Step by Step

"The unfolding of your words gies light; it gives understanding to the simple." Psalm 119:130

When our children were born, my husband and I lovingly cared for them daily. We held them close, rocked them to sleep nd fed them. As they were able, we encouraged them to learn to walk, dress themselves and communicte. We watched excitedly as they grew.

Likewsie, our heavenly Father is actively involved in our growth; He encourages us according to our capabilities and understanding at the time. He does not push us; He waits until we are ready. If God told us everything about ourselves and life all at once, we would be confused and crushed. Instead He teaches us based on our spiritual and emotional age level. God's gentle unfolding plan increases our insight and encourages our consistent growth.

Lord, you are a compassionate and caring Father. Thank you for nurturing my development step by step and giving me understanding just as I need it. Help me to be as patient as you are with my simple and imperfect attempts at gaining maturity.

By Joan C. Webb, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"

A Complete Restoration

"You will know that God's power is very great for us who believe." Ephesians 1:19

God loves to decorate. god has to decorate. Let Him live long enough in a heart, and that heart will begin to change. Portraits of hurt will be replaced by landscapes of grace. Walls of anger will be demolished and shaky foundations restored. God can no more leave a life unchanged than a mother can leave her child's tear untouched . . .

This might explain some of the discomfort in your life. Remodeling of the heart is not always pleasant. We don't object when the Carpenter adds a few shelves, but He's been known to gut the entire west wing. He has such high aspirations for you. God envisions a complete restoration. He won't stop until He has finished . . . He wants you to be just like Jesus.

(Just Like Jesus)

By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment'

The Kingdom of God

"The kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:21

Oh, take this heart that I would give
Forever to be all Thine own;
I to myself no more would live,--
Come, Lord, be Thou my King alone.

G. TERSTEEGEN

Herein is the work assigned to the individual soul, to have life in itself, to make our sphere, whatever it is, sufficient for a reign of God within ourselves, for a true and full reign of our Father's abounding spirit,--thankful, unutterably thankful, if with the place and the companionship assigned to us we are permitted to build an earthly tabernacle of grace and goodness and holy love, a home like a temple; but, should this be denied us, resolved for our own souls that God shall reign there, for ourselves at least that we will not, by sin or disobedience or impious distrust, break with our own wills, our filial connection with our Father,--that whether joyful or sorrowing, struggling with the perplexity and foulness of circumstance, or in an atmosphere of peace, whether in dear fellowship or alone, our desire and prayer shall be that God may have in us a realm where His will is law, and where obedience and submission spring, not from calculating prudence or ungodly fear, but from communion of spirit, ever humble aspiration, and ever loving trust.

J. H. THOM

Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"

How to Eat an Elephant

"The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, He saved me." Psalm 116:6

There is only one way to eat and elephant: a bite at a time. Maybe you know that already. I didn't - until Beverly JOhnson told the world after she, the first woman to do so alone, reached the top of thirty-six hundred feet high El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, California.

"That's what I kept saying, 'A bite at a time, a bite at a time . . .'," the smiling Beverly said of her ten-day struggle up the gigantic granite mass that rises unbroken from the Yosemite Valley.

She was weary and afraid up there all alone, strapped with a hundred pounds of hear . . . climbing . . . climbing. Day after day she rose higher and higher, clutching to rocks and ropes self-hammered into the rock - praying that they would hold. What sleep she had was in slings on the sheer granite wall. "I often thought if I could magically leave, I would - "but there was no way but up.

She kept climbing, saying to herself, "I'll climb here today." You can't do it, she told reporters, if you count the days. "just a step at a time . . . a day at a time." she laughed victoriously, "and a bite at a time!"

We can all "eat elephants" by Beverly's formula, cant' we? It makes little difference whether it's all the things we have to accomplish, a test we have to take, a physical condition we have to live with, a broken heart that needs healing. Her reasoning works.

Haven't you often wished, as she did, that you could magically leave your problems? Most of us feel that way, but the world doesn't stop for us to get off. we dig in with whatever equipment we have; we work our way up slowly; and, remember this; we have the solid Rock to lean upon! God is always there.

By June Masters Backer, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"

The Birth of Jesus

Luke 2

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

"Why should not I?"

"Always bearing about in the body of the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." 2 Corinthians 4:10

The emergency that the whole world is in through sin calls for sacrifices that bring great pain of spirit. A young man in a small church college in the Middle West was stirred by the needs of the foreign mission fields. He determined to offer his life and service to help meet that need. But before committing himself actively with his church authorities he wrote to her who had given him life, telling her of the burning desire in his heart, and asking her consent. By and by the answering letter came. It was blotted with tears. Its pages brought up a vivid picture of that mother's face and heart. She replied, in effect giving her consent, and then writing down these words: "I never knew until now how much it cost God to give His Son." S. D. Gordon

Some feet must bleed,
Bruised and torn by rocks and thorns
Which in their path unbidden lie.
If any mortal can with grace endure
Those things for which earth has no cure,
Why should not I?

Some backs are bent
'Neath loads of never-ending care,
Yet all is fair as they go by.
If others then can bear their load
And smile and sing alone life's road,
Why should not I?

Some eyes are dim -
Each tear speaks silently of pain
Known only to their God on high.
If weeping ones can still be bold
And carry sorrows never told,
Why should not I?

Some souls are large -
They have for grief but little heed;
Brave souls are they; souls that are high;
If they can pass 'neath chastening rod,
Keep hope undimmed, and faith in God,
Why should not I?

Through strength divine,
Come gain or loss, each one may win,
For will not God His help supply?
'Tis written, Grace for every need
Sufficient IS - you then may plead.
Why should not I?

Grand Colfax Tullar

By Charles E. Fuller & J. Elwin Wright, taken from "Manna in the Morning"

The Importance of Forgiving

"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." Mark 11:25-26

'Tis not enough to weep my sins,
'Tis but one step to heaven:--
When I am kind to others,--then
I know myself forgiven.

F. W. FABER

Every relation to mankind, of hate or scorn or neglect, is full of vexation and torment. There is nothing to do with men but to love them; to contemplate their virtues with admiration, their faults with pity and forbearance, and their injuries with forgiveness. Task all the ingenuity of your mind to devise some other thing, but you never can find it. To hate your adversary will not help you; to kill him will not help you; nothing within the compass of the universe can help you, but to love him. But let that love flow out upon all around you, and what could harm you? How many a knot of mystery and misunderstanding would be untied by one word spoken in simple and confiding truth of heart! How many a solitary place would be made glad if love were there; and how many a dark dwelling would be filled with light!

ORVILLE DEWEY

Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"

Worthless Worry

"I was young, and now I am old, but I have never seen good people left helpless or their children begging for food." Psalm 37:25

We worry. We worry about the IRS and the SAT and the FBI . . . We worry that we won't have enough money, and when we have money we worry that we won't manage it well. we worry that the world will end before the parking meter expires. We worry what the dog thinks if he sees us step out of the shower. We worry that someday we'll learn that fat-free yogurt was fattening.

Honestly, now. Did God save you so you would fret? Would He teach you to walk just to watch you fall? Would He be nailed to the cross for your sins and then disregard your prayers? come on. Is Scripture teasing us when it reads, "He has put His angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go?" (Ps. 91:11).

I don't think so either.

"In the Grip of Grace"

By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"

The Wipe Board

This morning as I was writing my grocery list on our wipe board I realized it needed a good scrubbing. Not just with the eraser but a good wash. Besides our grocery list and daily notes we have three points we like to remember that are always written on it.

1. Live with nothing to hide, prove and lose - Jim Kress
2. Do what is right regardless! - David Ladd
3. "Do all thing without complaining and disputing." Phil. 2:14

A thought came to me as I was re-writing them back on the cleaner wipe board. I realized that as time slowly erased those three points I so wanted to remember that it was slowly being erased from my mind as well. I've become inward focused instead of outward focused and on what God wants me to do. I don't live with nothing to hide, prove or lose. In fact, I've been so intent and bullheaded about things that proving my point has gotten in the way of life. Doing what is right regardless is also something I've let slide. While talking with a friend I hedged on speaking the truth because I didn't want a fight to result from what I should have said.

"Do all things without complaining and disputing," has been the number one thing I've forgotten. How often have I found myself becoming so frustrated and stressed out that I just open my mouth and let my words fly? Or, more likely letting my fingers fly over the keyboard through complaining e-mails. I have chosen to forget this verse and allowed my emotions to run how I feel. I feel like the person James describes in James 1:22-24, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in the mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." I really need to be like the person in verse 25, "But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does."

If you've become like me you're not alone. I know we all make mistakes and do things we wish we hadn't. Know that we have a loving Father who wants us to repent and turn towards Him for guidance. We will fall but He will always be there to pick us up when we turn and ask for help. One good source for guidance is from His Word. It never changes and applies to our lives here and now. I challenge you to pick out a verse a week to memorize. Put your verse on a note card and tape it to your mirror. Don't just memorize and forget it. Take the Word with you throughout your day. Put it to the test and use it in every situation you go through. When you memorize, don't water it down with your own words. Maintain a high standard for what you're memorizing by remembering it word for word. In time it will flow through your head and out of your mouth. When you're struggling it'll come to your mind to guide you to Jesus and how you should respond. Above all hide it in your heart.

Lastly, I am sorry to those that I've complained to throughout this year.

Krista Jones
12.18.07

The Supremacy of Jesus Christ

"He will glorify Me . . ." John 16:14

The holiness movements of today have none of the rugged reality of the New Testament about them. There is nothing about them that needs the death of Jesus Christ. All that is required is a pious atmosphere, prayer, and devotion. This type of experience is not supernatural nor miraculous. It did not cost the sufferings of God, nor is it stained with "the blood of the Lamb" ( Revelation 12:11 ). It is not marked or sealed by the Holy Spirit as being genuine, and it has no visual sign that causes people to exclaim with awe and wonder, "That is the work of God Almighty!" Yet the New Testament is about the work of God and nothing else.

The New Testament example of the Christian experience is that of a personal, passionate devotion to the Person of Jesus Christ. Every other kind of so-called Christian experience is detached from the Person of Jesus. There is no regeneration— no being born again into the kingdom in which Christ lives and reigns supreme. There is only the idea that He is our pattern. In the New Testament Jesus Christ is the Savior long before He is the pattern. Today He is being portrayed as the figurehead of a religion— a mere example. He is that, but He is infinitely more. He is salvation itself; He is the gospel of God!

Jesus said, ". . . when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, . . . He will glorify Me . . ." (John 16:13-14 ). When I commit myself to the revealed truth of the New Testament, I receive from God the gift of the Holy Spirit, who then begins interpreting to me what Jesus did. The Spirit of God does in me internally all that Jesus Christ did for me externally.

By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For His Highest"

"He is our peace."

"For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee." (Isaiah 54:10)

This tells me that anything can happen and the Lord will not only remain with us, but He will remain kind. We tend to think of the "mountains" and the "hills" as perhaps trouble from outside ourselves. But to me, at least, my world has never shaken more violently than under the impact of my own willful disobedience to Jesus Christ. After I have disobeyed Him, my grief is intense. My remorse and shame could destroy me, and the devil could have the time of his evil life feeding my black discouragement if I weren't absolutely sure that the Lord's kindness would not depart from me.

Actually His kindness leads me to repentance.

And even as I cry out for forgiveness, deep at the center is the assurance, not only that peace will return, but that it has never really departed from me. I have merely lost my awareness of it. It is His peace which He left me and it is a part of Himself. He has said He will never leave me nor forsake me and so, of course, His peace will not leave either. It cannot. "He is our peace." The covenant of His peace shall not be removed, because the Lord "hath mercy on thee." He knows that without Him we are bereft. "His mercy endureth forever."

. . . Without me, ye can do nothing. (But) . . . Lo, I am with you alway.

By Eugenia Price, taken from "Share My Pleasant Stones"

Heavenly Alchemy

"Your sorrow shall be turned into joy" (John 16:20).

Their particular sorrow was the death and absence of their LORD, and it was turned into joy when He rose from the dead and showed Himself in their midst. All the sorrows of saints shall be thus transmuted, even the worst of them, which look as if they must forever remain fountains of bitterness. Then the more sorrow, the more joy. If we have loads of sorrow, then the LORD's power will turn them into tons of joy. Then the bitterer the trouble the sweeter the pleasure: the swinging of the pendulum far to the left will cause it to go all the farther to the right. The remembrance of the grief shall heighten the flavor of the delight: we shall set the one in contrast with the other, and the brilliance of the diamond shall be the more clearly seen because of the black foil behind it. Come, my heart, cheer up! In a little while I shall be as glad as I am now gloomy. Jesus tells me that by a heavenly alchemy my sorrow shall be turned into joy. I do not see how it is to be, but I believe it, and I begin to sing by way of anticipation. This depression of spirit is not for long; I shall soon be up among the happy ones who praise the LORD day and night, and there I shall sing of the mercy which delivered me out of great afflictions.

By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"

Laughter

"You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 118:28-29

All of us face times when we wonder if we will ever laugh again . . . I have known these moments and wondered where laughter has gone, only to discover that laughter cloaks itself disguise and springs out from its hiding place to surprise us when we are most garroted with the enormity of life; it shouts, Olly, Olly, oxen free! It invites us to rush to life's game again, to cast aside for a moment the weights of labor and responsibility, and to roll down the greening hillside, over and over, tumbling faster, bumping, plummeting, strangling for air between chortled shouts and gasps.

Laughter is God's good friend!

By Karen Burton Mains, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"

A Chosen People

"You are a chosen people, royal priests, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession." I Peter 2:9

Do you ever feel unnoticed? New clothes and styles may help for a while. But if you want permanent change, learn to see yourself as God sees you: "He has covered me with clothes of salvation and wrapped me with a coat of goodness, like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding, like a bride dressed in jewels." (Isaiah 61:10).

Does your self-esteem ever sag? When it does, remember what you are worth. "You were bought, not with something that ruins like gold or silver, but with the precious blood of Christ, who was like a pure and perfect lamb" (I Peter 1:18-19).

The challenge is to remember that. To meditate on it. To focus on it. To allow His love to change the way you look at you.

(When Christ Comes)

By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"

Simple Life?

"For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the Lord will go before you; and the God of Isreal will be your reward. (Isaiah 52:12)

Here are many things which are easily missed without careful seeing into the very depths of this deep "blue stone" verse. Many things which increase our faith. Which cause us to be willing to enter into the very rhythm of God's life.

And once we have entered into this oneness with Him, we begin to see how simple life becomes. Not easy, but simple. It is only when we stumble back into our own rhythm that we begin to grab wildly for "more faith." Faith is being one with god. Then we know about Him. Then whatever He does is all right.

"For ye shall not go out with haste, nor by flight . . ." How is this possible? What keeps us from running ahead of God? What prevents our "going out by flight"? What causes us not to try to escape? The answer to all of these questions is simply that God has already gone before us. "The Lord will go before thee."

He knows what's up ahead. He's been there. And if we are obedient and with Him in fellowship each step of the way, it is more ridiculous to think that we would run ahead than to think we would not. He knows. He knows about the causes of our thinking we need to escape. He knows about the enemies of our soul's peace. >We have no need to escape. No need to try any way other than the way of just being with Christ. He Himself "will be your reward." No need to flee to the edge of the world for peace or protection..

. . . Your life is hid with Christ in God.

By Eugenia Price, taken from "Share My Pleasant Stones"

Show Love

"Put on as the elect of God, kindness" (Col. 3:12).

There is a story of an old man who carried a little can of oil with him everywhere he went, and if he passed through a door that squeaked, he poured a little oil on the hinges. If a gate was hard to open, he oiled the latch. And thus he passed through life lubricating all hard places and making it easier for those who came after him.
People called him eccentric, queer, and cranky; but the old man went steadily on refilling his can of oil when it became empty, and oiled the hard places he found.

There are many lives that creak and grate harshly as they live day by day. Nothing goes right with them. They need lubricating with the oil of gladness, gentleness, or thoughtfulness. Have you your own can of oil with you? Be ready with your oil of helpfulness in the early morning to the one nearest you. It may lubricate the whole day for him. The oil, of good cheer to the downhearted one--Oh, how much it may mean! The word of courage to the despairing. Speak it.
Our lives touch others but once, perhaps, on the road of life; and then, mayhap, our ways diverge, never to meet again, The oil of kindness has worn the sharp, hard edges off of many a sin-hardened life and left it soft and pliable and ready for the redeeming grace of the Saviour.

A word spoken pleasantly is a large spot of sunshine on a sad heart. Therefore, "Give others the sunshine, tell Jesus the rest."
"We cannot know the grief
That men may borrow;
We cannot see the souls
Storm-swept by sorrow;
But love can shine upon the way
Today, tomorrow;
Let us be kind.
Upon the wheel of pain so many weary lives are broken,
We live in vain who give no tender token.
Let us be kind."

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love" (Rom. 12:10).

Compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"

God of the Little Things

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him." Psalm 103:13

Is God concerned about the details of your life? Does He care about the "little things?"

Piles of dishes need to be done. The washer leaks a big soapy puddle on the floor - and you've got people coming in an hour. Little things.

Nobody else seems to notice or pay that much mind . . . so why should God? After all, isn't He the God of the BIG things? Isn't He the one who spoke swirling galaxies into the vast frontiers of space, who measured the waters in the hallow of His hand and calculated the dust of the earth (Isaiah 40:12)?

Why should this great, awesome God notice the tears that come to my eyes this morning at breakfast - when no one else noticed? Why should the Creator of the universe care about the worries that kept me awake until two in the morning? Why should the mighty Sovereign of eternity be concerned about the fact that I'm late for an appointment and can't find a parking place?

Sure, the Bible says He has compassion for His people. But isn't that sort of a "general" compassion for humankind? Isn't that an arms-length kind of compassion? Just how intimately is God involved in our small, petty problems? David says He has the compassion of a father.

I remember my father having a kind of intimate, heartfelt compassion with me. Often when my dad would be busy at his easel, I'd sit on the floor at his side with my crayons and coloring book. Sometimes he'd set his brushes aside, reach down and lift me into his lap. Then he'd fix my hand on one of his brushes and enfold his larger, stronger hand around mine. Ever so gently, he would guide my hand and the brush, and I would watch in amazement as, together, we'd made something beautiful.

This is the kind of love our god has for us. Fatherlove. The kind, gentle compassion of a dad who deeply cares for his sons and daughters. Maybe you never had a dad like that . . . but you do have such a Father.

Let God's big hand close gently over yours. With His help, even the discouraging scribbles of your life can become a masterpiece. Nothing would delight a father's heart more.

By Joni Eareckson Tada, taken from, "Women's Devotional Bible 2"

My Will

"Even so, Father; for so it seemed good in Thy sight." Matthew 11:26

Let nothing make thee sad or fretful,
Or too regretful;
Be still;
What God hath ordered must be right,
Then find in it thine own delight,
My will.

P. FLEMMING

If we listen to our self-love, we shall estimate our lot less by what it is, than by what it is not; shall dwell on its hindrances, and be blind to its possibilities; and, comparing it only with imaginary lives, shall indulge in flattering dreams of what we should do, if we had but power; and give, if we had but wealth; and be, if we had no temptations. We shall be forever querulously pleading our difficulties and privations as excuses for our unloving temper and unfruitful life; and fancying ourselves injured beings, virtually frowning at the dear Providence that loves us, and chafing with a self-torture which invites no pity. If we yield ourselves unto God, and sincerely accept our lot as assigned by Him, we shall count up its contents, and disregard its omissions; and be it as feeble as a cripple's, and as narrow as a child's, shall find in it resources of good surpassing our best economy, and sacred claims that may keep awake our highest will.

J. MARTINEAU

Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"

God Listens

"I cry out to the LORD; I pray to the LORD for mercy." Psalm 142:1

You can talk to God because God listens. Your voice matters in heaven. He takes you very seriously. When you enter His presence, he turns to you to hear your voice. No need to fear that you will be ignored. Even if you stammer or stumble, even if what you have to say impresses no one, it impresses God, and He listens. he listens to the painful plea of the elderly in the rest home. He listens to the gruff confession of the death-row inmate. When the alcoholic begs for mercy, when the spouse seeks guidance, when the businessman steps off the street into the chapel. God listens.

Intently. Carefully.

(The Great House of God)

By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace For The Moment"

Handicrafts and Creativity

"May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - Yes, establish the work of our hands." Psalm 90:17

Handicrafts serve as a means of communication among people who are afraid, shy or sick, or even people who speak different languages. There is something reassuring, homey, pleasant and relaxing to see someone embroidering or knitting n an airport or on a train. One feels a trust and confidence about such a person. If one has some similar work at hand, one becomes friends almost without words. Or one might ask what the other is doing; and a bond of friendship, gentle and warm, is established with ths person who only a short time ago was a stranger. The handicraft is a bridge.

All creative effort is from God, and people who do handicrafts create. To create is to be at peace, for in creating one s joined with the Creator. Creativeness is one of the needs of our humanity and one of the gifts of God to us. Handicrafts also are one more way of restoring us to wholeness in the natural and psychological order so as to better restore us to Christ. The loneliness of modern people has almost reached a point of no return; but in a common effort of creativity, men and women may find someone else who is interested in similar crafts, and become friends through their craftsmanship. Friendship is still the most precious possession that a human being can share. So handicrafts open the door to both friendship and creativity. These aspects go together, for friendship both creates and demands creativity to grow.

By Catherine Doherty, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"

An Act of Worship

"This is my prayer for you; that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; . . . that you will do many good things with the help of Christ to bring glory and praise to God." Philippians 1:9, 11

When you take food to the poor,
that's an act of worship.

When you give a word of kindness to someone who needs it,
that's an act of worship.

When you write someone a letter to encourage them or sit down
and open your Bible with someone to teach them,
that's an act of worship.

By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"

Look Ahead

"His glory covers the skies, and His praise fills the earth. He is like a bright light. Rays of light shine from His hand, and there He hides His power." Habakkuk 3:3-4

Father, you never promised us that this world would be easy. And yet, all of us can look ahead to the city that's set on a hill, to the lights that call us to eternity. And we take hope.

By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"

Problems That Confront You

"The Lord is the strength of his people, the saving refuge of his anointed." Psalm 28:8 NAB

The more we endure
With patience and grace,
The stronger we grow
And the more we can face.

Helen Steiner Rice


Today's Prayer
Today grow stronger as you adopt the policy of patiently addressing the problems that confront you.

Psalm 31:1-5

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.

3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

4 Free me from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.

5 Into your hands I commit my spirit;
redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.

Uncommon Beauty

"The Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation." Psalm 149:4

For some folks, the word holiness conjures up images of stuffy prudes—people who are “good” in the worst sense of the word, with sullen and morose faces. They are full of self-righteousness and rigid duty, “on hold for the next life,” as a Washington Post writer put it.

Most people long for truth and goodness. Yet that desire can be frustrated by what they see in some Christians, whom they perceive as self-righteous and judgmental. To unbelievers, such “virtue” is far less interesting than vice, with the result that they cling to their vices even though they may hate them. Joy Davidman, the wife of C. S. Lewis, said, “One sanctimonious hypocrite makes a hundred unbelievers.”

Would that the world saw the real thing—that extraordinary quality of life of which Peter speaks—a life so winsome and attractive it will draw others to the Savior (1 Peter 2:12). “If only 10% of the world’s population had [holiness],” C. S. Lewis mused, “would not the whole world be converted and happy before year’s end?”

We can have it! As we yield our lives to God’s Spirit within, we can live lives of uncommon beauty before a watching world. Israel’s poet assures us, “The Lord . . . will beautify the humble” (Ps. 149:4). — David H. Roper

Beautiful faces are those that seem
With the very love of God to beam;
Beautiful forms are those that grace
With gentle service the lowliest place. —Anon.

Live so that others will want to know Jesus.

Taken from "Our Daily Bread"

God's Promises!

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." Psalm 91:4

She had stopped at a red light. Before she even realized the car door had opened, a man had a gun stuck in her side. He demanded, "Lady, just drive. Don't do anything dumb!"

she had just heard a message on Psalm 91. This psalm told her that god was her refuge, that He was her fortress, that He would deliver her from the snare of the flower, that He covered her with His feathers, that He was her shield and rampart. But in this instant, with a gun in her side and her mind in a whirl, she could not think of the exact words of the Scripture.

In desperation, all she could come up with and exclaim was, "Feathers! Feathers! Feathers!"

the hijacker panicked. He shouted, "Lady, you are crazy!" And as quick as he has appeared, he disappeared!

Oh, how precious to know that when we can't think of a promise word for word, or when we don't have time to quote a promise for the situation in which we find ourselves, God knows His promises and He knows our heart.

By Kay Arthur, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"

Psalm 30:11-12

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

We Are Thankful

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, because you made all things. Everything existed and was made, because you wanted it." Revelation 4:11

Father in heaven, hear our praise. Holy Father, we are thankful that we have more than enough clothes to wear, thankful that we have places to sleep and that we won't go to bed hungry. We're thankful that even if all of this were taken away from us, we'd still have our hope of eternity. You have been gracious to us.

By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"

I Look to Thee

"Why art than cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Psalm 42:11

Ah! why by passing clouds oppressed,
Should vexing thoughts distract thy breast?
Turn thou to Him in every pain,
Whom never suppliant sought in vain;
Thy strength in joy's ecstatic day,
Thy hope, when joy has passed away.

H. F. LYTE

Beware of letting your care degenerate into anxiety and unrest; tossed as you are amid the winds and waves of sundry troubles, keep your eyes fixed on the Lord, and say, "Oh, my God, I look to Thee alone; be Thou my guide, my pilot;" and then be comforted. When the shore is gained, who will heed the toil and the storm? And we shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on God. If at times we are somewhat stunned by the tempest, never fear; let us take breath, and go on afresh. Do not be disconcerted by the fits of vexation and uneasiness which are sometimes produced by the multiplicity of your domestic worries. No indeed, dearest child, all these are but opportunities of strengthening yourself in the loving, forbearing graces which our dear Lord sets before us.

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES

Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"

Lie Still and Trust

"I had fainted unless…! Psalm 27:13

"FAINT NOT!"

How great is the temptation at this point! How the soul sinks, the heart grows sick, and the faith staggers under the keen trials and testings which come into our lives in times of special bereavement and suffering.

"I cannot bear up any longer, I am fainting under this providence. What shall I do? God tells me not to faint. But what can one do when he is fainting?"

What do you do when you are about to faint physically? You cannot do anything. You cease from your own doings. In your faintness, you fall upon the shoulder of some strong loved one. You lean hard. You rest. You lie still and trust.

It is so when we are tempted to faint under affliction. God's message to us is not, "Be strong and of good courage," for He knows our strength and courage have fled away. But it is that sweet word, "Be still, and know that I am God."

Hudson Taylor was so feeble in the closing months of his life that he wrote a dear friend: "I am so weak I cannot write; I cannot read my Bible; I cannot even pray. I can only lie still in God's arms like a little child, and trust."

This wondrous man of God with all his spiritual power came to a place of physical suffering and weakness where he could only lie still and trust.

And that is all God asks of you, His dear child, when you grow faint in the fierce fires of affliction. Do not try to be strong. Just be still and know that He is God, and will sustain you, and bring you through.

"God keeps His choicest cordials for our deepest faintings."

"Stay firm and let thine heart take courage" Psalm 27:14 (After Osterwald)

Stay firm, He has not failed thee
In all the past,
And will He go and leave thee
To sink at last?
Nay, He said He will hide thee
Beneath His wing;
And sweetly there in safety
Thou mayest sing.

–Selected

Compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"

He Is There

"Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not . . . For I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring." Isaiah 44:2a, 3

THose of us who are commissioned to be an active part of the great reconciliation of God - and everyone who belongs to Hm is to be a part of this reconciliation - should look long and deeply at this "blue stone" verse.

First of all, f you feel discouraged in your Christian service, this promise is from "the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb . . ." No doubt, He is not at all surprised at this seeming failure. At your present discouragement. And this same Lord "which will help thee" also commands that you "Fear not . . ."

In all things, even this present trial, He is there.

"It is I; be not afraid."

He is in this thing with you. If those whom you are sent to guide and watch over n their spiritual infancy seem to be ill unto death; if they are stumbling and making alibis and showing the deceitfulness of every human heart, "Fear not . . ." the Lord is saying right now, "For I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thy offspring."

Those whom God uses to reach others for Himself know the travail of watching silently and praying for those babes "until Christ be formed in them." It s an agony not expressible in words. But the Lord reminds us that we are not to be afraid for them. We are just to go on belonging to Him ourselves. In one sense they are our "children". In the ultimate sense they are His children. And His responsibility. Just as we too, are His responsibility. We can simply rest and belong because "Thus saith the Lord that made the . . .":

And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

By Eugenia Price, taken from "Share My Pleasant Stones"

By Nature to Bear It

"There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." I Corinthians 10:13

Not so, not so, no load of woe
Need bring despairing frown;
For while we bear it, we can bear,
Past that, we lay it down.

SARAH WILLIAMS

Everything which happens, either happens in such wise that them art formed by nature to bear it, or that thou art not formed by nature to bear it. If then, it happens to thee in such way that thou art formed by nature to bear it, do not complain, but bear it as thou art formed by nature to bear it. But, if it happens in such wise that thou art not able to bear it, do not complain; for it will perish after it has consumed thee. Remember, however, that thou art formed by nature to bear everything, with respect to which it depends on thy own opinion to make it endurable and tolerable, by thinking that it is either thy interest or thy duty to do this.

MARCUS ANTONINUS

Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"

Tithing

This was first posted on 9.19.06. I know many of you read it last year and have heard our story, yet the Lord has placed it upon my heart to post it again.

"Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not keep them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the Lord Almighty. "But you ask, 'How are we to return?' "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "in tithes and offerings........Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,' says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it." Malachi 3: 7, 8 & 10

The date of October 16, 2001 is marked next to these verses in my Bible with a note beside it saying, "Time for us to stop robbing God of His money. Take a leap in faith."

The previous year was the year we had Emily, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, went through 6 months of treatment and Eric got laid off of his job of 5 years. In 2001 we were trying to make ends meet on $900.00 a month from unemployment. VISA, car, house, health, auto insurance payments, other living expenses and unforeseen expenses had to come out of this money. It seemed impossible to meet all our needs.

One day during a sermon on tithing these verses were brought to our attention. We were never good at tithing and always made it the last check of the month to write out. Pastor Steve challenged us to tithe every month even if we didn't have the money to do so. To take that leap of faith and see how God would take care of our needs. We decided to take up the challenge.

Our needs were great and the unemployment check didn't even cover our house payment let alone everything else. We did have many wonderful people help us along the way which really did keep us going and for which we're so thankful for. But writing out the first check of the month to tithing before paying the bills was a scary thing to do. It didn't make sense on paper. Yet, God stretched our $900.00 so that we were able to pay every bill and stay afloat for 14 months. Twice we were blessed with $1,000 in cash in the mail that was the exact amount we needed. Who gave us $2,000 is still a mystery but God moved them to bless us with it.

You may think tithing is a way for the church to get your money and, yes, through tithing the staff is paid, the building is paid for and kept up and other ministries are supported. But in all reality, what we are given is from God and what He asks back is an act of obedience and a leap of faith. In doing so, He is showing us that He cares for us and does watch over ALL of our needs and we grow in ways we never expected.

To this day I can't tell you how we ended up in a better position then before Eric lost his job. I have no clue how God worked it all out and I give Him all the glory for blessing us in so many ways. God cares for us and wants us to live the life He intended for us to live. Take the leap of faith in turning to Him, in following His leading or if you are a Believer and part of a Church body, in tithing.

Krista Jones
9.18.06

God's Love Song

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

This verse will be familiar to most of you who went to the NHCC Women's Retreat. At the retreat we went through the book of Zephaniah. Yes, you read right - Zephaniah. It's a small book located in the Old Testament between Habakkuk and Haggai. It's not one I would go to often unless I'm at that point in my Bible reading.

Zephaniah 3:17 is the one verse I fell in love with. It says everything I see God as being. I see this as God's Love Song to me. It speaks of how He's always with us. It says that He saves us. It says that He takes great delight in us. WOW, He delights in me? I can't imagine since it seems that I let Him down every day of my life. And yet, He is like a Father who loves his children unconditionally no matter what they do. He delights in us so much that He rejoices over us with singing.

"He will quiet you with His love" is especially meaningful to me this week. In my crazy week I come to this verse today and see that His hand is covering over me. Rocking me gently until I become still and quiet. Until I feel the warmth of His love overpower and calm me.

The Lord truly loves His children (you). No matter who you are or what you've done you can ALWAYS turn to Him. Turn to Him for the first time; after many years or in your time of need. He delights in you!

Krista Jones
12.12.07

Sanctified Souls Are Satisfied

"My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, saith the LORD." Jeremiah 31:14

Note the "My" which comes twice: "My people shall be satisfied with My goodness." The kind of people who are satisfied with God are marked out as God's own. He is pleased with them, for they are pleased with Him. They call Him their God, and He calls them His people; He is satisfied to take them for a portion, and they are satisfied with Him for their portion. There is a mutual communion of delight between God's Israel and Israel's God. These people are satisfied. This is a grand thing. Very few of the sons of men are ever satisfied, let their lot be what it may; they have swallowed the horse-leech, and it continually cries, "Give! give!" Only sanctified souls are satisfied souls. God Himself must both convert us and content us. t is no wonder that the LORD's people should be satisfied with the goodness of their LORD. Here is goodness without mixture, bounty without stint, mercy without chiding, love without change, favor without reserve. If God's goodness does not satisfy us, what will? What! are we still groaning? Surely there is a wrong desire within if it be one which God's goodness does not satisfy. LORD, I am satisfied. Blessed be Thy name.

By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"

The Friend of God

"Abraham stood yet before the Lord" (Gen. 18:22).

The friend of God can plead with Him for others. Perhaps Abraham's height of faith and friendship seems beyond our little possibilities. Do not be discouraged, Abraham grew; so may we. He went step by step, not by great leaps.

The man whose faith has been deeply tested and who has come off victorious, is the man to whom supreme tests must come.

The finest jewels are most carefully cut and polished; the hottest fires try the most precious metal. Abraham would never have been called the Father of the Faithful if he had not been proved to the uttermost. Read Genesis, twenty-second chapter:

"Take thy son, thine only son, whom thou lovest." See him going with a chastened, wistful, yet humbly obedient heart up Moriah's height, with the idol of his heart beside him about to be sacrificed at the command of God whom he had faithfully loved and served!

What a rebuke to our questionings of God's dealings with us! Away with all doubting explanations of this stupendous scene! It was an object lesson for the ages. Angels were looking.

Shall this man's faith stand forever for the strength and help of all God's people? Shall it be known through him that unfaltering faith will always prove the faithfulness of God?

Yes; and when faith has borne victoriously its uttermost test, the angel of the Lord--who? The Lord Jesus, Jehovah, He in whom "all the promises of God are yea and amen"--spoke to him, saying, "Now I know that thou fearest God." Thou hast trusted me to the uttermost. I will also trust thee; thou shalt ever be My friend, and I will bless thee, and make thee a blessing.

It is always so, and always will be. "They that are of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham." --Selected

It is no small thing to be on terms of friendship with God.

Compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"

Praise God In All Circumstance

"I will praise the Lord at all times; His praise is always on my lips. My whole being praises the Lord." Psalm 34:1-2

We should serve God even if there is darkness enveloping our life and even if we don't understand what's happening . . . even when the circumstances of our life don't make sense; Because He is worthy of praise, Because He is God.

By max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"

Thorough Cleansing

"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you" (Ezekiel 36:25).

What an exceeding joy is this! He who has purified us with the blood of Jesus will also cleanse us by the water of the Holy Spirit. God hath said it, and so it must be, "Ye shall be clean." LORD, we feel and mourn our uncleanness, and it is cheering to be assured by Thine own mouth that we shall be clean. Oh, that Thou wouldst make a speedy work of it! He will deliver us from our worst sins. The uprisings of unbelief and the deceitful lusts which war against the soul, the vile thoughts of pride, and the suggestions of Satan to blaspheme the sacred name-all these shall be so purged away as never to return. He will also cleanse us from all our idols, whether of gold or of clay: our impure loves and our excessive love of that which in itself is pure. That which we have idolized shall either be broken from us or we shall be broken off from it. It is God who speaks of what He Himself will do. Therefore is this word established and sure, and we may boldly look for that which it guarantees to us. Cleansing is a covenant blessing, and the covenant is ordered in all things and sure.

By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"

"I delivered thee"

"Thou calledst in trouble, and. I delivered thee." Psalm 81:7

"Be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed." I Chronicles 22:13

Thou canst calm the troubled mind,
Thou its dread canst still;
Teach me to be all resigned
To my Father's will.

HEINRICH PUCHTA

Though this patient, meek resignation is to be exercised with regard to all outward things and occurrences of life, yet it chiefly respects our own inward state, the troubles, perplexities, weaknesses, and disorders of our own souls. And to stand turned to a patient, meek, humble resignation to God, when your own impatience, wrath, pride, and irresignation attack yourself, is a higher and more beneficial performance of this duty, than when you stand turned to meekness and patience, when attacked by the pride, or wrath, or disorderly passions of other people. - WM. LAW

Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"

Specialize in the Impossible

"The hill country shall be thine" (Josh. 17:18, RV).

There is always room higher up. When the valleys are full of Canaanites, whose iron chariots withstand your progress, get up into the hills, occupy the upper spaces. If you can no longer work for God, pray for those who can. If you cannot move earth by your speech, you may move Heaven. If the development of life on the lower slopes is impossible, through limitations of service, the necessity of maintaining others, and such-like restrictions, let it break out toward the unseen, the eternal, the Divine.

Faith can fell forests. Even if the tribes had realized what treasures lay above them, they would hardly have dared to suppose it possible to rid the hills of their dense forest-growth. But as God indicated their task, He reminded them that they had power enough. The visions of things that seem impossible are presented to us, like these forest-covered steeps, not to mock us, but to incite us to spiritual exploits which would be impossible unless God had stored within us the great strength of His own indwelling.

Difficulty is sent to reveal to us what God can do in answer to the faith that prays and works. Are you straitened in the valleys? Get away to the hills, live there; get honey out of the rock, and wealth out of the terraced slopes now hidden by forest. --Daily Devotional Commentary

Got any rivers they say are uncrossable,
Got any mountains they say 'can't tunnel through'?
We specialize in the wholly impossible,
Doing the things they say you can't do.
--Song of the Panama builders

Compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"

Love Teaches

"He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children." Psalm 78:5

One of the most essential ingredients of education is the parents' attitude and example regarding basic curiosity and a desire to learn.

It is not so much the didactic or "book" learning that is important to parent-child relationships, however. It is, instead, educating children about life - and death; about themselves - and others; about their world - and how they fit into it. The love of learning and the curiosity that will only be satisfied through finding out about something - that is a parent's means of prompting a child to become wise and to respect and appreciate the teacher.

My parents encouraged my love for learning (and for them) by their examples. The dad who took time out during a busy day to show a little girl a baby chick being hatched, a brand-new baby colt on its first wobbly walk, or a littler of pink squealing piglets did not know the impact those simple sights would have on her life! He was teaching her about creation, the Creator and her own place in God's scheme of things.

Through my parents' reading, I learned to love books; through their philosophy. I learned to think; through their humor, I learned to laugh; through their discipline, I learned obedience, respect and self-control. It was through their faith that my own was born.

By Grace H. Ketterman, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"

Will you sing to God?

"Lord, I will thank you with all my heart; I will sing to you." Psalm 138:1

It's incredible that anyone could look at the kindness of God, the faithfulness of God, and the goodness of God and not feel any emotion of gratitude.

By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"

Who do you seek for aid?

"Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me; for my soul trusteth in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast." Psalm 57:1

My God! in whom are all the springs
Of boundless love and grace unknown,
Hide me beneath Thy spreading wings,
Till the dark cloud is overblown.

I. WATTS

In time of trouble go not out of yourself to seek for aid; for the whole benefit of trial consists in silence, patience, rest, and resignation. In this condition divine strength is found for the hard warfare, because God Himself fights for the soul. - M. DE MOLINOS

In vain will you let your mind run out after help in times of trouble; it is like putting to sea in a storm. Sit still, and feel after your principles; and, if you find none that furnish you with somewhat of a stay and prop, and which point you to quietness and silent submission, depend upon it you have never yet learned Truth from the Spirit of Truth, whatever notions thereof you may have picked up from this and the other description of it. - M.A. KELTY

Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"

The Way Home

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12

Mark squirmed as his mother talked to him. She had recently become a Christian and was trying to explain how he could receive Christ as Savior, too. "I want you to be in heaven with me someday," she said.

"Don't worry, Mom," answered Mark. "Uncle George says I'm such a good boy that if anybody makes it to haven, I will."

"Uncle George is a very smart man, but he's mistaken about the way to heaven," Mom replied, "it's not your goodness that will take you there. Jesus is the only way."

Mark turned toward the door. He didn't want to talk about salvation anymore. "I have to go finish my paper route collections now," he said, hurrying out of the kitchen.

As Mark was buys on his route, he saw a girl and a little boy, "Don't cry. I know how to get to 102 Shelby Street," he heard the girl say. "You go that way one block," she said, pointing north, "and turn right. That's Main Street. Then go three blocks and you come to Shelby. Your house is right there on the corner." Mark frowned. Those directions weren't right!

As the girls went into her house, Mark met the boys. "You're Jimmy Jones, aren't you?" exclaimed Mark. "I deliver papers to your house. Remember me?" the little boy looked at him and nodded. "That girl gave you the wrong directions," said Mark. "You have to turn left at Main Street, not right." Jimmy's lip began to tremble, and Mark took his hand. "I'll take you home, OK?" Mark asked. Happily, Jimmy nodded, and soon Mark had delivered him to his family.

On the way home, Mark thought about what had happened. Suddenly he realized that he was just like Jimmy! He was trying to follow directions to heaven that were given by someone who didn't know the way. He needed to listen to what God said in His Word, and God said Jesus was the only way. I was Jimmy's way home because I took him there, he thought. Jesus is the way to heaven. I want Him to be my Savior and take me there.

How about you?: Are you following the right directions to heaven? God knows how you can get there. His directions are found in his Book, the Bible. He says you must trust in Jesus, the only way to heaven. Trust Jesus today.

Taken from "The One Year Book of Devotions for Kids"

Encourage the Sheep

"Know that the Lord is God! It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." Psalm 100:3

Take the Savior’s loving hand
And do not try to understand,
Just let Him lead you where He will,
Through pastures green, by waters still.

Today follow the Shepherd. Encourage the sheep who have strayed to return to the fold.

The Shepherd

"He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." Isaiah 40:11

It is a relief to know that the life of faith is not dependent upon our ability to trust, but upon HIs trustworthiness. The sheep can trust their shepherd if He is a good shepherd. And we are the sheep of His pastures. His sheep may safely gaze.

All of His sheep.

The lambs which He gathers with His arms may certainly graze safely and know that even if they stumble and fall, the Shepherd will "lay down his life for the sheep." He will "gather the lambs with his arm . . . "

Those of us who have known Him over a period of time know that He will care for those new in His love. We can assure them that He gathers the newborn Christian in His bosom with great tenderness and great gentleness. But for those who have been the sheep of His flock for a longer time and who have been given the sometimes painful work of carrying young Christians or non-belivers as a sheep carries her young, here is great hope for us in this "blue stone" verse too.

"He shall . . . gently lead those that are with young." The enemy is also very watchful over "those that are with young." Traps are everywhere. Storms blow up suddenly and we try to rush and push past the others to the safety of what we think is the fold. On the way, in our foolish haste, we may drop the "young." Only the Shepherd knows how to lead us safely. Only He can recognize the false traps of the enemy. I was led to Christ by one who had never before brought anyone to Him. She led me safely because she listened to the Shepherd. She let Him lead her.

He shall . . . gently lead those that are with young.

By Eugenia Price, taken from "Share My Pleasant Stones"

Accepting our Feelings

"My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me." Psalm 55:4

Many of us have the idea that in order to be mature, respected adults we must renounce all our feelings. We may think that if we are to be real men or women of God we must never admit a need. We must always have an answer and always appear in total control. Perhaps as children we were taught that it was weak or cowardly to admit to disappointment, hurt, sadness, discouragement, anger or even happiness. But what we learned is a misconception.

King David led his people to victory many times. Nations looked up to him. But he made mistakes. He experienced the rejection of trusted co-workers. he felt angry, jealous and hurt. David was a truthful man who allowed himself to think and feel and be. In the Psalms he often expressed sadness, discouragement and confusion. His acceptance of reality and the resulting feelings of disappointment and pain led him again and again to God. And God called him "a man after my own heart" (Acts 13:22). Like David we can think, feel and share, as responsible, mature men and women of God.

By Joan C. Webb, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"

The Endurance of God

"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer." REVELATION 2:10

"Let Thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for Thy law is my delight." PSALMS 19:77

O BLESSED life! the heart at rest
When all without tumultuous seems;
That trusts a higher Will, and deems
That higher Will, not mine, the best.

WILLIAM TIDD MATSON

NOTHING is so trying to nature as suspense between a faint hope and a mighty fear; but we must have faith as to the extent of our trials, as in all else. Our sensitiveness makes us often disposed to fancy that we are tried beyond our strength; but we really know neither our strength to endure nor the nature of God's trials. Only He who knows both these, and every turn of the hearts which He has made, knows how to deal out a due proportion. Let us leave it all to Him, and be content to bear in silence.

FRANCOIS DE LA MOTHE FNELON

It is not the sunny side of Christ that we must look to, and we must not forsake Him for want of that. Oh, how sweet a thing were it for us to learn to make our burdens light, by framing our hearts to the burden, and making our Lord's will a law!

SAMUEL RUTHERFORD

Compiled by Mary Wilder Tileston, taken from "Joy and Strength"

Gratitude

"God, I will thank you forever for what you have done. With those who worship you, I will trust you because you are good." Psalm 52:9

Gratitude comes from having the right perspective. It's being able to look at what you have and being thankful for that, rather than longing for what you don't have.

By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior

Psalm 57

For the director of music. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." Of David. A miktam . When he had fled from Saul into the cave. [a]

1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,
for in you my soul takes refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.
2 I cry out to God Most High,
to God, who fulfills {his purpose} for me.

3 He sends from heaven and saves me,
rebuking those who hotly pursue me;
Selah
God sends his love and his faithfulness.

4 I am in the midst of lions;
I lie among ravenous beasts—
men whose teeth are spears and arrows,
whose tongues are sharp swords.

5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.

6 They spread a net for my feet—
I was bowed down in distress.
They dug a pit in my path—
but they have fallen into it themselves.
Selah

7 My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.

8 Awake, my soul!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.

9 I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations;
I will sing of you among the peoples.

10 For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
let your glory be over all the earth.

"Let God do with me what He will"

"The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul." Psalm 121:7

Under Thy wings, my God, I rest,
Under Thy shadow safely lie;
By Thy own strength in peace possessed,
While dreaded evils pass me by.

A. L. WARING

A heart rejoicing in God delights in all His will, and is surely provided with the most firm joy in all estates; for if nothing can come to pass beside or against His will, then cannot that soul be vexed which delights in Him and hath no will but His, but follows Him in all times, in all estates; not only when He shines bright on them, but when they are clouded. That flower which follows the sun doth so even in dark and cloudy days: when it doth not shine forth, yet it follows the hidden course and motion of it. So the soul that moves after God keeps that course when He hides His face; is content, yea, even glad at His will in all estates or conditions or events.

R. LEIGHTON

Let God do with me what He will, anything He will; whatever it be, it will be either heaven itself or some beginning of it.

WM. MOUNTFORD

Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"

A New Creature

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Salvation is not an improvement of the old nature. God doesn't take the old nature and fix it up by reforming it. No, the old nature is dead in trespasses and sins. When you become a new creature in Christ Jesus you have the new nature, God's nature, imparted to you. Old things pass away and ALL THINGS become new. As you once loved the things of the world, now you will turn away from them because you have different affections. Once you had no taste for the church or prayer meetings. Now you love the brethern; you love times of spiritual fellowship. Once you had no interest in God's Word. now it is meat and drink to your soul. Once you craved sinful pleasures. Now it is your highest pleasure to do His will. Once your time was occupied with scheming and working for money and success. Now you have found eternal riches in Him.

Why? Because you have the very nature of God transplanted into your heart." - Charles E. Fuller

Search me, O God, search me and know my heart,
Try me and prove me in the hidden part;
Cleanse me and make me holy as Thou art,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

Thou art the same today and yesterday,
O make Thy life in me the same alway,
Take from my heart the things that pass away;
Lead, lead me in the way everlasting.

Give me the heart that naught can change nor chill,
The love that loves unchanged through good or ill,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

Take my poor heart and only let me love
The things that always shall abiding prove;
Bind all my heart-strings to the world above,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

A. B. Simpson

Never Alone

"Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken" (Isaiah 62:4).

"Forsaken" is a dreary word. It sounds like a knell. It is the record of I sharpest sorrows and the prophecy of direst ills. An abyss of misery yawns in that word forsaken. Forsaken by one who pledges his honor! Forsaken by a friend so long tried and trusted! Forsaken by a dear relative! Forsaken by father and mother! Forsaken by all! This is woe indeed, and yet it may be patiently born if the LORD will take us up. But what must it be to feel forsaken of God? Think of that bitterest of cries, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Have we ever in any degree tasted the wormwood and the gall of "forsaken" in that sense? If so, let us beseech our LORD to save us from any repetition of so unspeakable a sorrow. Oh, that such darkness may never return! Men in malice said of a saint, "God hath forsaken him; persecute and take him." But it was always false. The LORD's loving favor shall compel our cruel foes to eat their own words or, at least, to hold their tongues. The reverse of all this is that superlative word Hephzibah "the LORD delighteth in thee." This turns weeping into dancing. Let those who dreamed that they were forsaken hear the LORD say, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"

Thoughs on a Familar Verse

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3

This "blue stone" verse is perhaps one of the most familiar verses in the Bible. People hang it on their walls and send it in sympathy telegrams and signs in at the end of letters and use it in psychology books.

Certain groups use it as a kind of mental therapy. Psychologically it is a very strong verse. The new thought books recommend it as a way to "find" peace.

How to think peaceful thoughts: " . . . whose mind is stayed on thee." This much is widely used. It is a mental discipline. Focus your mind on your own concept of God, the new thought books say, then you will find peace.

But, true peace cannot be found. It is a gift of God. "He is our peace," says Paul, and the "He" is Jesus Christ who has "made peace by the blood of His cross." There is psychological value in the very act of keeping one's mind fixed on something outside oneself. Something "higher." "but when your heart is smashed you can't focus your mind most of the time. When your body is trembling with pain, you can't practice concentration. This is a power-filled verse under all circumstance only because of who Christ is. It is not the fixing of the mind alone that brings peace. It is the character of the One on whom we fix our minds. And God does not promise to keep us in perfect peace because we have done Him the honor of trusting Him. It isn't a reward. It is an inevitable result.

Peace comes when we fix our minds on God and enter into oneness with Him and we can only do this when we know what He's like! We trust Him because we know Him. We trust Him, not because we are experts in the art of trusting but because He is trustworthy.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever . . . He is our peace . . .

By Eugenia Price, taken from "Share My Pleasant Stones"

The Summer Will Come

"Therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you" (Isa. 30:18).

Where showers fall most, there the grass is greenest. I suppose the fogs and mists of Ireland make it "the Emerald Isle"; and whenever you find great fogs of trouble, and mists of sorrow, you always find emerald green hearts; full of the beautiful verdure of the comfort and love of God. O Christian, do not thou be saying, "Where are the swallows gone? They are gone; they are dead." They are not dead; they have skimmed the purple sea, and gone to a far-off land; but they will be back again by and by.

Child of God, say not the flowers are dead; say not the winter has killed them, and they are gone. Ah, no! though winter hath coated them with the ermine of its snow; they will put up their heads again, and will be alive very soon. Say not, child of God, that the sun is quenched, because the cloud hath hidden it. Ah, no; he is behind there, brewing summer for thee; for when he cometh out again, he will have made the clouds fit to drop in April showers, all of them mothers of the sweet May flowers. And oh! above all, when thy God hides His face, say not that He hath forgotten thee. He is but tarrying a little while to make thee love Him better; and when He cometh, thou shalt have joy in the Lord, and shalt rejoice with joy unspeakable. Waiting exercises our grace; waiting tries our faith; therefore, wait on in hope; for though the promise tarry, it can never come too late. --C. H. Spurgeon

"Oh, every year hath its winter,
And every year hath its rain--
But a day is always coming
When the birds go north again.

"When new leaves swell in the forest,
And grass springs green on the plain,
And alders' veins turn crimson--
And the birds go north again.

"Oh, every heart hath its sorrow,
And every heart hath its pain--
But a day is always coming
When the birds go north again.

"'Tis the sweetest thing to remember,
If courage be on the wane,
When the cold, dark days are over--
Why, the birds go north again."

By Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"

I Need Some Help

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Psalm 51:12

God,
I need some outside help tonight.
I want so much to be free,
But I don't feel free.

I know it all in my head
that your life is living in me,
that my life is a miracle,
But in my heart
It seems as if life is pressing in on me
And squeezing me,
Until I feel empty and limp.

Free . . .
What can that word mean
When my life belongs to so many other people,
When i get squeezed between the generation gap
And the tax bill,
And I want o walk out of the door and
keep on walking and never stop . . .
then what does it mean to be free?
God,
I need some help outside myself tonight.

By Gladis and Gordon DePree, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"

Past Fears & Misgivings

"Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" Matthew 6:30

"I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever." Psalm 52:8

Calmly we look behind us, on joys and sorrows past,
We know that all is mercy now, and shall be well at last;
Calmly we look before us,--we fear no future ill,
Enough for safety and for peace, if Thou art with us still.

JANE BORTHWICK

Neither go back in fear and misgiving to the past, nor in anxiety and forecasting to the future; but lie quiet under His hand, having no will but His.

H. E. MANNING

I saw a delicate flower had grown up two feet high, between the horses' path and the wheel-track. An inch more to right or left had sealed its fate, or an inch higher; and yet it lived to flourish as much as if it had a thousand acres of untrodden space around it, and never knew the danger it incurred. It did not borrow trouble, nor invite an evil fate by apprehending it.

HENRY D. THOREAU

Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"

Psalm 63:1-8

A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.

1 O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.

2 I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.

3 Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

4 I will praise you as long as I live,
and in your name I will lift up my hands.

5 My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

6 On my bed I remember you;
I think of you through the watches of the night.

7 Because you are my help,
I sing in the shadow of your wings.

8 My soul clings to you;
your right hand upholds me.

Praise

"Praise the Lord for the glory of His name; worship the Lord because He is holy." Psalm 29:2

Praise is the highest occupation of any being. What happens when we praise the Father? We reestablish the proper chain of command; we recognize that the King is on the throne and that he has saved his people.

By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"

Every Other Weekend

"Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." Phillippians 4:11

"I don't feel like going home today," Tim told his friend Brett. He kicked a stone on the pavement. "Nothing's going my way. I want to live with my dad, but it's been decided that we kids have to stay with Mom."

"So that's the problem," said Brett.

"Problem? It's a crisis!" cried Tim. "Dad always took time to do stuff with me. Y'know, guy stuff. Now I'll get to be with him only every other weekend."

"Well, you can talk to him on the phone, too, can't you?" asked Brett. "You still have a lot to be thankful for." Tim noticed Brett's eyes were bright - were those tears? Suddenly he remembered that ever since he met Brett at the beginning of the school year, he had never seen or heard anything about Brett's father. "Does your dad live with you?" Tim asked.

Brett shook his head. "My dad died," he said softly.

"Oh," said Tim, not sure what else to say "Sorry." Tim and Brett walked quietly. "How do you survive without ever seeing your dad?" Tim asked finally.

"It's not easy," Brett said, "but one day when I was trying to make a guitar with rubber bands and a long box, Mom helped me understand how she deals with it. Some rubber bands stretched and fit over my box easily, but others were tight and pulled out thin in order to get around the cardboard. A few even snapped," added Brett. He was still silent, remembering.

"What does that have to do with making it without your dad?' Tim asked.

"The ones that fit super-tight made the best music on my new guitar. And Mom said that as things happened in life, we're stretched, too - like those smaller rubber bands," explained Brett. "We may be uncomfortable, but we can choose to be content and make music, even during the hard times of our lives; or we can give up and snap and be useless. Mom and I decided to trust God to use this hard part of our lives for his good." N.E.K.

Taken from "The One Year Book of Devotions for Kids"

The Lilies

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow." Matthew 6:28

They do not toil:
Content with their allotted task
They do but grow; they do not ask
A richer lot, a higher sphere,
But in their loveliness appear,
And grow, and smile, and do their best,
And unto God they leave the rest.

MARIANNE FARNINGHAM

Interpose no barrier to His mighty life-giving power, working in you all the good pleasure of His will. Yield yourself up utterly to His sweet control. Put your growing into His hands as completely as you have put all your other affairs. Suffer Him to manage it as He will. Do not concern yourself about it, nor even think of it. Trust Him absolutely and always. Accept each moment's dispensation as it comes to you from His dear hands, as being the needed sunshine or dew for that moment's growth. Say a continual "yes" to your Father's will.

H. W. SMITH

Thine own self-will and anxiety, thy hurry and labor, disturb thy peace, and prevent Me from working in thee. Look at the little flowers, in the serene summer days; they quietly open their petals, and the sun shines into them with his gentle influences. So will I do for thee, if thou wilt yield thyself to Me.

G. TERSTEEGEN

Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"

Faith and Doubt

"You call for faith, I give you doubt, to prove that faith exists. The greater the doubt, the stronger the faith, I say, if faith overcomes doubt."

Robert Browning

What Makes a Christian a Christian?

"But if anyone does sin, we have a helper in the presence of the Father - Jesus Christ, the One who does what is right. He is the way our sins are taken away, and no only our sins but the sins of all people." I John 2:1-2

What makes a Christian a Christian is not perfection but forgiveness.

By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"

Quiet Earth

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

Stillness is more audible than any sound, not tinny like so many sounds I hear these days.

The silence is full and rich, insistent . . . demanding that I listen and suggesting always that I'd be foolish not to. Only fools refuse the counsel of the wise, and this silence seems to know everything. It seems I've been a prodigal, traipsing along behind the band just like a thoughtless gypsy anywhere the living was easy, stealing morsels when I could have had the loaf.

Maybe it's the oaks and beeches. These oaks have housed a thousand generations of owls and jays, and have withstood abuse from countless woodpeckers and people. They've seen the fleet-footed native child tossing pebbles at their roots and chasing little fawns around between them. They've stood and heard the council casting lots for war or peace while fragrant pipe smoke wafted through their branches.

Perhaps it is the brook, whispering of its secret travels, nurturing the earth along its way, or maybe it's the earth, the pregnant fertile earth, pulling me like influential kin back to my moorings and my heritage.

The earth is calling me home to the simple and eternal things. It persistently calls em to reject the glitter of the transient and return to Father's house.

The silence-a voice asking one pointed and unavoidable question: Will I return and inherit the earth? And here in the silence, the only sound to be heard is the whisper of my own answer.

By Gloria Gaither, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"

His Love

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians 3:20, 21.

We would not meagre gifts down-call
When Thou dost yearn to yield us all;
But for this life, this little hour,
Ask all Thy love and care and power.

J. INGELOW

God so loveth us that He would make all things channels to us and messengers of His love. Do for His sake deeds of love, and He will give thee His love. Still thyself, thy own cares, thy own thoughts for Him, and He will speak to thy heart. Ask for Himself, and He will give thee Himself. Truly, a secret hidden thing is the love of God, known only to them who seek it, and to them also secret, for what man can have of it here is how slight a foretaste of that endless ocean of His love!

E. B. PUSEY

Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"

Psalm 18:30-36

30 As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield
for all who take refuge in him.

31 For who is God besides the LORD ?
And who is the Rock except our God?

32 It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.

33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
he enables me to stand on the heights.

34 He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

35 You give me your shield of victory,
and your right hand sustains me;
you stoop down to make me great.

36 You broaden the path beneath me,
so that my ankles do not turn.

Like Palm and Cedar

"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon" (Psalm 92:12).

These trees are not trained and pruned by man: palms and cedars are "trees of the LORD," and it is by His care that they flourish. Even so it is with the saints of the LORD: they are His own care. These trees are evergreen and are beautiful objects at all seasons of the year. Believers are not sometimes holy and sometimes ungodly: they stand in the beauty of the LORD under all weathers. Everywhere these trees are noteworthy: no one can gaze upon a landscape in which there are either palms or cedars without his attention being fixed upon these royal growths. The followers of Jesus are the observed of all observers: like a city set on a hill, they cannot be hid. The child of God flourishes like a palm tree, which pushes all its strength upward in one erect column without a single branch. It is a pillar with a glorious capital. It has no growth to the right or to the left but sends all its force heavenward and bears its fruit as near the sky as possible. LORD, fulfill this type in me. The cedar braves all storms and grows near the eternal snows, the LORD Himself filling it with a sap which keeps its heart warm and its bough strong. LORD, so let it be with me, I pray Thee. Amen.

By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"

Praying and Forgiveness

"When you are praying, of you are angry with someone, forgive him so that your Father in heaven will also forgive your sins." Mark 11:25

Isn't it presumptuous to come to the throne of grace if we haven't been gracious to the people in our life? How can we approach a God of mercy if we ourselves have hearts full of bitterness or anger? We must take care of relationship problems - make up with a spouse, get along with fellow church members, love our neighbors - then we will be fully united in prayer with the Father.

By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"

Joy in the Present

"The meek shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." PSALMS 37:11

Joy is Thy gift, O Father!
Thou wouldst not have us pine;
In darkest hours Thy comfort
Doth aye most brightly shine;
Ah, then how oft Thy voice
Hath shed its sweetness o'er me,
And opened heaven before me,
And bid my heart rejoice!

PAUL GERHARDT

TO be with God, in whatever stage of being, under whatever conditions of existence, is to be in heaven. - DORA GREENWELL

I perceive we postpone all our joys of Christ, till He and we be in our own house above, thinking that there is nothing of it here to be sought or found, but only hope and fair promises; and that Christ will give us nothing here but tears, sadness, crosses; and that we shall never feel the smell of the flowers of that high garden of paradise above, till we come there. Nay, but I find it possible to find young glory, and a young green paradise of joy even here. We dream of hunger in Christ's house, while we are here, although He alloweth feasts to all the bairns within God's household. - SAMUEL RUTHERFORD

Compiled by Mary Wilder Tileston, taken from "Joy and Strength"

God in Everything

"It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good". (1 Sam. 3:18)

See God in everything, and God will calm and color all that thou dost see!" It may be that the circumstances of our sorrows will not be removed, their condition will remain unchanged; but if Christ, as Lord and Master of our life, is brought into our grief and gloom, "HE will compass us about with songs of deliverance." To see HIM, and to be sure that His wisdom cannot err, His power cannot fail, His love can never change; to know that even His direst dealings with us are for our deepest spiritual gain, is to be able to say, in the midst of bereavement, sorrow, pain, and loss, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath, taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

Nothing else but seeing God in everything will make us loving and patient with those who annoy and trouble us. They will be to us then only instruments for accomplishing His tender and wise purposes toward us, and we shall even find ourselves at last inwardly thanking them for the blessings they bring us. Nothing else will completely put an end to all murmuring or rebelling thoughts. - H. W. Smith.

"Give me a new idea," I said,
While musing on a sleepless bed;
"A new idea that'll bring to earth
A balm for souls of priceless worth;
That'll give men thoughts of things above,
And teach them how to serve and love,
That'll banish every selfish thought,
And rid men of the sins they've fought."

The new thought came, just how, I'll tell:
'Twas when on bended knee I fell,
And sought from HIM who knows full well
The way our sorrow to expel.
SEE GOD IN ALL THINGS, great and small,
And give HIM praise whate'er befall,
In life or death, in pain or woe,
See God, and overcome thy foe.

I saw HIM in the morning light,
HE made the day shine clear and bright;
I saw HIM in the noontide hour,
And gained from HIM refreshing shower.
At eventide, when worn and sad,
HE gave me help, and made me glad.
At midnight, when on tossing bed
My weary soul to sleep HE led.

I saw HIM when great losses came,
And found HE loved me just the same.
When heavy loads I had to bear,
I found HE lightened every care.
By sickness, sorrow, sore distress,
HE calmed my mind and gave me rest.
HE'S filled my heart with gladsome praise
Since I gave HIM the upward gaze.

'Twas new to me, yet old to some,
This thought that to me has become
A revelation of the way
We all should live throughout the day;
For as each day unfolds its light,
We'll walk by faith and not by sight.
Life will, indeed, a blessing bring,
If we SEE GOD IN EVERYTHING."

A. E. Finn

Compiled by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"

Psalm 143

A psalm of David.

1 O LORD, hear my prayer,
listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
come to my relief.
2 Do not bring your servant into judgment,
for no one living is righteous before you.

3 The enemy pursues me,
he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in darkness
like those long dead.

4 So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is dismayed.

5 I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.

6 I spread out my hands to you;
my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.
Selah

7 Answer me quickly, O LORD;
my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
or I will be like those who go down to the pit.

8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.

9 Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD,
for I hide myself in you.

10 Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground.

11 For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life;
in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.

12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
destroy all my foes,
for I am your servant.

Feed Your Spirit

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." Psalm 42:1

During the days when we are giving on demand, we need a constant source of nourishment for ourselves as well.

Psalm 42:1-4 provides a mental picture of the many moms who'd love to spend time with God but can't seem to fit it into their hectic days: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" (vs. 1-2).

There are many days when our spirits feel parched and we wonder when - or if - we'll ever "meet with God" again. Even getting to church once a week is often difficult.

Instead of waiting to go to the house of the Lord, why not invite him to your house? Sit down during a child's naptime and read a few verses from the Gospel of John. Use a mealtime blessing to really pray about what's happened that day. Leave your Bible open on the table and grab a phrase from one of the psalms as you walk by. Graze on Scripture morsels throughout the day from a flip book on the kitchen counter. Listen to a tape of the New Testament in the car. Take a prayer walk through the neighborhood and talk to God about the details of your day.

When you think of taking a break, include a practice that will feed your spirit.

By Elisa Morgan and Carol Kuykendall, taken from, "Women's Devotional Bible 2"

Forgive and Let Go

"Those who love your teachings will find true peace, and nothing will defeat them." Psalm 119:165

The God who is willing to forgive you has already forgiven you much more than you could ever forgive anyone else. The best thing you can do to bring peace to your life is to forgive the mistakes of others. I'm not saying justify their mistakes; I'm saying forgive them and let go.

By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"

God is Our Refuge and Strength

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea." Psalm 46:1-2

Though waves and storms go o'er my head,
Though strength and health and friends be gone,
Though joys be withered all, and dead,
Though every comfort be withdrawn,
On this my steadfast soul relies,--
Father! Thy mercy never dies.

JOHANN A. ROTHE

Your external circumstances may change, toil may take the place of rest, sickness of health, trials may thicken within and without. Externally, you are the prey of such circumstances; but if your heart is stayed on God, no changes or chances can touch it, and all that may befall you will but draw you closer to Him. Whatever the present moment may bring, your knowledge that it is His will, and that your future heavenly life will be influenced by it, will make all not only tolerable, but welcome to you, while no vicissitudes can affect you greatly, knowing that He who holds you in His powerful hand cannot change, but abideth forever.

JEAN NICOLAS GROU

Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"

Beginning to Sink

"But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him." Matthew 14:30-31

Beginning to sink . . . immediately . . . " But even so, for we are all weakness in ourselves, there are times when nothing comes to mind but these words. They assure us of so much more than they seem to say . . . Chiefly they bring the certainty that there will be no sinking, for Peter never sank. ("When I said, "My foot slippeth," - in that moment - "They mercy, O Lord, held me up.")

They come underneath the feeling of sinking; they say, "This shall never be." It was Christ's sorely tired prisoner, Samuel Rutherford, who wrote that the parings and crumbs of glory, a shower like the thin May-mist of his Lord's love was enough to make him green and sappy and joyful. Such a word, even such a little word as this, if only we open our hearts to its healing power, may be a crumb of glory enlightening the soul, a thin May-mist of His love making green and sappy (or glowing and golden) what was so dull and dry before. "And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him." How many seconds lie between a man's beginning to sink and his sinking? A second or less, I suppose, sees one who is beginning to sink under water. How swift, then, was the movement of love! And as He was, so He is. - Amy Carmichael

Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

E. A. Hoffman

By Charles E Fuller and J. Elwin Wright, taken from "Manna in the Morning"