Set Apart: His Girl 4 Ever

“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was encumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou are careful and troubled about many things: But only one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).

Are many of you like me? Like Martha, do you(along with myself!) get so caught up in all the millions of things that need to be done? Do you feel overwhelmed and that there is just not enough time to accomplish everything?

May I tell you that that is exactly how I feel this morning? I’m thinking, “There’s just not enough time to do all these things today!” Because my Lord gives me a timely word in the hour of my need, He directed me to the passage at the beginning of this devotional/ article. He also directed my eyes to the quote I have taped on my mirror: “There is enough time to do everything Godwants you to do. Frustration is the by-product of attempting to fulfill responsibilities God never intended for me to carry” ~ Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Oh yeah! It’s about what He wants me to do today, not what I want to do!

So dear ones, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember the story of Mary and Martha. Don’t get so caught up in all that needs to be done that you neglect spending time with Him in your inner sanctuary. Martin Luther once said, “I have so much to do today that I must spend the first three hours in prayer.” Most of us do the exact opposite of what Luther did. We think, “I have so much to do; forget about God today.” Would you do that if your best friend wanted to visit you? I don’t think so. You’d make time to be with her, so why do you shove God aside when you’re busy? No dears. In your busyness, do not neglect spending time with Him.

Finally, yield up your right to do what you want to do. Simply pray, “Lord, help me to accomplish all that You have for me today,” and spend time with Him. It is the one thing that is needful.

Written By: Allison Parker

March 31, 2008

“Be still, and know that I am God…” (Ps. 46:10a). It’s a very familiar verse. It’s frequently quoted. Yet, have you ever stopped to really consider what “be still” means?

Some might say that to “be still” means to sit quietly. That would fit perfectly in this verse, wouldn’t it? Others might say that “be still” means to cease from worry and anxiety, and that would also fit nicely in this verse. However, neither one of these “definitions” are correct for this these words in this verse. (Sure, they can be applications though!) In this instance, the words “be still” mean “to be weak, to be feeble, to let fall, to let drop.” Wow! It’s almost as if He’s saying, “Let your burdens–whatever they may be–go; put them down. Depend on Me, be weak before Me, and know that I am God. I am in complete control of each and every situation.”

Steps to Becoming Still:

There’s no one formula or pattern to follow to be still before the Lord. However, the Lord has brought to mind a few steps that will aid in being still before Him.

1. Relinquish my Right to Control.

In order to be still before the Lord, I must give up my right to control the situation, the circumstances, etc.

I don’t know about you, but I am a controller. I feel like I need to be in control of different situations and even people! If I’m not in control, then I fear that something terrible will happen, or I fear something won’t turn out right. Yet, in order to be still, weak and feeble before Him, I must give up my right to control. I must let Him  have full control.

2. Lay Down(Crucify) Pride.

This step also fits along nicely with the one, because it’s pride that says, “I’m going to control each and every situation.” Instead, we should lay down our pride and let Him have control.

Another way we can lay down our pride, is to allow ourselves to be weak and dependent on Him. Pride rears its ugly head when we’re unwilling to see that we need Him; when we’re unwilling to be dependent on Him; when we’re unwilling to be weak before Him. It’s pride that stands up straight and tall and says to God, ” I can take care of myself.” It’s pride that says, “I’m strong; I can handle it. I don’t need you, God.” (Sometimes we don’t necessarily say these things out-loud. We may say them in our hearts, and if not, then our actions sure do communicate that.) “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

3. Acknowledge that We Need Him.

We are weak indeed, even though we like to think we’re strong. Because we’re weak, we must acknowledge that, and that we need Him. We are totally dependent on Him.

4. Know that He Alone is God.

Knowing that He is God means trusting His sovereignty. We must trust that He is in control. When circumstances look bleak and dark, when the future’s not going how you’d hoped, when an annoying habit seems to be getting the best of you, acknowledge that you need Him and His help. Look up and know that He is God. He’s in total control.

Being weak before Him can be a good thing, because that’s when we’re strong. Oh, it’s not our strength. It’s Christ’s strength that shines forth.

“In my weakness He is strong.

In my need He leads me on.

When I come to the end of all I am,

And I place my trust in Him,

That’s when His strength begins.

In my weakness.”

“Be still and know that I am God…” (Ps. 46:10a).

Written By: Allison Parker

March 27, 2008

I was thrilled to check my email this morning and discover an email from Authentic Girl waiting for me! It was exciting to learn that Leslie Ludy is in the editing stages of a new book! I’m sure that it’s going to be good!More than that, I was thrilled to learn that Leslie is having two Authentic Girl Weekend Retreats this June at her home in CO! At these two retreats, she’ll be sharing about the topic of her new book. (I can’t remember what it is right now off the top of my head. I think that it’s something about feminity.) Only 15 girls are allowed at each retreat. One little problem is the cost: $495. (I’m not sure if that includeds the plane ticket or not.) I would love to go…if it weren’t for that cost! Oh well. If God wants me to go, He will provide!

Just thought that I’d pass along that bit of news. If any of you are interested, please click here for more details.

This quote fits along so nicely with the previous post, so I decided to share it with you.

“I remembered the prayer I’d whispered our night on the cruise ship. Instead of a confession or an honest dialouge with God, I had told Him what I would do. I would improve. I would fix my anger problem. I would take control.

“This morning, I knew I didn’t possess the power within myself to initiate or complete lasting changes in my life. Only God could do that. I’d been too busy trying to do it myself. I hadn’t stopped and turned to Him.”

~ Sisterchicks in Sombreros by Robin Jones Gunn, pg. 260 (emphasise mine)

Lately, I have really been struggling with controlling my tongue. Controlling my tongue has been so hard. It seems that I should be doing better, but I keep tripping and falling over the traps Satan has littered all over my path. It’s so annoying and terrible.

This afternoon, I was so fed up with myself over it. I was tired of my constant stumbling. It seemed like every-time I prayed and asked for God’s help in this area, I always blew it worse than when I didn’t ask for His help. In desperation, I cried out to God, and He led me to James 3. Here are some of the things He taught me from this chapter:

1. Controlling the tongue = Controlling the whole body.

James 3:2b says, “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to control the whole body.” This sounds like good news, but the next lesson in this chapter brings this news crashing down.

2. No one can control the tongue.

“For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no MAN tame; it is an unruly evil full of deadly poison” (James 3: 7-8, emphasise mine).  All the things in nature can be tamed…even by man. However, the tongue, can no man tame. Did you catch the very important word in that phrase? “…the tongue can no MAN tame…” I cannot tame my tongue; it’s impossible!

One of my problems that the Lord showed me was thinking that I could tame my own tongue. Thinking that it was up to me to control my mouth and words. Oh sure. I prayed(rather half-heartedly, I shamefully admit) for God to set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the door to my lips. However, then it’s as if I’d try in my own strength to do it. I’d tell myself, “Now, I’m going to speak kindly today,” and what do you know? Within just a few minutes of leaving my bedroom, BAM! I’ve slapped someone in the face with my words.

Yes, no man can tame his own tongue, but don’t get discouraged. There is Someone who can. Jesus Christ Himself is the only One who can control our tongues. It, however, requires that I yield my tongue to Him as an instrument of righteousness. (See Romans 6:13.)

“Let the words of my mouth…be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” (Ps. 19:14).

“Set  a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3).

Written By: Allison Parker

March 23, 2008

“Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they[the women] came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!” (Luke 24: 1-6a, emphasise mine).

I had hopped excitedly into the new convertible, put on my sunglasses and was ready for an awesome ride. Oh no! Me? Driving? Of course not! I had given that part over to my Lord Jesus Christ. I tagged along to enjoy the ride.

As soon as we took off, I realized that something was dreadfully wrong. I mean, didn’t He get the map or even the directions? “Look,” I said sitting up in my seat. “You’ve missed an exit. And why are we way over here on the left hand side of the road? We’re supposed to be on the right so we won’t miss our exits.” The Lord said nothing, but continued on driving down the road.

Finally, I had had enough. I kicked Him out of the driver’s seat and made Him take the passenger’s seat while I got behind the wheel. Away we went and got off at the next exit there was. “This is more like it,” I said looking over at my Lord. He looked at me sorrowfully but never said a word. Off we went and wandered around and around for such a long time. I couldn’t tell you long it had been.

Finally one night, I came to realize what I had done. I went to Him in tears asking for His forgiveness, which He fully and readily gave. Then I handed Him back the keys, and we both got into our rightful places: He at the wheel and I in the passenger’s seat.

Along we went for sometime having the most enjoyable ride and enjoying every moment of each other’s company. But then the ground beneath us began to get rough, and I sure did wonder if He knew how to drive this thing over this kind of road. I placed my confidence and trust in Him, and was surprised at how well He managed the car over the road.

Everything seemed to be going great until I was forced to make a decision. Way off in the distance I saw a sign that said: Nashville ~ 7 days away. Here I was forced to make a decision: would I let Him continue driving even if it meant that we’d end up in Nashville on short notice? No way. I hated doing things last minute and decided that it would be better if we steered clear of that city. So again I reached over and grabbed the steering wheel just to make sure that we avoided the Nashville exit.

Just then, my Lord said, “Allison, are you going to let me drive or not?” Ashamed, I hung my head and let go of the steering wheel. “You can drive, Lord. If you think it best for us to get off that Nashville exit, then so be it. Not my will, but Thine be done. Help me to die to my wants and desires and let you drive.”

Written By: Allison Parker

May 23, 2007

 “Come, follow me,” the Master called to Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Immediately they left their nets and boats and followed Him. “Follow me,” He called out to Matthew the tax gather. Immediately, he left his collecting booth and ran after the Master. “Come, and follow me,” The Master called out to Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus. Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot were also called. All twelve me left all they had and all that they were to follow the One who had called them. They did not know where the path would lead them. Sometimes it was bright and sunny; at other times it was dark and stormy. Still they pressed on; following the One who had called them. 

“Come, follow me,” my Master says to me. The road ahead looked bright and sunny; no clouds, no rain in sight. Enthusiastically I followed close behind, not wanting Him to get too far ahead. “This is wonderful,” I thought. “I could do this for the rest of my life.”  “Follow me,” the Master calls again. The road ahead was covered by clouds and rain. It wasn’t so easy this time, but I took His hand and began to walk down an unknown, wet path. This road was full of curves, and I never knew which one would lead me back to my familiar sunny path. Still, I followed on, pressing closer to the One who had called. 

“Come, and follow me,” the Master called once more. The road ahead was pitch black, with twists and turns every which way. I couldn’t see the end. I was barely out of road two, and now He wants me to walk on this road?! Slowly, I reached out my hand and held on to His strong out waiting hand. What security is found as I hold His hand. We started off on this new, dark path. I grew frightened, but my Master whispered, “I will never leave you or forsake you. Trust Me.”

 So here I am walking down a dark, unfamiliar path with no end in sight. As I walk, I press closer to the Master who’s leading me along. No matter what lies around the next bend, I will press on, following the One who called.                                                                                                 

Written by: Allison Parker  

May 2007  

            Sometimes accepting God’s will for our lives can be difficult. Sometimes we can’t see why a loving God would let us go through some terrible trial. Sometimes we’re called to trust  to trust God with the circumstances of life.

            A young girl was torn away from her beloved uncle, and she was carried away to the king’s palace. Perhaps she would become the next queen, who knows. Did she gripe, grumble, and complain about where God had placed her? No. On the contrary, Hadassah quietly and joyfully accepted God’s will for her life. She trusted God with the circumstances of her life. Because she did, she became the beloved Queen Esther who saved the lives of an entire nation!

            A young teenage girl was betrothed to a man. The law said that she must stay in her father’s house and remain pure for one year before she joined her husband. All of a sudden her life changed in the twinkling of an eye! An angel of God appeared before her and told her that she would bear the Messiah! Did this young girl say, “Well, let me think about it, and I’ll get back with you later?” Did she say, “No way! I could get in serious trouble for this!”? No, you know what she did. “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done unto me according to thy word. . .” (Luke 1:38). Later on, she even sings a song of praise! Because Mary accepted God’s will for her life, because she trusted God with the circumstances of her life, she bore to men as Savior—Christ the Lord!

            Mary and Esther both accepted and embraced God’s will for their lives no matter the cost. They accepted God’s will even when it was hard; even when they couldn’t understand. They trusted His divine plan for their lives.

            What about you? Are you accepting with joy the circumstances of life God has put you in? Are you embracing it as His will for your life right now? Is your trust in God, or are you fighting against His will? Are you resisting because you think that you shouldn’t have to go through this?

            Dear ones, remember that Esther had to be torn away from her family and placed in a pagan palace before she could be the one God used to deliver an entire nation from death. Remember that Mary’s life had to put on the line(she could have been stoned for being with child before her year of purity was up) in order to give the world a Deliverer. . . a Savior.

            You might be the next Esther. You might be the next Mary(in that you give birth someone very important), but it can’t be fulfilled if you’re kicking against the hard times you’re in right now. You do not know what God has in store for your life, but know that He has placed you exactly where you need to be to learn what you need to know. Dear ones, accept  with joy wherever He has placed you. You have been divinely placed wherever you are for such a time as this.

                                                                                Written By: Allison Parker  

                                                                                      January 10, 2008

Storms are an inevitable part of life. They come and go. Sometimes they are thunderstorms; other times they are just simple rain showers, and at other times they are mighty hurricanes.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes when I’m in one of those thunderstorms or hurricanes(or any storm for that matter!), I have a tendency to cast my eyes on my circumstances. Does that help me feel any better? Absolutely not! In fact, it causes me to begin sinking beneath the weight of the storm.

Do you know that this exact situation happened to Peter in the Bible? He was in a boat and Jesus came towards them, walking on water. All of the disciples thought He was a ghost, but Jesus told them not to be afraid because it was Him. Peter then came up with a little test. He called out to Jesus and said that if He was who He said He was, to let him walk on water too. Jesus told him to come on.

Oh my goodness! There goes Peter walking on water! But wait a minute! What’s happening!? He’s starting to sink! He cries out to Jesus to save him, and immediately Jesus does.

Question: Why did Peter begin to sink? Well, the answer is obvious. He got his eyes off of Jesus and put them on his circumstances. The weight of those circumstances was too much for him, and so he began to sink.

Dear girls, the same is true for you and me. When we get our eyes off of Jesus and put them on the stormy circumstances of life, we will sink beneath the weight thereof. However, when our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we can walk over the stormy sea of life.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full into His wonderful face; and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” ~ Helen H. Lemmel

                                                                                 Written By: Allison Parker

                                                                                         February 13, 2008