Power in Weakness??

One of the today's scripture passages from Isaiah has always given me a feeling of strength/vigor when it says that "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint."  If you are like me, you need to re-read scripture passages like this that seem to be tugging at you. I hope that you will have time to do this either with this or other verses in which God seems to be nudging you about some special meaning for your life.

Today's reading also reminded me of the fact that God gives each of us different gifts and strengths - which means that I shouldn't compare myself with others who have MORE of most things - faith, health, money, prestige, friends! Instead I need to depend completely on my Lord. A scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9 immediately came to mind as I began to accept my weaknesses: "My grace is sufficient for you; My power is made perfect in weakness."

What do you do when you recognize your weaknesses - either physically, emotionally, or spiritually?

Isolation in a Crowded World

We hear many stories about people who feel so alone in such a crowded world - and many times they ARE alone without family or friends nearby! I used to wonder how that could be until last year with an event from a nearby neighbor. He has many health problems and fell early one morning - before he had on his emergency caller. He was unable to get up and lay on the floor for 3 days.  (He did survive and is doing very well.)  What a lesson to all of us in the neighborhood about the importance of staying in touch - and that this CAN happen right here and now!

Many stories in the Bible tell about people who tried to hide from God - or that did not feel God's Presence. Today's reading is such a blessed reminder that no matter if we are alone or just feel lonely, or try to hide from our Lord, He is is with us.

Another scripture that is a good one to memorize is one that tells us of God's never-ending Presence is from 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 creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Crhist Jesus our Lord." 

Put Aside Worries

The discussion about worry is a repeated one in various Bible study and Sunday School classes. It's sometimes hard to admit that we do worry since some people believe that there is no way that we can worry IF we truly trust in our Lord.

One 90 year old spiritual mentor/Bible study friend used to talk about how she would start out with worry about family situations, money, etc., - and then pray about it, do everything she could to take care of that situation, and then simply "let go and let God!" That is my prayer that I will have that kind of faith and trust.

How do you feel about worry?  Do you believe that it's o.k. to worry as long as you know that God has you and/or the situation in His loving hands - or is that simply an oxymoron?

Today's scripture from Luke 12:22-25 is a powerful one about what Jesus taught us about worry!

"Nutrients" That Grow Grace

I've never thought of God's Presence as being a "nutrient!" Today's reading reminds us that is exactly what happens when we commune with our Lord - face to face. I praise God for the nourishment He gives me when I take the time to be with Him, seek His Presence and listen to His Word.

Have you experienced a time when you felt stronger/nourished after you spent this Holy time with our Lord?

What's On Your Mind?

One of the key points of today's devotional is the importance of keeping our mind focused on our Lord rather than on things of the world. That sounds so easy but with technology and media telling us how to think and what to do, it is quite a challenge! An additional scripture that tells us exactly on what to keep focused is Philippians 4:8-9:

"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies." (The Message)

The need to study God's Word is brought out in today's passage from Psalm 119:105. I think I have previously mentioned a beautiful song using these words: "Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet." Please take time to listen to these words that can help guide our lives.

How Can I Find Peace?

The words from John 14:27  about peace have meant so much to me through many of life's "messy days" - as Sarah Young calls them in today's reading. I can't say they have calmed every storm but I can say that when I have re-focused on these words (along with other favorite scriptures), something in my mind and heart DOES change!

I can't imagine really being able to have God share His mind with me - but we are assured that is what happens when we seek Him and His loving Presence. I thank God for this promise that "The Peace I give is sufficient for you."

Have you found peace during one of those "messy days" (or weeks - or months) with this or other scripture passages about peace?

Am I Really God's Temple?

It was a bit alarming to me to grasp the meaning of the scripture from I Corinthians 3:16 about me being God's Temple! In today's reading, we are told that God is "training" us to be aware of His Presence at all times - and that we need to allow Him to be "central in our innermost being!" That has to happen on a daily basis in order for ME to really be the "temple of God!"

Today's devotional reading and several other recent ones remind us to simply whisper God's name when we begin feeling off-centered, anxious, or uneasy about what is going on in our lives or in our minds. I have done that a few times lately and have been amazed at the change in my attitude from thinking judgmentally about someone, worrying about something, etc. I just say, "Jesus," or "Jesus, please help me," and things seem to change. I'm sure that many of you do this very thing; I hope you will share your experiences with the rest of us.

Am I a "Light Shining in the Darkness"?

Have you ever felt that God was not near you? I guess that most of us have had that feeling of loneliness at one time or another in our lives. Today's reading is a good reminder of His Presence and the fact that He is "nearer than you dare believe, closer than the air you breathe!"  I have heard sermons on this topic that reinforce the understanding that if I feel apart from God, it is I who have moved - not God!

After several readings of today's scripture from 2 Corinthians 5:21, my understanding is that we are to be THE RIGHTEOUSNESS of God. I think must be what Sarah Young meant when she wrote about letting God live through me so that I can shine His light into the darkness. This part of the devotional reminds me of the children's song, "This Little Light of Mine!"  You might enjoy going to YouTube.com and watch many different versions (even by popular artists) of this song that has such a powerful meaning for all of us - no matter what our age!

Give Your Loved Ones to God

I'd like to think that I DO entrust my loved ones to God! However, I have been in discussions in Bible study groups about the scripture from today about Abraham and Isaac. Most of us have said that we probably don't have the kind of faith that Abraham had!

As parents, do you think that is what we have to do as we "let go and let God" take over the lives of our children as they go out into the world - beginning in kindergarten? I had never thought of Abraham having "sonworship," of Isaac as Sarah Young described in today's reading. I think that in today's world a term used is "helicopter parenting" - about parents who hover too closely over their children even when they are grown.

I especially appreciate the reminder that our loved ones are so much safer in God's hands than in my "clinging hands." I thank God for His Promise that He will "go with them (our loved ones) wherever they go, and ....give them rest."

Trust - When You are Afraid

Do you view trials in life as exercises "designed to develop your trust-muscles?" Some days I feel that my "trust-muscles" are already well-developed and I don't need any more of that kind of exercise! 

I have no idea how people survive without trusting in our Lord and knowing that we can be strengthened and refreshed - again and again - by His Holy Presence! Will you share your experiences (or that of a friend) when trust has developed and grown through trials and temptations? Those are the kind of stories that we don't hear in the news!

Today's scriptures are powerful ones about the whole idea of not being afraid through our trust in the Lord. Another one is in Proverbs 3:5-6, which starts out, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not to your own understanding..." I have found this to be a good one to memorize in order to bring it to mind in times of fear and/or trials. Do you have another scripture that you have found helpful for this purpose?

Waiting on Our Gifts

One of my favorite scriptures is the one today from Galatians 5:22-23 about the "fruit of the Spirit." I once heard a sermon in which the pastor said that since "fruit" is singular, we should have all these gifts once God's Spirit is living in us. That has always been a challenge for me since I believe that God's Spirit IS working in me - but I certainly don't have all those "fruits." Today's reading is comforting in that maybe some of these gifts are "hidden at first" but will eventually blossom and produce real fruit. That is my prayer for me and all who are waiting on that time of "blossoming!"

What About Healing?

Have you ever asked God to heal you or a loved one - either of a physical problem or some other kind of "brokenness?" Today's devotional reminds me that God's healing is available to us and to others but that sometimes we are not healed because we don't ask.

I do believe that God does heal people - through prayer and/or medicine and/or doctors. However, I realize that sometimes God does not heal us in the way that we ask. Have you or someone you know received the gift of being healed through prayer?

Today's scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9 has become especially meaningful to me in recent years. God told Paul that "My grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in weakness." When I really grasped the meaning of those words, it was almost life-changing in that I understand that God can still use me even as I get older and am not able to do what others can do. I praise God for that reassurance!

Jesus Calls Us

Today's reading reminds me of the old hymn, "Jesus Calls Us," which was written in the late 1800's. It's pretty amazing how "relevant" that the words are to today's world:
     Jesus calls us o'er the tumult
     of our life's wild, restless sea;
     Day by day His sweet voice soundeth,
     saying, "Christian, follow me!"

We hear from the media, emails, etc., about how our world/nation is in so much trouble. From the words in this hymn, it is evident that the author felt somewhat the same when he talked about "our Life's wild, restless sea." He makes it a point to say that the help comes from following our Lord and staying in His Presence just as Sarah Young does in today's devotional.

Another comment that particularly spoke to me in this reading is "Joy is independent of circumstances." How do you feel about such a profound statement? Do you have a story to share about you have have experienced this kind of joy in your life?

Adversities WILL Come!

One of those "facts of life" is that adversity comes to everyone - but to some people a lot more than others! I am on my church's prayer team, so when I start feeling sorry for myself, all I have to do is go back to the list of prayer requests and again pray for this mass of people from one church. It is appalling and often heart-wrenching to have a closer look at what people are going through.

Today's devotional reading really ties closely to the one from yesterday which was a reminder of God's never-ending love and Presence. Today's words that were most reassuring to me were, "..rest in the shadow of My Almighty Presence." What do you do to rest in the Lord when you are in the middle of adversity?

Do You Wish for a Better Day?

No matter how much I pray for the Lord's Presence and guidance, when things go wrong, I tend to forget. I appreciate today's reminder that even in those times, I can whisper God's name as He IS still with me.

Something else that especially spoke to me is the statement that says, "Do not waste your time and energy wishing for a different set of circumstances." We are reminded to simply TRUST HIM!

Another scripture that is relevant to this devotional is Romans 8:38-39. In it we are told that neither life nor death nor anything in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God. Do you have a favorite scripture that gives you strength and peace in times of special need? We know that we all WILL have those times!

Meet God in the Morning

Today's devotional is filled with wonderful words of what happens when we DO meet God at the beginning of everyday! I believe that Sarah' Young's words describe what God is saying to us when we wake up in the morning and turn our thoughts to Him: "I renew your strength and saturate you with Peace."  Isn't it a blessing to KNOW that EVERYDAY here on earth, we are able to be filled with God's Strength and Peace by simply opening our mind and heart and thoughts to Him?  If you have developed this great habit, please share with us how you got started.

As happens many times with these readings, an old hymn comes to mind as I read through the devotional. Today it is "Morning Has Broken." Please take time to listen to these words and watch this magnificent video that shows some of God's Wonders. I hope this will help you and me start our days giving "praise for the morning" and for all of our Lord's blessings!

View Difficulties as Blessings???

The lines in today's devotional about seeing difficulties as blessings was discussed in a recent class of mine. The book we are using suggested that when we deal with difficulties (including difficult people) that we immediately see it as a learning experience and say to ourselves "School is in session!" At first I thought this a bit frivolous but then I began understanding the idea. 

It has always been a challenge to me to think of problems as blessings. I can remember times in my life when there was one major, life-altering event after another. When a pastor quoted a part of Romans 5:1-5, about sufferings building character, I could only say to him that I felt my character already had enough of a workout! I couldn't see it then but I now understand that this passage holds some powerful truths but ones that have taken years for me to grasp!

Another scripture passage that seems to relate to today's reading is Romans 8:28: "In all things, God works for good for those who love the Lord, for those who are called according to His purpose." It doesn't say to me that God causes everything to happen but that good can come from whatever happens as long as God is Present with us. 

Do you have stories to share about how difficulties have turned to blessings in your life?

God Stays the Same - Even When I Change

Today's scripture passages are reassuring reminders of God's Loving-Presence with me - no matter what. To embrace and truly believe loving Promise of His is such a comfort in that we know that we have nothing to fear - even as our life changes and the world changes!

Please take time to re-read these scriptures today and throughout the week. Also, if you have other passages which relate to this wonderful Promise of our Lord, I hope that you will share them.

Relax and Enjoy Life!

I wonder what would happen in our world if we all could truly enjoy life more by learning to "Relax, remembering that I am God with you!"  I have had several health issues during the last few years and it's amazing that a question that EVERY doctor has asked at one time or another is "Are you under a lot of stress?" Then some of them start the discussion about the mind/body connection and how much stress affects our entire being. In my mind, I know that this is a spiritual issue but one for which I don't have all the answers!

When I was reading today's devotional, my mind went back to one of the questions in the catechism of a Christian denomination to which I used to be a member: "What is the chief aim of man?"  and the response: "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever."  This seemed to be what today's reading was saying to me as I learn to focus more and more on His Presence with us.

Strength From Weakness!

The devotionals from yesterday and today both begin with "Come to me." What wonderful reminders that our Lord is constantly calling us to come closer to Him. Today's reading focused especially on times that we recognize our weaknesses - sometimes from comparing ourselves to others.

The scripture that especially spoke to me was the one from Romans 8:26 since we are told that "...the Spirit helps us in our weakness." Another favorite passage about this topic is from 2 Corinthians 12:8-10. I had a big "Aha!" a few years ago at the powerful meaning of this scripture, especially the part that says, "My Grace is sufficient for you; My Power is made perfect in weakness."  

I praise God for His assurance that His Grace is all that we need!

Deep and Wide

Today's reading immediately made me think of the children's Sunday School song, "Deep and Wide" which is a reminder of the depth and breadth of God's love for us. I was especially touched by Sarah Young's words that "This vast ocean of love cannot be measured or explained, but it can be experienced."

As I look back on my life, I can think of many times that God's love was enfolding me in almost a miraculous way. The most profound memory was the fall down the escalator when my first thought was, "Surely I'm dying!" Then came the reassurance of God's love and Presence with me.

Do you have times that you knew without a doubt that God's Presence was with you and holding you in His Love?

Take Time to Relax in the Lord

Today's devotional focuses on the need to spend time alone with our Lord and to saturate our mind with Scripture. Our time is so precious but God can help us use this time. Today, I hope that you take a few minutes to listen to this beautiful song and read the lyrics that use the scripture from Psalm 119:15. The pictures in the video are also compelling: Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet and a Light Unto My Path.

As I listened to this song and focused on the words, it became clear that the only way to have God as a "lamp unto my feet and light unto my path" is to study His Word. Did this experience speak to your heart the way it did mine?

What is Righteousness?

What is your definition of righteousness? What do you do when you know that you have been unrighteousness? Today's reading and scriptures give us some good "food for thought" in this area.

The scripture that especially spoke to me is the one from Ephesians 4:22-24. What a wonderful blessing to realize that we have put off our old self, and to actually "put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

How Do We Know When God is Speaking to Us?

In a recent class I was in, we were discussing how to listen to God's voice - which is the topic of today's devotional. We were reminded that we have to learn to hear His voice and to filter out the noise of the world so we can KNOW what is really from God. That's the hard part!

In our class study guide, we were told that it is often helpful to begin by using words of Samuel (from I Samuel 3:10): "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening."  Other questions to ask when we feel that God is leading us/speaking to us are:  

        "Is it consistent with Scripture?"

        "Is it consistent with love?" 

        "Is this action selfish or loving?"

What do you use as a guide when you think God is speaking to you and leading you in a particular direction? 

Why Can't I Find Peace?

From conversations and classes over the last few decades, I began realizing that the topic of  today's devotional relates to everyone - everywhere - at one time or another in life! Along with these conversations was reading a book called "When All You've Ever Wanted in Life Isn't Enough: The Search for a Life That Matters" (by Harold Kushner). It took a long time to understand that peace in life doesn't come because of wealth or fame or brilliance or seeming to have everything. 

Sarah Young's words say it so clearly. "Actually, you are always enveloped in Peace, which is inherent in my Presence. As you look to Me, you gain awareness of this precious Peace." My understanding of this powerful devotional is that God's Peace IS with me; all I have to do is become aware of His Presence in my life.

Today's scriptures are inspiring ones about trust and peace. Another one that has been especially meaningful in my life is from John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither lit it be afraid." I have memorized this one so I can repeat it during times of anxiety or trouble. Do you have a favorite scripture about trust and/or peace that you will share?

One of "THOSE" Days - or Times

Why is it that we all have times when life doesn't go the way we planned! Someone in the family has a serious illness; a marriage ends and families are torn apart; finances are dwindling; accidents happen! Where do we turn? How do we ever overcome these kinds of happenings in life?

Today's devotional, along with the sermon at my church yesterday, remind me about two characteristics that can, with God's help, keep us going: endurance and hope! Our pastor asked us questions like, "Do I still have hope and can I endure?" "Is it going to crush me or can I re-evaluate life and move on?"

Today's reading reminds us that we don't have to be crushed in those challenging times. We are told of the importance to stop and affirm our trust in our Lord, and then stay close to Him "through thankful, trusting prayers, resting in my sovereign control."  For me, that is the only way that endurance and hope can continue.

Do you have a story to share about a difficult time in which you or someone you know continued to have trust, endurance and hope?

Sit Quietly, Listen and Wait

Does anyone else find it as challenging as I do to sit and listen and wait for our Lord? I do a pretty good job of telling God what I think He should do with my life - and to take care of the world! However, it is a totally different story to "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.." - as the scripture from Psalms 37 tell us.

Once again, we are reminded NOT to worry - and also not to rush. Do not wear yourself out by worrying about whether you can cope with the pressures. Most of my life, I feel like that I have been in a rush; I think that comes from a habit called procrastination. Sarah Young's words in today's devotional puts it clearly when she talks about the result of hurrying - "...you forget who you are and Whose you are."

Please take the time to listen to the words of "Be Still My Soul" as a good reminder to be still and allow the Presence of our Lord to guide us. 

Hold Me Lord

The words that especially spoke to me in today's reading are, "Don't worry about what is around the next bend. Just concentrate on enjoying my Presence..." The word enjoy especially got my attention in that even when things around me are not going the way I would like, I can still enjoy the Presence of our Lord by holding on to Him and allowing Him to hold on to me.

I recently read a poem in a newly published book, In Touch With NOW, (by Rev. Patsy Brundige). The title is "Hold Me" and fits in perfectly with today's focus. The first verse says,

     Hold me Lord, in your holy embrace.

     Hold me, enfold me,

     Don't let me slip away. 

Today's devotional and this poem remind me of the need to ask our Lord to hold me - and for me to hold on to Him.

I hope that you have time to listen to and read the words of "I'll Never Let Go of Your Hand." They are such a wonderful Promise of our Lord. 

Increasing Joy With Our Words

Today's devotional is filled with powerful words about what comes out of my mouth - "Words have such great power to bless or wound." I know without a doubt that this is true - but I will admit that I often forget - especially if I'm rushed or anxious. The scriptural guidance given in this reading is clear and doable: "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." 

Today's scripture in Ephesians 4:29 is also compelling! I realize that my words are certainly not ones that I use for "building others up." I ask for God's help to think and pray before I speak.

Time - A Most Precious Gift

Today's devotional reminds me of how important it is to give to God some of my time. Sarah Young even called time a "sacrifice." As I focused on this tiny sacrifice that I might give to my Lord, I began comparing it to our Lord's sacrifice for us. This helped me make a new commitment to daily sit quietly in His Presence so that I might "delight" in Him. Will you make that kind of sacrifice?

God's Promise to Never Leave Us

Sometimes I "pray a scripture" as was suggested to us in some Spiritual Direction classes at Perkins Seminary. There are different ways to go about it but today I decided to just open the Bible to a "random" place and ask for God's guidance in finding the passage that He lead me to. As it turned out, it was Romans 8:38-39 - one of those also found in today's devotional. Needless to say, I believe that God wants me to remember this wonderful promise of His that NOTHING can ever separate us from His Love!

Do you ever have "coincidences" like this in which you get the same messages from scripture, a friend, and/or pastor? I don't really believe they are coincidences but rather nudges from God!