Rejoice - Even When Things Go Wrong!

I often find it challenging to be joyful when things are going wrong. What I do find comforting is today's scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9 as I have mentioned in a previous blog. This is a powerful Promise and blessing to understand and believe that God can and WILL use me even with my many weaknesses.

In my church we have been hearing sermons and studying a book that deals with spiritual disciplines and gifts as we strive to become disciples for our Lord. We recently sang the hymn, "Take My Life and Let It Be" as we committed to do all we can to be more like Jesus. As I was reading today's devotional and scriptures, I felt as if this is what God is wanting me to do - Give my entire life to Him and let Him use it even in my weaknesses!

I pray that you will listen carefully to the lyrics of this beautiful hymn and join me in committing my entire being to our Lord.

Everything I Own is Merely a Loan!

I once heard a pastor use the words in this title, "Everything I Own Is Merely a Loan" - and it has stayed in my head and heart for many years! Sarah Young's words in today's devotional mean about the same thing and spoke as a reminder of God's blessings.

Once I accepted the fact that everything I am and "have" belong to God, it became somewhat of a spiritual "discipline" to thank Him daily in my "gratitude journal." I pray that if you don't do this kind of writing, you will begin doing so. It has made a tremendous difference in my life and I know it will in yours.

The lyrics in the hymn, "Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart" have repeatedly touched my heart and soul, and I pray that they do the same for you. Another hymn related to today's scripture from Psalm 119:1-5 is "Thy Word Is A Lamp Unto My Feet."

God's Presence in Every Decision

As today's devotional reminds us, each day offers many choices and decisions for as long as we live on this earth. I pray that you and I and all who love our Lord will have the courage to choose God and His Presence as we make these decisions.

We know that God has chosen us to be His hands and feet and mouth through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The lyrics in the meaningful hymn "Here I Am Lord" is one that I sometimes use during  my worship time as I open myself to God's guidance throughout this and everyday. I pray that you will do the same.

Come to Our Lord - With Open Hands and Heart!

Sarah Young's words that particularly spoke to me today are about how God's Power and Love can pour into us even in times of weakness - if we realize our need for Him.  Along with this also comes  the assurance that even when we fall but stay dependent on God, we can still have His Presence with us.

Related closely to those words are the ones from Isaiah 40:29: "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."  I think the reason those words mean so much to me is that in the last several years of my life, I have had a number of on-going health issues - which often make me feel extremely weak. It is so refreshing to my heart and soul to know of God's assurance of His Presence and that He wants us to be dependent on Him.

Another of God's Promises and a favorite of mine is this scripture passage:
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.

God's most amazing Grace provides us with His Power and blessings. It is up to us to open our heart and be receptive to His guidance and blessings.

The lyrics in the gospel hymn, "One Day at a Time" express how I often feel in my weakness and dependence on God. Do you have a hymn or scriptures to share that bring you comfort in times of weakness?

Do I Go Up or Down With My Problems?

I have never been able to really "welcome problems!" However, as I look back on many of them, I see that they have often drawn me "up" - to be so much closer to my Lord. I remember hearing this from a counselor many years ago when I was going through divorce. - He said that was a choice that I had to make and that I could either go "up or down"  - and even referred me to a book called, "Growing Through Divorce."

I don't know how people survive the many challenges of life without knowing and accepting God's Love, Word, and Presence. The beautiful hymn, "You Are My All in All" continues to be a comfort and reminder of  His Love and Power. The entire hymn is printed below the hymn on this link, but I wanted to include the first verse:
     You are my strength when I am weak
     You are the treasure that I seek
     You are my all in all
     Seeking You as a precious jewel
     Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
     You are my all in all.

I pray that God will fill us with His Strength and Light. 

Keep Our Eyes on Jesus

Today's devotional is related to an earlier one about staying close to our Lord no matter what is happening around us. However, it can also relate to the spiritual practices of silence and solitude. As we learn more about these spiritual practices, it is important to discipline ourselves to use them each and everyday in order that we can and WILL stay focused on our Lord. A beautiful hymn that echoes this thought is "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." I pray that these powerful lyrics will touch your heart and mind as they have for me.

I've never been a person who others would call "extremely self-disciplined!"  In spite of this, when I really focused on the "fruits of the Spirit" I began a daily prayer for that particular fruit, along with the others:
 Galatians 5:22-23
       But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (which is self-discipline). 

I pray that God will help you and me stay focused on Him and feel His Presence in all that we do. 

Be Still Before Our Lord!

I'm not sure where I heard a comment to the effect that "Without silence and solitude, there can be no spiritual growth." Today's devotional and scriptures are such good reminders of the blessings that we can receive when we rest quietly and alone in the Presence of our Lord.

There seems to be a longing within many of us for "rest for our souls" in our noisy world filled with demands of work, technology, care of our family, etc. It is up to us to find a time for this quiet rest, but also to ensure that this time is used to become closer to our Lord. By doing so, we might be amazed that we become refreshed and strengthened to face the challenges of our day to day living.

During today's worship time, I pray that you will focus not only on the devotional, but the words in the scripture from Psalm 46 along with this beautiful hymn, "Be Still My Soul."

Keep Our Eyes on Jesus!

For a number of years, several of my good friends have told me that it's o.k. to say "NO!" when I'm trying to do too much! Today's devotional is a wonderful reminder that God wants me to save time for Him and keep my eyes on Him. Sarah Young's words that especially spoke to me were that "There are many burned-out Christians who think more is always better, who deem it unspiritual to say no." I know that I have been in that category in the past. However, I do feel that God is leading me to do "something" for Him, but I pray that I will keep my eyes fixed on Him and the He will show me the way.

The beautiful hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" is such a blessing to use during worship time today - even though this rendition only has the first verse. Things of the world really do seem "dim" when we keep our eyes on our Lord.

LISTEN to Our Lord!

It is often a real challenge to "listen" to what the Lord has to say and wants us to do for Him! Even with practicing the spiritual disciplines of  "solitude and silence," I'm am often unsure what God is saying to me. The reading of scriptures and Christian material certainly helps, but what happens after that reading? For me, I quickly forget unless I take time to be quiet and focus on what I have read - and then seek guidance from God.

How do you know you are "listening" to the Lord? The scripture from John 10:27 puts it clearly. "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me." Is it really God's voice and guidance that I "hear and follow?" or is it voices of the world? My spiritual director has suggested to me on several occasions to be aware of the nudges or "coincidences" that seem to be leading me to God's Will.

The second verse of the hymn, "Open My Eyes That I May See" states, "Open my ears that I may hear." Please share ways that you KNOW you are listening to God instead of the world.

Who/What Controls My Mind?

Today's scripture from Romans 8:6 spoke so clearly to me: "...the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace."  I had never thought about Sarah Young's words regarding the mind being the "most restless, unruly part of mankind." What's most disconcerting is that at times in my life, my mind is controlled by the media - computer, newspaper, magazine, television. These thoughts made me desire to have my mind controlled totally by God's Spirit!

A related scripture passage that has very helpful to me is from Philippians 4:8-9:
⁸ 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. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
 Surely by asking for God's Presence in our mind and following this "command," we will have a mind filled with God's Spirit and Peace and Love. I pray that you will join me in this "quest." 

A friend just sent me this Easter version of the song, "Hallelujah." Please be patient with the introduction which is the story behind the words to these awesome lyrics; it will be worth the time!

Our Lord Lives!

May God's Love and Peace be with you on this most blessed day that we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus! The words in the hymn "He Lives" are ones that tell the story and give us His Promises! Another one that has always been a blessing for me on Easter Sunday is "Christ the Lord is Risen Today." I praise God that "They Could Not" keep our Lord in the grave as in this beautiful Easter song!''

Holy Saturday!

Today is sometimes called Holy Saturday and is the last day of Holy Week and Lent during which time we Christians have been preparing for Easter Sunday. It commemorates the day that Jesus Christ's body lay in the tomb. I pray that we take time today to re-read the words of Matthew 27:32-65 which describes the crucifixion, death and burial of our blessed Lord!

Today's scriptures and devotional reading are also blessed reminders of God's unfailing love. I praise and thank Him that His for His most amazing Grace and Love.

This beautiful version of the hymn, "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" is one that reminds us of His Love. Another powerful hymn that describes the Passion of our Lord is "O Sacred Head Now Wounded." Though the video is rather "explicit," the scriptures, hymn and pictures are ones that describe what God has done for you and me!

God's Amazing Grace, Peace and Love

At the Maundy Thursday (or Holy Thursday) service at my church last night, we were reminded of how our Lord humbled Himself before His disciples by washing their feet - and then told them to love others just as He loved them. There is no doubt that this is the kind of loving and serving that Jesus expects from us.

By living in this way, today's reading and scriptures reassures us that our Lord's Peace is ready to be given to us each and everyday!  I had never understood that God's Peace cannot be stored up for days or weeks to come. Instead, it is up to us to come to our Lord asking Him daily for His Peace - and then being confident that He will give us all that we need.

I praise and thank God during this Holy Week for His most "Amazing Grace" and Love! I also pray this version of this beautiful hymn may touch your heart in a powerful way; it includes lyrics about being "ransomed" through our Lord's "unending love."

In Christ Alone Is Our Strength!

I sometimes wonder if I have ADDS - attention deficit disorder of the spirit!! Today's devotional is a blessed reminder that our Lord wants us to constantly  be aware of His Presence. By doing so, His Spirit is able to work in and through us, and we can be filled with His Peace and Joy!

During this Holy Week, I pray that we all keep especially focused "In Christ Alone" in whom we find our strength and help as the lyrics tell us. As I read this devotional and scriptures and listened to the words in the song, I wondered how I could ever become distracted from His most amazing Love for us! It is only through that constant awareness of our Lord's Presence that we can face the challenges of life "calmly and confidently" as Sarah Young tells us in today's reading.

What a blessing to know that we don't have to be afraid when we trust Him and remember His Love for us!

Jesus Calls Us to Remember Him!

The more I study scriptures and Christian books, the more I believe that Jesus DOES call us on a daily basis to live a life of gratitude - without complaining. He blesses us in so many ways but I confess that I often take these blessings for granted and don't show my gratitude.

God offers us the greatest gift of all - His Precious Son - who died for us! I think our Lord must be sad at times when we forget to be grateful for many of His gifts but especially for the life and suffering of Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus that we have access to the Fruits of His Spirit:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, generosity, faithfulness and wisdom.

I believe that our Lord and Savior is calling us to a fuller life with Him here on earth as well as in heaven. "Jesus Calls Us" is an old hymn that has touched the lives of many as it calls us to walk closer to Him. Another beautiful Christian song is "10,000 Reasons" which can prompt us to continually worship and thank God for all His blessings.

 I pray that we focus closely on the words of these beautiful songs. Also let us take time to reflect on with the scriptures and devotional in our worship time today.

Don't Be Afraid - Just Stay Close to Him!

A recurring message in the Bible and in Sarah Young's writings is "Don't be afraid!" We are reminded that if we just "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."  I keep wondering why I can't do that ALL THE TIME and throw away my doubts and worries and fears!

During this Holiest week of the year, I pray for you and me to be able to have a closer walk with our Lord. In that way  we can let go of our fears and have a greater Peace with Him. "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" is a beautiful hymn that embraces reassuring words including:
      "I'll be satisfied as long; As I walk, let me walk close to Thee."

Hints of Heaven

Today's reading reminds us that we can experience the essence or spirit of heaven by staying near to our Lord and holding continually to Him. Many times I am in such a hurry with the struggles in life that I miss the "hints of heaven" that are being provided for us everyday. Please join me today in stopping to observe and enjoy some of God's many blessings - the sun shining, birds singing, flowers and trees, family and friends. Then let us take time to praise Him for all that He does for us.

The final part of the devotional and both scripture passages are ones of "hope." I thank God for His Promise of our heavenly home - and for giving us the blessing of hope! I pray that you enjoy this old gospel hymn about hope, "Whispering Hope."

Joyfully, We Adore Our Lord!

Today's devotional and scriptures provide such a simple guide for joyful and victorious living! - We are assured that kind of living will happen when we allow our lives to "merge" with our Lord by doing all things for Him. 

I have always been inspired by the thought of Jesus as the vine - and me as a little branch. By Jesus providing all I need, I am able to "bear much fruit" - even amidst my many weaknesses.

I pray that you will enjoy the beautiful hymn, "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" in your worship time today. It is a blessed reminder of living joyfully and includes a video showing some of God's wonders along with related scripture passages.

Trusting Instead of Grumbling!

After reflecting on today's devotional, I had to admit that it sometimes describes my reactions to "life." - I'm so trusting when things go well, but that trust tends to "slow down" when problems occur!

Earlier today I was reading Philippians 2:13-15:
 ¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Surely God is giving us a nudge on the importance of trusting our Lord in all circumstances - and to stop grumbling when things don't go as we think they should. Will you join me in praising our Lord for all His nudges as He guides us to do His Work and His Will?  What a glorious feeling to think that we might "shine...like stars in the sky!"

This is the Day The Lord Has Made!

When I taught kindergarten about 36 years ago in a private Christian school, we began every day singing, "This is the Day That The Lord Has Made."  (Here is another version that refreshes the idea that "We Will Rejoice and Be Glad In It!") I know that I didn't appreciate the words then nearly as much as I now "consume them" in my later years of life. On some days, I still begin by either humming or singing these words. On other days, I start with a prayer of gratitude in which I say, "Thank you Lord for this new day, and that I can walk and talk and stand upright!"

Another reminder in today's reading is that of not worrying about the past or future. Instead, we are told to have "open hands of faith" in order for God to fill us with His Love, Peace and Guidance. 

Later today, I will be attending my 50th college reunion. It was at this Christian college that I began to truly turn my life over to my Lord. It was here that I understood how much God loved me and friends loved me - and that people believed in me. What a privilege and joy to have had these experiences and now to renew relationships that changed my life!

I Trust You and Thank You, Jesus!

There have been several recent devotionals about trust which I see as God reminding us how important is our trust in Him. I have been repeating the phrase, "I trust you, Jesus," several times throughout the day and night; I do think it's making a difference, especially when I am letting anxiety fill my mind!

In addition to the word, trust, today's reading reminds us to always give thanks. I truly believe that a heart filled with gratitude will make a tremendous difference in our lives - and in our relationship with our Lord. I have previously written about some research studies that prove that having an "attitude of gratitude" can make a difference in our physical and mental health! I think that must also prove that our heart, mind, and soul are totally connected!

Today's scripture passage from Romans 8:28 is one that has spoken to me and allowed me to look forward in life when I am in the "mire." The NIV says:  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. It doesn't say that God caused all those bad things to happen but it DOES say that He can bring good out of them. That's how I have been able to find hope - and I pray that you will do the same!

NOTHING Can Separate Us From God's Love!

Today's scriptures and devotional are such powerful reminders that God IS WITH US - ALL THE TIME! Several years ago I was visiting a friend in the hospital when our pastor came to visit her during one of her last days on earth. He read to her today's passage from Romans 8:38-39 that tells us that NOTHING can separate us from the Love of God. It seemed that I could feel that God's Presence was truly in that room and especially with my friend, filling her with Peace.

I have previously suggested that you listen to the beautiful Christian song, "I'll Never Let God of Your Hand." As I'm listening to the words again today, I feel as if God is holding my hand and giving me strength to move on through the challenges of life. I praise Him and thank Him for His Presence and pray that you will feel that Presence and Love in your worship today.

God's Power - Within You and Me

The power of God is available to us at all times in order that we can be His Disciples in our world. In my church, we are learning to become a disciple by looking more closely at what Jesus did and then striving to be more like Him, work like Him, act like Him, and have a heart like His.

In addition to the scriptures in today's devotional, I pray that you will take the time to read Colossians 3:1-17 in order to find ways to do our Lord's Will - and to stay in closer touch with Him. He sets the standards at a high level but it is certainly worth the effort to know that we are becoming more like our Lord! In addition, the words in the praise song, "My Life is in You Lord!" reiterates thoughts from today's devotional and scriptures.

God Is the Potter - We are the Clay

As I was reading today's devotional and scriptures, I pictured in my mind God molding me into being exactly the way He wants me to be! Will you join me in saying "Yes," to the Master Potter as we go through this day and each day of our lives?

The words from the hymn, "Have Thine Own Way, Lord" are insightful ones to use in our worship time today. The video that is used with this hymn is one of magnificent views of some of our Lord's beautiful handiwork!

Focus On What We Have - Rather Than What We Don't Have!

I was raised on a very small farm in a nearby state and grew up without many of life's pleasures and conveniences. I still don't have a lot in the eyes of the wealthy of the world but I am very blessed with many comforts that I only dreamed about as a child. Maybe it's because of these "comforts," and my rather "poor" background that I now try to daily bring God the "sacrifice of thanksgiving."

This Christian video, "Walking in the Light of God," is one that I pray will be a blessing to you as you worship our Lord today. What a beautiful reminder that everyday is a day to praise our Lord!!

Scripture is clear in telling us to "be thankful in all things." I have previously written about the value of writing in a gratitude journal as a daily practice of praising our Lord and focusing on what we have instead of what we don't have!

Do you have ways to share that you use to help you remember this command of our Lord to "be thankful in all things?"

Fruit of the Spirit

I feel very blessed to realize that God does grant us the Gifts of His Spirit - even in our times of weakness. However, there are admittedly times in my life that my heart and mind are so filled with concerns, worries, and/or busyness that there is not room for those most precious Gifts! Again, I want to bring to mind the spiritual practices of silence and solitude, scriptural reading and reflection (lectio divino), reviewing our day (Examen), and other "spiritual disciplines" that will bring us nearer our Lord. In these times, He can and will show us His way and fill us with His Spirit.

Two other relevant scriptures in addition to the two in today's devotional are:
     Galatians 5:22-23:   
²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
    2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NIV)
⁸ Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Let us pray for each other that these Gifts of the Spirit will "take over" our lives so that we may become more like our Lord - and help make the world a better place for all.

Be Still Before the Lord

Today's reading is a clear reminder that we live in a world filled with noise and speed! It also prompts us to practice the spiritual discipline of solitude! What a blessing to know that our Lord is pleased by our desire to seek His Face - even when we don't meet that goal!

I have been in several church classes in which we talked about the fact that God wants us to be only in His Presence through times of silence and solitude. On several occasions, a couple members of the group have expressed despair in that "I did this spiritual practice, but nothing happened!" The same thing occurred to me the first times I practiced this spiritual discipline. However, it was many months later that I realized that I had been changing and was feeling a new-found peace - even in crisis-type moments. I'm sharing this because I have found from my own experience and many spiritual writers that we can NOT expect a burning bush or clap of thunder during the first days, weeks or possibly months of practicing this or other spiritual practices. It takes time! Please don't get get discouraged with practicing spiritual disciplines in that they can and will change your life.

I realize that I recently posted the beautiful hymn, "Be Still My Soul" and am doing so again today. Today's version is sung by Alex Boye who is gifted with a most amazing voice that makes me want to listen to him over and over. I pray that the lyrics and music will "still our soul" so that we can be closer to our Lord.

God Can Be Our All In All

Some of Sarah Young's words especially spoke to me today: "In Me you are complete. Your capacity to experience Me is increasing, through the removal of debris and clutter from your heart."  As I get older, I do yearn more and more to be in the Presence of our Lord. Today's reading reminds us that He offers us so much but it is up to us to clear our heart and mind so that our Lord can make us "complete!" This goes back to spending time in silence and solitude with Him.

The powerful words in the hymn, "You are My All in All" offer a beautiful reflection and worship hymn related to today's devotional. I pray that these words will speak to you as they have to me.

How to Get Rid of Weeds!

I will have to admit that at many times in my life, I have weeds growing in my heart - weeds of worry, selfishness, laziness, etc. From today's reading, I am reminded that this is a choice that I make each and every day! God has planted Peace in my heart but it often gets overrun with these weeds! I asked myself after reading the devotional and scriptures, "How and why would I ever make that choice of weeds instead of God's Peace and Love and Presence?" I guess my only answer is called "life!" I get so busy that I don't stop for a time of solitude with my Lord!

Do you have ways that you use to continually trust in God even in the midst of trouble? Do these ways keep you filled with His Peace and Presence?

Does My To-Do List Control My Life - or Does God?

Until today's devotional reading, I had never thought that my to-do list might be the idol "that directs my life!" What a blessed reminder that instead of allowing that to happen, we can ask our Lord to guide us moment by moment and stay near to us. I believe that God is waiting for us to be in His Presence and staying in continuous touch with Him - rather than trying to fix everything ourselves. Please share with me and other readers how you handle all the ups and downs of the day - and life.

The actual date of Easter is still several weeks away. However, I don't think our Lord wants us to celebrate Easter one day out of the year but rather ALL THROUGHOUT THE YEAR so that we are constantly reminded of what He has done for us. I found a medley of hymns that will serve as reminders today and all year - about Jesus' death and resurrection:  "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross," "The Old Rugged Cross," and "At the Cross."

Do you have spiritual practices that you use throughout the year to help you constantly be reminded of our Lord's most amazing love? Please share with all of us who are striving to grow closer to our God.