With all the rain showers going on in Chicagoland today, I decided to repost an entry I did on flooding early in my blogging days.
Enjoy and stay dry!
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This past weekend, I went down to Tennessee to see a friend graduate from college. Upon my arrival, I was greeted by rising flood waters. I had to switch hotels, missed out on spending some quality time with my friend, and prayed that her graduation would even happen. Thankfully, it did – after switching venues several times, and moving back several hours – and I was able to get through the soaked roads to the venue.
This whole episode got me thinking. So much rain fell that everyone’s set agenda had to change. Everything had to stop to pay homage to the rising flood. No one could do what they wanted to, and we all had to move in response to what the waters dictated.
Sometimes God has to grab our attention in the same way. He has to allow certain catastrophes to occur in order for us to stand still and give Him our undivided eyesight. It’s amazing how an unsolvable problem sends us racing to the altar. It’s also somewhat disconcerting for our greatest spiritual growth to commence in the midst of our greatest sorrows.
I’m kind of embarrassed that I always nuzzle closest to God when I’m the most afraid, worried, or sad. It shouldn’t take tragedies of epic proportions for me to throw myself into the arms of my Heavenly Father. He shouldn’t feel jealous of how I carry on in life giving him some of my time when things are going well. He so obviously deserves more of my time no matter the situations in my life.
Just something to think about as you start your day today. Do you think God is considering allowing the waters to rain in your life just to get your attention? Take some quality time and snuggle in close to your Heavenly Father while everything’s going well. Spend some moments of peaceful deep contentment with the One you love above all others.
And even if you are in the midst of your storm season right now, know that God loves you and will never give you more than you can handle. Stay close to your Father, and He’ll take care of you.
Verse of the Day: In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18
Showing posts with label daily devotion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label daily devotion. Show all posts
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Can't Get Enough!
On Sunday, my church's worship team sung a song about wanting more of God. That song has been ringing in my heart since! God is so wonderful and amazing! The closer I get to Him, the more I want to get closer to Him!
There is a line in the song that says: So I lay down my life to make room for you. In order to get more of the Lord, we have to be willing to set ourselves aside. Our selfish wants, our fleshly desires, and our own pursuits have all got to fall in the face of our Father. We have to trust in God's love for us and that He knows what is best for us, can give us what we need, and can take us to better places than we can ever dream of.
When Jesus called His disciples, they literally walked away from everything. They left their families, their jobs, their homes... all to follow Christ. And their willingness to give it all up took them to places of greatness in God. Are you willing to give it all up to reach your great place in the Lord?
Today, put aside yourself and make room for more of the Lord in your life. Put down the phone, turn off the blogs, shut off the television, and get in God's presence. Sneak away and wrap yourself in personal time with the Lord.
Got a few minutes? Get some worship time right now and watch this:
Verse of the Day: For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:10
There is a line in the song that says: So I lay down my life to make room for you. In order to get more of the Lord, we have to be willing to set ourselves aside. Our selfish wants, our fleshly desires, and our own pursuits have all got to fall in the face of our Father. We have to trust in God's love for us and that He knows what is best for us, can give us what we need, and can take us to better places than we can ever dream of.
When Jesus called His disciples, they literally walked away from everything. They left their families, their jobs, their homes... all to follow Christ. And their willingness to give it all up took them to places of greatness in God. Are you willing to give it all up to reach your great place in the Lord?
Today, put aside yourself and make room for more of the Lord in your life. Put down the phone, turn off the blogs, shut off the television, and get in God's presence. Sneak away and wrap yourself in personal time with the Lord.
Got a few minutes? Get some worship time right now and watch this:
Verse of the Day: For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:10
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Reading the Word of God
What I love about reading the Word, is that it opens up another attainable world for me. I can read about others who tapped into the keys of the Kingdom and see how their lives were changed and blessed as a result. I can find out how to live a life of victory and joy in Christ. I can discover new ways to tap into my purpose and find meaning for my life.
After reading the word, I come away with vision of how to be an overcomer.
Don't look at your Bible study time as a ritual or just a necessity to be a good Christian. Look at it as an opportunity to find out about the greatness within you and the greatness of the God you serve!
You're not just reading stories. You're not just learning rules. The Bible is not just about the history of our faith. It's not just records for us to memorize.
The Word of God brings life! It answers questions. If applied in faith, the Word of God can bring change, deliverance, restoration, and miracles!
Today, approach your devotional time with a whole new perspective. Open up your Bible with expectancy. Read each verse expecting to find out another key for you to reign victorious in life. Don't just read to be reading, take what you learn and apply it in order to see change.
Allow the Word of God to open up a whole new world for you!
Verse of the Day: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Monday, October 29, 2012
Seeing God in Everything
Some of the greatest and most poignant passages of scripture were written in fields as a man was tending sheep. While watching after his flock, David penned psalms of praise to the Lord. Looking after his lambs, David found ways that his relationship with his herd mirrored his relationship with the Lord. In the midst of his regular routine, David was able to find God.
Today, I want to encourage you to find God in your regular routine. Think about your activities and how they mirror your Christian walk. As you take care of different tasks throughout the day, find moments to lift up praise and worship to your heavenly Father. As you interact with others, choose to remember the love of Christ and allow that to influence your behavior.
Maybe you'd like to go a step further. Take a short break and pen a poem or paragraph to the Lord. Express to Him what's on your heart. Pour out to Him whatever you are feeling. What I love about David was that nothing was off limits. He was totally transparent before God. Whether he was afraid, angry, restless, joyful, or somber, David expressed it to God and was able to still honor the Lord in the midst of any situation. You, too, can do the same.
Let today be a day of wonder, reflection, and praise to the Lord. Honor the Lord in your work, study, play, and fellowship. Recognize God in the world around you. Spend time worshipping Him in all that you do.
Verse of the Day: I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3
Today, I want to encourage you to find God in your regular routine. Think about your activities and how they mirror your Christian walk. As you take care of different tasks throughout the day, find moments to lift up praise and worship to your heavenly Father. As you interact with others, choose to remember the love of Christ and allow that to influence your behavior.
Maybe you'd like to go a step further. Take a short break and pen a poem or paragraph to the Lord. Express to Him what's on your heart. Pour out to Him whatever you are feeling. What I love about David was that nothing was off limits. He was totally transparent before God. Whether he was afraid, angry, restless, joyful, or somber, David expressed it to God and was able to still honor the Lord in the midst of any situation. You, too, can do the same.
Let today be a day of wonder, reflection, and praise to the Lord. Honor the Lord in your work, study, play, and fellowship. Recognize God in the world around you. Spend time worshipping Him in all that you do.
Verse of the Day: I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:1-3
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
God's Plan For Your Day
Every day, I sit at my desk and ask God, "What would you have me to write today?" Sometimes the ideas come quickly, other times I have to sit, think, and wait for inspiration. But I always come up with something to post on this blog.
This morning as I asked God this question, another question came up right behind it: "Lord, what would you have me to do today?"
It's nice to start your day off in meditation and devotion. Thinking about God's goodness and desires for us is always in order. Discovering ways in which we can better our Christian walk is beneficial.
But, can you imagine what would happen if we all just asked God what He would like for us to do each day? What would occur if we all took time to sit and listen for God's instructions on the day and then went out and followed His lead?
There would be some pretty amazing things going on.
Jesus kept His ear ready to hear everything God had to say. He knew which city to visit next and which routes to take to get there. He recognized which people He needed to spend time with, and Jesus was wise enough to know which words to use in order to reach them. His every step was ordered by God.
Do you include God's input in your daily decisions? Something as simple as changing where you go to get your breakfast this morning could have caused you to have a moment of destiny.
Don't miss out on what God wants you to do today! Make sure you include Him as you go about your day. Keep your ears cocked to hear His voice. Follow through with what He's asking of you, and watch how your life thrives.
Verse of the Day: Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. John 5:19
This morning as I asked God this question, another question came up right behind it: "Lord, what would you have me to do today?"
It's nice to start your day off in meditation and devotion. Thinking about God's goodness and desires for us is always in order. Discovering ways in which we can better our Christian walk is beneficial.
But, can you imagine what would happen if we all just asked God what He would like for us to do each day? What would occur if we all took time to sit and listen for God's instructions on the day and then went out and followed His lead?
There would be some pretty amazing things going on.
Jesus kept His ear ready to hear everything God had to say. He knew which city to visit next and which routes to take to get there. He recognized which people He needed to spend time with, and Jesus was wise enough to know which words to use in order to reach them. His every step was ordered by God.
Do you include God's input in your daily decisions? Something as simple as changing where you go to get your breakfast this morning could have caused you to have a moment of destiny.
Don't miss out on what God wants you to do today! Make sure you include Him as you go about your day. Keep your ears cocked to hear His voice. Follow through with what He's asking of you, and watch how your life thrives.
Verse of the Day: Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. John 5:19
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Distant Love
Lately I've been feeling a bit distant from God. Through my own busy schedule, I've somehow found myself disconnected from the One who loves me most.
These last few days I've had it in the back of my mind that I need to take some time, sit down, and get into the presence of the Lord. Yet I haven't made the time.
I can tell the difference. My patience is short. I'm not as friendly as I normally am. I'm not taking the time to show love to others. I'm just living. I'm running here and there getting things done. I'm checking things off of my long list of things to do.
But I'm not feeling fulfilled. I'm not feeling complete. Something is off. And I know exactly what it is.
Me and My Father haven't spent any time together. I haven't allowed Him to pour out His love on me. I haven't been able to lay my burdens down at His feet. My mind has not had a chance to rest in Him.
So, today is my day of rejuvenation. Today is my day to get it right. I'm so thankful that I have a Father who forgives, a Savior who understands, and a Holy Spirit who comforts me through it all.
Maybe you've been going through your own busy period as well. Perhaps you've been saying that you need to take some time to get in God's presence. Maybe your spirit is crying out to meet with God too.
Don't let another day pass by without you having some quality time with the Lord. Don't allow your busy schedule to keep you out of the throne room of God. We need visits to His presence to live this life victoriously. We can't stay on track without in-depth conversations with the Lord. With Him we receive guidance, strength, and joy. We can't keep missing out on our portion.
Verse of the Day: Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 1 Chronicles 16:8-11
These last few days I've had it in the back of my mind that I need to take some time, sit down, and get into the presence of the Lord. Yet I haven't made the time.
I can tell the difference. My patience is short. I'm not as friendly as I normally am. I'm not taking the time to show love to others. I'm just living. I'm running here and there getting things done. I'm checking things off of my long list of things to do.
But I'm not feeling fulfilled. I'm not feeling complete. Something is off. And I know exactly what it is.
Me and My Father haven't spent any time together. I haven't allowed Him to pour out His love on me. I haven't been able to lay my burdens down at His feet. My mind has not had a chance to rest in Him.
So, today is my day of rejuvenation. Today is my day to get it right. I'm so thankful that I have a Father who forgives, a Savior who understands, and a Holy Spirit who comforts me through it all.
Maybe you've been going through your own busy period as well. Perhaps you've been saying that you need to take some time to get in God's presence. Maybe your spirit is crying out to meet with God too.
Don't let another day pass by without you having some quality time with the Lord. Don't allow your busy schedule to keep you out of the throne room of God. We need visits to His presence to live this life victoriously. We can't stay on track without in-depth conversations with the Lord. With Him we receive guidance, strength, and joy. We can't keep missing out on our portion.
Verse of the Day: Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 1 Chronicles 16:8-11
Thursday, December 22, 2011
In Prayer
This morning I'm in a more prayerful mood. So, I decided to pray for all of us this morning.
Lord, I pray for everyone reading this blog. I pray for their families and loved ones. Bless all of us today. Allow us to feel Your presence and touch as we go about our day.
This is a time of remembering your Son and the fact that He came to save us. Thank you for sending Him, thank you for allowing Him to repair the breach. Help us to not get so caught up in the presents, errands, cooking, and fellowship that we forget the real reason we are celebrating: Jesus' birth.
Father, watch over us during this season. Keep your arms of protection wrapped around us, shelter us with your wings. There is so much negativity going on, and we ask that you shield us with your mighty hand.
God, we ask you to order our footsteps. Allow us to live on purpose following your will in all things. Help us to hear the voice of the Spirit clearly with any decision that we have to make. Let us walk in assurance that we are in your will.
Give us a boldness to speak to others of your goodness. When you nudge us to open our mouths, help us to follow through and speak the Word of the Lord to those who are in the most need of hearing it. Let us point someone to You today. Let us be that example to the world of what it means to be in Christ.
Thank You, Lord, for your many blessings. We could not have reached this point if it was not for you. We thank You for Your awesome love, and we praise You.
Amen.
Have a great day, everyone!
Verse of the Day: My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. Psalm 5:3
Lord, I pray for everyone reading this blog. I pray for their families and loved ones. Bless all of us today. Allow us to feel Your presence and touch as we go about our day.
This is a time of remembering your Son and the fact that He came to save us. Thank you for sending Him, thank you for allowing Him to repair the breach. Help us to not get so caught up in the presents, errands, cooking, and fellowship that we forget the real reason we are celebrating: Jesus' birth.
Father, watch over us during this season. Keep your arms of protection wrapped around us, shelter us with your wings. There is so much negativity going on, and we ask that you shield us with your mighty hand.
God, we ask you to order our footsteps. Allow us to live on purpose following your will in all things. Help us to hear the voice of the Spirit clearly with any decision that we have to make. Let us walk in assurance that we are in your will.
Give us a boldness to speak to others of your goodness. When you nudge us to open our mouths, help us to follow through and speak the Word of the Lord to those who are in the most need of hearing it. Let us point someone to You today. Let us be that example to the world of what it means to be in Christ.
Thank You, Lord, for your many blessings. We could not have reached this point if it was not for you. We thank You for Your awesome love, and we praise You.
Amen.
Have a great day, everyone!
Verse of the Day: My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. Psalm 5:3
Monday, December 19, 2011
Ceaseless Communication
In I Thessalonians 5:17 we are told to Pray without ceasing. We are to be in communication with the Lord at all times, without stopping, no interruptions.
How many of us truly keep up with this command?
Anybody?
No one?
We basically don't even attempt ceaseless prayer because we don't see how we can do any one thing ceaselessly but breathe - and we do that automatically.
However, the premise of this verse is played out in our lives more than we think. We just don't apply it to prayer.
Many of us give ceaseless attention to our phones. I know my phone is the first thing I check when I wake up, and the last thing I look at before I go to sleep. It never leaves my side during the day, and I am always checking it for updates. Let's not even talk about what happens if I forget it somewhere. It's ceaselessly a part of my day.
Others of us give our ceaseless attention to that special man or woman in our lives. We think about them constantly: wondering how they're doing, anticipating the next time we'll see them, thinking of ways to make them feel special. They are constantly on our minds.
Then there are those of us who ceaselessly give our focus to our jobs. We wake up with the job on the brain, spend all of our time at the job, and constantly think about our work. Ceaseless!
There are many other items that can be placed in that slot. Yet what should be taking precedence is our relationship with the Father.
He is who should be the first person we think about in the morning. It should be Him we are looking to for guidance as we go about our day. When issues arise, it is He who we should talk to. As we go through our day, we should be looking for ways to show Him love in how we live.
Jesus modeled this principle perfectly. He was a man who lived a life of prayer. He did nothing unless He got the okay or example from the Father. As a result, He lived a life of focused purpose. Never once do you see Jesus worried, afraid, lost, or depressed. He stayed on target and was able to fulfill His life's mission without extra time or detours.
Who knows how much our lives could improve if we just took on an attitude of constant communication with God?
Today, make the effort to put this verse into practice. Before you check in on the apps on your phone, text a friend, call that special someone, take on another project at work, or do whatever it is that snatches most of your time during the day, have a conversation with your Heavenly Father. Ask Him what's on His heart for you today. Listen for His words of love and give Him some in return.
He wouldn't ask us to consistently stay connected if it wasn't for our good. Let's put that word to work!
Verse of the Day: Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17
How many of us truly keep up with this command?
Anybody?
No one?
We basically don't even attempt ceaseless prayer because we don't see how we can do any one thing ceaselessly but breathe - and we do that automatically.
However, the premise of this verse is played out in our lives more than we think. We just don't apply it to prayer.
Many of us give ceaseless attention to our phones. I know my phone is the first thing I check when I wake up, and the last thing I look at before I go to sleep. It never leaves my side during the day, and I am always checking it for updates. Let's not even talk about what happens if I forget it somewhere. It's ceaselessly a part of my day.
Others of us give our ceaseless attention to that special man or woman in our lives. We think about them constantly: wondering how they're doing, anticipating the next time we'll see them, thinking of ways to make them feel special. They are constantly on our minds.
Then there are those of us who ceaselessly give our focus to our jobs. We wake up with the job on the brain, spend all of our time at the job, and constantly think about our work. Ceaseless!
There are many other items that can be placed in that slot. Yet what should be taking precedence is our relationship with the Father.
He is who should be the first person we think about in the morning. It should be Him we are looking to for guidance as we go about our day. When issues arise, it is He who we should talk to. As we go through our day, we should be looking for ways to show Him love in how we live.
Jesus modeled this principle perfectly. He was a man who lived a life of prayer. He did nothing unless He got the okay or example from the Father. As a result, He lived a life of focused purpose. Never once do you see Jesus worried, afraid, lost, or depressed. He stayed on target and was able to fulfill His life's mission without extra time or detours.
Who knows how much our lives could improve if we just took on an attitude of constant communication with God?
Today, make the effort to put this verse into practice. Before you check in on the apps on your phone, text a friend, call that special someone, take on another project at work, or do whatever it is that snatches most of your time during the day, have a conversation with your Heavenly Father. Ask Him what's on His heart for you today. Listen for His words of love and give Him some in return.
He wouldn't ask us to consistently stay connected if it wasn't for our good. Let's put that word to work!
Verse of the Day: Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Woke Up This Morning With My Mind On Jesus!
This morning I woke up at four in the morning. I repeat - FOUR - in the morning!
For a girl who sets her alarm for 6:30, but doesn't get out of bed til 7ish... this might have been an issue.
But as I laid there, a song was ringing through my spirit that tells of love for our Savior. As I lay in my bed, I realized that there was a reason why I was awake. Instead of rolling over and trying to get a couple more hours of sleep, I allowed my heart to sing it's song, and I meditated on the goodness of the Lord. I even took some time to talk with the Father.
It's amazing what love will do. It has a way of overtaking your entire being. I remember times when I was crushing on certain boys - I would stay up late daydreaming about them, think about them during the day, anticipate our next time seeing each other. My every spare moment was spent consumed with how much I was head over heels.
How much more should we be thinking about the love of our Father? Like David, we should long to dwell in God's presence all the time. (Psalm 27:4) We should anticipate spending time with Him. Our heart's should be full of longing for His touch.
It was so good to bask in the presence of the Lord this morning. And you know what? Right now I'm not even sleepy or tired. I'm wide awake and ready for the day. My morning worship has set the tone for my day, and my spirit is already primed and listening for the Lord's voice. My whole demeanor is another place. God is good!
Do you wake up bright and early to worship? Or, do you fellowship with God in the evenings? Although I'm a morning devotion girl, I usually spend that quality time in the evenings. After this morning, though, I might just consider switching up my routine. Either way, there's something about spending time with God.
The next time you wake up at an odd hour, don't just roll back over... It might be the perfect time for you to spend with the Lord.
Verse of the Day: O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Psalm 63:1-3
For a girl who sets her alarm for 6:30, but doesn't get out of bed til 7ish... this might have been an issue.
But as I laid there, a song was ringing through my spirit that tells of love for our Savior. As I lay in my bed, I realized that there was a reason why I was awake. Instead of rolling over and trying to get a couple more hours of sleep, I allowed my heart to sing it's song, and I meditated on the goodness of the Lord. I even took some time to talk with the Father.
It's amazing what love will do. It has a way of overtaking your entire being. I remember times when I was crushing on certain boys - I would stay up late daydreaming about them, think about them during the day, anticipate our next time seeing each other. My every spare moment was spent consumed with how much I was head over heels.
How much more should we be thinking about the love of our Father? Like David, we should long to dwell in God's presence all the time. (Psalm 27:4) We should anticipate spending time with Him. Our heart's should be full of longing for His touch.
It was so good to bask in the presence of the Lord this morning. And you know what? Right now I'm not even sleepy or tired. I'm wide awake and ready for the day. My morning worship has set the tone for my day, and my spirit is already primed and listening for the Lord's voice. My whole demeanor is another place. God is good!
Do you wake up bright and early to worship? Or, do you fellowship with God in the evenings? Although I'm a morning devotion girl, I usually spend that quality time in the evenings. After this morning, though, I might just consider switching up my routine. Either way, there's something about spending time with God.
The next time you wake up at an odd hour, don't just roll back over... It might be the perfect time for you to spend with the Lord.
Verse of the Day: O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Psalm 63:1-3
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
A Little Too Busy
Lately in my hustle and bustle, I have realized that I haven't been eating as healthy as I usually do. I've been rolling through a lot of drive-thrus, and the last vegetable that I can remember eating was corn: the borderline veggie.
For the last couple of meals, I've felt twinges of shame for the fatty foods I've been ingesting. As I swallowed my order of fries today, I was shaking my head at my own self. I know I'm not doing my body any good. I'll be hitting the grocery store tomorrow... I hope.
At times, I experience the same twinges of guilt from missing my spiritual "meals" as well. The business of one day bleeds into the next, and before long a couple of days have gone by without me spending some quality time with my Heavenly Father.
As I lay drifting off to sleep on those nights, I whisper drowsy prayers asking for God's mercy and forgiveness, and resolve to get in the Word the next day. The next day sometimes comes a couple days later.
But just like a few days of ingesting nothing but junk and fast foods will cause my body to react adversely, my spirit shows signs of neglect when I don't spend time with the Lord. It's important that we keep our spiritual bodies in tune. Spending time in God's presence, reading His Word, and conversing with Him are essential facets of our spiritual health.
Don't let the demands of the day take precedence over your time with God. Your spirit will thank you for it.
Verse of the Day: When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Psalm 27:8
For the last couple of meals, I've felt twinges of shame for the fatty foods I've been ingesting. As I swallowed my order of fries today, I was shaking my head at my own self. I know I'm not doing my body any good. I'll be hitting the grocery store tomorrow... I hope.
At times, I experience the same twinges of guilt from missing my spiritual "meals" as well. The business of one day bleeds into the next, and before long a couple of days have gone by without me spending some quality time with my Heavenly Father.
As I lay drifting off to sleep on those nights, I whisper drowsy prayers asking for God's mercy and forgiveness, and resolve to get in the Word the next day. The next day sometimes comes a couple days later.
But just like a few days of ingesting nothing but junk and fast foods will cause my body to react adversely, my spirit shows signs of neglect when I don't spend time with the Lord. It's important that we keep our spiritual bodies in tune. Spending time in God's presence, reading His Word, and conversing with Him are essential facets of our spiritual health.
Don't let the demands of the day take precedence over your time with God. Your spirit will thank you for it.
Verse of the Day: When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Psalm 27:8
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Check Your Reserves!
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| Is your spirit running on Empty? |
Sometimes, however, we notice that our reserves are low. We find ourselves scraping around at the bottom of barrel searching for something, anything to help us in our time of need. We cling to what little scrap we find and hold on for dear life.
Then there are those times when we find nothing. We find no word, no scripture, not even a prayer we can speak to let God know we need Him. (Hopefully these times are rare.)
It's always good to keep our reserves stocked full of spiritual sustenance for whatever may come our way. Spending time in the word, having conversations with God in prayer, attending a Bible teaching church, and other faith filled activities can help keep our larders filled.
Life has a way of taking over, and it can be difficult to find time to invest in our spiritual health. But it is an investment. And the return is valuable beyond measure.
Who knows what today holds? Who knows who may come across your path in need of a touch from God? Who knows what circumstance you will have to walk through?
Make sure you consistently make deposits into your "spiritual reserves." If your spirit is full of God's word and wisdom, you can face anything that comes your way!
Verse of the Day: He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Proverbs 4:4
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Chasing After God
One of my favorite songs right now is Vashawn Mitchell's version of Chasing After You. The song talks about running after God out of a deep need for more of Him. No matter what this person has to do, they are going to keep on pressing to get more from the Lord.
What's so great about going after God is that He allows Himself to be found! And He always has something more to reveal about Himself. He shares more revelation, more anointing, more wise insights, more facets of your purpose... whatever He feels is right for you in that moment, He will bless you with it.
God is immeasurable, unfathomable, and cannot be contained. Yet, as long as we're willing to pursue who He is, He is willing to share with us His greatness. The more we press into His presence, the more of Himself He shares with us. The more we study His word, the more He reveals to us it's true meaning.
It's so exciting! We can never get bored following a God like this!
Are you taking advantage of your all-access pass? Are you chasing after your God? Do you desire more and more of Him?
No matter how much you know about the Lord, there's still even more to discover! Make sure you take advantage every day to go after more of Him.
Verse of the Day: Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:8a
What's so great about going after God is that He allows Himself to be found! And He always has something more to reveal about Himself. He shares more revelation, more anointing, more wise insights, more facets of your purpose... whatever He feels is right for you in that moment, He will bless you with it.
God is immeasurable, unfathomable, and cannot be contained. Yet, as long as we're willing to pursue who He is, He is willing to share with us His greatness. The more we press into His presence, the more of Himself He shares with us. The more we study His word, the more He reveals to us it's true meaning.
It's so exciting! We can never get bored following a God like this!
Are you taking advantage of your all-access pass? Are you chasing after your God? Do you desire more and more of Him?
No matter how much you know about the Lord, there's still even more to discover! Make sure you take advantage every day to go after more of Him.
Verse of the Day: Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. James 4:8a
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
You Know the Creator of Today!
| Ok, Lord. What's on the agenda for today? |
This morning I was thinking on this scripture, and considering that the Lord made today.
Usually when we make something, we already have in mind what we want the end result to be. When we make a meal, we have an inkling of how it should taste. When we make clothes we have a picture in mind of what it's going to look like when it's complete.
In the same manner, the Lord has created today. He most definitely has in mind what He wants accomplished by the end of it! And since you're alive today, He certainly has a plan that He wants you to fulfill today.
Today could be your day of deliverance. Today could be your day of breakthrough. Your prayer could get answered today. God may have a person for you to meet today. He could have a special word that He wants to share with you.
Make sure you take some time to talk to the Creator of today. He holds all the information on what's about to take place, and you should make sure that you are in the exact position that He wants you to be in. Don't miss out on God's omniscient (all-knowing) power!
Take advantage of the relationship that He holds with you, listen for His voice, and obey! Who knows what He has in store for you today?
Verse of the Day: ...Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are His: And He changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with Him. Daniel 2:20b-22
Monday, June 6, 2011
Show Some Love
Happy Monday, Everyone!
Our church has been going through the study The Blessed Life, and it has truly been a blessing to me. We recently viewed a dvd where the minister asked the question "Who is first in your life?"
As Christians, most of our knee-jerk answers would be God. Yet, if we would take a close, honest look at our day-to-day activities and behavior, God is not anywhere near first at all.
We may acknowledge Him, pray, and even read our Bibles every now and then. However, those times are often significantly shorter and occur less frequently than the times we spend watching tv, partaking in our favorite hobbies, and doing all the other things that take up our time every day. Even if we get a surprise block of time, do we even think to give some to God? (Be honest!)
We serve a jealous God. He wants all of us. He knows that we have to work, take care of our families, and have time for ourselves. He understands that. He's looking at our hearts. Our hearts reveal what we truly love. Our hearts show where we've placed our devotion. Do our hearts reflect our spoken love for God? Or, are we just giving Him lip service?
Just a thought to kick off your week. Let's love on God in both word and deed this week. Remember, as we pour out our love on Him, He will pour out His love on us, and our God is a fabulous giver!
Verse of the Day: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21
Our church has been going through the study The Blessed Life, and it has truly been a blessing to me. We recently viewed a dvd where the minister asked the question "Who is first in your life?"
As Christians, most of our knee-jerk answers would be God. Yet, if we would take a close, honest look at our day-to-day activities and behavior, God is not anywhere near first at all.
We may acknowledge Him, pray, and even read our Bibles every now and then. However, those times are often significantly shorter and occur less frequently than the times we spend watching tv, partaking in our favorite hobbies, and doing all the other things that take up our time every day. Even if we get a surprise block of time, do we even think to give some to God? (Be honest!)
We serve a jealous God. He wants all of us. He knows that we have to work, take care of our families, and have time for ourselves. He understands that. He's looking at our hearts. Our hearts reveal what we truly love. Our hearts show where we've placed our devotion. Do our hearts reflect our spoken love for God? Or, are we just giving Him lip service?
Just a thought to kick off your week. Let's love on God in both word and deed this week. Remember, as we pour out our love on Him, He will pour out His love on us, and our God is a fabulous giver!
Verse of the Day: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Waiting and Willing...
You want to know the best thing about being saved? (Outside of salvation and eternal life, that is.) We get a Friend/Father/Comforter who is - literally - always there for us!
Wherever we go, whatever we do, however we feel, we have a God who is always there waiting and willing to help us in our time of need. Isn't it heart warming to know that our God cares enough to take that kind of an interest in each of our individual lives?
Lately, I've been capitalizing on my relationship with the Father. I've been talking with Him more throughout the day, mostly about big things I'm facing right now, but even the little things have slipped in too. Just taking the time to acknowledge Him, lay down my troubles, share my joys, and vent my frustrations has helped me get through a lot lately. Plus, He's showing things to me that I may otherwise have overlooked.
God cares about you so much! Every thing that you're facing, experiencing, confused about, or angry about, is something that He would love to help you with. Often we instead choose to run to our friends, family, diversions, or vices for comfort instead.
Take advantage of the opportunity to have a personal relationship with God. Let Him become your closest confidant and advisor. He already knows everything about you anyway. You should take some time to get to know what He thinks about what's going on.
Verse of the Day: I am with you always, even unto the end of the world... Matthew 28:20
Wherever we go, whatever we do, however we feel, we have a God who is always there waiting and willing to help us in our time of need. Isn't it heart warming to know that our God cares enough to take that kind of an interest in each of our individual lives?
Lately, I've been capitalizing on my relationship with the Father. I've been talking with Him more throughout the day, mostly about big things I'm facing right now, but even the little things have slipped in too. Just taking the time to acknowledge Him, lay down my troubles, share my joys, and vent my frustrations has helped me get through a lot lately. Plus, He's showing things to me that I may otherwise have overlooked.
God cares about you so much! Every thing that you're facing, experiencing, confused about, or angry about, is something that He would love to help you with. Often we instead choose to run to our friends, family, diversions, or vices for comfort instead.
Take advantage of the opportunity to have a personal relationship with God. Let Him become your closest confidant and advisor. He already knows everything about you anyway. You should take some time to get to know what He thinks about what's going on.
Verse of the Day: I am with you always, even unto the end of the world... Matthew 28:20
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
If It's From God, You Can't Be Stopped!
On one of my calendars, I have a daily scripture. I always keep these for my own personal meditation, but today’s scripture popped out. So, I decided to share and write on it today.
The verse references the instance when the apostles were just beginning to preach the gospel with vigor in public. The Jews were trying to silence them and brought them before their leaders looking to have the apostles killed.
Yet, one wise expert of Jewish law – Gamaliel – stood up and made this profound statement:
So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” Acts 5:38, 39 (NLT)
As time progresses, each generation brings its own vision, flavor, and method to the church. Sometimes the newness is embraced, other times it is ridiculed and blocked. With the secular world changing and evolving so much, the church is scrambling to keep up and keep the lines of communication flowing in order to reach the lost.
We cannot afford to dismiss new innovations as a body of Christians. Just because something may be foreign and unfamiliar to us, does not mean that it can’t be from the Lord. Like Gamaliel said, if it’s not from God, it will be overthrown. But, Lord help us if we find out that we’ve been fighting His inspiration!
Maybe you yourself have been given a vision that you know is from God. Maybe you’re afraid to step out because it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen or heard of before.
Remember Abraham who struck out on his own away from everything he had ever known. Remember Noah who built a boat having never seen rain. Remember Naaman who decided to follow the prophet’s instructions and dipped in dirty waters to obtain his healing.
Go with God! If you’re following Him, you can’t be overthrown!
Verse of the Day: Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
The verse references the instance when the apostles were just beginning to preach the gospel with vigor in public. The Jews were trying to silence them and brought them before their leaders looking to have the apostles killed.
Yet, one wise expert of Jewish law – Gamaliel – stood up and made this profound statement:
So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” Acts 5:38, 39 (NLT)
As time progresses, each generation brings its own vision, flavor, and method to the church. Sometimes the newness is embraced, other times it is ridiculed and blocked. With the secular world changing and evolving so much, the church is scrambling to keep up and keep the lines of communication flowing in order to reach the lost.
We cannot afford to dismiss new innovations as a body of Christians. Just because something may be foreign and unfamiliar to us, does not mean that it can’t be from the Lord. Like Gamaliel said, if it’s not from God, it will be overthrown. But, Lord help us if we find out that we’ve been fighting His inspiration!
Maybe you yourself have been given a vision that you know is from God. Maybe you’re afraid to step out because it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen or heard of before.
Remember Abraham who struck out on his own away from everything he had ever known. Remember Noah who built a boat having never seen rain. Remember Naaman who decided to follow the prophet’s instructions and dipped in dirty waters to obtain his healing.
Go with God! If you’re following Him, you can’t be overthrown!
Verse of the Day: Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Make it A Priority
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve resolved to get in shape out only to let my plans fall to the wayside. Those times I do start rolling, I only slack back off again after a short amount of time.
I’ll go a couple of days exercising in the evenings after work. Then one day I’ll forget, the next day I’ll be tired, and the day after that I’ll have a meeting… Soon, I’m back where I started never fulfilling my desire to get back in shape.
The same theory rings true in my times with the Lord. I’ll decide to spend more quality time with Him, only to wind up being swept away by my day.
I plan to wake up earlier in the morning only to shut off the alarm, roll over and doze off without even sitting up. Plans to read the Word while on my lunch break get pushed to the next day since a co-worker wants to go out to eat. Conversations in prayer scheduled for the commute home get paused to hear an interesting news story on the radio, and before I know it, I’m getting off the expressway and two minutes from home!
Right now I’m bringing in the new year with fasting and prayer. This time of separation and dedication is only underscoring how my days are so filled with ‘other things’ that take up my time with God.
I find myself actively shutting down plans and little pop up distractions in order to fit time with the Lord into my day. The effort I’m putting into prioritizing my time of fellowship with God is alerting me to the fact that I need to put some guards in place now to keep up these times when my fast is over.
Hopefully you too have guards in place that keep your daily devotional time with the Lord sacred. If you’re like me and are easily overrun with other things, put your foot down and make your time with God non-negotiable. You know yourself better than anyone else. Do what you need to do in order to make that time a first priority.
We can’t let the cares of this world keep us from the One who cares about us most of all.
Verse of the Day: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us... Hebrews 12:1a
I’ll go a couple of days exercising in the evenings after work. Then one day I’ll forget, the next day I’ll be tired, and the day after that I’ll have a meeting… Soon, I’m back where I started never fulfilling my desire to get back in shape.
The same theory rings true in my times with the Lord. I’ll decide to spend more quality time with Him, only to wind up being swept away by my day.
I plan to wake up earlier in the morning only to shut off the alarm, roll over and doze off without even sitting up. Plans to read the Word while on my lunch break get pushed to the next day since a co-worker wants to go out to eat. Conversations in prayer scheduled for the commute home get paused to hear an interesting news story on the radio, and before I know it, I’m getting off the expressway and two minutes from home!
Right now I’m bringing in the new year with fasting and prayer. This time of separation and dedication is only underscoring how my days are so filled with ‘other things’ that take up my time with God.
I find myself actively shutting down plans and little pop up distractions in order to fit time with the Lord into my day. The effort I’m putting into prioritizing my time of fellowship with God is alerting me to the fact that I need to put some guards in place now to keep up these times when my fast is over.
Hopefully you too have guards in place that keep your daily devotional time with the Lord sacred. If you’re like me and are easily overrun with other things, put your foot down and make your time with God non-negotiable. You know yourself better than anyone else. Do what you need to do in order to make that time a first priority.
We can’t let the cares of this world keep us from the One who cares about us most of all.
Verse of the Day: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us... Hebrews 12:1a
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Hold on a Sec...
There used to be days where I would wake up and step into a whirlwind of activities, errands, responsibilities, that kept me running here and there until I fell into my bed exhausted at the end of the day. On those nights I would drift off to sleep with a slight twinge of guilt because I knew that God received zero quality time while I zipped around all day.
I have learned to purpose to set apart times each day when I can spend time with my Heavenly Father. Whether its five minutes, or an hour, I make a point to pause and acknowledge my God each day. Usually our time is in the mornings before all the noise and distractions can kick into high gear. Sometimes I wait until my lunch or at night before I go to bed.
No matter the time of day, all God wants is for us to personally show Him attention and love. We take the time to go to work, watch our favorite television shows, drive through our favorite food joints, catch up on our favorite celebrities... the least we can do is take a few minutes to have a conversation with the One who enabled us to accomplish all those things.
As you go about your day today, make an effort to still yourself and spend some quality time with God. You’ll be amazed how much He can share with you in a short amount of time. Plus, as you continue to make it a habit, I’ll be those things that seem so important right now will lose their place on the totem pole as your life is enriched with God’s Presence.
Verse of the Day: Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:2
I have learned to purpose to set apart times each day when I can spend time with my Heavenly Father. Whether its five minutes, or an hour, I make a point to pause and acknowledge my God each day. Usually our time is in the mornings before all the noise and distractions can kick into high gear. Sometimes I wait until my lunch or at night before I go to bed.
No matter the time of day, all God wants is for us to personally show Him attention and love. We take the time to go to work, watch our favorite television shows, drive through our favorite food joints, catch up on our favorite celebrities... the least we can do is take a few minutes to have a conversation with the One who enabled us to accomplish all those things.
As you go about your day today, make an effort to still yourself and spend some quality time with God. You’ll be amazed how much He can share with you in a short amount of time. Plus, as you continue to make it a habit, I’ll be those things that seem so important right now will lose their place on the totem pole as your life is enriched with God’s Presence.
Verse of the Day: Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:2
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