Monday, April 20, 2020
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.
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.
Friday, April 17, 2020
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.
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.
Thursday, April 16, 2020
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
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.
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.
Monday, April 13, 2020
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.
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.
Saturday, April 11, 2020
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,
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,
Friday, April 10, 2020
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.
Thursday, April 9, 2020
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
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.
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.
Monday, April 6, 2020
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.
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.
Saturday, April 4, 2020
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.
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.
Friday, April 3, 2020
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.
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.
Thursday, April 2, 2020
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:
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
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
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.
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