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AWESOME DEVOTIONS: February 2008

Thursday, February 28, 2008

OUR FINAL BILL

I opened my email today and almost had a heart attack! My daughter's electric bill was in my email and it was over $200!! She had actually had a credit for the last several months so it came as quite a shock!

Of course, I immediately suspected the bill was in error so I called the electric company. After having to punch several buttons and then holding for quite a while, my frustration level was growing by the minute! I finally spoke to a representative who seemed to be frustrated that I had called about my bill! Well, after several minutes and frustration on both of our parts, she finally was able to explain that this was a correct bill! The bills from the months before had been estimates and now reality had set in - this was for actual usage!

After praying for God to help me calm down and relax - after all, it is only money!! - I started thinking about how there are people who live their lives like this bill - estimating on how it will turn out and then when the "final bill" comes, they have to face reality!

God is the only one who can give us a wonderful "final bill", the best reality we could ever ask for! Our salvation can only be found in Him! We don't have to guess what our "final bill" will be as long as we have Jesus as our Lord and Saviour!

Thank you, Lord, for giving us a glorious "final bill"! Thank you for giving us the assurance of a blessed eternity with You!

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

HELP RID ME OF ANGER!!

What a week this has been! I have had to deal with several issues, both dealing with family, and both that I am very uncomfortable with.

Both of these issues have made me face feelings that I thought I had dealt with yet I obviously have not because they are weighing so heavy on my mind. I realize that in both situations I still harbor a great deal of bitterness, anger, and resentment.

I am trying so hard to rid myself of these feelings yet it is so hard. I know that I cannot do it on my own. I know that God wants to rid me of these feelings and He is the only one that can help me!

Lord, please help me to deal with these situations in the way You would have me to. Help me to get rid of any bitterness, anger, and resentment that I feel. Help me to love those who I feel these feelings toward and show compassion towards them. Help me to show them Your love!!

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-2

Monday, February 25, 2008

READING HIS WORD DAILY

One of my New Year's resolutions was to read the Bible in its entirety. I had said before that I would do this but have to admit I never completed it. I started out like gangbusters this year - reading much more than the outline said to read daily. But then, once again, I stalled. I became discouraged and angry with myself.

Today when I was praying for God's word for my devotion today, He brought me to a book that is written by Billy Graham. In this book, Mr. Graham spoke of reading the Bible daily and the effect it has on our lives. After reading these words, I realized that many of the difficulties we have in life can be traced back to our lack of Bible reading and study. We shouldn't be content just to skim through a chapter merely to satisfy our conscience and say that we did it! We should thoroughly digest His word and hide it in our hearts! We are better off if we read a smaller portion daily but read it well than to just scan through a larger portion.

I realized I should not be discouraged if I don't read as much daily or if I don't truly understand it all. The Holy Spirit will enlighten me as I continue to read. Reading the Bible has a purifying effect on the body and mind.

Lord, help me to read your Word daily with an open heart and spirit. Help me not to be discouraged if I don't read as much as I think I should or if I don't understand it all. I know that You will lead me to the words You want me to read and to the understanding I need. Help me to grow in your Word daily.

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. Psalm 119:9

Friday, February 22, 2008

A PASTOR WITH GUTS!!

I received this prayer in an email today and it really touched my heart. The words are so true! It was given by a minister in Kansas at the opening session of the Kansas senate. Instead of the general prayer they usually receive, Reverend Joe Wright delivered this awesome prayer. I hope that you receive the same blessing from it as I did!


'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done.

We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.

We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.

We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.

We have killed our unborn and called it choice.

We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.

We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.

We have abused power and called it politics.

We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.

We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.

We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen!'

This pastor truly has courage to get up in front of the senate and pray these words! Lord, help us all to have the courage to stand up for what we know is right and for what You want us to do!

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

THE RIGHT WORDS TO SAY

A friend of mine is going through a really trying time. I don't even know all of the circumstances but I do know that she is hurting. I have tried so hard to be there for her through it all but sometimes I feel like I just don't say the right things, that I sound more like I am preaching.

Lord, give me the right words to say to her. Help me to let her know that even though I am not right beside her physically, I am beside her with my arms around her. Let me be able to show her how much I love her and how much You love her. Give me for the wisdom to know when to speak, what to say, and how to say it.

Lord, thank you for Your love, for your wisdom, for your patience. Help us to remember that no matter what we do, You are always there for us. Help us to show your love and patience to others when they are in need. Help us to always be a friend to others and not judge them, just love them.

A friend is a friend for all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

INTEREST EQUALS INVESTMENT

I was talking to a friend the other day and she said that she was going to referee at her child's game the next day. I thought about how much I missed those days! My daughter is now grown, a senior in college, and doesn't need me to do things like referee her games anymore. I used to love being team mom, chaperone, substitute teacher, driver, whatever was needed! I felt like I was making an investment in my daughter's life. Now I never go to any softball games, cheerleading competitions, or field trips. Why? Because as much as I miss doing these things with my daughter, I don't have an interest in these activities anymore since she no longer participates.

The principle of investment is pretty clear. We have an interest in those things which we have an investment. And the greater the investment, the greater the interest! While this principle holds true for worldly matters, it certainly holds true for spiritual matters as well.

The more we invest of our time, our talents, our prayers, our money into the works of the church, our interest in bound to grow. If your interest in the church is waning, maybe you should invest more of your time and energy to it. God was so interested in us that He invested His only son, Jesus Christ in us!

Thank you, Lord, for being so interested and invested in our lives. Help us to become more interested in You and your word!

For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Sunday, February 17, 2008

WISDOM OR WEALTH???

My daughter is in search of a new car. She loves her truck and will never get rid of it but in light of the high gas prices we are facing, getting about 9 miles to a gallon is getting a little old! She wants to find a cheap car just to get her around her college campus.

I was looking in the AutoTrader for her today and there were lots of cars to choose from. But it is so hard to pick which one would be better for her! Would a Honda, Ford, Chevrolet be the best? Would an older car with low miles or a newer car with more miles? So many choices! Which one would be best??

We are constantly examining items in our lives trying to decide which is better - which is the best fruit to buy at the market, which is the best house to buy, which is the best pair of jeans? We are always having to make decisions and try to make these decisions based on what we believe is bettter. I can't imagine anyone every saying "I am sure this is the worst item, so I'll take it!"

The book of Proverbs is filled with comparisons that point us toward the right things to do in life. The book was written to give us knowledge and wisdom based on the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 1:2 says: "for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;" and Proverbs 1:7 says: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

We should always seek what is better in God's eyes! Proverbs 16:16 says: How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding than silver and Proverbs 16:19 says: Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share the plunder with the crowd. Some people may be able to be both wise and wealthy, but if forced to choose between the two, it is clear that we should choose wisdom.

When God's word shapes our thinking and guides our choices, we will discover that His way is always better!

Lord, help us to look for the signs that You give us that say "This is better!" Help us to make the better choices You would have us make in every aspect of our lives!

Friday, February 15, 2008

STAY STRONG IN THE LORD

Discouragement has set in. Have you ever felt that no matter how hard you try at something, it just doesn't seem to be working? You feel like you are doing what God is telling you to do, following His commands, yet your plans don't seem to be working?

My friend, this is the devil working in you. If you truly are following God's word and following what you truly believe He wants you to do, you will succeed. And God will always be with you. 2Chronicles 2:17 says: You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.

God tells us He will give us success if we follow Him. 1Chronicles 23:12 says: Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the Lord gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

My friends, don't be discouraged if things are not exactly going how you had planned. God is with you and will take care of you. Stay strong in the Lord! Just remember the story of Job who was a very righteous man, who after losing everything and suffering from a terrible illness, never lost his trust in God. In Job 42:2, Job says: "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted."

Don't let anything that you believe is God'w will for you change your plans! Don't let discouragement stop you from doing what you truly believe is God's plan for your life!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

I KNOW WHO I AM!!

Do you ever wonder who you are, what you are supposed to do with your life?

The following verses can help you know just who you are and who you belong to!

I KNOW WHO I AM


I am God's child (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend (John 15:15)
I am united with the Lord(1 Cor. 6:17)
I am bought with a price(1 Cor. 6:19-20)
I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)
I am a personal witness of Christ (Acts 1:8)
I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt.5:13-14)
I am a member of the body of Christ(1 Cor 12:27)
I am free forever from condemnation (Rom. 8: 1-2)
I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil.3:20)
I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31-34)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God(2 Cor.5:17-21)
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6)
I cannot be separated from the love of God(Rom.8:35-39)
I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor.1:21-22)

I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8: 28)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)
I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5)
I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16).
I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)
I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).
I have been justified (Romans 5:1)
I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1).
I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)
I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected (Phil. 1:5)


I belong to God. Do you know who you are!?

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

WHAT IS THE JUNK FOOD IN YOUR LIFE?

I was craving some chocolate today, as I had been for several days. I finally broke down and bought a candy bar. I did not eat it all - only about half of it. Granted, it was a king size bar, but I usually don't have even that much will power not to eat the whole thing!

The amazing thing was that as good as it tasted to me within minutes I was craving more. I had filled myself up with junk but was still not satisfied!

The world is a lot like junk food. We fill ourselves up with junk - whether it be certain music, tv shows, some sites on the internet, certain magazines, anything that does not honor God and takes our "appetites" away from Him. What takes your "appetite" away from God?

Lord, help us to be more aware of the "junk" in our lives. Help us to fill our appetites with things that honor You and will keep us satisfied!


Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

Monday, February 11, 2008

TRUST IN GOD COMPLETELY

I am trying to make a major decision in my life and having trouble deciding what to do. I have been praying for answers as I try to make this decision. I have found a few steps that I think are helpful and I have tried to follow in this and every decision I make.

1. Get quiet. I find a place where it is quiet and I can relax and compose my thoughts.

2. I go to God for answers! Psalms 73:24 says: You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will take me into glory. God is the greatest counselor there is! His advice is better than any other advice you can receive. If you take His advice, how can you go wrong???

3. Truly listen to God's advice. You may not see anything in writing or actually hear someone talking, but you will hear His voice. God will tell you what to do. He may not tell you the minute you pray, He may not tell you tomorrow, but He will tell you what you need to hear when you need to hear it!!

4. Consciously condition your mind to allow correct thinking - the thinking of Christ. Phillipians 2:5 says: Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Think of what Jesus would do in the situation you are in.

5. Be patient. Don't hurry any decision. Wait until you truly hear what God is trying to tell you.

6. Thank God for giving you the right answer because He truly is giving you the right answer! You will have a peace about you when you have followed God's advice and done as He has told you to do.

7. When you have received the answer to your problem from God, trust it completely! Do not doubt the answer. Do not look back and think about what you might have done. Take the answer with faith! Know that you have sought God's advice and that you can trust Him completely! Know that God will see you through all your problems!

Although I sometimes have difficulty making decisions and not looking back and questioning myself, I do find that when I go to God for answers and follow His advice completely and without doubt, things truly work out for the best!

Friday, February 8, 2008

WHAT ANGERS YOU?

Have you ever known a person who is always angry about something? It may be that the car in front of them is going to slow or that the drive-thru at McDonalds didn't get their order right or that the checkout lane at the grocery store is moving way too slow. These minor incidents can ruin some people's day. You wonder what is going to make them angry or upset next!

But if we are truthful with ourselves, not only do we know people like this, we ourselves can find ourselves upset over things that don't really matter. We don't like this trait in others so it probably is not a great trait in ourselves, either!

If you have to be upset or angry about something, why not be upset over things that really matter instead of getting angry and upset over trivial things. Things like people who are hungry and have no food, people who are homeless and have no place to lay their head at night, people who are sick and have no insurance or money to be able to go to the doctor, people who are dying without the knowledge of Jesus Christ!!

Lord, instead of being angry and upset over trivial things, help us to adjust our priorities and to make a difference in the lives of others in ways that really matter. Help us to lead others to you! Help us to be patient with others and control our anger and show others your love.

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:19-20

Thursday, February 7, 2008

JESUS MAKES US NEW AGAIN!

Every four to six weeks, I am forced to "wash the gray right out of my hair"! Today as I was completing this task that makes me feel so old, I began thinking of how lucky we are that Jesus washed our sins away when He died on the cross for us and makes us new again. All we need to do is ask Jesus into our lives and our sins are washed away! It doesn't mean we won't sin again - none of us are perfect. But it does mean that Jesus is always with us. We do need to ask Jesus for forgiveness for our sins but He will always be with us.

Unlike washing the gray out of my hair that makes me feel so old, Jesus makes me feel so new! Every day is a new day with Jesus! Every day is sweeter than the day before! I can see the gray hairs that I hate and wash away. But even though I cannot see Jesus, He fills me with such joy and peace!

Thank you, Lord, for washing away my sins and making me new again!


Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1Peter 1:8-9

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

THE MANY GIFTS OF LOVE

Being a Christian comes with many responsibilities. One of these responsibilities is to love one another. Our Christian conduct is proof as to whether we love each other. By loving our fellow human beings and showing our love, we show that we belong to Jesus Christ.

It is not always easy to love our fellow human beings, however! We can become jealous, resentful, irritable, selfish, mean spirited. We can hold grudges against others. None of these traits show love for each other.

But there are many gifts that come from love. Some of these gifts are forgiveness, patience, kindess, justice, loyalty, truth, honesty, and belief in a person no matter what.

Sometimes it is much easier to "not" love others, but in order to follow God's word, we must love one another!

Lord, help us to love one another, no matter the circumstances. Help us to not be jealous, spiteful, mean spirited, resentful. Help us to be patient, loving, forgiving towards one another. Thank you, Lord, that You love us no matter our faults!

So I am now giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

LET IT RAIN!

It is pouring down rain today with thunderstorms. I am disappointed because I had some things I wanted to do but now don't feel like going out at all with the weather.

But when it rains like this, I realize that even though my plans may be changed because of the weather, I am truly blessed. I have a roof over my head that keeps me warm and dry. God has truly blessed me. I have a bed that I can curl up in at night and feel safe and warm. I have food that nourishes my body. I have clothes to wear.

And when I think about it, there are certainly things I needed to do inside my home today that I would have put off if it had not rained. So thank you, Lord, for the rain and for changing my plans!

Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful rain. Thank you the roof over my head that you have given me to protect me from the rain. Thank you for all the many blessings you have given me! Forgive me for complaining when the weather doesn't fit my plans - it fits your plans - and Your plans are perfect!

God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:40



RAIN DOWN ON ME - POINT OF GRACE

Monday, February 4, 2008

KEEP THE FORK - THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

A friend of mine sent this to me today. I haven't seen her in so very long but she is so close to my heart. This really touched me and I hope it does you, too!

A Woman and a Fork

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. So as she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her Pastor and had him come to her house to discuss certain aspects of her final wishes.

She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something very important to her. "There's one more thing," she said excitedly. "What's that?" came the Pastor's reply. "This is very important," the young woman continued. "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."

The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.
That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked. "Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the Pastor.

The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming... like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!' So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?" Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork the best is yet to come."

The Pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the Pastor heard the question, "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled. During his message, the Pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her. He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right.

So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently, that the best is yet to come. Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their hearts to us. Show your friends how much you care. Remember to always be there for them, even when you need them more. For you never know when it may be their time to "Keep their fork." Cherish the time you have, and the memories you share... being friends with someone is not an opportunity but a sweet responsibility.

Thank you, Lord, for my friends that I cherish so much! And thank you, Lord, for the blessed assurance that the best is yet to come!!

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring under his control, will tranform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Phillipians 3:20-21

Friday, February 1, 2008

THE PROBLEM WITH PAIN!

The problem with pain is that it comes in many forms. Physical pain, emotional pain, financial pain. It can test us to our limits. Pain can overwhelm us at times and plunge us into deep discouragement and despair. We often wonder if we can handle the pain any longer - it is there in the morning, at night - unrelentless pain!

It truly is possible to handle such pain. Sometimes we are so overwhelmed by the pain it seems that we can't even pray. But God is present, close and caring, even if we are unable to ask for His help. He can and will get us through the pain.

God will provide friends to encourage us and pray for us. He will provide doctors and medicines to help heal us. He will give us the faith and strength to conquer whatever we face! In our worst moments, shattered by pain in body, mind and spirit, God has promised not to leave us alone or without comfort.

Thank you, Lord, that in the midst of the pain You are always there to give us the strength to get us through the pain. Thank you for the friends, the doctors, and the courage You give us!

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE - POINT OF GRACE