Seek to Please the Lord

Today's devotion was written by Mary Davis, a woman in my church. She is gifted with words, both spoken and written. She seeks to please the Lord in all that she does.



"That she might walk worthy unto the Lord to all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." Colossians 1:10


"Martha, Martha, you are careful and troubled about many things." Simply put, Martha was disturbed and distracted with too much detail in preparation of Jesus' visit.


Martha, a gifted industrious woman, given to hospitality, was caught up in the moment of busyness. It would have given Jesus much pleasure to see Martha forego what she deemed necessary at the moment, and spend some quality time sitting at His feet like Mary, taking in the words of life.


In every day life, as well as individual and collective ministries, we can like Martha become distracted with too much busyness, forfeiting what Jesus called "that good part, which will not be taken away".


To sit at Jesus' feet is to learn of Him. Learning of Him is getting to know Him intimately, which brings Him much pleasure and satisfaction.


Let our goal always be to sit at Jesus' feet learning how to have an intimate love relationship with Him.


Heavenly Father, Mary, an outstanding example to all Christian women on more than one occasion, was compliant to please You. Sitting at Your feet, she learned what was truly that "good part". Martha, on the other hand was pulled away by "many things" she considered necessary for Jesus' comfort. As we endeavor to please You, help us differentiate between too much busyness and quality time spent with You, always "walking worthy of You unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, increasing in the knowledge of God". Thank you Father, amen.

Progress or Not

Have you ever felt like you are making progress in an area and the next thing you know BAM! You have taken three steps back?

Well, that’s how I feel.

There are issues going on that I am dealing with. I have prayed and prayed about them. This past Sunday night we had a wonderful service and I left pumped and excited about what God can do.

Then three days later…

Have you been there?

Three days later I learned some things that felt like we took three steps back. Of course I cried out to God! In the midst of my crying out, I heard Him ask me “Am I not still God?”

Immediately my heart quieted and I answered, yes God, You are still God! I need You to speak to me about this situation.

I picked up my Psalms devotional book and opened it randomly. The book fell to a day mid-year with Psalms 31:14-15.

“I trust in You, O Lord, I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hand.” NASB

My heart had just answered God saying yes God, You are still God! How amazing that the first scripture would say the same thing!

On the next page the verse was Psalms 106:3.

“Happy are those who deal justly with others and always do what is right.”

Wow! Happy are those who deal justly? Really?

I have read Lysa TerKeurst’s book “What Happens When Women Say Yes to God”. I do long to say yes to God in everything. Now we know that saying “yes” is not always easy and it is not always good things. This past year as I have learned to say “yes”, God has had me do what I thought were difficult things. But I did them. I said “yes”. And this verse tells me happy are they? To be honest, I didn’t feel happy at the time, but I guess if you walk in integrity and do what is right – no matter what, no matter if it is popular, then you will be happy - knowing you did what is right.

Help me God to walk in integrity as I say “yes” to You.

And finally, I turned to today’s Psalm. It is Psalms 55:2.

“Give your worries to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will never let good people down.” NCV

Another wow! Give my worries to Him! Of course we all know we can and should do this. How often do we automatically do this? How often do we have to be reminded to do so?

God, You are God. And there is nothing, absolutely nothing, too difficult for You! I give you my worries, my concerns over these situations. I trust in You!

After reading these three Psalms, I know God spoke to me and it was just what I needed!

Do I feel like we still took three steps back? Perhaps. But I have been reminded that my times are in His hands. I will trust in God. You, God, are my God!

Do you feel at times that you have taken three steps back? Be reminded today that God is your God and you can trust in Him. We can give all our worries to Him and He will take care of us!

Father, we praise You for You are our God! We thank You that we have an awesome God who we can turn over all our worries. When we feel that we have taken three steps back, we can trust in You to help us overcome and gain those steps again plus more. Thank you Father for Your love and care! In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Blessings,

Imprint

The other weekend was my son’s last football game. It was our second playoff game and we lost, thus no more football. We have only been playing football for the last three months and basketball has already started. It was time for football to end, but it would have been nice to go all the way to the championship.

My son, Stephen, has been playing football for this league for four years. This year was the absolute best! We had a new coaching team and my son learned more in this year than in the previous three years. It was a great year all around. The coaches gave Stephen opportunities to show his abilities and helped him to become a better football player. He’s not where he could be, but he is further along than last year.

After the lost, we were all very sad to see football come to an end. Some boys were teary-eyed and some were weeping. Some parents did the same. My son was one that was teary-eyed. And I was one of the parents doing the same.

The coaches made a difference. After every game the team quoted the Lord’s Prayer. The coaches corrected when correction was needed, but there was a ton of affirmation for the boys. The head coach and the rest of the coaching team left an imprint on my son’s life.

I got to thinking about the coaches leaving an “imprint” on my son’s life. I had to ask myself have I left an imprint on someone else’s life. Have I made a difference in another person’s life? Are they a better person because of me? I want the answer to be yes. I hope the answer is yes.

I realize that there could be someone out there that I have left an imprint but don’t know about it. That’s why Stephen and I went out after the game and purchased a thank you card to give to the head coach. We want him to know that he made a difference in someone’s life. If someone has made an impact on your life, take a moment to let them know. You will bless them in doing so.

What are some ways we can leave an imprint on someone’s life? Showing kindness. Mentoring. Visit and encourage people. There are many more ways.

Let’s leave an imprint of Jesus on the lives around us!

Blessings,

Thankful for...

1 Chronicles 29:13 (NIV)
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

This morning on our way to school, I asked my children what they were thankful for. I think they thought it was a trick question because they were hesitant to answer. After I assured them it was not a trick question, here are some things they came up with:


· Family and friends
· House
· Food
· Clothes
· Car to ride in
· Sports to play
· Animals
· Barney (our dog)
· Our parents
· God

After I dropped them off, I continued to ponder my question to them. Besides what they listed (and they are all good and would be included in my list), what else am I thankful for? Here are a few more things:

· My husband (married 20 years now!)
· My job (especially with so many out of work today)
· The work God is doing in my life (2009 has been a Year of New Seasons at church and it has definitely been new seasons for me – doing things I have never done before.)
· Stephen’s fear of dogs has been broken (an answered prayer with the help of Barney!)
· Various people at church (you see the evidence of spiritual growth in their lives and it is so exciting!)

What about you? What are you thankful for today?

Next week we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. We truly do have a lot to be thankful for. The two lists are but a few things that I am thankful for. There is so much more that could be included. How about taking a moment to make your own list of things you are thankful for. As you are making your list, take time to give thanks to God for everything.



Blessings

Praise

Praise. I have been thinking about this word and our responsibility to it.

Both of my children are involved in multiple sports. Watching them play I get so excited when they make a touchdown, spike the ball, make a basket and many other things. I yell out “good job” and etc. I want them to know I am proud of them and what they are doing. I also praise them when they bring home good grades or do stuff around the house.

I got to thinking about our praise to God. Are we as quick to give praise to God as we are to our children or other people? Are we as quick to recognize what God does for us? I asked my 14 year-old daughter, Sarah, why we were quick to give praise at a sports event, but not as quick to give praise to God for all that He does for us. She did not have an answer. I told her it was something to think about.

The other Sunday as I was getting ready for church, an old song came on that gave me pause as it went along with my thoughts on praise. Here are the words to Praise the Lord by The Imperials.

When you're up against a struggle That shatters all your dreams
And your hope's been cruelly crushed By Satan's manifested scheme
And you feel the urge within you To submit to earthly fears
Don't let the faith your standing in Seem to disappear

CHORUS:
Praise the Lord
He can work through those who praise Him
Praise the Lord
For our God inhabits praise
Praise the Lord
For the chains that seem to bind you Serve only to remind you
That they drop powerless behind you When you praise Him

Now Satan is a liar And he wants to make us think
That we are paupers When he knows himself
We're children of the King So lift up the mighty shield of faith
For the battle must be won We know that Jesus Christ is risen
So the works already done

I have been working to quickly give praise to God in all things. The other weekend I went to my daughter’s volleyball tournament some distance away and there was a cost to get into the game. I was not sure if I had any money on me. When I checked another compartment in my wallet I found some money. I said “praise God” as I was thankful I had money on me. Sometimes little things get by us or we take them for granted when it is really God working in our lives.

Let’s work to be quick to give praise to God in everything!

Blessings,

Seek the Kingdom of God

Today's devotion was written by Mary Davis, a woman in my church. She is a gifted writer and teacher!

"Seek the kingdom of God first and His righteousness, and all these other things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33

Matthew 6:33 is a finale to the previous verses in chapter six. The lesson differentiates between values and needs. The moral is to seek for one and trust for the other.

The key to the Kingdom of God is to seek goals that will reflect spiritual values - values that will not only enrich our lives, but the lives of other women also, making the Kingdom of God a better place for all.

When spiritual values and His righteousness (exemplifying Christ's equity and character of actions), work together, they free us from the complexities of life, replacing them with confidence that our temporal needs are secure in Him.

Naomi, a perfect example of seeking spiritual values, was able to guide the course of Ruth's life, ultimately changing the course of history.

As women, we too can change the course of other women's lives if we "seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness".

God wants women who will accept the challenge to change the course of history in our community, our church and our world.

Go for it women of God!!

Heavenly Father, You know our temporal needs as well as our spiritual needs, and we are so thankful that you do. Our prayer is that You will teach us to focus less on our temporal needs, and more on our spiritual needs, seeking goals and values that will help us "grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, adding to our faith virtue; to virtue knowledge; to knowledge temperance; to temperance patience; to patience godliness; to godliness sisterly kindness; to sisterly kindness love." II Peter 3:1, II Peter 1:5-7 Thank you Father, Amen.



Submitted by Mary Davis.

God's Help

Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

One night while at church, I was texting my friend Missy. She was in West Virginia with her dad who was in the hospital and not doing well. I walked into a children’s classroom and seen this verse. I immediately sent it to Missy as it fit what she was going through. She was walking through a difficult time. She needed to hear those words which encouraged her.

There have been many times in my life where I have experienced this verse. I desperately needed God to take hold of my hand and assure me that He is helping me, that I do not have anything to fear. This past year I have walked in new paths, experienced things I never thought I would. The unknown that lay before me was overwhelming. I would wonder if I would ever get through it. I would wonder why God was directing my steps in such a way. I thought I cannot do this. And I was right. I can’t do things in myself, only with the help of God.

There is a lady at church who lost her job at the end of June. She has her moments but she is doing so great with everything. Occasionally she will send me an email about what God is doing for her and in turn how she is able to help others. Right now, she is clinging to this verse. She needs God to take hold of her right hand, tell her not to fear, and help her. She is experiencing first hand the peace of God during this difficult time in her life.

How about you? Are you walking through a difficult time? Perhaps it is a new path. Perhaps you are facing the unknown. Perhaps it is a financial issue. Perhaps you have lost your job. Let the words of Isaiah 41:13 saturate your spirit today. Hear the Lord say to you For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Imagine Him taking your right hand and holding it as He assures you that He will help you through this time, that you have nothing to fear.

Father, we thank You for this promise that you have given us. We thank You for the times You have spoken to us, telling us not to fear. We thank You for Your help. We recognize that we cannot do anything in ourselves. We desperately need You. I pray for all who are going through a difficult time, no matter what it may be. I ask that this verse will saturate their spirits. That they will be comforted that You are helping them. That they will experience Your peace. We thank You Father for Your peace and for Your help. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessings,

Thankful for Christian Radio

On my way in to work, I was listening to Christian radio, as I always do. At one point the DJ was praying for something. As I was driving, I thought what a gift Christian radio is to us. It truly encourages and uplifts us.

I was reminded of a children’s song. I cannot remember the name of it, but one part goes like this: Be careful little ears what you hear. Be careful little ears what you hear. For the Father up above is looking down in love. Be careful little ears what you hear. This does not only apply to children. As teenagers and adults we must be careful what things we allow to come in through our ears (and eyes but that’s another story).

We are blessed to have Christian radio available for our listening pleasure. Christian radio is good music for our ears. It is encouraging, uplifting, fun and worshipful. So many times when we are going through a rough patch, a song on the radio is just what we need to hear. Not only is the music great, but the DJs are also uplifting and funny. They are just what we need on our drive to work! What a blessing it is to be able to hear prayers prayed over the radio. What a blessing it is to be able to call in to a station with a prayer request knowing that someone will be praying for your request. What a blessing it is to be able to get free music, if you are the right number caller.

If you do not currently listen to Christian radio, give it a try. There are so many different formats out there – southern gospel or contemporary to name two. And be careful what you allow to come in through your ears!

Father, I thank you for Christian radio and for the blessing it is to me and my family. I lift up all stations across the world and the workers. I ask that You will continue to meet their needs and continue to use them for Your glory to make a difference in the world. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Blessings,

Thankful for Peonies

1 Chronicles 16:34 (NIV)
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 35:18 (NIV)
I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs of people I will praise you.


I love flowers! If I could, I would have a large flower garden with a gardener to take care of it -- of course! Instead, I have four rose bushes, a rose tree and a hydrangea. All six flowers are very special to me. For instance, one rose bush, my first, was bought in remembrance of my dad who passed away. Several flowers were given to me for Mother’s Day. I treasure them all!

For several years, I have wanted a peony. My mother-in-law had several plants. When they moved to Florida she was going to give me some. I don’t remember what happened, but I didn’t get any. My husband has gone out at times to look for them but could never find any. I think peonies are beautiful and have such a wonderful fragrance.

A couple of months ago, I was talking to a lady at work. Somehow her having peonies came up. I shared with her how much I love peonies and have always wanted one. She told me she had several and would be dividing them up in the fall. I was to remind her about them. Immediately I put it on my task for late September. I was so excited!

One day she came by my desk and told me she had a large trash bag of peonies to give me and later brought them to me. I didn't even have to remind her. I know I already said I was excited, but I really was! She gave me an abundance of peony flowers. I was able to give some to my mom and two other ladies plus kept several for myself.

I was overly abundantly blessed! I didn’t just get one peony flower, but I was given several. These peonies will always be special to me just like my other flowers.

I am thankful for my peony flowers and to Marianne who gave them to me.

This is an example of how much God loves us. Not only does He meet our needs, but He also gives us our desires as we delight in Him.

Thank you Father for my peonies and thank you for using Marianne to provide them!

Blessings,

Seek to Make a New Friend

Today's devotion was written by Mary Davis, a woman in my church. She is a friend to all!


"The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense." Proverbs 27:9

Friends are a gift from God. He knew we would need them on this journey from earth to heaven.
Our very best friend, Jesus, is a prime example of how to make new friends and how to treat them in order to keep their friendship.

Most of us have at least one friend we can turn to no matter what. Someone we can share our innermost secrets and desires with. Someone who let's us be who we are, loving us anyway.

Then there are the less intimate friends, but friends nontheless.

We all need friends to laugh with, make small talk with, shop with, enjoy a meal, a cup of tea or coffee with.

Potential friends are everywhere. God always knows where you and I are going to be at any given moment.

Where people are, a friend can be found.

Heavenly Father, friends are one of the many treasurers You have blessed us with. Give us wisdom to never take them for granted, always loving and appreciating the person You created them to be. And Father, teach us not to be so hurried in life, that we miss an opportunity to make new friends, whether it's long term, short term, or just a friend for a day. Thank you Father, amen.

Submitted by Mary Davis.

Choking Part 2

Recently we talked about “choking” when God asks us to do something. I shared about the book I have been reading titled “What Happens When Women Say Yes to God” by Lysa Terkeurst.

When we say yes to God completely, we choose not to choke.

What causes us to choke, to not say Yes to God. We have talked about fear and I used Peter walking on the water as an example of fear. I think we can all attest that fear hinders us in so many ways. The fear of failure. The fear of the unknown. The fear of getting out of my comfort zone.

Another cause of choking is cost. What will it cost me to say yes completely?

· If I say yes, I might miss my favorite show.
· If I say yes, I might miss my Sunday afternoon nap.
· If I say yes, I might miss my exercise class.
· If I say yes, my house might get messed up.

The list could go on. Let me ask a question. In the scheme of life and death, is all of this really important? Immediately our answer would be “no”. But how we live our life is the real answer to the question.

In order to say Yes to God and not choke, we need to hear the voice of God speaking to us. We need to be so in tuned to the voice of God that we hear Him speak to us in any kind of way. We learn to hear His voice more clearly by spending time in His presence. Mothers know the voice of their child in a room filled with other children. Mothers also learn the different cries of their baby. This is because they spend lots of time with their child. If we are in a room filled with people and distractions, we should be able to hear God when He calls out to us.

Not only do we need to hear the voice of God, but we also need to have quick obedience. Quick obedience combats choking. Often times we actually argue with God when He calls us to do something – God, you know I can’t do that or God, I don’t have time to do that, or are You sure You want me to do this and so on. This is the start of choking. When we learn or we have quick obedience, we move as soon as we hear the voice of God speaking to us. There is no room for fear, no room for doubt, no room to choke.

May we hear the voice of God speak to us and may we act upon His call with quick obedience!

Let’s pray. Father, I long to hear Your voice speaking to me and then act with quick obedience, doing away with fear or doubt, not worrying about what it will cost me to act on Your call. Help me to not worry about how I will look or what others may say. Help me to only be concerned with pleasing You. I ask that You also help others who are reading this today and yearn to hear Your voice and act with quick obedience. Thank You Father for using me, using us, to do Your bidding! In Jesus’ Name Amen.

Blessings,

Choke

Have you ever choked? I sure have many times. No, not physically, but spiritually.

Recently I heard a little bit of a preacher talking about how God asks us to do something but we “choke” and don’t do it. Just that little bit and I started thinking of the times at church or situations where I have choked.

I was talking to a lady the other day and she was sharing how she felt God wanted her to do something in her Bible study class. But she got afraid and did not do anything. She choked.

There are times when we have opportunities, open doors, to say something, to speak up, to testify. We might start out okay, but before we can finish, we choke. We stop. We don’t complete what we set out to do.

Part of it is fear. Like the time Peter was in a boat and asked Jesus to bid him to come where He was – out on the water. Jesus bid Peter to come. And Peter started walking on water. That took great faith. Of course Peter wasn’t doing it in his own strength. But after a while Peter choked. He got afraid and started sinking. And Jesus rescued him. What would have happened if Peter had not choked? How far would he have gone?

It is the same with us. What would happen if we did not choke? There is a song that says we are His body. We are His hands and feet. If we are His body, His hands, His feet and we choke, the world is missing out on what God wants to do for them through us.

I have started reading a book by Lysa TerKeurst titled “What Happens When Women Say Yes to God.” (I love her!) As I was reading the first chapter, the author tells a story about the first time she gave her Bible away. She felt God nudging her to do so. After hesitating for a brief moment, she said yes to God. That one act of obedience has had extraordinary results. But what if Lysa had choked and not given her Bible away? The countless lives would not have been touched in a spectacular way.

Let’s say yes to God – completely – all the way to the finish. Fear has no place. Let’s step out and lean hard on God and allow Him to use us to touch the world around us.

Let’s pray.
Father, help us not to choke. We desire to be women who say yes! Help us not to be afraid, but rather step out boldly and be Your body, Your hands, Your feet. Help us to touch those around us. Thank you Father for working in our lives and using us for Your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Blessings,

Be Whole!

Mark 5:25-34:
25 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” 29 Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” 31 But His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” 32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”

Recently my husband taught on this passage of scripture and it really spoke to my heart. He said some things that I hadn’t really thought of.

I have talked about our prayers being answered completely. Today I want to talk to you about how we can be complete, whole.

In this story, we see a woman who has been sick a very long time. The Bible says that she spent all that she had and was no better (verse 26). This verse tells us so much. It tells us that she was desperate; that she probably went to see doctor after doctor for a cure; that she felt hopeless; that she was probably living in poverty now; that she was ridiculed, made fun of; she was isolated, probably had mind battles and so, so much more. Think about other ways she might have been feeling.

In verse 34 Jesus tells her that her faith has made her well, whole. When He tells her to be well, He brought salvation to her. When He tells her to be healed (whole in the KJV), He brings complete healing. He tells her to go in peace. This is not the same as wholeness of affliction. This is peace of what she is dealing with in life. So many times as we read this story, we only think about how Jesus healed her physically. But as we look more closely, we see that His words also spoke of healing her mind and her emotions. Jesus is interested in our emotional healing.

This is one example that God does care about our whole person. He cares that we are afflicted in some way. But He also cares about how that affliction affects us. God desires for us to be completely whole, not just part of the way, but completely.

Where are you at today? Are you suffering physically? Does that suffering affect you mentally or emotionally? Or are you suffering in some way emotionally? Or mentally? Know today that God cares about your whole person. He is there, ready to move on your behalf and speak to your whole being. Receive His words today: "Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you're healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague." (Mark 5:34 The Message) Receive healing of your mind and your emotions, as well as physically! Receive peace from what you are dealing with through your affliction. Be whole completely!

Blessings,

Donna

Seek to Love as God Loves

Today's devotion was written by Mary Davis, a woman in my church. I believe that she truly seeks to love as God loves. When we first started pastoring New Life, she reached out to me in love, and in doing so, I felt the love of God.


"For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16


Persis, a member of the early church, whose name means "one who takes by storm", "labored much in the Lord". Her labor was borne out of a heart of love for her Lord.


"Labored" in the above text means to feel fatigue by working intensely, and implies pain and weariness. This love is an action love, a love that transcends all other kinds of love and expresses the kind of love God is. Coupled with emotion and will, this love is the motivating force that breaks all barriers of complacency, birthing in the Christian a laboring love for our Lord.


This beautiful love knows no bounds, and sees only as God sees - the needs of the world.


Heavenly Father, may our love be a "laboring in love" like that of Persis. Father teach us to seek love's noble properties, practicing them in and among one another. Thank you Father, amen.



Submitted by Mary Davis.

Complete

The Bible tells us we are complete in Him, God. With that statement, so much can be said. Today I want to focus on our prayers.

This hit me one day while reading an email from a friend. Her dad had been very sick and in the hospital. We had been praying with her about several things with her dad. He was on medicine that made him hallucinate. He had several health issues that needed God's intervention. And he was going to move to a nursing home for rehab. This particular day her email was rejoicing and listing the many things God had done, had answered her prayer about her dad. As I read it, rejoicing with her, I realized that God took care of everything in our prayer – not just one item, or two, but all of it! He completed our prayer.

Last week I was talking to another lady, rejoicing with her about an answered prayer. Now this prayer, like the other one just discussed included many things. It was a tough situation . One item in her prayer was that the truth would come out. As I listened, I realized that God answered everything in that prayer – not just one item, or two, but all of it! He completed our prayer.

I began pondering all of this. I think that we sometimes are thankful if God does one item in our prayer. I can picture God ready to move on our behalf to answer everything in our prayer. So what happens? Do we give up?

The first lady prayed a week and seen the results. The second lady had been praying about the situation for just under a year. Yes, a year. She stood strong and continued praying and believing. This past week, she seen every item answered, every item.

These ladies received a full answered prayer, not half way.

I don’t know what you are praying for today. But I encourage you to not lose faith. God can and wants to answer your prayer completely. Continue to stand firm, believing, and you will see it all come to pass. Not just one item of our prayer, but all of it. And don’t settle for just one item answered. Continue until everything is answered.

Blessings,

Donna

Seek to Be A Woman After God's Own Heart

Today's devotion was written by Mary Davis, a woman in my church that is very gifted with words, both spoken and written. She is a woman after God's own heart!

"The Lord has sought a woman after His own heart." I Samuel 13:14

He was imperfect, made mistakes, sinned, and yet, David was a "man after God's own heart."

Perfection can be strived for, mistakes can be lessons learned, sin can be forgiven, but failing to seek after God's heart is to forfeit a relationship with Him. What a great lost!

Jesus said, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind" (whole self). "This is the first and greatest commandment." The second is equally important "love your neighbor as yourself. All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments." These passages of scripture are the very heart of God, and are the gateway to becoming a woman after God's own heart.

Heavenly Father, we pray for divine wisdom to guide us each and every day. Help us as we make every effort to be known as women after Your own heart, collectly and individually. As we strive to perfect areas we lack in, we will draw from Your strength and grace, knowing this will sustain us as we make every attempt to achieve higher standards that exemplify Your perfection. Thank you Father, amen.

Submitted by Mary Davis

Freedom to Worship

My family and I have just returned from a mission’s trip to Romania. The ministry was wonderful with 17 people saved, 1 person baptized and hundreds of people came up for prayer. We also had the opportunity to minister to the youth of a local church on several occasions.

Romania was under Communism until 1989. Most of the older people still look as if they are still under that rule. They do not smile much at all and don’t appear to have much joy. It is the same with their worship. There is not a freedom there to worship like we have in America. On Sunday during our worship, I began thinking about the worship in Romania and the worship we have here. We have the freedom to express our worship in any way. Some people jump. Some people wave banners. Some people shout. Those are all expressions of worship to the King of all Kings.

So why do we choose to do absolutely nothing to express our worship to our God? Our God who is above all gods! Our God who there is none like! The Creator of heaven and earth! The Almighty God!

While in Romania, we could not express our worship. We followed their culture. On Sunday back at home, I made sure that I expressed my worship to my God. Now, I haven’t always done that. I allowed “stuff” to come between me expressing worship. This particular Sunday, I did not want to sit silently while the opportunity to worship in freedom was going on around me. And while I began to worship, the presence of God filled the place and I was mightily touched by God. If I had not started worshipping, I would have missed this special moment, this moment that really ministered to me in so many ways.

I ask you - what are you doing with the opportunities to worship? Are you sitting silently by waiting for it to be over? Or are you taking advantage of your freedom to worship – whatever way that may be?

I was reminded of the story of Joshua and the wall of Jericho. The people were instructed to silently march around the wall for six days. They could not speak at all. On the seventh day they were to shout. Imagine if you had to be silent. You could not make a sound at all. Then when you could speak, would you be excited after having been silent?

Let me encourage you to take advantage of the freedom you have to worship. You don’t have to worship a particular way. Just worship. You will receive so much when you do!



Blessings,

Donna

Esther - Not Your Average Girl Part IV

Background - Chapter 7
The king and Haman went to the banquet that Queen Esther had prepared for them. On the second day of the banquet the king again asked Esther a question. The question was "what is your petition Queen Esther? It shall be granted to you. And what is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done." (Esther 7:2) Esther answered and said "If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my request for we have been sold, my people and I, to be destroyed, to be killed and to be anniliated. Had we been sold as male and female slaves, I would have held my tongue although the enemy could never compensate for the kings loss." (Esther 7:3-4) The king asked "who is he and where is he, who would have presume in his heart to do such a thing?" (Esther 7:5) Esher told the king all about how this man Haman was the person. The king gets up walks away but Haman still stays. He begins to beg for his life in a joking manner. He even tries to hurt Esther. To the rescue was the king. He said "will he also assault the queen while I am in the house?" (Esther 7:8b) One of the Eunuchs Harbonah told the king about the gallows for Mordecai. The king said "hang him on it." (Esher 7:9b) And they did as the king said.

After Thought
Esther learned that if you obey God and trust in Him, He will protect you. In this chapter a lot happened. Esther used her bravery to tell the king about Haman. Haman tries to hurt Esther. Then the king hung Haman on the gallows for Mordecai. Another lesson learned is one act of bravery can lead to bigger things.


Background - Chapter 8
Now that Haman was gone the decree wasn't gone. So Queen Esther went before the king once again. This time she pleaded that the awful decree be no longer in act. The king said "indeed I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hung him on the gallows because he tried to lay his hand on the Jews. You yourselves write a decree concerning the Jews as you please in the king's name, and seal it with the king's signature... what is written in the king's name and sealed with the king's signet ring no one can provoke." (Esther 8:7-8) Mordecai was given Haman's position and his house.

After Thoughts
When you read this chapter you think about how God blessed Esther and Mordecai. They got the king's favor. When you put your trust in God many things can happen. That's why Esther is not your average girl. She did stuff to the extreme and knew the consequences.

Thanks for coming along on the journey through Esther!

Submitted by Sarah.

Esther - Not Your Average Girl Part III

Background - Chapter 5
Esther puts on her royal garments to go see the king. When she enters, the king is well pleased with her. He holds out his golden septer so she may come forth. In acknowledgement she touches it. The king asks "what is it Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom will be given you." (Esther 5:3) Esther's request was that the king and Haman come to a banquet she has prepared. At the banquet the king asks again what she wanted. She replied the same answer. As Haman left the banquet he saw Mordecai at the kings gate. Mordecai doesn't bow or rise. Haman keeps from saying anything and goes home. At home Haman brags to his friends and wife. He brags about how the king likes him better, how he got invited to dine with the king and queen. Then he brags about the satisfaction of seeing the Jew Mordecai sitting at the kings gate. His wife and friend tell Haman "to build 75 ft tall gallows and ask the king to hang Mordecai in the morning then go to the Queens banquet." (Esther 5:14)

After Thoughts
In this chapter you get two sides. First you get Esther being brave and going to the king. Then you get Haman's plan to destroy Mordecai. We still don't have all of our questions answered. So let's continue, shall we!!


Background- Chapter 6
That very night the king couldn't sleep. He commanded the chronicles of his reign to be read to him. While he listened, Mordecai's heroic action was read. (Remember when Mordecai saved the kings life?) The king asked if Mordecai had been honored for his action. The attendants said "no". The king wanted an opinion so he asked "who is in the court?" the attendant said "Haman". Te king wanted his opinion. When the king asked what should be done to a man the king wants to honor, Haman thought of himself. Haman said "for the man the king delights to honor, have them bring a royal robe the king has worn and a horse the king has ridden, one with a royal crest on its head. Ten let the robe and horse be entrusted to one of the kings most noble princes. Let them ride the man the king delights to honor and lead him on the horse through the city streets, proclaiming before him, 'this is what is done for the man the king delights to honor!'" (Esther 6:7-9) Te king said go and do just that for Mordecai the Jew. And Haman did not do it happily, but he did.

After Thoughts
Like everything else, God plans this chapter well. Two thumbs up God!! If the king would have slept he wouldn't have known that Mordecai saved his life. It was perfect timing because Haman was on his way to talk to the king about hanging Mordecai. So Haman's ideas weren't for him but for Mordecai. We'll see what happens in the next chapter as we continue to study Esther - not your average girl!

Submitted by Sarah.

Esther - Not Your Average Girl Part II

Background Chapter 3
After Esther was crowned queen, the king honored a man named Haman. He was an Agagite, an enemy of the Jews. King Xerxus gave Haman a high position. The position was the highest anyone could receive. Mordecai would not bow to Haman. The royal officials asked Mordecai to do so. The officials told Haman about Mordecai. Haman was furious. He went to the king. Haman said “there is a certain people dispersed and scattered among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom whose customs are different from those of all other people and who do not obey the king’s laws; it is not in the kings best interest to tolerate them. If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them and I will put ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasurer for the men who carry out this business.” (Esther 3:8-9 NIV) The king granted Haman what he wished. Word got out all through the kingdoms the new law said all the Jews would be killed.

After Thoughts
As you can see this kind of was a big problem. God’s people were going to die. Who could help them? Was there any help? We’ll see in the next chapter!


Background Chapter 4
Mordecai was horrified when he found out. He tore his clothes and put on sack cloth and yelling in the streets. He wasn’t the only one, most all the Jews were. Esther found out through Hathach. He met Mordecai out in front of the gate. Mordecai wanted Esther to go before the king and tell him she was there to represent her people. Esther said you have to be summoned to the king or you die. Mordecai encourages her by saying “and who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b NIV) Esther said “go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will go fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.” (Esther 4:15-16 NIV)

After Thoughts
Esther is very brave in doing this. She’s saving her people, hopefully. In this chapter there are two very important quotes – Esther 4:14b and Esther 4:15-16. With Esther be able to go before the king? Will she die? Will love save her? Will her people be killed or saved? All these questions. Well tune in here tomorrow and see what happens.

Submitted by Sarah Swiney, age 14

Esther - Not Your Average Girl

Welcome! Over the next several days you will be hearing from my daughter, Sarah. She has been reading the book of Esther and asked if she could write something for my blog. Of course I said yes! She has been excited about it and I know you will enjoy her thoughts on Esther - not your average girl!

Background Chapter 1
King Xerxus had a time of feasting for his 127 provinces prosperity. The people wanted to see the queen. Queen Vashti was holding her own feast but in protest. King Xerxus got mad and didn’t know what to do. The people kept yelling for the queen. She wouldn’t come. The king asked his royal advisors what to do. One of them said if the queen gets away with this then all the wives in the kingdom will rebel and say “but Queen Vashti didn’t come when the king asked.” Meanwhile the people were still cheering for the queen. King Xerxus yelled over all of them saying “there is no more queen.”

After Thoughts
Even though Esther wasn’t directly in that chapter, God was working in a strange way. You probably thinking why couldn’t Queen Vashti do God’s job. Well, there’s multiple answers to that question. One could be the queen wasn’t a Jew. She might have not liked them. Oops, did I spoil the story? My bad. Here’s a reason that doesn’t give the story away. She probably didn’t worship the One True God.

Background Chapter 2
Remember that King Xerxus was mad at the queen which was Queen Vashti. After the king’s anger reduced, he remembered what Queen Vashti did. The king’s personal attendants proposed an idea. The idea was bring all the pretty women from all the kingdom. The women would go through twelve months of beauty treatments. The king would then pick a new queen. Meanwhile there was in a Citadel of Susa a Jew named Mordecai. His ancestor Kish was a captive of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, also called Esther. Mordecai took in Hadassah as his own when her parents died. Hadassah was taken for the royal queen search. Mordecai told her to use Esther, not Hadassah and not to tell anyone she was a Jew. Now Esther followed all the instructions that her cousin said. Esther earned the trust and respect of Hegai the king’s eunuch. In the tenth month Esther went to see the king. The king liked Esther over all the other women. He put a crown on her head and made her queen.

After Thoughts
This was an important chapter because we meet Esther. How does an ordinary girl become queen and so soon? There probably were hundreds of other girls he could have picked. Only God could do such a thing and for a very special reason.

I can’t wait to find out. Come back tomorrow and let’s continue this wonderful bible story.

Submitted by Sarah Swiney, age 14.

Don't Grow Weary in the Waiting Part II

Welcome back! Let's continue on the topic of waiting.

Starting about one month before my due date with my son Stephen, I was asking God to please help me deliver this child today! Every day I would ask God this. As the weeks went by, I would plead with God. My prayer in the morning would be to let this be the day I would deliver. I would beg God. I was so ready. As my due date approached, and passed, I would plead that much harder with God. I literally felt if I did not deliver that child this moment, I would burst. To be honest, I was even feeling a little "short" withGod because He had not helped me to deliver before now. I was pregnant with a promise of another child. But the end was taking entirely too long. I felt like God could have done something to bring it about sooner, but for some reason He did not. It was not time yet. After delivering my son, all thoughts of what I went through and felt while I was waiting vanished. I just concentrated on the joy of holding my promise and taking care of my promise.

The promises He gives us has to take hold and grow within us. Sometimes He chooses to bring it about immediately. But more often, we have to wait. When I was pregnant with my promise of a son, I wanted to brith that promise when I felt I was ready. I can remember feeling as if my insides would burst if I did not deliver this child right this moment. God gives us the promise. And God does the birthing of the promise. It does not always happen on our timetable. If we can get this inour spirits, it will save undue anguish, restlessness, and worry. We must come to the place that when God gives us the promise that we are at rest until He births that promise.

Now we do need to ask God what He wants us to do in the meantime. When I was pregnant, I had to take care of my body. I had to take prenatal vitamins, get plenty of rest, and eat right. I had to visit the doctor in a routine basis. There were things I had to do to take care of the promise God gave me. If I did not follow what the doctor told me to do, it could result in an aborted promise. So it is with all the promises that God gives us. We must follow His directions in getting to the "delivery day". We must have routine visits, or checkups with God. And these visits or checkups are not one sided. We can not do all the talking and not allow Him to speak back to us. We tell Him of our concerns and He tells us the answers.

I am waiting on things today. What about you? What are you waiting on? I want to encourage you to not grow weary in the waiting. Your promise, need or anything else could be just around the corner. Continue to stand strong while you are waiting. Continue to pray and read scripture. Continue to do what you know to do, what God has directed you to do. When you deliver your promise or your need is met, you will be so thankful that you did not give up while you were waiting.

A song that I recently discovered and love is about waiting. I heard it in the movie FireProof. It is titled While I'm waiting and it is sung by John Waller. Here are the lyrics:

I'm waiting,

I'm waiting on you, Lord

And I am hopeful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it is painful

But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident

Taking every step in obedience

While I'm waiting

I will serve You

While I'm waiting

I will worship

While I'm waiting

I will not faint

I'll be running the race

Even while I wait

I'm waiting

I'm waiting on You, Lord

And I am peaceful

I'm waiting on You, Lord

Though it's not easy

But faithfully, I will wait

Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting

I will serve You while I'm waiting

I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Blessings,

Donna

Don't Grow Weary in the Waiting

The definition of weary is: tired; worn out.

Have you ever been waiting on God for something? It could be a promise, a need met or anything else. We are all gong ho in the beginning. We are believing the promises. We are believing that God is going to bring it to pass. We are positive, assured. We boast to others in what we believe.

But then time passes. Too much time, we say. Why hasn't God already moved? Why hasn't He already done what He said He would do? I don't know how much more I can take. I don't know how much longer I can hold on. Our insides feel as if they will burst. When God!!!

We know that God can still do what we need. But by now, we are not as positive, not as assured. We do not boast to others. We know, but perhaps we do not believe as strongly as we did in the beginning. We never thought we would get to this point and God not come through, as we needed. We feel that we are coming down to the wire. All our resources are depleted. We no longer see the end in sight. We ask again "When God!"

What do we need to do at this point? Keep waiting. At this point, there is nothing that we in oursleves can do. It is all up to God. He knows the times and seasons. As the saying goes, He is never late, never early, but always on time. He really does know what is best for us. we can not loose faith. We cannot loose hope. We have to keep trusting that He will come through, on His time, not ours.

Bible examples of people who grew weary:

• Sarah - She got tired of waiting on God and took matters into her hands. By her doing so, her decision had far-reaching consequences. Ishmael was not the promised son. God had not forgotten Sarah. He had a perfect timetable in mind. Several years later He gave Sarah a son just as He promised. Sarah shows us not to mess up our lives with do-it-yourself projects.
• Hannah - She waited for a dream to come true, the dream of a child. Her husband did not seem to understand her distress. Nobody around her seemed to understand how she felt. She went to God about her distress and her prayers were answered. Her first prayer was a prayer of distress. Her second prayer was a song of praise to God who gave her her dream. Hannah shows us that we must concentrate on God rather than on our need. God's timing does not always coincide with our immediate plans. Sometimes His timing requires that we wait and hope.
• Joseph - God spoke to Joseph when he was just a boy concerning elevation and honor. He went through a lot before obtaining God's spoken promise, much more than we could handle. He was sold into slavery, placed in prison, and much more. Yet he held on to the spoken word of God, despite his current circumstances.

We will continue this topic next time.

Blessings,

Donna

True Beauty

Recently a show was on TV about inside beauty. The competition involved beautiful people but the challenges were geared for the inner beauty to shine.

It got me to thinking about myself. Am I beautiful on the inside? In the mornings on the way to work I would pray “God, help me to be beautiful on the inside today.” Am I always beautiful on the inside? No I am not. But that should not stop me from striving to be that way. Are you beautiful on the inside? If not, don’t let that stop you from striving to be beautiful on the inside.

What constitutes being beautiful on the inside? Several characteristics immediately come to mind: having the Fruit of the Spirit; helping others; saying nice things; having good thoughts; loving; sweet, humility. Can you think of others? Are these characteristics evident in our lives?

In searching on the topic of true beauty, I came across the following:
· Sophia Loren says that, "Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical.”
· Ralph Waldo Emerson put it this way, "Though we search the world over for the beautiful, we find it within or we find it not."
· True beauty is having good character.
· True beauty comes from the inside.
· True beauty comes from self confidence.

The gospel singer, Mandisa, sings a song titled True Beauty. Below are some of the lyrics.

What’s inside of you, what’s inside of me?
The hands that made the moon and the stars
The mountains and the seas

Made you wonderful, beautiful, marvelously
Let the whole world see your true beauty
The whole world see your true beauty

It’s the love in your heart, the peace in your soul
The hope in your smile lets the whole world know
This little light you gotta let it shine

Let’s adorn ourselves with the inner beauty that God desires for us.

According to God's Word, "Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn't last, but a woman [or man] who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised." Proverbs 31:30.

Father, please help me to be a beautiful person on the inside and so live that the beauty and love of Jesus will show and shine through me. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, amen.

Blessings,
Donna

Freedom

Our dog, Barney, is quite a character. We got Barney from a lady in our church, Sandra, who lives next door to the church. She offered to have doggy daycare at her house whenever we needed it. My husband had been taking Barney to doggy daycare when he would go to the church. This worked wonderful for several weeks. Then one day I receive an email from my husband with the subject “Houston we have a problem”. I got quite a chuckle out of the subject line as well as the email. Apparently Barney had somehow gotten out of the fence and was making his way to the church. My husband just happened to be in the kitchen and seen him out the window. He opened the side door and got Barney. He then put him back in the fence. A little while later my husband was in his office and heard barking. As he was making his way to the front door, there stood Barney wanting to come in. Barney knew that Terry was in there and he wanted to be with him. That fence could no longer keep him from leaving the yard. Since that day, Sandra and her son had put up a new wooden fence. Barney found a way out of that. They have now fixed the fence to be like Fort Knox. We all believe there is no way for Barney to get out now.

In thinking about Barney’s antics, I began thinking about our freedom. We all have been in cages with no way out, or so we thought. But the Bible tells us that God has made a way for us. The Bible says that whom the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:36). God, through His Son, has made a way for us to be free! Are we looking to be free? Barney sure was looking to be free! He made a way to be free where we thought he could not get out. God longs for His children to be completely free from every bondage, weight and stronghold. The question is do we want to be free? If so, what are we doing about it? Are we doing all that we know to do such as worshipping, reading scriptures on freedom, praying about it? Are we changing how we think in order to have freedom? Are we changing what we do in order to have freedom? Are we changing our friends in order to have freedom? Freedom is ours! A way has been provided for us to get out of our cage. Now is the time! Let’s not wait another moment!

Father, we thank You that You have made a way for our freedom through your Son! Help us to do what we need to do to live a life of freedom in every area! Thank you Father for freedom in You!

Blessings,
Donna

Planting Seeds Part IV

Welcome back! So far we have looked at planting seeds of peace, etc; planting seeds to work it in our ministry, relationships and spiritual growth and planting seeds/working it for those around us. Today we are going to look at another area that we need to work. This area is worship.

In the area of ministry, we have talked about the fact that we need to put time and energy into it in order to work it. The same goes for the area of worship. The Bible tells us in Psalms 100:4 to enter into the gates with thanksgiving and enter His courts with praise. The word “enter” is an action word, we have to do something. Then verse 4 continues with be thankful to Him and bless His Name. Again, “be thankful” and “bless” are action words. Just like with the area of ministry, we cannot sit idly by in worship and expect something great to happen.

It is so easy to sit idly by during worship. After all, we have a lot on our minds. Sister Sally did not speak to me this morning so that is weighing on my mind. Of course I am thinking about where to go to lunch after church. Then there is that project that I must complete today. And I just did not get enough sleep last night. I am so tired. Yes, it is easy to sit idly by during worship. I have done it. We all have done it.

However, that is not what we are directed to do. Psalms 100:4 directs us to enter, to be thankful and to bless.

In Psalms 47:1 we are directed to clap your hands... shout to God with cries of joy. Clap, shout and cries are all action words.

In order to enter the presence of God during worship, we must follow these and other directives that are given to us. We cannot sit by and go through the motions half-heartedly and expect to enter the full presence of God. Just because someone jumps does not mean everyone has to jump. Just because someone waves a flag does not mean everyone has to wave a flag. But we are all directed to ”do”, to “work it”. We must put our energy into our worship. After all, we are worshipping the King of all Kings and Lord of all Lords, the Almighty One. There is no one like our God!

Father, forgive us of the times we have sat idly by during worship. Help us to better “work it” in worship, to give of ourselves, our energy. Help us to be pleasing to You in all that we do. Amen.

Blessings,
Donna

Planting Seeds Part III

Suppose you are sitting in church one Sunday and you notice that a lady across from you seems down. You don’t know this, but the previous week she received some bad news. She has a health condition and will need surgery. This particular morning in church her heart is crying out to God. As you are worshipping God, He speaks to you to go and pray for this lady. As you have been working spiritual growth in your life, you are first, able to recognize His voice speaking to you, and secondly, ready to go and do what He bids you. As you begin praying for this lady, the Spirit directs you in how to pray for her. As you pray, God is ministering to her in exactly how she needs.

A friend of mind, Pat, would share with me how God would use her – in public, in store lines and outside stores. One particular occasion she walked out of TJ Maxx and a lady was sitting on a bench. The Lord spoke to Pat to pray for her. Pat heard the voice of God and obeyed. First she asked if she could pray for her and then proceeded to do so. In her prayer, she asked God to touch her from the top of her head to the soles of her feet. When she was done, the lady was weeping. She told Pat that she had just said that she hurt from the top of her head to the soles of her feet. Wow! And that was exactly how Pat had prayed. Needless to say, that woman received something that day.

What about your co-worker who is facing health issues with her daughter? Do you have anything inside of you to help her? We have the words of Life to share, but are they inside of us ready to flow out? We never know when we will be called upon to share and give.

The only way we will be prepared to give of ourselves is if we have planted seeds and worked it in our life. We must be in prayer and reading scriptures. As we grow in these two areas, we will become sensitive to the moving of the Spirit. Then we will be ready to give out to those around us in need.

Do you have what I need?

Father, help us to work or cultivate the ground in our life whether it is in ministry – giving out to those around us in need, or being ready when we are faced with an obstacle. Help us to work the principles in our life. We thank You and give You praise. Amen.

Tomorrow we will talk about another area in our life that needs to be worked.

Blessings,
Donna

Planting Seeds Part II

Yesterday we talked about planting seeds in our life, like peace, joy and strength. We work those seeds by following the principles that were listed. Today, I want to talk about “working it” more along the lines of ministry.

While meditating on the sermon, I was reminded of a ladies retreat that I attended a couple of years ago. My minister friend preached on if you work it, it will grow. What is “it”? “It” can be a ministry, relationships or your spiritual walk. A non-spiritual example would be a sport or instrument that you play. (To get better, you must work it by regular practice.)

With this in mind, we cannot sit idly by and expect these things to grow. We must plant seeds/work it! For me, ministering to women is my passion! I believe my life statement is to see women become the woman God has created them to be. In my local church, I oversee the Heart 2 Heart Women’s Ministry. I am constantly on the lookout for ideas, topics, etc. that I can use. I read blogs and devotions for me as well as to pass on to others that I think will help them. I continually need to work this ministry. If I sit idly by, things will not happen by themselves! I cannot sit still and expect it to grow both in numbers and in spiritual growth. The key is to follow the principles.

I know I need to follow those principles and in part have been doing so. But that particular Sunday things clicked. The dots were connected. I saw the importance of working it – not for my own gain by any means. Rather for the gain in spiritual growth in the women around me. It became clearer that the amount of time and energy that I put into the ministry would be the same as the outcome.

You may teach a Bible class. How much are you working your lessons? Are you waiting until the last moment to even read it? Or are you spending time through the week studying the lesson and praying about it and your students? Putting time and energy into your lesson will bring greater results. The lives of your students will be touched in a greater way.

I want to encourage you today to no longer sit idly by waiting for things to happen in your life. Instead take that step to work it, to cultivate your relationships, your spiritual walk or a ministry that you are involved in.

Tomorrow we will talk about working it with people around us.

Blessings,

Donna

Planting Seeds

The other Sunday my husband preached on the ending of Matthew 13. He had spent about six weeks or so on the various parables of the "Kingdom of Heaven is like" in Matthew 13. This particular Sunday he was talking about planting seeds, or working it. If we want peace, then we have to plant seeds before we really need peace. That way, when we really need peace, we will have what we already need.

You may be asking how do I plant seeds? Below are principles that my husband shared with the church that particular Sunday.

• Read the Bible
• Study the Bible
• Pray the scriptures
• Meditate on the scriptures
• Use the Word to pray the Word
• Do what the Word says

If we want more joy in our life, first we need to read the Bible. Secondly, we need to study the scriptures on joy. Thirdly we need to pray about more joy in our life. Following prayer, we need to meditate on the scriptures we found. Then we can use the scriptures to pray the Word. And finally, we then do what the Word tells us to do.

What about you? Where are you today? What do you need to work at? Are you struggling in a particular area? Is there something in particular that you have need of? Then you need to plant seeds/work it by following the principles. For things like peace, strength, healing, joy, we need to build up a reservoir so that when the time comes where we have a need, it will already be within us, ready to flow out.

I want to encourage you today to plant some seeds in your life.

Tomorrow we will continue looking at this subject of planting seeds/working it.

Blessings,

Donna

Father's Day

This Sunday we will celebrate Father’s Day.

My husband is a good dad. Sometimes he is a crazy and silly dad but one who is a lot of fun! He is a good provider for me and the children. He and I both strive to always be there for the kids including all sports events and school events. He helps them with their homework. He prays for the kids every night and still tucks them in. He is their chauffeur taking them here and there and everywhere. He plays basketball with them, no matter how often they ask him to come outside. Sometimes he even lets them win – sometimes. LOL! He prays for them when they are sick or hurt. He prays for them every day.

Thank you honey for being the very best dad in the whole wide world! Thank you for loving our kids endlessly. Thank you for providing for us. Thank you for making us laugh at your outrageousness. Thank you for the laughs when you try to talk Irish. Thank you for all that you do!

I came across this poem for Father’s Day that says it all.

“A father is respected because

he gives his children leadership...

appreciated because

he gives his children care...

valued because

he gives his children time...

loved because

he gives his children the one thing

they treasure most—himself.”

The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.

PROVERBS 20:7 NKJV

I love you!!

Donna

Precious Gifts

Today is the last day of school for my children Sarah and Stephen. Sarah has completed the 8th grade and will be moving into high school. Stephen has completed the 5th grade and will be moving into middle school. This has been a good year for both of them all around. They both played two different sports which kept us all hopping. Stephen received perfect attendance and the principal’s award for all A’s and B’s. Sarah missed one day to go to Winterfest. She received the Coach’s Award for Basketball. All their teachers had positive things to say about them – except that Stephen talks too much sometimes. Imagine that!

Sarah has become very involved in the church helping me and her dad in many ways and stepping in to cover when needed. She is already an asset to the church, as well as to her parents. She never complains about doing things and she does it joyfully. Stephen is not as involved, but he is his dad’s designated briefcase carrier and the like. And he too does not complain.

I am very thankful for Sarah and Stephen. They are truly a precious gift from God and they hear me and their dad say that every night when we pray. I want them to know that they are very precious to us and to God. Both of them love God and live their lives for Him. Now, they don’t always get along. Sometimes they do fuss with each other, but when all the fussing is over, they still love each other.

In Psalm 127:3 the bible says that children are a heritage from the LORD. Indeed Sarah and Stephen are a heritage from the LORD. I am very thankful for them. I love you Sarah. I love you Stephen. You both are my very precious gifts!

Call to Come

Recently we got our first dog from a lady in our church. His name is Barney and he is a tiny dog, weighing only six pounds at eight months old. Sarah has been after us for a long time to get a dog. She has prayed and prayed for one. Now her prayers have been answered.

Barney is a good little dog. He came completely house trained, which is a huge blessing! So far he has not gotten into anything that he is not supposed to. Before we got him, we went out and bought several items that he would need. The first night he was home he sniffed every square inch of our house checking it out. We had placed his water and food bowls out for easy access. The first night he was home, I showed him where they were. I tried and tried to get him to eat something or drink water. But he would not. Over the first couple of days I would bring him to the bowls, trying to get him to eat or drink. He would eat a little bit – after I put a few pieces in my hand. I was a bit concerned but then I was told that it is normal and that he would start eating soon. After a few days, I noticed that he is eating and drinking more, without coaxing, which I am thankful for.

We are all like Barney at different stages in our lives. God has provided the bowls of food and water that we need. He calls us to come to the bowls but we will not. Everything that we need to sustain life is in those bowls – if we will only come.

Are you facing strong holds in your life? God has provided a way to tear down those strong holds. Are you facing a battle in your life? God has provided the victory. Are you facing an illness? God has provided your healing. No matter what you are facing, God has provided a way. He has called us to come, but it is our choice to come to the bowls that provide what we need. Today, is God calling you to come? Make the choice to come and receive what you have need of. He has provided everything. He wants you to come. He longs for you to come. But it is your decision. Don’t wait. Come today!

Let’s pray. Father, we thank you for providing everything that we need. We thank you for calling us to come and receive. There are some who are reading this that are facing tough obstacles. They need what You can provide. I pray for those who hear Your calling that they will make the choice to come. Once they come, they will be so glad they did. In Jesus Name, Amen.


Blessings,

Donna

Leah

Today's devotion is by Mary Davis. Mary is a lady in my church who is gifted as a writer and teacher. She has written monthly devotions for my ladies the past two years. We will be hearing from her throughout the year.


1 Samuel 16:7 The Lord does not see as man sees, for man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart.


Loveliness was not one of her attributes. And who would want their name to mean "weariness"? She was unloved by the man whom she loved. He loved the pretty one, Rachel. In comparison Rachel's character falls short to that of Leah's. Rachel was resentful, envious, quarrelsome, ill-tempered and hated her sister Leah. On the other hand, Leah's characteristics were that of love, faith and loyalty to both God and her husband. These attributes were her crowning glory. She longed for her husband's love, but never received it. But God loved Leah, and Leah loved God.


While it's true that Rachel, the pretty one, played her part in God's plan for Israel, it was Leah, the one whose beauty out shone that of Rachel's, whom God chose to bear the son through whose lineage our Savior would come. She was the sister with the inner beauty, the beauty that counts - the beauty that God loves, and longs to see in His women.


Heavenly Father, Leah's life portrays one of loyalty, love and faithfulness. She remained true to You and to her husband until her death. Her desire was not the outer, but the inner beauty - the true beauty - the beauty that makes us who we are in You. Father, help us to examine our hearts in search of the inner beauty that pleases you. Thank you Father. Amen.


Written by Mary Davis

Peace

Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)
3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

My dad had been diagnosed with cancer. Today marks the 10th anniversary of his passing. I still remember that night. He was running a fever so several of us went into his room at my parent’s house to pray. As we began to pray, the room filled with the presence of God and we all began to worship. It was such an awesome time. My mom was deeply ministered to in such a special way, preparing her for the moments ahead. We were back around his bed when he took his last breath. It was so peaceful, not a struggle at all. In fact, my aunt looked at my mom and said that he doesn’t look like he is breathing. My mom replied that he wasn’t. We remained around his bed worshipping our Father in Heaven and the room was still filled with the presence of God overflowing with peace. In fact, there were several family members in the living room and they too felt that peace. That peace continued to stay with us in the days ahead.

You see, I truly believed that God was going to heal my dad. But for whatever reason, it was not to be. In the days after his passing and through the years afterward, I have continued to hold on to that perfect peace. I desperately needed it! Whenever I would think about what my young children would miss by not having their pappy around, I would turn my thoughts to God and keep my mind on Him. I have clung to the verse in Isaiah, sometimes like a life-line. And I can testify that it has worked. God has kept me and keeps me in perfect peace.

I don’t know what you are facing today. It may be a family member is close to death. It may be a child that is giving you a hard time or maybe it is your spouse that is giving you a hard time. It may be the lost of your job. It may be other family problems. I am here to tell you that if you hold on to Isaiah 26:3, if you cling to it, that God will indeed keep you in perfect peace. You have to keep your mind on Him. You can do that by following Philippians 4:8.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Let’s pray. Father thank you for that peace that passes all understanding, that perfect peace that I have experienced. I pray now for those that are reading this that need to experience that perfect peace right now. Help them in their situation. Help them to keep their mind on You. Strengthen them and fill them with Your peace. We thank you Father that You are the Peace Speaker in all of our circumstances! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Blessings

Donna

Opportunities

Recently I read the book “The Stewardship of Life” by Kirk Nowery which was very good. One chapter that really spoke to me was about the stewardship of opportunity. It got me to thinking about my own life and the opportunities that I have had as well as the ones that I have missed. I can’t dwell on opportunities missed, but I can strive to respond better in the future.

I believe that God prepares opportunities for us every day. We have to decide whether or not to take those opportunities. Opportunities could include making a call to someone who comes to your mind or dropping a note, going to lunch with a friend in need, or in church stepping out to do something when you feel impressed to do so. And sometimes obstacles get in the way of taking those opportunities. I’m too tired. I just want to watch TV. I don’t feel like talking. I am afraid to step out and do something different. I want time to myself. And the list could go on. It is important to be so in tuned with the Spirit that we are aware of when God is leading us to a particular opportunity that we recognize and respond to the prompting. And when God places one before us, that we are a good steward of what God has given us - has entrusted to us.

Ephesians 5:16
16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

How about you? Have you had any opportunities today? If so, what was your decision? Did you take the opportunity or did you let it pass you by?

Let’s pray.
Father, thank you for the opportunities You set before us every day. Help us to always be a good steward of those opportunities and to have the wisdom to know what to do. Help us to better recognize and respond to the promptings of the Spirit. Help us to be a good steward of the life You have given us. We thank You for loving us and entrusting us with Your Plans and Purposes for our life. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Blessings,
Donna

Everyday Is About Jesus

We just celebrated Mother's Day this past Sunday. So Easter was several weeks ago. But I wanted to share a text message that my daughter, Sarah (age 14), sent out for Easter all on her own. I was going through my messages and came across it again. I am very proud of Sarah. The things she comes up with is mind blowing, and this is one of those times. I have copied it here for you in her text format. I do hope you can make out all the shortcuts LOL.

EASTER is here &its not all about bunnies &chocolate its about JESUS RISEIN 4M THE DEAD-so member that 2day is bout him cause he luved u enough 2 die 4 u & rise again-JESUS LUVS U NOW & 4 EVA send 2 every1 tellin them the good NEWS that HE LUVS THEM 2!!!RiSeN!!!

Let's make everyday about Jesus!

Blessings,
Donna

Robin Eggs

Recently we discovered a robins’ nest on our front porch with four little blue eggs inside. It was quite amazing to look at! Also on our porch was a rather huge pile of nest making stuff that the mama robin had brought but did not use. This too was amazing to look at. I wondered how that little bird could bring so much stuff from wherever and lay it on the front porch. I wondered if she had stuff left over from the completed nest or if she tried making a nest on the other end of the porch but changed her mind. The completed nest was absolutely perfect, the inside ready to house the little eggs. God, in His creation, created the robin to have the knowhow to make the nest for the eggs.

I am not quite sure how long it has been since we discovered the nest – a few weeks perhaps. Then finally three of the four eggs were hatched! The babies were so adorable and so very, very tiny! I grabbed my camera and as I got closer to the birds to take a picture, their little mouths started opening. I guess they thought I was the mama. They were so precious!

As I was thinking about the baby birds, I was reminded of a scripture in
Luke 12:22-26:
22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

There is one in Matthew 10 as well:
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30

I don’t know where you are today. Perhaps you need to be reminded that God loves you and cares for you. And if I have concern for the baby birds that would fly away one day, how much more does God care about us! He knows what is going through your mind, the things that you are facing and the things that are before you. God cares for the birds and provides for them. How much more will He do for you! Be reminded today that God loves you and cares for you! Let Him provide for you, whatever you need today.