Peace Be With You

Today's devotional made me focus on the idea of Jesus standing with us just as He did with His disciples after His resurrection. That is when He declared "Peace be with you!" How powerful and needed were those words then just as they are today!
   
Last week, as I was being wheeled into emergency surgery, those words of Jesus came to mind - along with the scripture from John 14:27:
     "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.  

       Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
In addition to those thoughts came ones from the beautiful Christian song,  "I'll Never Let God of Your Hand."  As the moment arrived of  entering the operating room, I imagined God standing by me and holding my hand.

What a wonderful blessing to know that without a doubt, God will never let go of our hand. The other powerful promise in today's devotional is that He does surround us with His Peace and Love!

What would you like for God  to say to you - and our whole world today?

The World IS Filled With God's Radiant Glory!

Several years ago, one of our pastors spoke about the joy and blessing of seeing God's love in little and big things in life. I still remember her words that were to the effect, "Every time you see a blossom on a flower or a leaf on a tree, remember that this is God saying, 'I love you!'' I asked one of my Bible study groups to do this kind of observing for one week to see if it made a difference in their lives. One of our members came back reporting her trip to a park and just sitting and looking at all the trees and flowers and thinking how many times God was saying, "I love you," in that one little place! She talked about what an awesome experience she had in this one little trip to the park!

I pray that your worship today may be enriched by listening to the lyrics and watching the video of "For the Beauty of the Earth."

Will you join me today to really look at a tree or a blossom on a flower and imagine that each of those is one of God's ways of saying "I love you?"

Anchored to God and His Love

I know that I have previously read the scripture from Hebrews 6 that says, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." However, I have never really envisioned being anchored to my Lord - by way of the Holy Spirit! I like the idea of the rope from me to God getting shorter and shorter before feeling the "tug" of the spirit, as I become more aware of God's Presence in my life.

I am blessed to have a spiritual director who reminds me that when I feel little "tugs" or "nudges," it is important to pay attention. It's often God trying to tell me something or move me in a direction closer to Him. Do you ever have those kinds of tugs or nudges? How do you respond?

God's Love That Transforms

I realize that God knows all about me, so I wonder why I sometimes think I am "hiding" my judgmental attitude, anger or fears from Him. I especially appreciate today's scripture from I John 4 that "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." This reminds me of how great is God's perfect love for me - and that I don't have to be afraid for Him to know my thoughts, worries, anger, or fears.

At this particular time in my life, I especially need to focus on the idea of God's transforming Presence! It's so amazing to me how many times that has happened when reading one of these devotionals. Do you have times that you feel this way - that surely these words were meant "just for you" and that you are being transformed?

Hope As A Golden Cord

Sarah Young's words that especially spoke to me in today's reading are "Hope is a golden cord connecting you to heaven...even when multiple trials are buffeting you."  I'm not sure how people survive without that kind of hope!

As mentioned earlier in the week, I unexpectedly spent the last several days in the hospital. It is at times like these that I especially see my family, friends, doctors and all hospital personnel as God's hands and feet here on earth. They are the ones who give me their love and support and help keep that "golden cord" of hope connected to our Lord. I praise God for His Presence that continues to give us this kind of Hope.

The lyrics to the old hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul" are such beautiful reminders of being connected to our Lord. Please share any Christian songs or scriptures that give you assurance and hope in your life.

Let Me Lead You!

Please reflect on the words in last year's post.

I plan to return to daily posts and reflections as soon as possible.

Thank you for understanding!

As You Listen...

Due to an unexpected hospitalization, this blog will not be updated for a few days.

Please review the reflections for July 25 on last year's post.

Thank you for your understanding!

Practicing Gratitude

I had never thought about gratitude being a "door" to the Presence of God! Does it seem amazing to you as it does to me that I can actually become closer to my Lord through the simple act of giving thanks in all things?

I have heard many people discuss how there lives were actually transformed from daily writing in a gratitude journal. From the way I read today's devotional, this discipline/habit of giving thanks will remarkably bring us into a closer relationship with our Lord - whether or not we realize that is happening!

I and so many others are continually looking for God's Will for our lives. Even though I have read today's scripture from I Thessalonians many times, this is the first time I noticed that phrase about giving thanks, "..this is God's will for you in Christ. That certainly leaves no room for doubt as far as God's will regarding gratitude!

I pray that you enjoy the lyrics to the beautiful hymn, "Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart" in your worship time today. What a blessed reminder of what the Lord has done!

Do  you use a gratitude journal on a daily basis or have other ways to ensure that you "give thanks in all things?" Do you have a story to share about how this spiritual discipline has changed your life?

Be Transformed - And Light Our world!

The words of Sarah Young that especially spoke to me today were, "Brighten up the world by reflecting who I (God) am"!  What a powerful thought to realize that I CAN either brighten the world for others or make it darker. I have a choice to make about every word and action! The beautiful song, "Go Light Your Candle" has powerful words to to help remind us to "light our world!" 

Today's scriptures from 2 Corinthians spoke profoundly about being transformed into His likeness by allowing the Holy Spirit to work in us. I often feel so inadequate to being "God's  hands and feet" here on earth; it is reassuring to know that I CAN BE changed!

Do you feel like your life is being transformed so that  you are becoming more like Jesus - and a bearer of His light? Please share your stories about how this has happend.

Am I Glorifying God - in All Things?

Today's devotional was most definitely a thought-provoking one! It caused me to question why I do the things I do. Is is to "look good" - or is it to serve my Lord?

The scripture in Matthew 6 was a powerful reminder about this issue: "Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men to be seen by them." A friend suggested the hymn, "O Master Let Me Walk With Thee" as one that ties into today's devotional. I pray that God will help us walk with Him and do all things in service to Him. Please share your thoughts on this issue that is still so prominent in our world today.

   

O Master, let me walk with thee 
 in lowly paths of service free; 
 tell me thy secret; help me bear 
 the strain of toil, the fret of care. 

2. Help me the slow of heart to move 
 by some clear, winning word of love; 
 teach me the wayward feet to stay, 
 and guide them in the homeward way. 

3. Teach me thy patience; still with thee 
 in closer, dearer company, 
 in work that keeps faith sweet and strong, 
 in trust that triumphs over wrong; 

4. In hope that sends a shining ray 
 far down the future's broadening way, 
 in peace that only thou canst give, 
 with thee, O Master, let me live.

Resting In Our Lord

Today's reading regarding staying  in touch with our Lord through resting in His Presence  spoke powerfully to me! Many days I get so busy, overwhelmed, and then so exhausted that in my errant thinking I tell myself that "I'll do better tomorrow."

What a blessing to be reminded that our Lord gives us all the strength that we need. However, it is up to us to make our time with Him as a top priority each and everyday. One way that I'm "working on" is to spend time in "silence and solitude" so that I listen to God, not just give Him my list of how I think He should do things! Today's scripture passage from Isaiah 30:15 seemed to be a significant guide in this regard.

I pray that you will share with me and others how you stay in touch with our Lord.

"Homesickness" for God

In various Bible studies that I have attended in recent years, the theme of constantly seeking a closer relationship with our Lord has been a common one - for all ages. In today's reading, the words that related to this "searching" were,  "Your yearning for me is a form of homesickness; longing for your home in heaven." It helped me realize that God wants us to  continually seek a closer relationship with Him as we yearn for His Love and Presence. It's a lifelong yearning and part of His Plan for us.

I found that the lyrics in "You Are My All in All" spoke especially to me in today's worship time as I meditated on today's devotional and scriptures. 

Do you have this kind of "yearning?" What are some of the ways that you respond to this yearning?

Just As I Am

I recently was in a class that studied a book called, "An Ordinary Day With Jesus."  In that study, we  talked about what our lives would be like if we went through every minute of every day with the realization that Jesus is right beside us - during work, driving, shopping, etc.

Today's devotional supports this idea to a much greater extent. In it, we are told that it's o.k. to bring all our anxieties into the "Light" of our Lord's Presence "where we can deal with them together." In this way, these anxieties and worries will NOT give way to fear.

In another book study, "Invitation to Silence and Solitude," there is considerable writing on this idea that it's o.k. to open ourselves totally to our Lord in our time with Him. He wants us to give to Him our cares, worries and troubles. The words in "Just As I Am" are meaningful ones that relate to today's reading and scriptures.

Do you have a story to share about times when you were able to turn your anxiety over to our Lord - and lose all your fear about a particular situation?

Staying Near to God!

I want to stay near to my Lord - and certainly want to feel His Presence with me wherever I go. However,  there are times that I feel alone. I once heard a pastor say that when we feel that way, it has nothing to do with God moving away from us but rather our moving away from Him. One way to keep this from happening is to make it a top priority to have daily time with our Lord - both praying to Him and then listening to Him in our time of silence and solitude.

The beautiful hymn, "Nearer My God to Thee" along with today's scripture passages are wonderful reminders that when we seek our Lord, we WILL find Him.

A friend also suggested to me, "Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord" as another one that fits closely with today's devotional. It is definitely one to which to listen when we need/want this reminder to see our Lord more clearly.

What do you do to stay near to our Lord - at all times? Do you have scriptures or hymns that help?

Do We Shine Brightly in This Sometimes Dark World?

In several Bible studies and Sunday School classes that I have attended in recent years, the topic of having a closer relationship with our Lord and finding His Will has been a common one - for all ages! In today's reading, the words that related to this "searching" were,  "Your yearning for me is a form of homesickness; longing for your home in heaven." These readings and studies have helped me understand that this is a lifetime journey - to be continually seeking a closer relationship with our Lord in order to understand and follow His Will.

Sarah Young's words, along with the scripture from Philippians 2:15, especially spoke to me to the point of almost like a "calling." I would love to be able to say that I am able to bless others by shining "like stars in the universe."

Do you share with me this kind of "yearning/calling?" What can we do next to answer this call?

Am I Too Busy to Spend Time With My Lord?

Have you ever said to a friend, "I'm just too busy to..." Sarah Young reminds us in today's reading how busyness is glorified in our present day world. We often accept the belief that more is better: more meetings, more programs, more activities.

Since I've been semi-retired for several years, many people ask me what I am doing with all my time. I often have to stop and think but usually reply with a comment like, "I don't really know, but I do know that I stay busy;" I feel that I have to justify the use of my time and assure friends that I DO remain busy.

The big question of today is "Do I make time for my Lord as my highest priority?" My Sunday School class has just started a new book called, "An Ordinary Day With Jesus." The focus of this study is to guide us in a decision that we will do all our ordinary activities but do them as if Jesus was with us - every minute of the day.

How would your day be different if every activity - getting out of bed, driving, watching television, worrying, working, -  included Jesus at your side?

Is Self-Pity and Issue?

My immediate response is a resounding "Yes!" - at least at times when things just aren't going right in my life - such as poor health, little money, the aging "process!" (I think that sounds like a recent devotional of Sarah Young about trying to control so many things and people in my life!)

The words in today's devotional that got my attention were about self-pity being a "slimy, bottomless pit;" (refer to the scripture from Psalm) a pit with no bottom to it means that I would keep sliding further and further down into it! What a scary thought! I don't want to go there and certainly need help when I do! I thank God for the hope He gives and for His undying, comforting love that lifts me out of the "pit!"

How do you stay away from self-pity?

Do You Belong to the "Worry Club?"

Worry seems to be a recurring topic in these devotionals! There must be a good reason for that - probably because it is such a big issue in our world today!

I had never read anything about worry that put it as "dogmatically" as in today's devotional reading: "Do not worry about tomorrow! This is not a suggestion but a command."  When my Sunday School class was discussing this topic, someone said that "Worry is just a sign of lack of trust!" I was a bit surprised by the comment but today's reading reiterates that point. We are told to get rid of that burden (of worry) "with one quick thrust of trust."

Today's devotional also shed new light on the scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9 in which we are assured of God's power and grace - even in our weakness - but for only one day at a time!

How can we help each other to rid our lives of worry? What steps do I need to take - as long time member of the "worrier's club?" I thank God that He is moving me out of that "club!"

Our Path: A Blueprint or a Journey?

I have no doubt that the Lord walks with me every step that I take. However, I sometimes wonder if the path that I take might go in a variety of directions - all that are still within His Will. A pastor friend of mine used this quote: "God does not give us a blueprint for our lives but an invitation for the journey through the wilderness, sustained by His love and grace." 

How do you feel about the path you are taking in your life? Do you think God's plan is a "blueprint" or a "journey" with choices that we can make? I praise God for the promise that He DOES uphold us and keeps us from falling!

Extending Your Worship Time

I hope that you will extend your time of worship by listening to one of the related hymns that are shown on the side bar. If you have a hymn, scripture or quote that speaks to you regarding a particular day's devotional, please share it with me and others by posting it as a comment.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Today's devotional includes a wonderful reminder to quit trying to judge and "fix" ourselves! The scripture from Hebrews 3 tells us to "fix our thoughts on Him." This made me wonder how life might be if I really did keep my eyes, thoughts, and heart fixed on our Lord. Would I feel His perfect, constant love?

This reading made me think of the hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." One of the lines of that hymn that says so much is "...the things of earth will seem strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace."

Do you have a hymn or scripture that helps you keep focused on our Lord?

Whisper Jesus' Name!

Today's devotional reminds me of the simplest of all prayers, "Jesus!" In some of my Bible study classes, we have talked about the need for "breath prayers." By doing so, we can quickly call these words to mind and easily repeat them in order to re-focus whatever is going on in our lives. The simple word "Jesus" has become one of many breath prayers for some in our classes.

Sarah Young's words tells us how simple it is become of aware of Jesus' presence by simply whispering the name of Jesus in loving trust. I was not familiar with the hymn, "Whisper His Name" until I found it and focused on the lyrics after I read this devotional. I pray that it may be a meaningful part of today's worship for you.

Have you had times that you called out Jesus' name and you immediately felt His presence?

Who/What Do You Worship

When I taught a Sunday School class of young children, I always thought it was simple and fun to teach Old Testament stories in which people worshiped idols. Sometimes I would illustrate by telling the students to imagine worshiping something like the table or a trophy or glass. I would facetiously pray to the table, "Oh, table, please be with my family today...." as I was trying to illustrate what it means to worship an object.

Today's devotional is a powerful reminder about present day idol worship - including such things as possessions, money, status in the community, power, etc. Sarah Young's words spoke so clearly to me when she said, "False gods never satisfy; instead, they stir up lust for more and more." I admit that in the past, I have been described as somewhat of a "shopaholic" which is simply one way of showing dissatisfaction with what I have. I certainly have more than I really need but still get a joy out of "more!" My non-trusting thoughts remind me of words of Paul when he said, "I have learned to be content in any and every situation."

I recently heard one of our pastors talk about the spiritual discipline of "simplicity." Her sermon was a wonderful reminder that when we simplify our lives by getting rid of unneeded/unused "stuff," we often can spend more time focusing on our Lord and worshiping Him. That is one of the major spiritual disciplines on which I am working and praying for God's help.

Do you know people who are living in total peace and contentment with what they have? On the other hand, do you know those who have a lot but continue to "lust for more?" How can we overcome "idol worship" since we know that is the only way that God's Peace, Presence and Joy can truly fill us?

Do You Ever Suffer From Self-Pity?

My immediate response is a resounding "Yes!" - at least at times when things just aren't going the way I had planned in my life - such as poor health, little money, the aging "process!" The words in today's devotional that got my attention were about self-pity being a "slimy, bottomless pit;" a pit with no bottom to it means that I would keep sliding further and further down into it! What a scary thought! I don't want to go there and certainly need help when I do! I thank God for the hope He gives and for His undying, comforting love that lifts me out of the "pit!"

How do you stay away from self-pity?

Is Jesus Your Best Friend?

I've heard people describe a good friend as one who knows all the good and bad about us but loves us anyway. That seems to be a wonderful way to describe the fact that Jesus IS our friend - to the fullest extent!

I'll have to admit that over my lifetime, I have had a few friends that I "let go;" they hurt me so badly that I finally decided that was not a real friendship. When I was reading today's devotional, I was reminded what a blessing it is for Jesus to know us completely and still love us. All He wants from us is complete trust in order that He can "bring out the best" in us. I praise Him for His ever-loving friendship and also ask that God will help me be that kind of friend to others.

What does it mean to you to have Jesus as your "best friend forever? I pray that you may focus on the words to the beautiful old hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" during today's worship time.

Why Worry - When We Can Pray?

I remember as a child in a very small school in the hills of Arkansas that a "Bible teacher" would come in and tell us stories and teach us Bible-songs. One of the songs that I still recall is "Why Worry When You Can Pray?" That little song touched my heart in such a special way; however, I have to admit that at times I remember these powerful words - but at other times, I forget!

This rendition of the song, "Why Worry...?" is not the one that I learned as a child but will hopefully serve as a blessed reminder to us about God's Power and Presence when we turn to Him.

As I was searching the web for the lyrics to this song, I saw an amusing sermon title related to worry: "Why pray when you can worry?" I will have to admit that is what I have been known to do at challenging times in my life!

In today's devotional, one of the scriptures is especially comforting and still gives me hope: Romans 12:2 - "...be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Even at my "more mature" age, my mind CAN STILL be transformed simply by sitting quietly in God's Presence and letting His thoughts reprogram my thinking.

How do you get rid of the worries in your life and allow God to transform you? Please share with me and others.

Where and When Have You Seen Jesus TODAY?

Do you see "glimpses" of Jesus in your everyday life - or are you like me and often too "busy" to stop and look around for our Lord's presence?  I think every instructor I had in the Spiritual Direction classes at Perkin's Seminary reminded us of the importance of seeking God in all things, including the good and bad, and helping others do the same. 

I cannot imagine how wonderful it will be to see Him face to face, as the scripture in I Corinthians 13 suggests.  The gospel hymn is "We would See Jesus" is considered a Christmas song, but reminds me of many ways and places to see our Lord.

Think of ways/places/people in whom you have seen Jesus today.

We CAN Control Our Minds!

Today's devotional makes me think of a quote by Emerson that says, "A man is what he thinks about all day long." Since I came from a background of daily negativity, it has been a lifelong struggle to realize that I AM in control of what I am thinking! Sarah Young reminds us to "reject negative or sinful thoughts as soon as you become aware of them."

My Sunday School class is currently studying a book called, "Spiritual Disciplines."  One of the chapters has some profound thoughts on being "shaped by God's Words" vs. being shaped by what we see and hear in our culture. It's up to us to decide who/what controls our thinking and which message do want to shape our lives?

Do you have ways that you have found that helps you STOP those negative/sinful thoughts so that you can keep your mind in the Presence of our Lord and allow His Presence to shape you?

How Can We Stay on "Holy Ground?"

Every time I read and re-read one of the devotionals from this book, there seems to be a new word, phrase or scripture that especially speaks to me! Today, it was the term "holy ground." I had never thought that holy ground could be anywhere that I take the time to stop and look and listen for God's Presence. I pray that I will have the self-discipline to find many places that are holy ground. 

Where is your holy ground? Have you found special ways to ensure time on your holy ground? I pray that you enjoy the words to the hymn, "Holy Ground" and that it reminds you and me that when we stand in God's Presence wherever it may be, that IS holy ground.

Who Is In Control?

I will admit that I would like to be in total control of my own life and sometimes in the lives of family and friends! Today's devotional is a good reminder that "You will never be in control of your life circumstances, but you can relax and trust in my control." What I need to do is be more closely connected to my Lord and "Be on the lookout for all that I (God) have prepared for you." I am regularly reminded by my spiritual director that we need to watch out for those "nudges;" many times they are God's way of leading us to His Will and Way.

I have heard today's scripture from Romans 8:38-39 read in sermons, at the hospital bed side, and in times of joy. What blessed assurance to know and believe that NOTHING will separate us from the love of God! 

I am also reminded by today's readings of the words in the beautiful hymn, "Take My Life and Let It Be." I pray that you will join me in making this our prayer during our worship time today.

Do you have other scriptures to share that give you reassurance about God's Presence and Love? Please share with me and others as that is something we ALL need!

Gratitude - The Way to God's Heart

Several years ago, I started writing at the end of each day in a "gratitude journal." I have since read many research articles how something this simple can truly change one's life - for the better - and I will admit that it HAS changed my life!

Today's devotional reminds us to also praise God throughout the day. It especially spoke to me that this is the "way to God's heart" - to thank Him continually.

Do you keep a gratitude journal or do you have other ways that ensure time each day for thanksgiving? 

If you didn't read some of the earlier links on medical effects of gratitude, they might be pretty amazing to you - as they were to me.

Let God Be the Judge!

It is so hard to not be judgmental in this life! However, today's scripture from Luke 2 makes it quite clear that if we don't want to be judged we are NOT to judge others! "Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned..."

The word "acquittal" especially spoke to me in today's devotional. I had never heard that term used in describing God's sacrifice for us. I pray that you will join me in thanking Him daily for His most amazing grace that does "acquit" us from our sins. The beautiful hymn, "Amazing Grace," is a powerful one to use as a constant reminder of God's Love and Care for us!

"Enjoying" God's Presence

It made me sad when I heard a friend comment about having no joy in her life. She is a wonderful Christian lady, but I think she was thinking of joy and happiness as one and the same. Today's devotional is a good reminder that joy comes from the assurance that God is our refuge and that His everlasting arms hold us. This kind of joy is offered to us even while we are struggling with problems such as illness, pain, etc., family issues, etc.

Another friend told the story about having radiation for cancer. As she lay on the bed having this procedure, she envisioned being held in God's arms, and actually feeling His Love and Presence. She experienced

Have you had times in your life when you were struggling with many challenges but at the same time felt the assurance of God's Presence so that you felt HIS joy? I pray that you will share with me and other readers in order that we have a better understanding of being able to experience that kind of JOY.

Delight Yourself in the Lord!

The words that particularly spoke to me in today's devotional were about constantly communing with our Lord so that we can "transfer" our problems to Him. In discussing this in a Bible study group, one of our members talked about how she did quite well in giving her problems to the Lord. However, what sometimes happened is that she often "took them back!" After reflecting on her comment, I realized I also do a lot of giving worries and concerns to God but also a lot of "taking back!"

Today's reading also talks about how important it is to "fight" for this time with our Lord. In this busy world, we certainly have to "fight" against many things that take our time: television, computers, movies, work, and dozens of other activities. The big question is, "Where do we put our priorities?"

Do you have stories to share about times when you have been able to "transfer" your problems totally to God? When have you been "delighted" in the Presence of our Lord?