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.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
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,
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,
Thursday, December 3, 2009
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,
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,
Thursday, November 19, 2009
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
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
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,
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,
Monday, November 16, 2009
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!
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.
"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.
Friday, October 23, 2009
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,
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,
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