Trust or Worry - Which One Do We Choose?

I am so thankful for God's many wonderful Promises to us. In today's devotional and scriptures, it is clear that our Lord will give us strength and take away our fears and worries! I believe this but will have to admit that I have had a lifetime habit of worry. I wonder how much time I have wasted on worry - and how much more energy I would have by just putting my complete trust in my Lord.

All of today's scriptures are so reassuring. However, the one that has spoken to me time and again is the one from Matthew 6:34. What Bible verses keep you from worrying and fill you with God's strength?

Who/What Is Your God?

Today's devotional is an excellent reminder of the importance of keeping our thoughts focused on our Lord! I had never thought about my thoughts (including worries) becoming my god/idols! What about you? Are you like me in that you find yourself thinking more about worldly things such as "I would really like to have a new..." rather than our Lord? Sarah Young's words that were rather alarming were: "Whatever occupies your mind the most becomes you god."

Today's scripture passages along with Philippians 4:8 are very clear in guiding us to keep our minds where they should be: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."  I pray that God will help me keep my mind on these things!!

What do you think our world would be like if every Christian followed these words of guidance?

Anxiety vs. Peace

Words that especially spoke to me in today's reading are, "In My radiant Light, anxious thoughts shrink and shrivel away."  What a blessed thought! I am imagining my worries and "confused ideas" shrinking down to nothing!

Today's scripture from Isaiah 26:3 is such a profound reminder: "You will keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You..." Are you like me constantly searching for that Peace? This is another of those spiritual practices that I am working on - to keep my mind focused on my Lord.

The old hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," says so much about keeping our focus on our Lord. I hope you take time to listen to and grasp these beautiful words.

Jesus IS With Us - Always!

When we get discouraged or frightened of turmoil or unrest or environmental changes in our world, what a blessing to know this most wonderful promise of our Lord: "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." 
In a recent book that my Bible study class was studying, the author wrote about the importance of repeating throughout the day, "I trust you, Jesus!" I have not yet gotten to the point where I can say that this is a new habit - but I can say that I'm working on it!

Sarah Young made an interesting point in that most of us Christians "accept" this as true but we don't act like we believe it in our daily lives. How do you keep focused on this Promise - that Jesus IS WITH US - even in difficult times?

Trust in the Lord With All Your Heart!

I had never thought of trust as being a "golden pathway to heaven" - but it is a reassuring idea! It sounds so simple but when life becomes difficult, it's so easy for me to try to rely on my own understanding rather than trusting in my Lord. Today's scripture passages are wonderful reminders about what happens when we do put our trust entirely in our Lord.

I would really like my paths to be straight! How about you? What do you do to be assured that you are on the straight path.

I have referred to the old hymn, "Trust and Obey" several times. However, the words in it are so beautiful and meaningful that I pray you will focus on them today in your worship time.

We Can Have God's Joy - Even in Our Fallen World!

We don't have to be reminded that no one has a "problem-free" life or live in a problem-free world! What a blessed reminder in today's reading and scriptures that our Lord has overcome the world! - We CAN enjoy Him and glorify Him in the midst of our troubles! - His Light shines more brightly when we continue to trust Him in difficult times!

I think God has been trying to get this message embedded in my mind and heart during the last several months. I have read devotionals, Sunday School materials and other readings in which the term "joy" and "enjoy" keep showing up again and again. I can't help but think of the children's song, "I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Down in My Heart."  The scripture that has spoken to me repeatedly is, "This is the day that the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Do you have scriptures or Christian music that has especially spoken to you about "Joy?"

Be Still - and Then Be Transformed!

Two particular points spoke clearly to me in today's devotional reading. The first is about being still in the Presence of our Lord. During my classes in Spiritual Direction, this was something discussed repeatedly - but something that I had never done. I have now taught this (from a book entitled "Silence and Solitude) as a very important "spiritual disciplines. I now realize that my life is much more peaceful when I start the day with being still and LISTENING to what the Lord is saying to me. It is through this kind of stillness that God's Love, Peace and Will can fill me. (One note here is that there are many days for me and others that during this time of silence and solitude, it seems nothing is happening! However, in a few days or months, I suddenly realize that I have been changed!)

The second point is also reflected in the scripture from 2 Corinthians 3:18 - which is about being TRANSFORMED into what our Lord wants us to be. The way I understand it, I will not be changed into "His Likeness" without trusting and giving Him my time. This also made me think of a line from the old hymn, "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" that says "thou art the potter; I am the clay."

How did today's devotional speak to you? It seems that when I talk to people about these devotionals and scriptures, many times what speaks to them is entirely different than what speaks to me. I'm sure it has to do with what is happening in our lives and where we are spiritually. Please share your thoughts.

God's Gift of Peace

Have you ever had someone refuse a special gift that you spent hours making - or finding? For some reason, that's what came to mind when I read today's devotional and scriptures as that has happened to me. Our Lord is offering us a most precious gift of Peace - for which He paid the highest price - His blood! However, we sometimes reject this gift simply by not trusting Him.

Today's scripture from John 16 especially spoke to me - after I read it several times. What a blessing to know and believe and trust in God's promise of Peace and His reassurance that He HAS overcome the trials and troubles in our world!

It's OK to Be Human!

On several occasions when I was going through very difficult times in my life, I became so upset at myself for feeling weak, sad, and very anxious. I kept thinking that if I were a good Christian, I wouldn't feel so weak. It has taken various pastors to remind me that I AM human - and our Lord understands those feelings during challenging times!

All of today's scriptures are so powerful but my favorite is the one from 2 Corinthians 12:9. The NIV  says, "My grace is sufficient for you; my Power is made perfect in weakness."  The first time I truly focused on that passage, God's acceptance of me with all my weaknesses became clear! I praise Him for His acceptance of my weaknesses "Just As I Am"(as the old hymn reminds us) and the promise that He uses these as openings for His light to shine in and through me.

Do you have favorite scriptures or hymns that you go to for strength and peace in challenging times? Please share with me and others.

Do I Have the Courage to "Run Toward Challenges?"

Some of Sarah Young's words were that particularly spoke to me are: "Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity. Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them..." That is sometimes difficult to accept in my opinion! However, we continue to read in many scriptures and Bible studies about these "opportunities for growth." In one of my recent Sunday School classes, the author of our material went so far as to say that we should/could say to ourselves when events in life become difficult: "School is now in session!!" In other words, it's time to grow and learn!

Today's reading and scriptures tell us clearly what to do during anxious and/challenging times. Simply lean on our Lord. Below are two different versions of today's scripture from Proverbs. It is often helpful to me to clarify and embrace such powerful passages by reading them from many different versions of the Bible.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - King James Version
     Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
     And He shall direct your paths.


Proverbs 3:5-6 - The Message
        Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.

Please share with me and other readers when you find Bible versions that are especially meaningful to you about a day's devotional.

NOTHING Can Separate Us From God's Love!

What a blessing to be reminded NOTHING can separate us from the love of God - "Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation!" The first time I remember this passage is when I was visiting a friend during one of her last days on earth. A pastor came to visit and read Romans 8:39. The atmosphere in the room seemed to change! There was no doubt that our Lord was there in that room with us - and especially with her!

An old hymn entitled "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" is a different way to think about today's devotional reading - and to remember in days to come. I hope you have time to listen closely to the lyrics as  you worship our Lord today as this group of men sing this acapella version.

My Ways vs. God's Ways

Today's devotional and scriptures remind me that God's Ways are so much better than mine! I have previously mentioned how my prayers sometimes consist of my list of things that I think God should be doing for me! However, as I continue to grow closer to my Lord, I try daily to LISTEN to Him during a quiet time so that I will better understand the plans He has for me.

I hope that today you will have time to reread the scripture passages several times - and to allow God to help you and me better understand His thoughts and His ways.The one from Jeremiah 29 is one that is a favorite of me and some of my family.

Seeking our Lord

Today's scripture passage from Philippians 4 spoke powerfully to me, especially the lines that say "It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." Related to this scripture, Sarah Young reminds us that God's Nature is to bless and will shower "Peace in to the pool of your mind." Can you imagine what it would be like to empty ourselves totally of worry, stress, anger, etc., so that God could give us His wonderful Peace?

What blessed reassurance to also be reminded that when we truly seek our Lord, we WILL find Him if we seek Him with all our heart! Are there ways that you have found that help you do this every moment of every day? Please share with me and others any thoughts that you have on this idea so that we might be filled with God's Peace.

I realize that I have previously posted this beautiful old hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." However, this version contains the lyrics that we can focus on as we worship our Lord and seek His face. 

Do We Really Want to Follow Jesus?

The scripture from 2 Corinthians 4:17 especially spoke to me. However, many times my troubles do not feel like they are "light and momentary!"  The reassuring part of this scripture is when it says that these troubles will achieve for us an "eternal glory that far outweighs them all." I thank God for this reassurance and truly don't know how people make it through life without His Promises, Love and Presence!

The lyrics in the hymn, "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" have been a blessing and reminder to me to never "turn back" as I look to my Lord!

Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart

I recently purchased a plaque that had written on it today's scripture from Psalm 118:24: "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." I replaced a broken clock with this plaque and find myself looking at it many times a day. What a blessing to be reminded throughout the day that God did make this day and that I do need to give thanks and rejoice in it!

Today's scripture from Philippians 4 is another of my favorites, especially the phrase: "...let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ." When I re-read it today, I began thinking about what it means to have God "guard" our hearts. It seems that it might mean that He will keep our hearts safe from worries and keep it focused on Him. How do you interpret the meaning of this passage?

After reading today's devotional and scriptures, please take time to listen to the words of this beautiful hymn, "Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart." If you are like me, you will want to listen to it several times as we thank God for all He has done for us. By continually thanking Him, we WILL feel His Presence and Peace.

REST - in God's Presence and With His Peace

I've never thought before reading today's devotional about "rehearsing" my troubles! However, I'm sure that's what I do when I think "This might happen unless..." I have to admit that I'm pretty good at worry or "anticipating" what might be ahead - as Sarah Young puts it.

Today's scripture from Matthew 11 is such a blessing. As I was reading it, I imagined Jesus standing by my side and saying those words to me: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." It seems that these words could bring comfort and peace to so many who are in difficult times.

I think this will be another one of those passages which I want to start repeating every morning. Do you have special passages that you use to start your day with a focus on our Lord? I hope that you will share them with me and other readers.

Face to Face With Our Lord!

There is no doubt that our lives are filled with problems. However, it is such a blessing to realize that when we keep our focus on our Lord, He will fill us with His Peace.

During today's worship, please take time to focus not only on the reading and scriptures but on the words from this beautiful hymn, "Face to Face With Christ My Savior."

Today in a Bible study group that I attend, there was a lot of discussion about the fact that everyone faces difficult times in their lives. It is only through having Christ as Savior and allowing Him to consume us that we can survive such struggles. Our leader also made the point that our Lord uses these times to strengthen and build us to be more in His image. Do you have stories to share about such times in your life?

God Blesses Us With His Grace and Peace!

Today's reading reminds us that God sees what is in our hearts - no matter what we look like or do or say on the outside! At first thought, that seems a little un-nerving! However, Sarah Young's words then tell us that it should be a relief to be "fully understood" by our Lord.

I especially am grateful that God will transform my weaknesses into strengths! A scripture that makes this clear is from 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Today's scripture from Romans 8:38-39 is one that feels like a powerful blessing every time I read it. How wonderful to know that nothing can separate us from God's love!

This Is the Day

Today's scripture from Psalm 118:24 is a marvelous one to start every day! "This is the day the Lord has made; let us REJOICE and be glad in it!" A friend told me how meaningful it is to have her new housemate leave every morning with similar words: "Have a joyful day!" 

We know that there are challenges in many days of our lives. However, what a difference it would make if we started everyday repeating the scripture from Psalm and recognizing that each day IS "a precious, unrepeatable gift."  Will you try it with me for the next few weeks? Let's see what happens!

Be Prepared for Today

In today's reading, we are reminded how to prepare ourselves for the new day. Sarah Young tells us that the best way to do this is to spend quality time with our Lord before we start our day. He won't necessarily show us every step to take, but He has promised that His Presence will be with us.

I have previously referred to the hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." I hope that you have time to dwell on the words and music of this beautiful hymn along with today's scriptures.

Let Go and Let God!

A wonderful spiritual friend/guide in one of my Bible study classes used to give the rest of us some of her "keys for living." The one I remember most is "When things go wrong and I begin to worry, the first thing I do is sit still and pray. Then, I just let go and let God take over." This belief had gotten her through numerous ups and downs as she neared the end of life, but it was her avid belief. She went on to be with our Lord a few years ago but several in our group still repeat Maxine's words of faith which was a blessing for us all; we often say we wish we had that kind of faith!

 The scripture today from Colossians especially spoke to me: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." I wonder what would happen in my life and in our world if we Christians devoted ourselves to prayer and then thanked God for His answer - even if it's not what we wanted? It is through this kind of faith that we might better be able to "let go and let God!"

For one of my New Year's resolutions, I have decided to at least devote MORE time to prayer and thanksgiving, along with then putting my trust in God.  What about you? Will you join me in sharing some of your "spiritual resolutions?"

Heavenly Treasures vs. Earthly Treasures

In our materialistic world, I really appreciate the reminder of the importance of "heavenly treasures" vs. worldly treasures! It is especially reassuring to understand and believe that we can "store" up treasures in heaven every time we trust in our Lord. In that way, we are blessed with God's Peace and Presence during all of life's storms.

A phrase from today's scripture in Matthew 6 has always gotten my attention: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." I think that means that when I worry about having money and things, that is where my heart is - on money and things! To me, this passage is telling us that what is important is trusting in our Lord so that our heart is where it should be - focusing on heavenly treasures.

What do you do to ensure that you are storing up heavenly treasures rather than being focused on accumulating money or things?

God IS Our Refuge and Strength!

Last year, I had to undergo several medical procedures, one about which I had heard frightening stories! I became quite anxious (to say the least) as soon as the procedure was scheduled! The amazing thing was that once I asked Christian friends to pray for me, I was overtaken by an amazing peace! I also remembered some scriptures such as the one today from Psalm 46 and John 14:27:  "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  I am very pleased to say that the procedure was much less painful and involved than the stories I had heard! Praise God!

Over the last few years, a number of friends have told me that they could feel the prayers of others during challenging times in their lives. That's what I can say about this time for me: I could literally feel the prayers of others! I praise God for hearing our prayers and being Present with us!

Do you have a story to share about experiencing God's Promise that He is our Refuge and Strength?

Jesus Is Calling

Today's scriptures are filled with such encouraging words of what our Lord is offering to us: His Hope, Peace, and Joy. Since I was a child, I have had a tendency to look at my weaknesses; I was raised in a home where I was constantly told "You know you can not do... Why do you even try?" I'm sure that is why today's words touched me in such a powerful way. They give me hope when I let my weakness "be a door to My (God's) Presence."

Another powerful scripture is 2 Corinthians 12:9: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. With promises like this, how could we ever forget all that He offers to us?

The beautiful hymn, "Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling" is a wonderful one that reminds us of God's pleading for us to come nearer to Him each and everyday.

Am I Grateful in All Things?

The devotional and scriptures for today are near and dear to my heart. I had no idea until a few years ago about how much difference gratitude/praise to our Lord can make in a person's life!

About 12 years ago, my daughter and a good friend gave me the same book for a Christmas gift. It is called "Simple Abundance. I don't profess that I have done a fraction of the things that are suggested in the book. However, I decided that maybe God was nudging me to be more disciplined about the first suggestion in the book: keeping a gratitude journal in which to write some of the day's blessings at the end of everyday. I have done this most nights since that time and I truly believe it has made me a happier person and one much more content with my life. By writing down some specific blessings from that day, it has made me so much more aware of God's Presence and guidance and Love.

In the last few years, I have spoken to Sunday School and Bible study groups about gratitude and some of the effects of faithfully keeping a gratitude journal. In doing so, I have found unbelievable medical and psychological research on the positive effects of this one simple act on our part. Some articles are written from a Biblical standpoint and some from secular such as from the Mayo Clinic. For me, it doesn't matter where they come from. What matters is that the Bible gives us the command to praise God and our life can be changed by doing so.

Today's scripture from I Thessalonians 5:18 is one that has spoken to me repeatedly and serves as a good reminder of the importance of giving thanks to our Lord in all situations (which is sometimes very difficult!).  Do you keep a gratitude journal - or are you willing to try to do so? I and other readers would be very interested in how it affects your life.

A few web sites related to effects of gratitude are:
http://www.cfidsselfhelp.org/library/the-healing-power-gratitude
http://www.gratefulness.org/
http://women.webmd.com/features/gratitute-health-boost

Believing in God's Promises

We are reminded in today's reading and scriptures about a few of God's Promises. I used to have a small book of scriptures that is filled with HUNDREDS of His Promises. As I looked on Amazon, I noticed that there are dozens of books regarding His Promises for all our needs. My questions to myself are:

• "How many of these Promises have I committed to heart to I can call on them when I need them?"

• "Do I really believe all of these Promises and cling to them at all times?"

What about you? How do you make stand on His Promises in your life? I have just listened to several different versions of the hymn, "Standing on the Promises." This particular one is a country-western but has a special blessing in that it has not only the lyrics but related Bible verses. I pray that you will be blessed by the hymn and Bible verses as I have been in my worship time today.

Victorious Living

In today's devotional reading, Sarah Young writes about the way our Lord views "victorious living." It is not through great "worldly" successes but rather by our relying on our Lord with problems, failures, weakness and neediness. It seems that my life has been filled with many of these-especially in the last few years. There have been a few times that I have relied totally on the Lord, but I will admit that during many of them, I thought I could handle things by myself. What a mistake that was! That's usually when I really hit bottom!

Do you live a life of victorious living? How do you define that kind of life?

The words from from the old gospel song "Victory in Jesus" helped me think more about Jesus' amazing love and grace. I pray that you enjoy and focus on these lyrics during your worship time today. Let us praise our Lord for having the privilege and joy of living a victorious life!!

I Trust You, Jesus

What are your new habits or New Year's resolutions? I appreciate the one that Sarah Young uses in today's devotional reading, this short prayer: "I trust You, Jesus." This will definitely be one that I will work on to develop this year.

There are so many things in life to fear. However, to understand that "fear loses its grip on you" when we trust in our Lord is most comforting! Today's scripture passage from John also reminds us that everyone does have trials and tribulations and distress. In spite of those kind of events that happen to us all, we are told to be "be of good cheer. Please join me in praising God for overcoming the world so that we may have His Peace and confidence in whatever happens in our lives.

Thank God For Overcoming the World!

What a blessing to know that God has overcome the world and "deprived it of power" to hurt us. I praise God for His reminder of this and that we can be "refreshed" with His Peace and in His Presence! I especially cling to the thought that God is walking beside me and in front of me everyday - all day!

Do you have times when you can really FEEL God walking with you and realize that He is granting you His Peace? One of mine was when I was in the hospital for some strange virus (or bacteria). I was on IV's and monitors but in some amazing way, I felt at Peace. That could only come from prayers of others and of God's Presence with me.

Please share any stories about your experiences of "remarkable" Peace.

Don't Let Christmas "Be Over!"

Have you heard recent comments that "I'm so glad that Christmas is over!" or "I'm so glad to get all my Christmas items put away!" I hope that we will not be one of those for whom Christmas is over! Rather, let us pray for God's help in keeping the joy and peace of the Christmas season in our hearts and minds through this entire year.

Today's devotional and scriptures remind us to make sure that our priorities include spending time in the Presence of our Lord. I'll have to admit that I am sometimes like Martha and get distracted by all that I think I must do "first" instead of sitting at the feet of my Lord.

For one of my New Year's resolution, I am asking for God's help in setting my top priority of spending more time with Him each and everyday. Will you share some of your "spiritual" resolutions for this new year?

Happy New Year! Happy New Ways!

I appreciate the idea in today's devotional that says "A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness."  The scriptures from Romans and Jeremiah are ones that have been and will continue to be very special to me and my family. I want to be "transformed" by the renewing of my mind and my whole being -  in order that I may do God''s Will and follow His plans!

May you have a blessed and wonderful New Year - and one in which you feel Christ's Presence more and more everyday! May we all be transformed to be more like Jesus as we walk closer to Him!