“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.” (2 Corinthians 6:18 NIV)
In the Old Testament, God has many names. He is Elohim – the Creator, El Elyon – God Most High, El Roi – the God who sees, El Shaddai – the All-Sufficient One, Adonai – the Lord, Jehovah – the Self-Existent One, Jehovah-Jireh –the Lord Will Provide, Jehovah – Rapha – the Lord that heals, Jehovah—Shalom – the Lord is peace, Jehovah-Raah – the Lord my Shepherd, and many more. His covenant name with the people of Israel was I AM. J.I. Packer, in his book, Knowing God, said, “He is: and it is because He is what He is that everything else is as it is.”
In the New Testament, Jesus introduced a new name for God – Father. It is the name that Jesus referred to more than any other and the name that He invites us to use to address the Creator of the Universe. Just stop and think about that for a moment. The God of the universe who created the heavens and the earth, who always has been and always will be, who is all-knowing, all powerful, and present everywhere at once – that same God invites you to call Him - Daddy!
When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, He said:
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name….’ (Matthew 6:6-9 NIV).
Packer went on to say: “For everything that Christ taught, everything that makes the New Testament new and better than the Old, everything that is distinctly Christian as opposed to merely Jewish, is summed up in the knowledge of the fatherhood of God.” All other religions demand followers to worship created beings (Mohammad, Buddha), but Jehovah the Creator, the great I AM, invites us to crawl up in His lap, become His child, and call Him Abba, Daddy. He said, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters.” (2 Corinthians 6:18 NIV)
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Thank You for being a father who loves me as His precious child. How amazing to think that the God who created the universe and all it contains invites me to be His child and call Him Abba, Father. I do not take this invitation lightly, but cherish it with all my heart.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What would a perfect Father look like to you? Make a list of those qualities. Now put a check mark by the ones you have experienced in God as His child.
What does God promise in 2 Corinthians 6:18?
Describe how God, our Father is depicted in Hosea 11:3-4.
What do you learn about the love of God in Ephesians 3:18-19?
What do you learn about the Fatherhood of God in 1 Corinthians 8:6?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
God Never Changes
God Never Changes
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)
Friend to Friend
My husband, Steve, became a Christian in High School and has never wavered from his strong faith in Christ. He was never a rebellious child, but just a good ol' all-American kid. As an adult, he has been a model citizen and exemplary Christian. I guess you might say that he is the male version of Snow White.
One problem that Steve does have, along with every other man, is trying to understand the mysteries of the internal working of that fascinating creature called …woman. To top it all off, the poor fellow has seven female employees (translation: seven sets of hormones and seven schedules of PMS). They are all wonderful Christians, but women none-the-less.
As I listened to his stories about the seven women, and sensed his frustration in trying to figure them out, I kept getting this picture in my mind of "Dr. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." If you remember, the dwarfs' names were Doc, Bashful, Happy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, and Grumpy. I decided what he needed to do was to make name tags of the seven dwarfs and put them in a basket. Each morning, when the women came in the office, they could reach in the basket and get out a name tag which expressed how they were feeling on that particular day. That way it would take the guesswork out, and Steve would know how to respond to each lady on any given day.
Of course, at the end of each day, he would have to collect the name tags, put them back into the basket, and bring them home so I could pick out which dwarf I was on that day. Poor men! We women do make it hard for them.
As I think about how our emotions can flit back and forth on any given day, I am comforted by the fact that we serve a God who never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8) The Bible is full of different names for God that describe for us unchangeable characteristics of His nature. He is Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord who provides; Jehovah-rah, the Lord who heals; Jehovah-shalom, the Lord our peace; Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord who is there. God can change anything He wants to change, but remains unchanged in Himself. He is our Rock that is without deviation.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10)
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, as the ever-changing world swirls around me, I am so thankful that You remain the same. Thank You for being the constant in my life – the North Star that guides my compass and gives me direction as the world and my life spin on its axis.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
Think of all the things that have changed in your life over the past year.
Make a list of the ways that you’ve seen God remain the same through the changes.
How does God’s unchanging nature give you hope in a changing world?
How would you like to memorize half of a psalm in the next sixty seconds? Want to give it a try? Turn to Psalm 136. After each sentence, there is an echo, “His love endures forever.” If you repeat those words twenty-six times, you have quoted half of the psalm! David begins by reminding us that God created the world, led the captives out of Egypt and through the desert, and conquered the enemies of the Israelites so they could move into the Promised Land. While He works in many varied ways and with many different people, one thing remains the same – “His love endures forever!” He never changes.
More From The Girlfriends
This story of “Dr. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was adapted from Sharon’s devotion book, Extraordinary Moments with God. To learn more, see http://www.sharonjaynes.com/
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)
Friend to Friend
My husband, Steve, became a Christian in High School and has never wavered from his strong faith in Christ. He was never a rebellious child, but just a good ol' all-American kid. As an adult, he has been a model citizen and exemplary Christian. I guess you might say that he is the male version of Snow White.
One problem that Steve does have, along with every other man, is trying to understand the mysteries of the internal working of that fascinating creature called …woman. To top it all off, the poor fellow has seven female employees (translation: seven sets of hormones and seven schedules of PMS). They are all wonderful Christians, but women none-the-less.
As I listened to his stories about the seven women, and sensed his frustration in trying to figure them out, I kept getting this picture in my mind of "Dr. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." If you remember, the dwarfs' names were Doc, Bashful, Happy, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, and Grumpy. I decided what he needed to do was to make name tags of the seven dwarfs and put them in a basket. Each morning, when the women came in the office, they could reach in the basket and get out a name tag which expressed how they were feeling on that particular day. That way it would take the guesswork out, and Steve would know how to respond to each lady on any given day.
Of course, at the end of each day, he would have to collect the name tags, put them back into the basket, and bring them home so I could pick out which dwarf I was on that day. Poor men! We women do make it hard for them.
As I think about how our emotions can flit back and forth on any given day, I am comforted by the fact that we serve a God who never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8) The Bible is full of different names for God that describe for us unchangeable characteristics of His nature. He is Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord who provides; Jehovah-rah, the Lord who heals; Jehovah-shalom, the Lord our peace; Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord who is there. God can change anything He wants to change, but remains unchanged in Himself. He is our Rock that is without deviation.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10)
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, as the ever-changing world swirls around me, I am so thankful that You remain the same. Thank You for being the constant in my life – the North Star that guides my compass and gives me direction as the world and my life spin on its axis.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
Think of all the things that have changed in your life over the past year.
Make a list of the ways that you’ve seen God remain the same through the changes.
How does God’s unchanging nature give you hope in a changing world?
How would you like to memorize half of a psalm in the next sixty seconds? Want to give it a try? Turn to Psalm 136. After each sentence, there is an echo, “His love endures forever.” If you repeat those words twenty-six times, you have quoted half of the psalm! David begins by reminding us that God created the world, led the captives out of Egypt and through the desert, and conquered the enemies of the Israelites so they could move into the Promised Land. While He works in many varied ways and with many different people, one thing remains the same – “His love endures forever!” He never changes.
More From The Girlfriends
This story of “Dr. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was adapted from Sharon’s devotion book, Extraordinary Moments with God. To learn more, see http://www.sharonjaynes.com/
Friday, October 24, 2008
God Really Does Care
Today’s Truth
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 NIV)
While the world chants: “Don’t worry, be happy,” we Christians should practice a much more appropriate principle: “Don’t worry, God cares!” God knows and God really does care about the little and large things that touch our lives.
Let’s Pray
Lord, thank You for caring about every single detail of my life and for taking care of them all. Help me to trust You more and turn to You more quickly for help in every situation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
How has God taken care of you this past week?
Read 1 Peter 5:6-11.
Who is trying to rob you of joy (vs. 8)?
Describe the picture the verse creates in your mind. You can resist him by humbly asking God for help (vs. 6) and worshipping God (vs. 13).
Make a list of the troubling situations in your life. Read Philippians 4:6-7 and follow the directions. Enjoy the resulting peace!
Tell a friend about one of your own “God Moments.” Sharing gives us the opportunity to praise God. It may also create in your friend the desire to look for God in her own life circumstances!
Check out the whole devotion and others.
May God Bless you in all you do!
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6 NIV)
While the world chants: “Don’t worry, be happy,” we Christians should practice a much more appropriate principle: “Don’t worry, God cares!” God knows and God really does care about the little and large things that touch our lives.
Let’s Pray
Lord, thank You for caring about every single detail of my life and for taking care of them all. Help me to trust You more and turn to You more quickly for help in every situation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
How has God taken care of you this past week?
Read 1 Peter 5:6-11.
Who is trying to rob you of joy (vs. 8)?
Describe the picture the verse creates in your mind. You can resist him by humbly asking God for help (vs. 6) and worshipping God (vs. 13).
Make a list of the troubling situations in your life. Read Philippians 4:6-7 and follow the directions. Enjoy the resulting peace!
Tell a friend about one of your own “God Moments.” Sharing gives us the opportunity to praise God. It may also create in your friend the desire to look for God in her own life circumstances!
Check out the whole devotion and others.
May God Bless you in all you do!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Whose Report Are You Going to Believe?
October 20, 2008
Whose Report Are You Going to Believe?
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” (Numbers 13:30 NIV).
Friend to Friend
All through the Bible, God gives us great and wonderful promises about who we are in Christ, what we have in Christ, and where we are in Christ. Let me remind you of just a few.
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3)
“God has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
(Ephesians 1:3)
“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:5)
The Bible is packed full of many promises just like those. However, the enemy, Satan, tells us that we are worthless losers with little to no power to live in victory. He tells us we are but “grasshoppers” in the face of our difficulties and struggles. So, whose reports are we going to believe?
The Israelites faced the same situation. They had been freed from Egyptian slavery and then roamed around in the desert. God then signaled it was time to enter the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey. He said, “Send some men to explore the land of Canaan which I am giving the Israelites.” At God’s command, Moses sent in twelve men to spy out the land and ten of them came back with this report:
“We went into the land which you sent us and it does flow with milk and honey! But the people who live there are powerful and the cities are fortified and very large.” (Numbers 13:27, 28) The men went on to say they were like grasshoppers compared to the giants who lived in Canaan.
However, two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua, believed God and reported, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” (13:30)
Guess who the people believed? They believed the “evil report” and failed to take the land because of fear. I have an acronym for fear: False Evidence Appearing Real. They saw only the giants, but failed to see Almighty God. God had already given them the land. The people simply needed to walk in and take possession of it. Instead of moving into the Promised Land, they wandered in the desert for forty years because of their unbelief. Caleb and Joshua were the only two who inhabited the Promised Land. The others died in their unbelief.
Oswald Chambers notes, “Human frailty is another thing that gets between God’s words of assurance and our own words and thoughts. When we realize how feeble we are in facing difficulties, the difficulties become like giants, we become like grasshoppers, and God seems to be non-existent. But remember God’s assurance to us – ‘I will never … forsake you.’ Have we learned to sing after hearing God’s keynote? Are we continually filled with enough courage to say, ‘The Lord is my Helper,’ or are we yielding to fear?”
I don’t want to be like those Israelites who didn’t believe God told the truth. Do you? Let me ask you a few questions. Are you going to move into the land flowing with milk and honey - take the promises found in the Bible and make them yours? Or, are you going to believe the evil report and continue wandering around in the desert – free from slavery, but missing the Promised Land? Whose report are you going to believe?
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Thank You that You have called me to walk in victory. Help me to realize when I am listening to Satan’s lies, “to the evil report,” and not to You. If I am the only person who believes in Your promises today, give me the courage to believe and walk forward in faith to what You’ve called me to do.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Think back over your life for the past few months. Have you believed what your eyes see or have you believed what God promises in His word? Make a list of promises of God that mean the most to you and practice believing the truth!
Look back over the promises of God listed above in the devotion. How might these verses help you defeat that “grasshopper” feeling in your life?
Can you think of a time where you believed God’s report instead of the border bullies, naysayers, and gloom and doomers? What was the result?
Is there someone you have been listening to and believing rather than God?
Do you feel like a grasshopper or a soldier in God’s army? Which is the truth?
Whose Report Are You Going to Believe?
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” (Numbers 13:30 NIV).
Friend to Friend
All through the Bible, God gives us great and wonderful promises about who we are in Christ, what we have in Christ, and where we are in Christ. Let me remind you of just a few.
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3)
“God has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
(Ephesians 1:3)
“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:5)
The Bible is packed full of many promises just like those. However, the enemy, Satan, tells us that we are worthless losers with little to no power to live in victory. He tells us we are but “grasshoppers” in the face of our difficulties and struggles. So, whose reports are we going to believe?
The Israelites faced the same situation. They had been freed from Egyptian slavery and then roamed around in the desert. God then signaled it was time to enter the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey. He said, “Send some men to explore the land of Canaan which I am giving the Israelites.” At God’s command, Moses sent in twelve men to spy out the land and ten of them came back with this report:
“We went into the land which you sent us and it does flow with milk and honey! But the people who live there are powerful and the cities are fortified and very large.” (Numbers 13:27, 28) The men went on to say they were like grasshoppers compared to the giants who lived in Canaan.
However, two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua, believed God and reported, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.” (13:30)
Guess who the people believed? They believed the “evil report” and failed to take the land because of fear. I have an acronym for fear: False Evidence Appearing Real. They saw only the giants, but failed to see Almighty God. God had already given them the land. The people simply needed to walk in and take possession of it. Instead of moving into the Promised Land, they wandered in the desert for forty years because of their unbelief. Caleb and Joshua were the only two who inhabited the Promised Land. The others died in their unbelief.
Oswald Chambers notes, “Human frailty is another thing that gets between God’s words of assurance and our own words and thoughts. When we realize how feeble we are in facing difficulties, the difficulties become like giants, we become like grasshoppers, and God seems to be non-existent. But remember God’s assurance to us – ‘I will never … forsake you.’ Have we learned to sing after hearing God’s keynote? Are we continually filled with enough courage to say, ‘The Lord is my Helper,’ or are we yielding to fear?”
I don’t want to be like those Israelites who didn’t believe God told the truth. Do you? Let me ask you a few questions. Are you going to move into the land flowing with milk and honey - take the promises found in the Bible and make them yours? Or, are you going to believe the evil report and continue wandering around in the desert – free from slavery, but missing the Promised Land? Whose report are you going to believe?
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Thank You that You have called me to walk in victory. Help me to realize when I am listening to Satan’s lies, “to the evil report,” and not to You. If I am the only person who believes in Your promises today, give me the courage to believe and walk forward in faith to what You’ve called me to do.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
Think back over your life for the past few months. Have you believed what your eyes see or have you believed what God promises in His word? Make a list of promises of God that mean the most to you and practice believing the truth!
Look back over the promises of God listed above in the devotion. How might these verses help you defeat that “grasshopper” feeling in your life?
Can you think of a time where you believed God’s report instead of the border bullies, naysayers, and gloom and doomers? What was the result?
Is there someone you have been listening to and believing rather than God?
Do you feel like a grasshopper or a soldier in God’s army? Which is the truth?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
When I Am Afraid
October 16, 2008
When I Am Afraid
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV).
Friend to Friend
We do a lot of laundry at the Southerland house. There always seems to be a load in the washer that needs to go in the dryer, a load in the dryer that needs to be folded and a load of dirty laundry waiting to begin the process all over again. Sound familiar?
Our washer and dryer have numerous settings for everything from hand washables and fine delicates to cotton and permanent press. In an effort to raise responsible young adults, our children began doing their own laundry at a young age. However, there was a price to be paid for that lesson. After a few loads that yielded pink male underwear and sweaters shrunk to fit Barbie dolls, we decided to wash everything on one setting. Heaven help the man, woman or child who dares to change that setting.
When a life crisis comes, we generally have an automatic setting of fear and anxiety. The good news is that we can change that setting to peace and joy! How? By counting on God.
Count on God to be with you. We battle stress every day, but God is faithful and we can count on Him to be with us every step of the way. Worry is trying to fix tomorrow’s problems with today’s resources. My husband and I are flying to Charlotte, North Carolina. Dan booked the tickets and reserved seats for both of us. We have packed our suitcases and made every preparation we can think of. However, we really don’t need any of those things…until we get on the plane. Grace is much the same. God gives grace in daily doses – just when we need them.
Isaiah 43:2 When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you (NLT).
Count on God for direction. Life can easily spin out of control in a whirlwind of confusion. God offers direction and guidance through His word, through His people and through the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 32:8 I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you (NLT).
Count on God for provision. God goes before us in every area of life. Nothing that happens to us will ever surprise God. We must be careful to stay away from the scenario sickness of “What if”. There are no “what ifs” when we choose to trust God for every need.
Isaiah 65:24 I will provide their needs before they ask. I will help them while they are still asking for help (NLT).
Count on God for protection. God will fight for us when we are attacked. When we follow God’s agenda, God fights for us. When we follow our agenda, we are on our own.
Exodus 14:13 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (NIV).
I recently saw a bumper sticker that read, “If God is your Co-Pilot, switch seats!” Many of us have good reason to be afraid because we are sitting in the pilot seat of life, determined to be in control. Fear feeds stress. Stress thrives in an atmosphere of fear and doubt when our hand is on the steering wheel of life. We need to move over, surrender control to God and find the peace waiting in His hand.
Let’s Pray
Father, my heart is filled with fear. It seems like I am drowning in the uncertainties of my life. Lord, help me to surrender my fears to You. Strengthen me to face each one and walk through it, knowing that You are with me. I choose to trust You and doubt my fears. I choose against stress and choose for peace. I choose You, Lord.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What fears are you facing today?
Make a list of your fears.
What step(s) do you need to take in order to find victory over those fears?
Surrender each one to the loving control of God as you pray, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
Burn the list as an offering of praise and thanksgiving to God’s perfect peace enthroned in your life.
Read and memorize the following verses. When you are afraid, pray and speak these verses aloud:
Psalm 46: 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (NIV).
Psalm 63: 7-8 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me (NIV).
Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them (NIV).
More From The Girls
The longer I live and walk with Christ, the more I experience the reality that God is the only one I can truly count on in life. He never lets me down. He never leaves me. He is always there when I cry out to Him. Fear was once a very familiar prison to me. Step-by-step, I began to realize just how faithful God is and that realization has changed my life. When you are afraid, He is your complete peace.
When I Am Afraid
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV).
Friend to Friend
We do a lot of laundry at the Southerland house. There always seems to be a load in the washer that needs to go in the dryer, a load in the dryer that needs to be folded and a load of dirty laundry waiting to begin the process all over again. Sound familiar?
Our washer and dryer have numerous settings for everything from hand washables and fine delicates to cotton and permanent press. In an effort to raise responsible young adults, our children began doing their own laundry at a young age. However, there was a price to be paid for that lesson. After a few loads that yielded pink male underwear and sweaters shrunk to fit Barbie dolls, we decided to wash everything on one setting. Heaven help the man, woman or child who dares to change that setting.
When a life crisis comes, we generally have an automatic setting of fear and anxiety. The good news is that we can change that setting to peace and joy! How? By counting on God.
Count on God to be with you. We battle stress every day, but God is faithful and we can count on Him to be with us every step of the way. Worry is trying to fix tomorrow’s problems with today’s resources. My husband and I are flying to Charlotte, North Carolina. Dan booked the tickets and reserved seats for both of us. We have packed our suitcases and made every preparation we can think of. However, we really don’t need any of those things…until we get on the plane. Grace is much the same. God gives grace in daily doses – just when we need them.
Isaiah 43:2 When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you (NLT).
Count on God for direction. Life can easily spin out of control in a whirlwind of confusion. God offers direction and guidance through His word, through His people and through the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 32:8 I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you (NLT).
Count on God for provision. God goes before us in every area of life. Nothing that happens to us will ever surprise God. We must be careful to stay away from the scenario sickness of “What if”. There are no “what ifs” when we choose to trust God for every need.
Isaiah 65:24 I will provide their needs before they ask. I will help them while they are still asking for help (NLT).
Count on God for protection. God will fight for us when we are attacked. When we follow God’s agenda, God fights for us. When we follow our agenda, we are on our own.
Exodus 14:13 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (NIV).
I recently saw a bumper sticker that read, “If God is your Co-Pilot, switch seats!” Many of us have good reason to be afraid because we are sitting in the pilot seat of life, determined to be in control. Fear feeds stress. Stress thrives in an atmosphere of fear and doubt when our hand is on the steering wheel of life. We need to move over, surrender control to God and find the peace waiting in His hand.
Let’s Pray
Father, my heart is filled with fear. It seems like I am drowning in the uncertainties of my life. Lord, help me to surrender my fears to You. Strengthen me to face each one and walk through it, knowing that You are with me. I choose to trust You and doubt my fears. I choose against stress and choose for peace. I choose You, Lord.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What fears are you facing today?
Make a list of your fears.
What step(s) do you need to take in order to find victory over those fears?
Surrender each one to the loving control of God as you pray, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
Burn the list as an offering of praise and thanksgiving to God’s perfect peace enthroned in your life.
Read and memorize the following verses. When you are afraid, pray and speak these verses aloud:
Psalm 46: 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (NIV).
Psalm 63: 7-8 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me (NIV).
Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them (NIV).
More From The Girls
The longer I live and walk with Christ, the more I experience the reality that God is the only one I can truly count on in life. He never lets me down. He never leaves me. He is always there when I cry out to Him. Fear was once a very familiar prison to me. Step-by-step, I began to realize just how faithful God is and that realization has changed my life. When you are afraid, He is your complete peace.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
You are truly special
October 15, 2008
I am God’s Workmanship
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)
Friend to Friend
When my son was in elementary school, he created some works of art that had a striking resemblance to that of the world-renowned artist, Picasso. However, Picasso’s paintings are worth millions of dollars and my son’s are only valuable to me. What makes a work of art valuable? Its value is based on the artist who created it. You, dear friend, are a piece of art created by God Himself. King David described it this way:
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:13-16).
A woman was and is one of God’s most magnificent creations. In fact, she was His grand finale. After He fashioned Eve, creation was complete and He took a rest! God has placed in our hearts a love for beauty and a desire to be beautiful. Let’s go back to the beginning of time and reflect on our magnificent beginnings.
After God created the sun, moon, stars, earth, waters, creeping and flying animals, he created man. But something was missing. For Adam there was no creature suitable for him. This is the only time God said any aspect of His creation was “not good.” He said, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18).
So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. And the LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. And the man said, “This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” (Genesis 2:21-24 NASB)
While God created the world and all it contains, He did something a little special when He made woman. The NASB translation says He fashioned Eve. He didn’t simply make you – He fashioned you with extra special care and meticulous detail. You are a thing of beauty, a sight to behold, and one of His most spectacular masterpieces - a work of art, a valuable original, a one of a kind.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Thank You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Forgive me when I complain about Your masterpiece – my nose, my hips, my complexion, etc. I praise You for the intricacies of the human body. The fact that my heart beats without my telling it to, my lungs inhale and exhale without my instruction, and my reflexes react automatically. Yes, I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
Make a list today of how your body is wonderfully made by God. Example:
My eyelids blink.
My food is digested.
My heart beats.
What ways have you complained about your body lately?
How does the above list of how you are wonderfully made compare to your complaints?
When you see a newborn baby, what is one of your first thoughts?
Considering that Genesis 1:26 says, “Let us make man in our own image,” how should we view ourselves?
More From The Girlfriends
Wow, when we think of all the intricacies God put into making us, it is truly amazing. But more than a body, He also created us with a soul and a spirit. And all through our lives, God is at work to complete the masterpiece of you and me through our minds, wills, and emotions. If you would like to begin seeing yourself as God sees you, you’ll want to read Experience the Ultimate Makeover by Sharon Jaynes. When you see yourself as God sees you, you’ll never again feel inadequate.
I am God’s Workmanship
Sharon Jaynes
Today’s Truth
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)
Friend to Friend
When my son was in elementary school, he created some works of art that had a striking resemblance to that of the world-renowned artist, Picasso. However, Picasso’s paintings are worth millions of dollars and my son’s are only valuable to me. What makes a work of art valuable? Its value is based on the artist who created it. You, dear friend, are a piece of art created by God Himself. King David described it this way:
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:13-16).
A woman was and is one of God’s most magnificent creations. In fact, she was His grand finale. After He fashioned Eve, creation was complete and He took a rest! God has placed in our hearts a love for beauty and a desire to be beautiful. Let’s go back to the beginning of time and reflect on our magnificent beginnings.
After God created the sun, moon, stars, earth, waters, creeping and flying animals, he created man. But something was missing. For Adam there was no creature suitable for him. This is the only time God said any aspect of His creation was “not good.” He said, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18).
So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. And the LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. And the man said, “This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” (Genesis 2:21-24 NASB)
While God created the world and all it contains, He did something a little special when He made woman. The NASB translation says He fashioned Eve. He didn’t simply make you – He fashioned you with extra special care and meticulous detail. You are a thing of beauty, a sight to behold, and one of His most spectacular masterpieces - a work of art, a valuable original, a one of a kind.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Thank You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Forgive me when I complain about Your masterpiece – my nose, my hips, my complexion, etc. I praise You for the intricacies of the human body. The fact that my heart beats without my telling it to, my lungs inhale and exhale without my instruction, and my reflexes react automatically. Yes, I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Now It’s Your Turn
Make a list today of how your body is wonderfully made by God. Example:
My eyelids blink.
My food is digested.
My heart beats.
What ways have you complained about your body lately?
How does the above list of how you are wonderfully made compare to your complaints?
When you see a newborn baby, what is one of your first thoughts?
Considering that Genesis 1:26 says, “Let us make man in our own image,” how should we view ourselves?
More From The Girlfriends
Wow, when we think of all the intricacies God put into making us, it is truly amazing. But more than a body, He also created us with a soul and a spirit. And all through our lives, God is at work to complete the masterpiece of you and me through our minds, wills, and emotions. If you would like to begin seeing yourself as God sees you, you’ll want to read Experience the Ultimate Makeover by Sharon Jaynes. When you see yourself as God sees you, you’ll never again feel inadequate.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
There is no "I" in Jesus
But there is an "I" in SIN.
We need to learn to give all things to Jesus Christ. We can't do anything except through Jesus Christ. Once we get I out of the way, then we can to be conquerors through Jesus Christ and live over coming lives.
All Things Are Possible Through Jesus Christ Who Strengthens Me.
(Please pray and get a hold of this. We were not meant to carry the burdens we do.)
Matthew 11:30
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Romans 8:37
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
1 Corinthians 8:6
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.
Colossians 1 (Whole Chapter)
We need to learn to give all things to Jesus Christ. We can't do anything except through Jesus Christ. Once we get I out of the way, then we can to be conquerors through Jesus Christ and live over coming lives.
All Things Are Possible Through Jesus Christ Who Strengthens Me.
(Please pray and get a hold of this. We were not meant to carry the burdens we do.)
Matthew 11:30
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Romans 8:37
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
1 Corinthians 8:6
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.
Colossians 1 (Whole Chapter)
Monday, October 13, 2008
No Such Thing as a Little White Lie
No Such Thing as a Little White Lie The lip of truth shall be established forever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment (Prov. 12: 19). Do I live a truth-filled life?
<< Proverbs 12 >>
King James Bible
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28 In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
<< Proverbs 12 >>
King James Bible
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
2 A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7 The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.
8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised.
9 He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread.
10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.
12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
18 There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
21 There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.
25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.
26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.
27 The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious.
28 In the way of righteousness is life: and in the pathway thereof there is no death.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Daily Disciples Devotional - Oct. 12, 2008
Today's Reading: Isaiah 39-40; Colossians 4
Today's Thoughts: Patience with Perspective
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Are there ever times when you become tired of trying? From work to your family, the list of needs seem endless with all fingers pointing to you. You know the promises of God and know that He is absolutely working in your life, but the “flesh” part of you becomes worn out and on edge.
The other night, at dinner time, I was trying to cook…and help with homework…and talk to my mother who was visiting. In addition, the phone was ringing, the news was on and my youngest child was singing for everyone to hear. I could sense the tension rising within me. The noise seemed too loud and the night was becoming too long. Because I recognized these feelings and knew how poorly I have handled them before, with all the self control I could muster, I prayed to the Lord and said, “Please help me do all this with an attitude and with words that would please You.” Immediately I sensed the Lord say to me, “Enjoy it; find peace right now.” That thought was the furthest thing from my mind but those words pierced my heart.
It just doesn’t matter if everything gets done on time or in the right order. It just does not matter if there are grease stains on my daughter’s homework paper and there are dishes left in the sink when I go to bed. What does matter is that I honor the Lord by pouring out His love through me especially in the times that push and pull on my nerves. What matters is that I find the joy of the Lord in everyday challenges and appreciate every passing moment of the day. It is in these most challenging times, when you feel as if everyone is looking to you, that you can only endure by continuing to look to the Lord. God hears and answers the smallest of prayers when they are dripping with honesty. He knows us and understands us. Today, when the anxiety is increasing and your patience is decreasing, turn to the Lord so that you can soar above the circumstances while renewing your perspective and strength.
Lets Pray:
Good morning Holy Father! I love you and praise you! Today, I ask that you help me to savor this day and enjoy even the smallest things. Please help me do all the things I face today with an attitude and with words that would please You.” Help me keep my eyes on and keep you first for I can soar above the circumstances while you give me a renewing perspective and strength.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
Today's Thoughts: Patience with Perspective
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Are there ever times when you become tired of trying? From work to your family, the list of needs seem endless with all fingers pointing to you. You know the promises of God and know that He is absolutely working in your life, but the “flesh” part of you becomes worn out and on edge.
The other night, at dinner time, I was trying to cook…and help with homework…and talk to my mother who was visiting. In addition, the phone was ringing, the news was on and my youngest child was singing for everyone to hear. I could sense the tension rising within me. The noise seemed too loud and the night was becoming too long. Because I recognized these feelings and knew how poorly I have handled them before, with all the self control I could muster, I prayed to the Lord and said, “Please help me do all this with an attitude and with words that would please You.” Immediately I sensed the Lord say to me, “Enjoy it; find peace right now.” That thought was the furthest thing from my mind but those words pierced my heart.
It just doesn’t matter if everything gets done on time or in the right order. It just does not matter if there are grease stains on my daughter’s homework paper and there are dishes left in the sink when I go to bed. What does matter is that I honor the Lord by pouring out His love through me especially in the times that push and pull on my nerves. What matters is that I find the joy of the Lord in everyday challenges and appreciate every passing moment of the day. It is in these most challenging times, when you feel as if everyone is looking to you, that you can only endure by continuing to look to the Lord. God hears and answers the smallest of prayers when they are dripping with honesty. He knows us and understands us. Today, when the anxiety is increasing and your patience is decreasing, turn to the Lord so that you can soar above the circumstances while renewing your perspective and strength.
Lets Pray:
Good morning Holy Father! I love you and praise you! Today, I ask that you help me to savor this day and enjoy even the smallest things. Please help me do all the things I face today with an attitude and with words that would please You.” Help me keep my eyes on and keep you first for I can soar above the circumstances while you give me a renewing perspective and strength.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Great devotion from Cross Walk
October 10, 2008
Unsearchable
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth“
I will extol You, my God, O King, and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable.” (Psalm 145:1-3, NASB)
Friend to Friend
I fell in love with my husband half-my-life ago, yet with fifteen years of marriage under my belt, there are still moments that I shake my head and wonder, “who is that man?” And while I may not have every mystery about him solved, I do know my husband. I know his voice, his touch, and his quirks. I’m a witness to his character, his personality, and his ways. The same is true about my relationship with God. Over the years, I have learned to hear His voice, to recognize His touch, and to understand some basic truths of who He is.
There are so many revelations of God in His Word. The Bible boasts of His greatness, glory, honor, and character. We know that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8), that God’s grace is sufficient for every repentant heart, and that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). We know that His name is above all other names (Philippians 2:9), that there is no other like Him (Jeremiah 10:6), and that His wisdom holds secrets that are hidden from before time began (I Corinthians 2:7). And for as much as we know about the LORD, our knowledge of Him is but a fraction of grain of sand as held up the all the beaches on earth.
Though He is the mysterious master Creator who hung each star in the sky and calls them by name, He wants us to love Him, to trust Him, to know Him, and to worship Him. That thought alone sets my mind to wonder! God invites us to participate with Him in a vibrant dance of abundant life through His Son, Jesus Christ. Our amazing Heavenly Father bids each and every one of us to come to Him with questions, to be held by His love, to find peace, hope, and healing in His Son. He calls us to seek Him through prayer and to experience new revelations of Him through His Word and through the Holy Spirit.
The voice of all of creation shouts His praise! I encourage you to pause in this moment to consider Him…to respond to Him…to meditate on His glorious splendor. As you do, He will become the all-satisfying desire of your heart, while at the same time, He will stir up a hunger in your soul to know Him even more.
Let’s Pray
Holy Father, Your greatness truly is unsearchable! I pray that you will continue to stir up a hunger in my soul to know all the mystery of You that remains. Please cause me to think bigger thoughts of You, and to acknowledge You in all my ways.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
This devotion was inspired by a new worship song that I co-wrote called, UNSEARCHABLE. Take a moment to read through the lyric. Speak it out loud!
UNSEARCHABLE
By Sue Smith and Gwen Smith
Lord I know that your grace is sufficient for me
I know I am held by your love
And You’re there when I call
You are strong when I’m weak
You delight over me from above
And You stir up a hunger that I can’t explain
To know all the mystery of You that remains
Unsearchable greatness
Unsearchable wisdom
Unsearchable mercy to me
I am lost in the wonder of all that I know
Knowing there’s much more to see
Cause you are unsearchable
You are unsearchable
Lord, I boast in Your glory that humbles the stars
Your name has such power and might
And Your goodness and kindness
Have captured my heart
Your Word keeps giving me life
And you stir up a hunger that I can’t explain
to know all the mystery of You that remains
Chorus
Hear the voice of all creation crying out (4x)
*********************************************
Read Jeremiah 33:3. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." What does this verse mean to you? What does this verse tell you about the rewards of calling on our Lord? Thank Him for hearing your prayers and for healing your pains. Be lost in the wonder of Him.
Unsearchable
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth“
I will extol You, my God, O King, and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable.” (Psalm 145:1-3, NASB)
Friend to Friend
I fell in love with my husband half-my-life ago, yet with fifteen years of marriage under my belt, there are still moments that I shake my head and wonder, “who is that man?” And while I may not have every mystery about him solved, I do know my husband. I know his voice, his touch, and his quirks. I’m a witness to his character, his personality, and his ways. The same is true about my relationship with God. Over the years, I have learned to hear His voice, to recognize His touch, and to understand some basic truths of who He is.
There are so many revelations of God in His Word. The Bible boasts of His greatness, glory, honor, and character. We know that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8), that God’s grace is sufficient for every repentant heart, and that His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). We know that His name is above all other names (Philippians 2:9), that there is no other like Him (Jeremiah 10:6), and that His wisdom holds secrets that are hidden from before time began (I Corinthians 2:7). And for as much as we know about the LORD, our knowledge of Him is but a fraction of grain of sand as held up the all the beaches on earth.
Though He is the mysterious master Creator who hung each star in the sky and calls them by name, He wants us to love Him, to trust Him, to know Him, and to worship Him. That thought alone sets my mind to wonder! God invites us to participate with Him in a vibrant dance of abundant life through His Son, Jesus Christ. Our amazing Heavenly Father bids each and every one of us to come to Him with questions, to be held by His love, to find peace, hope, and healing in His Son. He calls us to seek Him through prayer and to experience new revelations of Him through His Word and through the Holy Spirit.
The voice of all of creation shouts His praise! I encourage you to pause in this moment to consider Him…to respond to Him…to meditate on His glorious splendor. As you do, He will become the all-satisfying desire of your heart, while at the same time, He will stir up a hunger in your soul to know Him even more.
Let’s Pray
Holy Father, Your greatness truly is unsearchable! I pray that you will continue to stir up a hunger in my soul to know all the mystery of You that remains. Please cause me to think bigger thoughts of You, and to acknowledge You in all my ways.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
This devotion was inspired by a new worship song that I co-wrote called, UNSEARCHABLE. Take a moment to read through the lyric. Speak it out loud!
UNSEARCHABLE
By Sue Smith and Gwen Smith
Lord I know that your grace is sufficient for me
I know I am held by your love
And You’re there when I call
You are strong when I’m weak
You delight over me from above
And You stir up a hunger that I can’t explain
To know all the mystery of You that remains
Unsearchable greatness
Unsearchable wisdom
Unsearchable mercy to me
I am lost in the wonder of all that I know
Knowing there’s much more to see
Cause you are unsearchable
You are unsearchable
Lord, I boast in Your glory that humbles the stars
Your name has such power and might
And Your goodness and kindness
Have captured my heart
Your Word keeps giving me life
And you stir up a hunger that I can’t explain
to know all the mystery of You that remains
Chorus
Hear the voice of all creation crying out (4x)
*********************************************
Read Jeremiah 33:3. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." What does this verse mean to you? What does this verse tell you about the rewards of calling on our Lord? Thank Him for hearing your prayers and for healing your pains. Be lost in the wonder of Him.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Morning devotion
October 9, 2008
Making Your Heart Sit Down
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom. (NLT)
Friend to Friend
Every minute of every day is either wasted or invested. Since the Bible contains over 400 verses about time, we can safely assume that time management is important to God. In fact, it is a spiritual discipline. We not only need to view time as an eternal investment, but as an immediate one as well. One of the most valuable investments we can make is to spend time in solitude.
I once read an African proverb, "Lord Jesus, make my heart sit down". Solitude is deliberately and diligently setting aside time to "sit down" at the feet of Jesus. It is in those still, quiet moments of solitude at his feet that we can more clearly hear God speak and gain strength and wisdom for the journey ahead. In order to practice solitude, we must learn how to budget time.
It's been said that women must balance their time more carefully than men because women don't have wives. The fact is we are all responsible for how we spend the time God has given us. Time is a precious gift! Every morning we are credited with 86,400 seconds. No balance is carried into the next day and every night erases what we fail to use. If we use it in the wrong way, that time is lost forever and cannot be reclaimed. Un-budgeted time gravitates to our weaknesses, is stolen by others or wasted on the unimportant. We must budget time, just as Jesus did.
Luke 2:52 "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (NIV).
At the age of 12, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem with his parents for the annual Passover Celebration. When his parents began the long trip home, they did not miss their son at first and when they did, assumed he was traveling with friends. Jesus was found in the temple, teaching. My first reaction would probably have been pride in the fact that religious scholars and teachers were actually listening to my young son. I would most likely have encouraged Jesus to continue, basking in the looming recognition and acclaim. Instead, Jesus returned home where, for 18 to 20 years, he simply grew. Luke 2:52 tells us that Jesus grew mentally, physically, spiritually and socially. In Luke 3, Jesus begins his ministry, the most powerful ministry ever known. In other words, Jesus Christ budgeted his time wisely, resulting in a balanced life of fulfilled purpose. We can live the same kind of life if our priorities are right.
Set priorities: Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that "there is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven" (NLT). We either set our life priorities or allow circumstances and other people to set them.
Schedule priorities: There is a right time and a right way to carry out right priorities. Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 warns, "For a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight" (NASB). We must schedule time for solitude. We must set aside portions of each day to spend with God.
Stick to priorities: The apostle Paul teaches us to "make the most of every opportunity" (Ephesians 5:16 NIV). Every challenge will either wreck our priorities or affirm them. Right priorities stand firm in the face of change.
One day, we will all stand before the Father and give an account of how we invested our time. Today, examine your time management habits in light of eternity. Initiate schedule changes that honor God. Make a new commitment to invest your time wisely.
Let's Pray
Father, I recognize my need for time alone with You. I lay down my schedule, my agenda and anything else in my life that would keep me from that time. Please forgive me for the way I often squander away the minutes, hours and days of my life. Give me the power to invest time wisely and wisdom to live a balanced life.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
Choose to practice solitude - today.
Select a place to spend time in solitude -- today.
Lay down your agenda.
Focus on Him and listen for His voice.
Memorize Psalm 37:7 "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." (NIV)
Ask yourself these questions and use the answers to shape a plan for regular solitude:
Why am I afraid of silence?
What is the greatest obstacle to solitude in my life?
What steps do I have to take in order to remove those obstacles?
What do I hope to gain from time spent in solitude?
More From The Girls
Learning to rest and be still before God is so important to our spiritual growth, strength and maturity. It won't just happen. We have to carve out time to spend alone with God in solitude. Time spent in solitude allows our heart to be still before God. Solitude filters through all of the voices in life and seeks out God's voice above the rest. I encourage you to read Psalm 23 every day this month and find time each week for solitude.
*****************************
Hope this devotional helps you as much as it has me.
May God Bless you in all you do!
Making Your Heart Sit Down
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom. (NLT)
Friend to Friend
Every minute of every day is either wasted or invested. Since the Bible contains over 400 verses about time, we can safely assume that time management is important to God. In fact, it is a spiritual discipline. We not only need to view time as an eternal investment, but as an immediate one as well. One of the most valuable investments we can make is to spend time in solitude.
I once read an African proverb, "Lord Jesus, make my heart sit down". Solitude is deliberately and diligently setting aside time to "sit down" at the feet of Jesus. It is in those still, quiet moments of solitude at his feet that we can more clearly hear God speak and gain strength and wisdom for the journey ahead. In order to practice solitude, we must learn how to budget time.
It's been said that women must balance their time more carefully than men because women don't have wives. The fact is we are all responsible for how we spend the time God has given us. Time is a precious gift! Every morning we are credited with 86,400 seconds. No balance is carried into the next day and every night erases what we fail to use. If we use it in the wrong way, that time is lost forever and cannot be reclaimed. Un-budgeted time gravitates to our weaknesses, is stolen by others or wasted on the unimportant. We must budget time, just as Jesus did.
Luke 2:52 "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (NIV).
At the age of 12, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem with his parents for the annual Passover Celebration. When his parents began the long trip home, they did not miss their son at first and when they did, assumed he was traveling with friends. Jesus was found in the temple, teaching. My first reaction would probably have been pride in the fact that religious scholars and teachers were actually listening to my young son. I would most likely have encouraged Jesus to continue, basking in the looming recognition and acclaim. Instead, Jesus returned home where, for 18 to 20 years, he simply grew. Luke 2:52 tells us that Jesus grew mentally, physically, spiritually and socially. In Luke 3, Jesus begins his ministry, the most powerful ministry ever known. In other words, Jesus Christ budgeted his time wisely, resulting in a balanced life of fulfilled purpose. We can live the same kind of life if our priorities are right.
Set priorities: Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that "there is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven" (NLT). We either set our life priorities or allow circumstances and other people to set them.
Schedule priorities: There is a right time and a right way to carry out right priorities. Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 warns, "For a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure. For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight" (NASB). We must schedule time for solitude. We must set aside portions of each day to spend with God.
Stick to priorities: The apostle Paul teaches us to "make the most of every opportunity" (Ephesians 5:16 NIV). Every challenge will either wreck our priorities or affirm them. Right priorities stand firm in the face of change.
One day, we will all stand before the Father and give an account of how we invested our time. Today, examine your time management habits in light of eternity. Initiate schedule changes that honor God. Make a new commitment to invest your time wisely.
Let's Pray
Father, I recognize my need for time alone with You. I lay down my schedule, my agenda and anything else in my life that would keep me from that time. Please forgive me for the way I often squander away the minutes, hours and days of my life. Give me the power to invest time wisely and wisdom to live a balanced life.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
Choose to practice solitude - today.
Select a place to spend time in solitude -- today.
Lay down your agenda.
Focus on Him and listen for His voice.
Memorize Psalm 37:7 "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." (NIV)
Ask yourself these questions and use the answers to shape a plan for regular solitude:
Why am I afraid of silence?
What is the greatest obstacle to solitude in my life?
What steps do I have to take in order to remove those obstacles?
What do I hope to gain from time spent in solitude?
More From The Girls
Learning to rest and be still before God is so important to our spiritual growth, strength and maturity. It won't just happen. We have to carve out time to spend alone with God in solitude. Time spent in solitude allows our heart to be still before God. Solitude filters through all of the voices in life and seeks out God's voice above the rest. I encourage you to read Psalm 23 every day this month and find time each week for solitude.
*****************************
Hope this devotional helps you as much as it has me.
May God Bless you in all you do!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
The 7 Ups!
1. Wake Up !!
Decide to have a good day.
"This is the day the Lord hath made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up !!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.
Man looks at outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7
3. Shut Up!!
Say nice things and learn to listen.
God gave us two ears and one mouth,
so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.
"He who guards his lips guards his soul."
Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!!
. . . for what you believe in.
Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time,
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..."
Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !!
. . . to the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me".
Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up !!
. . . for something higher.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not unto your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !!
. . . your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything; instead
PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6
A POSITIVE THOUGHT
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.
He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.
What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem;
not to mention that Friday at Calvary.
Face it, He's crazy about you.
Decide to have a good day.
"This is the day the Lord hath made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalms 118:24
2. Dress Up !!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.
A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.
Man looks at outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart."
I Samuel 16:7
3. Shut Up!!
Say nice things and learn to listen.
God gave us two ears and one mouth,
so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking.
"He who guards his lips guards his soul."
Proverbs 13:3
4. Stand Up!!
. . . for what you believe in.
Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
"Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time,
we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..."
Galatians 6:9-10
5. Look Up !!
. . . to the Lord.
"I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me".
Philippians 4:13
6. Reach Up !!
. . . for something higher.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and lean not unto your own understanding.
In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."
Proverbs 3:5-6
7. Lift Up !!
. . . your Prayers.
"Do not worry about anything; instead
PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING."
Philippians 4:6
A POSITIVE THOUGHT
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning.
Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen.
He could live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.
What about the Christmas gift He sent you in Bethlehem;
not to mention that Friday at Calvary.
Face it, He's crazy about you.
Devotion 4 today
October 8, 2008
Grieving the Loss
Sharon Jaynes
Today's Truth
"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land." Song of Songs 2:11-12 (NIV).
Friend to Friend
Beth is one of my dearest friends. She had been married for 24 years when her husband walked away from their marriage. Beth is a very strong Christian and for five years put on a happy face telling everyone, including herself, "Jesus is enough." She has two absolutely incredible children who love the Lord and serve in some facet of ministry. And yet, I wondered if she had been the first person I had ever known who had skipped the grieving process that follows the devastation of divorce.
She was not.
Five years after the divorce, Beth and I were talking on the phone about the wonderful man that she had been dating for two years.
"Beth, what's wrong with Randy? Why is he dragging his heels?" I asked. "I'm ready to hear some wedding bells."
"Sharon," she replied, "I don't think the problem is Randy. I think it's me. I was married for twenty-four-years and honestly, I am having trouble trusting again. I know Randy is not anything like my first husband. He loved his wife and they had an incredibly Christ-centered marriage before she died of cancer. But there's just something wrong with me!"
"Beth, I don't think you ever allowed yourself to grieve over your loss. I know your first husband betrayed you at the very core of what a marriage is supposed to be, and there is loss. There is grieving the loss that your children do not have the father they deserve, the loss of investing twenty-four years with a man who betrayed you, and the loss of the dream of what marriage could and should be like -- what God intended from the beginning of time."
Beth is just now beginning to grieve the many losses that accompanied her divorce and she and her two grown children are in the process of breaking free.
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, in her book, On Death and Dying, notes five stages of grief:
Stage One: Denial and Isolation
Stage Two: Anger
Stage Three: Bargaining
Stage Four: Depression
Stage Five: Acceptance
(Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D., On Death and Dying (New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1969).
But for us who have linked our lives with Jesus Christ, there is a Stage Six:
Resurrection.
Grief is part of the healing process. For me, I had to grieve the fact that I did not have the family I had always longed for. I grieved that I did not grow up being the apple of my daddy's eye, that I was not unconditionally loved, and that I did not get to hold my second child in my arms. Grieving the loss helped me to let it go, but after a time, I had to stop lamenting what was not, and rejoice in the blessings of what is. Remember, you can't change the past, but you can change what you choose to do with it. Perhaps you need to grieve the losses in your life. Here are a few to consider:
Loss of innocence
Loss of a nurturing family
Loss of unconditional love
Loss of acceptance
Loss of security
Loss of virginity
Loss of a close relationship with your mother
Loss of a healthy relationship with your father
Loss of trust
Loss of education
Loss of employment
Loss of a marriage
Loss of a spouse
Loss of a child
Loss of friendship
It is healthy to grieve a loss, but then there comes a time for the mourning to end and new life to begin.
"My lover spoke and said to me,
"Arise, my darling,
my beautiful one, and come with me.
See! The winter is past;
The rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
The season of singing has come,
The cooing of doves
Is heard in our land."
(Song of Songs 2:10-12)
Let's Pray
Dear LORD, I have grieved the losses in my life, and I am so thankful You have brought me to a place of resurrection! Jesus came that we might have life, and have it to the full! Help me to always look to resurrection and never stop at simple acceptance of a broken dream.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Now It's Your Turn
Go back up to the list of losses. Are any of those losses part of your story? If so, put a check by them.
Now ponder that loss for a moment. Are you stuck there? Or have you allowed God to take you to the next level ... to resurrection? If not, consider giving the broken pieces of your dream to God and allowing Him to make them into a beautiful mosaic - lovelier than anything you could have ever imagined. Resurrection! It is God's plan of redemption. We see it in the resurrection of Jesus and the resurrection of our broken dreams. He's amazing.
Grieving the Loss
Sharon Jaynes
Today's Truth
"See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land." Song of Songs 2:11-12 (NIV).
Friend to Friend
Beth is one of my dearest friends. She had been married for 24 years when her husband walked away from their marriage. Beth is a very strong Christian and for five years put on a happy face telling everyone, including herself, "Jesus is enough." She has two absolutely incredible children who love the Lord and serve in some facet of ministry. And yet, I wondered if she had been the first person I had ever known who had skipped the grieving process that follows the devastation of divorce.
She was not.
Five years after the divorce, Beth and I were talking on the phone about the wonderful man that she had been dating for two years.
"Beth, what's wrong with Randy? Why is he dragging his heels?" I asked. "I'm ready to hear some wedding bells."
"Sharon," she replied, "I don't think the problem is Randy. I think it's me. I was married for twenty-four-years and honestly, I am having trouble trusting again. I know Randy is not anything like my first husband. He loved his wife and they had an incredibly Christ-centered marriage before she died of cancer. But there's just something wrong with me!"
"Beth, I don't think you ever allowed yourself to grieve over your loss. I know your first husband betrayed you at the very core of what a marriage is supposed to be, and there is loss. There is grieving the loss that your children do not have the father they deserve, the loss of investing twenty-four years with a man who betrayed you, and the loss of the dream of what marriage could and should be like -- what God intended from the beginning of time."
Beth is just now beginning to grieve the many losses that accompanied her divorce and she and her two grown children are in the process of breaking free.
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, in her book, On Death and Dying, notes five stages of grief:
Stage One: Denial and Isolation
Stage Two: Anger
Stage Three: Bargaining
Stage Four: Depression
Stage Five: Acceptance
(Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, M.D., On Death and Dying (New York: Macmillan Publishing Company, 1969).
But for us who have linked our lives with Jesus Christ, there is a Stage Six:
Resurrection.
Grief is part of the healing process. For me, I had to grieve the fact that I did not have the family I had always longed for. I grieved that I did not grow up being the apple of my daddy's eye, that I was not unconditionally loved, and that I did not get to hold my second child in my arms. Grieving the loss helped me to let it go, but after a time, I had to stop lamenting what was not, and rejoice in the blessings of what is. Remember, you can't change the past, but you can change what you choose to do with it. Perhaps you need to grieve the losses in your life. Here are a few to consider:
Loss of innocence
Loss of a nurturing family
Loss of unconditional love
Loss of acceptance
Loss of security
Loss of virginity
Loss of a close relationship with your mother
Loss of a healthy relationship with your father
Loss of trust
Loss of education
Loss of employment
Loss of a marriage
Loss of a spouse
Loss of a child
Loss of friendship
It is healthy to grieve a loss, but then there comes a time for the mourning to end and new life to begin.
"My lover spoke and said to me,
"Arise, my darling,
my beautiful one, and come with me.
See! The winter is past;
The rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
The season of singing has come,
The cooing of doves
Is heard in our land."
(Song of Songs 2:10-12)
Let's Pray
Dear LORD, I have grieved the losses in my life, and I am so thankful You have brought me to a place of resurrection! Jesus came that we might have life, and have it to the full! Help me to always look to resurrection and never stop at simple acceptance of a broken dream.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Now It's Your Turn
Go back up to the list of losses. Are any of those losses part of your story? If so, put a check by them.
Now ponder that loss for a moment. Are you stuck there? Or have you allowed God to take you to the next level ... to resurrection? If not, consider giving the broken pieces of your dream to God and allowing Him to make them into a beautiful mosaic - lovelier than anything you could have ever imagined. Resurrection! It is God's plan of redemption. We see it in the resurrection of Jesus and the resurrection of our broken dreams. He's amazing.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Something I need to share
(I hope this devotion helps you as much as it did me. Many Blessings to you & may choose to live as Jesus did. Just surrender it all to him & let him be in complete control!)
October 7, 2008
Patience Pays Off
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (NIV)
Friend to Friend
Patience is not one of my greatest strengths. In fact, I tend to live each day with a schedule in mind, an agenda by which to live that day and several goals I need to meet before the day’s end. God does have a sense of humor. I can’t tell you how many times my schedule falls apart, the agenda is completely forgotten and I have to move today’s goals to tomorrow. I am learning that when God wants to build a certain quality in my life, He puts me in the opposite circumstance. For example, if God wants me to be more patient, He arranges the hours and minutes of my day in ways that demand patience.
What is patience? To be patient is to have the ability to endure, but it doesn’t stop there. Patience must also have the capacity to be wronged and not retaliate. In other words, patience is love persevering and love waiting. We are not only to be patient in the way we face difficult situations but in our relationships as well. That just about covers life, doesn’t it?
One of the most powerful bible passages on patience and perseverance is found in the book of James. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” Do you want to be blessed? Stand firm in your trial. Do you want to be rewarded? Stand firm in that tough circumstance. Be patient – because patience really does pay off. God promises blessings and rewards to those who persevere and stand firm in hard times, but the reason we can stand firm is because He loves us unconditionally and promises to walk with us through every dark moment life will bring. Nothing touches our life that does not pass through God’s hand, with His permission.
Remember the bible story of the man named Job? Job was a faithful servant of God, strong in his faith and unwavering in his obedience to God. Satan didn’t like it. In fact, he went to God and asked permission to test Job. I love that truth! The devil had to go to God like an errand boy in order to get permission to touch His child, Job. Satan was convinced that if Job lost everything God had given him - his health, his family, his possessions - if Job lost everything, he would curse God and follow Satan. God told the serpent to give it his best shot, convinced that Job would persevere. Satan stripped Job of his health, his possessions, his wealth and his family – everything Job held dear. Job stood firm.
Every trial must come through His love but every trial has a purpose. Every pain has a purpose, every ordeal contains a seed of victory and there is a promise for every problem you and I will ever face. The psalmist writes, “The LORD is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.” (Psalm 28:7)
Patience pays off in many ways, but one of the greatest rewards of patience is joy, a deeply-rooted confidence that God is in control. Warren Wiersbe writes, “when God permits his children to go through the furnace, He keeps his eye on the clock and his hand on the thermostat!” God will never let us face more than we can handle with His help. Hebrews 12:12 says it so well, “So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs.” I have been there, done that and can relate to a weary heart and shaky legs. Can’t you?
Patsy Clairmont shares the true story about her son, Jason. When he was seven, she sent him off to school one day. After a little while, there was a knock at the door and when Patsy opened the door, it was Jason. “What are you doing here?” she asked. “I’ve quit school” he said. “Why have you quit school, Jason?” she demanded. Jason said, “Well, it was too long, it was too hard and it was too boring. And I didn’t like a lot of it!” Patsy responded, “Jason, you have just described life. Get back on the bus!” When God sees patience at work in your life, He is pleased by your choice to “get back on the bus” in obedience and in faith.
An evangelist told the story of his friend who, during the depression, lost a job, a fortune, a wife and a home, but he held onto his faith because it was all he had left. One day, he stopped to watch some men building a stone church. One of the workers was chiseling a triangular piece of rock. “What are you going to do with that?” asked the friend. The workman said, “Do you see that little opening way up there near the spire? Well, I’m shaping this down here so that it will fit up there.” Tears filled the eyes of the broken man as he walked away. It seemed that God had spoken through the workman to explain the trials of his life.” God is using the trials here on earth to refine and purify us. In Colossians 1:11, the apostle Paul writes, “God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient!”
No matter where you are today, where you have been or what you are facing tomorrow, be patient, knowing your God will strengthen you to stand firm.
Let’s Pray
Father, please forgive me when I am impatient. Help me to see You at work in the trial and choose to depend on Your strength instead of my own. Help me to see Your purpose and plan but even if I can’t understand it all, help me to stand firm in faith. Lord, make me more patient so that others will see You in me.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It Is Your Turn
Read Romans 12:12 “Be patient when trouble comes.” What trouble in your life today requires patience? Are you willing to choose faith and obedience by trusting God with that trouble?
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14 “Be patient with everyone.” What relationship in your life demands patience from you? Evaluate how patient you have been in this relationship. What one thing do you need to change in order to choose obedience to God as you relate to this person?
Read Ephesians 4:2 ”Always be humble, gentle and patient.” Notice that patience is listed along with two other important qualities that God wants to see in us. How do you think patience relates to humility and gentleness?
More From The Girls
Sandpaper can be very useful or very painful…or both. When I think about patience, sandpaper always comes to mind. God uses the difficult people and painful trials in our life to teach us patience. We can choose to let those tough times painfully rub off the rough edges of our character or we can just choose to endure the pain time and time again. The only thing worse than learning from experience, is not learning from experience. I am right there with you, friend. I encourage you to check out my book, Sandpaper People, as a resource for those difficult relationships in your life. And something new! You can download an MP3 file of “Patience Pays Off” by visiting the online store of my website. Blessings!
******************************************************************************
Worth checking out! As soon as I'm able to get the book or down load, I will share!
October 7, 2008
Patience Pays Off
Mary Southerland
Today’s Truth
James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (NIV)
Friend to Friend
Patience is not one of my greatest strengths. In fact, I tend to live each day with a schedule in mind, an agenda by which to live that day and several goals I need to meet before the day’s end. God does have a sense of humor. I can’t tell you how many times my schedule falls apart, the agenda is completely forgotten and I have to move today’s goals to tomorrow. I am learning that when God wants to build a certain quality in my life, He puts me in the opposite circumstance. For example, if God wants me to be more patient, He arranges the hours and minutes of my day in ways that demand patience.
What is patience? To be patient is to have the ability to endure, but it doesn’t stop there. Patience must also have the capacity to be wronged and not retaliate. In other words, patience is love persevering and love waiting. We are not only to be patient in the way we face difficult situations but in our relationships as well. That just about covers life, doesn’t it?
One of the most powerful bible passages on patience and perseverance is found in the book of James. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” Do you want to be blessed? Stand firm in your trial. Do you want to be rewarded? Stand firm in that tough circumstance. Be patient – because patience really does pay off. God promises blessings and rewards to those who persevere and stand firm in hard times, but the reason we can stand firm is because He loves us unconditionally and promises to walk with us through every dark moment life will bring. Nothing touches our life that does not pass through God’s hand, with His permission.
Remember the bible story of the man named Job? Job was a faithful servant of God, strong in his faith and unwavering in his obedience to God. Satan didn’t like it. In fact, he went to God and asked permission to test Job. I love that truth! The devil had to go to God like an errand boy in order to get permission to touch His child, Job. Satan was convinced that if Job lost everything God had given him - his health, his family, his possessions - if Job lost everything, he would curse God and follow Satan. God told the serpent to give it his best shot, convinced that Job would persevere. Satan stripped Job of his health, his possessions, his wealth and his family – everything Job held dear. Job stood firm.
Every trial must come through His love but every trial has a purpose. Every pain has a purpose, every ordeal contains a seed of victory and there is a promise for every problem you and I will ever face. The psalmist writes, “The LORD is my strength, my shield from every danger. I trust in him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.” (Psalm 28:7)
Patience pays off in many ways, but one of the greatest rewards of patience is joy, a deeply-rooted confidence that God is in control. Warren Wiersbe writes, “when God permits his children to go through the furnace, He keeps his eye on the clock and his hand on the thermostat!” God will never let us face more than we can handle with His help. Hebrews 12:12 says it so well, “So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs.” I have been there, done that and can relate to a weary heart and shaky legs. Can’t you?
Patsy Clairmont shares the true story about her son, Jason. When he was seven, she sent him off to school one day. After a little while, there was a knock at the door and when Patsy opened the door, it was Jason. “What are you doing here?” she asked. “I’ve quit school” he said. “Why have you quit school, Jason?” she demanded. Jason said, “Well, it was too long, it was too hard and it was too boring. And I didn’t like a lot of it!” Patsy responded, “Jason, you have just described life. Get back on the bus!” When God sees patience at work in your life, He is pleased by your choice to “get back on the bus” in obedience and in faith.
An evangelist told the story of his friend who, during the depression, lost a job, a fortune, a wife and a home, but he held onto his faith because it was all he had left. One day, he stopped to watch some men building a stone church. One of the workers was chiseling a triangular piece of rock. “What are you going to do with that?” asked the friend. The workman said, “Do you see that little opening way up there near the spire? Well, I’m shaping this down here so that it will fit up there.” Tears filled the eyes of the broken man as he walked away. It seemed that God had spoken through the workman to explain the trials of his life.” God is using the trials here on earth to refine and purify us. In Colossians 1:11, the apostle Paul writes, “God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient!”
No matter where you are today, where you have been or what you are facing tomorrow, be patient, knowing your God will strengthen you to stand firm.
Let’s Pray
Father, please forgive me when I am impatient. Help me to see You at work in the trial and choose to depend on Your strength instead of my own. Help me to see Your purpose and plan but even if I can’t understand it all, help me to stand firm in faith. Lord, make me more patient so that others will see You in me.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Now It Is Your Turn
Read Romans 12:12 “Be patient when trouble comes.” What trouble in your life today requires patience? Are you willing to choose faith and obedience by trusting God with that trouble?
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14 “Be patient with everyone.” What relationship in your life demands patience from you? Evaluate how patient you have been in this relationship. What one thing do you need to change in order to choose obedience to God as you relate to this person?
Read Ephesians 4:2 ”Always be humble, gentle and patient.” Notice that patience is listed along with two other important qualities that God wants to see in us. How do you think patience relates to humility and gentleness?
More From The Girls
Sandpaper can be very useful or very painful…or both. When I think about patience, sandpaper always comes to mind. God uses the difficult people and painful trials in our life to teach us patience. We can choose to let those tough times painfully rub off the rough edges of our character or we can just choose to endure the pain time and time again. The only thing worse than learning from experience, is not learning from experience. I am right there with you, friend. I encourage you to check out my book, Sandpaper People, as a resource for those difficult relationships in your life. And something new! You can download an MP3 file of “Patience Pays Off” by visiting the online store of my website. Blessings!
******************************************************************************
Worth checking out! As soon as I'm able to get the book or down load, I will share!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
