Have you ever dealt with the feeling that you will never be good enough for someone? Or that you just don't measure up to someone's expectations of what you should be or that you just will never outlive the things you have done in your past?
Well as I was reading this morning I came across a devotion that just spoke to that part of my heart, the part that felt that I was never going to be good enough. It is from yessterday's evening devotion of Billy Graham's book Hope for Each Day.
...How did Jesus respond to this criticism and rejection? First, with steadfastness. He did not tone down His message, nor did He stop doing what He knew was right. Second, with strength. Ahead of Him was the cross, but He did not lose courage or shrink form what He knew was God's will. Third, with submission. When Herod prodded Jesus to defend Himself, "He anwered him nothing" (Luke 23:9). Only one thing mattered: fulfilling God's purpose for His life.
How will you meet criticism?
I will follow Christ's example. First by continuing to take care of my family, staying active in my church and doing my work because they are the right thing to do. Secondly by facing criticism with strength by keeping God's will in mind when people want to tear me down. And finally third, by submission, realizing God's purpose is at work in my life and that what doesn't kill me will make me stronger. Remember that nowhere in these verses does it say that Jesus responded in anger.
Power Verse for Today:
Phillipians 2:14-16
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse poeple. Hold firmly to the word of life; then on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Monday, August 5, 2013
Peace On Earth?
Today's entry comes from Billy Graham's book Hope For The Future:
He Himself is our peace. -Ephesians 2:14
For as long as I can remember there have been innovative ideas for bringing peace to this Earth. Organizations have been created, much money and time have been spent, treaties have been signed, books have been written--all in an effort to find a formula that would bring peace on Earth and goodwill to men.
World War I was called "the war to end all wars," but it wasn't. Whether nations fight one another or not, there is warfare in the home: warfare between husband and wife, between parents and children, between brothers and sisters, between neighbors, between boss and employee.
What can be done? It sounds almost simplistic to say we need to turn to God, but that is the only lasting solution. Only God can remove the poisons of greed and hatred and jealousy in our hearts, and replace them with contentment and compassion and forgiveness. Only He can subdue the violence and rage within us, and replace them with His peace and love.
Whatever wars rage in your life, lay them down at the foot of the cross and ask Jesus to give you His peace.
Powerful Passages:
Proverbs 14:1
A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
Hebrews 4:13-16
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
He Himself is our peace. -Ephesians 2:14
For as long as I can remember there have been innovative ideas for bringing peace to this Earth. Organizations have been created, much money and time have been spent, treaties have been signed, books have been written--all in an effort to find a formula that would bring peace on Earth and goodwill to men.
World War I was called "the war to end all wars," but it wasn't. Whether nations fight one another or not, there is warfare in the home: warfare between husband and wife, between parents and children, between brothers and sisters, between neighbors, between boss and employee.
What can be done? It sounds almost simplistic to say we need to turn to God, but that is the only lasting solution. Only God can remove the poisons of greed and hatred and jealousy in our hearts, and replace them with contentment and compassion and forgiveness. Only He can subdue the violence and rage within us, and replace them with His peace and love.
Whatever wars rage in your life, lay them down at the foot of the cross and ask Jesus to give you His peace.
Powerful Passages:
Proverbs 14:1
A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
Hebrews 4:13-16
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Would It Matter?
First of all, HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! Make sure to wear green today so you don't get pinched.
Today, I want to simply share something I read on a Christian blog I am subscribed to.
Let me begin by telling you how my week went. My husband's schedule at work got shifted around and we were planning our vacation for the end of the month. So needless to say, it was a little dramatic in our house for a few days until that got worked out because we thought we weren't gonna be able to go on vacation. We always go home to Louisiana where we are originally from for our vacation in order to see the majority of our family who still lives there. So after that was worked out then I had to rearrange my "schedule" for cleaning the house and packing everything for vacation in order to get everything done that I thought needed to get done by the time we were to leave. Moving things around once I have a plan seems to always stress me out. Then I had a craft project, a full-sized throw, I am trying to finish for a client before we go. So needless to say, my plate was overflowing as well as my stress level.
That is when I came across the blog. I wasn't really in a mood to read anything inspiring. I was simply checking my emails like I do every day and saw the blog update in my inbox. I felt lead to check it out. So I did and this is what it said, I am of course paraphrasing, "Is it gonna matter a year from now?" I know that seems a little odd but let me explain. The blog went on to say that if you looked at your situations now and viewed them as if from the past, like you were sitting here a year from now and thinking about them, what would they matter? Would the fact that you didn't get your house spotless before you left for vacation really matter? Would it matter that you forgot to pack something for vacation? Would it matter what happened on your birthday a year ago? So that got me to thinking. Better than "would it matter?" is "will I hold onto what happened and give it cause to matter?" like holding onto a grudge.
I have found that with this outlook I am enjoying my family more, stressing less and finding more time in my day to do what I love because I am letting things go or at least trying to.
My challenge for you today is look at the things in your life that seem to be stressing you out and ask yourself, 'Will it matter a year from now?"
Hope you have a wonderfully blessed St. Patty's Day and know that God loves you and so do I <3
Today, I want to simply share something I read on a Christian blog I am subscribed to.
Let me begin by telling you how my week went. My husband's schedule at work got shifted around and we were planning our vacation for the end of the month. So needless to say, it was a little dramatic in our house for a few days until that got worked out because we thought we weren't gonna be able to go on vacation. We always go home to Louisiana where we are originally from for our vacation in order to see the majority of our family who still lives there. So after that was worked out then I had to rearrange my "schedule" for cleaning the house and packing everything for vacation in order to get everything done that I thought needed to get done by the time we were to leave. Moving things around once I have a plan seems to always stress me out. Then I had a craft project, a full-sized throw, I am trying to finish for a client before we go. So needless to say, my plate was overflowing as well as my stress level.
That is when I came across the blog. I wasn't really in a mood to read anything inspiring. I was simply checking my emails like I do every day and saw the blog update in my inbox. I felt lead to check it out. So I did and this is what it said, I am of course paraphrasing, "Is it gonna matter a year from now?" I know that seems a little odd but let me explain. The blog went on to say that if you looked at your situations now and viewed them as if from the past, like you were sitting here a year from now and thinking about them, what would they matter? Would the fact that you didn't get your house spotless before you left for vacation really matter? Would it matter that you forgot to pack something for vacation? Would it matter what happened on your birthday a year ago? So that got me to thinking. Better than "would it matter?" is "will I hold onto what happened and give it cause to matter?" like holding onto a grudge.
I have found that with this outlook I am enjoying my family more, stressing less and finding more time in my day to do what I love because I am letting things go or at least trying to.
My challenge for you today is look at the things in your life that seem to be stressing you out and ask yourself, 'Will it matter a year from now?"
Hope you have a wonderfully blessed St. Patty's Day and know that God loves you and so do I <3
Monday, March 4, 2013
Healing & Hope
Today's Reading:
Psalm 107:1-9
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. For he has gathered the exiles from many lands, from east and west, from north and south.
Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless. Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. "Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress. He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live. Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisifies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
It begins like this: Give thanks to the LORD for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.
Now here it is speaking about God saving his chosen people, the Israelites, from captivity after their blatant refusal to obey him. It continues in verses 3-9 describing how he saved them. He heard thier cries for help and rescued them from their distress. He led them to safety to a place where they could live. Let them praise the LORD. Verse 9 sums it up. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
This is a perfect example of what God wants us as Christians to do today. Call out to him in whatever distress you may be suffering. He will offer you healing and hope. He won't just save you but will also bring you out of it. He will give you a place to live in peace. He wants you to live, not to perish under this strain. And when he has done this, simply tell him "Thank you LORD," singing his praises to the world. Share your story so others might see his love and compassion at work in a world where these attributes are so rare.
I'll share my story.
After our first sone was born, I thought we had it all- good jobs, a house of our own and a beautiful son. But we were under a strain, financially and emotionally. We soon saw our "happily ever after" fall apart. Bud don't get me wrong. It was our own version of "happily ever after" not the one God had planned for us. That's why it fell apart. God's plans aren't our plans and vice versa. So most times, things have to change to allow God to work in our hearts and lives.
After all the hardships we went through, we are now blessed with a roof over our head, a rented one but a roof none the less, another beautiful son was added to our family, an opportunity arose that allowed me to be home with our sons and still help our family financially. Now I am running my own crochet business, Fleur De Lis Crochet, putting those years at Wal-Mart to work for me. We have even found a church where we can worship and feel like we are part of a family, something I have longed for for a very long time. Now don't get me wrong. Our lives aren't perfect but we have it seems come into the peaceful years after the storms of years past.
God alone has done this. And He can do it for you too. Whether you are on the brink of a storm or have just come through one, God will guide you and protect you if you only open your heart to him. Cry out to him for help and he is already there. He is always at your side ready to help when you call. Call on him today and praise him through this storm. There is hope and healing in God.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The next time you feel the give someone a piece of your mind, take inventory and make sure you can afford to lose it.
Psalm 107:1-9
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. For he has gathered the exiles from many lands, from east and west, from north and south.
Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless. Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. "Lord, help!" they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress. He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live. Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. For he satisifies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
It begins like this: Give thanks to the LORD for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.
Now here it is speaking about God saving his chosen people, the Israelites, from captivity after their blatant refusal to obey him. It continues in verses 3-9 describing how he saved them. He heard thier cries for help and rescued them from their distress. He led them to safety to a place where they could live. Let them praise the LORD. Verse 9 sums it up. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
This is a perfect example of what God wants us as Christians to do today. Call out to him in whatever distress you may be suffering. He will offer you healing and hope. He won't just save you but will also bring you out of it. He will give you a place to live in peace. He wants you to live, not to perish under this strain. And when he has done this, simply tell him "Thank you LORD," singing his praises to the world. Share your story so others might see his love and compassion at work in a world where these attributes are so rare.
I'll share my story.
After our first sone was born, I thought we had it all- good jobs, a house of our own and a beautiful son. But we were under a strain, financially and emotionally. We soon saw our "happily ever after" fall apart. Bud don't get me wrong. It was our own version of "happily ever after" not the one God had planned for us. That's why it fell apart. God's plans aren't our plans and vice versa. So most times, things have to change to allow God to work in our hearts and lives.
After all the hardships we went through, we are now blessed with a roof over our head, a rented one but a roof none the less, another beautiful son was added to our family, an opportunity arose that allowed me to be home with our sons and still help our family financially. Now I am running my own crochet business, Fleur De Lis Crochet, putting those years at Wal-Mart to work for me. We have even found a church where we can worship and feel like we are part of a family, something I have longed for for a very long time. Now don't get me wrong. Our lives aren't perfect but we have it seems come into the peaceful years after the storms of years past.
God alone has done this. And He can do it for you too. Whether you are on the brink of a storm or have just come through one, God will guide you and protect you if you only open your heart to him. Cry out to him for help and he is already there. He is always at your side ready to help when you call. Call on him today and praise him through this storm. There is hope and healing in God.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The next time you feel the give someone a piece of your mind, take inventory and make sure you can afford to lose it.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Protecting Our Future
Today, I read of a woman, Amy Carmichael, who shared her home and most of all her heart with children who were not even hers. She opened her heart and God gave her the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children she helped. I am going to share her story with you and today I pray you get the opportunity to help a child so you too may help in protecting our future, for the children of today are the leaders of tomorrow.
Amy Carmichael (1867-1951)
You must not exploit a widow or an orphan IF you exploit them in any way and they cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry. --Exodus 22:22-23
The number of homeless people throughout the world (as a result of personal tragedy, natural disater, or war) seems only to be getting higher. But reaching out to even one homeless person can be a life-changing experience--as Amy Carmicheal's life demonstrates. One wintry day when she and her family were walking home from church in Northern Ireland, they came across a frail woman struggling with a bundle. At first they were embarassed and wanted to turn away. But Amy and two of her brothers decided to help the woman, despite the condemnation they felt from other parishioners. It would be the first of countless times Amy would hold her head high while she helped society's outcasts.
At age nineteen, she attended a Keswick conference on "the higher Christian life." By the end of the conference Amy had committed to giving her all to Jesus. In 1895, she was commissioned by the Church of England to go to Dohnavur, India. There the painful consequences of the Indian caste system confronted her, and she was especially concerned with the treatment of women and girls. Amy's home, which eventually expanded to the size of a village, became a haven for young girls whose parents had "offered" them as prostitutes in the Hindu temples.
Though Amy never married or had children of her own, for fifty-six years she was Amma (mother) to hundreds of Indian boys and girls, whom she called her "Gems." Thousands have encountered the loving arms of Christ because Amy opened her doors and her heart to these children.
Life Lessons:
-Sometimes we need to go against our culture--and even follow church members--to help society's "outcasts."
-One way to show the love of Christ is to open our homes and hearts to children.
Matthew 18:1-6
About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, "I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child lik this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea."
Amy Carmichael (1867-1951)
You must not exploit a widow or an orphan IF you exploit them in any way and they cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry. --Exodus 22:22-23
The number of homeless people throughout the world (as a result of personal tragedy, natural disater, or war) seems only to be getting higher. But reaching out to even one homeless person can be a life-changing experience--as Amy Carmicheal's life demonstrates. One wintry day when she and her family were walking home from church in Northern Ireland, they came across a frail woman struggling with a bundle. At first they were embarassed and wanted to turn away. But Amy and two of her brothers decided to help the woman, despite the condemnation they felt from other parishioners. It would be the first of countless times Amy would hold her head high while she helped society's outcasts.
At age nineteen, she attended a Keswick conference on "the higher Christian life." By the end of the conference Amy had committed to giving her all to Jesus. In 1895, she was commissioned by the Church of England to go to Dohnavur, India. There the painful consequences of the Indian caste system confronted her, and she was especially concerned with the treatment of women and girls. Amy's home, which eventually expanded to the size of a village, became a haven for young girls whose parents had "offered" them as prostitutes in the Hindu temples.
Though Amy never married or had children of her own, for fifty-six years she was Amma (mother) to hundreds of Indian boys and girls, whom she called her "Gems." Thousands have encountered the loving arms of Christ because Amy opened her doors and her heart to these children.
Life Lessons:
-Sometimes we need to go against our culture--and even follow church members--to help society's "outcasts."
-One way to show the love of Christ is to open our homes and hearts to children.
Matthew 18:1-6
About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?" Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, "I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child lik this on my behalf is welcoming me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea."
Friday, February 22, 2013
Setting The Example
Today's Reading: Psalm 105:1-22
Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the LORD. Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given, you children of his servant Abraham, you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones.
His is the LORD our God. His justice is seen throughout the land. He always stands by his covenant--the commitment he made to a thousand generations. This is the covenant he made with Abraham and the oath he swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, and to the people of Israel as a never-ending covenant: "I will give you the land of Canaan as your special possession."
He said this when they were few in number, a tiny group of strangers in Canaan. They wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. Yet he did not let anyone oppress them. He warned kings on their behalf; "Do not touch my chosen people, and do not hurt my prophets."
He called for a famine on the land of Canaan, cutting off its food supply. Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them--Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph's character. Then Pharoah sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door. Joseph was put in charge of all the king's household; he became ruler over all the king's possessions. He could instruct the king's aides as he pleased and teach the king's advisers.
Verses 1-5 speak of celebrating the LORD and his greatness. Share what He has done with the world- a call to be preachers in our own little part of the world. Then it continues, remember the wonders he has performed and search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek Him. In other words, grow in the knowledge of the LORD.
Verses 7-11 speak of how God always stands by his promises. Verses 12-15 speak of God protecting his people even when they were small in number. It reminds me of a verse, Matthew 18:20: For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." He even warned kings on their behalf to leave them alone.
Verses 16-22 tell the tale of Joseph when he came to Egypt, going from captivity to being the king's right hand man. This is an example of what the previous verses are saying. Joseph was tested but he blessed God through it all. He was willing to speak God's word and God protected himso that the will of God could be done--the saving of a nation from famine with God's guidance at the hands of Joseph.
As Christians, these verses sum up what we are called to be: (1) praise-filled for God, willing to share the Word with the world. (2) Believers, believing that God will provide and protect us. (3) An example for others so they can see God's hand at work in our lives from beginning to end.
Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the LORD. Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given, you children of his servant Abraham, you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones.
His is the LORD our God. His justice is seen throughout the land. He always stands by his covenant--the commitment he made to a thousand generations. This is the covenant he made with Abraham and the oath he swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, and to the people of Israel as a never-ending covenant: "I will give you the land of Canaan as your special possession."
He said this when they were few in number, a tiny group of strangers in Canaan. They wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. Yet he did not let anyone oppress them. He warned kings on their behalf; "Do not touch my chosen people, and do not hurt my prophets."
He called for a famine on the land of Canaan, cutting off its food supply. Then he sent someone to Egypt ahead of them--Joseph, who was sold as a slave. They bruised his feet with fetters and placed his neck in an iron collar. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph's character. Then Pharoah sent for him and set him free; the ruler of the nation opened his prison door. Joseph was put in charge of all the king's household; he became ruler over all the king's possessions. He could instruct the king's aides as he pleased and teach the king's advisers.
Verses 1-5 speak of celebrating the LORD and his greatness. Share what He has done with the world- a call to be preachers in our own little part of the world. Then it continues, remember the wonders he has performed and search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek Him. In other words, grow in the knowledge of the LORD.
Verses 7-11 speak of how God always stands by his promises. Verses 12-15 speak of God protecting his people even when they were small in number. It reminds me of a verse, Matthew 18:20: For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." He even warned kings on their behalf to leave them alone.
Verses 16-22 tell the tale of Joseph when he came to Egypt, going from captivity to being the king's right hand man. This is an example of what the previous verses are saying. Joseph was tested but he blessed God through it all. He was willing to speak God's word and God protected himso that the will of God could be done--the saving of a nation from famine with God's guidance at the hands of Joseph.
As Christians, these verses sum up what we are called to be: (1) praise-filled for God, willing to share the Word with the world. (2) Believers, believing that God will provide and protect us. (3) An example for others so they can see God's hand at work in our lives from beginning to end.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Allowing God To Provide
Today's Reading:
Psalm 104: 16-35
These verses are praising God for all He has created and the writer is in awe of how He cares for them- providing all they need-His creations. We are among the list. He is faithful to provide what we need if we just ask, not always what we want but what we truly need.
Does nto the Creator who made us know what is best for us, the created? How can a cake know when it is done? But the one who baked it will know and will take it out of the oven at the appropriate time.
You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
-Psalm 139:13-14
God rejoiced at your birth. You were fashioned exactly the way He wanted you. How incredible to comprehend that when you awake in the morning, God is already thinking about you!
Psalm 104: 16-35
These verses are praising God for all He has created and the writer is in awe of how He cares for them- providing all they need-His creations. We are among the list. He is faithful to provide what we need if we just ask, not always what we want but what we truly need.
Does nto the Creator who made us know what is best for us, the created? How can a cake know when it is done? But the one who baked it will know and will take it out of the oven at the appropriate time.
You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
-Psalm 139:13-14
God rejoiced at your birth. You were fashioned exactly the way He wanted you. How incredible to comprehend that when you awake in the morning, God is already thinking about you!
Sunday, January 27, 2013
The Perfect Role Model
Just had to share my daily devotional reading with you.
"But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, " You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." -Matthew 16:15-16 NIV
Jesus repeatedly asked this question to those who followed after Him. He knew that in a short while He would be gone. And all these fledgling Christians would have to bolster their faith were His words and actions. Jesus wanted to be sure they would not allow the world's viewpoint to diminish who He was.
My prayer today is that we be reminded who Jesus was and how He lived in order to be more like Him in our every day life today and every day there after.
"But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, " You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." -Matthew 16:15-16 NIV
Jesus repeatedly asked this question to those who followed after Him. He knew that in a short while He would be gone. And all these fledgling Christians would have to bolster their faith were His words and actions. Jesus wanted to be sure they would not allow the world's viewpoint to diminish who He was.
My prayer today is that we be reminded who Jesus was and how He lived in order to be more like Him in our every day life today and every day there after.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
See The Rainbow Amidst The Clouds
Haven't written in a while. Been in the midst of storms in my life. Although minor, they seemed a lot more destructive to my soul. I know that I am not the only one in this situation. So as I read today, I came across some encouraging words and just felt lead to share them. So here they are, hope they offer you the same uplifting that I longed for and found.
Matthew 8:23-24
When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep.
Jesus took the disciples to the height of the storm's raging fury, yet all the time He was with them. Yes, the storms of life will attempt to ravage me but Christ is there, amid the frenzy, ready to deliver by just the power of His Word.
Shows hope amidst the troubles of this world. Though we are afraid or overwhelmed, He is ever present in our lives, seeing us through the storms that come our way. He is simply asking us to see the rainbow amidst the clouds. Keep your focus on Him and no matter what the world throws your way, you will overcome.
Matthew 8:23-24
When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep.
Jesus took the disciples to the height of the storm's raging fury, yet all the time He was with them. Yes, the storms of life will attempt to ravage me but Christ is there, amid the frenzy, ready to deliver by just the power of His Word.
Shows hope amidst the troubles of this world. Though we are afraid or overwhelmed, He is ever present in our lives, seeing us through the storms that come our way. He is simply asking us to see the rainbow amidst the clouds. Keep your focus on Him and no matter what the world throws your way, you will overcome.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Family Christmas
Reading for Today: Luke 10:38-42; John 11, 12:2
Read about Martha, Mary & Lazarus this morning. Feel drawn to Martha when I become so overwhelmed by the tasks at hand and I forget to pray and just focus on God. I want to be more like Mary who stopped everything when Jesus came into the room and she worshipped at His feet. We can all do this simply by readjusting our focus to Jesus instead of the "things/tasks of this world".
I also realized that when Jesus raised Lazarus fromt he dead, death is symbolized in the wrappings that bound Lazarus. When he came out of the tomb and Jesus said to free him from his wrappings, it was the physical manifestations of Jesus freeing Lazarus from the grip of death as He does all of us when we accept Him as Lord and Savior.
If you have yet to come to come to Christ, may this season be your guiding light to the Child who came form heaven to earth to show the Way, from the earth to the cross our debt to pay, from the grave to the sky, Lord we lift Your name on high. May Christ be in your Christmas this year.
<div style="padding: 3px; width: 400px; text-align: center;"><object width="400" height="334"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2cx5YmS7GXQ?fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2cx5YmS7GXQ?fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="334"></embed></object></div><a href="http://www.lyricsty.com">Lyrics</a> | <a href="http://www.lyricsty.com/petra-lyrics.html">Petra lyrics</a> - <a href="http://www.lyricsty.com/petra-lord-i-lift-your-name-on-high-lyrics.html">Lord, I Lift Your Name On High lyrics</a>
Read about Martha, Mary & Lazarus this morning. Feel drawn to Martha when I become so overwhelmed by the tasks at hand and I forget to pray and just focus on God. I want to be more like Mary who stopped everything when Jesus came into the room and she worshipped at His feet. We can all do this simply by readjusting our focus to Jesus instead of the "things/tasks of this world".
I also realized that when Jesus raised Lazarus fromt he dead, death is symbolized in the wrappings that bound Lazarus. When he came out of the tomb and Jesus said to free him from his wrappings, it was the physical manifestations of Jesus freeing Lazarus from the grip of death as He does all of us when we accept Him as Lord and Savior.
If you have yet to come to come to Christ, may this season be your guiding light to the Child who came form heaven to earth to show the Way, from the earth to the cross our debt to pay, from the grave to the sky, Lord we lift Your name on high. May Christ be in your Christmas this year.
<div style="padding: 3px; width: 400px; text-align: center;"><object width="400" height="334"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2cx5YmS7GXQ?fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2cx5YmS7GXQ?fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="334"></embed></object></div><a href="http://www.lyricsty.com">Lyrics</a> | <a href="http://www.lyricsty.com/petra-lyrics.html">Petra lyrics</a> - <a href="http://www.lyricsty.com/petra-lord-i-lift-your-name-on-high-lyrics.html">Lord, I Lift Your Name On High lyrics</a>
Friday, December 14, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
December?
Read something this morning that I just had to share.
| Luke 2: 1 - 20 | |
"Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you." --Psalm 73:25 A word from the Word: Read Luke 2:1-20 "While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." -- Luke 2:6-7 Food for Thought: December? December. What rolls through your mind as you think about December? As we ponder the month of December, we come face to face with a holiday that has much more to do with commercialism than with the holiday that bears his name; Christmas, the birth of Jesus. Every once in a while out in about while we shop for loved ones, we may see a nativity scene or some Christmas cards with the birth narrative depicted. It’s a well attested belief, that Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th, and there is no mention in Scripture of God’s people celebrating what we know as Christmas, let alone celebrating the birth of Jesus in the same way we do. But for many, because Christmas bears the name of Christ, many will celebrate in some fashion or another the birth of Mary’s son, Jesus. This time of year, we remember the coming to earth of the Holy One. God trading heavenly garments for garments made of flesh. You would think, that with the arrival of Divinity, that there would have been some sort of royal welcome. The kings of earth rolling out the red carpet for the King of Kings. But this is not the case. Instead of red carpet, and a parade, we are immersed into meager beginnings for this coming King. A manger, full of animals, and stench is where our Savior is born. There were no rooms available for Joseph, and the pregnant Mary that rode along to Bethlehem. Despite, the lack of comfortable sleeping arrangements, and lack of hospitality, Mary and Joseph settle in for the night in the only place they could find, a smelly manger. Only to their surprise, her water breaks, and labor begins. Minutes turn to hours, and finally, with one final push, He has come. Just minutes old, mother and dad are holding the Ancient of Days. Human hands are caressing the Hands of God. The One not bound by time or space is wrapped in dirty cloths made of linen. Nine months of anticipation and wonder are but a small segment of the wonder this baby would bring into their lives. Settling in for their first night together as a family, there is a knock at the door. Shepherds wide eyed with wonder, have come, for they were given an angelic announcement about the birth of the Savior. Shepherds were the lower class of their day, dirty, unclean, and uncivilized. How strange, that God would come the socially unacceptable to announce His arrival. You would have thought that God would announce His coming at the Temple. Wouldn’t the religious elite delight at the news? That would have made sense, but sometimes God just doesn’t make sense. He doesn’t have to, you know? Shepherds just don’t leave their sheep in the field, but then again, it’s not everyday an angelic host announces the birth of the Messiah. The birth of Jesus would bring more guests. Wise men from the east, come roughly two years later with gifts of incense, gold and myrrh. What possibly could this baby need, but still they came, and still they gave gifts. I guess the saying is true, wise men still seek Him. No other birth in history has been so revered. For no other child has held the promise of eternity like this one does. Jesus was no ordinary child. And people come to this event still wide eyed with wonder. The world will slow down, even if for just a moment to remember this baby born in an out of the way manger. What child is this? Have you let Him, grow up in your life? As we go about the hustle and bustle of the holidays, may we keep proper perspective about what this holiday is all about. December will come and go, but the promise of life lingers long after the tree is put away. Take time this year to remember the reason why we are celebrating. It may do you some good. Merry Christmas. By Jason Retherford |
Monday, December 3, 2012
Just The Way You Are
I haven't blogged in almost a month. Sorry. The holidays hit our house hard and fast. From cooking the entire Thanksgiving meal like my Granny does and decorating for Christmas, my hands have been full. But I read something this morning that I just had to share. In all the hustle and bustle of the season, my prayer is that we not only remember the reason for this season- JESUS but also who we are in Him.
This excerpt from Beyond Me by Norma Kvindlog and Esther Lingren Anderson is part of My Daily Sanctuary readings in my NIV Bible. It is entitled Just The Way You Are: Acceptance, Spiritual Growth, Family
God's people tend to suffer a lot of false guilt over sins they have already confessed and received forgiveness for. The big ones and the minor ones. Even attitudes. We long to live lives that are beyond reproach. We want to be perfect partners, perfect children, perfect friends, perfect Christians, perfect people. But we are not always empatheticand forgiving. We have trouble demonstrating unconditional love. We are not always kind. Sometimes we even have temper tantrums. And sometimes we are blanketed by depression.
Why do we have all the struggle? Why is it so difficult to see ourselves as God sees us--on the one hand, sinners who cannot be good enough to please him; on the other hand, his beloved children, forgiven and restored? One reason, as we've discovered, is that we're often preoccupied with the opinions of other people rather than with God's. We've adopted this world's standards. We judge ourselves and others by those standards, forgetting all that the Father has to say about us.
But as we begin to recognize and accept our standing in God's value system, we can be free from the struggle for self-esteem, the maneuvers to bolster our egos, the fight for our place in the pecking order. Freedom will come when our views of ourselves don't depend on looks, physique, or intelligence we inherited, the family we were born into, the size of our bank account, or even how others treat us. A general principle is: When you feel comfortable about yourself, about who you are and what you have, you can direct your focus away from yourself and toward others.
This excerpt from Beyond Me by Norma Kvindlog and Esther Lingren Anderson is part of My Daily Sanctuary readings in my NIV Bible. It is entitled Just The Way You Are: Acceptance, Spiritual Growth, Family
God's people tend to suffer a lot of false guilt over sins they have already confessed and received forgiveness for. The big ones and the minor ones. Even attitudes. We long to live lives that are beyond reproach. We want to be perfect partners, perfect children, perfect friends, perfect Christians, perfect people. But we are not always empatheticand forgiving. We have trouble demonstrating unconditional love. We are not always kind. Sometimes we even have temper tantrums. And sometimes we are blanketed by depression.
Why do we have all the struggle? Why is it so difficult to see ourselves as God sees us--on the one hand, sinners who cannot be good enough to please him; on the other hand, his beloved children, forgiven and restored? One reason, as we've discovered, is that we're often preoccupied with the opinions of other people rather than with God's. We've adopted this world's standards. We judge ourselves and others by those standards, forgetting all that the Father has to say about us.
But as we begin to recognize and accept our standing in God's value system, we can be free from the struggle for self-esteem, the maneuvers to bolster our egos, the fight for our place in the pecking order. Freedom will come when our views of ourselves don't depend on looks, physique, or intelligence we inherited, the family we were born into, the size of our bank account, or even how others treat us. A general principle is: When you feel comfortable about yourself, about who you are and what you have, you can direct your focus away from yourself and toward others.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Simeon & Anna
The Holy Spirit was upon (Simeon) and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord's Messiah...(Anna) never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshipping God with fasting and prayer.--Luke 2:25-26, 37
When Joseph and Mary took eight-day-old Jesus to the Temple for his circumcision, they had two unexpected but delightful encounters. Anna and Simeon--well-worn examples of patient waiting--met them. Both of these godly saints recognized Jesus' identity as the Messiah. Anna and Simeon give us a picture of godly expectations in an environment ripe with expectations.
Simeon was certain he would see the Messiah before he died. We don't know how surprised he was to discover the Savior as a baby in Mary's arms. We do know that he recognized Jesus and praised God for his faithfulness. When Simeon saw the baby, he considered his life complete.
Simeon's exuberance caught Anna's attention. She was another regular in the Temple. Anna's brief marriage ended in widowhood, and she had spent the remainder of her eighty-four-plus years serving as a prophetess. Anna overheard Simeon's prophecy about Jesus and immediately adder her own excited words of praise for the Savior.
Anna discovered that God can make every passage of life meaningful and useful. The long years of widowhood were also fruitful years of worship and service. Both she and Simeon dedicated their lives to God and were rewarded in ways we can fully appreciate only if we are willing to live the same way.
As you interact with people at various stages of life today, think about the development of your relationship with God. When you talk to a younger person, ask yourself, How was God involved in my life at that age? When you notice someone older, ask yourself, How do I want my relationship with God to mature by that point in my life?
Lessons from their lives:
- God does give to some of his faithful followers a deeper insight and clarity about his plans.
-There were those in Israel who did recognize Jesus.
-Advancing age does not invalidate a person's usefulness in God's purposes.
Remember today that age doesn't mean you have to be inactive in God's plans. God will continue to use you if you are willing. You can still change lives, bringing people to God no matter what your age because in the long run age is just a number. So go do God's work today, changing this world until you go home to the next.
When Joseph and Mary took eight-day-old Jesus to the Temple for his circumcision, they had two unexpected but delightful encounters. Anna and Simeon--well-worn examples of patient waiting--met them. Both of these godly saints recognized Jesus' identity as the Messiah. Anna and Simeon give us a picture of godly expectations in an environment ripe with expectations.
Simeon was certain he would see the Messiah before he died. We don't know how surprised he was to discover the Savior as a baby in Mary's arms. We do know that he recognized Jesus and praised God for his faithfulness. When Simeon saw the baby, he considered his life complete.
Simeon's exuberance caught Anna's attention. She was another regular in the Temple. Anna's brief marriage ended in widowhood, and she had spent the remainder of her eighty-four-plus years serving as a prophetess. Anna overheard Simeon's prophecy about Jesus and immediately adder her own excited words of praise for the Savior.
Anna discovered that God can make every passage of life meaningful and useful. The long years of widowhood were also fruitful years of worship and service. Both she and Simeon dedicated their lives to God and were rewarded in ways we can fully appreciate only if we are willing to live the same way.
As you interact with people at various stages of life today, think about the development of your relationship with God. When you talk to a younger person, ask yourself, How was God involved in my life at that age? When you notice someone older, ask yourself, How do I want my relationship with God to mature by that point in my life?
Lessons from their lives:
- God does give to some of his faithful followers a deeper insight and clarity about his plans.
-There were those in Israel who did recognize Jesus.
-Advancing age does not invalidate a person's usefulness in God's purposes.
Remember today that age doesn't mean you have to be inactive in God's plans. God will continue to use you if you are willing. You can still change lives, bringing people to God no matter what your age because in the long run age is just a number. So go do God's work today, changing this world until you go home to the next.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Holiday Hospitality
As the holidays are FAST approaching and houses are prepared for guests, tables are set and food prepared, consider and pray for those who open their homes during this blessed time. Remember, hospitality is a fruit of the spirit. Just wanted to share what I read this morning with you and hopefully it will bring you the same peace it gave me.
This reading comes from My Daily Sanctuary reading out of my Bible:
Using The Gifts In Front Of You:
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. --Romans 12:6
Paul tells the Romans not only to figure out their gifts, but to concentrate on using them.
I looked at my first column (where I listed my interests). "Talking, Thinking, Asking questions, Journaling, Cooking, Welcoming unexpected guests, Feeling sympathy." It dawned on me that I already used many of these seemingly disparate attributes. Friends laughingly dubbed our African home "Hotel Van Reken" for the steady stream of people flowing through it. How many meals had I cooked? How many cups of water had I poured? But, again, these things didn't seem special. They were normal. Besides, I enjoyed talking with each visitor!
But now I saw that those people weren't unplanned interruptions in my schedule. Rather, they were God's assignments for me--and ones I could do at home while taking care of my kids! The lengthy conversations at my kitchen door, around meals, or late at nigh, were ways God used my gift of sympathy through "talking, thinking, and asking questions," to comfort and encourage others. Writing in my journal gave me practice for writing follow-up letters as people moved away....
Three years later, author and speaker Jill Briscoe came to our town. By then I'd begun using my gifts of "talking, thinking, asking questions" to lead a small Bible study. After one of Jill's seminars, I approached her. "Jill, we'd like to see our Bible study grow. How did you develop your groups into such a large network?" Jill looked me in the eye and said, "Ruth, just ask God what's in front of your face, and do it. You have eight women in your Bible study now. Prepare as though they were eight hundred. If they become eight hundred, great. If they don't, eight women will have been fed, and you never know what God has planned for them. Lots of poeple never do anything because they can't figure out how to do everything."
Powerful, practical, life-changing words--wherever you live.
-Ruth E. Van Reken
From Closer to God
As a child and into my teenage years, we had a family tradition that is still going on today. All my Grandpa's family, brothers, sisters and ALL their kids came to my grandparents for a family reunion on Thanksgiving Day. I love it. All those people we don't get to see a lot and all the kids running around, not to mention all the food. There is always more than enough to feed an army thanks to everyone bringing food and my Grandma overpreparing as usual. Good times. It got hard for me to enjoy Thanksgiving when I moved away because I couldn't always come home for Thanksgiving mostly due to working in retail. In fact, I missed more Thanksgivings than I attended. So when I got married I prayed and hoped and wished that one day my home could be the house that my family came to for Thanksgiving, kinda carrying on the tradition my grandparents started. Now, a lot of people would ask why I wished to have to cook and clean and do all that preparation instead of just going to someone else's house and relaxing but for me part of the joy of the holidays is providing a good meal and wonderful atmosphere just like my Granny still does to this day. Though we may not all be together, I feel like we are because of the tradition I have started in my own family. I still call Granny for advice on what to cook or how to cook something. It is such a blessing that I can do that. Hospitality is our family tradition. You have to just be careful what you wish for because God will give you exactly what you wish for. What A BLESSING! Today I am thankful for all the hard work and good food that my grandparents put out every year so that others can feel loved and enjoy being with family. THANKS GRANNY & PAPA!! LOVE YOU!!!
Hope you all have a blessed day and know that God loves you and so do I!
This reading comes from My Daily Sanctuary reading out of my Bible:
Using The Gifts In Front Of You:
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. --Romans 12:6
Paul tells the Romans not only to figure out their gifts, but to concentrate on using them.
I looked at my first column (where I listed my interests). "Talking, Thinking, Asking questions, Journaling, Cooking, Welcoming unexpected guests, Feeling sympathy." It dawned on me that I already used many of these seemingly disparate attributes. Friends laughingly dubbed our African home "Hotel Van Reken" for the steady stream of people flowing through it. How many meals had I cooked? How many cups of water had I poured? But, again, these things didn't seem special. They were normal. Besides, I enjoyed talking with each visitor!
But now I saw that those people weren't unplanned interruptions in my schedule. Rather, they were God's assignments for me--and ones I could do at home while taking care of my kids! The lengthy conversations at my kitchen door, around meals, or late at nigh, were ways God used my gift of sympathy through "talking, thinking, and asking questions," to comfort and encourage others. Writing in my journal gave me practice for writing follow-up letters as people moved away....
Three years later, author and speaker Jill Briscoe came to our town. By then I'd begun using my gifts of "talking, thinking, asking questions" to lead a small Bible study. After one of Jill's seminars, I approached her. "Jill, we'd like to see our Bible study grow. How did you develop your groups into such a large network?" Jill looked me in the eye and said, "Ruth, just ask God what's in front of your face, and do it. You have eight women in your Bible study now. Prepare as though they were eight hundred. If they become eight hundred, great. If they don't, eight women will have been fed, and you never know what God has planned for them. Lots of poeple never do anything because they can't figure out how to do everything."
Powerful, practical, life-changing words--wherever you live.
-Ruth E. Van Reken
From Closer to God
As a child and into my teenage years, we had a family tradition that is still going on today. All my Grandpa's family, brothers, sisters and ALL their kids came to my grandparents for a family reunion on Thanksgiving Day. I love it. All those people we don't get to see a lot and all the kids running around, not to mention all the food. There is always more than enough to feed an army thanks to everyone bringing food and my Grandma overpreparing as usual. Good times. It got hard for me to enjoy Thanksgiving when I moved away because I couldn't always come home for Thanksgiving mostly due to working in retail. In fact, I missed more Thanksgivings than I attended. So when I got married I prayed and hoped and wished that one day my home could be the house that my family came to for Thanksgiving, kinda carrying on the tradition my grandparents started. Now, a lot of people would ask why I wished to have to cook and clean and do all that preparation instead of just going to someone else's house and relaxing but for me part of the joy of the holidays is providing a good meal and wonderful atmosphere just like my Granny still does to this day. Though we may not all be together, I feel like we are because of the tradition I have started in my own family. I still call Granny for advice on what to cook or how to cook something. It is such a blessing that I can do that. Hospitality is our family tradition. You have to just be careful what you wish for because God will give you exactly what you wish for. What A BLESSING! Today I am thankful for all the hard work and good food that my grandparents put out every year so that others can feel loved and enjoy being with family. THANKS GRANNY & PAPA!! LOVE YOU!!!
Hope you all have a blessed day and know that God loves you and so do I!
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Your Thoughts...Build You Up or Tear You Down??
Today, I want to talk about thoughts. They are what drive our actions, compel our words and even control our minds. They can build us up one minute and tear us down the next, as they can also do to others if expressed.
So how do we wrangle our thoughts into control? How do we wrestle this bull to the ground? The only solution that I can find is this: God's Word and prayer.
Seeking truth about our thought processes in God's Word will show us that what we think about ourselves is not correct as least not all the time. It will also shed some light on how to change our perceptions of the negative thoughts and continually encourage us to grow the good and positive thoughts not only about ourselves but about others as well.
Prayer is the other piece of the puzzle. Reading about how to change our mindset is good and great and all but if we don't put into the action the steps we read about and ask for help along the way, then we are simply spitting in the wind. Prayer is our conversation with God, where we get a chance to sit down with God and tell Him all the tactics that have worked and all the others that have gone wrong as well as ask for His guidance in all areas of our lives. This special time is sitting down with your best friend and pouring your heart heart to Him, asking advice and seeking encouragement. It is PRICELESS!!!
So today, instead of letting your thoughts get the best of you, go to God and get the best out of your thoughts.
Verses about thoughts:
I Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.
II Corinthians 10:5
We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
Isaiah 55:8
"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you can imagine."
I Corinthians 3:20
And again, "The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless."
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Prayer for the Day:
Give us grace, O LORD, to work while it is day, fulfilling diligently and patiently whatever duty Thou appointest us; doing small things in the day of small things, and great labors if Thou summon us to any...Go with me, and I will go; but if Thou go not with me, send me not; let me hear Thy voice when I follow. Amen.
Christina Rossetti
You need not cry very loud; he is nearer to us than we think.
Brother Lawrence
Have a blessed day and know that God loves you and so do I. :)
So how do we wrangle our thoughts into control? How do we wrestle this bull to the ground? The only solution that I can find is this: God's Word and prayer.
Seeking truth about our thought processes in God's Word will show us that what we think about ourselves is not correct as least not all the time. It will also shed some light on how to change our perceptions of the negative thoughts and continually encourage us to grow the good and positive thoughts not only about ourselves but about others as well.
Prayer is the other piece of the puzzle. Reading about how to change our mindset is good and great and all but if we don't put into the action the steps we read about and ask for help along the way, then we are simply spitting in the wind. Prayer is our conversation with God, where we get a chance to sit down with God and tell Him all the tactics that have worked and all the others that have gone wrong as well as ask for His guidance in all areas of our lives. This special time is sitting down with your best friend and pouring your heart heart to Him, asking advice and seeking encouragement. It is PRICELESS!!!
So today, instead of letting your thoughts get the best of you, go to God and get the best out of your thoughts.
Verses about thoughts:
I Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.
II Corinthians 10:5
We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
Isaiah 55:8
"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you can imagine."
I Corinthians 3:20
And again, "The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise; he knows they are worthless."
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Prayer for the Day:
Give us grace, O LORD, to work while it is day, fulfilling diligently and patiently whatever duty Thou appointest us; doing small things in the day of small things, and great labors if Thou summon us to any...Go with me, and I will go; but if Thou go not with me, send me not; let me hear Thy voice when I follow. Amen.
Christina Rossetti
You need not cry very loud; he is nearer to us than we think.
Brother Lawrence
Have a blessed day and know that God loves you and so do I. :)
Friday, October 26, 2012
Shiphrah & Puah, Sapphira & Ananias
Today's readings about Shiphrah & Puah whose story comes from Exodus 1: 15-22 and Sapphira & Ananias whose story comes from Acts 5:1-11.
Today I began by reading about Shiphrah and Puah who were the midwives of the Egypt during the times of Moses. They were ordered to kill all Israelites' baby boys but they refused because of their obedience to God. Because of their obedience to the direction of God, Moses was saved and later led the Israelites out of slavery.
Lessons From Their Lives:
- Our ultimate authority for making decisions should be God's word, not leaders and popular opinion.
- We need to take a bold stand for what is right even at the cost of personal sacrifice.
I also read a story of a husband and wife team who were at the other end of the obedience spectrum. Their names were Ananias and Sapphira. They were members of the Jerusalem church in its earliest days. The Holy Spirit's presence was powerful among the believers. It was a time of miracles and wonder. The believers lived in a community where everyone shared all they had and would even sale property or possessions in order to provide for those less fortunate. Having the Holy Spirit's presence among them didn't make the believers immune to Satan's temptations. This is where Sapphira and Ananias's story gets more serious. They had sold some land and made some money off the deal. They gave the money to the church, at least some of it but they told everyone that they had given the full amount to the church which was a lie. They actually had kept the majority of it for themselves. They suffered for their disobedience, greed and covetness. It was their choice to sell the land and what amount to give but lying to God and trying to appear more generous than they actually were were the sins for which they were punished. We find out how they were punished in Acts 5:9-10a:
Peter said, "How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too." Instantly she fell to the floor and died.
This may seem harsh but we must remember that God still hates sin as much as he ever did. God's judgement of Sapphira and Ananias produced fear among the believers and helped them realize how seriously God regards sin in the church.
Lessons From Their Lives:
-We should have a healthy fear of God and his holiness.
-We can't afford to treat sin lightly.
So the ultimate question today is ...
Who are you going to take as your model today? Shiphrah and Puah or Sapphira and Ananias?
The choice is yours but the results are God's.
Today I began by reading about Shiphrah and Puah who were the midwives of the Egypt during the times of Moses. They were ordered to kill all Israelites' baby boys but they refused because of their obedience to God. Because of their obedience to the direction of God, Moses was saved and later led the Israelites out of slavery.
Lessons From Their Lives:
- Our ultimate authority for making decisions should be God's word, not leaders and popular opinion.
- We need to take a bold stand for what is right even at the cost of personal sacrifice.
I also read a story of a husband and wife team who were at the other end of the obedience spectrum. Their names were Ananias and Sapphira. They were members of the Jerusalem church in its earliest days. The Holy Spirit's presence was powerful among the believers. It was a time of miracles and wonder. The believers lived in a community where everyone shared all they had and would even sale property or possessions in order to provide for those less fortunate. Having the Holy Spirit's presence among them didn't make the believers immune to Satan's temptations. This is where Sapphira and Ananias's story gets more serious. They had sold some land and made some money off the deal. They gave the money to the church, at least some of it but they told everyone that they had given the full amount to the church which was a lie. They actually had kept the majority of it for themselves. They suffered for their disobedience, greed and covetness. It was their choice to sell the land and what amount to give but lying to God and trying to appear more generous than they actually were were the sins for which they were punished. We find out how they were punished in Acts 5:9-10a:
Peter said, "How could the two of you even think of conspiring to test the Spirit of the Lord like this? The young men who buried your husband are just outside the door, and they will carry you out, too." Instantly she fell to the floor and died.
This may seem harsh but we must remember that God still hates sin as much as he ever did. God's judgement of Sapphira and Ananias produced fear among the believers and helped them realize how seriously God regards sin in the church.
Lessons From Their Lives:
-We should have a healthy fear of God and his holiness.
-We can't afford to treat sin lightly.
So the ultimate question today is ...
Who are you going to take as your model today? Shiphrah and Puah or Sapphira and Ananias?
The choice is yours but the results are God's.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Peninnah & Elkanah
Today our story comes from I Samuel Chapter 1-2.
This morning my heart was filled with all sorts of emotions due to the "stress" I have been under these last few days. I prayed for a clear message to hlep me through this, a light at the end of the tunnel. God led me to the story of Peninnah and Elkanah.
It is the story of an unknowingly insensitive husband, Elkanah, not of just one wife but two, Peninnah and Hannah. Twice the chance for him to either cause trouble or get into it himself. We don't know much about the kind of man he was but we do know he was oblivious to the turmoil around him. Peninnah had given Elkanah many children yet she was jealous of Hannah because it says Hannah owned Elkanah's heart despite the fact that she had yet to bear him any children. This is where God steps in.
Althoug the events leading up to the birth of Samuel primarily involved Hannah, both Elkanah and Peninnah played significant roles. Peninnah's competitiveness and derision drove Hannah to prayer, Elkanah's simple love allowed Hannah to entrust their first child, Samuel, into God's care. Elkanah didn't realize how a little attention toward Peninnah could have cooled the simmering emotions in his home. Nor did he understand that his love for Hannah didn't make up for the emptiness of her womb.
The glimpse God gives us of that tense household provides a helpful backdrop for God's purposes, which human shortcomings cannot thwart. He worked within the strain and stress of those relationships to bring Samuel-one of the most significant figures in the Old Testament-into the world. When our relational systems seem too gnarled to be unraveled or salvaged, we need to remember that God displays his creativity not only by making things from scratch but also by bringing order and beauty out of messes.
Lessons From Their Lives:
-Ignorance is not a good excuse for insensitivity.
-Jealousy is not a good excuse for bad behavior.
-God works in the middle of family messes.
So remember, you may be in the middle of a mess but God is there as well. God can turn garbage into a masterpiece if you let him.
Have a BLESSED day and remember God loves you and so do I! :)
This morning my heart was filled with all sorts of emotions due to the "stress" I have been under these last few days. I prayed for a clear message to hlep me through this, a light at the end of the tunnel. God led me to the story of Peninnah and Elkanah.
It is the story of an unknowingly insensitive husband, Elkanah, not of just one wife but two, Peninnah and Hannah. Twice the chance for him to either cause trouble or get into it himself. We don't know much about the kind of man he was but we do know he was oblivious to the turmoil around him. Peninnah had given Elkanah many children yet she was jealous of Hannah because it says Hannah owned Elkanah's heart despite the fact that she had yet to bear him any children. This is where God steps in.
Althoug the events leading up to the birth of Samuel primarily involved Hannah, both Elkanah and Peninnah played significant roles. Peninnah's competitiveness and derision drove Hannah to prayer, Elkanah's simple love allowed Hannah to entrust their first child, Samuel, into God's care. Elkanah didn't realize how a little attention toward Peninnah could have cooled the simmering emotions in his home. Nor did he understand that his love for Hannah didn't make up for the emptiness of her womb.
The glimpse God gives us of that tense household provides a helpful backdrop for God's purposes, which human shortcomings cannot thwart. He worked within the strain and stress of those relationships to bring Samuel-one of the most significant figures in the Old Testament-into the world. When our relational systems seem too gnarled to be unraveled or salvaged, we need to remember that God displays his creativity not only by making things from scratch but also by bringing order and beauty out of messes.
Lessons From Their Lives:
-Ignorance is not a good excuse for insensitivity.
-Jealousy is not a good excuse for bad behavior.
-God works in the middle of family messes.
So remember, you may be in the middle of a mess but God is there as well. God can turn garbage into a masterpiece if you let him.
Have a BLESSED day and remember God loves you and so do I! :)
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Monica & Tabitha
Today I read of two wonderful women, Monica & Tabitha. One a mother and the other a giver to the poor. Here are their stories.
Monica (CA 331-387)-The Ultimate Mom:
She was raised in a Christian family but married a pagan man named Patricus who had a violent temper. That must have been a rough start to the marriage. But he later came to the faith of Christ. They had three children, Augustine being Monica's favorite. Augustine fell into a life of sin as a young man, which would sadly be considered the norm today. Monica prayed earnestly for his conversion. He then went away to Italy to pursue his studies (AD 383), college by today's means. Monica, unlike most parents today, followed Augustine to Rome. They then both moved to Milan, where Augustine came to the faith under the ministry of Ambrose and chose the celibate life of a priest. Believing her mission accomplished, Monica set out for home but died while she was waiting to set sail.
Later, Augustine recorded in his Confessions stories of his mother's devotion to God and to him. In the end, Monica's commitment to her son and to Christ helped to lead Augustine into the ministry and to become one of the greatest theologians in the history of Christianity.
-For more on praying effectively, read Matthew 6:5-18; 7:7-11; 21:21-22.
Tabitha (Greek name: Dorcas):
Her story is in Acts 9:36-41
Tabitha was a woman from Joppa. She was a crafter, making coats and other garments for the needy and helping the poor. When she died, the apostle Peter was in Lydda. In response to news of his healing ministry there, two men were sent to bring Peter to Joppa. When he arrived, they were already having Tabitha's funeral. The room was filled with mourners, very likely many of the people she had helped. When Peter brought her back to life, the news of the miracle spread throughout the town.
It was because of Tabitha's acts of kindness that the people around her discovered God's love for them. And after she was raised to life, they also discovered the truth that God has power even over death.
God uses great preachers like Peter and Paul, but he also uses those who have gifts of kindness, like Tabitha's. Rather than wish we had other "more important" gifts, we need to make good use of the gifts God has given to us. An act of undeserved kindness is the only "preaching" many people will ever hear.
Remember today that God loves you and so do I. Have a BLESSED day! :)
Monica (CA 331-387)-The Ultimate Mom:
She was raised in a Christian family but married a pagan man named Patricus who had a violent temper. That must have been a rough start to the marriage. But he later came to the faith of Christ. They had three children, Augustine being Monica's favorite. Augustine fell into a life of sin as a young man, which would sadly be considered the norm today. Monica prayed earnestly for his conversion. He then went away to Italy to pursue his studies (AD 383), college by today's means. Monica, unlike most parents today, followed Augustine to Rome. They then both moved to Milan, where Augustine came to the faith under the ministry of Ambrose and chose the celibate life of a priest. Believing her mission accomplished, Monica set out for home but died while she was waiting to set sail.
Later, Augustine recorded in his Confessions stories of his mother's devotion to God and to him. In the end, Monica's commitment to her son and to Christ helped to lead Augustine into the ministry and to become one of the greatest theologians in the history of Christianity.
-For more on praying effectively, read Matthew 6:5-18; 7:7-11; 21:21-22.
Tabitha (Greek name: Dorcas):
Her story is in Acts 9:36-41
Tabitha was a woman from Joppa. She was a crafter, making coats and other garments for the needy and helping the poor. When she died, the apostle Peter was in Lydda. In response to news of his healing ministry there, two men were sent to bring Peter to Joppa. When he arrived, they were already having Tabitha's funeral. The room was filled with mourners, very likely many of the people she had helped. When Peter brought her back to life, the news of the miracle spread throughout the town.
It was because of Tabitha's acts of kindness that the people around her discovered God's love for them. And after she was raised to life, they also discovered the truth that God has power even over death.
God uses great preachers like Peter and Paul, but he also uses those who have gifts of kindness, like Tabitha's. Rather than wish we had other "more important" gifts, we need to make good use of the gifts God has given to us. An act of undeserved kindness is the only "preaching" many people will ever hear.
Remember today that God loves you and so do I. Have a BLESSED day! :)
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Clare & Rhoda
Today I discovered or should say rediscovered Clare and Rhoda. One from a convent and the other from the Bible. Here are their stories.
Clare (ca 1193-1253):
She was 60 years old when she died which was quite old for that era. She was born into wealth but felt led to the Lord. Her journey began when at 16, she ran away from home to join the ministry of Francis who started the order of the Franciscan friars. Later her sister, Agnes and a few others came to join her. Francis placed them at Saint Damian in a convent he started for them. He made Clare abbess. Though she would have preferred a traveling ministry to the poor and sick, she took on this role of abbess with all she had and did so for the rest of her life.
Despite coming from a world of privilege, Clare gave up everything to follow Jesus in a life of poverty and service. As a result, through the ministry of her order, she became a blessing to those less fortunate. Most of us, too, have been born into a world of wealth and privilege in one way or another. The call of Christ is no less real today than in the days of Clare and Francis.
Rhoda whose story is from Acts 12:12-16:
The next "lady" we meet is Rhoda. She was a servant girl at the time. She was a servant in the house of Mary the mother of John Mark, who would someday become the author of the Gospel of Mark. Their home was described as having an outer gate, which depicts them as a wealthy family, who used their home as a gathering place for believers. A home church you would say. So Rhoda was constantly surrounded by believers and apparently was one herself. She had a great opportunity to be a part of a wonderful miracle. Let me paint the picture for you.
The believers in the home that night had just finished praying Peter's safety, when there was a knock at the door. A wave of fear must have swept through the house. The apostle James had recently been killed for his faith, and Peter was in prison facing possible execution. So the other believers likely wondered if they would be next. *A little sidebar: You can read about Peter's escape from prison in Acts 12: 6-19.* Rhoda, a young servant girl, was sent to answer the door.
When Rhoda saw Peter at the door, she got so excited that she ran to tell the others, leaving him locked outside. She had a hard time convincing everyone that God had answered their prayers. For Luke to include this story in his account of the early church, it must have been a favorite among the early Christians. Rhoda was not an important person by any one's reckoning. But for the rest of her life, she had a special story to tell how God answered the church's prayer for Peter's safety. God still answers prayer, and we can tell others about it.
Challenge for the Day:
What is your special "Rhoda"-style story? Go, run and tell someone today about how God has answered your prayers. And remember we serve an active and living Lord, not one who just idly sits by and watches.
Clare (ca 1193-1253):
She was 60 years old when she died which was quite old for that era. She was born into wealth but felt led to the Lord. Her journey began when at 16, she ran away from home to join the ministry of Francis who started the order of the Franciscan friars. Later her sister, Agnes and a few others came to join her. Francis placed them at Saint Damian in a convent he started for them. He made Clare abbess. Though she would have preferred a traveling ministry to the poor and sick, she took on this role of abbess with all she had and did so for the rest of her life.
Despite coming from a world of privilege, Clare gave up everything to follow Jesus in a life of poverty and service. As a result, through the ministry of her order, she became a blessing to those less fortunate. Most of us, too, have been born into a world of wealth and privilege in one way or another. The call of Christ is no less real today than in the days of Clare and Francis.
Rhoda whose story is from Acts 12:12-16:
The next "lady" we meet is Rhoda. She was a servant girl at the time. She was a servant in the house of Mary the mother of John Mark, who would someday become the author of the Gospel of Mark. Their home was described as having an outer gate, which depicts them as a wealthy family, who used their home as a gathering place for believers. A home church you would say. So Rhoda was constantly surrounded by believers and apparently was one herself. She had a great opportunity to be a part of a wonderful miracle. Let me paint the picture for you.
The believers in the home that night had just finished praying Peter's safety, when there was a knock at the door. A wave of fear must have swept through the house. The apostle James had recently been killed for his faith, and Peter was in prison facing possible execution. So the other believers likely wondered if they would be next. *A little sidebar: You can read about Peter's escape from prison in Acts 12: 6-19.* Rhoda, a young servant girl, was sent to answer the door.
When Rhoda saw Peter at the door, she got so excited that she ran to tell the others, leaving him locked outside. She had a hard time convincing everyone that God had answered their prayers. For Luke to include this story in his account of the early church, it must have been a favorite among the early Christians. Rhoda was not an important person by any one's reckoning. But for the rest of her life, she had a special story to tell how God answered the church's prayer for Peter's safety. God still answers prayer, and we can tell others about it.
Challenge for the Day:
What is your special "Rhoda"-style story? Go, run and tell someone today about how God has answered your prayers. And remember we serve an active and living Lord, not one who just idly sits by and watches.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)