Luke 2:10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."
A dear friend of mine closes her e-mails with these three simple words: I Choose Joy.
I, too, choose Joy! It is my prayer that you all choose Joy this Christmas and always. I invite you to read the account of Jesus' birth in Luke 2:1-20. You will be blessed by the good news of God's great Joy He gave to all of us.
I choose Joy because He is my Rock, my Refuge and my Fortress.
Psalm 71:3 Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
I choose Joy because He is my Healer.
Luke 9:11 ...but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.
I choose Joy because He is my Helper.
Isaiah 41:13 For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
I choose Joy because He is Faithful.
Psalm 117:2 For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD.
I choose Joy because He is my Comforter.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
I choose Joy because He is my Counselor.
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
I choose Joy because He is my Peace.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I choose Joy because He is my Creator.
Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I choose Joy because He is my Savior.
Luke 2:11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Joy. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ. I pray that everyone will come to know You and experience the Joy that only You can bring to their lives. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Tragedy
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 59:16 But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love, for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 62:5-6 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 63:7-8 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Twenty little children and six adults were victims of a horrible tragedy yesterday. Senseless tragedies like these can severely test one's faith. We feel deep sorrow. Our hearts break for the families. We want answers. Why did this happen? How could this be? Sometimes, the answer is we just don't know.
Yesterday evening, after a day of following the news of the massacre in Newtown, CT, I chose to turn off the TV news for the night. I logged off FaceBook, and turned off the on-line news links. With a heavy heart, I curled up on the couch and read my Bible -- I opened it to Psalms and let the writings of David wash over me.
As I read my Bible, I didn't find the answers... but I found comfort. I found hope. I found a promise of peace. And that is what I am offering in this post today. No answers, no explanations, no discussions of how to stop this from happening again... just comfort, hope and peace. I pray the Scriptures bless you today at this tragic time.
Dear Heavenly Father, our hearts are broken today. We cannot understand what has happened or why. LORD, I pray for the innocent victims. I pray for all the little children who are in your arms tonight. I pray for the adult heroes who so valiantly gave their lives. I pray for the the families and friends who have so tragically lost their loved ones to something so horrific and senseless. Father, I just pray that these dear families run to You for solace. I pray that they find their comfort, courage and strength in You. I pray You will be their refuge, their source of comfort and relief in these times of trouble.
LORD, I cannot understand how any of these dear families affected by this tragedy will ever, ever have peace in their lives. That is why I will pray that they do receive that peace someday. The peace that Paul describes in Your Word. The peace that passes all understanding. I pray this all in the mighty healing, comforting name of Jesus. Amen.
Psalm 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 59:16 But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love, for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.
Psalm 62:5-6 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 63:7-8 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 119:147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Twenty little children and six adults were victims of a horrible tragedy yesterday. Senseless tragedies like these can severely test one's faith. We feel deep sorrow. Our hearts break for the families. We want answers. Why did this happen? How could this be? Sometimes, the answer is we just don't know.
Yesterday evening, after a day of following the news of the massacre in Newtown, CT, I chose to turn off the TV news for the night. I logged off FaceBook, and turned off the on-line news links. With a heavy heart, I curled up on the couch and read my Bible -- I opened it to Psalms and let the writings of David wash over me.
As I read my Bible, I didn't find the answers... but I found comfort. I found hope. I found a promise of peace. And that is what I am offering in this post today. No answers, no explanations, no discussions of how to stop this from happening again... just comfort, hope and peace. I pray the Scriptures bless you today at this tragic time.
Dear Heavenly Father, our hearts are broken today. We cannot understand what has happened or why. LORD, I pray for the innocent victims. I pray for all the little children who are in your arms tonight. I pray for the adult heroes who so valiantly gave their lives. I pray for the the families and friends who have so tragically lost their loved ones to something so horrific and senseless. Father, I just pray that these dear families run to You for solace. I pray that they find their comfort, courage and strength in You. I pray You will be their refuge, their source of comfort and relief in these times of trouble.
LORD, I cannot understand how any of these dear families affected by this tragedy will ever, ever have peace in their lives. That is why I will pray that they do receive that peace someday. The peace that Paul describes in Your Word. The peace that passes all understanding. I pray this all in the mighty healing, comforting name of Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Prayers For Our Children
1 Samuel 1:27-28 "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there.
I love these verses in 1 Samuel. They form the base for my prayers for my children. The verses remind me that the very best place for Michael and Sarah to be is in His will, firmly planted and walking on the path He has ordained for them.
I encourage you to take the time to read 1 Samuel chapters 1 and 2. Samuel was a prophet of God during the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. These chapters include the tender account of Samuel's mother, Hannah, who was barren and tell how God answered her prayer for a child. After Samuel was born and weaned, Hannah gave her beloved son Samuel, the child she so desperately prayed for, to the LORD to be raised in the temple; serving Him. Samuel's entire life was dedicated to the LORD... he became a prophet, and anointed Israel's first two kings, Saul and David. What mighty plans God had for Samuel! What courage, faithfulness and trust Hannah had in the LORD!
My own children are 15 and 13 years old. I can honestly say that when they were younger, I did not pray this prayer of surrender. Yes, I prayed for them; but I was wary of giving them over to God. I must admit that I wanted all the control; and I thought that only I would be the best controller, manager, planner, comforter, fixer, teacher... in their lives. It was only after drawing closer to God myself, learning to trust Him, and making Him the Center of my own life, did I realize that I needed to trust Him with the lives of my children -- the same children he knit together in my womb, (Psalm 139:13) the same children who's every hair on their head He has numbered. (Matthew 10:30)
Now, like Hannah, I willingly give my children to Him every day. I truly see the fruit of this prayer of surrender as He works in their lives. I gratefully accept His guidance as my husband and I intentionally parent Michael and Sarah as they mature into a new season of their lives. I am humbled that He chose my husband and me to love, nurture, and parent these two amazing children. But there is no question that they have become who they are because God is in their lives. His path and purpose is best, and I pray that the LORD would actually bind them tightly to Him. So tight that they could never be torn from Him.
I encourage you to pray for your children and give them to the LORD; place them in His temple and His care. Every day. Pray that His will be done, not yours. Ask God for His guidance and discernment. Daily seek His wisdom in raising your children... because even with our best parenting intentions, we can unintentionally guide our children off His course. God will not take them off His path. His plan is always perfect for their lives.
Dear Heavenly Father, You knit my children together; You are their Creator; You are their Heavenly Father. You knew Michael and Sarah before they were born. Your plans were ordained for them in your book before one of their days came to be. (Psalm 139:16) LORD, I place them in Your temple, I leave them in Your sanctuary. I pray for Your guidance, wisdom and discernment as my husband and I love and parent these children You have entrusted to us. Help us to make decisions that are clearly part of Your purpose and path for them. I am so very grateful for Your promise that You have them in the palm of Your hand and You will never let them go. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
I love these verses in 1 Samuel. They form the base for my prayers for my children. The verses remind me that the very best place for Michael and Sarah to be is in His will, firmly planted and walking on the path He has ordained for them.
I encourage you to take the time to read 1 Samuel chapters 1 and 2. Samuel was a prophet of God during the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. These chapters include the tender account of Samuel's mother, Hannah, who was barren and tell how God answered her prayer for a child. After Samuel was born and weaned, Hannah gave her beloved son Samuel, the child she so desperately prayed for, to the LORD to be raised in the temple; serving Him. Samuel's entire life was dedicated to the LORD... he became a prophet, and anointed Israel's first two kings, Saul and David. What mighty plans God had for Samuel! What courage, faithfulness and trust Hannah had in the LORD!
My own children are 15 and 13 years old. I can honestly say that when they were younger, I did not pray this prayer of surrender. Yes, I prayed for them; but I was wary of giving them over to God. I must admit that I wanted all the control; and I thought that only I would be the best controller, manager, planner, comforter, fixer, teacher... in their lives. It was only after drawing closer to God myself, learning to trust Him, and making Him the Center of my own life, did I realize that I needed to trust Him with the lives of my children -- the same children he knit together in my womb, (Psalm 139:13) the same children who's every hair on their head He has numbered. (Matthew 10:30)
Now, like Hannah, I willingly give my children to Him every day. I truly see the fruit of this prayer of surrender as He works in their lives. I gratefully accept His guidance as my husband and I intentionally parent Michael and Sarah as they mature into a new season of their lives. I am humbled that He chose my husband and me to love, nurture, and parent these two amazing children. But there is no question that they have become who they are because God is in their lives. His path and purpose is best, and I pray that the LORD would actually bind them tightly to Him. So tight that they could never be torn from Him.
I encourage you to pray for your children and give them to the LORD; place them in His temple and His care. Every day. Pray that His will be done, not yours. Ask God for His guidance and discernment. Daily seek His wisdom in raising your children... because even with our best parenting intentions, we can unintentionally guide our children off His course. God will not take them off His path. His plan is always perfect for their lives.
Dear Heavenly Father, You knit my children together; You are their Creator; You are their Heavenly Father. You knew Michael and Sarah before they were born. Your plans were ordained for them in your book before one of their days came to be. (Psalm 139:16) LORD, I place them in Your temple, I leave them in Your sanctuary. I pray for Your guidance, wisdom and discernment as my husband and I love and parent these children You have entrusted to us. Help us to make decisions that are clearly part of Your purpose and path for them. I am so very grateful for Your promise that You have them in the palm of Your hand and You will never let them go. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
It's Just a Little Bit...
Judges 21:25 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Jeremiah 8:12 Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
I pray that the Holy Spirit will help me to write this blog post with gentleness and love. My hope is not to condemn, but to encourage and guide...
We are vessels for the Holy Spirit. God works through us to affect people in our path. He has a divine purpose for each of our lives, He loves us, and He wants us to draw near to Him. However, it grieves Him when we choose to fill ourselves with what the world is offering us now. It grieves God when we choose to reject His ways.
Throughout Scripture, God's people consistently turn from Him and choose ways that are far from God. This is evident from the very beginning with the account of Adam and Eve, as well as in the historical accounts of His people throughout the Bible, and in our present time. There is not enough space on this page to highlight all of the examples in Scripture; however, two verses stood out to me over the past week which made me think of the times we are living in today. As in the dark times of the Judges, people are living in such a way that everyone does as they see fit, and as the LORD states in Jeremiah, many people in our world today have no more shame. We don't even know how to blush anymore...
Where has our shame gone? Movies, TV shows, music, books, the internet, and magazines, pour out images and ideas to us and to our children that grieve God. However, He is not surprised. In Scripture, God clearly tells us that these times will come -- but He also tells us what He expects from us as His followers, His children.
My pastor has used a great visual in the past that I will share with you. He asks someone if they are thirsty and offers them a bottled water. The thirsty person accepts the bottle graciously. But before the recipient drinks it, our pastor stops them and gives a little more information... Our pastor shares how just before he offered the water, he went into one of the stalls in the church bathroom and opened the bottle. He then took a toothpick, dipped the toothpick very quickly in the toilet water, then very quickly dipped the same toothpick into the bottled water, pulled the toothpick out very quickly and put the cap back on the bottle. And the pastor shares that it really shouldn't matter -- because the toilets at the church are kept very, very clean and he just dipped the toothpick in really, really quickly. So, why wouldn't you want to drink the water now? It's really not so bad...
While most of us wouldn't drink the bottle of water because it is detestable to us, why then would we let things that are detestable to the LORD be poured into us or our children? Even just quickly; even for only a little bit? The point of the visual is that, yes, it truly does matter. You and your children are vessels which God uses for His good. Please don't choose to drink in the sinfulness of this world. Even for a little bit. Choose to drink in everything that glorifies your Heavenly Father.
Our God is faithful, loving and wants us to make choices that please Him. Philippians 4:8 is a good example of how God teaches us through Scripture, how to discern what is pleasing to Him. If it doesn't follow God's guidelines, don't invite it into your mind. Guard your children's minds. I am writing this with the risk of being called a prude, or someone not in touch with reality, or someone who is expecting people to do the impossible. But I truly believe it matters... I am just writing what is in my heart.
Dear Heavenly Father, I am truly thankful that Your Word teaches us who You are and gives us a guide of discernment for our lives. I am humbled and thankful that You are working in my life and helping me to make the choices that You want me to make. I thank You that as I draw closer to You, something has happened to my choices. What used to "not really bother me" now truly hurts my soul. Thank You LORD, for being my Guide, my Light, and my Redeemer. Amen.
Jeremiah 8:12 Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me -- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
I pray that the Holy Spirit will help me to write this blog post with gentleness and love. My hope is not to condemn, but to encourage and guide...
We are vessels for the Holy Spirit. God works through us to affect people in our path. He has a divine purpose for each of our lives, He loves us, and He wants us to draw near to Him. However, it grieves Him when we choose to fill ourselves with what the world is offering us now. It grieves God when we choose to reject His ways.
Throughout Scripture, God's people consistently turn from Him and choose ways that are far from God. This is evident from the very beginning with the account of Adam and Eve, as well as in the historical accounts of His people throughout the Bible, and in our present time. There is not enough space on this page to highlight all of the examples in Scripture; however, two verses stood out to me over the past week which made me think of the times we are living in today. As in the dark times of the Judges, people are living in such a way that everyone does as they see fit, and as the LORD states in Jeremiah, many people in our world today have no more shame. We don't even know how to blush anymore...
Where has our shame gone? Movies, TV shows, music, books, the internet, and magazines, pour out images and ideas to us and to our children that grieve God. However, He is not surprised. In Scripture, God clearly tells us that these times will come -- but He also tells us what He expects from us as His followers, His children.
My pastor has used a great visual in the past that I will share with you. He asks someone if they are thirsty and offers them a bottled water. The thirsty person accepts the bottle graciously. But before the recipient drinks it, our pastor stops them and gives a little more information... Our pastor shares how just before he offered the water, he went into one of the stalls in the church bathroom and opened the bottle. He then took a toothpick, dipped the toothpick very quickly in the toilet water, then very quickly dipped the same toothpick into the bottled water, pulled the toothpick out very quickly and put the cap back on the bottle. And the pastor shares that it really shouldn't matter -- because the toilets at the church are kept very, very clean and he just dipped the toothpick in really, really quickly. So, why wouldn't you want to drink the water now? It's really not so bad...
While most of us wouldn't drink the bottle of water because it is detestable to us, why then would we let things that are detestable to the LORD be poured into us or our children? Even just quickly; even for only a little bit? The point of the visual is that, yes, it truly does matter. You and your children are vessels which God uses for His good. Please don't choose to drink in the sinfulness of this world. Even for a little bit. Choose to drink in everything that glorifies your Heavenly Father.
Our God is faithful, loving and wants us to make choices that please Him. Philippians 4:8 is a good example of how God teaches us through Scripture, how to discern what is pleasing to Him. If it doesn't follow God's guidelines, don't invite it into your mind. Guard your children's minds. I am writing this with the risk of being called a prude, or someone not in touch with reality, or someone who is expecting people to do the impossible. But I truly believe it matters... I am just writing what is in my heart.
Dear Heavenly Father, I am truly thankful that Your Word teaches us who You are and gives us a guide of discernment for our lives. I am humbled and thankful that You are working in my life and helping me to make the choices that You want me to make. I thank You that as I draw closer to You, something has happened to my choices. What used to "not really bother me" now truly hurts my soul. Thank You LORD, for being my Guide, my Light, and my Redeemer. Amen.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Simple Blessings
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Sometimes God brings people into our life and causes them to cross our path, if only for a brief moment. Our Heavenly Father works through them to give us a blessing and a warm embrace.
Yesterday, God blessed me through an unexpected visitor who came to our Bible Study small group. Yvette is visiting from Puerto Rico and is the mother-in-law of a dear woman in my group. On the surface, Yvette does not stand out in any way, until you see her kind eyes and warm smile. She is a woman who exudes a pure and deep love for her Heavenly Father; a woman who clearly loves the LORD with all her heart. She has experienced times of great joy and also great sorrow in her life. Our paths only crossed for such a brief moment in time, and may never cross again, yet God used her to speak words of wisdom and peace.
Yvette spoke about being thankful in times of trial and how the LORD would soothe her as she went to sleep at night after experiencing great sorrow in her life. She prayed to her Heavenly Father and began to count her blessings. She started by simply being thankful for breathing, for food on her table to eat, for a bed and a warm blanket to wrap around her... until she drifted off to sleep, held in her Father's love. Yvette clearly radiates that she is one of God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved. She clothes herself with compassion, kindness, and humility. Gentleness and patience. (Col 3:12) As we got up to leave, Yvette embraced me with the most comforting hug... as if Jesus was hugging me through her. As if she was a warm blanket of love being wrapped around me.
I pray that you all experience someone in your life who affects you in this way. Even for just a moment in time. Someone who loves the LORD and feels just like a warm blanket that wraps around you... the really soft and fluffy kind of blanket. Or you can be that warm blanket to someone in your life, radiating God's grace and love. Let the LORD use you to bless someone today.
Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for blessing me with so many people in my life who are soft, warm blankets for me. Thank You for working through people in our lives, as You show Your love for us. LORD, if You want me to be that person to someone in my path, I pray you will work through me to wrap that person in Your love. I pray this all in the loving name of Jesus, Amen.
Sometimes God brings people into our life and causes them to cross our path, if only for a brief moment. Our Heavenly Father works through them to give us a blessing and a warm embrace.
Yesterday, God blessed me through an unexpected visitor who came to our Bible Study small group. Yvette is visiting from Puerto Rico and is the mother-in-law of a dear woman in my group. On the surface, Yvette does not stand out in any way, until you see her kind eyes and warm smile. She is a woman who exudes a pure and deep love for her Heavenly Father; a woman who clearly loves the LORD with all her heart. She has experienced times of great joy and also great sorrow in her life. Our paths only crossed for such a brief moment in time, and may never cross again, yet God used her to speak words of wisdom and peace.
Yvette spoke about being thankful in times of trial and how the LORD would soothe her as she went to sleep at night after experiencing great sorrow in her life. She prayed to her Heavenly Father and began to count her blessings. She started by simply being thankful for breathing, for food on her table to eat, for a bed and a warm blanket to wrap around her... until she drifted off to sleep, held in her Father's love. Yvette clearly radiates that she is one of God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved. She clothes herself with compassion, kindness, and humility. Gentleness and patience. (Col 3:12) As we got up to leave, Yvette embraced me with the most comforting hug... as if Jesus was hugging me through her. As if she was a warm blanket of love being wrapped around me.
I pray that you all experience someone in your life who affects you in this way. Even for just a moment in time. Someone who loves the LORD and feels just like a warm blanket that wraps around you... the really soft and fluffy kind of blanket. Or you can be that warm blanket to someone in your life, radiating God's grace and love. Let the LORD use you to bless someone today.
Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for blessing me with so many people in my life who are soft, warm blankets for me. Thank You for working through people in our lives, as You show Your love for us. LORD, if You want me to be that person to someone in my path, I pray you will work through me to wrap that person in Your love. I pray this all in the loving name of Jesus, Amen.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
If Only...
Isaiah 48:17-19
God is so good! He is loving, patient, compassionate and faithful. He created us to be in relationship with Him; directing and teaching us so that we would walk with Him in His ways. This is His truth and His promise.
As I was reading Isaiah 48:17-19, I was struck by the two little words "if only"...
If only we didn't just squeeze Him into our day.
If only we truly knew His Word.
If only we paid attention to His commands.
If only we truly knew Him.
If only we chose His path.
If only we taught His word and His ways to our children.
Ouch! This list might sting a bit... but my intention for this list is not to condemn -- it is meant to point out choices. If only we would choose God's ways, His teachings, His paths... we would experience the fullness of His love, the solid foundation of His truth, and His perfect purpose for our lives. He wants to be our Teacher. God wants to direct us in the way we should go.
I must say that I don't want to experience the "if only." I want to experience the abundance of Him in my life. I want to experience His path as it unfolds before me. I know that His path will include both joy and sorrow, but I pray that when I finally see Jesus face-to-face, I will learn that my path on earth will closely match what He had planned for me all along.
And there is good news! Our LORD is patient and kind, ready to meet you wherever you are on your journey. He is ready for you to make a different choice; He is ready to set your feet firmly on His path again.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that You are my Teacher. LORD, may I always choose Your ways and may my feet remain firmly on Your path. You are my Redeemer, truly patient and kind, and for that I am truly thankful. Amen.
This is what the LORD says -- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like its numberless grains; their name would never be cut off nor destroyed from before me."
God is so good! He is loving, patient, compassionate and faithful. He created us to be in relationship with Him; directing and teaching us so that we would walk with Him in His ways. This is His truth and His promise.
As I was reading Isaiah 48:17-19, I was struck by the two little words "if only"...
If only we didn't just squeeze Him into our day.
If only we truly knew His Word.
If only we paid attention to His commands.
If only we truly knew Him.
If only we chose His path.
If only we taught His word and His ways to our children.
Ouch! This list might sting a bit... but my intention for this list is not to condemn -- it is meant to point out choices. If only we would choose God's ways, His teachings, His paths... we would experience the fullness of His love, the solid foundation of His truth, and His perfect purpose for our lives. He wants to be our Teacher. God wants to direct us in the way we should go.
I must say that I don't want to experience the "if only." I want to experience the abundance of Him in my life. I want to experience His path as it unfolds before me. I know that His path will include both joy and sorrow, but I pray that when I finally see Jesus face-to-face, I will learn that my path on earth will closely match what He had planned for me all along.
And there is good news! Our LORD is patient and kind, ready to meet you wherever you are on your journey. He is ready for you to make a different choice; He is ready to set your feet firmly on His path again.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that You are my Teacher. LORD, may I always choose Your ways and may my feet remain firmly on Your path. You are my Redeemer, truly patient and kind, and for that I am truly thankful. Amen.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
"Why not, God?"
Psalm 33:11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Isaiah 55:9 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
The LORD has richly blessed me with an amazing circle of women whom I pray with each Thursday morning. We always focus on an attribute of God to begin our prayer time. Today our prayer leader chose the attribute -- He is Sovereign. Praise God! He is always so timely and He gives me just what I need when I need it!
Many times we can pray for something really, really hard... and sometimes we don't get what we want. We don't have our prayers answered in the way we want them to be answered. And then cry out, "Why not, God?" When our prayers are not answered in the way we desire, we can be very, very discouraged, disappointed, and perplexed.
That recently happened to me. I would love to tell you that I am at such a point in my journey with the LORD that when events don't go my way, I peacefully accept it as God's will and calmly trust the LORD and moved on. But it didn't happen that way! When I didn't get my prayer answered my way, I had a day of fitful despair and frustration. I hope you can smile with me at my visual description of myself being a like two-year old child, throwing a tantrum like two-year old's do, and God still patiently holding me, with His arms outstretched, while I kicked and yelled "I want it my way!" Then, when I was done, He once again patiently and lovingly brought me close to Him, held me tight, and He reminded me in only the way that He can... He is sovereign. He reminded me that His ways are not my ways, His thoughts are not my thoughts. God was still carrying me. And He gave me, once again, the incredible peace of His undeniable Presence.
Even though I didn't get the answer that I was hoping and praying for, He reminded me His will has not changed... He wants to save the lost, bring people to Him, tell the nations about Him, and have us love our neighbor as ourselves. And after my little tantrum, He takes my hand, whispers that He loves me, and tells me, "Okay, Donna, let's go, there is still so much to do. I want you to show them Jesus and tell them about Me. Now, come dear child, let's get back to work!"
Dear Heavenly Father, When things don't go our way, when we don't understand, I praise You that we can know that You are sovereign. I thank You that Your ways are not our ways, and Your thoughts are not our thoughts. Thank You LORD, that You love me. That sweet knowledge and truth is truly all that I need. Amen.
Isaiah 55:9 As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
The LORD has richly blessed me with an amazing circle of women whom I pray with each Thursday morning. We always focus on an attribute of God to begin our prayer time. Today our prayer leader chose the attribute -- He is Sovereign. Praise God! He is always so timely and He gives me just what I need when I need it!
Many times we can pray for something really, really hard... and sometimes we don't get what we want. We don't have our prayers answered in the way we want them to be answered. And then cry out, "Why not, God?" When our prayers are not answered in the way we desire, we can be very, very discouraged, disappointed, and perplexed.
That recently happened to me. I would love to tell you that I am at such a point in my journey with the LORD that when events don't go my way, I peacefully accept it as God's will and calmly trust the LORD and moved on. But it didn't happen that way! When I didn't get my prayer answered my way, I had a day of fitful despair and frustration. I hope you can smile with me at my visual description of myself being a like two-year old child, throwing a tantrum like two-year old's do, and God still patiently holding me, with His arms outstretched, while I kicked and yelled "I want it my way!" Then, when I was done, He once again patiently and lovingly brought me close to Him, held me tight, and He reminded me in only the way that He can... He is sovereign. He reminded me that His ways are not my ways, His thoughts are not my thoughts. God was still carrying me. And He gave me, once again, the incredible peace of His undeniable Presence.
Even though I didn't get the answer that I was hoping and praying for, He reminded me His will has not changed... He wants to save the lost, bring people to Him, tell the nations about Him, and have us love our neighbor as ourselves. And after my little tantrum, He takes my hand, whispers that He loves me, and tells me, "Okay, Donna, let's go, there is still so much to do. I want you to show them Jesus and tell them about Me. Now, come dear child, let's get back to work!"
Dear Heavenly Father, When things don't go our way, when we don't understand, I praise You that we can know that You are sovereign. I thank You that Your ways are not our ways, and Your thoughts are not our thoughts. Thank You LORD, that You love me. That sweet knowledge and truth is truly all that I need. Amen.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Thirsty
Colossians 3:12 "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
John 7:37-38 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
The LORD wants us to help draw others to Him by being salt and light in the world. Yes, salt enhances the favor of our food, and acts as a preservative... but it also makes us thirsty. Not only are we called to enhance the lives of others around us, speaking with grace, love, and truth -- we are to called to make others thirsty for Him. Thirsty for the living water that only Jesus can give -- a thirst that only He can fulfill.
God calls us to be salt and light to people through our words and actions... no matter where we are on our journey with Him. The energetic enthusiasm spilling over from someone who is newly discovering the awesomeness of God is just as contagious as the time-worn wisdom of someone who has walked many years with the LORD through all kinds of trials. I remember when I actually became thirsty for Him and hungered for His Word -- the transformation in my life was breathtaking. And His well never, ever, runs dry. He will fulfill our thirst and hunger for eternity!
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You help me be salt and light to everyone in my path. Help me to make the most of every opportunity as I journey through my often regular day, to cause people to become thirsty for You... and then You will fullfill their thirst, in Your perfect love, as only You can do. Amen.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Here I Am. Send me.
Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the LORD saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (NIV)
Matthew 25:37-40 "Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me -- you did it to me.' (MSG)
Mark 10:51 "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." (NIV)
I received a prayer request today that was heartbreaking and humbling in its simplicity. The person was interceding for someone and asked simply for their basic human needs to be met...
The LORD calls us to serve those who are in need. There is no prerequisite to reaching out and showing God's love. We do not have to be a spiritual giant, or have an army of fellow Christians at our side ready for service. We simply have to be observant and ask someone, "What do you want me to do for you?" Their answer might be, "I would like a prayer; I would like a coat; I would like food for my family; I would like a meal; I would like some fellowship because I am lonely..."
Be a willing vessel for the LORD. Let Him work through you to bless others. When the LORD says "Whom shall I send?" Simply answer "LORD, here I am. Send me." Be willing to spread God's love through your actions, keeping your eyes ever alert for divine appointments -- those people in your path who desperately need help. Slow down, still your busy life, and reach out to someone who is so often overlooked and ignored... remember, while you are doing it for them, you are also doing it to Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of the needs of others. I pray that You use me to bless those who are less fortunate and who are in desperate need of Your provision and love. I am humbled to be used as Your vessel. Here I am. Send me. Amen.
Matthew 25:37-40 "Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me -- you did it to me.' (MSG)
Mark 10:51 "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." (NIV)
I received a prayer request today that was heartbreaking and humbling in its simplicity. The person was interceding for someone and asked simply for their basic human needs to be met...
The LORD calls us to serve those who are in need. There is no prerequisite to reaching out and showing God's love. We do not have to be a spiritual giant, or have an army of fellow Christians at our side ready for service. We simply have to be observant and ask someone, "What do you want me to do for you?" Their answer might be, "I would like a prayer; I would like a coat; I would like food for my family; I would like a meal; I would like some fellowship because I am lonely..."
Be a willing vessel for the LORD. Let Him work through you to bless others. When the LORD says "Whom shall I send?" Simply answer "LORD, here I am. Send me." Be willing to spread God's love through your actions, keeping your eyes ever alert for divine appointments -- those people in your path who desperately need help. Slow down, still your busy life, and reach out to someone who is so often overlooked and ignored... remember, while you are doing it for them, you are also doing it to Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of the needs of others. I pray that You use me to bless those who are less fortunate and who are in desperate need of Your provision and love. I am humbled to be used as Your vessel. Here I am. Send me. Amen.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Sharing Your Journey
Deuteronomy 1:33 who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go.
Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
Isaiah 43:16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
Our individual journeys are covered completely by His Presence. Scripture declares He goes before us, He is with us, and He is behind us. We are simply surrounded by our Heavenly Father. And each individual journey is a story... a unique story that He has written... a story that unfolds as we choose to walk with Him.
I love listening to people as they share about their journeys with God and reveal their testimonies about how He is working in their lives. I marvel at how each story is different. Yet God's Presence is clearly woven into every account I hear. I am often in awe of how people have been lead to incredible heights with Jesus... or touched at the tenderness of the person who has taken that first monumental step toward Him. In all accounts, wherever they happen to be on their walk with God, His hand is clearly leading His children on their individual paths with Him.
Whether you have had a long, fruitful relationship with the LORD, or whether you have just made the decision to follow Jesus today, no matter where you are on your journey with Him, your story can bless and encourage others. Share the Good News of His Presence in your life! We can all learn from and be encouraged by each other. While my journey will be very different from yours, the common thread of His glorious Presence and how He surrounds us on our journey will be clear.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the story You have given me. May I use it to bless others and to proclaim Your surrounding Presence. I praise You for Your overflowing, faithful and unending love as You walk on this journey with me. Amen.
Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."
Isaiah 43:16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.
Our individual journeys are covered completely by His Presence. Scripture declares He goes before us, He is with us, and He is behind us. We are simply surrounded by our Heavenly Father. And each individual journey is a story... a unique story that He has written... a story that unfolds as we choose to walk with Him.
I love listening to people as they share about their journeys with God and reveal their testimonies about how He is working in their lives. I marvel at how each story is different. Yet God's Presence is clearly woven into every account I hear. I am often in awe of how people have been lead to incredible heights with Jesus... or touched at the tenderness of the person who has taken that first monumental step toward Him. In all accounts, wherever they happen to be on their walk with God, His hand is clearly leading His children on their individual paths with Him.
Whether you have had a long, fruitful relationship with the LORD, or whether you have just made the decision to follow Jesus today, no matter where you are on your journey with Him, your story can bless and encourage others. Share the Good News of His Presence in your life! We can all learn from and be encouraged by each other. While my journey will be very different from yours, the common thread of His glorious Presence and how He surrounds us on our journey will be clear.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the story You have given me. May I use it to bless others and to proclaim Your surrounding Presence. I praise You for Your overflowing, faithful and unending love as You walk on this journey with me. Amen.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Walk With Him
Leviticus 26:12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Matthew 1:23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" -- which means, "God with us."
Matthew 4:18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.
God is not far away, "up there," somewhere in the clouds... Jesus, Immanuel, God with us.
Our Heavenly Father never intended for us to walk out this life on our own. God is with us. He wants to walk with us, on His path, for His purposes. He has a purpose and a plan for our life, but the only way to experience that purpose and plan is to accept His gift of salvation and accept His invitation to follow Him. The same invitation He gave to His disciples, He gives to you. Jesus says, "Come follow me..."
When I decided to take a walk with Him, I began the most breathtaking adventure. He took hold of my hand, and He will never, ever let me go. I am His child, and I know He loves me. I don't proclaim this in a boastful, conceited way -- I say it in a humble, awestruck way. I am just an ordinary person -- and the Holy Creator of the universe wants to walk with me. That simply fills me with awe and humility. Through my journey with Him, God has graced me with His protection, healing, comfort, encouragement, provision, strength, guidance, discernment, direction, love, and peace. And as I walk with Him, I can't imagine my life without Him.
I encourage you to say "yes," and choose to take a walk with Him. Grab His hand, He promises He will never let you go, and He will never lead you astray. By taking His hand and choosing to walk with Him, you will begin the breathtaking journey on His path -- a path that will lead you to eternity. And when you feel too weary to walk, He will carry you.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for walking with me, thank You for loving me, thank You for Your constant Presence in my life. LORD, You have my heart. Amen.
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Matthew 1:23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" -- which means, "God with us."
Matthew 4:18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.
God is not far away, "up there," somewhere in the clouds... Jesus, Immanuel, God with us.
Our Heavenly Father never intended for us to walk out this life on our own. God is with us. He wants to walk with us, on His path, for His purposes. He has a purpose and a plan for our life, but the only way to experience that purpose and plan is to accept His gift of salvation and accept His invitation to follow Him. The same invitation He gave to His disciples, He gives to you. Jesus says, "Come follow me..."
When I decided to take a walk with Him, I began the most breathtaking adventure. He took hold of my hand, and He will never, ever let me go. I am His child, and I know He loves me. I don't proclaim this in a boastful, conceited way -- I say it in a humble, awestruck way. I am just an ordinary person -- and the Holy Creator of the universe wants to walk with me. That simply fills me with awe and humility. Through my journey with Him, God has graced me with His protection, healing, comfort, encouragement, provision, strength, guidance, discernment, direction, love, and peace. And as I walk with Him, I can't imagine my life without Him.
I encourage you to say "yes," and choose to take a walk with Him. Grab His hand, He promises He will never let you go, and He will never lead you astray. By taking His hand and choosing to walk with Him, you will begin the breathtaking journey on His path -- a path that will lead you to eternity. And when you feel too weary to walk, He will carry you.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for walking with me, thank You for loving me, thank You for Your constant Presence in my life. LORD, You have my heart. Amen.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Lift Up Your Head
Psalm 42:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Psalm 62:5-6 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I heard a little snippet of a song on the radio the other day, and it spoke to me in such a visual way: But when I hear You whisper, "Child, lift up your head."
When children are sad, ashamed, or without hope, their natural body language is to lower their eyes and face; to bow their head, looking downcast. Adults do this, too. Jesus wants to lift up our heads. He puts His gentle hand under our chins, lifts our faces up to Him, and gives us hope. His face shines upon us, and He tells us, Child, lift up your head... I am enough for You, and I love You. Trust in Me and I will give you peace.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your simple assurances and gentle reminders. I praise You that You are our hope, our peace, and the One who makes us brand new. Let us remember, when we are sad, ashamed or feeling hopeless, that You are our answer. You are our hope. You are the One who gives us rest and peace. Thank You, LORD, for gently lifting our heads up to You. Amen.
Psalm 62:5-6 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Romans 5:5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I heard a little snippet of a song on the radio the other day, and it spoke to me in such a visual way: But when I hear You whisper, "Child, lift up your head."
When children are sad, ashamed, or without hope, their natural body language is to lower their eyes and face; to bow their head, looking downcast. Adults do this, too. Jesus wants to lift up our heads. He puts His gentle hand under our chins, lifts our faces up to Him, and gives us hope. His face shines upon us, and He tells us, Child, lift up your head... I am enough for You, and I love You. Trust in Me and I will give you peace.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your simple assurances and gentle reminders. I praise You that You are our hope, our peace, and the One who makes us brand new. Let us remember, when we are sad, ashamed or feeling hopeless, that You are our answer. You are our hope. You are the One who gives us rest and peace. Thank You, LORD, for gently lifting our heads up to You. Amen.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Troubles
Psalm 46:1-3, 10 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging... Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 59:16-17 But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.
As I went about my morning, I crossed paths with so many people who are troubled. We talked about world troubles, national troubles, and troubles in our own homes...
Yes, we live in troubled times at all levels of our lives... but, praise God and His abundant mercy and grace! We are His children! As children of God, we have His promises. And, oh, such joy and peace can come from those promises! Knowing He is our fortress, our refuge, our strength, and our ever-present help can change our worries to peace. My dear friends, rest in His peace and His presence. He knows it all and He is in control. Always.
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to remember Your promises when our world and our lives seem shaken and troubled. For we know that your Word says You are God -- Mighty, Powerful, and Unchanging. I praise You for Your ever-present help in our times of trouble. Thank You, LORD, that all is well with my soul. Amen.
Psalm 59:16-17 But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.
As I went about my morning, I crossed paths with so many people who are troubled. We talked about world troubles, national troubles, and troubles in our own homes...
Yes, we live in troubled times at all levels of our lives... but, praise God and His abundant mercy and grace! We are His children! As children of God, we have His promises. And, oh, such joy and peace can come from those promises! Knowing He is our fortress, our refuge, our strength, and our ever-present help can change our worries to peace. My dear friends, rest in His peace and His presence. He knows it all and He is in control. Always.
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to remember Your promises when our world and our lives seem shaken and troubled. For we know that your Word says You are God -- Mighty, Powerful, and Unchanging. I praise You for Your ever-present help in our times of trouble. Thank You, LORD, that all is well with my soul. Amen.
Friday, September 28, 2012
He Knows
Psalm 139:1-4 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
Psalm 142:3 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who knows my way.
Psalm 147:5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
I find such incredible comfort in knowing God is omniscient. Scripture clearly tells us our Heavenly Father has infinite knowledge and understanding. Not just partial knowledge. Infinite. He knows our past, our present, and our future. He knows our needs, our worries, our fears, and our weaknesses. He knows our strengths, our talents, and our dreams. He knows our hearts. He knows our journeys, and He wants to lead us on that journey, step-by-step, with His infinite knowledge, wisdom and love.
Dear Heavenly Father, Your understanding has no limits, and nothing takes You by surprise. You already know my way and You have the answer. Sometimes I forget, and I take on the insurmountable task of trying to figure out my journey on my own, and not fully relying on You. You know what I should do, You know what step I should take. LORD, I thank You and praise You that You have searched me and You know me. That knowledge truly gives me a peace that passes all understanding. Amen.
Psalm 142:3 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who knows my way.
Psalm 147:5 Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.
Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
I find such incredible comfort in knowing God is omniscient. Scripture clearly tells us our Heavenly Father has infinite knowledge and understanding. Not just partial knowledge. Infinite. He knows our past, our present, and our future. He knows our needs, our worries, our fears, and our weaknesses. He knows our strengths, our talents, and our dreams. He knows our hearts. He knows our journeys, and He wants to lead us on that journey, step-by-step, with His infinite knowledge, wisdom and love.
Dear Heavenly Father, Your understanding has no limits, and nothing takes You by surprise. You already know my way and You have the answer. Sometimes I forget, and I take on the insurmountable task of trying to figure out my journey on my own, and not fully relying on You. You know what I should do, You know what step I should take. LORD, I thank You and praise You that You have searched me and You know me. That knowledge truly gives me a peace that passes all understanding. Amen.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Lay Down Your Burdens
Psalm 10:17-18 You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.
Psalm 28:6-7 Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 68:19 Praise be to the LORD, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
We hold onto heavy burdens that Jesus never meant for us to carry. And sometimes we carry those burdens with us, strapped securely to our backs, for a very long time.
He wants us to release our burdens to Him. To know Him. To walk with Him. To trust Him.
Yes, we live in a world where people will give us joy and happiness. Sometimes. But these same people will also give us anger, hurt, frustration, and sadness -- because they are only human, and full of human frailties. Only God the Father, Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit is perfect. Always.
Scripture tells us to give our burdens to Him. God's promise is not a promise of a trial and storm-free life, but a promise of knowing and experiencing a peace that passes all understanding which can only come through Him. Only knowing and following Jesus will give you true peace. True happiness. True joy. The closer you draw to Him, and the more you know Him, the more you will experience His Presence. Spend time with Him. Release your burdens to Him. Be embraced by the peace, happiness and joy that can only come from Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, it is our nature to hold onto our burdens. It is so easy to have those burdens securely strapped to our backs. LORD, I pray that You help us all untie those ropes, ease the burdens off our backs, and place them, once and for all, at the foot of the cross, never to be picked up again. Thank You for the peace You give. Thank You for Your promise of rest from our burdens. Help us, LORD, to know You, to walk with You, and to trust You always. Amen.
Psalm 28:6-7 Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 68:19 Praise be to the LORD, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.
Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
We hold onto heavy burdens that Jesus never meant for us to carry. And sometimes we carry those burdens with us, strapped securely to our backs, for a very long time.
He wants us to release our burdens to Him. To know Him. To walk with Him. To trust Him.
Yes, we live in a world where people will give us joy and happiness. Sometimes. But these same people will also give us anger, hurt, frustration, and sadness -- because they are only human, and full of human frailties. Only God the Father, Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit is perfect. Always.
Scripture tells us to give our burdens to Him. God's promise is not a promise of a trial and storm-free life, but a promise of knowing and experiencing a peace that passes all understanding which can only come through Him. Only knowing and following Jesus will give you true peace. True happiness. True joy. The closer you draw to Him, and the more you know Him, the more you will experience His Presence. Spend time with Him. Release your burdens to Him. Be embraced by the peace, happiness and joy that can only come from Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, it is our nature to hold onto our burdens. It is so easy to have those burdens securely strapped to our backs. LORD, I pray that You help us all untie those ropes, ease the burdens off our backs, and place them, once and for all, at the foot of the cross, never to be picked up again. Thank You for the peace You give. Thank You for Your promise of rest from our burdens. Help us, LORD, to know You, to walk with You, and to trust You always. Amen.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
I Have An Appointment!
Luke 10:38-42 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
I have to admit, I am still learning to put Him first, to sit at His feet...
This morning, I am looking at my calendar for the month... field hockey games for my daughter, doctor's appointments, orthodontic appointment for my son... coffee with a friend, driving for a field trip next week, assorted meetings... some appointments and commitments that I "just can't miss." But what happens to my meetings with God? How is it that sometimes I can reschedule my daily quiet prayer time and reading time with my wonderful Creator, my Heavenly Father who loves me? How is it that sometimes I don't make my time with Him an appointment that I "just can't miss?"
How tempting and easy it is to miss or reschedule your meeting with God...
Oh, yes, we are so very human and we are not perfect! And God is so incredibly faithful! My brothers and sisters in Christ, keep aiming to put Him first! Don't be discouraged! Make that appointment with God a time that you "just can't miss."
I promise you that the time spent with Him will be fruitful and never wasted. It is a time of rejuvenation, feeding, preparation, peace, clarity and grounding. It can be a set time during the day, for instance in the early morning. However, some people find it helpful to look at their day, and then schedule a time appropriate for that particular day. Yes, He is always with us, and yes, He hears our prayers wherever and whenever we pray. But there is just something about sitting down with Him, with no distractions, that will produce such fruit in your life and will fill you with His Presence and peace. It is then that I can talk with Him, at length, about anything and everything that is going on in my life and the life of others who I am praying for. It is when I am sitting at His feet, like Mary, and not running around like Martha, that I experience the fruit of time spent with Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being so patient with me as I learn to put You first. You wait for me to come to You and You meet me every single time. For that, I am simply so very, very grateful. Amen.
I have to admit, I am still learning to put Him first, to sit at His feet...
This morning, I am looking at my calendar for the month... field hockey games for my daughter, doctor's appointments, orthodontic appointment for my son... coffee with a friend, driving for a field trip next week, assorted meetings... some appointments and commitments that I "just can't miss." But what happens to my meetings with God? How is it that sometimes I can reschedule my daily quiet prayer time and reading time with my wonderful Creator, my Heavenly Father who loves me? How is it that sometimes I don't make my time with Him an appointment that I "just can't miss?"
How tempting and easy it is to miss or reschedule your meeting with God...
Oh, yes, we are so very human and we are not perfect! And God is so incredibly faithful! My brothers and sisters in Christ, keep aiming to put Him first! Don't be discouraged! Make that appointment with God a time that you "just can't miss."
I promise you that the time spent with Him will be fruitful and never wasted. It is a time of rejuvenation, feeding, preparation, peace, clarity and grounding. It can be a set time during the day, for instance in the early morning. However, some people find it helpful to look at their day, and then schedule a time appropriate for that particular day. Yes, He is always with us, and yes, He hears our prayers wherever and whenever we pray. But there is just something about sitting down with Him, with no distractions, that will produce such fruit in your life and will fill you with His Presence and peace. It is then that I can talk with Him, at length, about anything and everything that is going on in my life and the life of others who I am praying for. It is when I am sitting at His feet, like Mary, and not running around like Martha, that I experience the fruit of time spent with Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being so patient with me as I learn to put You first. You wait for me to come to You and You meet me every single time. For that, I am simply so very, very grateful. Amen.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Be Gentle
1 Kings 19:12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your soul."
Ephesians 4:29-30 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
God often speaks in a gentle whisper. When God speaks in that gentle whisper, and we are still enough to listen, He can soothe our souls. Jesus tells us that He is gentle and humble in heart, and that we will find rest for our soul in Him.
When I just think of the word "gentle" I naturally feel more peaceful. The word alone tends to still you and make you pause. The LORD instructs us to be gentle with each other. When you have the choice between a scowl and a smile, choose the smile. When you have the choice between a discouraging word and an encouraging word, choose encouragement. When you have the choice between a word that will cut someone down or build them up, choose the one that will build them up. In this world that is often harsh, choose gentleness.
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that I can be a blessing to someone today. I pray that when that choice arises in my day that I simply choose gentleness. Amen.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Holy Time
Psalm 5:3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Psalm 42:2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Mark 2:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 6:12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
Praying alone -- quietly, and with purpose to our Heavenly Father -- is a vital, precious, and holy time. Jesus modeled this for us as he removed himself from the distractions and demands of life and prayed quietly and alone to his Father. Nowhere in Scripture do we read, "while Jesus was multitasking, he often tried to carve out a little time to pray on the run..." I know that when I have hectic days and do not have my time with the LORD, I feel a hunger to sit down and soak in His Presence as I meet with Him. Without this holy time in my day, there is a void that only quiet, prayerful time with Him can fill. This special prayer time with God replenishes us with His strength, His love, and His peace.
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that I do not neglect my quiet prayer time with You. When I pray on the run, I know You still hear me, and I thank You for hearing all my prayers. But I feel thirsty -- thirsty for focused prayer with You. LORD, as I meet with You during this precious, holy time, I humbly ask that You refresh me with Your living water and Your undeniable Presence. I pray this all in Jesus' name, Amen.
Psalm 42:2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
Mark 2:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke 6:12 One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
Praying alone -- quietly, and with purpose to our Heavenly Father -- is a vital, precious, and holy time. Jesus modeled this for us as he removed himself from the distractions and demands of life and prayed quietly and alone to his Father. Nowhere in Scripture do we read, "while Jesus was multitasking, he often tried to carve out a little time to pray on the run..." I know that when I have hectic days and do not have my time with the LORD, I feel a hunger to sit down and soak in His Presence as I meet with Him. Without this holy time in my day, there is a void that only quiet, prayerful time with Him can fill. This special prayer time with God replenishes us with His strength, His love, and His peace.
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that I do not neglect my quiet prayer time with You. When I pray on the run, I know You still hear me, and I thank You for hearing all my prayers. But I feel thirsty -- thirsty for focused prayer with You. LORD, as I meet with You during this precious, holy time, I humbly ask that You refresh me with Your living water and Your undeniable Presence. I pray this all in Jesus' name, Amen.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Teach Others
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Psalm 40:9-10 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips,
as you know, O LORD.
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth
from the great assembly.
Our Heavenly Father wants us to proclaim His love to the people in our path. He wants us to tell others about Him! There are so many people in the world who do not know Jesus.They are not only living in nations far away... they are right next to us in our daily lives. I am so very thankful and blessed that my parents told me about Jesus! They planted a seed in my life long ago that has grown into a precious relationship with Him that only continues to deepen.
God calls us to share the Gospel! Yes, it may seem awkward, maybe you think you are not eloquent or you don't have enough knowledge... but I know my own life would be so very, very different if I did not have the blessing of people in my life sharing the Gospel with me and encouraging me in my walk with Him. Won't you be that someone in a person's life? Encourage someone in their journey -- no matter where you are in your journey and no matter where they are in theirs. Where do you start? Simply by showing God's love to them. Then rely and trust in the LORD to give you what to say and how to say it. (Luke 12:12)
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that I do not shy away from any opportunity You give me to share the Gospel. I pray I do not neglect any chance to show Your love to someone. Help me not to seal my lips and conceal Your love and Your truth. I am so very grateful for that beautiful day I first learned about You. Amen.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Psalm 40:9-10 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly;
I do not seal my lips,
as you know, O LORD.
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth
from the great assembly.
God calls us to share the Gospel! Yes, it may seem awkward, maybe you think you are not eloquent or you don't have enough knowledge... but I know my own life would be so very, very different if I did not have the blessing of people in my life sharing the Gospel with me and encouraging me in my walk with Him. Won't you be that someone in a person's life? Encourage someone in their journey -- no matter where you are in your journey and no matter where they are in theirs. Where do you start? Simply by showing God's love to them. Then rely and trust in the LORD to give you what to say and how to say it. (Luke 12:12)
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that I do not shy away from any opportunity You give me to share the Gospel. I pray I do not neglect any chance to show Your love to someone. Help me not to seal my lips and conceal Your love and Your truth. I am so very grateful for that beautiful day I first learned about You. Amen.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Just Like Us
James 5:17-18 Elija was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
I am fascinated by the account of Elija's life in 1 Kings 17-20. I encourage you to read it! You will be blessed. Elija was a prophet who loved God with all his heart. He knew the power of prayer, and was obedient to the LORD. Elija was God's faithful servant and a first-hand witness to His mighty power; personally experiencing God's miracles. Elija was truly one of the "giants" of the bible... yet James, brother of Jesus, says he was just like us...
Even after Elija's experiential knowledge of God's miracles and power, there was a time when he was afraid and running for his life. (1Kings 19:3 & 4 ...Elija was afraid and ran for his life.... "I have had enough LORD,") We all have times when we are afraid; when we have had enough of the circumstances we are in. But God heard his prayer and sent an angel of the LORD to strengthen and sustain Elija. There was more to God's path and plan for Elija... and He encouraged Elija to press on.
Scripture tells us Elija was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly to God... God listened... and God answered. It is a simple lesson, but one that gives me such promise, security, peace, and hope.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the account of Elija. I am encouraged by his example as someone who loved You with all his heart, and the testimony of the power of prayer. Thank You for filling Scripture with people who are just like me. People on all different points of their beautiful journey with You. Amen.
I am fascinated by the account of Elija's life in 1 Kings 17-20. I encourage you to read it! You will be blessed. Elija was a prophet who loved God with all his heart. He knew the power of prayer, and was obedient to the LORD. Elija was God's faithful servant and a first-hand witness to His mighty power; personally experiencing God's miracles. Elija was truly one of the "giants" of the bible... yet James, brother of Jesus, says he was just like us...
Even after Elija's experiential knowledge of God's miracles and power, there was a time when he was afraid and running for his life. (1Kings 19:3 & 4 ...Elija was afraid and ran for his life.... "I have had enough LORD,") We all have times when we are afraid; when we have had enough of the circumstances we are in. But God heard his prayer and sent an angel of the LORD to strengthen and sustain Elija. There was more to God's path and plan for Elija... and He encouraged Elija to press on.
Scripture tells us Elija was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly to God... God listened... and God answered. It is a simple lesson, but one that gives me such promise, security, peace, and hope.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the account of Elija. I am encouraged by his example as someone who loved You with all his heart, and the testimony of the power of prayer. Thank You for filling Scripture with people who are just like me. People on all different points of their beautiful journey with You. Amen.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Restoration
Jeremiah 30:17 But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds declares the LORD.
1 Peter 5:10-11 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Jeremiah 30:17 will forever be close to my heart. God gave me this verse as I read my bible after I was injured last year in an accident that should have either killed me or left me with a severe brain injury. It was His sweet promise to me of His hand in my protection, healing, and restoration. God consistently used Scripture to give me what I needed at exactly the time I needed it. And it happened when I was broken, scared, vulnerable and desperate for comfort to know that everything was going to be okay. It was the beginning of God's consistent demonstration of His love to me through His Word as I began to seek Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
God not only restored my mind and body, He restored my soul. I recently was walking with a friend, talking about God's undeniable Presence in my life this past year and a half. My friend saw me the day after the accident and has walked through life with me the following year and a half. She watched God heal me and restore me. My friend revealed a great point about restoration during our walk that I wanted to share...
When we restore something, like an old table, we have to scrape off layers of prior "stuff" that has accumulated throughout the years. Then, we can carefully restore the table and make it beautiful. But when we restore the table, it is never exactly the same way it was... it is better, changed and has a new life. God does the same thing for us when He restores us. He scrapes off the old layers of our "stuff" that hinder our life with Him. God makes us better. God makes us whole and new. He restores our soul.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for restoring me. Thank You for giving me my life with my husband and children. For that, I will always be so very grateful. I give You my life. I pray that You use me to help restore people You put in my path. Thank You for not only restoring my health, but restoring my soul and making me new. Amen.
1 Peter 5:10-11 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Jeremiah 30:17 will forever be close to my heart. God gave me this verse as I read my bible after I was injured last year in an accident that should have either killed me or left me with a severe brain injury. It was His sweet promise to me of His hand in my protection, healing, and restoration. God consistently used Scripture to give me what I needed at exactly the time I needed it. And it happened when I was broken, scared, vulnerable and desperate for comfort to know that everything was going to be okay. It was the beginning of God's consistent demonstration of His love to me through His Word as I began to seek Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.
God not only restored my mind and body, He restored my soul. I recently was walking with a friend, talking about God's undeniable Presence in my life this past year and a half. My friend saw me the day after the accident and has walked through life with me the following year and a half. She watched God heal me and restore me. My friend revealed a great point about restoration during our walk that I wanted to share...
When we restore something, like an old table, we have to scrape off layers of prior "stuff" that has accumulated throughout the years. Then, we can carefully restore the table and make it beautiful. But when we restore the table, it is never exactly the same way it was... it is better, changed and has a new life. God does the same thing for us when He restores us. He scrapes off the old layers of our "stuff" that hinder our life with Him. God makes us better. God makes us whole and new. He restores our soul.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for restoring me. Thank You for giving me my life with my husband and children. For that, I will always be so very grateful. I give You my life. I pray that You use me to help restore people You put in my path. Thank You for not only restoring my health, but restoring my soul and making me new. Amen.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Casting Out Fear
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. NIV
Matthew 8:26 He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. NIV
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV
Over and over, Scripture tells us not to be fearful. We are to put our trust in our Heavenly Father who loves us, goes before us, and is with us in all circumstances. We are to trust the One who can calm our winds and waves -- our fears and worries. He is truly in control and we need only to trust in Him completely.
Yet even when we know these truths, we are human. Our fears can easily paralyze us. Yes, there are the healthy, cautionary fears that keep us out of imminent danger. But then there are the fears that hold us back -- fear of trying new things, what others will think, fear of failing, not being in control, stepping out of our comfort zone, and what I like to call the "what if" fears. Being afraid can keep us from walking on the path that God has prepared for us. These fears can also stop us from growing into our full potential in Christ.
When we feel fear washing over us, God wants us to turn to Him. Pray to Him. Trust in Him. Believe Him. Scripture specifically tells us our Creator has not given us a spirit of fear. Embrace and accept His gift of a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Let Him cast out your fears.
Dear Heavenly Father, I try to trust You completely, but in my humanness, fear creeps in. And when that fear creeps in, I feel far from You. LORD, I pray that You gently remind me of Your promises and Your Presence. Remind me to put my Trust in You and to not be afraid, for You are with me in all my circumstances. Amen.
Matthew 8:26 He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. NIV
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. KJV
Over and over, Scripture tells us not to be fearful. We are to put our trust in our Heavenly Father who loves us, goes before us, and is with us in all circumstances. We are to trust the One who can calm our winds and waves -- our fears and worries. He is truly in control and we need only to trust in Him completely.
Yet even when we know these truths, we are human. Our fears can easily paralyze us. Yes, there are the healthy, cautionary fears that keep us out of imminent danger. But then there are the fears that hold us back -- fear of trying new things, what others will think, fear of failing, not being in control, stepping out of our comfort zone, and what I like to call the "what if" fears. Being afraid can keep us from walking on the path that God has prepared for us. These fears can also stop us from growing into our full potential in Christ.
When we feel fear washing over us, God wants us to turn to Him. Pray to Him. Trust in Him. Believe Him. Scripture specifically tells us our Creator has not given us a spirit of fear. Embrace and accept His gift of a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Let Him cast out your fears.
Dear Heavenly Father, I try to trust You completely, but in my humanness, fear creeps in. And when that fear creeps in, I feel far from You. LORD, I pray that You gently remind me of Your promises and Your Presence. Remind me to put my Trust in You and to not be afraid, for You are with me in all my circumstances. Amen.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
I Will Be With You
Isaiah 43:2-4
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you,
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Sega in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you.
I am comforted by this Scripture. When storms and trials happen in our lives, it is very often our first reaction to think "why did this happen to me?" We are vulnerable, and our faith can be shaken. Notice Scripture does not say "if" we go through trials. Scripture says "when." But we have a powerful promise! God's promise is that He will be with us, protecting us and guiding us through. We are precious and honored in His sight. God loves us and He is with us -- through every trial and storm.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for your abundant love. I know that trials will happen in my life but I am comforted to know that You promise to be with me -- because You love me. Your love gives me courage and peace that can only come from You. Thank You for your constant, loving Presence in my life. Amen.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you,
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Sega in your stead.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you.
I am comforted by this Scripture. When storms and trials happen in our lives, it is very often our first reaction to think "why did this happen to me?" We are vulnerable, and our faith can be shaken. Notice Scripture does not say "if" we go through trials. Scripture says "when." But we have a powerful promise! God's promise is that He will be with us, protecting us and guiding us through. We are precious and honored in His sight. God loves us and He is with us -- through every trial and storm.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for your abundant love. I know that trials will happen in my life but I am comforted to know that You promise to be with me -- because You love me. Your love gives me courage and peace that can only come from You. Thank You for your constant, loving Presence in my life. Amen.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
His Treasure
Leviticus 26:12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.
Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
This week, I am enjoying a blessed, restful family beach vacation. I was reading my morning devotional, sitting on a rocking chair, looking out at the ocean. I watched the waves roll in and enjoyed the early morning activity of people running along the beach, walking their dogs, and collecting the multitude of shells that the tide brought in. The first words in my devotional were: Learn to enjoy life more.
I thought about the difference between participating in the life God has planned for you, or sitting on the sidelines always watching life, but not experiencing God's abundance. Not necessarily material abundance, although God has promised to provide for your needs -- I am referring to a peaceful, spiritual abundance...
I believe God wants us to enjoy life. Specifically, to enjoy a life with Him. To walk with Him, not just watch Him from afar. To know Him. As you walk with Him, you will experience the depth of His abilities, treasures and power.
After spending my early morning quiet time with Him, I got up out of my rocking chair, grabbed my little bucket, and walked down to the beach, and participated in God's beauty -- collecting shells, taking in the vast ocean and enjoying the abundance of peace, treasures and beauty He has waiting for me.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You truly walk among us. I pray that my heart and my treasure will always be with You. Amen.
Luke 12:34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
This week, I am enjoying a blessed, restful family beach vacation. I was reading my morning devotional, sitting on a rocking chair, looking out at the ocean. I watched the waves roll in and enjoyed the early morning activity of people running along the beach, walking their dogs, and collecting the multitude of shells that the tide brought in. The first words in my devotional were: Learn to enjoy life more.
I thought about the difference between participating in the life God has planned for you, or sitting on the sidelines always watching life, but not experiencing God's abundance. Not necessarily material abundance, although God has promised to provide for your needs -- I am referring to a peaceful, spiritual abundance...
I believe God wants us to enjoy life. Specifically, to enjoy a life with Him. To walk with Him, not just watch Him from afar. To know Him. As you walk with Him, you will experience the depth of His abilities, treasures and power.
After spending my early morning quiet time with Him, I got up out of my rocking chair, grabbed my little bucket, and walked down to the beach, and participated in God's beauty -- collecting shells, taking in the vast ocean and enjoying the abundance of peace, treasures and beauty He has waiting for me.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You truly walk among us. I pray that my heart and my treasure will always be with You. Amen.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Dwell In The House Of The LORD
Psalm 27:4-5 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
What a beautiful, comforting, safe place to be. When we seek Him with all our hearts, we can have the undeniable joy and peace of being in His Presence. Being in the shelter of His love is exactly where I want to be.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You that when I seek You, I find you. You bring me into Your temple and give me shelter from storms that will come my way. And while I am in Your temple, drawing close to you by being in Your Word and praying to You, I experience the beauty of Your Presence. I pray that I will always dwell in Your Presence all the days of my life. Amen.
What a beautiful, comforting, safe place to be. When we seek Him with all our hearts, we can have the undeniable joy and peace of being in His Presence. Being in the shelter of His love is exactly where I want to be.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You that when I seek You, I find you. You bring me into Your temple and give me shelter from storms that will come my way. And while I am in Your temple, drawing close to you by being in Your Word and praying to You, I experience the beauty of Your Presence. I pray that I will always dwell in Your Presence all the days of my life. Amen.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
He Leads Us
Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God, may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 33:11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
I admit it... I like to be in control. I like to have detailed plans. In many situations, I am happy to say that I have become quite good at giving Him control, trusting in His will. But oh, it is so very tempting to grab that control back, to do my will, and follow my own "plans". Very often, there is a difference between His control and our control; His will and our will; His plan and our plan. While our plans can quickly go awry, His will is unwavering and steadfast -- on level ground.
Dear Heavenly Father, I used to think that You were only there to "help" me with my plans. But I have learned that You want me to follow Your plan; You want to teach me Your will. Thank You that when I am in Your will and following Your plan for my life, Your good Spirit leads me on level ground. I pray that I remain in Your perfect will, always. Amen.
Psalm 33:11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
I admit it... I like to be in control. I like to have detailed plans. In many situations, I am happy to say that I have become quite good at giving Him control, trusting in His will. But oh, it is so very tempting to grab that control back, to do my will, and follow my own "plans". Very often, there is a difference between His control and our control; His will and our will; His plan and our plan. While our plans can quickly go awry, His will is unwavering and steadfast -- on level ground.
Dear Heavenly Father, I used to think that You were only there to "help" me with my plans. But I have learned that You want me to follow Your plan; You want to teach me Your will. Thank You that when I am in Your will and following Your plan for my life, Your good Spirit leads me on level ground. I pray that I remain in Your perfect will, always. Amen.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Transformed
Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is. His good, pleasing and perfect will.
We put false labels on ourselves. Sometimes we can point to a time in our life where we began to use that label to describe ourselves. The label begins to define us, and all too often, it sticks. And it holds us back from all that God had intended for us. We are in the pattern of this world, and we tell ourselves, "I've always been this way"... wishing we could change, but accepting this is "just who we are."
But God sees us differently. He sees who He created us to be. He sees who we could be if we would seek Him with all our heart -- if only we would let Him transform our mind and heal us. He removes the false labels we have stuck on ourselves and throws them far, far away. Let God remove your label and transform you into who He created you to be.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your will for me is good and perfect. I pray that You remove any false label that I have stuck to myself. I pray that You renew my mind, remove the old labels, and transform me into the person You created me to be. Amen.
We put false labels on ourselves. Sometimes we can point to a time in our life where we began to use that label to describe ourselves. The label begins to define us, and all too often, it sticks. And it holds us back from all that God had intended for us. We are in the pattern of this world, and we tell ourselves, "I've always been this way"... wishing we could change, but accepting this is "just who we are."
But God sees us differently. He sees who He created us to be. He sees who we could be if we would seek Him with all our heart -- if only we would let Him transform our mind and heal us. He removes the false labels we have stuck on ourselves and throws them far, far away. Let God remove your label and transform you into who He created you to be.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your will for me is good and perfect. I pray that You remove any false label that I have stuck to myself. I pray that You renew my mind, remove the old labels, and transform me into the person You created me to be. Amen.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Obedience
John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command."
I am reading Henry and Richard Blackaby's Experiencing God. There is a discussion of obedience, command, and law. Those terms tend to sound restrictive to us, especially in the context of obeying God and His commands and laws. But the authors explained this concept in such a clear way, I wanted to share it with you. The following is an excerpt from the book:
Avoiding Land Mines
Suppose you were in a war-torn country, and you had to cross a field full of land mines. If a local soldier knew exactly where every one of them was buried and offered to take you through the field, would you protest and say, "I don't want you to tell me what to do. I want to be free to make my own choices"? I don't know about you, but I would stay as close to that person as I could. I certainly would not go wandering off. His directions to me would not restrict me; they would preserve my life. As we walked together, he would say, "Don't go that way, because that path will kill you. Go this way and live."
To obey God is to be free to live the life He has ordained for you. To be on His path is to be in His will. While there will still be trials and storms, He will lead us through the mine-field of life, and turn us away from the path of destruction by sin and keep us on His path of life.
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to follow you closely, obeying your commands. Your ways lead to life, and I want an abundant life in You. I seek You and Your guidance with all my heart. Lead me on the path of Your perfect will. Amen.
I am reading Henry and Richard Blackaby's Experiencing God. There is a discussion of obedience, command, and law. Those terms tend to sound restrictive to us, especially in the context of obeying God and His commands and laws. But the authors explained this concept in such a clear way, I wanted to share it with you. The following is an excerpt from the book:
Avoiding Land Mines
Suppose you were in a war-torn country, and you had to cross a field full of land mines. If a local soldier knew exactly where every one of them was buried and offered to take you through the field, would you protest and say, "I don't want you to tell me what to do. I want to be free to make my own choices"? I don't know about you, but I would stay as close to that person as I could. I certainly would not go wandering off. His directions to me would not restrict me; they would preserve my life. As we walked together, he would say, "Don't go that way, because that path will kill you. Go this way and live."
To obey God is to be free to live the life He has ordained for you. To be on His path is to be in His will. While there will still be trials and storms, He will lead us through the mine-field of life, and turn us away from the path of destruction by sin and keep us on His path of life.
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to follow you closely, obeying your commands. Your ways lead to life, and I want an abundant life in You. I seek You and Your guidance with all my heart. Lead me on the path of Your perfect will. Amen.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Choose Him
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Deuteronomy 30 is one of my favorite chapters in Scripture. I have it underlined and starred in my Bible. I invite you to read it in its entirety. God is imploring the Israelites to turn to Him. If the Israelites choose to turn to Him, they will be blessed. If they don't, they will experience death and destruction. The death and destruction can be physical, but can also be relational. The death of a marriage, the destruction of a relationship, the destruction of our families... God knows the dire consequences of the choices we make. The way of the world is perilous. The way of God is blessed. He desires for us to make the right choice -- to follow Him with all our hearts in everything we do.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for this beautiful Scripture. I pray that I always choose You, listen to Your voice, choose to walk in Your ways and experience the fullness of life with You. Help me to choose the path of life, not destruction. I am so thankful that You love me and want the very best for me. Help me to hold fast to You. Amen.
Deuteronomy 30 is one of my favorite chapters in Scripture. I have it underlined and starred in my Bible. I invite you to read it in its entirety. God is imploring the Israelites to turn to Him. If the Israelites choose to turn to Him, they will be blessed. If they don't, they will experience death and destruction. The death and destruction can be physical, but can also be relational. The death of a marriage, the destruction of a relationship, the destruction of our families... God knows the dire consequences of the choices we make. The way of the world is perilous. The way of God is blessed. He desires for us to make the right choice -- to follow Him with all our hearts in everything we do.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for this beautiful Scripture. I pray that I always choose You, listen to Your voice, choose to walk in Your ways and experience the fullness of life with You. Help me to choose the path of life, not destruction. I am so thankful that You love me and want the very best for me. Help me to hold fast to You. Amen.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
He is Everywhere
Leviticus 25:12 "I will walk among you and be your God and you will be my people."
John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."
1 Corinthians 3:16 "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"
Collossians 2:9 "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,"
I am so thankful that God is not confined to the walls of the temple, or isolated to our church service on Sunday. He is eternal, everywhere, all the time. Our Heavenly Father saturates our time and space, and the Holy Spirit dwells within us. If only we would open our eyes, ears and hearts to soak in the richness of His Presence. It gives me such peace to know that God has made His dwelling among us. He is not just "up in heaven" looking down on us from afar. God is here. Now and always.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for walking with me throughout my day. You are not only around me, Your Holy Spirit dwells in me. I praise You that I have perfect knowledge of Your goodness and glory through our LORD, Jesus Christ. I pray that I may always be aware of Your presence, as You dwell among us and that I may share Your Presence through my actions and through the help of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."
1 Corinthians 3:16 "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"
Collossians 2:9 "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,"
I am so thankful that God is not confined to the walls of the temple, or isolated to our church service on Sunday. He is eternal, everywhere, all the time. Our Heavenly Father saturates our time and space, and the Holy Spirit dwells within us. If only we would open our eyes, ears and hearts to soak in the richness of His Presence. It gives me such peace to know that God has made His dwelling among us. He is not just "up in heaven" looking down on us from afar. God is here. Now and always.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for walking with me throughout my day. You are not only around me, Your Holy Spirit dwells in me. I praise You that I have perfect knowledge of Your goodness and glory through our LORD, Jesus Christ. I pray that I may always be aware of Your presence, as You dwell among us and that I may share Your Presence through my actions and through the help of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
God's Battle
2 Chronicles 20:15 He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's.' "
2 Chronicles 20:17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.
I encourage you to read 2 Chronicles 20, one of my favorite chapters in Scripture. It is an account of King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah and Jerusalem inquiring of the LORD as they receive warning of a vast army approaching them for a battle they could not win on their own. In the face of great calamity, they resolved to cry out to God and trust in Him. They didn't rely on their own strength and acknowledged they had no power against the vast army. They turned to the LORD their God. And after they turned to Him, they praised Him, even before they knew the outcome of the battle. The LORD delivered them from the vast army... they didn't fight the battle. He fought it for them... and He will do the same for you.
What is the vast army in your life? What is your battle? It could be a health crisis, a marital breakdown, financial hardship, or a situation that seems insurmountable. Our human tendency is to fight our own battles, relying our own strength. But we quickly become weary, worried, and burdened. God wants us to remember that it is He, the great I Am, who will fight these battles for us. It is He who goes up against our vast armies. If only we turn to Him, trust in Him and stand firm, without fear or discouragement, because He is with us.
Heavenly Father, I praise You for being the One who will battle my vast armies. I thank You that I am not going through this life or any trial with only my own strength. You are with me. I praise You for helping me to stand firm without fear or discouragement -- as I can be confident of Your power in all my circumstances. Amen.
2 Chronicles 20:17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.
I encourage you to read 2 Chronicles 20, one of my favorite chapters in Scripture. It is an account of King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah and Jerusalem inquiring of the LORD as they receive warning of a vast army approaching them for a battle they could not win on their own. In the face of great calamity, they resolved to cry out to God and trust in Him. They didn't rely on their own strength and acknowledged they had no power against the vast army. They turned to the LORD their God. And after they turned to Him, they praised Him, even before they knew the outcome of the battle. The LORD delivered them from the vast army... they didn't fight the battle. He fought it for them... and He will do the same for you.
What is the vast army in your life? What is your battle? It could be a health crisis, a marital breakdown, financial hardship, or a situation that seems insurmountable. Our human tendency is to fight our own battles, relying our own strength. But we quickly become weary, worried, and burdened. God wants us to remember that it is He, the great I Am, who will fight these battles for us. It is He who goes up against our vast armies. If only we turn to Him, trust in Him and stand firm, without fear or discouragement, because He is with us.
Heavenly Father, I praise You for being the One who will battle my vast armies. I thank You that I am not going through this life or any trial with only my own strength. You are with me. I praise You for helping me to stand firm without fear or discouragement -- as I can be confident of Your power in all my circumstances. Amen.
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