Let God Be the Judge

Today's devotional is an uplifting one in that it reminds us that it is not our job to judge ourselves - or others. I often need that reminder in both areas in that I do compare myself to others and wonder why I can't have some of their talents. I also have to admit that it has been a great effort in the past few years to quit wasting my physical, mental and spiritual energies on judging others. It's something I am still working on - with the help of God's Grace and Presence!

I came from a family that gave me mostly negative reinforcement no matter how hard I tried to do things well - and right. I'm sure that I am still searching for some positive affirmation from other people in my life, even though I realize that God sees me "radiant in My (God's) robe of righteousness."  I praise God for His most amazing love and grace and ask that He will help me see others through His eyes.

Don't Worry About Tomorrow!

Today's reading is a blessed reminder that each day is a gift in which God stays close to us. It is up to us to keep our eyes focused on Him - and to NOT allow worry to overshadow the blessings of the day.

The scripture passages are powerful promises to us about God's Presence. Another one that has spoken to me about worry on many occasions is from the Sermon on the Mount:
Matthew 6:25-34 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

Do you have favorite scriptures on which you depend to help keep you focused on God's Presence - and not on the troubles of the coming days or weeks?

God's Instruction for Us

Today's scripture passage from Psalm 32 is one of my favorites that has provided guidance for a number of years. It's one of those that seemed to jump off the page of the Bible when I was struggling about a major decision. When I read that verse, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you," I made a decision and felt very much at peace in that I KNEW God would guide me every step of the way! 

By embracing this passage, I have been better able to relax and enjoy the journey in God's Presence! Will you share verses that have been especially meaningful to you in making important life decisions?

Give Thanks - With a Grateful Heart

I looked at a Bible web site to do a search for the word "thanks." There were 100 references to that word! That helped me understand the importance of giving thanks to our Lord. Some of Sarah Young's words that especially spoke to me today were that "Thankfulness enables you to see the abundance that I (God) showers upon you daily." It sounds so simple to thank God for each and every blessing of the day. However, in our rush, rush world, it is sometimes quite a challenge.

Please join me and other readers in making a commitment to become more aware of God's blessings - and then to thank Him for that blessing. The hymn, "Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart" is a wonderful one to use in your worship time today.

Stepping in His Light!

Today's reading and scriptures are about God's most amazing Love! These readings remind us that this Love is so deep and wide and powerful that we would be "overwhelmed" if we experienced His love here on earth.

In several books I have read about "life after death" experiences, a common theme was about a feeling of being loved in an over-powering way.  As we walk in the Light of our Lord, we can look forward to feeling this kind of love when we go home to be with Him.

I found this "revved up" rendition of "Stepping in the Light," a beautiful old hymn that is a good reminder of today's devotional and scriptures. Here is another link that includes the lyrics to this hymn about His Light.

Protection from Self-Pity

I will freely admit that I have had many of those "pity parties" in my lifetime! I think that a life-change from these self-imposed times of self-pity began as I started writing in a daily "gratitude journal." This is in line with today's reading that says, "When you are occupied with praising and thanking Me, it is impossible to feel sorry for yourself."

What are ways that you use to keep away from that dreaded "pit" of self-pity? We need to help each other "run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus."

I Need the Lord Every Hour - and Every Moment!

Many times in life, I have mistakingly thought I could do most anything - by myself!! Suddenly I become humbled by the realization that I am NOT in control of things as life seems to fall apart! After reading today's devotional and scriptures, please focus on the words of the hymn, "I Need Thee Every Hour." As I listened repeatedly to these meaningful words, I realized this is a beautiful prayer.

Trust and Be Thankful!

Today's reading and scripture are good "reinforcers" of yesterday's. Sarah Young points out that it is a choice that we have many times everyday to trust our Lord and keep our eyes on Him. This is a mental decision but one that can lead to a greater trust in our heart of our Lord Jesus.

I know that moving to an attitude of gratitude has changed my life - even though I still have some of "those days!" I especially appreciate the reminder in today's devotional that "thankfulness keeps you from criticizing and complaining." The more I read about the positive physical, emotional and spiritual effects of gratitude, the more I realize how powerful it is to just be thankful in all things!

Trust and thankfulness are the main points of this reading and scripture and of the lyrics of the beautiful hymn, "Trust and Obey". This is an instrumental version but with the lyrics printed boldly on the screen so we can easily focus on the meaningful words.

Is Christ Ruling Your Heart - and Mind?

The scriptures and devotional in today's reading make it clear that we were called by God to live in peace and that this peace can rule in our hearts. This reading made me think about the fact that we first have to make up our mind to set apart time each day for to be quietly with our Lord. I don't think He will ever rule our hearts if we stay so rushed in this "world of flux."

During this time of Lent, will you join me and other readers in setting aside time EVERYDAY - whether at work, first thing in the morning, at lunch or dinner time, etc. - to be with our Lord? Let's make a commitment to allow Him to rule our heart!

Be Joyful - Even When Life is Tough!

I have heard a number of Christian friends talk about the desire to have more "joy" in their lives. Some of these friends have various physical ailments, some have no family living nearby, and some seem to me to have "everything!" On the other hand, there are people that have even greater difficulties but always seem to be filled with joy and gratitude.

Today's reading and scripture passages are good reminders that EVERYONE does have difficulties in life but it is up to each one of us to know how to react to these problems. The answer seems so easy but yet is a challenge for me and many others - to find time to spend quietly with my Lord. This doesn't mean that I just give God my "grocery list" of how I think He should run things! Instead, it means sitting quietly in His Presence and opening my mind to His Will and Words. This is where we can have that joy - not from external happenings in our lives but from God's love and Presence in our hearts.

Are you taking time everyday to practice the spiritual discipline of quiet time with our Lord? If not, maybe this could be a good Lenten practice to develop - and also where you could experience God's Joy and Presence.

Who Catches Us When We Fall?

I may have previously told the story about my fall down a tall escalator in an airport. As I started tumbling head over heels from the top step, I suddenly realized that nothing could stop me or help me! My next thought was that surely I am dying followed by the thought "Where is God in this situation?" - since that is a key question I had recently learned in spiritual direction classes.

When I hit the floor, one person was on each side of me holding my hands and talking to me - and trying to get me to talk. It was then that I overheard my daughter tell others that there were "two angels" by my side! One was an ICU nurse and the other was a paramedic, both whom had just gotten off a plan and were walking by.

This story came to mind as I was reading today's devotional and scriptures about God's Presence with us - and Promises that He does catch us when we fall! However, it is up to us to ask this question, "Where is God in this situation?" and then to be reassured of His loving Presence. Will you join me and others during this Lenten season in asking this question many times a day - and also recalling that He is holding us by His Hand.

I praise God for the reassurance of His Presence and the hope for our future of living in heaven with Him! This beautiful old hymn, "O God Our Help in Ages Past, Our Hope for Years to Come" verbalizes these promises in a very special way.

Worship the RISEN LORD!

Today's devotional is a blessed reminder that our worship is to a living Lord - not something man-made. As we move further into the Lenten season, we sometimes need this reminder to keep our eyes focused on our Lord rather than the trivial activities of the day.

God has promised us that He is making us into a new creation! That can only happen when we worship Him continually and ask Him to help us see and embrace the plans He has for us. 

I praise God for the knowledge that He is our Living Savior. Please join me in focusing on the beautiful  words and music of this version of "Because He Lives I Can Face Tomorrow."

Thank God - Even for Having to Be Still

Many friends tell me that on certain days of reading Sarah Young's words, they feel that it certainly must be "just for them."  That's the way I feel about today's reading - as I am being "forced" to be still. As I previously mentioned, I recently had surgery and am in the midst of "climbing the mountain" back to good health. What powerful words to be reminded that some of our Lord's greatest works has been done from sick beds.

As I look back over my life, I realize that my greatest spiritual growth has been during challenging times - when I was totally dependent on my Lord. Do you have times that you realize this has happened to you? Please share your stories with me and other readers.

Resting in God's Presence

I often need today's reminder that it's not up to me to "direct" God to do "this or that" - or how to run things in this world! Instead, it is up to me to rest in the Presence of my Lord and allow myself to be in HIS Will.

As happens many times when I am reading Sarah Young's devotionals, I immediately think of a related hymn, today's being "Have Thine Own Way." The words to this beautiful hymn tell us that God is our Potter and we are the clay - and that once we are filled with His Spirit, all shall be able to see, "Christ only, always, living in me." That's what I keep praying for - to be more like Christ and for others to see Him in me.

God is Holding My Hand

What a blessing to be reminded that no matter what happens in our lives, God continuously holds onto our hand and says to us: "Do not fear; I will help you."

I have previously referred to this beautiful gospel song, "I'll Never Let God of Your Hand." Please focus on these lyrics along with those in today's scripture passages in your devotional time today.

Peace Be With You!

What a wonderful blessing to have the Promise from Jesus in the scripture passage from John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you...Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." How would your life and mine change if we really embraced that Promise from our Lord? 

I have repeated this passage to myself at some very challenging times in my life. However, I am now making a commitment to sit quietly everyday and repeat this verse - and allow God's Peace to enfold me. Will you join me in this endeavor to walk closer to our Lord? 

Our Thoughts are Precious to God

God knows what we are thinking at all times - and these thoughts are precious to Him! I don't know about you but that statement is a bit surprising to me - not that He knows what we are thinking but that it pleases Him greatly when we think "lovingly" of Him. How simple that makes pleasing our Lord!

Do you have scriptures and hymns that you have memorized or listen to on a regular basis as a reminder of God's Presence - and that are "pleasing" to Him? Please share with me and other readers so that we can increase our "list" of breath prayers, meaningful scriptures, and/or hymns. A beautiful hymn that came to mind as I was reading today's devotional is "I Surrender All." Isn't that what we are doing when we keep our mind and heart focused on our Lord?

The Light of God's Peace

One of the first Bible verses that I learned as a child was, "Let your light so shine before men so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father, which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) I had never thought about a part God's Light shining through me being His Peace. What a blessing to be reminded that God gives us His Peace so we can shine in "transcendent" splendor - and overpower darkness.

Have you previously reflected on the idea that we can let our "light so shine before men" even in times of difficulty by showing and sharing the Peace of our Lord?

How to Do More - in Less Time!

For many years, I and many friends have said things like, "I just don't have the time to start each day with a devotional." Today's reading is such a blessed reminder that when we do MAKE that time as a top priority, our Lord will guide us - and we WILL be able to do more in less time! God will help us know which are important tasks and which ones are "meaningless works."

I've had to admit many times over recent years, that I have been the "Martha" in today's scripture passage from Luke. I need that "push" to claim the belief that God does instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. I just need to stop what I'm doing so I can be in communion with Him.

Seek God's Face - In All Things!

We are reminded in today's reading that hardships are "part of the journey" of life. How comforting it is to know that God's Presence is with us on this journey - but it is up to us to seek Him when the journey is easy or difficult

I have previously referred to the beautiful old hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus."  I hope that you will focus on its lyrics as part of your worship time today.

It's O.K. to Ask for Help!

I sometimes have trouble asking for help from friends - even when I desperately need it. Today's reading and scriptures are wonderful reminders that it's o.k. to ask our Lord for His help. What was most reassuring was that we can say, "Help me, Jesus" thousands of times a day and our Lord will meet us and draw us back to Him.

The story of Peter in the scripture from Matthew 14 is an interesting one in that he was a man of great faith. However, when Jesus asked Peter to come to Him across the lake, it got really windy and Peter got scared. That's when He said, "Lord, save me!" Have you had times that you have had to cry out with a great need? During this "mountain" that I am presently climbing, I'm quite sure that will happen many times!

Rest in the Lord!

I'm in the process of recovering from major surgery and feel very blessed and reassured by today's devotional and scriptures. I do feel exhausted and hope that I can use this time as an "opportunity" for God to take total charge of my life! However, this reading also tells us that we have a responsibility - to remain attentive to God, letting Him guide my every step.

Today's scripture from Romans is one that continues to speak to me through many ups and downs of life. One version says that "In all things, God works for good for those who love the Lord, for those called according to His Purpose."  I don't believe that God caused me to have this surgery but I do believe that during this lengthy time of rest and healing, good will come.

We've all had extreme challenges in life. At these times, have you ever realized that an unexpected "good" has come about because of these difficult times? I hope that you will share these times with me and other readers.

I ask for your continuing prayer's for God's total healing. 

Come to God for Rest

Today's reading reminds us to "breathe in" God with each breath. A dear friend taught me her breath prayer which is, "Abide in me, and me in Thee." It's sometimes amazing how this simple prayer has relaxed me and filled me with Peace. Please share with me and others short "breath prayers" that you have used to bring about God's Presence along with His Light, Life, Joy and Peace.

The scripture passage from Matthew 11 has always been a comforting one to me. I'm sure that everyone has times in life in which we feel tired and overwhelmed. What a blessing to realize that God is "gentle and humble" - and WILL give us rest.

Openness and Trust

God is so gracious that He offers His Presence and Peace to each and everyone of us. In order to do this, it sounds so simple according to today's devotional and scriptures - just quit trying to be in control and change to being OPEN AND FILLED WITH TRUST.

As I continue the climb up my "mountain," I continue to ask for your prayers and that we all will trust Him and be open to His love and grace. The hymn, "Only Trust Him" ties in closely with today's readings. This rendition does not have a vocalist but has the lyrics and beautiful instrumental music.

Walking Close to Our Lord

What a blessing to know that when we walk close to our Lord, His Peace will shine in and through us.  All we need to do is fill our heart and mind with thankfulness and trust in God.

Please dwell with me on that thought today as you listen to the words of "Just a Closer Walk With Thee."

The Gift of Today

In my Sunday School class, we have been studying a book about making a choice seizing and recognizing "joy" every day of our lives. Someone in class gave us a quote as a way to find joy: "Seek Jesus first; then others; then yourself." Today's devotional and scriptures remind us that each day is a gift from our Father, but it's up to us to "savor" this gift.

I praise Him for the gift of today and ask for God's guidance in seeking His Presence and His Joy through His most "Amazing Grace." (this rendition by Chris Tomlin with an added verse)

A "Renewed" Mind!

Today's devotional reminds me of the fact that we CAN have a renewed mind - if we keep our focus on our Lord! The problem for me is that my mind often goes "twirling" off in many different directions!

The words that especially spoke to me in today's reading are "Train your mind to seek Me in every moment, every situation." I had never thought about the fact that it is possible to "RE-TRAIN" our minds so that we can become more in tune with the image of our Lord. By focusing on Him instead of the world, we "will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will."

I can't help but think what a different life it would be if I really knew and did God's perfect will!

Do You Have Any Mountains to Climb?

Many times in life, I have perceived future events as huge mountains - but they often have turned out to be small hills instead! What a blessing to be reassured that even when we do have to climb those mountains, our Lord gives His angels "charge" over us to keep us safe and near Him!

I have a mountain to climb today. I ask for your prayers that God and His angels will accompany me on this climb - and fill me with His Peace.