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AWESOME DEVOTIONS: 2009

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Let God Be Your Snuggie

It is only six days until Christmas! It seems like it has come so fast. Even in the cold and snow, everyone is out trying to finish the last of the shopping, looking for that perfect gift. And it feels like everywhere you look, at every store, every commercial on TV, there are racks of Snuggies. Snuggies are apparently THE GIFT of the year for people and pets!

In case you have been hiding under a rock and haven't heard of Snuggies, they are the blankets with arms that you can wear to keep warm and still do other things with your hands! They come in adult sizes, kid sizes, pet sizes. They come in all different colors and prints. They even come in your favorite football teams colors. And they are everywhere! Everyone seems to be making fun of them but they are apparently selling like crazy. People are just embarrassed to admit how much they love Snuggies!

When I look at the Snuggie, I think of how God wraps His arms around us and keeps us warm and safe! God loves each of us no matter our colors, our sizes, our past - He loves us all! And we don't have to be embarrassed by our love for God! We should be out shouting his praises and thanking Him for his love for us.

Lord, thank you for your love and protection. Thank you for wrapping your arms around us and keeping us safe. We love you, Lord. Let us never be ashamed to shout out loud our praises to you and our thanks to you!

Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Psalm 71:3

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Out of My Comfort Zone

Tomorrow night I am going to a Christmas dinner with my Hopekeeper's group. I am really looking forward to all the good food and fellowship! I am nervous, however. I have been asked to speak at the dinner. Anyone who knows me knows I love to talk! But I am not used to standing up in front of people and talking. What do I say? What do I talk about?

I have been praying for God's guidance on what He wants me to talk about. I am still not real sure but He is planting seeds in my mind and heart. I have decided not to worry about it, not to write down notes, not to memorize anything. I am just going to get up and say whatever God leads me to say! I know He will give me the right words.

Getting out of our comfort zone can very difficult. It is hard sometimes to meet new people, start a new job, do anything out of the ordinary for us. But who knows what we may be missing by not getting out of our comfort zone and by staying in the same routine we are always in? We may be missing blessings God has for us by refusing to step out of our comfort zone. And we may be causing others to miss God's blessings.

Jimmy Carter once said "Go out on the limb. That is where the fruit is." That is what I intend to do tomorrow. I am going to go on the limb, way out of my comfort zone, and see what blessings God has in store for me!

Lord, please help us to get out of our comfort zone and truly receive the blessings you have for us. Give us the courage and strength we need to get out of our comfort zone. I thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to speak tomorrow. Please give me the courage that I need to speak and I pray for the words you would have me say.

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Psalm 119: 130-131

Monday, December 7, 2009

Don't Be Blind to God's Works!

It seems like there has been so much tragedy and illness in our community lately and with people I know and love. There have been tragic deaths, injuries, illnesses. We try to help others in need but often they say "I don't need help. God is in control. He will help me."

Well, that brings to mind a story of a man who was sitting on his roof during a flood. First, a boat came by to take him to safety. He refused help and said he trusted God to save him. Next, another boat came by and tried to take him to safety. He again refused and gave the same response. Finally, a helicopter came and tried to take him to safety. Again he refused, saying he trusted God to take care of him.

Finally, the man drowned and went to heaven. He had one pressing question - "Lord, I trusted in you. Why didn't you save me?" The Lord replied: "I tried - I sent two boats and a helicopter!"

The point to this story is don't be blind to the ways that God may be trying to help you! He may be sending friends your way to ease your load and to rescue you from your problems! And, on the other hand, if you see a way to do good and to help someone. Don't deny God the chance to use you as an instrument for his Kingdom!

Don't be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good.
Ephesians 5:16 (TLB)

Friday, December 4, 2009

God's Protection Over Us

When I first sat down to write my devotion tonight, I truly had no idea what I was going to write. Before I write these devotions, I always pray to God to give me the words that He wants me to write. But I just wasn't hearing what He was telling me to write. Oh, how fast things can change!

I was sitting down, all comfy in my recliner with my laptop and Bible in my lap, getting ready to write a devotion. I was praying for God to give me the right words to say. All of a sudden all of my smoke detectors starting going off and the house started filling with smoke! I had just turned on the heat - I normally keep it at about 58 (yes, I am menopausal and cheap!) but decided to go for it and set it up to 60! Well, that was a mistake! I really started panicking. When I was in 7th grade one of my best friends died in a fire. I have never gotten over his death and am deathly afraid of fires now.

Well, I turned off the heat and immediately called the fire department. The operator told me to get out of the house and wait until the fire department arrived. I grabbed my warm coat and off into the night I went in my sweats, tee shirt, and flip flops! Soon one fireman arrived, followed by five more firemen. I was never so glad to see anyone in my life! These six firemen were wonderful! They calmed a close to hysterical woman and explained to me that the smoke had to do with my furnace and I would need to have it checked out. They told me not to run it until I did have it checked (thank goodness for those hot flashes!).

Once the firemen left and I calmed down and started thinking about the events of the evening, I started thinking about how just like the firemen were there for me tonight, God is always there for us. He is there to calm our fears, to protect us, watch over us. I am so thankful for his protection over us. I am so thankful that we can go to him with our doubts and fears. I am so very, very thankful that He is always there for us - I don't need to dial the phone to have him come to my home - He lives here, with me, every day, all the time!

Thank you, Lord, for always being there for us. Thank you for your protection. Thank you for peace that only you can give us! Thank you for always living within us, each and every day! Thank you, Lord, for protecting me tonight and keeping me safe!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Growing in His Word

I have recently given up cable TV. I can't say I did it for any righteous reason like I didn't like what it was showing (although a lot of programming that is on cable is trash!). But it was more for the cost. I just decided it was a waste of my money and I didn't have money to waste!

But now came the dilemma of what do I do with all the time that I spent watching TV? I spend a lot of time on the internet but even that gets old after a while. I read some. In fact, I have recently joined a book club that I am really enjoying.

Well, the thought came to me that if I enjoy reading so much then why do I not read the greatest book ever written more? I have said many times that I am no biblical scholar. How could I be when I spend so little time reading the Bible? Yes, I read it for my devotions but I have never sat down and read the Bible all the way through. Several times I have made a New Year's resolution to read the Bible all the way through but I am embarassed to admit that I have never completed that resolution.

I read a statistic that showed the New Testament has 181,253 words, 7959 verses, 260 chapters, and 27 books. The statistics went on to say that if an average reader spent just 30 minutes a day reading the New Testament that they could read the New Testament through 12 times a year!

Our lack of knowledge with the Bible is a testament against us. We have been Christians for years, or even decades, yet we fumble through the pages unsure of our destination. At least I know this is true of myself. You would think that a book that gives us the directions to Heaven would be totally consumed by people wanting to get to Heaven. A book that shows us how to avoid life's pitfalls that will land us in an eternity in Hell should be a book that we just can't put down!

I have made the decision to spend more time reading God's word and studying God's word. I no longer want to lack the knowledge of the Bible. I want to be able to share God's word with others and not be unsure of where to find the verses. I am not making a New Year's resolution to do this because as with most New Year's resolutions, I rarely stick with them. I am making a promise to God to delve into His word and grow in His word. I hope that you will make the same decision.

Lord, help me to take the time to spend in your word. Help me to block out the world and spend time with You and growing in your word. Help me to remember that no matter how exciting the books I read may be, how much I may enjoy watching movies on TV or spending time on the internet, that NOTHING is as exciting and rewarding as your word. I thank you, Lord, for given us the greatest book ever written so that we may know the way to Heaven and the pitfalls that lead us to an eternity in Hell.


Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:129-130

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Prayer - An Awesome Power

Prayer is such an important power. We may go to the Lord for all our needs and He hears our prayers. Through prayer, we can find the peace that only God can give us.

I was reminded of what how powerful prayer is today when a friend sent me a text message to pray for a situation in her life. I immediately dropped to my knees and lifted her and the situation up to God. What an awesome feeling to know that we serve a God that hears all of our prayers and meets all of our needs! I thought about how prayer is not something we had to do, but something we get to do. I get to bring to God every worry, every concern, every praise that is on my heart. God is always near and He always hears our prayers. And because He is always near, we do not need to be anxious about anything. And because He is always near, we can have a peace that only He can give. Because He is near, we have a joy that fills every part of our lives. What an awesome feeling to know that we can turn over every care to God and that He hears all of our prayers!

Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayers. Thank you for the peace that passes all understanding, the peace that only You can give. Thank you for others who pray for us. Help us to reach out to others and pray for their needs.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:4-7

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Thanksgiving for All Things

"Lord, how can I thank you when I am single and I want to be married?" "God, how can I ever be happy when I want to work and I am just not physically able?" "The car needs new brakes and I don't have the money to pay for them, Lord. How am I supposed to thank you?" Have you ever asked these questions, or others? Have you ever felt that you just couldn't be happy due to the circumstances in your life?

As Christians, we are supposed to have happy, contented hearts but how can we when the circumstances in our lives are not what we had planned and when they are out of our control?
But if we are not thankful, what are the alternatives? We become angry and bitter with God. We feel He is not giving us what we "rightfully deserve". If our friends have everything they want, why shouldn't we? Why does He give them what they pray for and refuse our prayers?

If we become bitter and angry with God, we are saying that God is not trustworthy and that He does not desire our good. Instead we should be thankful that God is in control and that He provides for us and works out all the circumstances in the lives of those who love him. He is intimately involved in our lives and works out his purposes through the events in our lives. Even though we might not understand why we have these circumstances, we should be thankful that we worship a God who cares and loves us and only wants the best for us.

God's love for us is not determined by the circumstances in our lives. His love for is steadfast. Our finances may not be what we want them to be, our marital status may change, we may lose our jobs or be unable to work - in spite of these circumstances we should be thankful to God and give Him thanks for His love. We should praise Him for all the wonderful things He has given us. We should be thankful for God sending His son to die on the cross for our sins. What a gift! What a reason to be thankful!

Lord, I am so thankful for the wonderful gift of your son. I am thankful that no matter what the circumstances are in my life that Your love is steadfast. Thank you, Lord, for your grace and mercy. Help us to see your will in all the circumstances of our lives and know that You are in control.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Monday, November 23, 2009

Seasons Change, God Never Does

Here in West Virginia we had what I think was a pretty easy spring and summer. We only had a few weeks where it was really hot. Now the beautifully colored leaves are falling off the trees and autumn is fading into winter. The seasons always change. I look forward to them every year - okay maybe not the winter so much - but I love looking at all the leaves of autumn, the beautiful flowers in spring and summer. I am so glad that I live in a place where we have the seasons change and we are able to enjoy God's amazing work. And no matter which season we like best, we can never stop the change of seasons. Only God can do that.

There is one thing that I am so grateful never changes and that is God's love. No matter what, God loves us! Our seasons change - we marry and become someone's spouse, we have children and become someone's parent, we lose a parent, we lose a spouse and become a widow, we move and become "the new kid on the block", we become ill and become dependent on others, we change careers, we go off to college and become independent of parents. There are so many changes (seasons) in our lives. But through all of these changes, God's love for us is the one constant. No matter what happens in our lives, He is always there to guide us, to love us, to carry us when we think we can't go on, to share the joyous times in our lives. He is always there. All of these changes are part of human life and we should always remember that God is there to guide us and love us through them all.

Lord, help us to see your will in all of the seasons of our lives. Help us to remember that there is a time for everything and that Your timing is perfect.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Acts of Kindness

Today was another wonderful day even though it didn't start out too great. I was supposed to have a doctor's appointment this morning but I was so exhausted and weak that I just couldn't get out of bed and get dressed and drive myself to the doctor. I called and cancelled and took it easy this morning.



Early this afternoon the day began to change. I received a phone call from the volunteer office at the hospital where I volunteer. I thought they were probably calling to see if I could fill in for someone. But boy was I surprised. You see, the volunteer group is going to see the NYC Rockette's Christmas program in Pittsburgh next month and, oh, how I wanted to go. But it was not in the budget so even though I was disappointed, I knew that I just couldn't do it. Well, the call today was an offer of a free ticket to go! Someone who had bought a ticket cannot go and they wanted to give the ticket away. My wonderful friends in the volunteer office thought of me and called to see if I wanted the ticket. I was blessed by an act of kindness by a stranger and by friends! What a huge blessing! I am so excited and grateful!



Then this afternoon I was supposed to volunteer at the hospital for a few hours. Well, this brain of mine had the time wrong - I thought I should leave the house at 3:00 and be there by 3:30. Well, at about 2:45, when I was only about half dressed, I realized that I was supposed to be there by 3:00. I knew I was going to probably be late and I felt so bad. I finished getting dressed as best I could - no jewelry, not sure I even looked in the mirror to make sure I was decent! - and ran out the door. I got to the car and realized I had forgotten my volunteer jacket so I had to run back in the house and get it. Needless to say, I was a little stressed! On the way to the hospital, I called to tell them I was on my way and would be there as soon as possible. Well, the traffic did not want to cooperate today. Normally I do not have any traffic on the way to the hospital but today was a different story. I was trying to make a left turn but cars were coming in both directions! Finally someone stopped and let me turn and I was on my way! I was only about 5 minutes late so things were fine. Even though it was a small act of kindness to let me turn, it was a blessing to me! I felt less stressed and got there pretty much on time!



There are so many acts of kindnesses we can perform to show God's love to others - a simple smile to someone, a hug, a listening ear, a ride to the store, reading stories to a shut-in, bringing meals to someone who is ill, a phone call just to say hello and that you were thinking of them, holding a door open for someone - anything you can do to help someone and make their day a little better! It doesn't have to be anything major - just something to show you care can mean all the difference in someones life.


Lord, help us to show others your love by the acts we perform. Let others see You in our actions and in our words.



Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said "Here I am. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

A LONG BUT BLESSED DAY

It has been a really, really long day. I am not used to getting up at 6 in the morning anymore! My body truly cannot handle a 12 hour day. I am physically and mentally exhausted. But, as exhausted as I am and even though I know it will take me a few days to recover from today, it has truly been a great day. I got a lot accomplished, made a few dollars, met a friend for lunch, handed out some flyers for a Community Thanksgiving Dinner that my friend is organizing, purchased a vacuum cleaner for my daughter which she desperately needs for her allergies, talked to another friend on the phone - just a good day overall.

I am so grateful when I have days that I can do things and accomplish things because there are many days where I can't. I feel blessed that God has given me days that I can feel part of the world and not so isolated. And even though there are days that I am unable to do much of anything, I still feel truly blessed for the life God has given me.

Even though I am exhausted tonight, I am very happy. I once read where someone said "It is better to wear out doing good than to rust out doing little or nothing." I am so grateful that today was a day that I was able to wear out doing good!

Lord, instead of complaining and be depressed about the days that I can't do anything, I pray that You will help me to be grateful for the days like today that I can do things. Help me to see all the many blessings Y0u have given me. Show me ways, Lord, where I can serve You even on those days when I am limited. Help me to see that everyday is a beautiful day when we serve You, in any way we can. I thank you, Lord, for all that You have done for me and all the blessings You have bestowed on me. I truly am blessed.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 NIV

Monday, November 16, 2009

The Son Always Shines!

I think we all have days when it feels like the sun just won't shine! We may not feel well We may have had a disagreement with our children or spouse. We may not like the way we look that day! Someone may have said something hurtful to us. We may be lonely. For whatever reason, a darkness settles in and the sun doesn't shine!

But no matter what is going on in our lives, the Son really does shine! He lifts our spirits and makes the clouds go away. We can turn to Him when we are lonely for He is always there. He never leaves our side. He will never say anything harmful to us. His words are uplifting to us. No matter what is going on in our lives, He can turn the darkness into light.

Lord, I thank you for always being there for us, for never leaving us lonely. I thank you for the brightness and joy you bring to our lives. Thank you for letting us know that we are loved and adored by you. Thank you for turning our darkness into light!

You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light. 2 Samuel 22:29

Friday, November 13, 2009

Taking Off Our Masks

I was at the doctor's office today. Believe me, the doctor's office is not a place you want to be if you want to stay healthy! There are a lot of sick people there! Many people had on masks. I am not sure whether they were trying to protect others from their illness or to protect themselves for others illnesses.

I started thinking about how we all wear masks at one time or another. We try to cover up who we are so others won't see the real person. We are trying to protect ourselves and others from the truth about ourselves. We are afraid to let others see us for who we really are. But if we put the mask on around others, we become the perfect people that we want others to think we are. We are the perfect parent who never loses their temper with their child, is always ready and willing to drive their child anywhere they want, always ready to coach the team, bake the cookies, take care of sick children, whatever they need! We become the perfect spouse - ready to do anything for the one we love. We become the perfect employee - ready to perform any job that our employer wants and with a smile on our face. We become the perfect neighbor - ready to help our neighbors, cook a meal, loan a tool. We become the perfect church member - ready to serve on any committee that we are asked, always present at every church service and on the front row! In essence, with our masks on we become the person that we think God wants us to be.

What happens when we take our masks off, when we are home alone or when we think no one is looking? Are we still so loving and kind? Do we still perform our jobs with a smile on our face? Are we still patient and loving with our kids? Are we still there for our spouse? Do we show love to our neighbors? Are we still so willing to help them out in any way they need? And are we still so devoted to our church family? Do we serve on those committees with the love that Christ wants us to have or do we complain about all the time it takes?

In other words, when we don't have our masks on, are we the people that Christ would have us be? Are we loving and kind to others? Do we thank God that we have a job to go to and that pays the bills? Do we thank God every day for our families - our children and spouses - no matter how frustrated we may get? Are we faithful to our church and church family? Do we praise God everyday for our church family? Do we live the life that God wants us to life? Do we thank God everyday for His love and faithfulness?

Lord, help us to be the people you want us to be everyday with our masks off! Let us show others who we truly are - the godly people you want us to be - everyday. Help us to live a life that You would have us live so that we don't need to wear any masks! Help us show You to others by the way we live, the words we speak, our actions - all without masks! Let us let your light shine through us.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." 1 Peter 13-16

Thursday, November 12, 2009

New Life in Christ

Today I was cleaning up the house. I had to throw away a plant that was given to me a few weeks ago. This plant was a mum and was absolutely beautiful! I had never seen such vivid colors in a mum plant before. I loved it! But, as usual, I killed it. To save my life, I cannot keep a plant alive! No matter how much sun it got, how much I watered it, or how much MiracleGro I used, I still killed it!

While I was throwing away this plant and lamenting my lack of a green thumb, I began thinking of how we can come to God all beautiful on the outside but dead on the inside. But God takes us no matter what condition we are in and helps us to grow. He doesn't care how dead we are on the inside, what our sins are, what our past is. All He cares about is whether we turn our lives over to Him. When we do, He makes us grow into the beautiful creatures He intended us to be. When we live our lives for Him, He becomes our "MiracleGro"!

I am so thankful, Lord, that you take us as we are and help us to grow into the people that you want us to be. Thank you for dying on the cross for our sins. Thank you for never giving up on us. I am so thankful that You never throw us away because we are dead on the inside. Thank you for the beautiful new life that we have in You.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Being a Servant of God

It has been a very long time since I wrote a devotion. Life just seemed to get in the way. First there was my daughter's graduation from WVU and then came her engagement and all of the wedding planning! Then the big day came! Her wedding was everything she had ever dreamed of and that made me so proud and happy. I had put a lot of time and effort into making it a day that the newlyweds would never forget! And I had succeeded. But at what cost? I don't mean monetary - although that was a huge cost. But the real cost of ignoring what God really wanted me to do. I was working so hard to make it the perfect day that I became deaf to what God had planned for me. And after the big day had come and gone, I felt empty. I felt like there was nothing for me to do in life. But no matter how empty I felt, I continued to ignore the voice inside. I pushed aside whatever God was telling me, listening to what He said but not doing what He said.



As many of you know, I had written this devotion website for a while before life got in the way. I fully admit that I am no biblical scholar and that the words in the devotion were words from God. I became down, though, thinking that the devotions did not mean anything to anyone and that I wasn't reaching anyone so I used every excuse I could think of not to write them. Lately, however, I have had numerous people tell me that they missed the devotions and wished I would write them again. And even more important, I feel God has been telling me to write these devotions and that if I would just do as He wanted then He would provide the words for me to write. So, here we go! I am putting all my trust in God to help me find the words that He wants me to write. I am no longer going to ignore what He is telling me and will follow His will. I hope you are blessed by these devotions and by God's word.



Being a servant is one of the most important lessons that we as Christians can learn. But we are often afraid. Sometimes it is so hard for us to entrust ourselves to others . We want to be the boss. We want to have control over everything in our lives.



But God is the greatest Master of all! He will never abuse us or misuse us. He always has our best interests at heart. And what other master do you know that would lay down his life for his servants? Being a servant of God fills us with hope, makes us complete. When we are servants of God, we are filled with His own image. He fills us with the Holy Spirit to empower us to become all that we can be, all that He wants us to be. If we would only listen to what He is telling us, obey Him and follow His will for our lives, we will become more of whom He created us to be.



Has God been talking to you and you have been ignoring what He is saying? Open your mind, your ears, and your heart to what He is telling you. Serve Him in whatever way He is leading you and you will be truly blessed. Remember God is a master unlike any other. He is worthy of our service!!



When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you not understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord', and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." John 13: 12-17