Consistency is the Key to Change

by Barbara Latta

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men knowing that from the Lord you

Consistency is the key to change

will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:23-24 NKJV).

Are you ever frustrated because change in your life avoids you? Do you have hit and miss regularity in tasks, study or goals?

I have struggled with working in consistency for a long time. Maybe I had too many projects, or maybe I was just experiencing lack of discipline. 

One day while reading about laboring to rest in Hebrews, I meditated on that lesson and thought more deeply about God’s rest. Resting means listening, absorbing and turning off everything but God’s Word.

When I rested, I could hear. And what I heard in my spirit was, Consistency is the key.

Consistency is the key? What does that mean, Lord?

Then I remembered that I had been asking Him why my life was filled with so much frustration. It was because I wasn’t disciplined and consistent in anything I was doing. My writing was in bits and pieces, not in a scheduled time like I hear all the successful writing teachers say we should do. Bible reading was when I had time in the morning, or a quick devotion at lunch and the exercise…well let’s just say the treadmill makes a good storage rack.

Consistency and diligence can be twin characteristics. According to the dictionary, consistency is harmony or conduct of practice with profession[1] and the word diligence is defined as steady, earnest and energetic effort: persevering application [2].

My loving heavenly Father was telling me that achievement depended on steadfastness in whatever goal is being pursued. 

Paul lived a life of consistent discipline. Even when he was terrorizing Christians, he never wavered from his goal. His misplaced passion pushed him toward what he thought was a defense of God. After encountering Christ, that same passion was now guided in the right direction. When he was persecuted, he didn’t give in. He didn’t forget the task God had laid upon his shoulders and the world at that time was turned upside down because of his influence. Diligence in his work caused him to write most of the New Testament and his words are still impacting us today.

He wrote from prison. Chains and bonds didn’t stop him. He continued to travel. Shipwrecks and storms didn’t stop him. He was told to keep quiet. Threats didn’t stop him.

He pushed through the hardships of life and pressed toward the prize of the high calling of Christ (Philippians 3:14).

We are all given a high calling from Christ. We are not the Paul’s and Peter’s but we do have a sphere of influence. What we do in our personal lives will spill over into relationships. Constant faithfulness in following Christ and His Words will determine how powerful that impression will be.

The most consistent person who ever lived was Jesus. We have no better example of life and discipline. When people were pulling him in every direction, He still took the time to spend with His Father because it was the most important thing in His life—even when it meant losing sleep and praying all night (Luke 6:12).

If consistency and diligence reign, it’s easier to put priorities in order. When Christ is the most important person in our lives, we can hear what He is saying. Consistency drowns out distractions, strengthens resolve against attacks and builds new habits that can last a lifetime.

The power of consistency has shown me the key to success, and a rewarded life has been my prize.

What have you learned about consistency in your life? Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

Consistency is the key to change (click to tweet)

This post is an excerpt from my contribution in the Lighthouse Bible Studies compilation, The Power to Make a Difference which is a collection of short Bible studies written by 27 authors. It is available at Amazon and Lighthouse Bible Studies. 

Visit my Amazon author page here.

[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consistency

[2] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diligence

The horror of Roe v Wade

by Barbara Latta

Despite scientific evidence of life at conception, secular humanists, atheists and liberals continue the fight disguised as a women’s health care to promote abortion on demand.

The battle has gone so far now as to killing a full-term baby after birth if the mother decides she doesn’t want it. None of their other excuses have anything to do with women’s health, but how this latest act can be promoted as health care only exposes their power-hungry agenda and lack of respect for human life. This same group will push aggressively to protect eagle eggs, baby seals and whales from extinction but a human is relegated to tissue that can be discarded.

Since 1973, when the Supreme Court made abortion on demand legal, over 60 million abortions have been recorded. The worldwide data is over 1 BILLION since 1980. And the total is probably more as this is the recorded data. 

This is one of the most selfish acts a person can commit. Actress Alyssa Milano had two abortions because she stated she was not ready to be a parent and she had a future and a career. But there was no future for those two babies.

God tells us in His word, Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you (Jeremiah 1:5a).

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them (Psalm 139:14-16 NASB).

This is by no means a condemnation to those who have experienced abortion. God has extended forgiveness for all sin through Jesus Christ. It is up to us to receive that gift from Him. 

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1)

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us (Psalm 103:12).

But it is a condemnation of the legislation, the fight to keep the law, and the lack of regard for humanity by those who are only concerned about their power and money. Ronald Reagan said, "I've  noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born." 

The anniversary of Roe v. Wade only brings us more aware of the horror we have allowed into our society. Because of the 60 million babies who have died in the United States alone, the effect they would have had on society is gone. Millions of teachers, preachers, parents, doctors, lawyers, politicians, business leaders, scientists and citizens don’t exist. And neither do the children they would have had.

May we continue the fight to protect life. For help in finding pro-life aid or defending the unborn here are a few resources:

National Right to Life https://www.nrlc.org/

National Institute of Family and Life Advocates https://nifla.org/

Silent No More https://www.silentnomoreawareness.org/Index.aspx

Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

The anniversary of Roe v. Wade only brings us more aware ofthe horror we have allowed into society (click to tweet)

In our busy world, can we really be still and know God?

by Barbara Latta

Do you have a word to focus on for 2020?

Finding a word for the year has become a trending activity and it helps us grow in the area we have chosen. This makes an easier goal setting task for me than making a list of resolutions.

As I was praying about what word I should use for this year, I heard “listen.”

Along with that word came Psalm 46:10, Be still and know that I am God.

In our busy world, can we really be still and know God?

The words “be still” may not mean for us to completely stop moving all the time, but there is an amazing difference when we take a few minutes to stop everything – TV, social media, work, music and just ponder God. In our busy activity, just stop and be still.

Our world is so overwhelming with busyness and noise, we think we don’t have time to be still. We need to finish the “to do” list. But if your list is like mine it never gets to the end anyway.

So, this year I want to stop more often. Yes, just do nothing for a few minutes every day and just listen.

Listen. Rest. Refresh.

What is He saying right now at this time to me?

What do I need to study in His Word?

Keep the mind still.

The New American Standard Version says, “cease striving.”

Stop being anxious.

Trust Him.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV).

This is one of my favorite go-to scriptures. And this describes “cease striving.”

This says to me to stop trying to make things happen and just follow His Word.

Rest in His arms and absorb Him.

Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your high God, above politics, above everything (Psalm 46:10 The Message).

Above politics, yes! As we get away from everything negative we can refocus on the positive God who loves us and is above everything.

Do you have a word for the New Year?

Feel free to share your thoughts and vision for 2020.

Listen to God, be still and cease striving. Do not beanxious about anything (click to tweet)

New Year Confessions

by Barbara Latta

As we start a new year, it would be a great time to evaluate our self talk. I have created a confession card for you to print as a reminder of who you are in Christ. Just click the link below.

I pray God's richest blessings upon you and thank you for being a loyal reader of Navigating Life's Curves.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts for the New Year.

My Confession Card

New Year Confession card to print (click to tweet) 

The War is Over...Between God and Man

by Barbara Latta

“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:8-14).

Peace on earth is often associated with Christmas because of this message in the book of Luke. But political peace was not the focus of the proclamation from the angel.

The Romans still had a stronghold on the tiny country of Israel when the announcement was made. The land was trampled years later, and the temple desecrated. 

War has remained for centuries (Mark 13).

So where is this peace the angel shouted from the heavens?

They were not declaring peace on earth, but peace toward men from God. The enmity caused by sin was over.

Jesus Himself said He did not come to bring peace but a sword (Matthew 10: 34-39) and He told his followers there would always be wars and rumors of war. One of the signs of the end times is people will be fighting among themselves more and more. (Matthew 24).

The life and teachings of the Son of God causes division among people because to follow Him one must give up their own way of life and surrender to His. This causes a dying of the flesh and sometimes a dying of relationships. Division and enmity can be the result.

But Jesus’ peace dwells in the hearts of men when a selfish heart kneels in surrender to Him.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you” (John 14:27) – this is the peace the angels were

talking about.

Men fight among themselves because they do not have peace within. When a heart is in turmoil, a person tries to compensate with actions to try to fill the void. Addictions and evil behavior can result.  But only Jesus can calm the soul and bring peace to life.

Without peace we feel condemned and shamed. Guilt resides and reminds us of past sins. Paul wrote “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2). We are not under condemnation for sin any longer. When we do sin, God does not condemn us because Jesus took the punishment once and for all time.

And this is why Jesus was born.

May you celebrate Christmas with peace in your heart because the war is over. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

The war is over between God and man (click to tweet)

Breaking Tradition Regarding the Location of the Bethlehem Manger

by Barbara Latta

Our information regarding the birth of Christ is limited to the details laid out in Matthew and Luke. Isaiah spoke of the virgin birth in Isaiah 7:14 and Micah 5:2 lets us know his birthplace will be Bethlehem. But there is another verse in Micah that is sometimes overlooked that tells us a more specific location and breaks tradition about the location of the Bethlehem manger.  

And you, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, to you shall it come, even the former dominion shall come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem (Micah 4:8 NKJV).

Movies and Christmas plays always portray Mary riding into Bethlehem on a donkey while labor pains are attacking her body as if she is about to give birth on the back of the animal. Joseph frantically runs from place to place knocking on doors to find a place to stay and gets doors slammed in his face with the response of “No room at the inn.”

No Room at the Inn

The word inn comes from the Greek word kataluma and also means upper room, not necessarily a motel. In biblical times, families extended hospitality to other family members who were traveling and sometimes to strangers. No room at the inn could simply mean the upper rooms were all full by the time Mary and Joseph arrived. The scripture also states, So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered (Luke 2:6 NKJV).. They could have been in Bethlehem for days or even weeks before baby Jesus arrived.

Sacrificial Lambs

I have read several articles that seem to agree that Midgal Eder, which means Tower of the Flock,

could have been the place of birth that Micah 4:8 speaks of.

This was a field were special shepherds were raising sheep for the temple sacrifices, which was on the edge of Bethlehem at Migdal Eder. The Tower of the Flock was a place where the ewes were laid when they were about the give birth. The lamb that was born was then swaddled in cloth to prevent any injury or blemish from marring the body. Perfection was the qualification for the sacrificial lambs. This field was separate from other sheepfolds as it only was used for this purpose.

When the angels gave the announcement to the shepherds, this group of men would have known the significance of the sign of the Messiah’s birth. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger...(Luke 2:7)  This would tell them to go to find the Lamb of God at The Tower of the Flock because they would have been familiar with the prophecies in Micah.

As the infant laid in the manger, which would have been a stone trough not a wooden box, he was swaddled in cloth. At his death, he was laid on a stone slab and wrapped in linen. The Lamb of God was born to die. 

The Significance of Swaddling Clothes

Bethlehem could have been filled with babies wrapped in swaddling clothes, but none of them would have been in a manger at the Tower of the Flock.

Only the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world was born at the place the sacrificial lambs were born. The lambs born at Migdal Eder were swaddled to prevent any blemishes from making them imperfect. The Lamb of God was swaddled at Midgal Eder because He was without blemish.

Where else could the Son of God be born except in the House of God (Beth-El or Bethlehem) at the place were sacrificial lambs were born?

Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

How does this information change your traditional views of the manger? Share your thoughts.

Breaking tradition with the location of the Bethlehem manger(click to tweet)

The significance of swaddling clothes (click to tweet)

Jesus' Birth Certificate

by Barbara Latta

Babies are born every day all over the world. In America, we record the details of the birth on a legal document to certify the parents and vital information about the child. This is then recorded at the proper entity for the state where the birth occurred, and the child is legally a part of the family.

Family ancestry searches have become a popular pastime and profitable business. Information revealed about past relatives can be fun and informative, and in some cases may be a way to make claims to property or find unknown relatives.

In biblical times, genealogies were an important part of Jewish custom. The kingly lines were kept intact in precise detail by scribes to preserve the heritage. Jesus’ earthly ancestry is recorded both in Matthew and Luke with some differences. Scholars have debated over the reasons for the discrepancies, but the most popular theory is that Matthew traces Jesus’ line back to Abraham thus showing Jesus as the promised Messiah. Luke’s line traces through Mary’s ancestry back to Adam’s son Seth to reveal Him as the Son of Man and the second Adam. (Matthew 1: 1-17 and Luke 3:23-38).

By having these details recorded in scripture, no one could debate the line Jesus came from. He was the Seed promised in the Garden of Eden to crush Satan’s head. He was from the royal line of David to rule as King. Even though Jesus did not inherit Mary’s fallen bloodline, He had to be born as a human to complete the work of defeating Satan the way Adam was supposed to.

Jesus had three women with soiled reputations in His genealogy—Tamar, Ruth and Bathsheba. Ruth was not a Hebrew, she was from an idol worshipping country. This shows that Jesus came for the entire world and not just the Jews. His love is open to all who will receive Him, and when He is received lives are changed and soiled reputations transform into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

An heir to a royal throne will have a different demeanor than ordinary citizens. When we realize we are a part of the royal family of God, we will walk in our royal right and know what belongs to us; not in arrogance, but in the humility of Christ as servants of His on this earth. We are here to minister to others the love and grace of God, but also to walk in our authority to crush the work of the devil as he tries to spread lies and deception. (Ephesians 6:10-18).

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name (John 1: 12).

We become a part of the family of God through the blood of Christ. For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named (Ephesians 3:14-15).

When we believe on His name and accept His sacrifice we are welcomed into the family of God. We are written in the Book of Life and our born-again birth certificate is final. No one can erase or take our names out of His book. We are certified in heaven because we are now children of God. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels (Revelation 3:5).

Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will (Ephesians 1:4-5).

Beloved, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1).

Jesus was born so that we could also be born—into the family of God.

During this Christmas season, may we take time to reflect on our spiritual heritage and the gift that our Father has given to us through Jesus' birth certificate. 

Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

Jesus' birth certificate gives us the right to be born into the family of God (click to tweet)