"And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright-words of truth. the words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all" ~Ecc 12:9-13~
Ever had a crazy week? Schedules wide open for every family member? This has been my week! We have been wide open for the last 7 days, and still have some busy days ahead. It's been good things, fun to enjoy, but excessive busyness can divert our mind away from God.
Ecclesiastes is a unique book, great at moments, difficult to read in spots. Solomon, the wisest many that ever lived, wrote this book in his search for what life is really all about. And here in the last few verses, he sums up what God has taught him on this journey to find purpose: God & His commandments are our ALL.
My devotion today was so good, redirecting my thoughts back to "my All", Jesus. She described her day alot like my week has been. She showed up to the airport, in a mad dash, exhausted, hoping for a moment's peace before boarding her plane. But the Holy Spirit let her path cross a young lady in need of a word. This young lady was on a spiritual journey, searching for something, not sure what. God led Joni there to be sure that journey led Jane to Christ.
You and I are God's mouth piece, we are His workman. It's not just preachers that should study, and share knowledge from the scripture. You and I are called to do that too, everyday, everywhere, everyone we meet. Actually, everyone we meet is already on a spiritual journey, they may not even know it. They are either headed for heaven or hell. God sends you & me there to lead their path to Christ.
Even when you're weary, stop to share a word of encouragement to someone. Use technology for God's favor! Text or call or email someone a verse, a prayer, or a note to remind them God loves them. Be alert for "divine appointments" with complete strangers, even when you're rushed- in line at the grocery store, in an aisle at Wal-Mart, in a bleacher at the ballgame. It may turn out to be one of God's greatest blessings to you both. And, as Joni reminded me today, my few moments of rest are nothing compared to the eternal destiny of one restless lost soul.
"Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not"
II Tim 4:2
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Provoke Love
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" ~Eph 6:4~
This verse goes for us mothers, too. Have you seen a change in your child lately? Pray over it, talk to him / her. Don't just turn a blind eye to it, dig into the matter. But be cautious how you approach it. As difficult as it is, you and I are to be the examples of Christ's love to our children. We are to be the physical display of Our Heavenly Father's unfailing love, His never-ending support.
Do our children know we love them unconditionally? Do we speak to them in short, aggravated phrases, or raise our voice often in frustration? Do we separate the mistakes they make from the person God has called them to be in our mind? Do we look at them through the eyes of Jesus? Or do we see them as a check-list, something to just get finished with, to tolerate, or even as a disappointment because they failed to meet the standard? Do we look into their precious eyes everyday, to connect the sweet child within?
If illness or an accident took them home from us today, what would we regret most? Would we have peace that they knew our heart, and the love shared between parent and child? Or would we struggle to remember the last time we even hugged them?
Sometimes we provoke our children when our life doesn't hold up the example we preach to them.
Either way, our children are God's gift to us, our reward. Don't let the devil make you forget that sweet baby that once nuzzled close on your neck, and the bond created over all these years. Take the hard road less traveled. Stay close to your kids. Raise them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward" ~Ps 127:3~
This verse goes for us mothers, too. Have you seen a change in your child lately? Pray over it, talk to him / her. Don't just turn a blind eye to it, dig into the matter. But be cautious how you approach it. As difficult as it is, you and I are to be the examples of Christ's love to our children. We are to be the physical display of Our Heavenly Father's unfailing love, His never-ending support.
Do our children know we love them unconditionally? Do we speak to them in short, aggravated phrases, or raise our voice often in frustration? Do we separate the mistakes they make from the person God has called them to be in our mind? Do we look at them through the eyes of Jesus? Or do we see them as a check-list, something to just get finished with, to tolerate, or even as a disappointment because they failed to meet the standard? Do we look into their precious eyes everyday, to connect the sweet child within?
If illness or an accident took them home from us today, what would we regret most? Would we have peace that they knew our heart, and the love shared between parent and child? Or would we struggle to remember the last time we even hugged them?
Sometimes we provoke our children when our life doesn't hold up the example we preach to them.
Either way, our children are God's gift to us, our reward. Don't let the devil make you forget that sweet baby that once nuzzled close on your neck, and the bond created over all these years. Take the hard road less traveled. Stay close to your kids. Raise them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward" ~Ps 127:3~
Monday, October 26, 2009
You Complete Me
"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power" ~Col 2:9-10~
Have you ever seen the movie Jerry McGuire? Remember that scene, toword the end, when he goes back to get his girl? He begins this long soliloquy, how he began to understand his feelings for her, to fall in love with her, what drew him to her and then he ends it with, "You complete me".
I look back over my life the last few years, and realize this is the story between me and God. He has worked overtime to care for me, to bless me, to love me when my love for Him was humanly half-hearted. He has stood in the background, cheering my victories, crying over my defeats, and rising with vigor to fight my enemies, and always careful to fill my heart with hope to keep striving. He has stayed in my corner, regardless of how silly I looked, how unbelievable my dreams were to everyone around. I know I've needed Him, I depended on Him constantly, knew I couldn't make it without Him. ..... But I've just realized how much He completes me.
No human could ever complete me like He does. No person could ever make me as happy. No one could be so quick to forgive me, and overlook my many faults, always seeing the best in me. No friend could ever be this loyal. No significant other could ever love me this deeply. No bond could make me feel so safe and secure. No presence could ever make me feel such peace regardless of the storm around me. No other would dare to believe in me so much, to care about my deepest desires and dreams, to have unfailing confidence in me to achieve difficult tasks. No other being could fill me with hope and help me to enjoy life, except Him. No other piece could fit my puzzle like God.
Jesus, You complete me. I'm sorry it took me so long to see the depth of this love we share. I love You.
And, I'm sure, just like the girl in the movie...I had Your heart and undivided attention with just my "Hello"...
Have you ever seen the movie Jerry McGuire? Remember that scene, toword the end, when he goes back to get his girl? He begins this long soliloquy, how he began to understand his feelings for her, to fall in love with her, what drew him to her and then he ends it with, "You complete me".
I look back over my life the last few years, and realize this is the story between me and God. He has worked overtime to care for me, to bless me, to love me when my love for Him was humanly half-hearted. He has stood in the background, cheering my victories, crying over my defeats, and rising with vigor to fight my enemies, and always careful to fill my heart with hope to keep striving. He has stayed in my corner, regardless of how silly I looked, how unbelievable my dreams were to everyone around. I know I've needed Him, I depended on Him constantly, knew I couldn't make it without Him. ..... But I've just realized how much He completes me.
No human could ever complete me like He does. No person could ever make me as happy. No one could be so quick to forgive me, and overlook my many faults, always seeing the best in me. No friend could ever be this loyal. No significant other could ever love me this deeply. No bond could make me feel so safe and secure. No presence could ever make me feel such peace regardless of the storm around me. No other would dare to believe in me so much, to care about my deepest desires and dreams, to have unfailing confidence in me to achieve difficult tasks. No other being could fill me with hope and help me to enjoy life, except Him. No other piece could fit my puzzle like God.
Jesus, You complete me. I'm sorry it took me so long to see the depth of this love we share. I love You.
And, I'm sure, just like the girl in the movie...I had Your heart and undivided attention with just my "Hello"...
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Blossom
"The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice. Even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, the excellency of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Says to those who are fearful-hearted, 'Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you." ~Is 35:1-4~
How do we blossom as the rose? When our life has resembled a wasteland, a wilderness of wandering, searching, dry as the desert...how can we blossom abundantly, and sing and rejoice? How?.... Jesus.
It is only by the power of Jesus, the sweet protective, forgiving hand of God Almighty that we have persevered and overcome, are still overcoming day by day. It is only by focusing on the blessings in the middle of our storms that we can find His divine hand in the midst of it all...He was always there, all along. He IS here, always. When we see, and realize this, we want others to see it too...
How can we make the barren body of Christ blossom? By strengthening the hands of those weaker than us. By wrapping our arms around them and helping them push forward when they have lost the strength to reach for themselves. By holding up feeble knees...knees of a dear person, whose life has been wounded by the enemy, scarred by sin, devoid of hope,... lost.
Last night I watched the forgiveness of Christ between the victim & a drunk driver. I was humbled to witness that victim lead that driver to accept Jesus as personal Lord and Savior...only God can do this.
Only He can forgive the unforgiveable. Only He can save the unsavable. Only He can repair broken hearts and rebuild wasted lives. Only He can lift depressed spirits. Only He can fill a heart with hope. Only He can save an entire family in the process, and give some kids a future. Only He can make the desert blossom like a rose.
I'm so thankful He sent folks to hold me up along the way. Reach out to hurting people! They need you! They need the Lord! They need YOU to CARRY them to the Lord!
Let Him blossom through you.
How do we blossom as the rose? When our life has resembled a wasteland, a wilderness of wandering, searching, dry as the desert...how can we blossom abundantly, and sing and rejoice? How?.... Jesus.
It is only by the power of Jesus, the sweet protective, forgiving hand of God Almighty that we have persevered and overcome, are still overcoming day by day. It is only by focusing on the blessings in the middle of our storms that we can find His divine hand in the midst of it all...He was always there, all along. He IS here, always. When we see, and realize this, we want others to see it too...
How can we make the barren body of Christ blossom? By strengthening the hands of those weaker than us. By wrapping our arms around them and helping them push forward when they have lost the strength to reach for themselves. By holding up feeble knees...knees of a dear person, whose life has been wounded by the enemy, scarred by sin, devoid of hope,... lost.
Last night I watched the forgiveness of Christ between the victim & a drunk driver. I was humbled to witness that victim lead that driver to accept Jesus as personal Lord and Savior...only God can do this.
Only He can forgive the unforgiveable. Only He can save the unsavable. Only He can repair broken hearts and rebuild wasted lives. Only He can lift depressed spirits. Only He can fill a heart with hope. Only He can save an entire family in the process, and give some kids a future. Only He can make the desert blossom like a rose.
I'm so thankful He sent folks to hold me up along the way. Reach out to hurting people! They need you! They need the Lord! They need YOU to CARRY them to the Lord!
Let Him blossom through you.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Choice
"And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" ~Josh 24:15~
We often overlook one power we have...we have the power of choice. We may live in a land that is not always Christian based, but we can still choose to live our life with Christ first. We may have come from a family that lacked Godly women to teach us, or Godly men to lead us...but we can choose to break that heritage. We don't have to be victim to the gods of lies and bonds our parents served. We can choose to hand down a better legacy to our children. We can become students of the Bible, and teach them to our children as we walk, as we talk, as we lie down, and as we rise up (Deut 6:7).
And, we may not be in the greatest circumstances at this moment. We may be in a situation we did not choose. We may even detest the things we presently have to face each day. But guess who did choose this for us? God. He allowed us to be here, even if it's the result of our own poor choices or the choices of others. He still allowed it. And because we know God, we can trust He has a purpose for us being here. There is a reason that He allows us to face these daily stresses. We can trust that if He has us here, the end will be good because all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord, and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).
So once again, we can choose. We are not bound to a dreadful future without hope. We are promised the greatest hope of all. We can get up every day determined to beat the odds, to persevere with a positive attitude, to be grateful for the blessings in the midst of the storm, and focused on encouragement--both to receive it, and to give it! We can choose to worship while we wait for things to be different, to be better.
Our faith is strengthened here, believing with all hope in the things unseen. We do not serve a God of evil, but a God of love, even in the darkest of days. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"
We often overlook one power we have...we have the power of choice. We may live in a land that is not always Christian based, but we can still choose to live our life with Christ first. We may have come from a family that lacked Godly women to teach us, or Godly men to lead us...but we can choose to break that heritage. We don't have to be victim to the gods of lies and bonds our parents served. We can choose to hand down a better legacy to our children. We can become students of the Bible, and teach them to our children as we walk, as we talk, as we lie down, and as we rise up (Deut 6:7).
And, we may not be in the greatest circumstances at this moment. We may be in a situation we did not choose. We may even detest the things we presently have to face each day. But guess who did choose this for us? God. He allowed us to be here, even if it's the result of our own poor choices or the choices of others. He still allowed it. And because we know God, we can trust He has a purpose for us being here. There is a reason that He allows us to face these daily stresses. We can trust that if He has us here, the end will be good because all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord, and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).
So once again, we can choose. We are not bound to a dreadful future without hope. We are promised the greatest hope of all. We can get up every day determined to beat the odds, to persevere with a positive attitude, to be grateful for the blessings in the midst of the storm, and focused on encouragement--both to receive it, and to give it! We can choose to worship while we wait for things to be different, to be better.
Our faith is strengthened here, believing with all hope in the things unseen. We do not serve a God of evil, but a God of love, even in the darkest of days. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"
Monday, October 19, 2009
Filled
"Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things! And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen." ~Ps 72:18-19~
Friday was a busy day. Get through with work, and then get ready for the Women's Prayer group meeting at my house that night. This was our third monthly gathering. We rotate hosting them in our homes. It's exciting for God's girls to get together! It fills such and important need in my life. The warmth of the home setting-Sharing food, laughs, prayers, and tears. Such a strengthening experience! To be in the midst of such love!
I can surely tell our bonds are growing stronger, our friendships growing deeper. Bro. Scott had such a good message yesterday, from Ecc 4:9-12, about the value of a Godly companion. We all fall down, and we all need someone to help us up. We all grow cold at times, and need the warmth of a friend's love. There is much more kingdom work done by 2 or 3 than 1 could ever do alone, and there is a much greater reward for their labor together. A two-strand cannot be overpowered, and a three-strand cannot be easily broken.
Get involved in your local church. Find a body of believers to walk beside you on this journey of faith. As you grow, you will be as big of an encouragement to others as they are to you. We ALL need the Lord, and we all need each other. Find a place to love on somebody! Be filled with His Spirit.
Friday was a busy day. Get through with work, and then get ready for the Women's Prayer group meeting at my house that night. This was our third monthly gathering. We rotate hosting them in our homes. It's exciting for God's girls to get together! It fills such and important need in my life. The warmth of the home setting-Sharing food, laughs, prayers, and tears. Such a strengthening experience! To be in the midst of such love!
I can surely tell our bonds are growing stronger, our friendships growing deeper. Bro. Scott had such a good message yesterday, from Ecc 4:9-12, about the value of a Godly companion. We all fall down, and we all need someone to help us up. We all grow cold at times, and need the warmth of a friend's love. There is much more kingdom work done by 2 or 3 than 1 could ever do alone, and there is a much greater reward for their labor together. A two-strand cannot be overpowered, and a three-strand cannot be easily broken.
Get involved in your local church. Find a body of believers to walk beside you on this journey of faith. As you grow, you will be as big of an encouragement to others as they are to you. We ALL need the Lord, and we all need each other. Find a place to love on somebody! Be filled with His Spirit.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
A New Song
"Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy" ~Ps 33:3~
Play...play and have fun! Enjoy life with a shout of joy! Begin today...sing a new song to your God. Let your life sing Him a new song of the purest thanksgiving and excitement to be His child! Live like you are the child of a king...because you are! Live life on purpose...live skillfully! Live, love, laugh, run, play, dance, sing...spill out His love on everyone you come in contact with.
"He has put a new song in my mouth--Praise to uor God! Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord" ~Ps 40:3~
Play...play and have fun! Enjoy life with a shout of joy! Begin today...sing a new song to your God. Let your life sing Him a new song of the purest thanksgiving and excitement to be His child! Live like you are the child of a king...because you are! Live life on purpose...live skillfully! Live, love, laugh, run, play, dance, sing...spill out His love on everyone you come in contact with.
"He has put a new song in my mouth--Praise to uor God! Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord" ~Ps 40:3~
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
The Power of Christ Upon You
"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" ~II Corinth 12:9~
I'm telling you, when the enemy comes, he leaves no stone unturned! He can make me feel weak in the knees, and without hope to crawl out of the bed sometimes. But you know, he is not all powerful and he does not have the last word on my life! When I'm at my weakest, ready to throw in the towel and give up, something surges from deep within me...subtle at first, just enough strength to reach for my Bible while still in bed, my soul searching to be filled. And then He takes over with, pulling me toward hope's light once again. A sigh with just enough strength to pull out of bed, then just enough to get ready, slowly. A few tears wiped away, put some make up now...make myself smile...better. Focus on today's tasks. Better yet, focus on what God's voice is telling me. Meet someone else's need, trusting Him to meet my own.
Rebuke the devil in the name of Jesus Christ! He must flee from you. God's grace is sufficient for you and me, one day at a time, one task at a time. When I'm at my weakest, the power of Christ rests upon me...and there's never a time I'm stronger!
I'm telling you, when the enemy comes, he leaves no stone unturned! He can make me feel weak in the knees, and without hope to crawl out of the bed sometimes. But you know, he is not all powerful and he does not have the last word on my life! When I'm at my weakest, ready to throw in the towel and give up, something surges from deep within me...subtle at first, just enough strength to reach for my Bible while still in bed, my soul searching to be filled. And then He takes over with, pulling me toward hope's light once again. A sigh with just enough strength to pull out of bed, then just enough to get ready, slowly. A few tears wiped away, put some make up now...make myself smile...better. Focus on today's tasks. Better yet, focus on what God's voice is telling me. Meet someone else's need, trusting Him to meet my own.
Rebuke the devil in the name of Jesus Christ! He must flee from you. God's grace is sufficient for you and me, one day at a time, one task at a time. When I'm at my weakest, the power of Christ rests upon me...and there's never a time I'm stronger!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Ponder
"Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established."
What has God set before me? What am I overlooking? Lord, don't let the devil deceive me into believing his pastures are greener than the blessings You have for me. Keep my mind focused on You and the way You have chosen for me. Let my heart be filled to overflowing with the joy of Your way for my life. Let me be so content and enraptured with Your love and what You have for me, I don't even notice the things around me the devil would use. The things he sends only bring confusion, discontentment, and destruction in the end. Your ways are much higher than my ways, Your thoughts are much greater than mine. You see ahead. You always know best.
"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life" ~Prov 4:23~
"For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths" ~Prov 5:21~
What has God set before me? What am I overlooking? Lord, don't let the devil deceive me into believing his pastures are greener than the blessings You have for me. Keep my mind focused on You and the way You have chosen for me. Let my heart be filled to overflowing with the joy of Your way for my life. Let me be so content and enraptured with Your love and what You have for me, I don't even notice the things around me the devil would use. The things he sends only bring confusion, discontentment, and destruction in the end. Your ways are much higher than my ways, Your thoughts are much greater than mine. You see ahead. You always know best.
"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life" ~Prov 4:23~
"For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths" ~Prov 5:21~
Friday, October 9, 2009
Drawing From the Well
"Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation" ~Is 12:3~
I love it when the Lord follows a really stressful day with a peaceful day full of joy. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it most.
Looking back over this year, I'm amazed how abundantly He has met our needs. He even met many of our wants. He protected us from countless things. Strengthened us to endure many others. Wow. What a testimony 2009 holds for God Almighty already, and I see even more ahead before this year is complete.
Reading the prayer of Jabez last night, the author focused on one phrase: Fill me with Your Spirit! What a pleading cry for us, even at the end of a long hard day. Refill me Lord, when I'm all used up and empty and think there is not another drop left to give. Refill me with Your Spirit! That's one request that He always grants, quickly and completely.
He is our well of salvation. From Him, we can draw waters of replenishing joy.
I love it when the Lord follows a really stressful day with a peaceful day full of joy. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it most.
Looking back over this year, I'm amazed how abundantly He has met our needs. He even met many of our wants. He protected us from countless things. Strengthened us to endure many others. Wow. What a testimony 2009 holds for God Almighty already, and I see even more ahead before this year is complete.
Reading the prayer of Jabez last night, the author focused on one phrase: Fill me with Your Spirit! What a pleading cry for us, even at the end of a long hard day. Refill me Lord, when I'm all used up and empty and think there is not another drop left to give. Refill me with Your Spirit! That's one request that He always grants, quickly and completely.
He is our well of salvation. From Him, we can draw waters of replenishing joy.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Be Blessed
"Now the Lord had said to Abram: 'Get out of your country, from your family and from your fathers' house to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing" ~Gen 12:2~
The promise to Abraham is the promise to us too. We are the seed of Abraham, and we can inherit the promise. When satan battles us with discouragement, we can count our blessings and claim them into existence, even the ones we cannot see yet. We can focus on what He has set right before us, rather than on what is just outside our reach. It's a choice to let God rule our spirit and mind, to let Him use us every day to bring blessings to others around us.
Sometimes the enemy fights us hard! But you can bet the times of your greatest battles to claim your blessings are moments you are the closest to receiving them! When satan sees God lining up a delivery with your name on it, he tries to get you out of line so you won't receive it.
Don't let the devil rob you of your blessing! Stand up and claim today for the Lord! Both to receive whatever He has in store for you, and to be the blessing He has in store for someone else.
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going"
~Heb 11:8~
"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified" ~Acts 20:32~
The promise to Abraham is the promise to us too. We are the seed of Abraham, and we can inherit the promise. When satan battles us with discouragement, we can count our blessings and claim them into existence, even the ones we cannot see yet. We can focus on what He has set right before us, rather than on what is just outside our reach. It's a choice to let God rule our spirit and mind, to let Him use us every day to bring blessings to others around us.
Sometimes the enemy fights us hard! But you can bet the times of your greatest battles to claim your blessings are moments you are the closest to receiving them! When satan sees God lining up a delivery with your name on it, he tries to get you out of line so you won't receive it.
Don't let the devil rob you of your blessing! Stand up and claim today for the Lord! Both to receive whatever He has in store for you, and to be the blessing He has in store for someone else.
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going"
~Heb 11:8~
"So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified" ~Acts 20:32~
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Diligently Rich
"He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich" ~Prov 10:4~
God has really taught me some lessons about diligence over the last 2 yrs. Yes, this verse can mean literally a person who works, verses a person that will not work. But it can also mean other areas of our life.
What has God placed on your heart and mind lately? It may be a visit to someone, a call or a card that you need to deliver. It may be a class or job change you need to pursue. It may be a change in your schedule or your attitude to bring more peace. It may be cleaning out clutter in your home to make your life less stressed. It may be going through old pictures, to organize and file away the former things, and make room for new memories.
A slack hand will leave you poor in the very area God is trying to lead you to richness in. Whatever He has led you to do, be diligent to see it through to completion. You can bet there is kingdom value to it, for you and others!
God has really taught me some lessons about diligence over the last 2 yrs. Yes, this verse can mean literally a person who works, verses a person that will not work. But it can also mean other areas of our life.
What has God placed on your heart and mind lately? It may be a visit to someone, a call or a card that you need to deliver. It may be a class or job change you need to pursue. It may be a change in your schedule or your attitude to bring more peace. It may be cleaning out clutter in your home to make your life less stressed. It may be going through old pictures, to organize and file away the former things, and make room for new memories.
A slack hand will leave you poor in the very area God is trying to lead you to richness in. Whatever He has led you to do, be diligent to see it through to completion. You can bet there is kingdom value to it, for you and others!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Today
"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it" ~Ps 118:24~
Today is here...we made it! We have the beautiful gift of today. We can't do anything about yesterdays mistakes, or missed opportunities, they are history. Tomorrow may never come, just as it didn't come for one man's mother in our church...she passed away in the night last night. But today is here now.
Today, we have life within our body. Today we have a clear mind to make new and better decisions than yesterday. Today we have breath to praise the Lord. Today is His gift to us. Today His presence is with us, His mercies are new this morning. Today, He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Lord, thank you for my today with You. I choose to rejoice and be glad in my today.
Today is here...we made it! We have the beautiful gift of today. We can't do anything about yesterdays mistakes, or missed opportunities, they are history. Tomorrow may never come, just as it didn't come for one man's mother in our church...she passed away in the night last night. But today is here now.
Today, we have life within our body. Today we have a clear mind to make new and better decisions than yesterday. Today we have breath to praise the Lord. Today is His gift to us. Today His presence is with us, His mercies are new this morning. Today, He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Lord, thank you for my today with You. I choose to rejoice and be glad in my today.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Not So Serious!
"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy" ~I Tim 6:17~
I had a funny thing happen to me Thursday and Friday. Well, we made ourselves laugh about it to keep me from crying. Ever tried something new? Only to realize that you made the wrong choice? Well, that happened to me. (aka hair color!)I looked back over Thursday and asked God, "Hey, You usually warn me of these things--did I miss something?" But by Saturday, I realized that God absolutely allowed that, He wants me to loosen up a little, quit taking myself so seriously. He allowed me to look a little silly and laugh instead of crying. Things have been way to serious in our community and church lately, lots of sickness, injury, other problems...they needed a good laugh, and so did I! Even if it was at my expense!
It's a growing process to be able to laugh at your own blunders. Every since my divorce 2 & half years ago, I've struggled to regain the confidence I used to have. God has been pushing me further and further to overcome this area. He reminds me that I really am something kind of silly, and awkward, and lanky...nothing to be haughty and prideful in my own existence. But He is beautiful, and graceful, and strong. I don't possess one thing that could stand the test of time, all my own riches and resources are uncertain at best. But the Living God that dwells within me fills me with riches to enjoy. In Him, I can be bold, and confident, and enjoy all things without hesitation.
Jesus Christ is the source of my strength, I never have to rely on my own ability. Through Him, I can be confident to step into the life He has for me...serious about His purpose for me, but not so serious about myself! It's good to laugh, it's good to live and enjoy!
"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations,'The Lord has done great things for them!' The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad!" ~Ps 126:2-3"
I had a funny thing happen to me Thursday and Friday. Well, we made ourselves laugh about it to keep me from crying. Ever tried something new? Only to realize that you made the wrong choice? Well, that happened to me. (aka hair color!)I looked back over Thursday and asked God, "Hey, You usually warn me of these things--did I miss something?" But by Saturday, I realized that God absolutely allowed that, He wants me to loosen up a little, quit taking myself so seriously. He allowed me to look a little silly and laugh instead of crying. Things have been way to serious in our community and church lately, lots of sickness, injury, other problems...they needed a good laugh, and so did I! Even if it was at my expense!
It's a growing process to be able to laugh at your own blunders. Every since my divorce 2 & half years ago, I've struggled to regain the confidence I used to have. God has been pushing me further and further to overcome this area. He reminds me that I really am something kind of silly, and awkward, and lanky...nothing to be haughty and prideful in my own existence. But He is beautiful, and graceful, and strong. I don't possess one thing that could stand the test of time, all my own riches and resources are uncertain at best. But the Living God that dwells within me fills me with riches to enjoy. In Him, I can be bold, and confident, and enjoy all things without hesitation.
Jesus Christ is the source of my strength, I never have to rely on my own ability. Through Him, I can be confident to step into the life He has for me...serious about His purpose for me, but not so serious about myself! It's good to laugh, it's good to live and enjoy!
"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations,'The Lord has done great things for them!' The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad!" ~Ps 126:2-3"
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Hear Me in the Morning
"My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up." ~Ps 5:3~
How would I even get through the day without You, Lord? There isn't enough strength or courage within me to face the snares of the enemy all day long. I seek to know that You are with me, guiding my footsteps, making my path way clear. I need You to protect my mind from confusion that the devil would bring. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation! Fill my heart with hope and my life with purpose. Keep me from evil that I might not cause You pain. Focus my thoughts on You and Your kingdom's work all the day long.
"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You" ~Ps 51:12-13~
How would I even get through the day without You, Lord? There isn't enough strength or courage within me to face the snares of the enemy all day long. I seek to know that You are with me, guiding my footsteps, making my path way clear. I need You to protect my mind from confusion that the devil would bring. Restore unto me the joy of my salvation! Fill my heart with hope and my life with purpose. Keep me from evil that I might not cause You pain. Focus my thoughts on You and Your kingdom's work all the day long.
"Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You" ~Ps 51:12-13~
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