Matthew 11:28-30 "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 souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Not too long ago, God taught me the life-transforming lesson of trusting Him completely, and most of the time I do, yet there are times when circumstances can come at us with such a volume and speed, that we have to catch our breath and be reminded that God is still to be trusted. We forget, for a moment, that we are to cast burdens on His shoulders. Always. The gift of releasing to Him will never change. The LORD does not change.
This past month has been concerning and exhausting. I felt burdened. Heavy. Heavier than I have felt in a long time. Time spent talking of burdens overshadowed the time spent experiencing His joy. I began to carry the weight of those concerns squarely on my own shoulders. Something I was never meant to do...
Then, on a regular Monday, I felt something stir in my heart... a whispered reminder of what I had learned and known... His joy. Was this God stirring my heart? Or was it just me? The very next day, God let me know that it was indeed He who was stirring my heart... It was He who whispered the word: Joy.
Tuesday morning brought the promise of a new five-week Bible study at church. One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I wasn't sure exactly what it was about, but was excited to begin something new. As I was driving to bible study, I was listening to KLOVE, our Christian radio station as a Christian comedienne was being interviewed... She spoke of the LORD being our joy. Hmmm...
I arrived early to Bible study to set up the registration table that I would be manning later in the morning. As I was stacking the books to be bought by the women who would be coming through our doors... I looked up and saw a woman I hadn't known before. She was very early. And new to the church. I gave her a book and she told me her name... her name was Joy. I smiled.
The Bible study video was about to start. I settled in my chair, book opened, pencil in hand, new and old friends around me, and ready to write down nuggets and treasures that I would glean from the message about to be given. One Thousand Gifts was about to begin. This beautiful, heart-stopping video, based off Ann Voskamp's best-selling book, focused on living life by one beautiful word: eucharisteo. Eucharisteo, the word Jesus used when He gave thanks at the Last Supper. The word He used when He broke the bread and shared the wine. The word Jesus used when He knew He was about to be betrayed, denied, beaten beyond recognition, and nailed to a cross. Eucharisteo. The word that has three meanings rolled into one. Thanksgiving. Grace. And Joy... I caught my breath.
I left Bible study, focused on this beautiful word... eucharisteo. Thanksgiving. Grace. Joy.
The LORD brought the word Joy across my path two more times that amazing Tuesday... once in a Proverb and once through my dear daughter leaning over our balcony, shouting down to me, "Hey, Mom? Guess what our devotional for today is about? It's about Joy!" And I smiled.
Yes, God wanted me to be joyful again. Ministering, mindful, praying, caring, but joyful. He wanted me to encourage, comfort, guide and love; to be a willing vessel for His Holy Spirit... with His joy.
God whispered, where is your joy, child? I created you to spread joy. No, not the delusional joy based on denial. The joy deeply rooted in the full knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Full-on joy in the knowledge of His transformative power. Shout-from-the roof top joy of His restorative healing of our bodies and souls. Yes, that joy. A joy I was meant to embrace, spread over my family, and share with those whom the LORD has put in my path.
Joy... Yes, now I know it was God stirring my heart that Monday. A new lesson... a new season... living in eucharisteo. Thanksgiving. Grace. Joy.
Dear Heavenly Father, You are always teaching us as we walk along this journey with You. LORD, You have this beautiful way of shepherding us down the path of life. LORD, help us to rejoice always, and when we are burdened, to cast those burdens upon you. We are so grateful that Your yoke is light. Praise You, God, for You never change, You are always in control and we can have complete trust in You. LORD, You are always revealing new lessons and reminding us of old ones that we may have forgotten. Thank You God, for loving us so deeply and working so clearly in our lives. LORD, I praise You as I pray this all in the joyous name of Jesus... Amen.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
The Definition of Hope
Psalm 9:10 Those who know your name will trust in you, for you LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 28:7 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 143:8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
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.
With two busy teenagers, I find myself driving from place to place quite a bit in this season of my life. I love to listen to Christian radio stations as I am taxiing my precious cargo around town, and whenever I hear inspiring words on the radio, I grab a pencil and whatever paper I can find, and quickly write it down. As I was cleaning out my car this past week, I came across a handwritten note, scribbled across the back of a store coupon:
"Because of Jesus, we have hope. And hope changes everything."
How true! Yes, Jesus truly is our hope! Yet as I began to think about these words of truth written hastily on the back of my coupon, I realized that the word hope can really be quite generic. We tend to use the word "hope" frequently, but what does the word "hope" really mean? We can hope for a change in the weather, and we can hope for a great parking spot at the grocery store when it is pouring rain. But we can also hope for medical tests to turn out in our favor, or we can hope for a lost loved one to come to know the LORD...
I decided to look up the definition of the word "hope." Merriam-Webster defines it as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. To be honest, I found this definition to be a little less than inspiring. As I read further down the page, the dictionary gave the "archaic" definition... the definition that is considered "old", and "no longer used"... there, on the page, it was written: hope -- a feeling of trust. Yes. Perfect.
"Because of Jesus, we have trust. And this feeling of trust changes everything."
The hope we have in Jesus is a deeply rooted trust in Him. It is a trust that lightens our burdens... a trust that gives us a peace that passes all understanding. It is a trust that we are His; dearly loved and cherished... a trust that we are held in His mighty hands, never to be let go.
Because of Jesus, we have hope. And this hope does indeed change everything. We hope in His goodness, in His mercy and in His faithfulness. We hope in His healing, His provision and His protection. We hope in the One who repairs, redeems, and transforms. And we hope in His promises, so clearly revealed in His Word.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for giving us hope through the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Father, You sent Your only Son so that we could know Him, believe Him, and have eternal life through Him. LORD, we place our hope in Jesus, the One who changes everything. He is the One who redeems and He is the One who transforms. My heart trusts in You, LORD -- You are my Strength, my Shield, and my Peace. I praise You and thank You for hope -- that deeply rooted feeling of trust -- that can only come from You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
You Know Me
Welcome to my "guest" devotional writer, my sweet 13 year old daughter, Sarah. I had the privilege to read this beautiful letter she wrote to The King of Kings, Jesus, the One who loves her dearly. Inspired by Psalm 121 and Psalm 139, Sarah's letter to Jesus is a precious example of breathing Scripture back to the One who breathed the Word to us. I pray you will be blessed by her letter of love. I know I was...
Psalm 121:1 I lift my eyes up to the hills -- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 139:1-5 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. You hem me in -- behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Psalm 139:16 ...your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Dear Jesus,
You know me inside and out. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts from far away. You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything I do. Lord, you know what I say, even before the words leave my mouth. You are all around me -- in front of me and behind me.
You adorn me in a cloak of light. I am amazed by Your love for me. Wherever I go, and wherever life leads me, I will cling to You and find comfort in Your presence. I praise You because You made me in such a wonderful way. You know all my worries and You set me on the straight path.
You always walk by my side and when I cannot walk any further, You gather me up in Your arms and carry me. You will never leave me nor forsake me. I lift my eyes up to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from You, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. You will not let me fall. You never sleep and You always watch over me. You will protect me from every danger. I will go through hard times because I live in a fallen world, but You will not put me through anything I can't handle, O Lord.
Always stand by my side because I belong in Your presence. My heart is Yours, and I love You forever into eternity.
...Amen. Next time, "I Know You" a letter from Jesus to Sarah...
Psalm 121:1 I lift my eyes up to the hills -- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 139:1-5 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. You hem me in -- behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
Psalm 139:16 ...your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Psalm 139:23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
A Love Letter To My King
Dear Jesus,
You know me inside and out. You know when I sit down and when I get up. You know my thoughts from far away. You know where I go and where I lie down. You know everything I do. Lord, you know what I say, even before the words leave my mouth. You are all around me -- in front of me and behind me.
You adorn me in a cloak of light. I am amazed by Your love for me. Wherever I go, and wherever life leads me, I will cling to You and find comfort in Your presence. I praise You because You made me in such a wonderful way. You know all my worries and You set me on the straight path.
You always walk by my side and when I cannot walk any further, You gather me up in Your arms and carry me. You will never leave me nor forsake me. I lift my eyes up to the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from You, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. You will not let me fall. You never sleep and You always watch over me. You will protect me from every danger. I will go through hard times because I live in a fallen world, but You will not put me through anything I can't handle, O Lord.
Always stand by my side because I belong in Your presence. My heart is Yours, and I love You forever into eternity.
Love,
Your Princess,
Sarah
...Amen. Next time, "I Know You" a letter from Jesus to Sarah...
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Prayers in the Throne Room
Hebrews 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Revelation 5:8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people.
I love praying with people. I love to join in prayer with those of all ages, of all denominations, on all points of the journey... I love praying with people whose prayers are like poetry, and with those whose prayers are precious in their simplicity... It is a blessing to hear each prayer... each is beautiful to me.
Our prayers are beautiful to God. Scripture tells us that we may approach the throne of grace because of what Jesus did for us. When we pray, we are entering into the throne room with confidence. That image simply fills me with awe. As we pray, we enter the throne room... and God is there, with Jesus at His right hand, listening to our prayers. And every prayer is important; every prayer is heard.
I can imagine all the prayers held in those golden bowls of incense... mingled with the prayers of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Hannah, David, Solomon, Ruth, Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Mary, Peter, Paul... mingled with the prayers of Jane, Tom, Sarah, Jason, Rob, Michael, Elisabeth, Bruce, Arlene, Chris... all the prayers of desperation, fear and worry... the prayers for comfort, healing and strength... the prayers for provision, wisdom and discernment... the prayers of thanksgiving, worship and praise... the tentative prayers, the bold prayers, and the questioning prayers... all are significant, all are heard. Each and every one.
Heavenly Father, we humbly, yet boldly, approach Your throne of grace and pray. Father, we come to You, knowing that You hear our prayers. LORD, we know that our prayer is a sweet conversation with You... thank You for Your grace, thank You for Your mercy, and thank You for Your undeniable love for us. I praise You, and give You all honor and glory. In the mighty, loving, awesome name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Revelation 5:8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people.
I love praying with people. I love to join in prayer with those of all ages, of all denominations, on all points of the journey... I love praying with people whose prayers are like poetry, and with those whose prayers are precious in their simplicity... It is a blessing to hear each prayer... each is beautiful to me.
Our prayers are beautiful to God. Scripture tells us that we may approach the throne of grace because of what Jesus did for us. When we pray, we are entering into the throne room with confidence. That image simply fills me with awe. As we pray, we enter the throne room... and God is there, with Jesus at His right hand, listening to our prayers. And every prayer is important; every prayer is heard.
I can imagine all the prayers held in those golden bowls of incense... mingled with the prayers of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Hannah, David, Solomon, Ruth, Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah, Mary, Peter, Paul... mingled with the prayers of Jane, Tom, Sarah, Jason, Rob, Michael, Elisabeth, Bruce, Arlene, Chris... all the prayers of desperation, fear and worry... the prayers for comfort, healing and strength... the prayers for provision, wisdom and discernment... the prayers of thanksgiving, worship and praise... the tentative prayers, the bold prayers, and the questioning prayers... all are significant, all are heard. Each and every one.
Heavenly Father, we humbly, yet boldly, approach Your throne of grace and pray. Father, we come to You, knowing that You hear our prayers. LORD, we know that our prayer is a sweet conversation with You... thank You for Your grace, thank You for Your mercy, and thank You for Your undeniable love for us. I praise You, and give You all honor and glory. In the mighty, loving, awesome name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Beauty in the Brokeness
Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
John 4:10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
I love to beachcomb. I slowly walk along the beach, my eyes searching over the shoreline. The waves roll in as I hunt for unique shells, smooth stones, and tiny pieces of beach glass. This particular summer vacation, the prize of the perfectly formed shell was elusive... but as I gave up my quest for the perfect shells, I found pleasure in looking for the broken ones. In fact, I began to delight in finding that little piece of knobbed whelk shell, or the remnant of the lettered olive shell. And the broken shells were plentiful... pieces of shells that were once beautiful and whole; broken by the pounding of the ocean. As I picked up the shells, gently washing them off in the surf, I thought of what they once were, but found such beauty in their uniqueness.
As I gathered the broken pieces, I thought about how God picks us up when we are broken.
I think of God, the Good Shepherd, walking the shoreline of life, picking us up, treasuring us, gently washing us in springs of living water, and wiping the tears from our eyes. While the brokeness may be part of our story, He will hold us up as beautiful. He will make us whole. And, yes, there is healing in His Living Water.
Come to Him in your brokeness... you don't have to be that perfect shell before He will love you. You see, God sees the beauty in the broken shells, too.
Dear Heavenly Father, we are those broken shells on the shoreline. Life's waves and storms can batter us and break us. But, LORD, I am so thankful You gently pick us up and carefully rinse off our sand and grit. God, You hold us in Your hand and see the beauty in all of us. I am so very grateful for Your love and healing! I pray this in the restoring name of Jesus. Amen.
John 4:10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
I love to beachcomb. I slowly walk along the beach, my eyes searching over the shoreline. The waves roll in as I hunt for unique shells, smooth stones, and tiny pieces of beach glass. This particular summer vacation, the prize of the perfectly formed shell was elusive... but as I gave up my quest for the perfect shells, I found pleasure in looking for the broken ones. In fact, I began to delight in finding that little piece of knobbed whelk shell, or the remnant of the lettered olive shell. And the broken shells were plentiful... pieces of shells that were once beautiful and whole; broken by the pounding of the ocean. As I picked up the shells, gently washing them off in the surf, I thought of what they once were, but found such beauty in their uniqueness.
As I gathered the broken pieces, I thought about how God picks us up when we are broken.
I think of God, the Good Shepherd, walking the shoreline of life, picking us up, treasuring us, gently washing us in springs of living water, and wiping the tears from our eyes. While the brokeness may be part of our story, He will hold us up as beautiful. He will make us whole. And, yes, there is healing in His Living Water.
Come to Him in your brokeness... you don't have to be that perfect shell before He will love you. You see, God sees the beauty in the broken shells, too.
Dear Heavenly Father, we are those broken shells on the shoreline. Life's waves and storms can batter us and break us. But, LORD, I am so thankful You gently pick us up and carefully rinse off our sand and grit. God, You hold us in Your hand and see the beauty in all of us. I am so very grateful for Your love and healing! I pray this in the restoring name of Jesus. Amen.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Faithful
Exodus 34:6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness..."
Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Psalm 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Isaiah 25:1 O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.
1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
As I draw closer and closer to God Almighty... as I sit at His feet and make Him my Center... as I walk on this journey, hand-in-hand with Him... I am overwhelmed by God's faithfulness.
As I seek my Heavenly Father with all my heart... I am amazed how He so clearly works in my life. I am in awe of His Presence during my quiet prayer and devotional time. And He is so faithful to answer. In His 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.
I wait with expectation, because I know the LORD will answer... I know He is faithful. But it will be in His perfect time, not my worldly time... my time is oriented in a world of immediate answers, quick messages, and instant communication. His time is measured in infinite eternity. Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
In times of waiting, do not doubt His faithfulness... know that God is faithful, and wait in expectation. Embrace that precious time of waiting and draw even closer to Him. Anticipate that His answer will be His perfect will in His perfect time...
Experiencing God's faithfulness leads you to completely trust in Him. That complete trust in Him leads you to His Peace... His beautiful Peace that transforms your life.
Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your undeniable faithfulness as we come to You in prayer and devotion. Thank You for Your answers in Your perfect timing. LORD, sometimes Your answer and Your ways may not be what we anticipated, but we know that Your plans are perfect and good. LORD, I pray that all may know your faithfulness and experience Your mighty Presence and Peace in their lives. I pray that all may experience the joy of expecting Your goodness and faithfulness. I pray this all in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Psalm 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
Isaiah 25:1 O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.
1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
As I draw closer and closer to God Almighty... as I sit at His feet and make Him my Center... as I walk on this journey, hand-in-hand with Him... I am overwhelmed by God's faithfulness.
As I seek my Heavenly Father with all my heart... I am amazed how He so clearly works in my life. I am in awe of His Presence during my quiet prayer and devotional time. And He is so faithful to answer. In His 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.
I wait with expectation, because I know the LORD will answer... I know He is faithful. But it will be in His perfect time, not my worldly time... my time is oriented in a world of immediate answers, quick messages, and instant communication. His time is measured in infinite eternity. Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
In times of waiting, do not doubt His faithfulness... know that God is faithful, and wait in expectation. Embrace that precious time of waiting and draw even closer to Him. Anticipate that His answer will be His perfect will in His perfect time...
Experiencing God's faithfulness leads you to completely trust in Him. That complete trust in Him leads you to His Peace... His beautiful Peace that transforms your life.
Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your undeniable faithfulness as we come to You in prayer and devotion. Thank You for Your answers in Your perfect timing. LORD, sometimes Your answer and Your ways may not be what we anticipated, but we know that Your plans are perfect and good. LORD, I pray that all may know your faithfulness and experience Your mighty Presence and Peace in their lives. I pray that all may experience the joy of expecting Your goodness and faithfulness. I pray this all in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Invite Jesus In
Luke 19:5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today."
Luke 19:7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.'"
Luke 19:9-10 Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
What if Jesus told you, "I must stay at your house today?" What if today was the day your life was about to change forever? What if today was the day that you let Jesus in and began to follow Him... truly follow Him... truly allowed Him into your life? Would you invite Jesus in? Would you let Jesus set up residence in your home, in your life... in your heart?
I encourage you to let Him in! Jesus wants to stay at your house today! He will transform your home, your life, and your heart. And Jesus doesn't want to just stay in the neat and tidy houses... He longs to come into the messy ones. The houses with past hurts, with regrets, with mistakes, with questions...
Jesus had a divine appointment with Zacchaeus. On that day, Zacchaeus was transformed. And oh, how Jesus wants to transform us! He wants to transform homes! Transform lives! Transform hearts! And Jesus will. It is His promise... if only you would let Him in. Let Jesus stay at your house today. You will never, ever be the same.
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You will come to our houses today. We all need You in our lives. No matter where we are on our journey with You... from not knowing You, to taking those first steps toward You, to the one who is diving deep into Your Word, to the person who knows You so very deeply, like a dear old friend. We all need You to come and stay at our house. Every day. We welcome you in. Saturate our homes and our hearts today! I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Luke 19:7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.'"
Luke 19:9-10 Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
What if Jesus told you, "I must stay at your house today?" What if today was the day your life was about to change forever? What if today was the day that you let Jesus in and began to follow Him... truly follow Him... truly allowed Him into your life? Would you invite Jesus in? Would you let Jesus set up residence in your home, in your life... in your heart?
I encourage you to let Him in! Jesus wants to stay at your house today! He will transform your home, your life, and your heart. And Jesus doesn't want to just stay in the neat and tidy houses... He longs to come into the messy ones. The houses with past hurts, with regrets, with mistakes, with questions...
Jesus had a divine appointment with Zacchaeus. On that day, Zacchaeus was transformed. And oh, how Jesus wants to transform us! He wants to transform homes! Transform lives! Transform hearts! And Jesus will. It is His promise... if only you would let Him in. Let Jesus stay at your house today. You will never, ever be the same.
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You will come to our houses today. We all need You in our lives. No matter where we are on our journey with You... from not knowing You, to taking those first steps toward You, to the one who is diving deep into Your Word, to the person who knows You so very deeply, like a dear old friend. We all need You to come and stay at our house. Every day. We welcome you in. Saturate our homes and our hearts today! I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
God's Note Pad
John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me."
Proverbs 3:24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Psalm 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
When I can't sleep, and thoughts begin to roll around in my head, I like to repeat one of my favorite Scripture verses. John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me." This verse always calms me and helps me to drift off into a peaceful sleep. I also keep a little note pad and pencil near my bed. When I have a thought, I get up and write it on the note pad and then place the pencil down on the table. And when I put the pencil down, the thought seems to be recorded and considered put to rest.
Scripture tells us to prayerfully give our worries and anxieties to God. When we do this, He promises to give us peace and rest. But oh, this so very, very, hard for us to do! So often, after we give our anxieties to the LORD, it is so tempting to gather up our worries, draw them back to us, and tuck them firmly back into our mind. When we do not completely give our anxieties and cares to God, it is like we are picking up that pencil by our bed... and repeatedly recording the same, exact thought on that little note pad, over and over, and over again.
God invites us to cast all our anxieties on Him... to write them on His note pad and to put our pencil down. Not to be picked up again. Leave the anxiety and worry at His feet. Trust in Him, the One who is infinitely able to work in your life. The One who knows every hair on your head. The One who has a purpose and a plan for you. You are not meant to carry the burden... we are to trust in Him and cast all our cares on Him.
Write it on God's note pad. Then put your pencil down. Sleep sweetly. Rest in the knowledge that He cares for you. Leave it at His feet. And soak in the peace and presence of God.
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for all those who cannot rest. Grant them Peace, LORD. Help them to write their cares on Your note pad and give them a peaceful rest, a refreshed mind, and a renewed desire to draw close to the One who loves them deeply. I pray this in the awesome name of Jesus. Amen.
Proverbs 3:24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Psalm 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
When I can't sleep, and thoughts begin to roll around in my head, I like to repeat one of my favorite Scripture verses. John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me." This verse always calms me and helps me to drift off into a peaceful sleep. I also keep a little note pad and pencil near my bed. When I have a thought, I get up and write it on the note pad and then place the pencil down on the table. And when I put the pencil down, the thought seems to be recorded and considered put to rest.
Scripture tells us to prayerfully give our worries and anxieties to God. When we do this, He promises to give us peace and rest. But oh, this so very, very, hard for us to do! So often, after we give our anxieties to the LORD, it is so tempting to gather up our worries, draw them back to us, and tuck them firmly back into our mind. When we do not completely give our anxieties and cares to God, it is like we are picking up that pencil by our bed... and repeatedly recording the same, exact thought on that little note pad, over and over, and over again.
God invites us to cast all our anxieties on Him... to write them on His note pad and to put our pencil down. Not to be picked up again. Leave the anxiety and worry at His feet. Trust in Him, the One who is infinitely able to work in your life. The One who knows every hair on your head. The One who has a purpose and a plan for you. You are not meant to carry the burden... we are to trust in Him and cast all our cares on Him.
Write it on God's note pad. Then put your pencil down. Sleep sweetly. Rest in the knowledge that He cares for you. Leave it at His feet. And soak in the peace and presence of God.
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for all those who cannot rest. Grant them Peace, LORD. Help them to write their cares on Your note pad and give them a peaceful rest, a refreshed mind, and a renewed desire to draw close to the One who loves them deeply. I pray this in the awesome name of Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
I Don't Know...
Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
1 Corinthians 13:12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Do you have some things you don't understand and would like to ask God when you see Him in Heaven? I do! I'll have my little piece of paper, and on that list will be questions under the categories of, "How did You do that?" and "Why did this happen?" and "I always wondered about this..." When I see Him, He will know all the answers to things I could never understand. Quite simply, He is the Creator, and I am His creation. He knows everything and I don't. And in this season of my life, I'm okay with that.
However, the "not knowing" can often stretch our faith. It can erode the faith of a strong believer, and it can derail the fledgling faith of a new believer.
It is our human tendency to want to know everything. Inside and out... all the details. But what happens when we don't get all our questions answered? What happens when we just have to trust and believe? Sometimes we can become so consumed with searching for every answer, never being satisfied, that we miss out on the gift of simply enjoying His Presence... basking in His Love. Quite simply, we can't know everything, and He has chosen what to reveal to us.
Oh, but there is good news! He has chosen to reveal to us an abundance of truths, promises and treasures! And they are right there at our fingertips... we only need to open His Word. God has given us the gift of His roadmap, the Bible, to help us on our journey. His Word guides us, equips us, trains us, teaches us, and corrects us. His Word has the power to comfort and give us peace.
And through His Word, we know...
He is the Creator.
He knows you.
He has a plan and a purpose for you.
He is our healer and the great physician.
He is our shield and our refuge.
He is faithful.
He is patient and compassionate.
He is mighty, powerful, sovereign and in control.
He loves us.
Saturate yourself in His Word, soak in His truths, treasures, and promises... and keep your little piece of paper with your list of why's and how's to ask Him at that glorious time when you see the One who loves you, the One who died for you... face to face.
Dear Heavenly Father, I look forward to the time when You will take me by the hand, and we will walk along, and I will pull out my little piece of paper and ask You my questions... and I will say to You... "Oh! That's why!" And I will smile, knowing that You are sovereign, Holy, and perfect. And I will no longer be looking through a dim mirror. I will see with clarity. But until then, LORD, I pray that knowledge of You and Your Goodness will permeate me and help me through the times when there are so many why's and how's. Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your infinite Love. I pray all of this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Abundant Life
Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Matthew 22:36-39 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."
Life can be so busy... we can be focused on so many other things...
Oh, how we can settle for occasionally bumping into God as we live our life! Giving Him a cursory nod of our head as we breeze on by with our busy schedules. Touching base with Him on Sunday mornings. And sometimes we love Jesus with all our heart for a little while... then we get distracted by life... and not have enough time for Him... drifting away without even realizing it until we look around at our life and feel like He is so very far away...
Yes, you can exist that way, but it is truly just existing... and God doesn't want you to merely exist. He loves you deeply and wants you to have an abundant life. An abundant life in Him. There is a deeper relationship into which God is drawing us.
So, I encourage you to love Him with all your heart.
Say "yes" to Him.
Spend quality time with Him.
Focus on God. Truly make Him the Center of your life; the Center of your family's life.
Pray, pray, and pray.
Learn about God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Ask questions... be curious!
Know His Word; read His book every day. (A good study bible is so very helpful!)
I have been blessed with the kind of abundance that comes from making God the Center and focus of your life. What kind of abundance, you may ask? An abundance of love, joy, peace, contentment, strength, courage, patience, grace and mercy. I am so very grateful to my Heavenly Father.
Drawing close to God and loving Him will transform you. He never meant for our lives to be a random walk on this earth. He wants to hold our hand in love as we walk through our lives with Him.
Acts 17:27 God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
Dear Heavenly Father, Please help me to always love you with all my heart. Keep my love for you kindled and strong. LORD, I pray for each person who chooses to seek you; who chooses to reach out for You; who chooses to love You. LORD, I pray that they would find You. LORD, may their love for You continue to grow, and help them as they deepen their knowledge of who You are. Heavenly Father, give them a life of abundance in You. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Matthew 22:36-39 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment."
Life can be so busy... we can be focused on so many other things...
Oh, how we can settle for occasionally bumping into God as we live our life! Giving Him a cursory nod of our head as we breeze on by with our busy schedules. Touching base with Him on Sunday mornings. And sometimes we love Jesus with all our heart for a little while... then we get distracted by life... and not have enough time for Him... drifting away without even realizing it until we look around at our life and feel like He is so very far away...
Yes, you can exist that way, but it is truly just existing... and God doesn't want you to merely exist. He loves you deeply and wants you to have an abundant life. An abundant life in Him. There is a deeper relationship into which God is drawing us.
So, I encourage you to love Him with all your heart.
Say "yes" to Him.
Spend quality time with Him.
Focus on God. Truly make Him the Center of your life; the Center of your family's life.
Pray, pray, and pray.
Learn about God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Ask questions... be curious!
Know His Word; read His book every day. (A good study bible is so very helpful!)
I have been blessed with the kind of abundance that comes from making God the Center and focus of your life. What kind of abundance, you may ask? An abundance of love, joy, peace, contentment, strength, courage, patience, grace and mercy. I am so very grateful to my Heavenly Father.
Drawing close to God and loving Him will transform you. He never meant for our lives to be a random walk on this earth. He wants to hold our hand in love as we walk through our lives with Him.
Acts 17:27 God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
Dear Heavenly Father, Please help me to always love you with all my heart. Keep my love for you kindled and strong. LORD, I pray for each person who chooses to seek you; who chooses to reach out for You; who chooses to love You. LORD, I pray that they would find You. LORD, may their love for You continue to grow, and help them as they deepen their knowledge of who You are. Heavenly Father, give them a life of abundance in You. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Obedience, Freedom, and a Scruffy Dog
Psalm 119:35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
Psalm 128:1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.
Jeremiah 7:23 ...but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
We adopted an adorable five year old dog from our local animal shelter this past summer. Kita is a very smart girl, and when she wants to, she can obey with the best of them... sit, stay, wait, heel, down, come... but only when she believes it is in her best interest... waiting for her food, going out for a walk, the promise
of a belly rub, anticipating a treat...
But at other times, she can be stubborn and disobedient. When she believes her way is better, she chooses to disobey. She chooses her own path. We have learned that she is what they call a "runner." If she gets out on her own, she will run far from you and not come back. She turns her sweet, scruffy face away and pretends she doesn't even know you... she runs away and won't listen to our voice calling her back home.
Off she goes, running free with exhilaration and abandon; not realizing that she is running away from her safety. Running away from her source of life. While we are calling her back home, she willfully and naturally chooses the wrong way. I'm sure it feels exciting and marvelous at the time, but I'm afraid there will be a time when she realizes she has made a mistake and she is so very far away...
Obedience. Even those of us who tend to be rule followers will sometimes bristle at the word... we can feel stifled, constrained, restricted. But obedience to God is just the opposite... obedience means journeying on His path, staying in His will. Experiencing all the fullness of life that He had always planned for us. When we obey God, we are running with Him... fully participating in His will.
Disobeying God and His commands can take us in an opposite direction from His will for us. Our disobedience brings us to places He never meant for us to be -- places so very far from His intentions for our lives. Places where we are in danger of losing our way...
Dear Heavenly Father, Your commands are good. Your plans are perfect. LORD, I want to run with You, not run away from You. I praise You because You have such a wonderful path for me... designed by You, my Creator, specifically for me. Please help me to remember that obedience to Your Word means freedom. Freedom to enjoy an abundant life centered firmly in You. Amen.
Psalm 128:1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.
Jeremiah 7:23 ...but I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.
James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
We adopted an adorable five year old dog from our local animal shelter this past summer. Kita is a very smart girl, and when she wants to, she can obey with the best of them... sit, stay, wait, heel, down, come... but only when she believes it is in her best interest... waiting for her food, going out for a walk, the promise
of a belly rub, anticipating a treat...
But at other times, she can be stubborn and disobedient. When she believes her way is better, she chooses to disobey. She chooses her own path. We have learned that she is what they call a "runner." If she gets out on her own, she will run far from you and not come back. She turns her sweet, scruffy face away and pretends she doesn't even know you... she runs away and won't listen to our voice calling her back home.
Off she goes, running free with exhilaration and abandon; not realizing that she is running away from her safety. Running away from her source of life. While we are calling her back home, she willfully and naturally chooses the wrong way. I'm sure it feels exciting and marvelous at the time, but I'm afraid there will be a time when she realizes she has made a mistake and she is so very far away...
Obedience. Even those of us who tend to be rule followers will sometimes bristle at the word... we can feel stifled, constrained, restricted. But obedience to God is just the opposite... obedience means journeying on His path, staying in His will. Experiencing all the fullness of life that He had always planned for us. When we obey God, we are running with Him... fully participating in His will.
Disobeying God and His commands can take us in an opposite direction from His will for us. Our disobedience brings us to places He never meant for us to be -- places so very far from His intentions for our lives. Places where we are in danger of losing our way...
Dear Heavenly Father, Your commands are good. Your plans are perfect. LORD, I want to run with You, not run away from You. I praise You because You have such a wonderful path for me... designed by You, my Creator, specifically for me. Please help me to remember that obedience to Your Word means freedom. Freedom to enjoy an abundant life centered firmly in You. Amen.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Sharing My Testimony With Students (video)
In the Perfection and Obedience post (4/11/13), I share my testimony with middle and high school students during Chapel at my children's school. Here is the video of my talk with the students... It was my humble pleasure to be able to share God's story with them.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Perfection and Obedience
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.
I was asked to give my testimony of God's miracle in my life during the Middle School and High School chapels at my children's school. I agreed, and April 10 was the day of the "big talk." While I feel very comfortable writing and sharing my testimony in one-on-one or small group opportunities, I am not an orator. Speaking in front of groups is definitely not my strength... not at all.
This was the first opportunity to share my story with an audience. On a stage. In the weeks prior to my chance to speak at Chapel, I prepared for my talk, organized my notes, and prayed that God would be with me. I imagined that since it was a story I knew so well, since I lived it, surely I would be able to speak it flawlessly, with strength and sureness...
I have to admit...
I was hoping to be amazing... I wasn't.
I was hoping for perfect delivery, telling my story with clarity and strength... I didn't.
Yes, it was good, but not amazing... not perfect... with a somewhat rocky start... In fact, after I spoke to both groups, I was somewhat disappointed in myself. I felt like I somehow let God down. I should have, could have, spoken with more eloquence...
Yet God is so good. In His infinite perfection, plans, and purposes... He used it anyway. I have learned He used it to plant seeds, and bear fruit in children and adults. He used it to touch other lives... regardless of my imperfection.
God laid on my heart that He doesn't demand perfection. Only He is perfect... He wants us to be obedient. He wants us to say yes to opportunities put in our path to share His good works... to share His Good News... even when we are uncomfortable. Even when we don't shine, but He does.
I realize now that if I was perfect, it would have been about me. And it wasn't about me at all. It was about Him. It is His story. It is His account of His power in my life and my family's life. And He can and will use it as He sees fit... despite my oration skills... despite my imperfections.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for continuing to teach me. LORD, You never stop moulding us, shaping us, and growing us. Help me to be obedient, even when it is uncomfortable. I praise You that You alone are perfect, and that You do not demand perfection from us. Help me to have a humble, servant heart. Use me for Your Kingdom in any way you choose. Thank you for the blessing of serving You. In Jesus' name I pray... Amen
I was asked to give my testimony of God's miracle in my life during the Middle School and High School chapels at my children's school. I agreed, and April 10 was the day of the "big talk." While I feel very comfortable writing and sharing my testimony in one-on-one or small group opportunities, I am not an orator. Speaking in front of groups is definitely not my strength... not at all.
This was the first opportunity to share my story with an audience. On a stage. In the weeks prior to my chance to speak at Chapel, I prepared for my talk, organized my notes, and prayed that God would be with me. I imagined that since it was a story I knew so well, since I lived it, surely I would be able to speak it flawlessly, with strength and sureness...
I have to admit...
I was hoping to be amazing... I wasn't.
I was hoping for perfect delivery, telling my story with clarity and strength... I didn't.
Yes, it was good, but not amazing... not perfect... with a somewhat rocky start... In fact, after I spoke to both groups, I was somewhat disappointed in myself. I felt like I somehow let God down. I should have, could have, spoken with more eloquence...
Yet God is so good. In His infinite perfection, plans, and purposes... He used it anyway. I have learned He used it to plant seeds, and bear fruit in children and adults. He used it to touch other lives... regardless of my imperfection.
God laid on my heart that He doesn't demand perfection. Only He is perfect... He wants us to be obedient. He wants us to say yes to opportunities put in our path to share His good works... to share His Good News... even when we are uncomfortable. Even when we don't shine, but He does.
I realize now that if I was perfect, it would have been about me. And it wasn't about me at all. It was about Him. It is His story. It is His account of His power in my life and my family's life. And He can and will use it as He sees fit... despite my oration skills... despite my imperfections.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for continuing to teach me. LORD, You never stop moulding us, shaping us, and growing us. Help me to be obedient, even when it is uncomfortable. I praise You that You alone are perfect, and that You do not demand perfection from us. Help me to have a humble, servant heart. Use me for Your Kingdom in any way you choose. Thank you for the blessing of serving You. In Jesus' name I pray... Amen
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Peace
Numbers 6:24-26 "The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace."
Psalm 29:11 "The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace."
Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you."
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
2 Thessalonians 3:16 "Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."
His Peace calms our hearts and minds...
His Peace gives us hope...
His Peace gives us strength and courage...
Jesus is our Peace. Draw close to Him... and He will cover you with a Peace that the world cannot give.
I have a friend who simply needs Peace. The Peace that passes all understanding. The Peace that settles on you like a warm, soft blanket. The Peace that soothes you to sleep at night. The Peace that walks you gently through your day. The Peace that shepherds you through your storm... God's Peace... Jesus... our Prince of Peace.
Heavenly Father, I am so very thankful that You are my Peace. LORD, I pray that all who seek You may know Your Peace. LORD, make Your face shine upon us... turn Your face toward us and give us Peace. Amen.
Psalm 29:11 "The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace."
Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you."
John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
2 Thessalonians 3:16 "Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."
His Peace calms our hearts and minds...
His Peace gives us hope...
His Peace gives us strength and courage...
Jesus is our Peace. Draw close to Him... and He will cover you with a Peace that the world cannot give.
I have a friend who simply needs Peace. The Peace that passes all understanding. The Peace that settles on you like a warm, soft blanket. The Peace that soothes you to sleep at night. The Peace that walks you gently through your day. The Peace that shepherds you through your storm... God's Peace... Jesus... our Prince of Peace.
Heavenly Father, I am so very thankful that You are my Peace. LORD, I pray that all who seek You may know Your Peace. LORD, make Your face shine upon us... turn Your face toward us and give us Peace. Amen.
Monday, March 25, 2013
God's Strength
Daniel 10:12 Then he continued, "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard and I have come in response to them."
Daniel 10:17-18 "How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe." Again, the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong. When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength."
I know many people who are going through tremendous trials in their lives. Trials that leave them much like the prophet, Daniel... their strength gone... and they can hardly breathe. As I was reading the book of Daniel, I was deeply moved by the clear example of how Daniel was never alone in his experiences... God loved Daniel and gave him strength.
In chapters 8 through 12, Daniel is highly esteemed by God and is necessarily shown such disturbing prophetic visions of days yet to come, that he is physically overcome by what he has seen. Yet Scripture tells us that Daniel is not left alone in his fear and trembling. Daniel is comforted, strengthened, encouraged, and physically lifted up and placed on his feet. God cares deeply for Daniel.
We can apply this account to our own lives today. God cares deeply for us, too. Many of us are experiencing situations in our life that are out of our control, causing us great distress. Yet in the book of Daniel, God tells us that He is with us. Strengthening us, encouraging us, lifting us up and placing us on our feet. I can just hear God telling us, as we go through the trials and storms of this life... "Peace! Be strong now; be strong." "Do not be afraid!" "Your words are heard!" I encourage you to read the amazing book of Daniel. I pray that you can feel yourself being lifted up, and set on your feet; knowing that He is with you as you are being strengthened by the power of our mighty God.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that even when we are going through trials that leave us feeling as though we can barely breath, You are always with us, giving us strength and peace. Thank You for caring for us so deeply, that You hear each of our prayers and calm our fears. I pray that we can always feel Your mighty Hand upon us as we go through the trials of this life. I praise You, LORD, that Your Word says we have the eternal promise of this strength through Jesus Christ, as the Apostle Paul confirms, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." In Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen.
Daniel 10:17-18 "How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe." Again, the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed," he said. "Peace! Be strong now; be strong. When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength."
I know many people who are going through tremendous trials in their lives. Trials that leave them much like the prophet, Daniel... their strength gone... and they can hardly breathe. As I was reading the book of Daniel, I was deeply moved by the clear example of how Daniel was never alone in his experiences... God loved Daniel and gave him strength.
In chapters 8 through 12, Daniel is highly esteemed by God and is necessarily shown such disturbing prophetic visions of days yet to come, that he is physically overcome by what he has seen. Yet Scripture tells us that Daniel is not left alone in his fear and trembling. Daniel is comforted, strengthened, encouraged, and physically lifted up and placed on his feet. God cares deeply for Daniel.
We can apply this account to our own lives today. God cares deeply for us, too. Many of us are experiencing situations in our life that are out of our control, causing us great distress. Yet in the book of Daniel, God tells us that He is with us. Strengthening us, encouraging us, lifting us up and placing us on our feet. I can just hear God telling us, as we go through the trials and storms of this life... "Peace! Be strong now; be strong." "Do not be afraid!" "Your words are heard!" I encourage you to read the amazing book of Daniel. I pray that you can feel yourself being lifted up, and set on your feet; knowing that He is with you as you are being strengthened by the power of our mighty God.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that even when we are going through trials that leave us feeling as though we can barely breath, You are always with us, giving us strength and peace. Thank You for caring for us so deeply, that You hear each of our prayers and calm our fears. I pray that we can always feel Your mighty Hand upon us as we go through the trials of this life. I praise You, LORD, that Your Word says we have the eternal promise of this strength through Jesus Christ, as the Apostle Paul confirms, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." In Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
God Makes Us Grow
1 Corinthians 3:5-8 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
God is working, right before my eyes. I am experiencing the blessing of watching our amazing God make things grow... specifically, I am watching God make His children grow. God's mighty hand is clearly at work, transforming so many lives around me. It is awesome to behold His power and love in full orchestration.
Often, we are the ones He is growing and transforming. Other times, we are His humble servants -- planting and watering... then, gratefully watching God transform and grow His people. As only He can do.
Has God used someone to plant seeds in your life? Have they been watered by someone? Is it time to grow with Him? Is God stirring your heart? Is He beginning to move in your life? I encourage you to grab hold of His mighty hand. Answer His stirring of your heart. Listen to what He is telling you. Draw close to God and let Him grow you. He wants to take you to places you never thought possible. God wants to heal you, to be your Center, and to make you soar. Oh, the things He wants to teach you in this life! God wants to grow your roots deep into His soil, so that you do not wither and fall away.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for continuing to grow me into the person you always meant me to be. I pray that You will continue to grow me, drawing me closer to You, each and every day of my life. May You use me to carefully plant seeds and gently water the hearts of the people You surround me with... and I will watch in awe as You begin to transform lives right before my eyes. Thank You for the blessing of being Your humble servant. Amen.
God is working, right before my eyes. I am experiencing the blessing of watching our amazing God make things grow... specifically, I am watching God make His children grow. God's mighty hand is clearly at work, transforming so many lives around me. It is awesome to behold His power and love in full orchestration.
Often, we are the ones He is growing and transforming. Other times, we are His humble servants -- planting and watering... then, gratefully watching God transform and grow His people. As only He can do.
Has God used someone to plant seeds in your life? Have they been watered by someone? Is it time to grow with Him? Is God stirring your heart? Is He beginning to move in your life? I encourage you to grab hold of His mighty hand. Answer His stirring of your heart. Listen to what He is telling you. Draw close to God and let Him grow you. He wants to take you to places you never thought possible. God wants to heal you, to be your Center, and to make you soar. Oh, the things He wants to teach you in this life! God wants to grow your roots deep into His soil, so that you do not wither and fall away.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for continuing to grow me into the person you always meant me to be. I pray that You will continue to grow me, drawing me closer to You, each and every day of my life. May You use me to carefully plant seeds and gently water the hearts of the people You surround me with... and I will watch in awe as You begin to transform lives right before my eyes. Thank You for the blessing of being Your humble servant. Amen.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
The Gift of Today
Psalm 118:24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
My husband's mom, Janet, passed away last Sunday after a courageous battle with cancer. She passed beautifully from our world into Heaven. Jesus lovingly and gently received her into His arms...
My husband, Bruce, brought home items that were in Janet's pantry when she passed. He brought home brown grocery bags filled with aluminum foil, cans of tuna, soup, vitamins, cough drops, a loaf of bread, crackers, little individually wrapped crumb cakes...
As I carefully helped my husband unpack the paper bags of pantry items, God gave me a sweet reminder of how temporary this life is. He tugged on my heart. One day, she needed all these small life essentials, the next day, she didn't. The next day, Janet was with Jesus.
Our life on earth is temporary.
Our life with God is eternal.
And God has given us the beautiful gift of today!
So... today counts. I gently ask you, what are you going to do with the gift of today? I want to encourage you to use your gift of today to get close to Jesus.
Seek Him today. Open your Bible today. Draw closer to Him today. Sit down and really talk with Him today. Take up your cross and follow His path today. Begin to really live for Him today and store up your treasures in Heaven. Not when you have more time; when you are a little less busy... not at some point in the future... Oh, how He wants to be the Center of your life. Today.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Janet's life and Your gentle reminder that every day is a precious gift from You. I humbly thank You for Your beautiful gift of today. Amen.
My husband's mom, Janet, passed away last Sunday after a courageous battle with cancer. She passed beautifully from our world into Heaven. Jesus lovingly and gently received her into His arms...
My husband, Bruce, brought home items that were in Janet's pantry when she passed. He brought home brown grocery bags filled with aluminum foil, cans of tuna, soup, vitamins, cough drops, a loaf of bread, crackers, little individually wrapped crumb cakes...
As I carefully helped my husband unpack the paper bags of pantry items, God gave me a sweet reminder of how temporary this life is. He tugged on my heart. One day, she needed all these small life essentials, the next day, she didn't. The next day, Janet was with Jesus.
Our life on earth is temporary.
Our life with God is eternal.
And God has given us the beautiful gift of today!
So... today counts. I gently ask you, what are you going to do with the gift of today? I want to encourage you to use your gift of today to get close to Jesus.
Seek Him today. Open your Bible today. Draw closer to Him today. Sit down and really talk with Him today. Take up your cross and follow His path today. Begin to really live for Him today and store up your treasures in Heaven. Not when you have more time; when you are a little less busy... not at some point in the future... Oh, how He wants to be the Center of your life. Today.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Janet's life and Your gentle reminder that every day is a precious gift from You. I humbly thank You for Your beautiful gift of today. Amen.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Jesus Loves Me, This I Know...
Psalm 117:2 For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 15:12-13 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
I sang the simple children's song in Sunday school as I was growing up, and my children sang it when they were young. I'll bet that most of you know it, too... my guess is that when you read the words above, you could even hear the tune. The song is so simple and uncomplicated... as uncomplicated as God's love for us.
Scripture tells us over and over again... from Genesis to Revelation, God's covenant love and faithfulness endures forever. Quite simply, He loves you. He is your Rock and your Redeemer. It is a promise and a truth that saturates the pages of the Bible.
It is my prayer that you would love Him back. That you would invite Him into your entire life. In Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your mind." I pray that you would open your Bible and begin to read -- not just for answers, but to get to know the One who loves you completely. Spend daily quality time with the One who loves you deeply. The One who laid down His life for you. The One who offers you the gift of eternal life.
Love Him back... love Him with all your heart, soul and mind. Pray to Him, talk with Him, praise Him and honor Him with your choices; know and follow His Word. Know Christ Jesus, the One who's love is so complete, that nothing can separate us from Him.
Wherever you are in your journey, whatever is going on in your life, I pray that you take comfort, and find strength and peace in this simple truth... in this simple song...
...Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
Dear Heavenly Father, I simply want to thank You for Your love that covers me completely. Thank You that Jesus loves me. Thank You for Your amazing Word that clearly tells me so. Amen.
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 15:12-13 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Jesus loves me, this I know...
I sang the simple children's song in Sunday school as I was growing up, and my children sang it when they were young. I'll bet that most of you know it, too... my guess is that when you read the words above, you could even hear the tune. The song is so simple and uncomplicated... as uncomplicated as God's love for us.
Scripture tells us over and over again... from Genesis to Revelation, God's covenant love and faithfulness endures forever. Quite simply, He loves you. He is your Rock and your Redeemer. It is a promise and a truth that saturates the pages of the Bible.
It is my prayer that you would love Him back. That you would invite Him into your entire life. In Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your mind." I pray that you would open your Bible and begin to read -- not just for answers, but to get to know the One who loves you completely. Spend daily quality time with the One who loves you deeply. The One who laid down His life for you. The One who offers you the gift of eternal life.
Love Him back... love Him with all your heart, soul and mind. Pray to Him, talk with Him, praise Him and honor Him with your choices; know and follow His Word. Know Christ Jesus, the One who's love is so complete, that nothing can separate us from Him.
Wherever you are in your journey, whatever is going on in your life, I pray that you take comfort, and find strength and peace in this simple truth... in this simple song...
...Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
Dear Heavenly Father, I simply want to thank You for Your love that covers me completely. Thank You that Jesus loves me. Thank You for Your amazing Word that clearly tells me so. Amen.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Praise, Thanks, Worship
Psalm 30:12 That my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD, my God, I will give you thanks forever.
Psalm 63:4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
Psalm 103:1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Luke 5:26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."
Revelation 5:13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"
As I sat down to pray today, I had quite a list of requests, petitions, intercessions and concerns... things that were heavy on my heart...
I needed His peace.
I gently laid my list down and placed it to the side for a moment... And then... I humbly praised Him. And I thanked Him. And I worshiped Him.
And as I went to the LORD in praise, thanksgiving, and worship, He refreshed my heart, He restored my soul, and He reminded me that He is God -- that He has not changed. It felt good to sit in His Holy Presence, wrapped in His peace.
As I returned to the requests, intercessions and concerns, I began to pray for each precious, compelling need; but I prayed with a renewed heart, a renewed peace, and a renewed promise of His control and His Presence... and as I began to pray, I was reminded that God is mighty, sovereign, and He is worthy to be praised.
Praise be to You, Wonderful Counselor. Your ways are perfect. I thank You that You freely give Your wisdom, pouring it out to us through Your Word. I praise You as I sit at Your feet, listening to Your counsel, learning Your ways. I praise You for hearing every prayer I lift to You... every intercession, every concern, every request.
Praise be to You Almighty God. LORD, I sit in awe of You. You are ever patient, ever compassionate, ever faithful. Your mercy and grace is new every morning. Thank you that I am found, and that You will never, ever let me go. Father, You are my constant companion, holding my right hand.
Praise be to You, my Heavenly Father. You are LORD of my life, LORD of my family, and LORD of my home. You are leading my family on an incredible journey as we are centered on You and Your will for us. I praise You and thank You because You love my children even more than I do. It is, quite simply, hard to fathom a love so intense; so incredibly deep. I praise You because You hold them tightly in Your mighty hand. I give them to You freely; use them for Your kingdom; and never, ever let them stray from Your path. And, yes, while Your path will include trials and lessons for our family, it will be filled with abundant promise, security, purpose and love. I praise You and thank You for Your constant Presence in our life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Psalm 63:4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
Psalm 103:1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Luke 5:26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."
Revelation 5:13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"
As I sat down to pray today, I had quite a list of requests, petitions, intercessions and concerns... things that were heavy on my heart...
I needed His peace.
I gently laid my list down and placed it to the side for a moment... And then... I humbly praised Him. And I thanked Him. And I worshiped Him.
And as I went to the LORD in praise, thanksgiving, and worship, He refreshed my heart, He restored my soul, and He reminded me that He is God -- that He has not changed. It felt good to sit in His Holy Presence, wrapped in His peace.
As I returned to the requests, intercessions and concerns, I began to pray for each precious, compelling need; but I prayed with a renewed heart, a renewed peace, and a renewed promise of His control and His Presence... and as I began to pray, I was reminded that God is mighty, sovereign, and He is worthy to be praised.
Praise be to You, Wonderful Counselor. Your ways are perfect. I thank You that You freely give Your wisdom, pouring it out to us through Your Word. I praise You as I sit at Your feet, listening to Your counsel, learning Your ways. I praise You for hearing every prayer I lift to You... every intercession, every concern, every request.
Praise be to You Almighty God. LORD, I sit in awe of You. You are ever patient, ever compassionate, ever faithful. Your mercy and grace is new every morning. Thank you that I am found, and that You will never, ever let me go. Father, You are my constant companion, holding my right hand.
Praise be to You, my Heavenly Father. You are LORD of my life, LORD of my family, and LORD of my home. You are leading my family on an incredible journey as we are centered on You and Your will for us. I praise You and thank You because You love my children even more than I do. It is, quite simply, hard to fathom a love so intense; so incredibly deep. I praise You because You hold them tightly in Your mighty hand. I give them to You freely; use them for Your kingdom; and never, ever let them stray from Your path. And, yes, while Your path will include trials and lessons for our family, it will be filled with abundant promise, security, purpose and love. I praise You and thank You for Your constant Presence in our life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Your Tent of Meeting
Exodus 33:7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the "tent of meeting."
Exodus 33:9 As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the LORD spoke with Moses.
Exodus 33:11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.
Before the tabernacle was built, Moses would pitch a tent outside the Israelite camp and meet with God. I can just imagine Moses walking a distance away from the distractions of the camp and carefully pitching the tent, with great anticipation and expectations of meeting with God, the Creator of the universe. There, in his tent of meeting, the LORD would speak with Moses.
Where is your tent of meeting? Do you have a place where you go to spend purposeful time with God? I believe we all need a tent of meeting. I encourage you to find that special, quiet place where you can meet with God and peacefully focus on Him... your Heavenly Father.
My tent of meeting is in my living room, on a comfy couch where I have my Bible, devotionals and my computer. It is where I grab a cup of coffee, read my devotional, pray and soak in my Bible... it's my designated meeting place with the Creator of the universe. While, yes, God is everywhere, and yes, I can pray to Him anytime... when I want to be quiet, and have that daily focused time with Him, I retreat to my tent of meeting.
I encourage you to pitch your tent daily! When you are in your tent of meeting, read, pray and absorb His Word. Ask the LORD to teach you, give Him your prayers and petitions. Draw close to Him and soak in His Presence.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that we can pray to You anytime, anywhere. I praise You that You are ever-present. LORD, when we go to our tent of meeting, I pray that this is a special, focused time with You... set apart for quality time spent between a child and their Heavenly Father. I am humbled that You want to meet with us and spend time with us daily. I pray that I always look at this blessed daily time with You with anticipation and expectation. Amen.
Exodus 33:9 As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the LORD spoke with Moses.
Exodus 33:11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.
Before the tabernacle was built, Moses would pitch a tent outside the Israelite camp and meet with God. I can just imagine Moses walking a distance away from the distractions of the camp and carefully pitching the tent, with great anticipation and expectations of meeting with God, the Creator of the universe. There, in his tent of meeting, the LORD would speak with Moses.
Where is your tent of meeting? Do you have a place where you go to spend purposeful time with God? I believe we all need a tent of meeting. I encourage you to find that special, quiet place where you can meet with God and peacefully focus on Him... your Heavenly Father.
My tent of meeting is in my living room, on a comfy couch where I have my Bible, devotionals and my computer. It is where I grab a cup of coffee, read my devotional, pray and soak in my Bible... it's my designated meeting place with the Creator of the universe. While, yes, God is everywhere, and yes, I can pray to Him anytime... when I want to be quiet, and have that daily focused time with Him, I retreat to my tent of meeting.
I encourage you to pitch your tent daily! When you are in your tent of meeting, read, pray and absorb His Word. Ask the LORD to teach you, give Him your prayers and petitions. Draw close to Him and soak in His Presence.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that we can pray to You anytime, anywhere. I praise You that You are ever-present. LORD, when we go to our tent of meeting, I pray that this is a special, focused time with You... set apart for quality time spent between a child and their Heavenly Father. I am humbled that You want to meet with us and spend time with us daily. I pray that I always look at this blessed daily time with You with anticipation and expectation. Amen.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
He Writes Our Stories
Psalm 139:16 ...All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
God wrote my story. And He wrote your story. Could you imagine what our life story would be if we followed God's will completely? The story of our journey would be breathtaking. Oh, to live out the book He has written for us!
Two years ago, God wrote a chapter in my book of life that transformed me. I would like to share that chapter with you. All you need to do is to sit down in a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee or tea and open the page on the front of the blog. I pray that the testimony of how He became my Center will bless you.
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that my testimony pleases You, and I pray for each person who decides to read my story -- one of healing and restoration which You lovingly wrote for me. You showed me that Your Presence is absolutely undeniable in our lives. I pray that whoever chooses to read about that amazing year will be blessed. Amen.
God wrote my story. And He wrote your story. Could you imagine what our life story would be if we followed God's will completely? The story of our journey would be breathtaking. Oh, to live out the book He has written for us!
Two years ago, God wrote a chapter in my book of life that transformed me. I would like to share that chapter with you. All you need to do is to sit down in a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee or tea and open the page on the front of the blog. I pray that the testimony of how He became my Center will bless you.
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that my testimony pleases You, and I pray for each person who decides to read my story -- one of healing and restoration which You lovingly wrote for me. You showed me that Your Presence is absolutely undeniable in our lives. I pray that whoever chooses to read about that amazing year will be blessed. Amen.
Monday, January 21, 2013
He Hears Each Prayer
Psalm 17:6 I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 141: 2 May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
God hears our prayers. He hears our prayers as we lift our voices, no matter where we are in our walk with Him. I have a friend who prays so beautifully it is like listening to poetry... I love to just close my eyes and listen. Her words of prayer come from a deep love and relationship with her Heavenly Father and I am blessed to hear her heart as she prays. I also have dear friends who prefer to pray silently... in quiet, sweet communication with their Father in Heaven. I am also truly blessed to hear my children pray. I loved their prayers when they were very small -- sweet, simple, and innocent. And I love to hear their prayers now as teenagers -- pure, straightforward, and truthful.
Oh, I can just picture God listening to all these prayers! I can picture Him smiling and listening intently. He's listening to the silent prayers, just as intently as the beautiful poetic prayers. He's listening to the seasoned prayers of a "prayer warrior." And He's listening carefully to the halting prayer of the person who is lifting their prayer to the LORD for the very first time. Yes, our Heavenly Father hears our prayers. Yes, He hears each and every one.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for prayer. LORD, I am so humbled that You have provided a way for us to communicate with You, our Creator! I am so thankful that You hear our prayers, and they are all important to You. Each prayer is like incense to You... each one is pleasing... each one is heard. I am so very thankful that You turn Your ear to us and meet with us wherever we are. Amen.
Psalm 141: 2 May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
God hears our prayers. He hears our prayers as we lift our voices, no matter where we are in our walk with Him. I have a friend who prays so beautifully it is like listening to poetry... I love to just close my eyes and listen. Her words of prayer come from a deep love and relationship with her Heavenly Father and I am blessed to hear her heart as she prays. I also have dear friends who prefer to pray silently... in quiet, sweet communication with their Father in Heaven. I am also truly blessed to hear my children pray. I loved their prayers when they were very small -- sweet, simple, and innocent. And I love to hear their prayers now as teenagers -- pure, straightforward, and truthful.
Oh, I can just picture God listening to all these prayers! I can picture Him smiling and listening intently. He's listening to the silent prayers, just as intently as the beautiful poetic prayers. He's listening to the seasoned prayers of a "prayer warrior." And He's listening carefully to the halting prayer of the person who is lifting their prayer to the LORD for the very first time. Yes, our Heavenly Father hears our prayers. Yes, He hears each and every one.
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for prayer. LORD, I am so humbled that You have provided a way for us to communicate with You, our Creator! I am so thankful that You hear our prayers, and they are all important to You. Each prayer is like incense to You... each one is pleasing... each one is heard. I am so very thankful that You turn Your ear to us and meet with us wherever we are. Amen.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
I Will Walk Among You
Leviticus 26:11-12 I will live among you. I will not turn away from you. I will walk among you. I will be your God. And you will be my people. (NIRV)
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
John 14:15-18 If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
Revelation 21:3-5 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
Sometimes Bible verses just seem to leap off the page and into your heart and mind. Years ago, earlier in my journey with the LORD, I remember coming across a verse in Leviticus. It talked about God living and walking among us. Oh, I really liked this verse! It gave me a sense of peace. I quickly wrote it down on a little post-it note and carried it around in my car for a long time. The verse didn't say God was high above us, looking down upon His creation with minimal involvement. No, it didn't say that at all. It said He walks and lives among us. I found this verse at time in my journey when I was unsure of His level of involvement in our lives. Yes, I knew God was involved, but how much? Did He only get involved in the really big things of life? Did God hear all our prayers?
Immanuel... God with us. As I read and studied the Bible and grew in my knowledge and in my relationship with Him, I saw that this was indeed a consistent promise from God throughout the Old and New Testaments. And I learned...
Yes! Without a doubt, God is involved in our lives and He is with us. Our Heavenly Father is involved in the big things and the little things. Psalm 139 clearly tells us He knows us completely. Right down to the details of our thoughts and even our movements before we make them. We are told He is behind and before us, hemming us in. Yes, yes, yes, He is with us! He is our God, and we are His people. And Jesus is our Savior... and the Holy Spirit is our wonderful Counselor. Father, Son and Holy Spirit... dwelling among us.
In my last post, I encouraged you to open the door and invite God in. But don't just crack open the door a little bit, peeking around the corner, only letting just a hint of His Glory into your life. I encourage you to throw open the door, and wholeheartedly invite Him in! Jesus told us in Matthew 22:37 that this is the first and greatest commandment: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind." When you throw open the door to Him, loving Him with all your heart, soul and mind, the LORD will truly transform your life. You will know He walks with you. You will know He dwells with You. You will know His loving Presence.
Dear Heavenly Father, what a joy it is to walk with You! I am so humbled to know that You are so deeply involved in my life. You are engaged in everything I do. LORD, I want to always throw open the door to You; loving You with all my heart, soul and mind. Thank You for Your Word which promises that You will dwell with me -- always. Oh, what comfort and peace that promise brings! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
John 14:15-18 If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
Revelation 21:3-5 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."
Sometimes Bible verses just seem to leap off the page and into your heart and mind. Years ago, earlier in my journey with the LORD, I remember coming across a verse in Leviticus. It talked about God living and walking among us. Oh, I really liked this verse! It gave me a sense of peace. I quickly wrote it down on a little post-it note and carried it around in my car for a long time. The verse didn't say God was high above us, looking down upon His creation with minimal involvement. No, it didn't say that at all. It said He walks and lives among us. I found this verse at time in my journey when I was unsure of His level of involvement in our lives. Yes, I knew God was involved, but how much? Did He only get involved in the really big things of life? Did God hear all our prayers?
Immanuel... God with us. As I read and studied the Bible and grew in my knowledge and in my relationship with Him, I saw that this was indeed a consistent promise from God throughout the Old and New Testaments. And I learned...
Yes! Without a doubt, God is involved in our lives and He is with us. Our Heavenly Father is involved in the big things and the little things. Psalm 139 clearly tells us He knows us completely. Right down to the details of our thoughts and even our movements before we make them. We are told He is behind and before us, hemming us in. Yes, yes, yes, He is with us! He is our God, and we are His people. And Jesus is our Savior... and the Holy Spirit is our wonderful Counselor. Father, Son and Holy Spirit... dwelling among us.
In my last post, I encouraged you to open the door and invite God in. But don't just crack open the door a little bit, peeking around the corner, only letting just a hint of His Glory into your life. I encourage you to throw open the door, and wholeheartedly invite Him in! Jesus told us in Matthew 22:37 that this is the first and greatest commandment: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind." When you throw open the door to Him, loving Him with all your heart, soul and mind, the LORD will truly transform your life. You will know He walks with you. You will know He dwells with You. You will know His loving Presence.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Filling Your Tank
Luke 10:39-41 She (Martha) had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by the preparations that had to be made... "Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Oh, I did it again... I emptied my tank! I can just imagine God patiently waiting for me, watching me, as I run here and there, being busy. Yes, over the past month I've truly tried to spend time with Him daily, but I have to admit that many days it was not the quality time He deserves. Time with Him was squeezed out of my day and my tank slowly emptied. Those Martha tendencies have a funny way of creeping up on you when you are in a season of busyness. Even when your season of busyness is filled with blessings. However, today, I chose to be a Mary. I carved out purposeful quiet time with God... and it felt so good to have my tank being filled again. Filled in such a way as only He can do. Filled with His Word, His Presence, and His Love.
Our Father in Heaven loves us and He wants to spend time with us. Jesus is knocking... I pray that I stop to open the door. Even when I am busy, busy, busy behind the door. I pray that I stop what I am doing, throw open the door, and sit down and eat with Him, savoring whatever He may be feeding me that day. I hope to not miss a "meal" that would fill me up and nourish me as only He can.
Sit at His feet. Open the door. Fill your tank. Even when you are busy.
Dear Heavenly Father, I am thankful You are patient with me. It is so much easier to spend time with You when I am not in a busy season. LORD, when the busy seasons come, teach me to keep my time with You as the center of my day. I want to keep my tank full to the point of overflowing with Your Presence. I want to sit at Your table each day and be filled with Your Word and Your love. I pray this all in Jesus' name, Amen.
Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Oh, I did it again... I emptied my tank! I can just imagine God patiently waiting for me, watching me, as I run here and there, being busy. Yes, over the past month I've truly tried to spend time with Him daily, but I have to admit that many days it was not the quality time He deserves. Time with Him was squeezed out of my day and my tank slowly emptied. Those Martha tendencies have a funny way of creeping up on you when you are in a season of busyness. Even when your season of busyness is filled with blessings. However, today, I chose to be a Mary. I carved out purposeful quiet time with God... and it felt so good to have my tank being filled again. Filled in such a way as only He can do. Filled with His Word, His Presence, and His Love.
Our Father in Heaven loves us and He wants to spend time with us. Jesus is knocking... I pray that I stop to open the door. Even when I am busy, busy, busy behind the door. I pray that I stop what I am doing, throw open the door, and sit down and eat with Him, savoring whatever He may be feeding me that day. I hope to not miss a "meal" that would fill me up and nourish me as only He can.
Sit at His feet. Open the door. Fill your tank. Even when you are busy.
Dear Heavenly Father, I am thankful You are patient with me. It is so much easier to spend time with You when I am not in a busy season. LORD, when the busy seasons come, teach me to keep my time with You as the center of my day. I want to keep my tank full to the point of overflowing with Your Presence. I want to sit at Your table each day and be filled with Your Word and Your love. I pray this all in Jesus' name, Amen.
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