This is a Test!

I am a member of the T.V. Generation—the Baby Boomers. TV was a large part of our family life. “Back in the day,” families watched TV together—we did not separate after dinner and watch TV on our own entertainment devices. Believe it or not, back then, there were actually shows families could watch together. My mother would pop a large bowl of Jiffy Pop, which we munched while enjoying the thrills of Wild Kingdom and the magic of Walt Disney. Those were the days…great memories of family-fun and laughter, gathered around the TV set, until THE TEST.

This is a test.

While relaxing and at peace with the world, a piercing siren-like whistle would suddenly interrupt a favorite TV program. The Test! It’s blaring warning whistle, usually signaling some impending doom, like an incoming nuclear warhead, continued uninterrupted for about thirty seconds until the announcer finally informed us of the nature of the coming crisis. Thankfully, most of the time, the commentator conveyed the siren was only a TEST. We would not have to seek the nearest fallout shelter and eat saltines for the duration. Every once in a while, there was an actual emergency and these occasions kept us on our toes, fearing THE TEST.

God also sends us tests.

They show up when we least expect them. God does not send tests to trick us. Tests are for our benefit, designed to help deepen and strengthen our faith in Him. Unlike THE TEST of long ago, we can face our tests by drawing on the strength of the Holy Spirit, knowing He will bring us through victoriously.

“So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. 23 Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah. 24 And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” 25 So he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet.

There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them, 26 and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.”

27 Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters.”

From what had the Hebrew people just been delivered (verse22)?

What test kind of test are the people facing (verse 22)?

Water Test 2.

Just prior to this test, God had proved He was Lord over the water by causing the Red Sea to part before His people so they could escape Pharaoh’s army. The same God who parted the Red Sea could

certainly handle a water shortage.

When the people did find water, what was wrong with it?

I have heard adversity brings out the contents of one’s heart. Perhaps the bitterness of the water of Marah was a reflection of the bitterness residing in the hearts of God’s people.

How did the people react to this test (verse 24)?

They reacted as I have often reacted, and as you have often reacted, by complaining. The Hebrew word for complained is luwn. Luwn means to complain. Interestingly, it also means, to lodge, to live, to dwell, to abide. Complaining can become a lifestyle; our way of living, our default mode. Once we fall into this pit of complaining, it is hard to get out. Tests will reveal if we have a lifestyle marked by complaining and grumbling or prayer and praise.

How should the people have reacted to their test (verse 25)?

Like Moses, they should have cried out to God for help. As expected, God answered Moses and showed him how to heal the waters. God will also show us how endure and benefit from our tests, if we will cry out

to Him for help. The Hebrew word for test used in verse 25 is the word nacah, which means to test, to try, to prove, to make a trial.

On what issue does God test His people?

On whether or not they would (not could) depend on Him to meet their daily needs.

Let’s ask ourselves the same question … will we depend on God to meet our needs?

In order for us to follow God, we must focus must on Him and His glory. We must be so deeply committed to His will that we trust Him for the provision of our daily bread, even when our situation seems hopeless.

During times of testing, God often reveals something we depend on more than Him. He loves us too much to let us continue building on the sand.

What would your life look like or what would you do next if you truly trusted God with the challenge that you face right now?

What was waiting on the other side of the challenge the Hebrew people were facing (verse 27)?

In your present challenge, God is waiting to reveal Himself to you in a new way. Tests will grow your faith, not destroy it. Blessings await on the other side. Keep walking.

Action Points:

Pray. Ask God to give you the strength and grace you need to prosper by this testing process. Also, ask Him to reveal to you what needs to be skimmed off—any sinful attitude, action or habit.
Cooperate. Believe that God has allowed this test to come to you to benefit you not harm you (Romans 8:28). Claim that promise and rejoice in the blessing that will surely follow.
Seek. Read and study God’s Word, memorize Scripture, and listen to sermons and podcasts that speak to your present challenge. Spend time in His Presence.
Minister. There is nothing like helping others to get our minds off of ourselves.
Share. Please share your current hardship with a trusted mature Christian friend. Someone who has walked the same path can be a great encouragement.
Rest. Please take extra time to rest and relax. Do something that brings you joy and peace.

By Mary Kane

www.onlybyprayer.com

5 Ways to Use Aromatherapy for School

I saw the familiar yellow school bus in our neighborhood this morning, definitely heralding the end of summer—at least for the academic calendar. Back to school is always an exciting time for kids and parents alike, albeit for different reasons! Whether your children are just starting their school career, are somewhere in the middle, or are heading toward graduation, aromatherapy can support a wellness lifestyle throughout their entire year. Let’s look at some possibilities of how to do that.

Safety First

In discussing children and aromatherapy, I first want to set a few important guidelines.

Always keep your essential oils out of the reach of children. Cute tiny bottles may entice a child to take a drink, but most essential oils are poisonous to consume undiluted.
Do not use essential oils on premature babies. They have high skin permeability, so it is not recommended.
Remember, essential oils are highly concentrated, at 75%-100% stronger than the herb of the same name. So the rule for children (and adults) is to dilute, dilute, dilute! We’ll discuss proper amounts in this post.
Do NOT let children ingest essential oils unless they are under the supervision and advice of a doctor or certified clinical aromatherapist with years of experience in this practice.
For children under 5 years of age, use aromatherapy products for acute conditions such as illnesses, skin conditions, injuries, infections, and emotional upsets.
Do not use dermal (skin) applications of aromatherapy products everyday on children 5 and under. There is the possibility of creating sensitization and increased likelihood of developing allergies. Olfaction and inhalation is the preferred method of application unless you are treating an acute condition.
Do not place undiluted essential oils or highly concentrated blends of oils around the nose or mouth of children under age 2. This could cause respiratory distress.
Keep in mind that hydrosols are gentler to use with children than essential oils.
Avoid the use of menthol or 1,8 cineole-rich essential oils until the age of 2, such as cardamom, Niaouli, eucalyptus, and peppermint (avoid until the age of 30 months).

Now that we understand a few basic safety rules, let’s consider some ways you can choose to use aromatherapy for wellness throughout the school year. We’ll focus on the oils that have a safe record with children when used in the proper dilutions. As a side note, if you’re sending any aromatherapy products to school with your children, it’s always a good idea to inform the teacher and/or school nurse.

1.Handling Stress

School is often a mix of good and bad stress. While I have many happy memories of my school days, I also remember the times when projects, tests, and social stresses became overwhelming. My first weapon for combating stress is prayer. Praying for your child each day and targeting your prayers to the specific demands of that day is important. Make it a daily habit. Whether your child is struggling with the newness of classes, teachers, and students or looming deadlines of tests and projects, prayer can help tame the stress monster in your child’s life.

Next, I like to calm the physical reaction of stress with aromatherapy. It is proven that the scent molecules of aromatherapy when inhaled travel from the olfactory nerves directly to the brain and have an effect on the amygdala, which controls our emotions. When it comes to treating stress or depression, one of the quickest routes is through inhalation. Using a diffusor at home or making or purchasing a pocket inhaler that your child can take to school are two possible ways to handle this. Here’s a favorite simple synergy to help combat stress:

Calming Synergy
20 drops lemon
10 drops lavender

Combine this synergy in a glass 1-dram bottle to be used in a diffusor or an inhaler. To use a diffusor, you could choose to add 7 to 10 drops of the synergy to your water-based diffusor or follow the directions for a nebulizing diffusor. To make a personal inhaler, you may want to add 10 drops to the inhaler for a child who is in the 3-4 year age range and 20-30 drops to the inhaler tube for older children (see directions under Immune System below).

If you like scientific information, you may want to check out this study from Iran on diabetic children and the effect of orange essential oil on their stress levels.

2. Focus and Concentration

After-school time can get crazy in most families. Snacks, sports activities, play time, and youth group can all be vying for time and attention with homework. When your child does sit down to work on projects and homework, she may need some extra help to focus and concentrate. Two good oils to try are rosemary and sweet orange. Historically, Rosemary stimulates and enhances the memory while sweet orange uplifts and relieves anxiety. Try diffusing this synergy, using in an inhaler, or making a room spritzer and spray in the air as your child is studying. I’ve made this in a 2 percent dilution, which is just right for pre-schoolers through young teenagers. You can up the oil count a bit for older teens or try a blend of 15 drops Rosemary and 10 peppermint for a stimulating, refreshing aroma. Adjust the amount to your preference.

Study Spritzer
1-oz spray bottle
Distilled water
16 drops sweet orange essential oil
4 drops Rosemary essential oil

If you are using a plastic bottle, make the synergy first in a small glass vial or shot glass. Fill the spray bottle to the “shoulder line” with water (the shoulder line is when the bottle is considered full, not the neck line) and then add the synergy. Shake well before each use. If you like a milder aroma, use a 2-oz spray bottle at the same dilution rate. If you are using a glass spray bottle, you can mix the synergy directly in it and then add the water. Shake well and spray.

3. Immune System

Once kids are back in school, it’s not too long before the first bug hits and absentee calls start flooding the office. 2020 update: with Covid-19 a huge concern, doing what you can to boost the immune system should be the goal. That includes everything from focusing on healthy foods to teaching proper hand washing to using a preventive inhaler.

The idea is to try to strengthen our children’s immune systems so even if they do get sick with any type of illness, it will hopefully be a mild case. This recipe comes courtesy of Jade Shutes of The School for Aromatic Studies.

Preventative Inhaler
15 drops Rosalina
10 drops Frankincense
5 drops Saro
Empty inhaler

Mix the synergy and soak the inhaler pad until it has absorbed the mix. Assemble the inhaler and you’re good to go. I’ve found that most of my inhalers last for months, and they are easy to refresh by adding a few more drops to the pad. You can also purchase replacement pads as well. Your child can take the inhaler to school and use throughout the day. You could also make this synergy and store it in a one-dram bottle, adding 7-10 drops to your diffusor.

4. PMS Help

It’s difficult when girls have to miss out on school or life because of painful menstrual cramps. Most women have memories of missing—or being miserable through—some major event because of PMS woes. The combination of these three oils in a 3 percent dilution of a carrier oil may be enough to help relieve the suffering. Drinking a cup of herbal tea such as chamomile may help too!

Massage Oil for Cramps
1 ounce organic jojoba or sesame or other carrier oil
8 drops Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
6 drops Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
5 drops Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

Combine the synergy first in a glass vial. Fill the bottle halfway with oil and add the synergy. Swirl around or shake gently and add the rest of the oil. Shake again. Massage onto abdominal area.

5. Sleeping

Sometimes children just can’t seem to wind down at night, especially if they’ve been busy with lessons and studies right up until bedtime. There is definitely something to be said for allowing children time to just be kids during the day by building in time for play and de-stressing. But for those nights when sleep just won’t come, essential oils may help. German chamomile (also called Blue chamomile) is one of my favorites. It’s beautiful blue color is soothing and the aroma is milder than Roman chamomile; just to warn you, though, this is an expensive oil. If you don’t have any of the German variety, you could substitute lavender with some sweet marjoram or a drop of Roman chamomile.

Sleepy Massage Oil
1 ounce of carrier oil of your choice
12 drops of German chamomile (1.5% dilution)

Mix the oils together and store in a bottle. Massage onto the bottom of your child’s feet or on the back. The massage is incredibly relaxing, too, and may help calm and settle your child.

These ideas are just the beginning of the way aromatherapy can support a wellness lifestyle. Seek credible advice from a certified aromatherapist or expert in the field. Research as you go and don’t fall for dangerous fads that encourage unwise practices. Safety is your top priority as you explore the wonderful world of holistic health and healing that is aromatherapy. Here’s to an aromatic, successful school year!

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5 Things to Do When the World has Gone Crazy

Wow. The news has been crazy lately.

It seems we have lost our moral compass and the world is going to heck in a hand-basket. Each new day seems to bring a new disaster. Maybe we should all dig a shelter in the back yard and go hole up for the next decade or so. Crackers. Distilled water. Army issue blankets.

But that is not what God has called us to do. Jesus has told us we are the light of the world; a city of refuge on a hill. Christians are to engage, impact and transform the culture, not cut and run, happy that we have our fire insurance.

Not out, but in.

I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.

16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.

19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

John 17:14-19

Verse 15 is kind of rough. Jesus does not pray for God to take us out of the danger and turmoil; He prays for us to be sent in.

Why?

To bring hope. To bring help. To bring Truth. To bring the Gospel. We are the rescue squad. We are of the Word, not the world.

He has placed us here on purpose.

Now read the following verses.

From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. – Acts 17:26 (NIV)

The exact times and places. Think about that. You didn’t just happen to live where and when you live. God has placed you on this planet, in your town, in your workplace, in your family, in this time, with your specific skill set for such a time as this. God knew all your days before he fashioned you. When God laid the foundations of the earth, He CHOSE to strategically place you here and now, knowing exactly the conditions in which He created you to live, work and minister. He placed you here because you have work to do and you can make a difference.

“The restoration of America will not come through our next President– if it happens it will be through people like you.” John Stonestreet

“Christians in the West are living in a grand clarifying moment … In many ways we are in the Thursday evening of Holy Week. The cock has not yet crowed, but the angry crowd who would like to see the end of our Lord in the Western world has already seen and heard enough of our early betrayals to believe that it can count on more, and harry us toward ignominious surrender. So this is no time for cowards, for fence sitters or for those who wish to hedge their bets until they hear the judge’s verdict on the contest.” Os Guiness

When hard times hit, take encouragement from the Word of God.

From the pages of Scripture we learn God never sleeps. He is constantly at work behind the scenes, strategically placing His people for “such a time as this.” We may argue what can one believer amid such great opposition? We need only look back and read how God used Joseph, Daniel or Esther. God only needs ONE willing person to stand in the gap and change the destiny of a nation.

It’s up to you and me. There is no one else. We are the now generation. Will those who come after us find us faithful? Will we step up? Will we do our part? Will we hold our ground and stand in the gap for this generation?

5 things to do when the world has gone crazy.

Speak. Speak up. Speak out. Speak truth. Speak love. We must speak the truth in love about every cultural issue or risk being forever silenced. Yes, we need to pray for wisdom and discernment to speak wisely and in God’s timing. Always pray before you open your mouth. And resolve to NOT speak in a vulgar manner as we see so much on social media. But, find a way to get involved. Click on the link to get involved: Citizens for Community Values
Learn. We must become informed about what is happening in our cities, states and nation. We can no longer afford to sit back and let someone else do the right thing. We can no longer ignore what is happening around us. Click on the following link to get educated: Politics and Current Affairs
Seek: Seek God with all your heart. The only way you can affect the culture for the kingdom of God is if you know His will. You will only learn the will of God from the word of God. Make a commitment to spend time with Jesus each day. Click on the link and start seeking: Seeking God
Pray. Pray about everything. Pray for our government leaders. Pray for wisdom to know how to act and speak. Pray for God to make you willing to take a stand. Keep a prayer journal to help you remember what to pray for and to record answers and thoughts/impressions from God. Don’t wait to get involved until you feel ready. Act today. Please click on the link the join our latest prayer group: 5 Days to Fast and Pray. Finally …
Live. I believe God spoke to me in my sleep the other night. He showed me there is nothing Satan would love more than to shut down the influence of God’s people by scaring them into hiding. Do something beautiful and leave a legacy of hope amid the chaos. Overcome evil with good. Use your gifts. Read your Bible. Continue to minister. Worship God and thank Him for all the good things He’s given you and your family. Help the hurting. Live your life the way God is calling you to live.

By Mary Kane and Jane Vanosdol

Simply Study: Simply Rest

Simply Study

Short-term Bible studies for busy people.

We are glad you are joining us for a week of Bible study. Down below is your Bible study work for this week. Each day consists of two links—one link is the daily scripture reading. The other link is a short Bible study or devotional reading.

We suggest you follow the steps below:

Pray for the Holy Spirit to give you insight and wisdom
Read the scripture portion first
Do the Bible study or devotion
Comment on what you learned from your study time.

Finally, to deepen your experience, ask a couple of friends to join you. You can start a small Bible study group at your house or favorite cafe. God will bless you for the time you spend in Hid word.

In Christ,

Jane and Mary

Day 1: Simple Trust

Simple Trust Scripture

Simple Trust Devotion

Day 2: Simple Sabbath

Simple Sabbath Scripture

Simple Sabbath Devotion

Day 3: Simple Peace

Simple Peace Scripture

Simple Peace Devotion

Day 4: Simple Rest

Simple Rest Scripture

Simple Rest Devotion:

Day 5: Simple Restoration

Simple Restoration Devotion

Simple Restoration Scripture

Click the play button below for a little study music.

Take 5!: How to Know God

” as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.”

2 Peter 1:3-7

Please take a moment to empty your heart of sin and self and ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit. If you haven’t already, please read 2 Peter 1:3-7.

According to verse 3, what has God given us?

Did you notice that God has given us everything we need to live a highly effective successful Christian life? Have you ever thought you were unable to bring a certain area of your life under the control of the Holy Spirit? I know I have. But, God has given us divine power to overcome our flesh and live by the Spirit. An untamed area of sin is no match for the power of God.

How can we begin to unleash the divine power God made available to us (verse 3)?

By knowing God. The original Greek word for knowing used in this verse is epignosis which means precise and correct knowledge, to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know accurately, to know thoroughly, to perceive, ascertain, to understand (BLB). How do we acquire this kind of knowledge of God? By studying His holy word; a cursory glance at a few verses each day won’t cut it. We need to dig in deep, investing our time and ourselves in order to know God.

What else has been given to us (verse 4)?

“Exceedingly great and precious promises” have been given to us, which are recorded in the Bible, enable us to partake of the divine nature of God.

Please list everything we are to add to our faith mentioned in verses 5-7.

Now let’s take a quick at what each of these concepts mean in the original language.

Virtue: a course of thought, feeling and actions concerning modesty, purity and moral excellence.

Knowledge: knowledge of lawful and unlawful things for Christians, right living.

Self-control: “the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, esp. his sensual appetites” (BLB).

Perseverance: the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings.

Godliness: reverence, respect, to be well off, to prosper, acting well, to revere, to worship.

Brotherly kindness: love or affection between friends

Love: the love of God, love that always acts for the best interest of the recipient.

Which of the above virtues do you need God to develop in your life?

If you feel discouraged by lack of progress in one of the above areas, remember you have access to His divine power. And He is greater than your sin. Power up and press on!

Lent: a season of empty to full, simplicity

“For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.” 2 Corinthians 1:12

I like simple.

Simple pleasures, simple foods, simple days. A flower in an unexpected place. A hearty bowl of stew on a cold wintry day, meandering down a country road or an evening with the family gathered in the living room sharing laughs and love … all of these things bring a smile to my face and peace to my soul.

Ironically simplicity requires difficult choices, an iron will, and nerves of steel. The world, your work, and even your own heart will try to sneak in and wreak havoc with a simple life.

Jesus led a simple life. He had one goal: to do His Father’s will. How simple is that? Without a smart phone or iPad (my two mainstays), He managed to turn the world upside down. In order to live a simple life, we must simplify our priorities.

Simple Life Focus:

One command: Love the Lord with all your heart

One commission: Tell the world

One goal: Bring Him Glory

Empty your heart. Fill up with God.

It’s simple.

To learn more about the simple life, simply scroll through the Sway. Have a blessed Lent.

Here is our TalkShoe chat on Simplicity:

Have a simply blessed Lent.