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
Friday, December 4, 2009
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
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
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
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
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
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