LOOK BACK - AND PRAISE!
 A few days ago I deliberately walked back into my history to reflect and marvel at God’s leading. Sitting in the old sanctuary of Singapore’s Anglican Cathedral, I went back many decades in my mind’s eye to see the thirteen year old girl who took a bus by herself to attend Sunday services.
As some of you know, my father was in the Royal Air Force. Because he and my mother loved living overseas, I spent much of my childhood in the tropics. I lived in Singapore in my early teens for two years—and it was here that I felt my first drawings towards God. But it was four more years before I heard the Gospel, not only in my ears but in my heart. Jesus died for my sins and I could have peace with God.
As I remembered all the ways the Lord has led me since then, the words of David flooded my heart: “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?” Tears filled my eyes as I sat before the Lord, expressing my wonder, gratitude, and praise to a God who drew a thirteen year old British girl to Himself—to forgive, love, transform, and call to serve Him.
“How good is the God we adore, our faithful, unchangeable Friend,
Whose love is as great as His power, and knows neither measure nor end.”
I loved what God did in Hong Kong—totally changing what I eventually spoke on, but making His presence felt so powerfully at a women’s leadership summit. We met for the day in a beautiful, old Chinese retreat center (see above) that allowed for solitude and silence, as well as great worship. My heart burst with joy at being with women of all ages and ethnicities as we praised God together. The luncheon in Singapore was another Spirit-given opportunity to encourage over 100 women as they face life’s physical, spiritual and emotional crossroads.
Love in Christ,
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by Poppy Smith
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If you want to be strengthened both spiritually and emotionally, let me encourage you to reflect on God’s ways in your life. Looking back is a powerful tool mentioned throughout Scripture. Here are just two references:
Deuteronomy 8:2—As the Israelites were preparing to enter the Promised land, God told them to “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years.”
Forty years is a long, long time to be in a desert! Yet God used that experience both to discipline (train) and teach His people about His character: He is unwaveringly holy, unwaveringly sufficient, and He has an unwavering purpose. He allowed the Israelites to experience hunger and hardship so they might learn humility, “so that in the end it might go well with you” (Deut. 8:16).
When I look back at my own deserts of spiritual and emotional hunger and hardship, I can now honestly say with Joseph in Genesis 50:20 “You intended it for good—and I am so grateful that it has turned out for my blessing and the blessing of others.”
- Take a few moments and look back on your desert experiences.
- Where was God in it?
- How did He train and teach you about who He is?
- If you’re currently in a desert place, what is He saying to you at this time?
Ps.42—In the midst of depression and discouragement, David looked back and remembered spiritually vibrant times with God. He then questioned his feelings, inner talk, and view of his current circumstances: “Why are you in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues?” Knowing that staying in the dumps was not what he or God wanted, he then determined to: “Fix my eyes on God—soon I’ll be praising again… When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse everything I know of you… .” (The Message)
David looked back and rehearsed what he had experienced of God’s reality. His focus resulted in praise, which then energized and transformed his negative viewpoint. Long before psychology taught us about the power of our thoughts, David discovered what we should do!
Whether you’re currently feeling discouraged or not, arm yourself with Scriptural tools that work!
- Ask yourself: When have I really felt God’s presence?
Try and recall specific times when you:
- Experienced His mercy
- Tasted deeply and gratefully His complete forgiveness
- Delighted in His sheer goodness to you or another
- Recognized His leading; opening doors of opportunity, directing your path
- Reveled in His blessings
- What happened and how did it encourage you?
- Take a moment to stop and praise God for all He has been to you.
He has worked, and is still working in your life! |
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Book Give-Away! |
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SET FREE , a book for those who are abuse survivors, or love one who is. This helpful resource, donated by author, Jan Coates, will introduce you to real women who were abused, who hit bottom, and now thrive as transformed survivors.
Free to the fifth woman who emails me with a comment on looking back and praising God.
(Only for North American recipients, sorry!) |
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Want to Grow?
Check Out Poppy's Tips
When looking back:
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Focus on God’s total forgiveness, not your failures.
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Ask God to show you where you have grown—and smile! |
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Ask Him to reveal how He has used you to bless others.
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Thank Him for those who have deeply influenced your life. |
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Praise Him for drawing you to Himself and working out His purposes for your life.
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HEALTH: Thank you for your prayers for my health and safety on my three week trip to Hong Kong, Singapore, and Sri Lanka. I did well and am looking forward to all God has for the next three months—then comes surgery in mid-May, unless He intervenes!
MINISTRY : I’m excited to get back to meeting one-on-one with women for spiritual direction and coaching, starting a five week growth group on The Search for Significance, and writing, speaking, and seeing where else the Lord might take me this year!
BLOG : I’m writing once a week because we’re all busy and don’t need a daily email! My focus is on spiritual and personal growth issues and my goal is to challenge, inspire, and encourage you wherever you are in life. Would love to have you sign up at my website and get it via email, or at www.poppysmith.blogspot.com I’m also on Facebook if you want to be my friend!
BIRTHDAY : Although my family were all in different places for my birthday, I thought you’d like to see how Skype brought us together. This is a photo of my son, Elliot, and baby grandson, Gus. At five months old he weighs 20lbs. He has definitely inherited the Smith genes!
Upcoming
Events:
Speaking Calendar:
2010:
March 5-7: Salem Heights Church Retreat
April 15, 22: Professionally Speaking, Portland, OR.
May 8th: Women’s retreat, Molalla, Oregon
September 15: Aging to Perfection, Eugene, OR.
October 16: Plenary Speaker, OCW, Fall meeting
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