Let God's Peace Fill the New Year!

What are some of your resolutions for the New Year? Mine usually include eating more healthily, exercising more, and other "earthly" habits. I will include in my resolutions this year more about the really important aspects of life - my spiritual life and time with my Lord. Today's devotional and scriptures are such blessed reminders about taking time to whisper God's name and allow Him to fill us with His Peace. There isn't any doubt in my mind that His Peace IS what we most long for - and that IS clearly available to us!

The lyrics in the beautiful hymn, "It Is Well With My Soul" remind us that our soul can be filled with peace - when God is with us and we are with Him.

What are some of your resolutions that might help me and others who are striving to walk closer to our Lord?

"Emmanuel" - God With Us - Every Day!

I praise God for His Promises that I can be a new creation made to do good works and filled with His Love! Some of the words in today's reading spoke so clearly and profoundly: "The closer to Me you grow, the more fully you become your true self - the one I (God) designed you to be." However, we are also reminded that this can only happen when we give ourselves totally to our Lord and remain in Him as He remains in us (John 15:4). 

I'm one of those who would like to celebrate Christmas year-round! I keep in view several small nativity scenes to remind me of the miraculous birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. These tiny figures also remind me of the fact that I, also, am God's workmanship - "created in Jesus Christ to do good works." Without God's most amazing love and grace by sending His Son, today's scriptures would be null and void!

I just opened an email with the "Best Christmas Lights Display" Even though it's several days after Christmas, it touched me in that the music was the most appropriate but "different" for this celebration. This hymn, "Amazing Grace" might be one that helps us praise God for His glorious gift every day! Please help me and other readers find ways to keep this celebration at the forefront of our lives throughout the year.

Trust and Obey

The first two statements in today's reading spoke loudly to me: "Trust Me (God) with every fiber of your being! What I can accomplish in and through you is proportional to how much you depend on Me!" 
What profound thoughts - and direction for our lives! I pray daily for God to use me in His ways but this devotional makes it clear that it is imperative that I trust Him first -  "Trust in Him at all times." That constant trust is how we grow in His Presence and attain His Peace - and should not come through in only in the good or only in the bad times of our lives!

I pray that the lyrics in the beautiful old hymn "Trust and Obey" will speak to you as they did to me as a reminder of trusting and obeying our Lord.

God IS Our Refuge and Strength!

Today's scripture from Psalm 46 is one that I memorized for a class many years ago. What's amazing is that I can still recall (at least the first part) of that passage and have done so on many occasions. What a blessing to be reassured that God is with us and we don't have to be afraid!

Today's devotional reading is so relevant to our world filled with stories of "cataclysmic circumstances!" When I was in education, I went to a conference about how to be a positive parent/teacher/administrator. The first thing the speaker told us was that if we started our day by only watching news shows, there is a good chance that we will NOT be thinking helpful, encouraging thoughts or using those kind of words! I pray that you will join me in making a commitment/resolution for the New Year that we will start every single day by making time to commune with our Lord.

I praise God for His words of encouragement in today's scripture passages and also 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." What "Blessed Assurance" that we have from Him that no matter what, He IS our refuge and strength.

God Prepares Us for the Road Ahead

Last year at this time, I had just returned from a rather "harrowing" trip to see family and friends in another state. The harrowing part was the ride home in the midst of a major ice/snow storm! I don't know a better word than "terrified" would describe the way I felt for hour upon hour as the snow grew deeper and the roads grew slicker with ice. We saw dozens of vehicles in ditches and even in a forested area with lights beaming through the trees. The message that it was time to stop was when we saw a huge 18-wheeler truck overturned in a ditch a few feet from us!

Today's devotional is such a blessed reminder of the importance of stopping to take the time to be strengthened by our Lord rather than trying to keep on by myself. This is the time when God fills me with His Strength and Peace and Guidance.

Please join me in taking time everyday - or many times a day to be still in front of the Lord, then to praise Him for His many blessings. I can't thank Him enough for a safe trip home for me and my family - and for the message to take time to stop!

The Gift That Keeps On Giving!

What a joy to know without a doubt that God's love for me is perfect and goes on and on! Sarah Young reminds us that what DOES change is our awareness of His Most Loving Presence.

All of today's scripture passages are related to God's everlasting, perfect, unfailing Love. I thank Him for such love and pray that His love might flow through each one of us as we are God's hands and feet here on Earth.

The Christmas carol, "Joy to the World" is a good one to focus on today. It reminds us to let our hearts make room for our Lord. as we continue celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ - today and each and everyday!

Celebrate the Coming of the Messiah!

I pray that one way that you worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is to focus on the words and music of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah! If you have time to listen to the entire "Messiah" today, it will likely enrich and bless your Christmas! (This link only includes various parts rather than the full version.)

Joy to the world; the Lord has come!!!

Celebrate the Wonder of Jesus' Birth!

We celebrate at Christmas the birth of Christ our Lord in Bethlehem! We are also reminded today to celebrate our own "rebirth into eternal life" - "the hope of glory!" I praise God and thank Him for giving us that hope!

I pray that you take the time in the midst of celebrations to focus on this "Holy Night" and God's most precious gift.

He IS the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

The magnitude of the Christmas story is so powerful and humbling! Today's devotional and scriptures remind us of what the Lord has done for us. I rejoice in His tremendous Love and pray that His light and love might shine through me.

Please join with me in focusing on words of some of the beautiful old Christmas hymns including this one: "Love Came Down at Christmas." I pray that it speaks to your heart the way it did for me. Please share with me and other readers any Christmas hymns that are especially meaningful to you.

Jesus - The "Majestic Mystery"

At this time of year, I often get so caught up in shopping, cooking, etc., that I forget the wonder of the birth of our Lord Jesus - the "majestic mystery!" Today's devotional reading and scriptures are blessed reminders to stop what I'm doing so I can have time to praise and worship my Lord!

I pray that you enjoy and listen carefully to the words of this this beautiful Christmas song, "What Child Is This?" Join me in focusing on of the fact that He is Christ the King!

Have You Seen/Experienced Any Miracles Lately?

The scripture passage from 2 Corinthians 5:7 is such a blessing to remember - that "We live by faith, not by sight." Sometimes we see and feel God's Presence and Love and Guidance. Sarah Young's words that especially spoke to me were regarding seeing miracles - or not -  with the "naked eye. She went on to say that when we live by faith we can see them clearly. I believe that is true of miracles and also of seeing  God's Presence and Glory! However, it is up to us to stop and look and listen for these miracles and God's Presence in our lives!

Please share with me and other readers any miracles that you have seen or experienced. Of course, the greatest miracle of all is the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! I pray that we all may slow down to rejoice in that miracle.

How Can I Be a "Praise Song" for God?

Today's devotional and scriptures remind us of the fact that Jesus was "tempted" on many occasions to make the pain go away! When difficulties and tragedies happen in life, I have to admit that I don't have the self-control of Jesus. I sometimes beg Him to take away the pain and give me His Peace. As I was reading today's devotional and scripture, I had to ask myself, "How can I - or could I be a 'praise song' in midst of the trials and tribulations of life?"

I pray daily for God to fill me with His Spiritual gifts: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control. After reflecting on these gifts, I realize that self-control is one (of several) that I am most lacking. Today's readings prompted me again of continually seek the Spirit of God to live within me so that I be a praise song for Him.

Will you share your thoughts and/or stories about how God has led you to be a "praise song" for Him even in trials and sorrows?

God's Presence and Guidance

Today's scripture passage from Proverbs 16:3 is one that changed my life several years ago. I was trying to make the big decision about retiring early from my job. One morning I sat down and randomly opened my Bible to look for God's guidance. My eyes quickly fell to this passage: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." At that moment it was clear about my future - as long as I committed it to the Lord - and that's what happened!

Words from Sarah Young that especially spoke to me today were about allowing God to be in the "forefront" of our awareness. It's up to me to seek His Presence in all things in order for His Peace to fill me. It sounds so simple but admittedly is a challenge! How do you go about seeking His Presence in all things and keeping Him in the "forefront" of your awareness?

Today's Problems -- Everylasting Glory!

I remember the years following my divorce, I was "plagued" by many challenges. I will admit that I became very frustrated with this idea of being thankful for my problems. Today's reading and scriptures are quite clear in guiding us in this matter as is Romans 5:1-5:
 (NIV)Peace and Hope

5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

I remember telling my pastor that I thought I had a "lifetime supply" of perseverance and character! It took me many years to reflect on that time of my life as one in which I grew spiritually more than any other! 

The words from 2 Corinthians especially spoke to me today about the everlasting glory that far "outweighs" all our troubles. I thank God for this Promise and pray that all those going through difficult times of mourning or illness or other difficulties may know, understand and believe our Lord's Promise. 

I pray that you will share your understanding and experiences regarding this devotional and related scriptures. I still need help in this area as do so many others I have met along life's journey. 

Let Light Shine Out of Darkness

When life gets challenging at home, school, or country, we may ask, "How can light ever shine out of this darkness?" The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ is the most profound example of how that CAN happen. Yesterday in my church, our pastor talked about the fact that this Light of our Lord does not come just at Christmas. He continually lights our way and world when we ask Him to do so. - It is up to us to ask and seek - and we WILL find Him.

Do you have an experience to share about how light came through in a dark time in your life? We all need to hear each others stories as we constantly seek a closer relationship with our Lord.

"Work Ethic" vs. God As Our first Love

In today's world, we often hear the term "work ethic" - and how some generations seem to have more of it than others! As a retired school administrator, I do think that this is very important, and I remember honoring teachers who had an exceptional work ethic. However, today's reading and scriptures remind us there is something much more important - Seeking God's Presence above all else! It is only through making God first in our lives that God's Glory "brightens the world around you."

Another powerful related scripture is Matthew 6:33: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. A hymn that reiterates these words is one by the same title:  "Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God." I pray that we can focus on these crucial words in order that change our lives and help us to make God first!

Hope in The Lord

A good friend (and recent cancer survivor) and I recently had a discussion about the importance of hope in our lives. We agreed that the hope of heaven is what keeps us going with life's struggles here on Earth. Sarah Young puts it so clearly in today's devotional reading: "This hope (of heaven) keeps you spiritually alive during dark times of adversity; it brightens your path and heightens your awareness of My (God's) Presence."

I previously shared the story of my father, a non-church-goer, on what we thought was his last hours on this earth. My mother and I asked the hospital chaplain to try to speak with him even though he had been seemingly unconscious all night. The first thing the chaplain did was ask him how he was feeling. My dad's response was, "I'm doing pretty well in spite of what everyone has been saying all night!" The next question from the chaplain was about his faith in God. My father's response was, "My only hope is in the Lord!" That simple statement gave my family a peace that could only come from those words, as my father lived for several more months. When it was his time to leave this earth, our family was able to let him go and rest in the Peace of our Lord.

For me, that's what today's devotional and scriptures are telling us so that we "may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." The lyrics in the beautiful hymn, "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less" are blessed reminders of God's Love - and the HOPE that He gives to us!

Rest in the Lord!

Today's devotional and scriptures are such good reminders about how we so often get caught up in the worries and stresses of the world! What a blessing to KNOW without a doubt that we can "rest in the Lord" and be totally at Peace with Him! However, there is more to this than our saying, "OK Lord, I need some of your rest and peace!" Today's reading tells us that we need to start each day spending time with God. This is a spiritual discipline that I am working on, and I can tell you that it DOES make a difference in my days. My spiritual director told me that she simply cannot move through the day without starting the day in silence and solitude with Him.

The scripture from Proverbs 3:6 is one of my favorites that I have memorized and that I have needed and used in countless situations. However, I also use verse 5 which is "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not to your own understanding."

I pray that you will join me in developing this spiritual discipline of starting each and everyday by spending time communing (speaking and listening) with Our Lord.

Do We Really Take Time to "Be Holy?"

I appreciate the words in today's devotional about the definition of "holy" - as being set apart for sacred use of being totally Present with my Lord. I began thinking about times during the day that I truly set aside for that sacred use. I will admit that those times for me are not what they should. It was an "Aha!" moment when I realized that I am only depriving myself of the blessings that  God is waiting to give to me when I don't spend that sacred time with Him. 

Powerful words from Sarah Young were that this is how we are "transformed" or re-created to be like our Lord intends for us to be. She also writes about attaining God's Peace through setting aside time for worship and communion with our Lord. Can there be anything more important in life than to be like God wants us to be and to be filled with His Peace? This beautiful hymn has been a good reminder for me as I pray it will be for you about the importance of spending that time "to be holy" with our Lord: "Take Time to Be Holy."

What do you do to ensure that you TAKE the time to be holy - even when days are so hectic that it seems there isn't time for one more thing?

God Will Take Care of You

There are many scripture passages such as those in today's reading about the fact that God really wants us to "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." Some of the words in today's  reading about God's loving care spoke especially to me; they were about the way we see things - from an earthly view - rather from God's view. I cherish the thought that He really is close to me and caring for me - even in this "fallen world."

When I started reading today's devotional, I immediately thought of the gospel song "God Will Take Care of You." I pray that these words and the beautiful video will speak to you as they have to me in my worship time today.

Be "Persistent" in Prayer!

The story of how many years that Abraham and Sarah prayed for a child is most enlightening to me! I have heard people say that once we pray for something, we should not ask again but rather just let God take over that request. However, this beautiful story of the faith and "perseverance" of Sarah and Abraham tells me not to give up on my prayers - even when I'm praying for the same thing day after day!

I realize that God doesn't always answer my prayers the way I want - and when I want them answered - as is written in today's devotional reading. However, this reading is a blessed reminder of asking for and allowing God's Presence and Light to shine on my hopes, thoughts and dreams. I am gradually realizing that He doesn't always do what I ask - but He sometimes does CHANGE what I ask so that it is more in line with His Will.

Do you have a story to share about times when you prayed for something over long periods of time? Did it happen the way you asked or has God shown you a different answer than you anticipated - but a better answer?

We Can "Choose" Joy!

Joy vs. happiness was the point of a discussion in a recent Sunday School class. How can we have joy even with unhappy experiences in life?

Today's scripture from James 1:2 related closely to this discussion: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of any kind."  I'll admit that at first glance, it seems a bit too much of a challenge! However, after reading the entire devotional and scriptures, and thinking through the recent discussion, I now understand! A comment that someone made is that "Happiness is short-lived, but true joy is eternal!"  By focusing on that thought and on the scriptures from Psalm and Isaiah, I feel blessed by the reminders that God is upholding me by His hand! I don't have to be afraid! I can experience His Joy even during life's trials!

Have you had experiences of feeling joy even though things around you made you feel unhappy? Do you see the difference - once our Lord is int he picture?

Where is a "Safe Place?"

With so much going on in this world, many people often feel afraid and live in daily fear. Today's reading and scriptures are such blessed reminders that when we stay focused on our Lord, His Presence is with us - wherever we go! We CAN feel safety in His Presence! After all, we can find this repeated promise by Jesus: "Do not be afraid!"

The scripture from Psalm 23:4 is one of peace and reassurance in that we know "Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me" - no matter what! I praise God for this and all the Promises from our Lord!

A beautiful related gospel hymn is, "His Eye Is On the Sparrow;" - If He watches over the sparrows, surely He watches over me!

Please share any other Christian music or scriptures that have comforted you when you were afraid.

God's Riches vs. Worldly Riches

It took me many years to understand the meaning of today's scripture from Philippians 4:10. The words that I failed to focus on were "according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." When I thought about God supplying my needs, I think it must have been based on hearing a TV preacher telling me that God wanted me to have a big fancy car!

Several years ago, I read a book called "When All You've Ever Wanted in Life Isn't Enough." The author discussed countless movie stars and super-wealthy people who expressed their unhappiness with life. - They were still longing for "something" but didn't know what! Today's devotional and scriptures makes it clear that our deepest longings can only be fulfilled through the wisdom and knowledge and Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today's reading and scriptures reminded me of a children's Bible song that we sang when I taught at a Christian school: "Silver and Gold Have I None." Another powerful related hymn is "I'd Rather Have Jesus." I praise God for giving me the richest of all blessings - His Most Precious Son, Jesus!

Keep Our Eyes Focused On Our Lord - Even At Christmas!!!

Today's reading and scriptures sound simple but are sometimes challenging for me - to keep my gaze fixed on God!

I think I may spend too much time watching the news! How can I keep my focus on God when what I mostly hear in the media is about all the bad things going on in my community, country and world. Next comes friends' e-mails that are filled with stories regarding what is bad about politics, or education, or holidays. It seems that many of the messages being sent are so negative that they can only bring about divisiveness. Another point of concern is that many are filled with half-truths - or un-truths!

The email I received a few days ago is about how bad things are regarding Christmas; it announced overpoweringly how Christ has been taken out of Christmas. If anyone else has received this message, I hope that you have the time and energy and work of God's Spirit to add some words about "What am I doing about this to make it better?" or "How can I help my neighbors, community, country re-take the real meaning of Christmas?"

The writer of the original email encourages everyone to send it to all our friends. I would like to ask that we all send messages to our friends about putting Christ back into Christmas and/or where we see Christ's light and love shining throughout the world! Why can't we send even more messages about looking steadily at our Lord and His most amazing Love and Grace - rather than the negative ones that only cause worry, hurt and discord??

A Closer Walk With God

I had never thought about some of Sarah Young's words in today's reading about "multiplying duties in the observance of religion." She goes ahead to write about giving God our time and money - but without giving Him our Heart - what He most wants. These words made me think about some of the "duties" that I and others do for the sake of "the church." I believe that it is important for each of us to "work for the Lord" as part of our commitment to Him, but I also realize that I sometimes forget the "Why?" and "For whom?" of what I'm doing!

Today's scripture from Colossians 3:23 especially spoke to me as it says it so clearly - to work with all my heart for the Lord - but not for men! The only way I can do that is by staying close to my Savior so that He will lead me and show me His way. The old gospel hymn, "Just a Closer Walk With Thee," immediately came to mind while reading this devotional. This rendition includes a beautiful video plus the lyrics. I pray that you will focus on these words in today's worship time.

Do you have practices that you will share with me and others about how you walk closer with our Lord?

Surely the Lord Is In This Place!

Have you ever been in a place of special beauty or love in which your thought or comment was, "Surely the Lord is in this place."  I remember thinking that in places of spectacular beauty such as standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon and when I was driving up Mount Denali in Alaska. There's nothing else to say in such massive beauty!

Today's reading is a magnificent reminder that we don't have to be on a mountain top for God to be present with us. However, we often get so busy that we just forget that HE IS WITH US, - even when we are not aware of it.

Yesterday I wrote about the goal of a spiritual director being one who helps others discern God's Presence in their lives. That is really what today's devotional is saying to me. I praise God for the knowledge of His loving Presence.

How do you seek and find God's Presence in daily situations in your life?

Getting Trained to Think Like Jesus

I recently completed coursework at a local seminary to be a certified "spiritual director." We are not "directors," as such, but rather walk with others to encourage them (and ourselves) to see God's Presence in our lives. What often happens is that we begin to realize that God is waiting for us to seek and find a closer relationship with Him. The challenge is that it demands our time for this to happen.

Today's reading reminded me that God is my spiritual director - only when I allow Him to be. The only way for that to transpire is for me to spend time with Him. The scripture from Isaiah says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts; My ways are not your ways." However, Sarah Young's words tell us that God is "training" us to think His thoughts by spending time in His Presence.

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." This scripture gives us such a powerful message! If we truly want to be closer to our Lord and allow His thoughts to become our thoughts, this passage will guide us on where to begin.

The Name of Jesus

Many relevant thoughts spoke to me in today's devotional and scriptures. I began thinking about "attacks" on our mind in our present day world - especially during the Christmas season! I heard stories about people getting seriously injured from shopping "frenzies" in which shoppers sometimes push, shove, knock down, etc., others who are wanting the same item at a store. Why does this happen in the name of Christmas? What "attacks" our minds so much that we allow ourselves to get caught up in this kind of behavior?

I pray that we enjoy this time of celebration of the birth of our Lord by honoring Him in our thoughts and actions. Let's join together in drawing near to Him through calling upon His name so that we "will be filled with inexpressible and glorious Joy." 

Please listen closely to this beautiful hymn as you begin your prayer time: "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, There's Something About Your Name." 

God Tells Us, "Peace Be With You"

I hear so many people talk about the need for a "peaceful life." This is something that is so clearly promised by our Lord.

Since this is the beginning of the Christmas season, it is a special time to celebrate His Peace and Promises and Love. However, if you are like me, you are already asking yourself,  "How can I get this done... and get this done... and get this done... all before Christmas?" That doesn't sound much like peace!

Another scripture passage related to this devotional is Isaiah 26:3
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."


Please take the time to focus on the lyrics and photography of this beautiful gospel song about God's Peace: "Perfect Peace" by Laura Story. I pray that it will start your day by filling you with God's Peace.

Be Still - And Listen to Our Lord!

Today's reading is a wonderful reminder that to truly experience God's eternal Love, we have to first be still in His Presence - and get to know Him. In various Bible classes that I have been in, this subject has repeatedly come up in that it seems to be the most difficult spiritual discipline. What a blessing to know that "The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord" as we read in today's scripture from Jeremiah 31:3.

I have referred before to the hymn, "Be Still My Soul," but once again I am enjoying it today. Invariably, this time of silence and solitude brings about blessings; however, I need to remember to take the time to accept the fact that God - "Faithful will remain." Do you have another hymn or scripture passage that helps put you into communication (including listening) with our Lord and listen for His Word for your life?