Author: admin

Beauty in the Broken

Written by admin on September 25, 2021. Posted in Devotionals.

When Maria was about 3, we took her for her very first visit to the beach. The day we arrived, a big storm had just gone through, and we decided to walk the beach to look for shells. There were so many shells that washed up on the shore because of the storm and many were broken.

Of course, as I always did, I started looking for the perfect shells- the ones shaped perfectly and obviously weren’t broken.

I noticed Maria kept picking up the broken shells. As she picked up the shells, I tried to explain that we would only keep the unbroken ones, but she persisted and enjoyed picking up the broken shells. Not only did she pick up the broken ones, but she also looked at them like they were the most beautiful things she had ever seen. She looked at them with such joy and saw the beauty in each one. Infact, the only ones she picked up were the broken ones and she was having so much fun doing it. Before long, I began seeing the shells through her eyes.

I started looking for the beauty in the broken. I started looking for flawed, beautiful, broken shells. By the end of our walk, we had a cup full of beautiful, imperfect, broken shells.

I began thinking about how God finds the beauty in the broken. We all have life experiences that have caused us to be forever changed. We are like the broken shells. The shell can never look the same, but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful. Isn’t it great God sees the beauty in the broken? In fact, He is the only one who can take our brokenness and bring out the beautiful.

Divorce, sickness, grief…whatever brokenness you’ve experienced…God sees beauty in you. He can use the broken shell more than he can the perfect ones.

God sees the beauty in the broken.

My Cluttered House

Written by admin on January 26, 2016. Posted in Devotionals.

If someone were to drop by my house right now, it would be pretty presentable. There are some dishes in the sink, the toilet needs cleaned and the carpet needs vacuumed, but basically it’s alright. However, if they went to my bedroom, it wouldn’t be so presentable. There are clothes on the floor, the shower needs cleaned, and there are things just sitting around. It’s very cluttered. I would go out of my way to keep you out of my messy room.

I simply would rather you see the better me, including the better part of my house. I wouldn’t go to work without taking a shower, brushing my teeth, putting on dress clothes or without my make up. I think if I never brushed my teeth, those around me would be grossed out. If I decided to never wear deodorant or take showers , people may stay away from me.

We all know we are accepted much more when people see our best selves. We are accepted more when we look our best and when we are on our best behavior. But there is one who accepts us at our worst, despite seeing everything we do and knowing every thought we have and knowing exactly everything about us: He accepts all the clutter, and He’s walked through it many times:

O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thoughts afar off. Yo comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue , but behold O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, and laid your hand upon me; Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high; I cannot attain it. Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there. If I make my bed in hell, behold You are there… How precious are your thoughts toward me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand. Psalms 139: 1-8; 17-18

Thank you, Lord, for knowing us and loving us. Thank you for thinking good things about us. Thanks for cheering for us when there doesn’t seem to be anything to cheer for. What a great thought to start today. How will you devote2day?

God’s Benefit Package

Written by admin on January 25, 2016. Posted in Devotionals.

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:1-5

When applying for a new job, one of the first questions is about the benefits package. We want to know about vacation, holidays, insurance, sick days, and 401k. Benefits are so important.

Isn’t it good to know being a child of God comes with a great benefit package? From forgiveness and healing, to renewing our youth, and so much in between, God has many benefits.

Today I think I’ll devote today meditating on Psalms 103:1-5 and receive the benefits of being a child of God. How will you devote2day?

Disagree? Unite Anyway!

Written by admin on January 20, 2016. Posted in Devotionals.

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Psalms 133:1

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:1-6

On my way to work or home, I pass 10-15 churches. Five of the churches are within walking distance on the same road. You can look across the street while in one church and see another. I live in a small town only 15 minutes from work. When looking up churches in the phone book in my county, hundreds can be found. There is a church for every belief?or so one would think. I know of one church that used to run close to 1,000 people, but conflict came, and now many of those folks have branched off into several home churches consisting of 15-20 people. Certainly they all get along. There aren’t enough people in those small group churches to start a conflict, right?

So you’re thinking, “this is just a gripe session about the church, and Christians in general.” It’s not intended to be. I understand we are all unique. God gives us all diverse gifts, talents, and abilities. I realize because we are created to be different, we are also going to have different opinions and interpretations.

Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 1 Corinthians 12:27

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:4-5

Even though, we have different interpretations and opinions, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to get along as Christians. It’s been said, “united we stand, divided we fall.” I believe we are in danger of falling as a church and as a country because Christians are divided. We are divided during a time we really need to stand in harmony. We may not agree, but for the sake of our country, we need to swallow our pride of knowing just how right we are and stand in unity.

Unity in this country isn’t going to come from a political figure or a good cause. It can only come from the body of believers that is known as “The Church”. If the church can’t seem to unite, how is everyone else supposed to? Just because we don’t agree, doesn’t mean we can’t unite.

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

The Bond of Perfection

Written by admin on January 15, 2016. Posted in Devotionals.

¹²Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. ¹⁴But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. ¹⁵And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. ¹⁶Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ¹⁷And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:12-17

Wow! There is a lot in these 6 verses! If we are children of God, these verses should come easy, right? I must admit, I have read these verses many times, but as I look at them right now, this seems anything but easy! So I need to be kind, loving, meek, humble, merciful, and patient all at the same time, and oh yea, be thankful too.

As I continue reading though, I see this would be difficult in my own strength. I need to exhibit these characteristics in the name of Jesus. Wow, still very difficult, as I sometimes want to rely on me, not Jesus.

Then as I am meditating on the above passage, a verse from Galatians comes to mind. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

So, I suppose if I no longer live but Christ lives in me, that should make things much easier, right? Especially since in Romans 8:8 it says So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

I pray as I go through each day, I can operate through Christ and not out of my own flesh. I pray I can demonstrate the characteristics described in Colossians 3:12-17. I want people to see Christ, not me. How will you devote today?

God Capable

Written by admin on January 6, 2016. Posted in Devotionals.

No one ever says to their child, “I want you to be incapable, dependent on me forever, and never become self-reliant.” Actually, from the moment we are born, we are transitioning to a natural, slow independence. We begin to use our hands to eat, hold our heads up on our own, and slowly begin to crawl. As soon as we learn to walk, we try to run away. Independence is completely natural, normal, and expected. Yes, no one ever expects or wants complete dependence … except God. He wants us to be capable through Him as well as dependent and reliant on Him.

When I really think about it, I breath a sigh of relief. I can rely and depend on God for so many things:

Strength – Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
Peace– Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Rest– Mathew 11:28-31 Come to Me all who are weak and heave laden and I will give you rest. Take My Yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Sustainability- Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you.
Salvation– John 3:17- For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

It’s wonderful to know that when we depend on God, we become capable of doing anything we need to do. When we are God-capable instead of self-capable, we carry with us an amazing power that can only exist through God. In other words, God’s capability is supernatural; It moves mountains! I guess the hard part for me is it is so natural to be independent that I find it hard to be God-dependent. My prayer for today is that I would be so God dependent that I can enjoy supernatural God-capability! How will you devote today?

The Penetrating Word of God

Written by admin on December 21, 2015. Posted in Devotionals.

Lately when I listen to the news, I don’t seem to be hearing anything “of good report.” (Phil. 4:8b) World and national news is full of turmoil and unrest, political news seems hopeless, and local, more intimate news from family and friends seems to be of sickness and loss. Yet this morning when I heard of a tragic sudden death right before Christmas, I was quickly reminded of Philippians 4: 4-9,13

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! ⁵Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. ⁶Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ⁸Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ⁹The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you… ¹³I can do all things through Christ^[b] who strengthens me.

I guess sometimes there just aren’t any words, but I am so very thankful for God’s word. The answers are always there, no matter what.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

My personal challenge for today is to meditate on the above passages…read them, speak them, let them penetrate my very being. I challenge you to do the same. How will you devote today?

It’s Time for Peace!

Written by admin on December 15, 2015. Posted in Devotionals.

Ecclesiastes 3,11a

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven; He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Luke 2:12-14

“And this will be a sign to you; you will find a Babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of Heavenly hosts praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Papa & Grandma’s home was very humble. Grandma’s Christmas tree would sit on a table in the same spot every year. I really loved that tree covered with tinsel, garland, and multi-colored lights. Grandma always made sure there was plenty of ribbon candy sitting in the center of the coffee table for all to enjoy. Sitting on Papa’s lap was also very special. I think every single cousin felt like papa’s favorite, and there were many cousins.

One particular Christmas I remember above all other’s at Grandma & Papa’s. Every single one of the grandkids had received their Christmas present but me. I was getting impatient as each grandkid had a turn to receive their gift and as everybody, one by one opened a gift, I found myself with nothing. I was devastated and very quiet. I had been forgotten. How could this happen? Just as tears were about to roll, Papa came out stating that one kid hadn’t received their gift. There he stood with a blanket in his arms. I couldn’t believe it. Inside the blanket was a puppy. My very own puppy. I went from feeling left out to feeling like the most favored, special of all grandchildren.

As I reflect on those special memories, I find myself thinking about the value of time, especially with everything going on in the world today. It seems there is so much discontentment, unrest, and turmoil in the world right now. Peace seems to be at a minimum. Events are happening at a very rapid pace. It’s a wonderful thing that we can have peace in our hearts no matter what is going on in our own little world, or in our great big world. Our peace comes from “The Prince of Peace.” The Jesus that was born to save us from sin, brought peace on earth just from His very presence. Is Jesus present in your life? Do you really know peace? I for one would rather spend my precious, valuable time with family in peace. If you don’t know Jesus, I pray you get to know His perfect peace this Christmas Season.

Live Today Expecting a Miracle

Written by admin on November 12, 2015. Posted in Devotionals.

Be bold today. I just needed to get that out there. Lately my heart has been heavy as I see so many friends going through so many struggles. From cancer battles, to on-going health struggles and everything in between, you name it, there is a conflict… a war. The devil is a thief. He would like nothing more than to take from you.

Live today expecting a miracle. I’ll say it again. Live today expecting a miracle. I see this hurricane you are in. You are standing in the wind and the waves and the storm is so strong you can’t tell the difference between the waves and the falling rain. Grip your spikes in the ground, hold on tight, take your eyes off the storm as hard as it may be and fix your eyes firmly on God. Live today expecting a miracle.

“For assuredly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘be thou removed and be cast in the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:22-24

God’s Perfect Love

Written by admin on November 11, 2015. Posted in Devotionals.

Maria will still cuddle with me sometimes. She will get close enough to grab my face. She can see every detail…any wrinkle, line, or blemish. She has studied my face enough to know all the details. During church service a few Sundays ago, Maria was looking at my face closely and noticed a small hair coming from my chin. I would rather she not notice, because it isn’t very attractive to have anyone see such a thing, but she noticed and commented on it. Maria never would have known about that hair on my face if she had not seen it so closely. She would never have noticed it if she wasn’t used to seeing how it normally is. She noticed when there was a difference because she is intimately familiar with my face and in the habit of studying it. Maria reminded me about how God is intimately familiar with us. He knows everything about us. He knows my every thought, reaction, and intention:

Psalm 139: 1-6

O Lord, You have searched me and know me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me.Such knowledge is too wonderful for me
It is high, I cannot attain it.

Psalm 139:17-18

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand and when I wake up and you are still with me.

God knows everything about us, down to little lines on our face, and all the imperfections, including everything we think about, yet He loves us anyway. Isn’t it wonderful to be so loved?

Romans 8:38-39

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thank you, Lord, for your never ending, perfect love! May we show other’s your love today!

A Little Acknowledgement…Yes Please!

Written by admin on November 5, 2015. Posted in Devotionals.

“Let go and let God.” “God’s got this!” “He’s in God’s hands.” I heard THOSE words THAT day. Very wonderful advice, I know. It didn’t keep me from sobbing the day we dropped my first born son at MVNU. I have never felt such exhaustion, stress, and sadness on what is supposed to be such a great day. I thought I was prepared, but soon realized as THAT day approached, I really wasn’t prepared at all. With the realization that this move represents independence, and that things are never going to be quite the same, I find myself longing for a text, a call, or even a random Facebook posting. I crave communication with my son.

I now understand like I never have before, how much God loves me, and He desires communication with me. I believe He craves it. As my heart aches with longing to hear from my son, I think God longs to hear from His children. Just as I desire to be appreciated by my family, I think God desires gratitude for the blessings he has placed in our lives. Most of all, I think He would appreciate our sincerity. I’m sure He doesn’t want a forced effort because it’s expected or a trip to church just to alleviate guilt. He wants our sincere desire and attempt at building a very real, intimate, relationship with Him. I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a relationship to work on!

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. Proverbs 3:6

In Jesus Name

Written by admin on October 29, 2015. Posted in Devotionals.

It had been a tough few weeks for my 9-year-old daughter, Maria. She had a fever for 10 days, which created a nagging, wheezing, asthmatic- like cough. She missed several days of school, but finally, things had gotten back to close to normal. She had been to school 3 days with minimal coughing episodes.

By Wednesday evening of that week, the nagging cough was happening again more frequently. One “episode” occurred Wednesday evening and one Thursday morning before school. I sent her to school hoping for the best, but I received that dreaded call from the school nurse. It turned out she had been coughing for quite a while when I arrived. She was still coughing when we left and if I had to guess, she coughed for around an hour and 15 minutes. This cough was so bad that she couldn’t put a sentence together without being interrupted by the nagging and wheezing. In fact, I was trying to decide if I should wait for her doctor’s appointment or go ahead and take her to the emergency room. As I was trying to decide what to do, something amazing happened.

My daughter, with every fiber of her being right in the back of the car said this; “devil, I forbid you to come near me in Jesus name. Devil, you must flea this instant, in Jesus name.”

Within a minute, her coughing slowed way down, and within 5 minutes it was over. I went ahead and took her to the doctor, but I already knew she was completely healed. By the way, it’s been 4 days and there has been very minimal, almost non-existent coughing. Thank you, Jesus!

Isn’t it amazing how when we come to the end of ourselves God can work? We had exhausted every idea, medicine, and possibility of what to do next. God showed Maria (and me) just how powerful He is when we completely rely on Him and Him alone. The precious name of Jesus and His blood are more more powerful than any antibiotic known to man. Thank you, Lord, for showing yourself so completely.

Author: admin

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