Acts 10:1-6 In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said. Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.”
v33-36 So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.” hen Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
v42-43 And He ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all--the living and the dead. He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in Him will have their sins forgiven through His Name.
This passage is part of our upcoming lesson for Sunday morning Bible study. And I've actually been doing some meditating on it (wow, me, meditating on Scripture....I'm so pleased about that since meditating generally scares the me because I have the mind of "oh so many wandering thoughts"). But I have done it !! Yaay.
And here's what occurred to me. Cornelius was a godly man, helping others and praying regularly. Because of this God honored him by sending the Gospel message through Peter, bringing salvation to him and his household. Well, in my mind as I turned this over and over, the Holy Spirit impressed upon me that in the same way Cornelius' actions brought salvation to him, our prayers and good deeds can bring the message of salvation to others. As we honor God by helping those who need it, and pray for those around us, the message of salvation will be shared. Didn't Jesus say in Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Salvation is shown in the way it acts.
This meditating on Scripture is pretty cool!
Lord, show us more in Your Word as we focus on it and You. We desire to be a light, to share Your salvation message to those around us. As we glorify You in our deeds, and pray to You in our hearts, You will bring that message to those around us. Jesus is the light of the world. Jesus is the only way to salvation. Jesus is our Messiah. He died that we may be free. He rose that we may live. Hallelujah! Today, let us give reason for those around us to want to know the source of our love, joy and peace. In His most precious Name. Amen.
Pick a portion of Scripture to meditate on today.
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Again!!!
Sunday's sermon, you guessed it Romans 6. What!!! Oh my goodness, is the Lord really trying to press this point home or what!?!
This morning I woke up about 45 minutes ago. I have dropped or knocked over at least six or seven different things. And murmured or sighed about every single one. And as I sit here and type this I can actually only remember a few of annoying the mishaps. I do remember myself saying I should just go back to bed. But as my bike fell over (one of the last things to occur) I also clearly remember hearing the song come up in my head, "This is the Day the Lord has Made.
So, dead to sin....hmmm. Perhaps it's time to look a little more closely at my attitudes and what it is exactly the Lord wants me remembering I'm dead to. This complaining attitude is topping the list this morning. Secondly, as I reflect more, I see pride and my mouth coming to the forefront of my mind.
It's one thing to read these Scriptures, it's another to figure out what areas of life I need to apply them to. While I understand the need to apply Scripture to all of my life, I also know there are times the Father is trying to work on specific things. And what's great and hope bringing is He never stops working with us! We are always under His graceful hand of refining and polishing. His strong hand that leads us as we walk through this life, coaxing us forward when we want to give up. His loving hand that picks us up every time we falter and stumble, cradling us and binding our wounds.
I am so grateful for this amazing God we serve, our Savior and our Redeemer who took our place when we deserved death.
Thank You Lord, I praise You this morning for Your patience and Your wisdom and Your ever loving, everlasting care. Hallelujah!!
Take a little time today to sit with our Father and talk to Him about what sin is holding you in bondage. Then focus on the fact that you are dead to it. I ask Him to make that FACT real to you and to me.
(just one of the happiest versions of this song I've heard!)
This morning I woke up about 45 minutes ago. I have dropped or knocked over at least six or seven different things. And murmured or sighed about every single one. And as I sit here and type this I can actually only remember a few of annoying the mishaps. I do remember myself saying I should just go back to bed. But as my bike fell over (one of the last things to occur) I also clearly remember hearing the song come up in my head, "This is the Day the Lord has Made.
So, dead to sin....hmmm. Perhaps it's time to look a little more closely at my attitudes and what it is exactly the Lord wants me remembering I'm dead to. This complaining attitude is topping the list this morning. Secondly, as I reflect more, I see pride and my mouth coming to the forefront of my mind.
I am so grateful for this amazing God we serve, our Savior and our Redeemer who took our place when we deserved death.
Thank You Lord, I praise You this morning for Your patience and Your wisdom and Your ever loving, everlasting care. Hallelujah!!
Take a little time today to sit with our Father and talk to Him about what sin is holding you in bondage. Then focus on the fact that you are dead to it. I ask Him to make that FACT real to you and to me.
(just one of the happiest versions of this song I've heard!)
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Bears Repeating
So on Tuesday I shared Romans 6:1-14. And wouldn't you know it God brought that Scripture up again yesterday while I was listening to a Joyce Meyer podcast on my sometimes morning jog. My thought is God thinks this bears repeating, it's as if He's underlining this passage of Scripture for us! Break out the highlighter markers!
Truth for today: We were united with Christ in death, baptized into His death and burial...our old lives have been buried, sin no longer has power over us (yes, we can fight it and yes we need to firmly hold onto to this truth to overcome, as we are led and empowered by the Holy Spirit). Verse 12 says: Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. To me that says we have a choice. And I know that choosing sinful, sloppy living is easier than standing against our flesh. But we are called to "use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God," (verse 13). We live "under the freedom of God's grace" (verse 14). Sin enslaves, grace and obedience to God brings freedom, and freedom in Jesus brings peace and joy.
Hope for tomorrow: "We have been united with Christ in His death, we will also be raised to life as He was," (verse 5). We know that just as Christ was raises, we will be raised too. Death could not hold Him, He now lives in Heaven, glorified and at the right hand of the Father. Our destination, is Heaven. To live in glory with our Savior and Lord.
Through our baptism into Christ we gain all these wonderful benefits and promises. I can remember my own baptism in our Pastor's backyard pool. I didn't really know what to expect, I had been baptized as a baby, but this was my own decision, my own choice to unite myself with Christ, so I wasn't sure if there would be anything different, I only knew I needed to obey the Spirit's leading. It was time. I went down in the water not knowing, but rose up filled with the most amazing joy I've ever had. I couldn't stop the tears of joy from flowing, me and my Mom were just hugging and hugging. It's a beautiful memory.
God really wants us to learn that we are free to say no to sin. It's so easy to stay fixed in our bad habits, fixed in the well worn path of sin we find so comfortable to our flesh, even as our spirits cry out to turn off this road. And most of the time the flesh can be pretty insistent and loud. One of the things I heard Joyce say yesterday is we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. And we've been talking about a bit that in Sunday morning Bible study. Be filled means every part of us gets filled...spirit, soul, mind, will, emotions.....all of it. The more we submit, the more we are filled, the less we live in our sin, the more we live the new life in Christ God says is ours. Hmmm...not a bad deal!
Lord, You've made the way, united us with Christ in baptism. You've given us the ability, Your Holy Spirit in us. Help us to choose life. Help us to choose to be instruments of righteousness to Your glory. Thank You for all You've done, all You've given. Lord, I know each of us desires to walk in the freedom of Your grace. Empower us today. Remind us often. Give us hearts to submit. You are so gracious to us. You are amazing. Thank You. In the Name of my Savior, Jesus.
Meditate on these verses. And if you haven't already, start praying about being baptized. God has a beautiful blessing for you in submitting to Him in this.
Truth for today: We were united with Christ in death, baptized into His death and burial...our old lives have been buried, sin no longer has power over us (yes, we can fight it and yes we need to firmly hold onto to this truth to overcome, as we are led and empowered by the Holy Spirit). Verse 12 says: Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. To me that says we have a choice. And I know that choosing sinful, sloppy living is easier than standing against our flesh. But we are called to "use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God," (verse 13). We live "under the freedom of God's grace" (verse 14). Sin enslaves, grace and obedience to God brings freedom, and freedom in Jesus brings peace and joy.
Hope for tomorrow: "We have been united with Christ in His death, we will also be raised to life as He was," (verse 5). We know that just as Christ was raises, we will be raised too. Death could not hold Him, He now lives in Heaven, glorified and at the right hand of the Father. Our destination, is Heaven. To live in glory with our Savior and Lord.
Through our baptism into Christ we gain all these wonderful benefits and promises. I can remember my own baptism in our Pastor's backyard pool. I didn't really know what to expect, I had been baptized as a baby, but this was my own decision, my own choice to unite myself with Christ, so I wasn't sure if there would be anything different, I only knew I needed to obey the Spirit's leading. It was time. I went down in the water not knowing, but rose up filled with the most amazing joy I've ever had. I couldn't stop the tears of joy from flowing, me and my Mom were just hugging and hugging. It's a beautiful memory.
God really wants us to learn that we are free to say no to sin. It's so easy to stay fixed in our bad habits, fixed in the well worn path of sin we find so comfortable to our flesh, even as our spirits cry out to turn off this road. And most of the time the flesh can be pretty insistent and loud. One of the things I heard Joyce say yesterday is we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. And we've been talking about a bit that in Sunday morning Bible study. Be filled means every part of us gets filled...spirit, soul, mind, will, emotions.....all of it. The more we submit, the more we are filled, the less we live in our sin, the more we live the new life in Christ God says is ours. Hmmm...not a bad deal!
Lord, You've made the way, united us with Christ in baptism. You've given us the ability, Your Holy Spirit in us. Help us to choose life. Help us to choose to be instruments of righteousness to Your glory. Thank You for all You've done, all You've given. Lord, I know each of us desires to walk in the freedom of Your grace. Empower us today. Remind us often. Give us hearts to submit. You are so gracious to us. You are amazing. Thank You. In the Name of my Savior, Jesus.
Meditate on these verses. And if you haven't already, start praying about being baptized. God has a beautiful blessing for you in submitting to Him in this.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Romans 6: 1-12 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 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.
5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
This passage was read at the funeral of a character in a book I am reading. It was one of those jump off the page Scriptures that filled me with hope and joy....and as I continued thinking about these words this morning, I thought to myself I would love to have them imprinted on my brain...sitting front and center in my mind so that I would constantly be reminded that I am no longer under the power of sin. I no longer need to be controlled by fleshly desires which war against the God given, Holy Spirit led yearnings that would shape my life into something that is holy and glorifying to the Lord.
It all sounds so simple, yes? But it takes a lifetime to master. When we truly believe these Scriptures, remind ourselves often of them, I think we will begin to see the changes we want to see. And that excites me and fills me with hope. I'm going to print out these verses and carry them with me, looking at them often, especially when wrong thinking and sinful desires come my way.
Maybe you struggle with overeating, like I do....God does not approve of gluttony, so when the desire to eat more food than I need or indulge over what is a healthy treat...I want to remember that I need not follow that course of action. Perhaps your struggle is against gossip or complaining, negativity or speaking ill of yourself or others. Maybe anger, maybe lust, maybe covetousness....whatever your struggle, the Word of God says we are dead to sin! Jesus has broken it's power over us!! Hallelujah!!
Lord, thank You!! Thank You!! Thank You!! There will never be enough time and ways to say thank You!! Lord help me, all of us, to live this out, to remember and celebrate these truths, to apply them to our lives moment by moment by moment. Transform our lives to reflect Jesus! It's in His holy and precious Name I come to You. Amen.
Print out these verses, read them often.
5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
This passage was read at the funeral of a character in a book I am reading. It was one of those jump off the page Scriptures that filled me with hope and joy....and as I continued thinking about these words this morning, I thought to myself I would love to have them imprinted on my brain...sitting front and center in my mind so that I would constantly be reminded that I am no longer under the power of sin. I no longer need to be controlled by fleshly desires which war against the God given, Holy Spirit led yearnings that would shape my life into something that is holy and glorifying to the Lord.
It all sounds so simple, yes? But it takes a lifetime to master. When we truly believe these Scriptures, remind ourselves often of them, I think we will begin to see the changes we want to see. And that excites me and fills me with hope. I'm going to print out these verses and carry them with me, looking at them often, especially when wrong thinking and sinful desires come my way.
Maybe you struggle with overeating, like I do....God does not approve of gluttony, so when the desire to eat more food than I need or indulge over what is a healthy treat...I want to remember that I need not follow that course of action. Perhaps your struggle is against gossip or complaining, negativity or speaking ill of yourself or others. Maybe anger, maybe lust, maybe covetousness....whatever your struggle, the Word of God says we are dead to sin! Jesus has broken it's power over us!! Hallelujah!!
Lord, thank You!! Thank You!! Thank You!! There will never be enough time and ways to say thank You!! Lord help me, all of us, to live this out, to remember and celebrate these truths, to apply them to our lives moment by moment by moment. Transform our lives to reflect Jesus! It's in His holy and precious Name I come to You. Amen.
Print out these verses, read them often.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Gotta Love Those Questions!
I came across another one of those great questions a couple of days ago. I was studying in the "Redeemed" workbook from Angela Thomas-Pharr's study of the same name and she had a thought provoking quotation from Phillip Yancy. I love thought provoking questions. Soul opening, heart searching, mind turning questions! Sometimes I'm not happy with my answers. They and I fall short of my lofty expectations, that I'm pretty sure the Lord doesn't share with me.
Okay, so on to the quote...unfortunately I have to disturb the cat sleeping on the book, but that is unavoidable. "Do we wake up every morning amazed that we are loved by God? Do we allow our day to be shaped by God's desire to relate to us? Hmmmm.
Every morning? No. I can't say that I am amazed every morning. But sometimes, absolutely! I know me only to well, to know how very unlovable I can be. So yes, I find the fact that God loves me pretty amazing and glorious and wonderful and crazy in the best sort of way!
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. God's love never stops. Romans 5:8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Totally undeserved and not based on anything we could do or be. Romans 8:38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Nothing can come between us and the love of our heavenly Father. His love is truly amazing!
The second part of that quote, the second question there, that is another story. I'm not sure how to answer it completely. The first thing that comes to mind is spending time in prayer, study, time in the Lord's presence. Give God the opportunity to meet with us, unencumbered by the cares of the day. It's a great starting place. But throughout the day, am I shaping my day around the Lord? I try to in some ways, but I always struggle with remembering everything is for Him. I kind of just go through the day, doing what needs to be done. But if everything is directed and done with God in mind....that would be pretty awesome. If every day focuses on our relationship with the Lord, He defines our moments. Our interaction with Him and ultimately with those around us will flow from the definition He brings to our life.
I have been trying to start my days by dedicating them to the Lord...reminding Him (as if He needs it, LOL) that all the parts of my day are dedicated to Him, even the parts when I forget to think about Him. I'm not sure if this makes sense to you guys, but I'm trying to give the whole of my life to God, but I can't always keep that in the forefront of my thoughts, so I set it out there at the beginning of each day, letting the Lord know I want to glorify Him through everything I do.
I hope you enjoy these questions and getting to the place of growing that comes from prayerfully bringing them before God. I pray that you can feel the amazement of His love today!
Lord, I am amazed that You love me. A few weeks ago we talked about another one of those questions, loving someone that acts the way I act towards you. The answer was hard. And so yes, Your love is the most amazing thing ever. Sacrificial, unending, undeserved, always loving....Thank You! I am so unworthy! But You love me anyway. Take my day, I want all to belong to You. Lord, show me Yourself in my day. Let's do this together, for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, as always.
Take these questions to your prayer closet.
Okay, so on to the quote...unfortunately I have to disturb the cat sleeping on the book, but that is unavoidable. "Do we wake up every morning amazed that we are loved by God? Do we allow our day to be shaped by God's desire to relate to us? Hmmmm.
Every morning? No. I can't say that I am amazed every morning. But sometimes, absolutely! I know me only to well, to know how very unlovable I can be. So yes, I find the fact that God loves me pretty amazing and glorious and wonderful and crazy in the best sort of way!
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. God's love never stops. Romans 5:8 But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Totally undeserved and not based on anything we could do or be. Romans 8:38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Nothing can come between us and the love of our heavenly Father. His love is truly amazing!
The second part of that quote, the second question there, that is another story. I'm not sure how to answer it completely. The first thing that comes to mind is spending time in prayer, study, time in the Lord's presence. Give God the opportunity to meet with us, unencumbered by the cares of the day. It's a great starting place. But throughout the day, am I shaping my day around the Lord? I try to in some ways, but I always struggle with remembering everything is for Him. I kind of just go through the day, doing what needs to be done. But if everything is directed and done with God in mind....that would be pretty awesome. If every day focuses on our relationship with the Lord, He defines our moments. Our interaction with Him and ultimately with those around us will flow from the definition He brings to our life.
I have been trying to start my days by dedicating them to the Lord...reminding Him (as if He needs it, LOL) that all the parts of my day are dedicated to Him, even the parts when I forget to think about Him. I'm not sure if this makes sense to you guys, but I'm trying to give the whole of my life to God, but I can't always keep that in the forefront of my thoughts, so I set it out there at the beginning of each day, letting the Lord know I want to glorify Him through everything I do.
I hope you enjoy these questions and getting to the place of growing that comes from prayerfully bringing them before God. I pray that you can feel the amazement of His love today!
Lord, I am amazed that You love me. A few weeks ago we talked about another one of those questions, loving someone that acts the way I act towards you. The answer was hard. And so yes, Your love is the most amazing thing ever. Sacrificial, unending, undeserved, always loving....Thank You! I am so unworthy! But You love me anyway. Take my day, I want all to belong to You. Lord, show me Yourself in my day. Let's do this together, for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, as always.
Take these questions to your prayer closet.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Needs, from Mom
James 5:13-18 Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. 14 Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. 16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. 17 Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! 18 Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.
God responds to petitions by releasing His supernatural power.
Our desire: be zealous, humble oneself, on knees, be fervently sincere, expect an answer, keep on praying despite Satan's barriers.
God will answer: keep on praying until the matter is resolved or God makes it clear that the request is outside His will.
From me:
God does answer prayer. The trouble for us is He doesn't always answer according to our will, but His own. Matthew 26:39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Even Jesus experienced this. He had to submit His will to the Father's so that the greater good would be accomplished. We must always remember that even if we don't get the answer we want, we will get the answer that brings the most blessing. Romans 8:28 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. He will always do good. Matthew 7:7-9 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?
God expects us to persevere. Sometimes we wait a long time for answers. Sometimes the answer is "No." I can't pretend to know why God does what He does, or how and when He does it. Our Father is all knowing and can be trusted, of this I am sure. I have had many prayers remain unanswered as of yet, but I am also seeing prayers that I know my Mom prayed being fulfilled now, almost five years after she has gone on to be with Jesus. Like Mom said, don't give up until you know God has made clear His answer. And always trust the kindness of His heart, the love He has for us and the ultimate and infinite wisdom that is His alone.
Lord, teach us to submit to Your loving will, Your infinite kindness and wisdom. Teach us to remain in faith in persevere in prayer. We know You have only good in mind. And we know that Your ways are so much higher than ours. Help us to trust. Thank You for the answers we have seen and the wonderful answers we will see. Thank You for loving us too much to ever give us anything that is not only good, but the best. Increase our faith. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Don't give up. Meditate on Psalm 40 as you wait for the Lord's answers. It's a great pattern for our lives, especially as we wait on God's answers and timing.
God responds to petitions by releasing His supernatural power.
Our desire: be zealous, humble oneself, on knees, be fervently sincere, expect an answer, keep on praying despite Satan's barriers.
God will answer: keep on praying until the matter is resolved or God makes it clear that the request is outside His will.
From me:
God does answer prayer. The trouble for us is He doesn't always answer according to our will, but His own. Matthew 26:39 He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Even Jesus experienced this. He had to submit His will to the Father's so that the greater good would be accomplished. We must always remember that even if we don't get the answer we want, we will get the answer that brings the most blessing. Romans 8:28 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. He will always do good. Matthew 7:7-9 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?
God expects us to persevere. Sometimes we wait a long time for answers. Sometimes the answer is "No." I can't pretend to know why God does what He does, or how and when He does it. Our Father is all knowing and can be trusted, of this I am sure. I have had many prayers remain unanswered as of yet, but I am also seeing prayers that I know my Mom prayed being fulfilled now, almost five years after she has gone on to be with Jesus. Like Mom said, don't give up until you know God has made clear His answer. And always trust the kindness of His heart, the love He has for us and the ultimate and infinite wisdom that is His alone.
Lord, teach us to submit to Your loving will, Your infinite kindness and wisdom. Teach us to remain in faith in persevere in prayer. We know You have only good in mind. And we know that Your ways are so much higher than ours. Help us to trust. Thank You for the answers we have seen and the wonderful answers we will see. Thank You for loving us too much to ever give us anything that is not only good, but the best. Increase our faith. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Don't give up. Meditate on Psalm 40 as you wait for the Lord's answers. It's a great pattern for our lives, especially as we wait on God's answers and timing.
Psalm 40
1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
3 He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.
4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord,
who have no confidence in the proud
or in those who worship idols.
5 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them.
6 You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings.
Now that you have made me listen, I finally understand—
you don’t require burnt offerings or sin offerings.
7 Then I said, “Look, I have come.
As is written about me in the Scriptures:
8 I take joy in doing your will, my God,
for your instructions are written on my heart.”
9 I have told all your people about your justice.
I have not been afraid to speak out,
as you, O Lord, well know.
10 I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart;
I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power.
I have told everyone in the great assembly
of your unfailing love and faithfulness.
11 Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me.
Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me.
12 For troubles surround me—
too many to count!
My sins pile up so high
I can’t see my way out.
They outnumber the hairs on my head.
I have lost all courage.
13 Please, Lord, rescue me!
Come quickly, Lord, and help me.
14 May those who try to destroy me
be humiliated and put to shame.
May those who take delight in my trouble
be turned back in disgrace.
15 Let them be horrified by their shame,
for they said, “Aha! We’ve got him now!”
16 But may all who search for you
be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation
repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”
17 As for me, since I am poor and needy,
let the Lord keep me in his thoughts.
You are my helper and my savior.
O my God, do not delay.
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Things to Remember
The path may be difficult. The path may have hills and valleys and twists and turns, ruts and bumps....it may be covered in darkness and veiled in the mists of troubles. I know this. I walk these paths as well. Some days I can't see where I'm going and some days I just want to forget about walking at all. Like today, there is so many things that need attention, my mind is in overload mode, the path has too many obstacles and I want to just quit. I have friends and family in dire situations, my own life seems more complicated than ever. Where is this path taking us, me?!?!
And then I remember. I remember Who my Father is. I remember to keep my eyes on Jesus. He created my path. And He leads me on. And I remember who I am in Christ. That is today's visit...or technically yesterdays. It was almost like a pre-visit. LOL
I heard a new song on the radio and it lifted my heart. I think back on it now and a quiet contentment fills my soul. One I didn't have as I came out of the grocery store today, feeling the burdens and pressures pressing into my mind, threatening to overwhelm me and stop me in my tracks. I felt the panic start to press on my chest, my breathing getting difficult. And then....I remember, that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). When my failures weigh heavily on me and my focus turns to my fumbles and stumbles on this path, I remember I am God's masterpiece, created a new in Christ Jesus, to do good works that bring God glory (Ephesians 2:10). I am a child of God, the Spirit bears witness of this fact, and just as I may suffer with Christ, I will also be glorified with Him (Romans 8:16-17). In my weaknesses, the power of Christ works in me, His grace is all I need (2 Corinthians 12:9). On and on and on, the truths and promises come to mind.
The song I heard yesterday reminded me to recall who I am in Jesus and that calmed my heart and mind. My favorite line, "in my Father's house there's a place for me," so many of us feel like we will never belong, like we are walking in circles, clueless, alone and with no purpose or destination. But that is so far from the truth of God's Word. Every negative thought, every dart of the devil we face on this journey can be shot down by the Word of God. Who we are. Who He is. Remember! Then keep walking!
There are so many trials to get through in this life. We know each one is designed or allowed by our loving heavenly Father to work out His good plan for us. They don't feel good. Most times we can't see the outcome or the reason. We have to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). It's hard. But maybe remembering who we are in Christ and who we are to Christ, can help us to lift our heads and walk on with confidence, knowing we are ready for any battle that comes our way because, You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4).
Lord, thank You for the reminders of who we are. Lead us to the Scripture and the promises that will strengthen us with Your power and grace. Thank You for the good You are working in each of our lives even though many times it seems hidden from our view. Increase our faith. Help our unbelief! In Jesus Name, amen.
Look up promises that fit your situation and stand on them!!
And then I remember. I remember Who my Father is. I remember to keep my eyes on Jesus. He created my path. And He leads me on. And I remember who I am in Christ. That is today's visit...or technically yesterdays. It was almost like a pre-visit. LOL
I heard a new song on the radio and it lifted my heart. I think back on it now and a quiet contentment fills my soul. One I didn't have as I came out of the grocery store today, feeling the burdens and pressures pressing into my mind, threatening to overwhelm me and stop me in my tracks. I felt the panic start to press on my chest, my breathing getting difficult. And then....I remember, that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). When my failures weigh heavily on me and my focus turns to my fumbles and stumbles on this path, I remember I am God's masterpiece, created a new in Christ Jesus, to do good works that bring God glory (Ephesians 2:10). I am a child of God, the Spirit bears witness of this fact, and just as I may suffer with Christ, I will also be glorified with Him (Romans 8:16-17). In my weaknesses, the power of Christ works in me, His grace is all I need (2 Corinthians 12:9). On and on and on, the truths and promises come to mind.
The song I heard yesterday reminded me to recall who I am in Jesus and that calmed my heart and mind. My favorite line, "in my Father's house there's a place for me," so many of us feel like we will never belong, like we are walking in circles, clueless, alone and with no purpose or destination. But that is so far from the truth of God's Word. Every negative thought, every dart of the devil we face on this journey can be shot down by the Word of God. Who we are. Who He is. Remember! Then keep walking!
There are so many trials to get through in this life. We know each one is designed or allowed by our loving heavenly Father to work out His good plan for us. They don't feel good. Most times we can't see the outcome or the reason. We have to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). It's hard. But maybe remembering who we are in Christ and who we are to Christ, can help us to lift our heads and walk on with confidence, knowing we are ready for any battle that comes our way because, You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4).
Lord, thank You for the reminders of who we are. Lead us to the Scripture and the promises that will strengthen us with Your power and grace. Thank You for the good You are working in each of our lives even though many times it seems hidden from our view. Increase our faith. Help our unbelief! In Jesus Name, amen.
Look up promises that fit your situation and stand on them!!
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
The Path
Psalm 18:36 You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.
This verse accompanied the "Jesus Always" reading a few mornings back where Sarah Young wrote, "This shows how intricately I am involved in your life journey. I know exactly what is before you, and I can alter the path ahead of you to make your way easier."
So I asked, "How come it is sometimes so difficult? How come so many trials, hardships, heartaches..." I felt the answer rise up in my heart immediately. Jesus said, "Things happen, yet the path is still there. Much like Peter walking on the water, the storm and waves raged around him, yet he still had a pathway through them that brought him to where I was waiting. The thing is to keep your focus on Me---I have cleared the path just fine no matter what it goes through. Your attitude and trust level determine the ease or difficulty, the turmoil or the peace with which you walk the path. The more you trust, the less difficult it will be to walk no matter the circumstances, the less lonely and rocky the road will feel. Matthew 28:20 ...And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. 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.
David and Paul come to mind. What difficult paths these men walked. David was anointed to be king when he barely reached manhood. 1 Samuel 16:12-13 So Jesse sent for him. he was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, "This is the one; anoint him." So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah. After many high points, David success caused Saul to become jealous and he spent years upon years running in the wilderness from Saul before he finally reached the throne God had waiting for him David walked a very convoluted and trial ridden path with many twists, turns and heartaches. Yet he stayed obedient, even to the point of not killing the man who hunted him. 1 Samuel 24:5-7 But then David's conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul's robe. "The Lord knows I shouldn't have done that to my lord the king," he said to his men. "The Lord forbid that I should do this to my lord the king and attack the Lord's anointed one, for the Lord Himself has chosen him." So David restrained his men and did not let them kill Saul. The path God chooses for us requires submission even when it seems unfair, even when others disagree and urge us another way.
Paul, oh my, poor Paul! Starting with the Damascus road where Jesus knocked him off his horse and blinded him, to the beatings, stonings, imprisonments, lashings, shipwrecks....all for the sake of the Gospel, his path was anything but care-free and smooth! 2 Corinthians 11:25 ...I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea....On and on it goes for Paul. Yet he was considered one of God's greatest evangelist and workers.
Like those who have gone before us, the paths are not easy, but with Jesus they are sure. God's purpose will be fulfilled and we never walk alone. Sometimes He sends a friend to walk beside us, other times it's just us and Him, but it is always with purpose even when we don't understand. And for me one of the most difficult things is thinking that my difficulties are meaningless...but I think we have to remember Romans 8:28 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. There is good purpose in everything that our Father allows into our lives. He weaves all of our darkest steps and brightest moments into His beautiful plan like the master artist He is. And keeping our focus on Him and our trust in His love and wisdom sure, we will come out to a place of amazing victory, bringing glory to our Savior.
Lord, the paths we walk are not always easy. They are often shrouded in mist and darkness, the road feels unsure and unstable under our feet. Our strength fails and faith fumbles....but even in all that You never leave us nor forsake us. The path is always there, as are You. I ask You to help us to strengthen the feeble knees and weary hearts and turn our eyes towards You. Lord, the way is often hard, but You never promised us ease in this world, only that You would work things our for our benefit, and would never leave us alone. Thank You for those facts. Thank You that we can hang onto them like a drowning many a life preserver. Trusting You, Your goodness, Your wisdom and Your love will keep us going forward, even when our steps are unsteady and stumbling. Help us to keep our eyes on You stepping boldly with praise and thanksgiving on our lips, even as our hearts cry out to You. It's amazing that we can do both at the same time, but I know You understand us. Lord, life hurts. Please comfort each of us on this journey you have for us. And thank You for never leaving our side and for working in ways which we don't always see clearly, if at all. Remind us that You are working and not ignoring nor idle. Bring to mind and help us to hang onto Your promises. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Find your flashlight in God's Word! It will be your guide in this darkened world.
A quote I just read and fell in love with: "A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for." William G. T. Shedd
We are not meant to be safe.
This verse accompanied the "Jesus Always" reading a few mornings back where Sarah Young wrote, "This shows how intricately I am involved in your life journey. I know exactly what is before you, and I can alter the path ahead of you to make your way easier."
So I asked, "How come it is sometimes so difficult? How come so many trials, hardships, heartaches..." I felt the answer rise up in my heart immediately. Jesus said, "Things happen, yet the path is still there. Much like Peter walking on the water, the storm and waves raged around him, yet he still had a pathway through them that brought him to where I was waiting. The thing is to keep your focus on Me---I have cleared the path just fine no matter what it goes through. Your attitude and trust level determine the ease or difficulty, the turmoil or the peace with which you walk the path. The more you trust, the less difficult it will be to walk no matter the circumstances, the less lonely and rocky the road will feel. Matthew 28:20 ...And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. 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.
David and Paul come to mind. What difficult paths these men walked. David was anointed to be king when he barely reached manhood. 1 Samuel 16:12-13 So Jesse sent for him. he was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, "This is the one; anoint him." So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah. After many high points, David success caused Saul to become jealous and he spent years upon years running in the wilderness from Saul before he finally reached the throne God had waiting for him David walked a very convoluted and trial ridden path with many twists, turns and heartaches. Yet he stayed obedient, even to the point of not killing the man who hunted him. 1 Samuel 24:5-7 But then David's conscience began bothering him because he had cut Saul's robe. "The Lord knows I shouldn't have done that to my lord the king," he said to his men. "The Lord forbid that I should do this to my lord the king and attack the Lord's anointed one, for the Lord Himself has chosen him." So David restrained his men and did not let them kill Saul. The path God chooses for us requires submission even when it seems unfair, even when others disagree and urge us another way.
Paul, oh my, poor Paul! Starting with the Damascus road where Jesus knocked him off his horse and blinded him, to the beatings, stonings, imprisonments, lashings, shipwrecks....all for the sake of the Gospel, his path was anything but care-free and smooth! 2 Corinthians 11:25 ...I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea....On and on it goes for Paul. Yet he was considered one of God's greatest evangelist and workers.
Like those who have gone before us, the paths are not easy, but with Jesus they are sure. God's purpose will be fulfilled and we never walk alone. Sometimes He sends a friend to walk beside us, other times it's just us and Him, but it is always with purpose even when we don't understand. And for me one of the most difficult things is thinking that my difficulties are meaningless...but I think we have to remember Romans 8:28 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. There is good purpose in everything that our Father allows into our lives. He weaves all of our darkest steps and brightest moments into His beautiful plan like the master artist He is. And keeping our focus on Him and our trust in His love and wisdom sure, we will come out to a place of amazing victory, bringing glory to our Savior.
Lord, the paths we walk are not always easy. They are often shrouded in mist and darkness, the road feels unsure and unstable under our feet. Our strength fails and faith fumbles....but even in all that You never leave us nor forsake us. The path is always there, as are You. I ask You to help us to strengthen the feeble knees and weary hearts and turn our eyes towards You. Lord, the way is often hard, but You never promised us ease in this world, only that You would work things our for our benefit, and would never leave us alone. Thank You for those facts. Thank You that we can hang onto them like a drowning many a life preserver. Trusting You, Your goodness, Your wisdom and Your love will keep us going forward, even when our steps are unsteady and stumbling. Help us to keep our eyes on You stepping boldly with praise and thanksgiving on our lips, even as our hearts cry out to You. It's amazing that we can do both at the same time, but I know You understand us. Lord, life hurts. Please comfort each of us on this journey you have for us. And thank You for never leaving our side and for working in ways which we don't always see clearly, if at all. Remind us that You are working and not ignoring nor idle. Bring to mind and help us to hang onto Your promises. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Find your flashlight in God's Word! It will be your guide in this darkened world.
A quote I just read and fell in love with: "A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for." William G. T. Shedd
We are not meant to be safe.
Thursday, August 2, 2018
And More
God continued the theme of smiling on Tuesday as I drove to work. He is so funny! I'm driving down the road and the car in front of me had a bumper sticker on it that said, "SMILE MORE." LOL. Is the Lord funny or what? I just laughed out loud. And all the while the song playing on the radio was "Dream Small" by Josh Wilson. Geez, could God's instructions get any clearer. I always talk about how I wish sometimes that God would use a neon sign to get His directions across to me. Well, I'm thinking this is pretty darn close!!
Did you ever notice that it's the little things that make or break our days. I know when I have dumb little annoyance after dumb little annoyance happen I start getting frustrated and irritable. Well, maybe the reverse is also true. So if we can be one of the little blessings in someone else's day, well wouldn't that be just fantastic. Maybe through sharing a smile, a hello, little kindnesses, we can be what makes a bad day for someone turn around. Just a thought. What if we could chip away the darkness and hardness of this world by doing simple little things that offer love and compassion. Seems to me God is saying a smile can go a long way.
Lord, open our eyes to those around us and make us a blessing. Let us smile with Your love. In Jesus' sweet Name. Amen.
Ask God to open your heart and eyes to those around you that you that need a little help.
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