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
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
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
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
Monday, May 18, 2009
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
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
Thursday, May 14, 2009
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
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
Monday, May 11, 2009
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.
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.
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