When Things Don't Go As we Would Like...! Questions - To Your Right>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

In recent day, things have not gone as I would like - or think - or imagine! I have previously mentioned some on-going health issues. These really showed themselves in unpleasant and "disagreeable" ways in the past week! I ended out in the hospital on all sorts of intravenous medicines along with being poked, prodded and scanned. However, I will have to admit the love and care from my local hospital by every doctor, nurse, tech, etc., was extremely supportive. In addition, numerous friends showed up to help with my needs (including a lot of prayer) during this unexpected hospital visit.

After the initial shock, I began counting blessings. I'm guessing that only a few years ago, I would not have the privilege of having the use of such modern drugs, equipment and medical staff! The calls, texts, visits and emails from family and friends were/are overwhelming! I especially praise God for His Holy Presence and Peace that remains with me about this most recent challenge!

Today's devotional helps me focus on the thought of trying to see things through the eyes of our Lord. What a blessing that would be!

Some of Sarah Young's words in today's reading reminded me of the first verse of the Serenity Prayer, written by Reinhold Niebuhr, an American theologian:
      God grant me the serenity
      to accept the things I cannot change;
      courage to change the things I can;
      and wisdom to know the difference. 
 I pray that He will grant me this kind of Wisdom and Peace throughout all the days of my life.

Another praise for my Lord is His Promise that He is "the way and the truth and the life." It is up to us to keep our eyes focused on Him - no matter what is happening in the world or in our own lives. I have previously referred to the beautiful hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" but it spoke again today in my  worship time and I pray that it will for you as we turn together with our eyes focused on Him.

Our Choices - Our Habits or God's Guidance!

The way I understand today's devotional reading and scriptures is that I/we have a choice about life - to continue with our habits or open ourselves to God's guidance and ways. For me, habits are easier to follow - even though they may not be good ones. It takes time and self-discipline to stand in God's Presence and allow Him to take control of our lives. In a book I read on silence and solitude, there was a focus on trusting God enough to give to Him our cares and worries in order that we can take the time to spend alone with Him.

From the time I first became a Christian, I think I must have believed that something "magic" would happen! I thought that since I knew I was a Christian and joined the church, I would gradually come closer to God and become more like Him. I now believe that can only happen by my commitment to spend time with my Lord. The words in the hymn, "Take Time To Be Holy," are good reminders of the need for this time. I pray that you will join me in making time for God a top priority everyday of life.

Solitude and Silence

As I have recently mentioned, I have been learning more about the importance of practicing spiritual disciplines - focusing in particular on silence and solitude. Today's devotional is a good reminder of the value of sitting quietly (in silence and solitude) in God's Presence. It is only through this kind of time with our Lord that we can begin to understand His great Love and "the fullness of My (God's) glorious riches."

The beautiful hymn, "We are Standing on Holy Ground" has repeatedly blessed me as I listen to the words. They tell us that when we stand in the Presence of our Lord, we ARE on HOLY GROUND. I pray that we will be blessed and joyful as we listen to this hymn in our worship time today as we stand on holy ground with Him!

Lord, Here I Am!

In yesterday's blog, I mentioned the recent discussion about a desire to spend time with our Lord. Another part of that discussion was when we talked about the need to totally TRUST God with all our fears, cares and troubles. I pray that today we will stand before Him and trust Him to lead us in the way we should go.

The video and lyrics of the song "Lead Me Lord" are beautiful reminders to let God guide us with His Purpose and Peace.

Spending Time With Our Lord!

In a recent Bible study group, we were discussing our DESIRE to spend time with our Lord. However, we also discussed that it is sometimes challenging to spend that time in our busy, rush-rush world. As written in today's devotional, we may be filled with guilt at spending so much time with our Lord when we think we "should/could be" working at our job, taking care of our home, visiting with friends, watching television, working or playing on the computer or phone, etc. It's times like these that we need to talk to God and ask for His help and guidance.

I read recently in a pastor's writing that becoming closer to our Lord and becoming more like Him is like getting better at anything. It takes PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!  It doesn't just happen magically by itself!

I pray that you will join me in spending more time with our Lord and telling Him that "Here I Am, Lord!" This is a beautiful hymn for our worship time today.

God's Power Comes Through Our Weakness

I'm not sure that I like to be called "weak" as in today's devotional! However, in reality, I know that I have always been weak and looking to God for strength.

I am reading a book about spiritual growth through spending time in "solitude and silence." It repeatedly discusses the importance of letting go of our fears and weaknesses - and giving them all to God. In this way, we can say to our Lord, "Here I am - including every part of me. I'm awaiting more of your Presence, Power, and Love in my life."

Today's scripture from 2 Corinthians 12:9 is one that I've referred to several times in this blog. What a blessing to know that God's Power "is made perfect in weakness."

Do I REALLY Trust God?

Today's scripture passages continue to be powerful ones in my life. In the passage from I Peter, we are reminded to "humble" ourselves so that we can be lifted up when God is ready to do so. In today's world where power, money, and prestige are sought by so many, this command can only be "lived" by being intentional in not considering ourselves greater than others.

There have been several devotional readings and scriptures on giving thanks in ALL circumstances. I heard a pastor recently giving a sermon on this topic. The way he explained this was that we CAN give thanks in all circumstances - that God is with us no matter what is going on in our lives and in the world. We can do this through our trust in our Lord; we then will be able to  attain His Love, Peace, and Presence.

I may have previously posted the link to "Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart". However, the lyrics to this beautiful hymn have touched me time and again - as I pray they do for you in your worship time today. 

R & R For Our Souls!

After I re-read today's devotional, my understanding of it is this:  Quit trying to help and bless others by myself. Instead, ask God for His Presence as I reach out to others. Then, take time to "rest in the Lord." After all, Jesus had to do the same - rest and be restored. In addition, I came to a better understanding of relating to others through God's love rather than my own since my love is so limited.

The scripture from Matthew 11:28-29 has always spoken to me in a powerful way: "Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest..."  I know that many Christians do suffer from "burnout" or "drainout" as we interact with many people with great needs. This scripture is such a blessing that we can find rest for our souls through the Love of our Lord!

Life Without Worry!!

Can you imagine how life would be like without ever worrying or being anxious? Today's scripture passage from Philippians 4 is a wonderful reminder that God does NOT want us to be anxious about anything. Along with that, we are told to thank our Lord in all situations. That is how we are given His Peace and Guidance.

I pray that you will share with me and others how you keep God's Peace in your life at all times. To me, this is a lifetime challenge!

What To Do For Stress!

I don't imagine there is anyone on Earth who has not felt the stresses of life! I've had many of those days - but often for trivial reasons. I often find myself rushing because I know that I'm about to be late for an appointment or a meeting - but suddenly receive telephone calls in which people needed my time. When I notice that I am to the point of having shaking hand, I try to STOP and seek God's guidance.

I've mentioned previously about striving to become more engaged in some of the spiritual disciplines that I know will bring me closer to my Lord. I was just re-reading about the disciplines of silence and solitude. I turned in my chair to look out at the magnificent spring flowers in my atrium. I took a few deep breaths and said a simple breath prayer: "Peace."  After repeating that phrase a few times, I tried to empty my mind of my trivial stresses and sat quietly for a few minutes with God. When I returned to my tasks at hand, I did have God's Peace and I was able to do everything I needed - in a minimal amount of time.

I pray that you will join me in practicing some of the spiritual disciplines. The ones of silence and solitude are supposedly good ones to start with - but they do take practice to begin to really feel God's Presence. I will include some specific steps for these disciplines in the coming days, and you may have some to share with me and other readers.

Let's Learn From Our Mistakes!

I really appreciate the thought that mistakes are o.k. in the eyes of God! As an educator for many years, that's something I used to tell my students - that it's through making mistakes that we can "learn to do it better the next time." Sarah Young's words in today's devotional are ones that I have heard and believe - but also ones of which I need reminded. "Because you are human, you will continue to make mistakes."

One element of joy that I gained from this reading is the scripture from Romans 8:28. - To me, this means that God will take my mistakes and other bad things in my life and bring good from them! Praise God!

Be Ready for the Day's Troubles!

I thank God for words in today's devotional which remind us that GOD WILL NEVER LET GO OF OUR HAND! There's no doubt that life gives all of us troubles - even though it seems that some have many more than others! The blessing is that we have the Promise of God's continuing Presence.

I pray that the words in the song, "I'll Never Let Go of Your Hand" will reassure you as it has me that God is with me no matter what happens in life!

There's No Other Way - But to Trust and Obey!

What blessed reassurance are the words of Sarah Young in today's devotional. - "If you learn to TRUST Me (God)-really trust Me--with your whole being, then nothing can separate you from my Peace." As I was reading this, it saddened me that my trust in our Lord must waiver at times since I still do worry and get upset about many of life's challenges.

We are constantly reminded about the importance of spending quiet time alone with God. It is through this time of meditation that we are able to quit asking Him to do many things that we think He needs to do. Rather, this is when we can open ourselves to Him and listen for His Word and Will. This is also a time that we can re-affirm our trust in God and attain His Peace. I pray that we will make it a top priority to spend time in silence and solitude with our Lord each and every day.

I also pray that today in your worship time you will focus on the words of the old hymn, "Trust and Obey." I truly believe that there is no other way to "be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey." How do you remain in "total trust" of our Lord?

Do We Try to Be In Control?

I often hear people talk about other family members and/or friends who try very hard to be in control  of the lives of most people around them! I say to myself, "I'm so glad that I'm not that kind of person," but in truth, I will have to admit that I want to be that "super controller!" If only...would do this, I think they would have a better life! If I don't say it, I often think those words!

The lines of today's devotional that especially spoke to me were, "The harder you try (to gain control of your life), the more frustrated you become." It is up to us to keep our eyes on our Lord and let Him be in control of our lives - and He will give us the security and Peace that we are striving for.

This rendition of "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" is a piano version but with a beautiful video. Let this be a reminder to us to keep our eyes focused on our Lord and allow Him to be in control.
 Following are the powerful lyrics:
 
O soul, are you weary and troubled?

1. No light in the darkness you see?
   There’s light for a look at the Savior,
   And life more abundant and free!
   • Refrain:
     Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
     Look full in His wonderful face,
     And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
     In the light of His glory and grace.
2. Through death into life everlasting
   He passed, and we follow Him there;
   O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
   For more than conqu’rors we are!
3. His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
   Believe Him, and all will be well:
   Then go to a world that is dying,
   His perfect salvation to tell!

Come Before the Lord With Thanksgiving!

Most of us who read Sarah Young's words in Jesus Calling want to be closer to our Lord. Many of her devotions are written around the idea of thankfulness and gratitude. I started searching the Bible for the use of the words: gratitude, thanks, and thankfulness. There are at least 100 references to the word thanks and dozens more with the other terms. No wonder we need to spend time giving praise and thanksgiving to our Lord! As we are reminded time and again, being thankful is one of the "keys" to begin growing spiritually.

I have copied a few more verses that are related to those in today's devotional. These are ones that have spoken so powerfully to me. I pray that you will share with me and other readers any scriptures that you use as reminders of being thankful.

Philippians 4:4-6: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 4:2: Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 3:15-16: Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Please share other "thanksgiving" verses that are especially meaningful to you. 

Worship the Lord in the Beauty of His Holiness!

I remember singing the hymn, "Morning Has Broken" when I was on a weekend retreat at a lake as we watched the sun rise over the water. However, we don't need to be on a lake or retreat to enjoy God's wondrous world and Love. I pray that at the beginning of this day and everyday you and we will "sing love songs" to God's name and give ourselves totally to Him. In this way, we will be filled with His Love and Presence.

The words to this hymn are wonderful reminders for us to see God in the beauty of the world - and all things. Please join me in seeking God's Presence wherever we go and in whatever we do today and everyday. 

Which Masters Do I Serve?

When I first heard a sermon on this topic, I was almost offended. My first thought was, "Of course, I serve only God!" However, after I reflected on the scripture from Matthew, I realized that many times I serve "masters" - including money, power, material goods, etc.

Our church recently focused on a book/Bible study about becoming disciples for our Lord. One of many points of focus was on the spiritual discipline of "simplicity." One of our pastors reminded us that many of us have so much "stuff" that it distracts us in our worship time and keeps us from being in the Presence of our Lord. I haven't gotten there yet, but I'm working on simplifying my life by sharing with others some of the many blessings and "things" that I have in my home. I pray for God's guidance in doing so and that He will help all of us share our blessings as we strive to be His disciple.

Daily "Sweet Hours of Prayer"

Today's scripture from John 10:10 is one that that has been meaningful in my life. I truly think God wants us to have an abundant life and to live joyfully. However, we are continually reminded through scripture and these devotional readings that it is up to us to trust totally in our Lord for us to have an abundant, joyful life.

The words of the hymn, "Sweet Hour of Prayer" are powerful ones about God's Love and Presence when we come to Him with an open heart. I pray that you will join me in focusing on these words during our worship time today. (I understand this hymn has been translated into many languages throughout the world. If you have a link to share of this hymn in a different language, please share it with me and other readers.) Let's join together in having "daily sweet hours of prayers!"

Are You Enjoying God's Gift of the Precious Present?

Every year there are many countries that celebrate the "Day of Prayer," a special time of focusing on God - but on different days of the year. In the United States, we are celebrating this day today.  I pray that everyone who reads today's devotional, scriptures and blog will take extra time to pray for God's Love, Peace and Presence to fill our world. 

I sent a book called The Precious Present to my newly-wed cousins. Today's devotional is certainly related to the meaning of this book - not to worry about tomorrow but enjoy God's gifts of today. However, Sarah Young's words remind us that in order to do this we have to stay in "constant communion" with our Lord. In that way, we don't have time for worry and are filled with God's Presence and Peace and are better able to enjoy the "precious present."

What are some ways that you use in order to stay in constant communion with God? Please share your thoughts with me and other readers as we strive to do His will everyday of our lives.