Proper Training

A sprint could be defined as a brief spell of great activity.
A marathon could be defined as any long or arduous task, assignment, etc.

A sprint often occurs so fast, you may pay no attention to your surroundings.  Your focus remains on the finish line and the required steps needed to reach it quickly.  On the other hand, a marathon allows for some time to take in the scenery, appreciate the fresh air and keep stepping forward without actually seeing the finish line.  You know the finish line exists, but not real sure when or where it lies.  Each step is in faith, trusting the marathon leaders created the path to lead to the winner's circle.

A sprint allows a straight shot without any stops to rest.  A marathon may include some times which the runner slows down a bit and grabs a drink of water.  Sprints require quick bursts of energy and sudden movement of your body.  One must be careful in a sprint; if muscles have not properly been stretched and warmed up, the quick burst could cause injury.  A marathon permits a runner to ease into the race.  A runner may pace their energy and exertion so to not wear out before the end.

Both races require much preparation and training.  The paths and/or tracks must be carefully constructed to provide the correct distance for the runners.  The ground must be clean, mowed and designed to fit the needs of the particular race.  A runner must purchase shoes to fit their needs, lighter clothing and bags to carry all their items.  Each day one must train muscles by running or lifting weights.  Without proper training, injury will occur.

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."

(Acts 20:24)

"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.  For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.  This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance." (1 Timothy 4:7-9)

 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 

We must train for the race that lies in front of us.  God carefully prepared the path with just the right distance and turf to complete our work here.  Sometimes, obstacles may exist in our path, but use the tools He provides to move smoothly through.  There may be a few hurdles thrown in at times by our enemy, but take your trained spiritual muscles to help jump over each one.  God is right there, cheering you on, providing rest when necessary, supplying nourishment when weakness occurs and picking you up should you fall.

Time may come when God asks for you to sprint to the next task.  In this case, you step up the pace and run quickly so to arrive in His timing.  Other times, you take in the view and pace yourself along the path.  Even still, there will be times when God asks you to be a spectator.  In this case, you cheer another on, give advice when asked by God to guide another during a struggle along the path or simply just be present for another.  Pay close attention to your Leader, for He knows the perfect time to jump, sprint, walk, jog or just observe.  Spend time daily in His Word to train for the race ahead.  Equip yourself with Scripture cards, a Bible and daily devotions.  

At the end, runners often fall into the arms of loved ones or find a seat to rest their weary bones.  Our race marked out for us will end with the most beautiful sight - God's open arms!  I want to just fall into His arms and hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"  Until then, I will keep training and obeying with each step I take.  

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for the race You planned for my life.  May I pace myself just as You would like.  I know Your arms are always there to carry me when I am exhausted.  This summer was a sprint for me and I learned so much, jumped so many hurdles and now just ask for You to take me in Your arms for some rest.  Fill me with Your Truths so my spirit may be nourished and restored to continue on with the race.  Thank You for seeing me through each hurdle and moving each stone on the course.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig 

  

Sing a Happy Song

Our family recently went to the movies to see "The Smurfs".  Each Smurf receives a name based on a trait they display.  For example, some include lazy, tailor, brainy, clumsy, dreamer, vanity, grouchy, etc.  Then, a task is assigned according to ability and need within the village.  They work diligently and must steer clear of the evil Gargamel.  He lives just outside their village and a protective 'portal' keeps Gargamel out.  He does not see the 'portal' and only the Smurfs know it exists.

Gargamel sits and stews up new evil plans to try and destroy the village, if he ever gets a foot in the door.  Meanwhile, the Smurfs stays protected in the village and sing a happy song throughout each day as they work.  Here are just a few of the lyrics:

La la la-la la la,
Sing a happy song.
La la la-la la la,
Smurf your whole day long.

Next time you're feeling blue just let a smile begin,
Happy things will come to you...

As they work, no worries come into their mind.  They smile, laugh and sing out for enjoyment.  Their work is not work, but FUN!

"Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations;
   I will sing the praises of your name." (2 Samuel 22:50)

"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.  You are my strength, I sing praise to you;
you, God, are my fortress,
my God on whom I can rely." (Psalm 59:16-17)

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines."

(1 Corinthians 12:4-6 ; 11)

God assigns each of us a task according to the ability He created within us.  No task is looked upon as trivial or insignificant.  God's plan includes for each of His Children to do whatever is asked of them.  We all must do our part for the betterment of His Kingdom.  As we obey and believe, He continues to protect our lives here and creates a place for us in our Eternal Home!  

The 'portal' for the Smurfs creates a barrier that Gargamel cannot find.  Each day put on the armor God provides so to protect you from our enemy.  The armor keeps Satan out and God close.  Satan can continue to stew up evil schemes to destroy us, but with God as your leader in life, Satan will not win!

Create an environment for your life where no foothold can even be seen by the enemy.  Wherever God takes you in life, sing a 'happy song'.  Whether He led you to care for children, elderly, cook, clean, lead, minister, etc.; do every task to the glory of the One who made you.  Every life you come in contact with could be led to Him by mere example.  God knows you can accomplish whatever task He delegates.  Sometimes tasks are easy, hard, small or huge.  Let Him use you in the ways He planned.

So, as a Child of God, what name could be given to you?  Work diligently for Him and display the trait He placed within you as He knit you together in the womb!  Think hard, pray loudly and let God show you yours.  You may feel as small as a Smurf (three apples high), but do not underestimate the power of God.  He will use you in mighty ways if only you be willing.

God, thank you for this day.  I feel You provided an encouraging spirit for me.  Show me where You want me to use it and keep my stubborn, negative attitude away.  May I sing praise to You through every work I perform.  Every work is all You!  I am merely a vessel for You to use here on Earth.  I am here, use me!  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig  

 

Pride Deceives

As I began mowing my yard, I bent the blade AGAIN.  Frustration flooded my mind.  I took the other mower, borrowed from the last time I bent the blade, and filled it with gasoline.  I attempted to start the mower.  No luck.  I checked the oil and added some.  I tried again.  No luck.  I stopped, took a deep breath and tried again.  Still no luck.  My frustration raised and I felt ready to give up.  God quickly said, Sheree you cannot do this on your own, quit being stubborn and ask for help.

I call upon my father-in-law (AKA - my AAA, locksmith, taxi, handyman, etc.) and he just left work to run an errand in town.  Perfect timing?  No, God provided just the right opportunity for my father-in-law to come help me.  I explained to him via phone that I needed help starting my mower.  Without hesitation, he said he would be right over. 

He started the mower on the first try and with little strain.  Wow, really?  I felt I was pulling really hard and with all my might.  Obviously, I need to get out the weights and build up some muscle.

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
   I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
   I will be with him in trouble,
   I will deliver him and honor him." (Psalm 91:14-15)

 "Where there is strife, there is pride,
   but wisdom is found in those who take advice." (Proverbs 13:10) 

A year ago, I probably would have continued to try on my own to start the mower.  My pride prevented asking for help in any situation.  No one needed to help me or rescue me.  With pride present, only destruction, frustration, anger and anxiety arise.  Humbling ourselves brings peace, joy and help.  God asks for humble spirits.  We must push away our pride.  Pride deceives!

I could have sat there for an hour and the mower still would not have started.  I lacked the strength.  The moment I recognized this fact I called for help.  My father-in-law came directly and gladly helped me out.  God is waiting to do the same for each of us.  He loves each of His Children and extends a helping hand.  We need only to extinguish pride and reach for His hand.  

Acknowledge weakness.  We cannot do everything on our own.  If we could, then God would not have put so much variety in this world.  God creates everyone with different strengths and weaknesses.  God sends help, we need only ask.

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for sending wonderful people in my life to help at all times.  Thank You for bringing humility into my life.  Without it, my pride would overtake my life and I would lose sight of Your mighty hand.  Keep my heart softened and my stubborn mind far from me.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig 

Destroy Your Label Maker

A person struggling with alcohol or drugs may receive a label, such as druggie or alcoholic.  Some one who killed - a murderer.  One who steals - a thief.  Other labels include - shopoholic, anorexic, bulimic, pedophile, adulterer, over eater, etc.

These labels stick with individuals after spending time in jail, recovering or paying restitution.  A person must work hard to be seen by society as recovered or having a new character.  Human eyes tend to place judgment, see failure in others and feel a need for punishment.  The world sees justice through punishment, then placing an trademark on you based on performance.  People see a stained character which cannot be washed away.

 "Wash away all my iniquity
   and cleanse me from my sin.

  For I know my transgressions,
   and my sin is always before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
   and done what is evil in your sight;
so you are right in your verdict
   and justified when you judge." (Psalm 51:2-4)

"Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.  There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" (James 4:11-12)

We must avoid all judgment of others.  God forgave murderers, thieves, adulterers, etc, throughout the Bible.  He then used those individuals to do His work.  He never wastes a hurt, addiction, disaster or suffering.  He will use those who seek Him in mighty ways.  People are not to judge or label another.  Destroy your inner label maker.  We all hold only one label - Child of God!

God does not require works to release forgiveness.  We only need to ask.  He knows our hearts and knows when faith is genuine.

Any who judge, will be judged.  Follow His Law which asks not to judge your neighbor.  Criticism, judgment or resentment only destroy our abilities to mature as Christians.  God wants our whole heart devoted to Him.  That very person you may see as damaged just might be the one God uses to lead.  That instance which seems irreparable just might be the key moment to bring someone to know God and reach up.  Don't waste time looking through your eyes; look through God's.

One's character cannot be stained, for God so loved the world He gave His only Son to die and wash away all stains due to sin!  He took all of it, not just the 'minor sins'.  He washed away ALL sin.

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for the gift of Grace.  May I extend my hand in grace to all I meet just as I wish to receive a hand of grace.  Keep my eyes focused on You, so I may see others as You do.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Drown Out Satan

Our family went to the drive-in movies last night.  We drove my mom's car.  As we parked, the vehicle continued beeping as long as the key stayed in the ignition.  The doors remained closed, windows up, yet the annoying noise persisted.  My husband looked all around for a button to terminate the sound.  Nothing worked.

The radio must play for us to hear the movie script, therefore the key remains in the ignition.  What could we do?  Maybe the neighbor's sound would be loud enough and we could follow along without using our radio?  Maybe we would find the button to bring this beeping to an end?  Maybe the noise miraculously will quit?

The movie began, the key remained in the ignition, the radio tuned to the station and suddenly I heard only the sounds of the characters voice.  Did my husband fix it?  Did a miracle occur?  NO.  My focus shifted to the right sound.  I knew what I needed to hear and tuned my ears only to those words.

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

(2 Corinthians 4:18)

"Let your eyes look straight ahead;
   fix your gaze directly before you.

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
   and be steadfast in all your ways." (Proverbs 4:25-26)

In life, Satan's lies resonate loudly in our minds.  We search and search to find the off button.  The off buttons we find seem to only be temporary.  Drugs, alcohol, success, food, exercise, internet, etc. do not terminate his lies. 

As each season of life approaches, we must shift our focus to His Truths.  Sometimes the volume needs turned louder.  Other times, our eyes and ears need to tune to right station.  We must set our sights on what is unseen, the path He lays before us and our eternal home.  How do we achieve this way of living?

I will share with you a few things which help me focus only on Him so to drown out Satan's lies.  He created each Child differently, so He will speak to each in a different manner.  However, I do believe some common ways to listen exist.  I enjoy waking up before anyone in the house, reading a devotion, delving into His Truth and simply being still with Him.  It amazes me the lesson He teaches during this time.  Then, upon leaving the house, I take at least one of my index books filled with Scripture.  I read these throughout the day to remain focused on His Truth.  My dearest friend taught me this and now I feel awkward without Scriptures next to me. 

I love to talk about God everywhere I travel.  I love telling others how awesome of a God we serve.  Speak out for Him.  Be bold and tell all you know.  Surround your conversations around Him.  Let others know how to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Many have no idea how to see or focus on Him.  Be His hands and feet.

Some crafty person created a piece of wood which teaches a mighty lesson.  If you simply look at it, you see just a piece of wood with little beams going up and down.  Focus on it and you see the piece of wood displays the word - JESUS!  It takes effort on our part to see and accept the unseen.  Living as a Christian is not always easy, BUT it is definitely the only way to joy, peace, comfort and happiness!  Fix your eyes and ears on Him!

God, thank you for today.  Continue to speak loudly, for your servant is listening.  May my dial always stayed tuned to Your Word.  Keep my eyes focused on the path laid before me.  Guide my every step carefully so to line up with Your plan.  I am here, take me and use me.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

New Class

"See, I am doing a new thing!
   Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
   and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:19)

 

 

 

 Living in Truth Ministries

Mirror Mirror Am I Beautiful?  By: Shelley Hitz

Moms and daughters, this class is for you! We live in a world strongly influenced by the secular media. Images portrayed in magazines, movies, television and Internet are feeding us lies about who we are and how we should look, act and dress. Since the 1960s the number of eating disorder cases has doubled.

It‘s time to fight back!  Let's weed out the lies and replace them with God’s Truth, so we can discover our true beauty within. 

This class will address the many issues surrounding our young women today. Our hope is to encourage healthy body image and self-esteem, promote godly character traits, and foster open communication between moms and daughters. (Because of some sensitive material this class has a PG-13 rating)

Tuesday Evenings 6:00-8:00 pm

Bright Christian Church (Youth Center)

24457 State Line Rd. Lawrenceburg IN 47025

812-637-3388

August 23^rd – Oct. 4^th (7-weeks)

Class Fee - $20 (includes class materials for both mother and daughter)

Register Online at http://www.livingintruthministries.com/

Click “Contact Us” on website with additional questions or concerns

Or call Sheree Craig - 812-926-3169

Living in Truth Ministries is expanding and reaching out to younger generations.  Our goal is to provide a safe place for mothers and daughters to grow closer to each other and learn their worth is found only through Jesus.  We are excited to offer this class and pray for guidance through every step. 

Join us in this awesome experience as we delve deeper in His Word.  We would love to see you there.  Sign-up via phone, email or on our website listed above.  If this time and date does not work, stay tuned, we will offer it again.  In the meantime, check out our website and navigate through some wonderful material.  Also, learn more about the Ministry! 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Our Room

I walked into my mother's house to visit and immediately received hugs, smiles and excitement for our arrival.  She stocked the kitchen with all our favorite foods.  She cleaned the bed linens, brought out all the toys for my kids and stayed up past "bed time" just to talk with us.  I never need to worry about forgetting an item because she always has everything prepared for our visit. 

As the day nears for our visit, I envision my mom bubbling with excitement and the wheels in her mind turning 90 mph to assure everything is in place.  My mother loves to see us and waits in anticipation. 

"My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  You know the way to the place where I am going.” (John 14:2-5)

Guess what, my friend?  Jesus went ahead of us to prepare a room.  What would your room look like?  It is fun to imagine.  My kids and I discussed this very subject one night.  My son wants a baseball theme room and my daughter a princess theme.  I chose a room with windows surrounding.  I want to sit and enjoy the view.  My daughter became sad because she wanted to be with me in my room.  I informed her that she could visit mine anytime. 

In all seriousness, know how important you are to Jesus.  He waits in anticipation with arms wide open, a smile on His face and a place prepared just to your liking.  Your heart will be filled with joy and contentment will be constant.  If Jesus had a "bed time", He would for sure stay up just to talk with you.  His love for you is immeasurable.

I believe God sends mothers for us to display a fraction of the love He holds for each of us.  You are constantly on His mind.  He desires to bring happiness to you.  Accept Him into your life and feel the love pour in.  There is no feeling like His love.  He is all you need.

God, thank you for this day.  Thank You for my mother.  She exemplifies Your love.  Keep close to her and continue to bless her for her obedience.  May I be even just half the mother she was to me.  Use me to teach these children about Your love and how You wait with excitement to hear from them each day.  You prepare a room for them in Heaven.  May they accept You in their hearts and develop a relationship with You.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig