#WilcoWednesday Archives - Page 5 of 5

Be Still: Too Easy? RIGHT. #WilcoWednesday

February 18, 2015 by Sharita

Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.” So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do. Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. Let’s welcome this strong, creative woman of God, Katharina as she shares her heart this week.
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I was on my weekly run when I was “writing” a mental to-do-list of all the projects and chores that I needed to accomplish this week. Unexpectedly, I had a small panic attack. My heart started to beat fast and I was not able to breathe. I tried to calm myself down by walking and taking deep breaths when I heard God’s voice saying, “Be still, my daughter, and know that I am God. Be still in me for I am walking beside you, holding your right hand in mine. I am always with you and I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be still in me.”

His words washed over me like a cool and gentle rain shower in the spring time. I was getting calmer and calmer with every step I took, until I was back home.

Today, I am thankful for this small panic attack. It showed me who is really in control in my life and I do not need to be involved in so many projects just to feel accepted and recognized. It is easier for me to stay busy than to be still and relax in God’s presence. “Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.” ~Psalm 119:109

Be still, be still and know that I am God.

How well do you know your spouse, your children, your parents, your co-workers or your friends? How well do we know God? Psalm 103:3 says “Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”

Sadly, I do not know God as my Father as well enough as He knows me as His daughter. He created me in my mother’s womb. He wrote my whole life, every little moment, in the book of life, even the moment when I was running and thinking about all my projects. He knew about it as well as what I needed at that moment – to hear His sweet and gentle voice.

How can we develop a closer relationship with our heavenly Father and learn more about Him? Here are some suggestions:

First, study the bible and see what His word says about His character and who He is as our heavenly Father. Here are some examples of God’s name and His character:

The Lord My Rock – Yahweh Tsuri (Psalm 18:2)
The God who Sees – El Roi (Genesis 16:13)
Father, Abba (2 Corinthians 6:18)
The Giver of Good Gifts (James 1:17)

Secondly, ask the Holy Spirit to help you highlight passages that describe God’s character and personality to you.

Lastly, how do you develop a relationship with your spouse, your friends, and your children? Perhaps your answers include things like spending quality time with each other, getting to know them, talking, having fun, etc. This is same way God your heavenly Father wants to spend time with you!

How can we learn to be still from the inside, even when our world spins? I am learning to be still and it is an everyday struggle. Sometimes, I even need to drop everything and go into my prayer closet to be still for just five minutes and to listen to His voice.

How do you find stillness in your life? Join the conversation and leave a comment below.

“The quieter you become, the more you can hear.” ~Ram Dass

Katharina is a military spouse and a stay at home mom of a 7year old and a 5year old. She homeschools her two children and she is a life coach with www.well-springs-lifecoaching.com. She coaches women in life balance, relationships, health and fitness, and personal goal setting.

In addition, Katharina volunteers her time with www.VetREST.org, an organization that is passionate about helping Veterans and their families experience peace from the inner battle with PTS. Furthermore, Katharina is being trained in inner healing prayer with Aurora Worldwide. In her free time, Katharina loves to run, bike, hike, and swim (anything outdoors). She loves to read and spend time with her family.

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Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!

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Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: #WilcoWednesday, encouragement, faith, peace, rest, still

Beyond Colossians #WilcoWednesday

February 11, 2015 by Sharita

Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.” So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do. Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. Welcome a very humble, wise woman, our Titus II advisor, Sharon Bridwell!
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What do we know about these believers at Colossae and what do they have to do with us? We think those at Colosse were mostly Gentiles that Epaphras reached with the Gospel. The “Big Issue” at Colossae was Gnosticism. Without getting too bogged down, Gnosticism cries out that Christ alone is NOT enough in one’s life, which sounds an awful lot like what we hear today, especially from those who don’t value Christ as you or I might.

Let’s focus on Colossians 1:3-6 and take a hard look at who we are in Christ and who Christ should be to us who claim to believe in Him. [Read more…]

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Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: #WilcoWednesday, Colossae, encouragement, Paul

In Darkest Hours #WilcoWednesday

February 4, 2015 by Sharita

Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.” So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do. Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. Please help me welcome a passionate follower of Jesus, dear Sammie, as she shares a beautiful poem she wrote in 1980.
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In darkest hours, when light doth fade,
And life’s paths lead only to the shade

I find myself midst turmoil and doubt,
And lamenting sorely, I cry out! (Psalm 143:4)

To Him, My Maker, Potter, Lord!
As I languish here, upon His Board.

Was this the future set for me? (Romans 9:19)
To lay in crumbled agony? (Psalm 25:16)

I cannot bear the thought or pain, (Hebrews 5:7)
To be reworked or taste the flame.

When other vessels seem to escape,
While I observe so cruel a fate (Romans 9:20)

But then, in dark despair I hear (John 10:4)
His Gentle Voice, so tender, near (Romans 9:21)

“Your eyes do search the shelves in vain, (2 Corinthians 4:6)
For on Me only, they must train (Hebrews 12:2)

For you I have a special task, (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Another vessel I could not ask. (2 Timothy 2:21)

But first My precious, yielding clay (Romans 9:23)
Your unwavering trust in My Hands must lay (Philippians 4:6)

For I have loved you before your time (Psalm 139)
Do you think I’d hurt that which is mine?

I am neither capricious, nor am I cruel (2 Chronicles 16:9)
And the man that thinks so is more the fool.

I know the waiting and the flame,
Appear to you as inhumane.

But look deeper child and comprehend, (Psalm 37:18)
It is in tender love this trial I send (Hebrews 12:6)

For in the reworking and molding play (Romans 12:2)
As on My potter’s board you lay,

I bring you nearer to the goal,
You chose in me not long ago. (Romans 8:29)

Trust Me, My precious, uncertain will,
And you will see your dreams fulfilled. (Psalm 37:3-4)

As you yield to this potter’s touch (Zechariah 2:8)
To My perfect timing you must clutch.

And when the time of molding is done (2 Corinthians 1:4-5)
There’s deeper meaning, as I call you son (Hebrews 12:7)

For My Heart’s desire is for your best (Romans 8:15)
Your part is to trust and in Me rest.” (Psalm 37:7)

His voice was gentle, warm and kind (2 Corinthians 10:1)
And put to shame thoughts in my mind.

Oh Lord, and Master, Potter Grand,
I will remain in your Loving Hand! (Psalm 36:7)

Test me, cleanse me, do Thy will (Psalm 139:23)
That in my Life the Spirit Fills (Ephesians 5:18)

To say thought He slay me, if He must
Yet in Him, in all things, I will trust! (Job 13:15)

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Think back on your darkest hours… How do the words above encourage you? Leave a comment and join the conversation.

Suzanne (Sammie) Gray has been a Bible Study leader with PWOC, International Women’s Club, and Campus Crusade for Christ ministries for over 42 years. Her passion is teaching women how to walk in victory in their knowledge of our Jesus Christ. Her hearts calling and personal ministry Scripture is Is. 61; 1-3 helping women to discover Christ’s Divine Design and calling on their lives.

She has two children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She spent 15 years in the Corporate world, has owned/operated three businesses, and traveled the world extensively. Her hobbies are gardening, music, and studying Paleo-Biblical Hebrew interpretation of Scripture.

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Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: #WilcoWednesday, dark, encouragement, faith, trials

The Knight #WilcoWednesday

January 28, 2015 by Sharita

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. She lived in a kingdom where every subject of the King of kings lived in peace, prosperity, and love with each other. The King, her father, was a righteous King, who knew everybody’s thoughts and desires before they were spoken.

One day, the beautiful princess looked out of her window and saw something glittering beyond the castle’s walls in the Forest of Dark Shadows. She was very curious and despite her better judgment and her conscience telling her not to go, she went. Soon, she found herself stuck in the Forest of Dark Shadows. She was lost.

The night started to come upon her followed by feelings of fear and despair. She wished she would have obeyed her Father’s command not to go to the Forest of Dark Shadows and listen to her inner voice as well. Now she was scared and too ashamed to call her Father for help.

Suddenly, there was a movement coming from one side of the forest. She tried to hide, but it was too late…she looked up and there on a horse was her best friend Jesus, her knight in shining armor. He comforted her and set her high upon his horse. Together they rode to her father’s house. The King of kings waited for them at the gate and when he saw his daughter he came running to her with his arms wide open…- The End.

How does this story reflect your relationship with your heavenly Father?

We love to listen and watch love stories and fairytales. However, our lives do not seem like a fairytale at all. Instead, our lives seem like the Forest of Dark Shadows, filled with our fears, disappointments, abuse, loneliness, etc.

For instance, I hide in my “Forest of Dark Shadows” when I am afraid to step out in faith or I am not trusting my heavenly Father to guide me in my daily life and tasks. In Proverbs 3:5-6 New International Version, we read “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. But in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths”.

How can I trust the Lord with all my heart when I am too afraid to let go of control and my strong will? A couple weeks ago, during my time with the Lord, he spoke to my heart to give up sweets and coffee. It was before the holiday season of cake, pies and cookies. You might guess how excited I was when I heard his command to give up sweets and coffee – I was not. And I failed a couple times, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas.

However, the beauty of a new day is a fresh start, (Lamentation 3:22-23). I repented and ask God for his forgiveness. In addition, I asked him to give me strength to withstand the temptation of sweets and the smell of coffee. Sometimes it is hard to listen to our heavenly Father’s voice when our flesh’s longings are stronger than our will to obey.

How can you stay firm in your faith and obedience? Leave a comment below… Or consider these suggestions:

Research different scriptures about obedience and disobedience (Leviticus 26)

Look at a scripture verse and ask yourself the following questions:
1. What does this verse mean to me?
2. What does it say about God’s character?
3. How can I apply this verse in my daily life?
4. What is the best way to memorize this verse?
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any areas where you are “avoiding” his voice or not obeying him.
Share your experience and what the Lord is asking you to do with a friend, spouse, family member, co-worker, or someone that will keep you accountable

In the end, God promises us that he will bless us when we follow his commandments and obey his voice.

“If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees their fruit.” ~Leviticus 26:3-4 NIV

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Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: #WilcoWednesday, Character, encouragement, faith, obedience, peace

The Secret Place #WilcoWednesday

January 21, 2015 by Sharita

Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.” So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do. Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. Welcome today’s guest blogger, my dear friend and our courageous PWOC president, Carriann Lane.
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There is a nest outside my window as I touch the stacks of books I’m preparing for bible study. It seems like a good nest. In His Word, I hold hope in my hands, and my heart travels back to a nest that was not a good nest at all.

My children were 6, 11, and 13. A bird made a nest of mud on the tiny ledge of our front door. The children discovered her beautiful little eggs, to their great delight. Every day, they rushed to check the eggs. I prayed these little birds would survive, and I believed they might. I smiled and reminded my own not to touch the nest or the eggs. [Read more…]

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Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: #WilcoWednesday, Christ, courage, enemy, fear, light, Satan

If, Then, Therefore #WilcoWednesday

January 14, 2015 by Sharita

Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.” So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do. Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Joining us today is my dear, wonderful, beautiful and encouraging friend Kristen. Share. Enjoy. Interact. And let’s respond to God’s call with a hearty “Wilco, Lord!”
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I am a detail oriented, perfectionist, worrier, planner, general control freak, and penultimate spaghetti-minded woman. I must know before I act.

So, I make God small. I put Him in human sized boxes defining His capabilities on worldly measures. [Read more…]

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Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: #WilcoWednesday, encouragement, guest blog, military, PWOC, wisdom