Rest and Refreshment

In many of my recent classes in Spiritual Direction at Perkins Seminary we were reminded of the importance of taking time to stop and listen to our Lord. In the past, I've done a fairly good job of having a prayer time in which I gave God my "grocery list" of things that I would really like for Him to do! However, to stop and listen is different! In the classes, we were taught to have "breath prayers" - breath deeply in and out those short, simple prayers in order to relax our bodies and minds. Next, take time to just be still and listen to our Lord for His guidance.

I wish I could say that I have mastered this quiet time of listening and that I have received specific direction from God! However, that isn't the case but I can say that I'm working at it and that I have gradually felt a closer relationship with our Lord.

Please share your stories of what you are doing in your life to bring about His REFRESHMENT.

"Wasted Away" or "Renewed"

I have felt so overwhelmed by various circumstances in the last few years - even though I realize that all my troubles are nothing compared to so many in our world!  I particularly appreciate the words in today's devotional, "I will not allow circumstances to overwhelm you, so long as you look to Me." What a wonderful promise!

It is always a joy to reread and truly "listen" to the words in the 23rd Psalm. Today's other scripture in 2 Corinthians 4 also spoke to me. As I get older, I know the body is "wasting away," but these words remind me that "inwardly we are being renewed day by day!"

This is the Day the Lord Has Made!

Many years ago, I taught kindergarten in a Christian school. We were required to start each day with a brief time of music and prayer. I am not "musically talented" to say the least so this was quite a challenge! However. as the year progressed and the children began to learn the songs, it became a delightful part of the day. I still remember the first lines of one of our favorites:  "This is the day. This is the day, That the Lord hath made, That the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice. Let us rejoice, And be glad in it, And be glad in it.."

As I was reading today's devotional and scriptures, I began thinking about this song and wondered how much different life might be if we started every day with a song or scripture such as the one from Psalm118:24.

Do you have a favorite scripture or hymn with which your start the day in order to set the tone for the day?

He Will Never Let Go of My Hand

When I started reading today's devotional, I immediately thought of the old gospel hymn, "I Will Never Let Go of Your Hand." What a wonderful reminder of our need to hold on to Him - no matter what happens in our lives!

The scripture from Psalms 62:5-6 about having hope in our Lord reminded me of words from my dad many years ago - several months before his death. He had a massive heart attack and we were that he would not make it through the night. He had never been a church-goer and my mother and I were concerned about his faith and salvation. We asked the chaplain to come in to try to talk to him. When the chaplain asked him about his belief in our Lord, my dad's response (to everyone's amazement) was that "My only hope  is in the Lord." (He also told the chaplain, "I'm fine in spite of what everyone has been saying all night!") All we could do is thank God that we now knew that things were going to be o.k. - whether in life or death for my dad.

Please share your stories with others about experiences of holding on to God's hand.

Never Alone!

As I get older, there seems to be a greater need to realize that I am never alone! Today's reading is a good reminder of this but it also reminds me that I have a responsibility in this relationship with our Lord. Sarah Young says that our trusting response must include God in our thoughts as we deal with life situations. 

I really love the closing thought of today's devotional that tells us that God is looking for persistence rather than perfection! I thank God for His most amazing grace and to know that He accepts me with all my imperfections!

The Deuteronomy scripture says it all: "...He will never leave you nor forsake you." I wonder what life would be like if I kept God in my thoughts as a guide for every single decision I make - including my words and actions?

Anxiety and Thankfulness

I had never thought about the connection between getting rid of our anxiety (worries) and being thankful. I am a big believer in using a gratitude journal everyday but it is quite a challenge to thank God for my troubles. I did a brief talk at a women's retreat on the topic of gratitude and did lots of research. I found that even Mayo Clinic and other medical sites have articles on the benefits of being grateful  However, we didn't get into the topic of being grateful for EVERYTHING - even the bad stuff that happens to us!

Do you give thanks for ALL things? I would like to know how others have handled this scripture passage.

How Have You Experienced God Lately?

Today's reading tells us That God is present in many ways and places - and that we WILL find Him if we are really looking and listening! My problem is that I am often in such a hurry with life that I don't take the time to do that "seeking."
 
One of today's scriptures that especially spoke to me was, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13) At times I feel that He is far away, but then get reminded that He is always near and that it is I who have moved away.

This week, I enjoyed returning to Hot Springs where I spent a lot of childhood time with relatives and later lived there for a few years. What a joy it was to return to see old friends and relatives! It had been over 40 years since I had been on Lake Ouachita and taken in  the beauty of the mountains, trees, and wildlife!  What a wonderful time of seeing and feeling the love of our Lord through these special people and places! I praise Him for His presence and for this special time!

When have you had special times of experiencing the presence of our Lord? Do any of these scriptures particularly speak to you?

Celebration!

In some churches, death is considered a sacrament and is believed to be a "celebration of life." In today's devotional about the celebration of God's presence, I began wondering why we don't do more celebrating every single day here on earth. Why do we have to wait until death comes to do that celebrating?? We know that He is our "firm foundation" and that He wants us to enjoy His peace and Presence.

I have a friend who does much more of this than I ever think about doing. I'm going to watch her and others more closely to find simple ways to celebrate life as a way of glorifying God and enjoying Him forever - beginning now! Do you have ideas to make this happen for me and others?

We Are God's Beloved

Have you ever tried saying to someone, "..., You are God's beloved child. In you I am well pleased." We did this recently in a Bible study group and the responses were varied. I think it was one of those memorable times that we all truly understand the impact of being God's beloved child! Let us praise Him for those reminders!

Have you had special reminders in your life that you are truly God's beloved child?

Laughter is Good Medicine!

It's an interesting reminder in Proverbs that "A cheerful heart is good medicine." Today's reading also reminds us that God does want us to enjoy life. I did a search on the Mayo Clinic web site and found that they have 24 hits on the effects of laughter! Isn't it remarkable that science and medicine are now "proving scientifically" what was written in Proverbs several thousand years ago??

What do you do that brings joy and/or laughter to yourself as well as to others?

What is the Right Path for Your Life?

Micah 6:8 is one of today's scriptures and tells us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our Lord?"    I wonder what my life would be life if I used this as a standard for paths/choices I make in life? Certainly, I would be walking more closely to our Lord while living in His Peace and Presence.

Do you have a verse or verses that help guide the paths you take in life and help you walk closely with Him?

Too Busy for Our Lord

My friends and I often discuss all the distractions going on in the world and all the choices we have to make - each and everyday! Examples might be as simple as buying a tube of toothpaste (with at least 150 choices) to selecting a TV channel to watch (I have the basic package with only about 150 channels)!! Sarah Young uses the term "overstimulation of the senses" in describing our present time.

When I was reading today's devotional, I started thinking about sitting in front of God and responding to His questions such as "How much time did you spend with me each and everyday?" That's a disconcerting thought and one that got my attention!

How do we ever have times to see those "unseen" things that our Lord has before us in such a busy, overstimulated world? What are some things that we can do to ensure that "buffer of silence" around us?

God's Everlasting Love

One of the many reasons that I appreciate the devotions in this book is that they remind me of things I know - but tend to forget! Today's reading is one of those times! During tough times, which health has done for me for the last few years, I especially need that reminder that God is holding me and my family in His loving arms. 

For me, I think this is a lifetime need as I seem to forget so easily! I thank God for His Word and praise Him for His reminders!

God's Presence - Everyday!

In today's devotional reading, we are reminded of the effects of enjoying God's presence with us. The scripture in Galatians 5:22-23 about the fruits of the Spirit is such a powerful one! By allowing His Spirit to permeate us, we can be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control! 

Can you imagine what our lives would be like if we allowed God's Spirit to guide every thought, word and action? What would our city, country and world be like if God's Spirit permeated us? 

Trust and Quit Complaining!

Trust and don't be afraid - and quit complaining are words that jumped out at me from the devotionals in Jesus Calling for yesterday and today (June 11 and 12). I start most days by thanking God for His wonderful blessings. However, as the day progresses, I often begin  "forgetting" some of the blessings and allowing my mind to focus on what might be in the future, or what I don't have, or having regrets about the past. A part of yesterday's scripture from Romans 8:6 says, "..the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." That's where I want to be 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - to have my mind completely controlled by God's spirit - and to have that peace that only He can give. I know if I could do that one thing, it would change my whole being - including all my complaining - either to myself, friends - or to our Lord. Tell me, what do you think? 

Share Your Stories!

Please join me by sharing your stories about how Jesus Calling has touched your life. People from many backgrounds have been amazed at how this book has spoken to their present moment. Through these pages, they have experienced God's presence, peace and promises.

Please post your thoughts as you reflect on scriptures and words of Sarah Young in this powerful devotional!  Be sure to watch this short video and share links to your favorite related videos, web sites, quotes, and/or scriptures.