Thinking of You

"Pray and ask God for everything you need always giving thanks." Philippians 4:6

Heaven knows no difference between Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon. God longs to speak as clearly in the workplace as He does in the sanctuary. He longs to be worshiped when we sit at the dinner table and not just when we come to His communion table. You may go days without thinking of Him, but there's never a moment when He's not thinking of you.

Knowing this, we understand Paul's rigorous goal: "We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5). We can fathom why He urges us to "pray without ceasing" (I Thess. 5:17), "be constant in prayer" (Rom. 12:12) . . . and "let heaven fill your thoughts" (Col. 4:2). - The Great House of God.

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

There is a River

"There is a river, the streams wherof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High." Psalm 46:6

There is a river.

We need not cry out for supply. The river is already there. " . . . the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God." Not only are we promised always adequate supply, but we are promised gladness too.

There is a river.

And it is to "Make glad . . . the holy place of the tabernacles of the most high." We are His tabernacles. "Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?"

It is impossible for us to conceive being glad when our hearts are breaking, but god has said it. We don't need to conceive it. We can conceive very little of what God has in mind for us anyway. "It is too high" for us.

It is a waste of time to try to reach it. We can only receive.

The rive is there.

In you. To "make glad . . ." The adequate supply seems to be taken for granted in this "blue stone" verse. God feels it necessary only to remind us that not only will our needs be met, but the river is full enough to make us glad too.

There is a river.

No matter what is tearing at you right now, remember, "there is a river . . . "

"Be still, and know that I am God . . . "

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

Christian Perfection?

"Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men." Acts 24:16

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt g I will guide thee with mine eye." Psalm 32:8.

Oh, keep thy conscience sensitive;
No inward token miss;
And go where grace entices thee;--
Perfection lies in this.

F. W. FABER

We need only obey. There is guidance for each of us, and by lowly listening we shall hear the right word. - R. W. EMERSON

The heights of Christian perfection can only be reached by faithfully each moment following the Guide who is to lead you there, and He reveals your way to you one step at a time, in the little things of your daily lives, asking only on your part that you yield yourselves up to His guidance. If then, in anything you feel doubtful or troubled, be sure that it is the voice of your Lord, and surrender it at once to His bidding, rejoicing with a great joy. - H. W. SMITH

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

Doing it on my own

As I ponder over the past year I can see that I've allowed myself to be puffed up. When trouble arises, my first instinct has been to turn to myself instead of God. God was there with His hand stretched out asking me to take it so He could lead the way through. Yet, I turned a blind eye to it and walked through the darkness flailing my hands back and forth trying to find something solid to grasp onto.

This morning I read about the Israelites escape from Egypt. God literally physically led them, "By the day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in the pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people." Exodus 13:21-22. God sent this pillar to go ahead of the people to show them the way they should go (Deut. 1:33). I like what the psalmist says about the cloud, "He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give light at night." Psalm 105:39. In Exodus 14:19-20 the cloud moved from being ahead of them to going behind them in protecting them from Pharaoh's army. I just never left them.

"The story is told of a small boy trying very hard to lift a heavy object. His father coming into the room and noticing the son's
struggle asked him, "Are you using all your strength?" "yes, of course I am," the boy impatiently exclaimed. "You are not," the
father answered. "You haven't asked me to help you." - I'm like this small boy!

In my selfishness I've chosen to ignore God's guidance. I've opened myself up to being unprotected and lead astray. Oh Lord, may I never take my eyes off You always looking up and not side to side. How many things have I missed because I chose to look to myself to solve my problems? If Moses had chose to ignore you and deal with escaping on his own, what would have happened to the People and history? Please don't let my selfishness bring pain to others. Please don't let it get in the way of other's pursuit of you. During my trials may I take to heart what you told the Israelites, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:14). Instead of panic rash decisions of my choosing, I only need to be still, looking for you and wait for your hand to close around mine to lead me. Thank you for your loving guidance. Thank you for your patience in growing me through my stubbornness. Thank you for being my pillar. Amen.

Krista Jones
2.22.08

If I could . . . .

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

If I could, I'd write for you a rainbow
And splash it with all the colors of God
And hang it in the window of your being
Your eyes would open first

to Hope and Promise.


If I could, I'd wipe away your tears
And hold you close forever in shalom.
But God never promised
I could write a rainbow,
Never promised I could suffer for you,
Only promised I could love you.
That I do.

By Ann Weems, Women's Devotional Bible 2

He's waiting for us

"As the mountains surround Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds His people now and forever." Psalm 125:2

We have a Father who is filled with compassion, a feeling Father who hurts when His children hurt. we serve a God who says that even when we're under pressure and feel like nothing is going to go right, He's waiting for us, to embrace us whether we succeed or fail.

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

Smashed Rainbows

"The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:17-18

A little girl and her mother were walking down a sidewalk after a rainstorm. Someone had spilled some automobile oil on the pavement. Seeing that, the little girl said, "Mommy, look at all of the smashed rainbows!"

Maybe your rainbows have been smashed, and you have a broken heart. Perhaps you don't feel close to God because of your heartache. What can you do to be near to Him? First, keep in mind that nearness is likeness. "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart" (v. 18). The more we are like God, the nearer we are to Him. How close can you get to God? You can get as close to Him as you want. Draw near to Him, and He will draw near to you. Remember that God knows the meaning of a broken heart. Jesus Christ literally experienced one. He was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Isa. 53:3). Let your experiences make you more like Jesus, and He will draw near to you.

Second, remember that God gives grace to the humble. "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). David also said, "A broken and a contrite heart--these, O God, You will not despise" (Ps. 51:17).

Our Lord came "to heal the brokenhearted" (Luke 4:18). Do you have a broken heart that needs healed? Here's the simple secret: Give the Lord all the pieces, and He will heal you.

Everyone has experienced dashed hopes and smashed plans. Take comfort in knowing that your Lord heals the broken heart. Are you getting over a crushing experience? The Lord understands what you are going through. Draw near to Him with a humble spirit and give Him the broken pieces of your heart.

By Dr. Warren Wiersbe

Fear to Fear

"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD" (Jeremiah 1:8).

Whenever fear comes in and makes us falter, we are in danger of falling into sin. Conceit is to be dreaded, but so is cowardice. "Dare to be a Daniel." Our great Captain should be served by brave soldiers.

What a reason for bravery is here! God is with those who are with Him. God will never be away when the hour of struggle comes. Do they threaten you? Who are you that you should be afraid of a man that shall die? Will you lose your situation? Your God whom you serve will find bread and water for His servants. Can you not trust Him? Do they pour ridicule upon you? Will this break your bones or your heart? Bear it for Christ's sake, and even rejoice because of it.

God is with the true, the just, the holy, to deliver them; and He will deliver you. Remember how Daniel came out of the lions' den and the three holy children out of the furnace. Yours is not so desperate a case as theirs; but if it were, the LORD would bear you through and make you more than a conqueror. Fear to fear. Be afraid to be afraid. Your worst enemy is within your own bosom. Get to your knees and cry for help, and then rise up saying, "I will trust, and not be afraid."

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

Carry Your Cross

"Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Mark 8:34).

The cross which my Lord bids me take up and carry may assume different shapes. I may have to content myself with a lowly and narrow sphere, when I feel that I have capacities for much higher work. I may have to go on cultivating year after year, a field which seems to yield me no harvests whatsoever. I may be bidden to cherish kind and loving thoughts about someone who has wronged me--be bidden speak to him tenderly, and take his part against all who oppose him, and crown him with sympathy and succor. I may have to confess my Master amongst those who do not wish to be reminded of Him and His claims. I may be called to "move among my race, and show a glorious morning face," when my heart is breaking. There are many crosses, and every one of them is sore and heavy. None of them is likely to be sought out by me of my own accord. But never is Jesus so near me as when I lift my cross, and lay it submissively on my shoulder, and give it the welcome of a patient and unmurmuring spirit.

He draws close, to ripen my wisdom, to deepen my peace, to increase my courage, to augment my power to be of use to others, through the very experience which is so grievous and distressing, and then--as I read on the seal of one of those Scottish Covenanters whom Claverhouse imprisoned on the lonely Bass, with the sea surging and sobbing round--I grow under the load.--Alexander Smellie.
"Use your cross as a crutch to help you on, and not as a stumblingblock to cast you down."

"You may others from sadness to gladness beguile,
If you carry your cross with a smile."

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

"Lord, carest Thou not that we perish?"

"He is a refuge in desperate hours." Psalm 9:9

A well-known business man would drop into our office every few days. His visits were ever times of spiritual refreshing. His face was always wreathed in smiles. He had an elastic tread. He radiated victory. A few minutes in his presence and one felt a lifting tides of God, for victory acts as a contagion. The old prophets knew this secret when they wrote of the carpenter encouraging the goldsmith, and the goldsmith encouraging those that beat out the tongs, etc.

Recently this same man shuffled into our office, sank down in a chair, buried his face between his hands, and burst into tears. What had happened to this child of God? He had fainted in the day of adversity. He experienced a great calamity which swept away his home, his business, his money. Then he began to worry, and, in consequence, he lost his health and is now a physical wreak. Here was Satan's opportunity, and he was not slow to avail himself of it. He came with the insidious question, "How are you going to face the world!" He led this once triumphant Christian to the very edge of the precipice, and told him to cast himself down. Everything was dark, pitch dark.

The Father cares when He sees His children in the teeth of a blinding storm, but He knows that faith grows in the tempest. He will hold our hands bidding us not to try to see the next step we are to take. He who knows the paths of a hundred million stars, knows the way through the whirlwind and the storm, and his promised, "I will never, never let go your hand!"

There is unquestionably a grave danger of many becoming spiritually paralyzed by depression. the forces of darkness are so imminent, the magnitude of the crisis is so great that many are being tempted to cry out with the disciples, "Lord, carest Thou not that we perish?" Yet He who may appear to be "asleep upon a pillow" is riding upon the storm in all His Divine majesty. The great need is for more faith in the omnipotent God.

By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Dessert" Volume 2

Imitators of the Living God

On Saturday I went to a celebration of life memorial for my daughter's friend Codey. I really didn't want to go and dreaded is all day Friday. Had a hard time sleeping and felt anxious all night. But, my daughter's class was going to perform Codey's favorite song and we felt it was a great way for us all to get closure on his death.

Katelyn and I got there early for practice and as soon as I walked in the doors and heard the youth band practicing I broke into tears. I didn't think I could manage sitting through the whole service. But in time the service started and I could tell that it wasn't going to be like any other service. There was hope in this service. Knowing that Codey knew the Lord made me feel less anxious. Seeing 400 people come together to honor his life was amazing. His mother was shocked by how many people's lives were touched by Codey. That little guy made a big difference in all of our lives in only 10 short years. We all cried, laughed and celebrated one special boy together as a whole community.

I walked away feeling exhausted and tear stained but finally at peace with what happened. I also walked away with the reminder of how Codey's life reflected Jesus and that I, 27 years his senior, have yet to do that to the extent he did. I sometimes have to stop and think about helping people where he just did it. It was imbedded in his DNA to be a friend to all regardless of age, race or popularity.

I am blessed to have known Codey for 3 short years and will miss that goofy little face coming up to me in the morning saying, "hi" and asking where Katelyn was. Sadly, this year the boys and girls don't "hang" out like they did last year so I haven't seen him as often. But I will remember his kindness, respectfulness and that infectious smile.

When I think about Codey and even Eric's step-Grandfather, Donny, I think about this verse, "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." (Ephesians 5:1). Both Codey and Grandpa Donny died tragic deaths that could have been avoided. But because of their deaths others lives have been touched and changed. I have no idea who may come to the Lord after yesterday's service. But I pray that we all walked away different.

I pray that we can be imitator's of the Living God. That we will walk into people's lives like a bright light filling them with Jesus.

Krista Jones
3.15.08

Taking the Next Step

". . . in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses" 2 Corinthians 6:4

When you have no vision from God, no enthusiasm left in your life, and no one watching and encouraging you, it requires the grace of Almighty God to take the next step in your devotion to Him, in the reading and studying of His Word, in your family life, or in your duty to Him. It takes much more of the grace of God, and a much greater awareness of drawing upon Him, to take that next step, than it does to preach the gospel.

Every Christian must experience the essence of the incarnation by bringing the next step down into flesh-and-blood reality and by working it out with his hands. We lose interest and give up when we have no vision, no encouragement, and no improvement, but only experience our everyday life with its trivial tasks. The thing that really testifies for God and for the people of God in the long run is steady perseverance, even when the work cannot be seen by others. And the only way to live an undefeated life is to live looking to God. Ask God to keep the eyes of your spirit open to the risen Christ, and it will be impossible for drudgery to discourage you. Never allow yourself to think that some tasks are beneath your dignity or too insignificant for you to do, and remind yourself of the example of Christ in John 13:1-17.

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

From Nothing

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. No light. No sky. No land. It’s incomprehensible to our finite thinking—the barren nothingness that existed before Genesis 1:1.

Then suddenly, through the work of the Almighty, God supplanted nothingness with “the heavens and the earth.” The divine hand reached through the void and produced a place, a world, a universe. Through the magnificent convergence of the workings of the Godhead—with the Son enacting the will of the Father as the Agent of creation, and the Holy Spirit as the hovering Presence—nothing became something. History began its long march toward today.

The first verse of Genesis provides us with sufficient concepts to contemplate for a lifetime. That introductory statement speaks of enough glory, enough majesty, enough awe to leave us speechless before God. Just as today we would have no life, no breath, no existence without His sustaining action, neither would we have the cosmos without His mighty act at the moment of creation.

In awe we wonder what went on before “the beginning.” With breathless praise we marvel at the words “God created the heavens and the earth.” We read—and we stand in adoration. “Nothing” has never been so fascinating! — Dave Branon

I sing the mighty power of God
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad
And built the lofty skies. —Watts

Nature is but a name for an effect whose cause is God.

Taken from "Our Daily Bread

Grief

Grief. It comes in many shapes and sizes nor does everyone grieve in the same way. This week our community is grieving over the loss of a child who died a senseless death. This child was in my daughter's class and her friend. As her parents we were the ones who had to tell our girls that he had passed away. It's not something you'd think you would ever have to talk about because children shouldn't have to die. As I was having lunch with my oldest I overheard one of her classmates say that "he was just too young to die."

I grieve for his parents and siblings. I grieve for the classmates who are experiencing a new kind of pain that many have never felt before. I grieve over the loss of never seeing this child again. Never having him come up to me in the mornings with a smile on his face asking how I'm doing. I grieve over watching my girls sort through their feelings and deal with how to cope with their loss. Will the pain for them ever go away?

Tonight I came across a verse that gave me comfort. Psalm 147:3 says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." In time God can bring healing to the family who lost their son. He can bring healing to our community who lost a friend, student and all around wonderful person. I pray that whatever you're dealing with that you can take comfort in knowing you aren't alone. That the Lord will heal your broken heart and bind up your wounds. Turn to Him and allow Him into your life so He can begin the healing process. He's only a prayer away.

Krista Jones
3.11.08

Perseverance

"In the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the Lord." Exodus 16:7

"Serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope." Romans 12:11, 12.

Every day is a fresh beginning,
Every morn is the world made new.
You who are weary of sorrow and sinning,
Here is a beautiful hope for you;
A hope for me and a hope for you.
SUSAN COOLIDGE

Be patient with every one, but above all with yourself. I mean, do not be disturbed because of your imperfections, and always rise up bravely from a fall. I am glad that you make a daily new beginning; there is no better means of progress in the spiritual life than to be continually beginning afresh, and never to think that we have done enough. - ST. FRANCIS DE SALES

Because perseverance is so difficult, even when supported by the grace of God, thence is the value of new beginnings. For new beginnings are the life of perseverance. - E. B. PUSEY

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

Who Is the Servant?

"Martha was distracted with much serving . . . But Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:40-42

Martha is worried about something good. She's having Jesus over for dinner. She's literally serving God. Her aim was to please Jesus. But she made a common, yet dangerous mistake. As she began to work for Him, her wok became more important then her Lord. What began as a way to serve Jesus, slowly and subtly became a way to serve self . . . She has forgotten that the meal is to honor Jesus, not Martha . . .

It's easy to forget who is the servant and who is to be served. - He Still Moves Stones

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

Our Misgivings About Jesus

"The woman said to Him, ’Sir, You have nothing to draw [water] with, and the well is deep’ " John 4:11

Have you ever said to yourself, "I am impressed with the wonderful truths of God’s Word, but He can’t really expect me to live up to that and work all those details into my life!" When it comes to confronting Jesus Christ on the basis of His qualities and abilities, our attitudes reflect religious superiority. We think His ideals are lofty and they impress us, but we believe He is not in touch with reality— that what He says cannot actually be done. Each of us thinks this about Jesus in one area of our life or another. These doubts or misgivings about Jesus begin as we consider questions that divert our focus away from God. While we talk of our dealings with Him, others ask us, "Where are you going to get enough money to live? How will you live and who will take care of you?" Or our misgivings begin within ourselves when we tell Jesus that our circumstances are just a little too difficult for Him. We say, "It’s easy to say, ’Trust in the Lord,’ but a person has to live; and besides, Jesus has nothing with which to draw water— no means to be able to give us these things." And beware of exhibiting religious deceit by saying, "Oh, I have no misgivings about Jesus, only misgivings about myself." If we are honest, we will admit that we never have misgivings or doubts about ourselves, because we know exactly what we are capable or incapable of doing. But we do have misgivings about Jesus. And our pride is hurt even at the thought that He can do what we can’t.

My misgivings arise from the fact that I search within to find how He will do what He says. My doubts spring from the depths of my own inferiority. If I detect these misgivings in myself, I should bring them into the light and confess them openly— "Lord, I have had misgivings about You. I have not believed in Your abilities, but only my own. And I have not believed in Your almighty power apart from my finite understanding of it."

By Oswald Chamber, taken from "My Utmost for His Highest"

Art Appreciation

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

Lord,
Sometimes when I look
At my life
It seems like a homespun
Patch-work quilt . . .
Quaint, but not quite "together"!
There are bits and pieces of
Cloths and colors,
Scraps of material,
The days of my life . . .

When you began to put together
The days of my life
You must have known
Where each piece would go . . .
You've told me that I am
Fearfully and wonderfully
Made . . .
And I believe you, Lord,
I do!
I may not be a velvet tapestry,
But even crazy-quilts
Have purpose,
To give warmth and
Cozy comfort and
Color to a room!

Whatever I am, Lord,
You made me . .
Lovingly,
Carefully,
Reverently,
And exactly right!

By Joy Morgan Davis, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"

Faithfully Present

"The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them." Luke 19:10

Our God is the God who follows. Have you sensed Him following you? He is the one who came to seek and save the lost. Have you sensed Him seeking you?

Have you felt His presence through the kindness of a stranger? Through the majesty of a sunset or the mystery of romance? Through the question of a child or the commitment of a spouse? Through a word well spoken or a touch well timed, have you sensed Him? . . .

God gives us Himself. Even when we choose our hovel over His house or our trash over His grace, still He follows. Never forcing us. Never leaving us. patiently persistent. Faithfully present. He uses all His power to convince us that He is who He is and He can be trusted to lead us home." - The Gift for All People

By Max Lucadeo, taken from "Grace for the Moment."

God's Perfect Timing

The time is near for the Israelites to leave Egypt. Plague after plague has struck Egypt and God continues to harden Pharaoh's heart so that he will not let the Israelites go. It's hard to think about God hardening someone's heart but he did so with Pharaoh who refused to follow the one true God. And God did this " . . . so that I may perform these miraculous signs of mine among them that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the Lord." (Exodus 10:1-2). He did this so that we would all know that He is Lord - the Egyptians, Israelites, their descendants as well as us. What an incredible testimony we have to learn from!

And so, here is my man Moses. My fearful-can't-speak-in-public beloved Bible character. Somehow Moses went from being hesitant to do all these things to becoming the spokesperson of God. He was transformed during this time. Was it because his faith grew as he witnessed God's awesome power? Was it because he jumped in and started doing the work God asked him to do and grew from experience? Something happened and Moses went from a baby faith to walking by faith alone. Hebrews 11:27 says, "By faith he (Moses) left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible." Ah, you gotta love Hebrews!!!!

Maturing in my faith can be a rather long process as it seems like I take 5 steps forward and 20 back. It can be frustrating at times as I want to be ahead of where I'm at. But then, when I start moving forward after taking many steps backwards, I realize that God knows me so well that He knows when I'm ready for the next step. I love Psalm 37:23-24, "If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." In the margin of my Bible I wrote this quote, "I shall never be able to go too fast if the Lord is in front of me; and I can never go too slowly if I follow Him always, everywhere."

God's timing is always perfect just like it was perfect in bringing the Israelites out of Egypt. God needs to grow me further like He grew Moses into become the man he became. I pray that I will have a willing heart to follow God and allow Him to train me so that when the time is right I will be ready to serve Him where He needs me.

Krista Jones
1.21.08

Do you bear the seal of God?

"And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever." Isaiah 32:17

The heart that ministers for Thee
In Thy own work will rest;
And the subject spirit of a child
Can serve Thy children best.
A. L. WARING

It matters not where or what we are, so we be His servants. They are happy who have a wide field and great strength to fulfil His missions of compassion; and they, too, are blessed who, in sheltered homes and narrow ways of duty, wait upon Him in lowly services of love. Wise or simple, gifted or slender in knowledge, in the world's gaze or in hidden paths, high or low, encompassed by affections and joys of home, or lonely and content in God alone, what matters, so that they bear the seal of the living God? Blessed company, unknown to each other, unknowing even themselves! - H. E. MANNING

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