“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Gal. 5:25

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” Corrie Ten Boom

The Spirit Led woman is just that: led by the Spirit of God. She is not led by her own hopes and her own dreams. Rather she lifts empty hands to the Lord for Him to fill. She says, “Lord what would you have me to do?”

My daughter and I were in the car recently and listening to some music, a song from Cinderella. Across our silence came those familiar words that promised that if we dream and keep believing our dreams will come true. “Is that true, mommy?” asked my daughter with all of her eight year old innocence. The words sound so nice and so familiar that they seem true. But are they?

I have three children. They are each filled with hopes and dreams for the future, filled with the confidence of youth. Perhaps one would like to be a professional soccer player, one a prima ballerina, one a famous author. Here is what I tell them. God has given you gifts and abilities that you are only just beginning to see and understand. How can you use those gifts to serve Him and bring glory to Him? Can you bring others into the Kingdom of God through salvation with those gifts? Can the soccer field be your mission field? Can you use dance to share Jesus? Can you write stories that would show others their need of a Savior? And even if you can, can you lay aside those “good” things when God reveals that he has a “better” thing for you to do? Can you give up your goals and dreams for yourself to accept His will for your life? Can you allow Him to determine your dreams? Can you hold loosely to your own plans, carefully seeking Him to see if these are His plans for you? Can you let go easily when you realize He has a different plan for your life? Can you trust God’s wisdom above your own? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Prov. 3:5-6

The Gospel of John records these words of Jesus: “For I have come down from heaven not to do My will but to do the will of Him who sent me.” John 6:38 Paul says of Jesus in Philippians: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!” Phil. 2:6-8 Paul instructs us in Phil. 2:5 to have the same attitude as Jesus. Just as Jesus came determined to live out the will of the Father in His life, so too the Spirit led woman will seek to live out the will of the Father in her own life. She will seek God’s will over her own hopes and desires.

“What does this mean for my day to day life,” you might ask. Within your life there are bends in the road. Can you accept these bends as the will of God for your life? Perhaps there is a lost job, an unexpected illness, a surprise pregnancy,. Perhaps you wish to be married but are still single; perhaps you wish to have a child but have not conceived. When these things come we need to go to God and ask Him if there is a lesson to learn, if there is a new thing or a different thing we are to do. Sometimes these things can come as quite a surprise.

My husband was a pastor. God led him out of that particular ministry in a very clear way. Imagine our surprise when we were not led back into a new “vocational ministry.” There was no new door open in the ministry. The only open door open was with a secular company. It was hard to imagine this was the “new thing”. But we have seen God bless it. My husband has had many opportunities to share Christ with people at work here in our state and in other states when sent on business trips. On one such trip, my husband was coming out of a meeting. A man who was also in the meeting stopped him and said, “Could I ask you some questions about the Holy Spirit?” Once my husband picked his chin up off the floor, they talked. Before they could finish they were interrupted. Little did they know, though, that they would be on separate flights going to separate states but from the same airport at about the same time. God opened a door for them to talk again in the airport as they waited. Another woman going home from the same business trip who was also waiting entered the conversation. She had wandered away from her faith and my husband was able to share with her as well. During the 9/11 tragedy my husband was asked to lead a prayer service at work. The desire to be in a vocational, full time ministry is not a bad thing. It is a good thing. But as in all things we need to hold loosely to them in case God has another plan. “Many are the plans of a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Prov.19:21

In my own life, I had taught and discipled women for years. When God started closing those doors I was confused. I prayed and asked him if I had sinned and were being disciplined. I confessed any sin I could think of and endeavored to grow closer to Him. Over time I realized that God was bringing a new ministry in my life, that of teaching and discipling women online through the ministry of T2CHK. What joy this ministry has brought to me! “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” Jer. 29:11

It is easy to become confused when God’s will is not what we expected. It can even be tempting to become embittered. Perhaps we have grasped our dreams and personal goals too tightly. Perhaps the Father has had to pry our hands away and it has hurt. Jesus did not say, “Take up thy dreams and follow Me.” He said, “If anyone would come after Me, He must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” Luke 9:23 “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.” Prov. 21:30

The Spirit led woman follows Jesus, her Shepherd, no matter where He leads. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” She studies God’s Word, the Bible, to know God better, to become closer to Him, to understand His will for her life. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105. The Spirit led woman spends her time at the feet of Jesus in prayer and quietness. “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Eph. 6:18a The Spirit led woman understands that the only safe place, the only place of true joy is in the center of God’s will. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Rom. 15:13  My prayer is that each of you find joy and fullness in life as you “keep in step with the Spirit.”

Praise Him!

Karen Twombly

(You can reach Karen at Karen@t2chk.org )

“Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Ps. 32:6-7

I distinctly remember being 12 years old. I remember struggling in school. I remember not being able to get homework done, feeling overwhelmed with life, feeling a loss of energy, feeling hopeless. I remember wishing I could stay in bed. I remember being so happy when it was bed time so I could stop thinking about what a failure I was. It is hard to imagine what could be so bad about my life as to warrant such hopeless feelings. Regardless, this is a pattern that began and would be repeated over and over in my life.

To the outside world I seemed happy, friendly and outgoing. But inside I struggled with deep feelings of failure and of not being good enough. Though I had become a born again Christian at 11 years old, I struggled to believe that God really loved me, had really accepted me, and really had a purpose for me. I struggled trusting relationships of friends and family. I felt that others were always disappointing me and letting me down.

Thankfully, this all came to a climax when I was 21 years old. I was attending Bible College and simultaneously struggling with depression. A dear friend from church referred me to a Christian, biblical counselor. The combination of studying the Bible full time in college and meeting weekly with counselor who taught me to live according to the God’s Word was a life changing combination. Not truly knowing the Word left me open to lies such as that God did not love me or have a plan for my life. Not knowing the Word of God left me incapable of relating to others in a biblical way or even viewing them according to truth. Not actively walking with God left me disconnected from Him.

Jesus Himself said: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Amen! With Jesus I can overcome. But how? 2 Peter 1:3-4 tells us that “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Though these he has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” God has given me everything I need. I learn how to walk victoriously through this world by studying God’s Word and walking in the way He outlines. Then, as 2 Peter 1:8 tells me, I will not be ineffective or unproductive in my knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As Romans 12:2 outlines, I renew my mind daily. I do this by being in the Word of God and in prayer daily. THEN I can test and approve what His will is. Then I can live as God wants me to live. Knowing I am living a life that pleases my God brings joy!

I am now 40 years old. Even at my age, so many years later, if I stop spending time in God’s Word filling my mind and heart with the truth of the Word, if I stop praying and spending time with God, I begin to feel those old feelings. I become overwhelmed easily and very stressed. If this pattern is not stopped, I become hopeless and withdrawn. Distance from God and from His Word is the quickest route to depression. Seeking God and drawing near to Him is the only path back. It is not easy. It takes stubborn discipline and hard work. It takes doing what needs to be done, not what I want to do. It takes trusting God’s wisdom and not trusting my own wisdom. Proverbs 4:7 says: “Wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” In order to conquer depression daily I must be willing to give up all that I have, my time and my own pursuits. It is quite a bargain really. I give up all that I have and gain all the Lord has to give!

Praise Him!

Karen Twombly

(You can reach Karen at Karen@t2chk.org )

“The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.” Proverbs 10:9

“Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you.”

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

I think all of us as Christians are seeking to live a life of honesty and integrity. We desire to please God. We desire to live according to His Word. We desire to present an example to our children that will become a rich heritage they can follow. It is tough living in a world that many times encourages or at the very least overlooks acts of cheating and dishonesty. In the stresses and strains of the world we live in, we are attempting a life that can only be called “Integrity Under Pressure.”

The apostle Paul faced great challenges and attacks to his ministry and his motives. In his defense Paul has left us some great principles about how to maintain our integrity in everyday life. He showed us how to live and serve in such a way, that though you are an open book, you are not open to attack concerning your service for God in the world and in the home. We find his testimony in 1 Thessalonians 2.

1 Thessalonians 2:2-3 tells us: “We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you this gospel in spite of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.” True integrity stands up under pressure and opposition. Integrity does the right thing with the right motives and is free of trickery. I know that many, if not all, who are reading this have at one time or another been attacked by those who do not understand their life choices. “Why do you submit to your husband?” “Why won’t you let your children do many of the things other children do?” “Why must you go to church EVERY Sunday?” “Why are you so narrow minded as to think only certain people go to Heaven?” On it goes. Integrity stands and tells the truth and tells it like it is. It does not manipulate people into thinking we agree. It does not use trickery to skirt an issue. Integrity stands strong. One true test to our children that what we believe is the truth, is our willingness to courageously live it and communicate it in a clear, unwavering manner.

1 Thessalonians 2:4-6a: “On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed-God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.” True integrity understands the priority of life to be the building of God’s Kingdom, not our own. Integrity is not concerned with personal profit in finances or reputation. When you face opposition and decide to please God over men you will suffer loss. These losses can include a job, a relationship, financial support, and more. We have to remember why we are here. It is not for our own comfort. If we are blessed or have the favor of man it is a side benefit and not the goal. Our goal is to please God. It takes real courage to please God over man. It takes guts to do the thing we know to be right against all odds.

1 Thessalonians 2:6b-10 teaches: “As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked day and night in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. You are witnesses, and so is God of how holy, righteous, and blameless we were among you who believed.” True integrity doesn’t forget love. True integrity cares about the very person bringing the accusation, the insult, the challenge. This is a lesson I have had to learn. I am a homeschooler and I believe God has called me to homeschool. At first I was shy about it but as I learned and studied about homeschooling I became very sure of myself. When people would try to make me feel like I was doing the wrong thing I would literally slay them with my fine arguments. I may have won some arguments but I lost something much more important. I lost my integrity. I had forgotten love. I can do this with the gospel too. When faced with opposition on the truths about Jesus, I can bring out all the Bible verses, all the archaeology and science that supports the Bible’s assertions. But if I am only trying to win an argument and not to win a soul for Christ, then I may as well stop speaking and bang a cymbal in the recipient’s ear. If I only half pay attention to their words, just waiting to hit them with my “wisdom”, will they not see right through this? Even worse, is this how I treat my children? Do they only receive my distracted attention? Is my discipline more about revenge in anger than it is instruction in righteousness? Integrity dares to share it’s life with others. It entrusts itself to God for provision and protection. It dares to love.

The life of integrity is not the easy life. It is easier to flatter people than to tell the truth. It is easier to have everyone like us. It is always easier to give in. However it is only easier in the short run. Lack of integrity promises to catch up with us. It is a trap and a snare. With patience, integrity carries its own rewards. It brings a clear conscience as well as future reward from God. It brings knowing you have modeled a life sold out to God for your children. God is looking for people of integrity to use in the building of His Kingdom. Will you choose integrity when under pressure? Will you stand with Him?

Praise Him!

Karen Twombly

(You can reach Karen at Karen@t2chk.org )

Worry to Worship

Gas prices are up, home heating prices are up, taxes are up, the cost of living is up! Perhaps the only thing going down is holiday spirit! Have you wondered and worried about the price of Christmas? Are you feeling less than content? I am sure you are not alone. Philippians chapter 4 holds the key to turning our holiday worry to holiday worship!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” (Phil. 4:4-5) In the midst of our trials and sufferings we can rejoice in the Lord. We can count our blessings. There is so much for which to be thankful. Jesus came to Earth. The God-man walked among us to bring salvation. Through faith in Him, we have a rich inheritance that cannot rot, rust or spoil awaiting us in Heaven! That’s great news! We have hope. We have a relationship with God. He is near to us, comforting us, providing for us, keeping watch over us as a tender shepherd cares for his sheep. When we rejoice in the midst of suffering, we are saying that we trust Him and what He is doing in our lives.

In the midst of our trials and sufferings we can rejoice in the Lord. We can count our blessings. There is so much for which to be thankful. Jesus came to Earth. The God-man walked among us to bring salvation. Through faith in Him, we have a rich inheritance that cannot rot, rust or spoil awaiting us in Heaven! That’s great news! We have hope. We have a relationship with God. He is near to us, comforting us, providing for us, keeping watch over us as a tender shepherd cares for his sheep. When we rejoice in the midst of suffering, we are saying that we trust Him and what He is doing in our lives. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil. 4:6) God does not want His children to struggle with anxiety. He wants His children to bring our concerns to Him and trust Him to provide. I have met women who think that they are not to bring their own troubles to Jesus. They think that praying for ones self is selfish. This is not a biblical idea. Those who think such things are being deceived. Scripture is very clear that we are to bring our requests to our God with thanksgiving. Thanking Him before the answer comes is another statement of trust in Him.

God does not want His children to struggle with anxiety. He wants His children to bring our concerns to Him and trust Him to provide. I have met women who think that they are not to bring their own troubles to Jesus. They think that praying for ones self is selfish. This is not a biblical idea. Those who think such things are being deceived. Scripture is very clear that we are to bring our requests to our God with thanksgiving. Thanking Him before the answer comes is another statement of trust in Him.“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7) Peace is the opposite of anxiety. Once our trial is left in God’s hands, we can have the peace that the only one who is truly in control and able to help is on the job! He never slumbers, neither does He sleep. We are left peace of mind and heart. We put off worry and put on peace.

Peace is the opposite of anxiety. Once our trial is left in God’s hands, we can have the peace that the only one who is truly in control and able to help is on the job! He never slumbers, neither does He sleep. We are left peace of mind and heart. We put off worry and put on peace.“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Phil 4:8) Have you ever had a night when you couldn’t sleep because your troubles were racing around and around your head? Once we have given our trial to the Lord with rejoicing and thanksgiving, we need to refuse to think on it. Phil. 4:8 gives us a litmus test for what types of thoughts on which we are to focus. Our thoughts ought to dwell on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Focusing on the Word of God is an excellent resource for such thoughts. Pull out the Bible and begin reading, sing praise and worship songs and you will notice the difference that focusing on the right kind of thoughts bring.

Have you ever had a night when you couldn’t sleep because your troubles were racing around and around your head? Once we have given our trial to the Lord with rejoicing and thanksgiving, we need to refuse to think on it. Phil. 4:8 gives us a litmus test for what types of thoughts on which we are to focus. Our thoughts ought to dwell on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. Focusing on the Word of God is an excellent resource for such thoughts. Pull out the Bible and begin reading, sing praise and worship songs and you will notice the difference that focusing on the right kind of thoughts bring.“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:9) So how do we change our normal pattern of handling our worries? How do we make this our new pattern. The answer is: practice, practice, practice! Write these verses out, commit them to your mind and heart (and perhaps even your memory!), put them in use. Over time you will find it become more of a natural habit.

So how do we change our normal pattern of handling our worries? How do we make this our new pattern. The answer is: practice, practice, practice! Write these verses out, commit them to your mind and heart (and perhaps even your memory!), put them in use. Over time you will find it become more of a natural habit.As we come upon the Christmas holiday season let us remember that our God wants this to be a time of joy. He understands that we are weak and given to anxiety. But if we allow Him, He can help us turn our fear into rejoicing and our worry into worship. May you truly celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with joy this Christmas season!

Praise Him!

Karen Twombly

(You can reach Karen at Karen@t2chk.org )

Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9

When I think of Thanksgiving I think of time with loved ones, whether they be family or friends. I think of sharing the bounty that God has provided and encouraging one another as we list the things for which we are thankful. I think of gathering around the table. I think of those who have shown me hospitality on Thanksgiving as well as those to which I have opened myhome.Showing hospitality is not often the easiest thing to do. It requires planning and lots of work. There is a menu to plan, groceries to purchase, a house to clean, food to cook. If your guests will stay overnight there are rooms, linens, towels, etc. to prepare. For me, beyond all of these physical things that need to be done, there are spiritual matters that need even more of my attention.

In order to joyfully invite others into my home, I must first be thankful and content for the ways that God has provided for me. Does this make sense? Let me explain. The first house my husband and I bought was very tiny. In fact, most people said we were crazy to buy it! But it was affordable and a good first step for us. I was hesitant to invite people over because my house was too small, we didn’t have nice furniture, etc., etc. Our second home, where we live now, is much larger. We bought it as a fixer upper and let’s just say we are still “fixin’ her up!” But it is a nice home and I am very thankful…or am I?

Recently we invited missionaries and folks from church for a couple of meals over a weekend during our church’s missionary conference. While preparing during the previous week I found myself wishing I had finished or even started various projects throughout the house like painting my living room or buying a rug for the dining room. I started wishing my home was newer, nicer. Then it dawned on me that in saying my house was not “good enough” to show hospitality to others I was actually saying that God had not provided an adequate home. My house was never the problem. My pride and ungratefulness was the problem! I was prideful in that deep down I wanted to impress people with my home. Did I think people would think better of me if I lived in a home that could be on the cover of a magazine? I was ungrateful because in my reticence to open my home I was saying that what God had provided that was “not good enough.” I was saying I did not like what He had given me.

Upon realizing this, I immediately asked for forgiveness. I dedicated myself to presenting a clean home, a hot tasty meal, and a loving joyful hostess. By the time my guests arrived I was excited and happy to share all that God had given to us. My door and my heart were open wide. It was a wonderful weekend. No one seemed to care that my living room wall was half painted! The only comments were on how tasty the meal was, how sweet the fellowship and how much they all hoped we could get together again very soon! What I would have missed if I had allowed my ungrateful attitude toward all that God had given me to continue. I praise God for pointing out my sin and selfishness and helping me to look beyond myself so that I would not miss the blessing of serving others by opening my home and my heart! Have a happy Thanksgiving. May you find joy in sharing the bounty that God has provided you with those loved ones He brings in your path!

Praise Him!

Karen Twombly

(You can reach Karen at Karen@t2chk.org )