Rejoice - Even When Things Go Wrong!

I often find it challenging to be joyful when things are going wrong. What I do find comforting is today's scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9 as I have mentioned in a previous blog. This is a powerful Promise and blessing to understand and believe that God can and WILL use me even with my many weaknesses.

In my church we have been hearing sermons and studying a book that deals with spiritual disciplines and gifts as we strive to become disciples for our Lord. Last Sunday we sang the hymn, "Take My Life and Let It Be" as we committed to do all we can to be more like Jesus. As I was reading today's devotional and scriptures, I felt as if this is what God is wanting me to do - Give my entire life to Him and let Him use it even in my weaknesses.

I pray that you will listen carefully to the lyrics of this beautiful hymn and join me in committing my entire being to our Lord.

Everything I "Own" is Nothing But a Loan!

I once heard a pastor use the words in this title, "Everything I Own Is Nothing But a Loan" - and it has stayed in my head and heart for many years! Sarah Young's words in today's devotional mean about the same thing and spoke as a reminder of God's blessings.

Once I accepted the fact that everything I am and "have" belong to God, it became somewhat of a spiritual "discipline" to thank Him daily in my "gratitude journal." I pray that if you don't do this kind of writing, you will begin doing so. It has made a tremendous difference in my life and I know it will in yours.

The lyrics in the hymn, "Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart" have repeatedly touched my heart and soul, and I pray that they do the same for you.

Choose God!

As today's devotional reminds us, each day offers many choices and decisions for as long as we live on this earth. I pray that you and I and all who love our Lord will have the courage to choose God and His Presence as we make these decisions.

We know that God has chosen us to be His hands and feet and mouth through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The lyrics in the meaningful hymn "Here I Am Lord" is one that I sometimes use during  my worship time as I open myself to God's guidance throughout this and everyday. I pray that you will do the same.

Open Our Hearts to God's Blessings

Sarah Young's words that particularly spoke to me today are about how God's Power and Love can pour into me even in times of weakness - if I realize my need for Him.  Along with this also comes  the assurance that even when I fall but stay dependent on God, I can still have His Presence with me.

Related closely to those words are the ones from Isaiah 40:29: "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."  I think the reason those words mean so much to me is that in the last several years of my life, I have had a number of on-going health issues - which often make me feel extremely "weak."  It is so refreshing to my heart and soul to know of God's assurance of His Presence - and that it's o.k. to be totally dependent on my Lord.

Another of God's Promises and a favorite of mine is this scripture passage:
2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

God's most amazing Grace provides me with His Power and blessings. It is up to me to open my heart and be receptive to His guidance and blessings.

The lyrics in the gospel hymn, "One Day at a Time" express how I often feel in my weakness and dependence on God. Do you have a hymn or scriptures to share that bring you comfort in times of weakness?

God's Light in the Face of Problems

I have never been able to really "welcome problems!" However, as I look back on many of them, I see that they have often drawn me "up" - to be so much closer to my Lord.

I don't know how people survive the many challenges of life without know and accepting God's Love, Word, and Presence. The beautiful hymn, "You Are My All in All" continues to be a comfort and reminder of  His Love and Power. The entire hymn is printed below the hymn on this link, but I wanted to include the first verse:
     You are my strength when I am weak
     You are the treasure that I seek
     You are my all in all
     Seeking You as a precious jewel
     Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
     You are my all in all.

I pray that God will fill us with His Strength and Light. 

Keep Focused on Jesus - Instead of the Confusion of the World!

Today's devotional is related to the one on Tuesday of this week about staying close to our Lord no matter what is happening around us. However, it can also relate to the spiritual practices of silence and solitude. As we learn more about these spiritual practices, it is important to discipline ourselves to use them each and everyday in order that we can and WILL stay focused on our Lord.

I've never been a person who others would call "extremely self-disciplined!"  In spite of this, when I really focused on the "fruits of the Spirit" I began a daily prayer for that particular fruit, along with the others:
 Galatians 5:22-23
       But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (which is self-discipline). 

I pray that God will help you and me stay focused on Him and feel His Presence in all that we do. 

Be Still My Soul

I'm not sure where I heard a comment to the effect that "Without silence and solitude, there can be no spiritual growth." Today's devotional and scriptures are such good reminders of the blessings that we can receive when we rest quietly and alone in the Presence of our Lord.

There seems to be a longing within many of us for "rest for our souls" in our noisy world filled with demands of work, technology, care of our family, etc. It is up to us to find a time for this quiet rest, but also to ensure that this time is used to become closer to our Lord. By doing so, we might be amazed that we become refreshed and strengthened to face the challenges of our day to day living.

During today's worship time, I pray that you will focus not only on the devotional, but the words in the scripture from Psalm 46 along with this beautiful hymn, "Be Still My Soul."

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

For a number of years, several of my good friends have told me that it's o.k. to say "NO!" when I'm trying to do too much! Today's devotional is a wonderful reminder that God wants me to save time for Him and keep my eyes on Him. Sarah Young's words that especially spoke to me were that "There are many burned-out Christians who think more is always better, who deem it unspiritual to say no." I know that I have been in that category in the past. However, I do feel that God is leading me to do "something" for Him, but I pray that I will keep my eyes fixed on Him and the He will show me the way.

The beautiful hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" is such a blessing to use during worship time today - even though this rendition only has the first verse. Things of the world really do seem "dim" when we keep our eyes on our Lord.

LISTEN to our Lord!

It is often a real challenge to "listen" to what the Lord has to say and wants us to do for Him! In fact, without practicing the spiritual disciplines of  "solitude and silence," I'm not sure that I know what God is saying to me. The reading of scriptures and Christian material certainly helps, but what happens after that reading? For me, I quickly forget unless I take time to be quiet and focus on what I have read - and then seek guidance from God.

How do you know you are "listening" to the Lord? The scripture from John 10:27 puts it clearly. "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me." Is it really God's voice and guidance that I "hear and follow?" or is it voices of the world?

Who Controls My Mind?

Today's scripture from Romans 8:6 spoke so clearly to me: "...the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."  I had never thought about Sarah Young's words about the mind being the "most restless, unruly part of mankind." These two thoughts made me want to make this one of the spiritual disciplines that I am praying to bring into my life and being.

A related scripture passage that has very helpful to me is from Philippians 4:8-9:
⁸ 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. ⁹ 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.
 Surely by asking for God's Presence in our mind and following this "command," we will have a mind filled with God's Spirit and Peace and Love. I pray that you will join me in this "quest." 

A friend just sent me this Easter version of the song, "Hallelujah." Please be patient with the introduction which is the story behind the words to these awesome lyrics; it will be worth it!

We Don't Have to Be Afraid!

We are so blessed to be reminded time and again that God is holding us by the hand and filling us with His Peace! However, in recent months, it has seemed to be more and more difficult to not be fearful.

While reading today's devotional and scriptures, I began asking myself, "How many times do I have to be told that God truly IS WITH ME and will not forsake me?" I found at least 23 references on the Bible Gateway web site (www.biblegateway.com) to the term, "Don't be afraid!"

I commit to "obeying" God and accepting His Word. I pray that we will all be filled with His Peace and obey Him by not being afraid!

God's Everlasting Love

Today's scriptures and devotional reading are blessed reminders of God's unfailing love. I praise Him that His kind of love is not based on our worthiness or performance!  I thank God for His most amazing Grace that provides us with this kind of love.

This beautiful version of the hymn, "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" is a powerful one that I focused on during my worship time today as I dwell on God's everlasting love. I pray that you will enjoy the hymn and feel God's Presence and love.

Peace From God

What blessed reassurance to know that God's Peace is ready to be given to us each and everyday. I had not previously thought that His Peace cannot be stored up for days or weeks to come. Instead, it is up to us to come to our Lord asking Him daily for His Peace - and then being confident that He will give us all that we need.

The words in the beautiful hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul," were written in 1873 by Horatio Spafford after unbelievable losses in his life. First, it was the loss of his only son; next his business was destroyed in the Chicago fire. Later, his 4 daughters drowned as they were traveling to Europe on the Atlantic with his wife.  The words to this hymn were written as he was crossing the Atlantic to meet his grieving wife. This is such an amazing story as it took someone with God's Peace to be enabled to write such powerful words at this horrific time in his life.

As I read today's scriptures and devotional  and then listened to the words of the hymn, I kept asking myself, "How are things with my soul?" What have I written or said when terrible things have happened in my life? Do you ever do any "soul-watching?"

Do I Have ADDS?

I sometimes wonder if I have ADDS - attention deficit disorder of the spirit!! Today's devotional is a blessed reminder that our Lord wants us to constantly  be aware of His Presence; i.e., to keep our attention on Him. I seem to get distracted more easily than when I was younger, especially during some of those "down" times of life. We are encouraged to keep our constant awareness of our Lord; this is how we can face the challenges of life "calmly and confidently."

What a blessing to know that we don't have to be afraid as long as we keep our trust in God.

Jesus Calls Us

The more I study scriptures and Christian books, the more I believe that Jesus DOES call us on a daily basis to live a life of gratitude - without complaining. He blesses us in so many ways but I confess that I often take these blessings for granted and don't show my gratitude.

God offers us so many gifts but I sometimes find myself too busy to even ask for them. Among some that I search for are "gifts of the Spirit:"  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, generosity, faithfulness and wisdom.

I believe that our Lord and Savior is calling us to a fuller life with Him here on earth as well as in heaven. "Jesus Calls Us" is an old hymn that has served for many years as a reminder of my Lord's call to walk closer to Him and to be His disciple. I pray that you focus closely on the words as you listen to the music in your worship time today.

Don't Be Afraid - Just Trust!

A recurring message in the Bible and in Sarah Young's writings is "Don't be afraid!" We are reminded that if we just "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."  I keep wondering why I can't do that ALL THE TIME and throw away my doubts and worries and fears!

I pray for you and me to be able to have a closer walk with our Lord so that we can let go of our fears and have a greater Peace with Him. "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" is a beautiful hymn that includes reassuring words including:
      "I'll be satisfied as long; As I walk, let me walk close to Thee."

Hints of Heaven

Today's reading reminds us that we can experience the essence or spirit of heaven by staying near to our Lord and holding continually to Him. Many times I am in such a hurry with the struggles in life that I miss the "hints of heaven" that are being provided for us everyday. Please join me today in stopping to observe and enjoy some of God's many blessings - the sun shining, birds singing, flowers and trees, family and friends. Then let us take time to praise Him for all that He does for us.

The final part of the devotional and both scripture passages are ones of "hope." I thank God for His Promise of our heavenly home - and for giving us the blessing of hope!

Joyful Living!

Today's devotional and scriptures provide such a simple guide for joyful and victorious living! - We are assured that kind of living will happen when we allow our lives to "merge" with our Lord by doing all things for Him. 

I have always been inspired by the thought of Jesus as the vine - and me as a little branch. By Jesus providing all I need, I am able to "bear much fruit" - even amidst my many weaknesses.

I pray that you will enjoy the beautiful hymn, "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" in your worship time today. It is a blessed reminder of living joyfully and includes a video showing some of God's wonders along with related scripture passages.

Trust God - and Don't Grumble!

After reflecting on today's devotional, I had to admit that it sometimes describes my reactions to "life." - I'm so trusting when things go well, but that trust tends to "slow down" when problems occur!

Earlier today I was reading Philippians 2:13-15:
 ¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Surely God is giving me a nudge on the importance of trusting our Lord in all circumstances - and to stop my grumbling when things don't go as I think they should. Will you join me in praising our Lord for all His nudges as He guides us to do His Work and His Will. What a glorious feeling to think that we might "shine...like stars in the sky!"

Trust!

There have been several recent devotionals about trust which I see as God reminding us how important is our trust in Him. I have been repeating the phrase, "I trust you, Jesus," several times throughout the day and night; I do think it's making a difference, especially when I am letting anxiety fill my mind!

Today's scripture passage from Romans 8:28 is one that has spoken to me and allowed me to look forward in life when I am in the "mire." The NIV says: ^"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." It doesn't say that God caused all those bad things to happen but it DOES say that He can bring good out of them. That's how I have been able to find hope - and I pray that you will do the same!

We Belong to God - All the Time

Today's scriptures and devotional are such powerful reminders that God IS WITH US - ALL THE TIME! Several years ago I was visiting a friend in the hospital when our pastor came to visit her during one of her last days on earth. He read to her today's passage from Romans 8:38-39 that tells us that NOTHING can separate us from the Love of God. It seemed that I could feel that God's Presence was truly in that room and especially with her filling her with Peace.

I have previously suggested that you listen to the beautiful Christian song, "I'll Never Let God of Your Hand." As I'm listening to the words again today, I feel as if God is holding my hand and giving me strength to move on through the challenges of life. I praise Him and thank Him for His Presence and pray that you will feel that Presence and Love in your worship today.

The Power of God Within Us

The power of God is available to us at all times in order that we can be His Disciples in our world. In my church, we are learning to become a disciple by looking more closely at what Jesus did and then striving to be more like Him, work like Him, act like Him, and have a heart like His.

In addition to the scriptures in today's devotional, I hope that you will read Colossians 3:1-17 in order to find ways to do our Lord's Will - and to stay in closer touch with Him.

God is the Potter and We Are the Clay

As I was reading today's devotional and scriptures, I pictured in my mind God molding me into being exactly the way He wants me to be! Will you join me in saying "Yes," to the Master Potter as we go through this day and each day of our lives?

The words from the hymn, "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" are insightful ones to use in our worship time today. The video that is used with this hymn is one of magnificent views of some of our Lord's beautiful handiwork!

Be Thankful for What We Have

I was raised on a very small farm in a nearby state and grew up without many of life's pleasures and conveniences. I still don't have a lot in the eyes of the wealthy of the world but I am very blessed with many comforts that I only dreamed about as a child. Maybe it's because of these "comforts," and my rather "poor" background that I now try to daily bring God the "sacrifice of thanksgiving."

Scripture is clear in telling us to "be thankful in all things." Do you have ways to share that you use to help you remember this command of our Lord?

Fruits of the Spirit

I feel very blessed to realize that God does grant me the Gifts of His Spirit - even in my many times of weakness. I have two other relevant scriptures in addition to the two in today's devotional:

     Galatians 5:22-23: 
 
²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
   

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NIV)

⁸ Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

My continuing prayers are that each one of these gifts of the Spirit will "take over" my life so that I may become more like my Lord.

Be Still My Soul

Today's reading is a clear reminder about our noisy, speedy world! It is also prompts us to practice the spiritual discipline of solitude! What a blessing to know that our Lord is pleased by our desire to seek His Face - even when we don't meet that goal!

I have previously posted the beautiful hymn, "Be Still My Soul," and am doing so again today. I pray that we may take time today to list to the words of this hymn and also to "still our soul" so that we can be closer to our Lord.

In God We Have Everything

Some of Sarah Young's words especially spoke to me today: "In Me you are complete. Your capacity to experience Me is increasing, through the removal of debris and clutter from your heart."  He offers us so much but it is up to us to clear our heart and mind so that our Lord can be make us "complete!"


The powerful words in the hymn, "You are My All in All" offer a beautiful reflection and worship hymn related to today's devotional.

Getting Rid of the Weeds!

I will have to admit that at many times in my life, I have weeds growing in my heart - weeds of worry, selfishness, laziness, etc. From today's reading, I am reminded that this is a choice that I make each and every day! God has planted Peace in my heart and but it often gets overrun with these weeds! I asked myself after reading the devotional and scriptures, "How and why would I ever make that choice of weeds instead of God's Peace and Love and Presence?" I guess my only answer is called "life!" I get so busy that I don't stop for a time of solitude with my Lord!

Do you have ways that you use to continually trust in God even in the midst of trouble? Do these ways keep you filled with His Peace and Presence?

Could My To-Do List Be My Idol?

Until today's devotional reading, I had never thought that my to-do list might the idol "that directs my life!" What a blessed reminder that instead of allowing that to happen, if only WE PRAY CONTINUALLY, HE WILL MAKE OUR PATHS STRAIGHT!

The actual date of Easter is over for this year. However, I don't think our Lord wants us to forget what He has done for us. I happened to find a medley of hymns that will serve as reminders all year - about Jesus' death and resurrection: Jesus, "Keep Me Near the Cross," "The Old Rugged Cross," and "At the Cross."

Do you have spiritual practices that you use throughout the year to help you constantly be reminded of our Lord's most amazing love? Please share with me and other readers.