Let God Be the Judge!

Today's devotional is an uplifting one in that it reminds us that it is not our job to judge ourselves - or others. I often need that reminder in both areas in that I do compare myself to others and wonder why I can't have some of their talents. I also have to admit that it has been a great effort in the past few years to quit wasting my physical, mental and spiritual energies on judging others. It's something I am still working on - with the help of God's Grace and Presence!

I came from a family that gave me mostly negative reinforcement no matter how hard I tried to do things well - and right. I'm sure that I am still searching for some positive affirmation from other people in my life, even though I realize that God sees me "radiant in My (God's) robe of righteousness."  I praise God for His most amazing love and grace and ask that He will help me see others through His eyes.

Blessings of the Day - Along With Our Concerns!

Today's reading is a blessed reminder that each day is a gift in which God stays close to us. It is up to us to keep our eyes focused on Him - and to NOT allow worry to overshadow the blessings of the day.

The scripture passages are powerful promises to us about God's Presence. Another one that has spoken to me about worry on many occasions is from the Sermon on the Mount:
Matthew 6:25-34 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

Do you have favorite scriptures on which you depend to help keep you focused on God's Presence - rather than on the troubles of today or the coming days or weeks? Please share with me and other readers as we support one another in keeping God's Love, Peace, and Presence alive in us and through us. Let's not miss the blessings that occur in our lives each and everyday.

God's Instructions For Us

Today's scripture passage from Psalm 32 is one of my favorites that has provided guidance for a number of years. It's one of those that seemed to jump off the page of the Bible when I was struggling about a major decision. When I read that verse, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you," I made a decision and felt very much at peace in that I KNEW God would guide me every step of the way! 

I wish I could say that is the way that it has been for all my major decisions but admittedly not so! However, it has alerted me to a truth that I have heard and read more about in recent years: God is more willing and ready to guide us than we are to listen and receive His guidance! 

I don't think any of us want to doubt God's Promises and certainly don't want to "rebel" against Him and His guidance! That's where I know comes the importance of not only praying and asking for His help, but also taking time to stop and LISTEN to what He has to say to us!

By embracing today's scripture passages and Sarah Young's words, I believe that we are all better able to relax and enjoy the journey in God's Presence! Will you share verses that have been especially meaningful to you in making important life decisions?

Give Thanks - Throughout the Day!

I looked at a Bible web site to do a search for the word "thanks." There were 100 references to that word! That helped me understand the importance of giving thanks to our Lord. Some of Sarah Young's words that especially spoke to me today were that "Thankfulness enables you to see the abundance that I (God) showers upon you daily." It sounds so simple to thank God for each and every blessing of the day. However, in our rush, rush world, it is sometimes quite a challenge.

Please join me and other readers in making a commitment to become more aware of God's blessings - and then to thank Him for that blessing. The hymn, "Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart" is a wonderful one to use in your worship time today.

Staying In His Light!

Today's reading and scriptures are about God's most amazing Love! These readings remind us that this Love is so deep and wide and powerful that we would be "overwhelmed" if we experienced His love here on earth.

In several books I have read about "life after death" experiences, a common theme was about a feeling of being loved in an over-powering way.  As we walk in the Light of our Lord, we can look forward to feeling this kind of love when we go home to be with Him.

I found this "revved up" rendition of "Stepping in the Light," a beautiful old hymn that is a good reminder of today's devotional and scriptures. Here is another link that includes the lyrics to this old hymn about His Light.  What are ways that you use to stay in His Light?

Protection From Self-Pity

I will freely admit that I have had many of those "pity parties" in my lifetime! I think that a life-changing event occurred from these self-imposed times of self-pity as I started writing in a daily "gratitude journal." This is in line with today's reading that says, "When you are occupied with praising and thanking Me, it is impossible to feel sorry for yourself." I have found that by taking a few minutes at the end of every day to "examine" the day, I CAN find many things for which to be grateful - and it has made a tremendous difference in my attitude about life!

What are ways that you use to keep away from that dreaded "pit" of self-pity? We need to help each other "run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus."

I Need You Lord - Every Minute of Every Day!

Many times in life, I have incorrectly thought that I could do almost anything - by myself!! However, I have been humbled time and again by the realization that I am NOT in charge of the world or my life or the lives of my family and friends!

Last week, I was visiting with my spiritual director and had a list of all the things I HAD to do in the coming days - with no consideration of my on-going health issues. She looked directly at me and said, "We have a Savior, but it is not you!" I couldn't decide if to laugh or cry, but have now decided that was some of the best "advice" I have ever received!

After reading today's devotional and scriptures, I pray that you will  focus on the words of the hymn, "I Need Thee Every Hour." As I listened repeatedly to these meaningful words, I realized that this is a powerful, awe-inspiring prayer that I need to listen to daily.

Do you have prayers, hymns, or scriptures that you use especially at challenging times in your life. Please share with me and others.

Trust - and Be Thankful!

Today's devotional and scripture strengthens yesterday's reading. Sarah Young points out that it is a choice that we have many times everyday to trust our Lord and keep our eyes on Him. This is a mental decision but one that can lead to a closer relation with our Lord along with being filled with His Peace.

I know that moving to an attitude of gratitude has changed my life - even though I still have some of "those days!" I especially appreciate the reminder in today's devotional that "thankfulness keeps you from criticizing and complaining." The more I read about the positive physical, emotional and spiritual effects of gratitude, the more I realize how powerful it is to just be thankful in all things!

Trust and thankfulness are the main points of this reading and scripture and of the lyrics of the beautiful hymn, "Trust and Obey". This is an instrumental version but with the lyrics printed boldly on the screen so we can easily focus on the meaningful words.

Who Rules Our Heart and Mind?

The scriptures and devotional in today's reading make it clear that we were called by God to live in peace and that this peace can rule in our hearts. This reading made me think about the fact that we first have to make up our mind to set apart time each day for to be quietly with our Lord. I don't think He will ever rule our hearts if we stay so rushed in this "world of flux."

As we approach the time of Lent, will you join me and other readers in setting aside time EVERYDAY - whether at work, first thing in the morning, at lunch or dinner time, etc. - to be with our Lord? Let's make a commitment to allow Him to rule our heart!

How Can We "Choose Joy?"

I have heard a number of Christian friends talk about the desire to have more "joy" in their lives. Some of these friends have major physical ailments, some have no family living nearby, and some seem to me to have "everything!" On the other hand, there are people that have even greater difficulties but always seem to be filled with joy and gratitude.

Today's reading and scripture passages are good reminders that EVERYONE does have difficulties in life, but it is up to each one of us as to how we react to these problems. The answer seems so easy but yet is a challenge for me and many others - to find time to spend quietly with our Lord. This doesn't mean that I just give God my "grocery list" of how I think He should run things! Instead, it means sitting quietly in His Presence and opening my mind to His Will and Words. This is where we can have that joy - not from external happenings in our lives but from God's love and Presence in our hearts.

Are you taking time everyday to practice the spiritual discipline of quiet time with our Lord? If not, maybe this could be a good practice to develop for Lent - and also where you could experience God's Joy and Presence.

God is the "Catcher" When We Fall!

I have previously told the story about my fall down a tall escalator in an airport. As I started tumbling head over heels from the top step, I suddenly realized that nothing could stop me or help me! My next thought was that surely I am dying followed by the thought "Where is God in this situation?"  - That was a key question I had recently learned in spiritual direction classes.

When I hit the floor, one person was on each side of me holding my hands and talking to me - and trying to get me to talk. It was then that I overheard my daughter tell others that there were "two angels" by my side! One of the "angels" was an ICU nurse and the other was a paramedic, both whom had just gotten off a plan and were walking by.

This story came to mind as I was reading today's devotional and scriptures about God's Presence with us - and Promises that He does catch us when we fall! However, it is up to us to ask this question, "Where is God in this situation?" and then to be reassured of His loving Presence. Will you join me and others during the coming days in asking this question many times a day - and also recalling that He is holding us by His Hand.

I praise God for the reassurance of His Presence and the hope for our future of living in heaven with Him! This beautiful old hymn, "O God Our Help in Ages Past, Our Hope for Years to Come" verbalizes these promises in a very special way.

Who Do We Worship?

Today's devotional includes profound words regarding the fact that our worship is to a living Lord - not to something man-made, money or material "things!" As we move near the season of Lent, I often need a prompt to keep my eyes focused on our Lord rather than on the trivial activities of the day.

God has promised us that He is making us into a new creation! Does that sound as exciting to you as it does to me? However, that can only happen when we worship Him continually and ask Him to help us see and embrace the plans He has for us.

I praise God for the knowledge that He is our Living Savior. Please join me in focusing on the beautiful  words and music of this version of "Because He Lives I Can Face Tomorrow."

Be Quiet and Trust Him!

Many friends tell me that on certain days of reading Sarah Young's words, they feel that it certainly must be "just for them."  That's the way I feel about today's reading. Recently some friends and I watched a sermon about the importance and benefits of truly being in silence and solitude with our Lord. Also, I have mentioned before the book, "Invitation to Silence and Solitude"which gives ways to practice this very special time with our God. The author uses the story of Elijah in I Kings 19:1-19 as a basis for the book. Elijah had to give up control and learn to rest in God - just as we do in order to to hear what our He is saying to us.

Between medical issues and many days of being snowed in, I have been "forced" into silence and solitude. Today's scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9 has become one of my favorites, especially during times when things are totally out of my control, and I have to "let go and let God" take over: "My grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in weakness."

As I look back over my life, I realize that my greatest spiritual growth has been during challenging times - when I was totally dependent on my Lord. Do you have times that you realize this has happened to you? Please share your stories with me and other readers.

The Lord Is My Shepherd

I often need today's reminder that it's not up to me to "direct" God to do "this or that" - or how to run things in this world! Instead, it is up to me to rest in the Presence of my Lord and allow myself to be in HIS Will.

As happens many times when I am reading Sarah Young's devotionals, I immediately think of a related hymn, today's being "Have Thine Own Way." The lyrics tell us that God is our Potter and we are the clay - and that once we are filled with His Spirit, all will be able to see, "Christ only, always, living in me." That's what I keep praying for - to be more like Christ and for others to see Him in me.

I also found a beautiful music video of the 23rd Psalm. I pray that you feel as I do in overwhelming gratitude for God's Promise to be our Shepherd every day of our lives: "The Lord Is My Shepherd."

Keep Our Eyes Focused on Jesus!

The first few sentences in today's reading spoke profoundly to me: "Give yourself fully to the adventure of today. Walk boldly along the path of Life, relying on your ever-present Companion." What a blessing to be reminded that no matter what happens today or in the coming days, God continuously holds onto us and says to us: "Do not fear; I will help you."

I have previously referred to this beautiful hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. I pray that we can all focus on these lyrics along with those in today's scripture passages in our devotional time today.

PEACE Be With You!

What a wonderful blessing to have the Promise from Jesus in the scripture passage from John 14:27 - "Peace I leave with you...Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  This was one of the last promises of Jesus and surely is His "watchword" to us who seek Him. How would your life and mine change if we really embraced that Promise from our Lord? 

I have repeated this passage to myself at some very challenging times in my life. However, I am now making a commitment to sit quietly everyday and repeat this verse - and allow God's Peace to enfold me. A friend of mine writes on note cards scriptures that she wants to remember. She then tapes them to a mirror so she will be reminded of them many times a day - and that is now part of my commitment. Will you join me in this endeavor to walk closer to our Lord? 

Surrender All to Our Lord - Even Our Thoughts

God knows what we are thinking at all times - and when these thoughts are about Him, they "are precious" to Him! I don't know about you but that statement is a bit surprising to me - not that He knows what we are thinking but that it pleases Him greatly when we think "lovingly" of Him. How simple that makes pleasing our Lord!

Do you have scriptures and hymns that you have memorized or listen to on a regular basis as a reminder of God's Presence - and that are "pleasing" to Him? Please share with me and other readers so that we can increase our "list" of breath prayers, meaningful scriptures, and/or hymns. A beautiful hymn that came to mind as I was reading today's devotional is "I Surrender All." Isn't that what we are doing when we keep our mind and heart focused on our Lord?

Peace That Overpowers Darkness

Another scripture related to today's reading is one of the first that I learned as a child: "Let your light so shine before men so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father, which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) Today's reading highlights the fact that a part of this Light shining through is is our Lord's Peace. What a blessing to be reminded that God gives us His Peace so we can shine in "transcendent" splendor - and overpower even the dark times in our lives.

I have a friend who is presently going through her fourth round of cancer. She is "miserable" to say the least. However, her most common phrase is "I am so blessed. I have so many friends who are praying for me and I KNOW that God is with me." God's Light IS still shining through her in her witness to His Presence and Love.

Have you previously reflected on the idea that we can let our "light so shine before men" even in times of difficulty by showing and sharing the Peace of our Lord?  I have to admit that I'm still in "training" to receive His Peace that overpowers darkness!

How To Do More - In Less Time!

For many years, I and many friends have said things like, "I just don't have the time to start each day with a devotional." Today's reading is such a blessed reminder that when we do MAKE that time as a top priority, our Lord will guide us - and we WILL be able to do more in less time! God will help us know which are important tasks and which ones are "meaningless works."

I've had to admit many times over recent years, that I have been the "Martha" in today's scripture passage from Luke. I need that "push" to claim the belief that God does instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. I just need to stop what I'm doing so I can be in communion with Him.

Join the Journey of Life - But Include Our Lord!

I'm not especially thrilled to be reminded in today's reading that hardships are "part of the journey" of life!  Nonetheless, I know that is true! How comforting it is to also know that God's Presence is with us on this journey - but it is up to us to seek Him no matter if the journey is easy or difficult.

I have previously referred to the beautiful old hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus."  I hope that you will focus on its lyrics as part of your worship time today.

Rising "Above Our Circumstances"

I praise God for the realization that we CAN RISE ABOVE the challenging times in our lives! However, we MUST take the time to seek God's Face and rest with Him! It's up to us to NOT allow these times to be our main focus. 

I sometimes have trouble asking for help from friends - much less from my Lord - even when I desperately need help. Today's reading and scriptures are wonderful reminders that it's o.k. to ask our Lord for His help. What was most reassuring was that we can say, "Help me, Jesus" thousands of times a day and our Lord will meet us and draw us back to Him.

The story of Peter in the scripture from Matthew 14 is an interesting one in that he was a man of great faith. However, when Jesus asked Peter to come to Him across the lake, it got really windy and Peter got scared. That's when He said, "Lord, save me!" Have you had times that you have had to cry out with a great need? During the "mountains" that we all have to climb, how blessed it is to know that we can ask our Lord for help - and He will hear us!

God Works For Good - In All Situations!

In a recent Bible study class, we were studying the book, "Invitation to Silence and Solitude." One of the chapters was entitled "Dangerously Tired." Even though I am semi-retired, I have on-going health issues and often feel that way - dangerously tired! However, I feel blessed and rejuvenated by today's devotional and scriptures. I do sometimes feel exhausted but hope that I can use these times as "opportunities" for God to take total charge of my life! This reading also reminds us that we have a responsibility in order for these things to happen - to remain attentive to God, letting Him guide my every step.

Today's scripture from Romans is one that continues to speak to me through many ups and downs of life. One version says that "In all things, God works for good for those who love the Lord, for those called according to His Purpose."  I don't believe that God caused me to have all my medical issues but I do believe that during these times of rest and healing, good will come and that God WILL remain with me.

We've all had extreme challenges in life. At these times, have you ever realized that an unexpected "good" has come about because of these difficult times? I hope that you will share these times with me and other readers.

Come to God for Rest

Today's reading reminds us to "breathe in" God with each breath. A dear friend taught me her breath prayer which is, "Abide in me, and me in Thee." It's sometimes amazing how this simple prayer has relaxed me and filled me with Peace. Please share with me and others short "breath prayers" that you have used to bring about God's Presence along with His Light, Life, Joy and Peace.

The scripture passage from Matthew 11 has always been a comforting one to me. I'm sure that everyone has times in life in which we feel tired and overwhelmed. What a blessing to realize that God is "gentle and humble" - and WILL give us rest.

How Much of God's Peace Do We Want?

God is so gracious that He offers His Presence and Peace to each and everyone of us. In order to do this, it sounds so simple according to today's devotional and scriptures - just quit trying to be in control and change to being OPEN AND FILLED WITH TRUST. The words from Romans 8:6 spoke profoundly to me: "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."


As I continue the climb up my "mountain," I continue to ask for your prayers and that we all will trust Him and be open to His love and grace. The hymn, "Only Trust Him" ties in closely with today's readings. This rendition does not have a vocalist but has the lyrics and beautiful instrumental music along with a video of nature.

Walking With Our Lord

What a blessing to know that when we walk close to our Lord, His Peace will shine in and through us - even when we feel so weak! Sarah Young's words that spoke so clearly are: "Do not wear yourself out with analyzing and planning. Instead, let thankfulness and trust be your guides through this day; they will keep you close to Me (God)." I am sorry to say that I haven't yet gotten to the point in life to "cease to notice how weak or strong" I am because I am focusing totally on my Lord. However, I can say that is part of my daily prayer as I seek to trust Him in all that I do.

The lyrics in the old hymn, "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" are a beautiful prayer and reminder for today's worship time as we strive to stay close to our Lord. Do you have other scriptures or hymns that help keep you focused on our Lord trusting that our path is "headed for heaven?"

The Gift of Today!

In my Sunday School class, we studied a book about making a choice seizing and recognizing "joy" every day of our lives. Someone in class gave us a quote as a way to find joy: "Seek Jesus first; then others; then yourself." Today's devotional and scriptures remind us that each day is a gift from our Father, but it's up to us to "savor" this gift.

I praise Him for the gift of today and ask for God's guidance in seeking His Presence and His Joy through His most "Amazing Grace." (this rendition by Chris Tomlin with an added verse)

How Can I Have a Renewed Mind?

Today's devotional reminds me of the fact that we CAN have a renewed mind - if we keep our focus on our Lord! The problem for me is that my mind often goes "twirling" off in many different directions!

The words that especially spoke to me in today's reading are "Train your mind to seek Me in every moment, every situation." I had never thought about the fact that it is possible to "RE-TRAIN" our minds so that we can become more in tune with the image of our Lord. By focusing on Him instead of the world, we "will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will."

I can't help but think what a different life it would be if I really knew and did God's perfect will!

Do You Have Any Mountains to Climb?

Many times in life, I have perceived future events as huge mountains - but they often have turned out to be small hills instead! What a blessing to be reassured that even when we do have to climb those mountains, our Lord gives His angels "charge" over us to keep us safe and near Him!

What do you do when you see those mountains in front of you? Do you have ways that have been helpful to you - including any scriptures or Christian songs? Please share with me and others; we need to support each other as we are God's hands and feet here on earth!