Sunday Devotion: How to thrive in the midst of trials

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By Kelli Artherton

As you know, our family has moved over to the Joplin area. While we are waiting on our church to open in the Joplin area, we decided to visit Hope City church. Last Sunday’s message was really relevant to what I feel  a lot of us might face sometimes in our life.

Have you ever faced a struggle in your life that has you questioning the presence of God? Do you ever get frustrated at God and ask why isn’t he answering my prayers? Yes! I sure have. Sometimes I have trouble waiting while in the middle of a storm.

We put in the prayers and expect an answer immediately. So when we don’t get the answer we hope for or no answer at all, we think God isn’t listening to us.  We all seem to ask for things to get better in some way, shape or form, but maybe we need to define what better truly is.

1. Difficulties don’t equal Gods Absence. They should invite Gods presence. The presence of the battle doesn’t mean the absence of God in the war.

2. Lack of instant response doesn’t mean Gods not responding. Perseverance prepares us for his response. Let God do what He needs to do. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete. Don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do it’s work so you may become stronger in faith.

3. Depending on God doesn’t lead to disappointment. Depending on God leads to deepened relationships.

Just remember God is always trying to grow our faith in Him. In the midst of your trial, God is walking right beside you. He will never leave your side.

When God seems distant, we must call to Him and trust in His unfailing love.

Sunday Devotion: Risks

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by Jennifer Duncan

I’m not much of a risk-taker.  I like the feeling of safety in what is familiar.  I don’t need lots of change and variety in my routines.  I’m okay with same-ness.  That’s why it was such a surprise when I found myself standing in line one summer day, with my granddaughter Grace, getting ready to board the newest, highest, fastest, most-thrilling roller coaster, newly added at Silver Dollar City!  This thing actually takes the rider upside down!   Why would I agree to this…indeed, why did I VOLUNTEER for this?!

It happened this way.  Grace loves roller coasters.  She had been excited and looking forward to this ride all day.  But when we finally found ourselves in front of the entrance to the ride, no one would go on it with her!  One by one, Granddad, her sister and both her cousins said, “Nope…not me!  I’m not going on that thing!”

Grace, unlike her Mimi (and apparently, everyone else in the party), IS an adventurer.  She is “UP” for about anything, and she was ready to go.  She would have happily gone by herself, but I looked at that long line of strangers, and couldn’t let her go solo.  So, I ended up, not only standing in line with her, but actually going on that ride.

I’d like to say, “It was exhilarating…not nearly as scary as I’d imagined.”  I’d like to say, “I’m glad I went; it was really great.”  But I can’t.  It was awful.  I closed my eyes from the first horrific drop, through the upside down rocking and rolling, through the jerking twists, to the end…the blessed, welcome END.  I endured…and that’s the most positive thing I can say about it.  But then, once I boarded the thing, what was the alternative?!

I received many incredulous kudos from my granddaughters and my husband…and my heroics were told far and wide.  It was almost enough to calm my shaking, but I had to take it easy for awhile, and return to my more typical pattern of watching while others are brave!   Grace just wanted to assure me that she would have gone by herself, and believe me, next time, she will!  Some adventures, you only have to have once.

 

So, what were the “take aways” from this experience?  You know, there are always “take aways.”  I learned these things:

  • Some adventures are worth the risk, if only for what we learn from the experience.
  • There is gratification in facing a challenge, even if it’s difficult.
  • Life, like a roller coaster, is full of some scary twists and turns, but a joyous end is always coming.
  • Exciting adventures are a whole lot more fun when experienced with someone you love.

Thanks, Grace, for taking me with you on an unforgettable ride…WAY out of my comfort zone!

“Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”   Deuteronomy 31:6

Jennifer is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  She is mom to two grown (twin) sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law and four granddaughters.  Her late husband, John, pastored two churches in Barry County, Missouri, and one in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  Jennifer serves in teaching, music and lay counseling through her church, Arnhart Baptist Church, Purdy, Missouri.  She also enjoys leading retreats and Bible studies for women.

Sunday Devotion: Brave Mommy

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by Amanda Reese

Proverbs 22:6a “Train up a child in the way he should go…”

“Go play with your children,” God’s Spirit whispered to my heart while I was determined to accomplish yet another task.

Kate fishingIt was Sunday afternoon, my perfect opportunity to clean the tack room and establish some order. However, my plan was not in line with God’s. The girls needed some quality time, and the barn could wait. Halfheartedly, I left the mess.

“Kate what would you like to do together,” I asked my ambitious eight-year-old daughter. “Let’s go fishing in one of ‘our’ ponds,” she said.

I got the four-wheeler ready to go, and Kate grabbed a fishing pole out of the messy barn, which by the way, was still calling my name.

I drove across the field with a baby in my lap. Kate sat behind me while holding the fishing pole beside us. I continually warned Kate not to get the end of the pole  by my face or else! For years, I’ve had an awful fear of hooks, to the point that I don’t fish because I don’t want to chance hooking my skin.

By the time we reached the pond, I had probably told Kate to keep the pole away from me at least 20 times. I dropped Kate off and then drove the four-wheeler a good 20 yards away to ensure the hook couldn’t reach me. Then I hollered, “okay, you can fish now.”fishing-pole-332456_1280

I wasn’t coming any closer, so Kate figured out how to use the fishing pole by herself. After fishing, she chased some frogs around the pond bank. Then we headed back to the house. All the way home, I again reminded her to keep the hook away from me.

When we reached the house, I told Kate, “I enjoyed fishing together.” Where I got to the word ‘together’ out of our fishing extravaganza is still a mystery to me. In her eyes, I must have been the worst fishing companion ever.

Kate’s reply caught me off guard, “You know mom, you are being a bad example and teaching me to be afraid of things.”

Bamm! Life lesson number 3,455, at least. She was right.

God tells us not to fear. If we are to teach our children “the way” in which they “should go,” how can we allow fear to rule in any part of our lives? As mothers, we can be an example of courage and overcoming fear, or we can be timid and fearful.

I choose to live a life of Truth, defined by what God says about me, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7.

Father,

Thank you for an afternoon with my girls. Although I was a terrible fishing partner today; next time I’m all in, hook, line, and sinker. With your help, I can be brave and enjoy fishing with Kate. Teach me to be a brave mommy, who raises brave children. In Jesus name, Amen.

Amanda ReeseAmanda Reese is a wife, mother, writer and Christian speaker in Southwest Missouri. Her love for Christ and the God created institute of marriage and family sparks a desire to share God’s Word through devotions that apply to life and motherhood. Through tears, laugher, and all sorts of mistakes, she shares about God’s faithfulness and love.

 

Sunday Devotion: advice for the next generation

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So the social media world has been buzzing this week with the video of actor Chris Pratt receiving the MTV Generation award. His acceptance speech is spot on–funny, honest and heart felt. In a world where it has become taboo to talk about Christ, Chris Pratt said–who cares! I am standing up for HIM! Bravo, Chris!

If you haven’t watched it yet, we would encourage you to take 5 minutes to watch it now! (warning, there is a little bit of language, so make sure small ears are not around when you hit play)

Sunday Devotion: Shout-out to Dad

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dad-and-son-1432772_960_720by Mindi Artherton

One of the things we love most is getting out into our community and meeting you (our readers!) and introducing women to SouthwestMissouriMoms(dot)com that may not have visited the site before. Often times people ask, “what about dads”? Don’t you have anything for dads?

We always assure that person that we love dads too and anybody is welcome to view the site!

Today, however, we want to give a big shout-out to dads! Our own dads, husbands, baby daddies, step-dads, grandfathers–and well–just the awesome men in SWMO! We know you are out there and are busy working and raising great kiddos.

If you take a minute to look at scripture, you will no doubt see the importance of the role a father plays in our lives. One scripture that really stands out to me today is Deuteronomy 6:5-7:

“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.”

Today, take some time to show your dad some love and tell our Heavenly Father thank you for the blessing of Dads. And most of all, thank Him for being a father to all of us.