6/30/2010

Refreshed by You

Posted by Stephanie Shott |

"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints." Philemon 1:7(NIV)

When I was a little girl, we took a trip to California. Our drive led us through the Nevada desert. I remember how sweltering hot it was during the day and how freezing cold it became at night. The car didn't have an air conditioner or a heater, so we felt the extremes of both.

We seemed to be traveling an endless road with nowhere to stop. No restaurants, no gas stations, no hotels, no Zippy Marts. Nothing. Just a dry desert. When all of a sudden, in the hazy distance, we spotted what appeared to be a gas station. In the middle of nowhere, it stood out like an oasis and we couldn't wait to get there.

We pulled into the seemingly abandoned building and waited to see if there was anyone there. An old man flung the door open wide, welcomed us and began pumping our gas, cleaning our windshields and talking a mile a minute.

We made our way up the steps of the building and began to open the door. The cold air brought a smile to our faces. We loitered there for about thirty minutes, buying peanut brittle and bubble gum and looking for anything else we could find to extend our time there. We didn't want to leave, but it was time.

We said good-bye to the nice man who had invited us into his world and allowed his gas station to become a temporary refuge for our little family. We left refreshed and ready to make the last leg of our trip, thankful for that oasis in the desert.

Everyday, we have the opportunity to speak life into someone else's life, to encourage them, to be an oasis in the desert places of their lives, to be a blanket of warmth in the cold, dark circumstances of someone's world. Let the words you speak and the things you do be something that makes others want to linger.

Today, ask the Lord to give you an opportunity to refresh someone's soul, to help someone in need, to respond with love to someone's situation. Be an oasis in someone's life today.

Perhaps you need to be refreshed. Saturate yourself in the oasis of God's Word. Bask in the beauty of His presence. Find a friend who will pray for you, who will pray with you, who you know will refresh you with her words.


Do you need an oasis of prayer? I'd be honored to pray for you as you face a dessert place in your life.
How can you be a refreshing oasis for someone else today? Give us some practical advice. Share your story.


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6/29/2010

How Much Time Is Enough?

Posted by Stephanie Shott |


Many people ask how much time they should spend reading the Bible. It’s a good question, but there is no one-size-fits-all kind of answer. When it comes to the time we spend in God’s Word, there is no such thing as “too much” – there is no such thing as “too little.”

I remember not long after I became a Christian a sweet and godly man told me that there is a big difference between reading God’s Word and studying it and that I needed to strive to do both each day. That word of wisdom has stuck with me through the years. For better or for worse, I still strive to do both every day. I say, “for better or for worse” because, at times, I’ve weighed myself down with self-imposed expectations that were impossible to keep in light of what I was going through.

You see, it doesn’t take long on planet earth to learn that life happens and circumstances don’t always add up to an hour in the morning reading God’s Word and an hour in the evening studying it. Life happens. People get sick. Tragedy strikes. Schedules are altered. Children are up all night throwing up. Elderly parents need to be cared for. Newborn babies cry through the night. A house full of children make it impossible to find a quiet place.

We’re all in different seasons in our lives and we face an ongoing jockeying of our schedules trying to prevent our worlds from colliding with our time in the Word.

On the flip side of the circumstantial coin, it’s important that we don’t let our dailies dictate our agendas. If we’re not careful, our lives can become an excuse for not spending time in the Word of the Living God.

So, how much time is enough? As much as you can possibly invest! As much as you desire to grow given the season you are in right now. As much as you need comfort, courage, wisdom and strength in the circumstances you face today. As much as you need to build your faith and guard your heart during the storms that are sure to come. As much as you desire to leave a legacy of diligence and godliness for your children. As much as you can, dear one…as much as you can.

Please click over to Scripture Dig to continue reading this post. I pray you'll be encouraged to begin your own daily dig today.

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6/24/2010

Oh, Give Me a Break

Posted by Stephanie Shott |

"You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its farthest regions, And said to you, ‘ You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’" Isaiah 41:9-10


Sometimes I feel overwhelmed, under siege and in between a rock and a hard place. At times, I wish I could stop my world, get off, take a little vacay and jump back on board when it comes around again. Honestly, I just need a break! Perhaps you feel the same way at times. Maybe you can relate to the extreme need for a little r & r.

The only problem is, I don't see it happening for me anytime soon. In fact, my schedule has become more complicated than ever and there's no reprieve in sight. And so, I turned to the only place I could find rest for my weary soul...the Word of the Living God.

There, His Word gently imparts the strength to face today's "to do" list with child-like, mountain-moving faith. He has called me from the farthest regions where sin held me captive and there was no hope in sight. He has chosen me as His servant and will not...and can not cast me away.

I can face each day unafraid and unalarmed knowing the God who placed planet earth in orbit - the One who spoke life to the dust - the One who gives me each breath will also strengthen me...help me and uphold me with His righteous, powerful and victorious hand.

I don't see a week at the beach in my near future. I doubt that there's a cabin in the mountains awaiting my arrival. But I do know that "My God is my rock, in whom I find protection.He is my shield, the power that saves me,and my place of safety. He is my refuge..." 2 Samuel 22:3

Psalm 2:12 tells us there is joy for all who take refuge in Him. Today, if you're feeling overwhelmed, run to your Refuge. There we can find rest under the shadow of His wings. There we will find faith for today, strength for tomorrow and relief for our burdened hearts.

What about you? Are you overwhelmed today? Did something in this post speak to your heart? Do you have a prayer request? Do you have advice for us weary travelers?

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6/22/2010

Baffled by God

Posted by Stephanie Shott |

"God’s riches, wisdom, and knowledge are so deep that it is impossible to explain his decisions or to understand his ways. Who knows how the Lord thinks? Who can become his adviser? Who gave the Lord something which the Lord must pay back?" Romans 11:33-35(GWT)


We don't always understand why we go through what we do. God only promises enough light for the next step. That's how we learn to trust Him...that's the essence of our faith. Not in what we can see, but in what we can't see. Trusting that God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do.

Today, if you're baffled by your circumstances and by what God is doing in your life, I want to encourage you to hold on to your faith in the Living God. Although His ways are beyond our own comprehension, He does not veil the essence of His nature by the mystery of His greatness. He gives us glimpses of His character and calls us to trust what He has revealed to be true about who He is.

He is the Alpha and Omega, the Eternal One, the Almighty God, the One who is touched with the feelings of our infimities, the One who spoke this world into existence, the One who meets the needs of the sparrow and sees our hurting hearts. He is our God, our Savior, our Redeemer and our Friend. He is loving, He is kind, He is merciful, He is forgiving, He is long suffering, He is good...He is God! AND WE CAN TRUST HIM!

Are you in a place where you are baffled by God? Do you need to see Him work in a particular area of your life? Do you struggle with trusting Him? Can I pray for you today?

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6/20/2010

Reading God's Word

Posted by Stephanie Shott |

Do you know God is jealous for you; that He sings over you…or that He yearns for you? Do you know He loves you with an everlasting love and He has given you precious promises that are yours because you’re His? Do you know God has anointed you to do something specific on planet earth? All of these wonderful nuggets of truth are unearthed when we begin our personal dig in the Word of God.

God’s Word is the life-changing source of faith, salvation, wisdom, power, purpose, peace, direction, protection, comfort, forgiveness, redemption, deliverance and direction. Our time in the Word is not something we have to do, it’s something we need!

But, if your day is anything like mine, your plate runneth over and you’re overwhelmed. So much to do, so little time and at times the Word of God sits on the table eager to be read, longing to find its proper place of prominence in your life.

Perhaps you’ve had seasons of structured, consistent time in the Word when you basked in the wonder of His presence and heard the echo of His still small voice. Or maybe you’ve never really known where to begin when it comes to reading the Bible. Wherever you are in your journey, one thing holds true…there is no substitute for time in the Word.

CONTINUE READING THE REST OF TODAY'S POST AT SCRIPTURE DIG...

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6/16/2010

Happy Birthday DJ

Posted by Stephanie Shott |

Today's post is dedicated to my youngest son, DJ. I'm not going to get all mushy and embarrass him through cyberspace, but I do want to thank him for not only being such a great son, but for also being such a great friend!


Through the years, we've talked about almost everything and although I realize he's not perfect, I'm proud of the man he is becoming and look forward to seeing how God is going to use him in the years ahead.

DJ has blessed me more than he'll ever know! He's probably the funniest person I've ever known...definitely the most talented! AND...I wish I could take credit for some of that, but I obviously can't.

All I can say is "I'm so blessed to be his mother, I love him more than words can say and I'm uber excited to see how God uses him in the years to come."

So DJ...

They say it's your birthday...Happy birthday to you! I love you and I know you know this, but YOU ROCK!(And please tell me you get the whole dolphin thing) :-)

By the way...this page is here because DJ created it for me! He's my go-to guy for all things computer - and he's beyond talented when it comes to music, as well! (Yes, I'm a proud mom, but it's my blog and his birthday, so I can't help myself!) :-)

6/15/2010

Called to Solitude

Posted by Stephanie Shott |


I've been studying the book of Acts for a while, but today my heart turned to 1 Kings 17 & 18. I'm not sure that I have grasped everything God has for me in those power-packed chapters, but I want to share with you one of the ways God spoke to my heart as He drew me to that place for such a time as this.

"ELIJAH THE Tishbite, of the temporary residents of Gilead, said to Ahab, As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before Whom I stand, there shall not be dew or rain these years but according to My word. And the word of the Lord came to him, saying, Go from here and turn east and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, east of the Jordan. You shall drink of the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there. So he did according to the word of the Lord; he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning and bread and flesh in the evening, and he drank of the brook." 1 Kings 17:1-6 (AMP)


Lately my life has been crazy, busy, chaotic and scattered. There's so much that calls for my attention and I long to spread myself as thin as necessary to minister to all I can. Yet I realize that I cannot pour from an empty vessel. I cannot give what I have not filled myself with first. And neither can you.

God called Elijah to a place of solitude where he was completely dependent upon the Lord to sustain him. God would send a raven to drop bread from heaven in his lap. That would be his food. That would fill him. That would sustain him.

But in order to recieve nourishment from the Living God, Elijah had to obey His call to solitude. A drought consumed the land, yet Elijah drank from the brook and feasted on bread from heaven. When the world around him was in desperate need, he was being fed by God.

There are people all around us who are hungry for heavenly help...desperate for a word of encouragement and for someone to speak truth, peace and hope into their lives. We long to meet them where they are and encourage them in this journey called life, but we've placed ourselves in a spiritual drought. We're too busy to feed on God's Word and allow Him to fill our thirsty souls. We've become dry vessels with nothing to offer.

Sometimes God calls us to a place of solitude, where He can feed us with bread from heaven. That is not only where we will be refreshed, but also where we have the opportunity to see God work in unimaginable ways. No cell phones, no computers, no one else...just GOD.

Today, make plans to escape to that place of solitude where God calls you to bask in His presence and be filled with the Living Water and Bread of Life. It may be an hour, a day, a weekend or a week - but steal away time alone with God. He calls us to that place...for our good and the good of those we long to pour our lives into.

Are you in a dry season? Do you hunger for a solitary place where you can meet with God and be fed by Him? What plans are you making to answer God's call to solitude?

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6/14/2010

How Do You Spell "Mothers"

Posted by Stephanie Shott |


When I think about all the things a mother is and a mother does, I couldn't help but laugh. We are multi-talented, multi-tasking mavens! So I thought I'd have a little fun today and work out an acrostic of the word 'mothers' and see how many descriptions we can up with.

Your job is to help me come up with more than what I do. (PLEASE NOTE: You are about to see words that Webster never heard of) :-)

M - manager of the home, manager of time, manager of schedules, manager of events, money manager, maid, matriarch, multi-tasker, M.D.(I'd say nurse, but "n" isn't one of the letters, medicine-giver, mercy-giver, marketer, menu maker, meal maker, mediator, mender of clothes, mind-shaper, mailbox checker, marriage counselor

O - Organizer of the home, organizer of events, operator of small appliances, optimist, order of needs, object finder, oddjob doer, odor eliminator, office worker, official official :-), opinion giver, ouch healer, outfit coordinator, outing coordinator, movie monitor, overlooker of embarrassing mistakes

T - Teacher, table designer, table setter, tradition setter, tale teller, trainer of life lessons, trial facer, trend setter, time manager, turn taking administrator, trip planner, trash taker outer, tamer of animals, test taker, taste tester, team helper, tear kisser, tummy rubber,teddy-bear holder, tooth fairy, telephone restricter, tender to needs, typer of notes, temper harnesser, taxi driver, thankfulness imparter, thorn remover, throat soother, thrifty shopper, towel folder, throw-up cleaner-upper, toenail clipperer, toilet trainer, toilet cleaner

H - Helper of ALL things, hunger satisfier, heart mender, hamper emptier, hand holder, happiness maker, hope encourager, habit maker and breaker, hearer of hearts, hanger-up of clothes, haggler of deals, hair stylist, harmony maker, household director, heartwarmer, healthcare worker, heritage maker, holiday planner, holiness trainer, homemaker, honor teacher, hormone defuser

E - Ego builder, ego deflater, encourager, eagerness initiator, egg scrambler, ear canal cleaner, eavesdropping professional, early morning riser, educational guru, economic instructor, editor of homework, effectual prayer warrior, effort expector, elbow-grease instructor, emergency room frequent flier, emotion soother, emphasis clarifier, employment counselor, enforcer of rules,engrafter of God's Word on children's heart, etertainer, entertainment inspector

R - rule breaker, rule maker, repairer of broken hearts, dreams and toys, ragdoll lover, raider of drawers, rambler of stories and of the town, rapid response specialist, rationalist, reading teacher, reaction therapist, reality checker, rebuking specialist, reconciler, rehabilitation partner, relative connector, reliable, rememberer of location of all lost toys, rescuer of wandering younguns, routine maker, rumor squelcher

S - sabotager of mischief, soother of hearts, security blankets, settler of fears, sack lunch maker, secret keeper, saga stoppers, sanity keepers, servant, sandwich maker, sunscreen applicator, smile maker, silliness applauder, scalp cleaner, scapegoat for kids mistakes, school helper, scolder, sorter of details, scratcher of backs, scrubber of sinks and clothes, searcher of all things missing, season celebrator, seed planter of morals, self-esteem builders, strong-will breakers, separator of fights, sex-ed teachers, shampooer of hair, sharer of life, shiner of shoes, shirt ironer, shopper, shoulder of love to lean on

Well, I had fun thinking about all we do as moms and then making up words to match. How about you? What words would you add to describe what we are as "MOTHERS?" Don't be shy and don't worry about if you're making up a word or not. I obviously didn't!(Can't wait to see what you add to the list!) :-)

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6/11/2010

Call the Whambulance

Posted by Stephanie Shott |


Lately, I've been thinking about how we use words to describe people places and things.

An then, the other day I read Kathi Lipp's blog and she talked about how her and her hubby have been making up words during the last couple of weeks and I couldn't help but think about how my family loves to do the same thing.

My friend, Dawn, knows I use some unusual words, so she called me and asked if "crotchety" was really a word. I use it a lot, so I guess she assumed I knew whether or not it was a bonafide entry in Webster's Dictionary. I wasn't sure, but I quickly googled it and found that it was. (By the way...you can google just about anything now)

Her call got me thinking about the words people often use to describe Christians. I've heard people say we're crotchety, callous, critical, judgmental, mean, bigotted, hypocritical, weak, wimpy and whiny.

Some of what we hear comes from hearts desperately trying to make excuses for their reluctance to become a Christian. Unfortunately, many of their descriptive word choices have been well earned. The way Christians act and the things Christians say often warrant their potshots.

I'm not throwing stones, mind you. I've yeilded my fair share of judgmental, mean and whiny words myself. So if stones start flying, I need to just throw myself in front of them and get it over with. But, I've been studying the book of Acts and I'm finding that in many ways, we are very different than the mold from which we were cut.

Do we handle life like the believers in the New Testament? Are we passionate about being light and salt in a dark and wounded world?

Can you imagine the woman at the well running back to town and saying, "I've found the Messiah! Now, I'm tired. I think I just want to sit around and watch t.v. for the rest of the night."

What would you think if Zacchaeus got up from dinner after just being saved and began griping because no one would help him clean up?

Would Paul still be considered the greatest missionary ever if he made excuses every time he was asked to go tell someone about Christ or each time he was asked to teach the Word of God to a group of eager listeners?

What if Peter complained that it was too hot to hang out at the Temple gate and decided to recline under a shade tree instead? Would the lame man have ever experienced the miraculous healing? Would he have been saved?

What if Lydia would have complained about having too many people in her house?

Could you imagine Barnabus arguing about the color of the carpet or the paint on the walls?

What if Jesus would have said it was too crowded on the mountain. Would the 5,000 have been fed with the Bread of Life that day?

I hate to say it, but we really are a bunch of wimpy, whiney, judgmental complainers. No wonder they call us crotchety, callous, critical, judgmental, mean, bigotted, hypocritical, weak, wimpy and whiny. Oh somebody, call the whambulance!

It's too hot, too crowded, too early, too late, too traditional, too contemporary, too intimidating, too easy, too menial a task, too hard, too boring, too dangerous. Are we always going to allow that which is "too" something or another to prevent us from being who God created us to be? Will we continue to let our response to the trivial sabotage our effectiveness for the eternal?

When I think about the times my conduct has added to someone's "Top 10 Reasons Not to Become a Christian" my heart breaks. May it never happen again! I pray we will live lives that change the words people use to describe Christianity. Words like loving, faithful, courageous, godly, honest, trustworthy, patient, kind, good...you know...the characteristics we find in the fruit of the Spirit.

What about you? Has anything here struck a chord with you? Do you have any advice to share?

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6/08/2010

A Teacher's Best Tool

Posted by Stephanie Shott |

I tend to be a bottom-line kind of girl, so I'm going to get right to it. Teaching comes in many forms and fashions. We teach by example...but that can often be flawed by our personal failures. We can teach by circumstances...yet those aren't always relevant when we relate them to others. We can teach through specific learning styles...but we're all so different that it's impossible to speak everyone's language of learning.

The only way to assure that we effectively teach for life-change is to let the Word of the Living God be the source of what we say; the foundation of our focus and the basis of our message.

Certainly, God uses our stories in the live's of others. He has placed us on a path and allowed us to walk through peaks, valleys and everything in between, so we can minister to others who may be experiencing similar situations. But, even the message of our lives should be a tool to point people to the Lord...to what He has done and can do in the midst of the circumstances...to the unfailing promises of His unchanging Word.

We can be sure that God will work in the hearts and lives of people through His Word!

"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11(NKJV)


We can trust that God's Word will change people from the inside out.
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)


We know that God's Word is timeless and unchaning.
"The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)


We find comfort and hope in the Word of God.
"Remember the word to Your servant,Upon which You have caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction,For Your word has given me life." Psalm 119:49-50(NKJV)


We can rest in the truth that God's Word gives direction.
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105(NASB)


I could go on and on about the richness of the Word of God! It is real and it is relevant. It is our best teacher and no matter what we are going through, it will speak to us in our circumstances today.

If you're a teacher or a speaker, I want to encourage you to fill your cup with His Word so that that which flows from your lips will speak life to those in need. There is no substitute for what God can do through His Word. There is nothing more exciting than when God chooses to use us to share it!

Do you need to hear from the Lord today? Can you add a personal example of how God used you to teach something from His Word that changed others?

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If you want to dig deeper, join me at Scripture Dig.

6/04/2010

He Sings for Me

Posted by Stephanie Shott |

Today, I made my usual trip to Facebook to check on my friends and found a familiar verse posted by Renee Swope from the Proverbs 31 Ministry. It triggered such a sweet memory of an article I wrote a couple of years ago and I couldn't help but reminisce on the goodness of God and the profound reality of His matchless and unchanging love!

So, today's post is a short version of a study that spoke volumes to my restless heart. I pray it will do the same for you. I sincerely believe that someone reading this needs to hear that God loves them with an everlasting love...that He has not forsaken them...He has not forgotten them...He sees them...He loves them...and He longs to rejoice over them with singing! So this post is for you:

I remember watching the Andy Griffith show when I was younger and with guitar in hand, Andy began singing a love song to Helen. There was something intrinsically moving about that moment and as a little girl I remember thinking, "Maybe one day, someone will sing a love song to me."

The years have come and gone and instead of a singer, I married a drummer. He did sweep me off my feet, but I don't think he'll be serenading me with a love song any time soon. Somehow, it just wouldn't be the same coming from behind the beat of the drums.

But the Lord gives us a precious promise in Zephaniah 3:17, "He celebrates and sings because of you" and the NKJV says, "He will rejoice over you with singing.” The Message Bibles says, "He'll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs." Can you believe that!!! The Living God will sing to us, over us and because of us. (CEV - emphasis mine)

I can think of no greater song than the one I will hear on that day when my Savior and my God rejoices over me with songs! His joyful rest breaks forth into heavenly songs...all over you and me! What a wonderful God; What a glorious Savior! I wonder if He's singing now!


"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17

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6/02/2010

Dig In

Posted by Stephanie Shott |

This week is the unveiling of a new and exciting project called Scripture Dig! I'm totally stoked (an expression my surfer husband likes to say) to be part of the team in this joint journey through the Word of God. Scripture Dig is devoted to equipping women with the necessary tools to examine, understand and apply scripture in their own world and their own circumstances.

I can't believe I actually have the privilege of joining such a wonderful group of godly girlfriends! Teri Lynne Underwood, Kristi Stephens, Kathy Howard and Julie Sanders all have an obvious heart to minister to women and an uncompromising love for the Word of God. If you click on the links to their websites, you'll see why I'm so honored to be part of this team!

There are a few things you can do to help spread the word about digging in the Word with us at Scripture Dig.

1. You can mention it on your blog with a link to it.

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4. Graciously place Scripture Dig button on your site.

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So, join us for a journey in the Word. Dig in and unearth the treasures you can only find in Scripture. Be encouraged - be changed - be part of Scripture Dig!

Have you heard of Scripture Dig yet? Do you plan on joining the journey?

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6/02/2010

An Herodias Heart

Posted by Stephanie Shott |


"At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.” And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus." Matthew 14:1-14 (NKJV)


As women we have power to influence our families beyond our own comprehension. Our actions and reactions create a ripple effect in the lives of those around us; our words, moods and attitudes affect and reflect in the lives of those closest to us.

When we think of women who have graced the pages of the Word of God, we are often drawn to women like Mary, Deborah and Lydia. But in today's post, I'd like to sneak a peek at a lady who was anything but a lady.

Like something from a modern day soap opera, Herodias left her husband, Herod Phillip, to marry his brother, Herod Antipas. We're not told why, but we know from history that their whole family was a royal mess.

Herodias was a woman who was well aware of her power and she wielded it around like a weapon of mass destruction. She leaves us with a long list of lessons on the wife we don't want to be, but today, I want to reflect on just one. Herodias was a manipulator. When she didn't like what she heard, she began to devise a plan to kill the messenger. When she knew her husband wouldn't join in on her grand design of the murderous kind, she decided to take things into her own hands and begin manipulating the circumstances until she got what she wanted.

At the expense of her daughter's virtue and character, she not only taught her daughter how to become a master at manipulation, she also taught her that her virtue had no value and her body could buy her way through life.

Herodias failed miserably as a wife and a mother...all because she didn't like hearing the truth. She mistakenly thought that silencing her accuser would also silence her seared conscience. Unfortunately, she found murder only intensified the shouts of accusation that hardened her face as well as her heart.

We may never go as far as Herodias to manipulate our circumstances, but how often have we taken things into our own hands? How many times have we pushed things through, changed things around, told half-truths and even out-right lied to get our way? How often have we plotted a pay-back scheme as a means of retaliation for our husbands failures?

It's never wise to want our way so much that we're willing to order our own steps instead of allowing God to do so. It's never wise to refuse rebuke or devise details that would set our own circumstantial wheels in motion.

Today, if you're trying to manipulate your circumstances in any way, shape or form, I want to strongly encourage you to be patient and to pray instead. Don't allow yourself to fall into the same category as Herodias by trying to push your way through. The end never justifies the means when it compromises our character and our fellowship with God.

You can avoid having an Herodias heart by being willing to listen to godly counsel, seek God's face...and then wait. Just wait. He, alone, knows how to work out His perfect plan for your life...so just wait on God and live to honor Him in the meantime. He will help you soar over your circumstances with wings like eagles. He will help you run and not be weary. He will perfect that which concerns you. So, please wait on God to order your steps, dear one...wait!

Are you willing to listen to rebuke? What is it that you are having a hard time waiting on? What are some ways we try to manipulate things?

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