on how to pursue peace in your current situations and daily life.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, – Philippians 2:3

The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? – 1 Corinthians 6:7

You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. – Matthew 5:38-40

As you follow the Prince of Peace, make it your mission to pursue peace – with yourself and with others! As you bear your cross, do it with an agenda to pursue peace. Jesus has already done the hard work!

Choose Mercy

~ everydaycrossliving ~ Leave a comment

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7

Do you want to be blessed? Would you like your life to be characterized by happiness and joy? Well, what if the answer is to choose mercy? Yes, choose mercy!

I know you feel justified to hold that grudge. Maybe they don’t deserve your kindness. Perhaps, they have treated you badly or done you wrongly, one time too many! However, the beatitude spoken by Jesus in Matthew 5:7, makes it clear, if you are merciful, you will receive mercy. And, if you’re anything like me, you need the mercy of God.

I need the mercy of God.
You need the mercy of God.
We all need the mercy of God!

Take a moment to reflect on Titus 3:3-5.

“For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, led astray, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

Woe is me, without the mercy of God! We serve a merciful God and Psalm 136 declares that we should give thanks unto the Lord because of His mercy.

But, not only should we give thanks to the Lord; we should seek to be merciful unto others. How dare we soak up the mercies of God, but not extend that same mercy unto others! Make a concerted effort to bear the cross of mercy. Be merciful to that co-worker, you find difficult. Be merciful to that child, who always seems to get in trouble and make the wrong decisions. Be merciful to that driver, who pulled in front of you. Be merciful to your spouse, family, and friends. Choose mercy!

How great is our God, as we extend mercy unto others, He gives us the mercy we need! So let us choose mercy.

Are you Ordinary or Extraordinary?

~ everydaycrossliving ~ Leave a comment

Are you ordinary or extraordinary? Maybe you feel average or maybe God has blessed you with an extraordinary gift or talent. Either way, we all have the opportunity to be extraordinary for God. We serve a God, who is anything but ordinary, He is extraordinary in all His ways. He is looking for someone to be extraordinary for Him. Take a moment and do a self-examination. Have you settled for mediocrity or the ordinary in your Christian life?

Do you have an expectant spirit for the things of God? Are interested in the blessings of God, but give no thought to the responsibility of being a Christian? Jesus declares in Luke 9:23, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

If your interests have been peaked and you have a desire to become extraordinary for God then take a moment and read Exodus 2:1-4. What can we learn from Moses’ mother in these few verses?

Those who are extraordinary, for God, give birth, even in adversity.
Moses’ mother gives birth during a time when it was dangerous to have a baby boy. There was a decree for all Hebrew boys born, to be killed by being thrown in the Nile River. But guess what? Moses’ mother conceives and gives birth even in the face of adversity. When God wants something accomplished in the earthly realm, He usually uses us – His believers. Will you be willing to step out on faith and give birth to whatever God is calling you to do, even in the face of adversity?

Those who are extraordinary, for God, protect what they have birthed.
When Moses’ mother gives birth, she knows her son’s life is in jeopardy; she knows the enemy is after him. She doesn’t panic or become upset by the fact that she has a boy. No, she sees that he is a goodly child, beautiful, and worth protecting. She takes steps to protect him by hiding him for three months. We must protect what God has allowed us to birth. We must protect our marriages, our children, our careers, our relationships, our ministries, even our relationship with Christ. The best way, we can protect, what God has allowed us to birth is by keeping Christ first in our lives. Matthew 6:33 declares, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Don’t allow the new job to keep you from attending church. Don’t allow the spouse and children, that God blessed you with, hinder your prayer life. Don’t become so engrossed in ministry that you push aside the God of whom its all about! Be extraordinary and protect what God has allowed you to birth!

Those who are extraordinary, for God, are willing to let go and let God.
Moses’ mother had the wisdom to know there was a time to let go. She was wise enough to know that she could no longer hide her baby. The house, that once was a safe-haven, would now put his life in greater jeopardy. However, Moses’ mother did not hopelessly let him go. She had faith to let God. 9CE26272-B741-4ED2-9E93-74CADD63752FCan you imagine the faith it takes to make a basket waterproof; place your baby in the basket; and leave your baby at the Nile River, while his sister watches from afar? Moses’ mother was willing to let go and let God. What is God telling you to let go of, so He can show His power? What has grown too big for your human hands? Extraordinary Christians have the wisdom to let go and the faith to let God. When Moses’ mother lets go and lets God, God does not disappoint. The baby’s life is preserved; Pharoah’s daughter has compassion on him; and Moses’ mother is paid to nurse her on baby, in her own house. Only an extraordinary God could miraculously turn things around so amazingly.

Be extraordinary for God. Be willing to give birth, even in adversity; take actions to protect what you have birthed; and let go and let God. He will amaze you!

Pray Like Jesus

~ everydaycrossliving ~ Leave a comment

87384FBE-7005-4149-A129-8F9AC564E2DA

You’ve probably heard the statement, “Lead by example.” We can instruct others, but it is usually our example that speaks loudest. Our children listen to what we say, but probably pay more attention to what we do. It is the adage, “A sermon lived, is more powerful than a sermon preached.” However, as we seek to lead by example, I wonder how well we are following the Leader, our Savior, Jesus!

While Jesus, walked the earth, he was an amazing teacher. Jesus, the great teacher, lead by example. One undeniable example He set was in His prayer life! Jesus was adamant, about spending personal time with His Father, Our Father! As you follow the leader, are you following His example of prayer? Luke 18:1 makes it clear that man should always pray. So, what can we learn from the prayer life of Jesus?

He was intentional.
Jesus knew the importance of spending time with His Father. What did Jesus do to ensure He spent quality time, in prayer, with the Father? In Mark 1:35, 12E3F891-CD02-4C11-8B48-ECF70C41E69AJesus gets up very early in the morning, while it is still dark to go and pray. That’s intentional! Early in the morning, before the busyness of the day, Jesus took time to pray. Not only, do we see Jesus rising early, there were also times Jesus sent the crowds away and went to pray. Matthew 14:23, “And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.” What/Who do you need to send away, maybe just for a moment, so you can pray to the Father? Make a plan to be intentional in your prayer life.

He prayed God’s will, not His.
Jesus’ focus in prayer was completely on the Father. He desired the Father’s will over His own will. Even at his darkest moment, with the suffering of the cross before him, He prays, “not my will, but your will be done.” Are your prayers filled with requests for God to do your will, or, are your prayers humble petitions for God’s will to be done in your life? May we be like Jesus and pray for God’s will! After all, His will is perfect.

He interceded for others, even His enemies.
Jesus’ prayers were usually focused on others, instead of himself. John 17, is a lengthy prayer were Jesus adamantly prayed for himself, his disciples, and other believers. In fact, we find in Romans 8:35 that He is still interceding for us. If He is interceding for you, who are you interceding for? Are your prayers self-focused, consumed with your own concerns, needs, and wants? Of course, we should boldly go before the throne of grace for our own ailments, heartaches, troubles, needs, and wants. However, Jesus sets the example of an outward focused prayer life. He even prays for his enemies! On the cross, Jesus cries out, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Examine your prayers and make a conscientious effort to pray for others, even your enemies.

It is Jesus’ prayer life that lays out a road map for our prayer life. May we be intentional in prayer! May our prayers, seek God’s will over our own. Lastly, may we boldly intercede on behalf of others.

Today as you celebrate Labor Day, do not rest from Laboring in prayer. As you imitate Jesus’ prayer life, He will equip you to carry your cross! The power you need to daily carry your cross is matched by your prayer life. You cannot do this in your own strength, through prayer tap into the strength of the Father.

Fire that Works

~ everydaycrossliving ~ Leave a comment

The 4th of July has passed and many of us celebrated the holiday with fireworks. Maybe you attended a spectacular fireworks show or enjoyed fireworks in your own backyard. The sights and sounds of fireworks are powerful and captivating. Well guess what? We as Christian also should be powerful and captivating, because we have a Fire that Works.

I’m talking about the Holy Spirit! John the Baptist declared in Matthew 3:11, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.” The fulfillment of John the Baptist’s prophesy is seen in Acts 2:3-4, “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

How great it is to have a Fire that Works – the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. How is the Holy Spirit a Fire that Works?

Have you ever warmed yourself by fireplace on a cold winter night? A fire on a cold night can warm the body, but it is only the Holy Spirit that warms the soul. Life can be cold, filled with disappointments, hurt, betrayal, death, sickness, and hardships, but it is the Holy Spirit that will warm the believer during these times. John 14:26 calls the Holy Spirit, “The Comforter.” The Holy Spirit is a Fire that Works in comforting the believer. Not only does the Holy Spirit comforts us; the Holy Spirit empowers us!

We have a Fire that Works, indwelling in us, that empowers us! The Holy Spirit convicts us when we are wrong and then empowers us to do right. In our own efforts to live holy we would fail miserably.

Not only can we boldly live holy lives, we are empowered to carry our cross. Many times the cross you are required to bear, is linked to your spiritual gift, granted to you by the Holy Spirit. Our gifts are powerful to the church. The gifts of the Holy Spirit further the kingdom of God. Therefore, it is imperative that we use our gifts and bear our cross.

There are days we may not want to bear our cross or use our gifts. Sometimes we are tired and life is hard; therefore, we should embrace the Holy Spirit. Don’t try to bear your cross without the Holy Spirit, you will find yourself exhausted and weak. Ephesians 4:30 instructs us, “do not grieve the Holy Spirit.” Why grieve or resist the Holy Spirit when it is the Fire that Works?

If we would rely on the Holy Spirit, we would be powerful and captivating, like fireworks. The world would have to take notice of our Fire that Works!

The Ultimate Gift

~ everydaycrossliving ~ Leave a comment

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” – Ephesians 2:8-9

977F99EB-EF42-461F-A952-7A4AA90A080E
Have you ever received a perfect gift? A gift, so special, that you were in awe at the gift-giver. Most likely, you wanted to bless the giver in return. As Christians, we have received the ultimate gift. A gift unlike any other!

God intentionally picked and carefully wrapped up saving, amazing grace, for all who will place their faith, in His Son. That is the ultimate gift. It is, even more amazing, that God prepared this gift before we fell in love and surrendered to Him. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” While we were sinners, Jesus graciously worked to earn and secure our salvation. Could you imagine doing that for an enemy? That is what God did for us.

Although we are blessed to receive the gift of saving grace, by responding in faith to God’s Son, Jesus Christ. We can never boast about it! We did not earn salvation, it was a free gift of grace – God’s unmerited favor and love bestowed upon us. We cannot boast, because we will never do enough good works to earn it! It is His amazing grace that even enables us to daily bear our cross. The Bible clearly instructs us on this manner.

It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God: our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 1:30-31

This is what the LORD says:
“Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom,
nor the strong man in his strength,
nor the wealthy man in his riches.
But let him who boasts boast in this,
that he understands and knows Me,
that I am the LORD,
who exercises loving devotion,
justice and righteousness on the earth—
for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:23-24

However, we can boast on the giver. We can boast on our God!

Again, have you ever received a perfect gift; what about the ultimate gift? As Christians we have received the ultimate gift! Shouldn’t we bless the Giver in return? Ensure you spend time everyday blessing the Giver. Praise God for grace and salvation. Bless His name for the undeserved favor He lavishes on you. Worship the one and only Savior, Jesus Christ.

Self-Absorbed in the Storm

~ everydaycrossliving ~ Leave a comment

 

074414E2-8172-49BE-A575-A04B6F2A3053

And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
Mark 4:36-51

The disciples are on the boat with Jesus, but they still find themselves in a storm. Can you relate? Have you ever been walking with Jesus; doing the right thing; going to church; treating others well; and still find yourself in a storm?

While they were in the midst of this mighty storm with raging waves and fierce winds, they do what most of us would do, they awake Jesus. Jesus calms the storm, but He also admonishes them because of their lack of faith. The storm was so great, that the Bible details their boat becoming full with water due to the waves that beat into the ship. Yet, Jesus rebukes them!

Was Jesus being harsh? Maybe harsh, like a committed coach, pushing his players to their greatest potential. Harsh, as a loving parenting, refusing to allow an “A” student settle for a “B.” Jesus was pushing the disciples into greater faith. He does the same with us. Jesus knows our capabilities and He wants us to reach our full potential in Him! God is pushing us to greater faith, because others are looking to us. We should stand out as a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9), who have faith in God, even in our biggest storms.

This same story is found in Matthew 8:23-27 and Luke 8:22-25, but it is in Mark’s rendition that mentions, the “other little ships.” When the disciples find themselves in this mighty storm, there were other “little ships” on the sea with them, as well. If their ship was struggling, can you imagine what was happening to the other little ships? The disciples were so self-absorbed in the storm, they gave no thought to the other little ships. When we are self-absorbed in our storm, we forget about others. Others who may be observing how we handle the storm. Others who may also be in a storm.

When we are self-absorbed in the storm, we will find ourselves having a pity party. Full of complaints, crying out, “Lord, why me!” While God could be saying, “O’ Ye of little faith.” We cannot be so self-absorbed in our storm that we forget about the other little ships. The other little ships, in our lives, could be our children, a new convert, or a struggling friend.

5C124ECA-FC63-4508-AEAB-AF2C61B213F1

When Jesus speaks to the wind and waves; the other little ships were blessed as well. Jesus didn’t just stop the storm in the disciples’ boat, He stopped the storm on the entire sea! Stand firm in your faith, so the other little ships around you will be blessed by your faith in Christ!

Some little ship, might be looking to see how you handle your storm. Don’t become self-absorbed in the storm. Instead, even in the storm, bear your cross with faith in God. Allow the one who controls the wind and the waves to keep you, in the storm.

Crippled by Comparisons

~ everydaycrossliving ~ 1 Comment

As the troops were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs, and with tambourines and other musical instruments. And as the women danced, they sang out:
“Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands.”
And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David.
1 Samuel 18:6-9

Saul had been warned by Samuel that the kingdom would be ripped from his hands (1 Samuel 15:28); and he had probably been fearful about when the day would come. However, it was the lyrics, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands,” sung by the women who came to meet him, in celebratory style, that exacerbated his seep into a spiral of mental and spiritual decay. Saul ceased to function as a sane king, fit for God’s use! Instead, he found himself crippled by comparisons. He became full of jealousy against David; and obsessed with David’s destruction. Saul was no longer focused on serving God.

David’s success of slaying Goliath was never a threat to Saul. Saul’s own heart was the threat! Instead of Saul celebrating David’s accomplishments, he became full of jealously. Another person’s success, especially for the kingdom of God, is never a threat. 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 declares, “so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” If only Saul, would have realized, Godly success is beneficial to all!

As Saul found himself crippled by comparisons, David did not become caught up in the hype. David wasn’t rejoicing in the praise of the women, nor did he become puffed up or prideful by the comparison. David’s focus was on God. Let us be like David and not put too much stock in comparisons. Comparisons, not put in their proper place can cripple us. If we are not careful, they can hinder our work, gifts, purpose, and our efforts.

In our world, today, we are bombarded with comparisons. They are everywhere, especially in the world of social media. Social media has great benefits, but it has also magnified the temptation of dangerous comparisons. Social media is usually filled the very best of one’s life. The very best pictures, moments, and memories, and if we are not careful we will find ourselves comparing our worse moments with a perfect post, tweet, or instagram.

Comparisons are not always negative. However, when comparisons cause us to think less of ourselves, spouses, children, churches, ministries, and callings they become dangerous. When comparisons cause jealousies to fester they become crippling. They can cause us to become just like Saul, crippled by comparisons. Instead we should be like David, so focused on God and running our race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1), that there is no room to be crippled by comparisons.

Sadly, Christians are not exempt, we can find ourselves caught up in comparisons, even comparing our crosses. Carry your cross today without the urge to compare it to another’s cross. God gave you a cross to bear, specifically designed for you. Only you can perfectly carry your cross. Don’t allow yourself to be crippled by comparisons!

The Cross of Motherhood

~ everydaycrossliving ~ Leave a comment

When it was time for the Savior to be born, God used a woman! He used an ordinary woman to walk in an extraordinary calling. Mothers, regardless if they’ve birth a child or loved a child birthed by another, are ordinary women with extraordinary callings. There is a unique cross that mothers are called to bear.

The cross of motherhood is filled with highs and lows. The cross of motherhood is filled with ups and downs. And even Mary, the mother of Jesus, had to bear the cross of motherhood.

If anybody should have been exempted from suffering in motherhood, it should have been the Virgin Mary. If anybody should have been exempted from the tears of motherhood, it should have been the Mother of our Savior. However, even Jesus’ mother, had to face her share of challenges. We can learn a great deal by looking at how Mary bore the cross of motherhood!

The News of Motherhood (Mary is Pregnant):
In Luke 1, Mary receives unexpected news. Miraculously she is pregnant through the power of the Holy Ghost! Mary, a young lady, ordinary in all fashions, discovers she has an extraordinary calling. Mary’s life was interrupted by God’s plan. The news caused Mary to be fearful and troubled.

However, regardless of her feelings Mary chose to worship (Luke 1:46-55). We can learn, like Mary, to always choose worship. We can never go wrong by choosing to worship our Lord, even in the uncomfortable times of our life.

The Reality of Motherhood (Jesus’ Birth):
Mary had just experienced the beauty of birth, but the seriousness and responsibility of motherhood had to be sinking in. Mary had a beautiful, perfect baby, but she didn’t have much to offer Him. There was no room in the inn for her baby; He had to be born amongst animals. Mary probably wanted more for her baby boy. He deserved to be born in a palace and wrapped in fine linens, but that’s not what she could provide.

4AD849E1-1552-41D8-94FE-B222061E9743

Mary did not complain! (Do everything without complaining or arguing. Phil. 2:14). Instead, Mary used to the fullest what God had blessed her with. She wrapped her baby in swaddling clothing and placed Him in a manger. She simply used what she had. We should use what God blesses us with and take on an attitude of gratitude!

The Fear and Concern of Motherhood (Jesus is Missing):
When Jesus was 12 years old, his family was traveling home from Jerusalem, and Mary noticed that Jesus was missing. It took them three days to find Jesus, who was in the temple teaching. Can you imagine the fear and concern that gripped Mary these three days? As mothers, regardless, if our children are young or old, near or far, we always carry them in our heart. We remain concerned about their well-being. They continuously pull at our heart strings! Although, Mary was the mother of the Savior of the world, she was not exempted from the fear and concern of motherhood.

When Mary finds Jesus in the temple teaching, in Luke 2, she expresses her feelings to Him, but she is not ruled by her feelings. We will do well to live by Proverbs 16:32, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” Controlling our feelings and emotions enables us to embrace our children even while correcting them.

The Accomplishments of Motherhood (Jesus’ First Miracle):
Jesus’ first miracle in John 2, was greatly influenced by His Mother. Mary knew Jesus’ potential; she knew He was a miracle worker, before He ever performed His first miracle. She pushed Jesus into His destiny. Just like Mary, you have great influence in your children’s life. You have the ability to push them into their destiny. Jesus went on and performed the miracle, at his mother’s urging. Can you imagine how full of joy and pleased Mary must have been, as everyone was gushing about her Son’s miracle of turning water into wine? Truly a high of motherhood is witnessing our children’s accomplishments.

Remember, just as Mary had influence on Jesus, you too can influence your children at any age!
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
so are children born in one’s youth. –Psalms 127:4
Aim, position, and propel your children into their God designed destinies!

The Pain of Motherhood (Jesus’ Persecution):
Mary the mother of Jesus had to witness her baby – her innocent baby, her perfect baby, who was without sin, being tortured and hung upon the cross of calvary. She had to witness Him ridiculed, she looked upon His battered and bruised body; and all she could do was watch from afar. She could not intervene nor help; she had to watch Him suffer.
There are times in our life when we watch our babies suffer. We may have to watch from afar and see our grown children struggle with life, see them in trouble, yet have no ability to change their situation. That is the strength of a mother!
There are some mothers who have loss children and can relate to Mary on much greater level. God truly created mothers special. He created mothers with the tenacity and strength to weather the highs and lows of motherhood. He created mothers with the ability to daily carry a cross!
While Mary looked on, as Jesus was upon the cross, Jesus left her with these words in John 19:26-27, “Woman, Behold thy son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Son, behold thy mother!” So today, carry your cross of motherhood by beholding or embracing your child!

EB433C79-F9E7-42E9-B607-D6F21F1CD136

Behold your child, whether they are big or small, young or old. Behold your child, whether they are saved or unsaved. Behold your child, whether they are on the road to success or lost and confused. Behold your child, whether they are straight or gay. Love your child, embrace your child, encourage your child!
And if you are blessed to still have your mother, like Jesus told the disciple, “behold thy mother.” Don’t take time for granted, love your mother, care for her, and cherish her.