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.