1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Psalm 23:4, NIV
I have said before that there are reasons for valleys-- God knows why we are in the valleys we are in. Today He revealed part of the why for me. Today I hit the bottom of the lowness I have been in... today, I begged for His help. Today, I let go of everything and surrendered it all to His will. The reason for my valley has been that all along. If I am not the one in control and I firmly believe that, I need to give it ALL back to Him-- no more holding on to anything-- nothing. He knows me too well-- if I think I have the slightest bit of my own control over anything, I will take more and more back-- little bit by little bit. I cannot say that I do not want out of this valley, but I now know, it is not mine to climb out of.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Monday, April 30, 2007
April 30, 2007
Life... a strange journey where it is easy to get wrapped up in the unimportant things, to worry deeply about the every day stuff. It's difficult to pay attention to the things that really matter... until a moment hits-- or a series of moments-- that make you stop in your tracks and re-think things. And yet, when the dust settles (or maybe even before it does) we still keep worrying... about the stuff that in the end won't even matter.
We feel like we need to be "in charge" of life, and yet we continue to feel that we are at its will. We allow life to run us-- in the place of God. We make the decision to give it all back to God and have faith that He will guide us, but in the end, our humanity doesn't allow it. It's a cycle that keeps going... a lesson that for many of us, God continues to work our entire lives long. Will we ever get there?
God promises that prayer does not return void. He indeed knows better what we need that we do ourselves, we know that and yet we remain fearful. If we would silence our thoughts, our fears, our worries for just a few minutes, and wait on the Lord to form our prayers within our hearts, our prayers would be in line with God's perfect plans for us and there would be no room for fear or worrying. God is indeed perfect-- His prayers and His answers are as well... relinquishing our imperfect will to that should not be a scary thing.
We feel like we need to be "in charge" of life, and yet we continue to feel that we are at its will. We allow life to run us-- in the place of God. We make the decision to give it all back to God and have faith that He will guide us, but in the end, our humanity doesn't allow it. It's a cycle that keeps going... a lesson that for many of us, God continues to work our entire lives long. Will we ever get there?
God promises that prayer does not return void. He indeed knows better what we need that we do ourselves, we know that and yet we remain fearful. If we would silence our thoughts, our fears, our worries for just a few minutes, and wait on the Lord to form our prayers within our hearts, our prayers would be in line with God's perfect plans for us and there would be no room for fear or worrying. God is indeed perfect-- His prayers and His answers are as well... relinquishing our imperfect will to that should not be a scary thing.
Monday, April 23, 2007
April 23, 2007
This morning, I visited a devotion site I read from time to time. Feeling frustrated this morning about the difficulties of life, I find myself feeling "beaten". The reading this morning addressed the storms of life and the purpose for them... it totally spoke to my current state of mind, so I thought I would share it here, too. Maybe it will speak to you... Devotion
The other thing it brought to mind was the need to keep going and to keep praying-- whatever the circumstances of life-- good or bad. And, to trust that God will still bless us through the storms, pits and valleys. I posted this song on my personal blog today and it's just such a powerful reminder, I thought it belonged here, too:
And lastly, I've been thinking a lot about the kind of home I would like to have... one that relies on the strength of God, not on my own, or on my trust of others. Sometimes, we all feel alone, let down, like there's no one we can depend on. I am realizing through the struggles, that there is a purpose in that feeling. People will let you down, God never will. Our homes need to be built on that and nothing less.
The other thing it brought to mind was the need to keep going and to keep praying-- whatever the circumstances of life-- good or bad. And, to trust that God will still bless us through the storms, pits and valleys. I posted this song on my personal blog today and it's just such a powerful reminder, I thought it belonged here, too:
And lastly, I've been thinking a lot about the kind of home I would like to have... one that relies on the strength of God, not on my own, or on my trust of others. Sometimes, we all feel alone, let down, like there's no one we can depend on. I am realizing through the struggles, that there is a purpose in that feeling. People will let you down, God never will. Our homes need to be built on that and nothing less.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
April 18, 2007
Hello any and all reading!
I have been away from the blog for a bit-- spring break and such. :)
I've been thinking a lot about the power of prayer. There are so many people who are in need of prayer right now. So much pain, so many lost, so many need God. It is sometimes easier for us to pray non-personal prayers for groups of people than it is for us to pray for individual, personal needs and to keep praying. It's not that God doesn't hear non-specific prayers-- He does-- He knows all our needs, but specific prayers are so powerful, and where two are in agreement, God hears and answers.
If you are in need of prayer or know of someone who is and would like some specific prayers, please post them here-- even anonymous is fine-- I would love to pray for you. I would also very much appreciate your prayers as well-- for my health and healing. Prayer is always heard and God is always good!
I have been away from the blog for a bit-- spring break and such. :)
I've been thinking a lot about the power of prayer. There are so many people who are in need of prayer right now. So much pain, so many lost, so many need God. It is sometimes easier for us to pray non-personal prayers for groups of people than it is for us to pray for individual, personal needs and to keep praying. It's not that God doesn't hear non-specific prayers-- He does-- He knows all our needs, but specific prayers are so powerful, and where two are in agreement, God hears and answers.
If you are in need of prayer or know of someone who is and would like some specific prayers, please post them here-- even anonymous is fine-- I would love to pray for you. I would also very much appreciate your prayers as well-- for my health and healing. Prayer is always heard and God is always good!
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
April 4, 2007
My favorite quote from my reading today, "We must give up hope in ourselves, and have no hope but in God".
Wow!
We have all had the thought at one time or another that we are "alone"-- that no one "gets" us... there are even times that we grow weary of ourselves and frankly do not even "get" ourselves. It is of great comfort to know that there is a purpose in that feeling of being alone... even in feeling hopeless. When we are weak, He is made strong... when we have no earthly hope to cling to, we see that He is all the hope we need.
Wow!
We have all had the thought at one time or another that we are "alone"-- that no one "gets" us... there are even times that we grow weary of ourselves and frankly do not even "get" ourselves. It is of great comfort to know that there is a purpose in that feeling of being alone... even in feeling hopeless. When we are weak, He is made strong... when we have no earthly hope to cling to, we see that He is all the hope we need.
Monday, April 2, 2007
April 2, 2007
Suffering in "quietness" brings about growth-- the subject of my reading in Let Go today. When we go through times of trial-- times of suffering, we grow from the grace that God gives us through life lessons. The real trick is to hang onto these lessons when life returns to the "normal" busy day-to-day routine. The lessons and gifts that we receive through times of suffering are meant to go on with us through life-- in the "good times". Our prayer needs to remain that God imprints the lessons of suffering on our hearts so that we do not forget them in the better times.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
March 28, 2007: 1 Thessalonians 5:17
"Pray continually" 1 Thessalonians 5:17, NIV
Two simple words that are so easy to forget. We should pray in all circumstances-- in both good and bad times, giving God the glory for all things that we are given and in all situations. We receive His grace and His discipline as signs of His love, and yest all to often we pray only when we are in need. We need to remember that God deserves our praise in the blessings, too.
Two simple words that are so easy to forget. We should pray in all circumstances-- in both good and bad times, giving God the glory for all things that we are given and in all situations. We receive His grace and His discipline as signs of His love, and yest all to often we pray only when we are in need. We need to remember that God deserves our praise in the blessings, too.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
March 21, 2007: Romans 8:26
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." Romans 8:26, NIV
Have you ever been so steeped in a situation that you got to the point where you just couldn't pray anymore? I am discovering that when I am speechless, it is for a reason. If all you can do is groan-- God still knows your heart... He knows what you need... even when you are not sure that you do.
Have you ever been so steeped in a situation that you got to the point where you just couldn't pray anymore? I am discovering that when I am speechless, it is for a reason. If all you can do is groan-- God still knows your heart... He knows what you need... even when you are not sure that you do.
Monday, March 19, 2007
March 19, 2007: Luke 12:25-26
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?", Luke 12:25-26, NIV
These are just a couple of lines from my favorite passage of scripture.
As a "trying to recover Martha", worry is definitely something I continue to struggle with. While my heart knows that God is in control, my brain and body do not always go along with that knowledge. It is a daily battle for the "type A" person to let go... and it is a sin to continue to try and take the control out of God's hands. We cannot add a single hour to our lives here on earth, and I think if we could catch even the smallest glimpse of what waits for us, I do not believe we would want to. And yet, we worry... about thousands of earthly things. Why? And, how do we change that?
For me, as I pray daily, I have begun to mentally picture myself handing the things I worry about to Jesus. I think my human mind needs that visual representation to know that those things have been handed back to Him. I know that there are things that I continue to cling to, and I ask for forgiveness for that. And I am so thankful that God's grace includes patience as I continue to work on letting go of them.
These are just a couple of lines from my favorite passage of scripture.
As a "trying to recover Martha", worry is definitely something I continue to struggle with. While my heart knows that God is in control, my brain and body do not always go along with that knowledge. It is a daily battle for the "type A" person to let go... and it is a sin to continue to try and take the control out of God's hands. We cannot add a single hour to our lives here on earth, and I think if we could catch even the smallest glimpse of what waits for us, I do not believe we would want to. And yet, we worry... about thousands of earthly things. Why? And, how do we change that?
For me, as I pray daily, I have begun to mentally picture myself handing the things I worry about to Jesus. I think my human mind needs that visual representation to know that those things have been handed back to Him. I know that there are things that I continue to cling to, and I ask for forgiveness for that. And I am so thankful that God's grace includes patience as I continue to work on letting go of them.
Friday, March 16, 2007
March 16, 2007: Held
Held
Natalie Grant
Two months is too little.
They let him go.
They had no sudden healing.
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling.
Who told us we'd be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We're asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It's unfair.
Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved,
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.
This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred numb our sorrow.
The wise hands opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.
(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.
Bridge:
If hope is born of suffering.
If this is only the beginning.
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?
(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we'd be held.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
March 15: Mark 5:34
"He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.", Mark 5:34, NIV
Oh, us of little faith... it is true. We get so caught up in what we think is essential-- what we see as important and we base our prayers around that. Typically, our prayers contain more requests for help-- it's often about our own suffering and less about our faith and thankfulness that God is in control. We forget to praise God in times of suffering because it's all about us... and that is human-- I believe He expects that of us. But, if we could see past that humanity for a moment and see the bigger picture, we would know that our suffering will not last forever. That is so hard for these human eyes to see. Our faith in His power and control over our lives is truly all we need. We can be free from suffering when we give it over to Him in full belief that He will release us from it.
Oh, us of little faith... it is true. We get so caught up in what we think is essential-- what we see as important and we base our prayers around that. Typically, our prayers contain more requests for help-- it's often about our own suffering and less about our faith and thankfulness that God is in control. We forget to praise God in times of suffering because it's all about us... and that is human-- I believe He expects that of us. But, if we could see past that humanity for a moment and see the bigger picture, we would know that our suffering will not last forever. That is so hard for these human eyes to see. Our faith in His power and control over our lives is truly all we need. We can be free from suffering when we give it over to Him in full belief that He will release us from it.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
March 13, 2007 Friends
Today's reading in the "Let Go" book was about letting go of seeking friends who fit this need or that need, but seeking the friendship of God first... all other friendships will fall into place when we seek the friendship and comfort of our heavenly Father first.
The friends that God plants in our lives are also often not the friends we might have picked for ourselves-- but there is a purpose in that. The friendships I have grown most from myself were ones that were with unlikely people. God knows us and our needs better than we know ourselves-- oh, to trust Him with the choosing-- just as He does with our family members. Imagine the powerful relationships we could build!
The friends that God plants in our lives are also often not the friends we might have picked for ourselves-- but there is a purpose in that. The friendships I have grown most from myself were ones that were with unlikely people. God knows us and our needs better than we know ourselves-- oh, to trust Him with the choosing-- just as He does with our family members. Imagine the powerful relationships we could build!
Monday, March 12, 2007
March 12 2007: Quiet
I don't know if anyone has been reading this blog-- but if you have, I want to apologize for not being here. While I have been quiet here, my spirit has not been quiet and that has kept me from writing my devotional. More importantly, I have allowed it to keep me from doing my devotionals at all and from spending time with God. I've allowed myself to lose my focus and to focus on things that are worrisome instead of giving all of it over to God. It was not intentional, but I have turned my attentions inward in my worry, and I am still struggling with that now. I am sorry to have allowed it to keep me from the thing that would have helped me the most. And if you have been reading this, I am sorry to have not been here.
Today, I finally allowed myself to pick up the "Let Go" book I have been reading for my devotional and I wanted to share some of what it said.
This reading was from letter 17-- the header, "Quietness in God is our True Resource".
According to this letter, if we allow "self" to get in the way, "We are constantly afraid of not saying or doing enough. We get angry, excited, exhausted, distracted..." and, it goes on to say, "And you will be better off both physically and spiritually when you quietly place everything in God's hands." The text also goes on to explain that humans are humans-- "People will always be weak, vain, unreliable, unfair, hypocritical and arrogant."
I know that I have placed too much trust into human hands, while also allowing that to contribute to my own worries-- humans cannot fix everything-- we are all imperfect. I know that I need to heed these words from this letter, "Rest in peace in the bosom of God"-- he does know it's purpose and has allowed it-- there is a purpose in it all and He wants to take my burden.
Rather than keep quiet in my worry, and rather than allow myself to put all my needs on humans, I just need to quietly give it all to Him. Easier said than done, I know... but I am trying. If you're struggling with giving control to Him, let go and give it a try with me.
Today, I finally allowed myself to pick up the "Let Go" book I have been reading for my devotional and I wanted to share some of what it said.
This reading was from letter 17-- the header, "Quietness in God is our True Resource".
According to this letter, if we allow "self" to get in the way, "We are constantly afraid of not saying or doing enough. We get angry, excited, exhausted, distracted..." and, it goes on to say, "And you will be better off both physically and spiritually when you quietly place everything in God's hands." The text also goes on to explain that humans are humans-- "People will always be weak, vain, unreliable, unfair, hypocritical and arrogant."
I know that I have placed too much trust into human hands, while also allowing that to contribute to my own worries-- humans cannot fix everything-- we are all imperfect. I know that I need to heed these words from this letter, "Rest in peace in the bosom of God"-- he does know it's purpose and has allowed it-- there is a purpose in it all and He wants to take my burden.
Rather than keep quiet in my worry, and rather than allow myself to put all my needs on humans, I just need to quietly give it all to Him. Easier said than done, I know... but I am trying. If you're struggling with giving control to Him, let go and give it a try with me.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Today's devotion (3/6/07) Matthew 6:25
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" Matthew 6:25, NIV
This scripture is part of my favorite passage of scripture. That probably has a lot to do with the fact that it applies directly to my faults. I struggle with not worrying-- especially in the midst of things that are "worrisome", and for me, I know that is something that God continues to work on in me. As Christians, we know that God is in control, but as humans, our actions do not always match what we know to be true. What a grace-giving God we have that He would wait so patiently for us to get it.
This scripture is part of my favorite passage of scripture. That probably has a lot to do with the fact that it applies directly to my faults. I struggle with not worrying-- especially in the midst of things that are "worrisome", and for me, I know that is something that God continues to work on in me. As Christians, we know that God is in control, but as humans, our actions do not always match what we know to be true. What a grace-giving God we have that He would wait so patiently for us to get it.
Sunday, March 4, 2007
Weekend thought (3/3-3/4/07)
"If we can reach
Beyond the wisdom of this age
Into the foolishness of God
That foolishness will save
Those who believe"
Let Mercy Lead, Rich Mullins
It is so easy to fall into the lie that worldly knowledge makes us better people. We strive for more-- for better-- accomplishments, knowledge, awards, possessions... While it isn't wrong to "accomplish"or "have", it is wrong when it becomes our only goal. When we are weak, He is strong-- when we reach into God's "foolishness" and put away our earthly desires for worldly knowledge, perfection and pursuit of things-- we become brilliant... not by mere earthly standards, but by the standards of our Creator.
Beyond the wisdom of this age
Into the foolishness of God
That foolishness will save
Those who believe"
Let Mercy Lead, Rich Mullins
It is so easy to fall into the lie that worldly knowledge makes us better people. We strive for more-- for better-- accomplishments, knowledge, awards, possessions... While it isn't wrong to "accomplish"or "have", it is wrong when it becomes our only goal. When we are weak, He is strong-- when we reach into God's "foolishness" and put away our earthly desires for worldly knowledge, perfection and pursuit of things-- we become brilliant... not by mere earthly standards, but by the standards of our Creator.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Today's devotion (3/1/07) Colossians 3:23
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" Colossians 3:23, NIV
How hard is it for us to remember to do everything as if for God when we are forced into doing things we do not like? Especially for those of us who like to be in control. The simplest task can become enormous when we dislike it. But, when we approach the task from a different place-- when we do it out of love for the Lord, we often find that the task is not as bad as we thought.
Even in the midst of suffering, if we approach it from the standpoint that there is a purpose in it from and for God, we can endure anything.
How hard is it for us to remember to do everything as if for God when we are forced into doing things we do not like? Especially for those of us who like to be in control. The simplest task can become enormous when we dislike it. But, when we approach the task from a different place-- when we do it out of love for the Lord, we often find that the task is not as bad as we thought.
Even in the midst of suffering, if we approach it from the standpoint that there is a purpose in it from and for God, we can endure anything.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Worship Wednesday 2/28/07
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Psalm 19:1, NIV
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Today's devotion (2/27/07) Job 5:17-18
"Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal." Job 5:17-18, NIV
Suffering... something our human minds do not grasp the blessing in easily. We are to rejoice in all things-- including suffering-- what a difficult thing that is for us humans to do. When we are in the middle of going through times of suffering, it is indeed for our own good. Through suffering God shows us His love for us. Without suffering and times of discipline, we would be left to ourselves and to our own earthly desires. We might think we are happier without suffering while here on earth, but that would be missing the entire point.
God takes us through times of suffering and correction so that we might see how imperfect this world and our human goals really are. And, while temporarily painful, without suffering, we would miss the healing that only God can give. It is for this reason that God allows us to suffer... so that we might know His grace and healing, and be shaped more into His image through the grace that only He can provide.
Suffering... something our human minds do not grasp the blessing in easily. We are to rejoice in all things-- including suffering-- what a difficult thing that is for us humans to do. When we are in the middle of going through times of suffering, it is indeed for our own good. Through suffering God shows us His love for us. Without suffering and times of discipline, we would be left to ourselves and to our own earthly desires. We might think we are happier without suffering while here on earth, but that would be missing the entire point.
God takes us through times of suffering and correction so that we might see how imperfect this world and our human goals really are. And, while temporarily painful, without suffering, we would miss the healing that only God can give. It is for this reason that God allows us to suffer... so that we might know His grace and healing, and be shaped more into His image through the grace that only He can provide.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Today's devotion (2/26/07): 1 Kings 19:11-12
"The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper." 1 Kings 19: 11-12
This scripture is from my reading today in "LET GO"... when we're in the midst of a waiting period, as I have been in myself, we often sit and wait for some monumental sign from God as to what our next step should be. God doesn't always use huge things to speak to us though-- sometimes he speaks in a whisper. It's our job to recognize that and be still. Our lives are so filled with noise and activity-- it can be deafening. Sometimes, when it feels like God is being silent-- when we can't hear His Voice or see His direction, maybe He's just trying to quiet us. As a former school teacher, I learned that sometimes the best way to get the attention of a rowdy group of kids was to begin speaking quietly rather than trying to scream over them. When we can't hear God for all the noise around us, maybe it's just because He is trying to get our attention through speaking in a gentle whisper.
This scripture is from my reading today in "LET GO"... when we're in the midst of a waiting period, as I have been in myself, we often sit and wait for some monumental sign from God as to what our next step should be. God doesn't always use huge things to speak to us though-- sometimes he speaks in a whisper. It's our job to recognize that and be still. Our lives are so filled with noise and activity-- it can be deafening. Sometimes, when it feels like God is being silent-- when we can't hear His Voice or see His direction, maybe He's just trying to quiet us. As a former school teacher, I learned that sometimes the best way to get the attention of a rowdy group of kids was to begin speaking quietly rather than trying to scream over them. When we can't hear God for all the noise around us, maybe it's just because He is trying to get our attention through speaking in a gentle whisper.
Waiting for Lightning, Steven Curtis Chapman:
Standing on the edge of the truth
Looking out at the view
Of all you used to believe
From where you are
You can see you're far away from home
Echoes of the life you once knew
Call out to you from across the divide
And you know it's time
To step back over the line
But you're...
Waiting for lightning
A sign that it's time for a change
You're listening for thunder
While He quietly whispers your name
Night falls and the curtain goes down
No one's around, it's just you and the truth
As you lie and wait
For a feeling to take you by storm
Somewhere in the depths of your heart
Where it's empty and dark
There's a flicker of light
And the Spirit calls
But do you know notice at all?
Or are you...
Waiting for lightning
A sign that it's time for a change
You're listening for thunder
While He quietly whispers your name
But the sign and the word
Have already been given
And now it's by faith
That we must look, and we must listen
Instead of...
Waiting for lightning
A sign that it's time for a change
You're listening for thunder
While He quietly whispers your name
He whispers your name
Don't wait, don't wait
Friday, February 23, 2007
Today's devotion (2/23/07): Romans 1:25
"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator..." Romans 1:25, NIV
While we might not do it intentionally, how often do we neglect to give God the praise and glory that is rightly His? We instead give other people, things and ourselves the glory for what is created by our own hands... while every good and perfect gift comes from Him. There is a lie the over-achiever tells him/herself subconsciously after a job well-done... that he/she is the one responsible. It is important to stop and recognize that without Him, nothing is possible-- and with Him, everything is possible. That is the one truth-- and the reason we should give thanks to Him alone.
While we might not do it intentionally, how often do we neglect to give God the praise and glory that is rightly His? We instead give other people, things and ourselves the glory for what is created by our own hands... while every good and perfect gift comes from Him. There is a lie the over-achiever tells him/herself subconsciously after a job well-done... that he/she is the one responsible. It is important to stop and recognize that without Him, nothing is possible-- and with Him, everything is possible. That is the one truth-- and the reason we should give thanks to Him alone.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Today's devotion (2/22/07): 1 Peter 5:5
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5, NIV
We often do things out of pride without even realizing it until we're in the midst of "getting things done". Us "over-doers" can get caught up in the doing and while we might not even be seeking praise from others, sometimes we are still seeking the "feel good" thing we feel when we do things for others-- there is still danger in that kind of giving because it is still tied to our inward pride.
In the middle of tasks that begin to seem difficult, the difficulty might just be in the fact that we have taken God out of the equation without even realizing it. It's at this point, that we should stop and take a good look at our intentions. Are we being proud and seeking that "feel good" feeling through doing a good job... or are we humbling ourselves-- waiting when necessary and seeking to serve God through following His lead?
We often do things out of pride without even realizing it until we're in the midst of "getting things done". Us "over-doers" can get caught up in the doing and while we might not even be seeking praise from others, sometimes we are still seeking the "feel good" thing we feel when we do things for others-- there is still danger in that kind of giving because it is still tied to our inward pride.
In the middle of tasks that begin to seem difficult, the difficulty might just be in the fact that we have taken God out of the equation without even realizing it. It's at this point, that we should stop and take a good look at our intentions. Are we being proud and seeking that "feel good" feeling through doing a good job... or are we humbling ourselves-- waiting when necessary and seeking to serve God through following His lead?
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Today's devotion (2/21/07): Romans 12:3
"...Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." Romans 12:3, NIV
Today's reading (letter #8 in Let Go) brought this scripture to mind for me. It's easy to think highly of ourselves through what we perceive as success in our human endeavors, but our earthly success or failure is not what is important to our salvation or to the desires of our heavenly Father. When we stop looking at success as an outward thing and focus on glorifying God in all that we do, our achievements become unimportant and our purpose here on earth is fulfilled.
We make it impossible for our egos to take charge of our lives when all that we do is done with the intent of bringing Him the glory.
Today's reading (letter #8 in Let Go) brought this scripture to mind for me. It's easy to think highly of ourselves through what we perceive as success in our human endeavors, but our earthly success or failure is not what is important to our salvation or to the desires of our heavenly Father. When we stop looking at success as an outward thing and focus on glorifying God in all that we do, our achievements become unimportant and our purpose here on earth is fulfilled.
We make it impossible for our egos to take charge of our lives when all that we do is done with the intent of bringing Him the glory.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Today's devotion (2/20/07) Ephesians 2:8-9
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by your works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV
It is by grace that we breathe. It is by grace that we are. God's Amazing Grace... not by anything we are ourselves-- not by anything we accomplish. A powerful every day reminder. In the words of Derek Webb, "I'm so thankful that I'm incapable of doing any good on my own".
It is by grace that we breathe. It is by grace that we are. God's Amazing Grace... not by anything we are ourselves-- not by anything we accomplish. A powerful every day reminder. In the words of Derek Webb, "I'm so thankful that I'm incapable of doing any good on my own".
Monday, February 19, 2007
Today's devotion (2/19/07) Galatians 5:17
"For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want."
Galatians 5:17, NIV
"Why do I do all the things that I do when I want to do what is right?"-- Big Daddy Weave, Fields of Grace
How easy it is to slip into the habit of doing things without praying-- without consulting God. We want to do what is right, but continue to do what is wrong. We are human. Thank God for his Grace and patience with us. Thank God for the Spirit that sticks with us-- even when we are doing what we *want* rather than asking God what is right. Thank God.
Galatians 5:17, NIV
"Why do I do all the things that I do when I want to do what is right?"-- Big Daddy Weave, Fields of Grace
How easy it is to slip into the habit of doing things without praying-- without consulting God. We want to do what is right, but continue to do what is wrong. We are human. Thank God for his Grace and patience with us. Thank God for the Spirit that sticks with us-- even when we are doing what we *want* rather than asking God what is right. Thank God.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Weekend thought (2/17-18/ 2007)
Ever feel like you've just been "playing" at this thing called life? Ever feel like you've been going through the motions, but have just been missing the point the whole time? It often feels like Solomon had it right-- there is nothing new under the sun... it's all been done or is being done. It sometimes feels like it's hard to find the point in what we do-- especially for those of us who tend to get really wrapped up in what it is we do.
But... (you knew that was coming, right?)
The visions-- the projects-- the things that we get ourselves wrapped up in that are actually from God cannot and will not return void. It's all in the timing. Not our timing, but His. The point is to give Him glory in all we do and to do it with a cheerful heart. We have no idea who might be watching and seeing the light of God shine through us as we do. If we go about things in our own strength and power-- if we expect the glory to be ours, there will be no real joy in what we do. It will be unfulfilling... without point or value.
Solomon might have had it right... there is nothing new under the sun, but everything is made new and beautiful under the SON.
But... (you knew that was coming, right?)
The visions-- the projects-- the things that we get ourselves wrapped up in that are actually from God cannot and will not return void. It's all in the timing. Not our timing, but His. The point is to give Him glory in all we do and to do it with a cheerful heart. We have no idea who might be watching and seeing the light of God shine through us as we do. If we go about things in our own strength and power-- if we expect the glory to be ours, there will be no real joy in what we do. It will be unfulfilling... without point or value.
Solomon might have had it right... there is nothing new under the sun, but everything is made new and beautiful under the SON.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Today's devotion (2/16/07) 1 Peter 3:11
"...seek peace and pursue it." 1 Peter 3:11
The letter in my little book today speaks of seeking peace through simplicity-- a very appropriate message for us in the craziness of the present. How often are we actually still? How often did we actually empty our minds of all worldly thought and allow God's voice to resonate within us? Speaking for myself, not often enough!
I have always said that God speaks to me in the shower-- that that is the time when He sends me the clearest messages and best ideas... but, maybe I've been wrong all this time. Maybe it's just my human mind racing with thoughts and I'm not allowing Him to enter at all. The letter written by the Archbishop in this book today speaks about "learning to turn a deaf ear to your own ambitious thoughts" in order to hear what God is trying to tell you. He takes it a bit further by discussing how unhealthy for our bodies and souls it is to allow ourselves to be consumed by "too much inner striving". WOW, does this speak to us type-A, control happy, perfectionist over-achievers!
While I don't think "great ideas" are wrong, they can become so when not planted and allowed to be nurtured by God. If we would open ourselves up in quiet patience, rid ourselves of our own goals toward human achievement, and listen for His guidance, just imagine how much bigger and better God's ideas would be than our own! What exciting possibilities!
The letter in my little book today speaks of seeking peace through simplicity-- a very appropriate message for us in the craziness of the present. How often are we actually still? How often did we actually empty our minds of all worldly thought and allow God's voice to resonate within us? Speaking for myself, not often enough!
I have always said that God speaks to me in the shower-- that that is the time when He sends me the clearest messages and best ideas... but, maybe I've been wrong all this time. Maybe it's just my human mind racing with thoughts and I'm not allowing Him to enter at all. The letter written by the Archbishop in this book today speaks about "learning to turn a deaf ear to your own ambitious thoughts" in order to hear what God is trying to tell you. He takes it a bit further by discussing how unhealthy for our bodies and souls it is to allow ourselves to be consumed by "too much inner striving". WOW, does this speak to us type-A, control happy, perfectionist over-achievers!
While I don't think "great ideas" are wrong, they can become so when not planted and allowed to be nurtured by God. If we would open ourselves up in quiet patience, rid ourselves of our own goals toward human achievement, and listen for His guidance, just imagine how much bigger and better God's ideas would be than our own! What exciting possibilities!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Today's devotion (2/15/07) Matthew 16:24-25
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." Matthew 16:24-25, NIV
I'm going to go about this one a little differently... I need to share a story with you.
I'm going to be a little transparent here... I've been feeling really alienated from people for the last couple of months. Between a couple of ventures taking different paths for me and health concerns I have been dealing with, I've been pretty "home-bound" and cut-off from people. I've gone from being too busy to eat lunch some days, to having enough time on my hands to ponder my purpose. I've felt stifled, lonely, frustrated, worried and all of that in combination with the health issues. I have not been in a good place-- and that has led to self-pity and worry.
Last week at church, we sat a couple of rows up from our normal spot-- the sanctuary was pretty full and I almost sat in one row, but then moved up to the next at the last second for some reason. As our pastor gave the sermon, I found my mind wondering and the worries and pity made me restless sitting there. I looked at the pocket in the chair in front of me, which usually holds pens, tissues, etc, and there were two small boo
ks tucked into the pocket. One was this little book:
It is a small book of 40 letters written by an Archbishop under Louis the Fourteenth-- he wrote them to a group of Christians who served in the court of the king and needed encouragement. I know-- that doesn't sound very exciting, but bear with me.
What spoke to me was the title-- in bold, big letters, "LET GO". When I turned the book over, in bold red letters, "ARE YOU STRUGGLING?"... um, yeah... I am! So, I felt like maybe the book was planted for me-- and then, I noticed the small words at the bottom, "To get peace and real joy"... two things that have definitely been lacking in my life. The book ended up being a book from the library of books available to be borrowed from the church, so I brought it home to use as my devotional, having high hopes it would speak to me... and maybe it will to you, too...
And this is where this devotional writing picks up...
Today's "letter" is on "the death of self"... and this is what I feel I need to share with you... first, he writes about the pain involved with God removing the parts of us that are still in the way-- the parts we cling to. For me, this is work-- my accomplishments, and being busy with them. I have been in pain over the loss of that and so I know God is working to help me release that tight grip I hold on my earthly accomplishments. It's not that we are to not enjoy what we do or even strive for excellence in our endeavors, but when it gets in the way of what God has planned for us, it needs to be removed. And, according to this book, it is a painful process that we should be thankful for because God seeks to reach us-- and that is a blessing. This is what I have been going through and I see that now. Secondly, in this letter, he says that he realizes how confined the reader is, but "I am convinced that God means to accomplish His work in you by cutting off every human resource". WOW-- how many times have I felt alone and like I had no one to lean on over the past several months-- and now I am learning I have been seeking the wrong thing. It's not that God wants me to feel alone or to feel cut off from others, but He knows me and He knows that I depend on people more than Him sometimes, and He wants me to hear Him and seek to lean on Him. I am not alone, He wants to spend time with me. WOW, how humbling is that! The author goes on to say that God has great plans for me and He wants me to understand what will be accomplished is through Him and no one else. Wow, again! How many times have I gotten that one wrong?!
So, all of that to share with you... if you, too feel alone or like you're just floating, waiting for what is to come... if you feel like there have been losses, struggles or pain that you just cannot seem to come through, maybe God has something greater in store. Maybe He just wants to spend some time with you with no distractions-- to prepare you-- to get you to the place He wants you to be. Before that can happen, you have to be willing to suffer losing some of the things you cling to-- even accept it as a blessing-- and in the process of losing your life, you will find it.
I'm going to go about this one a little differently... I need to share a story with you.
I'm going to be a little transparent here... I've been feeling really alienated from people for the last couple of months. Between a couple of ventures taking different paths for me and health concerns I have been dealing with, I've been pretty "home-bound" and cut-off from people. I've gone from being too busy to eat lunch some days, to having enough time on my hands to ponder my purpose. I've felt stifled, lonely, frustrated, worried and all of that in combination with the health issues. I have not been in a good place-- and that has led to self-pity and worry.
Last week at church, we sat a couple of rows up from our normal spot-- the sanctuary was pretty full and I almost sat in one row, but then moved up to the next at the last second for some reason. As our pastor gave the sermon, I found my mind wondering and the worries and pity made me restless sitting there. I looked at the pocket in the chair in front of me, which usually holds pens, tissues, etc, and there were two small boo
ks tucked into the pocket. One was this little book:It is a small book of 40 letters written by an Archbishop under Louis the Fourteenth-- he wrote them to a group of Christians who served in the court of the king and needed encouragement. I know-- that doesn't sound very exciting, but bear with me.
What spoke to me was the title-- in bold, big letters, "LET GO". When I turned the book over, in bold red letters, "ARE YOU STRUGGLING?"... um, yeah... I am! So, I felt like maybe the book was planted for me-- and then, I noticed the small words at the bottom, "To get peace and real joy"... two things that have definitely been lacking in my life. The book ended up being a book from the library of books available to be borrowed from the church, so I brought it home to use as my devotional, having high hopes it would speak to me... and maybe it will to you, too...
And this is where this devotional writing picks up...
Today's "letter" is on "the death of self"... and this is what I feel I need to share with you... first, he writes about the pain involved with God removing the parts of us that are still in the way-- the parts we cling to. For me, this is work-- my accomplishments, and being busy with them. I have been in pain over the loss of that and so I know God is working to help me release that tight grip I hold on my earthly accomplishments. It's not that we are to not enjoy what we do or even strive for excellence in our endeavors, but when it gets in the way of what God has planned for us, it needs to be removed. And, according to this book, it is a painful process that we should be thankful for because God seeks to reach us-- and that is a blessing. This is what I have been going through and I see that now. Secondly, in this letter, he says that he realizes how confined the reader is, but "I am convinced that God means to accomplish His work in you by cutting off every human resource". WOW-- how many times have I felt alone and like I had no one to lean on over the past several months-- and now I am learning I have been seeking the wrong thing. It's not that God wants me to feel alone or to feel cut off from others, but He knows me and He knows that I depend on people more than Him sometimes, and He wants me to hear Him and seek to lean on Him. I am not alone, He wants to spend time with me. WOW, how humbling is that! The author goes on to say that God has great plans for me and He wants me to understand what will be accomplished is through Him and no one else. Wow, again! How many times have I gotten that one wrong?!
So, all of that to share with you... if you, too feel alone or like you're just floating, waiting for what is to come... if you feel like there have been losses, struggles or pain that you just cannot seem to come through, maybe God has something greater in store. Maybe He just wants to spend some time with you with no distractions-- to prepare you-- to get you to the place He wants you to be. Before that can happen, you have to be willing to suffer losing some of the things you cling to-- even accept it as a blessing-- and in the process of losing your life, you will find it.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Today's devotion (2/14/07): 1 Corinthians 13:7
"It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres", 1 Cor. 13:7, NIV
The "it" in this verse is love... a perfect scripture for Valentine's Day. Oh, if we could only stop in the midst of things and repeat this verse to ourselves quietly, really getting its meaning... "...always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres"...
We had this verse read at our wedding as many others have and after the years, you start forget the depth of its meaning. If everything we did was done with this level of love-- remembering to trust God to be in control of our marriage and family, always hoping for the best outcome, always persevering-- even when it gets tough... that is the true meaning of love... imagine how strong our homes would be.
The "it" in this verse is love... a perfect scripture for Valentine's Day. Oh, if we could only stop in the midst of things and repeat this verse to ourselves quietly, really getting its meaning... "...always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres"...
We had this verse read at our wedding as many others have and after the years, you start forget the depth of its meaning. If everything we did was done with this level of love-- remembering to trust God to be in control of our marriage and family, always hoping for the best outcome, always persevering-- even when it gets tough... that is the true meaning of love... imagine how strong our homes would be.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Today's devotion (2/13/07): James 1:19-20
"...Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear. God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger." James 1:19-20, The Message
WOW! A great scripture to begin these devotions-- and one that speaks to us all in the busy and often chaotic days we live. In the middle of chaos, we don't often feel that we have the time to stop and listen-- we simply have time to manage the situation and move on. Regrettably, that is often not led by our ears, but by the frustration we feel in having to manage so much all day-- a juggling act that often plugs our ears and fuels our anger.
Recently, I have noticed the lack of patience my eldest son has been showing to my youngest son... and stepping back, I am realizing that the example is probably being given through the frustration I allow to control chaotic situations in our home. My desire is to have a God-centered home, not a home run by frustration and anger, but in the middle of the craziness of life, I know I all too often fail to allow God's righteousness to grow.
Dear Lord, help me to be quick to listen and slow to anger. Direct my words and the way I say them in the chaotic times. Amen
WOW! A great scripture to begin these devotions-- and one that speaks to us all in the busy and often chaotic days we live. In the middle of chaos, we don't often feel that we have the time to stop and listen-- we simply have time to manage the situation and move on. Regrettably, that is often not led by our ears, but by the frustration we feel in having to manage so much all day-- a juggling act that often plugs our ears and fuels our anger.
Recently, I have noticed the lack of patience my eldest son has been showing to my youngest son... and stepping back, I am realizing that the example is probably being given through the frustration I allow to control chaotic situations in our home. My desire is to have a God-centered home, not a home run by frustration and anger, but in the middle of the craziness of life, I know I all too often fail to allow God's righteousness to grow.
Dear Lord, help me to be quick to listen and slow to anger. Direct my words and the way I say them in the chaotic times. Amen
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