Daily Walk With Christ

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

Hello everyone...:wave:

I get these awesome devotions in my email everyday called "Encouragement For Today". They are from crosswalk.com (http://www.crosswalk.com/), specifically the ladies section. Still, they can be an encouragement to all. I'd like to post today's here and see if we can discuss our own walk with Christ and how/where each of you find the time to read the Word and pray. Do you do it in the morning? or at the end of the day. Do you do it at all and why?

Hard Habit to Start
By Marybeth Whalen

"My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" Psalm 42:2 (NIV)

At the beginning of this year, I made myself a promise--to read the Bible every single day. In order to be faithful to this commitment, I had to make this a priority above all the other things I used to enjoy doing in the morning. This meant that I would not check emails or read blogs, or start my daily household chores, or sleep a few precious extra minutes. I had to make this the first thing I did every day--and I had to keep doing it to make it a habit.

The first few days were hard. I didn't want to get up earlier. I didn't want to be held accountable if I didn't "feel" like doing it. I found myself looking back at the days when I could just get up and jump online without feeling guilty. I found myself thinking, "Why did I get myself into this?"

And then I remembered a horrifying moment when I realized that, in all the busyness of life, I had let go of my connection to my Savior. I had stopped abiding in Him. I had broken off my daily fellowship in His Word. All of the demands on me had caused me to tell God I would just have to get to Him "later." I had allowed my lifestyle to dictate my spirituality. I decided to become more intentional about reconnecting with my Savior and His Father. This was not a moment about guilt and obligation--far from it--this was a brokenhearted time of grieving over what I was missing.

From that moment on, I began to do the things I knew from experience would help me stay connected. I purchased a Bible written in a translation I could read with ease and that was divided into easily readable increments. I read Christian books that inspired me. I turned on praise music in my house and cranked up the volume. I spent time praying every day--shutting out all the noise and demands in my life so that I could focus on God. I learned anew what it means to listen for God's voice, and then to take that important second step by actively responding to His voice.

This was a process I submitted myself to willingly, through no provocation save the urging of the Holy Spirit. I offered all I had--including my limitations--up to God, knowing that He sees my heart as the very basis of it all. Some days I have been more committed to it than others as I have established this habit in my life. And I know that He loves me, even on the days I fall short. Especially on the days I fall short.

This morning I woke up on my own just as dawn's light was streaking the sky. I sat up and reached for my Bible, anticipating what God would say to me, savoring the precious moments I have with Him before life unfolds. What was once so difficult for me to make happen is now a joy and a delight in my life. I no longer have to force myself to spend time with God--it has become a habit that is as much a part of my day as breathing. I hunger and thirst for His Word. I need it like I need air. I am so grateful He waited for me to figure that out, and was right there waiting patiently when I came running back to Him.

Author's Note: I wrote this to hopefully encourage another woman out there who feels too busy and overwhelmed to have a quiet time. Quite simply, I know that if I can make this happen, anyone can! Persevere and keep on making it a priority and it will become a habit. I have been amazed at how much I now enjoy getting up a bit earlier to spend time with God--something I used to say was physically impossible!

Dear Lord, help me to seek you earnestly. Help me to live like You are a priority in my life. I love you Lord and I want to spend time in Your presence. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

I'll go first.

First off, I'm ashamed to say that I really don't have a daily routine set aside. I relate alot to what the author of this article is saying in that I need to reconnect to the Savior. It's not that I have let go per se, but I'm lacking that close connection I once had with my Lord. I am the type that when the alarm goes off I sleep for 5 more minutes because I cant get out of bed. :sorry: That's on most days...not all. :D And at night when I'm getting ready for bed I'm so tired that I cant stay awake when I'm praying. :doh: So I ususally do it when I'm at work or with my boyfriend over the phone. Well, it's always good when Terry and I can have our devotions together, but I need to establish time outside of our devotions for just the Lord and I.

[Debi1967]

I know for me I often get up so early in the mornings because I take many meds that I sleep most of the day and end up in the middle of the night. I relish being able to come on the computer and being able to come to this section of the board and to answer posts that have been left by others and to share the Lord with others.

I don't go and check my emails or blogs or anything else I come straight here to see what I can respond to and who I can associate with, that is like minded.

I just talked to my husband yestrday about us doing a bible study of our own here at home with one another at least once a week where we read and then talk about the passage we just read and he wanted to start that too, so I am excited about that. I also signed up to help Lisa out with helping to minister in her bible study thread. I am hoping that I can put all of what I learned as an apologist to good use. Only this time not to debate a subject but in order to help others to learn. I am hoping that God will use me a vehicle in that manner and that He will use those participating even as students to teach me more than I have already learned, because the teacher can always learn. And should always be open to learning.

I know for me I have to work on my daily prayer life with God more, that is an area that I let slip often. I often say things or do things without thinking or praying before I do them and that let's the devil have his way instead of asking for God's guidance before I do things, especially when I am on here and things get heated. I often forget to pray to God to help me be more charitable in my responses sometimes.

So there is always so much room for improvement with our walk with God.

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

So there is always so much room for improvement with our walk with God.

That's for sure! And I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who struggles with this. :hug:

[Debi1967]

That's for sure! And I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who struggles with this. :hug:
Nope struggle I do :hug:s right back

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

A Different Perspective

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/1123/pa3120northeshorecf1.jpg


by Zoe Elmore

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Our youngest son is studying to be a pilot.Three days after he received his initial pilot's license Joseph invited his dad and I to a nearby airport for a "flight." Now I must tell you that I'm claustrophobic and don't like small planes, but I was determined not to let my fears stand in the way of celebrating our son's accomplishment. Tom and I met our son at a rural airport and made our way to an old, tiny plane. Tom climbed in the back seat and I beside our son in the co-pilot's seat.

It was a perfect day for flying; clear blue sky and not a cloud in sight. As we taxied down the runway and took off I could hear my son talking over the headset to ground control (just a man sitting at a desk... I told you it was a rural airport) giving our coordinates and flight plan. What a proud moment for parents! We had only been up in the air ten minutes when my son looked at me from the corner of his sunglasses and said over the headset, "Hey mom, I'm going to show you a maneuver the FAA required me to do before giving me my pilot's license." At that moment Joseph pointed the nose of the plane straight toward heaven and stalled the engine. You can guess what happened next, the nose of the plane didn't point toward heaven any longer, it pointed straight down to the ground. Now, I've never spoken in tongues before but let me just say that day, knowing my son could hear everything I'd say and not wanting him to hear my fearful prayer fest, I took off my head set and then began praying in every tongue imaginable for the Lord to send his largest and strongest angels to rescue us from certain death!

After a few seconds that seemed like minutes I noticed my son pulling levers and turning knobs, and before I knew it he had righted the plane and returned us to our proper altitude. Once my heart had taken its rightful place back in my chest I opened my eyes and began to look out the window and I saw some pretty amazing sights. Rock quarries, deep and brilliant azure water surrounded by sparkling white rocks, incredible farm land untouched by housing developers and miles of towering pine trees. It was absolutely breathtaking. I've traveled the highway running parallel to all of this land literally hundreds of times yet I never knew these breathtaking sights even existed. Soon our flight was over and we landed at the tiny little airport. We hugged our son, expressed our pride in his accomplishment and headed home.

All the way home I heard the Lord speaking to my heart, "Zoe, I know your life appears to be spinning out of control just like that tiny plane." Just like your son knew how to recover the plane's engine; I know exactly what I'm doing in your life. I see and know the things you are going through, but if you will begin to see your life from a different perspective you will notice there is beauty even in the midst of these difficult days."

"Oh Lord, you're right, I've been focused on the discomfort of my life's difficulties and I've forgotten about Your sovereign hand allowing everything I'm experiencing for my good and Your glory. Someone said it best,' we should put our problems into perspective by saying 'Problem, here is my God!'" because there is no problem You cannot handle in our lives."

By making my problems my focus, I was easily discouraged and forgot I have a God who sustains me. When I changed my perspective, and made God the object and the focus of my life, I again experienced the peace that comes through a life of trust.

Dear Lord, I confess I've turned my attention to my trails and my comfort. Forgive me and lift my perspective. Show me the beauty in the midst of these difficulties. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

[Criada]

:hug:

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

:hug:
:hug: :hug: :hug:

[JPPT1974]

God bless you as always my friend!:wave:

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

God bless you as always my friend!:wave:
You too JP...:hug:

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

By Micca Monda Campbell


"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14


I don't have a green thumb, but that doesn't keep me from trying to grow plants and flowers. This year, my sister gave me a beautiful orchid for my birthday. On the card, she joked, "Happy Birthday. Enjoy the orchid and try not to kill it."

Not wanting to disappoint my sister, I took extra care of the plant. I measured the water I gave it, marked the calendar so I'd remember when to water it again, and I even prayed over it. Caring for the plant made me consider what my life would be like if I gave this much attention to my relationship with God.

Often we neglect to care for our spiritual life. Too often we become apathetic and lazy in our faith. The result is lost passion and commitment, while self and sin thrive. Too often, we get nothing out of church. God seems far away, and freedom from bondage seems even further. I believe that these characteristics describe a Christian who is in need of a spiritual examination.

I realize that some of us are in a mess so big that we can't see a way out. Others have tried and tried to live a holy life but continue to fall short. There are also those whose faith has become stagnate, and everyday long for something more. I know. I've been there. Whether we realize it or not, we have neglected some area of our spiritual life. Our passion and power have dried up. But with God, there is always hope. He can revive us!

Our key verse tells us how. "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV ). According to this verse, the way out of our struggle is towards God through personal revival.

What exactly is revival? As one pastor put it, revival is: "coming to life again. It's when we go from indifference to making a difference. It's when we move from being comfortably numb to being passionately committed. It's when we move from an appetite for the world and self to an appetite for God."

Friend, I want to share with you a list of characteristics of a thriving believer that I keep tucked away in my bible so that I can periodically take a spiritual assessment of myself:


We need revival when....
... when we do not love God as we once did.
... when earthly interests and occupations are more important to us than eternal ones.
...when we would rather watch TV and read secular books and magazines than read the Bible.
... when our Christianity is joyless and passionless.
... when we know truth in our heads that we are not practicing in our lives.
... when we make little effort to witness to the lost.
...when we have time for sports, recreation, and entertainment, but not for Bible study or prayer.
...when we do not tremble at the power of God.

On the other hand, the characteristics that take place when revival comes are...
... a deepened spiritual hunger
... intense fervent prayer that is enjoyable not dreadful
... repentance
... reckless abandonment and surrender to God
... a fresh fullness of the Holy Spirit
... spontaneous evangelism and soul winning
... restored relationships
... a spirit of thanksgiving and joy
... increased hunger for God's Word
... a desire to put God/church before entertainment

Just like any living thing, without proper care our spirits wilt. If you and I are smart, we will not neglect our faith. Daily, we will fall on our knees, confess our sin and seek God. Then, He showers down upon us fresh Holy Spirit power. Power that changes lives, restores relationships, brings healing, breaks strongholds, and enables us to live as God intends...passionate and purposeful.


Dear Lord, I confess indulging myself in pleasure and comfort. I confess a loss of passion and love for You. I have neglected my relationship with You and have lost the wonder of who You are. Oh, Lord, I cry out for forgiveness. I ask that You hear me, restore me, and heal me. I rejoice that You are the God of more than second chances. Awaken me, Lord, that I might live in righteousness again, in Jesus' Name, Amen.

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

Faithful in The Little Things
By Renee Swope

"But the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me." John 14:31 (NIV)

Are you ever hesitant to say "yes" to one thing, not knowing if another good opportunity may present itself next week? Do you wish you could hear God's direction for your future? Me, too! In yesterday's devotion, I shared how God called me to live in the here and now. Here's what happened next...

I had been pretty well behaved when it came to listening to God in the big things - the ones everyone could see. It was when God called me to obedience behind the scenes - in my home, in my car, in my attitude and even in my closet - that I was challenged.

A few weeks after my commitment to live in the hear and now, I noticed my husband's side of the closet was disheveled. God reminded me that J.J. enjoys things being orderly, although it's not his natural inclination. I remembered how frazzled he seemed the day before. Then I heard God's voice in my thoughts, "One way you could really love J.J. and bring peace to his world would be to reorganize his side of the closet."

My response: "He's a grown man; he can organize his own side of the closet. I have two kids, two dogs and myself to keep up with."

God's Spirit nudged me: "Did you hear me? Are you going to obey me now?"

I had recently read the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, and realized my attitude was like that of the third servant. He hadn't been entrusted with much so he buried his talent in the ground. Maybe he thought, "I wasn't given much so why even worry about being faithful with it? I'll just take it easy on this assignment. The master probably won't notice."

Sometimes I saw my role as a wife and mother as "average" responsibilities - one-talent kind of assignments. Plenty of people have the same assignments, I thought. Without realizing it, I thought it wouldn't matter much if I were a little selfish, inconsiderate or impatient here and there. But God wanted my willingness in every area of my life - here and now.

Why does God want obedience? Because He wants us to trust Him. Obedience means actively exchanging our will for His. God also knows that when we are faithful with the little things, He can "put us in charge of many things" and give us a deeper joy than we have ever known. (Matthew 25:21) Author Beth Moore reminds us that "the answers God gives us in our tomorrows often flow from our faithful todays."

God has been so patient as I learn to trust Him in the big and little things in life. It's in my relationship with Him that I have found the purpose and meaning I long for. Now my calling and my calendar reflect my love for Him, not my need for fulfillment or the desire to be important in anyone's eyes but His.

By the way, I reorganized J.J.'s side of the closet. I am almost sure I heard God chuckle and felt the warmth of His smile. May He smile on you today as you commit to live in the here and now - acting on what you hear and living it out now.

Lord, when You look at the assignments You have given me, do You find me faithful? Am I living and listening the way You want me to? Sometimes I fall into the trap of waiting for a better tomorrow or an easier assignment so that I can be faithful. Help me trust You. I want to have Your heart and be Your hands today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

by Micca Campbell

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17 (http://bible.crosswalk.com/OnlineStudyBible/bible.cgi?word=james+1%3A17&section=0&version=nkj&new=1&oq=&NavBook=mt&NavGo=9&NavCurrentChapter=9)(NIV)

Is your definition of good different from God's? I've found during the course of my life that I tend to think I know what's best for me. And since I like to be in charge, I often find myself telling God what I think He should do, or how He should change my circumstances so that all works out for my good. I like it when things go my way. Besides, who knows what's best for me better than me--right?

Wrong.

God always has our best interest at heart whether we believe it or not. Unlike us, He can see far into the future, and by this, determine what's best. Unfortunately, you and I often settle for less than good by not trusting God to give us His best. I can only imagine the day we stand before God and see Him as He really is.

Silent before Him in wonder and awe, we'll say to ourselves, "Why didn't I hush and do it His way. Oh, what blessings I missed." It reminds me of an ancient legend I heard about a swan and a crane.
A beautiful swan came to rest by the banks of a pond where a crane was wading, seeking snails. After a few moments, the crane looked at the swan and asked, "Where did you come from?

The swan replied, "I come from Heaven!"

"Heaven?" asked the crane.

"Heaven," replied the swan. "Haven't you ever heard of heaven?" And the swan went on to describe the splendor and grandeur of the eternal city. She told the crane about the streets of gold and about the gates and walls made of precious stones. She told about the crystal sea and on the banks stood a tree that healed the nations of the world. In great and eloquent language, the swan described the hosts of saints and angels who lived in the world beyond.

Somewhat surprisingly, the crane didn't appear to be the least bit interested in the place the swan described. Eventually the crane asked the swan, "Are there any snails there?"

"Snails!" declared the swan, obviously revolted at the thought. "Of course, there are no snails in heaven."

"Then you can have your heaven," said the crane continuing its search along the slimy, muddy banks of the pond. "What I want are snails!"

While this story is but an old fable, it reveals a profound truth. Often, you and I turn away from God's best in order to search for snails.

I wonder if we took a hard long look at God today, would we chose the good things He has to offer us or would we cling to the slimy banks we are so use to...settling only for snails?

Let's no longer bury our heads in the mud. Look up. God wants to give us His best.

Dear Lord, will you give me a desire for all that you consider good? Help me not to settle for what I consider to be good, but to truly see what's best for me and embrace it, in Jesus Name' a-men.

[~free~]

Thanks for that, Trekki! :hug: Sometimes we have to stumble in those slimy banks in order to see what good God has for us. And the good thing is, if we miss out on it, it's ok, God doesn't give up on us...he'll always come back with another offer. Such an awesome God!!

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

by Marybeth Whalen

"And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life." I Corinthians 7:17 (MSG)

I have heard it said that comparison is the death of contentment, and truer words were never spoken. As I read this verse, I was struck by what Paul was saying. His words took me back to a place in my life when I was discontent with my marriage, my home, my children, and my life. I looked around me for answers and compared my situation to others. The trouble was I had limited information as to what was really going on in other people's lives. I could only see what they wanted me to see, what they chose to reveal.

This habit of comparison led me to dissatisfaction with my husband. If only he were more godly. If only he were more attentive. If only he made more money. If only he understood me better. If only he were like so and so's husband, then... This vicious cycle continued for many years, diminishing my husband in my eyes, and defeating our marriage from the outside in. Unless something changed, we were doomed to join the statistics.

It was the Truth in this verse that led me to stop the madness. Instead of focusing on other people, I focused on my husband. Instead of wishing away what God had given me, I started counting my blessings. Instead of wanting what I didn't have, I worked at wanting what I had already been given. This external shift in perspective resulted in an internal heart change. Over time, I learned to live out the Truth in this verse.

If you break the verse down, you find three parts.

One: Don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. This statement is true for both spouses, and reflects an attitude that is rampant in the culture. Be careful of the times you say to yourself, "If only..." Those statements lead down a dangerous road.

Two: Where you are is God's place for you. For reasons you may not understand, God has allowed you to be in the place you are in. Instead of spending time wishing it away, spend time seeking God to determine His purposes for you. Use this as an opportunity for spiritual growth. This is true for singles as well as married couples.

Three: God defines your life. Don't let your spouse, position, address, income, or anything else define you. If you have been guilty of letting these things define you, ask for His forgiveness and take steps to break free from these attitudes today. Spend some time letting the God of the Universe tell you who you are and what He sees in you. Don't look to your spouse, your friends, your coworkers, neighbors or family members for these answers.

These three steps will lead you down a new path. This path leads to hope and contentment, freedom and abundance.

Dear Lord, Please tell me who I am in You. Help me to seek your answers and not look to other people's situations as a solution. Help me find the path You have carved out for me so I can live the life of freedom and abundance You have uniquely planned for me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

[~free~]

That's really good, Trekki...I can relate to a lot of it, as I'm sure we all can when things go wrong. It brings so much peace into our lives when we are Christ-centered as opposed to self-centered.

Thanks for posting that, God bless you. :hug:

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

That's really good, Trekki...I can relate to a lot of it, as I'm sure we all can when things go wrong. It brings so much peace into our lives when we are Christ-centered as opposed to self-centered.

Thanks for posting that, God bless you. :hug:
:hug: Glad these devotions are edifying to you free. :) I know they are to me as well. :thumbsup:

Especially this scripture:

"And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life."I Corinthians 7:17 (MSG)

"God, not your marital status, defines your life."

I'm 40 years old and unmarried. I've always wanted to be, but only recently found a man I would be interested in marrying. :) But as the desire has been there it's always something I've yearned for. This scripture helps me to be content as I am for now because it really is only God that defines my life.

[JPPT1974]

Christ wants you to be satisfy
With who you are, not what you are
As the Lord wants us only to be
Happy in Him!

[~free~]

The Passion to Serve Him
2 Corinthians 11:22-28 (http://msg1svc.net/cqkeu/88909/90/459066/19565/0/H/wdyg.html)

Paul's message to the Corinthians regarding his suffering is remarkable in two ways. First of all, he had obviously faced considerable torment for his faith. Second, he refused to whine or seek pity--if this was the price for passionately serving Christ, Paul was willing to pay. In our own faith walk, we can learn from the apostle's commitment.
We serve according to God's will, not our own. In Acts 9:6, God told Paul on the road to Damascus, "It will be told you what you must do." We are to seek the Lord's direction and timing instead of choosing the ministry that seems best to us. Committing to do whatever He asks requires courage, but anything less is putting limitations on our obedience.
We serve according to our gifts, not our talents. A spiritual gift is the special endowment God gives us to serve where He calls. Talents may be useful in His work, but His gifts equip us for success. Natural skill wasn't what made Paul a powerful preacher. In fact, he spoke of the uselessness of his abilities and pedigree in comparison to knowing and serving Christ. (Philippians 3:4-9)
We serve focused on God, not on the work. Paul excelled at remaining Christ-centered, but this is where many people fall apart. We get caught up in scheduling, responsibility, and accolades, which can make us lose sight of the true purpose--reaching the needy and the lost. Doing "church work" can stroke the ego but drain the body. If we keep focused and serve out of our gifts, service will be satisfying, even when it is hard or painful.

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

The Passion to Serve Him
2 Corinthians 11:22-28 (http://msg1svc.net/cqkeu/88909/90/459066/19565/0/H/wdyg.html)

Paul's message to the Corinthians regarding his suffering is remarkable in two ways. First of all, he had obviously faced considerable torment for his faith. Second, he refused to whine or seek pity--if this was the price for passionately serving Christ, Paul was willing to pay. In our own faith walk, we can learn from the apostle's commitment.
We serve according to God's will, not our own. In Acts 9:6, God told Paul on the road to Damascus, "It will be told you what you must do." We are to seek the Lord's direction and timing instead of choosing the ministry that seems best to us. Committing to do whatever He asks requires courage, but anything less is putting limitations on our obedience.
We serve according to our gifts, not our talents. A spiritual gift is the special endowment God gives us to serve where He calls. Talents may be useful in His work, but His gifts equip us for success. Natural skill wasn't what made Paul a powerful preacher. In fact, he spoke of the uselessness of his abilities and pedigree in comparison to knowing and serving Christ. (Philippians 3:4-9)
We serve focused on God, not on the work. Paul excelled at remaining Christ-centered, but this is where many people fall apart. We get caught up in scheduling, responsibility, and accolades, which can make us lose sight of the true purpose--reaching the needy and the lost. Doing "church work" can stroke the ego but drain the body. If we keep focused and serve out of our gifts, service will be satisfying, even when it is hard or painful.
Thank you Penny...:hug: This gives me much to ponder on. :)

[~free~]

God Still Comes

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and He saves those whose spritis have been crushed.

"Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us," Paul penned. "The Scriptures give us patience and encouragement so that we can have hope" (Rom.15:4).

These are not just Sunday school stories. Not romantic fables...The are historical moments in which a real God met real pain so we could answer the question, "Where is God when I hurt?"

How does God react to dashed hopes? Read the story of Jairus. How does the Father feel about those who are ill? Stand with him at the pool of Bethesda. Do you long for God to speak to your lonely heart? Then listen as he speaks to the Emmaus-bound disciples...

He's not doing it just for them. He's doing it for me. He's doing it for you...

The God who spoke still speaks...The God who came still comes. He comes into our world. He comes into your world. He comes to do what you can't.

Max Lucado, Grace For the Moment

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

God Still Comes

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and He saves those whose spritis have been crushed.

"Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us," Paul penned. "The Scriptures give us patience and encouragement so that we can have hope" (Rom.15:4).

These are not just Sunday school stories. Not romantic fables...The are historical moments in which a real God met real pain so we could answer the question, "Where is God when I hurt?"

How does God react to dashed hopes? Read the story of Jairus. How does the Father feel about those who are ill? Stand with him at the pool of Bethesda. Do you long for God to speak to your lonely heart? Then listen as he speaks to the Emmaus-bound disciples...

He's not doing it just for them. He's doing it for me. He's doing it for you...

The God who spoke still speaks...The God who came still comes. He comes into our world. He comes into your world. He comes to do what you can't.

Max Lucado, Grace For the Moment
Good stuff free...:thumbsup: :hug:

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

What You're Called
By MaryBeth Whalen


"To them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off." Isaiah 56:5 (NIV)

Recently, my fifteen-year-old son posted this quote on our refrigerator message board:

It's not what you're called, it's what you're called to do.

After I read what he wrote, I thought about the message contained in that short thought. I thought about how that is exactly the way God sees us. There are many examples of this in the Bible, but I thought specifically of two.

When Gideon is hiding out threshing wheat in a winepress, the angel of the Lord comes to him and says, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." (Judges 6:12) Later, Gideon reveals that he is far from a mighty warrior. Instead he sees himself as a least of these. He says, "How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family" (Judges 6:15). The angel of the Lord looked past what Gideon was called or how he saw himself. Instead he focused on what Gideon was called to do. He didn't see a least of these, he saw a mighty warrior. He knew that Gideon had that potential within him if he would only trust God and take a step of faith. Gideon did, and a nation was saved.

Peter was the other example that came to my mind. Peter's name was Simon, which meant "shifty." But that is not what Jesus saw. He saw the potential within Peter. He immediately changed Peter's name from Simon to Cephas (or, Peter), which means "rock" (John 1:42). Jesus looked past what Peter was called, to what He knew Peter would be called to do. Indeed, after Jesus' ascension, Peter led the early church, preaching at Pentecost and rising to the calling on his life as the rock on which Jesus would build His church.

These stories bring me comfort as I think of the things I have been called in my life--the things I have believed about myself. I think of my shortcomings and my past, and I know that apart from God, I can do no good thing. My only hope is in the transformation God can and will work within me, day by day. In my own strength, I will always be a least of these, shifty and of no account. But in God's hands, I can be a mighty warrior, a rock.

God doesn't see me as I am, He sees me as I can be. He doesn't leave us as we are, but renews us with each new day. It isn't what I am called, it's what I am called to do. I must remember that so I can become what God has already determined I can be.

Dear Lord, help me to see myself as You see me, not as what I have believed about myself in the past. Help me to hear Your voice speaking my real name. Help me to fulfill my calling so I can bring glory and honor to Your name. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

[~free~]

That's a good one, thanks Trekki. :hug:

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

That's a good one, thanks Trekki. :hug:
:hug:

I wonder if anyone else reads our posts in here free. :D Oh well...its very nice to share it with you. :hug:

[~free~]

It's their loss if they don't ;) :D Regardless, don't stop posting here, please, 'cause I enjoy it too. :) :hug:

[~free~]

Lay Down Your Cares

Praise the Lord, God our Saviour, who helps us every day. Psalm 68:19

Perhaps the heaviest burden we try to carry is the burden of mistakes and failures. What do you do with your failures?

Even if you've fallen, even if you've failed, even if everyone else has rejected you, Christ will not turn away from you. He came first and foremost to those who have no hope. He goes to those no one else would go to and says, "I'll give you eternity."

Only you can surrender your concerns to the Father. No one else can take those away and give them to God. Only you can cast all your anxieties on the one hwo cares for you. What better wat to start the day than by laying your cares at His feet?

Max Lucado, Grace For the Moment.

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

Lay Down Your Cares

Praise the Lord, God our Saviour, who helps us every day. Psalm 68:19

Perhaps the heaviest burden we try to carry is the burden of mistakes and failures. What do you do with your failures?

Even if you've fallen, even if you've failed, even if everyone else has rejected you, Christ will not turn away from you. He came first and foremost to those who have no hope. He goes to those no one else would go to and says, "I'll give you eternity."

Only you can surrender your concerns to the Father. No one else can take those away and give them to God. Only you can cast all your anxieties on the one hwo cares for you. What better wat to start the day than by laying your cares at His feet?

Max Lucado, Grace For the Moment.
:thumbsup: :hug:

[Criada]

:hug:

I wonder if anyone else reads our posts in here free. :D Oh well...its very nice to share it with you. :hug:
I do. And have be very blessed by it - thank you both!
:hug: :hug:

[~free~]

A compassionate God

He comforts us every time we have trouble, so whe others have trouble, we can comfort them. 2 Corinthians 1:4

My child's feelings are hurt. I tell her she's special.

My child is injured. I do whatever it takes to make her feel better.

My child is afraid. I won't go to sleep unitl she is secure.

I'm not a hero...I'm a parent. When a child hurts, a parent does what comes naturally. He helps...

Why don't I let my Father do for me what I am more than willing to do for my own children?

I'm learning...Being a parent is teaching me that when I am criticized, injured, or afraid, thre is a Father who is ready to comfort me. There is a Father who will hold me until I'm better, help me until I can live with the hurt, and who won't go to sleep when I'm afraid of waking up and seeing the dark.

Ever.


Max Lucado, The Applause of Heaven.

[rmw8855]

A compassionate God

He comforts us every time we have trouble, so whe others have trouble, we can comfort them. 2 Corinthians 1:4
...

Why don't I let my Father do for me what I am more than willing to do for my own children?

I'm learning...Being a parent is teaching me that when I am criticized, injured, or afraid, thre is a Father who is ready to comfort me. There is a Father who will hold me until I'm better, help me until I can live with the hurt, and who won't go to sleep when I'm afraid of waking up and seeing the dark.

Ever.
Max Lucado, The Applause of Heaven.

It is so easy to try to fix everything ourselves. Darn independent spirit. When we turn it over to God, Daddy makes it all better :clap: God is so good.

Reminds me of the joke where a man tells his friend they shoud pray about the problem and his friend replies "Has it come to that?"

If we would turn to God 1st instead of as a last resort, our lives would be so much better.

[~free~]

It is so easy to try to fix everything ourselves. Darn independent spirit. When we turn it over to God, Daddy makes it all better :clap: God is so good.

Reminds me of the joke where a man tells his friend they shoud pray about the problem and his friend replies "Has it come to that?"

If we would turn to God 1st instead of as a last resort, our lives would be so much better.
That's so true...it's almost like second nature for us to take it into our own hands first....and I find myself, when I actually do hand it over to God, I take it back, hand it over, take it back....
I need complete and total trust!!

[rmw8855]

That's so true...it's almost like second nature for us to take it into our own hands first....and I find myself, when I actually do hand it over to God, I take it back, hand it over, take it back....
I need complete and total trust!!

Me too.

[~free~]

May the Lord lead your hearts into God's love and Christ's patience. 2 Thessalonians 3:5

"All peaople will know that you are my followers if you love each other" (John 13:35). Stop and think about this verse for a minute. Could it be that unity is the key to reaching the world for Christ?

If unity is the key to evangelism, shouldn't it have precedecnce in our prayers? Should we, as Paul said, "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3 NIV)? If unity matters to God, then shouldn't unity matter to us? If unity is a priority in heaven, then shouldn't it be a priority on earth?

Nowhere, by the way, are we told to build unity. We are told simply to keep unity. From God's perspective there is but "one flock and one shepherds" (John 10:16). Unity does not need to be created; it simply needs to be protected.

How do we do that? ...Does that mean we compromise our convictions? No. Does that mean we abandon the truths we cherish? No. But it does mean we look long and hard at the attitudes we carry.

Just Like Jesus, Max Lucado

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

May the Lord lead your hearts into God's love and Christ's patience. 2 Thessalonians 3:5

"All peaople will know that you are my followers if you love each other" (John 13:35). Stop and think about this verse for a minute. Could it be that unity is the key to reaching the world for Christ?

If unity is the key to evangelism, shouldn't it have precedecnce in our prayers? Should we, as Paul said, "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3 NIV)? If unity matters to God, then shouldn't unity matter to us? If unity is a priority in heaven, then shouldn't it be a priority on earth?

Nowhere, by the way, are we told to build unity. We are told simply to keep unity. From God's perspective there is but "one flock and one shepherds" (John 10:16). Unity does not need to be created; it simply needs to be protected.

How do we do that? ...Does that mean we compromise our convictions? No. Does that mean we abandon the truths we cherish? No. But it does mean we look long and hard at the attitudes we carry.

Just Like Jesus, Max Lucado
Perfect! :thumbsup: :hug:

Thanks. :)

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

Canadian minister John Gladstone has made a compelling application of a sad episode in the life of Isaac Watts. That famous English hymnwriter fell in love with a beautiful young woman, Elizabeth Singer. She admired his poetry, his mind, and his spirit, but for all her admiration she could not overcome her revulsion at his appearance.

Isaac was short and slight, afflicted with mere slits of gray eyes, a hook nose, and large cheekbones. When he proposed to Elizabeth, she all too hurtfully replied, "Mr. Watts, if only I could say that I admire the casket [jewelry box] as much as I admire the jewel it contains."

Gladstone draws a disturbing analogy between the "jewel" of the gospel and the "casket" of the church. How many people have rejected the good news because of its often sincere yet overly zealous witnesses! Are we unknowingly repulsive and unloving? How can we be "a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness" (Rom. 2:19) if the beauty of Jesus cannot be seen in us?

By every means possible, let’s proclaim the gospel. But let’s pray that the Holy Spirit will make us personally winsome and loving and free from sin so that we can attract others to Him. —Vernon C Grounds (http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our_daily_bread/writer/4552.aspx)



Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity;
Oh, Thou Spirit Divine, all my nature refine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me. —Orsborn

Righteousness in the heart produces beauty in the character.

[~free~]

:hug: That's awesome Trekki...and sadly, is true. I especially like this:
Righteousness in the heart produces beauty in the character.


Thanks for that! :hug:

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

:hug: That's awesome Trekki...and sadly, is true. I especially like this:
Righteousness in the heart produces beauty in the character.


Thanks for that! :hug:
:hug:

[rmw8855]

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity;
Oh, Thou Spirit Divine, all my nature refine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me. —Orsborn


Righteousness in the heart produces beauty in the character.


:amen: Let others see the Jesus within me.

:hug:Thank you :hug:

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

:amen: Let others see the Jesus within me.

:hug:Thank you :hug:
Amen Robin...:hug: :)

[JPPT1974]

Hey, hope you all walk daily
With the Lord 24/7/365 days a year
Not just on Sundays!

[~free~]

Enjoy serving the Lord and he will give you what you want. Psalm 37:4


When we submit to God's plans, we can trust our desires. Our assignment is found at the intersection of God's plan and our pleasures. What do you love to do? What brings you joy? What gives you a sense of satisfaction?

Some long to feed the poor. Others enjoy leading the church...Each of us has been made to serve God in a unique way...

The longings of your heart, then, are not incidental; they are critical messages. The desires of your heart are not to be ignored; they are to be consulted. As the wind turns the weather vane, so God uses your passions to turn your life. God is too gracious to ask you to do something you hate.

Just Like Jesus, Max Lucado.

[~free~]

Suffering Alone
Psalm 88:8,18 (http://msg1svc.net/cfmjg/90392/78/459066/19726/0/H/jwtk.html)


If friends vanished while you were facing a personal crisis, perhaps you've forgiven them for abandoning you in a time of need. But that doesn't mean they have come back to offer support. In situations like this, it's important to remember the One who promises to be there for you.
When Paul was suffering from a "thorn in the flesh," the Lord told him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). In other words, He was saying, "I'll take care of you."
During our most trying moments--when we have nothing left to sustain ourselves--we can find strength in God. He doesn't set aside a reserve of grace and assistance to help us six months from now. We get exactly what we need when we need it. He has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you" (Hebrews 13:5 nlt). And our Father has no intention of breaking that promise.
We may never know why the Lord allowed friends to forsake us in a time of need, but here's one possibility: He might have been trying to teach us how to rest upon Him. Sometimes, the only way we will learn to lean on God is by finding that all other supports are gone. At some point, we all experience the heartache of abandonment. But one thing is certain--Jesus Christ will be standing by our side to strengthen and deliver us in our time of need. One day we'll have the privilege of looking back over our lives and seeing how He proved His faithfulness over and over again.

[~free~]

Growing in Spiritual Maturity
Ephesians 4:11-16 (http://msg1svc.net/clgfv/90999/100/459066/19798/0/H/xahi.html)


If we think of the Christian life as a journey, we can identify a number of milestones, or stages of growth we need to reach en route to spiritual maturity. The first two are salvation and service.

We all begin our journey in the same place, spiritually dead and uninterested in what matters to God. There's only one way to receive spiritual life and that's through faith in Jesus Christ. He took our place and bore God's judgment for our sins. He died so that we might become spiritually alive. At salvation, we receive the Holy Spirit, who creates in us a desire to know God and His Son Jesus.

As we learn more about God, our faith will deepen and our hearts will swell with thanksgiving. Gratitude will lead us to the next step on our journey, serving Him. We'll desire to give something back to God in appreciation for His generosity. Rather than deciding what we want to do, Ephesians 2:10 says we're to ask the Lord what His plans are. And how we can join Him. As God's children, we're to listen attentively for His call and focus our minds and hearts on obeying. Galatians 5:22-23 instructs that, over time, the Spirit will bring forth "fruit" and draw us into unity of service with other believers.
Growth is a key principle in a believer's life. Ephesians 4:15 tells us that "we are to grow up in all aspects into. . . Christ." Spiritual maturity begins with salvation and should be followed by a lifelong commitment to being God's servant. Have you dedicated yourself to serving Him?

[Criada]

Thank you for these! :hug:

[~*Lady Trekki*~]

By Glynnis Whitwer


"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

Tarnie treasures her early morning walks around the neighborhood before her two toddlers wake up and the day flies into high gear. One particular Sunday morning was especially beautiful ... the sky was azure blue, the air clean and crisp, and the quiet was accented only by the songs of a few cheerful birds and an occasional car.

As she turned a corner and started the second leg of her walk, she noticed a beat-up Cherokee ahead of her, driving on the wrong side of the street ... the same side she was walking on. The car stopped, then started, stopped, then started again. Unfortunately it was a very loud car, which disturbed the peace of her morning. Still optimistic and determined to enjoy her walk, Tarnie thought it would be short-lived ... either she would pass the vehicle or it would turn someplace else. Neither happened.

The two kept an annoying pace with each other as the car would start and stop, and Tarnie walked ahead of it, then behind it. Tarnie soon realized it was a newspaper delivery man, tossing out papers to those houses on his route. He seemed about 50 years old, and his face was expressionless as he alternately read his map and tossed the papers to the correct houses.

Tarnie was frustrated. She wanted the peace and quiet of that beautiful Sunday morning so she could talk with God before getting the family ready for church. But all she got was a strange dance with a newspaper delivery man. Why had God allowed this picture-perfect walk to be so annoyingly interrupted, she wondered.

As she started paying more attention to this man in the beat-up car delivering his papers, she realized he was not simply throwing the papers on the driveways ... not just whipping them out to land where ever they might land ... but instead he was intentionally tossing them. This caught her attention and she watched some more. As she did, she realized that each paper he tossed landed right next to, or right on top of, the other newspaper lying on the driveway that had already been delivered. Now, each driveway had two papers, right next to each other.

"How great to come out of your house and only have to bend down once to get your papers!" Tarnie thought. What at first seemed an annoyance was actually a show of selfless courtesy. But this was a show that will never be seen, known about, or even appreciated by most of those homeowners who would likely walk outside, grab their papers and go about their days.

But Tarnie noticed, and even more importantly, God noticed. She immediately thought of Colossians 3:23 and 24: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (NIV). She realized that if she were delivering papers to Jesus' house, she would make sure they were right next to the other papers so He would only have to bend down once.

Tarnie learned a lot that "noisy" early morning. God was speaking to her after all. Watching a normal paper delivery man in a beat-up car, driving on the wrong side of the street, and doing his job in an extraordinary way ... as if He were doing it for the Lord ... was a priceless learning experience. She was reminded that everything - everything -- can be done for Jesus!

Special thanks to devotion reader Tarnie Coleman for sharing this wonderful story.

Dear Lord, thank You for teaching us important biblical lessons through everyday events. Thank You for instilling value and worth in even the most humble tasks. Help me to keep a right attitude about my daily work, and remember that it's all for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.