Christian Woman - Some Assembly Required

One of my favorite scriptures is John 6:12. In the scene, Jesus fed multitudes and everyone was satisfied. Then He said: “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost?”

I’m so glad Jesus cares about “pieces”, because life can surely cause some spiritual fractures. Sadly, too many Godsy Girls walk around in “pieces” while trying to be good wives, mothers, girlfriends, sisters and ministry leaders. But the spiritual brokenness has crippled them emotionally and spiritually. They may become judgmental, critical, bitter, mean and uncompassionate – all because they are broken into “pieces” on the inside. This type of brokenness Jesus “sees” because He notices the fragments. He wants to heal and bring wholeness so that nothing is lost in your life. He wants to use it all for His glory.

The Pieces Become Something Beautiful

Imagine for a moment you purchased a set of shelves for your home. You carry in that long, skinny box and wonder how in the world those pieces will morph into the display at the store. Nevertheless, you open it and eagerly begin the process of assembly.

What’s the first thing you search for after you open the box? Yes- the instructions!
The instructions are the only logical way to create the item you saw displayed at the store.

The same goes for us. God created us has carefully ordered our steps and pathway toward redemption. The only way we can get “whole” is by reading His Word. It’s our own divine set of “instructions” that “assembles” into the image of Christ. Just like the display in the store, we want to develop to be like our Lord. We want to walk even as He walked – whole, healed and forgiving.

But How?

The only way to be healed from the brokenness is to be deep-rooted and regularly changed by our instruction manual for life and healing. Only then will the “pieces” be assembled to create the woman of God you are destined to become.

Read His Word every day – even when you don’t feel like it. Treat almost it like your spiritual ‘prescription’ for wholeness. Then watch Him use your broken pieces as a powerful testimony of His greatness!

Note: God brings healing in a myriad of ways. Sometimes, it’s supernatural. Other times, He uses professionals, medication and scientific methods. Regardless of how He chooses to heal, trust Him and His path for your life.

Unforgivness in the Supermarket!

I’ve got news for you. It might shake you, so you may need to sit down: I’m not perfect. Go figure, huh? *LOL*

A few weeks ago, I missed an enormous opportunity! At the market, I spotted someone from my past shopping wa-a-ay across the store. I almost didn’t recognize them because I hadn’t seen them for so long. Then –before they could see me - I went the other direction.

I had everything I came for, so it was okay, right? Before you answer, let me give you a little history.

This person is not a “bad” person, but several years ago they caused some intense emotional pain to my child. I though I had forgiven the offense(s), but seeing them revealed that I hadn’t completely wiped that slate clean. For a mom, it’s difficult to forgive someone that hurts your child. Difficult, but commanded – check out Colossians 3:13.


Forgiveness is like a cleansing “bath” to our souls. It washes away the slime and grime of offense and allows us to walk in guilt-free liberty. Did you know we need this freedom to walk in right standing with the Lord? If we don’t forgive others, we can’t be forgiven (Luke 6:37)

My actions at the market hinted that I must examine myself to make sure I’m free of the weight of that ancient offense. I don’t want to carry that burden around for the next fifty years! That’s ridiculous, and worse, that’s sin!

You know what else is strange? I had not even thought about that person in years. It’s amazing that I felt that little “poke” in my spirit when I saw them. The Bible says the heart is deceitfully wicked – who can know it? It’s wild, but sometimes, even we don’t know what’s gestating in our own hearts! We must examine our hearts regularly and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in us.

So, as I work on “Teri”; I’ll pray for healing of that wound. I’ll pray that God allows me an opportunity to see that person again to ensure they know I love them and forgive them just as Christ has forgiven me countless times. I’ll pray for the power to walk even as Christ walked on this earth so that I may be a true, authentic, real Godsy Girl – inside out! Will you join me?

Calling All Pastor's Wives

I have been married to a senior pastor for a fairly short period of time. However, I know first hand the struggles of this ministerial call.

Godsy Girl is an excellent source of encouragement and inspiration for all women. But for issues and insights from a pastor's wife perspective, visit "Confessions of a Pastor's Wife" at http://confessionsofthepastorswife.blogspot.com/

Sara is a true Godsy Girl!

God's Best "PR" Agent....YOU!

Recently, I happened upon one of “those” scriptures. You know what I mean, a scripture that just stops you…arrests you and won’t let you go. You try to continue reading, but you can’t. You’re frozen in that moment- staring at the same words on the white page until they become blurry. Some call that a rhema moment.

Anyway, I was reading about King David. David had an affair with a married woman, got her pregnant and put a contract out on her husband. Nathan, the prophet, declared David’s punishment would the baby’s life. That part I’d read before, so I wasn’t terribly moved.

But as I continued to read, I was floored!

In 2Samuel 12:14 (NASV), it says the child died because David had “given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme”. I couldn’t move one.

Allow Me to Use My "I" Voice
My own life came into view. Like you, I strive to live a life of holiness. Also like you, I often miss the mark and fall short. I’m careful not camp out there. I ask for forgiveness and help; then I move on. If I didn’t repent and move on, my liberty was affected. It hurt my ability to worship and made day-to-day living a chore.

As you know, sin separates me [and you] from close fellowship with the Father. It leaves the Holy Spirit prodding my spirit time and time again. My peace diminishes and I become anxious. When I was a “baby Christian”, I would drink alcohol to dull my senses; but it didn’t work. I even pretended my sin wasn’t sin, but it didn’t help. It was the pits.

Until I read this scripture, I never considered how my “missing the mark” impacted God’s ministry. For instance, I clearly understood how my sin hurt me, sometimes I understood how it hurts others; but I didn’t think about Him or His image in this world. Just like David, when I walk in, live in and become comfortable in sin, the enemies of the Lord can easily say:

“See, there’s nothing to Christianity.

“See how Teri acts!”

“See how she behaves!”

Back to "US" Again

You know, there are a lot of things we cannot change about our sin condition, but there are a few areas we can work harder to conform to the image of Christ. I am a living testimony of God’s regenerative power in a “raggedy” life. He’s delivered me from countless areas of bondage and sin. I have a long way to go, but I’m committed to the process. The many times I mess up, I can see God dealing with me; struggling with me; reprimanding me; disciplining me. I can’t live in the sin, I long to change, I work to change, and I allow grace to change me. So, I often have to say “I’m sorry” and confess my sins to my Father to receive fresh mercy and strength. But it’s worth it. I never want to bring shame to His name.

Represent Him Well, Godsy Girl!

When we live lives of confession, humility and holiness; we attract attention to God’s grace and forgiveness. Likewise, as we are set free; we demonstrate His ability change lives. Isn’t that amazing?

I pray my lifestyle doesn’t “give occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme” His name. Instead I hope they want to know Him as a result of seeing Him active in my life.

Amen?

You're Never Alone in the Fire

Ever noticed when you go through the deepest darkest seasons of life, you often feel alone? You know your family and friends are there, but you still feel all by yourself. You are certain that God is with you, but you cannot "feel" His presence as much as you long to. Sometimes, painful-laden grief can be so severe, so intense and so piercing that it can render you spiritual numb. During these season, even the Word of God can feel like it's not penetrating - not getting through. But it is and He's still there.

When I journey through the deepest darkest seasons of life, I think of the three Hebrew boys in the fiery flame found in Daniel the first chapter. As the story goes, the boys refused to worship a golden image. Their allegiance was to the real God - the living God; the God that can breathe life into desolation and make all things new. As a result, they were to be bound and thrown into burning flames (verse 19).

But here's where it gets really, really interesting: after the boys were thrown into the fire, they were soon walking around inside it! Not only were they loosed from their bondage, but they were accompanied by a fourth God-man right in the "heat" of the moment! Imagine how utterly shocking it was for the king and his men to see all of this (vs. 25).

Note: the Word never says the three Hebrew boys saw the Godly figure. But he was there all the same. Likewise, they may not have "felt" his presence, but he was right there with them!

Godsy Girl, as you journey through life's agonizing trials, remember you are never, ever alone. You may not see your help. You may not necessarily "feel" your help, but it's there. Your heavenly Father is closer than your next breath; loosing and comforting you inside life's fires.

It's okay that you don't "feel" Him all of the time. Why? Because you walk by your faith and not your natural senses. What you feel is really irrelevant; it's all about what you know.

So, just relax in the comfort of knowing that God is with you, loving you, supporting you and leading you through the fire.