RSVP—Is It A Lost Art?

By Sherri Holbert –

A holiday party? Wow, that sounds like a fun way to kick off the Christmas season. A costume party? Exciting! I think I’ll be Cinderella. A backyard BBQ? Love her potato salad! We all enjoy getting an invitation in the mail. As invitees we are flattered, yet we don’t make it a priority to RSVP.

RSVP literally means repondez s’il vous plait, or please reply. Why do we fail to reply? Are we so busy that we’re afraid to commit to the date? Do we have so many invitations that we can’t decide which event to attend? Is our booked, minute-to-minute schedule not allowing us 30 seconds to find our way to the phone to say yes or no to the invitation?

Think about attending a party in heaven. God has sent out invitations for us to join Him in heaven for a glamorous reception. The invitations are written in crimson red and they are very expensive. They cost Him the price of His son’s life. What if we failed to RSVP to such a powerful invitation?

Fortunately, God is always prepared for the party. He knows each guest attending. We can be assured there will be plenty of food on the buffet table. The punch fountain will be overflowing. The floral centerpieces will be lavish and fresh. The band will play all night.

Are you ready to accept His invitation? Will you find the time to call in your RSVP so that you are prepared for this amazing party?

It’s important to respect the host who is preparing for you, therefore allowing no excuse for ignoring an RSVP. From an eternal perspective, an RSVP is not optional. We don’t yet know the date of this grand party but the invitation has been sent. The Host is ready to accept you with open arms.

How can we make sure the art of a proper heavenly RSVP is not lost?

• Respond to God’s invitation to join him in heaven. (Say yes to make Jesus your Lord and Savior.)
• Serve God by serving others.
• View your time on earth as preparation for the rewards you will receive in heaven.
• Plan daily time to learn from God’s Word.

The next time you RSVP to a party invitation, think about how exciting it will be to attend the best party of your life in heaven.

PRAYER: Father, help me to focus on You as the priority of my life and to realize how important an R.S.V.P. is to Your party. I don’t want to miss the party of a lifetime.

You Can Run But You Can’t Hide

By Sherri Holbert –

I received the call. She said, “You know how most girlfriends call and say, do you want to go to the beach for the weekend? I’m calling to see if you’d like to go on a mission trip to Pakistan!”

My first reaction…Of course not! Are you crazy? Never wanted to go to the Middle East and I certainly don’t want to go to Pakistan. Do you know how dangerous it is there?

I was currently going through Priscilla Shirer’s study:  Jonah – Navigating a Life Interrupted.  Through this study it was clear to me that God was allowing several “interruptions” to shake up my spiritual walk. I felt that I needed to step out of my comfort zone and grow my faith in some different areas of my life. God asks Jonah to go to Ninevah and spread the word in one of the most dangerous and volatile areas and to people that Jonah simply does not like because of their hate for God. If you know the story you know Jonah runs, gets swallowed by a large fish and three days later is spit up; he finally resigns to the fact that he can’t run and he must obey.

Believe me. I have so much more compassion for Jonah now. I wanted to be just like him after I got the call! I wanted to run. Despite the fear, here’s what I know. God has a bigger plan than I can see. He is a God of details and will work them out for us. Yes, He asks us to step out of our comfort zone and that may cause some fear but we can be assured that He will never put us in a situation He can’t control. I leave in two days and I am telling myself, “Fear not. God is with me.”

Here’s my challenge to you. As you think about spiritual goals you’d like to accomplish this year, what will take your spiritual walk to a deeper level? Are you playing it too safe? Is there an area in your life you feel God wants you to experience a little fear so that you have to put more trust in Him? Do you trust Him enough to step out of your comfort zone?

I have chosen not to run. I can’t promise the trip will be easy or even safe. I doubt I will be swallowed by a fish. I’m more likely to be trampled by a camel. What I do know is when we obey, God provides all we need.

PRAYER: Father, provide us with safe travels in our daily life whether taking a trip out of the country or simply going to work. We know You provide us with protection, guidance and wisdom in all circumstances we encounter. Help us step out of our comfort zone and past the fear in order to do Your will.

BIBLE VERSE: “The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed/” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV).

Where Are You God?

By Sherri Holbert –

God’s Word tells us He works all things for our good. Why do we sometimes struggle with this concept when in the midst of stressful situations? Perhaps you’ve been laid off from your job. For a year you’ve been prayerfully looking for a new job to no avail. Now your savings account is almost depleted. You were faithful and purposeful in your marriage but your spouse didn’t play by the same rules and you are dealing with divorce. You raised your children with a solid, Christian foundation yet now find yourself dealing with a prodigal.

“God, where are You in this? Why am I going through such hardships? I’m spending daily prayer time with You, I’m faithful with tithing, I’m connected and serving at church. When will You show up and direct me to something better?” Have you ever found yourself asking these questions?

John Chapter 11 gives us three solid points assuring us that when we experience painful and difficult times God knows what He is doing:

1)      God always has a plan. His plan will help us strengthen our faith. God will always work things out for our good (vs. 2).
2)      God’s timing is always perfect. He’s not late. He’s not early (vs. 4-6).
3)      God is building our faith in our circumstances. He is working in our lives to change us for His glory (vs. 11-15).

How can we apply these concepts to our personal life during tough times? We must seek God. Ask Him to teach us how to walk in complete trust knowing His plan is perfect. Hold on to the promises He has made to us through His Word in the following scriptures: Do not be afraid (Isaiah 41:10). Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). God will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:13).We have redemption through Christ’s blood (Ephesians 1:7).

PRAYER:  Father, I am so thankful You are a God of purpose and plans. Help me focus on Your sovereignty when I am going through trials. When my faith is lacking and I question where I am going, help me remember that You have designed me for a specific purpose.

“God not only loves you very much but also has put His hand on you for something special” (1 Thessalonians 1:4 The Message).

Princess Run

By Sherri Holbert –

“Dear God, please make sure someone is behind me that can read this. If found on the side of the road, drag me across the finish line.” This was one of my favorite t-shirt sayings for my first half marathon, the Disney Princess Run.

It was indeed a magical experience! Tiaras, pink tutus, crystal bling and magic wands adorned the 16,000 princess runners. My tiara made me feel like Cinderella even though my running shoes had no resemblance to pretty, glass slippers!

I found humor in the t-shirt phrase at the beginning of the race. As I began to sweat and “sparkle” after a few miles, I realized that running 13.1 miles is no easy feat without the proper training plan.

During practice the key training goal is to increase your endurance through long distance runs. This isn’t about speed. The goal is simply to finish the run while incorporating some walk breaks in order to maintain strength and a slow breathing pattern. On race day I felt confident I had prepared myself to simply enjoy the journey, cross the finish line and receive my princess medallion.

Our spiritual run also requires dedicated training. We must train ourselves to spend daily time with God even when we have other deadlines on our agenda. We must devote ourselves to intimate, uninterrupted prayer time with our personal Trainer. We must commit to spiritual strength-training even when our muscles are tired. In this heavenly race, our goal is to finish while giving God our personal best.

Are you confident with your spiritual training plan? Are you committed to doing the hard work now so you can cross the finish line with ease? I believe we all desire to receive a first place medallion for a job well done once we enter the Heavenly Princess Run.

PRAYER: Father, help me to keep my training plan focused on You. Help me to schedule priority time for endurance training through daily quiet time and prayer.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NIV).

Today’s devotion is by Sherri Holbert, a co-founder of Walk of Purpose ministries. Read more of her inspirational devotions in DIVAS of the Divine: How to Live as a Designer Original in a Knock-Off World. Study or check out her blog at www.walkofpurpose.blogspot.com.

Movie Star In the Making

By Sherri Holbert –

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Did you want to be a fireman, a princess, the President of the United States, an astronaut? Are you living that dream today? I wanted to be a movie star. As adults, most of us can’t see ourselves on the big screen, as a fireman, leading our country, sprinkling fairy dust, or making a trip to the moon.

But in childhood we have a zillion grand things we’d like to be. As we grow and develop, we change our minds and learn new things that appeal to us. God provides us with new experiences that shape who we are and what we are to become. God also puts nuggets of dreams and hopes inside of us but many times we don’t live out these dreams because of fear.

Fear is why my name is not on the big screen in your hometown. I let others talk me out of my dream. They said, “You’ll never make it. The odds aren’t good. You can’t make a decent living. You’ll be a waitress to supplement your acting career.” I let fear allow me to change career paths but God still had a plan for me. He was equipping me for my future “movie star” role.

I have come to realize I am the movie star in my own life! I can produce my own script. I can be a star who inspires others and helps them reach their dreams—maybe not from the big screen but from a local community stage, in a conversation with my girlfriends, or as a life coach willing to motivate and encourage others to overcome fear and follow the dreams God has put in their hearts.

God has equipped us for whatever star role we decide to pursue. He gives us skills, knowledge and strengths to help us live out our dreams. What do you want to be when you grow up?  Will you be obedient to God’s script for your life?  What are you waiting for?

PRAYER: God, thank You for being the Screen Director of my life and equipping me with a Grammy-winning script that inspires and motivates others.

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4 NIV).

This devotion is by Sherri Holbert, a life coach, author and co-founder of Walk of Purpose Ministries. Her study, DIVAS of the Divine:  How to Live as a Designer Original in a Knock-Off World guides you through setting a step-by-step plan in place to help you accomplish the changes you want to make in your life. Learn more at www.walkofpurpose.com

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