Grace in Pregnancy at Christmas

Reflecting over the past 8 months of this pregnancy, one word comes to mind, grace.  I have experienced God's grace in so many tangible and real ways day in and day out.  I have found myself in tears at times over the sanctification process, and have been met by the love of God over and over again, always giving me exactly the dispensation of grace I need for that very moment.  I've learned more of my own weaknesses, shortcomings, and failures; and yet I have seen the Gospel as more beautiful, glorious, and precious then ever before.  Pregnancy has shown me God's grace in new and unique ways, and for that, I am beyond grateful.

As I spent time with the Lord and reflected over the last 8 months and prayed for the remaining 4 weeks or so (Lord-willing), I kept coming back to the Christmas story.  I pictured Mary, 9 months pregnant, traveling on a donkey, for days...what a journey that must have been.  I imagine her pregnancy, and the ups and downs she must have experienced while carrying a child.  I can't even fathom what she must have felt knowing that the little baby inside of her womb WAS the SAVIOR of the world! What an incredible privilege, and yet at the same time, what a hard reality to grasp.  I wonder if she too was sanctified through her pregnancy, and I know she had to have been.  As I feel Brayden moving around inside of me, I imagine what it must have been like for her to have JESUS CHRIST move around inside of her. Mary must have experienced grace daily as she carried this little one, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Then I think about Joseph, and the responsibility he bore.  Not only was he being entrusted to raise a child, but he was being called to be faithful to raise the Son of God!  I imagine the countless prayers he must have prayed for his wife and his son and how he prayed for God's equipping to do what seemed impossible.  The sanctification he too must have experienced was filled with much growth I am sure.  And yet, I am certain, that Joseph too would have received just the grace he needed for each step of the way.

And then there is Jesus.  The baby Jesus, this precious infant growing inside a womb the same way that my little one is growing inside of me.  His little hands, his little nose, his little heart; all developing just the way each child does, for 40 weeks (or so), by the grace of God.  I cannot even fathom my Savior as a baby.  What a humbling experience for him, and what a truly precious gift for us.  To know that Jesus came into the world the same humbling way we all do, as a helpless babe, entrusted to fallen human parents to raise, nurture, and teach him.  And he was the one bringing the way and the means to the very grace that his parents were experiencing, and myself today.  He WAS grace.

It is so special to carry a child during Christmas, especially a son, because it makes the Christmas story all the more real, and tangible.  I can relate to Mary in a whole new way, and I can picture a baby Jesus so vividly.

Keith pointed out the providence of God in the timing of our son's birth in relation to our celebration of Jesus' birth at Christmas.  Our son, unlike Jesus, is coming into this world fallen and depraved.  And yet, there was a baby born 2000 years ago, at Christmas time, who can save him from that depravity.  Our son's life from conception to death can be replaced with the perfect life of the Savior, from conception to death, and victory over that death.  What a glorious truth, what a precious promise of grace, and what a hope we have.  As we reflect on Christmas, and anticipate our son's arrival, God is yet again, pouring out grace as he has done for me through this entire pregnancy (and my entire life); He is reminding me of the essence of grace in the Gospel born on Christmas day.  His grace came in the flesh on Christmas Day as a little baby, for me, for my son if He so comes to Him, for anyone who would believe.  Thank you Jesus for coming, for your grace.

Final Countdown

I have definitely been slacking on the blog.  Every time I come to write, I get about a paragraph in and then I can't get much further...I suppose it is this pregnancy brain.  All that to say, the Lord continues to sanctify me through this pregnancy as we prepare to meet our little Brayden in less then 6 weeks! I can't believe how fast time has flown, and I know he will be here before I know it.

I can't really explain what the anticipation feels like that I am experiencing, it is quite unique, like nothing I have ever felt before.  There is a mixed array of emotions, excitement at the top of my list.  And yet at other moments the reality of the responsibility of raising a child weighs heavy on my heart.  My life is about to change, forever.  Every mother I have talked to tries to explain the joy and love you experience with the birth of a child, but I know that nothing that I have heard or even seen can prepare me for what is to come.  I can't even imagine what emotions must flood your heart as you finally hold the baby who has lived inside of you, for 9 months, in your arms.  I truly cannot wait!

I am so excited to see Keith as a father as well.  He truly is the most remarkable man that I know, and has been such an incredible husband this past year and a half.  I can only imagine how wonderful of a dad he will be.  Brayden is blessed to have him as a father, an example to follow.

My prayer during this last month or so before his arrival is for a trusting heart, in the grace of God and His power to equip me for this calling of motherhood.  I pray that I would be relying and depending on Him for the ability to be faithful, and never in my own strength.  I pray that He would help me to take each day as it comes, before his arrival, and when he is here, and to find the strength for THAT day alone.

34 1/2 weeks down...only a few more to go!

Thanksgiving

"...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." -1 Thessalonians 5:18

Every year at Thanksgiving I am rightfully refocused.  I find myself humbled and amazed by the goodness of God as I reflect over the year and marvel at all He has done and is doing.  Here are just a few things I am so grateful for this past year...

Savior: I am more and more grateful for Christ and the work of the cross each and every year.  I am amazed at the love that was lavished upon me to save me, and that is continually poured out in my life. 

Sanctification: This year has been full of sanctification as the Lord has reminded me of my dependence upon Him.  I can honestly say that despite the pain or uncomfortability that often accompanies sanctification, He has enabled me to see it as a measure of His grace and great love for me...for that I am thankful.

Soul Mate: I am so grateful for the man God made for me, my other half.  He is truly an example to me of Christ in so many ways and reminds me often of my need to refocus on the cross, without a word.  I love him more than words could ever express.  He is my best friend, my forever.

Sweet Brayden: I am thankful for the little boy growing inside of me and cannot wait to meet him in less than 8 weeks!  God has been so faithful during this pregnancy and I have seen His continued goodness poured out over and over again.

There are so many more things that I am thankful for, but these make the top this year.  Thank you Jesus, for your faithful goodness in my life.

Love In Trial

"For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." -James 1:3-4

The lavish love of the Father is absolutely magnificent.  I can name countless things and circumstances that have evidenced this reality to me, but I seem to see it most clearly when my faith is put to the test, and I am "forced", so to speak, to trust Him.  The fact that He chooses to refine and sanctify me so that I might be made more complete, more like Jesus, is something I don't fully understand, but is something that I become more and more thankful for with each test and trial.  I find myself realizing that it is BECAUSE of His great love that I am faced with trials, that although, painful at the moment, reap a rich harvest in my heart.  My perspective of who He is, is refocused as I cry out to Him as my "Abba, Father".  

I remember thinking, after one of the biggest trials of my life many years ago, that I actually liked trials. As foolish as it seemed at the moment (to the world), God had brought me to such a humble state, fully dependent upon Him, that I saw Him in a way that I had never seen Him before, and I experienced a fellowship with Him that was sweeter than ever before.  I longed to be back in that place after the trial had passed. As time went on, the Lord was gracious to remind me of that humble state by bringing me low again on many occasions.  I began to notice my initial response in those moments was also changing, I was being sanctified.  There was a precious gratitude that I began to feel towards the Father for those moments and I find myself there again today.  

The unknown has never been my favorite place to be.  Not that it is for any person, but some people seem to be more okay with the go with the flow lifestyle, that's not me...at all.  I like plans, consistency, and answers.  So, when I find myself in a circumstance with an unknown end, I am forced to fight the daily temptation to worry, fear, and seek control.  The Father, in His love and care, quickly and graciously reminds me of His perfect faithfulness, His sovereign control, and His plans that are greater then my own.  And I am humbled again, to dependency upon, and trusting in, the One who holds all things in the palm of His hands.  

As I faced the temptation to worry with this particular situation earlier this week, I fought to think truth (Philippians 4:8).  I sought to battle my emotions which wanted to take control.  And what I was amazed by, was that God's peace and grace supplied EXACTLY what I needed to sustain me in that weak moment.  I found myself not worrying, something that is often foreign to my sinful flesh.  I found myself crying, but not because I was scared, I was broken because I was experiencing the love of the Father through sanctification.  I KNEW in that moment that He was working on my heart, making me more like Jesus, more complete.  I was humbled.  

I don't know how much longer my journey here on earth is, whether it's 60 days, or 60 years, but I do know that He isn't through with me yet.  I know that He is continuing His Gospel work of sanctification in my heart, as He continues lavishing His love upon me.  And for that, I am so thankful. The trials in life are hard, but I wouldn't trade them for the reward of sweet fellowship and love I receive with the Father through the process.

He's Still On the Throne

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7

I am so thankful for God's sovereignty. I cannot imagine living my life apart from that knowledge.  Although I don't fully understand it, the more I grow in my faith, I am more and more amazed by it.  There is such a peace, such a comfort, such a joy that comes from knowing that no matter what happens, in my life personally, in the lives of those around me, in our country, in the world...God IS on the throne and He IS in control.  That is something to rejoice in, every single day.

I prayed for the next president of the United States, and as confident as I was in hope for a change, I prayed that no matter what the outcome, I would be thankful; thankful for the sovereignty of God and the fact that He IS fulfilling His GOOD and PERFECT plan.  When what seemed to be so many people's worst nightmare came true last night, I too sat surprised.  However, I was quickly reminded of the fact that God was on the throne in heaven, and He was NOT surprised in the least bit.  In fact, He had ordained this from BEFORE the foundation of time.  That was SO comforting to me, and such a powerful reality to cling to despite the heartbreak I had for our country, and the people living here.  

There is so much we see wrong with this country, with the leaders, with the people in it, etc.; all of it stems from one problem, depravity.  We are a godless society, a group of people who don't fear the Holy God, and a culture who lives for self and pleasure rather than for the glory of the only God...WHY? Because we are a nation made up of many unsaved, unregenerate, dead people.  It is heartbreaking and frightening when you think about it.  But what should really break our hearts is not that the man who was voted into office is not who we wanted, but rather that there are millions of people in our country who reject the Holy God and who don't know Him.  We should be burdened for the lost, we should be eager to share Truth with those who don't know Him, and we should be prayerful for their souls.  Instead of dwelling on what we "think" comes next, we should be on our knees, praying for the president, praying for the government officials, praying for the nation, praying for God's perfect will to be done here in America...after all, only HE can truly change anything. 

If you are like me, you may be tempted to despair in moments such as these, but I urge you, be thankful.  For we are sojourners, this is NOT your home.  Moments like these remind us of a precious Truth, that He IS in control, sovereign over all, and He is STILL on the throne.  

I'm Not Done With You Yet

Have you ever found yourself facing a trial that seems to be teaching you the same lesson you've been taught many times?  I know I have; the Lord seems to remind me often of certain Truths that I have seemed to have learned over and over and over again.  I find myself wondering, how many times will I have to learn this lesson before it actually sticks?

One lesson I have learned many times over is dependence on God's sovereign control over all things.  In other words, my desire to control situations that are completely out of my control lead me to an anxious heart and worry (both sinful fruits).  Although I have seen growth in this area in my life during my walk with the Lord, I still struggle with these sins.  I notice however, that the trials the Lord puts me through are used to sanctify me in these specific areas time and time again.  You'd think I'd get it by now I sometimes wonder.  I can, at times, be discouraged, knowing that I still struggle in the same areas in my life, but God revealed something so wonderful to me today as He continued refining me: "I'm not done with you yet".  

As I spent time with Him today, His providential goodness led me to Truth in the area of worry and dependence upon Him again and again.  It was a sweet and precious moment as I realized how much my Father in heaven loves me and cares for me.  Although I may be weak and failing when it comes to worrying, He isn't leaving me stranded, He is carrying me along, sustaining me and empowering me with His grace and by His Words.  He is so intimately involved with every detail of my life that He knows exactly what I need to hear and when I need to hear it.  He satisfies completely.  

His precious trials and tests have yet again brought me to the Truth that He isn't finished with me yet.  I am still being refined, the work of Christ-likeness in me isn't done.  The blessed aspect of each test and trial is that I am given a greater glimpse at the Gospel and the power of God in that message and how it has transformed me.  I find myself recognizing all the more my need for His grace each and every moment of every day.  

Although I may struggle with some sins for years to come, and have to learn lessons over and over and over again, I am confident that He is not done with me yet.  I am certain that He is at work, in every test, to make me more like Jesus and to draw me closer to Him as I marvel at the love He so lavishes upon His children.

The Comfort of A Sovereign God

"But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases." -Psalm 115:3

In the past couple weeks I have been surrounded by people (both that I know personally and don't) who are facing some intense trials.  A father who lost his son moments after birth, a mother who just found out she has cancer, a grandmother walking through chemotherapy, a husband and father of three, disabled for life...

I have found myself in tears on a few occasions as I think about the reality of life and death and the Sovereign God who holds it all in His hands.  I have been reminded of this precious Truth and comforted by it.  Although I am not walking through these personally, my heart aches for those who are.  I wonder how grace is experienced in moments like those, grace that I've never known, and yet is promised to the children of God when they face trials such as these.  I wonder how the world views the suffering their enduring, and as I see some suffering well, I am encouraged and blessed knowing God is being glorified.  

All of this reflection has brought me to another area of sanctification in my own heart and life with regards to the little child in my womb.  They are not mine.  Yes, I know this in my head, but just the thought of not ever getting to hold them, not seeing their first birthday, their first steps, etc. brings tears to my eyes.  I am not dwelling on what is not true, but rather I am reminding myself of REALITY and allowing my faith to be strengthened by the Truth of a Sovereign God.  I wonder if my response would be the same as the man who held his child who died moments after birth; a response of trust, worship, and thankfulness.  Would I be comforted by knowing the Truth that God is sovereign?  Do I trust that as the Psalmist writes, the days of my child's life are written out, and I cannot add one or take one away?  This is powerfully sanctifying to ponder.  

I pray with my whole heart that God would teach me, and equip me to remember that this child is not my own, just as my life is not my own.  To remember that my days are numbered, as is theirs.  And to trust and find comfort in the good and perfect plan of a sovereign God.  

I look forward to that DAY when with eyes I will see Him high and lifted up, and it will all make sense, because my faith will finally be made sight.

From the words of a father who lost his son moments after birth, "I am thankful that God gives me the strength to say “Your will is all I need” and to trust the care of all my children to the one who surrendered His “own body to the wrath reserved for me.”

A Change of Perspective

Tomorrow marks the first day of my third trimester.  I can't believe how fast this last trimester has flown by.  This pregnancy has had its ups and downs and has been such a tool to sanctify me.  I wish I could say that I have responded rightly in every test, but the truth is, I have found myself self-focused, complaining, anxious...sinning.  As I was reflecting on the last two trimesters I can see more clearly what God was teaching me, and for that I am thankful.  And it has motivated me to start this last trimester differently, to change my perspective so to speak.  I want to see these last 12 weeks or so of pregnancy as the very gift that they are, and I am confident that the grace of God will enable me in that pursuit.  But how?!

The Lord, in His graciousness, led me to two passages in Scripture that have radically changed my perspective already.

Genesis 3:16a "To the woman he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children."

1 Timothy 2:15 "Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control."

Both of these passages hold so much weight.  In Genesis, we see the consequences of the fall for ALL women, pain in childbearing.  When He says, "I will greatly multiply your pain," it's an interesting Hebraic phrase. The construction literally says this, "Causing to be great, I shall cause to be great your sorrow." It's redundant. He says it twice. "I will cause to be great, I will cause to be great your sorrow." The idea is intensification. "I'm going to bring upon you a great sorrow and that sorrow is going to come in the area of your children."   I suppose I always thought that had to do specifically with the labor process, but there is so much more; it has to do with all the pain and sorrow that comes with raising children form conception forward.  John MacArthur describes this well, "Conception will be multiplied much more frequent. Birth will be painful. Children will consume a woman's life. And whatever joy she gains from them will be mingled with fears and pain and suffering and sorrow. Even Simeon said to Mary, "Some day because of how you loved this baby Jesus, a sword will pierce your heart.  So woman is punished in the most intimate way. Nothing is more purely the distinctive of a woman than to give birth to a baby. Nothing provides for her greater fulfillment, greater joy, greater satisfaction than that. But even that is not unmixed, it is with pain. Pain which will come to her will threaten her life. She will go down to the very gate of death before her children come into the world. And throughout the remainder of her life she will be reminded by disappointments, failures, and sorrows that she will find her deepest pain in the lives of her children."  Sounds pretty discouraging if you ask me.  But that is the Truth, and that is what sin does.  HOWEVER, there is hope for those mommies who are IN CHRIST.  That is where 1 Timothy 2 comes in.

"She can be saved through childbearing. She can actually be saved, delivered from this curse, delivered from this pain, delivered from this sorrow at the very point of childbearing, the very point of the curse. The pain of childbearing is the punishment of sin, but in that very childbearing she can find deliverance from that pain. How does she do that? Here it is. "If they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint." "They" means the women. If a woman will live a godly life and continue in faith and love and holiness and self-control, if she will be what verse 10 says, a godly woman, then you know what? She'll raise a godly generation and her children will continue in the same thing." (John MacArthur)  Childbearing  was not the curse from sin, the consequences that came along with it were.  And salvation unto eternal life is not what Paul is talking about here, but rather a deliverance.  Although sin enters the world every time a mother has a child, a Godly mother has the PRIVILEGE and the ABILITY (in Christ) to raise a GODLY seed.  God has given us the privilege of leading the the race (our children) out of sin to godliness.  What an incredible thought!

So what's the take away?  "The pain she goes through reminds her of her sin, the result reminds her of God's restoring grace and puts her back in the place where she makes a positive contribution to the godliness of the next generation. She may have caused a generation to plunge into sin, but she can by being a mother who raises godly children bring a generation to God." (John MacArthur) 

Wow! What an amazing calling, what an incredibly profound reality.  God's redemption beautifies everything and has purpose in all things.  My perspective is changed by His Words, and I am more grateful than ever to be an instrument in the Redeemer's hands in the life of the little one growing inside of me.

Control

"The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." -Proverbs 16:9

Some years ago, while attending the Master's College, I took a Biblical Counseling class in which we were required to search our hearts and pinpoint a deep sin area (a heart issue) that produced a variety of "fruit" type sins in our lives.  Before Biblical counseling, I hadn't ever looked at searching out sin in this way, and was very helped by the process.  I came to see that many of the "fruit" sins in my life were coming from something much deeper I needed to repent of and rely on God's grace and strength to have victory in.  During the class, we would pick one sin and journal throughout the course of the semester as to what God was doing in our life as we sought to overcome it.  Although we knew that it would most likely be something that wouldn't disappear entirely in those 4 short months, the power of the Gospel was at work in us, and we were confident we would see growth in our lives.  After seeking the Lord for a week or so, I came to realize a deep root sin in my own heart that had produced much of my sinful behavior, attitudes, and actions over the course of my life; that being CONTROL.  

Since then, I have seen tremendous growth in my life in the area of control, and I praise God for the work He has done in my life; but I am still prone to fall in that area, and often.  I find myself seeking to control situations, circumstances, in ways that I foolishly have forgotten, I cannot.  My dependence upon the Lord is quickly deserted for a trust in myself and a dependence upon my own choices and strengths.  I find myself run dry and empty of strength trying to pull grace forward a day, a month, or even a year so that I might "be prepared" for what is to come.  At times, I see myself justifying sinful behavior or thoughts of control defining it as being "prepared", "proactive", or "wise".  Yet my heart is not pure in my motivations, and I am clinging to some sort of control of my life.  

On a side note, I am in no way saying that planning and being prepared are not biblical and wise, because they are.  It is when our planning and preparedness take such a grip on us that we hope in what WE plan, when the Lord has something different.  Someone once told me to plan, but to hold those plans with loose hands...that I believe is a Biblical idea.

All that to say, control is something, although I am growing in, I believe I will continue to battle until I see Christ face to face. I am hopeful that He will continue to sanctify and refine me in this area, and I pray that He grants me victory in it, but I am confident that the sanctification I receive through it is exactly what the Lord desires.  

I know that having this child will grow me specifically in this area.  I already see it.  I have no control over my changing body (to a degree), I have no control over changing emotions (to a degree), I have no control over how the little one is developing inside of me, there is nothing I can do to sustain its life.  Every day it is almost as if God is sweetly reminding me, "Vanessa, YOU are not in control, I AM...I always have been."  What a precious Truth.  There is comfort in knowing that I am NOT the one in control of the life growing inside of me, or more importantly of their spiritual state.  What a terribly overwhelming burden that would be, one I couldn't carry because I wasn't meant to carry it.  Instead, I am asked to daily relinquish my desire to control this child's life and more importantly, eternal life into the hands of the One who from before time fashioned and formed all things.  

So the fact of the matter is, I am not in control (obviously, yet I seem to have to remind myself of this quite often).  I may plan, but the Lord directs.  I can rest in that promise, and find peace in that joyfully.  My desire to control should be often checked and repented of so that I might depend on the One who is truly dependable. My prayer is that He would continue to dig away at that sinful root of control and replace it with trust and faith that continues to grow and produce a rich harvest in my life.

6 Months, An Everlasting Gift

I can't believe I've been pregnant for 6 months already, that's half a year!  The fact that a baby is really joining our family in about 3 months has become more and more of a reality.  And with the holidays just around the corner, I know that these next few months are going to fly by.  

The Lord has really taught me SO much already through pregnancy, as I have mentioned in previous blogs, but being 6 months pregnant compelled me to make a list of 6 things I have learned thus far.  May it be an encouragement to each of you.

It's Not About YOU!: I suppose this is a lesson I should already have mastered, but the reality is I am selfish.  I don't think I realized how selfish I was until this pregnancy came about.  I know once baby is here I will learn this even more, but as of now I am prayerfully pursuing a more humble and selfless attitude, heart, and life...one that reflects that of Christ as seen in Philippians 2.

Sacrificial Love: I always knew that my mom sacrificed her wants and needs for our family but until pregnancy, I didn't realize how much.  Being pregnant is a preparation for motherhood and that is full of God calling me to sacrifice- my body, my emotions, my desires, my time, all of me, for the benefit of another. Christ is my example, and I pray that He will continue to enable me.

I Take A LOT for Granted: Not being able to eat certain foods, sleep the whole night through or even sleep on my back has daily reminded me of how much I daily take for granted...the little things.  I am praying for a more grateful heart, after all, I have more than I could ever imagine, and SO much to be thankful for.

I Can't Do This Alone: Yes, I am dependent upon God for all things, but I often forget. Pregnancy is a constant reminder of my need for His grace, strength, and power in my daily life.  He promises to supply just what you need, and for that supply, I am so thankful...it is something I daily draw upon.

My Husband is my GREATEST Earthly Gift: I cannot imagine walking through this with anyone else in this life than the man God made for me.  He is a constant encouragement, support, and help.  He puts up with crazy pregnancy emotions and continually points me to Jesus.  I love him more every day and cannot wait to parent with him!

Take Each Day, ONE Day at a Time: The planner in me likes to "control"; in fact this is an area in my life that God has sanctified me so much in.  Because I like to plan, and know what's next, I tend to think often of the future (not just what tonight will hold but we're talking about what will happen in a month, two months and so forth).  I often fail to "smell the roses" because of it.  I forget to enjoy where God has me TODAY, and miss opportunities to see His faithfulness and goodness in that moment because I get worried or anxious about the future.  Pregnancy has forced me to take each day as it comes, and has opened up my eyes to so many blessings that each day holds.  I pray that I would continue to have a daily mentality and perspective on life, rather than a long term one.  After all, we aren't promised tomorrow

People ask me if I enjoy being pregnant.  And in all honesty, I have said "no".  I mean there are aspects I love (like feeling my baby kick inside of me, seeing their precious face on an ultrasound, anticipating their arrival, etc.).  But my response has got me really thinking.  The truth is, pregnancy has been a gift. Trials are gifts, and although they are packaged differently then what we usually expect to receive when we think of gifts, they are often so much sweeter because they have refined us, and made us more like Jesus.  If the Lord so allows me to carry more children, I anticipate much more sanctification through each pregnancy, but am confident that although the physical aspects of pregnancy may never be "enjoyable", the spiritual benefits, are everlasting.

Sacrifice

From the moment I saw those two pink lines, God began to call me to sacrifice.  He was calling me to lay down my life, daily, for a person I had never met.  It was a call to sacrifice my body, my emotions, my sleep... my plans.  At that moment, I didn't realize how much I would give being a mom (and I am sure my understanding of it will only grow more and more as time goes on).  God is preparing me now for a journey that has already begun to, and will forever change my life.  

Although I am extremely excited to meet my little one face to face, I am continually reminded of the sacrifices I will be called to make.  I believe being a mother is a high and holy calling, but it is one that the Lord uses to sanctify His precious children each and every day.  It is a calling to be faithful with the life of a human being that does not ultimately belong to you, but has simply been entrusted to you for a time.  It is a calling to pour yourself into this life in every capacity.  A calling to spend countless hours in prayer at the foot of the cross.  A calling to deny yourself privacy and comfort for the benefit of that child.  

I can already see in pregnancy how sacrifice, when done without the right perspective, can become a joy thief.  I am called to serve my child (even while in the womb), but am I doing that with joy and a grateful heart amidst the uncomfortable nature of pregnancy? Has what God called me to, in motherhood, become more of a burden rather than a blessing already?! 

I'm guilty of forgetting the ultimate call, the call to deny myself and to pick up my cross and follow Christ.  My life is not my own, it is entirely His; and whatever He calls me to, I am but a tool in His hand, called to be faithful.  I can rest assure that He will enable me with the grace and strength each step of the way.  I must not forget HIS sacrifice, because it is that that compels me to this life of sacrifice.  

I am thankful for this journey I am on, and eager to see how the Lord continues to grow me in the months to come.  In less than four months I will be holding my sweet precious bundle of joy, and the sacrifice will have only just begun.  I pray for a joyful heart full of gratitude each step of the way as I deny myself and sacrifice for the sake of the kingdom.  

The Love for a Child

It is incredible how much you can love someone you've never met.  The love of a mother for her unborn child is a unique love and a deep and powerful one, one I really cannot explain, and one that seems to grow more and more with each passing day.  And now that I can feel this little life inside of me throughout the day, I am even more overwhelmed with a sense of adoration.  

Although my child is in my womb, I am entirely in love with every fiber of their being.  The face I've barely seen on an ultrasound, the tiny fingers I can't wait to have grasp mine, and the smiling face I can't wait to see, are constantly on the forefront of my mind.  It is a love that goes deeper than most, a love I cannot explain, and yet a love I believe is but a faint picture of a far greater love I have and continue to experience each and every day; the love of God for His precious children.

The more I have grown to love my own unborn child, the more I have realized the parallel (although it cannot compare), of the Father's love for HIS children.  My love for my child compels me to pray for a future to be full of God's grace and mercy, and an abundance of joy in Him.  As I reflect upon the reality of eternity past and His handiwork in planning and preparing me from before the foundation of time, of his orchestrating of the details and events of my life, of His good plans for my life, and most importantly of His planned work of the Spirit to draw me to Him to ultimately save me.  The love He had for me, the love He has for me, is dumfounding, it is incredible.  It is a love that surpasses my own understanding, a love I do not deserve.

The love I have for my sweet child, is one that is similar in the fact that I have chosen to love this child, in its sacrifice, its desires, and its devotion; yet it doesn't even come close to the love He has for me.  Because God's love for me was exhausted at the point of the ultimate sacrifice, His one and Only Son. That leaves me speechless.  I cannot even fathom sacrificing my child for someone else, and an evil person at that.  And yet, that is exactly what He did for me, and for all of His beloved children.  And for no other reason than that of John 3:16, "...He SO loved the world...".  That is true love for a child, a love that will never be fully understood, a love that will never be matched.

Gospel Centered Parenting

Keith recently came across this article from Albert Mohler, http://www.albertmohler.com/2012/09/11/christian-values-cannot-save-anyone/ , which has forced me to really think about the call to parenting even more.  I highly recommend the article and would encourage you to seek the Lord's leading, direction and wisdom in the area of child-rearing.

You wonder why so many children are growing up in "Christian" homes and yet are forsaking that faith that they seemed to believe in when college comes around.  Are we surprised though?  Really?  "Christian values are the problem. Hell will be filled with people who were avidly committed to Christian values. Christian values cannot save anyone and never will. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not a Christian value, and a comfortability with Christian values can blind sinners to their need for the gospel.  Parents who raise their children with nothing more than Christian values should not be surprised when their children abandon those values. If the child or young person does not have a firm commitment to Christ and to the truth of the Christian faith, values will have no binding authority, and we should not expect that they would. Most of our neighbors have some commitment to Christian values, but what they desperately need is salvation from their sins. This does not come by Christian values, no matter how fervently held. Salvation comes only by the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Al Mohler)"

Growing up in a God-fearing and Christian home myself, I have seen the danger that is present for children.  How does a child relate good behavior, morality, and Christian values to the Gospel?  So what do we do as parents.  I am not claiming to know all the answers but I do have the Word of God and believe that HE alone speaks to the problem and the solution.  

In 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Timothy is exhorted to REMEMBER, "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it  and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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 complete, equipped for every good work."

I believe that there is much that we can learn from this passage in Scripture, and others, when it comes to parenting.  

PRAY: We need God's equipping in our parenting, let us seek His wisdom, guidance, and strength for each day and every child.  Only He can empower us and use us as the tools to train up our children in the way they should go, and only HE can save them.  It starts on our knees.  Pray they remember.

TEACH:  We must teach our children the Word of God from birth, and even before.  We must instill a love for the Living and Active Words of the Creator in their hearts and lives.  That foundation is vital.  They must be taught that only here is TRUTH found, that this is where ALL answers to life lie.  They must see a love in us for the Word of God, an example to follow.  They must be taught to cherish this Word.

PREACH: There are so many stories we want to and should teach our children from Scripture, but ALL stories must point them back to the cross and the Gospel.  We must put the cross in focus as the centrality of all of life, and make sure that they realize, from a young age, the glory of it all.

INSTRUCT: If we instruct our kids from a young age with Gospel centered discipline and correction, we will instill something foundational in their hearts...that their HEART is the problem, that they need a Savior, and that only Christ can save.  When they fail to obey, we must show them why they cannot obey in and of themselves, when they harbor anger at a brother or sister, we must show them that it is impossible to love rightly unless you have experienced true love from God the Father through Christ etc.

EXAMPLE: Do they see us LIVE the Gospel?  Yes, we might preach it to them, we might discipline them by using it, but have they seen it in action in our marriage, in our relationship with them, and with others?  Do they see Jesus in us?  Are we humble enough to repent in front of them, or even ask their forgiveness when we are wrong?  They must SEE the Gospel in action.

Yes, we want homes filled with Christian values and morality, but may that never be our aim as Christian parents.  May we seek to rather have homes that are filled with the Gospel, and children who are changed forever by its power!

Where's the Balance?

Balance- it is a word with a simple definition: an even distribution.  In the Christian life however it is anything but easy.  No matter where I am in my walk with the Lord, or who I read from (living or dead), there seems to be this constant struggle to find the balance in many areas of the Christian life.  Most recently I have thought about, prayed about, and been studying about balance when it comes to my pursuit of holiness vs my rest in the Gospel.  

We come across verses like these: verses that call us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12), or command us to cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit (2 Cor. 7:1), or warn against even a hint of immorality among the saints (Eph. 5:3).

And then we come across verses like these: 
"So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;  for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for Hisgood pleasure." -Philippians 2:12-13

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age." -Titus 2:11-12

How am I as a Christian supposed to FULLY rest in the Gospel and what Jesus did on the cross and yet REQUIRED to pursue holiness and righteousness in my own life?  How does my pursuit stay clear of legalism?  This question plagues my heart and mind continually, and although I believe I have grown in my understanding of the answer, I know that I will never exhaust the Truth, or resolve the tension this side of heaven.  I have come to accept the fact that God doesn't want me to FULLY grasp these Truths.  

You see, how can I PERFECTLY pursue holiness while trusting fully in the Gospel?  I would have to understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its entirety, pining every depth, and my own sinfulness yet redeemed righteousness in its completeness...impossible this side of perfection.  But I believe this is exactly where God wants us to be.  He gives to us His Word, His Spirit, and the grace to grow; and yet we will never arrive.  There will never be a day, before heaven, where we somehow know all the answers and have mastered the Christian life.  It wasn't meant to be.  It is a PROGRESSIVE Christian life, not a perfect one.  And in that Truth I can rest.  

Does knowing this make me lazy?  Quite the opposite.  If I know that God has promised to work IN me (Philippians 2) and that He has given me the Holy Spirit to walk a life worthy of what I have been called to and to say no to sin, how much more of a motivation and a hope to I have to pursue holiness and righteous living in this life?! It is all the more compelling knowing there is power in Him to live a holy life.  

The BALANCE comes in my remembering WHO is at work, WHY He is at work and HOW He is at work.  If I lose sight of that, my motivation can easily become self-centered, self-serving and even self-righteous.  When Paul says to examine ourselves in 2 Corinthians 13, he is actually making a plea to look and see if you see JESUS in you!  Does your life mirror Christ?  He isn't asking the believer to sit down and examine how many ministries they are serving in, how perfect their holy living is, etc., but rather how their life is reflecting Jesus Christ in fruits of the Spirit, in deeds, and in words and heart.  I think that is such a precious reminder to all of us that the balance is JESUS!  The balance is keeping your eyes fixed on Him and what He did on the cross for you and for me and walking as He walked (striving to live a holy life).  

Charles Spurgeon says it well, “Now, what is it to have Jesus Christ in you? The Roman Catholic hangs the cross on his bosom; true Christian carries the cross in his heart; and a cross inside the heart, my friends, is one of the sweetest cures for a cross on the back. If you have a cross in your heart - Christ crucified in you, the hope of glory - all the cross of this world’s troubles will seem to you light enough, and you will easily be able to sustain it. Christ in the heart means Christ believed in, Christ beloved, Christ trusted, Christ espoused, Christ communed with, Christ as our daily food, and ourselves as the temple and palace wherein Jesus Christ daily walks.”

Pregnancy Lessons

I know they say time flies as you get older, but I feel like just yesterday it was June and now somehow it is almost September! God has been continually faithful and good (as always), and has evidenced that in a myriad of ways over the past few months.  We are so grateful to have such a loving Father, who despite our faithlessness, continues to prove Himself faithful.

Pregnancy has been a journey of sanctification for me thus far.  I've mentioned it before, but I didn't expect that from the get-go; however, God never wastes anything, always using life to sharpen and shape us and to magnify Himself and His glory.  I have come to a new level of dependence upon the Lord, one that I have been "forced" into facing every single day, and one that is in all honesty, one of the most stretching experiences of my walk with the Lord.

From about the 5th week of my pregnancy, I knew this journey was going to require a level of trust that would stretch me.  I had no control over anything going on with our sweet baby.  I remember hearing stories of miscarriages from countless friends and family members through the years and I began to wonder whether or not our precious child would even live another day.  Fear grasped my heart strings and plagued my mind for about a week or so, a fear that was foolish, but more, sinful.  Not having control over the situation forced me to realize WHO was in control, sovereignly orchestrating every event of our child's life (and mine).  I began to be comforted by this Truth in a new and fresh way, and daily laid the worry and anxiety down at the foot of the cross.  In His grace, He daily reminded me of His goodness and His control, and in that, I found peace.

And then the sickness came full fledged at about 6 1/2 weeks, and I knew that my sanctification in this pregnancy was far from over.  Feeling nauseous 24/7 is just plain miserable.  There were many moments throughout the next 10 weeks where I wanted to badly to fix myself, whatever the gimmick might be.  But what God continually reminded me of, over and over and over again, was that He was sovereign over this sickness as well, that there was a purpose, and that ONLY HE could give me the strength to endure and to prayerfully overcome it.  By His grace, I began to feel better, and praise Him, am finally feeling like myself again.

And yet I find myself in another situation of learning to depend on Him, and trusting in His sovereign hand over all of this.  We have our 20 week appointment in a week, an appointment I am so excited for,  because we get to see baby again, but one that has brought about new fears and anxieties in the recent days.  This is an appointment where we find out crucial things about the baby and the pregnancy, and has the potential of bringing "bad" news.  Although everything up to this point has been great, I for some reason have been yet again plagued with a fear of the "what-ifs".  It is in times like these that I wonder what God has to be thinking...if it were me, I would wonder how long it is going to take for this girl to learn the lesson that I AM IN CONTROL and GOOD! In my mind I know these things to be true, and I do trust Him, but my sinful flesh so easily overcomes Truth with false realities and lies.  I must remember who He is, what He has done, and how good He is, continually!

I am so thankful for this pregnancy for many reasons, but mostly because it truly has drawn me closer to Him.  I have seen His hand prints, goodness and faithfulness displayed in new and refreshing ways on almost a daily basis, and have been humbled and refined continually.  I may hold a child in me, but I am so comforted by the fact that HE holds us both, and He is working His good and perfect will in us both.  He is so good, it amazes me.

Feed Me

Never in my life have I been more reminded of my NEED to eat then during pregnancy.  My stomach growls every few hours almost as if to say, "FEED ME".  God, in His grace, reminded me this morning (yet again another lesson during pregnancy), of another spiritual necessity that I have been neglecting lately...feeding on His Word daily.  I have a hundred excuses from the craziness of this move to the exhaustion during pregnancy, but none stand up to the Truth that I am starving myself when I am not in the Word every single day.  The sweet whisper of the Spirit this morning almost said what my body does everyday, "FEED ME".  


Jesus taught His disciples that spiritual food was much more of a necessity, eternally speaking, than bread.  In Matthew 4:4 we read, "Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’"  Yes, of course our bodies need real food to survive, but if that is the case, HOW MUCH MORE do our "temples of the Living God" NEED God's Word, food, in order to thrive and survive?!  It seems so simple, and I know it in the depths of my heart, but why does it so easily fall on my priority list?  All of this got me thinking, what is the big hindrances in my life to feeding my soul?

Time: I suppose this is the biggest excuse I use, I just don't have time "right now", I'll do it later.  Whether it is because I only have enough time to get ready before I run out the door, some errand I have to run, or maybe that I need to go to bed because I have to get up so early; time is often the reason I don't feed my soul.  And yet, God is the one who has given me the time.  And my excuses just don't stand up to the reality of the situation. In Colossians we are told to 'make the best use of the time'...no need to explain what that means, and in 2 Timothy 2 we are called to rightly handle the Word of Truth...that my friends is going to take TIME.  

" You do not “spend” time with God. You “invest” it. Time alone with Him can be one of the greatest time savers of your life. It is in your time alone with the Lord that you can surrender the burden and the anxiety of the load to Him (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7). You can also find the perspective to be delivered from the truly nonessential things that often seem important. You can find new energy and ideas as you “commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established (Proverbs 16:3)."- Bill Thrasher

Treasure: This Truth hits me hard...where is my treasure?!  Jesus Himself said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21).  Do I really treasure Him?  If I say I do, then I am going to long to spend time with Him every single day and every moment I can.  My actions speak louder than my words.  If I choose to do other things rather than spend time with God, where does my treasure really lie? I want to be like the Psalmist who said in Psalm 119:103, 

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"

It is these two things that I find are my greatest hindrances, and these two things that I pray the Lord continues to grow me in and grace me with Christ-likeness in.  I pray my soul won't have to grumble like my empty stomach saying "FEED ME", but rather that it will be well nourished and continually satisfied.  

The Sanctification of Pregnancy

Nobody can prepare you for pregnancy, I suppose it is much like many things in life; you read books, you get "wisdom" from fellow friends and family, and yet until you walk through it, you really have no idea what it entails.  I remember thinking pregnancy would be sheer bliss, I mean seriously, after all, you get the "glow" right and that cute LITTLE belly right?!  Ignorance is bliss.  Here I am, 3 1/2 months in, and pregnancy has been nothing like what I expected or 'dreamed' of.  In fact, pregnancy has been a tool in the hand of God to refine me more and more into the image of Christ.  Don't get me wrong, I am SO excited to meet our little "peanut" and SO thankful for this gift growing inside of me, but I will be honest when I say, I didn't expect it to be so trying.

For the past two and a half months the Lord has impressed 2 Corinthians 12:9 on my heart over and over again.  I wish I could say that I have learned to rest in the promise found here and have seen abundant fruit, but instead I have to admit that although there have been days in which I have seen the fruit of this verse, there have been days when I have relied on my own strength and found myself hopelessly discouraged.  To those who have never been pregnant, it probably sounds extreme for me to say that pregnancy, this early on especially, has brought so much sanctification in my life.  But the Truth is, that as believers, God is CONSTANTLY at work in us to conform us to the image of Christ and will use anything and everything to complete His work...even the amazing and miraculous gift of pregnancy. By His grace I am growing in this promise everyday.

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

But what does this verse even mean, and how has it become a comfort to me during this season, or you during yours?!  

The Apostle Paul is speaking of his infamous "thorn in the flesh".  He is praying for the Lord to remove the affliction, something that I do too, every single day.  Praying for removal of this is not a lack of faith but rather an exhibiting of the very faith in a God who alone can remove that affliction if He so wills.  Yet, our prayer must be that the affliction reach its means for why it has come.  There is a desired and purposed end for all affliction.  Even Christ Himself prayed to the Father during His time of great affliction in the Garden.  

And God answered Paul's prayer, and has answered mine each day in the same way...God did not remove the affliction or suffering but rather supplied the grace to endure.  Matthew Henry spoke of this very Truth, "The good-will of God towards us, and this is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort us, to support our souls and cheer up our spirits, in all afflictions and distresses."  

And then the Apostle Paul responds rightly, as I pray I would each day, by saying that He will glory or boast all the more in His afflictions that God would be glorified.  "And the reason of his glory and joy on account of these things was this-they were fair opportunities for Christ to manifest the power and sufficiency of his grace resting upon him, by which he had so much experience of the strength of divine grace that he could say, When I am weak, then am I strong. This is a Christian paradox: when we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we see ourselves weak in ourselves, then we go out of ourselves to Christ, and are qualified to receive strength from him, and experience most of the supplies of divine strength and grace." (Matthew Henry) 

And so I want to encourage you all with the same promise the Lord encouraged Paul with and has encouraged me with each and everyday during this pregnancy thus far...His grace is sufficient for you, He will give you the exact amount for each circumstance exactly when you need it.  Depend on Him, rest in that and find peace, and hope.

One Year Later...

I can't believe it has been a year since we walked down the aisle and said "I do".  Time sure flies.  Every time I think back to that day I am almost brought to tears as I reflect on God's glory displayed and His faithfulness and goodness poured out.  I remember wondering how I could love this man anymore than I did that day, and yet my love for him has only grown with each passing day.  It is incredible how God works in our hearts on a regular basis, weaving us more and more together as One, and drawing us closer together as we draw closer to HIM.  There is so much I can say about this first year of our marriage, so many great memories, so much joy, abundant blessings...but if I had to narrow it down to one thing I would say that I have seen God's Love in the most profound and evident way than ever before.  For that I am most grateful.  Marriage is a blessing, something I treasure more every single day; and I pray that as God continues to work in and through our marriage we would see Him as more high and lifted up! 

Excellent Equipping

 "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." -2 Corinthians 12:9


He will never give me more than I can handle, and will ALWAYS give me the grace for the moment.  That is a powerful Truth and something I have to daily remind myself of during times of pain, sickness, suffering or hurt.  Although I might feel like I can't handle it, or that it is just too much to bear, that isn't the case.  I have failed to draw upon the Lord's grace and strength in that moment.  I must rely on Him, trust Him, and believe that He WILL equip me perfectly for ALL things, good and bad.


It is amazing to me how much I take for granted, and it is in those moments of "weakness" that I am reminded of my ungrateful heart.  I presume upon the grace of God so often rather than letting my heart be overwhelmed with His goodness.  Being brought low, humbled, shifts my perspective and knocks sense back into me when I've lost it.  And as hard as it is in the moment, I am very thankful for those times, those valleys, because it is in those places that I am most satisfied in Him ALONE.


What I have to remind myself, in those times, daily, is that He WILL equip me to take the next step, not twenty more, or even two, just the one right in front of me.  For someone who is a planner and often thinks months in advance, this isn't something that comes natural or easy.  I have to force myself to take one day at a time and to trust that when I get to the next day, He will supply just the grace I need for that day, just like He has always done.  And when I think I can't take another step, I must stop and remember He is there, leading the way, never calling me where He won't equip.  


He equips us excellently, each and every day so that we might bring Him glory and praise and shine like lights in this dark world.  

How Do YOU Pursue Christ?

My dad sent me an interesting article yesterday about the creator of VeggieTales.  If you are like me, grew up in a Christian home, chances are you have watched a VeggieTale video or two.  And, I'm sure, like me, you enjoyed the playful characters and playful twists on classic Bible stories.  But what I failed to realize when I was a kid, and what the creator has acknowledged today is the neglect of the true Gospel in those films.  Instead of teaching children the power of the cross, they taught children good morals and values and even presented an idea that you yourself can change in your own strength.  


Here is what Phil Vischer said, "I looked back at the previous 10 years and realized I had spent 10 years trying to convince kids to behave Christianly without actually teaching them Christianity. And that was a pretty serious conviction. You can say, “Hey kids, be more forgiving because the Bible says so,” or “Hey kids, be more kind because the Bible says so!” But that isn’t Christianity, it’s morality. . . .

And that was such a huge shift for me from the American Christian ideal. We’re drinking a cocktail that’s a mix of the Protestant work ethic, the American dream, and the gospel. And we’ve intertwined them so completely that we can’t tell them apart anymore. Our gospel has become a gospel of following your dreams and being good so God will make all your dreams come true. It’s the Oprah god. So I had to peel that apart. I realized I’m not supposed to be pursuing impact, I’m supposed to be pursuing God. And when I pursue God I will have exactly as much impact as He wants me to have."

The problem is that this Christian morality isn't just being taught to our children but in our "solid" Bible-teaching churches as well.  An over emphasis on being "doers" of the Word, pursuing holiness, and working for the Lord.  Although all of these are evidences of TRUE salvation and necessary for the believer, they are in no way meritorious.  They don't make us more lovely in God's eyes and our failure to do them doesn't make us less.  We are seen as perfect and blameless before God BECAUSE of Christ and Him alone.  Our righteousness IS Christ.  That's it, period.  

Are we supposed to pursue holiness, absolutely, but NEVER in our own strength or as a way in which we are seeking to obtain some favor or blessing from the Lord.  Our pursuit should be in response to the work of Christ on the cross and the strength we need for it coming from the power of the Spirit alone.  When we rely on ourselves to achieve holiness, checking off the boxes etc., we find ourselves discouraged because we will ALWAYS fail.  We are NEVER out of the need of God's grace, no matter how "great" our day may have been, and NEVER outside of it even on days that in our eyes are epic failures.  

We need to be careful how we walk, and how we live.  What example are we setting for our children and the next generation?  Are we teaching them to pursue Christ by doing certain things? Becoming more moral (even though we would never say that)?  Or are we pursuing Christ passionately because of our love for Him-and in turn being strengthened by His Word and Spirit to pursue holiness and to be sanctified.  

Let us NEVER become legalistic in our hearts.  It is easy to cross that line, to forget why we are reading our Bible, why we are praying, why we are serving...go back to the cross, every day, again and again and again.  

Practically Glorifying God

Reflecting God's glory is something most Christians would say is on the top of their priority list.  Whether it's in their day to day activities or some monumental life decision, shining glory of Christ is their goal.  In both blissful times and trying times this can become difficult however; in a moment of utter "perfection" one might find themselves glorying in their own accomplishments or forgetting to thank God for His provision, and on the flip-side, when life is so hard one might not even know how they can get out of bed, glorifying God might not make it to the top of their to-do list that day.  Although in the back of our minds it is our aim, we forget to daily bring it to the forefront and seek to truly glorify Him in ALL we do.


1 Corinthians 10:31 commands that in WHATEVER they are doing, even down to the small tasks of eating and drinking, they are to do it to the glory of God.  If we can glorify God in our waking and in our eating, it must not be as complicated as we make it seem.  What does it even look like to glorify God on a daily basis you might ask?  I came across a blog from DesiringGod which gave some very practical ways that we as believers can make our aim a reality.  Below are just a few:

1. Believe that all legitimate work is holy or unholy before God based on our faith, not the nature of the work itself.

But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin (Romans 14:23).

That means that WHATEVER God has called you to do must be done out of FAITH!  Whether you are a mom, a firefighter, a pastor, a student...

2. Be prayerfully dependent upon God, pouring contempt on self-sufficiency.

Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 4:17)

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain (Psalms 127:1).
Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are always dependent upon the Lord for EVERYTHING and we MUST find our strength and sufficiency to do all things through and in Him alone.

3. Grow in your skill-set, work hard, and strive for excellence.

Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men (Proverbs 22:29).

In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty (Proverbs 14:23).

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

This is HUGE! The way you work (whether outside of the home, in the home, or even at church) is a picture of Christ to the world.  Let it be one that brings Him ALL glory and honor and praise.

4. Exemplify love for your neighbor in how you interact with EVERYONE.

Let all that you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14).

WWJD may sound trite, but remember it each time you are forced to deal with a co-worker who may be hard to work with, a family member that is hard to love, or a person who just rubs you the wrong way that day.

5. Speak the gospel.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Whether it is to your children in the home, to your colleagues at work, or to the store clerk...make disciples!

6. Focus on the work you've been given.

Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty (Proverbs 28:19).


The grass IS NOT greener on the other side.  Strive for excellence in each task you have been given today and work to glorify Him where He has called you TODAY.

7. Speak words of grace.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29)


The tongue is a reflection of the heart.  Watch your speech, is it God-honoring?

8. Rest in your justification by faith alone in Christ alone.

yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified (Galatians 2:16)

Preach the Gospel to yourself EVERY DAY!


Glorifying God is part of our enjoyment of Him.  The more we enjoy Him, the more we glorify Him and vice versa.  Let us be mindful of our aim, let our feet follow our words.