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
Showing posts with label Psalm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Psalm. Show all posts
Saturday, December 19, 2009
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
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
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
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
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
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
Saturday, June 21, 2008
RUNNING AWAY FROM OUR PROTECTOR
Yesterday I was doing a lot of driving around - going to garage sales, running errands, getting my haircut - just normal Saturday routine. But it seemed like everywhere I went I would see this beautiful dog. She was a golden colored, probably was part golden retriever, and fairly big. The first time I saw her yesterday was when I was passing by the Rail Trail. I thought she just was walking ahead of her master and didn't think much about it. Then about an hour later I saw her again - all alone - walking down a very curvy, dangerous street. I was so frightened for her. She looked like she was trying to find something to eat. She was grabbing at things on the ground. I pulled over and called my daughter and told her to look up somewhere we could take her if I could get her to come to me. I could tell she did not have on a collar so there was no way I could call her owner. I got out of the car and got a closer look at her. It was obvious she had had puppies recently. I tried to go up to her but she ran off. She would not let me anywhere near her. She ran around the corner and I heard a car blare its horn. I just wanted to cry. I just knew that she had been hit. But when I drove around the corner, she was nowhere to be found. I drove home in tears, I was so worried about her.
About 30 minutes later, my daughter and I were getting back into my car at my house to go get something to eat. My daughter was backing out and all of the sudden stopped and shouted "Mom, is that the dog you were trying to help?" I looked out my window and saw her!! I couldn't believe she had made it to my house, which was probably about 3 miles from where I last saw her. I jumped out and we once again tried to get her to come to us and, once again, she took off running with her tail between her legs. I couldn't believe it! All I was doing was trying to keep this dog safe!!
We got back into the car and started to pull out of our complex. All of the sudden we heard brakes squeal and looked up and there she was again! Just slowly walking across the street, right in front of a car! Although she was terrified of people, this dog seemed to have no fear of cars!
Once again, we took off after the dog. We saw her on the street next to ours and got out of the car and tried to get her to come to us again! Bet you can guess what happened!! She ran off again and once again towards a busy street!! There was nothing we could do and we drove off in tears. I was so worried about her and worried about her puppies that were probably missing their mommy, but I just didn't know what else to do. It was a horrible feeling.
Later on last night I started thinking about the situation again and I realized that this dog's behavior is similar to our own behavior sometimes. When God tries to lead us in the right direction, we run off and try to do things all on our own. We think we don't need Him, that we can take care of ourselves. And sometimes we are so afraid of how much we do need Him that we just don't want to admit it and we run and hide! But when we choose to ignore God or to run away from Him, all we are doing is running into traffic ourselves! We need Him to protect us from the "traffic" that we run into! We need His protection and His love and His grace!
Thank you, Lord, for being our protector! Thank you for watching out over us. Help us not to run from you, Lord, but to run TO you!
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7
About 30 minutes later, my daughter and I were getting back into my car at my house to go get something to eat. My daughter was backing out and all of the sudden stopped and shouted "Mom, is that the dog you were trying to help?" I looked out my window and saw her!! I couldn't believe she had made it to my house, which was probably about 3 miles from where I last saw her. I jumped out and we once again tried to get her to come to us and, once again, she took off running with her tail between her legs. I couldn't believe it! All I was doing was trying to keep this dog safe!!
We got back into the car and started to pull out of our complex. All of the sudden we heard brakes squeal and looked up and there she was again! Just slowly walking across the street, right in front of a car! Although she was terrified of people, this dog seemed to have no fear of cars!
Once again, we took off after the dog. We saw her on the street next to ours and got out of the car and tried to get her to come to us again! Bet you can guess what happened!! She ran off again and once again towards a busy street!! There was nothing we could do and we drove off in tears. I was so worried about her and worried about her puppies that were probably missing their mommy, but I just didn't know what else to do. It was a horrible feeling.
Later on last night I started thinking about the situation again and I realized that this dog's behavior is similar to our own behavior sometimes. When God tries to lead us in the right direction, we run off and try to do things all on our own. We think we don't need Him, that we can take care of ourselves. And sometimes we are so afraid of how much we do need Him that we just don't want to admit it and we run and hide! But when we choose to ignore God or to run away from Him, all we are doing is running into traffic ourselves! We need Him to protect us from the "traffic" that we run into! We need His protection and His love and His grace!
Thank you, Lord, for being our protector! Thank you for watching out over us. Help us not to run from you, Lord, but to run TO you!
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7
Friday, June 13, 2008
KEEPING THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE
Have you heard the story of the young college student who wrote her parents a letter telling them of her new boyfriend? She told them that he had dropped out of college in his junior year to marry his girlfriend but they had divorced about a year ago. She told them that they had been dating for several months and that she had dropped out of college so she could marry him.
On the next page of the letter, the young student told her parents that everything she had told them on the first page of the letter was false. She had, however, failed one of her classes in school!
It was obvious in this letter that this young girl was trying to make her parents keep the fact that she had failed a class in perspective. We should all do that in life. We complain and feel sorry for ourselves and the problems we have. In reality, there are others who would change places with us anytime!! That is not to say that we don't have problems and that there aren't times that we struggle with things in life. But we should keep things in perspective and thank God for the blessings that He has given us!
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings You have given us. Help us to remember our blessings and to keep our problems in perspective. Help us to remember that our struggles can help us grow stronger if we keep our faith and trust in You.
Many, O Lord My God, are the wonders You have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5
On the next page of the letter, the young student told her parents that everything she had told them on the first page of the letter was false. She had, however, failed one of her classes in school!
It was obvious in this letter that this young girl was trying to make her parents keep the fact that she had failed a class in perspective. We should all do that in life. We complain and feel sorry for ourselves and the problems we have. In reality, there are others who would change places with us anytime!! That is not to say that we don't have problems and that there aren't times that we struggle with things in life. But we should keep things in perspective and thank God for the blessings that He has given us!
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings You have given us. Help us to remember our blessings and to keep our problems in perspective. Help us to remember that our struggles can help us grow stronger if we keep our faith and trust in You.
Many, O Lord My God, are the wonders You have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR WHEN WE TRUST IN THE LORD
Fear is a horrible emotion. People have fears of many things - heights, water, spiders - just to name a few. My biggest fear is of fires. I had a friend who died in a house fire when I was only 12 years old, and I have never gotten over that. I am very afraid of fires in my house.
Last night this fear "flared" up. My daughter was drying her hair in the bathroom when the plug starting making noises and sparking. I did not know what to do, other than shut the fuse off. When I did that, however, it also shut off the refrigerator. I had a refrigerator full of food and didn't want it to go bad. So I turned the fuse back on, did not use the plug again, checked all my smoke detectors in my house, and basically stayed awake all night and prayed that my house would not catch on fire. I called the electrician the first thing this morning and he replaced the outlet. Things are fine now but it made me really think.
While we may never be able to completely get rid of our fears, no matter how rational or irrational they may be, we truly have nothing to fear when we trust in the Lord. He is always there for us no matter what. And while I was truly afraid last night and didn't sleep much, I did find some peace in praying to God to protect my daughter and myself through the night. Every time I would roll over and wake up, I would pray to God to protect us and then I was able to go back to sleep. It may have been a long night, but it certainly would have been a lot longer night had I not had His peace and comfort.
Lord, thank you for the peace that you give us through all situations. Thank you for the peace that passes all understanding.
The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
Last night this fear "flared" up. My daughter was drying her hair in the bathroom when the plug starting making noises and sparking. I did not know what to do, other than shut the fuse off. When I did that, however, it also shut off the refrigerator. I had a refrigerator full of food and didn't want it to go bad. So I turned the fuse back on, did not use the plug again, checked all my smoke detectors in my house, and basically stayed awake all night and prayed that my house would not catch on fire. I called the electrician the first thing this morning and he replaced the outlet. Things are fine now but it made me really think.
While we may never be able to completely get rid of our fears, no matter how rational or irrational they may be, we truly have nothing to fear when we trust in the Lord. He is always there for us no matter what. And while I was truly afraid last night and didn't sleep much, I did find some peace in praying to God to protect my daughter and myself through the night. Every time I would roll over and wake up, I would pray to God to protect us and then I was able to go back to sleep. It may have been a long night, but it certainly would have been a lot longer night had I not had His peace and comfort.
Lord, thank you for the peace that you give us through all situations. Thank you for the peace that passes all understanding.
The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
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
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
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!
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 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
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
Monday, January 28, 2008
THIS IS THE DAY!
This is the beginning of a new day.
God has given me this day to use as I will.
I can waste it or use it for good,
but what I do today is important
because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever,
leaving in its place something that I have traded for it
I want it to be gain and not loss; good and not evil;
success and not failure; in order that I shall not
regret the price I have paid for it.
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
COMMIT TO GOD
In today's society, lasting commitment seems to be fast becoming nonexistent. Couples commit to each other through marriage but then divorce. People no longer really commit to jobs or careers because they fear being laid off or fired so they always search for better positions. Going to church is too much of a commitment to others - who wants to get up early on a Sunday morning??
God is always committed to us. And He expects commitment from us. The following verses show what God expects us to commit and trust to Him:
1. God expects us to commit Ourselves:
He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him. Psalm 22:8.
2. God expects us to commit our Burdens to Him.
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22
3. God expects us to commit our Souls to Him.
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 Peter 4:19
4. God expects us to commit our Way to Him.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him. Psalm 37:5
5. God expects us to commit our Cause to Him.
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23
6. God expects us to commit our Works to Him.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
Lord, let me be as committed to You as You are to me. Help me to do all that I do for Your glory. I thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness and unchanging commitment.
God is always committed to us. And He expects commitment from us. The following verses show what God expects us to commit and trust to Him:
1. God expects us to commit Ourselves:
He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him. Psalm 22:8.
2. God expects us to commit our Burdens to Him.
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22
3. God expects us to commit our Souls to Him.
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 Peter 4:19
4. God expects us to commit our Way to Him.
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him. Psalm 37:5
5. God expects us to commit our Cause to Him.
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23
6. God expects us to commit our Works to Him.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
Lord, let me be as committed to You as You are to me. Help me to do all that I do for Your glory. I thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness and unchanging commitment.
Friday, January 11, 2008
DELIGHT ONLY IN HIM
There are times when we all worry about our appearance. We are too fat, too skinny, too many wrinkles, the list goes on and on. I certainly worry too much about my appearance. Since I have been ill and because of the medications, my appearance has changed dramatically. It has made me very insecure.
Today as I as praying about what to write in my devotion, I came across this verse that I thought was perfect for how I was feeling about myself:
"His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of man; the Lord delights in those who fear him,who put their hope in his unfailing love." Psalm 147:10-11
This verse really struck me. I deal not only with worrying about my weight but about the fact that sometimes I don't walk well, my legs don't work well at times. I worry about how others view me when I walk slowly or have a funny gait. I realized that I am sometimes more worried about others opinions than I am about God's!
God does not care how I look or how I walk. He cares about what is in my heart!
God has given me a wonderful daughter and wonderful friends who don't care about anything but the person I am - not what I look like! I am so grateful to Him for that!
Let us all remember that God loves us and what us to be happy! We all come in different shapes and sizes, different health issues, some people have more finances than others. We are all different. Our worth is not based on our outer appearance. God loves each of us - no matter what! He just wants us to live for Him and put our hope in Him!!
Lord, while I may not have perfect health or the perfect body, I do have the perfect life You have given me and I praise You for that! Thank you for the friends and family You have given me who love me! Thank you for Your love! Let me always put my hope and faith in You!
Today as I as praying about what to write in my devotion, I came across this verse that I thought was perfect for how I was feeling about myself:
"His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of man; the Lord delights in those who fear him,who put their hope in his unfailing love." Psalm 147:10-11
This verse really struck me. I deal not only with worrying about my weight but about the fact that sometimes I don't walk well, my legs don't work well at times. I worry about how others view me when I walk slowly or have a funny gait. I realized that I am sometimes more worried about others opinions than I am about God's!
God does not care how I look or how I walk. He cares about what is in my heart!
God has given me a wonderful daughter and wonderful friends who don't care about anything but the person I am - not what I look like! I am so grateful to Him for that!
Let us all remember that God loves us and what us to be happy! We all come in different shapes and sizes, different health issues, some people have more finances than others. We are all different. Our worth is not based on our outer appearance. God loves each of us - no matter what! He just wants us to live for Him and put our hope in Him!!
Lord, while I may not have perfect health or the perfect body, I do have the perfect life You have given me and I praise You for that! Thank you for the friends and family You have given me who love me! Thank you for Your love! Let me always put my hope and faith in You!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
GOOD MORNING - I AM GOD
Good morning. I am God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If the devil happens to deliver a situation that you cannot handle, DO NOT attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFJTD (something for Jesus to do) box. It will be addressed in MY time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it, or attempt to remove it. Holding on, or removal, will delay the resolution of your problem. If it is a situation that you think you are capable of handling, please consult me in prayer to be sure that it is the proper resolution. Because I do not sleep, nor do I slumber, there is no need for you to lose any sleep. Rest my child. If you need to contact me, I am only a prayer away.
This has truly been an emotionally draining week. I attempted to do the right thing and tried to help someone who had called me and asked for help this past weekend and things have just not worked out well, to say the least. The devil had his hand all over the situation and still does. And now people I truly care about are affected by the situation, as am I.
When I read the above "letter from God", it really spoke to me regarding this past week. The devil certainly has been in this situation and we have prayed and prayed over it. While I have lost sleep and felt fearful, at the same time I know that God has had his protective armor around me and others. Otherwise, we would not have made it throught this week.
Thank you, God, for your protection. Thank you for giving us friends who pray with us and for us. Thank you for never slumbering so that we can!! Thank you, Lord, for always only being a prayer away!!
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:*
This has truly been an emotionally draining week. I attempted to do the right thing and tried to help someone who had called me and asked for help this past weekend and things have just not worked out well, to say the least. The devil had his hand all over the situation and still does. And now people I truly care about are affected by the situation, as am I.
When I read the above "letter from God", it really spoke to me regarding this past week. The devil certainly has been in this situation and we have prayed and prayed over it. While I have lost sleep and felt fearful, at the same time I know that God has had his protective armor around me and others. Otherwise, we would not have made it throught this week.
Thank you, God, for your protection. Thank you for giving us friends who pray with us and for us. Thank you for never slumbering so that we can!! Thank you, Lord, for always only being a prayer away!!
"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety." Psalm 4:*
Sunday, December 9, 2007
WAIT ON THE LORD
Today's sermon at church really spoke to me. It was about waiting on the Lord - something I am not very good at sometimes! Patience is definitely not one of my virtues, unfortunately! I want what I want now! Right now I am dealing with really wanting to buy a house again - I don't want a big house, nothing fancy, just something that is my own again. I miss that. But the reality is I just can't afford it right now. I could make the payments but I need to pay off everything else first. And, let's face it, I probably couldn't get a loan due to the fact that I don't have a job - just disability! But does that stop me from looking in the papers every Sunday at the houses for sale or looking at For Sale signs when I drive by houses?? Absolutely not!
The truth is that one day I will probably be able to buy another house - but in God's timing, not mine! If I do it in my timing, I know that it won't work out! And that is the way it is with so many aspects of my life. Things just work out better when I wait on the Lord and do what He wants me to do when He wants me to do them!
And waiting is not so bad. Good things can happen when we wait. Even though it might not appear so on the outside, I am certainly learning to trust God more and more every day for all my needs! And that is such a wonderful feeling to know that He is there for me and will meet all my needs - if I just wait on Him!
---My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.
Psalm 62:5
The truth is that one day I will probably be able to buy another house - but in God's timing, not mine! If I do it in my timing, I know that it won't work out! And that is the way it is with so many aspects of my life. Things just work out better when I wait on the Lord and do what He wants me to do when He wants me to do them!
And waiting is not so bad. Good things can happen when we wait. Even though it might not appear so on the outside, I am certainly learning to trust God more and more every day for all my needs! And that is such a wonderful feeling to know that He is there for me and will meet all my needs - if I just wait on Him!
---My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him.
Psalm 62:5
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
HAPPINESS
Happiness is like a butterfly;
The more you pursue it,
The more it eludes you.
But when you turn your attention to other things, it comes,
And sits gently on your shoulder.
Nathaneal Hawthorne
As I go about my day, I will let happiness land where it will, in its own time and place.
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy. Spread your
protection over them, so that those who
love your name may exalt in you.
Psalm 5:11
The more you pursue it,
The more it eludes you.
But when you turn your attention to other things, it comes,
And sits gently on your shoulder.
Nathaneal Hawthorne
As I go about my day, I will let happiness land where it will, in its own time and place.
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy. Spread your
protection over them, so that those who
love your name may exalt in you.
Psalm 5:11
Sunday, November 25, 2007
WHEN I NEED TO TRUST MORE
Sometimes I get discouraged. I know we all do. But sometimes I just wonder why my life has turned out like it has - why my health is so poor, why I am so financially strapped all the time even though I try so hard to be a good steward of the money I do have, why I feel so all alone. I often joke that I know that God has a reason for everything but that will be the first question I ask Him when I do see Him face to face - WHY????
But then I realize that no matter what happens, He is beside me every step of the way. He is always there for me to give the strength and courage I need to face each day. He is there to comfort me when I am afraid. He is there to encourage me when I feel overwhelmed. He is there to give me insight and inspiration to confront the problems I face. All I need to do is to trust in the Lord and turn everything over to Him and relinquish my imaginary control!
I thank you, Lord, for all You do in my life - the precious daughter You have given me, for the strength and courage You give me, the friends I have in my life that mean so much, the comfort You give me. I ask your forgiveness for those times that I do lose my trust and get discouraged. I do trust in You!!
I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust. Psalm 18:1-2
But then I realize that no matter what happens, He is beside me every step of the way. He is always there for me to give the strength and courage I need to face each day. He is there to comfort me when I am afraid. He is there to encourage me when I feel overwhelmed. He is there to give me insight and inspiration to confront the problems I face. All I need to do is to trust in the Lord and turn everything over to Him and relinquish my imaginary control!
I thank you, Lord, for all You do in my life - the precious daughter You have given me, for the strength and courage You give me, the friends I have in my life that mean so much, the comfort You give me. I ask your forgiveness for those times that I do lose my trust and get discouraged. I do trust in You!!
I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust. Psalm 18:1-2
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