Author: admin

Spring Cleaning

Written by admin on May 18, 2023. Posted in Devotionals.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties. And see if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139: 23-24

I decided to designate today to clean my office. It was well beyond the point of cluttered and verging on tornado-like conditions. I couldn’t put it off any longer. When I began, though very messy, I really didn’t see much to throw away. I just couldn’t see what I could part with or where to begin.

After studying the room for a few minutes, I picked up a garbage bag and began slowly placing a few things in. I noticed myself finding it easier and easier to throw things away and by the end I found myself with 3 garbage bags full of non-essential waste.

It got me thinking about my own life. What areas of my life, what areas of your life need de-cluttered? What habits and attitudes need thrown in the trash? I suppose as I ask God to search my life, I may not see much at first, but I trust in the end God will show me several big trash bags of non-essential waste He’d like me to part with.

The hard part is asking Him to search.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties. And see if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139: 23-24

Trust

Written by admin on May 13, 2023. Posted in Devotionals.

Trust the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3:5-6

This morning on my way to work I had a very honest conversation with The Lord. I let all my frustration out. I told Him why I was angry, hurt, and discouraged about a certain situation. I let Him know I didn’t understand why something had happened and I didn’t leave anything out. He feels my hurt and completely gets why I feel the way I do, even if I’m wrong. I didn’t tell Him anything He didn’t already know. In fact, He knows more than I do about what’s going on.

When I got out of my car to begin my day, I wasn’t worried if God was mad at me. I wasn’t worried if He misunderstood me or if He wouldn’t accept me. I wasn’t concerned about disappointing Him. I know He still loves me unconditionally. He will never quit loving me. He cares and understands me. I trust Him completely to help me navigate any situation that comes up.

I trust that He will guide me to His word for guidance. I also believe Jesus is interceding for me to The Father, and that The Holy Spirit will minister in ways words can’t as I continue to seek Him in this situation. He is my “all in all.”

What’s that thing in your life that’s got you hurt, frustrated, or even angry? There is One you can trust completely. If you let Him be your guide, He will help like no person ever could. You will never regret trusting God. He is ready to direct your path if you let Him.

Trust the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3:5-6

No Darkness at All

Written by admin on May 7, 2023. Posted in Devotionals.

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4-5) This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)

Many years ago, as a teenager I went with my church youth group on a hayride. Before the hayride, we were given the option of going through a dark maze that was at the base of an old barn. You had to go through the maze on your belly in the complete dark.

30 seconds too late I realized I was claustrophobic. I felt like I couldn’t breathe because the space seemed so small. I was holding the ankles of the person in front of me like my life depended on it.

It was so dark that it didn’t matter if my eyes were open or closed. There wasn’t a hint of light anywhere. It was completely and totally dark.

I was silently panicking. How cool would I look if I began to scream and cry hysterically? Between the complete darkness and the small, confining space, I was horrified. I have never craved light as much as I did that night.

After what seemed like an eternity…probably about 15 minutes…we finally made it out alive. I don’t think I was ever so happy to see the light of day. When I say the light of day, I mean evening moonlight and a few surrounding lamp posts. Any light was welcome no matter how small and insignificant. It may as well have been daylight with how drawn I was to existing light around me.

As I was recalling this story, it reminded me of the brightest shining light of all…My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I crave His light as I craved the light in that maze all those years ago. In Him there is no darkness at all. Because I have given Him my life, that means I never have to be in the dark. His light shines in darkness, and that means His light lives in me and I shine in darkness as well. My heart’s desire is for everyone around me to see His light. I hope and pray others can see the light of Jesus living in me.

May we as Christians be the Light in this world that is so dark. I pray that the world would crave His light so much, that we can show them Jesus…the only one who can satisfy the craving.

Seek Peace & Pursue It

Written by admin on May 1, 2023. Posted in Devotionals.

Praise the Lord at all times. Seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14)

It’s not always easy to keep my mind in perfect peace. In fact, stress seems to be a natural part of most days. Today, though, I’m reminded of an old Seinfeld episode where they have adopted a relaxation technique by simply saying the words “serenity now” any time they need to calm down or relax. They eventually find out this technique has the opposite affect over time. Every time they say “serenity now”, it seems to produce even more stress and anxiety.

I’m thankful my relaxation technique is God’s word. I’m realizing I need to press in more than ever to enjoy the benefits of the relaxation it provides. Each day God is saying to me… “I need you to press in (to My word) more.”

Praise the Lord at ALL times.

Seek PEACE and pursue it.

Psalm 34 1-14

I will extol the LORD at all times;

his praise will always be on my lips.

2 I will glory in the LORD;

let the afflicted hear and rejoIce.

3 Glorify the LORD with me;

let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;

he delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant;

their faces are never covered with shame.

6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;

he saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,

and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;

blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

9 Fear the LORD, you his holy people,

for those who fear him lack nothing.

10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,

but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

11 Come, my children, listen to me;

I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12 Whoever of you loves life

and desires to see many good days,

13 keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from telling lies.

14 Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it.

Cast Your Every Care on Him

Written by admin on May 1, 2023. Posted in Devotionals.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

Lately I’ve been reminded of the words to a very old hymn…

“No one understands like Jesus when the days are dark and grim. No one is so near so dear as Jesus. Cast your every care on Him.”

Sometimes it’s okay for no one else to know. I don’t mean you have to or should go through a thing all alone. I just mean some things are best between you and God. Sometimes it’s not important for others to know. Sometimes it’s not important for others to understand. Sometimes the only one who needs to know and understand is God. He cares and understands more than any other human could.

God’s word doesn’t give bad advice. God understands our heart even when we don’t know how to express our pain and His Holy Spirit knows exactly how to pray for us when we don’t have the words to pray. I find rest in that knowledge. I find perfect peace from God that no man can explain.

Decide to rest easy tonight knowing God can handle it all. While we sleep, He is working things out for our good.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:26-28

Wisdom

Written by admin on April 30, 2023. Posted in Devotionals.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

I still go to my dad for advice. For that matter, I still go to my father-in-law for work related advice. Certainly not in the traditional sense. I mean, both are in heaven amongst the great cloud of witnesses.

I find myself often thinking about how my dad would respond to what’s going on in the world right now. I even think about the advice I’m certain he would give if he were in the exact situation I happen to be in at any given time. Often times I think he was in some of my exact situations.

Even now, I value his wisdom- definitely, more than ever. I pray I never forget the conversations, his guidance, his way of handling things. I hope and pray I can pass on some of his wisdom to my own kids.

I also hope and pray that the decisions that Randy & I make in our work situations would reflect the wisdom of his dad.

More important than that, I pray all decisions reflect the wisdom of my heavenly father-God. I hope and pray in all that is said and done, that I/ we do so with the wisdom of God through the power of His Holy Spirit. May we ask for His wisdom always as he gives it to us liberally & generously.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5

The Wind in My Sails

Written by admin on April 26, 2023. Posted in Devotionals.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:9-10

A few years ago, while away on vacation My husband thought it would be fun to learn/do a little sailing. After some pointers, it came time for us to take our maiden voyage. We were having a fun time and heading back to shore when suddenly, we realized there was 0 wind. We were literally looking at the shore, which was extremely close, but we were just sitting there with no wind.

No matter what way Randy adjusted the sails, we just sat there motionless. I guess you could say the wind was taken out of our sails. Randy was a little embarrassed because the instructor had to come out to get us. He reassured Randy this same thing has happened to many new sailors, and he gave him further instructions if he finds himself in a similar situation and instructions on how to avoid the situation altogether.

Now and then I feel a little like the wind has been taken out of my sails. I’m going along and all the sudden life happens – disappointment, confusion, loss, hurt, heartbreak – and I find myself sitting there trying to adjust my sail enough to start moving again.

I’m just sitting there motionless…trying to figure it all out. No matter what I do I just can’t get back on track. I simply can’t do it on my own.

Then Jesus, my instructor, steps in at just the right moment, to get me headed in the right direction. I’m so thankful that when the wind is taken out of my sails God is there, ready to comfort, guide, protect, and instruct. He’s everything I need to get moving in the right direction. I’m thankful for His Word, the Holy Spirit, and His love for me. He takes the time for me…for you…for everyone who will let Him when the wind is taken out of our sails.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:9-10

Discipline

Written by admin on April 13, 2023. Posted in Devotionals.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29: 13

My husband and I recently came back from a short getaway with family. We both made the decision to get in better shape and eat better while counting calories…you know…discipline.

Admittedly I’ve been half hearted about it for about 3 months. I knew it was coming and I was putting in some exercise, but I just didn’t want to deny myself. I didn’t want to give up my favorite foods. Being completely honest… I love to EAT..LOL! I love spaghetti, cheese, mashed potatoes and bread. You name the carb and I’m in.

As for exercise, I’m ok once I get started, but the longer I sit and don’t exercise, the harder it is to get back into the routine. We both have been exercising to this point, but we have lacked real, hard hitting, ‘deny yourself the snack and extra helping’ kind of discipline. ‘What it takes to get the results’ discipline.

It’s so easy and enjoyable to put off discipline until tomorrow, then the next day, then the next.

As I’ve been pushing myself hard this week on this new, very disciplined journey for physical fitness, I can’t help but think about my own spiritual discipline for great spiritual fitness. I don’t know about you, but I tend to ease up a little in my Bible reading and study when things are trending positive for me personally. I still read but lack the real commitment and discipline it takes to achieve the results I crave. I crave closeness with Jesus. I crave emptying myself and filling myself completely with Him. I crave wisdom, understanding, peace, joy…etc… I crave these things like I crave ice water after a hard work out on a hot summer day.

I also know what it takes to get there…discipline. Don’t get me wrong, God will always meet us where we are, but I also think it’s important to “seek Him with all our hearts.”

Dear heavenly Father, as I purpose to achieve physical discipline, help me to achieve spiritual discipline as well. Help me to deny me and seek You first.

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29: 13

Learning to Drive

Written by admin on September 19, 2022. Posted in Devotionals.

My daughter will soon celebrate her 16^th birthday. This means she is also preparing to drive. I find myself trying to make sure we go over all the driving scenarios she will encounter. (Ex. darkness, heavy rain, ice, fog, sharp curves, deer in the road)

The closer she gets to being a licensed driver, I’m realizing we can’t prepare her for every situation. There are simply too many. As parents, we want to protect her from everything that isn’t the perfect when it comes to driving, and when it comes to life for that matter.

The fact is, there will be storms. We can’t be there every time it rains or when life gets hard.

Isn’t it good to know when we can’t be there for our kids God can and is with them wherever they go… “flaming arrows” and all? It’s also a great reminder He is also with you and me wherever we go. He fully equips them, and us in every situation of life. He is and wants to be our everything. No matter what we encounter in life, He can and wants to be with us in every situation. God doesn’t just want us to make it through, He want us to see victory. He just needs to be invited and included…all day, every day.

He equips us through

His word The Bible,

His Holy Spirit,

the power of the precious name of Jesus and

the blood of Jesus.

“Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:13-18

Dear Lord,

I invite you into this day. I am thankful I can include you in everything I do. Your presence is wanted and important in my life. Thank you for being with me always.

The Battle

Written by admin on September 2, 2022. Posted in Devotionals.

The waves are strong the tide is high

I’m hard pressed on every side

I can’t make it on my own

This life’s a battle

The more I try the more I fail

The road is winding and uphill

I won’t make it on my own

Struck down, I feel abandoned

There’s nothing left to do

Except depend on you

Don’t need to make it on my own

I give you the battle

You’re my rest when I can’t go on

My joy who you make strong

A very present help in times of trouble

Oh Lord you pave my way

When I see no light of day

My heart rests in your hands

When life’s a struggle

There is nothing left to do

Except depend on you

Don’t need to make it on my own

I give you the battle

I’m not crushed, not broken

Not abandoned or destroyed

Though hard pressed on every side

Your love is deep your love is wide

Now I give up! You control

Yes, you control the battle

Have Mercy

Written by admin on April 16, 2022. Posted in Devotionals.

Sometimes, we find ourselves in a position where all we can do is put our trust in God. We have no other choice. All other options have been stripped away.

There’s no paycheck, the marriage has ended, the diagnoses looks grim.

He doesn’t put us in those positions, we just find ourselves there. Every scenario we think of to “fix the problem” has been exhausted. When we come to that realization and enter into total surrender, total trust, then we cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” He works in ways we could never have imagined.

In those intimate moments, stripped of everything but His love, we find ourselves in total peace.

“As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.” Luke 18:35-42

Total reliance.
Total surrender.
Total trust.
Total peace.
Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.

Become a Recovering Fear-aholic

Written by admin on April 15, 2022. Posted in Devotionals.

There are so many things we could worry about. In fact, when I look at my news feed there are articles that literally say…”Experts say you should worry about…” then it lists whatever it is “experts” feel we should worry about. My husband calls it “fear porn.”

If I listen to what men say, I can drive myself crazy with all kinds of scenarios that may occur. I’m not saying that we should bury our heads in the sand and pay no attention to what’s happening or someone’s perception of what’s happening. I’m just saying spending our days worrying isn’t God’s best for our lives. The bible goes to great lengths to tell us not to fear and how it can harm us.

I’m saying this as a recovering “fear-aholic” who falls off the wagon often…

What is it your concerned about?
Is your concern really worry?
Be honest, What do you fear?

Give it to God right now and spend your day worry-free. In Jesus’ name.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

Author: admin

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