The Boys

In the past few weeks each of my sons has had a birthday.  As hard as it is to believe, they are in their mid 30s.  Not quite middle age (which is good—otherwise we’d be in the same age group!) but way beyond childhood or adolescence.  They are men.  And while I firmly believe no child gets beyond the age of 12 in the eyes of his/her mother, I am getting better at accepting the fact that they truly are adults in their own right.

What is the hardest part of that for me?  Recognizing that even though they still talk to me about decisions, my input is no longer the most important; knowing that they will make some mistakes that I can’t fix, remembering that they are no longer under my authority.

But there are some great parts, too.  I love the women they chose to spend the rest of their lives with—and I love the fact that they (and I) know that their wives take first place in the women they love—as it should be!  I have enjoyed watching them become better husbands and learning to share their lives.  My favorite, so far, has been watching them become Daddies.  Not just a father—but a Daddy to their children—my grandchildren.  As I see them teaching these precious souls about life and love and God, it makes my heart so happy.  No, they are not perfect in either of this roles (do you know any human who is!?) but they are doing a pretty good job!

It makes me a little melancholy to think about all of this because these words from the song “Landslide” really express how I feel: 

Well, I've been afraid of changing

'Cause I've built my life around you

But time makes you bolder, even children get older

And I'm getting older too.

But now we have a new type of relationship.  I still smile when I see their names pop up on my phone.  It fills my heart with joy when they still say “I love you” to me.  I look at what they have accomplished in their education and careers and it makes me proud to see where they are now. 

My sons.  My grown men. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to be their first love and to spend their formative years together.  I so look forward to what lies ahead for them, for their families.  Because I know that God sill has great plans for them and for that I can only say, Thank you, Lord!!

April 21

I gave it a shot but didn't seem to be reaching even 5 people a day so I will go back to just writing occasional blogs and posting those.  Thanks to those who were reading!

Daily Devotion April 20--Serve One Another

April 20

Galatians 5:13

...but by love serve one another.

Many people feel that it is degrading to be called a servant.  But we are called to serve one another.  When we serve others it requires us to put aside our self-centeredness and see how we connect to others.

Over our lifetimes many people have put themselves in positions to help us, to encourage us, and to invest in us.  They were servants for us.  More importantly than that, though, is what Jesus did for us. Serving others is good way for us to show the grace of Jesus.  He put himself in a servant role to his disciples and to the people who were around Him.  He was the ultimate servant when He gave His life for us on the cross.

Many people look for happiness and fulfillment through their own selfish desires.  We only become truly satisfied when we put our desires aside and work to help others along the way.  We all come across opportunities in our lives to serve other people.  It is a great act of service for the Lord for us to be a servant to those in our lives.

As we go through the day today, let us seek out opportunities to be servant to those around us.

Daily Devotion April 17--Take Care of You

April 17

Romans 12:1

 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

It is so easy to neglect yourself when you are responsible for taking care of others.  Maybe you have a job, spouse, children, volunteer activities, church responsibilities, etc. that take up a lot of your time and energy.  When all of that is going on, it is easy to put yourself last.  However, God created our bodies to be used to serve Him and it is our responsibility to take care of it.  He only gives us one body and we should strive to keep it healthy.

Paul instructs us in this verse that our body is a form of sacrifice to Him.  Caring for our body is a way of worshiping God.  It is important for us to eat well, to exercise, to stay free of addictions and misuse of our body.  (Maybe I'm talking more to myself that anyone else in a lot of these areas!)

If we are not taking good care of our body, God can help us with that.  He can give us the ability to make conscious choices of how we are to treat the body that He created.  If you are not a Christian, the first step to being healthy would be to ask Jesus to come into your heart.  He can transform our lives in ways we could never do alone, if we only ask Him.  We each need the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us   We need to hunger for His Word and walk in His ways as part of every day life.

As we go through the day, let us remember that we are to use our bodies to worship Him and to bring honor to Him through our actions.

Daily Devotion for April 16--The Day My Name Changed

April 16

Proverbs 17:6

6 Children's children are the crown of old men...

We had been waiting for the call.  A 2AM call rarely brings with it good news.  But this time it did.  My younger son and his precious wife were headed to the hospital for her to deliver their first child...my first grandchild!  We quickly showered, dressed and made our way 2 hours north to be there for this momentous occasion.  My DIL was a real trooper, she let us all hang out in her room for quite a long time before we felt she may need a little privacy.  We sat in the waiting room and waited.  And waited.  And paced the floor and waited.  Then, life as we knew it was over and this little boy entered into our world.  And our hearts.  Thank you, Jesus, for safe delivery.

That was seven years ago today.  And that little boy----he still has my heart.  But I realized very early that being a Nonni carried some aspects that were different from being a Momma.  I didn't have the same responsibility for this little fella as I had had for his father.  But one thing was so important:  I would have the time and the patience to really talk to him.  And from the very beginning, I told him about Jesus.  I knew as he grew his parents would teach him and he would go to Sunday School and church but I felt like I had a special job.  See, we could sit and talk as long as needed and I could answer a million questions because anything else I needed to do could wait.  (He has reminded me along the way that the dishes will be ok for a while and he NEEDED me to come with him now. And I go.   He is very smart! :) )

God does expect us as grandparents to contribute to the learning of our grandchildren.  I think this verse is for women as well as men.  Our grandchildren are crowns in our lives.  We don't have diamond and rubies and silver and gold but we have these precious jewels that God has loaned us for a while.  So, even as my hair is getting more silver in it, the greatest gift I have from God are my grandchildren (we since welcomed 2 little girls into our family to add to my crown!!).  I'm thankful every time I hear them sing "Jesus Loves Me", "Jesus Love The Little Children" or "God is So Good."  I like when they ask for me to sing these songs to them and with them.  I'm thankful that they never hesitate to ask me "God" questions--even though I sometimes have to dig for the answer!  But mostly, I am so thankful to have to opportunity to pour into the lives of my grandchildren.  The second part of Psalm 17:6 says the glory of children are their fathers.  How blessed I am to have sons and daughters in love who give me that opportunity!!!

As we go through the day today let us be thankful for Godly grandparents and for the chance to BE a Godly grandparent.

Daily Devotion April 15--Tax Day Blues

April 15

Romans 13:6-7

6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

I know that this date brings fear to the hearts of many.  Nobody wants to give more of their money to the government in taxes.  But Christians are commanded to pay what tribute is due and for Americans that is our taxes--whether we like it or not.  Even if we do not agree with the way the government spends the money we pay in, we are still required to follow through with our obligations.  We are told in Romans 12:2 not to conform to the world.  The world gripes and complains.  We have the right to stand up against injustice and abuse we see.  However, we should not be forever grumbling.

God ordained the government.  Jesus Himself paid taxes that were due to Caesar.  Because of this, it our duty to submit to the laws of the government.  We are required to give honor to the offices of the government but not necessarily to the people who hold those offices.  Since we want to be in submission to God, we want to please Him.  Our relationship with God gives us the basis for proper submission to the government.

So, no matter how much we dislike paying taxes, it is our responsibility to do as we are called to do.  Let us be different from the world.

Today. as you go through the day, be aware that we are to follow this:  Matthew 22:21 Jesus said "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and to God the things that are God's.

Daily Devotion April 14--Disoriented in the Darkness

April 14

John 11:10 - But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.

Ephesians 5:8 - For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

I woke up last night and it was dark.  I mean DARK.  The electricity had been off for a while but I had finally drifted off to sleep.  When the electricity is on, light shines in through the window from outside, plus I have a nightlight on in the bedroom.  None of this light was available to me and I found myself completely disoriented.  I was still in the bed but I couldn't tell WHERE in the bed I was.  The noise machine playing on my iPad wasn't coming from the right direction.  My head was not at the very top of the mattress where it belonged.  I couldn't figure out my place in my own bed!!  How frightening that was to me.

After I got myself together, I had this thought---this must be how people feel who do not know Jesus. They are walking in darkness all of the time.  As it says in the verse above, there is no light in them.  There is nothing but perpetual darkness.  It must be frightening.  Lost people must feel disoriented all the time.  Where do they go for help?  Who do they cry out to when they are frightened?  How do they find their way through the darkness?

I am so thankful that even while we were lost, we could cry out to Jesus and He would be the Light for our lives.  Once we invite Him in, we no longer have to stumble around in the darkness.  Now we can walk as children of light.  What comfort it brings to know that THE LIGHT lives within us and that we can walk boldly without fear because the darkness has been dispelled.

As we go through the day today, let us look to the Light to keep us from staying disoriented in the darkness.

Daily Devotion April 13--The Day After

April 13

1 Timothy 6:6-8

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Paul often makes me feel ashamed when I read about the need to be content, however, there are more and more times now when I truly do realize complete contentment.  Paul is not concerned with hoarding money and possessions like many people are today.  He said food and clothes were all he needed.  He had all he needed to live each day and then he had faith that God would provide what he needed for the next day.

Too many people want to think that if they serve God, He will give them all the riches and earthly gain they could ever desire.  But as you've probably heard people say, God is not a genie in a bottle that fulfills our every wish.  Godliness does not mean money.  Or possessions.   Nowhere in the Bible does God say, serve me and I will give you earthly gain.  But He does promise us life to the full and Heaven when this life is over.

Many of us spent the day yesterday watching the weather in fear of what may come.  And in several areas of our states people have lost their lives, others have lost their home and their earthly possessions. (Let us be in prayer for all of them!!)  But on this day, the day after the storms, some of us aren't thinking about the weather any more.  It is the day after and we are only looking at today and what "storms" we may face anew.  I have talked with people who lost possessions due to storms or fires and almost every time they say something to the extent of "I'm just glad the Lord kept me safe.  Stuff is stuff."  That is really the way we should feel every day.  Stuff is stuff but Jesus is life.  That put things a little more in perspective.

Today, as go through the day after the storms, let us remember that the majority of us not only have every thing we need, but pretty close to every thing we want.  That should bring you real contentment.

Daily Devotion April 11--The Season of "Without"

April 11

Romans 15:13
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

So many things are running through my head.  I feel like a child that has been in perpetual time-out.  I  don't mind being home, if it is by my choice.  Then suddenly it dawned on me---we are in a season of "without".

Students are without the daily routine of attending school regardless of the level.  They are without their friends.  Many people, especially those who live alone or in residential care, are without visitors.  Christians are without weekly, in the church house services.  Our choir is without their Easter cantata.  Families are without their family reunions.  Athletes are without their games. We are without our shopping trips and excursions and just hanging out with others.  Yes, we are without many things.  But, many are without hope.

Even though I am having to do without many of the things that make my life pleasant and fun and fulfilling, I am not without hope.  All those who know Jesus as their personal Saviour, also should not be without hope.  We have hope of joy and peace.  We have hope of knowing this is all in God's plan and that He will work everything for the good of those who love Him.  We are not without.  We are full.

As you go through the day today, remember that even if we are without many things, we are never without HOPE,

Daily Devotion April 10 --Here I Am

April 10

1 Samuel 3

4 That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.

Samuel was just a child, yet he heard the Lord calling him.  The first 2 times the Lord called, Samuel ran to the priest Eli.  The third time that Samuel ran to Eli, Eli realized that it was the Lord God calling Samuel and Eli told him how to answer.  The next time the Lord called, Samuel said "Speak, for Thy servant heareth." (v.10)

I wonder how many times God has called out to us and we thought surely it was someone else speaking to  us.  Maybe we thought it was our own ego.  Maybe we thought we were just speaking to ourselves.  I wonder how many times God has had to call us before we realized Who was calling out name.

In this noisy culture that we live in, it is often difficult for us to hear God.  But listening for His voice is a very important part of our Christian walk.   We must be careful not to let our minds become more in tune with the the sounds of the world than we are with the voice of God.  Perhaps that is the reason we have been forced into a more quiet time.  With less to do, fewer places to go and fewer obligations, we should have time to be quiet.  We have more opportunity to sit and quietly listen for God's calling.

I love this quote:  "Breaking the pattern of rush, rush, rush can restore our bodies
and our minds and can bring an oasis of healing calm in the midst of stress." Norman Vincent Peale
It is a great reminder that we need to settle our minds and listen.

As we go through the day today, let us be sure to take time to listen for God's voice.

Daily Devotion April 9-I Am Missing You!

April 9

Genesis 31:49

49 ...The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.

How I am missing the time I usually get to spend with friends and family.  It seems like each of us has been banished to our own island.  And even though we can text, call, email or FaceTime, it is just not the same.  I miss the softness of a hug from my aunt.  I miss the kiss on the cheek from a church friend.  I miss the sparkle in my friend's eyes when we are laughing together.  I miss those special people in my life.  I bet you can share some of these same feelings with me.

However, I can take some comfort in knowing that God is watching over each of them just as He is watching over me.  I think it is ok to miss people.  God has not given us the ability to love others without knowing that there would be days when we would be absent from one another.

We know that God sees and knows everything and He can watch over each of us regardless of how far we are from one another.  I think this is a good prayer for each of us to pray every day as we think about those we are missing during this time.  We can trust God to watch over us and keep us safe.  That is what we will need to do as we go through the remainder of our days.  Thank you, Lord, for watching over us.

Today as we go through the day, let us take just a moment to ask God to watch over all those we love until we are together again.

Daily Devotion April 8--How Long

April 8

Psalm 6:3

3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long?

When we look around today, I have a feeling many of us can agree with the Psalmist that our should is "sore vexed."  I don't know about you, but every day I ask, How much longer, Lord?  Then I remind myself that our only hope anyway is in Jesus.  Are these two things so opposite that they should not be in our minds simultaneously?  I don't think so.

Even when we know we have our hope based in Jesus, we still can become discouraged and question how long we will have to withstand a trial.  In those times, it is good for us to spend time in prayer and ask God what He needs from us.  Sometimes I think we have to say, OK, Lord, You have my attention.  What can I do?  What do You want me to see, to do, to learn?  I think that God longs for us to ask Him these questions.  This gives Him the opportunity to show us how great He really is.  We need to have a desire to move to higher ground and we know that only He can get us there.

Perhaps that is the motivation for asking how long.  When we know something is going to eventually end, that it will be behind us one day, we can deal with it a little better.  God doesn't tell us how long we will have to endure but He does promise us that better days are coming--whether on this earth or in Heaven.

One of my favorite hymns says:
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus name
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

As we go through this day, let us remember that God knows how long and will give us the strength to survive.

Daily Devotion April 7--Thankful for Blessings

April 7


Psalm 9:1
I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart;...

I was listening to the news today and thought to myself "OH God, how thankful I am for all of Your blessings!"  Sometimes in times of trouble or fear, we forget how truly blessed we are.

We often hear the statement "Have an attitude of gratitude."  For some reason we seem to only think about our blessings around Thanksgiving but we really  need to think about them every single day.
In the first part of Psalm 105 verse 1 we read "O give thanks unto the Lord..."  This should be our thought in every situation.  The more thankful we are to God for His blessings, the closer we draw to Him.  Gratitude also gives us a sense of peace.  We find that we aren't as worried or fearful when we have God's peace.  We know that being thankful makes us more appreciative of the things we have and even more thankful for the negative things we do not have to deal with each day.

We need to be careful and not complain about the trivial things in life.  Nobody has a life of perfection on this earth.  However, if we let our unhappiness become our main focus, then we don't have the heart we need to be grateful for our blessings.  Being thankful should be one of the marks of the believer in Jesus Christ.  Start talking about your blessings more and less about your problems and see how life turns for you.

As we go through this day, let us remember to praise the Lord with our whole heart.

Daily Devotion April 6--Laughter

April 6

Job 8:21

Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing.

I love to laugh.  I like to be around people who laugh.  I love when my grandchildren are giggling in the tub or in the backyard or as we roll around in the bed.  Some of my greatest memories of my dad included hearing him guffaw.  We all have heard that "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine:" (Provers 17:22).  So laughter is a good thing, especially in times of trial, fear or anxiety.

In this verse from Job we read that God would fill his mouth with laughing.  Just think about that...God giving us laughter.  If you've lived any length of time you have problem learned that God has a sense of humor.  When you look at all the different animals that God created, you know He had to have a sense of humor.  (I mean, have you ever seen a platypus?)  But just imagine having the opportunity to sit and laugh with Him.  I just believe that during their 3 1/2 years together that the disciples spent some time laughing with Jesus.  He was part man and that is the natural release of an emotion.

In my imagination I sometimes think about what it will be like to finally be in the arms of Jesus.  To sit with Him and talk about all He has done.  To listen to Him tell us of the times that He knew we were hurting or lonely and He sent someone our way to make us laugh again.  It is such a release of stress to just have a good ole belly laugh.

During this time of constant anxiety and worry, let us not forget to laugh.  Tell knock knock jokes with kids.  Call Bro. Cecil and he will tell you a Boudreaux joke lol.  Watch an old I Love Lucy or Carol Burnett.  Just find something that will fill you with the joy of laughter.

As we go through the day, let us look for ways to bring laughter into the lives of others and ourselves.

Daily Devotion for April 4--Abounding Grace

April 4

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 )

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Three times Paul prayed for God to help him.  Three times.  Every time God told him that His grace was sufficient.  His strength was perfect when he was weak.  We, just like Paul, need to look to God for strength and recognize the awesomeness of His grace.

We know that grace is the unmerited favor of Christ.  The way I learned to understand it was "God's Riches At Christ's Expense".  We did absolutely nothing to deserve God's grace and there is nothing we can do to earn it.  It is a gift.  A gift that is freely given to everyone who call's on Christ as his/her Savior.  Just think about the fact that the God of the universe is willing to give this gift to us--sinners, dirt, rotten people--and bring us into His presence.

Many times we don't want to keep pleading with God; we don't want to ask Him more than once for what we need.  However, if Paul, who was a great prayer warrior and man of Christ can ask 3 times, why should we hesitate to continue to ask?  One reason is because we are accustomed to fast things and we want our answer the first time we ask.  But God says not to fret when we do not get our answer immediately.  He wants us to know that HIS grace is all we need.  It is important for us to remember that we are dependent on Him. And if we trust Him, then He will provide the strength we need even when we are at our weakest.  Let us accept His gift and lean on Him regardless of the situation.

As we go through the day, let us remember that God's grace is sufficient and His strength is enough.

Daily Devotion for April 3--Stay

April 3

Ecclesiastes 3:1

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

This is a very familiar  passage to most people.  We don't mind thinking that every thing comes in its own season.  We really don't mind going through different seasons of our lives--some we enjoy better than others and some we are more prepared for than others.

Currently we are facing a season of life that none of us were ready for nor were we prepared for it.  For most of us this is a season of waiting--more time spent at home, no time to interact with our friends and relatives because we must maintain social distancing.  And, even introverts are finding it is hard for us to be forced to be separated from other people.

However, it is just a season.  A season that we will look back on as a time of learning.  We have more time to get into God's Word.  I can't remember a time when so many pastors were doing devotions and sermons on Facebook for their members.  More opportunities to get God's Word out to people--some who may be lost.

When we are living in God's will,  we will eventually see what His plan was for this time.  So whether this is a dry period, a trying period, or a waiting period, God will use it.  It is a time when we are to stay--stay at home, stay in touch with God's teachings, and stay strong in our beliefs.  This season will also pass and hopefully, with God's help, we will find it was a great season after all.

As we go through the day, let us remember that there is season for everything, and this season will eventually pass as the others have.

Daily Devotion ( a little humor) for April 2--Can You Have Too Much Togetherness?

April 2

Today, if you will allow me to do so, we are going to have a little levity.  I just think we could all use some laughter at this point!!

I was watching Dr. Phil the other day and he stated that the divorce rate in China had skyrocketed due to the quarantine.  Couples who thought they had a good marriage began to think that maybe that was not true.  I laughed and said that I could completely understand that.  Mark and I were already having more together time just because of my retirement.  (NO!  He still has not moved his office from my dining table!!)  But at least then I could go see my Aunt Ollie every Wednesday.  I could go to the grocery store and meander through it.  I could go spend the night with Mitchell and his girls if I so chose.  I even got to go sit in the pickup line at the elementary school--and yes, I truly miss this time because it was the highlight of my day.

But, y'all!!  I have been sheltered in place since we had our last church service on March 15.  I make a quick run once a week to let the wonderful workers at Wal Mart put my groceries in my car and come back home.  That pretty much does it for me.  (Well, except for the terrific drive-in church service we had last week and even then I was quarantined. ha ha)  So needless to say, we are together even more than before and the stress is real.

I must say at this point that I love my husband.  We have been married 37 1/2 years and been together since 1978 so obviously we are in this for the long haul---well....maybe!

So, just for fun, I got to looking at some Bible verses on husbands and wives because surely when God made us one He didn't really intend for us to be together 24/7!  So here are some verses and some commentary---for fun, not serious Bible study, we will get back to that tomorrow.

1 Peter 3:7 - Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with [them] according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel,... I like that "according to knowledge" part.  Husbands and wives know what the other needs.  I don't mind being the weaker vessel if it means that I can be taken care of.  So nobody needs to be saying anything about the Amazon and Zuilly deliveries that are arriving at our house.  Just Dwell and be quiet.

Genesis 2:18-24 - And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.  It may not be good for man to be alone but sometimes woman needs to be (and yes, many men do also!).  So maybe what wives can do is "help" him get his stuff together to go work on a project out of the house or at least in another room---without calling out every 5 minutes with a question.

This will be my last verse:
1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].
Here is where I go for comfort.  Even if I (you) feel tempted to do something awful, God says He will give me (you) a way of escape.  That is probably good for everybody!  So when I am tempted to whack the hubby over the head with a skillet, I think I will just escape into a pan of cornbread instead!

God loves you and so do I!  I just know that one day all this will be over!!

Side note:
This is from an article from mydomaine.com.  This really is some good information!

How To Know You're Spending Too Much Time With Your Spouse 

Couples who spend too much time together:

• Have less to talk about
• Have less intimacy
• Are rarely motivated to go out together (which you can't do right now anyway!!)
• Take each other for granted
• Don't get the opportunity to miss each other

Devotion for April 1--No Do-overs, Just Forgiveness

1 John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 32:2 
2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile



There are some things in my life that I wish I could take back or do over.  Decisions that I made without fully thinking through the longterm consequences. Things I did knowing I should not, yet I did anyway.  Hurt, retaliation, lies and deciet. I try not to dwell on those things but sometimes life situations (or Satan himself) will bring them back to memory.  Again I tell myself that was a stupid decision.  But no matter how awful I feel, how much I wish certain things had been different, I can't go back and do life over.

The good news is....there is forgiveness.  Jesus promised if we would confess our sins and admit our need for Him that He would forgive us.  Forever.  Done.  Finished.  Never to be spoken of from His point of view.

Sometimes, though, it seems like it is hard for us to accept that forgiveness.  We go to the Lord over and over again with the same sin, the same bad decision, the same regret.  We are living in our feelings--not in the faith and trust we have in Christ Jesus and what He has done for us.  We have a desire to be loved unconditionally---regardless of our mistakes.  Jesus does that for us.  His love is unconditional and everlasting.

We must be willing to accept that Jesus has forgiven us.  We must allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with peace and hope.  God will not condemn us and once we have been made free through Jesus, we are free.  I want to allow myself to feel this forgiveness and to forgive myself.  I want to live my life so full of Jesus that He radiates out of me. I want to let Him wash all that shame and guilt out of my heart and out of my mind.  And I want to be able to counsel with others and say "Yes, Yes God can forgive you for THAT!  I assure you He has forgiven me for much more!"

As we go through today, let us remember that there are no do-overs in life but there is forgiveness in Christ.

Daily Devotion for March 31--In Divers Manners

March 31

Hebrews 1

1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

As we do a chronological reading through the entire Bible, we start in the Old Testament.  I know that reading through long genealogies and lists of land divisions can become tiresome.  (Thank goodness for an app that will read those names for me!).  However, there is so much information and beauty to be found in the Old Testament.  Along with that, we find ourselves learning how much we today really are like the Israelites of old.  You know, the disobeying, complaining, etc. that they did just like we do today.  But, when we read the Old Testament we learn about the many different ways that God talked to His people.

God was very creative in the way He shared His knowledge and information.  He used prophets, clouds, fires, and even a donkey.  We get to experience all of these while reading through the Old Testament.  God knew that He would get different people's attention in different ways. He had to have much patience to get His message to the people.  God refused to give up on His people.  He also doesn't give up on us.  So much of what we have to study is what was given to the prophets as spoken of in verse 1 of Hebrews 1.

Along with this, we learn that God was willing to give the best He had.  He sent His Son, His only Son to die for us.  Jesus shared so much information with the disciples, the Pharisees and all those who gathered around Him to hear Him speak.  By sending His Son, God also proved how very much He loves us.  He made Jesus heir of all things it says in verse 2.  And through Jesus we are made sons and daughters of God so that we become heirs as well.  What a comfort to know in days like these.

As we go through the day, let us remember that God has many ways to speak to His people so we need to always be listening for His voice.

Daily Devotion for March 30--Don't Give Up

March 30

Romans 5:3-4

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

Giving up seems to be the easy answer in times of trouble.  People give up on their marriages, their education, the job--all because trials have come along.  Unfortunately, sometimes people give up on the beliefs, their church, their fellow Christians over the smallest infraction.  This is not what God has called us to do.

It is through those times of trouble that we can really see God at work.   God can give us the strength of endurance.  When we see what all Christ had to endure on the way to the cross, nothing much that we face stacks up to that.  We should follow His example when we are faced with trials.

We should not be so quick to give up on people, on relationships, on life.  Just think where each of us would be if God had given up on us.  How many times even after salvation that we were a disappointment, a disgrace to Him?  Look closely what we can gain by persevering---patience and hope.  And it goes on to say in this chapter that this hope makes us not ashamed because of the love God gives to us.

It is so important that we continue to preserve through the tribulations of life.  God will help us if we call on Him.

As we go through the day, let us remember to persevere as trials come along. Don't give up.

Daily Devotion for March 28--The Truth In Love

March 28

Ephesians 4:15

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Sometimes when people want to say something harsh to someone they quote this verse.  But they may forget the part that says "in love".  They may forget to be tender and caring when they are speaking the truth to someone.

The Bible tells us in Matthew 18 that if a brother (or sister) has trespassed (or sinned) against us, then we are to sit with them one on one and if he (or she) listens to you then you will have gained a brother (sister).  But we have to remember to do so with the love of Christ in us.  We are not to use whatever gifts God has given us to hurt someone else.  If we see that someone has been led astray, then we must speak the Word of God to them in love.  This way each of us can grow in our relationship with Christ.

If you have to have an uncomfortable discussion with someone, be sure to do so with love.  Paul told Timothy not to harshly rebuke the older men.  The same is true for us.  We are not to be harsh in rebuke.  It is not always easy to keep your emotions in check but that is so important for us to further the cause of Christ above all else.

As we go through the day today, let us remember to season all of our words with love.

Daily Devotion for March 27--Faithful in the Small Things

March 27

Luke 16:10

10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

The word "faithful" means one who can be trusted.  Trust is a huge issue for so many of us.  People have made promises in the past and let us down.  We thought we were hearing the truth only to find out it was lies.  Our hearts have been broken by someone who vowed to stay with us forever. No wonder so many of us have trust issues today.

If we look at this verse, we see that we must be faithful---trustworthy---with something small before we can trusted with something larger.  Jesus trusts us with more than earthly gain.  He trusts us to share the gospel with others.  And He trusts us with things of great importance--faith, salvation, the blessings He bestows.

We are expected to obey God in big things and small things.  Integrity is tested every day as we associate with the world.  Things like when we say, "I'm on my way" when we know we haven't left the house yet.  But if we want to be trusted by God,  we must prove ourselves trustworthy in the little things first.  Then He will trust us with the larger things.  But, then, who can we trust with the big and small things?

We know that Jesus is always worthy of our trust and will never let us down. Many times we are fearful to trust Him but know that He doesn't make a difference in small or big things.  If it is important to you, He will hear your prayers and your concerns.  It is then our turn to be faithful.    Let us strive each day to prove ourselves trustworthy to Him.

As we go through the day, let us remember that we can always trust God no matter the circumstances and we must be faithful in the small things!!

Daily Devotion for March 26--Looking for the Answer? It is Jesus.

March 26

Romans 7:24-25

24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Paul was never reluctant to discuss his faults.  He knew he was a sinner.  He knew that no matter how hard he tried to do the right thing that his Adamic nature would cause him to sin.  He called himself a wretched man.  We can call ourselves the same thing--a wretched sinner.  Regardless of how hard we try to be Christlike, we sin.  We try to live the life that we are supposed to live but we fail.

What was Paul to do?  Even more, what are we to do?  What is the answer?  The answer is Jesus.

You may feel trapped in a life of sin.  You may feel that things from your past are weighing you down and holding you back.  You may face temptations daily.  You may find yourself worrying constantly about things that are not within your control.  But the answer to all of these is very clear--Jesus.  We need His strength and power to face what happens in life.  We can never achieve victory through our own strength.  It all must come from Jesus.  Tell Him what fears you have.  Ask Him to save you from your sins.  He will make you one of His children and give you peace.  He is the answer every time.

As we go through the day, let us remember that Jesus is the only answer we ever really need.

Daily Devotion for March 25---Spring is Coming

March 25

Psalm 96:1-2

1 O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.  2 Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.

I don't like all of these rainy days.  I don't like the temperatures jumping up and down 20 degrees at a time--flip-flops today and boots tomorrow.  But that is the way it has always been here as we move into spring.  Spring is one of my 2 favorite seasons (the other is fall).  I like spring because a dark, gray world begins to be filled with colors.  Wildflowers, grass, leaves on the trees all give us hope that something better lies ahead.  The new life is exciting and eases my mood of sadness.

When we look at things through God's eyes, we can see that every day can be spring--a new day, a new song, a new life.  We read in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 that God has reconciled ourselves to him and given us the "ministry of reconciliation."  Then we are told to be ambassadors for Him.  We are to share the news with others that they, too, can have a new day, a spring in their lives, any day of the year.  We can celebrate our salvation and thank God for giving us all things new.

It is important for us to be intentional every day to celebrate new life...to be renewed.  We can learn something new every day by reading God's Word and talking with Him.

As we go through the day, let us remember to celebrate our  new life with Jesus!

Daily Devotion for March 24--Be of a Good Courage

March 24

Joshua 1

6.  Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
7.  Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
9.  Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
18.  Whosoever he be that doth rebel against thy commandment, and will not hearken unto thy words in all that thou commandest him, he shall be put to death: only be strong and of a good courage.


Just imagine what it must have been like for Joshua.  Here he was, a young man, following as the leader behind one of greatest leaders of all time.  I can only imagine that he was more than a little nervous to become the successor to Moses.  God knew this too and and wanted to be sure Joshua had what he needed to take on the role.

Four different times in this one chapter God tells Joshua to be strong....to be courageous. Not only that, He also reiterates His commitment to Joshua and to the people of Israel.   We can take these directions to heart ourselves today.  We are to be strong and to have courage.  Not anything based on ourselves or what we can do, but based on what God can do.  No matter our situation, God has the ability to give us the strength we need to face whatever lies ahead.  We are not promised a trouble free like but we are promised that God will be there.  

How amazing it must have been for Joshua to be able to have a conversation with the Creator of the universe.  How amazing that we can have the same type of conversation with God every day, all through the day.  Let  us never forget that God is near His children.

As we go through the day, let us never forget that God will give us strength and courage when we need it.  

Daily Devotion March 23--Our Hope is in Jesus Christ

March 23

1 Timothy 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;

Psalm 130 King James Version (KJV)

130 Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.  2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.  3 If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?  4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.  5 I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.  6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.  7 Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.  8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

The Psalmist knew Who to call on when he was in trouble.  He feels hopeless, just as many of us do some days.  But God has not failed us.  He never fails.  Sin is what separates us from God and makes us feel hopeless.  However, we know that God is the reason that we have hope.  God gives us real hope.  Sometimes when we use the word "hope" it is almost like wishful thinking.  But with God there is the real hope and mercy and grace.  Jesus came into this world and died for our sins so that we would have hope everlasting.  Through salvation we have complete hope.

Today I am thankful for His forgiveness.  I am thankful for HIs mercy.  I am thankful that His love is endless.  I am thankful for the hope I get through Him.

As we go through the day, let us remember that Christ is our only hope.  

Daily Devotion March 22--Sorry Seems So Hard to Say

March 22

James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, ...

Why is it that many people find it so hard to say "I'm sorry"?  Is it because we don't want to admit we have done something wrong?  Is it because we don't want to injure our pride?  Is it because to do so would hurt our pride?  Is it because we think we may not be forgiven?

Whatever the reason we don't like to, there are times when we have to confess to something we did  or said wrong.  When we do confess our faults/sins it gives us a sense of relief to have it out in the open.  Many believe if they apologize then that makes them a weak person and they will lose the respect of the offended one.  In reality, the other person can actually respect us more once the apology has been made.  Husbands and wives need to apologize to each other when necessary.  Parents may need to apologize to their children and children to their parents.  Friend to friend.  Co-worker to co-worker.  Sinner to God.

Yes, it is important that we go to God and confess to him as well.  We can go straight to the foot of the throne and tell Him exactly what we've done.  Then our burden will be lifted.  And God has promised to forgive us, even if other people do not.  We fail each other and we fail God.  We must ask the Holy Spirit to change our hearts and help us be willing to ask for forgiveness.

When we confess our sins one to another and to God then it sweetens the fellowship we have.  Then our prayers become more effective.  This helps our life to be more fulfilling.

As we go through the day, let us remember to confess our faults and help our relationships grow.

Daily Devotion March 21--Why Can You Trust God In Hard Times?

March 21

Psalm 18:30-36

30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.  31 For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?  32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.  33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.  34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.  36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

There are truths that we say in hard times that may seem empty when trouble hits.  God's way is perfect.  He never makes a mistake.  He knows what lies ahead.  Yet, all of these statements are true.
However, when we are in the midst of hard times we need to be able to rely on God and His Word.

Everybody is going through something hard in their life.  I don't know everything you are facing nor do I know why.  But whatever it is, God is using it and preparing us for tomorrow.  We may not see the "good" in a situation this side of Heaven but we can't stop trusting God.  When your heart is broken, He can mend it.  When you feel all alone, He is near.  When sickness takes over, He is the great Physician.

God has filled us with the Holy Spirit.  It is in His power that we can face hard times.  Can you depend on Him?  Certainly,  He has proven Himself over and over again.  Will you depend on Him?  That is up to you.  You can accept that you are dependent on Him and let Him use the circumstances as He chooses, or you can fight against Him.  You already know Who is mightier.

As we go through the day, let us always remember that God's way IS perfect and He will carry us through hard times.

Daily Devotion March 20--Compassion--Is It In You?

March 20

Colossians 3:12-17
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

How compassionate are you?  Do you think some people are just by nature more compassionate than others?  Is compassion an important aspect of who we are as Christians?

Compassion makes us think of someone before ourselves.  One way for us to become more compassionate is to draw closer to God.  We know that He shows love and compassion for us.   The more time we spend Him and His Word, the more He changes our feelings, thoughts, vision and focus.  He will give us a heart like His so that we can feel that compassion.

As a child of God, we should have these characteristics listed in these verses in our lives.  When we exhibit these characteristics to those around us, then we are showing them the love of God.  Perhaps, having these characteristics could actually be a way to draw people to Jesus

When we allow Jesus to give us a new heart and a new life, He can also give us more compassion
for others.

As we go through the day, let us ask God to help  us be more loving and compassionate.

Daily Devotion for March 19--Thy Will Be Done

March 19

Matthew 6:10

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Sometimes we get complacent in our every day lives.  We have a place to live, food to eat, a vehicle to drive.  When things in our neat little lives hit with something unexpected we often find ourselves rather shaken up.  We don't like for things to not go according to our plan. Even though we know God is in control, sometimes it is not His will we truly desire, it is our own.

Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane praying just before things were put in motion that would lead to His crucifixion.  Even He, being both God and man, asked if the cup could pass from Him.  But then He followed with, "Thy will be done."  We know Jesus knew what was coming.  We also know that He could have asked His Father to spare Him and God could have.  Imagine the trust it took to simply say "Thy will be done."

In verse 10 of Matthew 6 we have part of the model prayer.  Jesus gave this as an example to His disciples and to us.  So when we pray we should always ask for things according to God's will.   There may be things in life we'd like to do or things we really don't want to do, but it is important for us to submit our will to His and learn what He would have us do.  God already has a plan laid out that we know nothing about.  He already sees what lies down the road, around the bend and over the hill.  We are to pray for His plan and His will to be worked through us.  We don't follow the health and wealth gospel, we follow the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We aren't to say to God, Give me this or that.  It is fine to ask for whatever your heart desires, but we must always follow that with "Not what I want, Father, but what You want."  We should be able to say "God, whatever You want is what I want.  I will be happy and at peace regardless of where you lead."  His will, not ours, today and every day.

As we go through the day, let us remember to always ask for God's will in our lives and not our own.

Daily Devotion March 18--Taking Captive Your Thoughts

March 18

2 Corinthians 10:5

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

I don't know about you but my thoughts have been all over the place lately.  When you read so much conflicting information you can see that so many emotions are being expressed in the world around us today--fear, anger, hopelessness for example. But these aren't the only thoughts we need to take control of daily.  Pride, arrogance, jealousy, sinful thoughts, negative thoughts must all be taken captive.  The mind is powerful and it seems as though sometimes we have no control over where our thoughts go.  Sometimes Satan tries to get in our head and we must rebuke him and these thoughts.

We have God's Word to guide us in the process.  The Bible tells us in the first part of Proverbs 23:7:  For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.  What are we focusing on?  Are we letting the things of the world so overtake our thoughts that we forget all of God's promises?  Giving all of our cares over to God is a great way to take our thoughts captive.  Sometimes when things seem to be spinning out of control, I find myself singing the old hymns that have always been a part of my life since childhood.  I can find a place of calm and rest by allowing the words to take the place of anything negative going on in my head.

We must each take responsibility for  changing our thoughts.  We must focus on the right things; on the good things. So very often I hear the voice of my grandmother as she would encourage us to change the subject of a discussion that she knew was leading us down a wrong path.  "Let's talk about something else" she would say.  She knew how to take thoughts captive and she was guiding us to do the same.  When we find that we just can't get our thoughts under control, we need to go the Lord in prayer about them.  We need to tell Him that we know we can't handle this on our own, that we need His help to refocus our thoughts.  Don't let the lies of the world take hold in your mind.  God is still awesome.  God is still powerful.  God is still in control.  Trust in that and think on those things.

As we go through the day, let us always strive to keep our mind focused on God and take captive those thoughts that threaten to make us doubt Him.

Daily Devotion for March 17--Our Great Physician

March 17

Matthew 14:14
And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

Most of us do not enjoy going to the doctor's office.  Sometimes it is hard for us to get an appointment.  Sometimes it feels like the doctor is not really listening to what we have to say.  But, they are human and have ups and downs just like we do.

However, isn't it great to know we have the Great Physicians?  He is available to us at all hours of the day or night because He still makes house calls.   He listens to us when we talk to Him.  He cares about what we are feeling and wants us to give all of our "symptoms" to Him.

Preceding this verse, we find that Jesus had just heard that his cousin John the Baptist had been beheaded.  He wanted some time to be alone in his grief.  But He was still aware of the feelings of the crowd that was pressing around Him.  Even in His own grief, Jesus had compassion on the people.  And then it says He healed their sick.

No matter what is going on anywhere in the world, Jesus still has time for us.  He has compassion and love for  us and continually offers us grace and mercy.  We can learn from this a great lesson in moving away from self-centeredness to caring for others.  This is just as important today as it was when Jesus was walking on the earth.

As we go through the day, let us remember that Jesus is always available to heal us and we need to be compassionate toward those around us.

Daily Devotion for March 16--God is Singing Over You

March 16

Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Have you ever thought about God singing over you with joy?!  What a great thought!  I love music and I love singing.  But I never really thought about God singing over me.

This verse tells us that God is with us and, again, we are reminded that He is mighty. It goes on to say that He will deliver us--not just when He saves us but over and over again.   He will exult--rejoice greatly over us.  He will bring us peace through His unconditional love for us.  And He will be glad over us WITH SINGING!

Prior to God giving this verse of encouragement to Zephaniah, He was angry with His people.  They had, again, turned to idolatry.  When the first verse in a chapter starts with "Woe" you know that nothing good is coming.  However, Zephaniah is able to look forward to a time of restoration.

We sometimes get off track, just as the Israelites.  We hear voices in our head that remind us over and over again about the mistakes we've made, the bad things we've said or done, how we don't quite measure up.  But God can bring a sense of peace and quiet the voices.  He tells us that He is mighty and will rejoice--over US!  How personal that is!  How wonderful that is!  Our Heavenly Father, the Creator of all things, finds joy in us.  Just as we must find our joy in our relationship with Him.  That makes me want to sing!!

When the Devil tries to attack you and tell you all the things you aren't, just tell him, he may be right, but God loves you and died for you and you belong to Him----and He is singing over YOU!

As we go through the day, let us remember that God loves us more than anyone ever could and rejoices when we serve Him, read His Word and talk to Him daily.

Daily Devotion for March 15--Strengthen Us

March 15

Psalm 68:28

Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.

God is awesome.  He is the strongest of the strong.  He gives us His strength.  And it behooves us to ask God daily to strengthen every thing He has put in us.  His power and wisdom are beyond anything we could possibly begin to comprehend.

Matthew Henry states "...whatever is done for thee, or whatever strength thou hast to help thyself, it comes from God, His power and grace, and the word which He has commanded; thou hast no reason to fear while thou hast strength of God's commanding, and no reason to boast while thou hast no strength but what is of His commanding."  All the strength we have comes from God.  All the grace we have received comes from God.  And any gift He has given us, He will strengthen or grow in us as we ask Him to help us day by day.

God is the Author of our faith and the Provider of it as well.  He will never forget to protect that which is His.  He can revive and replenish our faith.  He will happily do so, if we only reach out to Him.  God hold us in His hands and His strength is enough.

When you are in doubt or in fear, just ask God to strengthen what He has put in you.

As we go through the day, let us not forget to ask God to strengthen us every minute of the day.

Daily Devotion March 14--Our Refuge

March 14

Psalms Chapter 9

9 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Troubles come and troubles go.  That is the way of life.  So when troubles come your way, who are you going to turn to for help? In our society we see people searching for somewhere to turn.  Some turn to drugs, alcohol, pornography or gambling.  Many people just run here and there with no purpose--simply in a state of panic.  This is not what God's people should do.

David tells us that God is our refuge. A refuge is a secure place.  When we are in trouble or frighted or disheartened, God is our safe place.  If we seek Him, He will not leave us.  We have no reason to fear when God is on our side.  It is not always easy to trust but there is One we can always count on.  We know He has never forsaken us and He never will.  All we have to do is seek Him.  Submit to Him.  Trust Him.

Jesus will always be our stronghold.  He will be the place where we can camp out and know we can be protected.  We can trust Him and His Word in every situation.

As we go though the day, let us remember that we can always turn to God when we need protection.

Daily Devotion March 13---Do Not Fear

March 13

2 Timothy 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Fear is defined as: an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.  Fear is an inborn emotion.  The physical response to fear initiates our fight or flight response.  It tells us to either run or prepare for a battle.  The emotional aspect of fear is much more personal.  Some people like the adrenaline rush that comes from fear inducing things--like roller coasters and bungee jumping.  But for most of us, fear is not something we enjoy.

2 Timothy 1:7 tells us that God does not want us to have fear.  He tells us over and over again in the Bible not to fear.   We know we will face troubles, Jesus told His disciples that.  But we don't have to let the enemy take over our mind--as he would love to do.  Nothing would make the devil more smug and satisfied than to cause the children of God to forget His strength and give over to fear.  The faith we have should be stronger than our fear.  God says we have power through Him.

Instead of fearing what may lie ahead, we should be praying.  We need to ask God to protect us.  We need to ask Him to give us wisdom, to give wisdom to others as well.  Can bad things happen?  Sure. Will any of it take God by surprise?  Absolutely not.  So why not just turn it all over to Him?  Instead of a fight or flight response, we really have a faith or fear response.  Are you going to have faith and believe what God says or are you going to have fear and believe what Satan says?  Choose faith.  Do not fear.

As we go through the day, let us remember to focus on God and have faith in Him.

March 12 Devotion--Naomi and Ruth

Ruth 1

8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

The book of Ruth has always been one of my favorites.  I love the story of redemption and grace which is the overriding theme of the book.  But I am so drawn to the story of the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law on a more personal basis.

In-laws are often the punchline in jokes, especially the mother-in-law.  But when we look at this relationship, it really shows us the importance of these connections and it shows us an example of God's love.  Ruth was completely devoted to Naomi, even though the person that held them together (Naomi's son and Ruth's husband) was no longer alive.  Even though Orpah had gone back to her people, Ruth stayed with Naomi.  These verses from Ruth to Naomi are often used in wedding ceremonies.  That is because it was a great witness of the kind of practical love that is necessary for two people to survive.  This story gives us the view of a mutual commitment that must be made.

Many times we find a mother-in-law (MIL) and daughter-in-law (DIL) at odds with each other.  However, we see here how they can work toward a common goal.  I think today the common goal for the MIL and DIL is for the commitment of the marriage of her son and DIL.  They both want the children to grow up to be physically and spiritually healthy, as well.  They can work together as a team and be a support to each other--just like Naomi and Ruth.

While I feel very blessed to have this type of relationship with my DILs, I know many MILs who don't have the closeness that we see in Naomi and Ruth.  Regardless of which role we fill, it is important that we show God's love and commitment to one another.

As we go through this day, let us find ways to be examples of God's love to those around us.

Daily Devotion March 11--Heart Condition

March 11

Proverbs 27:19
As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man.

If you've ever looked into a pond or lake you probably saw your reflection, just as you do when you look into a mirror.  I don't always like what I see when I take the time to really look at my physical reflection.

The same can be said of our heart.  We often find it easy to pick out the flaws of others but we don't see our own flaws very well.  We need to study our own heart and see what needs to be offered up to God for forgiveness, for rebuke, for spiritual analysis so that we can grow.  And while God sees the truth of our heart, it is our attitudes, words, and behaviors that other people see.  Do these things match what you say is in your heart?

The Word of God can be used as a great mirror, or as looking into a pool of still water.  Do our ambitions, emotions, fears, hopes, thoughts and expectations meet the standards that have been shown to us through the Bible?  We should examine our own heart every day.  We need to ask God to show us where we are failing Him--especially in our interactions with others.  We must continue to be doers of the word and not hearers only.  Look into your heart today to see what conditions you may have that may need to be remedied.

As we go through this day, let us remember that our heart condition reflects what is truly inside.

Daily Devotion March 10--Born again

March 10

John 3:3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Today is the anniversary of my birth.  At 7:00 on a Friday night (which I always thought was so appropriate!) I entered this world.  My parents spent the remainder of their lives teaching me about honesty, respect, hard work and love.  They did the best job they possibly could with this hard headed girl.

But even though this day marks my birth by water, there is another birth that is more important.  That is the second birth that Jesus was talking to Nicodemus about.  This is the birth when you are born by blood into the family of God.  With this birth God makes us a new creature,  He gives us a new heart and a new mind.  It is a transformative time.  God wipes our slate clean.  He forgives all our sins.  He adopts us into His family.  Can I get a Hallelujah here??

If I could ask for anything for my birthday, it would be this--that all those I love and know would be able to know the truth of this second birth.  If you are not saved, today would be a great day to commit your life to Jesus--or recommit if you've strayed a bit.

As we go through this day, let us remember the mercy and grace that led to our second birth!

Daily Devotion March 9--Discouragement

March 9

Exodus 6:9
And Moses spake so unto the children of Israel: but they hearkened not unto Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

Sometimes I just feel discouraged.  There can be no particular reason or maybe a culmination of a multitude of reasons.  We know when we look to the world and compare ourselves to others, it is easy for us to feel we fall short.  We don't wear the right size or have the right clothes, live in the right house or drive the right car.  Social media has made this even worse because people don't post the burned meals, the cluttered house or the disobedient children.  We may feel just like the Israelites and have "anguish of spirit."

Strong defines these words as an impatience of the spirit or shortness of the spirit or mind.  A synonym for discouragement is dispiritedness (to deprive of morale.)  That is how the Israelites felt.  And that is how we often feel.  Our spirit is weak, we feel no sense of strength and often we just want to give up.

As I was thinking about that sense of discouragement, lines from different  songs came to mind:  "Why should I be discouraged...His eye is on the sparrow and I now He watches me"; "I'm not discouraged,  I'm heavy bound"; "When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost..."  Each of these songs carry with it an opposite thought--the thought that God is watching us, we have a home in Heaven and we  need to count our many blessings.

The Israelites were, unfortunately, quick to forget what God had done for them time after time.  We, too, often forget what God has done for us.  We forget that He loves us so much He died for us.  We forget that He made us just the way He wants us to be.  We forget that He is preparing something so much better for us.  We forget that He wants us to have an abundant life--NOW.

We need to remind ourselves of these things.  If we spend time in His Word and in prayer talking with Him, then that discouragement won't last very long.  We need to turn our thoughts to Him and He will turn our thoughts away from being discouraged.

As we go through this day, let us remember that when we feel discouraged, God can turn that around!

Daily Devotion March 8--Have You Left Your First Love?

March 8

Revelation 2:4

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Do you remember when you first fell in love with Jesus?  How excited you were that your sins were forgiven?  How you just wanted to tell everybody what had happened to you?  How you read your Bible and spent time talking with Him?  And now you look around and say--hmmmmm....I don't do that quite as much.

This is the way the Christians at Ephesus were also.  But now, as John is given a revelation from God, he sees that they are just not as on fire as they once were.  The same can very likely be said of many of us today.

We need to remember how we felt at the beginning of our relationship with Christ and repent of the things that have caused us to slip away.  Whether it is complacency, busyness, or just the fact that our heart has grown cold over the years, we need to go to God and tell Him that we are sorry and asked to be forgiven.  We are always the ones who have moved away--never is it Him.  Once we've done this, we must return to the way things were before.  Get back in church, back in your Bible, back to daily conversations with God--whatever the area is that you have let slide.  Because the good news is that God will take us back and forgive us when we ask Him.

We can't lose sight of what is important in the work of The Lord.  We must not take our faith, our walk with God, our relationship for granted.  We must return to that first love--that wonderful feeling we had when we first realized how merciful God is to us sinners.  As an individual, a family and a congregation, it is important for us to show this love we have for Jesus and the love He has for us.

As we go through the day, let us remember to return to our first love--Jesus Christ.

Daily Devotion March 7--Spiritual Growth

March 7

John 15:5 

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

We strive for spiritual growth.  Jesus tells us that we must abide in Him if we are to produce fruit for Him.  Just like the vines that produce grapes must grow deep into the soil, we must grow deep in our relationship with Christ.  

God has a purpose for each of us and the more we dwell in Him the more we are able to fulfill that purpose.  We want to be fruitful in the work of the Lord, but sometimes it seems that we are not making much progress.  During those times, it is important for us to spend time in God's word and in prayer.  He will then give us the direction we need so that we can do all He has planned for us to do.  

God has many blessings in store for us, but it is important to remember that we can do nothing on our own.  We must depend on Him and grow in Him.  We must be willing to devote our lives to Jesus and be willing to live for Him.  Just like the branches of the grapevine can't survive without the grapevine, we can't grow unless we abide in Him.  

As we go through the day, let us remember that if we wish to have spiritual growth, we must stay connected to Christ.

Daily Devotion March 6 --Solomon's Bad Choice

March 6

1 Kings 3:14.

And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

Solomon.  So many things come to mind when we think about him.  Great King who followed  after his father, David.  Dispenser of wisdom.  Even though he was a great man, he was a human, too.  He had failures.  He made bad choices.  Some of those bad choices had extremely negative results for him.

We know that God told Solomon that he would provide him with anything he asked for.  Solomon asked for wisdom and this was pleasing to God.  God made Solomon one of the greatest and wisest men of all times.  (How I wish we had leaders today with Solomon's wisdom.)

God told Solomon to walk in His ways and to keep His statutes and commandments.  Then He promised to lengthen his days--to prolong his days. Solomon chose not to follow the ways of God as David did.  Because of this, God did not lengthen Solomon's days.  He died before he reached the age of 70.

We need to remember that God wants us follow Him.  In Matthew 6:33 we are told "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."  We need to keep our focus on God and what He wants us to do.  Regardless of the length of life God gives us, it is important to commit our lives to Him.

As we go through this day, let us remember that God gives us guidelines and all He asks is that we follow them.

Daily Devotion March 5--Grief to Joy

John 16:16-21

16 A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
17 Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?
18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.
19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?
20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.
21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.


Don't you know the disciples were having a really hard time understanding what Jesus was saying to them?  They asked among themselves but Jesus knew what they were thinking.  He even asked them why they were questioning among themselves.  The passage "a little while" was used several times in this scripture.  It could have meant the time between His death and resurrection.  It could have referred to the time between His Ascension and His return in the second coming.

Regardless of which meaning it was, He follows with some very important words.  Jesus says they (and we) will be sorrowful for a little while but then that sorrow will turn into joy.  That is such a comforting thought.

We have all lost someone we love--a parent, grandparent, spouse, child, friend, aunt, uncle, etc.  And we sorrow in those times!!  Our hearts break and we weep and wail.  We are angry, depressed, or any number of other emotions.  We may even believe that we can never feel joy again.  Jesus hears our cries of pain and despair.  But He promised we will have joy again.  We may never forget that feeling of loss, but God will give us His joy.

Jesus sees the big picture for us, just like He did for the disciples.  He promised them they would again be joyful.  He gives us that same promise.  We, like the disciples, are anxiously awaiting the return of Jesus.  That will be the greatest reunion we've ever had!!  (I am looking forward to that day.)      No pain, no death, no tears.  No more grieving.  Just eternal joy!!

As we go through the day, let us remember that even if we are sorrowful for a little while, that soon joy will return!!

Daily Devotion March 4--Be Aware of False Doctrine

March 4

Jude verse 4

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

False teachings are not a new thing.  Even in the early New Testament church there were those who preached a false doctrine.  We have many false doctrines that we hear about today.  Some are:  There are many ways to Christ and Heaven.  Hell is not real.  Christians will never have problems.  And so on...  You know the kinds of thing we hear so often today--often times from pulpits.  Mindfulness is being taught to our children.   Self-love is being taught more often that God-love.

God is not surprised by any of this.  It says in the verse concerning this--- "who were before of old ordained to this condemnation".  God knew this would happen.  These wolves in sheep's clothing were invading the early church and they are invading many churches today.  Instead of focusing on God's grace for our salvation, they are pursing lasciviousness which is defined as "driven by lust; preoccupied with or exhibiting lustful desires."   The men and women were/are not concerned about teaching about Jesus. They are looking out for themselves and the things that they want for themselves.

We must be careful that we try the spirits of someone who is speaking to see if they are truly of God or if they are false prophets.  We need to be sure that those we turn to for spiritual wisdom are rooted in the truth and led by the Holy Spirit.

As we go through the day, let us be sure to be aware of the possibility of false teachers and teachings that may come into our lives.

Daily Devotion March 3--Looking Forward and Not Back

March 3

Philippians 3:13-14

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Paul (who was first known as Saul a persecutor of Christians) has some great advice for us in these verses.

I don't know a single adult who has not made a bad decision.  However, if we spend all of our time looking back we will not see where we are heading.  We have failed.  We have made mistakes. This is true for all of us.  We can't let that hold us back from God's work. We also must remember this important fact--we have NOT arrived!  We still have much learning and growing to do.  Paul knew that and we need to know that too.  

People often get caught up in the past.  Their history keeps them from moving forward.  But here is a point we need to keep in mind--Why should we keep reminding ourselves of something that God has forgiven and forgotten?  Wouldn't it make much more sense for us to focus on "pressing toward the mark"?  God has so much more for us than we can even imagine.  It is our responsibility to do all we can for God in whatever time we have.  We must completely surrender to Him and His will for our lives.  The past is over--let us look forward to what is ahead. 

As we go through the day, let us keep our heads up knowing the past has been forgiven and the best is still ahead.  

Daily Devotion for March 2--His Eye Is Upon Us

March 2

Psalm 33:18-19

18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.

Do you ever feel that God is far away from you?  Do you feel sometimes like you are just drifting along with no real purpose?  Do you wonder how some days you even manage to survive?  We can look at these verses to know that God is always watching us and that He will always provide for us.

God's perspective is very different from ours.  He can see to the end of the journey.  He knows every single thing that lies ahead.  Verse 19 says that He will deliver our soul from death.  Think about that...God loves us so much that He protects us when we can't protect ourselves.  He provides for us when we are in need---whatever that need may be.

Often we don't understand what our trials are for.  We can't see their purpose.  But God not only knows the purpose but He also prepare us for what is ahead.  Many times once we get to the other side of the trial, we can absolutely see God's hand in the process.  Then it is quite possible that God will allow you to help someone else who faces a similar trial.  He knows all.  He is in control of all.
He sees us and He protects us.

As we go through the day, let us remember that God is not only watching us but He is also holding us in His hand!!

Daily Devotions for March 1

March 1

Job 36:22 

Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?

Over the years, I have had many teachers.  Some have been inspiring and some have been mediocre.  This is true in the academic realm and the spiritual.  But I can learn from the greatest Teacher ever every day.  That teacher's name is God.

No one can instruct us as the Almighty Creator.  He can give us insight, direction, and the Good News of salvation.  Can you imagine what it would have been like to sit at the feet of Jesus as He was teaching?  Wouldn't you have loved to be with the disciples as He was telling them what was to come and His reason for coming to earth?  Even though we weren't there with Him we have access to everything that He taught through the Bible.  We know that Jesus would often say that everything He did was to bring glory to His Father.  He teaches us to do the same.

Having the Scripture to guide us give us the opportunity to learn from the Greatest Teacher of all times and is an honor and a blessing.  But with that comes the added responsibility to follow through with what He has instructed us to do.

As we go through the day, let us remember to take the opportunity to learn from the Teacher who can teach like no other.

Daily Devotion for February 29--Jealousy

February 29

Numbers 11:28-29 

28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. 29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them

Jealousy is a terrible thing.  However, it is also a very common thing.  We often wish that we had gifts that other people have---that we could play an instrument, that we could sing, that we could teach, preach, lead, whatever.  But God chose to give each of us the gift that He knew we needed to be used by Him in His work.

Here, Joshua and Moses are having a discussion and Joshua shows sings of jealousy  Moses' sake.  Even though Moses was training Joshua to become a leader, Joshua still had some growing up to do.  He didn't think anybody else should have the ability to be a spiritual leader except Moses.  Moses knew that Joshua had to see the bigger picture of what God had planned and not jut focus on the here and now. 

Moses wished that all men could hear from God as he did.  Today, we are fortunate to have the Bible that is the inspired word of God.  That gives us the ability to hear from God by reading it and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us.

As we go through this day, let us focusing on what God has given us and not on what we are lacking.  Read His word and He will show us all of our gifts.