thoughts by Karen Woodard Archives - Page 2 of 2

Published February 6, 2021

Pride & Prejudice Today

“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” Galatians 6:3-5

There is a classic movie based on a book written by Jane Austen that portrays how both personal pride and prejudice affect relationships. Much misunderstanding and hurt occurs when these two attributes collide!

However, it is human nature to try to judge or cast blame on others rather than to acknowledge one’s own sin. In our minds, we naturally reason that it is almost always “someone else’s fault” that our personal world is in a mess! If only a situation was different, then we would be truly happy, or if someone would not have done what he or she did, then it would not have ruined the day!

My father often states, “There are two kinds of people in the world — saved sinners and unsaved sinners.” His point is that no one has the right to throw stones at someone else (John 8:1-7) because we are all in the same sinful state apart from the salvation that was bought by Jesus’ death on the cross. As Romans 3:23 says,

“For all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.”

Comparing ourselves to others usually leads to an unhealthy pride in ourselves and prejudice against others which comes across as judgmental whether it is meant to be or not. We each have our own “load” to carry in life, and we can be proud of ourselves when we are faithful in each task God has given us, and a little less concerned about what our brother or sister is or is not doing!

Father God, help us to focus on our own issues and stop comparing ourselves with others around us. Our self-worth is built on being your children and honoring you with what we do and say, so please teach us to love and accept others as you have made them, just as you love and accept us with all of our faults. Amen.

Today, when you find yourself being critical of someone else, acknowledge this to God, and ask him to give you his eyes to see that person as he sees him or her.

By Karen Woodard
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Putting Out Fires

Published November 16, 2020

Putting Out Fires

“Surely wickedness burns like a fire; it consumes briers and thorns, it sets the forest thickets ablaze, so that it rolls upward in a column of smoke.” Isaiah 9:18

The sky is smoky today. The sun cannot seemingly push through the grayness. (The windows look dirty, too.) It feels oppressive. While there are no fires close by, the smoke from far away has become pervasive even here!

At the heart of the fires, homes are being destroyed and lives lost. Where I am, the loss is not so dire, but it is still discouraging to look outside and know that others are suffering from its effect.

Wickedness is like fire, according to this passage in Isaiah.

Like fire, it does not stay in one place, but burns out of control, affecting so many people. Wickedness blurs our vision and perspective, whether we realize it or not.

In the same way, our culture affects how we think and act on a daily basis. The difference is that while fire, smoke and their destruction are visible, wickedness is not always as obvious. Homes and families are the most affected by wickedness, too, with destructive results.

What can the righteous do?

Our fire-fighting tools are prayer and evangelism. Our fire-fighting power comes from walking in the strength of God’s Spirit on a daily basis. And only God’s love, grace, and forgiveness can put fires out! Let’s all do what we can to combat wickedness in our culture!

Surrender anger, hate and other negative emotions that would take over your thoughts and actions. Choose kindness, forgiveness, and patience instead! Watch out for potential fire starters.

Father God, please help me to do my part in extinguishing the fires of wickedness, first of all in my own life, but also in the lives of others around me. Don’t let my perspective be clouded by all of the smoke around me. Amen.

Become a firefighter. Think about what you say or do today in terms of whether it lights a match or extinguishes a flame. Make it your aim to manifest the Spirit’s fruit in word and in deed.

By Karen Woodard
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Being Angry

Published September 18, 2020

Being Angry

“In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27

I used to think that Christians should never get angry, but the Bible acknowledges that we will be angry sometimes. The issue is what we do with our anger.

Did you know that there are at least 113 references to the word, “angry” in the Bible? So what does God say about anger? He doesn’t say we can’t be angry, but just to manage it like how he does.

Own up to the emotion. Say it. “I am angry.” But don’t forget to seek a solution. Ask for forgiveness if you say or do something hurtful out of your reaction to your anger, but understand that it won’t go away as long as you don’t work through it in a healthy way.

It is interesting to note that this verse ties anger to speaking truthfully. Have you ever asked someone that you knew who was angry at you, “Are you mad at me?” only to have them deny it? It is not healthy to stuff our anger, but it is difficult to acknowledge our own anger with the person we are angry with. Somehow, God also links holding onto our anger as letting the Devil have a foothold in our lives!

Even God gets angry. Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy (Micah 7:18). But he does not stay angry. He forgives and shows mercy to people who sin against him.

Our challenge as angry people is to do the same.

Father God, thank you for your mercy towards us! Help us to show mercy to those who anger us. Remind us not to hold on to our anger, but to give it to you! Amen.

By Karen Woodard
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Listen Up

Published August 19, 2020

Listen Up

“The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.” Isaiah 50:4

Are you a good listener? Studies have shown that we stop talking only an average of 17 seconds before we resume speaking in a conversation, and most of that time, we are thinking about what we want to say next! Sometimes prayer can be like that, with God barely getting a word in edgewise, as we monopolize the conversation.

Do you listen to instructions? Isaiah says that God gave him a well-instructed tongue to sustain the weary. A disciple is one who takes instruction, listening carefully to what God wants to say. Listening is time-consuming, and sometimes it seems like instructions are just too long and drawn out to try to remember, but disciples must be willing to listen to what God wants to teach them to be able to minister to people each day.

While God does speak to us in the quiet moments of life, the discipline of listening to God’s instructions often will involve turning to the Bible each morning, applying those instructions to your own life, and then sharing what you have read with someone who needs to hear the truth that day.

Be sure to humbly let God teach you first before you seek to teach others, though, so that you can share what God is teaching you rather than smugly think that you know what someone else needs to hear and apply!

Heavenly Father God, please attune my ears to hear your voice each day with the intention of applying the truth to my own life, then sharing your messages to those around me, to encourage and help them! Amen.

By Karen Woodard
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The Gift We All Need

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38

My husband likes to give and receive practical gifts. For instance, in January, he had snow tires put on our daughter’s car for her birthday. I don’t remember this being on my daughter’s “wish list” for her birthday, but she obviously needed them for winter weather.

He is a very active person who tends to misplace things like keys and his cell phone, so I thought I’d surprise him with a gift that would help him find lost stuff … these amazing little disks that attach to items and will beep when activated.

My husband can continue to search for his keys and phone on his own, or use the gift he received. In the same way, you and I can continue trying to “do it all” in our own wisdom and strength, or ask the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us.

The choice is up to us.

Sometimes it is hard to figure out what someone else actually needs, but God knows how to give amazing gifts to his children! New believers need God’s help to find their way forward, especially in the face of persecution, so he gives them the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, sometimes even God’s greatest gifts go unused because in order to fully benefit from them, we need to admit we need help. We can all humbly use the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives, relying on him moment by moment.

The choice is up to you.

Holy Spirit, I do need you. Please help me confess my sin and pride each day, acknowledge my inability to live the Christian life in the way that I should, and trust you to work in and through my life in such a way that God is glorified for the gift that he has given us. Amen.

By Karen Woodard
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When Fear Takes Over

“For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves… if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.” 1 Peter 3:5a ,6

I have always been a fearful person. I have even experienced panic attacks.

What does it mean to “give way to fear?” I believe that it is a progression of thoughts that we buy into, little by little, to the point of being paralyzed emotionally.

What is the “right thing to do” in response to fear? I think that for the Christian, we have a choice, as indicated in this verse. Fear does not have to overwhelm us if we put on a submissive spirit, placing our hope in God.

It is choosing to “dress” ourselves with humility, acknowledging our vulnerability, but it is also God’s love for us and power to protect us. When I am fearful, I tell myself this truth: God is with me and I can trust Him to keep me safe.

Sarah, Abraham’s wife, sometimes felt unsafe, but she “did not give way to fear”. She put her hope in God, submitting herself to him to keep her safe. She was already a beautiful woman, but she “wore” submission to God like fine jewellery or a lovely scarf.

There is an inner beauty and peace that radiates from all those whose hope is in God, whether they are men or women. Submit yourself to God, and put on humility.

Father God, thank you that I am safe in your care and that I do not have to give way to fear. Remind me how much you love me and how powerful you are whenever fear threatens to overwhelm me. Amen.

By Karen Woodard
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What We Do Know?

Published September 27, 2019

What We Do Know?

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

My husband, Mike, and I were invited to Nepal to speak about marriage in a couple of churches there. Emails flew back and forth, discussing dates, locations, logistics, and goals for the trip. Flights were booked, suitcases packed, and speaker notes assembled.

I also made it a point of keeping myself healthy in the weeks leading up to our departure. I was excited, anticipating that every detail had been covered, knowing that I had done everything I could to prepare for this trip of a lifetime!

What I didn’t know was that before I got on the plane, I had contracted a virus of some sort, and during the flight, my knees and ankles would start to swell to the point that movement was difficult. This condition continued throughout my time in Nepal, and although I checked in at an international clinic, there was nothing that could be done except take maximum doses of ibuprofen while the virus ran its course.

This is not the first time I have had to ponder the truths of this verse, that “all things work together for good.” In my logical mind, it seemed like God would want me to be healthy in order to do his work. It was very humbling for me to go through this, but the amazing thing was that God used me even in my weakened state!

What do you know for certain in your journey of life? You can plan and prepare as much as possible but remember that, no matter what, it is all in God’s hands.

Father, help me to trust you with the difficulties I face today, and to believe that your goodness is at work, even when it does not feel good to me. Amen.

By Karen Woodard
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Not Forgotten

Published August 23, 2019

Not Forgotten

The women said to Naomi, “Praise be to the Lord who this day has not left you without a Kinsman-Redeemer.” Ruth 4:14

Naomi’s story is one of personal tragedy and feeling alone, without hope. But it is one that encourages me when it seems like everything is going wrong in my life.

Naomi’s husband had died, along with her two sons. All she had left were two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. Naomi had nothing to offer either of these women, so with the encouragement of Naomi, Orpah returned to her family and country. Ruth stayed with Naomi, but had to adjust to living in Naomi’s country and among Naomi’s people, herself a widow as well. She also had to go out and gather leftover grain in the fields in order to provide some food for her mother-in-law and herself.

Naomi must have been filled with grief and despair, because when she returned to her people, she asked them not to call her Naomi anymore, which means “pleasant” but Mara, which means “bitter.” She told them that the “Almighty has made my life very bitter” (Ruth 1:20).

But God was at work behind the scenes. He did not leave Naomi without hope. God sent salvation for her in the form of Boaz, a relative of hers. In a very symbolic ceremony, he redeemed the “lostness” of Naomi, giving her a future and a hope. When Boaz and Ruth married, they had a son who would be part of the lineage of Christ, the ultimate Redeemer.

No matter how lost you feel right now, God is at work on your behalf in ways that you may not be able to see. God’s very nature is one of Redeemer, of buying back lost or hopeless causes. He may seem far away at times, but he has not forgotten about you. He sees you in your grief and in your disillusionment with life. Help is coming!

Redeemer God, you know the despair I feel at times. Help me to believe that you’ve already made a way for me, and that you are going before me, even if I cannot see what you are doing for me right now. Help me to trust in Jesus, my Kinsman-Redeemer! Amen.

By Karen Woodard
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Faithfulness

Published July 15, 2019

Faithfulness

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

In 2017, there were two divorces in our family. We had been aware of the difficulties these two couples faced, but never dreamed both marriages would fail within the same year. The rest of our family tried to help these two couples, but it put a tremendous emotional strain on all of us as we dealt with the hurt, frustration, and anger that marriage break-ups often bring.

I have to confess that I will always look back on 2017 as the year our family became a broken one. But I also have to believe that because of our great God’s awesome faithfulness, our family is, and will continue to be, blessed by God — even in its brokenness.

When Jeremiah wrote Lamentations, he was surrounded by grief (3:32,51) due to circumstances that the Lord had allowed to enter his life. He cried out to God in his affliction and bitterness of soul, but chose to daily place his hope in God’s great love and compassion.

Like Jeremiah, I am choosing to “wait quietly” (Lamentations 3:26) for God to bring a season of healing to our family. I will never understand why he allowed us to have such a devastating year that still continues to spark grief in my heart, but I keep claiming those mercies that are “new every morning”, because I really need them!

How about you? Will you also wait quietly for him to work in your circumstances?

Faithful God, when I am discouraged, help me to lift up my eyes to look beyond my present grief to the gift of hope that you give all of us, on a daily basis, and to choose to trust your loving and faithful nature rather than despair. Amen.

By Karen Woodard
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Waiting on God

Published June 6, 2019

Waiting on God

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” Isaiah 30:18

Do you ever feel like just running away? In the whimsical children’s book, Alexander and the Horrible, Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst and Ray Cruz, Alexander wants to run away to Australia. My husband and I sometimes say to each other, “Let’s run away to Australia”, but we know that it is not the solution to our problems.

Israel was having a “bad day”. Their enemies were threatening them, and they were fearful. Rather than being willing to wait for God to act on their behalf, they wanted to take off. They were turning to their swift horses to save them, not to their sovereign Lord. He tries to reassure them in verse 15, “In repentance and rest is your salvation; in quietness and trust is your strength”.

Repentance, Rest, Quiet, Trust. There is something about these words that appeals to me. They are contrary to human nature, but calming when I am stressed or fearful. In order to repent, rest, be quiet and trust, I need to be willing to submit myself to God and His will, whatever it holds for me.

This is really hard, but there is a reward when I do wait for God. Through waiting, I experience His grace, compassion and justice. Are these things worth waiting for? I think so!

Do you need to repent of any sin so you can deliberately choose to rest in who God is right now, trusting quietly in His will?

Sovereign Lord, help me to wait for you to act in the challenges that I face in life today. I choose not to run away, but I need your grace, compassion and justice in a big way today. Amen.

By Karen Woodard
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Trusting God in Suffering

Published April 27, 2019

Trusting God in Suffering

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain my own ways before Him.” Job 13:15

I remember sitting in a seminary class with 6 or 7 other students and my prof, discussing the book of Job. I asked the question,

“Can we really trust a God like this, someone who allows a person like Job to suffer incredibly?”

Human nature would say to forget about a God who would agree to inflicting pain and then abandon a man like Job when he needed God the most. Questioning God in the midst of suffering is natural, and Job did struggle with the question, “Why me, God?”

Job knew truths about God that allowed him to trust God and “maintain his ways” before him, just as he always had done. Suffering did not change how he lived or what he believed, but it did cause him to know God more deeply than he ever had before.

The book of Job is my favorite, not because it is about suffering, but because it is about knowing God in a deeper way to the point that I can trust Him and say with Job,

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though worms destroy my body, yet in my flesh shall I see God…” (Job 19:25-26).

Do you know that your Redeemer lives and that he will come again to receive you into eternal glory, even though your earthly body will be destroyed? Trust means looking beyond the present suffering in this earthly life to see what lies ahead.

Father God, help me to know what a wonderful God you are and to trust you no matter what happens in my life. Amen.

By Karen Woodard
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Pride & Prejudice Today

“For all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.”

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Putting Out Fires

Wickedness is like fire, according to this passage in Isaiah.

What can the righteous do?

FURTHER READING

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Being Angry

“In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27

FURTHER READING

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Listen Up

FURTHER READING

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The Gift We All Need

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38

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When Fear Takes Over

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What We Do Know?

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

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Not Forgotten

The women said to Naomi, “Praise be to the Lord who this day has not left you without a Kinsman-Redeemer.” Ruth 4:14

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Faithfulness

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

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Waiting on God

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” Isaiah 30:18

Follow Us On:

Trusting God in Suffering

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain my own ways before Him.” Job 13:15

Follow Us On:

Category: <span>thoughts by Karen Woodard</span>

“For all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.”

FURTHER READING

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Wickedness is like fire, according to this passage in Isaiah.

What can the righteous do?

FURTHER READING

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“In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27

FURTHER READING

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FURTHER READING

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“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38

FURTHER READING

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“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

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The women said to Naomi, “Praise be to the Lord who this day has not left you without a Kinsman-Redeemer.” Ruth 4:14

Follow Us On:

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

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“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” Isaiah 30:18

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“Though He slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain my own ways before Him.” Job 13:15

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