Cross My Heart Ministry

He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work
as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue,
purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen,
and weavers—all of them master craftsmen and designers.
Exodus 35:35

This passage in Exodus addresses the construction of the Tabernacle. While we may never be called to erect a religious (or even secular) structure, there are some work principles to be gleaned from God’s instructions for Moses and the people. As I share some reflections on work, perhaps you will think of others to add to my list, so I invite you to share your own thoughts in a comment.  

• Every gift, talent, and aptitude we each are given comes from God. Your natural ability may be to write, create, decipher, calculate, sew, organize, cook, garden, manage, program, hunt, sing, fish, trade, speak, or teach. But whatever it is, the ability comes from God Almighty. He created you, and He poured gifts and talents into you.
   
• God empowers people with “skill to do all kinds of work.” Each person has a unique skill set. God did not mass produce robots to populate the earth, but image-bearers – unique human beings created in His image to do His work.
   
• The skills of those we admire and enjoy – even those who are not believers – should prompt us to worship the God who not only thought up all those amazing gifts, but had the power to create them from nothing and instill them into humans. As we behold and admire the gifts of our friends, family, and fellow humans, it should prompt us to worship our great God. He is both a creative genius and a powerful creator. We can see God in the brilliant mind of Einstein, as we behold the masterpiece of Michelangelo, listen to the work of Mozart, and read the work of Tolkien. Even tall skyscrapers that stand erect, space modules that carry humans to the moon, automobiles, telephones, computers – every modern invention bears testimony to the ingenuity, intelligence, and creativity of those who have done the work … men and women who were first created by God.
   
• We certainly see and worship God in those who were equipped by Him and followed Him in obedience. From the Bible: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Ruth, David, and Paul. From history: St. Augustine, George Washington, Amy Carmichael, William Carey, C.S. Lewis, and Chuck Colson. Great theologians such as Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, and Timothy Keller. You can add those names of your mentors and teachers who have been equipped to influence you on a personal level. We can celebrate the blessings all those folks have brought into our lives – comfort, beauty, knowledge, freedom,wisdom, and even entertainment.
   
• We are gifted “to do.” As we steward the gifts God has given us, we honor Him. We bring glory to Him, and satisfaction to our own lives.  

How has God gifted YOU, and how are you stewarding those gifts for His glory? 

In this week’s devotional video, Laura challenges us to say “YES!” when God calls us to do things that we believe are beyond us! Please read and reflect on Exodus 35:35 and then listen to this week’s words of encouragement.

It’s not too late to join us for the remainder of April, as we read, write, and reflect on verses about WORK. Visit our Downloads page today for your free copy of our Write the WORD bookmark, optional S.O.A.P. Bible study pages, and other resources to help you balance a busy life with a heart for God.

Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God.
On it you shall not do any work,
neither you, nor your son or daughter,
nor your male or female servant, nor your animals,
nor any foreigner residing in your towns.
Exodus 20:9-10

Do the Ten Commandments still apply this side of the Cross?  

Most believers today would respond, “Of course.”  We have no other gods but the one true God. We do not lie, steal, or commit adultery. We keep those – or at least know we should, and we try to do so.  

But when it comes to keeping the Sabbath, we may shrug and dismiss this one as legalistic, a cultural tradition, or a by-gone religious ritual. Yet stiff-arming anything in Scripture is dangerous at best, and heretical at worst. There are still ten commandments – not nine – and respect for the text as God’s revelation requires even the 21st-century believer to consider its application to life.  

As we defend the 4th Commandment, most of us would most likely need to admit our failure to keep it. Our lives are full. They are fast-paced. Sunday is often a catch-up day. We may feel simultaneous guilt that we aren’t keeping up with our responsibilities, and also that we aren’t honoring the Sabbath! 

If, like me, you were a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan as a kid, you recall that scene in Farmer Boy when Almanzo and his siblings were forced on Sunday afternoon to sit upright for hours on end – solemn, serious, quiet. If that’s the Sabbath, count me out! 

As we wrestle with this commandment and what keeping it means for today’s believer, I’d like to offer a few musings (while absolutely acknowledging this is an area of struggle for me): 

1. Perhaps keeping the Sabbath should be viewed more as a gift to be accepted, than a yoke to be worn. If our boss gave us a day off, would we choose instead to stay at our desk? If your professor came into class and sent everyone home to enjoy the day, would you insist on staying in your seat?
2. Perhaps God ordained it because He knew we needed it. My husband, the engineer, faithfully reads the manual cover to cover when we get a new car. He is diligent to change the oil, hoses, and filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. He does this so our vehicles will operate with maximum efficiency, performance, and longevity. As our manufacturer, God knows what is best for us – better than we know ourselves. A weekly day of rest may well improve our efficiency, performance, and longevity. 
3. The call to “remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy” should certainly include worshiping in community with other believers. We need that mutual encouragement. We need to lift our voices together in praise to our great God, and be challenged by the word He gives to our pastor. Choosing to neglect corporate worship is an invitation to the enemy. We leave ourselves vulnerable without regular fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. Make this a priority. Set the standard for your family and your children. 
4. Rest need not look like it did for the Wilder family in the 1800s. I heard once that if you work with your hands, you should sabbath with your mind, and if you work with your mind, you should sabbath with your hands. That means, then, that the mechanic might read a book or listen to beautiful music, while an accountant might tinker with his car or build in his wood shop.
   
5. Busyness may well be an idol. Ticking those things off our list may cultivate a sense of accomplishment that quickly spirals downward to pride. Ask yourself if you are forfeiting sabbath rest to serve the idol of busyness – and allow yourself to be convicted by the answer.
   
6. Choosing to make the Sabbath a day of rest may spur us on to more intentional productivity in the other six days. Making a plan early in the week will have us working diligently, in anticipation of our day off to worship and rest. 
7. Take a look at places to hike or visit in your local area. You may find that getting away from home to enjoy God’s creation on the Sabbath is the best way to both worship our Lord, and resist the temptation to tackle tasks on your to-do list.  

This month, as we study the Bible’s teachings on WORK (our Write the WORD topic) – and lean into the challenge to embrace it – I believe it’s appropriate to begin first with a focus on rest and honoring the Sabbath.

How do you choose to dedicate your Sabbath to worship and rest, as you respect the 4th commandment?

In this week’s devotional video, Laura unpacks John 17:4 as Jesus prays in the garden the night before the cross. We hope you will listen and be challenged to embrace the WORK God has for you to complete!

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“I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift
to make you strong – that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged
by each other’s faith.”
Romans 1:11-12

The apostle Paul makes a strong case for living in community. We need one another in the body of Christ. Living with fellow believers both propels (Romans 1:11-12) and protects (Hebrews 3:13) us.  

Mutual encouragement means we both release and receive encouragement. There is a sweet, beautiful rhythm that comes from members of the body of Christ investing in one another. God created us to need, depend upon, and encourage each other.  

The writer of Ecclesiastes taught us that “two are better than one” and Paul confirms this truth in the passage above. The love we show one another may manifest itself as affirmation, a gentle rebuke, wisdom, or just spurring each other on to “keep on keeping on.” 

Mutual encouragement is cultivated in the soil of trust and security. It takes time to grow this relationship and enjoy the fruit it bears. Growth comes when the relationship is well watered with honor, respect, and a teachable spirit.  

It takes time.  

We don’t plant a seed today and expect to harvest a watermelon tomorrow. Likewise, the blessing of faith-based mutual encouragement also takes time to mature.  

This mutual-encouragement/faith-nurturing relationship is only possible when both parties are committed to the end goal of maturing in Christ, bringing glory to God, and living a Spirit-filled life.  

Time spent with an encouragement partner fills us up. We leave these encounters renewed, invigorated, equipped, and committed to God and His Word. We leave those conversations ever more determined to live an active faith.  

When we choose to invest in the life of a fellow believer, we find that the blessings roll back to us—we leave our coffee meeting or lunch date filled up and ready to pour out. God is faithful to speak to us through fellow believers who share our love for Him and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit.  

Do you have a mutual encourager in your life? Is there an accountability partner that you meet with regularly to discuss your journey of faith? Taking just one hour each week (or every other week) can be a life-changing investment of time. In this one hour, you can share what God is teaching you (which holds you accountable to abide in the Word of God), share your successes and challenges in living out your faith, and wrap up by sharing your personal and even confidential prayer requests.  

My accountability partner is a godly woman who loves Jesus and is committed to His Word. After reaping the harvest of mutual encouragement, it would be difficult for me to overstate the tremendous blessing this relationship has had on my life.

As you and I continue forward in devotion to our Lord, growing our faith, may we also embrace the blessing of living in community and mutually encouraging one another. 

In this week’s devotional video, Laura shared Good Friday reflections on John 1:14. We invite you to listen and spend a few moments this Easter Sunday in reflective meditation on Christ Jesus — the WORD who became flesh, the One who came from the Father, full of grace and truth — whose resurrection we celebrate today.

By faith
Noah, when warned about things not yet seen,
in holy fear built an ark to save his family.
By his faith
he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness
that is in keeping with faith.
Hebrews 11:7

What would you step out and do, if you knew you could not fail because you and God were doing it together? 

What is that keeps us rooted in place when God has a faith assignment? It might be many things — lack of confidence, misplaced priorities, other responsibilities — but often the real impediment is FEAR. We are afraid of failing, of being shamed, of not being enough. Our eyes shift off the One who is calling and onto the obstacles surrounding us.  

For the follower of Christ, the opposite of fear is not courage, but faith.  

In Hebrews 11:7, we learn that Noah acted on his holy fear when he built the ark. It propelled him to act on his faith. 

There is a huge difference between fear and holy fear.  

Holy fear comes with faith, but plain old worldly fear is the opposite of faith.

Holy fear is prompted by reverence and respect for God. It is our faith lived out. 

I don’t think Noah was alone when he built the ark. His audience included those described as corrupt and full of violence. (Genesis 6:12) Most likely, the darkness in their hearts flooded out of their mouths in the form of mocking, goading, and derision of Noah. 

It is indeed a challenge to obey God, but perhaps especially when we are being mocked for holding fast to our beliefs. 

Which do you think was the greatest challenge for Noah to overcome to obey God: 

• Doubt that it would really rain? 
• Pride – what are people thinking? 
• Embarrassment and shame as he was taunted and made fun of? 

I believe Noah kept his hands busy and his mouth shut. He condemned his mockers, but it wasn’t with his words. Hebrews 11:7 says it was his faith that condemned the world — and because of Noah’s active, believing faith he was rewarded. He became an heir to righteousness. 

God asked Him to do something that really made no logical sense: he was to build a boat to prepare for a catastrophe that the world had never seen.  

Is it easier to obey God when He asks us to do something that makes logical sense, something that doesn’t bring shame or embarrassment, something that doesn’t make me stand out? 

As you and I choose to exercise our faith muscle, as we choose to obediently listen to God and tune out the voices taunting and mocking us, our holy fear trumps worldly fear. It prompts us to take action, to move forward. Trusting God and obeying God even when—especially when—we don’t have all the details? That is the substance of faith in action.  

We may not be immediately clued into the why, when, where, and what for … but we know the WHO.

Are you ready to buckle up for the ride of faith? Are you ready to go where He sends, knowing the One who sends you goes with you, loves you, and will never leave or forsake you? Are you ready to reject fear and walk in faith? 

We don’t need to have all the answers, because we know the One who does. 

In Romans 1:17, Paul wrote, “the righteous shall live by faith.” In this week’s devotional video, Laura explores what this means for us. You can find this key verse in Romans on our March Write the WORD bookmark, which is available (along with other free resources) on our Downloads page.

“…they chose Stephen, a man full of faith
and of the Holy Spirit…”
Acts 6:5

As the early church grew, the need for workers also grew. The disciples wisely realized they
needed to delegate. Self-awareness prompted them to see that there were not enough hours in
each day to meet all the needs and fulfill the primary call on their lives.

When did we decide exhaustion is necessary to be a servant in God’s Kingdom? God has
challenged me personally over and over during my life – reminding me that drawing others in to serve not only protects me from physical, mental, and spiritual burnout, but also pride. I am not indispensable. And the responsibility of every good leader is to train others to serve. One mark of a successful leader – whether in business or ministry – is that the work continues when that leader leaves for heaven … or moves across the country!

The disciples chose seven deacons. They determined that those who would serve should
be “… full of the Spirit and wisdom …” (Acts 6:3). And then in Acts 6:5, Stephen (the first
deacon listed) is noted to be “…a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit …”

Ask yourself if the Acts 6 list is the one we would choose for leaders today:

• Full of the Spirit
• Wise
• Full of faith

Does our modern-day list of qualifications for a leader include someone who looks like Ken or Barbie? Do we care more about the outward appearance than the heart? (I Samuel 16:7) Do we believe they need to have a “presence” to lead? Are we more concerned with the power and wit in their speaking, rather than the content of their message?

Faith is the topic of our Write the WORD bookmark for March. But according to Acts 6, it’s also a key trait in an effective leader. As followers of Jesus in the 21st century, we might do well to learn from our first-century church leaders in how to choose someone to serve – and how to evaluate the effectiveness of the one who serves.

We often expect pastors to be experts in human resources, theology, counseling, business practices, organizational management, and visioneering. Are we quick to criticize but slow to affirm? Acts 6:6 indicates the chosen leaders were prayed over. Do you and I pray regularly for our leaders?

Here are my take-aways from these verses in Acts 6:

• Be wise and prayerful in choosing a leader
• Don’t be easily distracted by the world’s litmus tests
• Pray for your leaders
• Affirm your leaders

I would encourage you to pause right now to pray for a leader in your life. Afterward, please leave a quick note below that simply says, “Done!” if you did this. And, after praying, perhaps God may prompt you to reach out to that leader with written or spoken words of thanks and affirmation.

“Increase our faith.” These are the words used by the disciples in their response to a hard teaching Jesus gave. We invite you to watch this week’s teaching video, as Laura unpacks a challenging message on FAITH. This verse is from March Write the WORD bookmark highlighting 31 verses, each of which includes the word, faith. Visit our Downloads page for your own copy and join us as we read, write, and study what the Bible tells us about faith.

Now faith is
confidence in what we hope for and
assurance about what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

Hebrews 11 provides an apt definition of faith. Many of us may have learned the King James Version: 

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

If we had all the details, all the whys and what-fors … if we knew everything we would face … if we were clued in to precisely what would happen … would it really require faith? 

The faith verse above opens the “Hall of Faith Chapter” and is essentially a who’s who of Old Testament greats who walked in faith before the cross. “By faith” is the hallmark phrase of this powerful chapter: 

•      By faith, Abel offered…
•      By faith, Noah built…
•      By faith, Abraham obeyed and went…
•      By faith, Isaac blessed…
•      By faith, Joseph spoke…
•      By faith, Moses chose to be mistreated…
•      By faith, the people passed through the Red Sea…

Their lives teach us that faith must be converted into action. James confirms in the New Testament that “faith without works is dead.”  Our faith in God both prompts and propels us to raise our shields high and walk forward where He sends.  

To Abraham, God said, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you….” Leave everything familiar, everything and everyone you know. Just go. Set out. And where are you going? You’ll find out after you get started! Sounds crazy, but Abraham obeyed and went! 

Moses walked out of the palace, leaving behind all its privileges and pleasures. 

Daniel walked into the lion’s den. 

The Israelites put trembling-but-determined toes into the Red Sea. 

The Bible is filled with examples of ordinary men and women who walked out their faith in extraordinary ways … not through their own ability, but because of their faith in God’s ability.  

Faith does not mean our reasoning and intellect are turned off. The exercise of our faith is not without basis. When I contemplate choices that require me to exercise faith, it’s as if I’m standing on the threshold, looking back at God’s faithfulness from my past as I prepare to walk forward into the future, trusting Him to continue to be faithful. 

Faith means I can step out in confident hope and steadfast assurance – not because I know everything, but because I know the One who does. 

What by faith choice is God calling you to make today? 

Last Wednesday was the final lesson of Laura’s in-person ladies’ Bible study of II Corinthians. The teaching lecture in this week’s devotional video focuses on self-examination, then ends with Paul’s “Trinitarian Benediction” from II Corinthians 13:14 as he explores the grace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

We pray that this study has been a blessing to you. Thank you for joining us, whether online or in person. If you missed any of the previous teaching lectures, we invite you to visit our YouTube channel for the complete video playlist.

In addition to all this,
take up the shield of faith
with which you can extinguish
all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16 

Measuring approximately 4.5’ tall by 2’ wide, the Roman shield would completely cover a soldier as he advanced forward. It was designed and built to link together with the shields of his brothers-in-arms, enabling them to advance together, side by side, and be protected from deadly enemy arrows flying at them. 

When the first-century soldier picked up his shield, he had a powerful defensive weapon in a flesh and blood battle. If the enemy could fire a flaming arrow and hit the intended target, some serious damage could result. The shield was created from wood, overlaid with leather, and dipped in water or some other substance to extinguish the flames when those arrows inevitably landed.

The tall, powerful shield — especially when linked with those of comrades — allowed the soldier to move forward, to gain ground, to fight with confidence instead of fear. He trusted that shield to protect him. 

Just as the military soldier held his shield high and in place for protection, so does the believer. Advancing confidently, even when you look up and see the enemy preparing to launch a flame-tipped arrow in your direction, means you have faith that the shield will protect you.

Your confidence is in that shield. 

Faith is simply believing God. Saving faith is placing our trust Him for eternity — it’s what seals our destiny. The Armor of God passage in Ephesians is written to believers … those who have already claimed salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. But Paul is teaching us here about living faith: walking it out, remaining faithful, choosing to live and behave like we believe. 

When we lift up our shields, it is a declaration of what we believe about God. And when we lower them, it is a declaration of what we choose not to believe about Him. 

A woman of faith goes forward in battle with confidence — not knowing what exactly will happen, but trusting and believing the One who is with her. 

As we near the end of our weekly Bible study in II Corinthians, we come to chapter 12. Here, Paul breaks his silence to share his experience of being “taking up to heaven” and then follows up by acknowledging the “thorn in the flesh” that was given by God to keep him humble. In this week’s teaching lecture, Laura explores the topic of suffering and pain, includes some question for reflecting on pain, and challenges us to embrace the truth that “His grace is sufficient” in the midst of it.

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