Looking back thirty-three years ago, I remember attending a weekly Bible Study with a few close friends. We looked so forward to being together each week. We loved singing the worship songs and listening to the speaker. We had small classes for learning different subjects. We met so many other Christian woman and our children enjoyed playing in the nursery. We also enjoyed meeting at my friend's house afterwards for some great fellowship! We could secretly smoke our cigarettes and slander some of the ladies at the study that we didn't care for. We felt comfortable doing this secretly amongst ourselves, after all..... we were good friends.
Psalm 102:5
(of David)
Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure.
I am thankful to report that I no longer feel comfortable smoking cigarettes or talking 'slander' about other people. I have asked the Lord to forgive me. However, our own personal convictions are not always the same with our neighbors. We may have co-workers, family members and others who insist on reporting to us negative, slanderous reports about others. How do we put them to silence as David's Psalm indicates?
* We can remain silent and pray.
* We can change the subject.
* We can express how we value that person.
* We can just simply remove ourselves from the conversation.
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
Oh please forgive me for all the many times I have participated in slandering others. Those conversations come from haughtiness and pride which is sin. May there be a lock on my mouth from speaking . . . and a lock on my ears from listening to such unwholesome words. Thank you for Your mercy that is new each morning. I love you Lord. Amen ~
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
My Bank Account.....
Each day I go online and check my bank account. I verify that I have not withdrawn more funds than I have deposited. I want to make sure that no one has stolen my identity or is using my account falsely. I want to check my savings account to see how it is growing. Each day I need to know that all is well with my bank account.
Each day I need to prayerfully check my love account. I need to keep a close watch on the daily love deposits that I am making into the lives of others. Or am I more concerned how others are making deposits into my life? Have I allowed fruits of darkness such as anger, bitterness, resentment, hurt feelings, jealousy, insecurity and such to steal my identity in Christ Jesus? Am I allowing the love that Jesus Christ has deposited in my heart to be used falsely? I need to know that all is well with my love account and that it's growing daily!
1 John 3:11
For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning that we should "love on another".
1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us "love one another" for love is of God and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1 John 4:11
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to "love one another".
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
Will I be more mindful today of my bank account or my love account? Will I allow my love account to become overdrawn because of foolishness and sin in my heart? Oh Lord, show me today how to make deposits of love into the lives of those you bring across my path. I want to grow in my love for You and for others. Amen
Each day I need to prayerfully check my love account. I need to keep a close watch on the daily love deposits that I am making into the lives of others. Or am I more concerned how others are making deposits into my life? Have I allowed fruits of darkness such as anger, bitterness, resentment, hurt feelings, jealousy, insecurity and such to steal my identity in Christ Jesus? Am I allowing the love that Jesus Christ has deposited in my heart to be used falsely? I need to know that all is well with my love account and that it's growing daily!
1 John 3:11
For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning that we should "love on another".
1 John 4:7
Beloved, let us "love one another" for love is of God and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1 John 4:11
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to "love one another".
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
Will I be more mindful today of my bank account or my love account? Will I allow my love account to become overdrawn because of foolishness and sin in my heart? Oh Lord, show me today how to make deposits of love into the lives of those you bring across my path. I want to grow in my love for You and for others. Amen
Friday, August 27, 2010
Seek His Face. . .
The Lord recently spoke to my heart, "He is pulling down and removing shrubs in order that He builds walls, brick by brick for our true protection." Each of us are tempted to build our own walls of protection for our own lives. We are deceived into believing these shrubs will keep us safe. We believe that stable jobs, 401 K's, pensions, investments and stocks will surround us in our futures and we can live in security and peace. We believe that our government will watch over and protect us. These are shrubs and do not keep us safe.
Many are turning to God at this desperate time and crying out that He will repair and restore the torn down shrubs they have been growing for many years. They are seeking God's hand. When God does not repair their landscaping, they begin to question His love and power. Few truly understand that He has a much better plan for their lives and for their true protection. His desire for all of us is to seek His face while He still may be found.
Psalm 27:4-5, 8
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
Please forgive us when we seek Your hand and not Your face. Please forgive us when we ask others to pray for our needs when we have not sincerely prayed to You. Forgive us for building our own walls of protection instead of looking to You for all things. You are God and You are always faithful to those who seek Your face. Amen
Many are turning to God at this desperate time and crying out that He will repair and restore the torn down shrubs they have been growing for many years. They are seeking God's hand. When God does not repair their landscaping, they begin to question His love and power. Few truly understand that He has a much better plan for their lives and for their true protection. His desire for all of us is to seek His face while He still may be found.
Psalm 27:4-5, 8
One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock. My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
Please forgive us when we seek Your hand and not Your face. Please forgive us when we ask others to pray for our needs when we have not sincerely prayed to You. Forgive us for building our own walls of protection instead of looking to You for all things. You are God and You are always faithful to those who seek Your face. Amen
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Let The Son Shine In!
John 12:46
(Jesus speaking)
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
My husband and I have an on going battle with the blinds in our home. He wants to close them in the daytime in order to save on our energy bill. It just makes me crazy to be in a dark room when the sun is shining outside! Frankly, my need for the light in the room seems worth the extra costs on our electric bill. I do not always win this battle. I was created to enjoy the light. I love the way the morning sun comes through my windows and seems to dance on the walls. I feel especially blessed abiding in a space that is full of natural light.
Eph. 5:8
For ye were once darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
We are living in a very dark world and sometimes it's hard to see the light. Darkness has become so acceptable in our society, that it's not even considered darkness anymore. This deception can be in our own hearts as well as non believers and we can easily be blinded to the light that God is calling us to walk in. Daily we must ask the Lord to open the eyes of our hearts and remove the darkness with the light of His truth and righteousness.
Psalm 18:28
For thou wilt light my lamp; the Lord, my God, will lighten my darkness.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
You are light and in You there is no darkness. I am so thankful that when I seek You I will find You and I will walk as a child of the light. Show me Lord, where I have closed the blinds in my heart and allowed darkness to abide in my life. Amen
(Jesus speaking)
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
My husband and I have an on going battle with the blinds in our home. He wants to close them in the daytime in order to save on our energy bill. It just makes me crazy to be in a dark room when the sun is shining outside! Frankly, my need for the light in the room seems worth the extra costs on our electric bill. I do not always win this battle. I was created to enjoy the light. I love the way the morning sun comes through my windows and seems to dance on the walls. I feel especially blessed abiding in a space that is full of natural light.
Eph. 5:8
For ye were once darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.
We are living in a very dark world and sometimes it's hard to see the light. Darkness has become so acceptable in our society, that it's not even considered darkness anymore. This deception can be in our own hearts as well as non believers and we can easily be blinded to the light that God is calling us to walk in. Daily we must ask the Lord to open the eyes of our hearts and remove the darkness with the light of His truth and righteousness.
Psalm 18:28
For thou wilt light my lamp; the Lord, my God, will lighten my darkness.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
You are light and in You there is no darkness. I am so thankful that when I seek You I will find You and I will walk as a child of the light. Show me Lord, where I have closed the blinds in my heart and allowed darkness to abide in my life. Amen
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
When My Name is Called. . .
On April 29, 2009, my name was called and they said, "Debbie, it breaks our heart to tell you this, but today is your last day here at the firm. This is no reflection of your work, we are downsizing." This made me very sad because I loved everything about my job. My husband had been out of work for twenty months and he had just returned back to work a couple months prior. We were just getting back on our feet financially. I knew in my heart that this was a closure to my working outside of my home. Who would be seeking a receptionist at a law firm on full time oxygen? LOL
John 9:4
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work.
I am now working full time in the "Ministry of Availability" for those who are in need of a listening ear or a companion for lunch or fellowship. He is teaching me to speak His Word in due season to those needing encouragement. He has blessed me so with writing the Good Morning Devotions. I must work the works of Him who saved me and called me for His good purposes. What a blessing it will be when my name is called from above and my work really is completed here on earth!
Proverbs 15:23
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you, for always having a plan and a purpose for our lives to do Your work. You bless us with many gifts to give and share with others and in so doing our own lives are blessed as well. May we be found faithful in the work You have called us to do. We love you Lord. Amen
John 9:4
I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work.
I am now working full time in the "Ministry of Availability" for those who are in need of a listening ear or a companion for lunch or fellowship. He is teaching me to speak His Word in due season to those needing encouragement. He has blessed me so with writing the Good Morning Devotions. I must work the works of Him who saved me and called me for His good purposes. What a blessing it will be when my name is called from above and my work really is completed here on earth!
Proverbs 15:23
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you, for always having a plan and a purpose for our lives to do Your work. You bless us with many gifts to give and share with others and in so doing our own lives are blessed as well. May we be found faithful in the work You have called us to do. We love you Lord. Amen
Monday, August 23, 2010
A True Celebration!
There was my dear sweet friend, Elouisa surrounded by many of her closest friends. We were gathered together to celebrate her upcoming marriage to the man of her dreams! She looked so beautiful and she was just glowing. The beautiful gifts wrapped in lovely paper and embellishments were all unveiled and she was very humbled by the generosity of each friend.
Then the true celebration began!
Every single friend in the room showered Elouisa with the sweetest loving words which were often mixed with tears. She was presented with letters of love and admiration. She has been such a Godly virtuous woman and she has made such an impact on so many lives. You see, Elouisa has weathered some of the most difficult circumstances a woman could live through. However, in all of this she has maintained a heart that sought her Lord. She would often say, "Jesus is my husband and the Daddy of my boys." She was found faithful seeking and serving Him in all her ways. We have all witnessed over many years the power of God's love and His faithfulness to her. Our lives have been touched as well.
And now on this very special day she was showered with the beautiful fruits of her life that she has lived seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. What a true celebration!
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
May we never allow the difficult circumstances in our lives keep us from seeking You first. May our heart's desire be to walk in the power of Your love and Your faithfulness to us today and every day. Amen
Then the true celebration began!
Every single friend in the room showered Elouisa with the sweetest loving words which were often mixed with tears. She was presented with letters of love and admiration. She has been such a Godly virtuous woman and she has made such an impact on so many lives. You see, Elouisa has weathered some of the most difficult circumstances a woman could live through. However, in all of this she has maintained a heart that sought her Lord. She would often say, "Jesus is my husband and the Daddy of my boys." She was found faithful seeking and serving Him in all her ways. We have all witnessed over many years the power of God's love and His faithfulness to her. Our lives have been touched as well.
And now on this very special day she was showered with the beautiful fruits of her life that she has lived seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. What a true celebration!
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
May we never allow the difficult circumstances in our lives keep us from seeking You first. May our heart's desire be to walk in the power of Your love and Your faithfulness to us today and every day. Amen
Friday, August 20, 2010
Why Me Lord?
Why me Lord? I have paid my bills perfectly on time for years and now the bank has taken away my available credit?
Why me Lord? I have done the very best job I could do for twelve years and now I have to find a new place to work?
Why me Lord? I have to move out of my beautiful home into a rental in order to pay debt on a closed business?
Why me Lord? Do I have to contend with this oxygen machine 24X7?
The question, "Why me Lord?" may be saying to God out of our pride, "I don't deserve this!"
The question, "Why me Lord?" may be saying to God out of humility, "I don't understand fully Your love for me, but I know You will somehow bless me in this."
Romans 8:32
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him, also freely give us all things?
Why me Lord? Losing the available credit increased my faith to trust in You and not the evil ways of credit.
Why me Lord? Moving me from one job to another opened up new opportunities for many blessings I would have missed out on otherwise.
Why me Lord? Selling our home gave to us freedom not to be in bondage and debt to creditors and freedom from the bondage of owning a home.
Why me Lord? This oxygen tube that I must be attached to every minute of my day is such a wonderful reminder that I need to abide in you 24 X 7.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
Why me? Why did You sacrifice Your life for me? Why me? Why did You pay the price for my sin? Why me? Why did You choose to love me? Why me Lord? Amen
Why me Lord? I have done the very best job I could do for twelve years and now I have to find a new place to work?
Why me Lord? I have to move out of my beautiful home into a rental in order to pay debt on a closed business?
Why me Lord? Do I have to contend with this oxygen machine 24X7?
The question, "Why me Lord?" may be saying to God out of our pride, "I don't deserve this!"
The question, "Why me Lord?" may be saying to God out of humility, "I don't understand fully Your love for me, but I know You will somehow bless me in this."
Romans 8:32
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him, also freely give us all things?
Why me Lord? Losing the available credit increased my faith to trust in You and not the evil ways of credit.
Why me Lord? Moving me from one job to another opened up new opportunities for many blessings I would have missed out on otherwise.
Why me Lord? Selling our home gave to us freedom not to be in bondage and debt to creditors and freedom from the bondage of owning a home.
Why me Lord? This oxygen tube that I must be attached to every minute of my day is such a wonderful reminder that I need to abide in you 24 X 7.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
Why me? Why did You sacrifice Your life for me? Why me? Why did You pay the price for my sin? Why me? Why did You choose to love me? Why me Lord? Amen
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Our Hearts Will Dance!
Last night I was up very late and had trouble falling asleep because my heart is grieving for a friend. I'm soon going to have to face a mountain, that I have been looking away from for a very long time. So I started my day with sitting in my favorite spot with my coffee, journal, Bible and favorite devotionals. Nothing seemed to be feeding my soul, until I stopped and I prayed with my whole heart, "Lord, please speak to me through Your Word." Then I listened quietly and He directed me to the exact verses I needed to read and my heart danced before Him! He is with me and He truly understands!
Psalm 139:1-5
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
If we abide in Him and His words abide in us, we can ask Him for our needs and it shall be done unto us! Is your heart heavy too? Cry out to Him today and listen to His words and your heart will soon be dancing!
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
You are always there ready to lift our heavy hearts when we cry out to You. May we draw closer to You today than ever before. Amen
Psalm 139:1-5
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
If we abide in Him and His words abide in us, we can ask Him for our needs and it shall be done unto us! Is your heart heavy too? Cry out to Him today and listen to His words and your heart will soon be dancing!
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
You are always there ready to lift our heavy hearts when we cry out to You. May we draw closer to You today than ever before. Amen
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Mirror Mirror On The Wall...
We have full length mirrors on the closet doors in our bathroom. Like everyone, before I leave I stop and take a quick look at my appearance. I tell myself, "Ok Deb, you look fine." and then move on my happy way. We have a leather bench that sits in front of the mirrors. I really like the looks of the bench, but I don't like how I look sitting on that bench! I look like a Huge pear! I cannot believe how my whole body just seems to go south and spreads everywhere. Then I tell myself, "Ok Deb, you look horrible!" If I chose to linger long on that bench, it would ruin my day.....
2 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
I do my very best to look as nice as I can, however I don't give it a lot of time and energy. I am learning that my appearance doesn't define who I am. My heart defines who I am and to whom I belong. . . Jesus Christ. To this I joyfully rest and choose to linger long. . . and my days are truly blessed!
2 Corinthians 4:16
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you that even though our outward appearance is perishing day by day, our inward heart is being renewed by You day by day. We are so very thankful to be defined by belonging to You Lord Jesus. Amen
2 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
I do my very best to look as nice as I can, however I don't give it a lot of time and energy. I am learning that my appearance doesn't define who I am. My heart defines who I am and to whom I belong. . . Jesus Christ. To this I joyfully rest and choose to linger long. . . and my days are truly blessed!
2 Corinthians 4:16
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you that even though our outward appearance is perishing day by day, our inward heart is being renewed by You day by day. We are so very thankful to be defined by belonging to You Lord Jesus. Amen
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
True Treasure...
After seventeen years, I made contact on facebook with a friend who used to be my neighbor. We have had so much fun sharing back and forth with one another. She told me that she still hangs the "Welcome" sign outside her front door that I painted for her many years ago. She was laughing and remembering how I brought it over to her even before the paint was dry! Well that sounds like something silly I would do, however I have no remembrance of this at all. I do remember being obsessed with tole painting country images and my house was so full of this stuff that it looked like a gift shop! Seriously. Most all of the hand painted treasures that I kept for myself have now been discarded. What seemed to be a treasure one day became trash the next.
Matthew 6:19-21
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
The only true treasure those painted vessels had was when they were given away to bless and encourage some one's heart. In looking back, I'm sure that I held on too tightly to those painted images and I wish that I had given more away. I am so very thankful that my friend was blessed. People are touched by acts of kindness and love and so is our Heavenly Father. Let's store up our treasures in Heaven.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
May we not withhold and store up treasures for ourselves today that will become refuse tomorrow. Teach us to be generous with everything You place in our hands and hearts. Amen
Matthew 6:19-21
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
The only true treasure those painted vessels had was when they were given away to bless and encourage some one's heart. In looking back, I'm sure that I held on too tightly to those painted images and I wish that I had given more away. I am so very thankful that my friend was blessed. People are touched by acts of kindness and love and so is our Heavenly Father. Let's store up our treasures in Heaven.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
May we not withhold and store up treasures for ourselves today that will become refuse tomorrow. Teach us to be generous with everything You place in our hands and hearts. Amen
Friday, August 13, 2010
Living A Sweet Life!
She and I looked at each other as our carts met at the same check-out lane at Sam's Club. I encouraged her to go ahead and I went to another lane. While waiting in line, I watched three customers check-out in the line I just gave to her. "Patience Debbie, patience." came to my mind. Then while waiting I noticed the frozen chicken that I was purchasing was damaged and had freezer burn. I was so thankful that I didn't check out so quickly, I would have never noticed the bad product I was purchasing. Wow! This truly worked out for the good! I asked the clerk if someone could grab another bag for me. Just then a man came up behind me in line and I explained to him that he might want to choose another line... he just grumbled at me. When I was finished checking out, I turned to the grumpy man and said, "Thank you for your patience" and he grumbled again! How very sad for him.
James 1:2
Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials. Knowing this, that the testing of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature) and entire, lacking nothing.
We can live such a sweet life amongst irritations, worries and frets which are along all of our paths. No emotional outbursts or rantings and ravings are really going to change the circumstances that surrounded us. It is never fruitful for our souls or for others when we lose our temper or lash out at someone. We can only gain patience through trials and tribulations. We need to make up our minds to accept graciously what we can not change and live a beautiful life in the midst of our present circumstances.
Luke 21:19
In your patience possess ye your souls.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
We ask for Your grace to accept the circumstances that surround our lives and to anticipate with joy the testing of our faith, which works patience in our souls. Thank you that we can live a sweet life! Amen
James 1:2
Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials. Knowing this, that the testing of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature) and entire, lacking nothing.
We can live such a sweet life amongst irritations, worries and frets which are along all of our paths. No emotional outbursts or rantings and ravings are really going to change the circumstances that surrounded us. It is never fruitful for our souls or for others when we lose our temper or lash out at someone. We can only gain patience through trials and tribulations. We need to make up our minds to accept graciously what we can not change and live a beautiful life in the midst of our present circumstances.
Luke 21:19
In your patience possess ye your souls.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
We ask for Your grace to accept the circumstances that surround our lives and to anticipate with joy the testing of our faith, which works patience in our souls. Thank you that we can live a sweet life! Amen
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Do You Hear Him?
We have Patty and Jenny visiting us from the inner city of Los Angeles. I asked Patty, "So are you home sick?" She responded, "No, I am not home sick, but I do miss the noise of the city. It's very quiet here." Wow! I was taken back, because I would have thought the quietness of our neighborhood would have blessed her. Isn't it amazing how different we all are? Recently I was sharing with a friend that I am excited to go to San Diego in September and just sit by the ocean for five days. I said, "That is where I most clearly hear God." She said, "Oh no... I hear His voice more clearly in the mountains."
Psalm 29:3,4,8,11
The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; The God of glory thundereth; the Lord is upon many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness. The Lord will give strength unto His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.
God's voice is powerful and everywhere. He can be heard in the noise of the inner city, the ocean waves, the whispering pines and in the quiet of the night. He is always speaking into our hearts. Sh..h...h.... do you hear Him? I think I do.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
Oh that we would hear You more clearly and love You more dearly. Amen
Psalm 29:3,4,8,11
The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; The God of glory thundereth; the Lord is upon many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness. The Lord will give strength unto His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.
God's voice is powerful and everywhere. He can be heard in the noise of the inner city, the ocean waves, the whispering pines and in the quiet of the night. He is always speaking into our hearts. Sh..h...h.... do you hear Him? I think I do.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
Oh that we would hear You more clearly and love You more dearly. Amen
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Three Crystal Bowls....
Last evening I served fruit salad to our guests for dinner and reluctantly, I used my most favorite paper thin cut crystal glass bowls. I only have four of them and I treasure these little vessels. I didn't pay much money for them because they were purchased at a Hospice second hand store. Obviously they belonged to someone who has passed away. Still the same, I loved these bowls. Last night while cleaning the kitchen I discovered one of my crystal bowls in pieces in the trash. This broke my heart.
1 Peter 4:7-10
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
Above all, I want to love others deeply. I want to have a clear mind and have self-control so that I can pray without hesitation to my Heavenly Father, knowing that His love has covered a multitude of my sins. I choose not to have a grumbling heart because the Lord blessed me with those beautiful bowls for the very purpose they were used for. He invites me to extend the very grace that I have received from Him to others. After this wonderful lesson, those bowls are even a greater treasure to me. Someday I too will pass away and those three crystal cut bowls will be in the hands of someone else. May they be used for His glory.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
Help me to understand that every little treasure You place in my hands can be used by You to extend Your love and grace to others. Remind me today that love always covers over a multitude of sins. Amen
1 Peter 4:7-10
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
Above all, I want to love others deeply. I want to have a clear mind and have self-control so that I can pray without hesitation to my Heavenly Father, knowing that His love has covered a multitude of my sins. I choose not to have a grumbling heart because the Lord blessed me with those beautiful bowls for the very purpose they were used for. He invites me to extend the very grace that I have received from Him to others. After this wonderful lesson, those bowls are even a greater treasure to me. Someday I too will pass away and those three crystal cut bowls will be in the hands of someone else. May they be used for His glory.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
Help me to understand that every little treasure You place in my hands can be used by You to extend Your love and grace to others. Remind me today that love always covers over a multitude of sins. Amen
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Please Pass The Salt...
I love salt. Doesn't everyone carry a salt shaker in their auto? Why did my daughter laugh when she discovered salt at the bottom of my purse? Is it common to have a salt & pepper shaker in the family room? Do you scope out the salt shaker before ordering dinner at a restaurant? Doesn't everyone take their own salt shaker to the movies? So what if I have six salt shakers in my kitchen cabinet? Doesn't everyone? I just believe in being prepared!
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man.
We are surrounded with people, who's hearts are searching for answers. We never know when we will be called upon to speak words of truth and life into them. Our lives are to be filled with such salt that we cause others to become thirsty for God. May we daily come to the Lord for our shakers to be refilled that we would be prepared to season others.
Mark 9:50
Salt is good; but if the salt have lost its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
I pray that my life will be seasoned by You in such a way that when others are thirsty to know You better, I will be prepared to have answers that minister to their souls. Amen
Colossians 4:6
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man.
We are surrounded with people, who's hearts are searching for answers. We never know when we will be called upon to speak words of truth and life into them. Our lives are to be filled with such salt that we cause others to become thirsty for God. May we daily come to the Lord for our shakers to be refilled that we would be prepared to season others.
Mark 9:50
Salt is good; but if the salt have lost its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
I pray that my life will be seasoned by You in such a way that when others are thirsty to know You better, I will be prepared to have answers that minister to their souls. Amen
Monday, August 9, 2010
Tatoo On My Heart
Motto
1. a word, phrase, or sentence inscribed on something, as expressive of its character.
2. a maxim adopted as a principle of behavior.
I choose not to have a tatoo on my body, however, I have chosen this motto to be forever tatooed on my heart.
Don't Stop Being Who You Are
Because of the
Words, Actions & Attitudes of Others.
Luke 23:34
Jesus said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
They stripped Jesus and put a scarlet robe on Him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt in front of Him and mocked Him. They spit on Him and struck Him on the head with the staff again and again and again. Then He was led away to be crucified. The words, actions and attitudes of others never kept Jesus from being the Son of the Living God who came to take away the sins of the world. He continued to love them and forgive them.
Ecclesiastes 10:4
If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post;
calmness can lay great errors to rest.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
When we face persecutions, may we never stop being who we are because of the words, actions or attitudes of others. May we also be willing to continue in our love walk with You and with others. Amen
Friday, August 6, 2010
Behind Closed Doors.
Luke 12:1-3
Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hidden, that shall not be known. Therefore, whatever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in private rooms shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
I was having tea with a very dear friend and she said, "I repeated what you said to the pastor the other day, I hope you don't mind." That could have been a moment of shear panic! When I said those words earlier, I never imagined that they would be repeated. I consoled my friend telling her, "I really don't mind at all." My friend's intentions were strictly for good purposes. Perhaps a good filter for all of our words would be if we would mind if they were repeated? We need to have wisdom to know that there is a very good chance they will find their way into other ears. If our words need to be spoken behind closed doors or whispered, perhaps we should question the content of our conversation? Words are tools that can be used for building up or for destroying. Which conversations will we choose today?
Matthew 12:36-37
But I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account of it in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You. I will choose to speak words that are easily repeated for the edification of others. If I begin to whisper or shut the door.... or say to another, "Please do not repeat this." remind me of Your ways. Amen
Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hidden, that shall not be known. Therefore, whatever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in private rooms shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
I was having tea with a very dear friend and she said, "I repeated what you said to the pastor the other day, I hope you don't mind." That could have been a moment of shear panic! When I said those words earlier, I never imagined that they would be repeated. I consoled my friend telling her, "I really don't mind at all." My friend's intentions were strictly for good purposes. Perhaps a good filter for all of our words would be if we would mind if they were repeated? We need to have wisdom to know that there is a very good chance they will find their way into other ears. If our words need to be spoken behind closed doors or whispered, perhaps we should question the content of our conversation? Words are tools that can be used for building up or for destroying. Which conversations will we choose today?
Matthew 12:36-37
But I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account of it in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shall be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You. I will choose to speak words that are easily repeated for the edification of others. If I begin to whisper or shut the door.... or say to another, "Please do not repeat this." remind me of Your ways. Amen
Thursday, August 5, 2010
A Nail...
All of a sudden I heard a "CRASH" and I discovered that the nail holding Johnny's copper art work came out of the wall causing it to fall to the floor. The artwork was still very much in tact, however the frame was ruined. The weight of the painting was obviously too heavy for the size of the nail.
Jesus Christ was nailed to the cross and endured the pain and suffering in order to showcase the Father's love for us. With out those nails, the will of His Father would never have been fulfilled. He came to do the will of His Heavenly Father.
I will never forget a wonderful Godly woman saying, "We are just a nail in the wall to hold up a picture of Jesus Christ." Whenever we stop to enjoy a beautiful piece of art, we never take thought of the nail that holds it to the wall. However, to see and behold the beauty of the art, the nail is so very necessary.
Hebrews 12:1-2
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, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
I want to be a nail that others might see Your beauty, power and Your Love! Amen
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
His Miraculous Sufficiency!
2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
This was the first verse that I memorized from the Bible. At the time I was so focused on my weaknesses that it gave to me such hope that God's grace would be sufficient for me. Now, thirty-five years later I am still clinging to this verse.
In the last ten years many prayers have been spoken by me and for me concerning this lung disease. We all have cried out for a 'miracle' and even though I have not experienced a 'healing' in my lungs, I have experienced many miracles in all of this. His grace has been overwhelming to me! He has given to me patience for being attached to a continuous plastic tubing twenty-four hours a day. He has given to me His joy in that I can truly laugh at how funny things can happen being on oxygen. He has given to me His grace when people stare or children question me in public. He has given to me such peace knowing that He truly is my sufficiency. He has given to me a thankful heart for all the many lessons I have learned from this illness.
Am I still praying and seeking a miraculous healing? Absolutely! However, until that happens, I will celebrate His miraculous sufficiency!
2 Corinthians 12:10 (continued)
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
No matter what struggles we are going through today, You will give to us Your grace and sufficiency in all things! The greatest miracle in our lives is to be called Your child. Amen
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
This was the first verse that I memorized from the Bible. At the time I was so focused on my weaknesses that it gave to me such hope that God's grace would be sufficient for me. Now, thirty-five years later I am still clinging to this verse.
In the last ten years many prayers have been spoken by me and for me concerning this lung disease. We all have cried out for a 'miracle' and even though I have not experienced a 'healing' in my lungs, I have experienced many miracles in all of this. His grace has been overwhelming to me! He has given to me patience for being attached to a continuous plastic tubing twenty-four hours a day. He has given to me His joy in that I can truly laugh at how funny things can happen being on oxygen. He has given to me His grace when people stare or children question me in public. He has given to me such peace knowing that He truly is my sufficiency. He has given to me a thankful heart for all the many lessons I have learned from this illness.
Am I still praying and seeking a miraculous healing? Absolutely! However, until that happens, I will celebrate His miraculous sufficiency!
2 Corinthians 12:10 (continued)
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
No matter what struggles we are going through today, You will give to us Your grace and sufficiency in all things! The greatest miracle in our lives is to be called Your child. Amen
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Even After Foreclosure!
Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
My husband counsels individuals who are in the process of possibly losing their homes through foreclosure. Each caller has a different story to tell and different attitudes about the circumstances happening in their lives. It's often difficult to console and encourage some of these individuals who are angry and feeling very much out of control. Their energy may be focused on blaming others for their current losses and that is understandable. However, there are others who take comfort in knowing that God is still with them and He still has a plan for their lives, even after foreclosure!
The truth is that God has a plan for everyone, but not everyone is benefiting from this truth. Why? Perhaps reading the continuing scripture may help us to understand.
Jeremiah 29:12
"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity."
The greatest blessings in our lives may come wrapped in very difficult crisis. If in all of this we can find God.... our greatest reward.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
I pray for those who are facing severe crisis in their lives right now because of changes in their finances. May they call upon you and listen to you and seek you with all their hearts. I know you are truly a Heavenly Father, who will listen and turn their sorrows into joy as they are no longer held captive by their fears! You are a good God and will reveal yourself to them in many ways. We really can trust you for our future! Amen
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
My husband counsels individuals who are in the process of possibly losing their homes through foreclosure. Each caller has a different story to tell and different attitudes about the circumstances happening in their lives. It's often difficult to console and encourage some of these individuals who are angry and feeling very much out of control. Their energy may be focused on blaming others for their current losses and that is understandable. However, there are others who take comfort in knowing that God is still with them and He still has a plan for their lives, even after foreclosure!
The truth is that God has a plan for everyone, but not everyone is benefiting from this truth. Why? Perhaps reading the continuing scripture may help us to understand.
Jeremiah 29:12
"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity."
The greatest blessings in our lives may come wrapped in very difficult crisis. If in all of this we can find God.... our greatest reward.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
I pray for those who are facing severe crisis in their lives right now because of changes in their finances. May they call upon you and listen to you and seek you with all their hearts. I know you are truly a Heavenly Father, who will listen and turn their sorrows into joy as they are no longer held captive by their fears! You are a good God and will reveal yourself to them in many ways. We really can trust you for our future! Amen
Monday, August 2, 2010
A Fever In My Heart
Ecclesiastes 7:9,
Ephesians 4: 26
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger rest in the bosom of fools.
Be ye angry, and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath.
We woke up this morning to a very warm bedroom! Then we took note that our air-conditioning was no longer working properly and the heat was rising. The blessings are that we don't have to pay the cost of the repairs and we have a second air-conditioner that steps in and makes up for the non-functioning unit. Just a call away was our wonderful repairman and his assessment was a faulty wire that was damaged in a recent storm. The unit is now up and running properly again and it's getting cooler as we speak!
We can wake up in the morning and find that our temperature has risen! We are still angry with that someone for hurting us. Our hearts are no longer working properly and our wires were damaged by a storm of words that were recently spoken. Our Savior is just a call away and He has already paid the price for forgiveness and restoration in our relationships. At any moment our heart can be up and running properly again and our temperature will be cooling off as we listen to and speak His words!
Infection causes a fever in the body.
Anger causes a fever in the heart.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
You are just a call away for healing in our hearts! Thank you that You paid the price for our restoration with You and with others. May we never wake-up to find a fever in our hearts. Amen
Ephesians 4: 26
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger rest in the bosom of fools.
Be ye angry, and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath.
We woke up this morning to a very warm bedroom! Then we took note that our air-conditioning was no longer working properly and the heat was rising. The blessings are that we don't have to pay the cost of the repairs and we have a second air-conditioner that steps in and makes up for the non-functioning unit. Just a call away was our wonderful repairman and his assessment was a faulty wire that was damaged in a recent storm. The unit is now up and running properly again and it's getting cooler as we speak!
We can wake up in the morning and find that our temperature has risen! We are still angry with that someone for hurting us. Our hearts are no longer working properly and our wires were damaged by a storm of words that were recently spoken. Our Savior is just a call away and He has already paid the price for forgiveness and restoration in our relationships. At any moment our heart can be up and running properly again and our temperature will be cooling off as we listen to and speak His words!
Infection causes a fever in the body.
Anger causes a fever in the heart.
Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
You are just a call away for healing in our hearts! Thank you that You paid the price for our restoration with You and with others. May we never wake-up to find a fever in our hearts. Amen
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