What a great focus for the upcoming new year. Digging deeper into who Jesus is and what He is like. How about making getting to know Him better a goal of this new year? I realize it should be something we consciously do all the time....but you know us humans, things seem to slip away if not brought to the forefront of our thinking every so often. I know that is me to a tee! So let's start looking at what Mom has to say about the characteristics of this wonderful, awesome Jesus we serve. And if you don't know Him already, well maybe this will help introduce You to this being that created you, loves you unconditionally, came to earth to save you, and desires your company, fellowship, and worship forever!
God is" patient, love, forgiveness, merciful, listens, answers, attitude, humility.
Philippians 2:5-11 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus ever knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Christ has always existed with God. Christ is equal to God because He is God. 1 John 1:1 We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw Him with our own eyes and touched Him with our own hands. He is the Word of life.
Colossians 1:15-22 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see--such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through Him and for Him. He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is His body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So He is first in everything. For God in all His fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through Him God reconciled everything to Himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ's blood on the cross. This includes you who were once far away from God. You were His enemies, separated from Him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now He has reconciled you to Himself through the death of Christ in His physical body. As a result, He has brought you into His own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault. (These last few verses are a whole other God visit for me!)
Though Christ is God, He became a man in order to fulfill God's plan of salvation for all people. Christ did not just have the appearance of a man - He actually became human to identify with our sins. Christ voluntarily laid aside His divine rights and privileges out of love for His Father. Christ died on the cross for our sins so we wouldn't have to face eternal death. God glorified Christ because of His obedience. God raised Christ to His original position at the Father's right hand, where He will reign forever as our Lorn and judge.
How can I do anything less than praise Christ as my Lord and dedicate myself to His service?
From me:
Jesus. Humble. Loving. Obedient. Servant. Compassionate. Creator. Sustainer. Savior. Peacemaker. Lord. King. That is who we see here. That is the Man and the God that we love and serve. The One who is deserving of all our praise, all our devotion. He is the one who gave up heaven to save us, to deliver us from eternal death and darkness. I echo Mom when she says "How can I do anything less than praise Christ as my Lord and dedicate myself to His service." How can I do any less than join in with heavenly hosts who cry out and sing: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered--to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing....Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever." (Revelation 5:11, 13).
Lord, I praise You. I thank You. I worship and give You all glory! My life, my heart belong to You. Let each moment of my day reflect this fact! In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Spend time each day learning more about this wonder God we serve. Set aside a specific time just for this practice...let it become a habit. One verse, one chapter, whatever and wherever God leads in this study. I have a feeling it will be amazing!
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
New Year !
It's that time again. A new year is about to begin. We start out with so many great resolutions....a clean white slate, not a mark on the page. I remember as a kid, and even now because I still use them, starting a new notebook....I always loved writing on the first page, always vowed to keep it neat and tidy. And isn't the new year like that? Don't we do the same thing? Vow to do better, achieve more, be kinder, thinner, healthier, save more, spend less....resolution after resolution. For me, I usually pick a few of those areas, but the best and greatest "resolutions" I get always come from the Lord. Every year He gives me my new assignment as it were....a place I need to improve upon or grow in. It's always very exciting for me to hear what the Lord has in mind.
This year it's my words. And not just any words, but negative words. My feelings, my emotions are often conflicted....both praise and questions, thankfulness and complaints roll around my head and heart at any given moment....sometimes I feel like the epitome of the double minded man mentioned in James 1:6-8 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Not so much straddling the fence between the Lord and the world, but jumping back and forth between trusting God, and living by my emotions.
The Lord is not asking to me to work on my emotions though. I'm pretty sure I couldn't change them if I tried. What He wants is for me to stop speaking out of them. Just because I feel bad about something doesn't mean I have to complain about it or go on and on about how terrible it is. He wants me to learn to speak in faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we live by believing and not by seeing (or in my case feeling).
This is so exciting to me! Just like that brand new notebook, clean, free of marks, mistakes, wrinkles and creases. By the end of the year it will be filled with a new story. Successes and failures, stops and stumbles, milestones reached and hopefully surpassed! So what is God asking of you this new year? Take time to sit and listen. Will we get it perfect? I'm going to say "no." But we don't give up! We keep going forward, following Jesus down the pathway of our lives.
Lord, talk to Your children. We long to hear from You, need to hear from You. I pray that our hearts be open to Your voice, to hear Your plan for us. Help us to walk in Your ways, growing closer all the time to You. Ups and downs come, but as long as we keep with You, we will be fine.
Spend some quiet time with the Lord over the next few days and see where He leads!!
This year it's my words. And not just any words, but negative words. My feelings, my emotions are often conflicted....both praise and questions, thankfulness and complaints roll around my head and heart at any given moment....sometimes I feel like the epitome of the double minded man mentioned in James 1:6-8 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Not so much straddling the fence between the Lord and the world, but jumping back and forth between trusting God, and living by my emotions.
The Lord is not asking to me to work on my emotions though. I'm pretty sure I couldn't change them if I tried. What He wants is for me to stop speaking out of them. Just because I feel bad about something doesn't mean I have to complain about it or go on and on about how terrible it is. He wants me to learn to speak in faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we live by believing and not by seeing (or in my case feeling).
This is so exciting to me! Just like that brand new notebook, clean, free of marks, mistakes, wrinkles and creases. By the end of the year it will be filled with a new story. Successes and failures, stops and stumbles, milestones reached and hopefully surpassed! So what is God asking of you this new year? Take time to sit and listen. Will we get it perfect? I'm going to say "no." But we don't give up! We keep going forward, following Jesus down the pathway of our lives.
Lord, talk to Your children. We long to hear from You, need to hear from You. I pray that our hearts be open to Your voice, to hear Your plan for us. Help us to walk in Your ways, growing closer all the time to You. Ups and downs come, but as long as we keep with You, we will be fine.
Spend some quiet time with the Lord over the next few days and see where He leads!!
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Immanuel
Christmas is coming quickly. As it always does. Many of us have family celebrations, loved ones near and dear gather for laughter and loved. Family connections are strong and deep. I am blessed to be one of those who have a close knit family, whether we see each other often or not, the ties and love are always present and heart felt. Generations, traditions and love have bound us together. It is quite a gift from God.
But there are some who don't have those connections. Who feel adrift and alone, sometimes even among people. Sometimes it's distance from loved ones. Estrangements, unforgiveness, even death separates us from a family connection. But there is one who never leaves, never forsakes, and never stops loving us. Immanuel--God with us.
It's easy to say to those who are hurting and alone, "Well, just go out and help someone else!" And while it's a great idea, sometimes loneliness so imprisons a person that they cannot break through the strongholds that bind them. The funny thing about the Lord though, He will get right in there with us, coming right beside us in the darkest dungeons of our hearts....But He came to lead us out.
Immanuel.....God is with us. Take His hand this Christmas....in the quiet, in the dark, in the sadness and the lonely....take His hand and let Him envelope you in His arms. To me, the best part of Christmas day is when I sit quietly with Him enjoying His presence. Perhaps you can make your day a time of worship, praise, healing and fellowship with the God who came to earth as a baby to save you, and me, and all of us. I don't say this lightly. It is my heartfelt prayer that those who are hurting experience the presence of Christ this Christmas and the hope, love, joy and peace that only He can give. You will never be alone as long as you find yourself in Him.
Maybe you haven't given your heart to this Savior. John 3:16 For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. Yes, He came for you! That baby born on that long ago Christmas night was destined for the Cross. It overshadows the joy of His birth. He came not just to live among us for a time, but to deliver us to Himself for eternity. Accept the greatest gift of all...the gift of salvation. Invite Him into your heart and your life this Christmas day. (you don't actually have to wait til Christmas day itself--now is a good time too!).
Thank You God for such a great salvation. What an amazing plan! What amazing love! Lord, I pray for those who are hurting, who are lost and searching, or lost and hiding....find them Lord. Surround them with Your love. Addiction, death, distance...so many things separate us from life and lives around us...but never from Your love. Help people to realize that and feel Your embrace this Christmas and each and every day. Lord, my heart breaks for them....but I know You are the healer, the one who saves and delivers. Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoner will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord's favor has come and with it, the day of the God's anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In the righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory.
The day of the Lord's favor is at hand...grab hold and walk with Him into His glorious light.
But there are some who don't have those connections. Who feel adrift and alone, sometimes even among people. Sometimes it's distance from loved ones. Estrangements, unforgiveness, even death separates us from a family connection. But there is one who never leaves, never forsakes, and never stops loving us. Immanuel--God with us.
It's easy to say to those who are hurting and alone, "Well, just go out and help someone else!" And while it's a great idea, sometimes loneliness so imprisons a person that they cannot break through the strongholds that bind them. The funny thing about the Lord though, He will get right in there with us, coming right beside us in the darkest dungeons of our hearts....But He came to lead us out.
Immanuel.....God is with us. Take His hand this Christmas....in the quiet, in the dark, in the sadness and the lonely....take His hand and let Him envelope you in His arms. To me, the best part of Christmas day is when I sit quietly with Him enjoying His presence. Perhaps you can make your day a time of worship, praise, healing and fellowship with the God who came to earth as a baby to save you, and me, and all of us. I don't say this lightly. It is my heartfelt prayer that those who are hurting experience the presence of Christ this Christmas and the hope, love, joy and peace that only He can give. You will never be alone as long as you find yourself in Him.
Maybe you haven't given your heart to this Savior. John 3:16 For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. Yes, He came for you! That baby born on that long ago Christmas night was destined for the Cross. It overshadows the joy of His birth. He came not just to live among us for a time, but to deliver us to Himself for eternity. Accept the greatest gift of all...the gift of salvation. Invite Him into your heart and your life this Christmas day. (you don't actually have to wait til Christmas day itself--now is a good time too!).
Thank You God for such a great salvation. What an amazing plan! What amazing love! Lord, I pray for those who are hurting, who are lost and searching, or lost and hiding....find them Lord. Surround them with Your love. Addiction, death, distance...so many things separate us from life and lives around us...but never from Your love. Help people to realize that and feel Your embrace this Christmas and each and every day. Lord, my heart breaks for them....but I know You are the healer, the one who saves and delivers. Isaiah 61:1-3 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoner will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord's favor has come and with it, the day of the God's anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In the righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory.
The day of the Lord's favor is at hand...grab hold and walk with Him into His glorious light.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Down To The River To Pray - Alison Krauss
A friend asked me recently what happened after I was baptized. I told them that I felt such joy, indescribable, amazing, overflowing, tear filled, laughter inducing joy. I can still remember it so clearly, hugging my Mom and my Christian brothers and sisters in the back yard of one of our Pastor's. What an incredible day.
Sunday at Church we were blessed to witness the baptism of a dear sister. And you know, that joy that I felt at my own baptism, was present once again in my heart as I saw her go down into the the water and arise to new life in Christ. It's makes my heart jump up and down in utter glee to see someone walk in obedience and enter into the arms of Christ through baptism. Buried with Him in baptism, arising with Him in new life. Baptism is such a wonderfully perfect picture of our salvation.
Jesus Himself was baptized. As in all things, we are called to follow His example. Luke 3:21-22 One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus Himself was baptized. As He was praying, the heavens opened up, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on Him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, "You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy." We are commanded to do the same. Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism unites us with Christ in death. Romans 6:3-4 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined Him in His death. For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Unites us with Him in new life: Galatians 3:27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. How amazing!
What a beautiful Sunday it was. For me, witnessing the baptism of a person is just such a happy experience. I know God Himself descends and fills the whole place with joy and grace. What a visit!
Thank You Lord for the joy You bring us in baptism. I am awed that no matter how many times I see someone baptized, the joy fills and overflows each time.
Do it! Don't wait!
Sunday at Church we were blessed to witness the baptism of a dear sister. And you know, that joy that I felt at my own baptism, was present once again in my heart as I saw her go down into the the water and arise to new life in Christ. It's makes my heart jump up and down in utter glee to see someone walk in obedience and enter into the arms of Christ through baptism. Buried with Him in baptism, arising with Him in new life. Baptism is such a wonderfully perfect picture of our salvation.
Jesus Himself was baptized. As in all things, we are called to follow His example. Luke 3:21-22 One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus Himself was baptized. As He was praying, the heavens opened up, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on Him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, "You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy." We are commanded to do the same. Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism unites us with Christ in death. Romans 6:3-4 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined Him in His death. For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Unites us with Him in new life: Galatians 3:27 And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. How amazing!
What a beautiful Sunday it was. For me, witnessing the baptism of a person is just such a happy experience. I know God Himself descends and fills the whole place with joy and grace. What a visit!
Thank You Lord for the joy You bring us in baptism. I am awed that no matter how many times I see someone baptized, the joy fills and overflows each time.
Do it! Don't wait!
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Ugh
Soooo, I've mentioned that we are working on the book of Luke in our Sunday morning Bible study. And this weeks reading for me was in chapters 6 and 7. I started chapter 6 last night, in which Jesus so ardently gave teaching on loving our enemies and doing good to them. Not exactly what I wanted to hear while I was sitting in my quiet car on my lunch hour last night....but I guess God had other ideas on what I needed!
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
I consider myself a hard worker. It's nothing I really control, it's just how God made me, in my DNA as it were. I really gets my goat when others don't do their jobs. I know this is an issue for me....It's not my place to judge or worry about what others do or don't do, but that doesn't mean my emotions don't get all riled up when I see work not being done because people are goofing off. And what makes it worse is that supervisors refuse to address this issue that is an ongoing problem. So, that is where my head was last night...in a place of anger and frustration. Loving people and extending mercy (even if it was just in my mind and heart) was not first and foremost in my mind. Ugh.
And then God! God gave me this little pep talk/correction. Love people who hurt me?!?!? Do good to those who don't deserve it (in my mind anyway)?!?!? Extend mercy and go the extra mile?!?!? AHHHHHHH!! I was at a loss with myself. "Lord, I just can't seem to do this." was my cry. And I so want to be obedient in this area....I just can't seem to get past or get over myself. The funny thing is, the words of Pastor John's sermons came into my head as well....finding joy in obedience. I know that if I let go of my anger and my expectations, show kindness and love for Jesus' sake, I will be happier and more at peace...and yet my emotions just can't seem to get on board. It's as if by following what Jesus says would excuse the bad behavior of others. And it seems so unfair. And yet I know we are called to this. Wow. What a visit!
But it continued....This morning I flipped to today's date on my little calendar (God's Way, Day by Day by Charles Stanley). So, what was the wisdom for today, you ask? "It's easy for most of us to extend love to those we like or those who are close to us. However...our neighbor is not only the person who attends church with us, lives in our neighborhood, or is a person who is like us, but our neighbor is every person who crosses our path...And how are we to express love for our neighbors, those who are enemies as well as those who are friends or family members? We are to bless them, do good to them, and pray for them." Okay, did I really want to hear this again this morning?!?!? Ummm, probably not. Did I really need to?? Ummm, probably so. I guess the Lord really wants to hammer this into my stubborn brain. He is once again chipping away at the ugly hard covering of my heart.
Lord help. There is nothing in me that is capable of doing this. But down in my deepest me, I want so much to be obedient. I know it glorifies You. I know it will be a witness to others. I know it will ultimately be for my good and bring me joy. Help me to get past myself and past my expectations, past my emotions and past my ideas of fairness, to follow You. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen
Love someone who you feel doesn't deserve it. Purposely do something nice for them.
“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
I consider myself a hard worker. It's nothing I really control, it's just how God made me, in my DNA as it were. I really gets my goat when others don't do their jobs. I know this is an issue for me....It's not my place to judge or worry about what others do or don't do, but that doesn't mean my emotions don't get all riled up when I see work not being done because people are goofing off. And what makes it worse is that supervisors refuse to address this issue that is an ongoing problem. So, that is where my head was last night...in a place of anger and frustration. Loving people and extending mercy (even if it was just in my mind and heart) was not first and foremost in my mind. Ugh.
And then God! God gave me this little pep talk/correction. Love people who hurt me?!?!? Do good to those who don't deserve it (in my mind anyway)?!?!? Extend mercy and go the extra mile?!?!? AHHHHHHH!! I was at a loss with myself. "Lord, I just can't seem to do this." was my cry. And I so want to be obedient in this area....I just can't seem to get past or get over myself. The funny thing is, the words of Pastor John's sermons came into my head as well....finding joy in obedience. I know that if I let go of my anger and my expectations, show kindness and love for Jesus' sake, I will be happier and more at peace...and yet my emotions just can't seem to get on board. It's as if by following what Jesus says would excuse the bad behavior of others. And it seems so unfair. And yet I know we are called to this. Wow. What a visit!
But it continued....This morning I flipped to today's date on my little calendar (God's Way, Day by Day by Charles Stanley). So, what was the wisdom for today, you ask? "It's easy for most of us to extend love to those we like or those who are close to us. However...our neighbor is not only the person who attends church with us, lives in our neighborhood, or is a person who is like us, but our neighbor is every person who crosses our path...And how are we to express love for our neighbors, those who are enemies as well as those who are friends or family members? We are to bless them, do good to them, and pray for them." Okay, did I really want to hear this again this morning?!?!? Ummm, probably not. Did I really need to?? Ummm, probably so. I guess the Lord really wants to hammer this into my stubborn brain. He is once again chipping away at the ugly hard covering of my heart.
Lord help. There is nothing in me that is capable of doing this. But down in my deepest me, I want so much to be obedient. I know it glorifies You. I know it will be a witness to others. I know it will ultimately be for my good and bring me joy. Help me to get past myself and past my expectations, past my emotions and past my ideas of fairness, to follow You. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen
Love someone who you feel doesn't deserve it. Purposely do something nice for them.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Creating Joy
Ok, so I am totally stealing this concept from my Pastor's sermon on Sunday. Thank you John! But that is what "Godvisits" are all about...it's hearing something, seeing something, a song, an event, a statement, something we read, just a moment in time when we sense or feel or even just know God is present, and reaching out to us.
Christmas season is upon us and with it comes for some busyness and exhaustion, for some loneliness and sadness...trying to squeeze too much into to little space, or trying to ignore it altogether...wherever you may be on that spectrum, God has a word for You, and for me. You can "create" joy.
More accurately, we can choose to let it flow into our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit. But it takes a little effort on our part. My Pastor gave us two things that would open our hearts to receive and create joy in them....Gratitude and obedience. He used the example of exercise and eating right giving us a healthy body In the same way that works, focusing on being thankful (we must DO THIS ON PURPOSE!) and being obedient in what we know, will produce in us the fruit of joy. Seems counter-intuitive to be thankful when we are struggling, when we hurt, when everything around us seems wrong and everything inside us feels heavy and dark.
James 1:2-3 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. A crazy concept and directive, don't you think? But if God says it, then it must be true and it must work. He has a reason for everything, a purpose behind every problem. Our job its to rejoice, obey and trust. Sometimes, (oh lets be honest, all the time) I want to know what good is going to come from disappointment, heartache, loneliness. What blessing is going to come from to my aching heart when life throws rock after rock after rock at me, and I feel beaten and bruised and tired.
Romans 8:28-29 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. There is a purpose. We are becoming like Jesus through all that comes our way.
By this time of the Christmas season, I am usually feeling a little winded. I've tried keeping my focus on the Lord more than on the world, with varying degrees of success...but as usual I still get caught up in the busy. And then these few statements from another poignant sermon hit their mark (God's mark), and I am strengthened once again, focused anew and so very thankful for another God visit.
So today I will start with three things to be grateful for. 1) The love of God, that sent His son into a dreary, sin filled world to die for me. 2) The warm and comfortable home I slept in last night. 3) The job I have that puts food on my table...even though it drives me crazy more often than not!
4) My wonderful church family and the freedom we have to worship Jesus Christ. 5)The family and friends God has blessed me with. 6) The opportunity to pursue my passion (given by God Himself) of helping animals. Okay, so that is more than three. When I think about it I really could go on and on and on! This sermon series is called "Unwrapping the Gifts of Christmas" and I believe we just unwrapped another one!!
Thank You Lord. Just thinking about these blessings brings a smile to my heart and my face. You are so kind, so generous, so loving. Thanksgiving, obedience, as I do these, I abide in You. You are the place of joy, the center of peace. As I write this my heart fills with thankfulness and praise. I love You Lord. Help me to follow You today, in obedience and let the Holy Spirit produce His fruit in my life that all may see YOU glorified.
Take time to be thankful today....multiple times today...purposely sit down and write out something to be grateful for....think big, think small...God is good.
Christmas season is upon us and with it comes for some busyness and exhaustion, for some loneliness and sadness...trying to squeeze too much into to little space, or trying to ignore it altogether...wherever you may be on that spectrum, God has a word for You, and for me. You can "create" joy.
More accurately, we can choose to let it flow into our hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit. But it takes a little effort on our part. My Pastor gave us two things that would open our hearts to receive and create joy in them....Gratitude and obedience. He used the example of exercise and eating right giving us a healthy body In the same way that works, focusing on being thankful (we must DO THIS ON PURPOSE!) and being obedient in what we know, will produce in us the fruit of joy. Seems counter-intuitive to be thankful when we are struggling, when we hurt, when everything around us seems wrong and everything inside us feels heavy and dark.
James 1:2-3 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. A crazy concept and directive, don't you think? But if God says it, then it must be true and it must work. He has a reason for everything, a purpose behind every problem. Our job its to rejoice, obey and trust. Sometimes, (oh lets be honest, all the time) I want to know what good is going to come from disappointment, heartache, loneliness. What blessing is going to come from to my aching heart when life throws rock after rock after rock at me, and I feel beaten and bruised and tired.
Romans 8:28-29 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. There is a purpose. We are becoming like Jesus through all that comes our way.
By this time of the Christmas season, I am usually feeling a little winded. I've tried keeping my focus on the Lord more than on the world, with varying degrees of success...but as usual I still get caught up in the busy. And then these few statements from another poignant sermon hit their mark (God's mark), and I am strengthened once again, focused anew and so very thankful for another God visit.
So today I will start with three things to be grateful for. 1) The love of God, that sent His son into a dreary, sin filled world to die for me. 2) The warm and comfortable home I slept in last night. 3) The job I have that puts food on my table...even though it drives me crazy more often than not!
4) My wonderful church family and the freedom we have to worship Jesus Christ. 5)The family and friends God has blessed me with. 6) The opportunity to pursue my passion (given by God Himself) of helping animals. Okay, so that is more than three. When I think about it I really could go on and on and on! This sermon series is called "Unwrapping the Gifts of Christmas" and I believe we just unwrapped another one!!
Thank You Lord. Just thinking about these blessings brings a smile to my heart and my face. You are so kind, so generous, so loving. Thanksgiving, obedience, as I do these, I abide in You. You are the place of joy, the center of peace. As I write this my heart fills with thankfulness and praise. I love You Lord. Help me to follow You today, in obedience and let the Holy Spirit produce His fruit in my life that all may see YOU glorified.
Take time to be thankful today....multiple times today...purposely sit down and write out something to be grateful for....think big, think small...God is good.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Be The Best
A lot of us feel insecure sometimes. Some people more than others. And most of us know that isn't what God wants for us. Humility and feeling bad about oneself are not the same thing. Humility is not self seeking, or self focuses, while insecurity and being down on ourselves is. It is our attention turned inward, when God wants it to be outward and upward.
I've struggled with insecurities and self esteem issues most of my life. And even now that I've grown to settle myself into the Lord's love and acceptance of me....knowing that I am okay just as I am in Him, I still feel that negative inward focus rear it's ugly head from time to time. It's the "I'm not good enough," or "I'm less than..." feelings that push there way into my mind, that on occasion I still have to battle. I forget, or lose sight of the fact that I am designed especially and specifically by God and that makes me exactly how He wanted, and that makes me perfect in Him (I'm talking gifts and talents and abilities here, not behavior and attitudes that don't always align with God's ways).
A second gift the Lord gave me for my birthday on Monday was the gift of growth and freedom. It's a gift for all of us, something we can all become proficient and "the best" at. I have a calendar with daily words of wisdom called "God's Way, Day by Day/" It's written by Charles Stanley. "Be an encourager of the the gifts of others. There is plenty of opportunity for every person to become excellent in his use of his gifts...Many people I know have a strong desire to be better than others, and they resent those who are equally talented or who seem to have superior talent....Jesus didn't suffer from that complex. he wanted His disciples to accomplish even greater things than He had accomplished in His three years of active ministry" This was the pearl of wisdom written on Dec. 5. God gives better gift than physical jewelry! His gems decorate of lives with the mantle of His presence and love. They are meant to sparkle for all to see!
It's losing the "comparing ourselves to others" routine. It's losing the "accomplishment to validate us as human beings" routine. It's not needing to be the best at whatever to feel as if we have value. This statement stirs us to take the focus off of ourselves and puts it on to helping others do their best. I think God wants me, all of us to become each others cheer leaders! Embolden others to step out into their gifts and applaud their accomplishments! Cheer them on! This will help us forget about ourselves, and free us from the "Am I good enough" burden that so many of us seem to carry.
Is that not freeing? No more worrying whether we are good enough. No more "I have to be the best" for anyone to like me, value me or give myself worth. Letting God take care of us, doing our best, but focusing on encouraging those around us will bring us into the place of rest God speaks of so often in the Bible. Cool.
I'm grateful for all the progress I've made in this area of my life over the years, thanks to the Lord. I still have bouts of feeling "less than" and have some more room to grow in this. I believe this is God's next step for me on this path toward wholeness in Him. I hope and pray that it helps you too. He is so good!
Thank You Lord for the next step. You are amazing, how You just have the perfect pace for our lives. Help me to walk in this new found attitude and wisdom You have imparted to me. I want to be the best encourager I possible can in Your Name and by Your power. Use me to bless others...to help them grow in You. Thank You for these few small sentences that turned out to be a really big God visit!
Encourage someone today....make it a practice!
I've struggled with insecurities and self esteem issues most of my life. And even now that I've grown to settle myself into the Lord's love and acceptance of me....knowing that I am okay just as I am in Him, I still feel that negative inward focus rear it's ugly head from time to time. It's the "I'm not good enough," or "I'm less than..." feelings that push there way into my mind, that on occasion I still have to battle. I forget, or lose sight of the fact that I am designed especially and specifically by God and that makes me exactly how He wanted, and that makes me perfect in Him (I'm talking gifts and talents and abilities here, not behavior and attitudes that don't always align with God's ways).
A second gift the Lord gave me for my birthday on Monday was the gift of growth and freedom. It's a gift for all of us, something we can all become proficient and "the best" at. I have a calendar with daily words of wisdom called "God's Way, Day by Day/" It's written by Charles Stanley. "Be an encourager of the the gifts of others. There is plenty of opportunity for every person to become excellent in his use of his gifts...Many people I know have a strong desire to be better than others, and they resent those who are equally talented or who seem to have superior talent....Jesus didn't suffer from that complex. he wanted His disciples to accomplish even greater things than He had accomplished in His three years of active ministry" This was the pearl of wisdom written on Dec. 5. God gives better gift than physical jewelry! His gems decorate of lives with the mantle of His presence and love. They are meant to sparkle for all to see!
It's losing the "comparing ourselves to others" routine. It's losing the "accomplishment to validate us as human beings" routine. It's not needing to be the best at whatever to feel as if we have value. This statement stirs us to take the focus off of ourselves and puts it on to helping others do their best. I think God wants me, all of us to become each others cheer leaders! Embolden others to step out into their gifts and applaud their accomplishments! Cheer them on! This will help us forget about ourselves, and free us from the "Am I good enough" burden that so many of us seem to carry.
Is that not freeing? No more worrying whether we are good enough. No more "I have to be the best" for anyone to like me, value me or give myself worth. Letting God take care of us, doing our best, but focusing on encouraging those around us will bring us into the place of rest God speaks of so often in the Bible. Cool.
I'm grateful for all the progress I've made in this area of my life over the years, thanks to the Lord. I still have bouts of feeling "less than" and have some more room to grow in this. I believe this is God's next step for me on this path toward wholeness in Him. I hope and pray that it helps you too. He is so good!
Thank You Lord for the next step. You are amazing, how You just have the perfect pace for our lives. Help me to walk in this new found attitude and wisdom You have imparted to me. I want to be the best encourager I possible can in Your Name and by Your power. Use me to bless others...to help them grow in You. Thank You for these few small sentences that turned out to be a really big God visit!
Encourage someone today....make it a practice!
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
God's Birthday Gift
Happy Birthday to me! Yesterday was my birthday. And anyone who knows me knows I'm still like a kid with that fact. I love having a birthday. I love holidays...I'm so blessed to have been able to keep the joy of these days. And I guess that in and of itself is one of God's gifts to me, but I digress.
I love the readings and verse of the day things, especially on people's birthday's. I always think of them as the special instructions or encouragements that the Lord has planned for us for the upcoming new year of our lives. This year I prayed for a special gift from the Lord though.
One of my struggles (of the many!) is frustration. I get frustrated with the annoying little incidences in life that plague our days....I think I may have mentioned this a time or two, or three....spills, losing things, red lights at inopportune moments....this list goes on, and I'm sure you have a thousand trifling irritations you could add. So I prayed to the Lord yesterday, asking Him for a gift...the gift of peacefulness and joy. I want to go through life not worrying about the little bits of the day that send me into a fit of frustration. Just let those little things go and roll off my back like water on a duck as they say.
Okay, so back to the verse of the day. Yup, you guessed it, God had the perfect one planned! His gift to me, His instruction for my upcoming year. Philippians 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice!
Hmmmm. I love it! My goal is to memorize this verse and quote it to myself every time I feel the anger or frustration building up over the trivial moments of my day that are not going as I would like. Oh thank You Lord for this blessing. Thank You for this reminder and this beautiful verse. You are truly a good, good Father and I am loved by You. And by the way, that was the first song I heard when I got into the car yesterday!! Gotta love our wonderful God!.
Thank You Lord for my gift. I have to say it is the best gift I could receive...but You already knew that. Please help me to put it into practice and become a person of peace and joy that glorifies You. In Jesus Name, amen.
I love the readings and verse of the day things, especially on people's birthday's. I always think of them as the special instructions or encouragements that the Lord has planned for us for the upcoming new year of our lives. This year I prayed for a special gift from the Lord though.
One of my struggles (of the many!) is frustration. I get frustrated with the annoying little incidences in life that plague our days....I think I may have mentioned this a time or two, or three....spills, losing things, red lights at inopportune moments....this list goes on, and I'm sure you have a thousand trifling irritations you could add. So I prayed to the Lord yesterday, asking Him for a gift...the gift of peacefulness and joy. I want to go through life not worrying about the little bits of the day that send me into a fit of frustration. Just let those little things go and roll off my back like water on a duck as they say.
Okay, so back to the verse of the day. Yup, you guessed it, God had the perfect one planned! His gift to me, His instruction for my upcoming year. Philippians 4:4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice!
Hmmmm. I love it! My goal is to memorize this verse and quote it to myself every time I feel the anger or frustration building up over the trivial moments of my day that are not going as I would like. Oh thank You Lord for this blessing. Thank You for this reminder and this beautiful verse. You are truly a good, good Father and I am loved by You. And by the way, that was the first song I heard when I got into the car yesterday!! Gotta love our wonderful God!.
Thank You Lord for my gift. I have to say it is the best gift I could receive...but You already knew that. Please help me to put it into practice and become a person of peace and joy that glorifies You. In Jesus Name, amen.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Gap, From Mom
Gap - a break, gap or breach.
In this verse - standing in the "gap" is a metaphor for committed "intercession" (From the Word Worth notes in Mom's Bible).
God continually is searching for an intercessor to "stand before Me on behalf of..."
If I choose to do this, my responsibility continues when the person accepts Jesus as his or her Savior. So sincerely pray and let the Holy Spirit guide, lead and encourage me to follow through in Jesus' Name.
Today more that ever God is searching for intercessors who will "stand in the gap," linking God's mercy with man's need, and by prayer to help repair the breaks. In this day the protective hedge about families, churches, and nations is in a state of terrible disrepair.
Gap
Ezekiel 22:30 I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn't have to destroy the land, but I found no one.
Isaiah 59:16 He was amazed to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed. So he himself stepped in to save them with His strong arm, and His justice sustained. Him.
Isaiah 63:5 I was amazed to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed. So I myself stepped in to save them with My strong arm, and My wrath sustained Me.
Gaps
Ezekiel 13:5 They have done nothing to repair the breaks in the walls around the nation. They have not helped it to stand firm in battle on the day of the Lord.
Intercession
Romans 8:26-28 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
From me.
Intercession, standing in the gap for others is an important part of our ministry as Christians. As I read the surrounding verses in Isaiah 59*, I thought to myself, "my gosh we are living this!" And yet the Lord calls His people to intercede on behalf of their nations, their churches, families, and those around them. This is such a timely topic for our world today. Sometimes it seems to me our churches are asleep, and it's so sad. I've been guilty of this myself. Wake up! Start praying! Prayer moves the hand of the Lord. And boy do we need that.
2 Chronicles 7:14 Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.
While this speaks of nations, I believe we can apply the principle to all areas of our lives. Humble repentance, seeking God....He hears, He heals.
Ezekiel 37:1-10 The Lord took hold of me, and I was carried away by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with bones. He led me all around among the bones that covered the valley floor. They were scattered everywhere across the ground and were completely dried out. Then He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones become living people again? "O Sovereign Lord," I replied, "You alone know the answer to that." Then he said to me, "Speak a prophetic message to these bones and say, 'Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lords says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again! I will put flesh and muscles on you and cover you with skin. I will put breath into you, and you will come to life. Then you will know I am the Lord.' " So I spoke this message, just as He told me. Suddenly as I spoke, there was a rattling noise all across the valley. The bones of each body came together and attached themselves as complete skeletons. Then as I watched, muscles and flesh formed over the bones. Then skin formed to cover their bodies, but they still had not breath in them. Then He said to me, "Speak a prophetic message to the winds, son of man. Speak a prophetic message and say, 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, O breath, from the four winds! Breath into these dead bodies so they may live again. ' " So I spoke the message as He commanded me, and breath came into their bodies. They all came to life and stood up on their feet--a great army.
Hopefully, this entry has sounded in our hearts the call to intercession today...desperation abounds around us. Our families, our churches, our nations, friends and coworkers around us: Lord, we need You!!
*Isaiah 59:14-15 Our courts oppose the righteous and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and honesty has been outlawed. Yes, truth is gone, and anyone who renounces evil is attacked. The Lord looked and was displeased to find there was not justice.
Lord, lead each of us in the ministry of intercession. As your church, Your people, we need to stand in the gap for families, our communities and our nations. The world, people we know, are lost. Jesus came to stand in the gap for us, to sacrifice Himself and intercede for us....help us to carry His ministry out in our prayer closets, and in our hearts. Lord remind us to pray!! For myself Lord, I know I make excuses....schedule conflicts, time restraints, not knowing what to pray....Lord, let the excuses stop! There are no time limits on prayer, no special words or places to pray....it's just our heart to Yours, wherever, whenever, however. Set us on fire for this ministry Lord. In Jesus Name, amen.
Start praying today! There is a cell phone app called 714 Prayer that you can download to your phone....it sets an alarm on your phone to remind you to pray!
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Hope Does Not Disappoint
We started a series for Christmas at church entitled "The Gifts of Christmas" The first gift we focused on was hope.
The thing that strikes me, and I think I am reminded of this each year at Christmas is the parallel between the ancient Jewish nation and the present day church. Like them, we await our Messiah. Thousands of years of waiting. Centuries of hoping, "will this be the year?"
The promised Messiah came as a helpless baby. He came to sacrifice Himself for all of mankind, to open the gates of heaven to God's fallen creations. God's promises were fulfilled in Him. The Father's word was kept...and this is what fuels our hope now, what gives us not just hope, but assurance....my Pastor called our hope a "know so." And so we know, as we await His return as the victorious King of all, that He will return again. We too, like the Jewish people before us, wait thousands of years for the glorious coming of our Messiah and King.
Our hope does not disappoint. It assures and fills us with peace, even as we long for His coming. And Christmas is always a reminder of God's plan fulfilled, His faithfulness to His promises. I look at the world around me, chaos, pain, sadness, hate, and darkness....and a deep yearning for His return fills my heart....but the hope Jesus gives is the anchor that holds and steadies me.
Isaiah 7:14 All right then, the Lord Himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call Him Immanuel (which means God with us)
Hebrews 6:18-19 So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the HOPE that lies before us. This HOPE is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary.
The first, a promise that has been fulfilled, assures that the God's plans for the future will also be fulfilled. God's visit this day was the assurance, once again, that His work and plans are still on track. And a reminded of what our focus is this Christmas season. He came to us a couple of thousand years ago, He will return again in the future....both times physically, but now He is with us each and every day in the person of the Holy Spirit. He never leaves nor forsakes us. Past, present and future....Immanuel.
God thank You. Thank You for being faithful. Thank You for focusing our hearts on the beauty and hope of Christmas. I forget so often, this hope that You give.
Study "hope" today. Let it be the anchor that holds you and the light that guides.
The thing that strikes me, and I think I am reminded of this each year at Christmas is the parallel between the ancient Jewish nation and the present day church. Like them, we await our Messiah. Thousands of years of waiting. Centuries of hoping, "will this be the year?"
The promised Messiah came as a helpless baby. He came to sacrifice Himself for all of mankind, to open the gates of heaven to God's fallen creations. God's promises were fulfilled in Him. The Father's word was kept...and this is what fuels our hope now, what gives us not just hope, but assurance....my Pastor called our hope a "know so." And so we know, as we await His return as the victorious King of all, that He will return again. We too, like the Jewish people before us, wait thousands of years for the glorious coming of our Messiah and King.
Our hope does not disappoint. It assures and fills us with peace, even as we long for His coming. And Christmas is always a reminder of God's plan fulfilled, His faithfulness to His promises. I look at the world around me, chaos, pain, sadness, hate, and darkness....and a deep yearning for His return fills my heart....but the hope Jesus gives is the anchor that holds and steadies me.
Isaiah 7:14 All right then, the Lord Himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call Him Immanuel (which means God with us)
The first, a promise that has been fulfilled, assures that the God's plans for the future will also be fulfilled. God's visit this day was the assurance, once again, that His work and plans are still on track. And a reminded of what our focus is this Christmas season. He came to us a couple of thousand years ago, He will return again in the future....both times physically, but now He is with us each and every day in the person of the Holy Spirit. He never leaves nor forsakes us. Past, present and future....Immanuel.
God thank You. Thank You for being faithful. Thank You for focusing our hearts on the beauty and hope of Christmas. I forget so often, this hope that You give.
Study "hope" today. Let it be the anchor that holds you and the light that guides.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Happy Thanksgiving!
Among the feasting and togetherness, parades and parties, take time today to say thank you to the one who blesses us with all good things, especially our salvation and His love. Thank You Father, Son and Spirit for all that You are and all that You've done and do. We love and praise You this day, and always. Amen.
Enjoy one or all of these songs, reveling in the presence of the Holy God who loves us!
Blessings, Madeline
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Happy Thanksgiving!
Among the feasting and togetherness, parades and parties, take time today to say thank you to the one who blesses us with all good things, especially our salvation and His love. Thank You Father, Son and Spirit for all that You are and all that You've done and do. We love and praise You this day, and always. Amen.
Enjoy one or all of these songs, reveling in the presence of the Holy God who loves us!
Blessings, Madeline
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
The Train
I had the funniest picture pop into my mind recently. It all started with a devotional reading Paul entitled "Living Above Circumstances." This came from the Charles Stanley monthly devotional book, which I love, btw. But this day's kind of brought me down a bit and irked me a bit more. It talked about how even though Paul was imprisoned, most likely chained to a Roman guard 24/7, he remained joyful, and at peace, and even was a blessing to others by writing many of his letters to the churches, letters which remain in our Bibles today.
So, here goes the train pulling out of the station., my emotions starting out as the conductor. "Well that's fine for Paul. His sufferings and trials had purpose. He was a great spreader of the Gospel, working for God day after day." went the thoughts of the engine. Chugachuga chugachuga....the train is working up speed here. Next car: "My trials are trivial, purposeless....they seem to accomplish nothing, in me or in the world around me....what's the point???" Okay, now we are really building up steam ....and then the Holy Spirit comes along side the conductor....and asks for the wheel...He decides to change direction and add His own cars to my little train, effectively putting the breaks on this downward spiral in my mind. Click!
Car Romans 8:28 hooks up. "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Hmmmm, everything purposeful? And then the next car hooks up....Loaves and fishes....Matthew 15:32-37.
The people were hungry, tired....they had continued with Jesus for days. And He fed them. He nurtured them. In the middle of nowhere, He cared for them....and there was more than enough! Leftovers even! Enough to share when they went home!
All my trials, my struggles, even the annoying day to day pricks and prods are purposeful in God's economy. Nothing is without use or meaning, nothing is wasted. And He blesses even when I feel like I am in the wilderness. His care goes over and above whatever I could imagine. My job is to stay with Him on this train called life, and let Him handle the controls!
What a ride. LOL What a funny impression that day. God is so amazing and creative. I love it.
Lord, thank You....that's all I can say is thank You. Help me keep this in mind always. You have purpose.
Trust God today, trust that nothing is wasted in Him.
Matthew 15:32-37 Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.” The disciples replied, “Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a huge crowd?” Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have? ”They replied, “Seven loaves, and a few small fish.” So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd. They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food.
So, here goes the train pulling out of the station., my emotions starting out as the conductor. "Well that's fine for Paul. His sufferings and trials had purpose. He was a great spreader of the Gospel, working for God day after day." went the thoughts of the engine. Chugachuga chugachuga....the train is working up speed here. Next car: "My trials are trivial, purposeless....they seem to accomplish nothing, in me or in the world around me....what's the point???" Okay, now we are really building up steam ....and then the Holy Spirit comes along side the conductor....and asks for the wheel...He decides to change direction and add His own cars to my little train, effectively putting the breaks on this downward spiral in my mind. Click!
Car Romans 8:28 hooks up. "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Hmmmm, everything purposeful? And then the next car hooks up....Loaves and fishes....Matthew 15:32-37.
The people were hungry, tired....they had continued with Jesus for days. And He fed them. He nurtured them. In the middle of nowhere, He cared for them....and there was more than enough! Leftovers even! Enough to share when they went home!
All my trials, my struggles, even the annoying day to day pricks and prods are purposeful in God's economy. Nothing is without use or meaning, nothing is wasted. And He blesses even when I feel like I am in the wilderness. His care goes over and above whatever I could imagine. My job is to stay with Him on this train called life, and let Him handle the controls!
What a ride. LOL What a funny impression that day. God is so amazing and creative. I love it.
Lord, thank You....that's all I can say is thank You. Help me keep this in mind always. You have purpose.
Trust God today, trust that nothing is wasted in Him.
Matthew 15:32-37 Then Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don’t want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way.” The disciples replied, “Where would we get enough food here in the wilderness for such a huge crowd?” Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have? ”They replied, “Seven loaves, and a few small fish.” So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd. They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
You Are What You Eat
I wrote this prior to election day here in the US, and I was supposed to add it to the blog, but evidently I went on to other things, lol. God has His timing and I will go along with it....even though the election has come and gone, the unrest and angry words continue, people still feed on the ugly, the junk, and the corrupt. So I'm thinking the message of watching what we "eat" is always relevant.
I had one of those "verse jump off the page" moments the other day. I know these are God visits because it's never what you were looking for, or as in this case, it wasn't even the book I was supposed to be in. For some reason (hahaha) as I was looking for one place in the Bible, it opened up to Proverbs. The verse was Proverbs 15:14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.
What a cool verse! With all the negative, all the angry, all the sensual....there is so much junk out there to feed on. And most of it appeals to our baser natures, but it's ugliness, junk food as it were. I think of our own political goings on right now, and whenever you go on social media or turn on the television you see angry words going back an forth between candidates and their supporters. Television shows have become more and more crass and irreverent to the ways of God, some are downright hostile to Christianity. You can't pick up a newspaper without being bombarded with corruption, scandals, pollution, killings.....
Sometimes it's hard to turn our eyes away from this stuff....but wisdom tells us we have to. Wisdom tells us to be hungry for knowledge. Not knowledge of the world, for we are told in James 3:15-17 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. It is the knowledge of God, looking toward things that bring joy, bring peace....stories that uplift, that share goodness and blessing. I am hungry for this knowledge!!
I'm starting to have a new rule in my life. If something I am reading, watching or seeing is churning up anger, negativity, or hatred in my heart then it's something I need to turn away from. There is a line between being informed and being transformed. I want things that bring peace to me and joy to my heart, things that glorify God and show His work in the world. It may be a little harder to find, but it's worth looking for. All this from just one verse! Isn't God amazing!!
Once again, thank You Lord for sharing Your heart with me, for leading me in new ways. Help us to see the good, look for the honorable and chase after, long for the knowledge of You and Your heart. The best place to start is the Bible. And I thank You for it. Lord, put more of a desire in our hearts for You, for Your Word.
God on the internet today and look for good news!!
I had one of those "verse jump off the page" moments the other day. I know these are God visits because it's never what you were looking for, or as in this case, it wasn't even the book I was supposed to be in. For some reason (hahaha) as I was looking for one place in the Bible, it opened up to Proverbs. The verse was Proverbs 15:14 A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.
What a cool verse! With all the negative, all the angry, all the sensual....there is so much junk out there to feed on. And most of it appeals to our baser natures, but it's ugliness, junk food as it were. I think of our own political goings on right now, and whenever you go on social media or turn on the television you see angry words going back an forth between candidates and their supporters. Television shows have become more and more crass and irreverent to the ways of God, some are downright hostile to Christianity. You can't pick up a newspaper without being bombarded with corruption, scandals, pollution, killings.....
Sometimes it's hard to turn our eyes away from this stuff....but wisdom tells us we have to. Wisdom tells us to be hungry for knowledge. Not knowledge of the world, for we are told in James 3:15-17 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. It is the knowledge of God, looking toward things that bring joy, bring peace....stories that uplift, that share goodness and blessing. I am hungry for this knowledge!!
I'm starting to have a new rule in my life. If something I am reading, watching or seeing is churning up anger, negativity, or hatred in my heart then it's something I need to turn away from. There is a line between being informed and being transformed. I want things that bring peace to me and joy to my heart, things that glorify God and show His work in the world. It may be a little harder to find, but it's worth looking for. All this from just one verse! Isn't God amazing!!
Once again, thank You Lord for sharing Your heart with me, for leading me in new ways. Help us to see the good, look for the honorable and chase after, long for the knowledge of You and Your heart. The best place to start is the Bible. And I thank You for it. Lord, put more of a desire in our hearts for You, for Your Word.
God on the internet today and look for good news!!
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Resurrection
I feel like I've always known God. From the time I was a small child, going to St. Rita's Elementary School in Astoria, NY, I've been introduced to Him and taught about Him, prayed to Him and desired to please Him. I don't feel there was a time in my life I was not His child....yet there were many times, many years in my life I didn't walk with Him. I went my own way, did my own thing, lived to please my flesh, and have a good time (whether it actually was a "good time" is highly debatable!). And then I got committed. His life, His Spirit renewed mine and off I went on this journey of living for Christ. I was made alive in Christ. Or remade, as it were.
Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing His death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
Hmmmm. EXPERIENCE this power. How do I do that? This is what popped off the page as I read this passage a few days ago. I can EXPERIENCE the power of Christ's resurrection. But how? Where? As of right now in the United States, I am not asked to physically die for Christ. I don't suffer persecution or mistreatment for His name's sake. So how do I suffer for Him? Do I miss out on the blessing of knowing this power, of experiencing this resurrection from the dead because I live in a "free" society? And then God opened up the Scripture to me. The light bulb went on in my heart and mind. It was and is a spiritual suffering I am called to now. I know, many of you may already know this, and perhaps on some level I did too, but it came to me anew in this last reading and I am so excited about this!.
Whether it's dying to pride (a big, big, big one for me) at work....my rights, my fairness, my, my, my, me, me, me or dying to overeating or overspending....I want more, more, more....whether it's giving of my time to do for another....laying down my needs, my cares, my wants....it all hurts my fleshly thinking, takes me out of my comfort zone and self focused, self fulfilling, self protecting box and brings me to the Cross. But as I suffer through the laying down of self centered living, I am renewed and resurrection and made alive in Christ. I share in His suffering and experience the power of His resurrection. How awesome is that! And my life is transformed, bringing more glory to Him. The layers and layers of self are peeled away, left behind in the tomb like the grave clothes Christ wore. The more layers that are shed, the brighter His life in me shines. I'm really loving this!!
Again, God takes the time to make His will known to me, to us. To share His heart and remind us of the direction we are to be heading. Last night I read something in a devotional about taking small breaks to check in with the Holy Spirit as one goes through their day. And what a great way to see where we are in the "dying to self" thing. Small visits with the Lord to check our direction, our reactions and get empowered to share the light of Jesus.
Lord, thank You for Your constant renewing of my mind. I am so grateful, as always that You are the greatest teacher, the most patient of Fathers and the uttermost Savior. Send me and all of us forward today, living for You, listening for Your voice and experiencing this resurrection power as we strive to live for You. Holy Spirit make Yourself known to us throughout the day, each and every moment, lead us and empower us to be salt and light in a tasteless and dark world. Thank You.
Take Spirit breaks today!!
Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing His death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
Hmmmm. EXPERIENCE this power. How do I do that? This is what popped off the page as I read this passage a few days ago. I can EXPERIENCE the power of Christ's resurrection. But how? Where? As of right now in the United States, I am not asked to physically die for Christ. I don't suffer persecution or mistreatment for His name's sake. So how do I suffer for Him? Do I miss out on the blessing of knowing this power, of experiencing this resurrection from the dead because I live in a "free" society? And then God opened up the Scripture to me. The light bulb went on in my heart and mind. It was and is a spiritual suffering I am called to now. I know, many of you may already know this, and perhaps on some level I did too, but it came to me anew in this last reading and I am so excited about this!.
Whether it's dying to pride (a big, big, big one for me) at work....my rights, my fairness, my, my, my, me, me, me or dying to overeating or overspending....I want more, more, more....whether it's giving of my time to do for another....laying down my needs, my cares, my wants....it all hurts my fleshly thinking, takes me out of my comfort zone and self focused, self fulfilling, self protecting box and brings me to the Cross. But as I suffer through the laying down of self centered living, I am renewed and resurrection and made alive in Christ. I share in His suffering and experience the power of His resurrection. How awesome is that! And my life is transformed, bringing more glory to Him. The layers and layers of self are peeled away, left behind in the tomb like the grave clothes Christ wore. The more layers that are shed, the brighter His life in me shines. I'm really loving this!!
Again, God takes the time to make His will known to me, to us. To share His heart and remind us of the direction we are to be heading. Last night I read something in a devotional about taking small breaks to check in with the Holy Spirit as one goes through their day. And what a great way to see where we are in the "dying to self" thing. Small visits with the Lord to check our direction, our reactions and get empowered to share the light of Jesus.
Lord, thank You for Your constant renewing of my mind. I am so grateful, as always that You are the greatest teacher, the most patient of Fathers and the uttermost Savior. Send me and all of us forward today, living for You, listening for Your voice and experiencing this resurrection power as we strive to live for You. Holy Spirit make Yourself known to us throughout the day, each and every moment, lead us and empower us to be salt and light in a tasteless and dark world. Thank You.
Take Spirit breaks today!!
Thursday, November 10, 2016
God Grant Me....
A friend sent me a photo of the serenity prayer recently. I just recently completed 22 years of being clean from drugs and alcohol, thanks the the Lord Jesus Christ. I am well familiar with the first few lines of this insightful prayer, but the rest not quite as much. I felt compelled to share it here, and a newer "version" as well. There are so many things going on around us....crazy, evil, hurried, hate-filled, average....all types of fears assail us as we see the rise of hate, terrorism and division. Everyday life comes with its own challenges and difficulties. Physical battles, spiritual battles. I'm thinking a little serenity and a lot of trust in Jesus would go a long way right now. So I include these two prayers, hope you enjoy and meditate on them, and that they bring you a new peace, and renewing your focus on and trust in the Lord. He is always on the throne!
The Serenity Prayer is the common name for a prayer authored by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971). The best-known form is: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference. (from Wikipedia)
And for a new, slightly humorous take on this old favorite, I go to the Jesuit Post.org and find a great version that takes us in another direction. I think its pretty right on!
The Serenity Prayer is the common name for a prayer authored by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971). The best-known form is: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference. (from Wikipedia)
God, give me grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.
Amen.
God, grant me the serenity
to accept the people I cannot change,
which is pretty much everyone,
since I’m clearly not you, God.
At least not the last time I checked.
And while you’re at it, God,
please give me the courage
to change what I need to change about myself,
which is frankly a lot, since, once again,
I’m not you, which means I’m not perfect.
It’s better for me to focus on changing myself
than to worry about changing other people,
who, as you’ll no doubt remember me saying,
I can’t change anyway.
Finally, give me the wisdom to just shut up
whenever I think that I’m clearly smarter
than everyone else in the room,
that no one knows what they’re talking about except me,
or that I alone have all the answers.
Basically, God,
grant me the wisdom
to remember that I’m
not you.
Amen
James Martin, SJ
Two great prayers. Living in peace with the circumstances of the world, and peace with other people around us. Giving everything and everyone over the our all-knowing, all-present, all-powerful, loving Father. Can you just imagine living each moment like that, entering into each encounter at peace because my focus is not fearful of circumstances or problems, not on the faults (and these may only be in my mind) of others, but on God.
Lord, I ask for You to make these prayers, or something like them part of us each and everyday so that we may live with at peace with You, our circumstances, our world and the people we interact with. Let Your wisdom guide us into Your peace and let this peacefulness be a conduit of Your love. Thank You for the divine talent You gave these men in writing these beautiful prayers. They are an inspiration. Truly, give us wisdom and courage to change what we can and should, but also let us remember Your plan may not always be what we would choose....for us or for others.
James 1:5-6 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone, Do not waver, for a person with divided. loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.
Proverbs 2:2-3 Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and ask for understanding.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Prayer
Praying for this nation, these Untied States today. Lord, Your will be done. No matter who gets elected Your are still on the throne. I do pray that You would give us leaders that are godly, leaders that will steer us towards righteousness and not further away from it. Lord, please bring this nation back to You. We are lost, but there are still many here who call on Your name. And I join with them in prayer today for Your presence and Your hand to be our guide, and our mainstay. Lord, You are in control, You have the perfect plan. We need You! I know You hold the future and that all will be well because Your good plan will always prevail. Thank You Lord that we have that hope. Please help this country. Guide this election. Lead us again. In Jesus name, amen.
Just For Us
Sometimes I feel like it's hard to "see" God where I live. I mean, this is suburbia, right....land of closely built houses, strip malls,traffic, and pavement. I feel like if I lived in the majestic mountains, at the awe inspiring seashore or with a beautiful view of a serene lake I'd see God all around, feel His nearness on a whole different level. That is one of the reasons for this blog, to get me out of that mindset and to encourage all of us to open up to God's presence in our lives wherever we are. The Lord reminded me of that on Sunday. He is here!
I drove to church on Sunday morning after a battle with myself over whether I felt up to going or not. I was tired, I had a headache, a hundred things I needed to do....but I really wanted to be in church as well...back and forth the argument went in my head. Luckily for me getting dressed, getting out and getting church won because I would have missed a beautiful God visit on a crisp clear Autumn day.
The day was bright, cool but not cold with a bit of wind. I pulled out of my driveway and looking around saw the colorful leaves dancing across the pavement. It looked like they were racing each other down the road! I was lovely to watch! Dancing, running, skipping across my suburban street, the leaves seemed filled with joy and energy! I was delighted with this little display. Perhaps that seems silly to some, but I felt my heart smile out loud! As I drove I took notice of this and then as I lifted my eyes from ground level, I looked up to see the stunning contrast between the blue sky and the orange, yellow, and red leaves which adorned the trees. It was brilliant and I thought what an awesome, creative, artistic God we have!
All this swirling around me, and then God's voice..."I did this for you," I felt Him say. He created all this beauty for us to live in. And it is everywhere around us, whether you live in the most crowded place on earth or the remotest mountain top....God's beauty is there. Sometimes it's just a little more looking for it.
Genesis 1:26-31 Then God said, "Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind--livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals." And that is what happened. God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground." So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. The God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground." Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground--everything that has life." And that is what happened. Then God looked over all He had made, and He saw that is was very good! And even passed and morning came, marking the sixth day.
God created this whole planet, solar system, universe, as a place for us to live and have fellowship with Him. He made it beautiful and made us to enjoy it and His presence. I'm so glad that He opened my heart Sunday morning to the simple, yet stunning beauty and delight around me so that I could glorify Him and share it with you all. God visit !!!
Lord, open our hearts and eyes each day to see You. Sometimes it's so dark, feels so utterly devoid of anything good, but even then You are there. There is beauty in Your presence and in Your creation.
Help us to see and be made glad because of it. Thank You for this special visit. I love You.
Stop and look around today with a heart that expects to see God.
I drove to church on Sunday morning after a battle with myself over whether I felt up to going or not. I was tired, I had a headache, a hundred things I needed to do....but I really wanted to be in church as well...back and forth the argument went in my head. Luckily for me getting dressed, getting out and getting church won because I would have missed a beautiful God visit on a crisp clear Autumn day.
The day was bright, cool but not cold with a bit of wind. I pulled out of my driveway and looking around saw the colorful leaves dancing across the pavement. It looked like they were racing each other down the road! I was lovely to watch! Dancing, running, skipping across my suburban street, the leaves seemed filled with joy and energy! I was delighted with this little display. Perhaps that seems silly to some, but I felt my heart smile out loud! As I drove I took notice of this and then as I lifted my eyes from ground level, I looked up to see the stunning contrast between the blue sky and the orange, yellow, and red leaves which adorned the trees. It was brilliant and I thought what an awesome, creative, artistic God we have!
All this swirling around me, and then God's voice..."I did this for you," I felt Him say. He created all this beauty for us to live in. And it is everywhere around us, whether you live in the most crowded place on earth or the remotest mountain top....God's beauty is there. Sometimes it's just a little more looking for it.
Genesis 1:26-31 Then God said, "Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind--livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals." And that is what happened. God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, "Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground." So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. The God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground." Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground--everything that has life." And that is what happened. Then God looked over all He had made, and He saw that is was very good! And even passed and morning came, marking the sixth day.
God created this whole planet, solar system, universe, as a place for us to live and have fellowship with Him. He made it beautiful and made us to enjoy it and His presence. I'm so glad that He opened my heart Sunday morning to the simple, yet stunning beauty and delight around me so that I could glorify Him and share it with you all. God visit !!!
Lord, open our hearts and eyes each day to see You. Sometimes it's so dark, feels so utterly devoid of anything good, but even then You are there. There is beauty in Your presence and in Your creation.
Stop and look around today with a heart that expects to see God.
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Rest
Jeremiah 31:3 Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.
Lord, we may not always believe You love us, I mean, how could You right? We see our sin, we see our yuck, we look at our circumstances, believing You don't have a good plan, maybe we don't deserve Your good plan and that is why Your love looks like, dare I say, uncaring or meanness....but those things are not true. We are not You and You are not us. Help us to not put You in a human box. The Cross is enough to prove Your love. Lord, it's hard to believe You love us when it hurts, when life seems so wrong and every door we go through brings more heartache, it's hard to love You back too....but You say an EVERLASTING, UNFAILING love is ours. You tell us in Isaiah 55:8 My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. Lord teach us to believe through the pain and the rain. To trust Your love more than our feelings or what goes on around us. Give us Your peace to comfort, Your Spirit to guide, Your hand to hold when all around us is darkness. Thank You Lord, that You do not depend upon us to love us, to keep Your plans together and going forward.
Let God love you today.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Our God is Greater
I am finding many gems as we go through the book of Joshua in Sunday morning Bible Study. The Lord connects events, even if they are years or decades apart. He brings them together in our studying so that we can learn, deepen our understanding, and grow up in Him.
In chapter 14 we see Caleb coming to Joshua to ask for the land that was promised would be for his family by Moses. He tells Joshua, "7 I was forty years old when Moses, the servant of the Lord, sent me from Kadesh-barnea to explore the land of Canaan. I returned and gave an honest report, 8 but my brothers who went with me frightened the people from entering the Promised Land. For my part, I wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God. 9 So that day Moses solemnly promised me, ‘The land of Canaan on which you were just walking will be your grant of land and that of your descendants forever, because you wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God.’ 10 “Now, as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise—even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. 11 I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. 12 So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said.” Caleb brings us back to the days when only he and Joshua trusted the Lord's strength and promises to conquer the Promised Land. Numbers 13:30 But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!” His attitude when he was in the wilderness just beginning to scout the land God had in store for them, was the same as when he was in it and looking forward to finally occupying his portion.
No matter how big the people who lived there were, no matter how strong and fortified the cities, no matter the wildness or harshness of the terrain...Caleb trusted God. Caleb saw God's power not the weakness he may have had, not the magnitude of the task ahead of him, not the strength of the people he had to fight. He saw the God who was able to conquer. He saw the God who was stronger than anything we have to face. He saw the God who was and is faithful to His promises and to His children. This is what Caleb saw and this is the attitude I want to have.
Some days there seem to be so many giants to face. It's overwhelming to the point where I just want to go back to bed and hide under the covers, lose myself in a good book and not face reality. And truthfully, there have been days where I've just shut down. I didn't go to work, I just sat...it's as if I couldn't face life, let alone conquer any problems or situations that came up or even those I live with on a day after day, year after year basis. In the shadow of heartbreak, I often lose sight of the light that is Jesus our Savior. Our God is greater than anything that comes our way. God wants all of us to hang on to that fact and live in the rest He offers. This visit, I feel like God was telling me, "Relax, I got this!, With Me by your side and leading the way, you will prevail."
I'm praying we will learn to rely on the strength of God, and forget our weaknesses. Lord, help us to see You and not fretfully look at the problems we face. Because of You we can overcome. But we need Your help to see and to believe. Please help us.
Find one promise from the Lord today. Make it your focus for the day.
In chapter 14 we see Caleb coming to Joshua to ask for the land that was promised would be for his family by Moses. He tells Joshua, "7 I was forty years old when Moses, the servant of the Lord, sent me from Kadesh-barnea to explore the land of Canaan. I returned and gave an honest report, 8 but my brothers who went with me frightened the people from entering the Promised Land. For my part, I wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God. 9 So that day Moses solemnly promised me, ‘The land of Canaan on which you were just walking will be your grant of land and that of your descendants forever, because you wholeheartedly followed the Lord my God.’ 10 “Now, as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise—even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. 11 I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. 12 So give me the hill country that the Lord promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the Lord is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the Lord said.” Caleb brings us back to the days when only he and Joshua trusted the Lord's strength and promises to conquer the Promised Land. Numbers 13:30 But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!” His attitude when he was in the wilderness just beginning to scout the land God had in store for them, was the same as when he was in it and looking forward to finally occupying his portion.
No matter how big the people who lived there were, no matter how strong and fortified the cities, no matter the wildness or harshness of the terrain...Caleb trusted God. Caleb saw God's power not the weakness he may have had, not the magnitude of the task ahead of him, not the strength of the people he had to fight. He saw the God who was able to conquer. He saw the God who was stronger than anything we have to face. He saw the God who was and is faithful to His promises and to His children. This is what Caleb saw and this is the attitude I want to have.
Some days there seem to be so many giants to face. It's overwhelming to the point where I just want to go back to bed and hide under the covers, lose myself in a good book and not face reality. And truthfully, there have been days where I've just shut down. I didn't go to work, I just sat...it's as if I couldn't face life, let alone conquer any problems or situations that came up or even those I live with on a day after day, year after year basis. In the shadow of heartbreak, I often lose sight of the light that is Jesus our Savior. Our God is greater than anything that comes our way. God wants all of us to hang on to that fact and live in the rest He offers. This visit, I feel like God was telling me, "Relax, I got this!, With Me by your side and leading the way, you will prevail."
I'm praying we will learn to rely on the strength of God, and forget our weaknesses. Lord, help us to see You and not fretfully look at the problems we face. Because of You we can overcome. But we need Your help to see and to believe. Please help us.
Find one promise from the Lord today. Make it your focus for the day.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Today's Theme is.....Prodicals
11 To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. 17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, 26 and he asked one of the servants what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’ 28 “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, 29 but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ 31 “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’”
I'm thinking someone, or someones really need to hear this today. Praying that God will wrap all who feel lost in His arms, that all who feel like God is far away and like they can never get back to Him will understand and know that He is looking down the road for them, waiting for them to return into His loving, open arms.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Love Reminder
1 Corinthians 13
[ The Way of Love ] If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. ...
Sometime I just need a reminder. I hadn't heard this song in a while and I guess God decided it was time to bring the desire He has for us to love as He loves to the forefront of my mind. I must admit I get caught up in self all too often, not consciously, or intentionally, just as the moments and hours of the day pass, I just focus more on what I am doing and having to do then loving those around me. I'm sure it is a common ailment among a lot of us, so God's little nudges are always timely in, and essential to our Christian walk. My Mom was so good about seeing the needs and hearts around her...I covet this gift!
Lord, teach us, lead us and remind us to love. Help us to focus on what is needed around us, how we can share Your loving touch with the our family, friends, and the world. In Jesus name, Amen.
Share God's love today!!
[ The Way of Love ] If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. ...
Sometime I just need a reminder. I hadn't heard this song in a while and I guess God decided it was time to bring the desire He has for us to love as He loves to the forefront of my mind. I must admit I get caught up in self all too often, not consciously, or intentionally, just as the moments and hours of the day pass, I just focus more on what I am doing and having to do then loving those around me. I'm sure it is a common ailment among a lot of us, so God's little nudges are always timely in, and essential to our Christian walk. My Mom was so good about seeing the needs and hearts around her...I covet this gift!
Lord, teach us, lead us and remind us to love. Help us to focus on what is needed around us, how we can share Your loving touch with the our family, friends, and the world. In Jesus name, Amen.
Share God's love today!!
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
LOL---God Is So On Point!
From today's entry in a "thought a day" devotional I have:
Be on the lookout for mercies. The more we
look for them, the more of them we will see.
Blessings brighten when we count them.
Maltbie D. Babcock
Looking, counting.....hmmm seems to be a theme going on today!! God is so good, and so on point!
Looking Up
Days fly by, especially as we get older. I've heard there is some formula for this phenomenon...time seemingly going faster as we age, it has to do with ratios and other mathematical things that I know nothing about. But anyway, it just seems that the time is spinning faster and faster and sometimes we just forget to look up! Building seconds and minutes into the day to just look around for the Lord's handiwork is something I am trying to cultivate--it's actually looking out for the God visits.
The Lord loves to bless us. Loves to spend time with us. Jesus spent His days walking with, talking to, teaching, healing, and loving people. And God never changes. The same Jesus that walked the earth loving and caring for those around Him, is the same God today that wants to be with us, care for us and show Himself as the involved, blessing God that He always was and is. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. We've been studying the book of Joshua on Sunday mornings and in it we see how involved God was in His people's lives. He showed Himself as leader, caregiver, provider and mighty warrior on their behalf. Joshua 1:9 This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
So where is all this leading, you ask? Where did this whole conversation in my head come from? LOL....why the clouds of course! I saw the clouds and it just clicked! My Father did that! He made that amazing painting in the sky! He gives His beauty and His blessing to people everywhere, we just need to recognize and appreciate it. Too often we rush by, never noticing the wonder around us, or appreciating the divine moments that open up into our lives. Yesterday I saw the clouds. This morning I had an enjoyable conversation with a sister in the Lord. Yesterday I was able to pray with a family member going through a serious situation....All these things, small visits from the Lord that I sometimes, (well many times really) take for granted. Oh that our spiritual eyes would be wide open to God's presence and touch in our lives!! Little by little, we grow in this area. And isn't it awesome that the Lord continues to teach us.
Lord thank You for once again reminding me of Your presence and blessing all around. I guess I need that reminder often and that's okay. I am so thankful for Your patience and Your love, the fact that You always share Your heart with me, letting me and all of us know You are with us. Keep reminding us Lord!! Psalm 121:4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumber or sleeps. You never tire to teaching, of helping us to see. Thank You.
Look for God's presence today, ON PURPOSE!
The Lord loves to bless us. Loves to spend time with us. Jesus spent His days walking with, talking to, teaching, healing, and loving people. And God never changes. The same Jesus that walked the earth loving and caring for those around Him, is the same God today that wants to be with us, care for us and show Himself as the involved, blessing God that He always was and is. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. We've been studying the book of Joshua on Sunday mornings and in it we see how involved God was in His people's lives. He showed Himself as leader, caregiver, provider and mighty warrior on their behalf. Joshua 1:9 This is my command--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
So where is all this leading, you ask? Where did this whole conversation in my head come from? LOL....why the clouds of course! I saw the clouds and it just clicked! My Father did that! He made that amazing painting in the sky! He gives His beauty and His blessing to people everywhere, we just need to recognize and appreciate it. Too often we rush by, never noticing the wonder around us, or appreciating the divine moments that open up into our lives. Yesterday I saw the clouds. This morning I had an enjoyable conversation with a sister in the Lord. Yesterday I was able to pray with a family member going through a serious situation....All these things, small visits from the Lord that I sometimes, (well many times really) take for granted. Oh that our spiritual eyes would be wide open to God's presence and touch in our lives!! Little by little, we grow in this area. And isn't it awesome that the Lord continues to teach us.
Lord thank You for once again reminding me of Your presence and blessing all around. I guess I need that reminder often and that's okay. I am so thankful for Your patience and Your love, the fact that You always share Your heart with me, letting me and all of us know You are with us. Keep reminding us Lord!! Psalm 121:4 Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumber or sleeps. You never tire to teaching, of helping us to see. Thank You.
Look for God's presence today, ON PURPOSE!
Thursday, October 20, 2016
New Favorite!
Just loving this new song by Natalie Grant and I wanted to share it!! It's a nice way to start the day, remembering who God is. I lift You up Lord, to be the King of my world.
Hit In The Head, Literally!
Busy, busy, busy. That's life right? We run, we rush--to do lists, errands, jobs....and of course, don't forget to schedule some fun---hahaha. We take care of families help out at churches, ministries, and try to fit in taking care of ourselves. I know I don't just speak for myself when I say overwhelmed is almost a natural state of being. I'm pretty sure this isn't how God intended it to be!
So okay, I'm out for a quick run (trying to squeeze that all important exercise into my day), and as always listening to a Joyce Meyer podcast. She was talking about our lives and taking care how we live each day, making the most of our time. At one point she said, "If you don't like your schedule--change it." Hmmmm. Ok a very simple statement, right? Quite the obvious answer to overcrowded days. But God had an exclamation point for it--just to make sure I knew He was speaking to me. Right after she said that I got hit in the head with an acorn!! The Lord literally hit me in the head to get my attention! LOL Really!!! I just had to laugh out loud.
I know schedules are tight. We all seem to be in a race to get the most done in the shortest amount of time. I don't know why it has gotten like this. But I know it's not what God wants. I can't see Him being happy about overburdened, stressed out, worn out saints running around trying to shine for Him while they can barely keep their eyes open or take a breath to appreciate the time they've been given. No wonder we miss the Lord's presence in our lives so often. I'm pretty sure most of us can eliminate one or two things from our days without the whole of our world falling apart.
The most important and most imperative part of our day is spending time with the Lord, building our spiritual strength and deepening our relationship with Him on a daily basis. He can and will show us how to work out the rest of life. I have plenty of "must dos", as I'm sure most of you do. The days fly by in a whirlwindy blur of activity and sometimes chaos. But letting God slow us down is a spiritual discipline well worth cultivating. This time I was only hit in the head with a tiny acorn....I don't want to wait til the Lord uses something like a brick to learn this lesson!
This was one of the funniest God visit I've had. I love that our Lord has a great sense of humor!
I pray for each of us to let the Lord lead us in our activities, show us how to make the most of our days without being overburdened and over-scheduled. Lord, You have the perfect plan for each of our days...help us to let you set the pace. Your plans are perfect, You timing always right. I give this day to You right now Lord. Let it be as You would have it. Thank You for the funny way You relayed this most important message. Help us to take a breath often during the day---taking time to praise You, to say thank You, to just be in Your presence, moment by moment.
Pray about this in Your life. Get with God and let Him be your schedule maker.
So okay, I'm out for a quick run (trying to squeeze that all important exercise into my day), and as always listening to a Joyce Meyer podcast. She was talking about our lives and taking care how we live each day, making the most of our time. At one point she said, "If you don't like your schedule--change it." Hmmmm. Ok a very simple statement, right? Quite the obvious answer to overcrowded days. But God had an exclamation point for it--just to make sure I knew He was speaking to me. Right after she said that I got hit in the head with an acorn!! The Lord literally hit me in the head to get my attention! LOL Really!!! I just had to laugh out loud.
I know schedules are tight. We all seem to be in a race to get the most done in the shortest amount of time. I don't know why it has gotten like this. But I know it's not what God wants. I can't see Him being happy about overburdened, stressed out, worn out saints running around trying to shine for Him while they can barely keep their eyes open or take a breath to appreciate the time they've been given. No wonder we miss the Lord's presence in our lives so often. I'm pretty sure most of us can eliminate one or two things from our days without the whole of our world falling apart.
The most important and most imperative part of our day is spending time with the Lord, building our spiritual strength and deepening our relationship with Him on a daily basis. He can and will show us how to work out the rest of life. I have plenty of "must dos", as I'm sure most of you do. The days fly by in a whirlwindy blur of activity and sometimes chaos. But letting God slow us down is a spiritual discipline well worth cultivating. This time I was only hit in the head with a tiny acorn....I don't want to wait til the Lord uses something like a brick to learn this lesson!
This was one of the funniest God visit I've had. I love that our Lord has a great sense of humor!
I pray for each of us to let the Lord lead us in our activities, show us how to make the most of our days without being overburdened and over-scheduled. Lord, You have the perfect plan for each of our days...help us to let you set the pace. Your plans are perfect, You timing always right. I give this day to You right now Lord. Let it be as You would have it. Thank You for the funny way You relayed this most important message. Help us to take a breath often during the day---taking time to praise You, to say thank You, to just be in Your presence, moment by moment.
Pray about this in Your life. Get with God and let Him be your schedule maker.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Obedience Accomplishes.....
I had one of those Scripture revelation moments recently. As I sat reading the passage on Paul's conversion (Acts 9:1-19) I saw something in that familiar old story that hadn't caught my attention before. I love when that happens!
1 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. 10 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied.
11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” 13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” 15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” 17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.
I've underlined the verses that gave me a jolt as I read them. Obedience. Ananias was obedient. Though afraid, maybe even wondering if God was sending him to be martyred, he went to see this Saul. The Saul who stood by while Stephen was stoned to death, The Saul who was out hunting Christians with ferocious fervor and zeal. This same Saul who was now blind after encountering the risen Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. Ananias obeyed God, and the repercussions of that obedience have changed the world. One small act, one momentous impact. It was Ananias God used to open Saul's eyes, bring him to baptism and set Saul on the new road God had chosen for him.
One man's act of obedience helped bring about the salvation of millions upon millions throughout the ages. How many churches did Paul plant? How many men, women and children did he lead to Christ? And not just when he was alive, but through his Spirit breathed writings that make up much of the New Testament. How many of us have been encouraged, corrected, comforted, and directed through the words God gave him to write. All because one man obeyed God!!
What can our obedience accomplish? It may not be on the same scale as Ananias', but then again, it may! But even if one act of obedience on my part brings one person to the Savior, then it's worth it. The value of obedience to the Lord is unfathomable. Both in the world we can see and the world we cannot.
I wonder if Ananias thought his submission in this one thing was just a small (albeit most scary) act or if he had any idea the implications were to be so significant and far reaching. I'm kind of thinking he had no idea! I mean, if we knew one small act of obedience would have a colossal impact we would most likely obey quickly and enthusiastically. But if it's something we consider small and unimportant we are more quick to shrug it off due to inconvenience, discomfort or fear. Something to consider. We never really know what is small and what is huge....but then again, is there really any small acts of obedience when it comes to God's kingdom? I don't think so.
Lord, you are amazing. I love these God visits in Scripture! I thank You for new insights. I thank You for sharing Your heart with me and through me! What an awesome privilege. Help all of us to obey in all things. We struggle. You know that. Thank You for Your mercy and Your help.
Is there something you have been putting off submitting to God in? Don't be so quick to skim over well read Bible passages, there is always something new in God's Word!
1 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. 10 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied.
11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” 13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” 15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” 17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.
I've underlined the verses that gave me a jolt as I read them. Obedience. Ananias was obedient. Though afraid, maybe even wondering if God was sending him to be martyred, he went to see this Saul. The Saul who stood by while Stephen was stoned to death, The Saul who was out hunting Christians with ferocious fervor and zeal. This same Saul who was now blind after encountering the risen Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. Ananias obeyed God, and the repercussions of that obedience have changed the world. One small act, one momentous impact. It was Ananias God used to open Saul's eyes, bring him to baptism and set Saul on the new road God had chosen for him.
One man's act of obedience helped bring about the salvation of millions upon millions throughout the ages. How many churches did Paul plant? How many men, women and children did he lead to Christ? And not just when he was alive, but through his Spirit breathed writings that make up much of the New Testament. How many of us have been encouraged, corrected, comforted, and directed through the words God gave him to write. All because one man obeyed God!!
What can our obedience accomplish? It may not be on the same scale as Ananias', but then again, it may! But even if one act of obedience on my part brings one person to the Savior, then it's worth it. The value of obedience to the Lord is unfathomable. Both in the world we can see and the world we cannot.
I wonder if Ananias thought his submission in this one thing was just a small (albeit most scary) act or if he had any idea the implications were to be so significant and far reaching. I'm kind of thinking he had no idea! I mean, if we knew one small act of obedience would have a colossal impact we would most likely obey quickly and enthusiastically. But if it's something we consider small and unimportant we are more quick to shrug it off due to inconvenience, discomfort or fear. Something to consider. We never really know what is small and what is huge....but then again, is there really any small acts of obedience when it comes to God's kingdom? I don't think so.
Lord, you are amazing. I love these God visits in Scripture! I thank You for new insights. I thank You for sharing Your heart with me and through me! What an awesome privilege. Help all of us to obey in all things. We struggle. You know that. Thank You for Your mercy and Your help.
Is there something you have been putting off submitting to God in? Don't be so quick to skim over well read Bible passages, there is always something new in God's Word!
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