What Controls My Mind?

As a long-time educator, I become more and more alarmed over how the media seems to control the minds of our children. In today's reading, Sarah Young writes about what happens when the Holy spirit is in control of our minds and our actions.

I began asking myself "Who (or what) is in control of my mind?" The only way I know to measure this is by figuring how much time I spend on different things during the day - the computer, shopping, reading the newspaper/magazines, watching television, working. We did an activity similar to this in a Sunday School class that was studying "Finding Balance in Your Life." It turned out to be a very "eye-opening" experience to realize how "unbalanced" our lives are in relation to time spent with our Lord so He can control our mind.

Have you taken the time lately to actually determine who (or what) is controlling your mind - and your children's minds? I pray that you will do this kind of activity to help you and your family better understand who/what is in control of our mind. 

How Much Can We Handle?

The part of today's devotional that especially spoke to me was the statement that "It is this you-and-I-together factor that gives you confidence to face the day cheerfully." I wonder what my days would be like if I made the conscious effort to do this?

The scripture from Philippians 4 has always been one of my favorites. It helps me to re-focus on it and pray about it. It is then that I am reassured that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Do you have a scripture that you use to start the day "cheerfully?" I pray that you will share with me and other readers who continue to search for ways to start our days with the Presence of our Lord.

Hungry for Our Lord

Do you ever "hunger" for a closer relationship with our Lord? I didn't realize until a few years ago that this is a lifelong process - to continually seek a closer relationship with God and to find His will for our lives.

Several years ago I had the privilege of being in a Bible study group with one of the dearest Christian ladies I have ever known. She exemplified what kind of person I'd like to be - when (and if) I grow up! We met for our classes at her son's home during the last months of her life. One day she made a comment that was so meaningful to us all: "I wonder what it is that God wants me to do during this part of my life? What is His will now?" Our group was amazed when we realized she was still on that journey; it also helped us to understand that finding the Presence and guidance of our Lord IS a lifelong process!

I once heard a pastor say that when we celebrate communion and drink from His cup, we are "taking in" and becoming part of our Lord. What a blessed reminder related to today's scripture passage from Psalm, "Taste and see that the Lord is good." I pray that we may continue to abide in Him and He in us. This turns my heart to the beautiful hymn, "Abide With Me." This piano rendition is a beautiful one to use during your quiet worship time - after focusing on some of the lyrics:    

1. Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
   The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
   When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
   Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
2. Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
   Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
   Change and decay in all around I see—
   O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
3. I need Thy presence every passing hour;
   What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s pow’r?
   Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
   Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.

Rest and REFRESHMENT!

In many classes in Spiritual Direction at Perkins Seminary we were reminded of the importance of taking time to stop and listen to our Lord. In the past, I've done a fairly good job of having a prayer time in which I gave God my "grocery list" of things that I would really like for Him to do! However, to stop and listen is different! In the classes, we were taught to have "breath prayers" - breathe deeply in and out those short, simple prayers in order to relax our bodies and minds. Next, try to empty our mind and take time to just be still and listen to our Lord for His guidance.

I've found out from experiences of mine and various others that nothing dramatic (such as a burning bush!) usually happens during these times. However, my own stories and those from friends have made me realize that this time of "silence and solitude" does bring about change of the heart and an increased Presence of our Lord.

Please share your stories of what you are doing in your life to bring about God's REFRESHMENT.

"Wasted Away" or "Renewed"??

I have felt so overwhelmed by various life circumstances in the last few years. Usually when that happens, I read about or visit with someone who makes me realize that how blessed I really am  and that my troubles are nothing compared to so many in our world!  I particularly appreciate the words in today's devotional, "I will not allow circumstances to overwhelm you, so long as you look to Me." What a wonderful promise!

It is always a joy to reread and truly "listen" to the words in the 23rd Psalm. Today's other scripture in 2 Corinthians 4 also spoke to me. As I get older, I know the body is "wasting away," but these words remind me that "inwardly we are being renewed day by day!"

I pray that you will be blessed by today's devotional and scriptures as you look to our Lord during your worship time. 

God's Gift of Today!

Many years ago, I taught kindergarten in a Christian school. We were required to start each day with a brief time of music and prayer. I am not "musically talented" to say the least so this was quite a challenge! However, as the year progressed and the children began to learn the songs, it became a delightful part of the day. I still remember the first lines of one of our favorites:  "This is the Day the Lord Hath Made"; the first lines (from Psalm 118:24) :
           "This is the day. This is the day, That the Lord hath made, That the Lord hath made.
           Let us rejoice. Let us rejoice, And be glad in it, And be glad in it.."
I pray that we will take the time to praise God for this and everyday!


Do you have a favorite scripture or hymn with which your start the day in order to set the tone for the day?

God Never Lets Go Of Our Hand!

When I started reading today's devotional, I immediately thought of the words in the gospel song by Don Francisco, "I Will Never Let Go of Your Hand." I know that I have previously referred to these powerful words, but I continually find it a blessing to know that He does hold onto us- no matter what happens in our lives!

Today's scripture from Psalms about about having "hope in our Lord" reminded of words from my dad several months before his death many years ago. He had a massive heart attack and was not expected to live through the night. He had never been a church-goer, and my mother and I were concerned about his faith and salvation. We asked the chaplain to come in to try to talk to him. When the chaplain asked him about his belief in our Lord, my dad's response (to everyone's amazement) was that "My only hope  is in the Lord." (He also told the chaplain, "I'm fine in spite of what everyone has been saying all night!") All we could do is thank God that we now knew that things were going to be o.k. - whether in life or death for my dad.

Please share your stories with others about experiences of holding on to God's hand.

Persistence vs. Perfection!

As I get older, there seems to be a greater need to realize that I am never alone! Today's reading focuses on this idea but it also reminds me that I have a responsibility in this relationship with our Lord. Sarah Young says that our trusting response must include God in our thoughts as we deal with life situations.

The closing thought of today's devotional spoke clearly to me as it tells us that God is looking for persistence rather than perfection! I thank God for His most amazing grace and to know that He accepts me with all my imperfections!

The Deuteronomy scripture says it all: "...He will never leave you nor forsake you." I wonder what life would be like if you and I kept God in our thoughts as a guide for every single decision we make - including our words and actions?

As I searched for the music to the wonderful old hymn, "Amazing Grace," I noticed that over 7 million people have viewed this particular rendition. That surely must mean that many people in the world are searching for God's amazing grace! I pray that as you listen to these words in your worship time today you will feel His Grace working in your life.

Thankfulness Along With Troubles

I had never thought about the connection between getting rid of our anxiety (worries) and being thankful. I am a big believer in using a gratitude journal everyday but it is quite a challenge to thank God for my troubles. I did a brief talk at a women's retreat on the topic of gratitude and did lots of research. I found that even Mayo Clinic and other medical sites have articles on the benefits of being grateful. However, at the retreat, we didn't get into the topic of being grateful for EVERYTHING - even the bad stuff that happens to us!

I recently heard a sermon on today's scripture from Philippians; the way the pastor expressed it was to thank God in all circumstances - for His Presence and Comfort. He added that it is often very challenging at the time of our trials to say "Thank you God, for this horrible disease" or "...this catastrophe in my life," etc. 

Do you give thanks for ALL things? I pray that you will share with me and others how you have responded to this scripture passage.

Timelessness - in a Hurried World!

Today's scripture from Revelations in today's devotional is a great reminder that God is timeless. We are also reminded that our job is to take the time to look for God's Presence in all that happens in our everyday lives. The words that spoke so clearly to me were that His Peace comes only when we take the time to recognize His Presence. In listening to others, it seems that is what we all have in common - the search for PEACE -  no matter what is going on in our lives.

I had to ask myself this morning, "How much time do I spend every day in seeking and recognizing God's Presence?" In this hurried world, how have you been able to "master time" so it won't master you?" 

When/Where Do You Experience God's Presence?

Today's reading tells us that God is present in many ways and places - and that we WILL find Him if we are really looking and listening! My problem is that I am often in such a hurry with life that I don't take the time to do that "seeking."

One of today's scriptures that especially spoke to me was, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13) At times I feel that He is far away, but then get reminded that He is always near and that it is I who have moved away.

Last summer, I enjoyed returning to Hot Springs where I spent a lot of childhood time with relatives and later lived there for a few years. What a blessing it was to return to see old friends and relatives! It had been over 40 years since I had been on Lake Ouachita and taken in  the beauty of the mountains, trees, and wildlife!  What a wonderful time of seeing and feeling the love of our Lord through these special people and places! I praise Him for His Presence and for this special time!

When have you had special times of experiencing the Presence of our Lord? Do any of today's scriptures particularly speak to you?

Celebrating God's Presence!

In some churches, death is considered a sacrament and is believed to be a "celebration of life." In today's devotional about the celebration of God's Presence, I began wondering why we don't do more celebrating every single day here on earth. Why do we have to wait until death comes to do that celebrating?? We know that He is our "firm foundation" and that He wants us to enjoy His peace and Presence.

I have a friend who does much more of this than I ever think about doing. I'm going to watch her and others more closely to find simple ways to celebrate life as a way of glorifying God and enjoying Him forever - beginning now! Do you have ideas to make this happen for me and others?

We Are God's Beloved

Have you ever tried saying to someone, "..., You are God's beloved child. In you God is well pleased." We did this recently in a Bible study group and the responses were varied. I think it was one of those memorable times that we all truly understood the impact of the focus of today's devotional - being God's beloved child!

All of today's scripture passages are beautiful reminders that with God's guidance and Presence we can "relax and enjoy the present moment." I pray that we will all spend time today in focusing on these powerful scripture passages and praising Him for these blessed reminders!

Have you had special reminders in your life that you are truly God's beloved child?

Laughter IS Good Medicine!

It's an interesting reminder in Proverbs that "A cheerful heart is good medicine." Today's reading also reminds us that God does want us to enjoy life. I did a search on the Mayo Clinic web site and found that they have 24 hits on the physical and emotional effects of laughter! Isn't it remarkable that science and medicine are now "proving scientifically" what was written in Proverbs several thousand years ago??

I'm presently reading a book called "Choose Joy" by Kay Warren. She makes it clear through numerous scripture references that our Lord does want us to choose joy in our lives. I also appreciate the words of Sarah Young in today's devotional that "Laughter lightens your load and lifts your heart into heavenly places!" What do you do that brings joy and/or laughter to yourself as well as to others?

Walking Closely to Our Lord

Micah 6:8 is one of today's scriptures and tells us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our Lord?"    I wonder what my life would be life if I used this as a standard for paths/choices I make in life? Certainly, I would be walking more closely to our Lord while living in His Peace and Presence.

Do you have a verse or verses that help guide the paths you take in life and help you walk closely with our Lord?

Times of Silence and Solitude

In recent weeks, I have written more about the need for silence and solitude focused totally on our Lord. Several Christian writers have pointed out the need to empty our mind of the clutter and busyness of the day, have a breath prayer to get us focused on God, and then sit quietly in front of Him. We most likely will not see a "burning bush" at these time but several people have said that they realized at a later time that God WAS guiding them in a new and different way.

My friends and I often discuss all the distractions going on in the world and all the choices we have to make - each and everyday! Examples might be as simple as buying a tube of toothpaste (with at least 150 choices) to selecting a TV channel to watch (I have the basic package with only about 150 channels)!! Sarah Young uses the term "overstimulation of the senses" in describing our present time.

I have been thinking more about sitting in front of God and responding to His questions such as "How much time did you spend with me today?" That's a disconcerting thought and one that got my attention! It made me realize that I must put this top as a top priority on my calendar each and everyday if I really want to draw closer to God.

How do we ever have times to see those "unseen" things that our Lord has before us in such a busy, overstimulated world? What are some things that we can do to ensure that "buffer of silence" around us? I pray that you will share your thoughts with me and other readers in order that we can become aware of the "seen and unseen" things in our world.

God Never Lets God of My Hand

One of the many reasons that I appreciate the devotions in this book is that they remind me of things I intellectually know - but tend to forget! Today's reading is one of those times! During tough times, which health has done for me for the last few years, I especially need that reminder that God is holding me and my family by His hand.

For me, I think this is a lifetime need as I seem to forget so easily! I thank God for His Word and praise Him for His reminders!

I have previously referred to a song that has touched the lives of me and many who have focused on the lyrics. I pray that it will remind you of God's Presence in your life and that He IS always holding your hand as you listen to the words of "I'll Never Let Go of Your Hand."

God's Spirit that Fills Us With Joy

In today's devotional reading, we are reminded of the effects of enjoying God's Presence with us. The scripture in Galatians 5:22-23 about the fruits of the Spirit is such a powerful one! By allowing His Spirit to be infused in us, we can be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control! 

Can you imagine what our lives would be like if we allowed God's Spirit to guide every thought, word and action? What would our city, country and world be like if God's Spirit permeated us?

I pray that you enjoy the old children's song, "I've God the Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart." It seems that when we are filled with His Spirit, we really should also be filled with His JOY!!

Transforming Trials into Blessings

It seems that the devotional and scriptures from yesterday and today are closely connected in that they relate to trust -even through difficult times. I sometimes pray that the trials of the day can somehow be transformed into blessings. Today's reading reminds me that won't happen when I "moan and groan, stumbling along with shuffling feet!"

I start most days by thanking God for His wonderful blessings. However, as the day progresses, I often begin  "forgetting" some of the blessings and allowing my mind to focus on what might be in the future, or what I don't have, or having regrets about the past. A part of yesterday's scripture from Romans 8:6 says, "..the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." That's where I want to be 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - to have my mind completely controlled by God's spirit - and to have that peace that only He can give. I know if I could do that one thing, it would change my whole being - including all my complaining - either to myself, friends - or to our Lord. Tell me, what do you think?

Trust in Jesus vs. Fear and Worry!

Sarah Young has written several times about our need for total trust in our Lord. She always include powerful scripture passages on which to focus and learn. Obviously, the topic of trust is an important one that can and will change our lives!

I pray that we all may allow our minds to be controlled by God's Spirit through our trust in Him. The words of the hymn, "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" have served as a blessing to me - and I hope they will for you - in times of worship as we are reminded of asking for "grace to trust Him more."

REST in the Lord!

A book I am reading about the spiritual disciplines of silence and solitude with God speaks extensively about the need for rest in our rush-rush world. One chapter is called "Dangerously Tired" and is one that spoke in a powerful way to me. I think I may be in that state and have been for many years! The author speaks clearly about our great need for rest. She includes specifics about times of silence and solitude, one being that it's o.k. for us to fall asleep during these times as we "rest in the Lord." I was glad to read those words since that often happens to me - sometimes followed by guilt!

Today's devotional is such a blessed reminder that it is only in our "daily discipline" of remembering our Lord that we will fine complete rest in Him. I pray that we all set our priorities with "time with God" as the top one!



(The book I am referring to is called, "Invitation to Silence and Solitude" by Ruth Haley Barton).

Wear God's Love!

Sarah Young's words that especially spoke to me today were, "Wear My (God's) Love like a cloak of Light, covering you from head to toe." I began thinking about how it would be to be totally encapsulated in this kind of love. That is my prayer for you and me - to be totally filled with God's Love and see everything through His eyes. After all, Jesus made it clear as to what are His greatest commandments:
    Luke 10:27  He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 

I Want to Be Changed!

Yesterday's suggested hymn, "I Surrender All," also relates to today's devotional about God wanting us to be all His - so that He can change/transform us and cleanse us. It is up to us to be open to that transformation. Another scripture that has spoken to me about being changed is from Romans 12:2: 

     "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

I pray that you will join me in asking our Lord to change us to become more like Him.

Does Worry Ever Take Over Your Life?

Jesus tells us in the Bible that we are not to worry and certainly not to accept it as a part of our lives. Today's scripture from Luke 22 (from the Sermon on the Mount) says it so clearly and is one of my favorites. However, I'll admit that after spending so many years in a life of almost constant worry, it is a difficult habit to break!

I have previously mentioned the hymn, "I Surrender All." For me, this is a daily prayer as I realize more and more that I need to surrender my whole being to our Lord - on a regular basis. It is only through this action that I can let go of my worries. Have you had successful experiences of letting go of worries and "surrendering" all to our Lord? Please share with me and other readers; I know I would appreciate your help -including your prayers.

Seeking God - in All Things

I have mentioned previously that in recent years I attended a local seminary to become a spiritual director. One of the first things that was discussed in class was that as we grow spiritually, we can better see God's Presence and face in many everyday happenings in life. As we spend more time in silence and solitude with Him, we are blessed to realize that HE IS present in all the good and bad that happens in our lives.

Yesterday when I was meeting with one of my "spiritual directees," she commented on a new and "unusual" peace that she had felt in recent challenging situations. She added that she was convinced that it had to do with the fact she is more focused on seeing God in all things and in finding time for silence and solitude with Him.
 
The words and music in the beautiful hymn, "Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God" are ones that communicate to me the essence of today's devotional. Some of the lyrics in this hymn are taken from Matthew 6:33 -
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." I pray that you may feel God's Presence and see His Face as you worship Him today. 
 

Who/What Do We Worship?

The first of today's scriptures says, "You shall have no other gods before me," which  is such a clear command about how we live our lives. My first thought when I focused on this passage is, "That's easy! I don't worship other gods!" However, today's devotional is a reminder that many of us need; we often look for fulfillment in "earthly pleasures or achievements" - and actually do "worship" those things rather than our Lord. 

I appreciate Sarah Young's words about God having "planted longing for perfection in every human heart...a good desire." I think that most people do long for a perfect world, but we must realize that WILL happen when we get to be with our Lord in heaven.

Do We See Challenges as Opportunities?

Several years ago is when I first read today's scripture from James 1. I thought that surely I didn't have that kind of faith - to welcome challenging times! Since then I have read and heard many comments from pastors and other Christian teachers about this passage. My understanding now is that we can be at peace even when facing many problems - as long as we trust in our Lord and keep focused on Him.

Do you have a different understanding of today's devotional and scriptures? Please help me and others "keep the faith" in spite of our troubles by sharing your thoughts with us. 

Who is at the CENTER of Your Life?

What a blessing to be reassured that when we keep God at the center of our lives, His Peace and love can rid us our fears and worries! Another promise in today's scriptures and devotional is that "There is no fear in love." We know that God loves us and is with us at all times; therefore, we don't have to be afraid no matter what is going on in our rush-rush world. However, it is our responsibility to sit quietly with our Lord and allow Him to guide us and fill us with His Peace.

What are ways that you keep your life centered on God? Please let me and others know as it seems that is something that we all want to do.

Rules vs. Relaxation With God

I am so glad that I don't live in the time before Jesus came when the Pharisees made hundreds of rules to live by in order to be "godly!" Today's devotional reminds us that we, too, can sometimes lose sight of God by getting so involved with "shoulds" and "should-nots." It also assures us that we can become more like our Lord and receive His Peace simply by spending time alone with Him - and KNOWING that He is our God.

The scripture from Psalm 46 says to "Be still, and know that I am God." The beautiful hymn, "Be Still My Soul" is one that always brings me God's Peace and allows me to relax and enjoy time with my Lord. I pray that it will do the same for you in your worship time today.

God Holds Our Hand

Many days, it does seem as if the world is "unraveling around the edges." Today's devotional and scriptures are such blessed reminders that God gives us "Peace and Joy that circumstances cannot touch."

Once again we are also told of the importance of keeping our mind focused on the Lord. Today's scripture from Isaiah 41:13 says it so clearly:
          "For I am the Lord your God
                 who takes hold of your right hand
            and says to you, Do not fear;
                          I will help you.

Do you feel like God is holding your hand - no matter what is going on in your life or in the world? If not, what do you think you can do to ensure that happens?