Thank you Jesus for answered prayers!
The Psalmist could not have expressed better how thankful and grateful I am right now.
"I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are discouraged take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord's greatness; let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me, freeing me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. I cried out to the Lord in my suffering, and he heard me. He set me free from all my fears. For the angel of the Lord guards all who fear him, and he rescues them. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him! Let the Lord's people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will never lack any good thing." Psalm 34:1-10.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sisters in Christ are God's Gifts to Us
"Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble...A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 (NLV).
It is devotion carnival time again on Rachel Olsen's Blog. The topic is "How has the Sisterhood of Christ functioned in your life?" Click here to read other devotions on this topic.
We are the product of our relationships and the experiences which flow from those relationships. As we grow older we see the significance of our past experiences and the influences that others have had in our lives. Here are a few women who have greatly influenced me:
1. Mom. My Mom is a lady of honesty and integrity whose life reflects the love of Christ. She is my first example and teacher of God’s truth. She shows by example what a Godly wife and mother is, holds me accountable, provides wisdom and tells me the truth even when it isn't easy to hear.
2. Sister. She never offers advice unless she is asked and provides great ideas and insights when I seek her advice. She has traveled a difficult road experiencing tragedies along the way; however, her relationship with Jesus has deepened. I am proud of her example—if you trust God, He will carry you through the storm; He will heal your broken pieces.
3. Amy. We became close friends in junior high. She encouraged me to be involved in our church youth group. I was baptized at age eight, but by thirteen still had absolutely no concept of what it meant to be a Christian. The youth group is where I began a true spiritual journey and learned what it meant to “walk” with God. I also learned about God’s grace and mercy in that group.
4. Tisha, Allison, Nichole, and Trish. For over twenty years, these women have been my closest friends. Their love for and walks with Christ helped me endure the pressures of the teenage years and weather the chaos of those years. We have prayed for and comforted each other during broken hearts, sick loved ones, job losses, deaths, illnesses, and the challenges of motherhood. We have celebrated with each other in each new stage of life: high school and college graduations, new jobs, wedding showers, weddings, baby showers, and the births of babies. We are always a phone call away and ready to celebrate the joys of life, grieve when the storms clouds come, listen, or offer advice. Also, they have shaped who I am and I think I have impacted them as well. We know each others’ hurts, skeletons, victories and defeats, but love each other the same—as sisters. They are my extended family. Like family, I know I can always count on them. No matter what I need, they will be there to listen, answer questions, cry with me, pick me up, and encourage me and likewise me for them.
5. Sister-in-law. She set my husband and me up on a blind date. She is always available to answer marriage, child rearing or career questions. When I was wandering in the desert spiritually and became bored with my devotion book, she gave a monthly subscription to a devotion magazine.
6. Women in my church. There are too many to name; however, women who have led Bible studies, taught my Sunday school class, or participated in other ministries within our church have impacted me with their knowledge, wisdom, advice, transparency, service and prayers.
"The advice of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death." Proverbs 13:14.
Wow, God has blessed me immensely. It looks like I have a lot of people to tell thank you. Let us build up and encourage each other by telling others how they have positively impacted and influenced our lives.
It is devotion carnival time again on Rachel Olsen's Blog. The topic is "How has the Sisterhood of Christ functioned in your life?" Click here to read other devotions on this topic.
We are the product of our relationships and the experiences which flow from those relationships. As we grow older we see the significance of our past experiences and the influences that others have had in our lives. Here are a few women who have greatly influenced me:
1. Mom. My Mom is a lady of honesty and integrity whose life reflects the love of Christ. She is my first example and teacher of God’s truth. She shows by example what a Godly wife and mother is, holds me accountable, provides wisdom and tells me the truth even when it isn't easy to hear.
2. Sister. She never offers advice unless she is asked and provides great ideas and insights when I seek her advice. She has traveled a difficult road experiencing tragedies along the way; however, her relationship with Jesus has deepened. I am proud of her example—if you trust God, He will carry you through the storm; He will heal your broken pieces.
3. Amy. We became close friends in junior high. She encouraged me to be involved in our church youth group. I was baptized at age eight, but by thirteen still had absolutely no concept of what it meant to be a Christian. The youth group is where I began a true spiritual journey and learned what it meant to “walk” with God. I also learned about God’s grace and mercy in that group.
4. Tisha, Allison, Nichole, and Trish. For over twenty years, these women have been my closest friends. Their love for and walks with Christ helped me endure the pressures of the teenage years and weather the chaos of those years. We have prayed for and comforted each other during broken hearts, sick loved ones, job losses, deaths, illnesses, and the challenges of motherhood. We have celebrated with each other in each new stage of life: high school and college graduations, new jobs, wedding showers, weddings, baby showers, and the births of babies. We are always a phone call away and ready to celebrate the joys of life, grieve when the storms clouds come, listen, or offer advice. Also, they have shaped who I am and I think I have impacted them as well. We know each others’ hurts, skeletons, victories and defeats, but love each other the same—as sisters. They are my extended family. Like family, I know I can always count on them. No matter what I need, they will be there to listen, answer questions, cry with me, pick me up, and encourage me and likewise me for them.
5. Sister-in-law. She set my husband and me up on a blind date. She is always available to answer marriage, child rearing or career questions. When I was wandering in the desert spiritually and became bored with my devotion book, she gave a monthly subscription to a devotion magazine.
6. Women in my church. There are too many to name; however, women who have led Bible studies, taught my Sunday school class, or participated in other ministries within our church have impacted me with their knowledge, wisdom, advice, transparency, service and prayers.
"The advice of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death." Proverbs 13:14.
Wow, God has blessed me immensely. It looks like I have a lot of people to tell thank you. Let us build up and encourage each other by telling others how they have positively impacted and influenced our lives.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Martha or Mary?
“Martha welcomed them into her home. Her sister, Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.’ But the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it and I won’t take it away from her.’” Luke 10:38-42. (NLV). Manic Monday is here again. Our weeks are consumed with necessary tasks. Tasks like taking the kids to school, going to work, cooking dinner, cleaning the house, doing laundry, helping with homework, running errands, driving the kids to activities, and attending meetings. We all love our families. Some of us love our work (most of the time) and some of us even love some of the mundane tasks necessary for everyday life. Even so, what are the simple pleasures for you in life? What makes you happy? What do you do to unwind? What helps you relax? It varies for me. Sometimes after a long mentally exhausting day at the office, I like to sit in front of the TV watching a mindless show that requires no thinking. Other times exercise, a warm bath, watching my favorite team play, a game with family, or dinner with my family or friends helps me unwind and relax. Also, chocolate always makes me happy. As humans we do lots of things for pleasure and relaxation like beach or ski vacations, dancing, participating in sports, or attending sporting events. We need rest and relaxation. We need to recharge our batteries and do something purely for fun or we will burnout and not be any good to ourselves or anyone else. All of these things are nice and provide temporary pleasure and relaxation. Do not get me wrong. I am not saying there is anything wrong with watching TV, eating sweets, exercising, playing sports or attending sporting events. The fleeting pleasures of this earth provide temporary pleasure for all of us at times. However, there are other times that my soul stirs so loudly and I long to sit at Jesus’ feet; because, that is the only place my soul will find contentment. The things of this earth cannot quash the discontent inside me. It is in Jesus that my soul finds lasting pleasure, solace, rest, peace and fulfillment. Where do you sit at Jesus' feet? For me, it is my bedroom or our office where I shut myself away from my family to spend some alone time with Jesus. Martha was so consumed with the necessary everyday tasks that she failed to spend time with Jesus enjoying his company and listening to him teach. Mary sat at His feet drinking in every word. Oh how I long to be Mary, but know that I am Martha the majority of the time. Instead of longing for the fleeting pleasures of watching a mindless TV sitcom or consuming a piece of chocolate, I pray that I will find lasting pleasure sitting at the feet of Jesus. I pray Jesus will be my place of rest and relaxation. We all crave deeper fulfillment that only God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit can provide. May we all find pleasure in sitting at the Triune God's feet. Prayer: Jesus, please help me to seek you daily, to sit at your feet and hear what you want to teach and share with me. For you are the only source of pleasure, fulfillment, peace, and rest. Rachel Olsen is having a devotion carnival today. Please check out her blog at Rachel Olsen to read more devotions on simple pleasures.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Waiting
"Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!' The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord." Lamentations 3: 21-26(NLV).
Waiting is not fun. I have been in waiting for quite some time now in my spiritual life. I feel confident what God has planned for me, but right now I hear "Wait." So, I am waiting, which goes against my extremely impatient nature. Not to mention my need to plan and control. That goes with being Type A which is great for my profession, an attorney; however, can be excruciating in other facets of my life.
I pray for faith, patience, endurance, and hope. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you,' says the Lord." Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NLV).
Waiting is not fun. I have been in waiting for quite some time now in my spiritual life. I feel confident what God has planned for me, but right now I hear "Wait." So, I am waiting, which goes against my extremely impatient nature. Not to mention my need to plan and control. That goes with being Type A which is great for my profession, an attorney; however, can be excruciating in other facets of my life.
I pray for faith, patience, endurance, and hope. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you,' says the Lord." Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NLV).
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Praise Your Mighty Name
"Sing to the Lord; bless his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!" Psalm 96:2-4(a)(NLV). “For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.” Psalm 100:5(NLV).
God is faithful, just, our redeemer, protector, savior, friend, giver of gifts, creator and so much more. He alone is worthy of our praise and He alone holds the world in His hands. I like that image of the "world in His hands;" because I am in the world so I am in His hands. I want to sit in His strong hands and all consuming love forever.
"How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. O Lord Almighty, my King and my God! How happy are those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs, where pools of blessing collect after the rains! They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. For the Lord God is our light and protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right. O Lord Almighty, happy are those who trust in you." Psalm 84:1-2; 4-7; 10-12 (NLV).
God is faithful, just, our redeemer, protector, savior, friend, giver of gifts, creator and so much more. He alone is worthy of our praise and He alone holds the world in His hands. I like that image of the "world in His hands;" because I am in the world so I am in His hands. I want to sit in His strong hands and all consuming love forever.
"How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. O Lord Almighty, my King and my God! How happy are those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs, where pools of blessing collect after the rains! They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. For the Lord God is our light and protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right. O Lord Almighty, happy are those who trust in you." Psalm 84:1-2; 4-7; 10-12 (NLV).
Thursday, July 8, 2010
God's Protection
I am continually reminded of God's protection. On July 4, my husband and two kids got together with my sister and her two kids to shoot fireworks. Others in the neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods were also shooting fireworks and there was quite a bit of noise. We stopped to clean up a bit before continuing the festivities. My six year old was on the sidewalk in front of our home picking up trash when she screamed, "Snake!" and ran back to our driveway. The baby copperhead was within inches of her feet. It was dark, so I am so thankful that she saw the poisonous snake and got away before it bit her.
I do not recall any conversation with her about what to do if you encounter a snake, but I am sure running is not the advice I would give. I have always heard you cannot outrun a snake and they follow vibrations. However, she did just the right thing under those circumstances and by the grace of God the snake did not bite her or chase after her. I have no doubt that God protected her. He provided for her safety. He was there. God must have whispered in her ear to run and told the snake to be still.
"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor fear the dangers of the day, nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. But you will see it with your eyes; you will see how the wicked are punished. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone. You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, 'I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation.'" Psalms 91.
I know sometimes we will get hurt or injured and am not claiming that suffering will not occur to those who love the Lord with all their heart. He tells us in His word we will face troubles in this life. However, God is always there. And though we may not know why, sometimes He does intervene on our behalf. There may be plenty of scientific reasons or logical reasons as to why my little girl was not bitten by the snake, but I believe God's hand protected her. God is amazing and His provision constantly amazes me. He protects us even when we do not even realize we need protecting.
I do not recall any conversation with her about what to do if you encounter a snake, but I am sure running is not the advice I would give. I have always heard you cannot outrun a snake and they follow vibrations. However, she did just the right thing under those circumstances and by the grace of God the snake did not bite her or chase after her. I have no doubt that God protected her. He provided for her safety. He was there. God must have whispered in her ear to run and told the snake to be still.
"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with his wings. He will shelter you with his feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor fear the dangers of the day, nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. But you will see it with your eyes; you will see how the wicked are punished. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone. You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, 'I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation.'" Psalms 91.
I know sometimes we will get hurt or injured and am not claiming that suffering will not occur to those who love the Lord with all their heart. He tells us in His word we will face troubles in this life. However, God is always there. And though we may not know why, sometimes He does intervene on our behalf. There may be plenty of scientific reasons or logical reasons as to why my little girl was not bitten by the snake, but I believe God's hand protected her. God is amazing and His provision constantly amazes me. He protects us even when we do not even realize we need protecting.
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