Just Let It Go . . .

By Laurie Ness

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. for the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! Isaiah 30:18

Sometimes the Lord leads us to let go of something/someone because it/he/she is not His best for us. We might come to regret this relinquishment somewhere down the road because doubts plague us or we are longing for that thing/person in moments of weakness, when our enemy whispers lies and enticements in our ears.

Jesus would have us urgently jerk back our hands from it/him/her and throw them around His neck instead. Let's wait patiently for what He has for us, that which we can embrace without manipulations or guilt; that which He will joyfully give us when the time is right. We will enjoy His gifts so much more when they are indeed His gifts, and not something we've tried to orchestrate in our own power.

Just let it go. Wait for Him.

Deeper Than Devotions

By Laurie Ness

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17

"I had my devotions this morning" typically means I spent some time reading and meditating on a Bible passage and praying.  Sometimes called a "quiet time," this is a beneficial way to begin the day.  Really, any time of day will work.  Some people aren't morning people or have to be at work super early.  I'm pretty sure the main point with God is that we spend focused time with Him each day, not at a particular hour of the day.

Devotions sometimes also include a devotional book that has been written by a human, explaining how a Scripture verse or passage can be applied in our lives.  Often illustrated with stories or life experiences, the author seeks to encourage the reader to keep growing spiritually.

Devotions or quiet times are important.

But they don't replace regular Bible study.

What's the difference?  Bible study is a more intense look at a passage or book of the Bible.  We learn whatever we can about the historical background of the book and the author and first audience.  We examine the text closely and pick it apart, so to speak, looking up words in the original languages to find out their true meanings.  We look at cross-references and use the context and the remainder of Scripture to help interpret the passage we're studying.  Consulting commentaries written by Bible scholars can be beneficial as well.  And when studying with a group, there is the advantage of discussion.  Iron sharpening iron.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15

Taking frequent periods of time to study the Bible gives us a better understanding of the true meaning of the words than simply reading and thinking about what we've read.  There's nothing wrong with devotional reading at all, but it's not sufficient for the spiritual growth that God wants to work in our lives.  The real "meat" of Scripture is in the deeper studying of it, and then obeying what we've learned.

There are so many lies being thrown around these days, some even well-spoken to appear as truth.  Studying God's Word helps us to recognize those lies and counter them with truth.  This is vital.  To believe a lie is to walk down a dangerous path.

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.  Acts 17:11

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.  Psalm 119:11

SGC provides a number of Bible study groups for women.  Check out the website to find out what is available.  Bible Study Fellowship has chapters in our area as well.  If you're like me and are in a period of your life where you need more time flexibility, there are online Bible study options for you.  You can use Google to find something, or ask around.  If you e-mail the address on the left, I'd be happy to give you some options I'm aware of.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12

Devotions and Bible study are both important aspects of a healthy Christian walk!

To Belong

By Laurie Ness


"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is."  1 John 3:1-2

On a recent "Girls' Afternoon Out," I saw the new movie, Annie.  Though the music was updated and the plot changed somewhat, the decades-old "Little Orphan Annie" message was still present. That sweet little girl and her friends had a deep desire for a permanent family--

--to belong.

Don't we all want to belong?  Even if we're not without parental love, there's still something more we've all craved.  Some of us have found and chosen it . . . Him . . . while others are still searching or running.

"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."  John 1:12

Because life isn't like the movies.  To love means to sacrifice.  And even when we have come to truly belong to the best family ever--God's family--through faith in Jesus, sometimes we don't want to give what it takes to remain connected.

Like in an earthly adoption, just because we stray in some way doesn't mean we lose our place in the family, but fellowship can be broken or strained.

Thankfully, though, once we belong to God's family, we always belong.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. John 10:27-29

Such security that knowledge brings!  I've been reading and hearing a lot about foster care lately as one of the main characters in the new book I'm writing is a "foster kid."  Kids who go from home to home or who are abused in foster homes tend to feel deeply insecure and confused and displaced, for obvious reasons.  And that's how any person can feel before trusting Jesus as her Savior.

But adoption brings permanency, especially when we are adopted into God's family.  No one can take us away!  And God wants it that way!
So, remember, ladies, if you are a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, you belong.

Whether you are poor or rich, homeless or living in a mansion, have a large circle of influence or little . . . you belong.
Even if you are snubbed, ignored, gloated over, made fun of, oppressed . . . you belong.

And nothing can take you from His hand.