2 Timothy 2:15
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."
2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB - New American Standard Bible)
October's Memory Verse: Proverbs 16:1-3
September's Memory Verse: Proverbs 17:9
Remember the key is to review review review. Always review the verses you've already memorized along with learning this month's verse.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Pruning
"And every branch that bringeth forth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit." John 15:2
Every purpose regarding our lives will be fulfilled. Every flower will be crowned with blossoms. Every vine will bear fruit. "His Calvary blossomed out into fertility." We shall have a calvary also, and it too shall blossom. There will be an abundant fruitage out of agony. There will be life out of death. This is the law of the universe.
Dr. Vincent relates an incident while viewing the luscious clusters of grapes hanging on the wall inside a great hothouse. The owner said, "When my new gardner came, he said he would have nothing to do with these vines unless he could cut them clear down to the stalk! And he did so, until there was seemingly nothing left! There were no grapes for two years, but this is the result!"
"God has challenging futures for us, and will go miracle-lengths to get us to pay attention."
The pruning knife is clasped by the Hand and Love Divine. At the most tender touch it cuts and breaks. Lives which have borne some fruit will now bear "much fruit." Those God wants to use to any significant degree will have to be pruned. Sorrow came more to Joseph than to his brethren, and the result was a great blessing to many nations. The Holy Spirit reported of him as "a fruitful bough . . . by a well; whose branches run over the wall" (Gen. 49:22). Human history projects the shadows of suffering in the great paintings, the great philosophies, and the great civilizations. They all have come into the light out of the shadows of torment. Do not fear the knife in the Pruner's hand.
Taken from "Streams in the Dessert"
Every purpose regarding our lives will be fulfilled. Every flower will be crowned with blossoms. Every vine will bear fruit. "His Calvary blossomed out into fertility." We shall have a calvary also, and it too shall blossom. There will be an abundant fruitage out of agony. There will be life out of death. This is the law of the universe.
Dr. Vincent relates an incident while viewing the luscious clusters of grapes hanging on the wall inside a great hothouse. The owner said, "When my new gardner came, he said he would have nothing to do with these vines unless he could cut them clear down to the stalk! And he did so, until there was seemingly nothing left! There were no grapes for two years, but this is the result!"
"God has challenging futures for us, and will go miracle-lengths to get us to pay attention."
The pruning knife is clasped by the Hand and Love Divine. At the most tender touch it cuts and breaks. Lives which have borne some fruit will now bear "much fruit." Those God wants to use to any significant degree will have to be pruned. Sorrow came more to Joseph than to his brethren, and the result was a great blessing to many nations. The Holy Spirit reported of him as "a fruitful bough . . . by a well; whose branches run over the wall" (Gen. 49:22). Human history projects the shadows of suffering in the great paintings, the great philosophies, and the great civilizations. They all have come into the light out of the shadows of torment. Do not fear the knife in the Pruner's hand.
Taken from "Streams in the Dessert"
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Two are better then One
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; if one falls down, his friends can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Climbing a steep hill, I was pleased to meet a friend who stopped for a while to talk. Not only was the conversation good, but it also gave me a chance to rest before continuing the hard climb.
The road of life is sometimes steep too. It is a beautiful thing to have friends to encourage me by stopping to talk. It is also beautiful when I can provide a rest stop and brighten someone else's climb.
Direct me, O great encourager, in paths that cross with other', so we may refresh each other. Amen.
By Sandra Drescher-Lehman
Climbing a steep hill, I was pleased to meet a friend who stopped for a while to talk. Not only was the conversation good, but it also gave me a chance to rest before continuing the hard climb.
The road of life is sometimes steep too. It is a beautiful thing to have friends to encourage me by stopping to talk. It is also beautiful when I can provide a rest stop and brighten someone else's climb.
Direct me, O great encourager, in paths that cross with other', so we may refresh each other. Amen.
By Sandra Drescher-Lehman
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Greenhouse of the Heart
"People harvest only what they plant." Galatians 6:7
Think for a moment of your heart as a greenhouse . . . And your heart, like a greenhouse, has to be managed.
Consider for a moment your thoughts as seed. Some thoughts become flowers. Others become weeds. Sow seeds of hope and enjoy optimism. Sow seeds of doubt and expect insecurity . . . .
The proof is everywhere you look. Ever wonder why some people have the Teflon capacity to resist negativism and remain patient, optimistic, and forgiving? Could it be that they have diligently sown seeds of goodness and are enjoying the harvest?
Ever wonder why others have such a sour outlook? Such a gloomy attitude? You would, too, if your heart were a greenhouse of weeds and thorns. - Just Like Jesus
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace For The Moment"
Think for a moment of your heart as a greenhouse . . . And your heart, like a greenhouse, has to be managed.
Consider for a moment your thoughts as seed. Some thoughts become flowers. Others become weeds. Sow seeds of hope and enjoy optimism. Sow seeds of doubt and expect insecurity . . . .
The proof is everywhere you look. Ever wonder why some people have the Teflon capacity to resist negativism and remain patient, optimistic, and forgiving? Could it be that they have diligently sown seeds of goodness and are enjoying the harvest?
Ever wonder why others have such a sour outlook? Such a gloomy attitude? You would, too, if your heart were a greenhouse of weeds and thorns. - Just Like Jesus
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace For The Moment"
Monday, October 27, 2008
Springs in the Valley
Last night I came across a wonderful verse tucked in the middle of the book of Psalms. "He sends forth springs in the valleys; they flow between the mountains." Psalm 104:10
Isn't it refreshing to drink a tall cool glass of crystal clear water on a hot summer day? How wonderful it is when the water quenches your thirst and gives your body the life force it needs? Often when we are in the valley of trials we need that spiritual water to quench our spiritual thirst. The valley can be so hard and painful. When you are wondering within it you can look up to the tall beautiful snow capped mountains and remember the mountain top experiences. They are what sustains you as you know your time in the valley will end and you'll once again be breathing in the fresh air on the mountain. But it's only when we are at the end of our rope and look up to Him that we receive the life giving water to sustain us through the remainder of our time in the valley.
Can you see it? Can you see that water cascading down in a long beautiful waterfall? Can you see it flowing through the river and into the valley just when you need it? Can you feel it sooth your sore spiritual throat? At times I'm not sure I can see it but I know it'll come. I know that God "will open rivers on the bare heights and springs in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land fountains of water." Isaiah 41:18
If you are in the valley don't continue to look down but turn your face upwards to the mountains where the Lord is waiting for you to return to. Take a drink from the water He provides from the mountain top. Learn what you need to learn in the valley and allow that water to give you strength to begin climbing. He will always send forth springs in the valley.
Krista Jones
4.8.08
Isn't it refreshing to drink a tall cool glass of crystal clear water on a hot summer day? How wonderful it is when the water quenches your thirst and gives your body the life force it needs? Often when we are in the valley of trials we need that spiritual water to quench our spiritual thirst. The valley can be so hard and painful. When you are wondering within it you can look up to the tall beautiful snow capped mountains and remember the mountain top experiences. They are what sustains you as you know your time in the valley will end and you'll once again be breathing in the fresh air on the mountain. But it's only when we are at the end of our rope and look up to Him that we receive the life giving water to sustain us through the remainder of our time in the valley.
Can you see it? Can you see that water cascading down in a long beautiful waterfall? Can you see it flowing through the river and into the valley just when you need it? Can you feel it sooth your sore spiritual throat? At times I'm not sure I can see it but I know it'll come. I know that God "will open rivers on the bare heights and springs in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land fountains of water." Isaiah 41:18
If you are in the valley don't continue to look down but turn your face upwards to the mountains where the Lord is waiting for you to return to. Take a drink from the water He provides from the mountain top. Learn what you need to learn in the valley and allow that water to give you strength to begin climbing. He will always send forth springs in the valley.
Krista Jones
4.8.08
Friday, October 24, 2008
Ready to Move
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2 Cor.5:1).
The owner of the tenement which I have occupied for many years has given notice that he will furnish but little or nothing more for repairs. I am advised to be ready to move.
At first this was not a very welcome notice. The surroundings here are in many respects very pleasant, and were it not for the evidence of decay, I should consider the house good enough. But even a light wind causes it to tremble and totter, and all the braces are not sufficient to make it secure. So I am getting ready to move.
It is strange how quickly one's interest is transferred to the prospective home. I have been consulting maps of the new country and reading descriptions of its inhabitants. One who visited it has returned, and from him I learn that it is beautiful beyond description; language breaks down in attempting to tell of what he heard while there. He says that, in order to make an investment there, he has suffered the loss of all things that he owned here, and even rejoices in what others would call making a sacrifice. Another, whose love to me has been proven by the greatest possible test, is now there. He has sent me several clusters of the most delicious fruits. After tasting them, all food here seems insipid.
Two or three times I have been down by the border of the river that forms the boundary, and have wished myself among the company of those who were singing praises to the King on the other side. Many of my friends have moved there. Before leaving they spoke of my coming later. I have seen the smile upon their faces as they passed out of sight. Often I am asked to make some new investments here, but my answer in every case is, "I am getting ready to move." --Selected
The words often on Jesus' lips in His last days express vividly the idea, "going to the Father." We, too, who are Christ's people, have vision of something beyond the difficulties and disappointments of this life. We are journeying towards fulfillment, completion, expansion of life. We, too, are "going to the Father." Much is dim concerning our home-country, but two things are clear. It is home, "the Father's House." It is the nearer presence of the Lord. We are all wayfarers, but the believer knows it and accepts it. He is a traveller, not a settler. --R. C. Gillie
The little birds trust God, for they go singing
From northern woods where autumn winds have blown,
With joyous faith their trackless pathway winging
To summer-lands of song, afar, unknown.
Let us go singing, then, and not go sighing:
Since we are sure our times are in His hand,
Why should we weep, and fear, and call it dying?
'Tis only flitting to a Summer-land.
--Selected
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
The owner of the tenement which I have occupied for many years has given notice that he will furnish but little or nothing more for repairs. I am advised to be ready to move.
At first this was not a very welcome notice. The surroundings here are in many respects very pleasant, and were it not for the evidence of decay, I should consider the house good enough. But even a light wind causes it to tremble and totter, and all the braces are not sufficient to make it secure. So I am getting ready to move.
It is strange how quickly one's interest is transferred to the prospective home. I have been consulting maps of the new country and reading descriptions of its inhabitants. One who visited it has returned, and from him I learn that it is beautiful beyond description; language breaks down in attempting to tell of what he heard while there. He says that, in order to make an investment there, he has suffered the loss of all things that he owned here, and even rejoices in what others would call making a sacrifice. Another, whose love to me has been proven by the greatest possible test, is now there. He has sent me several clusters of the most delicious fruits. After tasting them, all food here seems insipid.
Two or three times I have been down by the border of the river that forms the boundary, and have wished myself among the company of those who were singing praises to the King on the other side. Many of my friends have moved there. Before leaving they spoke of my coming later. I have seen the smile upon their faces as they passed out of sight. Often I am asked to make some new investments here, but my answer in every case is, "I am getting ready to move." --Selected
The words often on Jesus' lips in His last days express vividly the idea, "going to the Father." We, too, who are Christ's people, have vision of something beyond the difficulties and disappointments of this life. We are journeying towards fulfillment, completion, expansion of life. We, too, are "going to the Father." Much is dim concerning our home-country, but two things are clear. It is home, "the Father's House." It is the nearer presence of the Lord. We are all wayfarers, but the believer knows it and accepts it. He is a traveller, not a settler. --R. C. Gillie
The little birds trust God, for they go singing
From northern woods where autumn winds have blown,
With joyous faith their trackless pathway winging
To summer-lands of song, afar, unknown.
Let us go singing, then, and not go sighing:
Since we are sure our times are in His hand,
Why should we weep, and fear, and call it dying?
'Tis only flitting to a Summer-land.
--Selected
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Impulsiveness or Discipleship?
"But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith . . . " Jude 20
There was nothing of the nature of impulsive or thoughtless action about our Lord, but only a calm strength that never got into a panic. Most of us develop our Christianity along the lines of our own nature, not along the lines of God’s nature. Impulsiveness is a trait of the natural life, and our Lord always ignores it, because it hinders the development of the life of a disciple. Watch how the Spirit of God gives a sense of restraint to impulsiveness, suddenly bringing us a feeling of self-conscious foolishness, which makes us instantly want to vindicate ourselves. Impulsiveness is all right in a child, but is disastrous in a man or woman—an impulsive adult is always a spoiled person. Impulsiveness needs to be trained into intuition through discipline.
Discipleship is built entirely on the supernatural grace of God. Walking on water is easy to someone with impulsive boldness, but walking on dry land as a disciple of Jesus Christ is something altogether different. Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus, but he "followed Him at a distance" on dry land ( Mark 14:54 ). We do not need the grace of God to withstand crises—human nature and pride are sufficient for us to face the stress and strain magnificently. But it does require the supernatural grace of God to live twenty-four hours of every day as a saint, going through drudgery, and living an ordinary, unnoticed, and ignored existence as a disciple of Jesus. It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God—but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people—and this is not learned in five minutes.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost for His Highest"
There was nothing of the nature of impulsive or thoughtless action about our Lord, but only a calm strength that never got into a panic. Most of us develop our Christianity along the lines of our own nature, not along the lines of God’s nature. Impulsiveness is a trait of the natural life, and our Lord always ignores it, because it hinders the development of the life of a disciple. Watch how the Spirit of God gives a sense of restraint to impulsiveness, suddenly bringing us a feeling of self-conscious foolishness, which makes us instantly want to vindicate ourselves. Impulsiveness is all right in a child, but is disastrous in a man or woman—an impulsive adult is always a spoiled person. Impulsiveness needs to be trained into intuition through discipline.
Discipleship is built entirely on the supernatural grace of God. Walking on water is easy to someone with impulsive boldness, but walking on dry land as a disciple of Jesus Christ is something altogether different. Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus, but he "followed Him at a distance" on dry land ( Mark 14:54 ). We do not need the grace of God to withstand crises—human nature and pride are sufficient for us to face the stress and strain magnificently. But it does require the supernatural grace of God to live twenty-four hours of every day as a saint, going through drudgery, and living an ordinary, unnoticed, and ignored existence as a disciple of Jesus. It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God—but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people—and this is not learned in five minutes.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost for His Highest"
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Give Out The Blessing
"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his inner being shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:38).
Some of us are shivering and wondering why the Holy Spirit does not fill us. We have plenty coming in, but we do not give it out. Give out the blessing that you have, start larger plans for service and blessing, and you will soon find that the Holy Ghost is before you, and He will present you with blessings for service, and give you all that He can trust you to give away to others.
There is a beautiful fact in nature which has its spiritual parallels. There is no music so heavenly as an Aeolian harp, and the Aeolian harp is nothing but a set of musical chords arranged in harmony, and then left to be touched by the unseen fingers of the wandering winds. And as the breath of heaven floats over the chords, it is said that notes almost Divine float out upon the air, as if a choir of angels were wandering around and touching the strings.
And so it is possible to keep our hearts so open to the touch of the Holy Spirit that He can play upon them at will, as we quietly wait in the pathway of His service.--Days of Heaven upon Earth
When the apostles received the baptism with the Holy Ghost they did not rent the upper room and stay there to hold holiness meetings, but went everywhere preaching the gospel. --Will Huff
"If I have eaten my morsel alone,"
The patriarch spoke with scorn;
What would he think of the Church were he shown
Heathendom-huge, forlorn,
Godless, Christless, with soul unfed,
While the Church's ailment is fullness of bread,
Eating her morsel alone?
"Freely ye have received, so give,"
He bade, who hath given us all.
How shall the soul in us longer live
Deaf to their starving call,
For whom the blood of the Lord was shed,
And His body broken to give them. bread,
If we eat our morsel alone!"
--Archbishop Alexander
"Where is Abel thy brother?" (Gen. 4:9).
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Some of us are shivering and wondering why the Holy Spirit does not fill us. We have plenty coming in, but we do not give it out. Give out the blessing that you have, start larger plans for service and blessing, and you will soon find that the Holy Ghost is before you, and He will present you with blessings for service, and give you all that He can trust you to give away to others.
There is a beautiful fact in nature which has its spiritual parallels. There is no music so heavenly as an Aeolian harp, and the Aeolian harp is nothing but a set of musical chords arranged in harmony, and then left to be touched by the unseen fingers of the wandering winds. And as the breath of heaven floats over the chords, it is said that notes almost Divine float out upon the air, as if a choir of angels were wandering around and touching the strings.
And so it is possible to keep our hearts so open to the touch of the Holy Spirit that He can play upon them at will, as we quietly wait in the pathway of His service.--Days of Heaven upon Earth
When the apostles received the baptism with the Holy Ghost they did not rent the upper room and stay there to hold holiness meetings, but went everywhere preaching the gospel. --Will Huff
"If I have eaten my morsel alone,"
The patriarch spoke with scorn;
What would he think of the Church were he shown
Heathendom-huge, forlorn,
Godless, Christless, with soul unfed,
While the Church's ailment is fullness of bread,
Eating her morsel alone?
"Freely ye have received, so give,"
He bade, who hath given us all.
How shall the soul in us longer live
Deaf to their starving call,
For whom the blood of the Lord was shed,
And His body broken to give them. bread,
If we eat our morsel alone!"
--Archbishop Alexander
"Where is Abel thy brother?" (Gen. 4:9).
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The Awareness of the Call
". . . for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" 1 Corinthians 9:16
We are inclined to forget the deeply spiritual and supernatural touch of God. If you are able to tell exactly where you were when you received the call of God and can explain all about it, I question whether you have truly been called. The call of God does not come like that; it is much more supernatural. The realization of the call in a person’s life may come like a clap of thunder or it may dawn gradually. But however quickly or slowly this awareness comes, it is always accompanied with an undercurrent of the supernatural— something that is inexpressible and produces a "glow." At any moment the sudden awareness of this incalculable, supernatural, surprising call that has taken hold of your life may break through— "I chose you . . ." ( John 15:16 ). The call of God has nothing to do with salvation and sanctification. You are not called to preach the gospel because you are sanctified; the call to preach the gospel is infinitely different. Paul describes it as a compulsion that was placed upon him.
If you have ignored, and thereby removed, the great supernatural call of God in your life, take a review of your circumstances. See where you have put your own ideas of service or your particular abilities ahead of the call of God. Paul said, ". . . woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" He had become aware of the call of God, and his compulsion to "preach the gospel" was so strong that nothing else was any longer even a competitor for his strength.
If a man or woman is called of God, it doesn’t matter how difficult the circumstances may be. God orchestrates every force at work for His purpose in the end. If you will agree with God’s purpose, He will bring not only your conscious level but also all the deeper levels of your life, which you yourself cannot reach, into perfect harmony.
By Oswald Chambers taken from, "My Utmost for His Highest"
We are inclined to forget the deeply spiritual and supernatural touch of God. If you are able to tell exactly where you were when you received the call of God and can explain all about it, I question whether you have truly been called. The call of God does not come like that; it is much more supernatural. The realization of the call in a person’s life may come like a clap of thunder or it may dawn gradually. But however quickly or slowly this awareness comes, it is always accompanied with an undercurrent of the supernatural— something that is inexpressible and produces a "glow." At any moment the sudden awareness of this incalculable, supernatural, surprising call that has taken hold of your life may break through— "I chose you . . ." ( John 15:16 ). The call of God has nothing to do with salvation and sanctification. You are not called to preach the gospel because you are sanctified; the call to preach the gospel is infinitely different. Paul describes it as a compulsion that was placed upon him.
If you have ignored, and thereby removed, the great supernatural call of God in your life, take a review of your circumstances. See where you have put your own ideas of service or your particular abilities ahead of the call of God. Paul said, ". . . woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" He had become aware of the call of God, and his compulsion to "preach the gospel" was so strong that nothing else was any longer even a competitor for his strength.
If a man or woman is called of God, it doesn’t matter how difficult the circumstances may be. God orchestrates every force at work for His purpose in the end. If you will agree with God’s purpose, He will bring not only your conscious level but also all the deeper levels of your life, which you yourself cannot reach, into perfect harmony.
By Oswald Chambers taken from, "My Utmost for His Highest"
Monday, October 20, 2008
Ask Me Now
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5
Whether you need a weather forecast for Singapore or driving directions to a restaurant in Chicago, the answer may be just a cell-phone call away. A California-based mobile service called AskMeNow utilizes Internet content sources to send text-message replies to queries from registered users on just about any subject. In many cases, a text-message reply may be received within minutes of submitting a question.
In a sense, the invitation to ask anything, anytime, anywhere mirrors God’s call to all who follow Jesus: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach” (James 1:5). But this is more than a mobile information service. It is our heavenly Father’s promise to provide the guidance we need, especially during trying times.
All we need is a sincere desire to follow God’s direction and faith that His way is best. Because the Lord “gives generously to all men without making them feel foolish or guilty,” we can ask in faith without doubting (vv.5-6 Phillips).
The Internet is a great place to find helpful information, but there is only one source of divine wisdom to direct our steps each day. The Father invites our sincere requests anytime, anywhere. — David C. McCasland
My Lord is ever with me
Along life’s busy way;
I trust in Him completely
For guidance day by day. —Anon
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
Whether you need a weather forecast for Singapore or driving directions to a restaurant in Chicago, the answer may be just a cell-phone call away. A California-based mobile service called AskMeNow utilizes Internet content sources to send text-message replies to queries from registered users on just about any subject. In many cases, a text-message reply may be received within minutes of submitting a question.
In a sense, the invitation to ask anything, anytime, anywhere mirrors God’s call to all who follow Jesus: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach” (James 1:5). But this is more than a mobile information service. It is our heavenly Father’s promise to provide the guidance we need, especially during trying times.
All we need is a sincere desire to follow God’s direction and faith that His way is best. Because the Lord “gives generously to all men without making them feel foolish or guilty,” we can ask in faith without doubting (vv.5-6 Phillips).
The Internet is a great place to find helpful information, but there is only one source of divine wisdom to direct our steps each day. The Father invites our sincere requests anytime, anywhere. — David C. McCasland
My Lord is ever with me
Along life’s busy way;
I trust in Him completely
For guidance day by day. —Anon
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
Friday, October 17, 2008
Controlling our Tongues
Controlling the tongue was the topic of my evening Bible reading. And I might say that there are times when my tongue has been unleashed it has been so destructive that I am ashamed about it. Proverbs 21:23 says, "He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles." Ok, now isn't that the truth?! Off of this verse I was lead to Proverbs 13:3 which says, "The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; the one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin." In my study notes on this verse it says that the ability to control the tongue is one of the clearest marks of wisdom. YIKES! If this is the truth then I've got a longer way to go then I had previously thought.
Last summer Eric and I went to his step-grandfather's funeral. Donny was such a quiet man that I never really got to know him. Eric worked for him while in high school and knew him pretty well but we were unable to get in good visits with that side of the family while Donny was alive. I was deeply touched by the testimony of his life and how much he ministered and touched the community in which he lived and worked in. One thing that was repeated by many was that Donny never had a bad thing to say about anyone. No matter what he went through or what was done to him he seemed to always find the good out of any situation. He was an encourager, servant and lover of Jesus who allowed Jesus to shine brightly through his life. WOW! What a legacy to leave behind for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to live by.
There was a time in my life where I guarded my tongue better. It may be because I was shy and afraid to talk. I had more control and kept things to myself. Then, I found my voice and have been forming opinions ever since. If I feel I'm right I will let my tongue have it's way just to prove my point. And along the way I have hurt many not realizing that my words could be very damaging. James 3:8 says, "But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison." I have watched my words cut people down and I have watched my words build them up. There is much power in our words and if we're not careful we can abuse a gift that God has given to us all. The gift of speech is a beautiful thing if used properly.
Benjamin Franklin once said, "Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." Humm, interesting quote to ponder . . . . .
I walked away from Donny's funeral deeply saddened because I never took the time to get to know the man so many called their friend. Donny's life was cut short in my eyes but it was apparent that he was called home. His purpose was complete. And yet, it still lives on and can only live on by those of us who will teach our children to live like their Grandpa Donny. To aspire to be a person who will be known as a servant, loving all and never saying anything bad about anyone.
I pray that we can be, "quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." (James 1:19).
Krista Jones
3.3.08
Last summer Eric and I went to his step-grandfather's funeral. Donny was such a quiet man that I never really got to know him. Eric worked for him while in high school and knew him pretty well but we were unable to get in good visits with that side of the family while Donny was alive. I was deeply touched by the testimony of his life and how much he ministered and touched the community in which he lived and worked in. One thing that was repeated by many was that Donny never had a bad thing to say about anyone. No matter what he went through or what was done to him he seemed to always find the good out of any situation. He was an encourager, servant and lover of Jesus who allowed Jesus to shine brightly through his life. WOW! What a legacy to leave behind for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to live by.
There was a time in my life where I guarded my tongue better. It may be because I was shy and afraid to talk. I had more control and kept things to myself. Then, I found my voice and have been forming opinions ever since. If I feel I'm right I will let my tongue have it's way just to prove my point. And along the way I have hurt many not realizing that my words could be very damaging. James 3:8 says, "But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison." I have watched my words cut people down and I have watched my words build them up. There is much power in our words and if we're not careful we can abuse a gift that God has given to us all. The gift of speech is a beautiful thing if used properly.
Benjamin Franklin once said, "Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment." Humm, interesting quote to ponder . . . . .
I walked away from Donny's funeral deeply saddened because I never took the time to get to know the man so many called their friend. Donny's life was cut short in my eyes but it was apparent that he was called home. His purpose was complete. And yet, it still lives on and can only live on by those of us who will teach our children to live like their Grandpa Donny. To aspire to be a person who will be known as a servant, loving all and never saying anything bad about anyone.
I pray that we can be, "quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." (James 1:19).
Krista Jones
3.3.08
Thursday, October 16, 2008
A True Know-It-All
"Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as His counselor has informed Him?" Isaiah 40:13
If your grade school was anything like mind, you had a "know-it-all" in your class. On any subject, Mister or Miss Know-it-all could expound at length. Nothing made you madder than to see some kid who acted like he new everything, because you knew he didn't know half of it.
There's only one who knows it all in the universe, and it isn't that kid. It is the great God whose perfections we have been studying. One of the attributes of our God is His omniscience, a word made up of two words; omni, which means all, and science, which has to do with knowledge.
So when we talk about the omniscience of God, we are referring to His "all-knowingness,' what God knows. This is one of a trilogy of God's "omni" attributes we will consider the next few days. A simple definition is that god's omniscience refers to His perfect knowledge of all things both actual and potential.
Let's make sure we get it down straight. The omniscience of god means that there is absolutely nothing He doesn't know - that there is no information system or set of data that exists anywhere outside of God's knowledge - nothing. He depends on no one outside of Himself for any knowledge about anything.
I like the story of the wealthy grandfather who was getting up in age. He was going deaf, but he went to the doctor and was fitted with a unique hearing aid. It not only overcame the old man's deafness, but it allowed him to hear perfectly. When he went back to the doctor for a checkup, the doctor commented, "Well, your family must be extremely happy to know that you can now hear."
The grandfather said, "No, I haven't told them about my hearing aid. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I've already changed my will twice."
When folk don't think you know, it will greatly affect what they say and do! Are you living in light of the fact that God hears and sees everything you say and do? I hope so, because He does.
Think About It: God knows you intimately, every cell in your body, and He loves you!
By Tony Evans, taken from "Time To Get Serious"
If your grade school was anything like mind, you had a "know-it-all" in your class. On any subject, Mister or Miss Know-it-all could expound at length. Nothing made you madder than to see some kid who acted like he new everything, because you knew he didn't know half of it.
There's only one who knows it all in the universe, and it isn't that kid. It is the great God whose perfections we have been studying. One of the attributes of our God is His omniscience, a word made up of two words; omni, which means all, and science, which has to do with knowledge.
So when we talk about the omniscience of God, we are referring to His "all-knowingness,' what God knows. This is one of a trilogy of God's "omni" attributes we will consider the next few days. A simple definition is that god's omniscience refers to His perfect knowledge of all things both actual and potential.
Let's make sure we get it down straight. The omniscience of god means that there is absolutely nothing He doesn't know - that there is no information system or set of data that exists anywhere outside of God's knowledge - nothing. He depends on no one outside of Himself for any knowledge about anything.
I like the story of the wealthy grandfather who was getting up in age. He was going deaf, but he went to the doctor and was fitted with a unique hearing aid. It not only overcame the old man's deafness, but it allowed him to hear perfectly. When he went back to the doctor for a checkup, the doctor commented, "Well, your family must be extremely happy to know that you can now hear."
The grandfather said, "No, I haven't told them about my hearing aid. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I've already changed my will twice."
When folk don't think you know, it will greatly affect what they say and do! Are you living in light of the fact that God hears and sees everything you say and do? I hope so, because He does.
Think About It: God knows you intimately, every cell in your body, and He loves you!
By Tony Evans, taken from "Time To Get Serious"
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Lord Is Peace
"God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7
The Lord came to Gideon and told him he was to lead his people in victory over the Midianites. That's like God telling a housewife to stand up to her abusive husband or a hight school student to take on drug peddlers or a preacher to preach the truth to a congregation of Pharisees. "Y-y-you-b-b-better get someone else," we stammer. But then god reminds us that He can, and to prove us that He knows we can't, but He can, and to prove it He gives a wonderful gift. He brings a spirit of peace. A peace before the storm. A peace beyond logic . . . He gave it to David after He showed HIm goliath; He gave it to Saul after He showed him the gospel; He gave it to Jesus after He showed HIm the cross. and He gave it to Gideon. So Gideon, in turn, gave the name to God. He built an alter and named it Jehovah-shalom, the Lord is peace (Judges 65:24).
By Max Lucado taken from, "Grace for the Moment"
The Lord came to Gideon and told him he was to lead his people in victory over the Midianites. That's like God telling a housewife to stand up to her abusive husband or a hight school student to take on drug peddlers or a preacher to preach the truth to a congregation of Pharisees. "Y-y-you-b-b-better get someone else," we stammer. But then god reminds us that He can, and to prove us that He knows we can't, but He can, and to prove it He gives a wonderful gift. He brings a spirit of peace. A peace before the storm. A peace beyond logic . . . He gave it to David after He showed HIm goliath; He gave it to Saul after He showed him the gospel; He gave it to Jesus after He showed HIm the cross. and He gave it to Gideon. So Gideon, in turn, gave the name to God. He built an alter and named it Jehovah-shalom, the Lord is peace (Judges 65:24).
By Max Lucado taken from, "Grace for the Moment"
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Healing
Healing means "to restore to health or soundness; cure. To set right; repair. To restore (a person) to spiritual wholeness and to become whole and sound; return to health."
I came across a verse that the Lord led me to on October 13, 2001 shortly after my first Women's Retreat with New Hope Christian Church. The guest speaker was not someone I really cared for but something out of that weekend brought peace to my life after my ordeal with NHL. That August I had come up to the first year after I was diagnosed. I was still recovering from treatment but I felt great because I had won a major battle. Eric was unemployed but hopeful that he'd find another design job. We had just started going to New Hope Christian Church and felt like we found a church family we could be a part of. The girls were happy and healthy. And, we were discussing having another baby. I was so happy at the thought that we could have another child and maybe make up for the fact that I lost out on Emily's first year. I have no idea when she started to crawl, talk, walk or any other major milestone because it's all a blur.
Then came the oncology appointment that fell around the anniversary of when I was diagnosed. After finding out all was well we discussed our desire to have another baby. To that he said, "I would strongly recommend you don't. If you should choose to have another baby you would have to wait 2 years for your body to be fully rid of the toxins of chemotherapy. The nature of your type of cancer is that by then it will have returned and will no longer be treatable through traditional treatments. If you do become pregnant and we discover your cancer has returned, you will have two choices. One, terminate the pregnancy and get treated immediately. Or two, carry the pregnancy to full term risking the chances of the cancer spreading to the point where it can't be treated. Thus, you'd be leaving Eric with 3 young children to take care of."
I felt like I hit a wall the size of the Great Wall of China. Reality set in and my high was over. I was a mess after that appointment. My dreams of having another baby were shattered and I mourned that loss. I mourned the loss of my previous cancer free life full of hopes and dreams. I mourned the loss of forever having to be reminded that my life wasn't my own and that I had to live with the threat of my cancer returning. That October Eric forced me to go to the Women's Retreat. I didn't want to go because I wasn't settling in at as he was. But went I did and out of it came a life changing moment.
Psalm 103:1-3 says, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases." Next to this verse I wrote "Another reminder of God's healing power over NHL. Note: Jeremiah 30:17" I turned to Jeremiah 30:17 and it says, "For I will restore you to health and I will heal you of your wounds; declares the Lord." I was wounded and in need of the Lord's healing both physically and spiritually. I turned to Him that day and began to release all that I mourned over into His hands. I took on the promise in Jeremiah 30:6, "Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth."
That day began my journey of healing and living the life of a cancer survivor. I had crossed over from cancer victim to cancer fighter the year before. What I didn't realize was that I had to cross over from cancer fighter to cancer survivor and that is where I was struggling. I could no longer live upon the fact that I had won my first battle with it. That fact couldn't keep me alive for the long haul. I had to somehow come to terms that I had been healed but the healing may not last for a life time. Living the life of a survivor in the beginning is not easy. In fact, it's mentally harder then going through treatment. I honestly think this is true for any major trial you're dealing with. It's a difficult process to get through but once on the other side life will be different. The fact that the trial took place may have lasting consequences and reminders that you can never escape from. But that doesn't mean you can't gain healing and peace out of it. You have to be willing to acknowledge the fact that it's part of your history and can't be changed. That you're a different person because of it but that's OK. God can bring healing through it and give you freedom and peace. Turn it all over to Him and "Then your light will break out like the dawn, and your recover will speedily spring forth; and your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard." (Isaiah 58:8).
Krista Jones
3.2.08
I came across a verse that the Lord led me to on October 13, 2001 shortly after my first Women's Retreat with New Hope Christian Church. The guest speaker was not someone I really cared for but something out of that weekend brought peace to my life after my ordeal with NHL. That August I had come up to the first year after I was diagnosed. I was still recovering from treatment but I felt great because I had won a major battle. Eric was unemployed but hopeful that he'd find another design job. We had just started going to New Hope Christian Church and felt like we found a church family we could be a part of. The girls were happy and healthy. And, we were discussing having another baby. I was so happy at the thought that we could have another child and maybe make up for the fact that I lost out on Emily's first year. I have no idea when she started to crawl, talk, walk or any other major milestone because it's all a blur.
Then came the oncology appointment that fell around the anniversary of when I was diagnosed. After finding out all was well we discussed our desire to have another baby. To that he said, "I would strongly recommend you don't. If you should choose to have another baby you would have to wait 2 years for your body to be fully rid of the toxins of chemotherapy. The nature of your type of cancer is that by then it will have returned and will no longer be treatable through traditional treatments. If you do become pregnant and we discover your cancer has returned, you will have two choices. One, terminate the pregnancy and get treated immediately. Or two, carry the pregnancy to full term risking the chances of the cancer spreading to the point where it can't be treated. Thus, you'd be leaving Eric with 3 young children to take care of."
I felt like I hit a wall the size of the Great Wall of China. Reality set in and my high was over. I was a mess after that appointment. My dreams of having another baby were shattered and I mourned that loss. I mourned the loss of my previous cancer free life full of hopes and dreams. I mourned the loss of forever having to be reminded that my life wasn't my own and that I had to live with the threat of my cancer returning. That October Eric forced me to go to the Women's Retreat. I didn't want to go because I wasn't settling in at as he was. But went I did and out of it came a life changing moment.
Psalm 103:1-3 says, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases." Next to this verse I wrote "Another reminder of God's healing power over NHL. Note: Jeremiah 30:17" I turned to Jeremiah 30:17 and it says, "For I will restore you to health and I will heal you of your wounds; declares the Lord." I was wounded and in need of the Lord's healing both physically and spiritually. I turned to Him that day and began to release all that I mourned over into His hands. I took on the promise in Jeremiah 30:6, "Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth."
That day began my journey of healing and living the life of a cancer survivor. I had crossed over from cancer victim to cancer fighter the year before. What I didn't realize was that I had to cross over from cancer fighter to cancer survivor and that is where I was struggling. I could no longer live upon the fact that I had won my first battle with it. That fact couldn't keep me alive for the long haul. I had to somehow come to terms that I had been healed but the healing may not last for a life time. Living the life of a survivor in the beginning is not easy. In fact, it's mentally harder then going through treatment. I honestly think this is true for any major trial you're dealing with. It's a difficult process to get through but once on the other side life will be different. The fact that the trial took place may have lasting consequences and reminders that you can never escape from. But that doesn't mean you can't gain healing and peace out of it. You have to be willing to acknowledge the fact that it's part of your history and can't be changed. That you're a different person because of it but that's OK. God can bring healing through it and give you freedom and peace. Turn it all over to Him and "Then your light will break out like the dawn, and your recover will speedily spring forth; and your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard." (Isaiah 58:8).
Krista Jones
3.2.08
Monday, October 13, 2008
To Glorify Christ Jesus
"He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you" (John 16:14).
The Holy Ghost Himself cannot better glorify the LORD Jesus than by showing to us Christ's own things. Jesus is His own best commendation. There is no adorning Him except with his own gold. The Comforter shows us that which He has received of our LORD Jesus. We never see anything aright till He reveals it. He has a way of opening our minds and of opening the Scriptures, and by this double process He sets forth our LORD to us. There is much art in setting forth a matter, and that art belongs in the highest degree to the Spirit of truth. He shows us the things themselves. This is a great privilege, as those know who have enjoyed the hallowed vision. Let us seek the illumination of the Spirit; not to gratify our curiosity, nor even to bring us personal comfort, so much as to glorify the LORD Jesus. Oh, to have worthy ideas of Him! Groveling notions dishonor our precious LORD. Oh, to have such vivid impressions of His person, and work, and glory that we may with heart and soul cry out to His praise! Where there is a heart enriched by the Holy Ghost's teaching there will be a Savior glorified beyond expression. Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly light, and show us Jesus our LORD!
By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Chrckbook"
The Holy Ghost Himself cannot better glorify the LORD Jesus than by showing to us Christ's own things. Jesus is His own best commendation. There is no adorning Him except with his own gold. The Comforter shows us that which He has received of our LORD Jesus. We never see anything aright till He reveals it. He has a way of opening our minds and of opening the Scriptures, and by this double process He sets forth our LORD to us. There is much art in setting forth a matter, and that art belongs in the highest degree to the Spirit of truth. He shows us the things themselves. This is a great privilege, as those know who have enjoyed the hallowed vision. Let us seek the illumination of the Spirit; not to gratify our curiosity, nor even to bring us personal comfort, so much as to glorify the LORD Jesus. Oh, to have worthy ideas of Him! Groveling notions dishonor our precious LORD. Oh, to have such vivid impressions of His person, and work, and glory that we may with heart and soul cry out to His praise! Where there is a heart enriched by the Holy Ghost's teaching there will be a Savior glorified beyond expression. Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly light, and show us Jesus our LORD!
By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Chrckbook"
Friday, October 10, 2008
My Anxious Thoughts
Anxious means, "Uneasy and apprehensive about an uncertain event or matter; worried." I have often been anxious throughout my whole life. As a child I remember worrying about EVERYTHING. I use to stay up worrying at night over silly things. One worried thought would lead to the next until I was piling them up like the twenty mattresses and and feather beds the Princes in the Pea slept upon. I'd literally feel heart pounding anxiety. Over the years the Lord has freed me from that deep anxiety but I do find myself falling into the worry trap easily.
Last night I came across a good verse. Psalm 94:19, "When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul." Here is a verse that speaks directly of who I have been and still can be today. It's not often that I'm that Princesses on top of those mattresses of worry. But there are times I do wake up and the thoughts start coming and I can no longer fall asleep. It is at those times that I repeat, Philippians 4:6-7, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
When we pray this verse and give God what we're worrying about it gives Him the control. Or more likely, it helps us realize we were never in control over the situation in the first place . . . :-). I Peter 5:7 says, "Casting all your anxiety to Him, because He cares for you." I like what Henry Ford had to say about worrying. "I believe God is managing affairs and that He doesn't need any advice from me. With God in charge, I believe everything will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about."
When you feel those anxious thoughts creep in, repeat Philippians 4:6-7 and say to yourself, "so what is there to worry about?"
Memo from God
Author: Unknown
To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: THE BOSS
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE
I am God.
Today I will be handling all of your problems.
Please remember that I do not need your help.
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it.
Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box.
All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it.
Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.
If you find yourself stuck in traffic; Don't despair.
There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work;
Think of the man who has been out of work for years.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad;
Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of another weekend;
Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance;
Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror;
Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose?
Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities;
Remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!
Should you decide to send this to a friend;
Thank you, you may have touched their life in ways you will never know!
Krista Jones
2.29.08
Last night I came across a good verse. Psalm 94:19, "When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul." Here is a verse that speaks directly of who I have been and still can be today. It's not often that I'm that Princesses on top of those mattresses of worry. But there are times I do wake up and the thoughts start coming and I can no longer fall asleep. It is at those times that I repeat, Philippians 4:6-7, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
When we pray this verse and give God what we're worrying about it gives Him the control. Or more likely, it helps us realize we were never in control over the situation in the first place . . . :-). I Peter 5:7 says, "Casting all your anxiety to Him, because He cares for you." I like what Henry Ford had to say about worrying. "I believe God is managing affairs and that He doesn't need any advice from me. With God in charge, I believe everything will work out for the best in the end. So what is there to worry about."
When you feel those anxious thoughts creep in, repeat Philippians 4:6-7 and say to yourself, "so what is there to worry about?"
Memo from God
Author: Unknown
To: YOU
Date: TODAY
From: THE BOSS
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference: LIFE
I am God.
Today I will be handling all of your problems.
Please remember that I do not need your help.
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it.
Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box.
All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it.
Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.
If you find yourself stuck in traffic; Don't despair.
There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.
Should you have a bad day at work;
Think of the man who has been out of work for years.
Should you despair over a relationship gone bad;
Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.
Should you grieve the passing of another weekend;
Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.
Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance;
Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.
Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror;
Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.
Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose?
Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.
Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities;
Remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!
Should you decide to send this to a friend;
Thank you, you may have touched their life in ways you will never know!
Krista Jones
2.29.08
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Do Not Forecast Grief
Sitting one still and sunny afternoon in a tiny chapel on an island in the South, I thought I heard someone enter. A young woman was weeping quietly. After a little time I asked if I could help. She confided her fears for the future--what if her husband should die? Or one of her children? What if money ran out?
All our fears represent in some form, I believe, the fear of death, common to all of us. But is it our business to pry into what may happen tomorrow? It is a difficult and painful exercise which saps the strength and uses up the time given us today. Once we give ourselves up to God, shall we attempt to get hold of what can never belong to us--tomorrow? Our lives are His, our times in His hand, He is Lord over what wil1 happen, never mind what may happen. When we prayed "Thy will be done," did we suppose He did not hear us? He heard indeed, and daily makes our business His and partakes of our lives. If my life is once surrendered, all is well. Let me not grab it back, as though it were in peril in His hand but would be safer in mine!
Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now.
"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof"--and the work thereof. The evil is not a part of the yoke Jesus asks us to take. Our work is, and He takes that yoke with us. I will overextend myself if I assume anything more.
God chains the dog till night; wilt loose the chain
And wake thy sorrow?
Wilt thou forestall it, and now grieve tomorrow,
And then again
Grieve over freshly all thy pain?
Either grief will not come, or if it must,
Do not forecast;
And while it cometh, it is almost past.
Away, distrust;
My God hath promis'd; He is just.
-George Herbert, "The Discharge"
By Elisabeth Elliot
All our fears represent in some form, I believe, the fear of death, common to all of us. But is it our business to pry into what may happen tomorrow? It is a difficult and painful exercise which saps the strength and uses up the time given us today. Once we give ourselves up to God, shall we attempt to get hold of what can never belong to us--tomorrow? Our lives are His, our times in His hand, He is Lord over what wil1 happen, never mind what may happen. When we prayed "Thy will be done," did we suppose He did not hear us? He heard indeed, and daily makes our business His and partakes of our lives. If my life is once surrendered, all is well. Let me not grab it back, as though it were in peril in His hand but would be safer in mine!
Today is mine. Tomorrow is none of my business. If I peer anxiously into the fog of the future, I will strain my spiritual eyes so that I will not see clearly what is required of me now.
"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof"--and the work thereof. The evil is not a part of the yoke Jesus asks us to take. Our work is, and He takes that yoke with us. I will overextend myself if I assume anything more.
God chains the dog till night; wilt loose the chain
And wake thy sorrow?
Wilt thou forestall it, and now grieve tomorrow,
And then again
Grieve over freshly all thy pain?
Either grief will not come, or if it must,
Do not forecast;
And while it cometh, it is almost past.
Away, distrust;
My God hath promis'd; He is just.
-George Herbert, "The Discharge"
By Elisabeth Elliot
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Long Hours
"I will give myself unto prayer." Psalm 109:4
We are often in a religious hurry in our devotions. How much time do we spend in them daily? Can it not be easily reckoned in minutes? Who ever knew an eminently holy man who did not spend much of his time in prayer? Did ever a man exhibit much of the spirit of prayer, who did not devote much time in his closet?
Whitefield says, "Whole days and weeks have I spent prostrate on the ground, in silent or vocal prayer." "Fall upon your knees and grow there," is the language of another, who knew whereof he affirmed.
It has been said that no great work in literature or science was ever wrought by a man who did not love solitude. We may lay it down as an elemental principle of religion, that no large growth in holiness was ever gained by one who did not take time to be often, and long, alone with God. - The Still Hour
"'Come, come,' He saith, 'O soul oppressed and weary,
Come to the shadows of my desert rest;
Come walk with Me far from life's babbling discords,
And peace shall breathe like music in thy breast.'"
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
We are often in a religious hurry in our devotions. How much time do we spend in them daily? Can it not be easily reckoned in minutes? Who ever knew an eminently holy man who did not spend much of his time in prayer? Did ever a man exhibit much of the spirit of prayer, who did not devote much time in his closet?
Whitefield says, "Whole days and weeks have I spent prostrate on the ground, in silent or vocal prayer." "Fall upon your knees and grow there," is the language of another, who knew whereof he affirmed.
It has been said that no great work in literature or science was ever wrought by a man who did not love solitude. We may lay it down as an elemental principle of religion, that no large growth in holiness was ever gained by one who did not take time to be often, and long, alone with God. - The Still Hour
"'Come, come,' He saith, 'O soul oppressed and weary,
Come to the shadows of my desert rest;
Come walk with Me far from life's babbling discords,
And peace shall breathe like music in thy breast.'"
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Laying Your Cares at His Feet
"Give your worries to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will never let good people down." Psalm 55:22
Only you can surrender your concerns to the Father. No one else can take those away and give them to God. Only you can cast all your anxieties on the one who cares for you. What better way to start the day than by laying your cares at His feet?
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
Only you can surrender your concerns to the Father. No one else can take those away and give them to God. Only you can cast all your anxieties on the one who cares for you. What better way to start the day than by laying your cares at His feet?
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
Monday, October 06, 2008
The Waiting Game
"A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11
Impatient people are like cats petted backwards - apt to yowl over the discomfort of things not done right or not done at all. But Proverbs 19:11 spells out the divine imperative: "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense."
Unlike jigsaw puzzles, people don't always fit together perfectly. Everyone's personality has unique ins and outs. Some are busy, get-it-done types, for whom people are a means to an end. Others are more laid-back; they talk about getting something done, but never quite get to it. To them, people and relationships are the end.
When these two types get together, they can despair over the other's failures, blind to their own. Or they can see those conflicts as opportunities for their own growth.
Single until her mid-thirties, Dora had numerous roommates who stretched her comfort zone.
"I like the dishes always done and the floor vacuumed," she says. "But the Lord needed to expose my inflexibility. The roommates he sent were my opposites. They lived on the telephone and were blind to dust. But they also drew me out of myself and taught me how to care for people."
In (my) family, cartoons help us celebrate our differences and be patient with one another. Any comic strip that hits home is clipped and posted on the refrigerator for laughs. Then I paste it in a notebook, kept with the family photo albums, for repeat laughs and long-term reminders of how human we are really are.
By Jeanne Zornes, taken from "Women's Daily Devotional Bible 1"
Impatient people are like cats petted backwards - apt to yowl over the discomfort of things not done right or not done at all. But Proverbs 19:11 spells out the divine imperative: "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense."
Unlike jigsaw puzzles, people don't always fit together perfectly. Everyone's personality has unique ins and outs. Some are busy, get-it-done types, for whom people are a means to an end. Others are more laid-back; they talk about getting something done, but never quite get to it. To them, people and relationships are the end.
When these two types get together, they can despair over the other's failures, blind to their own. Or they can see those conflicts as opportunities for their own growth.
Single until her mid-thirties, Dora had numerous roommates who stretched her comfort zone.
"I like the dishes always done and the floor vacuumed," she says. "But the Lord needed to expose my inflexibility. The roommates he sent were my opposites. They lived on the telephone and were blind to dust. But they also drew me out of myself and taught me how to care for people."
In (my) family, cartoons help us celebrate our differences and be patient with one another. Any comic strip that hits home is clipped and posted on the refrigerator for laughs. Then I paste it in a notebook, kept with the family photo albums, for repeat laughs and long-term reminders of how human we are really are.
By Jeanne Zornes, taken from "Women's Daily Devotional Bible 1"
Friday, October 03, 2008
Are you your own worst enemy?
Psalm 86:11 says, "Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name."
My Bible study notes say that David's dependance on God here is complete as well as his devotion to God. What he is saying is that he still needs to be saved from his enemies from the outside but also from his frailty within. He knows he is his worse enemy and seeks to be united with his God. God wants us to watch over our hearts as He tells us in Proverbs 4:23, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." It is important to guard my heart from the world with all diligence so that it doesn't become separated from our God. How are people to know the Lord if we are united with the world? How are our children to learn about Him if we united with the world? I think of how I want to break the chains of horrible things that have bound my family for generations so that the generations after me will not have to suffer the same way. What I would like to do is start a chain of God that future generations can attach themselves to. A glorious chain of love, obedience and sharing the Good News. God says, "And I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me always, for their own good and for the good of their children after them." (Jer. 32:39)
Let us not forget to seek our God diligently. By doing so we continue to become fully united with Him and separated from the world. He tells us in Deuteronomy 4:29 & 31, "There you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul . . . . . For the Lord your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them." WOW, by seeking the Lord with all our heart and soul we are guaranteed the promises He has given to us.
Oh that it would be so easy!!! I still feel like the Israelites who have seen with their own eyes the miracles and power of God and yet, cannot seem to keep His commandments. It seems like such a simple thing to do. Follow God's commandments and prosper in the promised land protected by Him. Hello! easy peasy. Yet, I read and understand what I need to do but fail to follow it just like the Israelites did. I can be my worse enemy and need protection from what my sinful nature desires. I pray that we will yearn to have a united heart that fears the Lord. That we will not only hear what the Word has to say but apply it in our daily living. I understand that it doesn't guarantee an easy life but it does guarantee an eternal life filled with joy. It guarantees that you are never alone in your struggles, pain and suffering. That you have a loving Father in heaven who will gently guide you through your life if only you seek to unite your heart with Him.
Krista Jones
2.28.08
My Bible study notes say that David's dependance on God here is complete as well as his devotion to God. What he is saying is that he still needs to be saved from his enemies from the outside but also from his frailty within. He knows he is his worse enemy and seeks to be united with his God. God wants us to watch over our hearts as He tells us in Proverbs 4:23, "Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." It is important to guard my heart from the world with all diligence so that it doesn't become separated from our God. How are people to know the Lord if we are united with the world? How are our children to learn about Him if we united with the world? I think of how I want to break the chains of horrible things that have bound my family for generations so that the generations after me will not have to suffer the same way. What I would like to do is start a chain of God that future generations can attach themselves to. A glorious chain of love, obedience and sharing the Good News. God says, "And I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me always, for their own good and for the good of their children after them." (Jer. 32:39)
Let us not forget to seek our God diligently. By doing so we continue to become fully united with Him and separated from the world. He tells us in Deuteronomy 4:29 & 31, "There you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul . . . . . For the Lord your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them." WOW, by seeking the Lord with all our heart and soul we are guaranteed the promises He has given to us.
Oh that it would be so easy!!! I still feel like the Israelites who have seen with their own eyes the miracles and power of God and yet, cannot seem to keep His commandments. It seems like such a simple thing to do. Follow God's commandments and prosper in the promised land protected by Him. Hello! easy peasy. Yet, I read and understand what I need to do but fail to follow it just like the Israelites did. I can be my worse enemy and need protection from what my sinful nature desires. I pray that we will yearn to have a united heart that fears the Lord. That we will not only hear what the Word has to say but apply it in our daily living. I understand that it doesn't guarantee an easy life but it does guarantee an eternal life filled with joy. It guarantees that you are never alone in your struggles, pain and suffering. That you have a loving Father in heaven who will gently guide you through your life if only you seek to unite your heart with Him.
Krista Jones
2.28.08
Thursday, October 02, 2008
No water is too deep for our God!
Last night during my reading I came across Psalm 81:7, "You called in trouble and I rescued you; I answered you in the hiding place of thunder; I proved you at the waters of Meribath."
I know I might be taking this out of context but I was stuck by the awesomeness of our God. How powerful and mighty He is. How He is in control of all things great and small. That out of His mighty thunder He reaches down to us with a gentle hand to rescue us. Psalm 18:15 talks about how powerful God is, "Then the channels of water appeared, and the fountains of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of Your nostrils." I pretty sure this is referring to when the Israelites walked across the sea floor while God kept the waters parted. "At the blast of Your nostrils the waters were piled up, the flowing waters stood up like a heap; the deeps were congealed in the heart of the sea." (Exodus 15:8).
And even as powerful and great as God is, He is still concerned with the small details of our lives. "The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands." (Psalm 19:1).
Here's a tid-bit from my devotional reading this morning: "God is great in great things, but very great in little things," says Henry Dyer. "A party stood on the Matterhorn admiring the sublimity of the scene, when a gentleman produced a pocket microscope, and having caught a fly, placed it under the glass. He reminded us that the legs of the household fly in England were naked, then called attention to the legs of this little fly, which were thickly covered with hair, thus showing that the same God who made the lofty Swiss mountains had also attended to the comfort of His tiniest creatures, even producing socks and mittens for the little fly whose home these mountains were. This God is our God!" (taken from Streams in the Desert Volume 2).
I can see that when the trials come into my life and I wonder if God really cares about what I'm going through that He does care. If He cares enough to cloth the little Matterhorn fly then He cares enough to cloth me with His love. That when my trials are as deep as the deepest waters He is still deeper. I sometimes feel like the Israelites standing at the water's edge with the Egyptian army behind me wondering which way to turn. And here God provides a way of escape by parting the deep waters for me. Out of his great thunder He rescues. No water is too deep for our God!
Krista Jones
2.27.08
I know I might be taking this out of context but I was stuck by the awesomeness of our God. How powerful and mighty He is. How He is in control of all things great and small. That out of His mighty thunder He reaches down to us with a gentle hand to rescue us. Psalm 18:15 talks about how powerful God is, "Then the channels of water appeared, and the fountains of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of Your nostrils." I pretty sure this is referring to when the Israelites walked across the sea floor while God kept the waters parted. "At the blast of Your nostrils the waters were piled up, the flowing waters stood up like a heap; the deeps were congealed in the heart of the sea." (Exodus 15:8).
And even as powerful and great as God is, He is still concerned with the small details of our lives. "The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands." (Psalm 19:1).
Here's a tid-bit from my devotional reading this morning: "God is great in great things, but very great in little things," says Henry Dyer. "A party stood on the Matterhorn admiring the sublimity of the scene, when a gentleman produced a pocket microscope, and having caught a fly, placed it under the glass. He reminded us that the legs of the household fly in England were naked, then called attention to the legs of this little fly, which were thickly covered with hair, thus showing that the same God who made the lofty Swiss mountains had also attended to the comfort of His tiniest creatures, even producing socks and mittens for the little fly whose home these mountains were. This God is our God!" (taken from Streams in the Desert Volume 2).
I can see that when the trials come into my life and I wonder if God really cares about what I'm going through that He does care. If He cares enough to cloth the little Matterhorn fly then He cares enough to cloth me with His love. That when my trials are as deep as the deepest waters He is still deeper. I sometimes feel like the Israelites standing at the water's edge with the Egyptian army behind me wondering which way to turn. And here God provides a way of escape by parting the deep waters for me. Out of his great thunder He rescues. No water is too deep for our God!
Krista Jones
2.27.08
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
October's Memory Verse
Last night my family read the devotion below. I thought it perfect for today.
Don't Be A Baby
"You have been Christians a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others. Instead you need someone to teach you again the basic things a beginner must learn about the Scriptures. You are like babies who drink only milk and cannot eat solid food. And a person who is living on milk isn't very far along in the Christian life and doesn't know much about doing what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who have trained themselves to recognize the difference between right and wrong and then do what is right." Hebrews 5:12-14
It was devotion time at the Ryan home. "Tonight," began Dad, "let's each quote a Bible verse. Choose one that has had special meaning to you recently."
Uh-oh, thought Andy. I haven't learned any new verses in weeks.
Andy listened to his big sister, Angela. "Psalm 119:97; 'Oh, how I love thy low! It is my meditation all the day,' " she quoted, "This verse reminds me to think about God's Word during the day."
"A good lesson for us all," said Dad. "How about you, Andy?"
"I like John 3:16," Andy replied. " 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.' "
"You always say the same verse," fussed Angela, rolling her eyes. "Don't you ever learn any new ones?"
"It's an important verse," Mom assured him, "and I'm glad you like it. But it's also important to add new verses to our memory."
"Think of it this way," said Dad. "Mom gives Sarah baby food, right? But what if she gave all of us strained food?"
"Yuck!" Andy wrinkled his nose. "Baby food is for babies. We nee solid food so we can grow."
"Right," said Dad. "John 3:16 is an important verse - just like baby food is important for Sarah. But as we grow in our Christian lives, we need to add solid foods to our spiritual diet so we won't be spiritual weaklings."
"In that case," said Andy, "please pass the Bible. I don't want to be a baby."
How about you?: Have you learned any new verses lately? Are you adding new truths from the Bible to your spiritual life? It's important to remember verses we learned when we first became Christians, but we also should be learning new things so we can keep on growing.
Key: Learn a new verse.
Taken from Family Devotions, Volume 1
MEMORY VERSE FOR OCTOBER:
Proverbs 16:1-3
"The plans of the heart belong to man. But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives. Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established."
Proverbs 16:1-3 (NASB - New American Standard Bible)
September's Memory Verse: Proverbs 17:9
Remember the key is to review review review. Always review the verses you've already memorized along with learning this month's verse. If you'd like, post a comment and let me know how it's going.
Don't Be A Baby
"You have been Christians a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others. Instead you need someone to teach you again the basic things a beginner must learn about the Scriptures. You are like babies who drink only milk and cannot eat solid food. And a person who is living on milk isn't very far along in the Christian life and doesn't know much about doing what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who have trained themselves to recognize the difference between right and wrong and then do what is right." Hebrews 5:12-14
It was devotion time at the Ryan home. "Tonight," began Dad, "let's each quote a Bible verse. Choose one that has had special meaning to you recently."
Uh-oh, thought Andy. I haven't learned any new verses in weeks.
Andy listened to his big sister, Angela. "Psalm 119:97; 'Oh, how I love thy low! It is my meditation all the day,' " she quoted, "This verse reminds me to think about God's Word during the day."
"A good lesson for us all," said Dad. "How about you, Andy?"
"I like John 3:16," Andy replied. " 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.' "
"You always say the same verse," fussed Angela, rolling her eyes. "Don't you ever learn any new ones?"
"It's an important verse," Mom assured him, "and I'm glad you like it. But it's also important to add new verses to our memory."
"Think of it this way," said Dad. "Mom gives Sarah baby food, right? But what if she gave all of us strained food?"
"Yuck!" Andy wrinkled his nose. "Baby food is for babies. We nee solid food so we can grow."
"Right," said Dad. "John 3:16 is an important verse - just like baby food is important for Sarah. But as we grow in our Christian lives, we need to add solid foods to our spiritual diet so we won't be spiritual weaklings."
"In that case," said Andy, "please pass the Bible. I don't want to be a baby."
How about you?: Have you learned any new verses lately? Are you adding new truths from the Bible to your spiritual life? It's important to remember verses we learned when we first became Christians, but we also should be learning new things so we can keep on growing.
Key: Learn a new verse.
Taken from Family Devotions, Volume 1
MEMORY VERSE FOR OCTOBER:
Proverbs 16:1-3
"The plans of the heart belong to man. But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives. Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established."
Proverbs 16:1-3 (NASB - New American Standard Bible)
September's Memory Verse: Proverbs 17:9
Remember the key is to review review review. Always review the verses you've already memorized along with learning this month's verse. If you'd like, post a comment and let me know how it's going.
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