Peace Be With You

Today's devotional made me focus on the idea of Jesus standing with us today just as He came to be with His disciples after His resurrection. I think He might say the same thing to us in our mixed-up world as He said to them, "Peace be with you!" Whether in Aurora or in the elections or with the weather, it seems that what we mostly need is His Words of peace.

What would you like for Him to say to you - and our whole world today?

Worship the Beauty of God's Earth

Several years ago, one of our pastors spoke about the joy and blessing of seeing God's love in little and big things in life. I still remember her words that were to the effect, "Every time you see a blossom on a flower or a leaf on a tree, remember that this is God saying, 'I love you!'' I asked one of my Bible study groups to do this kind of observing for one week to see if it made a difference in their lives. One of our members came back reporting her trip to a park and just sitting and looking at all the trees and flowers and thinking how many times God was saying, "I love you," in that one little place! She talked about what an awesome experience she had in this one little trip to the park!

Will you join me today to really look at a tree or a blossom on a flower and imagine that each of those is one of God's ways of saying "I love you?" 

Anchored to God and His Love

I'm sure I have previously read the scripture from Hebrews 6 that says, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." However, I have never really envisioned being anchored to my Lord - by way of the Holy Spirit! I like the idea of the rope from me to God getting shorter and shorter before feeling the "tug" of the spirit, as I become more aware of God's presence in my life.

I am blessed to have a spiritual director who reminds me that when I feel little "tugs" or "nudges," it is important to pay attention. It's often God trying to tell me something or move me in a direction closer to Him. Do you ever have those kinds of tugs or nudges?

Be Transofrmed - By God's Love!

I realize that God knows all about me, so I wonder why I sometimes think I am "hiding" wounds or anger from Him or lack of forgiveness from Him. I especially appreciate the scripture from I John 4 that "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." This reminds me of how great is God's perfect love for me - and that I don't have to be afraid for Him to know my thoughts, worries, anger, or fears.

At this particular time in my life, I especially needed to focus on the idea of God's transforming Presence! It's so amazing to me how many times that has happened when reading one of these devotionals. Do you have times that you feel this way - that surely these words were meant "just for you?"

Our Hope in the Lord

When my father was critically ill to the point the doctors thought he wouldn't live but a few hours, the hospital chaplain went in to see him. Since my dad had never been a church-goer, it was important to my family to know that He did love the Lord. When the chaplain asked him about this, we were all shocked and surprised that he opened his eyes and said clearly, "My only hope is in the Lord!"

My father lived another six months but the letting go wasn't nearly as difficult since we knew that he was with God. I can't imagine how life would be without that hope in our Lord! 

Letting God Be Our GPS

The scripture from Psalm 32 in today's devotional has always been a special blessing and guide for me. That was one of the scriptures that I "accidentally" turned to when I was trying to make a decision about my retirement from public education. Since then, I have memorized that passage and try to bring it to the fore-front of my mind when unsure what to do about different situations.

Do you have favorite scripture passages that have served as guides or given you His peace at times of challenge or change?

Taking TIME!

Today's reading reminded me in a powerful way about the fact that God IS present with me every minute of every day! He IS trying to communicate with me in so many ways. However, I have to be responsible for my part by taking the time to stop and look and listen for His presence! That sounds so simple but in today's world of busyness, we know that isn't as easy as it sounds.

Do you have ways that you have found helpful to guide you in recognizing His presence in your everyday life?

Practicing Thankfulness

I had never thought about gratitude being a "door" to the Presence of God! That seems to be in the "Wow!" category! To think that I can actually become closer to my Lord through the simple act of giving thanks - in all things - is pretty amazing!

I have heard many people discuss how much difference came about in their lives from the daily writing in a gratitude journal. From the way I read today's devotional, this "habit" of giving thanks  remarkably brought them into a closer relationship with our Lord - whether or not they realize that is what happened!

I and so many others are continually looking for God's Will for our lives. Even though I have read today's scripture from I Thessalonians many times, this is the first time I noticed that phrase about giving thanks, "..this is God's will for you in Christ." 

Do you have ways to ensure that you "give thanks in all things?"

Does God's Light Shine Through Me?

A few of Sarah Young's words spoke particularly to me today, "Brighten up the world by reflecting who I am"!  What a powerful thought to realize that I CAN either brighten the world for others or make it darker. I have a choice to make about every word and action!

I especially liked one of today's scriptures from 2 Corinthians about being transformed into His likeness by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us. I often feel so inadequate to being "God's  hands and feet" here on earth; it is reassuring to know that I CAN BE changed!

Do you feel like your life is being transformed so that  you are becoming more like Jesus - and a bearer of His light?

Am I Pretending?

Today's devotional caused me to question why I do the things I do. Is is to "look good" - or is it to serve my Lord?

The scripture in Matthew 6 was a good reminder about this, "Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men to be seen by them."

I pray that God will help me do all things while focusing only on His presence and in service to Him.

Where Do We Get Strength to Go On?

Today's reading about failing to stay in touch with our Lord certainly spoke to me! Many days I get so busy and/or so overwhelmed and then so exhausted; I have this errant thinking that "I'll skip my prayer and Bible study time and make up for it tomorrow."

What a blessing to be reminded that our strength comes from the Lord. All we have to do is turn to Him and trust!

Searching for God - and His Will

In several Bible studies and Sunday School classes that I have attended in recent years, the topic of having a closer relationship with our Lord and finding His Will has been a common one. In today's reading, the words that related to this "searching" were,  "Your yearning for me is a form of homesickness; longing for your home in heaven." It made me think that it's o.k. to be continually seeking a closer relationship with our Lord - and to find His Will. It's a lifelong yearning and part of His Plan for us.


Do you have this kind of "yearning?" What do you do about it?

Anxiety - and Fear

Our new book in my Sunday School Class is "An Ordinary Day With Jesus."  In it, we have begun talking about what our lives would be like if we went through every minute of every day with the realization that Jesus is right beside us - during work, driving, shopping, etc. 

Today's devotional supports this idea to a much greater extent. In it, we are told that it's o.k. to bring all our anxieties into the "Light" of our Lord's presence "where we can deal with them together." In this way, these anxieties and worries will NOT give way to fear.

Does this sound as comforting to you as it does to me? Do you have a story to share about times when you were able to turn your anxiety over to our Lord - and lose all your fear about a particular situation?

Nearer My God to You

I want to stay near to my Lord - and certainly want to feel His presence with me wherever I go. However, I have to admit that there are times that I feel alone. I once heard a pastor say that when we feel that way, it has nothing to do with God moving away but rather our moving away from Him.

What do you do to stay near to our Lord - at all times?

What Does It Mean to Be "Too Busy?"

Have you ever said to a friend, "I'm just too busy to..." Sarah Young reminds us in today's reading how busyness is glorified in our present day world. We often accept the belief that more is better: more meetings, more programs, more activities.

Since I've been semi-retired for several years, many people ask me what I am doing with all my time. I often have to stop and think but usually reply with a comment like, "I don't really know, but I do know that I stay busy;" I feel that I have to justify the use of my time and assure friends that I DO remain busy.

The big question of today is "Do I make time for my Lord as my highest priority?" My Sunday School class has just started a new book called, "An Ordinary Day With Jesus." The focus of this study is to guide us in a decision that we will do all our ordinary activities but do them as if Jesus was with us - every minute of the day.

How would your day be different if every activity - getting out of bed, driving, watching television, worrying, working, -  included Jesus at your side?

Is Self-Pity an Issue?

My immediate response is a resounding "Yes!" - at least at times when things just aren't going right in my life - such as poor health, little money, the aging "process!" The words in today's devotional that got my attention were about self-pity being a "slimy, bottomless pit;" a pit with no bottom to it means that I would keep sliding further and further down into it! What a scary thought! I don't want to go there and certainly need help when I do! I thank God for the hope He gives and for His undying, comforting love that lifts me out of the "pit!"

How do you stay away from self-pity?

Quit Worrying!

Worry seems to be a recurring topic in these devotionals! There must be a good reason for that - probably because it is such a big issue in our world today!

I had read anything about worry that put it as "dogmatically" as today's reading: "Do not worry about tomorrow! This is not a suggestion but a command."  When my Sunday School class was discussing this topic, someone said that "Worry is just a sign of lack of trust!" I was a bit surprised by the comment but today's reading reiterates that point. We are told to get rid of that burden (of worry) "with one quick thrust of trust."

Today's devotional also shed new light on the scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9 in which we are assured of God's power and grace - even in our weakness - but for only one day at a time!

How can we help each other to rid our lives of worry? What steps do I need to take - as long time president of that "worrier's club?"

Where Is God Taking Me?

I have no doubt that the Lord walks with me every step that I take. However, I sometimes wonder if the path that I take might go in a variety of directions - all that are still within His Will. A pastor friend of mine used this quote: "God does not give us a blueprint for our lives but an invitation for the journey through the wilderness, sustained by His love and grace." 


How do you feel about the path you are taking in your life? Do you think God's plan is a "blueprint" or a "journey" with choices that we can make?

Turn Your Eyes On Jesus

Today's devotional includes a wonderful reminder to quit trying judge and "fix" ourselves. The scripture from Hebrews 3 tells us to "fix our thoughts on Him." This made me wonder how life might be if I really did keep my eyes, thoughts, and heart fixed on our Lord. Would I feel His perfect, constant love?

This reading made me think of the hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." One of the lines of that hymn that says so much is "...the things of earth will seem strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

Do you have a hymn or scripture that helps you keep focused on our Lord?

The Name of Jesus

Today's devotional reminds me of the simplest of all prayers, "Jesus!" In some of my Bible study classes, we have talked about the need for "breath prayers." By doing so, we can quickly call these words to mind and easily repeat them in order to re-focus whatever is going on in our lives. The simple word "Jesus" has become one of many breath prayers for some in our classes.

Sarah Young's words tells us how simple it is become of aware of Jesus' presence by simply whispering the name of Jesus in loving trust.

Have you had times that you called out Jesus' name and you immediately felt His presence?

What Do I Idolize?

When I taught a Sunday School class of young children, I always thought it was simple and fun to teach Old Testament stories in which people worshipped idols. Sometimes I would illustrate by telling the students to imagine worshipping something like the table or a trophy or glass. I would facetiously pray to the table, "Oh, table, please be with my family today...." as I was trying to illustrate what it was to worship an object. 

Today's devotional is a powerful reminder about present day idol worship - including such things as possessions, money, status in the community, power, etc. Sarah Young's words spoke so clearly to me when she said, "False gods never satisfy; instead, they stir up lust for more and more." I admit that being somewhat of a "shopaholic" is one of many ways that I illustrate not being satisfied. I certainly have more than I really need but still get a joy out of "more!" Of course, money is always an issue; I wish I had enough money to feel at peace about really retiring!  These non-trusting thoughts remind of words of Paul when he said, I have learned to be content in any and every situation."

Do you know people who are living in total peace and contentment with what they have? On the other hand, do you know those who have a lot but continue to "lust for more?" How can we overcome "idol worship" since we know that is the only way that God's peace and joy can truly fill us?

 

Friends With Jesus

I've heard people describe a good friend as one who knows all the good and bad about us but loves us anyway. That seems to be a good way to describe the fact that Jesus IS our friend - to the fullest extent!

I'll have to admit that over my lifetime, I have had a few friends that I "let go;" they hurt me so badly that I finally decided that was not a real friendship. When I was reading today's devotional, I was reminded what a blessing it is for Jesus to know us completely and still love us. All He wants from us is complete trust in order that He can "bring out the best" in us. I praise Him for His ever-loving friendship and also ask that God will help me be that kind of friend to others.

What does it mean to you to have Jesus as your "best friend forever?"

Why Worry?

I remember as a child in a very small school in the hills of Arkansas that a "Bible teacher" would come in and tell us stories and teach us Bible-songs. One of the hymns I still vaguely recall is "Why Worry When You Can Pray?" That little song touched my heart in such a special way but I'm sorry that it didn't "take!" As I was searching the web for the lyrics to this song, I saw an amusing sermon title related to worry: "Why pray when you can worry?" I will have to admit that is what I sometimes must do!

In today's devotional, one of the scriptures is especially comforting and still gives me hope: Romans 12:2 - "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Even at my "more mature" age, my mind CAN STILL be transformed simply by sitting quietly in God's Presence and letting His thoughts reprogram my thinking.

How do you get rid of the worries in your life and allow God to transform you?

When Do You See Jesus?

Do you see "glimpses" of Jesus in your everyday life - or are you like me and often too "busy" to stop and look around for our Lord's presence?  I think every instructor I had in the Spiritual Direction classes at Perkin's Seminary reminded us of the importance of seeking God in all things, including the good and bad, and helping others do the same. 

I cannot imagine how wonderful it will be to see Him face to face, as the scripture in I Corinthians 13 suggests.  

Think of ways/places/people in whom you have seen Jesus today.

Who is in Charge of My Mind?

Today's devotional makes me think of a quote by Emerson that says, "A man is what he thinks about all day long." Since I came from a background of daily negativity, it has been a lifelong struggle to realize that I AM in control of what I am thinking! Sarah Young reminds us to "reject negative or sinful thoughts as soon as you become aware of them."

Do you have ways that you have found that helps you STOP those negative/sinful thoughts so that you can keep your mind in the presence of our Lord?

How Much Time Do I Spend on "Holy Ground?"

Every time I read and re-read one of the devotionals from this book, there seems to be a new word, phrase or scripture that especially "jumps out" at me! Today, it was the term "holy ground." I had never thought that hold ground could be anywhere that I take the time to stop and look and listen for God's presence. I pray that I will have the self-discipline to fine many places that are holy ground. 


Where is your holy ground? Have you found special ways to ensure time in this holy ground?

Why Can't I Control My Life?

I think most of us would like to think that we can control our own lives - and many times the lives of others in our family. There is an old saying to the effect that "When I finally think I have it all together is when it all falls apart!" As I have gotten older, I realize that this is what we call LIFE!

Today's devotional reminds me that God does make a way for us - if we trust Him and "stop clinging to old ways." I have heard today's scripture from Romans 8 read in sermons, at the hospital bed side, and in times of joy. What reassurance to know that NOTHING will separate us from the love of God!