"He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again." 2 Corinthians 5:15
Mark Twain said, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
This quote appears on a Web site intended to help people discover what they are passionate about so they can live with greater significance.
The apostle Paul’s passion in life was largely driven by concern for the eternal destiny of others. In 2 Corinthians 5, he names three things that fueled his passion. First, he recognized that he was accountable to Christ for his service and wanted to give a good accounting at the judgment seat of Christ (vv.9-10). Second, Paul was driven by Christ’s love and a desire that others would know the love that he had experienced. In verse 14 he wrote, “For the love of Christ compels us.” Finally, he understood that a lost and dying world needs the Savior (v.20).
What are you passionate about? Paul’s passion for people was fueled by the love of Christ—and ours should be as well. Let’s apply Twain’s words of challenge to our efforts in outreach: “Sail away from the safe harbor.” Share the love of Christ with someone today. — Bill Crowder
Set us afire, Lord, stir us we pray!
While the world perishes, we go our way
Purposeless, passionless, day after day;
Set us afire, Lord, stir us we pray! —Cushman
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
Friday, December 05, 2008
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Desperate Days
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Heb. 11:6).
The faith for desperate days.
The Bible is full of such days. Its record is made up of them, its songs are inspired by them, its prophecy is concerned with them, and its revelation has come through them.
The desperate days are the stepping-stones in the path of light. They seem to have been God's opportunity and man's school of wisdom.
There is a story of an Old Testament love feast in Psalm 107, and in every story of deliverance the point of desperation gave God His chance. The "wit's end" of desperation was the beginning of God's power. Recall the promise of seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sands of the sea, to a couple as good as dead. Read again the story of the Red Sea and its deliverance, and of Jordan with its ark standing mid-stream. Study once more the prayers of Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah, when they were sore pressed and knew not what to do. Go over the history of Nehemiah, Daniel, Hosea, and Habakkuk. Stand with awe in the darkness of Gethsemane, and linger by the grave in Joseph's garden through those terrible days. Call the witnesses of the early Church, and ask the apostles the story of their desperate days.
Desperation is better than despair.
Faith did not make our desperate days. Its work is to sustain and solve them. The only alternative to a desperate faith is despair, and faith holds on and prevails.
There is no more heroic example of desperate faith than that of the three Hebrew children. The situation was desperate, but they answered bravely, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning, fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden
image which thou hast set up." I like that, "but if not !"
I have only space to mention Gethsemane. Ponder deeply its "Nevertheless." "If it is possible…nevertheless!" Deep darkness had settled upon the soul of our Lord. Trust meant anguish unto blood and darkness to the descent of hell--Nevertheless! Nevertheless!!
Now get your hymn book and sing your favorite hymn of desperate faith. --Rev. S. Chadwick
"When obstacles and trials seem
Like prison walls to be,
I do the little I can do
And leave the rest to Thee.
"And when there seems no chance, no change,
From grief can set me free,
Hope finds its strength in helplessness,
And calmly waits for Thee."
By Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
The faith for desperate days.
The Bible is full of such days. Its record is made up of them, its songs are inspired by them, its prophecy is concerned with them, and its revelation has come through them.
The desperate days are the stepping-stones in the path of light. They seem to have been God's opportunity and man's school of wisdom.
There is a story of an Old Testament love feast in Psalm 107, and in every story of deliverance the point of desperation gave God His chance. The "wit's end" of desperation was the beginning of God's power. Recall the promise of seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sands of the sea, to a couple as good as dead. Read again the story of the Red Sea and its deliverance, and of Jordan with its ark standing mid-stream. Study once more the prayers of Asa, Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah, when they were sore pressed and knew not what to do. Go over the history of Nehemiah, Daniel, Hosea, and Habakkuk. Stand with awe in the darkness of Gethsemane, and linger by the grave in Joseph's garden through those terrible days. Call the witnesses of the early Church, and ask the apostles the story of their desperate days.
Desperation is better than despair.
Faith did not make our desperate days. Its work is to sustain and solve them. The only alternative to a desperate faith is despair, and faith holds on and prevails.
There is no more heroic example of desperate faith than that of the three Hebrew children. The situation was desperate, but they answered bravely, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning, fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden
image which thou hast set up." I like that, "but if not !"
I have only space to mention Gethsemane. Ponder deeply its "Nevertheless." "If it is possible…nevertheless!" Deep darkness had settled upon the soul of our Lord. Trust meant anguish unto blood and darkness to the descent of hell--Nevertheless! Nevertheless!!
Now get your hymn book and sing your favorite hymn of desperate faith. --Rev. S. Chadwick
"When obstacles and trials seem
Like prison walls to be,
I do the little I can do
And leave the rest to Thee.
"And when there seems no chance, no change,
From grief can set me free,
Hope finds its strength in helplessness,
And calmly waits for Thee."
By Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Fighting a Large Battle?
2 Chronicles 14:9-15 tells of a battle King Asa fought against Zerah the Ethiopian. What amazes me is that Zerah brought an army of a million men and 300 chariots. It doesn't say how many men Asa had but I'm thinking it wasn't as many as Zerah brought. Can't imagine what the scene looked like from Asa's point of view. To look over the vast army of men coming towards him ready for battle.
It is at this moment where he turns towards the Lord, "Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, "Lord, there is no one besides You to help in this battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against the multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let not man prevail against You."' (verse 11). God came to his aid and struck the Ethiopians so they fled before him. In verse 13 it says that so many of them fell that they could not recover.
Only God, in His greatness and power could help Asa defeat such a large army. And it was Asa's obedience and trust in God that allowed God to work in his life and the life of the nation.
Zechariah 4:6 says, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."
Sometimes things come into our lives that we don't understand. They seem to be as large as the army Zerah brought and loom before us so greatly that we don't have the power to look beyond. They seem to crush you from every side and you are left wondering why you're experiencing these things and how can they ever be changed.
My devotional today spoke of this:
"God with power and might at His disposal yet works in this wise. His quiet performances are indirect, deep, serene, and seemingly slow, and have to be explored to be understood and appreciated. he quietly and confidently moves working wonders day after day. In everyday experiences, at work, in church, and in society, it sometimes appears as though God were being defeated, and the movements of His grace and providence were failures, and that all His plans were reversed flowing upstream in the opposite direction from the ocean of blessings. One has but to look up and cast his gaze out from the shore of frustrating encirclements of the present and consider the entire stream of God's purpose among His people in order to see that He is continually winning the battle in quiet circuitous ways.
The Lord makes his conquests by keeping His saints in utter dependence upon Him making them live by faith."
I cannot always understand,
The way God leadeth me,
The why, and when and wherefore
Is oft a mystery
But I can trust His wisdom,
I know His way is best,
His heart knows no unkindness,
And on His love I rest.
- Unknown
Krista Jones
5.14.08
It is at this moment where he turns towards the Lord, "Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, "Lord, there is no one besides You to help in this battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against the multitude. O Lord, you are our God; let not man prevail against You."' (verse 11). God came to his aid and struck the Ethiopians so they fled before him. In verse 13 it says that so many of them fell that they could not recover.
Only God, in His greatness and power could help Asa defeat such a large army. And it was Asa's obedience and trust in God that allowed God to work in his life and the life of the nation.
Zechariah 4:6 says, "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."
Sometimes things come into our lives that we don't understand. They seem to be as large as the army Zerah brought and loom before us so greatly that we don't have the power to look beyond. They seem to crush you from every side and you are left wondering why you're experiencing these things and how can they ever be changed.
My devotional today spoke of this:
"God with power and might at His disposal yet works in this wise. His quiet performances are indirect, deep, serene, and seemingly slow, and have to be explored to be understood and appreciated. he quietly and confidently moves working wonders day after day. In everyday experiences, at work, in church, and in society, it sometimes appears as though God were being defeated, and the movements of His grace and providence were failures, and that all His plans were reversed flowing upstream in the opposite direction from the ocean of blessings. One has but to look up and cast his gaze out from the shore of frustrating encirclements of the present and consider the entire stream of God's purpose among His people in order to see that He is continually winning the battle in quiet circuitous ways.
The Lord makes his conquests by keeping His saints in utter dependence upon Him making them live by faith."
I cannot always understand,
The way God leadeth me,
The why, and when and wherefore
Is oft a mystery
But I can trust His wisdom,
I know His way is best,
His heart knows no unkindness,
And on His love I rest.
- Unknown
Krista Jones
5.14.08
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Your Crown of Glory
"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb . . . and they loved not their lives unto the death" (Rev. 12:11).
When James and John came to Christ with their mother, asking Him to give them the best place in the kingdom, He did not refuse their request, but told them it would be given to them if they could do His work, drink His cup, and be baptized with His baptism.
Do we want the competition? The greatest things are always hedged about by the hardest things, and we, too, shall find mountains and forests and chariots of iron. Hardship is the price of coronation. Triumphal arches are not woven out of rose blossoms and silken cords, but of hard blows and bloody scars. The very hardships that you are enduring in your life today are given by the Master for the explicit purpose of enabling you to win your crown.
Do not wait for some ideal situation, some romantic difficulty, some far-away emergency; but rise to meet the actual conditions which the Providence of God has placed around you today. Your crown of glory lies embedded in the very heart of these things--those hardships and trials that are pressing you this very hour, week and month of your life. The hardest things are not those that the world knows of. Down in your secret soul unseen and unknown by any but Jesus, there is a little trial that you would not dare to mention that is harder for you to bear than martyrdom.
There, beloved, lies your crown. God help you to overcome, and sometime wear it. --Selected
"It matters not how the battle goes,
The day how long;
Faint not! Fight on!
Tomorrow comes the song."
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Dessert"
When James and John came to Christ with their mother, asking Him to give them the best place in the kingdom, He did not refuse their request, but told them it would be given to them if they could do His work, drink His cup, and be baptized with His baptism.
Do we want the competition? The greatest things are always hedged about by the hardest things, and we, too, shall find mountains and forests and chariots of iron. Hardship is the price of coronation. Triumphal arches are not woven out of rose blossoms and silken cords, but of hard blows and bloody scars. The very hardships that you are enduring in your life today are given by the Master for the explicit purpose of enabling you to win your crown.
Do not wait for some ideal situation, some romantic difficulty, some far-away emergency; but rise to meet the actual conditions which the Providence of God has placed around you today. Your crown of glory lies embedded in the very heart of these things--those hardships and trials that are pressing you this very hour, week and month of your life. The hardest things are not those that the world knows of. Down in your secret soul unseen and unknown by any but Jesus, there is a little trial that you would not dare to mention that is harder for you to bear than martyrdom.
There, beloved, lies your crown. God help you to overcome, and sometime wear it. --Selected
"It matters not how the battle goes,
The day how long;
Faint not! Fight on!
Tomorrow comes the song."
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Dessert"
Monday, December 01, 2008
December's Memory Verse
Lamentations 3:22-23
"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease. For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning: Great is Thy faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NASB - New American Standard Bible)
November's Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15
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.
"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease. For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning: Great is Thy faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NASB - New American Standard Bible)
November's Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15
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, November 28, 2008
Vow to Praise
"But I have trusted in You lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13:5-6
This verse is one I have memorized years ago. It wasn't until this morning as I was reviewing it that it stuck out. My study notes on this verse refer me to Psalm 7:17, "I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." The study notes on this verse says it's "A vow to praise. Many prayers in the Psalter include such vows in anticipation of the expected answer to prayer. They reflect Israel's religious consciousness that praise must follow deliverance as surely as prayer springs from need - if God is to be truly honored."
My morning devotional dealt with worry. Ah, my old and faithful friend who just doesn't want to go away. I liked what the last part of the devotional said.
"Even wise philosophy shows the uselessness of worrying, since it helps nothing, and only wastes one's strength and unfits one for doing one's best. Then religion goes farther, and says that even the hard things and the obstacles are blessings, if we meet them in the right spirit - stepping stones lifting our feet upward, disciplinary experiences in which we grow. So we learn that we should quietly and with faith accept life as it comes to us, fretting at nothing, changing hard conditions to easier if we can; if we cannot, then using them as means for growth and advancement." - J. R. Miller, D. D., from the book "Come Ye Apart."
So, in light of this devotional I got to thinking about the vow to praise. We worry about what we need to be praying about. How about praising God for what He will do through those things we worry about? And on the other side, once those prayers are answered we must remember to thank the Lord for it.
Krista Jones
5.13.08
This verse is one I have memorized years ago. It wasn't until this morning as I was reviewing it that it stuck out. My study notes on this verse refer me to Psalm 7:17, "I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High." The study notes on this verse says it's "A vow to praise. Many prayers in the Psalter include such vows in anticipation of the expected answer to prayer. They reflect Israel's religious consciousness that praise must follow deliverance as surely as prayer springs from need - if God is to be truly honored."
My morning devotional dealt with worry. Ah, my old and faithful friend who just doesn't want to go away. I liked what the last part of the devotional said.
"Even wise philosophy shows the uselessness of worrying, since it helps nothing, and only wastes one's strength and unfits one for doing one's best. Then religion goes farther, and says that even the hard things and the obstacles are blessings, if we meet them in the right spirit - stepping stones lifting our feet upward, disciplinary experiences in which we grow. So we learn that we should quietly and with faith accept life as it comes to us, fretting at nothing, changing hard conditions to easier if we can; if we cannot, then using them as means for growth and advancement." - J. R. Miller, D. D., from the book "Come Ye Apart."
So, in light of this devotional I got to thinking about the vow to praise. We worry about what we need to be praying about. How about praising God for what He will do through those things we worry about? And on the other side, once those prayers are answered we must remember to thank the Lord for it.
Krista Jones
5.13.08
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving Day
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits." Psalm 103:2
Harvest is ended. There is a son in the air - a song of joy-filled hearts and thanksgiving. Goodness and mercy have followed throughout every day of the year. We have been loaded, yea, overloaded with His benefits and manifold tokens of His love and mercy. "He careth for us." Our testings and trials have been buried beneath is mercies which outnumber the waves of the sea. We praise God that He saw us through the tempests we thought would pull us under. He is our own God; we are the flock of His pasture and the people of His hand. "Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him." Psalm 67:5-7
Thanksgiving Day is a sacred day for retrospection - a day also for spiritual inventory - a day for family reunions, fellowship with old friends and neighbors, sharing our bounties with those less favored. If throughout the past year earthborn clouds have blotted out the sunshine of your spiritual sky, may there be a rift in the clouds today so that you can see through to the land of pure delight where saints immortal reign.
This story is told or Sir Michael Costa. He was holding a rehearsal one night with is vast array of musicians and hundreds of voices. The mighty chorus rang out with thunder of organ, sounding of horns and clashing of cymbals. Far back in the orchestra one who played the piccolo said to himself, "In all this din it matters not what I do." Suddenly, all was still! The great conductor had stopped. Someone had failed to take his part! The sweet note of the piccolo had been missed.
"Let all the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise Thee. Then shall the at yield her increase and God, even our own God shall bless us." Try thanksgiving! Let this Thanksgiving Day mark the beginning of a new life of victory, the "praise life!"
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from, "Streams in the Desert" Vol. 2
Harvest is ended. There is a son in the air - a song of joy-filled hearts and thanksgiving. Goodness and mercy have followed throughout every day of the year. We have been loaded, yea, overloaded with His benefits and manifold tokens of His love and mercy. "He careth for us." Our testings and trials have been buried beneath is mercies which outnumber the waves of the sea. We praise God that He saw us through the tempests we thought would pull us under. He is our own God; we are the flock of His pasture and the people of His hand. "Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him." Psalm 67:5-7
Thanksgiving Day is a sacred day for retrospection - a day also for spiritual inventory - a day for family reunions, fellowship with old friends and neighbors, sharing our bounties with those less favored. If throughout the past year earthborn clouds have blotted out the sunshine of your spiritual sky, may there be a rift in the clouds today so that you can see through to the land of pure delight where saints immortal reign.
This story is told or Sir Michael Costa. He was holding a rehearsal one night with is vast array of musicians and hundreds of voices. The mighty chorus rang out with thunder of organ, sounding of horns and clashing of cymbals. Far back in the orchestra one who played the piccolo said to himself, "In all this din it matters not what I do." Suddenly, all was still! The great conductor had stopped. Someone had failed to take his part! The sweet note of the piccolo had been missed.
"Let all the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise Thee. Then shall the at yield her increase and God, even our own God shall bless us." Try thanksgiving! Let this Thanksgiving Day mark the beginning of a new life of victory, the "praise life!"
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from, "Streams in the Desert" Vol. 2
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Possessing an Inheritance
We read in Joshua 11:23: "So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord said unto Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance unto Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war."
The important word in this verse is "inheritance." Joshua gave Israel the land for an inheritance.
But in chapter 13:1 we see, "Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the Lord said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed."
This appears on the surface to be a contradiction with what chapter 11 says. God had given all the land to the Israelites, but they were responsible to go in and possess it.
They were promised, according to Joshua 1:3, "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you."
We also know now that God gave them the land for an inheritance. It was divided among the tribes as is outlined for us in the Book of Joshua. Nevertheless, each tribe had to go in and possess the land in order to enjoy its benefits.
So is it with our possessions in Christ. These must be appropriated on an individual basis. The Church as a whole is blessed only as we individuals possess what is ours in Christ.
Our inheritance is in Him. In fact, He is our inheritance. A good illustration is given us in 2 Samuel 3:17,18: "Now then do it" (v. 18). See also Colossians 3:1-3.
"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (Rom. 8:17).
By Theodore Epp, taken from "Strength for the Journey"
The important word in this verse is "inheritance." Joshua gave Israel the land for an inheritance.
But in chapter 13:1 we see, "Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the Lord said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed."
This appears on the surface to be a contradiction with what chapter 11 says. God had given all the land to the Israelites, but they were responsible to go in and possess it.
They were promised, according to Joshua 1:3, "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you."
We also know now that God gave them the land for an inheritance. It was divided among the tribes as is outlined for us in the Book of Joshua. Nevertheless, each tribe had to go in and possess the land in order to enjoy its benefits.
So is it with our possessions in Christ. These must be appropriated on an individual basis. The Church as a whole is blessed only as we individuals possess what is ours in Christ.
Our inheritance is in Him. In fact, He is our inheritance. A good illustration is given us in 2 Samuel 3:17,18: "Now then do it" (v. 18). See also Colossians 3:1-3.
"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together" (Rom. 8:17).
By Theodore Epp, taken from "Strength for the Journey"
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Our God Is "Heavy"
"We were eyewitnesses of His majesty . . when we were with Him on the holy mountain." 2 Peter 1:16, 18
Remember when we used to say, "That' heavy," when we heard something awesome? Well, that's an appropriate response to the glory of God. His glory is the visible manifestation of His attributes, character, and perfections. The word glory in the Old testament is a very interesting word that means "to be weighted, to be heavy." Today we might respond, "Awesome!"
When we talk about glory, then, we are talking about someone with an awesome reputation because He has awesome splendor. God is glorious. You can see it in everything He has made. But His glory is most fully seen in the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:18 puts it this way: "No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten God (Jesus), who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained (revealed) Him."
In His earthly life, Jesus Christ was God's glory in human flesh. That's why He did what only God could do: heal the sick, raise the dead, read people's minds, know the future. Jesus was God in human flesh. His glory was veiled, though, because no one can look on God and live.
But in Matthew 17 Jesus took Peter, James, and John up to a mountain. There Christ zipped down His humanity, so to speak. He took off the veil of flesh for just a minute, and bursting out of His humanity was a bright light. The voice from heaven was so awesome the apostles had to hide their faces because the glory of God was revealed on that mountain in the person of Jesus Christ, who was God become man.
There are only two groups of beings who won't voluntarily glorify God: fallen men and fallen angels. Both will someday be discarded from His presence because throughout all eternity, God will only fellowship with those who voluntarily bring Him glory.
You see, your claim that you esteem God will be validated by how you respond to the God you say you esteem. The proof that you glorify God, that you recognize His intrinsic value, will be the value that you ascribe to His glory.
Think about it: We have the privilege of bringing glory to the most glorious Being in the universe! What are you going to do today that will glorify God?
By Tony Evans, taken from "Time to Get Serious"
Remember when we used to say, "That' heavy," when we heard something awesome? Well, that's an appropriate response to the glory of God. His glory is the visible manifestation of His attributes, character, and perfections. The word glory in the Old testament is a very interesting word that means "to be weighted, to be heavy." Today we might respond, "Awesome!"
When we talk about glory, then, we are talking about someone with an awesome reputation because He has awesome splendor. God is glorious. You can see it in everything He has made. But His glory is most fully seen in the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:18 puts it this way: "No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten God (Jesus), who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained (revealed) Him."
In His earthly life, Jesus Christ was God's glory in human flesh. That's why He did what only God could do: heal the sick, raise the dead, read people's minds, know the future. Jesus was God in human flesh. His glory was veiled, though, because no one can look on God and live.
But in Matthew 17 Jesus took Peter, James, and John up to a mountain. There Christ zipped down His humanity, so to speak. He took off the veil of flesh for just a minute, and bursting out of His humanity was a bright light. The voice from heaven was so awesome the apostles had to hide their faces because the glory of God was revealed on that mountain in the person of Jesus Christ, who was God become man.
There are only two groups of beings who won't voluntarily glorify God: fallen men and fallen angels. Both will someday be discarded from His presence because throughout all eternity, God will only fellowship with those who voluntarily bring Him glory.
You see, your claim that you esteem God will be validated by how you respond to the God you say you esteem. The proof that you glorify God, that you recognize His intrinsic value, will be the value that you ascribe to His glory.
Think about it: We have the privilege of bringing glory to the most glorious Being in the universe! What are you going to do today that will glorify God?
By Tony Evans, taken from "Time to Get Serious"
Monday, November 24, 2008
In the Small Trials
There are times when I wonder if God cares about the little things I go through. I know He's in the bigger trials because I feel His presence and see Him at work. But it's when the trials are smaller and seem less important that I begin to wonder if I should bother Him with my seemingly easier trials.
This morning I read about the axe head being recovered in 2 Kings 6:1-7. In the beginning of the chapter the "sons of the prophets" wanted Elisha to go with them to help find timber to build themselves a place to live in and/or to assemble. During the days of Elisha prophets lived in companies and were located all over the area.
As they were felling the beams for their building, someone's axe head fell into the Jordan River and sank to the bottom. The prophet who this happened to cried out, "Alas, my master! For it was borrowed." (vs 5). He was upset because an axe head was a costly tool and one that was too expensive for the members of the prophetic company to buy. Thus the borrower would probably have to work off the value of the axe head in order to pay the owner back.
In verse 6, Elisha calmly takes a stick and throws it into the river at the same spot the axe head fell in. And lo and behold the axe head floated to the top to be retrieved. My study notes say, "The Lord demonstrated here His concern for the welfare of His Faithful ones."
This wasn't a major trial but one of great concern for the borrower who possibly faced many years of extra service just to pay the owner back for what he had lost. And yet, God demonstrated that He loved this prophet enough that He as concerned for his welfare.
God does care for us as we go through any trial great or small. We just need to remain faithful to Him and push forward never giving up. Here is a little devotional I read this morning about never giving up even when the task or trial ahead seems to large to bear.
"Order my steps in thy word." Psalm 119:133
A little clock which had just been finished by the maker was put on a shelf in his wareroom between two older clocks who were busy ticking away the noisy seconds.
" 'Well,' said one of the clocks to the newcomer. 'So you've just started on this task. I'm sorry for you. YOu're ticking bravely now, but you'll be tired enough before you get through thirty-three million ticks.'
" 'Thirty-three million ticks!' said the frightened clock. 'Why, I never could do that!' And it stood still instantly with despair.
" 'Why, you silly thing,' said the other clock at this moment. 'Why do you listen to such words? It's nothing of the kind. You've only got to make one tick this moment. There, now, isn't that easy? And now another, and that is just as easy, and so right along.'
" 'Oh, if that's all,' cried the new clock, 'that's easily done, so here I go.' And it started bravely on again, making a tick a moment and not counting the months and millions. But at the year's end, it had made 33,000,000 vibrations without knowing it.
"Oh, if Christians would only live by the moment, not the year! 'Day by day' is the limit of the Lord's prayer. 'Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof,' said the lord. And 'as thy days, so shall they strength be' is the promise which four thousand years have not be exhausted."
I ask thee for a present mind,
By patient watching wise,
A heart at leisure from itself
To sooth and sympathize.
- Unknown
Streams in the Desert, Volume 2
Remember that God cares for us no matter what we're going through great or small. All He asks of us is to take it one tick at a time.
Krista Jones
4.23.08
This morning I read about the axe head being recovered in 2 Kings 6:1-7. In the beginning of the chapter the "sons of the prophets" wanted Elisha to go with them to help find timber to build themselves a place to live in and/or to assemble. During the days of Elisha prophets lived in companies and were located all over the area.
As they were felling the beams for their building, someone's axe head fell into the Jordan River and sank to the bottom. The prophet who this happened to cried out, "Alas, my master! For it was borrowed." (vs 5). He was upset because an axe head was a costly tool and one that was too expensive for the members of the prophetic company to buy. Thus the borrower would probably have to work off the value of the axe head in order to pay the owner back.
In verse 6, Elisha calmly takes a stick and throws it into the river at the same spot the axe head fell in. And lo and behold the axe head floated to the top to be retrieved. My study notes say, "The Lord demonstrated here His concern for the welfare of His Faithful ones."
This wasn't a major trial but one of great concern for the borrower who possibly faced many years of extra service just to pay the owner back for what he had lost. And yet, God demonstrated that He loved this prophet enough that He as concerned for his welfare.
God does care for us as we go through any trial great or small. We just need to remain faithful to Him and push forward never giving up. Here is a little devotional I read this morning about never giving up even when the task or trial ahead seems to large to bear.
"Order my steps in thy word." Psalm 119:133
A little clock which had just been finished by the maker was put on a shelf in his wareroom between two older clocks who were busy ticking away the noisy seconds.
" 'Well,' said one of the clocks to the newcomer. 'So you've just started on this task. I'm sorry for you. YOu're ticking bravely now, but you'll be tired enough before you get through thirty-three million ticks.'
" 'Thirty-three million ticks!' said the frightened clock. 'Why, I never could do that!' And it stood still instantly with despair.
" 'Why, you silly thing,' said the other clock at this moment. 'Why do you listen to such words? It's nothing of the kind. You've only got to make one tick this moment. There, now, isn't that easy? And now another, and that is just as easy, and so right along.'
" 'Oh, if that's all,' cried the new clock, 'that's easily done, so here I go.' And it started bravely on again, making a tick a moment and not counting the months and millions. But at the year's end, it had made 33,000,000 vibrations without knowing it.
"Oh, if Christians would only live by the moment, not the year! 'Day by day' is the limit of the Lord's prayer. 'Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof,' said the lord. And 'as thy days, so shall they strength be' is the promise which four thousand years have not be exhausted."
I ask thee for a present mind,
By patient watching wise,
A heart at leisure from itself
To sooth and sympathize.
- Unknown
Streams in the Desert, Volume 2
Remember that God cares for us no matter what we're going through great or small. All He asks of us is to take it one tick at a time.
Krista Jones
4.23.08
Friday, November 21, 2008
Still Human!
". . . whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
In the Scriptures, the great miracle of the incarnation slips into the ordinary life of a child; the great miracle of the transfiguration fades into the demon-possessed valley below; the glory of the resurrection descends into a breakfast on the seashore. This is not an anticlimax, but a great revelation of God.
We have a tendency to look for wonder in our experience, and we mistake heroic actions for real heroes. It’s one thing to go through a crisis grandly, yet quite another to go through every day glorifying God when there is no witness, no limelight, and no one paying even the remotest attention to us. If we are not looking for halos, we at least want something that will make people say, "What a wonderful man of prayer he is!" or, "What a great woman of devotion she is!" If you are properly devoted to the Lord Jesus, you have reached the lofty height where no one would ever notice you personally. All that is noticed is the power of God coming through you all the time.
We want to be able to say, "Oh, I have had a wonderful call from God!" But to do even the most humbling tasks to the glory of God takes the Almighty God Incarnate working in us. To be utterly unnoticeable requires God’s Spirit in us making us absolutely humanly His. The true test of a saint’s life is not successfulness but faithfulness on the human level of life. We tend to set up success in Christian work as our purpose, but our purpose should be to display the glory of God in human life, to live a life "hidden with Christ in God" in our everyday human conditions ( Colossians 3:3 ). Our human relationships are the very conditions in which the ideal life of God should be exhibited.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost for His Highest"
In the Scriptures, the great miracle of the incarnation slips into the ordinary life of a child; the great miracle of the transfiguration fades into the demon-possessed valley below; the glory of the resurrection descends into a breakfast on the seashore. This is not an anticlimax, but a great revelation of God.
We have a tendency to look for wonder in our experience, and we mistake heroic actions for real heroes. It’s one thing to go through a crisis grandly, yet quite another to go through every day glorifying God when there is no witness, no limelight, and no one paying even the remotest attention to us. If we are not looking for halos, we at least want something that will make people say, "What a wonderful man of prayer he is!" or, "What a great woman of devotion she is!" If you are properly devoted to the Lord Jesus, you have reached the lofty height where no one would ever notice you personally. All that is noticed is the power of God coming through you all the time.
We want to be able to say, "Oh, I have had a wonderful call from God!" But to do even the most humbling tasks to the glory of God takes the Almighty God Incarnate working in us. To be utterly unnoticeable requires God’s Spirit in us making us absolutely humanly His. The true test of a saint’s life is not successfulness but faithfulness on the human level of life. We tend to set up success in Christian work as our purpose, but our purpose should be to display the glory of God in human life, to live a life "hidden with Christ in God" in our everyday human conditions ( Colossians 3:3 ). Our human relationships are the very conditions in which the ideal life of God should be exhibited.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost for His Highest"
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Continuing Praying
"Continue praying, keep alert, and always thank God." Colossians 4:2
Father, when you were on earth, you prayed. You prayed in the morning, you prayed at night, you prayed alone, you prayed with people. In your hours of distress you retreated into times of prayer. In your hours of joy you lifted your heart and hands to the Father in prayer. Help us to be more like you this way . . . help us to make prayer a priority in our daily lives.
By Max Lucado, taken from, "Walking with the Savior"
Father, when you were on earth, you prayed. You prayed in the morning, you prayed at night, you prayed alone, you prayed with people. In your hours of distress you retreated into times of prayer. In your hours of joy you lifted your heart and hands to the Father in prayer. Help us to be more like you this way . . . help us to make prayer a priority in our daily lives.
By Max Lucado, taken from, "Walking with the Savior"
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Steps and Stops
"When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the Lord's order and did not set out." Numbers 9:19
The children of Israel had been told to watch the cloud for guidance. But there were also times when the cloud indicated that they were to wait.
The wilderness was not the most delightful place in which to wait. The barrenness of the dessert was not inviting. Waiting in itself is not easy. Regardless of their strength and eagerness to start out again, regardless of their impatience to be on the way, the Israelites did not move until God, by means of the could, direct them to do so. It may not have been difficult to wait a short time. But in the above verse of Scripture we read that they had to wait "a long time." This was no doubt difficult. It was the test of their obedience.
Sometimes we are kept waiting, too. We may be in the midst of heartaches, of problems, of trails, of temptations when we see the could stop and wait. Sometimes our waiting is for a short period. We may, on the other hand, be kept waiting for a long time. but we dare not move until He moves us.
There are times when we seem to settled in a comfortable place. We are happy and contented. Suddenly the could begins to move. We may not want to move, yet we will have His blessing only if we willingly move with His cloud.
"If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm." Psalm 37:23
Both the steps and and the stops of our lives are ordered by the Lord. The important thing is for us to follow where He leads.
By Millie Stamm, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 1"
The children of Israel had been told to watch the cloud for guidance. But there were also times when the cloud indicated that they were to wait.
The wilderness was not the most delightful place in which to wait. The barrenness of the dessert was not inviting. Waiting in itself is not easy. Regardless of their strength and eagerness to start out again, regardless of their impatience to be on the way, the Israelites did not move until God, by means of the could, direct them to do so. It may not have been difficult to wait a short time. But in the above verse of Scripture we read that they had to wait "a long time." This was no doubt difficult. It was the test of their obedience.
Sometimes we are kept waiting, too. We may be in the midst of heartaches, of problems, of trails, of temptations when we see the could stop and wait. Sometimes our waiting is for a short period. We may, on the other hand, be kept waiting for a long time. but we dare not move until He moves us.
There are times when we seem to settled in a comfortable place. We are happy and contented. Suddenly the could begins to move. We may not want to move, yet we will have His blessing only if we willingly move with His cloud.
"If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm." Psalm 37:23
Both the steps and and the stops of our lives are ordered by the Lord. The important thing is for us to follow where He leads.
By Millie Stamm, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 1"
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
“I Did Not Know It”
"Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” —Genesis 28:16
As Jacob did in Genesis 28, I like to remind myself each morning when I awaken that God is here, “in this place,” present with me (v.16). As I spend time with Him each morning, reading His Word and responding in prayer, it reinforces my sense of His presence—that He is near. Although we do not see Him, Peter reminds us that we can love Him and rejoice in His love for us with “inexpressible,” glorious joy (1 Peter 1:8).
We take the Lord’s presence with us all through the day, blending work and play with prayer. He is our teacher, our philosopher, our companion—our gentle, kind, and very best friend.
God is with us wherever we go. He is in the commonplace, whether we know it or not. “Surely the Lord is in this place,” Jacob said of a most unlikely spot, “and I did not know it” (Gen. 28:16). We may not realize He is close by. We may feel lonely and sad. Our day may seem bleak and dreary without a visible ray of hope—yet He is present.
Amid all the clamor and din of this visible and audible world, listen carefully for God’s quiet voice. Listen to Him in the Bible. Talk to Him frequently in prayer. Look for Him in your circumstances. Seek Him. He is with you wherever you go! — David H. Roper
Oh, how oft I wake and find
I have been forgetting Thee!
I am never from Thy mind;
Thou it is that wakest me. —MacDonald
Our greatest privilege is to enjoy God’s presence.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
As Jacob did in Genesis 28, I like to remind myself each morning when I awaken that God is here, “in this place,” present with me (v.16). As I spend time with Him each morning, reading His Word and responding in prayer, it reinforces my sense of His presence—that He is near. Although we do not see Him, Peter reminds us that we can love Him and rejoice in His love for us with “inexpressible,” glorious joy (1 Peter 1:8).
We take the Lord’s presence with us all through the day, blending work and play with prayer. He is our teacher, our philosopher, our companion—our gentle, kind, and very best friend.
God is with us wherever we go. He is in the commonplace, whether we know it or not. “Surely the Lord is in this place,” Jacob said of a most unlikely spot, “and I did not know it” (Gen. 28:16). We may not realize He is close by. We may feel lonely and sad. Our day may seem bleak and dreary without a visible ray of hope—yet He is present.
Amid all the clamor and din of this visible and audible world, listen carefully for God’s quiet voice. Listen to Him in the Bible. Talk to Him frequently in prayer. Look for Him in your circumstances. Seek Him. He is with you wherever you go! — David H. Roper
Oh, how oft I wake and find
I have been forgetting Thee!
I am never from Thy mind;
Thou it is that wakest me. —MacDonald
Our greatest privilege is to enjoy God’s presence.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
Monday, November 17, 2008
Riding the Fence?
Today I came across a minor Bible character in I Kings 18 named Obadiah. Obadiah was a common name in the O.T. and means, "servant of the Lord." This particular Obadiah was the governor of Ahab's household. He greatly feared the Lord but also feared Ahab even more then the Lord. When Jezebel destroyed the prophets of the Lord, Obadiah protected 100 prophets and hid them in a cave continuing to provide them with food and water (I Kings 18:4).
It was this Obahiah who meet Elijah on his mission from Ahab to search the region for water. Obahiah, "recognized him (Elijah) and fell on his face and said, "Is this you, Elijah my master?"' Obahiah knew of Elijah and knew that he was God's prophet. At this point Elijah asks Obahiah to go back to Ahab and tell him, "Behold, Elijah is here." (I Kings 18:8). From what I can tell of Obahiah is that he had been riding the fence. He serves an evil King and obeys his commands yet he greatly feared the Lord and secretly saved 100 prophets from the Queen. Elijah is now asking him to publicly identify himself with him. He is also asking Obahiah to disobey Ahab by stopping his mission to give him this message from Elijah. Here is the turning point for Obahiah. He knew what his disobedience and siding with Elijah would mean, "What sin have I committed, that you are giving your servant into the hand of Ahab to put me to death?" (vs. 18:9).
I find myself identifying with Obahiah. I remember making the choice to become a Christian at the ripe old age of 5 years old. As I grew up I started to ride the fence with rebellion on one side and the Lord on the other. I knew no other life outside of a Christian home and I started to become drawn to a life that was different from my own. I didn't want to be good old Krista who did what she knew was right. I made the choice to follow my own way and leave the Lord behind by joining the party scene and drinking. I hid it from my parents and church family.
Not much is said of Obadiah after verse 15 other then he did what Eljiah asked, "So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah." (18:16). Somehow he fought that white picket fence and chose a side. And with that, he was part of God's plan.
I remember the day I was asked by God to choose a side. It was during church family camp when my best friend and I heard a sermon that seemed to speak to us. To this day I'm not even sure what it was that spoke to me about having faith like a mustard seed that can move mountains but that night I started to fear the Lord and what would happen to me when I died. We had planned on getting buzzed off of wine coolers we brought with us after everyone went to sleep. It was like the two worlds (rebellious and church) were colliding before my very eyes and I felt like I was playing with fire. I was looking forward to drinking at family camp where my parents and pastor were present. Instead, we sat up most of the night discussing our fear of death and afterlife and instead choose to turn our lives around. That night I talked to the Lord like I never had and rededicated my life to Him. Just like Obahiah's obedience to Elijah to give his message to Ahab was a turning point.
If you are at a crossroads in your life and are feeling the Lord tugging at you I pray that you will open your heart and soul to hear what He has to say. We have two choices. We can either follow God or Satan. And because God is a loving Father who doesn't force us into following Him, He will allow you to choose. It is up to you.
Mark 10:45 says, "For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life a ransom for many." Did you read that right? He "gave His life a ransom for many." You have been ransomed and set from from sin. It also says in Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus loves you and died for you so that you would be free. All you need to do is to take that first step towards Him. It'll be the hardest step as I know fear in some form will be urging you to not take that step because of the consequences you'll have to deal with. But life with knowing Jesus is by far more joyful then life without. Do you want to fill that emptiness you're feeling? Then take that first step by realizing that you are living a life apart from the Living and Loving God. Confess to Him that you are a sinner (as we all are) and are in need of a Savior. He has already paid the price for your sins and is just waiting for you to take that step to freedom through Him. "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9.
I love what 2 Corinthians 5:17 says about us once we turn to Jesus and ask Him to be Lord of our lives, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away, behold, new things have come." Your old life has passed away and you are a new creature. It doesn't mean life will be easy and the consequences of your sinful past will have to be dealt with. BUT, you have a loving God who will be your guide and be by your side while you go through the trials of your life. You will never be alone again.
What side of the fence are you going to choose?
Krista Jones
4.19.08
It was this Obahiah who meet Elijah on his mission from Ahab to search the region for water. Obahiah, "recognized him (Elijah) and fell on his face and said, "Is this you, Elijah my master?"' Obahiah knew of Elijah and knew that he was God's prophet. At this point Elijah asks Obahiah to go back to Ahab and tell him, "Behold, Elijah is here." (I Kings 18:8). From what I can tell of Obahiah is that he had been riding the fence. He serves an evil King and obeys his commands yet he greatly feared the Lord and secretly saved 100 prophets from the Queen. Elijah is now asking him to publicly identify himself with him. He is also asking Obahiah to disobey Ahab by stopping his mission to give him this message from Elijah. Here is the turning point for Obahiah. He knew what his disobedience and siding with Elijah would mean, "What sin have I committed, that you are giving your servant into the hand of Ahab to put me to death?" (vs. 18:9).
I find myself identifying with Obahiah. I remember making the choice to become a Christian at the ripe old age of 5 years old. As I grew up I started to ride the fence with rebellion on one side and the Lord on the other. I knew no other life outside of a Christian home and I started to become drawn to a life that was different from my own. I didn't want to be good old Krista who did what she knew was right. I made the choice to follow my own way and leave the Lord behind by joining the party scene and drinking. I hid it from my parents and church family.
Not much is said of Obadiah after verse 15 other then he did what Eljiah asked, "So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him; and Ahab went to meet Elijah." (18:16). Somehow he fought that white picket fence and chose a side. And with that, he was part of God's plan.
I remember the day I was asked by God to choose a side. It was during church family camp when my best friend and I heard a sermon that seemed to speak to us. To this day I'm not even sure what it was that spoke to me about having faith like a mustard seed that can move mountains but that night I started to fear the Lord and what would happen to me when I died. We had planned on getting buzzed off of wine coolers we brought with us after everyone went to sleep. It was like the two worlds (rebellious and church) were colliding before my very eyes and I felt like I was playing with fire. I was looking forward to drinking at family camp where my parents and pastor were present. Instead, we sat up most of the night discussing our fear of death and afterlife and instead choose to turn our lives around. That night I talked to the Lord like I never had and rededicated my life to Him. Just like Obahiah's obedience to Elijah to give his message to Ahab was a turning point.
If you are at a crossroads in your life and are feeling the Lord tugging at you I pray that you will open your heart and soul to hear what He has to say. We have two choices. We can either follow God or Satan. And because God is a loving Father who doesn't force us into following Him, He will allow you to choose. It is up to you.
Mark 10:45 says, "For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life a ransom for many." Did you read that right? He "gave His life a ransom for many." You have been ransomed and set from from sin. It also says in Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus loves you and died for you so that you would be free. All you need to do is to take that first step towards Him. It'll be the hardest step as I know fear in some form will be urging you to not take that step because of the consequences you'll have to deal with. But life with knowing Jesus is by far more joyful then life without. Do you want to fill that emptiness you're feeling? Then take that first step by realizing that you are living a life apart from the Living and Loving God. Confess to Him that you are a sinner (as we all are) and are in need of a Savior. He has already paid the price for your sins and is just waiting for you to take that step to freedom through Him. "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9.
I love what 2 Corinthians 5:17 says about us once we turn to Jesus and ask Him to be Lord of our lives, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away, behold, new things have come." Your old life has passed away and you are a new creature. It doesn't mean life will be easy and the consequences of your sinful past will have to be dealt with. BUT, you have a loving God who will be your guide and be by your side while you go through the trials of your life. You will never be alone again.
What side of the fence are you going to choose?
Krista Jones
4.19.08
Friday, November 14, 2008
Sanctified Souls Are Satisfied
"My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, saith the LORD" (Jeremiah 31:14).
Note the "My" which comes twice: "My people shall be satisfied with My goodness." The kind of people who are satisfied with God are marked out as God's own. He is pleased with them, for they are pleased with Him. They call Him their God, and He calls them His people; He is satisfied to take them for a portion, and they are satisfied with Him for their portion. There is a mutual communion of delight between God's Israel and Israel's God. These people are satisfied. This is a grand thing. Very few of the sons of men are ever satisfied, let their lot be what it may; they have swallowed the horse-leech, and it continually cries, "Give! give!" Only sanctified souls are satisfied souls. God Himself must both convert us and content us. t is no wonder that the LORD's people should be satisfied with the goodness of their LORD. Here is goodness without mixture, bounty without stint, mercy without chiding, love without change, favor without reserve. If God's goodness does not satisfy us, what will? What! are we still groaning? Surely there is a wrong desire within if it be one which God's goodness does not satisfy. LORD, I am satisfied. Blessed be Thy name.
By C.H Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
Note the "My" which comes twice: "My people shall be satisfied with My goodness." The kind of people who are satisfied with God are marked out as God's own. He is pleased with them, for they are pleased with Him. They call Him their God, and He calls them His people; He is satisfied to take them for a portion, and they are satisfied with Him for their portion. There is a mutual communion of delight between God's Israel and Israel's God. These people are satisfied. This is a grand thing. Very few of the sons of men are ever satisfied, let their lot be what it may; they have swallowed the horse-leech, and it continually cries, "Give! give!" Only sanctified souls are satisfied souls. God Himself must both convert us and content us. t is no wonder that the LORD's people should be satisfied with the goodness of their LORD. Here is goodness without mixture, bounty without stint, mercy without chiding, love without change, favor without reserve. If God's goodness does not satisfy us, what will? What! are we still groaning? Surely there is a wrong desire within if it be one which God's goodness does not satisfy. LORD, I am satisfied. Blessed be Thy name.
By C.H Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Prayer
"May my prayer be counted as incense before You; the lifting up of my hands as the evening offering." Psalm 141:2
Incense was an aromatic substance made of gums and spices that were burned, especially in religious worship. In this chapter is was "symbolical of the ascending prayer of the officiating high priest." Usually it was the high priest who led the sacrifices and offerings and were the only ones to deal with incense. In fact, in Lev. 10, Aaron's sons died because of their improper use it. In Rev. 8:3-5 an angel burns incense on the golden alter. The smoke from it ascends with the prayer of the Saints. It's obvious that incense was important in worshiping the Lord.
Here the Psalmist is praying that what he says will be like the sweet aroma of incense before God. Seeing how I struggle in this area I was touched by this verse. I pray that our prayers go beyond the requests and become prayers of praise before our Lord.
I also read about how the Israelites passed through the Jordan River on dry ground. I wonder what those who carried the ark felt as they walked up to the river holding the ark. God had told Joshua not to be afraid and courageous. That He was going to give the land across the Jordan to them. They only had to obey His commandments. It must have been a day of excitement and fear all balled up in one. And here are the priests at the edge of the river looking over it wondering if God would come through on His promise. With anticipation we can see them step up to the water and as soon as their feet touch it, it rolls back and stays away at a distance.
Sometimes I feel like those priests. I'm at the edge of the water wondering how I'll get to the other side. Change is going to take place and I don't like to change. I fear and dread it. Yet, God is calling for it so I must follow. He is asking us to trust Him and step out onto the water because He will take care of us and pave a way for us to cross over the change.
Are you feeling just like I've been feeling? Is there a change that is coming in your future or happening to you now? Look to Jesus, lift up your voice to Him and ask Him for strength and courage to carry you through this moment of change. Let our prays be like sweet aroma to Him. He is there waiting to hear from you. What are you waiting for?
Krista Jones
3.11.08
Incense was an aromatic substance made of gums and spices that were burned, especially in religious worship. In this chapter is was "symbolical of the ascending prayer of the officiating high priest." Usually it was the high priest who led the sacrifices and offerings and were the only ones to deal with incense. In fact, in Lev. 10, Aaron's sons died because of their improper use it. In Rev. 8:3-5 an angel burns incense on the golden alter. The smoke from it ascends with the prayer of the Saints. It's obvious that incense was important in worshiping the Lord.
Here the Psalmist is praying that what he says will be like the sweet aroma of incense before God. Seeing how I struggle in this area I was touched by this verse. I pray that our prayers go beyond the requests and become prayers of praise before our Lord.
I also read about how the Israelites passed through the Jordan River on dry ground. I wonder what those who carried the ark felt as they walked up to the river holding the ark. God had told Joshua not to be afraid and courageous. That He was going to give the land across the Jordan to them. They only had to obey His commandments. It must have been a day of excitement and fear all balled up in one. And here are the priests at the edge of the river looking over it wondering if God would come through on His promise. With anticipation we can see them step up to the water and as soon as their feet touch it, it rolls back and stays away at a distance.
Sometimes I feel like those priests. I'm at the edge of the water wondering how I'll get to the other side. Change is going to take place and I don't like to change. I fear and dread it. Yet, God is calling for it so I must follow. He is asking us to trust Him and step out onto the water because He will take care of us and pave a way for us to cross over the change.
Are you feeling just like I've been feeling? Is there a change that is coming in your future or happening to you now? Look to Jesus, lift up your voice to Him and ask Him for strength and courage to carry you through this moment of change. Let our prays be like sweet aroma to Him. He is there waiting to hear from you. What are you waiting for?
Krista Jones
3.11.08
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Sunshine Within
"Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it" (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
What will He do? He will sanctify us wholly. See the previous verse. He will carry on the work of purification till we are perfect in every part. He will preserve our "whole spirit, and soul, and body, blameless unto the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ." He will not allow us to fall from grace, nor come under the dominion of sin. What great favors are these! Well may we adore the giver of such unspeakable gifts. Who will do this? The LORD who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, out of death in sin into eternal life in Christ Jesus. Only He can do this: such perfection and preservation can only come from the God of all grace. Why will He do it? Because He is "faithful"--faithful to His own promise which is pledged to save the believer; faithful to His Son, whose reward it is that His people shall he presented to Him faultless, faithful to the work which He has commenced in us by our effectual calling. It is not their own faithfulness but the LORD's own faithfulness on which the saints rely. Come, my soul, here is a grand feast to begin a dull month with. There may be fogs without, but there should be sunshine within.
By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Chrckbook"
What will He do? He will sanctify us wholly. See the previous verse. He will carry on the work of purification till we are perfect in every part. He will preserve our "whole spirit, and soul, and body, blameless unto the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ." He will not allow us to fall from grace, nor come under the dominion of sin. What great favors are these! Well may we adore the giver of such unspeakable gifts. Who will do this? The LORD who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light, out of death in sin into eternal life in Christ Jesus. Only He can do this: such perfection and preservation can only come from the God of all grace. Why will He do it? Because He is "faithful"--faithful to His own promise which is pledged to save the believer; faithful to His Son, whose reward it is that His people shall he presented to Him faultless, faithful to the work which He has commenced in us by our effectual calling. It is not their own faithfulness but the LORD's own faithfulness on which the saints rely. Come, my soul, here is a grand feast to begin a dull month with. There may be fogs without, but there should be sunshine within.
By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Chrckbook"
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Fresh Touch with God
"And the ill favored and lean-fleshed kine did Eat up the seven well favored and fat kin…and the thin, ears swallowed up the seven rank and full ears" (Gen. 41:4, 7).
There is a warning for us in that dream, just as it stands: It is possible for the best years of our life, the best experiences, the best victories won, the best service rendered, to be swallowed up by times of failure, defeat, dishonor, uselessness in the kingdom. Some men's lives of rare promise and rare achievement have ended so. It is awful to think of, but it is true. Yet it is never necessary.
S. D. Gordon has said that the only assurance of safety against this tragedy is "fresh touch with God," daily, hourly. The blessed, fruitful, victorious experiences of yesterday are not only of no value to me today, but they will actually be eaten up or reversed by today's failures, unless they serve as incentives to still better, richer experiences today.
"Fresh touch with God," by abiding in Christ, alone will keep the lean kine and the ill favored grain out of my life. --Messages for the Morning Watch
By Mrs. Charles E Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
There is a warning for us in that dream, just as it stands: It is possible for the best years of our life, the best experiences, the best victories won, the best service rendered, to be swallowed up by times of failure, defeat, dishonor, uselessness in the kingdom. Some men's lives of rare promise and rare achievement have ended so. It is awful to think of, but it is true. Yet it is never necessary.
S. D. Gordon has said that the only assurance of safety against this tragedy is "fresh touch with God," daily, hourly. The blessed, fruitful, victorious experiences of yesterday are not only of no value to me today, but they will actually be eaten up or reversed by today's failures, unless they serve as incentives to still better, richer experiences today.
"Fresh touch with God," by abiding in Christ, alone will keep the lean kine and the ill favored grain out of my life. --Messages for the Morning Watch
By Mrs. Charles E Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Monday, November 10, 2008
God's Handiwork
"O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. You scrutinize my path and my lying down, and are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O LORD, You know it all. You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is too high, I cannot attain to it. Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right hand will lay hold of me. If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light around me will be night, even the darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day, darkness and light are alike to You. For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand when I awake, I am still with You." Psalm 139:1-18
Last night I came across Psalm 139. I LOVE this Psalm and how it speaks of how intimately God knows us. God know our every thought, word and deed. We cannot hide from Him. Yet, here despite knowing all that the psalmist is still asking the Lord to examine his life and soul. I also love how the Lord has known us from the moment we were conceived. I saw on a PBS show once that we are who we are from the moment the cells form. It's an amazing thought!!!
Another amazing thought is creation. Yesterday I took the kids to North Creek Park. It has a boardwalk that snakes around wetlands where you see wildlife. We had so much fun listening to and seeing all the different birds. You felt God's handiwork in it all. Even down to the sun warming up the grass and having it crackle and pop under it's warmth. God is our creator and we are blessed to have been created and live in a beautiful world He created for us.
It always saddens me to think that people see the same things I do and yet still say there is no God. The wetlands we walked through is literally a life cycle for the earth, animals and plants. It's plain to see that someone had to create it. This morning my devotional touched upon this very thing.
"For I know whom I have believed . . ." II Tim 1:12
A most unusual incident occurred in colorful Mexico City a few years ago. A famous artist has painted a beautiful picture, and it was being displayed upon the walls of a new, ultramodern hotel. The scene was of one of the charming beautify spots of the country landscape. It depicted with lucid clarity the rolling country landscape, quiet fields, purling streams and a touch of virgin forest, carpeted with gorgeous flowers.
"Across the top of the canvas four words were painted which stood out in bold outline. They were these: 'God Does Not Exist.' A strange bit of lettering to be found on such a famous work of art!
"Spellbound visitors surged past the painting every day.
"One evening a large group of young men entered the lobby of the hotel and made their way down the corridor to the room that housed the painting. They quietly calmly removed paint cans and brushes from kits strapped to their shoulders and were soon busily at work. No one but those in the room could see what was going on; the air was freighted with suspense. Suddenly they stepped back and again the throng pressing against the doorway caught a glimpse of the masterpiece. At first they could see no change, but continued scrutiny revealed that the words in the caption had been brushed completely from the canvass and what were the words? 'Does Not Exist.' One word remained - 'God.'
"The group quietly but with the stride of conquerors, left the hotel. The onlookers stared in awe. Under the soft lights which were thrown upon the picture, that one glorious word was emblazoned - it shone like a brilliant in a monarch's crown.
"More than anything else that may be needed - more than changed conditions, more than release from pressure, is a vigorous faith in God - a rediscovery of Him who knows the paths of a hundred million stars and knows the way through every valley or difficulty and over every mountain of trial. Renew confidence in God; rediscover God, the mighty God - a match for mighty needs!" - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, "Streams in the Desert Volume 2"
I pray that we will rediscover our Lord and Savior. That we will look with new eyes upon the earth He created and all the beauty within it. That we will see each person as a treasure created by a loving God. That we may desire to serve them and show them that the God who created them loves them.
Krista Jones
3.9.08
Last night I came across Psalm 139. I LOVE this Psalm and how it speaks of how intimately God knows us. God know our every thought, word and deed. We cannot hide from Him. Yet, here despite knowing all that the psalmist is still asking the Lord to examine his life and soul. I also love how the Lord has known us from the moment we were conceived. I saw on a PBS show once that we are who we are from the moment the cells form. It's an amazing thought!!!
Another amazing thought is creation. Yesterday I took the kids to North Creek Park. It has a boardwalk that snakes around wetlands where you see wildlife. We had so much fun listening to and seeing all the different birds. You felt God's handiwork in it all. Even down to the sun warming up the grass and having it crackle and pop under it's warmth. God is our creator and we are blessed to have been created and live in a beautiful world He created for us.
It always saddens me to think that people see the same things I do and yet still say there is no God. The wetlands we walked through is literally a life cycle for the earth, animals and plants. It's plain to see that someone had to create it. This morning my devotional touched upon this very thing.
"For I know whom I have believed . . ." II Tim 1:12
A most unusual incident occurred in colorful Mexico City a few years ago. A famous artist has painted a beautiful picture, and it was being displayed upon the walls of a new, ultramodern hotel. The scene was of one of the charming beautify spots of the country landscape. It depicted with lucid clarity the rolling country landscape, quiet fields, purling streams and a touch of virgin forest, carpeted with gorgeous flowers.
"Across the top of the canvas four words were painted which stood out in bold outline. They were these: 'God Does Not Exist.' A strange bit of lettering to be found on such a famous work of art!
"Spellbound visitors surged past the painting every day.
"One evening a large group of young men entered the lobby of the hotel and made their way down the corridor to the room that housed the painting. They quietly calmly removed paint cans and brushes from kits strapped to their shoulders and were soon busily at work. No one but those in the room could see what was going on; the air was freighted with suspense. Suddenly they stepped back and again the throng pressing against the doorway caught a glimpse of the masterpiece. At first they could see no change, but continued scrutiny revealed that the words in the caption had been brushed completely from the canvass and what were the words? 'Does Not Exist.' One word remained - 'God.'
"The group quietly but with the stride of conquerors, left the hotel. The onlookers stared in awe. Under the soft lights which were thrown upon the picture, that one glorious word was emblazoned - it shone like a brilliant in a monarch's crown.
"More than anything else that may be needed - more than changed conditions, more than release from pressure, is a vigorous faith in God - a rediscovery of Him who knows the paths of a hundred million stars and knows the way through every valley or difficulty and over every mountain of trial. Renew confidence in God; rediscover God, the mighty God - a match for mighty needs!" - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, "Streams in the Desert Volume 2"
I pray that we will rediscover our Lord and Savior. That we will look with new eyes upon the earth He created and all the beauty within it. That we will see each person as a treasure created by a loving God. That we may desire to serve them and show them that the God who created them loves them.
Krista Jones
3.9.08
Friday, November 07, 2008
Class Participation
"The entrance of Your words gives light." Psalm 119:130
As a high school teacher and college professor, I have observed that learning is a cooperative effort between the student and the instructor. That’s why educators try to get the student involved in class participation. The teacher does some work; the student does some work. Together progress is made. Education happens.
In Psalm 119, the writer suggests a similar pattern in verses 129-136. God is the teacher; we are the students.
Let’s look at God’s role in our education. He shows us mercy (v.132). He guides our steps (v.133). And He redeems us from outside trouble (v.134).
But first we must be eager students, ready to accept God’s teaching, guidance, and help. We should enter His classroom with anticipation: “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. . . . I longed for Your commandments” (vv.130-131). In our role as students of God’s Word, we should fulfill three requirements: (1) examine God’s words for what they are teaching, (2) gain understanding from those words, and (3) obey His statutes.
It’s time to enter God’s classroom and listen and learn from Him. When we do, we’ll look at God with renewed love and at the world with renewed concern (v.136). — Dave Branon
Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine,
And jewels rich and rare
Are hidden in its mighty depths
For every searcher there. —Hodder
Careful meditation on the Scriptures makes for a closer walk with the Savior.
Taken from, "Our Daily Bread"
As a high school teacher and college professor, I have observed that learning is a cooperative effort between the student and the instructor. That’s why educators try to get the student involved in class participation. The teacher does some work; the student does some work. Together progress is made. Education happens.
In Psalm 119, the writer suggests a similar pattern in verses 129-136. God is the teacher; we are the students.
Let’s look at God’s role in our education. He shows us mercy (v.132). He guides our steps (v.133). And He redeems us from outside trouble (v.134).
But first we must be eager students, ready to accept God’s teaching, guidance, and help. We should enter His classroom with anticipation: “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. . . . I longed for Your commandments” (vv.130-131). In our role as students of God’s Word, we should fulfill three requirements: (1) examine God’s words for what they are teaching, (2) gain understanding from those words, and (3) obey His statutes.
It’s time to enter God’s classroom and listen and learn from Him. When we do, we’ll look at God with renewed love and at the world with renewed concern (v.136). — Dave Branon
Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine,
And jewels rich and rare
Are hidden in its mighty depths
For every searcher there. —Hodder
Careful meditation on the Scriptures makes for a closer walk with the Savior.
Taken from, "Our Daily Bread"
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Obedience or Independence?
"If you love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15
Our Lord never insists obedience. He stresses very definitely what we ought to do, but He never forces us to do it. We have to obey Him out of a oneness of spirit with Him. That is why whenever our Lord talked about discipleship, He prefaced it with an "If," meaning, "You do not need to do this unless you desire to do so." "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself . . ." ( Luke 9:23 ). In other words, "To be My disciple, let him give up his right to himself to Me." Our Lord is not talking about our eternal position, but about our being of value to Him in this life here and now. That is why He sounds so stern (see Luke 14:26 ). Never try to make sense from these words by separating them from the One who spoke them.
The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself. Jesus Christ will not force me to obey Him, but I must. And as soon as I obey Him, I fulfill my spiritual destiny. My personal life may be crowded with small, petty happenings, altogether insignificant. But if I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God. Then, when I stand face to face with God, I will discover that through my obedience thousands were blessed. When God’s redemption brings a human soul to the point of obedience, it always produces. If I obey Jesus Christ, the redemption of God will flow through me to the lives of others, because behind the deed of obedience is the reality of Almighty God.
By Oswald Chamber, taken from, "My Utmost for High Highest"
Our Lord never insists obedience. He stresses very definitely what we ought to do, but He never forces us to do it. We have to obey Him out of a oneness of spirit with Him. That is why whenever our Lord talked about discipleship, He prefaced it with an "If," meaning, "You do not need to do this unless you desire to do so." "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself . . ." ( Luke 9:23 ). In other words, "To be My disciple, let him give up his right to himself to Me." Our Lord is not talking about our eternal position, but about our being of value to Him in this life here and now. That is why He sounds so stern (see Luke 14:26 ). Never try to make sense from these words by separating them from the One who spoke them.
The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself. Jesus Christ will not force me to obey Him, but I must. And as soon as I obey Him, I fulfill my spiritual destiny. My personal life may be crowded with small, petty happenings, altogether insignificant. But if I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God. Then, when I stand face to face with God, I will discover that through my obedience thousands were blessed. When God’s redemption brings a human soul to the point of obedience, it always produces. If I obey Jesus Christ, the redemption of God will flow through me to the lives of others, because behind the deed of obedience is the reality of Almighty God.
By Oswald Chamber, taken from, "My Utmost for High Highest"
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
The Power of a Strong Relationship
"God's power protects you through your faith until Salvation is shown to you at the end of time." I Peter 1:5
The power of a strong relationship sustains us and gives us strength - it's that power in knowing, "If I fail, my friend is still there," or, "If I fail, I have a wife who still loves me." It's the power in knowing that - no matter what - we have a Father who still loves us."
By Max Lucado, taken from, "Walking with the Savior"
The power of a strong relationship sustains us and gives us strength - it's that power in knowing, "If I fail, my friend is still there," or, "If I fail, I have a wife who still loves me." It's the power in knowing that - no matter what - we have a Father who still loves us."
By Max Lucado, taken from, "Walking with the Savior"
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Trusting God
"Surely I have composed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child rests against his Mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me." Psalm 131:2
My study notes say, "A child of four or five who walks trustingly beside his mother."
I think back to when I had my babies. As infants they are so dependent on you to care for them that it can be frightening. I felt so much compassion for my babies as I knew they were in a big cold world not knowing anything but Eric and I. I also remember feeling like McMama and that as soon as they wanted to nurse it was like they pulled up to the dive thru ordering a big tall glass of milk 24/7. As difficult as it was to nurse at times I knew it was my milk that continued to sustain their little lives.
My oldest was an independent one and weaned herself at 7 months old. I could have kept her going for another few months only nursing her at night but I was as ready to stop as ready as she was to be on her own. From that point on she started to explore the world around her more and more. Yet, her security and trust was still within us, her parents. She still looked up to us with those trusting eyes knowing we'd tenderly care for her.
It's the same way with our Heavenly Father. As spiritual infants we are depended upon Him and we drink all the milk we can growing into a toddler. As spiritual toddlers we begin eating solid food and exploring the world around us. Yet all the time holding the Lord's hand because we trust Him to care for us. We trust Him because we know that He has held nothing from us. Even His one and only Son was given to us as a Savior so that we could have eternal life with Him. As parents we know we'll sacrifice anything for the protection of our children just like God sacrificed His Son for our protection.
This morning I read a story in my devotional about a Father's sacrificial love for his daughter.
"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Cor. 5:19)
There is on record a story of how a tribe of North American Indians who roamed in the neighborhood of Niagara offered year by year a young virgin as a sacrifice to the Spirit of the Mighty River.
"She was called 'The Bride of the Falls.'
"The lot fell one year on a beautiful girl who was the only daughter of an old chieftain. The news was carried to him while he was still in his tent; but on hearing it, the old man went o smoking his pipe, and said nothing of what he felt.
"On the day fixed for the sacrifice a white canoe, full of ripe fruits, and decked with beautiful flowers, was ready, waiting to receive The Bride.'
"At the appointed hour she took her place in the frail bark which was pushed out into mid-stream, where it would e carried swiftly toward the mighty cataract.
"Then, to the amazement of the crowd which had assembled to watch the sacrifice, a second canoe was seen to dart out from the rivers bank a little lower down the stream.
"In it was seated the old chieftain.
"With swift strokes he paddled towards the canoe in which was his beloved child, and, on reaching it, he gripped it firmly, and held it fast.
"The eyes of both met in one last long look of love; and then, close together, father and daughter were carried by the racing current until they plunged over the thundering cataract and perished side by side.
"In their death they were not divided.
"The father was 'in it' with his child!
"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself,' He did not have to. Nobody forced Him. The only force behind that sacrifice was the force of His seeking love for His lost world." - Selected.
Let us ponder, believe, and gladly follow, in His steps, into sacrificial service." - Streams in the Desert Volume 2
We are like weaned children resting against Him. We take His hand and walk forward trusting that He will care for us. Psalm 56:11 says, "In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid."
Krista Jones
3.8.08
My study notes say, "A child of four or five who walks trustingly beside his mother."
I think back to when I had my babies. As infants they are so dependent on you to care for them that it can be frightening. I felt so much compassion for my babies as I knew they were in a big cold world not knowing anything but Eric and I. I also remember feeling like McMama and that as soon as they wanted to nurse it was like they pulled up to the dive thru ordering a big tall glass of milk 24/7. As difficult as it was to nurse at times I knew it was my milk that continued to sustain their little lives.
My oldest was an independent one and weaned herself at 7 months old. I could have kept her going for another few months only nursing her at night but I was as ready to stop as ready as she was to be on her own. From that point on she started to explore the world around her more and more. Yet, her security and trust was still within us, her parents. She still looked up to us with those trusting eyes knowing we'd tenderly care for her.
It's the same way with our Heavenly Father. As spiritual infants we are depended upon Him and we drink all the milk we can growing into a toddler. As spiritual toddlers we begin eating solid food and exploring the world around us. Yet all the time holding the Lord's hand because we trust Him to care for us. We trust Him because we know that He has held nothing from us. Even His one and only Son was given to us as a Savior so that we could have eternal life with Him. As parents we know we'll sacrifice anything for the protection of our children just like God sacrificed His Son for our protection.
This morning I read a story in my devotional about a Father's sacrificial love for his daughter.
"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Cor. 5:19)
There is on record a story of how a tribe of North American Indians who roamed in the neighborhood of Niagara offered year by year a young virgin as a sacrifice to the Spirit of the Mighty River.
"She was called 'The Bride of the Falls.'
"The lot fell one year on a beautiful girl who was the only daughter of an old chieftain. The news was carried to him while he was still in his tent; but on hearing it, the old man went o smoking his pipe, and said nothing of what he felt.
"On the day fixed for the sacrifice a white canoe, full of ripe fruits, and decked with beautiful flowers, was ready, waiting to receive The Bride.'
"At the appointed hour she took her place in the frail bark which was pushed out into mid-stream, where it would e carried swiftly toward the mighty cataract.
"Then, to the amazement of the crowd which had assembled to watch the sacrifice, a second canoe was seen to dart out from the rivers bank a little lower down the stream.
"In it was seated the old chieftain.
"With swift strokes he paddled towards the canoe in which was his beloved child, and, on reaching it, he gripped it firmly, and held it fast.
"The eyes of both met in one last long look of love; and then, close together, father and daughter were carried by the racing current until they plunged over the thundering cataract and perished side by side.
"In their death they were not divided.
"The father was 'in it' with his child!
"God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself,' He did not have to. Nobody forced Him. The only force behind that sacrifice was the force of His seeking love for His lost world." - Selected.
Let us ponder, believe, and gladly follow, in His steps, into sacrificial service." - Streams in the Desert Volume 2
We are like weaned children resting against Him. We take His hand and walk forward trusting that He will care for us. Psalm 56:11 says, "In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid."
Krista Jones
3.8.08
Monday, November 03, 2008
Fade as a Leaf
. . . and we all do fade as a leaf; . . ." Isaiah 64:6
The air is full of hints of grief,
Strange voices touched with pain,
the pathos of the falling leaf,
The rustling of the rain. - Anonymous
the burden of every sound we hear, the moral of every sight we see, is the old, old truth, which finds a ready response in every human bosom. Numerous have been the times we have heard these words quoted from the pulpit, but from one with a doleful tone in his voice, leaving us with a feeling of sadness when the leaves begin to fall and the summer roses fade. "We all do fade as a leaf."
That is the great commonplace of the world. It is so trite and true that it has lost in a great measure the power of truth; and therefore God is annually illuminating it to us by the many colored lights of autumn, and investing it, by the aid of Nature's touching pictures, with new power and impressiveness. Every year, at the fall of the leaf, He is spreading before us a great parable, in which our decay and death are represented." - Hugh Macmillan (from Thoughts for the Thoughtful).
But how does the leave in autumn fade? It is true that certain trees renew in their autumn foliage the same color that marked them in their budding time of spring, but with fuller, brighter hues. Nature does not die drably! She puts on her most gorgeous roes in autumn and dies gloriously. She goes down with her gay banners waving, smiles back at us as she leaves us. God speaks to His own comforting messages at all season and at all times.
Why should we have a dread of the transition? God has made the "valley of the shadow" as beautiful as the daybreak. In Charles Kingsley's last hour he was heard to whisper, "How beautiful is God."
If peace be in the heart
The wildest winter storm is filled with beauty
The very trees and stones, all catch a ray of glory
If peace be in the heart.
He gave us the secret of victory. It is the peace of God passing all understanding that makes all the way long a good journey. "My peace I give to you." - Mrs. Charles E Cowman
Compiled by Mrs. Charles E Cowman, taken from, "Springs in the Valley Volume 2"
The air is full of hints of grief,
Strange voices touched with pain,
the pathos of the falling leaf,
The rustling of the rain. - Anonymous
the burden of every sound we hear, the moral of every sight we see, is the old, old truth, which finds a ready response in every human bosom. Numerous have been the times we have heard these words quoted from the pulpit, but from one with a doleful tone in his voice, leaving us with a feeling of sadness when the leaves begin to fall and the summer roses fade. "We all do fade as a leaf."
That is the great commonplace of the world. It is so trite and true that it has lost in a great measure the power of truth; and therefore God is annually illuminating it to us by the many colored lights of autumn, and investing it, by the aid of Nature's touching pictures, with new power and impressiveness. Every year, at the fall of the leaf, He is spreading before us a great parable, in which our decay and death are represented." - Hugh Macmillan (from Thoughts for the Thoughtful).
But how does the leave in autumn fade? It is true that certain trees renew in their autumn foliage the same color that marked them in their budding time of spring, but with fuller, brighter hues. Nature does not die drably! She puts on her most gorgeous roes in autumn and dies gloriously. She goes down with her gay banners waving, smiles back at us as she leaves us. God speaks to His own comforting messages at all season and at all times.
Why should we have a dread of the transition? God has made the "valley of the shadow" as beautiful as the daybreak. In Charles Kingsley's last hour he was heard to whisper, "How beautiful is God."
If peace be in the heart
The wildest winter storm is filled with beauty
The very trees and stones, all catch a ray of glory
If peace be in the heart.
He gave us the secret of victory. It is the peace of God passing all understanding that makes all the way long a good journey. "My peace I give to you." - Mrs. Charles E Cowman
Compiled by Mrs. Charles E Cowman, taken from, "Springs in the Valley Volume 2"
Friday, October 31, 2008
November's Memory Verse
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.
"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.
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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