"Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD" (Jeremiah 1:8).
Whenever fear comes in and makes us falter, we are in danger of falling into sin. Conceit is to be dreaded, but so is cowardice. "Dare to be a Daniel." Our great Captain should be served by brave soldiers.
What a reason for bravery is here! God is with those who are with Him. God will never be away when the hour of struggle comes. Do they threaten you? Who are you that you should be afraid of a man that shall die? Will you lose your situation? Your God whom you serve will find bread and water for His servants. Can you not trust Him? Do they pour ridicule upon you? Will this break your bones or your heart? Bear it for Christ's sake, and even rejoice because of it.
God is with the true, the just, the holy, to deliver them; and He will deliver you. Remember how Daniel came out of the lions' den and the three holy children out of the furnace. Yours is not so desperate a case as theirs; but if it were, the LORD would bear you through and make you more than a conqueror. Fear to fear. Be afraid to be afraid. Your worst enemy is within your own bosom. Get to your knees and cry for help, and then rise up saying, "I will trust, and not be afraid."
By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Carry Your Cross
"Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Mark 8:34).
The cross which my Lord bids me take up and carry may assume different shapes. I may have to content myself with a lowly and narrow sphere, when I feel that I have capacities for much higher work. I may have to go on cultivating year after year, a field which seems to yield me no harvests whatsoever. I may be bidden to cherish kind and loving thoughts about someone who has wronged me--be bidden speak to him tenderly, and take his part against all who oppose him, and crown him with sympathy and succor. I may have to confess my Master amongst those who do not wish to be reminded of Him and His claims. I may be called to "move among my race, and show a glorious morning face," when my heart is breaking. There are many crosses, and every one of them is sore and heavy. None of them is likely to be sought out by me of my own accord. But never is Jesus so near me as when I lift my cross, and lay it submissively on my shoulder, and give it the welcome of a patient and unmurmuring spirit.
He draws close, to ripen my wisdom, to deepen my peace, to increase my courage, to augment my power to be of use to others, through the very experience which is so grievous and distressing, and then--as I read on the seal of one of those Scottish Covenanters whom Claverhouse imprisoned on the lonely Bass, with the sea surging and sobbing round--I grow under the load.--Alexander Smellie.
"Use your cross as a crutch to help you on, and not as a stumblingblock to cast you down."
"You may others from sadness to gladness beguile,
If you carry your cross with a smile."
Compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
The cross which my Lord bids me take up and carry may assume different shapes. I may have to content myself with a lowly and narrow sphere, when I feel that I have capacities for much higher work. I may have to go on cultivating year after year, a field which seems to yield me no harvests whatsoever. I may be bidden to cherish kind and loving thoughts about someone who has wronged me--be bidden speak to him tenderly, and take his part against all who oppose him, and crown him with sympathy and succor. I may have to confess my Master amongst those who do not wish to be reminded of Him and His claims. I may be called to "move among my race, and show a glorious morning face," when my heart is breaking. There are many crosses, and every one of them is sore and heavy. None of them is likely to be sought out by me of my own accord. But never is Jesus so near me as when I lift my cross, and lay it submissively on my shoulder, and give it the welcome of a patient and unmurmuring spirit.
He draws close, to ripen my wisdom, to deepen my peace, to increase my courage, to augment my power to be of use to others, through the very experience which is so grievous and distressing, and then--as I read on the seal of one of those Scottish Covenanters whom Claverhouse imprisoned on the lonely Bass, with the sea surging and sobbing round--I grow under the load.--Alexander Smellie.
"Use your cross as a crutch to help you on, and not as a stumblingblock to cast you down."
"You may others from sadness to gladness beguile,
If you carry your cross with a smile."
Compiled by Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
"Lord, carest Thou not that we perish?"
"He is a refuge in desperate hours." Psalm 9:9
A well-known business man would drop into our office every few days. His visits were ever times of spiritual refreshing. His face was always wreathed in smiles. He had an elastic tread. He radiated victory. A few minutes in his presence and one felt a lifting tides of God, for victory acts as a contagion. The old prophets knew this secret when they wrote of the carpenter encouraging the goldsmith, and the goldsmith encouraging those that beat out the tongs, etc.
Recently this same man shuffled into our office, sank down in a chair, buried his face between his hands, and burst into tears. What had happened to this child of God? He had fainted in the day of adversity. He experienced a great calamity which swept away his home, his business, his money. Then he began to worry, and, in consequence, he lost his health and is now a physical wreak. Here was Satan's opportunity, and he was not slow to avail himself of it. He came with the insidious question, "How are you going to face the world!" He led this once triumphant Christian to the very edge of the precipice, and told him to cast himself down. Everything was dark, pitch dark.
The Father cares when He sees His children in the teeth of a blinding storm, but He knows that faith grows in the tempest. He will hold our hands bidding us not to try to see the next step we are to take. He who knows the paths of a hundred million stars, knows the way through the whirlwind and the storm, and his promised, "I will never, never let go your hand!"
There is unquestionably a grave danger of many becoming spiritually paralyzed by depression. the forces of darkness are so imminent, the magnitude of the crisis is so great that many are being tempted to cry out with the disciples, "Lord, carest Thou not that we perish?" Yet He who may appear to be "asleep upon a pillow" is riding upon the storm in all His Divine majesty. The great need is for more faith in the omnipotent God.
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Dessert" Volume 2
A well-known business man would drop into our office every few days. His visits were ever times of spiritual refreshing. His face was always wreathed in smiles. He had an elastic tread. He radiated victory. A few minutes in his presence and one felt a lifting tides of God, for victory acts as a contagion. The old prophets knew this secret when they wrote of the carpenter encouraging the goldsmith, and the goldsmith encouraging those that beat out the tongs, etc.
Recently this same man shuffled into our office, sank down in a chair, buried his face between his hands, and burst into tears. What had happened to this child of God? He had fainted in the day of adversity. He experienced a great calamity which swept away his home, his business, his money. Then he began to worry, and, in consequence, he lost his health and is now a physical wreak. Here was Satan's opportunity, and he was not slow to avail himself of it. He came with the insidious question, "How are you going to face the world!" He led this once triumphant Christian to the very edge of the precipice, and told him to cast himself down. Everything was dark, pitch dark.
The Father cares when He sees His children in the teeth of a blinding storm, but He knows that faith grows in the tempest. He will hold our hands bidding us not to try to see the next step we are to take. He who knows the paths of a hundred million stars, knows the way through the whirlwind and the storm, and his promised, "I will never, never let go your hand!"
There is unquestionably a grave danger of many becoming spiritually paralyzed by depression. the forces of darkness are so imminent, the magnitude of the crisis is so great that many are being tempted to cry out with the disciples, "Lord, carest Thou not that we perish?" Yet He who may appear to be "asleep upon a pillow" is riding upon the storm in all His Divine majesty. The great need is for more faith in the omnipotent God.
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Dessert" Volume 2
Monday, March 17, 2008
Imitators of the Living God
On Saturday I went to a celebration of life memorial for my daughter's friend Codey. I really didn't want to go and dreaded is all day Friday. Had a hard time sleeping and felt anxious all night. But, my daughter's class was going to perform Codey's favorite song and we felt it was a great way for us all to get closure on his death.
Katelyn and I got there early for practice and as soon as I walked in the doors and heard the youth band practicing I broke into tears. I didn't think I could manage sitting through the whole service. But in time the service started and I could tell that it wasn't going to be like any other service. There was hope in this service. Knowing that Codey knew the Lord made me feel less anxious. Seeing 400 people come together to honor his life was amazing. His mother was shocked by how many people's lives were touched by Codey. That little guy made a big difference in all of our lives in only 10 short years. We all cried, laughed and celebrated one special boy together as a whole community.
I walked away feeling exhausted and tear stained but finally at peace with what happened. I also walked away with the reminder of how Codey's life reflected Jesus and that I, 27 years his senior, have yet to do that to the extent he did. I sometimes have to stop and think about helping people where he just did it. It was imbedded in his DNA to be a friend to all regardless of age, race or popularity.
I am blessed to have known Codey for 3 short years and will miss that goofy little face coming up to me in the morning saying, "hi" and asking where Katelyn was. Sadly, this year the boys and girls don't "hang" out like they did last year so I haven't seen him as often. But I will remember his kindness, respectfulness and that infectious smile.
When I think about Codey and even Eric's step-Grandfather, Donny, I think about this verse, "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." (Ephesians 5:1). Both Codey and Grandpa Donny died tragic deaths that could have been avoided. But because of their deaths others lives have been touched and changed. I have no idea who may come to the Lord after yesterday's service. But I pray that we all walked away different.
I pray that we can be imitator's of the Living God. That we will walk into people's lives like a bright light filling them with Jesus.
Krista Jones
3.15.08
Katelyn and I got there early for practice and as soon as I walked in the doors and heard the youth band practicing I broke into tears. I didn't think I could manage sitting through the whole service. But in time the service started and I could tell that it wasn't going to be like any other service. There was hope in this service. Knowing that Codey knew the Lord made me feel less anxious. Seeing 400 people come together to honor his life was amazing. His mother was shocked by how many people's lives were touched by Codey. That little guy made a big difference in all of our lives in only 10 short years. We all cried, laughed and celebrated one special boy together as a whole community.
I walked away feeling exhausted and tear stained but finally at peace with what happened. I also walked away with the reminder of how Codey's life reflected Jesus and that I, 27 years his senior, have yet to do that to the extent he did. I sometimes have to stop and think about helping people where he just did it. It was imbedded in his DNA to be a friend to all regardless of age, race or popularity.
I am blessed to have known Codey for 3 short years and will miss that goofy little face coming up to me in the morning saying, "hi" and asking where Katelyn was. Sadly, this year the boys and girls don't "hang" out like they did last year so I haven't seen him as often. But I will remember his kindness, respectfulness and that infectious smile.
When I think about Codey and even Eric's step-Grandfather, Donny, I think about this verse, "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." (Ephesians 5:1). Both Codey and Grandpa Donny died tragic deaths that could have been avoided. But because of their deaths others lives have been touched and changed. I have no idea who may come to the Lord after yesterday's service. But I pray that we all walked away different.
I pray that we can be imitator's of the Living God. That we will walk into people's lives like a bright light filling them with Jesus.
Krista Jones
3.15.08
Friday, March 14, 2008
Taking the Next Step
". . . in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses" 2 Corinthians 6:4
When you have no vision from God, no enthusiasm left in your life, and no one watching and encouraging you, it requires the grace of Almighty God to take the next step in your devotion to Him, in the reading and studying of His Word, in your family life, or in your duty to Him. It takes much more of the grace of God, and a much greater awareness of drawing upon Him, to take that next step, than it does to preach the gospel.
Every Christian must experience the essence of the incarnation by bringing the next step down into flesh-and-blood reality and by working it out with his hands. We lose interest and give up when we have no vision, no encouragement, and no improvement, but only experience our everyday life with its trivial tasks. The thing that really testifies for God and for the people of God in the long run is steady perseverance, even when the work cannot be seen by others. And the only way to live an undefeated life is to live looking to God. Ask God to keep the eyes of your spirit open to the risen Christ, and it will be impossible for drudgery to discourage you. Never allow yourself to think that some tasks are beneath your dignity or too insignificant for you to do, and remind yourself of the example of Christ in John 13:1-17.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For His Highest"
When you have no vision from God, no enthusiasm left in your life, and no one watching and encouraging you, it requires the grace of Almighty God to take the next step in your devotion to Him, in the reading and studying of His Word, in your family life, or in your duty to Him. It takes much more of the grace of God, and a much greater awareness of drawing upon Him, to take that next step, than it does to preach the gospel.
Every Christian must experience the essence of the incarnation by bringing the next step down into flesh-and-blood reality and by working it out with his hands. We lose interest and give up when we have no vision, no encouragement, and no improvement, but only experience our everyday life with its trivial tasks. The thing that really testifies for God and for the people of God in the long run is steady perseverance, even when the work cannot be seen by others. And the only way to live an undefeated life is to live looking to God. Ask God to keep the eyes of your spirit open to the risen Christ, and it will be impossible for drudgery to discourage you. Never allow yourself to think that some tasks are beneath your dignity or too insignificant for you to do, and remind yourself of the example of Christ in John 13:1-17.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For His Highest"
Thursday, March 13, 2008
From Nothing
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. No light. No sky. No land. It’s incomprehensible to our finite thinking—the barren nothingness that existed before Genesis 1:1.
Then suddenly, through the work of the Almighty, God supplanted nothingness with “the heavens and the earth.” The divine hand reached through the void and produced a place, a world, a universe. Through the magnificent convergence of the workings of the Godhead—with the Son enacting the will of the Father as the Agent of creation, and the Holy Spirit as the hovering Presence—nothing became something. History began its long march toward today.
The first verse of Genesis provides us with sufficient concepts to contemplate for a lifetime. That introductory statement speaks of enough glory, enough majesty, enough awe to leave us speechless before God. Just as today we would have no life, no breath, no existence without His sustaining action, neither would we have the cosmos without His mighty act at the moment of creation.
In awe we wonder what went on before “the beginning.” With breathless praise we marvel at the words “God created the heavens and the earth.” We read—and we stand in adoration. “Nothing” has never been so fascinating! — Dave Branon
I sing the mighty power of God
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad
And built the lofty skies. —Watts
Nature is but a name for an effect whose cause is God.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread
Nothing. Absolutely nothing. No light. No sky. No land. It’s incomprehensible to our finite thinking—the barren nothingness that existed before Genesis 1:1.
Then suddenly, through the work of the Almighty, God supplanted nothingness with “the heavens and the earth.” The divine hand reached through the void and produced a place, a world, a universe. Through the magnificent convergence of the workings of the Godhead—with the Son enacting the will of the Father as the Agent of creation, and the Holy Spirit as the hovering Presence—nothing became something. History began its long march toward today.
The first verse of Genesis provides us with sufficient concepts to contemplate for a lifetime. That introductory statement speaks of enough glory, enough majesty, enough awe to leave us speechless before God. Just as today we would have no life, no breath, no existence without His sustaining action, neither would we have the cosmos without His mighty act at the moment of creation.
In awe we wonder what went on before “the beginning.” With breathless praise we marvel at the words “God created the heavens and the earth.” We read—and we stand in adoration. “Nothing” has never been so fascinating! — Dave Branon
I sing the mighty power of God
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad
And built the lofty skies. —Watts
Nature is but a name for an effect whose cause is God.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Grief
Grief. It comes in many shapes and sizes nor does everyone grieve in the same way. This week our community is grieving over the loss of a child who died a senseless death. This child was in my daughter's class and her friend. As her parents we were the ones who had to tell our girls that he had passed away. It's not something you'd think you would ever have to talk about because children shouldn't have to die. As I was having lunch with my oldest I overheard one of her classmates say that "he was just too young to die."
I grieve for his parents and siblings. I grieve for the classmates who are experiencing a new kind of pain that many have never felt before. I grieve over the loss of never seeing this child again. Never having him come up to me in the mornings with a smile on his face asking how I'm doing. I grieve over watching my girls sort through their feelings and deal with how to cope with their loss. Will the pain for them ever go away?
Tonight I came across a verse that gave me comfort. Psalm 147:3 says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." In time God can bring healing to the family who lost their son. He can bring healing to our community who lost a friend, student and all around wonderful person. I pray that whatever you're dealing with that you can take comfort in knowing you aren't alone. That the Lord will heal your broken heart and bind up your wounds. Turn to Him and allow Him into your life so He can begin the healing process. He's only a prayer away.
Krista Jones
3.11.08
I grieve for his parents and siblings. I grieve for the classmates who are experiencing a new kind of pain that many have never felt before. I grieve over the loss of never seeing this child again. Never having him come up to me in the mornings with a smile on his face asking how I'm doing. I grieve over watching my girls sort through their feelings and deal with how to cope with their loss. Will the pain for them ever go away?
Tonight I came across a verse that gave me comfort. Psalm 147:3 says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." In time God can bring healing to the family who lost their son. He can bring healing to our community who lost a friend, student and all around wonderful person. I pray that whatever you're dealing with that you can take comfort in knowing you aren't alone. That the Lord will heal your broken heart and bind up your wounds. Turn to Him and allow Him into your life so He can begin the healing process. He's only a prayer away.
Krista Jones
3.11.08
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Perseverance
"In the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the Lord." Exodus 16:7
"Serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope." Romans 12:11, 12.
Every day is a fresh beginning,
Every morn is the world made new.
You who are weary of sorrow and sinning,
Here is a beautiful hope for you;
A hope for me and a hope for you.
SUSAN COOLIDGE
Be patient with every one, but above all with yourself. I mean, do not be disturbed because of your imperfections, and always rise up bravely from a fall. I am glad that you make a daily new beginning; there is no better means of progress in the spiritual life than to be continually beginning afresh, and never to think that we have done enough. - ST. FRANCIS DE SALES
Because perseverance is so difficult, even when supported by the grace of God, thence is the value of new beginnings. For new beginnings are the life of perseverance. - E. B. PUSEY
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
"Serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope." Romans 12:11, 12.
Every day is a fresh beginning,
Every morn is the world made new.
You who are weary of sorrow and sinning,
Here is a beautiful hope for you;
A hope for me and a hope for you.
SUSAN COOLIDGE
Be patient with every one, but above all with yourself. I mean, do not be disturbed because of your imperfections, and always rise up bravely from a fall. I am glad that you make a daily new beginning; there is no better means of progress in the spiritual life than to be continually beginning afresh, and never to think that we have done enough. - ST. FRANCIS DE SALES
Because perseverance is so difficult, even when supported by the grace of God, thence is the value of new beginnings. For new beginnings are the life of perseverance. - E. B. PUSEY
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Monday, March 10, 2008
Who Is the Servant?
"Martha was distracted with much serving . . . But Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:40-42
Martha is worried about something good. She's having Jesus over for dinner. She's literally serving God. Her aim was to please Jesus. But she made a common, yet dangerous mistake. As she began to work for Him, her wok became more important then her Lord. What began as a way to serve Jesus, slowly and subtly became a way to serve self . . . She has forgotten that the meal is to honor Jesus, not Martha . . .
It's easy to forget who is the servant and who is to be served. - He Still Moves Stones
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Martha is worried about something good. She's having Jesus over for dinner. She's literally serving God. Her aim was to please Jesus. But she made a common, yet dangerous mistake. As she began to work for Him, her wok became more important then her Lord. What began as a way to serve Jesus, slowly and subtly became a way to serve self . . . She has forgotten that the meal is to honor Jesus, not Martha . . .
It's easy to forget who is the servant and who is to be served. - He Still Moves Stones
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Friday, March 07, 2008
Our Misgivings About Jesus
"The woman said to Him, ’Sir, You have nothing to draw [water] with, and the well is deep’ " John 4:11
Have you ever said to yourself, "I am impressed with the wonderful truths of God’s Word, but He can’t really expect me to live up to that and work all those details into my life!" When it comes to confronting Jesus Christ on the basis of His qualities and abilities, our attitudes reflect religious superiority. We think His ideals are lofty and they impress us, but we believe He is not in touch with reality— that what He says cannot actually be done. Each of us thinks this about Jesus in one area of our life or another. These doubts or misgivings about Jesus begin as we consider questions that divert our focus away from God. While we talk of our dealings with Him, others ask us, "Where are you going to get enough money to live? How will you live and who will take care of you?" Or our misgivings begin within ourselves when we tell Jesus that our circumstances are just a little too difficult for Him. We say, "It’s easy to say, ’Trust in the Lord,’ but a person has to live; and besides, Jesus has nothing with which to draw water— no means to be able to give us these things." And beware of exhibiting religious deceit by saying, "Oh, I have no misgivings about Jesus, only misgivings about myself." If we are honest, we will admit that we never have misgivings or doubts about ourselves, because we know exactly what we are capable or incapable of doing. But we do have misgivings about Jesus. And our pride is hurt even at the thought that He can do what we can’t.
My misgivings arise from the fact that I search within to find how He will do what He says. My doubts spring from the depths of my own inferiority. If I detect these misgivings in myself, I should bring them into the light and confess them openly— "Lord, I have had misgivings about You. I have not believed in Your abilities, but only my own. And I have not believed in Your almighty power apart from my finite understanding of it."
By Oswald Chamber, taken from "My Utmost for His Highest"
Have you ever said to yourself, "I am impressed with the wonderful truths of God’s Word, but He can’t really expect me to live up to that and work all those details into my life!" When it comes to confronting Jesus Christ on the basis of His qualities and abilities, our attitudes reflect religious superiority. We think His ideals are lofty and they impress us, but we believe He is not in touch with reality— that what He says cannot actually be done. Each of us thinks this about Jesus in one area of our life or another. These doubts or misgivings about Jesus begin as we consider questions that divert our focus away from God. While we talk of our dealings with Him, others ask us, "Where are you going to get enough money to live? How will you live and who will take care of you?" Or our misgivings begin within ourselves when we tell Jesus that our circumstances are just a little too difficult for Him. We say, "It’s easy to say, ’Trust in the Lord,’ but a person has to live; and besides, Jesus has nothing with which to draw water— no means to be able to give us these things." And beware of exhibiting religious deceit by saying, "Oh, I have no misgivings about Jesus, only misgivings about myself." If we are honest, we will admit that we never have misgivings or doubts about ourselves, because we know exactly what we are capable or incapable of doing. But we do have misgivings about Jesus. And our pride is hurt even at the thought that He can do what we can’t.
My misgivings arise from the fact that I search within to find how He will do what He says. My doubts spring from the depths of my own inferiority. If I detect these misgivings in myself, I should bring them into the light and confess them openly— "Lord, I have had misgivings about You. I have not believed in Your abilities, but only my own. And I have not believed in Your almighty power apart from my finite understanding of it."
By Oswald Chamber, taken from "My Utmost for His Highest"
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Art Appreciation
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14
Lord,
Sometimes when I look
At my life
It seems like a homespun
Patch-work quilt . . .
Quaint, but not quite "together"!
There are bits and pieces of
Cloths and colors,
Scraps of material,
The days of my life . . .
When you began to put together
The days of my life
You must have known
Where each piece would go . . .
You've told me that I am
Fearfully and wonderfully
Made . . .
And I believe you, Lord,
I do!
I may not be a velvet tapestry,
But even crazy-quilts
Have purpose,
To give warmth and
Cozy comfort and
Color to a room!
Whatever I am, Lord,
You made me . .
Lovingly,
Carefully,
Reverently,
And exactly right!
By Joy Morgan Davis, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
Lord,
Sometimes when I look
At my life
It seems like a homespun
Patch-work quilt . . .
Quaint, but not quite "together"!
There are bits and pieces of
Cloths and colors,
Scraps of material,
The days of my life . . .
When you began to put together
The days of my life
You must have known
Where each piece would go . . .
You've told me that I am
Fearfully and wonderfully
Made . . .
And I believe you, Lord,
I do!
I may not be a velvet tapestry,
But even crazy-quilts
Have purpose,
To give warmth and
Cozy comfort and
Color to a room!
Whatever I am, Lord,
You made me . .
Lovingly,
Carefully,
Reverently,
And exactly right!
By Joy Morgan Davis, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Faithfully Present
"The Son of Man came to find lost people and save them." Luke 19:10
Our God is the God who follows. Have you sensed Him following you? He is the one who came to seek and save the lost. Have you sensed Him seeking you?
Have you felt His presence through the kindness of a stranger? Through the majesty of a sunset or the mystery of romance? Through the question of a child or the commitment of a spouse? Through a word well spoken or a touch well timed, have you sensed Him? . . .
God gives us Himself. Even when we choose our hovel over His house or our trash over His grace, still He follows. Never forcing us. Never leaving us. patiently persistent. Faithfully present. He uses all His power to convince us that He is who He is and He can be trusted to lead us home." - The Gift for All People
By Max Lucadeo, taken from "Grace for the Moment."
Our God is the God who follows. Have you sensed Him following you? He is the one who came to seek and save the lost. Have you sensed Him seeking you?
Have you felt His presence through the kindness of a stranger? Through the majesty of a sunset or the mystery of romance? Through the question of a child or the commitment of a spouse? Through a word well spoken or a touch well timed, have you sensed Him? . . .
God gives us Himself. Even when we choose our hovel over His house or our trash over His grace, still He follows. Never forcing us. Never leaving us. patiently persistent. Faithfully present. He uses all His power to convince us that He is who He is and He can be trusted to lead us home." - The Gift for All People
By Max Lucadeo, taken from "Grace for the Moment."
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
God's Perfect Timing
The time is near for the Israelites to leave Egypt. Plague after plague has struck Egypt and God continues to harden Pharaoh's heart so that he will not let the Israelites go. It's hard to think about God hardening someone's heart but he did so with Pharaoh who refused to follow the one true God. And God did this " . . . so that I may perform these miraculous signs of mine among them that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the Lord." (Exodus 10:1-2). He did this so that we would all know that He is Lord - the Egyptians, Israelites, their descendants as well as us. What an incredible testimony we have to learn from!
And so, here is my man Moses. My fearful-can't-speak-in-public beloved Bible character. Somehow Moses went from being hesitant to do all these things to becoming the spokesperson of God. He was transformed during this time. Was it because his faith grew as he witnessed God's awesome power? Was it because he jumped in and started doing the work God asked him to do and grew from experience? Something happened and Moses went from a baby faith to walking by faith alone. Hebrews 11:27 says, "By faith he (Moses) left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible." Ah, you gotta love Hebrews!!!!
Maturing in my faith can be a rather long process as it seems like I take 5 steps forward and 20 back. It can be frustrating at times as I want to be ahead of where I'm at. But then, when I start moving forward after taking many steps backwards, I realize that God knows me so well that He knows when I'm ready for the next step. I love Psalm 37:23-24, "If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." In the margin of my Bible I wrote this quote, "I shall never be able to go too fast if the Lord is in front of me; and I can never go too slowly if I follow Him always, everywhere."
God's timing is always perfect just like it was perfect in bringing the Israelites out of Egypt. God needs to grow me further like He grew Moses into become the man he became. I pray that I will have a willing heart to follow God and allow Him to train me so that when the time is right I will be ready to serve Him where He needs me.
Krista Jones
1.21.08
And so, here is my man Moses. My fearful-can't-speak-in-public beloved Bible character. Somehow Moses went from being hesitant to do all these things to becoming the spokesperson of God. He was transformed during this time. Was it because his faith grew as he witnessed God's awesome power? Was it because he jumped in and started doing the work God asked him to do and grew from experience? Something happened and Moses went from a baby faith to walking by faith alone. Hebrews 11:27 says, "By faith he (Moses) left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible." Ah, you gotta love Hebrews!!!!
Maturing in my faith can be a rather long process as it seems like I take 5 steps forward and 20 back. It can be frustrating at times as I want to be ahead of where I'm at. But then, when I start moving forward after taking many steps backwards, I realize that God knows me so well that He knows when I'm ready for the next step. I love Psalm 37:23-24, "If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand." In the margin of my Bible I wrote this quote, "I shall never be able to go too fast if the Lord is in front of me; and I can never go too slowly if I follow Him always, everywhere."
God's timing is always perfect just like it was perfect in bringing the Israelites out of Egypt. God needs to grow me further like He grew Moses into become the man he became. I pray that I will have a willing heart to follow God and allow Him to train me so that when the time is right I will be ready to serve Him where He needs me.
Krista Jones
1.21.08
Monday, March 03, 2008
Do you bear the seal of God?
"And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever." Isaiah 32:17
The heart that ministers for Thee
In Thy own work will rest;
And the subject spirit of a child
Can serve Thy children best.
A. L. WARING
It matters not where or what we are, so we be His servants. They are happy who have a wide field and great strength to fulfil His missions of compassion; and they, too, are blessed who, in sheltered homes and narrow ways of duty, wait upon Him in lowly services of love. Wise or simple, gifted or slender in knowledge, in the world's gaze or in hidden paths, high or low, encompassed by affections and joys of home, or lonely and content in God alone, what matters, so that they bear the seal of the living God? Blessed company, unknown to each other, unknowing even themselves! - H. E. MANNING
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
The heart that ministers for Thee
In Thy own work will rest;
And the subject spirit of a child
Can serve Thy children best.
A. L. WARING
It matters not where or what we are, so we be His servants. They are happy who have a wide field and great strength to fulfil His missions of compassion; and they, too, are blessed who, in sheltered homes and narrow ways of duty, wait upon Him in lowly services of love. Wise or simple, gifted or slender in knowledge, in the world's gaze or in hidden paths, high or low, encompassed by affections and joys of home, or lonely and content in God alone, what matters, so that they bear the seal of the living God? Blessed company, unknown to each other, unknowing even themselves! - H. E. MANNING
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Friday, February 29, 2008
What will you be doing in Heaven?
"Those who win the victory will sit with me on my throne in the same way that I won the victory and sat down with my Father on His throne." Revelation 3:21
I believe that praise and prayer develop us for what we will do when we arrive in heaven. What's your picture of what you'll be doing there - sitting on a cloud? Polishing your halo? Playing your harp? That's not what you're going to be doing. You're going to be involved in the ongoing process of coreigning with God.
By Max Lucado, taking from "Walking with the Savior"
I believe that praise and prayer develop us for what we will do when we arrive in heaven. What's your picture of what you'll be doing there - sitting on a cloud? Polishing your halo? Playing your harp? That's not what you're going to be doing. You're going to be involved in the ongoing process of coreigning with God.
By Max Lucado, taking from "Walking with the Savior"
Thursday, February 28, 2008
A Self-Image in the Image of God
"So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." Genesis 1:27
God created man - male and female - in HIs own image. What an awesome reality that is. There I am in the first chapter of the Bible - a woman - distinguished from animals, distinguished from my male counterpart, and literally created in the image of God. Certainly womanhood was no afterthought with God, and it was through the creation of both male and female that God has offered his fullest self-revelation.
If somehow in our imagination we are able to recreate all the qualities of perfect man and perfect woman in one being, we have, perhaps, a faint hint of who God really is. And, as we reflect on who God is, we see a picture of the image we carry in ourselves individually.
Unfortunately, that image of god often bears virtually no resemblance to our own self-image. The reason for that, according to many Christian counselors, is because many of us suffer from a low self-image. but how can our elf-image be low when we contemplate the image of god in which we were created? Personally, I find that my self-esteem is lowest when I am least reflecting the image of God. Indeed, my self-esteem has very little to do with the ego-boosting gratification that comes with awards, promotions, bonuses, and new clothes. These are the temporary "uppers" of the "me-generation," but they are not what builds a healthy self-image.
I feel best about myself, not when I read a flattering review of one of my books or when I am wearing a new outfit, but when I have selflessly reached out to someone in need and given with no thought of reward - or of self. It is only when my self is submerged that God's image begins to shine forth. Then I have a healthy self-image that truly reflects God's image.
By Ruth A Tucker, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 1"
God created man - male and female - in HIs own image. What an awesome reality that is. There I am in the first chapter of the Bible - a woman - distinguished from animals, distinguished from my male counterpart, and literally created in the image of God. Certainly womanhood was no afterthought with God, and it was through the creation of both male and female that God has offered his fullest self-revelation.
If somehow in our imagination we are able to recreate all the qualities of perfect man and perfect woman in one being, we have, perhaps, a faint hint of who God really is. And, as we reflect on who God is, we see a picture of the image we carry in ourselves individually.
Unfortunately, that image of god often bears virtually no resemblance to our own self-image. The reason for that, according to many Christian counselors, is because many of us suffer from a low self-image. but how can our elf-image be low when we contemplate the image of god in which we were created? Personally, I find that my self-esteem is lowest when I am least reflecting the image of God. Indeed, my self-esteem has very little to do with the ego-boosting gratification that comes with awards, promotions, bonuses, and new clothes. These are the temporary "uppers" of the "me-generation," but they are not what builds a healthy self-image.
I feel best about myself, not when I read a flattering review of one of my books or when I am wearing a new outfit, but when I have selflessly reached out to someone in need and given with no thought of reward - or of self. It is only when my self is submerged that God's image begins to shine forth. Then I have a healthy self-image that truly reflects God's image.
By Ruth A Tucker, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 1"
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Ready for the battle field
"Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off." I Kings 20:11
"Put on the whole armor of God." Ephesians 6:11
Was I not girded for the battle-field?
Bore I not helm of pride and glittering sword?
Behold the fragments of my broken shield,
And lend to me Thy heavenly armor, Lord!
ANON
Oh, be at least able to say in that day,--Lord, I am no hero. I have been careless, cowardly, sometimes all but mutinous. Punishment I have deserved, I deny it not. But a traitor I have never been; a deserter I have never been. I have tried to fight on Thy side in Thy battle against evil. I have tried to do the duty which lay nearest me; and to leave whatever Thou didst commit to my charge a little better than I found it. I have not been good, but I have at least tried to be good. Take the will for the deed, good Lord. Strike not my unworthy name off the roll-call of the noble and victorious army, which is the blessed company of all faithful people; and let me, too, be found written in the Book of Life; even though I stand the lowest and last upon its list. Amen.
C. KINGSLEY
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
"Put on the whole armor of God." Ephesians 6:11
Was I not girded for the battle-field?
Bore I not helm of pride and glittering sword?
Behold the fragments of my broken shield,
And lend to me Thy heavenly armor, Lord!
ANON
Oh, be at least able to say in that day,--Lord, I am no hero. I have been careless, cowardly, sometimes all but mutinous. Punishment I have deserved, I deny it not. But a traitor I have never been; a deserter I have never been. I have tried to fight on Thy side in Thy battle against evil. I have tried to do the duty which lay nearest me; and to leave whatever Thou didst commit to my charge a little better than I found it. I have not been good, but I have at least tried to be good. Take the will for the deed, good Lord. Strike not my unworthy name off the roll-call of the noble and victorious army, which is the blessed company of all faithful people; and let me, too, be found written in the Book of Life; even though I stand the lowest and last upon its list. Amen.
C. KINGSLEY
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The "Secret of the Lord"
"The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant." Psalm 25:14
What is the "secret of the Lord?"
As in all the Christian life, there is a "secret" on both sides. This is true because there are two wonderfully balanced sides to reckon with in all things pertaining to victorious living.
There is God's side.
And there is our side.
As we share our "red stone" verses, we look at God's side. We gaze in awe at His love, His unending mercy, His longsuffering which is our salvation (2 Peter 3:15). And we looked deeper to see that this life which is God's has come to dwell within our lives if we have received Him there by faith.
God's side then is to be Himself in us.
Our side is to let Him be Himself in us.
Perhaps we could say that the "secret" on God's side is the very fact of His presence within us. Giving us all we ever need for every minute of our lives.
Then could we say, as we look into this "blue stone" verse above, that from our side, "the secret of the Lord" is obedience? The word "fear" here implies trust to me. Trust enough in His character to obey when he speaks.
Those who have tried the obedient life, know that it is true that " . . . He will show them His covenant." It is a lovely secret between you and God. In another delightful aspect, it is -
. . . Your life . . . hid with Christ in God.
By Eugenia Price, taken from "Share My Pleasant Stones"
What is the "secret of the Lord?"
As in all the Christian life, there is a "secret" on both sides. This is true because there are two wonderfully balanced sides to reckon with in all things pertaining to victorious living.
There is God's side.
And there is our side.
As we share our "red stone" verses, we look at God's side. We gaze in awe at His love, His unending mercy, His longsuffering which is our salvation (2 Peter 3:15). And we looked deeper to see that this life which is God's has come to dwell within our lives if we have received Him there by faith.
God's side then is to be Himself in us.
Our side is to let Him be Himself in us.
Perhaps we could say that the "secret" on God's side is the very fact of His presence within us. Giving us all we ever need for every minute of our lives.
Then could we say, as we look into this "blue stone" verse above, that from our side, "the secret of the Lord" is obedience? The word "fear" here implies trust to me. Trust enough in His character to obey when he speaks.
Those who have tried the obedient life, know that it is true that " . . . He will show them His covenant." It is a lovely secret between you and God. In another delightful aspect, it is -
. . . Your life . . . hid with Christ in God.
By Eugenia Price, taken from "Share My Pleasant Stones"
Monday, February 25, 2008
Purging
This morning I'm still in the beginning part of the story of Moses. Moses is still in the midsts of God getting his instructions and balking at what God is asking him to do. At one point God asks Moses to throw his staff down and it becomes a snake. He instructs Moses to pick it up and it becomes a staff again. Then He instructs Moses to put his hand into his cloak. When it comes out it is diseased like leprosy. He tells Moses to put his diseased hand back into his cloak and when he pulls it out it's clean and normal. My notes say, "The sign of leprosy. Inside his cloak, Moses' hand covered his heart. The heart stands for what we are, the hand for what we do. What we are, that ultimately we do. It is a sign of Luke 6:43-45. The two sings, staff and hand, speak of preparations for service: 1) consecration - our capacity taken up for God; 2) the hand that holds the staff of God's power must be a cleansed hand swayed by a new heart. "Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the vessels of the Lord." Isaiah 52:11"
This year has taught me many things and what I've learned is that I need to purge myself of the unclean things in my life. Those things have been causing me to be who I'm not. It started out with being unwilling to forgive. How easy it is to fall when you allow yourself to be taken over by that one thing. One thing led to another which led to many. Allowing those things to reign in my life has major eternal consequences that I wasn't thinking about when I first chose to not forgive in my anger. And rendered me unfit to serve God.
Matthew 6:13 says "And lead us not into temptation . . . . " I knew in my heart what I was doing was wrong and yet, I wouldn't give it up.
When tempted:
Forget the slander you have heard,
Forget the hasty, unkind word;
Forget the quarrel and the cause,
Forget the whole affair, because,
Forgetting is the only way.
Forget the storm of yesterday.
Forget the chap whose sour face
Forgets to smile in any place.
forgets that you're not a millionaire,
Forget the gray streaks in your hair.
Forget the coffee when it's cold.
Forget to kick, forget to scold,
Forget the plumber's awful charge,
Forget the doctor's bill is large;
Forget the repair man and his ways,
Forget the winter's blustery days.
Forget the neighbor's wagging tongue.
BUT DON'T
Forget God when day is done.
- Author Unknown
I pray that my heart may be cleaned in order to serve the Lord as He has planned. May I dwell in His temple and live for Him! "One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." (Psalm 27:4) because it's "the place where your (God's) glory dwells." (Psalm 26:8b).
Krista Jones
1.29.08
This year has taught me many things and what I've learned is that I need to purge myself of the unclean things in my life. Those things have been causing me to be who I'm not. It started out with being unwilling to forgive. How easy it is to fall when you allow yourself to be taken over by that one thing. One thing led to another which led to many. Allowing those things to reign in my life has major eternal consequences that I wasn't thinking about when I first chose to not forgive in my anger. And rendered me unfit to serve God.
Matthew 6:13 says "And lead us not into temptation . . . . " I knew in my heart what I was doing was wrong and yet, I wouldn't give it up.
When tempted:
Forget the slander you have heard,
Forget the hasty, unkind word;
Forget the quarrel and the cause,
Forget the whole affair, because,
Forgetting is the only way.
Forget the storm of yesterday.
Forget the chap whose sour face
Forgets to smile in any place.
forgets that you're not a millionaire,
Forget the gray streaks in your hair.
Forget the coffee when it's cold.
Forget to kick, forget to scold,
Forget the plumber's awful charge,
Forget the doctor's bill is large;
Forget the repair man and his ways,
Forget the winter's blustery days.
Forget the neighbor's wagging tongue.
BUT DON'T
Forget God when day is done.
- Author Unknown
I pray that my heart may be cleaned in order to serve the Lord as He has planned. May I dwell in His temple and live for Him! "One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life." (Psalm 27:4) because it's "the place where your (God's) glory dwells." (Psalm 26:8b).
Krista Jones
1.29.08
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Mouth Confession; Heart Belief
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9).
There must be confession with the mouth. Have I made it? Have I openly avowed my faith in Jesus as the Savior whom God has raised from the dead, and have I done it in God's way! Let me honestly answer this question.
There must also be belief with the heart. Do I sincerely believe in the risen LORD Jesus? Do I trust in Him as my sole hope of salvation? Is this trust from my heart? Let me answer as before God.
If I can truly claim that I have both confessed Christ and believed in Him, then I am saved. The text does not say it may be so, but it is plain as a pikestaff and clear as the sun in the heavens: "Thou shalt be saved." As a believer and a confessor, I may lay my hand on this promise and plead it before the LORD God at this moment, and throughout life, and in the hour of death, and at the Day of Judgment.
I must be saved from the guilt of sin, the power of sin, the punishment of sin, and ultimately from the very being of sin. God hath said it -- "Thou shalt be saved." I believe it. I shall be saved. I am saved. Glory be to God forever and ever!
By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
There must be confession with the mouth. Have I made it? Have I openly avowed my faith in Jesus as the Savior whom God has raised from the dead, and have I done it in God's way! Let me honestly answer this question.
There must also be belief with the heart. Do I sincerely believe in the risen LORD Jesus? Do I trust in Him as my sole hope of salvation? Is this trust from my heart? Let me answer as before God.
If I can truly claim that I have both confessed Christ and believed in Him, then I am saved. The text does not say it may be so, but it is plain as a pikestaff and clear as the sun in the heavens: "Thou shalt be saved." As a believer and a confessor, I may lay my hand on this promise and plead it before the LORD God at this moment, and throughout life, and in the hour of death, and at the Day of Judgment.
I must be saved from the guilt of sin, the power of sin, the punishment of sin, and ultimately from the very being of sin. God hath said it -- "Thou shalt be saved." I believe it. I shall be saved. I am saved. Glory be to God forever and ever!
By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Made for Heaven
"My kingdom does not belong to this world." John 18:36
Unhappiness on earth cultivates a hunger for heaven. By gracing us with a deep dissatisfaction, God holds our attention. The only tragedy, then, is to be satisfied prematurely. To settle for earth. To be content in a strange land . . .
We are not happy here because we are not at home here. We are not happy here because we are not supposed to be happy here. We are "like foreigners and strangers in this world" (I Peter 2:11) . . .
And you will never be completely happy on earth simply because you were not made for earth. Oh, you will have your moments of joy. You will catch glimpses of light. You will know moments or even days of peace. But they simply do not compare with the happiness that lies ahead.
Taken from "When God Whispers Your Name"
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Unhappiness on earth cultivates a hunger for heaven. By gracing us with a deep dissatisfaction, God holds our attention. The only tragedy, then, is to be satisfied prematurely. To settle for earth. To be content in a strange land . . .
We are not happy here because we are not at home here. We are not happy here because we are not supposed to be happy here. We are "like foreigners and strangers in this world" (I Peter 2:11) . . .
And you will never be completely happy on earth simply because you were not made for earth. Oh, you will have your moments of joy. You will catch glimpses of light. You will know moments or even days of peace. But they simply do not compare with the happiness that lies ahead.
Taken from "When God Whispers Your Name"
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
He will teach and instruct you
"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." (Psalm 32:8)
If deep searching of these "blue stone" verses is to deepen our faith, read this one at least five or six times and read it slowly and confidently. Hear God say it to you. Each time you read it, you will be strengthened in the depths of your being.
This is God speaking to us.
"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."
Each one of us in each one of our sometimes confused "ways"? Yes. Each one of us can claim this amazing promise from the One who cannot lie!
God will instruct us. god will teach us. He will guide us with His own eye in the way He knows is the very best way for each one of us to go. This is too high for me. I cannot grasp it, but I can somehow understand it with my heart when I am willing to follow Him. When I am willing not only to know that He will guide me, but when I am willing to be guided. When I am willing to "be not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding; whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle. . ."
As I obey, I understand.
And the more I learn of the very character of Jesus Christ, the more I am willing to obey.
God has not only promised to instruct and teach us in the way we should go, he became the way in Jesus Christ. Oneness with Christ will keep me on the way. He is the way. When I am one with Him, I am already there.
. . . I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
By Eugenia Price, taken from "Share My Pleasant Stones"
If deep searching of these "blue stone" verses is to deepen our faith, read this one at least five or six times and read it slowly and confidently. Hear God say it to you. Each time you read it, you will be strengthened in the depths of your being.
This is God speaking to us.
"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."
Each one of us in each one of our sometimes confused "ways"? Yes. Each one of us can claim this amazing promise from the One who cannot lie!
God will instruct us. god will teach us. He will guide us with His own eye in the way He knows is the very best way for each one of us to go. This is too high for me. I cannot grasp it, but I can somehow understand it with my heart when I am willing to follow Him. When I am willing not only to know that He will guide me, but when I am willing to be guided. When I am willing to "be not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding; whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle. . ."
As I obey, I understand.
And the more I learn of the very character of Jesus Christ, the more I am willing to obey.
God has not only promised to instruct and teach us in the way we should go, he became the way in Jesus Christ. Oneness with Christ will keep me on the way. He is the way. When I am one with Him, I am already there.
. . . I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
By Eugenia Price, taken from "Share My Pleasant Stones"
Monday, February 18, 2008
Listen to the Burning Bush
This morning I began reading about one of my favorite Bible Characters - Moses. Ah, Moses, how I relate to him! He's wasn't like Abraham who set out into an unknown land because God called him to do so. Moses questioned God. His, "Suppose I go and . . . ." I'm an "and" kind of person. God calls me to something and I say "But", "What if", "and" because I can't see into the future and it frightens me. Therefore I have to question God's judgement as to what He thinks He's doing. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight."
Like Moses, we are being called by God to serve Him in any way He asks. I find it interesting that that Moses' name means, "draw out" because he was literally drawn out of the water by Pharaoh's daughter. God protected Moses so he could save the Israelites. But would Moses have done what God had chosen for him to do had he not been "drawn out" of the life of luxury? It took a trial in his life to start in motion God's plans. God used this trial, the killing of the Egyptian, to bring Moses to where he needed to be which was before the burning bush. I often think of the trials I've been through and how God used those times for His glory and to call me out of a life that was comfortable to finally seek the Lord with all my heart. What would have happened if I had not going through those things? Would I be who I am? Would I be ready to do what the Lord is calling me to do? The Scotch preacher, George Matheson said, "There is a time coming in which your glory shall consist in the very thing which now constitutes your pain." God will bring about His glory within the pain/trial you're going through. You have two choices: Either turn away from Him and wallow in your pain and suffering. Or turn to Him and allow Him to grow you through it. Strengthening you for His service. And when that old burning bush comes knocking at your door, answer it and say with a willing heart, "Yes Lord!" Then take Prov. 3:5-6 to heart and trust in the direction the Lord is leading you to go.
I also enjoyed a tid-bit from last night. It comes from a well known passage that again, I've glossed over and have even memorized. Ps. 23:2 says, "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leas me beside quiet waters." It was the "quiet waters" that caught my attention. I remember hiking around Mt. Rainier with Eric the first year we were married. We came across a green pasture after hiking up a long way, across a glacier and descending back down towards Paradise Lodge. Within this green pasture was a stream. It's this stream that I think of when I read this verse. It wasn't a raging river but a gentle stream. A place where we could sit and rest. A place to soak up all of God's glory as we sat at the base of a magnificent mountain. God was there! "For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water." Rev. 7:17. If we're going through a difficult time, let's remember that God is with us. To turn to Him and sit beside the quiet waters and drink of the springs of living water.
Krista Jones
1.18.08
Like Moses, we are being called by God to serve Him in any way He asks. I find it interesting that that Moses' name means, "draw out" because he was literally drawn out of the water by Pharaoh's daughter. God protected Moses so he could save the Israelites. But would Moses have done what God had chosen for him to do had he not been "drawn out" of the life of luxury? It took a trial in his life to start in motion God's plans. God used this trial, the killing of the Egyptian, to bring Moses to where he needed to be which was before the burning bush. I often think of the trials I've been through and how God used those times for His glory and to call me out of a life that was comfortable to finally seek the Lord with all my heart. What would have happened if I had not going through those things? Would I be who I am? Would I be ready to do what the Lord is calling me to do? The Scotch preacher, George Matheson said, "There is a time coming in which your glory shall consist in the very thing which now constitutes your pain." God will bring about His glory within the pain/trial you're going through. You have two choices: Either turn away from Him and wallow in your pain and suffering. Or turn to Him and allow Him to grow you through it. Strengthening you for His service. And when that old burning bush comes knocking at your door, answer it and say with a willing heart, "Yes Lord!" Then take Prov. 3:5-6 to heart and trust in the direction the Lord is leading you to go.
I also enjoyed a tid-bit from last night. It comes from a well known passage that again, I've glossed over and have even memorized. Ps. 23:2 says, "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leas me beside quiet waters." It was the "quiet waters" that caught my attention. I remember hiking around Mt. Rainier with Eric the first year we were married. We came across a green pasture after hiking up a long way, across a glacier and descending back down towards Paradise Lodge. Within this green pasture was a stream. It's this stream that I think of when I read this verse. It wasn't a raging river but a gentle stream. A place where we could sit and rest. A place to soak up all of God's glory as we sat at the base of a magnificent mountain. God was there! "For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water." Rev. 7:17. If we're going through a difficult time, let's remember that God is with us. To turn to Him and sit beside the quiet waters and drink of the springs of living water.
Krista Jones
1.18.08
Saturday, February 16, 2008
How do we approach Him?
"I love the Lord, because He listens to my prayers for help. He paid attention to me, so I will call to Him for help as long as I live." Psalm 116:1-2
God is an exalted friend, a holy Father, and an elevated King. How do we approach Him - as King, as father, or as friend? The answer is: yes!
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
God is an exalted friend, a holy Father, and an elevated King. How do we approach Him - as King, as father, or as friend? The answer is: yes!
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
Friday, February 15, 2008
What is a Saint?
. . . called to be saints: . . . (Romans 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2)
Why were the Saints, Saints?
It is quite simple.
Because they were "Cheerful" when it was difficult to be Cheerful.
Because they were "Patient" when it was difficult to be Patient.
Because they pushed on when they wanted to stand still.
Because they kept silent when they wanted to talk.
Because they were agreeable when they wanted to be disagreeable.
That was all! - Selected.
What is a Saint?
A Jewel in disguise
A Prince in peasant's garbs.
An immortal Life in dying flesh.
An Ambassador of the King Eternal, detained on foreign soil.
A Monarch at the foot of the throne, waiting for his crown.
A Royal Slave in a prison of clay, preparing for a mansion.
A Traveler on a rocky road, bound for the streets of gold.
A Watchman on the midnight hills, to greet the everlasting Day.
A Diamond in the rough, being polished to shine as the stars.
A Nugget of gold in the crucible, to be refined from its dross.
A Pearl in the oyster, to be delivered from the body of flesh.
A Lamp in a dark, dark night, soon to blaze forth with everlasting light.
A Stranger in the midst of enemies, hurrying on to live in everlasting fellowship.
A Flower in a garden, soon to unfold its petals where the Rose of Sharon blooms.
- Unknown
Compiled by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert Volume Two"
Why were the Saints, Saints?
It is quite simple.
Because they were "Cheerful" when it was difficult to be Cheerful.
Because they were "Patient" when it was difficult to be Patient.
Because they pushed on when they wanted to stand still.
Because they kept silent when they wanted to talk.
Because they were agreeable when they wanted to be disagreeable.
That was all! - Selected.
What is a Saint?
A Jewel in disguise
A Prince in peasant's garbs.
An immortal Life in dying flesh.
An Ambassador of the King Eternal, detained on foreign soil.
A Monarch at the foot of the throne, waiting for his crown.
A Royal Slave in a prison of clay, preparing for a mansion.
A Traveler on a rocky road, bound for the streets of gold.
A Watchman on the midnight hills, to greet the everlasting Day.
A Diamond in the rough, being polished to shine as the stars.
A Nugget of gold in the crucible, to be refined from its dross.
A Pearl in the oyster, to be delivered from the body of flesh.
A Lamp in a dark, dark night, soon to blaze forth with everlasting light.
A Stranger in the midst of enemies, hurrying on to live in everlasting fellowship.
A Flower in a garden, soon to unfold its petals where the Rose of Sharon blooms.
- Unknown
Compiled by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert Volume Two"
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Amazing Act of Obedience
I have read the story about God calling Abraham to sacrifice his only son several times. Yet, this last time I read it something new jumped out at me.
In Genesis 22 God called Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Being a parent I've always identified with what Abraham was going through. How can he be so willing to sacrifice his only son? Would I be as willing to do the sam with my children? And yet, being the man of faith Abraham was, he obeyed God knowing that God would provide the sacrifice.
This time, I was impacted by Isaac's obedience. We know that this time that he was not a young child but a young man. In Genesis 22:7 He brings up the question I would have been hounding my father about and asked as to where the sacrifice was. Abraham reassured him, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." (Gen. 22:8) and continued onward in his preparations. If I placed myself in Isaac's shoes, would I have gone as far as allowing myself to be bound and laid upon the alter? And yet, he was obedient to his father as well as to the God he served. Just like Christ was obedient to death. "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" Phil. 2:5-8
In the end, we know that God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son and provided a ram instead. But I'm still struck by Isaac's obedience as I'm pretty sure I would have gone to the alter kicking and screaming making the whole situation more difficult then it could have been. I've been fighting authority not wanting to obey because I think there's a better way. All the time not learning what the Lord has been trying to teach me. I yearn to be like Isaac and keep on the path God has called me too and not fight the whole way. Sometimes I feel like I just don't get it. That it's taking forever for me to figure it out. I know that learning takes time. F.B. Meyer says, "The life of fellowship with God cannot be built up in a day. It begins with the habitual reference of all to Him, hour by hour. It then moves on to more and longer periods of communion; and it finds its consummation and bliss in days and nights of intercession and waiting."
Onward I press on towards the goal, learning to communion daily with my Savior so that my heart beats with the beat of His heart. And thus knowing the blessing of full obedience to the One I serve.
Krista Jones
1.7.08
In Genesis 22 God called Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Being a parent I've always identified with what Abraham was going through. How can he be so willing to sacrifice his only son? Would I be as willing to do the sam with my children? And yet, being the man of faith Abraham was, he obeyed God knowing that God would provide the sacrifice.
This time, I was impacted by Isaac's obedience. We know that this time that he was not a young child but a young man. In Genesis 22:7 He brings up the question I would have been hounding my father about and asked as to where the sacrifice was. Abraham reassured him, "God Himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." (Gen. 22:8) and continued onward in his preparations. If I placed myself in Isaac's shoes, would I have gone as far as allowing myself to be bound and laid upon the alter? And yet, he was obedient to his father as well as to the God he served. Just like Christ was obedient to death. "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in the very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" Phil. 2:5-8
In the end, we know that God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son and provided a ram instead. But I'm still struck by Isaac's obedience as I'm pretty sure I would have gone to the alter kicking and screaming making the whole situation more difficult then it could have been. I've been fighting authority not wanting to obey because I think there's a better way. All the time not learning what the Lord has been trying to teach me. I yearn to be like Isaac and keep on the path God has called me too and not fight the whole way. Sometimes I feel like I just don't get it. That it's taking forever for me to figure it out. I know that learning takes time. F.B. Meyer says, "The life of fellowship with God cannot be built up in a day. It begins with the habitual reference of all to Him, hour by hour. It then moves on to more and longer periods of communion; and it finds its consummation and bliss in days and nights of intercession and waiting."
Onward I press on towards the goal, learning to communion daily with my Savior so that my heart beats with the beat of His heart. And thus knowing the blessing of full obedience to the One I serve.
Krista Jones
1.7.08
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tid-Bits
This morning I finished reading the book of Genesis. Jacob passed away and his sons were fearful that Joseph was still holding a grudge and would act upon it now that their father was dead. Again, the message of forgiveness continues to be played into my heart. Joseph responds to his brother's fears in Gen. 50:19-20, "But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them." There is no hint of a grudge, anger or anything in what Joseph said. His brothers did a horrible thing to him that set off a series of trials Joseph endured. Yet, because Joseph followed a loving God and rose above his trials, God was able to set in motion His plan. I continue to think of I hold grudges and am not willing to forgive. I pray that I may continue to extend grace and forgiveness and one day I can truly respond like Joseph.
Another tid-bit I discovered but have yet to unpack was Ps. 18:19, "He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." I liked the last part of this verse where it says, "He rescued me because He delighted in me." The Lord delights in His children. He delights in you and me. What great comfort I get from a verse I've glossed over for many years.
And lastly, a tid-bit from my devotional: "All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen." - Emerson
Krista Jones
1.17.08
Another tid-bit I discovered but have yet to unpack was Ps. 18:19, "He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me." I liked the last part of this verse where it says, "He rescued me because He delighted in me." The Lord delights in His children. He delights in you and me. What great comfort I get from a verse I've glossed over for many years.
And lastly, a tid-bit from my devotional: "All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen." - Emerson
Krista Jones
1.17.08
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Perfect Simplicity
"The Lord preserveth the simple." Psalm 116:6
Thy home is with the humble, Lord!
The simple are Thy rest;
Thy lodging is in childlike hearts;
Thou makest there Thy nest.
F. W. FABER
This deliverance of the soul from all useless and selfish and unquiet cares, brings to it an unspeakable peace and freedom; this is true simplicity. This state of entire resignation and perpetual acquiescence produces true liberty; and this liberty brings perfect simplicity. The soul which knows no self-seeking, no interested ends, is thoroughly candid; it goes straight forward without hindrance; its path opens daily more and more to "perfect day," in proportion as its self-renunciation and its self-forgetfulness increase; and its peace, amid whatever troubles beset it, will be as boundless as the depths of the sea.
FRANÇOIS DE LA MOTHE FÉNELON
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Thy home is with the humble, Lord!
The simple are Thy rest;
Thy lodging is in childlike hearts;
Thou makest there Thy nest.
F. W. FABER
This deliverance of the soul from all useless and selfish and unquiet cares, brings to it an unspeakable peace and freedom; this is true simplicity. This state of entire resignation and perpetual acquiescence produces true liberty; and this liberty brings perfect simplicity. The soul which knows no self-seeking, no interested ends, is thoroughly candid; it goes straight forward without hindrance; its path opens daily more and more to "perfect day," in proportion as its self-renunciation and its self-forgetfulness increase; and its peace, amid whatever troubles beset it, will be as boundless as the depths of the sea.
FRANÇOIS DE LA MOTHE FÉNELON
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Monday, February 11, 2008
Our High Priest
"Our high priest is able to understand our weaknesses. When He lived on earth, He was tempted in every way that we are, but He did not sin." Hebrews 4:15
Read how J. B. Phillips translates Hebrews 4:15: For we have no superhuman High Priest to whom our weaknesses are unintelligible - He Himself has shared fully in al our experience of temptation, except He never sinned.
It's as if he knows that we will say to God . . . : "God, it's easy for you up there. You don't know how hard it is from down here." So he boldly proclaims Jesus' ability to understand. Look at the wording again.
He Himself. Not an angel. Not an ambassador. Not an emissary, but Jesus Himself.
Shared fully. Not partially. Not nearly. Not to a large degree. Entirely! Jesus shared fully.
In all our experience. Every hurt. Each ache. All the stresses and all the strains. No exceptions. No substitutes. Why? So he could sympathize with our weaknesses.
From "In the Eye of the Storm"
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Read how J. B. Phillips translates Hebrews 4:15: For we have no superhuman High Priest to whom our weaknesses are unintelligible - He Himself has shared fully in al our experience of temptation, except He never sinned.
It's as if he knows that we will say to God . . . : "God, it's easy for you up there. You don't know how hard it is from down here." So he boldly proclaims Jesus' ability to understand. Look at the wording again.
He Himself. Not an angel. Not an ambassador. Not an emissary, but Jesus Himself.
Shared fully. Not partially. Not nearly. Not to a large degree. Entirely! Jesus shared fully.
In all our experience. Every hurt. Each ache. All the stresses and all the strains. No exceptions. No substitutes. Why? So he could sympathize with our weaknesses.
From "In the Eye of the Storm"
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Friday, February 08, 2008
The Flawless Words of God
This morning I read about how Jacob moved his whole family to Egypt where he was reunited with his son Joseph. Throughout the book of Genesis, God had moved each person through their trials and wove an intricate web to bring about His plans of preserving His chosen people. Over the weekend one of my studies started out as a word search on "trumpet". I discovered that trumpets were used in the O.T. to call the community together, signal battle, used to warn, used for celebrating, praising and worshiping. In the N.T. it was a sound that went before the Lord and/or announced His return. And it is said in Revelation 4:1 that His voice is like a trumpet, "After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said . . . "
That got me to thinking what the voice of the Lord sounded like. My word search on "voice" was cut short as I ran out of time but what I did learn was that His voice was heard in many different ways - like a trumpet blast, fire, wind, thunder and a gentle whisper. I believe He uses any means to speak to us as the situation calls for. Last night in my discipleship reading I came across a great verse I'm sure I glossed over many times. Psalm 12:6, "And the words of the Lord are flawless, like sliver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times." Silver becomes more pure the more you refine it which means that the Lord's words being flawless means that they're perfect. As I look up the word flawless I discovered that shield is connected to it in many passages. "As for God, His way is perfect: the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." Psalm 18:30. Which says the same thing as 2 Samuel 22:31, "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." and Psalm 30:5, "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him."
Throughout the life of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph I see that God's words have been flawless, perfect in timing and protecting like a shield. These men went through the fire but remained faithful in listening to the words of their one true Father. I pray that we will be still and listen to our Father's voice. To be guided by Him and Him alone. I know it's hard in the word we live in that muddles our brain with noise. Stay in the Word and fine tune your spiritual ears to be able to ignore the useless sounds of our world and be able to listen to the gentle whisper of our Lord.
Krista Jones
1.26.08
That got me to thinking what the voice of the Lord sounded like. My word search on "voice" was cut short as I ran out of time but what I did learn was that His voice was heard in many different ways - like a trumpet blast, fire, wind, thunder and a gentle whisper. I believe He uses any means to speak to us as the situation calls for. Last night in my discipleship reading I came across a great verse I'm sure I glossed over many times. Psalm 12:6, "And the words of the Lord are flawless, like sliver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times." Silver becomes more pure the more you refine it which means that the Lord's words being flawless means that they're perfect. As I look up the word flawless I discovered that shield is connected to it in many passages. "As for God, His way is perfect: the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." Psalm 18:30. Which says the same thing as 2 Samuel 22:31, "As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." and Psalm 30:5, "Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him."
Throughout the life of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph I see that God's words have been flawless, perfect in timing and protecting like a shield. These men went through the fire but remained faithful in listening to the words of their one true Father. I pray that we will be still and listen to our Father's voice. To be guided by Him and Him alone. I know it's hard in the word we live in that muddles our brain with noise. Stay in the Word and fine tune your spiritual ears to be able to ignore the useless sounds of our world and be able to listen to the gentle whisper of our Lord.
Krista Jones
1.26.08
Thursday, February 07, 2008
One Act of Kindness
"I kept my faith, even when I said, “I am greatly afflicted.” Psalm 116:10
God, help me in my own small way
To somehow do something each day
To show You that I love You best
And that my faith will stand each test.
Today's Prayer
Today accomplish at least one act of kindness no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.
By Helen Steiner Rice
God, help me in my own small way
To somehow do something each day
To show You that I love You best
And that my faith will stand each test.
Today's Prayer
Today accomplish at least one act of kindness no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.
By Helen Steiner Rice
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Am I Looking To God?
"Look to Me, and be saved . . ." Isaiah 45:22
Do we expect God to come to us with His blessings and save us? He says, "Look to Me, and be saved . . . ." The greatest difficulty spiritually is to concentrate on God, and His blessings are what make it so difficult. Troubles almost always make us look to God, but His blessings tend to divert our attention elsewhere. The basic lesson of the Sermon on the Mount is to narrow all your interests until your mind, heart, and body are focused on Jesus Christ. "Look to Me . . . ."
Many of us have a mental picture of what a Christian should be, and looking at this image in other Christians’ lives becomes a hindrance to our focusing on God. This is not salvation— it is not simple enough. He says, in effect, "Look to Me and you are saved," not "You will be saved someday." We will find what we are looking for if we will concentrate on Him. We get distracted from God and irritable with Him while He continues to say to us, "Look to Me, and be saved . . . ." Our difficulties, our trials, and our worries about tomorrow all vanish when we look to God.
Wake yourself up and look to God. Build your hope on Him. No matter how many things seem to be pressing in on you, be determined to push them aside and look to Him. "Look to Me . . . ." Salvation is yours the moment you look.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For High Highest"
Do we expect God to come to us with His blessings and save us? He says, "Look to Me, and be saved . . . ." The greatest difficulty spiritually is to concentrate on God, and His blessings are what make it so difficult. Troubles almost always make us look to God, but His blessings tend to divert our attention elsewhere. The basic lesson of the Sermon on the Mount is to narrow all your interests until your mind, heart, and body are focused on Jesus Christ. "Look to Me . . . ."
Many of us have a mental picture of what a Christian should be, and looking at this image in other Christians’ lives becomes a hindrance to our focusing on God. This is not salvation— it is not simple enough. He says, in effect, "Look to Me and you are saved," not "You will be saved someday." We will find what we are looking for if we will concentrate on Him. We get distracted from God and irritable with Him while He continues to say to us, "Look to Me, and be saved . . . ." Our difficulties, our trials, and our worries about tomorrow all vanish when we look to God.
Wake yourself up and look to God. Build your hope on Him. No matter how many things seem to be pressing in on you, be determined to push them aside and look to Him. "Look to Me . . . ." Salvation is yours the moment you look.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For High Highest"
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
How long do you have to wait?
How long do we have to wait for the Lord to show us His plans for our lives? Or how long do we have to endure hardships and trials?
As I continue to read through the Bible I have come across the story of Joseph. Joseph was someone who endured many ups and downs. And through it all I am deeply impressed with how patient he was. He was disliked by his brothers who eventually sold him. He was bought as a slave but given a high position in the home where he served. Yet, that good living didn't last long as he was imprisoned because his master's wife lusted after him. While in prison he was again lifted to a high position but it's not to say it was a position of luxury.
I'm thinking, can this guy ever get a break? What is God doing to him? And yet, as the story continues we see that God was in control the whole time. His plans for Joseph to save the Israelites was in place. Had his brother's not sold him or his master's wife not lusted after him, he would not have meet the chief cup bearer in prison. Had the chief cup bearer not made Pharaoh angry he wouldn't have been placed into a position to meet Joseph. Had he not been restored to his position he would not have suggested to Pharaoh to ask Joseph to interpret his dreams. In which case, the dreams were interpreted, Joseph was placed in charge of the famine situation (which was the highest position anyone could have outside of being Pharaoh himself), food was stored and people were able to survive. And who should be needing food but Joseph's family (the Israelites).
It took years for God's plan to unfold and Joseph remained steady. I wrote in the margin of my Bible next to his story, "Trusting God can transform a trail into a treasure." The Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6. Joseph trusted God with all his heart as he went through one trial after another.
If you are going through a trial I encourage you to stay the course. Hold on to the hope and remain faithful to the Lord who loves and cares for you. Trust Him in the good times as well as the bad. DON'T GIVE UP. You never know what your testimony will do for someone else. How you react to your situation can change the course of history or what the eternal consequences will be. God has a plan and He will guide you through the rough patches for you to reach it. Never give up but run the race and reach out for the goal set before you.
Krista Jones
1.15.08
As I continue to read through the Bible I have come across the story of Joseph. Joseph was someone who endured many ups and downs. And through it all I am deeply impressed with how patient he was. He was disliked by his brothers who eventually sold him. He was bought as a slave but given a high position in the home where he served. Yet, that good living didn't last long as he was imprisoned because his master's wife lusted after him. While in prison he was again lifted to a high position but it's not to say it was a position of luxury.
I'm thinking, can this guy ever get a break? What is God doing to him? And yet, as the story continues we see that God was in control the whole time. His plans for Joseph to save the Israelites was in place. Had his brother's not sold him or his master's wife not lusted after him, he would not have meet the chief cup bearer in prison. Had the chief cup bearer not made Pharaoh angry he wouldn't have been placed into a position to meet Joseph. Had he not been restored to his position he would not have suggested to Pharaoh to ask Joseph to interpret his dreams. In which case, the dreams were interpreted, Joseph was placed in charge of the famine situation (which was the highest position anyone could have outside of being Pharaoh himself), food was stored and people were able to survive. And who should be needing food but Joseph's family (the Israelites).
It took years for God's plan to unfold and Joseph remained steady. I wrote in the margin of my Bible next to his story, "Trusting God can transform a trail into a treasure." The Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6. Joseph trusted God with all his heart as he went through one trial after another.
If you are going through a trial I encourage you to stay the course. Hold on to the hope and remain faithful to the Lord who loves and cares for you. Trust Him in the good times as well as the bad. DON'T GIVE UP. You never know what your testimony will do for someone else. How you react to your situation can change the course of history or what the eternal consequences will be. God has a plan and He will guide you through the rough patches for you to reach it. Never give up but run the race and reach out for the goal set before you.
Krista Jones
1.15.08
Friday, February 01, 2008
True Simplicity
"The Lord preserveth the simple." Psalm 116:6
Thy home is with the humble, Lord!
The simple are Thy rest;
Thy lodging is in childlike hearts;
Thou makest there Thy nest.
F. W. FABER
This deliverance of the soul from all useless and selfish and unquiet cares, brings to it an unspeakable peace and freedom; this is true simplicity. This state of entire resignation and perpetual acquiescence produces true liberty; and this liberty brings perfect simplicity. The soul which knows no self-seeking, no interested ends, is thoroughly candid; it goes straight forward without hindrance; its path opens daily more and more to "perfect day," in proportion as its self-renunciation and its self-forgetfulness increase; and its peace, amid whatever troubles beset it, will be as boundless as the depths of the sea.
FRANÇOIS DE LA MOTHE FÉNELON
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Thy home is with the humble, Lord!
The simple are Thy rest;
Thy lodging is in childlike hearts;
Thou makest there Thy nest.
F. W. FABER
This deliverance of the soul from all useless and selfish and unquiet cares, brings to it an unspeakable peace and freedom; this is true simplicity. This state of entire resignation and perpetual acquiescence produces true liberty; and this liberty brings perfect simplicity. The soul which knows no self-seeking, no interested ends, is thoroughly candid; it goes straight forward without hindrance; its path opens daily more and more to "perfect day," in proportion as its self-renunciation and its self-forgetfulness increase; and its peace, amid whatever troubles beset it, will be as boundless as the depths of the sea.
FRANÇOIS DE LA MOTHE FÉNELON
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Slow me down, Lord!
"The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him . . ." (Lam. 3:25)
"Wait on the Lord: . . . He shall strengthen thine heart." (Psalm 27:14)
"Wait on the Lord . . . and He shall exalt thee . . . " (Psalm 37:34)
Slow me down, Lord! Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time. Give me, amidst the confusion of my day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the smoothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory. Help me to know the magical, restoring power of sleep. Teach me the art of taking minute vacations . . . of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to read a few lines from a good book. Remind me each day of the fable of the hare and the tortoise that I may know that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to live than increasing its speed. Let me look upward into the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well. Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny. In Jesus' name, Amen." - Unknown
We must learn to wait. When we do not know what to do we must simply do nothing. Wait till the fog clears away. Do not force a half-open door; a closed door may be providential. Ability to hold steady under pressure gives god unlimited sway. A hurried spirit is always from beneath (and out of breath.) "He that believeth shall not make haste."
There is grace supplied for the one who waits. The Psalmist knew this secret. He experienced this grace. "I wait for the Lord," he declared in Psalm 130:5. Waiting is a great part of life's discipline and therefore God often exercises the grace of waiting in the anxious hurrying person. "Waiting has four purposes," says Dr. james Vaughan. "It practices the patience of faith. It gives time for preparation for the coming gift. It makes the blessing the sweeter when it arrives. It shows the sovereignty of God - to give just when and as He pleases."
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert Volume 2"
"Wait on the Lord: . . . He shall strengthen thine heart." (Psalm 27:14)
"Wait on the Lord . . . and He shall exalt thee . . . " (Psalm 37:34)
Slow me down, Lord! Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace with a vision of the eternal reach of time. Give me, amidst the confusion of my day, the calmness of the everlasting hills. Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the smoothing music of the singing streams that live in my memory. Help me to know the magical, restoring power of sleep. Teach me the art of taking minute vacations . . . of slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to read a few lines from a good book. Remind me each day of the fable of the hare and the tortoise that I may know that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to live than increasing its speed. Let me look upward into the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew great and strong because it grew slowly and well. Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil of life's enduring values that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny. In Jesus' name, Amen." - Unknown
We must learn to wait. When we do not know what to do we must simply do nothing. Wait till the fog clears away. Do not force a half-open door; a closed door may be providential. Ability to hold steady under pressure gives god unlimited sway. A hurried spirit is always from beneath (and out of breath.) "He that believeth shall not make haste."
There is grace supplied for the one who waits. The Psalmist knew this secret. He experienced this grace. "I wait for the Lord," he declared in Psalm 130:5. Waiting is a great part of life's discipline and therefore God often exercises the grace of waiting in the anxious hurrying person. "Waiting has four purposes," says Dr. james Vaughan. "It practices the patience of faith. It gives time for preparation for the coming gift. It makes the blessing the sweeter when it arrives. It shows the sovereignty of God - to give just when and as He pleases."
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert Volume 2"
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Calling Upon the Lord
This morning I read about how Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away because Sarah didn't want Ishmael to share in Isaac's inheritance. Through their journey into the desert they ran out of water, faith and hope. At this point Hagar placed Ishmael under a bush and walked some distance away from him so she didn't have to watch him die. It says that they both began to cry. God heard their cries and called out to Hagar from heaven. "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there . . . Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water." Genesis 21:17-19a.
I am touched by the fact that God heard Hagar and Ishmael in their desperate hour of need. He not only heard them but He responded. Psalm 9:9 reminds us that "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." Mrs. Charles E. Cowman wrote, "The Father cares when He sees His children in the teeth of a blinding storm, but He knows that faith grows in the tempest. He will hold our hand bidding us not to try to see the next step we are to take. He knows the paths of a hundred million stars, knows the way through the whirlwind and the storm, and has promised, "I will never, never let go of your hand!"
I don't know how Hagar and Ishmael went from their time at the well to becoming a great nation. But they trusted and had faith that God would bring about what He promised. Somehow she got off the desert floor, drank deeply from the well and pushed forward not giving up. The water God provided was life giving for them like it is for us today. He (Jesus) says, "but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. In deed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14
When we call upon the Lord He listens and responds. He doesn't fix our situation but He leads us through it that we might learn and grow. May we never give up in the middle of the storm. We may not see the Lord but we can always feel His hand closed around ours. If you've never turned to Him I strongly urge you to do so. Turn to Him like Hagar did and He will respond to you - I GUARANTEE it. Do you want to be satisfied, feel safe and loved? Then drink of the living water He talks about in John 4:14.
Krista Jones
1.6.08
I am touched by the fact that God heard Hagar and Ishmael in their desperate hour of need. He not only heard them but He responded. Psalm 9:9 reminds us that "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble." Mrs. Charles E. Cowman wrote, "The Father cares when He sees His children in the teeth of a blinding storm, but He knows that faith grows in the tempest. He will hold our hand bidding us not to try to see the next step we are to take. He knows the paths of a hundred million stars, knows the way through the whirlwind and the storm, and has promised, "I will never, never let go of your hand!"
I don't know how Hagar and Ishmael went from their time at the well to becoming a great nation. But they trusted and had faith that God would bring about what He promised. Somehow she got off the desert floor, drank deeply from the well and pushed forward not giving up. The water God provided was life giving for them like it is for us today. He (Jesus) says, "but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. In deed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14
When we call upon the Lord He listens and responds. He doesn't fix our situation but He leads us through it that we might learn and grow. May we never give up in the middle of the storm. We may not see the Lord but we can always feel His hand closed around ours. If you've never turned to Him I strongly urge you to do so. Turn to Him like Hagar did and He will respond to you - I GUARANTEE it. Do you want to be satisfied, feel safe and loved? Then drink of the living water He talks about in John 4:14.
Krista Jones
1.6.08
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Wait to be Guided
"My times are in Thy hand." Psalm 31:15
"Every purpose of the Lord shall be performed." Jeremiah 51:29
I am so glad! It is such rest to know
That Thou hast ordered and appointed all,
And wilt yet order and appoint my lot.
For though so much I cannot understand,
And would not choose, has been, and yet may be,
Thou choosest, Thou performest, THOU, my Lord.
This is enough for me.
F. R. HAVERGAL
"We mustn't be in a hurry to fix and choose our own lot; we must wait to be guided. We are led on, like the little children, by a way that we know not. It is a vain thought to flee from the work that God appoints us, for the sake of finding a greater blessing to our own souls; as if we could choose for ourselves where we shall find the fulness of the Divine Presence, instead of seeking it where alone it is to be found, in loving obedience."
GEORGE ELIOT
Everywhere and at all times it is in thy power piously to acquiesce in thy present condition, and to behave justly to those who are about thee.
MARCUS ANTONINUS
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
"Every purpose of the Lord shall be performed." Jeremiah 51:29
I am so glad! It is such rest to know
That Thou hast ordered and appointed all,
And wilt yet order and appoint my lot.
For though so much I cannot understand,
And would not choose, has been, and yet may be,
Thou choosest, Thou performest, THOU, my Lord.
This is enough for me.
F. R. HAVERGAL
"We mustn't be in a hurry to fix and choose our own lot; we must wait to be guided. We are led on, like the little children, by a way that we know not. It is a vain thought to flee from the work that God appoints us, for the sake of finding a greater blessing to our own souls; as if we could choose for ourselves where we shall find the fulness of the Divine Presence, instead of seeking it where alone it is to be found, in loving obedience."
GEORGE ELIOT
Everywhere and at all times it is in thy power piously to acquiesce in thy present condition, and to behave justly to those who are about thee.
MARCUS ANTONINUS
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Monday, January 28, 2008
Lord, I am no Hero
"Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth
it off." I Kings 20:11
"Put on the whole armor of God." Ephesians 6:11
Was I not girded for the battle-field?
Bore I not helm of pride and glittering sword?
Behold the fragments of my broken shield,
And lend to me Thy heavenly armor, Lord!
ANON
Oh, be at least able to say in that day,--Lord, I am no hero. I have been careless, cowardly, sometimes all but mutinous. Punishment I have deserved, I deny it not. But a traitor I have never been; a deserter I have never been. I have tried to fight on Thy side in Thy battle against evil. I have tried to do the duty which lay nearest me; and to leave whatever Thou didst commit to my charge a little better than I found it. I have not been good, but I have at least tried to be good. Take the will for the deed, good Lord. Strike not my unworthy name off the roll-call of the noble and victorious army, which is the blessed company of all faithful people; and let me, too, be found written in the Book of Life; even though I stand the lowest and last upon its list. Amen.
C. KINGSLEY
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
it off." I Kings 20:11
"Put on the whole armor of God." Ephesians 6:11
Was I not girded for the battle-field?
Bore I not helm of pride and glittering sword?
Behold the fragments of my broken shield,
And lend to me Thy heavenly armor, Lord!
ANON
Oh, be at least able to say in that day,--Lord, I am no hero. I have been careless, cowardly, sometimes all but mutinous. Punishment I have deserved, I deny it not. But a traitor I have never been; a deserter I have never been. I have tried to fight on Thy side in Thy battle against evil. I have tried to do the duty which lay nearest me; and to leave whatever Thou didst commit to my charge a little better than I found it. I have not been good, but I have at least tried to be good. Take the will for the deed, good Lord. Strike not my unworthy name off the roll-call of the noble and victorious army, which is the blessed company of all faithful people; and let me, too, be found written in the Book of Life; even though I stand the lowest and last upon its list. Amen.
C. KINGSLEY
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Water of the Servant
"He poured water into a bowl and began to wash the follower's feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him." John 13:5
To place our feet in the basin of Jesus is to place the filthiest parts of our lives into His hands. In the ancient East, people's feet were caked with mud and dirt. The servant of the feast saw to it that the feet were cleaned. jesus is assuming the role of the servant. He will wash the grimiest part of your life.
If you let Him. The water of the Servant comes only when we confess that we are dirty. Only when we confess that we are caked with filth, that we have walked forbidden trails and followed the wrong paths . . .
We will never be cleansed until we confess we are dirty. We will never be pure until we admit we are filthy. And we will never be able to wash the feet of those who have hurt us until we allow Jesus, the one we have hurt, to wash ours. - A Gentle Thunder
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
To place our feet in the basin of Jesus is to place the filthiest parts of our lives into His hands. In the ancient East, people's feet were caked with mud and dirt. The servant of the feast saw to it that the feet were cleaned. jesus is assuming the role of the servant. He will wash the grimiest part of your life.
If you let Him. The water of the Servant comes only when we confess that we are dirty. Only when we confess that we are caked with filth, that we have walked forbidden trails and followed the wrong paths . . .
We will never be cleansed until we confess we are dirty. We will never be pure until we admit we are filthy. And we will never be able to wash the feet of those who have hurt us until we allow Jesus, the one we have hurt, to wash ours. - A Gentle Thunder
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Precious Words of Promise
"And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; For my strength is made perfect in weakness . . . II Cor. 12:9a
. . . Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me." II Cor. 12:9B
God hath not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through;
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
But God hath promised
Strength for the day
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way,
Grace for all trails,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.
Annie Johnson Flint
We never prize the precious words of promise," said Mr. Spurgeon, " 'til we are placed in condition in which their suitability and sweetness are manifested." We all of us value those golden words: "When thou walkest through fire thou shalt not be burned neither shall the flame kindle upon thee," but few, if any of us, have read them with the delight of Martyr Binney. To him this passage was a stay while he was in prison awaiting burning at the stake. His Bible, still preserved in the library of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, has the passage marked with a pen in the margin.
Doubtless if all were known, every promise in the Bible has borne a special message to some one Christian, and so the whole volume might be scored in the margin with momentoes of Christian experience, every one appropriate to the very letter.
Every promise in the Book is mine;
Every chapter, every verse, every line.
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises." II Peter 1:14
"The promises of God are certain, but they do not all mature in ninety days." - A. J. Gordon
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert Volume Two"
. . . Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me." II Cor. 12:9B
God hath not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through;
God hath not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
But God hath promised
Strength for the day
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way,
Grace for all trails,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.
Annie Johnson Flint
We never prize the precious words of promise," said Mr. Spurgeon, " 'til we are placed in condition in which their suitability and sweetness are manifested." We all of us value those golden words: "When thou walkest through fire thou shalt not be burned neither shall the flame kindle upon thee," but few, if any of us, have read them with the delight of Martyr Binney. To him this passage was a stay while he was in prison awaiting burning at the stake. His Bible, still preserved in the library of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, has the passage marked with a pen in the margin.
Doubtless if all were known, every promise in the Bible has borne a special message to some one Christian, and so the whole volume might be scored in the margin with momentoes of Christian experience, every one appropriate to the very letter.
Every promise in the Book is mine;
Every chapter, every verse, every line.
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises." II Peter 1:14
"The promises of God are certain, but they do not all mature in ninety days." - A. J. Gordon
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert Volume Two"
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Our Best Defense
"Be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me." Psalm 31:2
In late January 1956, during the tense days of the Montgomery Boycott, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. could not sleep. A threatening phone call had terrified him. So he prayed, “I am here taking a stand for what I believe is right. But Lord, I must confess that I’m weak now, I’m faltering. I’m losing my courage. Now, I am afraid. . . . The people are looking to me for leadership, and if I stand before them without strength and courage, they too will falter. I am at the end of my powers. . . . I can’t face it alone.”
Dr. King later wrote, “At that moment I experienced the presence of the Divine as I never experienced Him before. It seemed as though I could hear the quiet assurance of an inner voice saying, ‘Stand up for righteousness, stand up for truth; and God will be at your side forever.’ Almost at once my fears began to go. My uncertainty disappeared. I was ready to face anything.”
The rest is history. Dr. King wanted to see people of all colors free of the damage done by racism and prejudice.
If we face opposition when we’re trying to do what’s right, we too must cry out to the Lord. He alone is our “rock of refuge, a fortress of defense” (Ps. 31:2). He is our reliable source of strength and protection. —David C. Egner
Lord, help me stand upon Your rock of Truth
And never trust myself to sinking sand;
Whenever I am faced with evil powers,
I’ll call upon Your strong and mighty hand. —Hess
When we trust the power of God, we experience peace, not panic.
In late January 1956, during the tense days of the Montgomery Boycott, civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. could not sleep. A threatening phone call had terrified him. So he prayed, “I am here taking a stand for what I believe is right. But Lord, I must confess that I’m weak now, I’m faltering. I’m losing my courage. Now, I am afraid. . . . The people are looking to me for leadership, and if I stand before them without strength and courage, they too will falter. I am at the end of my powers. . . . I can’t face it alone.”
Dr. King later wrote, “At that moment I experienced the presence of the Divine as I never experienced Him before. It seemed as though I could hear the quiet assurance of an inner voice saying, ‘Stand up for righteousness, stand up for truth; and God will be at your side forever.’ Almost at once my fears began to go. My uncertainty disappeared. I was ready to face anything.”
The rest is history. Dr. King wanted to see people of all colors free of the damage done by racism and prejudice.
If we face opposition when we’re trying to do what’s right, we too must cry out to the Lord. He alone is our “rock of refuge, a fortress of defense” (Ps. 31:2). He is our reliable source of strength and protection. —David C. Egner
Lord, help me stand upon Your rock of Truth
And never trust myself to sinking sand;
Whenever I am faced with evil powers,
I’ll call upon Your strong and mighty hand. —Hess
When we trust the power of God, we experience peace, not panic.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
When the Moon Doesn't Shine
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1
Usually the moon shines bright on clear May nights in eastern Pennsylvania. But tonight the moon is missing. All is dark. I notice brown circles under the lamp in the hall when mother welcomes our 2:00 a.m. arrival from Illinois. I also notice brown circles under her eyes. Tired skin under gentle folds.
But here she stands, my mother for forty years. I sense an accumulation of nights waiting up for home-coming children, as though the years have cast shadows from the lamp onto her face. I see the years in the black and blue veins that have just this week felt the heart specialist's probe. I hear the years - like the ocean ringing in seashell - in the doctor's diagnosis: "Enlarged Heart . . . . slow the pace . . . ." I stare into uncertainty. Tomorrow has been an assumed promise - a grand procession of weddings, births, celebrations. Time has been an event, not a sequence.
As I look at Mother, I sense that someone has wound the clock. years have become increments. History has a beginning and an end. I shiver in the early morning chill. But then Mother's arms wrap me in warmth, and I am home. A forty-year-old child reassured by her mother's touch. There is no time to touch.
I hear the tea kettle whistling. Mother's chocolate chip cookies on Grandma Hollinger's ironstone plate pull me back into timelessness. Our laughter drowns out the clock. There is no time in laughter. Mother laughs the hardest of all. Dark circles. Tired circles of joy. Her children are home.
For a moment I forget bruised veins and ticking clocks. I am held together by things that do not change - a mother's early morning welcome, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, and ironstone plate and laughter. I am held together by a God who does no change. I know the God of time who is yet above time. I see tonight in my mother's face the strange paradox of time and timelessness. A rare glimpse of the divine.
By Ruth Senter, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
Usually the moon shines bright on clear May nights in eastern Pennsylvania. But tonight the moon is missing. All is dark. I notice brown circles under the lamp in the hall when mother welcomes our 2:00 a.m. arrival from Illinois. I also notice brown circles under her eyes. Tired skin under gentle folds.
But here she stands, my mother for forty years. I sense an accumulation of nights waiting up for home-coming children, as though the years have cast shadows from the lamp onto her face. I see the years in the black and blue veins that have just this week felt the heart specialist's probe. I hear the years - like the ocean ringing in seashell - in the doctor's diagnosis: "Enlarged Heart . . . . slow the pace . . . ." I stare into uncertainty. Tomorrow has been an assumed promise - a grand procession of weddings, births, celebrations. Time has been an event, not a sequence.
As I look at Mother, I sense that someone has wound the clock. years have become increments. History has a beginning and an end. I shiver in the early morning chill. But then Mother's arms wrap me in warmth, and I am home. A forty-year-old child reassured by her mother's touch. There is no time to touch.
I hear the tea kettle whistling. Mother's chocolate chip cookies on Grandma Hollinger's ironstone plate pull me back into timelessness. Our laughter drowns out the clock. There is no time in laughter. Mother laughs the hardest of all. Dark circles. Tired circles of joy. Her children are home.
For a moment I forget bruised veins and ticking clocks. I am held together by things that do not change - a mother's early morning welcome, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, and ironstone plate and laughter. I am held together by a God who does no change. I know the God of time who is yet above time. I see tonight in my mother's face the strange paradox of time and timelessness. A rare glimpse of the divine.
By Ruth Senter, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
Monday, January 21, 2008
Coming before the King
"Then I heard all creatures in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea saying: "To the One who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever." Revelation 5:13
The whole purpose of coming before the King is to praise Him, to live in recognition of his splendor. Praise - lifting up our heart and hands, exulting with our voices, singing His praises - is the occupation of those who dwell in the kingdom.
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
The whole purpose of coming before the King is to praise Him, to live in recognition of his splendor. Praise - lifting up our heart and hands, exulting with our voices, singing His praises - is the occupation of those who dwell in the kingdom.
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
Friday, January 18, 2008
Got Water?
I recently went to a Study Retreat and discovered that I need to have a deeper thirst for the Word and my Lord. During this study I learned some interesting facts about water and what it meant to people during Biblical times. Water was not easy to come by and wells were often located outside the city walls where it had to be brought in one jar at a time. Some cities were fortunate enough to have wells inside their city walls and at least 2 cities, including Jerusalem, were known for bring their water into the city through an underground tunnel.
It didn't rain for six months out of the year which often caused the wells to dry up. Water carriers would peddle water they got at the wells and went through the market place calling out, "Ho, ye thirsty ones, come ye and drink." There were times when philanthropic persons paid the water carrier for all his supply of water and offer it to people free of charge. He would call forth, "Ho, ye thirsty ones, come and drink today for nothing, for nothing!" Such words remind us of the prophetic invitation of Isaiah: "Ho, every one who thirsty, come to the water. And you who have no money come buy and eat, by wine and milk. Without money and without cost." Isa. 55:1. The water from the well of Bethlehem was different and highly desired. It collected it's water from the hillsides and vineyards around the city which kept it delightfully cool in the summer months. It was this water that David yearned for in 2 Sam. 23:15 and the water his three mighty men risked their lives for when they went through enemy lines to get for him.
We don't have to think about our water because it's in great supply and easy to come by. Therefore, we've taken our thirst elsewhere and have filled ourselves up with things of this world. Kind of like my Mountain Dew habit. It's not good for me yet I desire to drink it. It's full of nothing but bad things, fills me up, makes me feel yucky and unsatisfied. Oh that we would desire to thirst and fill ourselves up with God and His Word. To yearn for Him like David yearned for the cool water from the well of Bethlehem. The Psalmist said, "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go meet with God?" WOW! "When can I go meet with God?" He thirst so much that he was WANTING to spend time with the Lord.
Since water is free for the taking, we don't really realize the impact of what the Water of Life being free meant back in Biblical times. I can see why people wanted to know where they could get this free water because the availability of water was scarce. Rev. 22:17 says, "The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come, and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." The Bible also says, "if any is thirsty let him come to me (Jesus) and drink." John 7:37. Whoever accepts it will be filled and satisfied. John 4:14 says, "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to the eternal life." Psalms 107:9 also says, "for He satisfies the thirsty."
When I drink lots of water I notice that when my body needs it it tells me right away. I feel the thirst and can be only satisfied by drinking water. I want to get to the point where I thirst deeply for the Lord. That if I'm not getting my daily intake of it I "feel" the yearning of being filled by the Lord alone. "Blessed are those who huger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matt. 5:6.
What do you thirst for? Does what you fill your life with satisfy you? Or are you left feeling like you have a Mountain Dew yucky empty feeling? Jesus is the one and only true way to fill your emptiness. Do you want to drink from the cool water He's offering?
Krista Jones
1.14.08
It didn't rain for six months out of the year which often caused the wells to dry up. Water carriers would peddle water they got at the wells and went through the market place calling out, "Ho, ye thirsty ones, come ye and drink." There were times when philanthropic persons paid the water carrier for all his supply of water and offer it to people free of charge. He would call forth, "Ho, ye thirsty ones, come and drink today for nothing, for nothing!" Such words remind us of the prophetic invitation of Isaiah: "Ho, every one who thirsty, come to the water. And you who have no money come buy and eat, by wine and milk. Without money and without cost." Isa. 55:1. The water from the well of Bethlehem was different and highly desired. It collected it's water from the hillsides and vineyards around the city which kept it delightfully cool in the summer months. It was this water that David yearned for in 2 Sam. 23:15 and the water his three mighty men risked their lives for when they went through enemy lines to get for him.
We don't have to think about our water because it's in great supply and easy to come by. Therefore, we've taken our thirst elsewhere and have filled ourselves up with things of this world. Kind of like my Mountain Dew habit. It's not good for me yet I desire to drink it. It's full of nothing but bad things, fills me up, makes me feel yucky and unsatisfied. Oh that we would desire to thirst and fill ourselves up with God and His Word. To yearn for Him like David yearned for the cool water from the well of Bethlehem. The Psalmist said, "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go meet with God?" WOW! "When can I go meet with God?" He thirst so much that he was WANTING to spend time with the Lord.
Since water is free for the taking, we don't really realize the impact of what the Water of Life being free meant back in Biblical times. I can see why people wanted to know where they could get this free water because the availability of water was scarce. Rev. 22:17 says, "The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come, and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." The Bible also says, "if any is thirsty let him come to me (Jesus) and drink." John 7:37. Whoever accepts it will be filled and satisfied. John 4:14 says, "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to the eternal life." Psalms 107:9 also says, "for He satisfies the thirsty."
When I drink lots of water I notice that when my body needs it it tells me right away. I feel the thirst and can be only satisfied by drinking water. I want to get to the point where I thirst deeply for the Lord. That if I'm not getting my daily intake of it I "feel" the yearning of being filled by the Lord alone. "Blessed are those who huger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matt. 5:6.
What do you thirst for? Does what you fill your life with satisfy you? Or are you left feeling like you have a Mountain Dew yucky empty feeling? Jesus is the one and only true way to fill your emptiness. Do you want to drink from the cool water He's offering?
Krista Jones
1.14.08
Thursday, January 17, 2008
God's Mountain
""the Lord shall guide thee continually . . ." Isaiah 58:11
". . . and He will make my feet like hind's feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places." Hab. 3:19
Advance into this new year on your knees. Faith does not concern itself with the entire journey. One step is enough. That fist step is all that is needed. Breathe a prayer for courage to fill your legs as well as your heart as you face the unknown, the unexpected. What matters that you know not your destination? Put your hand into the hand of God. he gives the calmness and serenity of heart and soul. As He endures, you too, can endure and climb over sharp rocks and crags. Climb with Him to the end of the year - yea, even to the end of life's trial. "The peak that is nearest the storm-cloud is nearer the stars of light." He gives the courage for which you pray to rise above the valley. Heed the Master's voice and press bravely on to the fulfillment of your task. You have a whole year to scale.
"A Voice said 'CLIMB.' And he said, 'How shall I climb?
The mountains are so steep that I cannot climb.'
"The Voice said, 'CLIMB' or DIE.'
"He said, 'But how? I see no way up those steep ascents.
This that is asked of me is too hard for me.'
"The Voice said, 'CLIMB or PERISH, soul and body of thee,
mind and spirit of thee. There is no second choice for
any son of man. CLIMB or DIE.'"
Some of the bravest of mountaineers have related incredible tales of concerning their climbs up the hills of earth. Sometimes they were aware of the presence of a Companion who was not among the earthly party of climbers on the mountains.
How much more positive is the presence of the Heavenly Guide as God's mountaineers climb the high places of the Spirit!
God's mountain climbers are created to walk in precarious places, not on the easy levels of life.
Do not limit the Limitless God! With Him face the new trail and follow on unafraid, for you walk not alone!
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert Volume 2"
". . . and He will make my feet like hind's feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places." Hab. 3:19
Advance into this new year on your knees. Faith does not concern itself with the entire journey. One step is enough. That fist step is all that is needed. Breathe a prayer for courage to fill your legs as well as your heart as you face the unknown, the unexpected. What matters that you know not your destination? Put your hand into the hand of God. he gives the calmness and serenity of heart and soul. As He endures, you too, can endure and climb over sharp rocks and crags. Climb with Him to the end of the year - yea, even to the end of life's trial. "The peak that is nearest the storm-cloud is nearer the stars of light." He gives the courage for which you pray to rise above the valley. Heed the Master's voice and press bravely on to the fulfillment of your task. You have a whole year to scale.
"A Voice said 'CLIMB.' And he said, 'How shall I climb?
The mountains are so steep that I cannot climb.'
"The Voice said, 'CLIMB' or DIE.'
"He said, 'But how? I see no way up those steep ascents.
This that is asked of me is too hard for me.'
"The Voice said, 'CLIMB or PERISH, soul and body of thee,
mind and spirit of thee. There is no second choice for
any son of man. CLIMB or DIE.'"
Some of the bravest of mountaineers have related incredible tales of concerning their climbs up the hills of earth. Sometimes they were aware of the presence of a Companion who was not among the earthly party of climbers on the mountains.
How much more positive is the presence of the Heavenly Guide as God's mountaineers climb the high places of the Spirit!
God's mountain climbers are created to walk in precarious places, not on the easy levels of life.
Do not limit the Limitless God! With Him face the new trail and follow on unafraid, for you walk not alone!
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert Volume 2"
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
God's Promise
I just got done reading about the flood and God's promise to never destroy the earth and all living upon it by a flood again. I often forget about this promise when I see a rainbow. That the rainbow is a constant reminder of the covenant God made with us (Genesis 9:12-17). How often I forget to fulfill my promises? Every time a rainbow appears God is reminded not to destroy us by flood ever again. I'm quite sure that our society is very much like the society of Noah's time. I'm sure God has been torn up and angry over what we're doing today. Yet, as much as we anger Him with our sin, He has kept his promise. "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.
Spurgeon said, "We never prize the precious words of promise till we are placed in conditions in which their suitability and sweetness are manifested." As I look in the concordance of my Bible I see that there are many instances where God promises us something. It means that there is a promise in the Bible that speaks to each one of us. Let us remember the precious promises God has sprinkled through the Word and "rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil." Psalm 119:162.
Krista Jones
1.5.08
Spurgeon said, "We never prize the precious words of promise till we are placed in conditions in which their suitability and sweetness are manifested." As I look in the concordance of my Bible I see that there are many instances where God promises us something. It means that there is a promise in the Bible that speaks to each one of us. Let us remember the precious promises God has sprinkled through the Word and "rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil." Psalm 119:162.
Krista Jones
1.5.08
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Ballerina
"I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?" Psalm 121:1
When television coverage of the Winter Olympics brought visions of twirling, whirling ice skaters into our home, we had two diminutive skaters in our living room. Spin after spin catapulted them into tangled heaps of arms and legs on the floor. Finally, my five-year-old asked in exasperation, "Mommy, how do they spin so fast?"
I tried to explain a technique learned many years ago when I was the ballerina-to-be - the technique of spotting. Start by focusing your sight on a fixed spot and with each rapid turn of the head, return your gaze to the same place. No dramatic improvement resulted form my little ballerina's initial efforts as she began trying this technique. Spotting does not come naturally at any age. She and her sister continued to look like they were playing a musical game of Twister, ending in the same heap on the floor. But slowly, ever so slowly, spotting took effect. Her turns were more controlled, she retained her balance and before long she was trying to explain spotting to her little sister.
Spotting takes practice, but it works. And it's no different from grownups. On what do we set our sights? Are we spotting on career moves, relationships, things? What occupies our minds as we wake in the morning or creeps in unsolicited to our thoughts as we close our eyes at the end of the day? Our uninvited thoughts and recurring worries are probably a good indicator of what we're using to spot.
The psalmist wrote, "I lift up my eyes . . ." (vs 1). He knew about spotting, even if He didn't call it that. He knew where to set His sights. Only one thing sis worthy of our practiced focus, and only one thing will enable us to maintain balance. When my head is spinning and my world is turning too fast, I can spot on One whose power is greater than mine, One who never loses his balance.
By Debra Klingsporn, taken from "Women's Daily Devotional Bible 2"
When television coverage of the Winter Olympics brought visions of twirling, whirling ice skaters into our home, we had two diminutive skaters in our living room. Spin after spin catapulted them into tangled heaps of arms and legs on the floor. Finally, my five-year-old asked in exasperation, "Mommy, how do they spin so fast?"
I tried to explain a technique learned many years ago when I was the ballerina-to-be - the technique of spotting. Start by focusing your sight on a fixed spot and with each rapid turn of the head, return your gaze to the same place. No dramatic improvement resulted form my little ballerina's initial efforts as she began trying this technique. Spotting does not come naturally at any age. She and her sister continued to look like they were playing a musical game of Twister, ending in the same heap on the floor. But slowly, ever so slowly, spotting took effect. Her turns were more controlled, she retained her balance and before long she was trying to explain spotting to her little sister.
Spotting takes practice, but it works. And it's no different from grownups. On what do we set our sights? Are we spotting on career moves, relationships, things? What occupies our minds as we wake in the morning or creeps in unsolicited to our thoughts as we close our eyes at the end of the day? Our uninvited thoughts and recurring worries are probably a good indicator of what we're using to spot.
The psalmist wrote, "I lift up my eyes . . ." (vs 1). He knew about spotting, even if He didn't call it that. He knew where to set His sights. Only one thing sis worthy of our practiced focus, and only one thing will enable us to maintain balance. When my head is spinning and my world is turning too fast, I can spot on One whose power is greater than mine, One who never loses his balance.
By Debra Klingsporn, taken from "Women's Daily Devotional Bible 2"
Monday, January 14, 2008
The Foundation of Courage
"I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Hebrews 8:12
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).
"(God) justifies those who have faith in Jesus" (Romans 3:26)
For those in Christ, theses promises are not only a source of joy. They are also the foundations of true courage. You are guaranteed that your sins will be filtered through, hidden in, and screened out by the sacrifice of Jesus. When God looks at you, He doesn't see you; He sees the One who surrounds you. That means that failure is not a concern for you. Your victory is secure. How could you not be courage?
The Applause of Heaven
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).
"(God) justifies those who have faith in Jesus" (Romans 3:26)
For those in Christ, theses promises are not only a source of joy. They are also the foundations of true courage. You are guaranteed that your sins will be filtered through, hidden in, and screened out by the sacrifice of Jesus. When God looks at you, He doesn't see you; He sees the One who surrounds you. That means that failure is not a concern for you. Your victory is secure. How could you not be courage?
The Applause of Heaven
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Friday, January 11, 2008
The New Year
"Forgetting the past . . . I press onward." Phil. 3:13-14
One of god's glorious gifts to mankind is to bestow upon him the dawn of a new year. New opportunities and challenges are before him. A chance to try again, to make another endeavor to successfully accomplish the ambitions which were perhaps cast aside with discouragement in the year past. Life is full of beginnings. As one stands at the gate and with doubtful hand draws aside the curtain and peers into the unknown, he begins today by taking his first step across the threshold of the new year. It is already a beautiful year because it is another year of Our Lord.
Gazing at the far horizons and half wondering what the coming months will bring, pause but a moment to reflect over the old volume of three hundred and sixty-five days just ended. The pages may have been marred by mistakes and torn by intentions, but a few more miles have been covered on the upward climb, pressing toward the mark.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come,
'Twas grace that brought us safe thus far,
And grace will lead us Home.
It has not been our own achievement. Great has been our Father's faithfulness; new every morning have been His mercies. He faileth never!
It is part of our nature to want to live in the yesterdays of life, in "the days that come not back again." We would rather relive the strifes, the bad habits, the heartaches, and stumbling steps than to face the uncertain. With tenacity the past does cling, and like barnacles, would hinder us from pushing out from the shore and launching into the deep.
Old Past, let go, and drop in the sea!
Till fathomless waters cover thee;
For I am living, but thou art dead;
Thou drawest back, I strive ahead
The Day to find.
Thy shells unbind! Night comes behind,
I needs must hurry with the wind
And trim me best for sailing.
Standing at the parting of the ways, there is a choice to make, some road to take, we much consider which. How is it that we intend to live? Will it be repetitious of the past?
"I do not see my way: I do not care to; but I know that He sees His way, and that I see Him." Shining destinies are ahead! We must keep our eyes upon Jesus as we now face the Dawn.
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert Volume 2"
One of god's glorious gifts to mankind is to bestow upon him the dawn of a new year. New opportunities and challenges are before him. A chance to try again, to make another endeavor to successfully accomplish the ambitions which were perhaps cast aside with discouragement in the year past. Life is full of beginnings. As one stands at the gate and with doubtful hand draws aside the curtain and peers into the unknown, he begins today by taking his first step across the threshold of the new year. It is already a beautiful year because it is another year of Our Lord.
Gazing at the far horizons and half wondering what the coming months will bring, pause but a moment to reflect over the old volume of three hundred and sixty-five days just ended. The pages may have been marred by mistakes and torn by intentions, but a few more miles have been covered on the upward climb, pressing toward the mark.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come,
'Twas grace that brought us safe thus far,
And grace will lead us Home.
It has not been our own achievement. Great has been our Father's faithfulness; new every morning have been His mercies. He faileth never!
It is part of our nature to want to live in the yesterdays of life, in "the days that come not back again." We would rather relive the strifes, the bad habits, the heartaches, and stumbling steps than to face the uncertain. With tenacity the past does cling, and like barnacles, would hinder us from pushing out from the shore and launching into the deep.
Old Past, let go, and drop in the sea!
Till fathomless waters cover thee;
For I am living, but thou art dead;
Thou drawest back, I strive ahead
The Day to find.
Thy shells unbind! Night comes behind,
I needs must hurry with the wind
And trim me best for sailing.
Standing at the parting of the ways, there is a choice to make, some road to take, we much consider which. How is it that we intend to live? Will it be repetitious of the past?
"I do not see my way: I do not care to; but I know that He sees His way, and that I see Him." Shining destinies are ahead! We must keep our eyes upon Jesus as we now face the Dawn.
By Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert Volume 2"
Thursday, January 10, 2008
At Home with God
"If people love me, they will obey my teaching. My father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." John 14:23
God wants to be your dwelling place. He has no interest in being a weekend getaway or a Sunday bungalow or a summer cottage. Don't consider using God as a vacation cabin or an eventual retirement home. He wants you under His roof now and always. He wants to be your mailing address, your point of reference; He wants to be your home . . .
For many this is a new thought. We think of God as a deity to discuss, not a place to dwell. We think of God as a mysterious miracle worker, not a house to live in. We think of God as a creator to call on, not a home to reside in. But our Father wants to be much more. He wants to be the one in whom "we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment""
God wants to be your dwelling place. He has no interest in being a weekend getaway or a Sunday bungalow or a summer cottage. Don't consider using God as a vacation cabin or an eventual retirement home. He wants you under His roof now and always. He wants to be your mailing address, your point of reference; He wants to be your home . . .
For many this is a new thought. We think of God as a deity to discuss, not a place to dwell. We think of God as a mysterious miracle worker, not a house to live in. We think of God as a creator to call on, not a home to reside in. But our Father wants to be much more. He wants to be the one in whom "we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment""
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Faith like Abraham
Abraham was an amazing man. I love him because he faith to step out into the unknown and into the loving hands of a loving God. God told him to leave his family and country to set out for a land that He would show him. He promised Abraham that he would "make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Gen. 12:2-3). He had faith in God and in His promises enough to just set out into the unknown.
Gen. 15:6 says, "Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness." We know that man is without righteousness and that God must reckon His own righteousness to man's account through man's trust in Him. We also know that as Christians we live by faith and faith "Is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Heb. 11:1) Abraham did not see what lay ahead. In fact, he had no references like the Word (Bible) to guide him like we do today. He was truly a faithful man (Heb. 11:8-12; Gal. 3:6; & Rom. 4:3).
Another thing Abraham had was patience. He waited for the fulfillment of God's promises and never lived to see it happen. God says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (Ps. 27:14). "Waiting has four purposes. It practices the patience of faith. It gives time for preparation for the coming gift. It makes the blessing the sweeter when it arrives. It shows the sovereignty of God - to give just WHEN and AS He pleases." Dr. James Vaughan. May we have faith like Abraham!
Krista Jones
1.04.08
Gen. 15:6 says, "Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness." We know that man is without righteousness and that God must reckon His own righteousness to man's account through man's trust in Him. We also know that as Christians we live by faith and faith "Is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Heb. 11:1) Abraham did not see what lay ahead. In fact, he had no references like the Word (Bible) to guide him like we do today. He was truly a faithful man (Heb. 11:8-12; Gal. 3:6; & Rom. 4:3).
Another thing Abraham had was patience. He waited for the fulfillment of God's promises and never lived to see it happen. God says, "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (Ps. 27:14). "Waiting has four purposes. It practices the patience of faith. It gives time for preparation for the coming gift. It makes the blessing the sweeter when it arrives. It shows the sovereignty of God - to give just WHEN and AS He pleases." Dr. James Vaughan. May we have faith like Abraham!
Krista Jones
1.04.08
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Worshiping all Week Long
"Come into His city with songs of thanksgiving and into His courts with songs of praise. Thank Him and praise His name." Psalm 100:4
Our biblical act of worship is not what we do on Sunday mornings in ties and dresses, but our act of worship is a lifelong, seven-days-a-week process of placing ourselves upon an alter of sacrifice. Worship is living the principles of Christ in everything we do. You're worshiping God by what you do all week long.
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
Our biblical act of worship is not what we do on Sunday mornings in ties and dresses, but our act of worship is a lifelong, seven-days-a-week process of placing ourselves upon an alter of sacrifice. Worship is living the principles of Christ in everything we do. You're worshiping God by what you do all week long.
By Max Lucado, taken from "Walking with the Savior"
Monday, January 07, 2008
My Prayer for You
"May God help us be a people that will embrace not only the message about Him that delights our hearts, but also the ones that grip us and shake us to the core of our soul." James MacDonald taken from "Gripped by the Greatness of God"
Friday, January 04, 2008
Don't Miss God's Answer
"Is anything too hard for the Lord? No!" Genesis 18:14
The God of surprises strikes again . . . God does that for the faithful. Just when the womb gets too old for babies, Sarai gets pregnant. Just when the failure is too great for grace, David is pardoned . . .
The lesson? Three words. Don't give up . . .
Is the road long? Don't stop.
Is the night black? Don't quit.
God is watching. For all you know right at this moment . . . the check may be in the mail.
The apology may be in the making.
The job contract may be on the desk.
Don't quit. For if you do, you may miss the answer to your prayers.
(He Still Moves Stones)
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
The God of surprises strikes again . . . God does that for the faithful. Just when the womb gets too old for babies, Sarai gets pregnant. Just when the failure is too great for grace, David is pardoned . . .
The lesson? Three words. Don't give up . . .
Is the road long? Don't stop.
Is the night black? Don't quit.
God is watching. For all you know right at this moment . . . the check may be in the mail.
The apology may be in the making.
The job contract may be on the desk.
Don't quit. For if you do, you may miss the answer to your prayers.
(He Still Moves Stones)
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Thursday, January 03, 2008
A. W. Tozer Quote
"One characteristic that marks the average church today is lack of anticipation. Christians when they meet do not expect anything unusual to happen; consequently only the usual happens, and that usual is as predictable as the setting of the sun...
We need today a fresh spirit of anticipation that springs out of the promises of God. We must declare war on the mood of nonexpectation, and come together with childlike faith. Only then can we know again the beauty and wonder of the Lord's presence among us."
God Tells the Man Who Cares, 168,170.
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11
We need today a fresh spirit of anticipation that springs out of the promises of God. We must declare war on the mood of nonexpectation, and come together with childlike faith. Only then can we know again the beauty and wonder of the Lord's presence among us."
God Tells the Man Who Cares, 168,170.
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Too Old?
"You are the light of the world." Matthew 5:14
God has limitless ways of reaching people. So if you feel that you don’t have the ability to reach others for Christ, think about 76-year-old Ethel Hatfield. Desiring to serve her Lord, she asked her pastor if she could teach a Sunday school class. He informed her that he thought she was too old! She went home heavy-hearted and disappointed.
Then one day as Ethel was tending her rose garden, a Chinese student from the nearby university stopped to comment on the beauty of her flowers. She invited him in for a cup of tea. As they talked together, she had the opportunity to tell him about Jesus and His love. He returned the next day with another student, and that was the beginning of Ethel’s ministry.
Ethel was delighted to share the gospel of Christ with these students, because she knew He has the power to change lives. His gospel “is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16).
Precisely because of Ethel’s age, Chinese students listened to her with respect and appreciation. When she died, a group of 70 Chinese believers sat together at her funeral. They had been won to Christ by a woman who was thought to be too old to teach a Sunday school class! —Vernon C Grounds
In the strength of the Lord let me labor and pray,
Let me watch as a winner of souls,
That bright stars may be mine in the glorious day
When His praise like the sea-billow rolls. —Hewitt
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
God has limitless ways of reaching people. So if you feel that you don’t have the ability to reach others for Christ, think about 76-year-old Ethel Hatfield. Desiring to serve her Lord, she asked her pastor if she could teach a Sunday school class. He informed her that he thought she was too old! She went home heavy-hearted and disappointed.
Then one day as Ethel was tending her rose garden, a Chinese student from the nearby university stopped to comment on the beauty of her flowers. She invited him in for a cup of tea. As they talked together, she had the opportunity to tell him about Jesus and His love. He returned the next day with another student, and that was the beginning of Ethel’s ministry.
Ethel was delighted to share the gospel of Christ with these students, because she knew He has the power to change lives. His gospel “is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16).
Precisely because of Ethel’s age, Chinese students listened to her with respect and appreciation. When she died, a group of 70 Chinese believers sat together at her funeral. They had been won to Christ by a woman who was thought to be too old to teach a Sunday school class! —Vernon C Grounds
In the strength of the Lord let me labor and pray,
Let me watch as a winner of souls,
That bright stars may be mine in the glorious day
When His praise like the sea-billow rolls. —Hewitt
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Rise with Christ
"The Child is set for the . . . rising again of many." Luke 2:34
You can rise with Christ, particularly when your hopes are lowest and when you understand His ways, though not your ways, are always the best. Sir Henry M. Stanley, searching for Livingstone in the heart of Africa, had to be led through a siege of tropical fevers that kept his temperature constantly at 105 degrees before his hardened attitude toward life turned to the joy of his salvation. His sick-bed became his school for Christ, and having read the warnings and promises of Scripture, he wrote: "I flung myself on my knees and poured out my soul utterly in secret prayer to Him from whom I had been so long estranged, to Him who had led me here mysteriously into Africa, there to reveal Himself and His will." Perhaps God has been leading some of you through the jungles of life, through the wastes of illness and loneliness, to have you find Christ with Him this uplifting grace which Simeon proclaimed as his voice rang through the Temple, "This Child is set for the . . . rising again of many." - Walter A. Maier
Lonely! The very word can start the tears
And chill the heart as with the sun's eclipse;
It uses to fall so sadly from my lips,
It used to sound so mournful to my ears.
Then, like Naomi in an alien land,
I found the One who loved and guided her;
And, like Elijah by the juniper,
I tasted meat and drink from God's own hand.
Lonely? The knell fades on the brightening air,
And melts into a happy carillon.
Is the road rough? I have a Friend to share
Its brave adventure till the journey's done.
Come, lonely heart, will you not join us there?
Who walk with Christ can never walk alone.
Ruby Weyburn Tobias
You can rise with Christ, particularly when your hopes are lowest and when you understand His ways, though not your ways, are always the best. Sir Henry M. Stanley, searching for Livingstone in the heart of Africa, had to be led through a siege of tropical fevers that kept his temperature constantly at 105 degrees before his hardened attitude toward life turned to the joy of his salvation. His sick-bed became his school for Christ, and having read the warnings and promises of Scripture, he wrote: "I flung myself on my knees and poured out my soul utterly in secret prayer to Him from whom I had been so long estranged, to Him who had led me here mysteriously into Africa, there to reveal Himself and His will." Perhaps God has been leading some of you through the jungles of life, through the wastes of illness and loneliness, to have you find Christ with Him this uplifting grace which Simeon proclaimed as his voice rang through the Temple, "This Child is set for the . . . rising again of many." - Walter A. Maier
Lonely! The very word can start the tears
And chill the heart as with the sun's eclipse;
It uses to fall so sadly from my lips,
It used to sound so mournful to my ears.
Then, like Naomi in an alien land,
I found the One who loved and guided her;
And, like Elijah by the juniper,
I tasted meat and drink from God's own hand.
Lonely? The knell fades on the brightening air,
And melts into a happy carillon.
Is the road rough? I have a Friend to share
Its brave adventure till the journey's done.
Come, lonely heart, will you not join us there?
Who walk with Christ can never walk alone.
Ruby Weyburn Tobias
Monday, December 31, 2007
Step by Step
"The unfolding of your words gies light; it gives understanding to the simple." Psalm 119:130
When our children were born, my husband and I lovingly cared for them daily. We held them close, rocked them to sleep nd fed them. As they were able, we encouraged them to learn to walk, dress themselves and communicte. We watched excitedly as they grew.
Likewsie, our heavenly Father is actively involved in our growth; He encourages us according to our capabilities and understanding at the time. He does not push us; He waits until we are ready. If God told us everything about ourselves and life all at once, we would be confused and crushed. Instead He teaches us based on our spiritual and emotional age level. God's gentle unfolding plan increases our insight and encourages our consistent growth.
Lord, you are a compassionate and caring Father. Thank you for nurturing my development step by step and giving me understanding just as I need it. Help me to be as patient as you are with my simple and imperfect attempts at gaining maturity.
By Joan C. Webb, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
When our children were born, my husband and I lovingly cared for them daily. We held them close, rocked them to sleep nd fed them. As they were able, we encouraged them to learn to walk, dress themselves and communicte. We watched excitedly as they grew.
Likewsie, our heavenly Father is actively involved in our growth; He encourages us according to our capabilities and understanding at the time. He does not push us; He waits until we are ready. If God told us everything about ourselves and life all at once, we would be confused and crushed. Instead He teaches us based on our spiritual and emotional age level. God's gentle unfolding plan increases our insight and encourages our consistent growth.
Lord, you are a compassionate and caring Father. Thank you for nurturing my development step by step and giving me understanding just as I need it. Help me to be as patient as you are with my simple and imperfect attempts at gaining maturity.
By Joan C. Webb, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
Friday, December 28, 2007
A Complete Restoration
"You will know that God's power is very great for us who believe." Ephesians 1:19
God loves to decorate. god has to decorate. Let Him live long enough in a heart, and that heart will begin to change. Portraits of hurt will be replaced by landscapes of grace. Walls of anger will be demolished and shaky foundations restored. God can no more leave a life unchanged than a mother can leave her child's tear untouched . . .
This might explain some of the discomfort in your life. Remodeling of the heart is not always pleasant. We don't object when the Carpenter adds a few shelves, but He's been known to gut the entire west wing. He has such high aspirations for you. God envisions a complete restoration. He won't stop until He has finished . . . He wants you to be just like Jesus.
(Just Like Jesus)
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment'
God loves to decorate. god has to decorate. Let Him live long enough in a heart, and that heart will begin to change. Portraits of hurt will be replaced by landscapes of grace. Walls of anger will be demolished and shaky foundations restored. God can no more leave a life unchanged than a mother can leave her child's tear untouched . . .
This might explain some of the discomfort in your life. Remodeling of the heart is not always pleasant. We don't object when the Carpenter adds a few shelves, but He's been known to gut the entire west wing. He has such high aspirations for you. God envisions a complete restoration. He won't stop until He has finished . . . He wants you to be just like Jesus.
(Just Like Jesus)
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment'
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Kingdom of God
"The kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:21
Oh, take this heart that I would give
Forever to be all Thine own;
I to myself no more would live,--
Come, Lord, be Thou my King alone.
G. TERSTEEGEN
Herein is the work assigned to the individual soul, to have life in itself, to make our sphere, whatever it is, sufficient for a reign of God within ourselves, for a true and full reign of our Father's abounding spirit,--thankful, unutterably thankful, if with the place and the companionship assigned to us we are permitted to build an earthly tabernacle of grace and goodness and holy love, a home like a temple; but, should this be denied us, resolved for our own souls that God shall reign there, for ourselves at least that we will not, by sin or disobedience or impious distrust, break with our own wills, our filial connection with our Father,--that whether joyful or sorrowing, struggling with the perplexity and foulness of circumstance, or in an atmosphere of peace, whether in dear fellowship or alone, our desire and prayer shall be that God may have in us a realm where His will is law, and where obedience and submission spring, not from calculating prudence or ungodly fear, but from communion of spirit, ever humble aspiration, and ever loving trust.
J. H. THOM
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Oh, take this heart that I would give
Forever to be all Thine own;
I to myself no more would live,--
Come, Lord, be Thou my King alone.
G. TERSTEEGEN
Herein is the work assigned to the individual soul, to have life in itself, to make our sphere, whatever it is, sufficient for a reign of God within ourselves, for a true and full reign of our Father's abounding spirit,--thankful, unutterably thankful, if with the place and the companionship assigned to us we are permitted to build an earthly tabernacle of grace and goodness and holy love, a home like a temple; but, should this be denied us, resolved for our own souls that God shall reign there, for ourselves at least that we will not, by sin or disobedience or impious distrust, break with our own wills, our filial connection with our Father,--that whether joyful or sorrowing, struggling with the perplexity and foulness of circumstance, or in an atmosphere of peace, whether in dear fellowship or alone, our desire and prayer shall be that God may have in us a realm where His will is law, and where obedience and submission spring, not from calculating prudence or ungodly fear, but from communion of spirit, ever humble aspiration, and ever loving trust.
J. H. THOM
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
How to Eat an Elephant
"The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, He saved me." Psalm 116:6
There is only one way to eat and elephant: a bite at a time. Maybe you know that already. I didn't - until Beverly JOhnson told the world after she, the first woman to do so alone, reached the top of thirty-six hundred feet high El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, California.
"That's what I kept saying, 'A bite at a time, a bite at a time . . .'," the smiling Beverly said of her ten-day struggle up the gigantic granite mass that rises unbroken from the Yosemite Valley.
She was weary and afraid up there all alone, strapped with a hundred pounds of hear . . . climbing . . . climbing. Day after day she rose higher and higher, clutching to rocks and ropes self-hammered into the rock - praying that they would hold. What sleep she had was in slings on the sheer granite wall. "I often thought if I could magically leave, I would - "but there was no way but up.
She kept climbing, saying to herself, "I'll climb here today." You can't do it, she told reporters, if you count the days. "just a step at a time . . . a day at a time." she laughed victoriously, "and a bite at a time!"
We can all "eat elephants" by Beverly's formula, cant' we? It makes little difference whether it's all the things we have to accomplish, a test we have to take, a physical condition we have to live with, a broken heart that needs healing. Her reasoning works.
Haven't you often wished, as she did, that you could magically leave your problems? Most of us feel that way, but the world doesn't stop for us to get off. we dig in with whatever equipment we have; we work our way up slowly; and, remember this; we have the solid Rock to lean upon! God is always there.
By June Masters Backer, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
There is only one way to eat and elephant: a bite at a time. Maybe you know that already. I didn't - until Beverly JOhnson told the world after she, the first woman to do so alone, reached the top of thirty-six hundred feet high El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, California.
"That's what I kept saying, 'A bite at a time, a bite at a time . . .'," the smiling Beverly said of her ten-day struggle up the gigantic granite mass that rises unbroken from the Yosemite Valley.
She was weary and afraid up there all alone, strapped with a hundred pounds of hear . . . climbing . . . climbing. Day after day she rose higher and higher, clutching to rocks and ropes self-hammered into the rock - praying that they would hold. What sleep she had was in slings on the sheer granite wall. "I often thought if I could magically leave, I would - "but there was no way but up.
She kept climbing, saying to herself, "I'll climb here today." You can't do it, she told reporters, if you count the days. "just a step at a time . . . a day at a time." she laughed victoriously, "and a bite at a time!"
We can all "eat elephants" by Beverly's formula, cant' we? It makes little difference whether it's all the things we have to accomplish, a test we have to take, a physical condition we have to live with, a broken heart that needs healing. Her reasoning works.
Haven't you often wished, as she did, that you could magically leave your problems? Most of us feel that way, but the world doesn't stop for us to get off. we dig in with whatever equipment we have; we work our way up slowly; and, remember this; we have the solid Rock to lean upon! God is always there.
By June Masters Backer, taken from "Women's Devotional Bible 2"
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
The Birth of Jesus
Luke 2
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.
4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
The Shepherds and the Angels
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Monday, December 24, 2007
"Why should not I?"
"Always bearing about in the body of the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body." 2 Corinthians 4:10
The emergency that the whole world is in through sin calls for sacrifices that bring great pain of spirit. A young man in a small church college in the Middle West was stirred by the needs of the foreign mission fields. He determined to offer his life and service to help meet that need. But before committing himself actively with his church authorities he wrote to her who had given him life, telling her of the burning desire in his heart, and asking her consent. By and by the answering letter came. It was blotted with tears. Its pages brought up a vivid picture of that mother's face and heart. She replied, in effect giving her consent, and then writing down these words: "I never knew until now how much it cost God to give His Son." S. D. Gordon
Some feet must bleed,
Bruised and torn by rocks and thorns
Which in their path unbidden lie.
If any mortal can with grace endure
Those things for which earth has no cure,
Why should not I?
Some backs are bent
'Neath loads of never-ending care,
Yet all is fair as they go by.
If others then can bear their load
And smile and sing alone life's road,
Why should not I?
Some eyes are dim -
Each tear speaks silently of pain
Known only to their God on high.
If weeping ones can still be bold
And carry sorrows never told,
Why should not I?
Some souls are large -
They have for grief but little heed;
Brave souls are they; souls that are high;
If they can pass 'neath chastening rod,
Keep hope undimmed, and faith in God,
Why should not I?
Through strength divine,
Come gain or loss, each one may win,
For will not God His help supply?
'Tis written, Grace for every need
Sufficient IS - you then may plead.
Why should not I?
Grand Colfax Tullar
By Charles E. Fuller & J. Elwin Wright, taken from "Manna in the Morning"
The emergency that the whole world is in through sin calls for sacrifices that bring great pain of spirit. A young man in a small church college in the Middle West was stirred by the needs of the foreign mission fields. He determined to offer his life and service to help meet that need. But before committing himself actively with his church authorities he wrote to her who had given him life, telling her of the burning desire in his heart, and asking her consent. By and by the answering letter came. It was blotted with tears. Its pages brought up a vivid picture of that mother's face and heart. She replied, in effect giving her consent, and then writing down these words: "I never knew until now how much it cost God to give His Son." S. D. Gordon
Some feet must bleed,
Bruised and torn by rocks and thorns
Which in their path unbidden lie.
If any mortal can with grace endure
Those things for which earth has no cure,
Why should not I?
Some backs are bent
'Neath loads of never-ending care,
Yet all is fair as they go by.
If others then can bear their load
And smile and sing alone life's road,
Why should not I?
Some eyes are dim -
Each tear speaks silently of pain
Known only to their God on high.
If weeping ones can still be bold
And carry sorrows never told,
Why should not I?
Some souls are large -
They have for grief but little heed;
Brave souls are they; souls that are high;
If they can pass 'neath chastening rod,
Keep hope undimmed, and faith in God,
Why should not I?
Through strength divine,
Come gain or loss, each one may win,
For will not God His help supply?
'Tis written, Grace for every need
Sufficient IS - you then may plead.
Why should not I?
Grand Colfax Tullar
By Charles E. Fuller & J. Elwin Wright, taken from "Manna in the Morning"
Friday, December 21, 2007
The Importance of Forgiving
"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." Mark 11:25-26
'Tis not enough to weep my sins,
'Tis but one step to heaven:--
When I am kind to others,--then
I know myself forgiven.
F. W. FABER
Every relation to mankind, of hate or scorn or neglect, is full of vexation and torment. There is nothing to do with men but to love them; to contemplate their virtues with admiration, their faults with pity and forbearance, and their injuries with forgiveness. Task all the ingenuity of your mind to devise some other thing, but you never can find it. To hate your adversary will not help you; to kill him will not help you; nothing within the compass of the universe can help you, but to love him. But let that love flow out upon all around you, and what could harm you? How many a knot of mystery and misunderstanding would be untied by one word spoken in simple and confiding truth of heart! How many a solitary place would be made glad if love were there; and how many a dark dwelling would be filled with light!
ORVILLE DEWEY
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
'Tis not enough to weep my sins,
'Tis but one step to heaven:--
When I am kind to others,--then
I know myself forgiven.
F. W. FABER
Every relation to mankind, of hate or scorn or neglect, is full of vexation and torment. There is nothing to do with men but to love them; to contemplate their virtues with admiration, their faults with pity and forbearance, and their injuries with forgiveness. Task all the ingenuity of your mind to devise some other thing, but you never can find it. To hate your adversary will not help you; to kill him will not help you; nothing within the compass of the universe can help you, but to love him. But let that love flow out upon all around you, and what could harm you? How many a knot of mystery and misunderstanding would be untied by one word spoken in simple and confiding truth of heart! How many a solitary place would be made glad if love were there; and how many a dark dwelling would be filled with light!
ORVILLE DEWEY
Compiled by Mary W. Tileston, taken from "Daily Strength for Daily Needs"
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Worthless Worry
"I was young, and now I am old, but I have never seen good people left helpless or their children begging for food." Psalm 37:25
We worry. We worry about the IRS and the SAT and the FBI . . . We worry that we won't have enough money, and when we have money we worry that we won't manage it well. we worry that the world will end before the parking meter expires. We worry what the dog thinks if he sees us step out of the shower. We worry that someday we'll learn that fat-free yogurt was fattening.
Honestly, now. Did God save you so you would fret? Would He teach you to walk just to watch you fall? Would He be nailed to the cross for your sins and then disregard your prayers? come on. Is Scripture teasing us when it reads, "He has put His angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go?" (Ps. 91:11).
I don't think so either.
"In the Grip of Grace"
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
We worry. We worry about the IRS and the SAT and the FBI . . . We worry that we won't have enough money, and when we have money we worry that we won't manage it well. we worry that the world will end before the parking meter expires. We worry what the dog thinks if he sees us step out of the shower. We worry that someday we'll learn that fat-free yogurt was fattening.
Honestly, now. Did God save you so you would fret? Would He teach you to walk just to watch you fall? Would He be nailed to the cross for your sins and then disregard your prayers? come on. Is Scripture teasing us when it reads, "He has put His angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go?" (Ps. 91:11).
I don't think so either.
"In the Grip of Grace"
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
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