Stop That Worrying!

I felt that in today's devotional reading, God was saying, "Stop that worrying!" I will have to admit that worry is a lifetime bad habit, but one that God is helping me to break!

Sarah Young's words give us a good reminder that each day is a wonderful gift, and God wants us to live it to the fullest. I truly believe that He does not want us to waste our time on regrets or worrying about tomorrow or next week or next year.

I do have a few good habits and one is by starting everyday by spending time with God. It is to the point that I feel totally "undone" without that time. Have you found a way to carve out time each day to spend with our Lord? Please share your thoughts.

I previously mentioned the hymn, "Just a Closer Walk With Thee," as one that often speaks to me. As I read today's devotional, I once again listened to the words that talk about the joy we can find in walking closer to God. I hope you enjoy listening closely to these meaningful words - over and over!

We are "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made!"

Before today's reading, I had never thought of the human mind as the "pinnacle" of God's Creation. As a long-time educator, I often talked to my students about the importance of using their minds - and how we typically use only a fraction of our capabilities. Sarah Young made the point that the mind was made for the primary purpose of knowing God. As I read through the devotional and scriptures, I began questioning myself about how well do I use my mind and all of God's gifts as ways to KNOW GOD.

I am so thankful for being "fearfully and wonderfully made."  Words in today's reading were a good reminder that "Only humans are capable of receiving Me and responding to My Presence." I have to ask myself, "Am I pleasing my Lord at receiving Him and responding to His Presence?"

Deep and Wide

I read today's devotional and scriptures several times to allow them to really "soak in." The passage from Ephesians included words that especially spoke to me about how marvelous is Christ's Love for us and "how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ!" Take a few minutes to think about what these words mean in your life. Please share some of these "God moments" of times when you felt His love overflowing in your life. 

Sarah Young reminds us that we have to open our whole being to receive that love. When I started college at a Christian school in Arkansas, the first hymn that I remember singing in chapel was, "Open My Eyes That I May See." I think that was the foremost time that I really began opening my eyes and seeing the wonderful love of God - every single day! I hope you enjoy the lyrics to this hymn along with the magnificent scenery showing some of God's wonderful work!

Leaning on Jesus

Today's devotional reminds me once again of how my weakness "is an opportunity to grow strong in awareness of My Almighty Presence!" The older I get, the more often I feel that lack of energy! I thank God for His reassurance that He is with me even when I feel the weakest!

I think most of us have times when we feel that life's "challenges" are almost too much. What do you do during those times?


I only recently realized how much the hymns I learned as a youth are still in my mind and have an impact on my life! While reading today's devotional, I immediately thought of "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms."  I hope that you take the time to listen closely the words of this old hymn. This link actually has two different vocalists singing the hymn.

He Listens - and Wants Us to Listen!

What a blessing to know that God is accessible to all of us - no matter where we are or what is happening in our lives! However, in recent spiritual direction classes, a lot of focus was on listening to God, rather than just asking Him to do what we think He needs to do for us by telling Him to listen to us.

One term that some use for this kind of prayer is contemplation. This is a time when we do our deep breathing, clear our minds, and possibly use a short "breath prayer" such as "Jesus," "Open my heart," or "Abide in me." We then try to keep our mind clear so that God can speak to us, but some people find it helpful to imagine a "safe place" or "place of beauty." Some who practice this kind of prayer say that they immediately realize God is speaking to them, but others report that it is like God speaks to the "sub-conscious." Therefore, they don't recognize immediate "words" or changes but slowly realize that God is guiding their lives in a more powerful way.

What happens in your prayer life? Do you use a scripture to guide your prayer time? Do you have a way to listen for God's guidance? We know that it is necessary for us to have have a daily prayer time if we are to have a closer walk with our Lord. 

Don't Judge - Ourselves or Others!

Today's scripture from Matthew 7:1-3 has always been one that got my attention! I don't know of any words in the Bible that are much clearer than, “Do not judge others, so that God will not judge you,  for God will judge you in the same way you judge others, and he will apply to you the same rules you apply to others. Why, then, do you look at the speck in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the log in your own eye?"

In a book I am reading, it says that Jesus did judge others who were not doing His Will so that must mean that we are to do the same! I have a problem with this author's opinion unless...he is referring to a time when we see someone breaking the 10 Commandments or blatantly hurting another person.

The words in this passage are simple, clear, and powerful, but are also a challenge to me and many others. To me, it could mean having the courage to NOT forward (or even rebuke the sender) e-mails that are filled with half-truths or false statements about a politician or pastor or someone running for office! It could mean filling our minds with thoughts about our Lord every time we begin forming a judgment about others' actions or words that we don't agree. It could mean looking at the log in our own eye before looking at the speck in our brothers!

Sarah Young also reminds us that we should not judge ourselves by comparing our gifts and talents with those of others!

What else does it take in life to follow this simple command of Jesus? Please share your thoughts.

God WILL Give Me Peace

I had never thought about the idea that God's Peace "will permeate your words and demeanor!" If this truly happened in my life, I believe I would better be able to encourage and minister to others in need! What an exciting thought that by following the path that God has shown me, I will experience an Abundant Life while helping others have the same!

During your time of worship today, I hope that you will listen to the words and music of "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" that is posted on the right side of this page. 

Walking With Jesus

As I started reading today's devotional, I immediately thought of some of the lines in the hymn, "In the Garden."
"I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear,
The Son of God discloses . . .

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other, has ever, known!"

What a blessing to be reassured of God's Presence and Love and Light - by walking with Him!

Do you have another scripture or hymn that will help remind us of the importance of spending time walking and talking with Jesus? 

Trust Instead of Worry

A friend once told me that her doctor said when we worry, it shows a lack of trust - that we have a choice to do one or the other! At first, that seemed like a rather harsh statement, but today's devotional says about the same thing. Additional scriptures that are very powerful on this topic are some of Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:25-34 which ends with these words:  "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,  for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

I have been unable to locate a song that I learned in Sunday School when I was quite young: "Why Worry When You Can Pray?" Does anyone have a link to the lyrics and/or music to that old tune - or another one that gives us a clear choice - worry or pray and trust? 

Wait!

A friend recently told me about her "exasperation" in having to WAIT on God's guidance for her life. Today's devotional speaks clearly about how important it is for us to "Wait quietly in My Presence while My thoughts form silently in the depths of your being." That's certainly easier said than done, but we are assured that is the way we can really hear His still, small voice!

I especially like the idea of God's thoughts forming in me. What part of this devotional and/or scriptures spoke to you?

Present Troubles vs. Eternal Glory

I have a really bad habit called "worry about little things!" I'm not sure that I can get to the point of saying "Oh, well," when I have troubles in my life, but it might make a difference if I did! I especially appreciate today's scripture from 2 Corinthians 4:17, in which Paul said, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." What a beautiful reminder of our Eternal Glory with our Lord when we have one of those "down" times in our lives!


An elderly Bible study friend used to talk about her fervent prayers when there were special needs/troubles/worries in her or her family's lives. After that she said with much enthusiasm that "I just let go and let God!" 

A powerful, related scripture is from Philippians 4:8-9: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

This passage has helped me with my worry habit in that it reminds me to THINK on other things - those that are good, right, pure, admirable. What a blessing to know that with this kind of thinking, God's Peace will be with us!

What about you? Do you have a scripture or prayer that gives you His Peace when troubles hit your life?

Who/What Controls My Mind?

I believe that the media influences what we think in an over-powering way! This certainly includes the influence on the minds of our children and grandchildren - sometimes to the point of almost "brainwashing!" The first words in today's devotional make this point clear that, "There is a mighty battle going on for control of your mind."

This reading is such a good reminder about the need to spend time communing with our Lord. It is only through giving Him our time and attention that we are we able to have our minds filled with "Life and Peace."


What do you do in your family to ensure that the world is NOT taking over your mind and the mind of your children? Do you have time/subject constraints on television or movies? What about music and reading material? Please share your ideas with other readers since we have to make a conscious effort to do something if we truly want God's Love, Joy and Peace to fill our minds!

Free Will Means Responsibility

I'm thankful that God gives me choices in life - but sometimes I wish there were a few more  "God-nudges" to guide me along His path! I keep telling my friends that I wish God would send me e-mails to let me know what I should be doing with my life!

Today's scripture from Colossians 3:23-24 has such powerful words to remind us that, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." Could this mean that God might be more concerned about HOW we do things rather than exactly what we do - as long as it is for Him??
What do you think?

When I started college is when I first heard the hymn, "Open My Eyes That I May See." The beautiful words were some that really changed my spiritual path to one in which I am constantly asking God to show me His Truths and Will and Way. I hope that you have time to focus on these words during your worship time today, or you may have another hymn that has lead you on this journey. If so, please share with other readers.

Why Can't I Control What Happens in My Life?

The words from today's devotional that especially spoke to me were "I did not design the human mind to figure out the future. That is beyond your capability." I do an excellent job of worrying about the future and trying to make plans for some of the "What ifs?" This reading is so clear that God does not intend for me to do that! I need to simply take all these fears and worries to my Lord in order to receive His Peace!

All of today's scriptures are powerful ones that have been meaningful to me during some of life's ups and downs. However, the one from I Peter 5:7 is one that I need to make an integral part of my spiritual "being:" "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

Do you have another scripture or hymn that helps you along life's road of letting go and letting God be in control?

Do You Ever Feel Empty?

The more I talk to people, the more I realize that in this busy, hectic world, there are still a lot of people feeling empty. Many of us are still looking for God's Will for our lives in order to feel at peace. What a blessing to know that by staying close to our Lord, we are transformed more and more into the one that God designed us to be. 

A prayer was written by Thomas Merton at a difficult time in his life. These words have comforted me in times of searching: MY LORD GOD, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.(For the complete of Merton's prayer, go to this link: http://www.elise.com/quotes/thomas_merton_prayer.) What do you do on those days that you feel empty and are searching for God's Will and Peace?

You might enjoy a time of worship when listening to the words of this old hymn, "Nearer My God to Thee." 

Amazing Grace!

Today's devotional is one that most of us need to hear! It reminds us that "You don't have to perform in order to receive My Love." I think I have spent of my life "working" for love from God - and from others. How thankful I am for His most amazing Grace that is His gift to us all!

I think I posted a few weeks ago, this version of "Amazing Grace" by Chris Tomlin. However, what a beautiful hymn to extend your worship time with our Lord.This version includes not only the original one but a few added lines about "His unending love."

Worship God - With a Renewed Mind!

I have always loved today's scripture from Romans 12 when it says, "Do not conform any longer the the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."  When I read it, I imagine myself as an entirely new person through the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. The last part of that passage is especially meaningful as it gives us the promise that by having this "renewed mind," we will be able to pass the test for God's approval! This reading is also a good reminder that this renewal doesn't happen overnight but is all a part of our spiritual journey to walk closer to our Lord.

Another meaningful part of this devotional is the idea that anything we do during the day can be an act of worship. Do you ever feel that you are/can worship God in menial activities? Please share how you do this.

Judge Not!

Jesus taught us on many occasions that we are not to judge! That seems plain and simple but yet so challenging as to how Jesus expects us to act and "be!"

I had never thought of this "commandment" of our Lord the way it is written in today's devotional. As you read, the devotional reminds us not to judge people, situations, ourselves - "as if judging were your main function in life."  As I read these words, it made me think how sad it must make our Lord when He hears us waste our time as if that was most important thing we do!


I believe that God expects us to do His work here on earth - to be His hands, feet, and mouth. I pray that others can see at least little bits of His life in and through me. I know that doesn't happen if I use my time and energy in criticizing others!

Have you been around people who are constantly criticizing/judging others? How does it make you feel? How do you think others feel about us when we spend time being judgmental? 

God Promises Us Peace

It has always been a challenge to sit quietly in God's Presence. Our world seems too busy to do nothing but be still and trust Him!

We are constantly reminded in our devotional readings of many of God's Promises. However, we are also told that we must stay closely connected to Him in order to know and receive those wonderful Promises.

In a recent Bible study group, we were discussing the issue of solitude and someone said that they thought that this wasn't really for today's world; further, she thought that this wasn't realistic for many of us. My thought is that it is ESPECIALLY for today's hectic life-style - to discipline ourselves to MAKE time for that very precious time being quietly alone in God's Presence.

How do you handle making time for solitude in order to be filled with God's Peace and Love?

This is the Day!

Several years ago, there was a saying on mugs, t-shirts, stationary, etc., that said, Carpe diem, which means "Seize the Day." I loved having my morning coffee in that mug because it made me realize that each day is a blessing.

Today's devotional gives us this same reminder to seize the day. The scripture from Philippians 4:4 tells us to "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say Rejoice!"  Additional words from Paul are powerful ones that tell us to be satisfied with our lives as they are now instead of always looking to the future. It's so easy to think about "When I retire, things will be so much easier," or "When I have enough money, I will be able to buy a nicer house," or when..., when...when....  I have no doubt that our Lord wants us to rejoice in our "Love-relationship" with Him - right now - in every minute of everyday!  In this frazzled world of the media telling us we need more, this is quite a challenge!

When a friend of mine realized that she was losing a lot of her vision, she began her search for enjoying the "precious present." She ended out writing a book of poetry called In Touch With Now: An Uncommon Celebration on the joy and blessings of the little, common things that we sometimes let pass us by. Her book is truly a celebration of God's Presence and blessings each and everyday.

How do you celebrate the Presence and Joy of the Lord in the NOW?

God's Promises - and Amazing Love!

God gives us many of Promises to encourage us, guide us, and sometimes just to help keep us going. Today's reading stated something that I had never given much thought - that His last recorded Promise to us was, "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

This reading and passage made me think about times when I leave my loved ones and know that I might not see them for awhile. I want to let them know that I love them - and I'm sure that's what Jesus was doing for us. I praise and thank Him for that wonderful Promise and His most amazing Love!

A wonderful hymn that "sings" this story and includes a beautiful video is this rendition of "Amazing Love." 

Trust and Obey

All of today's scripture passages are powerful ones about trusting completely in our Lord! I hope that find time to reread each of these scriptures to allow them to "soak in" and become part of your spiritual life. Also, the beautiful old hymn "Trust and Obey" is posted on the right side of this blog page; that hymn itself is one that often deepens my worship/devotional experience.

When I did these two things today, the scripture from Psalm 25 especially spoke to me; I think the reason is that I am now looking for "new" paths that the Lord wants me to take at this time of my life. Those words seemed to be my present thoughts in my mind even before I read them: "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me..."

Are any of the others reading today's devotional looking for a new way that God may be leading you?

Give Up or Give It To God!

We all have those days and/or times in life when we feel ready to "give up." For many, our lives have not turned out the way we had planned - due to such things as divorce, death, ill health, financial worries. Today's reading and scriptures are such wonderful reminders that God's grace IS sufficient for us. The passage that especially spoke to me is from Jeremiah 31-25: "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."  

A particular children's song also comes to mind: "This is the Day the Lord Hath Made." When I start the day with this or other positive hymns/songs, it often changes my attitude about the day - even if it doesn't change what is happening?

Do have scriptures or hymns or thoughts about what you do when you feel like you are "hitting bottom?' Please share with all of us who might be struggling.

Guilt or Grace??

I think I must have been taught from early in life that I had to constantly work harder every day in order to please God. I didn't realize until a few years ago how this belief had affected my life; it surely must be one of those mind-sets that requires "letting go and letting God" time and again for me to understand and accept God's most amazing Grace.

Words from today's devotional that particularly spoke to me were "Guilt-evoking messages can undermine the very foundation of grace in a believer's heart" and then, "I want you to relax in the assurance of My perfect Love." This reminds me that God really does want me to relax and enjoy His Presence and His Grace and His Love! Ephesians 2:8-9 says it so clearly, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works so that no man can boast."

The hymn, "Amazing Grace" is one of my favorites and one that reinforces today's reading. Please take time to listen to the words of this beautiful hymn; this version of  "Amazing Grace" is by Chris Tomlin and has a few additional verses. 

Am I Bearing Any Fruit?

"Apart from Me, you can do nothing!" Does that speak to you the way it does to me? So often, I get busy and try to do things by myself. What a mistake that is! God gives us free-will to do this but words from today's reading are such a good reminder: "Use your freedom wisely, by relying on Me constantly. Thus you enjoy My Presence and My Peace."

Who Is My Best Friend?

Today's reading immediately made me think of the words of "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." This old hymn along with today's devotional and scriptures are such good reminders that our Lord IS our best Friend as we walk hand in hand with Him through life. I hope that you have time to reread these words and listen to the music in order to allow this Promise of God to lead you through the day.

Please share times that you knew without a doubt that Jesus IS your best Friend and that He was walking hand in hand with you.

Going to the Edge of the Light

I recently heard a story about "going to the edge of the light." The essence of the story went something like this:
   When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take a step into the darkness of the unknown,  we must believe one of two things will happen: there be something solid for us to stand upon, or we will be taught to fly. 
Based on today's scripture from John 8:12, we are assured that we will "never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." I praise God for that assurance that when things look the darkest, He is waiting to provide us "something solid to stand upon" - along with His Light and guidance to walk with us.

Do you have times that you felt that you were in darkness spiritually, but then God's light began to shine on you and in you again?

ADD!

As a long-time educator, today's reading immediately made me think of students who have ADD - Attention Deficit Disorder - and that maybe I have the same problem regarding spiritual matters! I so easily get caught up in trivial matters that I fail to take the time to seek God's Presence and Loving Care.

The scripture about Martha and Mary was one that we used in Sunday School this week. Mary wanted to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to Him but Martha got busy with the "trivia." She went to Jesus and asked Him to make Mary help her with the household work. Jesus kindly but firmly reminded Martha that "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better..."

What helps you most with "ADD of the spirit?" What are some things you do that can help the rest of us stay focused on our Lord? Can you identify best with Martha or Mary?

Have You Seen Any Miracles Today?

I once read about being blessed by seeing things through "God's lenses." That idea is what spoke especially to me in today's devotional: "When you depend on Me continually, your whole perspective changes" and that "You begin each day with joyful expectation, watching to see what I will do."

I hope that you will join me in spending time today and in the coming days trying to see the world through "God's lenses" - and then share with others any changes in your lives or attitudes.

Where Are You God?

Have you ever said - or thought - "Where Are You God?" - during one of those rough patches in life? In today's reading, both the devotional and scriptures are such good assurances that His "continual Presence with you IS AN ABSOLUTE PROMISE!"  Our part is that we look for Him will all our heart and with all our soul!

Have you ever felt separated from God?  Do those feelings cause canger? What do you do then?