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 I verify that I have not withdrawn more funds than I have deposited.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
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