Here is a condensed version of my MOPS Devotions this week (with apologies to hospitality for being confused on the theme…)
Skydiving: Taking the plunge
“Plain and simple, skydiving is all about controlled terror, and I love it.”
– Lewis B. Sanborn
Or I changed the word skydiving to Mothering…
“Plain and simple, mothering is all about controlled terror and I love it.”
How do we handle this controlled terror we all feel as mothers? How do we get our feet safely on the ground, when we have already taken the leap into motherhood?
Of course, we really can’t handle this amazing adventure in motherhood. It just isn’t possible to do all that we do – taking care of children who depend on us for everything, of our marriage relationships, our relationships with our extended families and friends and even ourselves.
Let me be simple. The Bible is very clear that apart from a connection with God, we can not do anything! John 15:5 states that “Apart from me (Christ), you can do nothing.” But what does this really mean?? Let’s break this down to how having a daily relationship with God can help you in your mothering…
Just like you spend time every day talking with your husband, friend or your mom; your Heavenly Father desires to spend time communicating with you. Hopefully you have a personal relationship with him, meaning that you know Him as your very own personal Savior. If so, then just like the other people that you share a relationship with – God longs for you to spend time with him. As you spend time together you will get to know Him better, be able to hear what He is saying to you and grow to be more like Him. This is just like the other important relationships in your life — you talk and listen to the one you care about and at times you laugh together and at other times you cry together.
But I can hear you say – how can I fit one more thing into my life? There is barely any time for me to even get a shower, let alone communicate with God?
I know that finding time for God doesn’t come easy. I have a friend who is very committed to exercise — it is so important to her, that she can not miss it. This same type of attitude is what you need when you spend time in with God. I promise you that something will come up every time that you make plans to spend with God. For me the phone rings and since I have daughters who live out of our home, that phone call may be important. But it will be something different for you – most probably your kids interruption. But, remain firm even if it means only reading one verse!
The next question was what do I read?
I always start with the God’s Word, because it is more important to know what God is saying as opposed to what people are saying HE says. But I know you are asking where di I start in the Bible? Ask God to reveal to you where He wants to lead you. When I first started, I always read the smaller books such as Ephesians, Philippians, or any Bible Book with 6 or less chapters. These books had great instructions that I could understand and still had concepts about God that were deep. As time went on – I started reading many of the stories from the Old Testament that I had heard as a child (and because my girls were then watching the Bible Videos and they intrigued me to learn more about these stories). The stories found in the Old Testament helped me learn of a mighty God who worked personally in the lives of His people and who had a plan. I also have read and reread the Psalms during difficult times when I wondered if God is listening or caring.
I usually read some type of a devotional guide – for years it was the Women’s Devotional Bible, which actually had the devotions throughout the Bible. Now I actually have devotions (see below) that are downloaded into my email box each morning. Don’t get one that intimidates you because you think God will be impressed – He won’t be – but get one that you understand, and uses God’s word as a base. Please always remember though that these devotionals are man’s word about God – and nothing can replace actually reading what God says Himself.
Come Back Tomorrow for the rest of this devotion…
Devotions that drop into my email box each day
Encouragement for Today from Proverbs 31 Ministry
The Purpose Driven Life Devotional
