Problems????

Do you know people or families who never seem to have problems? On the outside, it looks like the "perfect" life! However, usually there are many things going on in those families just as in mine. I would like to know how people keep that kind of image. Is it because they have all their priorities in order and look to our Lord in all things? On the other hand, could it be that sometimes we want people to think our lives are perfect - or that the problems will go away/fix themselves?

What do you think? Please share with me and others some answers about these difficult questions.

I REALLY DO NEED YOU, GOD!!

Do you feel like you are in constant need of God's Presence - the way I do? Some of the words that were especially reassuring in this regard are, "You have realized that needing Me (God) is the key to knowing Me intimately, which is the gift above all gifts." 

I hope that you have time to listen to the lyrics and enjoy the photos of the powerful prayer-hymn, "I Need Thee Every Hour" during your worship time today. I pray that you will be blessed as I have been!

Give Thanks For What the Lord Has Done!

What a wonderful reminder of how great is God's love: "Be awed by the vast dimension of My Love for you: wider, longer, higher, and deeper than anything you know!"

Today in the U.S., we are celebrating Thanksgiving. I pray that wherever we live that we take time today to thank the Lord for all that He has done for us. The lyrics of the hymn, "Give Thanks" are beautiful reminders of God's Love and Presence. 

While reading today's devotional and scriptures, I thought of another powerful hymn, "Blessed Assurance." I enjoyed reading the lyrics and listening to the music, but I had not realized that these words were written by Fanny Crosby, a blind hymn writer! What a blessing these words have given to the world as she sang, "This is my story; This is my song; Praising my Savior all the day long."I began wondering what is my story - and what is yours? Let us include praise to our Lord in not only today's story but the ones that we live everyday!

Does Thankfulness Rule?

When I am able to spend several days in the Fall at a friend's lake house in east Texas, I find that it is much easier to let "thankfulness rule!" That is a time when I'm away from many of the worries of daily life. As I am able to watch thousands of gold and red and yellow leaves being blown from the trees, it feels as if God's Presence and love are touching the earth. I still remember a sermon by one of the pastors at my church when she said, "Every time you see a leaf fall or a flower in bloom, it is simply a way that God is saying "I love you!" What a glorious way for thankfulness to flourish!

Now that I'm home again, daily stresses quickly return! What a blessing to be reminded that even in these events, I CAN be thankful. It is only through doing so that I will be able to "see more and more of God's riches!"

As I sit quietly before my Lord, I am repeating today's scripture from Colossians 3:15: "Let the peace of Christ rule in my heart ...and be thankful."  I pray that through God's most amazing grace that you and I will let thankfulness rule in our lives.

This is the Day the Lord Has Made!

I think I have shared in a previous blog about my years teaching kindergarten in a private Christian school. We were expected to start every day with prayer and singing a few songs about God's love and glory. One of them was taken today's scripture from Psalms 118:24. This version is a bit different than the one we sang but is still a wonderful reminder to rejoice and be glad in this day: "This is the Day the Lord Has Made"  I look back on those days and realize that by starting the day like this, we did recognize God's Presence and guidance. I also decided that the song and/or scripture from Psalms is one way I now commit to using as I begin my days.

Please join me today in taking time to stop and look for God's Presence in our lives - and rejoice and be glad in this and everyday! Let's praise God for this new day!

Pray Without Ceasing

This is another scripture passage that I sometimes find challenging. How do we ever get to the point in which we can truly say that we pray without ceasing?

Today's devotional and scriptures gave me encouragement about the fact that when our mind is occupied with thanking God, I "have no time for worrying or complaining." A few years ago the pastor at my church had a wonderful sermon regarding what happens physically, emotionally, and spiritually when we spend time complaining. In order to remind ourselves about our time used in complaining, he gave everyone a rubber bracelet. (I can't remember the words on the bracelet but I think it was something like, "Give thanks.") We were asked to move our bracelet from one arm to the other anytime we realized we were complaining. It was amazing - to me and many others - the realization of how much time we found ourselves using our mind in this negative way - and thus moving our bracelets! What a blessed reminder that did change lives - mine included!

I like the idea in today's scripture from Romans 15:13 that we "may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  This will be my hope as I strive to do a better job of praying without ceasing - to spend less time worrying or complaining. Please share with me and other readers how you have been able to grow in this direction.

Be Thankful - In All Things!

I will have to admit that this particular "command" for living the Christian life is sometimes difficult for me! I keep asking myself, "Does this scripture really mean what it says?" I appreciate Sarah Young's encouraging words about the importance of giving thanks in ALL circumstances - even though those circumstances might not change. Her reassurance came to me in particular with the words, "Thankfulness opens your heart to My Presence and your mind to My thoughts."

Do you give thanks for everything? Have you had a change of heart and/or reassurance of God's love and Presence when doing so? Please share you thoughts on this sometimes challenging scripture from Ephesians 5:20. Another related scripture is Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (which gives a slightly different light to this command).

Listen in Silence for the Lord

It came rather as a shock to me a few years ago that if we truly want to grow closer to our Lord, we must spend quiet time with Him. I realized that I had been a bit too proud at giving God my "grocery list" of things that I thought He needed to do for me and others. I now understand that might be o.k. at times. However, I also need to be silently with Him if I want to hear what He wants to tell me!

Total silence seems to be the best way for me to start this time; additionally, I do a little deep breathing along with a "breath prayer." (These short prayers can be as simple as "Jesus," "Abide in me," "Open my heart.") Then comes the hard part of trying to de-clutter my mind! When worries or thoughts about the day's activities come flying in, I try to immediately let them move out like leaves in a breeze blowing down a stream. Some people find it helpful to have quiet Christian music playing and others find it beneficial to first dwell on a scripture passage.

I'll have to admit that I usually don't have many moments of "epiphany." However, it somestimes amazes me that God's Peace and Presence have shown up when most needed - weeks later.

Friends tell me that for them, they feel a certain word or scripture was opened up to them during this quiet time. What about you? Do you have daily quiet times with our Lord? Please share with us how you have made this part of your worship time - and if you feel that this has been a time of spiritual growth for you.

Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart!

Several other devotionals  in Jesus Calling have been on the subject of having an "attitude of gratitude."  I have shared about my gratitude journal and the positive difference it has made in my life.

I recently helped teach a class at a church retreat about spiritual growth; one of the topics was gratitude and the importance of it. I found these links with very interesting information about what happens physically, mentally and spiritually when we have a "grateful heart." Here are a few of the links:

"Counting Your Blessings: How Gratitude Improves Your Health."

"Gratitude: Apply Liberally For Best Results"

 "The Healing Power of Gratitude"


I pray for you that you have an attitude of gratitude as you  "Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart" to our most Precious Lord and Savior.

God's Peace and Presence

No matter where in the world that we live, I hope that we can all celebrate a time of giving thanks - today and next week and next year - to our Lord for His Presence and Peace and Love. Today's devotional and scriptures are so clear in declaring God's Promises - but also clear that we need to thank Him in all things.

What a blessing are the words given to us in today's scripture passages: God gives us Peace; He is with us in all things; God wants us to praise Him continually.

Please take the time to listen to the music and read the lyrics of "Now We Thank Thee All Our God" in your worship time today. I pray that this hymn might serve as a reminder to us thank and praise our Lord every day of our lives.

Who Do We Please?

I grew up in a home in which I felt that it was impossible to please my family. No matter how hard I tried at anything, it was not quite good enough. What a blessing to be reminded that God IS pleased with us. The scripture from Ephesians 2:8-9 made it especially clear:
     For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Today's reading and scriptures were very comforting. Some of Sarah Young's words that I will remember are: "Shift your focus from your performance to My (God's) radiant Presence...Thankfulness and trust are your primary receptors."

Our responsibility is to thank Him and trust Him! Join me and others in praising God for His never-ending love - even at times when we don't measure up to our own expectations.

Have you had experiences in which you felt that you were not good enough? I pray that you will share with me and other readers how you handled these experiences.

Life As An Adventure?

Do you look at life as an adventure (or maybe as a journey) - as Sarah Young suggested in today's reading? I used to wonder how God's Will could "prescribe" every movement, thought, etc. After much reading (such as The Will of God by Weatherhead and Why? by Adam Hamilton), reflection and prayer, I now perceive God's Will as an adventure or journey with Him at my side. Many years ago, I heard this quote and it has been comforting in so many situations:

     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. 

Yesterday, my Sunday School class went to the Church on the Slab in Fort Worth, TX. This Christian ministry provides food, clothing, water and spiritual guidance to the homeless and working poor in this area of Texas. As I talked with some of those who came and waited patiently for help, I felt that surely their lives were not "the will of God!" However, every person who came was so grateful - even when we didn't have the right size of shoes or any blankets left to distribute. The lives of these people are much more of an adventure than anyone would choose. Nevertheless, I DO believe that God WAS PRESENT in that place with the volunteers, the pastor, and every single person who came. I pray that they, too, felt our Lord's Presence.

Who Am I REALLY Trying to Please?

Today's scriptures and devotional are so "refreshing!" They make it clear that we can try have a choice: to try to meet the many expectations and please those around us - or relax in the Presence of our Lord. As I read these words, I began thinking about all the time I have wasted trying to please others rather than taking that time to enjoy God's Peace and love. 

The scripture from Philippians 4 is one of my favorites. It gives me the reassurance that I don't have to worry - even though I often forget that Promise! I cherish the thought that "...the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Do you ever feel that God is truly "guarding" your mind and heart? It is only through the "Spirit of the Living God," that He will fill us with His Peace. I hope that you listen to and read the words of this beautiful hymn during your worship time today.

God's Most Amazing Grace!

I praise God for letting us know that "...there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."  That is why I immediately thought of "Amazing Grace."  I hope that you have time to listen carefully to the words of this beautiful old spiritual hymn. (Click on his name if you want to know more about John Newton who wrote the words to this hymn in 1772.)

In today's reading, Sarah Young wrote some powerful words about being distracted by all the "voices" telling us to "Do this!" "Don't do that!" "Pray this way!", etc. What are other voices that we are all faced with in today's rush, rush world? 

Which of today's scriptures spoke most clearly to you? They are all powerful when we accept what our Lord has done for us and take the time to listen for HIS voice!

Fog or Focus?

What a blessing to read today's devotional and scriptures about God's Promise to guide us - and hold us by His hand! I had never before thought about some of the words in today's reading regarding our Lord placing a "peaceful fog" around our path that allows us to see only a few steps in front of us. This is when we turn our attention to God's Presence with us. I look forward to the day when I won't need that "fog" but will keep my focus on our Lord at all times!

I have posted two beautiful Christian songs on earlier blogs: "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" and "I'll Never Let Go of Your Hand." However, they both seemed very appropriate for today's devotional and scriptures. I pray that one or both of these may speak to you and touch your life in a needed way. Please share your thoughts

How to "Handle" Life's Troubles!

When I started reading this devotional, I immediately thought of the gospel song, "Take Your Burden to the Lord and Leave It There." I pray that you enjoy beginning today's worship time by focusing on these lyrics. 

There is no doubt that "You will always face trouble in this life" as Sarah Young reminds us in today's reading.  I finally have realized that it's what we call LIFE!  The big question is, "How do we handle those troubles?" As I look back on my life, I see far too many times that I tried to handle things myself. I always liked to think of myself as very independent, which is nothing but a fallacy! The older I get the more I realize that God is with me in all situations, even though He does not always handle things the way I tell Him to! I thank Him daily for His Presence in all things and that He will help me face all of life's troubles. I especially appreciate Jesus' Promise in this regard from John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace..."

What is the first thing you typically do when troubles come along or you think they are going to come? My ideas of "What if..." often cause such worry, but most of those "What if's?" don't materialize. Please share any thoughts and/or spiritual practices that might help me and other readers.

God's Spirit Lives in Us!

Today's reading and scriptures are blessed reminders of what happens when we allow God's Spirit to truly live within us. It seems so simple! However, I know I make life more difficult by being too busy or distracted to let that happen! God's Spirit is available to change me, guide me, and help me - if only I will give Him space in my life!

Please share with me and others what ways that you use to continually walk with His Spirit in your life.
 
The words of this beautiful Christian hymn, "Pour Out Your Spirit on Me" reinforced for me today's devotional reading and scriptures. As I listened to these words, I felt like God WAS pouring His Spirit on me. I pray that you will share in that blessing.

Hope in the Lord!

It seems that we all need hope to survive life's many up's and down's! I may have previously shared the story of my father at the time that the doctor said would be his last hours on earth (though Dad did live a few months longer). We asked the hospital chaplain to try to talk with him early the next morning - even though he had been unconscious all night. When the chaplain asked my father (a non-church-goer) about his faith, my dad opened his eyes and said, "My only hope is in the Lord." This reassurance is what my family needed to give us peace when my father passed from this earth to be with our Lord.

Today's scripture from Romans 15:13 spoke so clearly about the hope that our Lord promises us: "...that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope." Can you imagine life bubbling over with that hope that our Lord can give us?

Do you have stories to share about giving or receiving hope - and how it has changed your life or the life of someone you know?

Are You Living an "Abundant Life?"

What does it mean to you to hear the term "abundance?" The first thought that comes to mind for most of us is financial abundance or having lots of "things." However, as I re-read and prayed over these scripture passages, I have come to believe that abundance has a far greater meaning.

Regarding the passage from Luke 11, I do believe that my requests have to be in line with God's Will before he answers them the way I ask; i.e., I don't think I will get a Porsche tomorrow because I ask for one tonight! I also believe that I and many others are far-more blessed than we take time to realize! That goes back to previous blogs about becoming more aware of God's Presence in ALL times and things.

In John 10:10, it says,  "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (King James Version) Surely Jesus meant something different than our present-day thinking. Different Bible interpretations say it a little more clearly:
      ^"The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflow)." (Amplified Version)
     John 10:6-10:     Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. “I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep stealers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of." (The Message)

Do you feel so blessed that your "cup is running over?" Please share your thoughts on "abundance" and what it means for you and others you know.

Strength - For Every Day!

What blessed reassurance of God's Promise to give us strength for whatever our new day entails! I will cling to the thought that "As your day, so shall your strength be." Of course, as previous devotionals have told us, a part of what happens depends on us - looking to our Lord for whatever is our need and seeking His Presence in all things.

In one of my Bible study groups, we have talked a lot about making our "God-do-this-please" list! I'll admit that I want to tell our Lord how to run things in this world! However, we know that God doesn't always give us exactly what we ask, but He DOES REMAIN WITH US! I praise Him for this most powerful Promise!

During today's reading, I was reminded of the powerful old (1873) hymn, "Blessed Assurance." When listening to the words, I realized that we need that assurance as much today as back 140 years ago! I pray that these lyrics may bless you as they have me during today's worship time. 

Who/What Molds Our Minds?

As an educator, I have been concerned for many years about the effects of the media on the minds of our children and grandchildren - and all humankind! Medical and educational research tells us that the shape of the brain is actually being "reshaped" because of our constant use/influence of the media. What's most alarming is the kind of violence that is portrayed on television or played on computer games. Many children and adults spend 5-10 hours per day (150-300 hours per month) being inundated with violence! It can't be any big surprise when even very young people commit random acts of violence!

Today's powerful reading reminds us that God can and will mold our minds - if we allow Him to. What would our world be like if we spent only a few hours a day studying God's Word, praying to Him, and quietly listening for His Word and Will for our lives?

Today during my worship time, I listened to the old hymn, "Take My Life and Let it Be." This arrangement is by Chris Tomlin and uses the original lyrics but also adds some that reinforce the meaning of these words. I pray that these words speak to you the way they have to me as I seek to "let go and let God" take over my life.

What To Do With "Future-Oriented Worry!"

I somehow think that God is speaking today especially to me (since its my birthday) and all the other Christians who continue to be "worriers!" The words that were so refreshing to me in today's reading were those telling us to suffuse/fill God's Light and Presence into our worry-thoughts. Of course, Jesus' words about worry from Luke and other gospels are so direct and clear that there is no way to misunderstand!

In today's devotional, Sarah Young especially refers to "future-oriented worries." I pray that you will join me in stopping to look at our worries to discern which are real and which are things that might happen in the future.

Everyone has worries and concerns at various times in our lives. How do you cope with worry? Please share your thoughts with me and other readers who are seeking to get rid of that lifelong "worry habit."

God DOES "Raise Us Up!"

Today's reading reminded me so much of the the words of Paul in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." As I look back on my life (as today's devotional suggests), I see that there were so many times that there was no way that I could have handled things by myself. What a wonderful reminder of specific ways that we have to cope with life's many ups and downs:

• our relationship with our Lord;
• His Promises in Scripture;
• and looking back at our Lord's help in the past.

I praise God that He IS the same - yesterday, today, and everyday in the future!  This beautiful song, "You Raise Me Up," by Josh Groban and the African Children's Choir says it so clearly that our Lord DOES raise us up - no matter what is going on in our lives!

How Do I Worship God - In ALL THINGS?

Today's devotional seems to reinforce the one a few days ago on being content. Sarah Young's words that spoke most clearly to me are "Instead of grasping and controlling, you are learning to release and receive."


One of my spiritual mentors from a Bible study group used to talk about what she would do when life looked more difficult than she could handle. She said she would pray and pray - and then "let go and let God." She was one of the most joyful persons I ever knew - even in the face of serious illness for herself and her family. She was the kind of person who was an inspiration to others. This made me start wondering, "Am I an inspiration to anyone, especially regarding being able to release my cares to my Lord as part of my daily worship?"

What about you? Are you able to let go and let God? Are you able to worship Him in all things? I hope that we have time to dwell and pray on this today.

Am I Pleasing God?

I feel a bit challenged by today's reading about "pleasing God in all things!" I certainly want to please God in little and big things, but many times my humanity takes over and I'm sure that I let Him down. I am constantly looking for His guidance through prayer, Bible study, church, and the help of pastors and other Christians.  However, my understanding is that only Jesus is Perfect and that I don't need to "beat up" on myself when I am far less than perfect. Instead, I thank God for His loving kindness - and especially His forgiveness!

How do you feel about how well you are pleasing God?

Human Nature vs. God's Nature

I think it is human nature to "feel happy when things are going well, and sad or frustrated when things don't turn out as they'd hoped" - or at least that is my nature. In looking in the thesaurus for the word contentment, I was a bit surprised to see that some of the synonyms that showed up are: happiness, satisfaction, pleasure. What a blessing to be reminded in today's reading and scriptures that with the help of our Lord, we can overcome our human nature and be happy, satisfied and filled with contentment. . The passage from Philippians 4:12 especially spoke to me: "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation."

The idea that we can live as close to our Lord as we choose puts responsibility on us. I can choose to trust in the Lord and know that He takes care of me - or not. This reminds me of the beautiful hymn, "God Will Take Care of You." I hope you enjoy these encouraging words; they are especially meaningful knowing that these young ladies live in an orphanage.

Walking In Peace!

In our hurried, busy world, walking in peace seems to be wishful-thinking! Today's reading and scriptures are so powerful in reminding us that we really CAN go through even the most-demanding times in Peace. However, there is one requirement - keep our mind on the Presence of our Lord. 

What are some of the ways that you get through stressful times? One of mine is find relevant scriptures or do a computer-Bible search (such as on biblegateway.com). In addition to today's passages and devotional, one of my favorites is 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." A beautiful old hymn that is also a comfort is, "It Is Well With My Soul." Please share your thoughts on keeping God's peace in spite of our many difficulties and challenges in life.

What Happens When We Are Disappointed?

Disappointments come to everyone at one time or another in life! We all need encouragement at these times and today's reading provided meaningful thoughts to which we can hold. I especially appreciate some of Sarah Young's words: "When you reframe setbacks as opportunities, you find that you gain much more than you have lost." 

The scriptures from Colossians and Philippians are such wonderful reminders of what is important in life - prayer and knowing Christ as our Lord and Savior! As I was reading these passages, I began thinking of the hymn, "Count Your Blessings" and a few words from it:  When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged thinking all is lost...These words continue to comfort me as I change my focus to blessings instead of disappointments, hurts, challenges.

Please share other scriptures and/or Christian songs that help you get through some of life's struggles and disappointments.

Grow Strong - Even in Our Weakness!

Today's reading and scriptures remind me of another passage that has been powerful in my life. I had read it many times but it wasn't until a few years ago that it really touched my heart:

"My grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in weakness." 

As the aging process continues, I find myself  "weak" - physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually - in many situations. What a blessed promise that through these times I can still grow strong in the Lord!

Do you know of scriptures or Christian music that have been meaningful to you in times of weakness?

Keeping Our Focus On Our Lord

I often get frustrated at myself when my focus isn't on God but on worldly things - even though I have been taught to do better. This reminds me of times when my children were young and did something foolish - after being taught differently. -  I still loved them as our Lord still loves us!

Today's reading reminds us that we have Jesus who intercedes for us - and will "sympathize with our weaknesses." After all, He has gone through much greater temptations than we can imagine! Other words that especially spoke to me in today's devotional are "Each time you plow your way through the massive distractions to communicate with Me (God), you achieve a victory."

 As I was reading today's devotional and scriptures, I thought of the beautiful old hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." What a blessed reminder for us to keep our eyes, heart and mind focused on Him.I praise God for the most Precious Gift of His Son who is our Helper and loves us no matter what!