Week 6: Ignored stains.

 

Ignored stains are the worst kind of stain. It is an ugly thing to look at; especially on top of a beautiful wood table where everyone can see. It leaves an aftertaste for the onlookers and spoil an immaculate life. No matter how hard you ignore it, it will mark your life unless you deal with it.

We all have our reasons why we don’t want to deal with it. It is harmless and won’t hurt anyone, we might think. Or it will take too much time to remove it and will take you away from what you love to do.

Others will say, “I just don’t let it bother me,” but it won’t solve the problem. It will just increase the problem.

In Acts 24, Paul was preaching to a ruler named Felix. Paul reasoned with Felix of “righteousness,” “temperance,” and of the “judgment to come” (v. 25). This caused Felix to tremble. Clearly, he was affected by what Paul had said. Instead of acting on what he had learned, he responded, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” Felix chose to do nothing about his sins. Instead, he chose to ignore them. As far as we know, Felix never found a convenient season to obey God.

We don’t escape responsibility from our sins by ignoring them. Ignoring sin will cause us to be lost eternally. Instead of ignoring sin, a non-Christian must believe (Jn. 3:16), repent (Acts 2:38), confess Christ (Rom. 10:10), and be baptized (Acts 2:38, Mk. 16:16). The Christian who sins must repent, pray, and confess his sins (Acts 8:22, I Jn. 1:8-10).

Don’t find an excuse or allow more time to laps, before you do something about it. Do it now while the time is now.

Prayer

Father, I humbly bring my sin……. (name it) to your table of grace and confess my unwillingness to deal with this. Lord, give me the wisdom to come clean and to allow the Holy Spirit to do his perfect work of healing and restoration in me. Wipe my slate clean, Lord, and show me how not to sin anymore.

I confess Romains 10: 10 over my life: For it is with my heart that I believe and are justified, and it is with my mouth that I profess my faith and are saved.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

©LynelleClark2023

Day 3: Standing Tall Together

A few years ago, we had the opportunity to visit Redwood National Park in northern California. I remember walking through forests blanketed by lush ferns growing around these gentle giants that seemed to touch the sky. Imagine the Creator of those trees!

Some facts about redwood trees …

·Redwoods can grow as tall as 400 feet.

·The oldest redwood is thought to be over 3,200 years old and is known as the “President.”

·Some are wide enough for a car (like ours) to drive through.

·Redwood roots only go about 7 to 8 feet deep but can be spread out over 100 feet.

·These roots are intertwined with other redwoods, which allows them to remain stable even through strong storms.

·A redwood cone can produce 150 to 250 seeds, with each seed only the size of a tomato seed. That’s about the size of the head of a matchstick.

Like the redwood, our books also begin with a seed idea. God then waters that seed, and it continues to grow into something we could have hardly imagined. 

Redwoods are rugged trees. Some have deep grooves in the bark. Others have been struck by lightning. Many still stand after being partially burned by a fire, while heavy winds have blown over others. 

Kingdom writers are a rugged breed. Many of us have been battered by various life elements, yet we still stand tall with the Lord’s strength. 

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” – 1 Peter 1:7 (NLT) 

Though Peter didn’t have trees in mind when he penned those words, this is what I call redwood faith! 

Within these redwood forests lie trees that have toppled over due to old age. I became a kid again as I jumped on one of these sleeping giants before walking perhaps fifty feet down its aged trunk. 

Many of these fallen trees even have new saplings from hollowed sections. These dead warriors still give life to young redwoods through their decomposed bark. 

There will be a time when you and I will ‘topple over’ due to old age, but we can continue giving life through our books and writings. Imagine God fertilizing the faith of those coming after us with the writings He inspires through us. 

“Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7 (NLT)

Gazing up at a lone redwood tree can take your breath away by itself, but a forest of these natural skyscrapers is utterly spectacular. Similarly, a lone Christian writer can produce impressive stuff. Still, it’s a beautiful thing to be part of a forest of Kingdom writers with all of our diversity, styles, stories, and varying backgrounds.

We can lean on one another as the storms of life hit. Perhaps our writings will influence others to look up and give glory to our great God!

Reflection: As a Christian author, do you have others to lean on when the storms of life hit? We consider our Christian Book Academy like a redwood forest of Kingdom writers.

**Download our Kingdom Writers Bundle here to learn more about our online community and get access to resources to help you move forward in your call to write.

 

Taken from the Priestly Pens Bible Plan at You Version. 

Kingdom Writers Bundle / Amazon

Written by Shelly Hitz.

Day 2: Unless the Lord Writes the Book

 

“Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to His loved ones.”—Psalm 127:1-2 (NLT)

Our workaholic society tells us to push, strain, and strive to accomplish our goals. Many books have been written with this method. Ultimately, at what cost and benefit?

We also see many in the world today trying to protect all the work they’ve done in their own human strength. If we’re honest, we’ve all done this as if everything depends on us alone.

It’s interesting to note that Psalm 127 was written by Solomon, who also wrote most of Proverbs – many of which instruct us to work hard and not be lazy. In this Psalm, he’s addressing the issue of working without including God in the picture.

Whether it’s building houses or writing books, both are acceptable enterprises. They serve an important purpose. Our motives behind these things are equally important. Are we doing these things for our glory or God’s glory? In the end, this is why we call ourselves Kingdom writers who join God in building His Kingdom, not some monument unto ourselves.

God makes no distinctions between the sacred and secular. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…” (Emphasis mine)

God is interested in ALL our work, including all the words we write. Our books will have more substance when we partner with God, just as families will have more substance in their relationships when they build their homes with the Lord.

Houses are viewed as a symbol of status around the world. We can easily desire a huge, extravagant house to look good in the eyes of others. This can also happen with our books. We can create something that comes off as polished and shiny to seek status. We can place our security in the approval we receive from others, which is here today and gone tomorrow.

Why is ‘the work of the builders wasted?’ It’s wasted when we trade the eternal for the temporal.

We also see in this Psalm that God gives rest to His loved ones. Our work becomes a problem when it goes beyond the limits God has set for it. Those who undergo tough physical training understand the benefits of rest and recovery. As writers, our times of prayerful rest can create space for us to hear what God might have in mind for our books.

King Solomon tells us, “There is a time for everything,” including rest. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

We believe our best books will be birthed from a place of rest as we pause to seek the Lord. He’ll supply the substance rather than us trying to gut it out and quickly exhausting our strength.

Every book, article, or blog post of eternal value results from God’s grace when we include Him.

Reflection: Read John 15:1-11. What is the key to producing lasting fruit? Before sitting down for your next writing session, play a soft worship song and prayerfully invite the Lord into every aspect of your writing.

Taken from the Priestly Pens Bible Plan at You Version. 

Kingdom Writers Bundle / Amazon

Written by Shelly Hitz.

Day 1: An encouraging word for writers.

Day 1: Why Priestly Pens? Written by Shelly Hitz.

On numerous occasions throughout scripture, believers are referred to as “priests.” Here are a few notable references:  

“He has made us a Kingdom of priests for God His Father. All glory and power to Him forever and ever! Amen.” (Revelation 1:6 NLT)

 “And You have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10 NLT)

 “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT)

Before Jesus came onto the scene, only a select few were appointed as priests to offer sacrifices and perform other sacred duties. These priests devoted their lives to serving God in this way.

After Jesus became the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, He opened the door for anyone to become Kingdom priests and devote their lives completely to serving Him. For many of us, part of that service includes the words we write. It’s why we like referring to Christian writers as “priestly pens.” Imagine the Author of life partnering with you and me (the pens) to write words that impact others now and into eternity.

Why Do We Feel Compelled to Write?

As Kingdom writers, we have this compulsion to write words that honor our King. And this compelling is given to us by that same King,

“For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:13 NLT)

Who is working in us? God is working in us. Who gives us the desire to write? God gives us that desire. Who gives us the power to write words that will outlive us? God alone gives us that power. He’ll always supply the resources we need when we aim to please Him.

Being a priestly pen is part of the calling God has in mind for your life.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

The Greek word for “good things” or works is ergon, which means “any product whatever, anything accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind.”

This includes our writing in various forms that God inspires in and through us!

Our lives have a fresh and unique calling after surrendering to Jesus. Our writing takes on a much deeper meaning.

God Uses It All

God doesn’t waste one thread of our lives. Everything – the good, bad, and ugly – is being redeemed as Romans 8:28 confirms:

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” (Emphasis mine)

Joni Eareckson Tada, an author and artist, was paralyzed in a swimming accident at age 17. She said, “If God seems to be writing an unusual story in your life, don’t resist His penmanship on the pages of your days.”

With all the twists, turns, and rabbit trails, our lives produce a thrilling adventure with Jesus as the central character woven into every fabric. Any good story has ups and downs, drama, plot twists, mystery, and action. God is directing it all. He’s the Writer of the script!

One of our favorite verses in scripture is Psalm 45:1 –

“Beautiful words stir my heart. I will recite a lovely poem about the king, for my tongue is like the pen of a skillful poet.” (NLT)

As we’re yielded completely to the Lord, our lives become like pens in the hand of the Skillful Poet - the Author of life.

Think of all the “pens” God has used through the ages to write His grand story. How many people have been impacted by written words?

Friend, you are one of those pens. God wants to use your life to write words that live on as a legacy of His work in and through you.

Are you ready to allow God’s Spirit to flow through you like a fountain pen that’s been filled and refilled with fresh ink?

It’s our prayer that these three days will encourage you to continue being one of God’s chosen priestly pens!

Taken from the Priestly Pens Bible Plan at You Version. 

Kingdom Writers Bundle / Amazon

Week 5: Hidden Stains

Stains can be stubborn, so much so that we have to hide them. Then we concoct a reason of why we hide them.

Have you seen these hiding devices in other homes? Maybe it hides your own; crochet lappies, vases, books; they are all things we can use to hide that persistent stain.

We usually hide them out of shame or because we are too busy to handle it. However, both can rob us from the joy of a clean table.

We get stains that really struggle to get out. Stains that you need to revisit, scrub just to cover it once more because of its stubbornness. You try every cure that you can buy, but nothing seems to help.

Are we not like that as well?

Hiding our stains because of shame and fear. What will the people say, or what will God do when He sees it? These are some reasons that motivate us to hide it. (Sounds familiar? Hint: Adam and Eve) I know I do.

Hidden stains can rob you from the freedom to be yourself, your confidence, and can rob you from your relationship with the Heavenly Father and others.

But once you have confronted it, it has lost its hold on you. That feeling of accomplishment, once you have faced it, feels invigorating. As if a heaviness was removed and you can breathe with uncanny freedom.

Do not go through another day hiding your stains from God. He knows it. So, why not confess, and throw away the excuses and live a life of freedom and confidence?

Christ has done a perfect work in us. Nothing is hidden before Him. He knows all, sees all, and wants to take it from you. No stain is so big that it cannot be removed by the blood of the Lamb. Use your stain removal rather than hide it another day. Look that stain in the eye and say, today is the day that I will be set free from your smear. I am cleansed; I am healed, and I am free.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice that set me free from this stain (name it). Thank you for the victory of the Cross.

I confess my shame and fear and accept your loving kindness. Thank you for removing every stain from my heart, mind, and body. I declare it powerless. Thank you, that all shame and fear has been lifted, and permanently removed from my life by the blood of the Lamb.

I pray for wisdom to be more vigilant in my choices. That I will walk in Godly insight with the full armor as my protection and shield. I choose to stay in the Light of your Word, all the days of my life.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen

©LynelleClark2023

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Living with Intent Journal Presentation by Lynelle Clark

Devotional: Week 4 Stubborn Stains

Job 1:22 caused me to pause and reevaluate my own life. It says, “Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God”. https://my.bible.com/bible/6/JOB.1.22

How often do we struggle with the stubborn stains in life?

The unanswered prayers, the persistent struggle that goes on for years without results? For some, it is sickness, financial difficulties, continuous work loss, addictions: the list goes on.

My burden of continuous financial lack and work loss is a heavy burden that has played havoc in my mind and my life. Sometimes I would cry out to the Lord, lay out the best argument, but still no genuine answer comes.

It seems there is no remedy to cure this stain in my life.

When I read the scripture in Job, it knocked me off a peg or two. Never did he sin nor did he blame God for any of his difficulties.

I, on the other, blame God for my problems at least once a week. Sometimes, I am frightful and grumpy. Days that I think this new plan/work will work just to fall flat on my face. Only when I read this scripture did I realize why Job was blessed. He never sinned nor blamed God and we know that his wealth was restored to him many times over.

Instead of trying every means possible to get the stains out, we should stop and pray. We should get the attitude of Job and praise God, close our ears off from those good intention friends, but who bring no value to our life. Ignore the nay-sayers and those that try to intimidate us.

Look to God. He is our only solution. His word has not failed us, we have failed him.

Only when we stop shifting blame and listen can we truly be satisfied.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I confess my sin towards you. I confess I have sinned before you. Help me get my attitude right. Help me stay focus on your Word.

Father, I trust you to keep me secure in the knowledge of who you are and to stay focus. Help me see what you do in my life. Close my ears to the nay-sayers and the doubters. Keep them far from me.

Thank you for your understanding and wisdom, but mostly Lord, for provision and healing in my life.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Image obtained from Pexel.