Women's Focus Ministries

Friday, September 2, 2011

Be Led With Confidence

Lean on, trust in,

and be confident in the Lord

with all your heart and mind

and do not rely on

your own insight or understanding.

In all your ways know,

recognize and acknowledge Him,

and He will direct

and make straight and plain your paths.

Proverbs 3 verses 5 and 6

(Amplified Bible)

This is such a wonderful reminder to me today. There are so many times that I begin to believe that I know the answers to things. Often times that belief is only based on my own experiences in life, which leaves me with a very limited view.

Other times I have very strong feelings about how a situation should be worked out. Sometimes these feelings can be misconstrued as insights. These insights have caused me to follow in the wrong direction at times. I have had to learn that just because I feel strongly about something, that doesnt mean that I always have the correct perspective about it.

I am a student at heart, and I love to learn new things. Perhaps the most important thing that I have learned is that I must choose my teachers wisely. I have learned a lot of things from others, but they havent always been good for me. Perhaps you can relate.

The above verse tells us to lean on, trust in and to be confident in the Lord. This is a place in which I have learned to trust. I love that the Lord knows all things and understands all things. Perhaps the thing that I love the most is that He is willing to share that knowledge and understanding with us. He knows the correct ways in which to lead us. He leads us in wisdom and with love. He never looks down upon us with criticism, but He leads us up to where He is and gives us His vantage point. His ways are so much higher than our ways and yet He is willing to come to the place where we are in order to help us.

Written by Beverley A Napier
September 1, 2011

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Nobody Likes Me

Devotional for 9/1/11

When I was a young teen I read a book where a troublesome main character responds to being rebuffed with this lyrical poem:

Nobody likes me,

Everybody hates me,

Guess Ill go eat worms.

As an awkward 7th grader I instantly related to those words. Yes, I had some friends. Yes, I had family who cared for me. But in the midst of rejection or embarrassment I felt desperately alone convinced that no one was as wretched as me.

Years later, I have friends who love me and family who cares. But when I am feeling like a failure I still feel alone. The funny thing about being a grown-up is that experience and education should be on my side. My brain knows I am loved and accepted by God. But in an emotional crisis, my heart will resist letting my brain have a say in the matter.

While having breakfast, a friend and I were discussing how nice it is to just be able to talk with each other once a month. Not so often that we get bogged down with daily frustrations, but often enough that we are up to date on each others life.

Then she observed, When we dont share whats going on at a personal level - we keep ourselves from connecting. Then the other people in our lives feel alone - like theyre the only ones going through whatever and feeling a certain way.

Its so true! When I think I am the only one going through something, I think I must be failing. I am the only one struggling to forgive, be content, ask God for all things and trust Him. Then the enemy uses my isolation to convince me something is wrong with me.

We are not alone!

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

Never will I leave you;

never will I forsake you.

Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

We are loved!

But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact

that while we were still sinners,

Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.

Romans 5:8 (AMP)

We dont even need to eat worms.

Dear Lord, Thank You for the love and support You pour out to me through friends. Please purify my heart that I may be a loving and faithful friend. Thank You for Your overflowing love. Thank You forYour promise that You will never leave me or let me go. (see John 10:29). In Jesus name, amen.

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

"He Is Forever With Us"

Devotional for August 31, 2011

God never intended for us to walk this life out on our own. He didn't just create us and throw us on the planet to fend for ourselves. In fact, that is quite the opposite of our loving Father. He tells us He will never leave us or forsake us. He also tells us in Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

That passage tells us that we can come to Jesus any time. We can find rest in Him. We can learn from Him. Jesus tells us that He is there for us, especially when the going gets tough! Just knowing His yoke is easy and His burden is light gives me great comfort.

When I meditate on those passages I sense all my problems and burdens being carried by Christ. I can learn of Him knowing He will guide me safely to the other side. That is where I want to be. Resting in the arms of Jesus with peace of mind and free of the cares of this world.

I will continuously come to Jesus because He has my best in mind!

Sandy Billingham

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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Relationship

Philippians 4:1

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound:
every where and in all things I am instructed
both to be full and to be hungry,
both to abound and to suffer need.

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Be aware, be warned, and be exhorted that, if we have any desire to overcome faults, if we sincerely desire to be in God's Kingdom, if we desire to be like God and glorify Him, we need to protect our relationship with Him. He is the Source of the power to do all things, even to grow while also enduring these intense times. Paul is saying that he knows how to discipline himself and thus keep on track in every circumstance of life. By this time in Paul's life, he had the skills required for making the best of every situation.

submitted by : Annie

Saturday, August 27, 2011

HURRICANE!

Devotional for Sunday, 8/28/11

HURRICANE!

The verses below describe when Paul was a prisoner on a ship sailing for Italy. He had warned them that there was going to be great loss if they continued on their course, but they did not listen to him:

When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along...

When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you. So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island. Acts 27:13-15, 20-26 NIV

Our East coast is experiencing a huge hurricane this weekend. Some have listened to the advice to board up and evacuate, but others have not. There even have been injuries to people foolish enough to stand out on a pier who were knocked around by some massive waves before the storm fully hit. There has been loss of life and property as well as torrential rains and flooding causing major shut downs of public transportation. In spite of plenty of warning ahead of time and tons of preparation in response, there are still going to be destructive stormresults.

This is much like our own lives. We have God's instruction book for life, the Bible. But we don't always follow the instructions He gives us. We may think we know a better way, or are enticed by something that appears to be what it is not, or believe that certain things no longer apply in the world today. That is all a part of this sinful world and can lead us right into the middle of the storms of life. But if we "keep up our courage" and have faith in God in the midst of our storms, He will guard and guide us on our way and see us through. We will survive these storms and can do so without fear, as if forever in the eye of the storm. God is always with us!

written by Jan Andersen, in the eye of the storm of life

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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Relationship

Philippians 4:1

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound:
every where and in all things I am instructed
both to be full and to be hungry,
both to abound and to suffer need.

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submitted by : Annie

HURRICANE!

Devotional for Sunday, 8/28/11

HURRICANE!

written by Jan Andersen, in the eye of the storm of life

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The Woman

Devotional for Saturday, August 28, 2011

Repost from October, 2010

Ephesians 6:12

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

It was 5:45 am, and my husband had just left for work. I knew I needed to get up though I was so tired, so I kept turning this way and that way in my bed thinking maybe I could wake up better at different positionsyeah right! I finally forced myself out of bed stomping to put on some sweats, stomping to go downstairs to do my Bible Study. I had the worst attitude. I felt like he made me look bad getting up with ease when its usually I who goes through the work of nagging him to wake up or else Im blamed for letting him sleep in. This time, I felt guilty that I was sleeping in. Its amazing the kind of garbage I allow to go through my mind. None of this was true or necessary. It was my anger, jealousy, suspicion, rebellious heart soaring off into the land of make-believe causing me to get off focus of whats real. The next thing I know, before I even had the chance to get comfortable and open my notebook to see where I left off, there was a woman in my house. I know this seems odd, and believe me I was very confused, concerned and shocked. At first I only saw her from behind, then I noticed the front door was wide open, though I couldnt remember hearing it open, or the chime that tells me its open. My heart was pounding and my blood was rushing as I jumped up to take charge of my home and question this intruder. She looked different when she turned around; in fact she looked like a different person at every angle. Then my husband came in through the front door looking panicky. He was stumbling over his words and making no sense. It seemed like he was trying to tell me that he had everything under control, but he was only raising more and more suspicion in me and causing my anger to blaze out of control. The woman, however, was calm, cool and collected, and kept walking around my house (thankfully downstairs, for all the kids were upstairs). It looked as if she was checking out her new territory. Between the yelling, cussing, and questioning coming from me, there would be responses from her of I own a piece of this family, I have a thousand dollars invested here, a good portion of this household is mine, and I have every right to be here. She never said anything other than these types of phrases. I was furious! All I could think was What does that even mean?!? Nothing was making any sense, and the more confused I became, the angrier I got. My husband never explained any of it, even though he looked like he knew what was happening and why. Even more surprisinghe never yelled back at me. It felt like a one-sided fight. Its not an every day thing for me to yell at my husband my kids maybe, but not my husband. Hes kind of an intimidating man, and would not put up with me acting out in anger even if he deserved it. By now, I was getting out of breath from my rage, and I was beginning to feel helpless.

Thats when I woke up. I had never gone downstairs at all. He did leave at about 5:45 am, and I did toss and turn thinking I would eventually wake up, but I didnt. I drifted off and thats what I dreamed. In my awakened state of mind, however, I was still furious. I was still out of breath, and my heart was still pounding. I kept thinking about it over and over again getting angrier each time. Now I was crying, but I wasnt sure why I was still upsetafter all, it was just a dream, right? No! It felt more like an attack. I partly knew what was going on, yet was still so caught up in the emotion of it, that I felt paralyzed. Still lying in bed asking God what it all means, it took much longer than it should have for me to finally listen to Him. The answer was so obvious that it was screaming at me in my head. Get up, get rid of your attitude, and pray for your husband. He needs you to pray for him! I did, I read what I had written for him a couple of weeks before, and prayed what God put on my heart just as I had been doing every morning since I wrote it, but still it would be a couple of hours before I could stop thinking about the dream. The day ended up being one of those days where I was doing so much and completely wearing myself out, yet feeling like nothing was getting done. It was 7pm before my husband was finally home that night, and I couldnt believe all that he told me about his day. Of course, I wont get into the details, but it was obvious that he was under attack at work in a number of different ways. The dream was coming back to me as I listened. Even the way the woman looked different at every angle. How many forms of her were there? How many problems was he facing at work? I listened as long as he needed me to, served him his dinner, then I asked if he minded if I went on a walkto which he didnt, and off I went. I called a good friend, and shared some of this with her, and we talked a bit about dreams and how the enemy will sneak in and torment. As we talked, one thing I realized that I never said to the womanI never said, Get Out! I knew that nothing she said made any sense, nor was trueshe didnt own any piece of us, she had not invested anything of value in us, there was no portion that belonged to her, and she did not have any right to be in my house, let alone my dream! Why did I not take charge and tell her what to do? I dont and never will have the authority to do such a thing with my husband, but I do have the authority invested in me by my Lord and Savior to tell the enemy what to do and where to go. How could I be so blind to forget such a thing? My anger, thats how. My anger only causes more confusion. Well, I think its about time I started denouncing the enemy even in my sub-conscience! For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:12. Dear God, make me alert and wise to the tactics of the enemy even in my sleep, and snuff out the fire of my anger so that it does not get in the way of Your work...Amen.

Written by Amie Spruiell

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Thursday, August 25, 2011

Over and Above Anything We Could Ever Hope For

Devotional for Friday August 26, 2011

Reposted from October 29, 2010

BOBO...

I have been personally blessed to have had a godly Grandmother in my life. Until I was thirteen years of age, I was blessed to have a godly Great Grandmother in my life as well. She is who I want to talk about this morning.

Her name was Dorothy, but we all called her Bobo. Somehow my brother had begun calling her that when he was very little, and the name stuck. Bobo had a live in caregiver that used to care for her needs, but every once in awhile this lady would leave for a weekend to go and visit her own relatives.

These became some of my very favorite times, as I was able to stand in for her while she was gone. I would go and stay with Bobo for the weekend. Since she wasnt able to walk very well, a hospital bed had been placed in the living room for her. All day long we would watch television together, and read, talk and share. That was so much fun and I loved it. My very favorite time though, was bedtime.

I used to sleep beside Bobo on a little loveseat that was positioned next to her hospital bed, and each night we would say our prayers together. Mine, of course, were not very long and no matter how hard I tried to think of everything that I should be praying for, they were over quite quickly. This was when Bobo would begin her prayers. I used to lay there in the dark and listen to her. She would first pray for one person, and then she would move on to the next. All I knew was that for being in the dark, that place became one of the very brightest places in my young life.

I would listen, and wonder at the love that I could sense and feel, as it began to permeate and fill that tiny little room. I would snuggle myself down under the warmth of the blankets, and the comfort of my great Grandmothers prayers would fill my heart. Any worry or concern of mine would soon be forgotten in the comforting sense of love that Bobos prayers would bring. I listened as long as I could, but I know that not even once was I ever able to stay awake until she ended. The peace and comfort in that room was just too great, and it would lull me to sleep even when I fought it.

It has been a long time since my great Grandmother went on to be with the Lord, and over the years I have forgotten things. I have never forgotten that room, or her prayers though, or the sense of peace that I had come to be familiar with at that young age. What took me time was to realize and understand is that what I had been feeling in that room was the love of Christ and the peace of the Holy Spirit.

As women in general, and for some of us as mothers, a lot of us are probably very familiar with pulling the covers up over our children, or loved ones, as they settle in for sleep. It is something we do quite naturally, and most likely one of the very last things we do at night before allowing ourselves to retire. We must first tuck everyone else in. That, in a very real sense, is what Bobo was doing for me through her prayers. She was tucking me into and under the covering of the Lord. What a beautiful picture that brings to my heart. Although it may not have been possible for her to tuck me in physically, she perhaps, was doing it in a way that would cause me to never become untucked, even when, as I grew, I began to toss and to turn in so many different directions.

Bobo, in her great wisdom and through her simple act of love, was doing something for me that could never be undone. She was lifting me, and my life to the Lord. She was taking the time to ask Him to care for me, to lead me, to guide me, to keep me in each and every area of my life. She was asking Him to do what she knew that she, herself, would never be able to do. My great Grandmothers years in my life were limited and I did go on to have a lot of twists and turns in my life. However, over the years and through the circumstances, I did turn my life over to the Lord. Bobo never lived to see how I turned out, or to see the result of her prayers in my life, but nevertheless, the results are there. They are there for others to see, and for the Lord to see.

As I look back over my life, I know that I desire to be like Bobo. I want to do the same for my grandchildren, and someday great grandchildren, as she did for me. I want to tuck them into the Lords love, as one of the last things I do, before I retire to my place in Heaven. I can only marvel at all the Lord has done through one womans prayers. I pray that each one of you will be inspired deeply, just as I have been, to pray for those whom the Lord has entrusted to you. You know who they are, and you know what to do.

Today I pray that you will be encouraged, just as I am now, to continue on in the legacy that has been built before us, the legacy of love and of prayer. Perhaps you didnt know your great Grandma, or maybe she wasnt a praying one, like Bobo was. That is the one of the greatest gifts in all of this, is that it truly doesnt matter. Now that I have shared Bobo with all of you, you are able to see the example that she has set, not only for me, but for all of us. All of this is only one of the ways that the Lord causes us to bear good fruit, and to cause the good fruit that we have labored for to multiply, and to touch others and to use it for good in their lives.

There is no way that Bobo could have ever known that one day I would be sharing all of this. Again, that is the beauty of what the Lord does and will continue to do in our own lives, if we are faithful to do what He has called us to do. He will always remain true to Himself, and to do whatever it is that He has promised.

In ending, I would like to leave you with these verses from Ephesians 3: 20 and 21 from the Amplified Bible: Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the (action of His ) power that is at work within us, is able to (carry out His purpose and) do superabundantly, far over and above all that we (dare) ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams). V.21 To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).

Written by Beverley A. Napier

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

What is True Freedom?

Devotional for Thursday, August 25, 2011

The pain and humiliation of being falsely accused, and my words misused, feeds my insecurity and fear that I am somehow less or not worthy of consideration. Even as my heart protests at the unfair treatment His words, Vengeance is mine, (see Romans 12:18-20) remind me what I need to do. Even though I am so grateful for all God has forgiven me of and know I do not deserve so much mercy, it is still hard to lay down my right to be understood and hopefully justified. I must forgive. How can I forgive and set others free when I do not feel free myself?

Interrupting a teaching session at the Temple, a group of men confront Jesus. Dragging a woman through the crowd they demand that Jesus tell them what should be done about her.

⁴ Teacher, they said to Jesus, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. ⁵ The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?

The men are trying to trap Jesus into saying something they can use against him. Instead of answering them Jesus bends down and starts writing in the dust of the ground with his finger.

They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone! ⁸ Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.

is Jesus scribbling in the dirt? Whatever it is (perhaps names, places, dates, amounts of money?) something causes every one of those men who are accusing her to turn and walk away. Now the guilty woman is left with Jesus.

Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, Where are your accusers? Didnt even one of them condemn you?

What is this woman thinking and feeling? Is she holding her breath in fear? As she hears Jesus speak to her, is her heart in her throat, knowing she deserves condemnation for her sin? She answers him.

No, Lord, she said. And Jesus said, Neither do I. Go and sin no more.

Wow. God does not accuse or condemn us. His love for us (see Romans 8:31-39) and His desire for our freedom (see John 8:32 & 36) is throughout scripture.

Have you accepted Christ as your Savior? Have you believed He died for your sins? Have you admitted your sins to Him and asked Him to forgive you? Then we are both free in Christ. When a past sin comes to my mind, I thank God for His forgiveness and try to dwell on it no more. When it keeps coming to my mind, which happens more than I like, I ask God if theres something I still need to do about it. Otherwise, I say to my mind, Be Quiet, God has forgiven me! Then I fight my tendency to dwell on the past. I am not my sins. You are not your sins. We can let our own pasts, and Gods kindness to forgive our sins, be a reminder not to be hard on others (no matter how loud our feelings may scream). Our true freedom comes from forgiving others whether or not they ask for it or deserve it.

Dear Lord, thank You for all You have done for us. Thank You that we can ask You for Your strength to forgive when we find ourselves unable to do it on our own. In Jesus name, amen.

You can read the story in John 8:1-11, these words are from the New Living Translation.

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Turn Your Eyes

Devotional for Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Repost from Occtober, 2011

There is a beautiful song we used to sing which goes as follows:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus;
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things on earth, will grow strangely dim;
In the light of His glory and grace.

I have found in my life as I walk through trials and turbulent times, that when I focus on my problem, I am in big trouble.Discouragement and hopelessness can set in very quickly. The more I focus on the situation the deeper I sink into a pit of despair.

The good news is that when I fix my eyes on Jesus and rejoice in Him, hope begins to well up. I have a whole different focus when I trust in Him and in His promises. I am strengthened in Him and confident the the Lord will see me through the situation. He will take care of me and give me a way out. He is so much bigger than any mountain in my life. I can rejoice in Him and cling to Him with victory on the horizon!

I choose to "turn my eyes upon Jesus" for He is the author and finisher of my faith.

Blessings,

Written by Sandy

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

1 Peter 5:1-5

Reprint from 10/19/11

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder,

and a witness of the sufferings of Christ,
and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

Feed the flock of God which is among you,
taking the oversight thereof, not by

constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre,
but of a ready mind Neither as being lords over God's heritage,
but being ensamples to the flock

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, y
e shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder.
Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility:
for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

1 Peter 5:1-5

Humility has its basis in an honest and realistic comparison of us with God. To compare ourselves with other people always allows us a great deal of wiggle room because we can always find flaws in other people's character. But these rationalizations are not really honest because our goal is not to be in the image of other people or them to be in our image. Our goal is to be in the image of God, and therefore the comparison must be with Him.

When we do thatand we do it honestlywe always come out on the short end of the stick. We are woefully poor (poor of spirit) of any value, any quality or characteristic one might even begin to imagine. We fall so far short of His holiness that it knocks the props right out from under any idea we might have to take pride in what we are.

If we are striving to be like Him, to walk in His steps, to be in His image, this comparison gives us a much more realistic foundation to work from in relating both to Him and to fellow man. It is a wonderful attitude adjuster and regulator of relationships.

Humility tends to be the flipside of faith, because where the confidentthe faithful, the trustingwill push themselves forward, the humble has a tendency to hesitate. It is a matter of restraint.

In the humble, there is a consciousness of emptiness, of potential weakness, of helplessness, of worthlessness. However, we should never get the idea that the humble are weak. Paradoxically, they are among the strongest of all people on earth! It all depends on one's perspective. In God's perspective, these people are strong, while from a human perspective, it depends on whom they want to impress.

Humility is so important that God gave Paul some help to make sure that he would stay humble (II Corinthians 12:6-10). Yet, if we would evaluate that, from the time of Jesus on, no one was more spiritually powerful than Paul. It all depends on one's perspective. Who is the humble person being compared with? In comparison with other men, Paul did not appear very strong, but when God looked at him, He liked what He sawa powerful, effective servant of God.

This is so important because humility's dominant thrust is its willingness to submit to God and to what is right and true. Some, of course, would submit willingly to death if it would glorify God. Our level of humility, therefore, pretty much sets the tone of our relationship with Him and with others. In both cases, that is, with God and man, the humble esteem the other better than themselves. This quality will guard the unity of the spirit (Ephesians 4:3).

Humility or lowliness goes hand-in-glove with meekness. Meekness is a rather complex subject requiring many items to describe it accurately. However, it contains an evident element of restraint. The meek are kind, gentle, and sensitive to others needs. They are thoughtful, agreeable people. They are not aggressive, assertive, insistent, or argumentative. They are easily approached and easy to get along with. Again, we should not be mistaken: The meek are not weak. Certainly, we would not classify Jesus and Moses as being weak, but meek they were. They were firm and uncompromising regarding following truth, but they did not feel constrained to overwhelm those who were aligned against them.

submitted by Annie M. Allen

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Sunday, August 21, 2011

Devotional for 8/22/11

Repost from Monday, December 13, 2010

I happened to peek out the living room window yesterday at about 5:00 P.M. What I saw in the sky drew me out into the front yard. A magnificent sunset displayed itself in the firmament above me. Layers and layers of thick clouds stretched out in long rows. They were lit up in a golden pink hue which seemed to grow more brilliant as I gazed upon this wonder. The sky provided a crisp blue backdrop and peered through the rows of clouds.

As I stood in awe of God's magnificent handiwork, scriptures welled up from within my soul.

"For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the call of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God." 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (NLT)

"Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see Him - even those who pierced Him." Revelation 1:7 (NLT)

"Yes, dear friends, we are already God's children, and we can't even imagine what we will be like when Christ returns. But we do know that when he comes we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He really is. And all who believe this will keep themselves pure, just as Christ is pure." 1 John 3:2-3 (NLT)

Anxious thoughts of external preparations for the holiday season suddenly fell into perspective. I thanked the Lord for sharing His glorious sunset with me that day, and whispered a prayer. "Please show me what you would have me do in readiness for this Christmas celebration. Help me to see what is important to you and those things which would simply deplete my time, energy, and resources. Let me heed the admonition of the UNKNOWN AUTHOR who wrote:

"Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last."

Written by C.F.

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ACTING LIKE A CHILD

devotional for Sunday 8/21/11

ACTING LIKE A CHILD

How would you feel if someone said to you that you are acting like a child? That phrase is often used when an adult is seen as whining, pouting or throwing a tantrum. Sometimes, when a child starts acting up in public with those behaviors, surrounding people may not take it well. They may look down their noses at the apparent lack of parenting skills of the adult, think that they could do a better job disciplining the child, and wonder what that child will grow up to be like if they don't learn how to behave better at their young age. Onlookers may also subscribe to the old adage, "children are to be seen and not heard."

The disciples may have had some opinions about children that were similar. They didn't want Jesus to be bothered by parents wanting their children to be touched by him. But Jesus had a different perspective. He even wants us to be childlike in our faith, fully and easily trusting, and accepting that we are undeserving and helpless to save ourselves:

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Mark 10:13-15 NIV

The phrase is often put together with these other admonitions, "be and adult, shoulder your responsibilities, stop acting like a child." While Jesus wants our faith to be childlike, trusting fully and with great abandon, he does NOT want us to be childish in what we believe, swayed by every shift in the wind:

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:14-16

Like a perfectly loving father holds his children close to his heart, our Heavenly Father calls us his children and guards and protects us. The Jews are called the children of God in the Old Testament because God chose them and set them apart, and the Gentiles (non-Jews) are called children of God in the New Testament if they are faithful believers. In a family, children usually receive an inheritance from their parents. That means that as children of God we receive the inheritance of eternal life with him!

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are Gods children. Now if we are children, then we are heirsheirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. Romans 8:16-17 NIV

May you be childlike in your faith, not childish or foolish, and may you cherish and appreciate the magnitude of your inheritance!

Written by Jan Andersen, child of God

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DEVOTIONAL FOR 8/20/11

After Gods Own Heart...AS

David has always had this wonderful reputation as a man after Gods own heart, King David that isyou know the shepherd boyfriend of Jonathon, enemy of Saulthe one who killed a giant threat to Israel and then much later in his life one of his own men so that a dirty secret could be kept hidden. Anyway, he was obviously no perfect man. People have strong opinions of him, and for good reason. He made mistakes, sinful mistakesmistakes that not only affected him, but all those around him and especially those he ruled over. Yet, he was still called a man after Gods own heart. Even at one point during his reign, the anger of the Lord burned against Israel as a nation. How is it that he was held in such high esteem?

One of the most beautiful examples of Davids heart was when he pleaded with God to bring punishment on him alone instead of the people. Taking into account his own sin and that he was their king, David was determined to take the fall. The truth is, he was responsible to take the fall, but how many people are willing to admit that? To show even further that he was willing to carry the burden, he refused a free gift from one of his own people of land and animals for use as a sacrifice. His own words were,

I will not offer burnt offerings

to the Lord my God

which costs me nothing.

This story takes place in the last chapter of 2 Samuel. The anger of the Lord burned against Israel. Does it specifically say why? No, but that is beside the point. Apparently, when God removed His hand from Israel, David was vulnerable to pride and listened to the voice of Satan. Out of this pride, he chose to number the people in a census when God had not ordered it. His guilt overcame him and he cried out to God. Then when the punishment came over all of Israel costing the lives of 70,000 men, David could not take it anymore, and so here is where we truly see his hearthis heart that said that it was his own fault, and that the people were innocent.

When God told David what he must do to stop the punishment, the king hurried off to accomplish the deed, a sacrifice. Now, a sacrifice is not a sacrifice if it costs nothing, so when one man offered to David a free gift to use as a sacrifice, the broken shepherd king said the beautiful words quoted above,

I will not offer burnt offerings

to the Lord my God

which costs me nothing.

I understand this. But for us, our offerings are those of praise. I often feel broken over my sinfulness and I desire to give to God in a way that will cost me. But what could I possibly give that would cost enough? After all, Hes given me so much.

Ive always felt a burning desire to give back to God for what Hes done for meto pay Him back so to speak. Its a silly notion because who could actually pay the debt to begin with, let alone pay back the person who cancelled it as if its still owed. But at least it keeps me in the right frame of mind in a society where people have the me attitude believing that life truly is all about themselves and all of heaven and earth owes them.

Interesting that in only a couple of chapters earlier in 2 Samuel, chapter 22, we read a psalm written by David. The same song is found in the book of Psalms in chapter 18. A portion of this speaks of Davids righteousness. I read those verses and wondered how anyone could speak of their own righteousness when were all sinful people. Could he be lying to himself? David certainly knew of his own sins, yet here he was calling himself blameless, righteous, clean, and obedient and even using absolutes when describing these words of perfection. Yet it was during Davids reign that the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, just as it did during the reign of other kingsquite evil kings. So, what made David so different? It was his remorse. It was his repentant heart. It was his burning desire to give back to God what God gave to himlove.

The love that God gives us did not cost him nothing. Its not a love that He owes to us. What He does owe to us is punishment, yet He offers us forgiveness. David did know of his own sinfulness. He knew he was no example of perfection, yet he knew his God, his personal Creator and Savior, so well he even knew that because of his repentant heart, God remembered his sin no more. Gods great mercy erased the sins of David from Gods own eyes, so that when God looked at David, He only saw a clean, righteous, and blameless heart. He only saw the things of David that were good. Thats why it says, according to my cleanness before His eyes.

David was no different than me, a fallen creature, but yes, because of his repentance he was a man after Gods own heart. I suppose that is our costly offeringour repentance. It costs us our pride, our arrogance, and our fleshly desires. Thats what makes us after Gods own heart.

Amie Spruiell 8-12-2011

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Friday, August 19, 2011

Wisdom From Above (BN)

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled);

then it is peace loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). It is willing to yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits: it is wholehearted and straight forward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity).

James Chapter 3 Verse 17

in the Amplified Bible

I went to a wonderful Womens Retreat this past weekend. The weather was great, my room mate was even greater, and the Speaker gave one of the best messages Ive ever heard. What has stuck with me the deepest however, is the lesson that I learned through watching the Lord work out a situation that truly had the potential to ruin everything.

The Retreat was being held in a local Hotel. The place in which our group of women met was a big room separated by partitions. We met there Friday evening, Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon, all without incidence. Saturday evening however, was different. The service started out the same, with announcements and then worship. After that our Speaker would come up and begin teaching.

Well, somewhere between the end of our worship time and the beginning of our teaching time, everything in our room began to be drowned out. Without warning, we were overtaken by a very loud DJ playing very loud music in the room on the other side of the folding partition. At first we all tried to ignore it. We very quickly figured out that wasnt going to work. It wasnt only that we could hear each and every beat of the music, but it was so loud that we could feel every beat of it also.

I was sitting in the back of the room as this all began to take place, so I was farthest from our Speaker and closest to the music. I watched as the women in our room reacted with a variety of responses. Some of them came to the back of the room and began to lay hands on the partition and pray towards the room where the music was coming from. One of the women stood up and stormed out and a few others followed. I could hear as some of the women complained out loud. Our Speaker began to speak louder in an effort to be heard. I found myself leaning forward in my seat, straining very hard to hear what she was saying.

Three thoughts went through my head. The first one was that the people on the other side of the partition had just as much right to be there doing what they were doing as we did to be there doing what we were doing. My second thought was that it was pretty poor planning on the part of the Hotel Management, to place a Christian Womens Retreat and an eighteenth Birthday Party next to each other. That made absolutely no sense to me. My third thought was that no matter how many hands were being laid on that partition, I was pretty darned certain that the music was not going to stop. So, I just sat there quietly and watched.

All of this went on for a good ten to fifteen minutes without any change. Then I saw a woman go up to the woman who was in charge over the whole event, and pull her quietly aside. After that several women began to direct the women who were sitting, to stand and to move their row of chairs forward. I soon understood what they were doing. Our whole group was being moved towards the upper half of the room. The lower half of our room was being closed off by a sliding partition. That additional partition had been there inside of our room the whole time. It was just that nobody had really noticed it before any of this had taken place.

We simply closed the partition and put another whole room space between us and the room holding the Birthday Celebration. It was wonderful. All of a sudden we could again hear everything that was being said. Not only that, but there was an added sense of intimacy which began to develop as we pulled in closer together. There was a deep sense of celebration and victory that could be felt as we once again began to surrender our hearts, minds and bodies in worship and praise to the Lord.

As I sat there and pondered at what had just taken place, I could feel my spirit being stirred. I realized that the Lord had answered the prayers of those women who had been praying. Even though I had thought it a bit silly to see those women lay hands on a partition, I found out that the Lord had not. He had answered their prayers. He had answered their prayers by giving them wisdom. You see, the answer to our problem had been there all along in the form of that second partition, but none of us had seen it. It only became visible to us in answer to those prayers.

What a tremendous lesson I learned that evening. I began to think of how many times I had been just like those women in their variety of responses that evening. At times I have been caught off guard or completely surprised by something that has taken place in my life. There have been times in my own life in which I too, have been known to suddenly stand up and storm out in an effort to change something by reacting in some type of old behavior pattern. Other times I have simply sat and complained. Sometimes I have done exactly what I did that night. I have quietly sat by and watched as others took the initiative to pray, and then even doubted as they did. Still other times I have tried to become louder than that which was bothering me, whether it happened to be a situation that I was dealing with at the time or a person.

I suddenly realized how very much I still have to learn. I could only be thankful that the Lord had not given up on me long before. I felt humbled and reassured at the same time. Humbled by my lack of faith and discernment, and reassured by the measure of Jesus love for me. I knew that if He was still teaching me that He wasnt done with me. How grateful I am for the Lords patience and grace.

I have once again been reminded to trust in the Lord with all of my heart and to lean not on my own understanding. So many times the Lord will rescue us by giving us the wisdom that we need in a given situation. Sometimes there is wisdom in staying quiet. In the situation that I spoke of above, there was action required on our part. Other times wisdom means taking no action at all even when (or perhaps especially when) we want to take it. Only the Lord knows exactly what we need in each and every situation that takes place in our lives. Only He can give us the wisdom that can turn a situation around. Only He can give us the wisdom and direction of how to handle something without hurting or offending others. He is our Savior and on many occasions it is ourselves and our own actions from which He saves us. Id like to close with this verse:

If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God (Who gives)

to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding,

and it will be given to him. Only it must be in faith that he asks

with no wavering (no hesitating, no doubting). For the one who wavers (hesitates, doubts) is like the billowing surge out at sea

that is blown hither and thither and tossed by the wind.

James 1:5 and 6

Written by Beverley A Napier on August 9, 2011

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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

What Are You Saying...Mary

Devotional for August 18, 2011

Repost from October 21,2010

Do you ever forward emails? You know the ones with the cute pictures of puppies and kittens, or babies and dogs. Or do you read the warnings concerning our health, the government or even our computers? Be honest, how many emails do you forward? How many forwards do you read? I was just reading some of these forwards and I noticed two things about myself. One, I am lazy. Two, it is so easy for me to believe what I read when its on the computer.

The lazy factor comes as no surprise to me. I read an email subject line that said even lazy people can lose weight. Even though my brain knows that its a trick or play on words, my heart starts beating hopefully as I click the link to read the article to see what lazy thing I might do to lose my unwanted pounds. I am laughing at myself as I read how important it is to get the proper amount of sleep each night (6-8 hours for most people) and that in the case of sleep, more is not better. Sigh, isnt that always the way?

As for believing what I read it is a two-edged sword. We have all been taught that something is only as reliable as its source. It is already time-consuming to read something. To then take more time to double check the truth of every item by reading yet another article makes me start to wonder if it is worth reading anything in the first place. I will keep reading. When I read a forward that offers advice, before swallowing it, I check one of the research sites that checks into the truth of emails that currently circulate through our inboxes. But even in those instances, each site can only be as unbiased and balanced as their research.

Fortunately, or rather, amazingly, there is a plenty of reading available that does not need to be double-checked. The bible is full of history, drama, warnings and even humor in the midst of crisis. The pictures are word pictures. The humor can be ironic, embarrassing or sad. Really, how stubborn was Jonah that he hung out for three days in the stomach of the great fish before he prayed to God? How about a mom mortification moment to liven up an event? The scene is the last supper; the disciples know it is a special time. It is the Passover meal, Jesus has been washing each of their feet as they recline at the table and teaching them about leadership and what is to come. In a classic show of mankinds self-focus, there is a sidebar discussion at the table about which of them is the greatest. All I am going to say is that I think it was a good thing that no parents were present at the meal! Of course, I know if I had been there, I would have been just as puffed up and prideful as others.

Reliable reading/information is available to us. It is His Word. Open it up and see what word picture is waiting for you today. No need to wonder if you can believe it. He is faithful and true. He loves you. His Word is the map that will lead you to the right path, encourage you to persevere when you are going the correct way, and warn you when you are on the wrong path or near a slippery slope.

What did you say? You already know that and believe it, too. That is excellent. Then I will ask you what I have been asked for the last few weeks in my bible study: are you living like you believe Gods word is true? Actions speak louder than words. What do your actions say about you?

Proverbs 23:7: For as he thinks within himself, so he is. (NASB)

James 1:26: If you claim to be religious but dont control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. (NLT)

1 John 1:8-10: If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. (NLT)

I am taking an honest look at what my actions say about what I believe and it is humbling. Thankfully God is willing to help anyone who will ask Him. Are you ready to ask?

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

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wednesday, August 17, 2011

God is Far Greater...Sandy

There have been times in my life when I have allowed different situations and circumstances to appear much bigger than my God. To make matters worse the more I would dwell on that problem, my God would continue to become smaller and smaller.

That is quite the contrary. God's word says in 1 John 4:4

"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them,

because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

Our God who lives in us, is far greater than any problem we could ever face in our life. He is well aware of what is going on in our life and highly capable of taking care of His children. He is our "Abba Daddy" and loves to help His children.

Our God knows exactly what it takes to handle our situation and if we will but trust Him, He will walk with us through our problem every step of the way to victory!

His word also says that through Him we are "more than conquerors" and more than overcomers." By surrendering my full trust in Christ and full focus on Him, I can have great confidence in getting through every circumstance I face victoriously!

Written by Sandy B.

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Squeezing into the world's molds...annnie

Devotional for Tuesday, August 16

Reprint from 11/23/10

And be not conformed to this world:but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,and perfect, will of God.

ROMANS 12:2

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The Phillips translation says, "Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould," a vivid picture and excellent interpretation of what Paul really meant. If one is not alert and resisting its temptations, the world has the power to form and shape a person. It must be resisted!

In the previous verse, Paul says we need to sacrifice ourselves and strongly implies that such sacrifice involves pain. Babylon avoids suffering at all costs (Revelation 18:7)! If we fail to sacrifice ourselves, the world will have free sway and squeeze us into its mold. The world has an influence on the mind (called "the heart" in the Bible), on our emotions, and on our attitudes, and this influence ultimately shows in our conduct. Conduct begins with our attitudes, with our points of view, with our values, standards, and ideals. If those values, standards, and ideals contradict the way of God, we cannot resist the world's constant pressure to squeeze us into its mold.

submitted by: Annie

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Monday, August 15, 2011

Psalm Twenty Three

I just wanted to share one of my favorite psalms with you today. It is precious to me because it is a beautiful picture of God's provision, protection, guidance, healing and a glimpse into our eternal future with Him.

Repost from October 3, 2910

A Psalm of David

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters,

3 He restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness

for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

(NIV)

-Shared by Cathy F.

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OXYMORONS

Devotional for Sunday August 13, 2011

An oxymoron is when two seemingly opposite words are put together as a phrase, such as "deafening silence". Even the word "oxymoron"itself is an oxymoron, being from Greek meaning "sharp dull". Some are just sarcastic, such as "cafeteria food" for those who dislike cafeteria food. Or politically satirical such as "military intelligence". How many can you think of? Here are some other examples: jumbo shrimp, responsible government, new antiques, wide Narrows, awfully good, pretty ugly, found missing, seriously funny, definite maybe, and same difference.

There are even some things in the Bible that seem to be oxymorons. In one set of passages we read about living stones:

As you come to him, the living Stonerejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to himyou also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual houseto be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

I Peter 2:4-5 NIV

Living means having life, breathing, growing, not dead, capable of reproducing another life. Stone means a solid mineral material, afirm hard mass,which is normally thought of as non-living. But in this passage, speaking of God, living means he has life, in human form among us, tangible, personal, compassionate, a real presence, able to give life, and stone refers to a firm foundation on which to build the church body of all believers, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood. He is our rock and our salvation.

Another oxymoronic passage in the Bible is about our foolish God:

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,

but to us who are being saved it is the power of God...

For since in the wisdom of God the world

through its wisdom did not know him,

God was pleased through the foolishness

of what was preached to save those who believe.

Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,

but we preach Christ crucified:

a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,

but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks,

Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,

and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

I Corinthians 1:18, 21-25 NIV

God is certainly not foolish, but he may seem to be a fool to those considered "wise" by earthly standards. It may seem foolish to them that a god would let himself die in order to give others new life, but we Christians know how profoundly merciful that action is and that he rose again and lives forever.

Let's not be oxymorons ourselves in life - universalist Christians, wandering followers, or lost faithful. As Christians let us boldly proclaim Christ as the one and only Savior of all, be shining examples in our actions, and be faithful until the very end!

written by Jan A.,

faithful Christian follower

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LIFE

Devotional for August 13, 2011

Repost from 9/14/2010

After studying Job chapters 1-3, I meditated on chapter 3 and Jobs lament. Here we have Job not only cursing the day he was born, but even the day he was conceived. I've never been in such deep depression in my own life, but, after all that he'd been through, I can't say that I blame him for expressing such extremes. I really can't fathom the amount of pain he was in. However, verses 16 and 17 speak of his desire to have died before he even left the womb and how much better he felt it would've been to never have been born in order to avoid such pain.

My mind went to the issue of miscarriages, abortions, and still births...lives coming to an end before they've even had the chance to begin. It seems to me that one of the typical phrases used to consul someone when they've lost a loved one is "They're in a better place." I know that these are typical words even in the case of a life that was ended before it was born. It seems that worldly wisdom would have us believe that the reason for the life to have ended was God's way of allowing the child to avoid something in life. The usual reasons would be, "...painful medical challenges...," and, "...traumatic family life...." But after reading Job's wish to have perished in the womb himself, my gut feeling told me that there are no justifiable reasons to explain the loss of a life, especially a life that never even had a chance to begin.

Such a tragedy is exactly just that...a tragedy; the type of occurrences that have no explanation to them because we don't have the mind of God. If we're right in explaining away a life because they would avoid suffering, then what does that say about those who survive in spite of the suffering they have in store for them? I guess my question is this, do we not value life the way we should? Shouldn't we value just being alive far beyond the suffering that's experienced? I really think that there's more to this "being alive thing" that we just don't fully grasp. After all, I can't think of a single person who could tell me what it's like to never have been given a chance. Can you?

Why is it that even in the greatest physical suffering when the mind is telling the body to give up and wishing that its life was over, the body is still going through all the survival mechanisms programmed into it (by God Himself) to keep the body alive? It's not as easy as the mind telling the body to die. The body just keeps on fighting to live.

Could it be that all the miscarried, aborted and stillborn babies who are with Jesus right now are, dare I say, envious that they never made it past the womb alive and experienced the breath of life that God desires for all of us to have? Is there something about having that breath, even just once, that we just don't get? It's a gift, isn't it? I don't think we understand how great of a gift it truly is...so great that it's worth all the suffering that comes along with it.

Now technically, I do believe that life begins at conception, not birth. (That makes it all the more significant that Job not only cursed the day he was born, but the day he was conceived. He must have been a believer in life beginning at conception as well.) Although the lungs aren't fully expanded and filled with air until birth, I believe that God's breath of life fills us the moment we're conceived...that moment that two cells come together and a living being is created...that moment that cannot be explained by science as to why and how it happens but just that it happens is the moment that God steps in and does what science cannot do. After all, the first breath of life was breathed into man by God Himself.

So maybe Im wrong in thinking that they (the unborn babies) had no chance to live since they lived right from conception. You cant die if you didnt live, and a life ended before birth is still a life ended. The point is that life is so precious. There's just no "reason" for it ever to be ended except that we live in a fallen world, for living in a fallen world is the only answer to whywhy do such tragedies occur? And if it is such a tragedy, why wish for it? You cant remedy one tragic situation by wishing for another.

O.K., I will concede that in one sense, death is a blessing. The moment that sin entered the world, death came along with it and most of the time death is viewed as a curse, but there is mercy in it. For if God was not merciful enough to allow for death, we would all be living forever in a cursed world. But God is just. He has our days numbered and decides when Hell allow for death to come. Since, as I said before, we dont have the mind of God, we can never do justice to the reasons why death comes at the times that it does. We can be sorry for it, we can thank God for His wisdom in it, but we just should never wish for it. Let's not forget that although God did not necessarily step in and prevent Job's suffering, He was not willing for Job to lose his life.

Genesis 2:7

The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground

and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life,

and the man became a living being.

Amie Spruiell 9/14/2010

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The Lords Table

Devotional for Friday, August 12
Repost from October, 2010

I am reminded this morning of growing up with my Grandma and eating meals at her table. There were certain behaviors that were acceptable, and expected. Most importantly, I remember that her table was a place of privilege.

Even at a very young age, I understood that I had a place there. No matter how many others were present at the time, my place was never filled by anyone else. It was reserved just for me, and that reservation was never in question of being cancelled. It did not matter if it was day or night, sunshine or clouds, a season of harvest or famine. I knew I belonged there, because I was loved and accepted by my Grandma.

So it is with the Lords Table. No matter how young or old, how rich or poor, how successful or lacking we are, we all have a place reserved just for us. It is a place that cannot be filled by any other. This place is ours, and that never changes. Whether we choose to accept this place or not is up to us, our decision does not determine its availability.

In Psalm 23:5, David speaks of the Lord preparing a table before him in the presence of his enemies. So it was for him, and so it is with us. One thing that I was always sure of was that my Grandma was always for me, she was never against me. She was always on my side. No person or circumstance could ever sway her from that position. When everything else in my life seemed to be going wrong, I could always come to my Grandmas table and find not only nourishment for my body, but encouragement for my spirit, as well.

You see, she had prepared beforehand. Actually, I believe that she lives in a state of preparedness. Every day she reads Gods Word, and she prays. She brings her heart and her petitions for her family before the Lord. She gives Him her concerns, and He gives her His peace, and wisdom. She knows His voice, because she has taken the time to become closely acquainted with Him throughout the many years and challenges of her life.

So it is with the Lord, also. He has prepared a place for each one of us. Although the enemy of our souls would come only to kill, steal and destroy us, our Lord came that we might not only have life, but life in abundance, till it overflows (John 10:10). What an amazing truth this is. Even before we understood our need to be reconciled with His Father, Jesus was making a way for us. He was setting the table so to speak. He was waiting for us to come. He still is.

Whether I came as a child or as a full grown woman with children of my own, and now even three precious grandchildren, my Grandmas welcome has never ceased. Her warm smile and loving embrace are always there to greet me. It is something that I have learned to depend on. Her love and faith have helped me throughout the many changing seasons of my life. She has remained constant in her love, and true in her devotion to the Lord. She is someone that I not only admire, but that I deeply respect. Because of her, I have learned how to set my own table, and to prepare for those that the Lord would bring me.

I am thankful for the loving example of my Grandmother, and for the amazing devotion of her Lord and Savior. How loved we are, that we can call Him our own. How precious it is that He would sit and dine with us, in a place the He had prepared for us, and then teach us to do the same for others.

Written by Beverley A. Napier

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Wednesday, August 10, 2011

What should I do?

I was feeling very disturbed. Thinking to myself how nice it would be to call my friend - that we would talk (well, I would talk and she would listen) and I would find comfort, feel better, be more at peace.

But I could not call her - it was not a time for calling nor was I free to call. Then I thought of my husband - but instantly I knew his own heart was burdened with the same concern and I did not want to burden him more by adding my own emotions, insecurities, doubts and fears. Even knowing we share the same pressure, I feel alone.

I caught my breath, choking on my pain, and then I remember. I can pray to the One who knows all, sees everything and cares intensely for me. Washing dishes like nothing was wrong - I cry out silently within myself - thanking God for always being there. I know that is what He desires - for us to depend on Him first and foremost - not because husbands and friends arent important - but because God wants to be most important - first place. No fear, no doubt, no trouble, no burden, nothing in the world is more powerful than the God in heaven who cares for you and me.

Dont worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Then you will experience Gods peace,

which exceeds anything we can understand.

His peace will guard your hearts and minds

as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (The New Living Translation)

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.
Don't assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.
But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;
don't sulk under his loving correction.
It's the child he loves that God corrects;
a father's delight is behind all this.

Proverbs 3:5-12 (The Message)

Thank you, Lord, that Your mercy is new everything morning. I need the promise of a fresh start otherwise I would be overwhelmed and full of despair. Afraid of never overcoming my tendency to worry, fret, obsess, and fear. Thank You for lovingly and patiently taking me by the hand and leading me on the path of righteousness for Your names sake. Help me, Lord, unblock my ears that I may hear and recognize your voice. In Jesus name, amen.

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

God Is Our Restorer

I am so thankful that our God is in the restoration business. God wants His
people whole and strong and complete in every way.

I recently had a dream about a friend of mine that is going through some tough times. In the dream we were both standing in this line. I was a few feet a head of her. I turned around and shouted to her 'restoration, restoration". I knew God was wanting to restore to her and her family healing where there has been wounds and brokeness.

He is calling me to pray for her and her family for restoration because that is His heart. That is God's heart for every one of us and our families.

I looked up the word restore in the Websters dictionnary. It means to renew, to give back and to return. Everything the enemy has stolen from us God wants to renew,give back and return. What a wonderful promise from our God.

Joel 2:25-26 says,

"So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust
has eaten, the crawling locust, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And my people shall never be put to shame.

In the midst of restoration we can praise Him for His righteousness and His goodness.

Written by Sandy

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Monday, August 8, 2011

YOKE

11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father:
and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11: 27-30
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Our Savior Jesus Christ understands perfectly the burdens of this world. He understands perfectly the burden of sin and the devastation it causes. Sin has the power to destroy what God is creating, His Family, but Christ has already defeated sin. We do not have to carry that burden. He did it fully and completely, for when God does something, we do not have to redo it!

When we think of a yoke, we often think of bondage, servitude, or grueling work that will drive us into the ground. Some may recall the movie in which Samson, blind and bald, struggles to push a huge grindstone, and every step of the way is painful. In reality, however, a yoke is nothing more than a tool to do a job, and as we have seen, a well-designed yoke allows the user to work at maximum capacity and efficiency. Most importantly, our Savior has offered us His yoke. Would any other yoke fit us more perfectly?

Just as two oxen may work together in the yoke, Jesus is also closely working with each of us. We need to picture ourselves sharing the same yoke as Jesus, like a couple of oxen with a load to pull. We should also add to this scene God the Father as the teamster, just as we saw in verse 27 that He has given Christ "all things" needed to get the job done. Jesus is right beside us in the yoke, working diligently to guide us and pull His share of the load to ensure that we finish the job.
What is our reward? Verse 28 says that He will give us rest, "rest for your souls," as verse 29 adds. Jesus' yoke is one of rest, the same rest that is discussed in Hebrews 3-4the rest of God in His Kingdom!

Then, in verse 30 appears Jesus' heartening proclamation, "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Jesus has already cut the road, so all we have to do is to follow His lead, and we will find rest from all of our burdens.

submitted by: Annie

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Monday, August 8, 2011

the Challenge

Reprint from August 7, 2010

The fence around the courtyard of the tabernacle in the wilderness served to include and to exclude.

My son has been learning about different cultures around the world via port cities through his computer history curriculum, and Ive been helping him. After the study of Hong Kong and then the study of Istanbul including the different religious beliefs prevalent in those areas, he asked me, When there are so many different beliefs, how are we supposed to know which one is right? Are they all right? How can so many people be wrong?

Those are very good questions, Wes, I said, Im glad you asked. Youre paying attention and youre thinking. I like to see that. I told him that first of all, if they were all right, then there would have been no need for Jesus to suffer and die for our sins. We would just find any old belief system that we wanted and that would save our souls. I went on to tell him that the best I could offer to him right now regarding why I believe in Jesus was that I have searched the scriptures and the arguments of the world because I want the truth, and what Ive found is that the others dont compare to our God. They dont even come close, and in fact are foolishness in light of Gods Word.

Now, Wes, Im not saying that I prefer Christianity over the alternatives, I continued, Im saying that the alternatives have proven to be false. You see, the Bible says that there is only one God, and one way to get to Him. Thats through the blood of Jesus. I went on to say that the Bible has never been proven false, and in fact, the more that man learns about the world around him, the more the Bible is confirmed.

But I did not stop there. I said that as he gets older, I expect something from him. Dont just believe this, Wesley, because I told you to believe it. Keep on asking questions. Do your own research. Ask God to show you the truth. He actually said right then and there, eyes wide open, God, show me the truth.

Later that day, while driving my kids around town running my errands, I brought up the conversation again. Did you know, Wesley, that there is no other belief system in the world that would challenge you to prove it wrong? But I challenge you. None other would dare you to go outside of its realm and compare it to the rest just to see which one is correct. Do you know why?

Its like, he said, when Garrett (thats my 6 year old) cleans his room, and he asks you to check it. He has nothing to hide. But when Clay (thats my 4 year old) is told to clean his room, he comes out a few minutes later and closes the door because he doesnt want you to know that its still a mess. My 16 year old daughter and I looked at each other in amazement at hearing the wisdom in this 9 year old boy to be able to communicate so clearly that yes he understood what I was saying and showed it by using such a perfect analogy. Thats right, Wes, Im not afraid to tell you to check. I know what youll find. Youll find exactly what Ive found. Youll also find that others are afraid for you to look inside because when you tell others why you believe so strongly in Jesus.

A couple of days later, my Bible study director was giving her lecture, and she spoke of the inclusion and the exclusion that the fence provided for the tabernacle. The fence was a testimony that there is no middle ground. He does not tolerate the lukewarm person who walks along the fence unable to decide what to believe and so chooses to believe them all as just many ways of getting to the same place. They cant all be right. God may patiently wait for them to come down off of the fence, but if they dont, they have lost their chance, and He will spit them out. Others may wish to believe otherwise, but the truth is that He is not a God of tolerance, but a God of mercy.

I was reminded of my 9 year old, and I felt confirmed in my heart that he too understood that there is no middle ground. He understood that there must be only one truth. What an exhilarating thrill it is to know that my son is on a quest to know that truth. I trust that God will show it to him in the very way he needs to see it.

"Elijah went before the people and said,

How long will you waver between two opinions?

If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.

But the people said nothing."

1 Kings 18:21

Written by Amie Spruiell

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Friday, August 5, 2011

Coming Home

Repost from September 30, 2010

Today I am remembering the special times that I have spent with family and friends. I love and treasure those times of just being together. It is such a gift to have friendship and love. I always feel as if I am "coming home" from some kind of a journey, which in reality is the truth, for we are always either setting out or returning in one sense or another.

Atthese times I feel that I am able to come in and "kick off the dust and to bask in the warm and comforting presence of the Lord. I can feel the love of those whom God has blessed me with, whether they are friends or family. I love the honesty, frankness and understanding that we are all able to share. I love the wisdom gained in the listening, and the acceptance and understanding that takes place in the sharing.

I love that I am able to be myself, even when I'm not quite sure of who that is. I love the image and direction of Christ I see mirrored back to me when I have lost my way. I love that I am able to find a loving hand to help me up when I've run out of strength. I love the encouragement and truth from the Word of God that settles itself inside of my spirit and makes its way into my heart where it plants hope, forgiveness and more love. I love the sense of fullness and satisfaction that permeates itself on the inside of me, a sense of being in the very presence of God and knowing that I am deeply loved.

To me there is no greater gift than the gift of ones self, for this is the very same gift that Jesus gave to each one of us. There is such great truth in the scripture that states,

We love because He first loved us

(1 John 4:19)

As I sit here and contemplate all that this means I can feel the depth and sweetness of this truth as it bears witness in the deepest, most intimate places of my heart and spirit.

As I shut my eyes I can almost feel the gentle but strong embrace of My Heavenly Father. As I settle back I can feel a deep smile of contentment as it outlines itself onto my face. As His peace and gentleness enfold me, I can almost hear Him as He whispers so clearly, It is good.

Written by Beverley A. Napier

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Wednesday, August 3, 2011

I Just Need a Break

Devotional for Thursday, August 4, 2011

Reprint from Thursday, September 22, 2010

Honestly, I am looking for some peace and quiet, lack of conflict, minimal challenges, reduced demands, understanding and relief. Relief from fatigue, from a sense of just getting by, that no matter what I do, its not enough; with every completed day, there is a mountain of items just waiting in the wings. Does anyone understand how I feel?

If I had just poured that sentence out to me, with a gentle voice, over a lovingly brewed cup of tea, I would, quoting Jesus, say, Peace, be still. Youre mind is full and anxious about many things. God has not forgotten about you. He loves you with an unending love. Seek first His purposes and plans and righteousness. His grace is sufficient for you. God will see you through everything in your life. He is willing to be your strength. You can depend on Him.

Commit everything you do to the Lord.

Trust him, and he will help you.

He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,

and the justice of your cause

will shine like the noonday sun.
Be still in the presence of the Lord,

and wait patiently for him to act.

Dont worry about evil people who prosper

or fret about their wicked schemes.

Stop being angry!

Turn from your rage!

Do not lose your temper

it only leads to harm.

For the wicked will be destroyed,

but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land.

Psalm 37:5-9 (NLT)

Dear Lord, I thank You that Your mercy is new every morning. I humble myself and ask You to please forgive me for trying to do everything in my own strength, in my own way, with my own wisdom. I give up. Please forgive me for being angry so often! Search my heart and cleanse me of every sin, both known and hidden. Help me to trust You and rely on You every moment of every day. Please give me a thirst for more of You. Thank You for the purifying power of Your Word. In Jesus name, Amen.

Prayed by Mary M. Wilkins: May 14, 2007
(and many times before and since).

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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

"In Him We Live And Move"

Devotional for Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Every day is a new day and a new opportunity to be used for the Lord. We serve a living God!

Scripture tells us

"In Him we live and move and have our being."

Acts 17:28A

As we awaken each day, we can allow Him to give us a fresh infilling of His Holy Spirit. If we will but let Him, the Lord will orchestrate our day and use us in ways we never dreamed possible. As we are yielded to the Lord, and have our ears to his lips, the Lord will guide us and speak to our hearts. As we say to the Lord "Here I am Lord, use me," the Lord will do just that!

We serve a God on the move! He is never boring or dull, but a God that is powerful and mighty and awesome! The Lord flows through us, as we are surrendered to him. We are His hands and His feet, His ambassadors and His spokesman.

What a joy to know that our lifes are one big adventure and glorious journey, as we are immersed in His love and His Spirit.

I choose to live my life every day on this earth for Jesus Christ; making a difference for His Kingdom!

Written by Sandy B.

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MOday, August 1, 2011

He Is Holy

Devotional for Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Wherefore

gird up the loins

of your mind, be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be

brought unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

But as he which hath called you

is holy,

so be ye holy in all

manner of conversation;

Because it is written,

Be ye holy; for I amholy.

Peter 1: 13-16

____________________________________________

The apostle Peter provides the practical implications of this wonderful hope. Hope can go to work for us and do wonders. God's calling and purpose are certainly wonderful, but He does not intend that they set us off on a daydream. Peter is declaring a call to arms: "Pull yourself together!" "Roll up your sleeves!" "Give hard thought and wrestle with the practical implications of salvation."

Remember that the church is the community where God's truth is taken seriously, and His mind is being formed in its members. To paraphrase and expand, Peter is saying, "Look, brothers, we should not be superficial about this. Keep cool. Do not be impetuous. Avoid excesses. Live a plain life. Work hard, but set your hope in God's grace, not in your own willpower.

"Remember always that your obedience is to a gracious Person, not to a coldly calculating judge or to society. Holiness is not sanctimoniousness. It is being separated for a special purpose by special instructions and discipline. We have been called to perform a unique purpose. We have been called to glorify God by our lives as a witness to all who observe, and at the same time being prepared for His Kingdom. God wants us to have a passionate love for goodness, so in your mind give Him a unique place.

"Do not fear the enemy, as we would Christ. Use your hope to think about Him, His power, justice, wisdom, goodness, truth, omnipotence, and omniscience. Remember always that He has wisdom without error, power without limit, love without hatred. Our hope is in One who is great in every respect. Quit thinking of God in fleshly terms. He is not a limited man nor even a superman. He is GOD! He is with us, and so who can permanently harm us? Concentrate on being completely devoted to Him, and if we do this, we have every reason to hope. God is not a man that He should lie. His promises are sure."

submitted by: Annie

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Sunday, July 31, 2011

TEACH US TO PRAY

Repost from August, 2010
We have such an awesome God! He even has taught us how to talk with him!

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place.

When he finished, one of his disciples said to him,

"Lord, teach us to pray,

just as John taught his disciples."

Luke 11:1 NIV

Jesus went on to teach them what we now call The Lord's Prayer. He gives God the Father the glory, asks several things including that God's kingdom come, that our daily needs be met, that our sins be forgiven and that we not fall into temptation. But He didn't stop there. He went on to tell a story about a man who was persistent in asking a friend to get up at night and loan him some bread for some unexpected company. Even though the friend was already in bed, because the man persisted, the friend finally got up and gave the man as much as he needed (see Luke 11:5-8).

We need to be persistent in prayer, too. God wants us to come to him frequently, even if it is praying about the same thing over and over. That is not nagging! That is faithful prayer.

Jesus went on:

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you;

seek and you will find;

knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives;

he who seeks finds;

and to him who knocks, the door will be opened...

" Luke 11:9-10 NIV

Jesus promises in this part not only to hear our prayers but to answer them... perhaps not always the way that we want him to answer, but He will answer them according to his will. Sometimes the answer is "yes", sometimes "no", and even sometimes "wait", or "later". Always within his answer is "trust me!" And when we pray in true faith, we want and accept whatever his will is for us. Jesus emphasizes it three times: ask, seek, knock. I think He really means it!

Jesus' teaching lesson ends with saying that if we as sinful humans want to give good things to our children,

"how much more will your Father in heaven

give the Holy Spirit

to those who ask him!"

(Luke 11:13)

There is no greater gift! We know that if we ask for faith and for it to grow, that God will grant it. So remember to pray, persistently, and in faith! Amen.

Written by Jan

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The Challenge

Devotional for Saturday, July 3o, 2011

Reprint from August 7, 2010

The fence around the courtyard of the tabernacle in the wilderness served to include and to exclude.

"Elijah went before the people and said,

How long will you waver between two opinions?

If the Lord is God, follow him;

but if Baal is God, follow him.

But the people said nothing."

1 Kings 18:21

Written by Amie Spruiell

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Thursday, July 28, 2011

One Day in The Lords Nursery

Devotional for Friday, July 29, 2011

What a wonderful decision I made when I answered yes to my Lords request. Of course, it was a womans voice on the phone, asking me to serve two hours in the Church Nursery on Thursday morning. But we all know who was truly doing the asking.

I went in expecting giggles and tears, shyness and laughter amidst a few missing shoes, an occasional dirty diaper and (of course) a dependable runny nose. After all, I am a Mother, and I felt quite confident about my ability to care for the Two and under gang.

What I did not expect, however, was the depth of revelation and insight that our precious Lord was waiting to reveal to me. It is my desire to share those insights with each of you.

The first thing I realized was how every child was in the same room, doing the same thing. They were all in the nursery, and they were all playing with toys. What I began to see happen however, is that they continued to stumble, fall and run into each other. This happened because they were not connected. How much this reminded me of our Church body. How many times have we, ourselves, been responsible for coming down the slide and knocking someone else right off their feet, just as they were finally finding the ability, balance and strength, to get onto them?

Next I saw how the children behaved when they were hurt, both in the physical sense and in the emotional sense as well. One little boy in particular just scrunched up his face, closed his eyes and proceeded to just let it all out! What freedom he must have experienced, to allow the outside to represent what was taking place on the inside. How many times do we, as adults, deny ourselves this same freedom for fear of what those around us would think?

Other children, however, would look around first, after realizing that they were hurt, to see if anybody had noticed. As they searched for, and found a face full of tender compassion, only then did they allow their pain to show. How many times do we, as individuals allow indifference and yes, even impatience, to represent themselves on our faces and in our attitudes? How many times do we pick someone up for just a fleeting moment, brush them off and then tell them that they are okay. How many times, in our own hurriedness, do we miss the chance to minister to someone that the Lord has sent our way?

It was of no real surprise that unity showed itself most evident at Snack Time. Looks of happy anticipation and little legs hurrying as fast as they could brought most of the children to the table. Others came quite prepared plop themselves down contentedly, next to the Snack Giver. The sound of little hearts singing could almost be heard, as each childs hunger was being satisfied and their thirst was being quenched.

This reminded me of Sunday mornings. How happy most of us are to enter into the House of the Lord and to sit at His table, in His presence. I wonder how many times our focus is of ourselves, with each of us being intent on receiving only what we, as individuals, might need. How many times do we fail to see that the person sitting next to us may not be able to feed themselves as easily as we do. Quite possibly all they might need is a kind look of encouragement, or a simple word of guidance, or even just an example to follow. After all, how soon we seem to forget how very difficult the task of feeding ourselves was for us in the beginning, both physically and spiritually.

Then there are those that seem to wait until everyone else had been fed. They wait patiently and quietly off to the side. Almost unnoticeably, they gather the crumbs that others have dropped, never expecting any more for themselves. How many times do we, as believers fail to stop just long enough to invite that person to the Lords Table, and to assure them that there is a place that is being saved, just for them. What an enormous difference that could make in someones life!

Dearest to my heart was what the Lord showed me, as one special little girl climbed into a crate. She had dumped out all of the toys first, and was quite satisfied to simply step into it and then very carefully set herself down on one of the edges. She was very content with her accomplishments, and it showed on her face.

A little while later, the same little girl dumped the toys out of another crate. Only this time the crate was MUCH smaller. She somehow had managed to fit both feet inside of the crate, and again, much more carefully this time, balance herself on one of the edges. She was so precious just sitting there. She could not move at all. In fact, she could scarcely breathe, for if she had dared, she would have most definitely lost her balance. What a lesson I learned from her! How many times do we, as the Lords grown children, maneuver ourselves into the tiniest of spaces and deny ourselves the room to move, stretch and grow?

The last and most important lesson of all was revealed in the form of a beautiful and lively little boy. This little boy became quite involved in whatever activity he happened to be doing. Whether it was throwing a ball, climbing the slide or pushing shapes through a hole, he gave each activity his very fullest attention until he heard the door creak. Then at that instant, he would abandon anything and everything he was involved with, and run quite swiftly to the gate. At that point he would step up onto the gate and pull himself up to his fullest height, and peer over. Then, with excited anticipation he stood happily awaiting the arrival of his much beloved Mother.

What a delight it was to observe this little boys deep love for his Mother love that sprang into action at just the tiniest perception of her arrival. What joy would fill our precious Lords heart if only we, too would respond immediately and with such complete abandon to His presence and call in our lives. How much sweeter our relationship would be.

In closing, I am reminded of the following in Luke 18, verses 16 and 17 which read,

But Jesus called to Him, saying,

Allow the little children to come to Me,

and do not hinder them,

for to such (as these) belongs to the Kingdom of God.

Truly I say to you,

whoever does not accept

and receive and welcome the Kingdom of God

like a little child shall not (in any way) enter into it.

Luke 18, verses 16 and 17

Thank you for allowing me to share with you the things that the Lord has placed on my heart. My prayer is that we will be constantly and forever reminded that each one of us is a very special, unique and deeply loved child of the God Most High.

written by Beverley A. Napier

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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Bearing Each Others Sorrows

Devotional for Thursday, July 28, 2011

In the 2006 movie, We are Marshall, a plane crash kills most of a college football team. As the team and new coach are trying to piece together their lives again, we see the hand of friendship extended by a rival college team. I walked in on this movie and saw that the best team in their district, a rival team, had put a cross and RememberMarshall on the back of all of their helmets. I wondered out loud, Wow, why did they do that? My son quickly answered, To honor the fallen. It could have happened to anybody. Yes, it could.

I'm sure that you have heard about the tragedy that occurred last Friday in Norway. An imposter killed 86 kids at a youth camp (plus 7 more at a government building). I keep thinking about the people of this grieving nation.

As I read more about the horror the Norwegians are facing there is a tight grip around my heart. In the days that followed 9-11, I remember being awed and a little surprised by the sympathy and support from the people of other nations. Now I understand the hand of sympathy during the dark days that followed us in 2001. What has happened to them could very well happen to any of us, and I am sorry for their suffering. Though weve never met - my heart will not let go of the thought of all the weeping mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, families and friends whose worlds have been turned upside down.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the trouble [same] comfort we ourselves have received from God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

weep with those who weep.

Romans 12:15b (ASV)

In memory of the children massacred on Utoya Island, Norway, July 22, 2011.

Summers Sorrow

Summers play should bear no grief

Dancing grass and blowing leaf

Sunshine rays are drunk in deep.

Clouds did come, storm did rage

To take away a summer day

From shattered body soul did leap.

Take flight soul into the dawn

Of beauty, peace and safest Arm

Dwell there now and never weep.

Angel holds you by the hand

Escort to the Promised Land

Now summers play will never end.

By Mary M. Wilkins,

July 27, 2011

Dear Lord, We come before you and lift up the families, friends, and people of this nation who are grieving, raging in pain, and suffering. Please send your comfort to them. Hold them and preserve them from any more harm. Speak to their hearts and minds so they will know that they are not alone or abandoned. We thank You, Lord, that your word says what the enemy intended for evil will be used for good (Gen 50:20). We pray that this nation will knit together and become stronger. That they will recognize your extended hand of love and feel the comfort of your people around them. In Jesus name, Amen.

I believe that God is calling for intercession. For us to stand in the gap, and pray for those who are in so much pain at a time when they may not be able to form the words themselves. God bless you and keep you.

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

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My Heart Longs For Thee

Reprint from Wednesday, September 8, 2010

There is no better place that I would rather be than in the presence of the Lord. I long to know Him more and I long to spend time at His feet.

There have been many times in my life I have had to walk through very challenging times. Let's face it; life can get just downright plain hard!! I have had disappointment, heartache, and discouraging times. But oh I am so thankful that not one of those times did I have to walk it alone. God was by my side to assure me I would get through every moment.

How sweet to know that God is ever present in our lifes. He cheers us on and tells us we can do all things through Him.

Just calling upon His name brings me great comfort. But oh how I long to be with Him and rest in Him. As it says in Psalms 63:1 the first part, resonates with my heart...

"O God, You are my God, Early will I seek You,

My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You."

That is where I want to be!

Written by Sandy

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Mark 12:41-44

Devotional for Tuesday, 7/26/11

And Jesus sat over against the treasury,

and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury:

and many that were rich cast in much .

Devotional for Tuesday, July 26, 210And there came a certain poor widow,

and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them,

Verily I say unto you,

That this poor widow hath cast more in,

than all they which have cast into the treasury:

For all they did cast in of their abundance;

but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

Mark 12: 41-44

_______________________________________________________________________

Many people were putting great sums of money into the treasury. Christ does not condemn them for giving so much, but He makes an insightful observation on the human condition. These people gave much because they had much from which they could give. Note that He is not even saying that they gave their donations in a wrong attitude. Their effort, however, was probably not very great, especially since they were not experiencing financial hardship.

Nevertheless, He makes the point that the widow gave all that she had. Whether from the perspective of the size of her gift, the attitude behind it, or even how insignificant the amount might seem, the widow took her responsibility very seriously. Actually, she was putting her life on the line! It takes tremendous effort to trust God's promises to provide for one's needs.

We should compare this to our situation in the church. We were once part of a work that we could readily see as being viable, sizeable, and economically sound. We could see just how much we were accomplishing from the size of our holy day offerings and number of television and radio stations the church's program played on. Yet, if we look at what has occurred, we quickly realize how money alone did not solve our problems. All the money and effort we expended, while not totally for naught, did not produce the spiritual results God is looking for. God is the One who determines the success of His people, not us or our money or our efforts. Our part is to strive to follow His lead.

submitted by : Annie

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Sunday, July 24, 2011

OUR HERITAGE IN CHRIST

Devotional for Monday, July 25, 2011

Reprint from September 6, 2010

Last weekend my family and I attended San Jose's Italian American Heritage Festival at the Guadalupe River Park. What a joy! The parking was easy, considering our massive metro area, the weather was sunny yet pleasantly cool, and the crowds were relatively thin. The grassy area beneath our feet was verdant and clean.

The food was authentic, fresh, and delectable. The live band was heartwarming playing Italian favorites. Bocce ball lessons and tournaments lent excitement to the day. Craft booths displayed everything from Italian logo t-shirts to beautiful paintings of the Amalfi Coast. Accordian players strolled among us adding to the charm of the ambience.

" Bellissimo" sights, sounds and smells filled the air and I was transported to a fantasy of the "old country" where my father was born. My father was from Reggio di Calabria Italy which is at the southern most tip of the boot of Italy. Daddy went to be with the Lord when I was only three years old and my mother was German, not Italian. I am left with recollections of only my earliest childhood years of an Italian lifestyle. However, I must be the product of some sort of genetic memory and predisposition toward all things Italian because at the festival I was in my glory. Hearing the Italian language being spoken, tasting the eggplant, pasta and cannolis, hearing the laughter of "my people" sent me into a state of bliss, as it always does when I am immersed in the Italian culture.

The Italians are a warm, welcoming, fun loving people. I feel such a bond with them and truly believe it is because of my natural heritage. However, the Lord reminded me this weekend, that although my natural cultural affiliation is a blessing, my true spiritual foundation is in Jesus Christ. He is the God of my spiritual forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Sarah, the mighty woman of faith in the Bible is my spiritual mentor. These heros of the faith have paved the way for me as I journey here on earth"pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ." Philippians 3:14 (NIV) It is fun and refreshing to experience human joys which God affords, be it our culture, friends, travels or other earthly blessings. However, the Holy Spirit reminded me further of a beautiful song which states: "Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of this earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." And as a final note, it comforts me to know that in this present day culture when we are surrounded by threats and intimidations of those who worship false and strange gods, the uncompromised truth is: "Therefore God has also exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the father." Philippians 2: 9-11 (KJV)

Ciao
Written by CF

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Sunday, July 24, 2011

EXAUSTION

Reprinted from September, 2010

I live in the desert in Arizona. It can get quite hot here in the summer, often topping 110 degrees, but if you go out early in the morning, it can be quite pleasant. This is horse country, in spite of the hot, arid climate, and I am blessed to be able to ride. I take English/Dressage lessons, and it is quite a workout, applying pressure to different areas on the horse's body with my legs, rising up and down in the stirrups to the trot, keeping the proper posture of my whole trunk and arms and legs, constantly communicating through my body position and energy as I put the horse through it's many different paces in an arena. It is much more work for me than riding on an easy trail ride.

Yesterday, even in the lesser heat of the morning, I was absolutely exhausted after an hour of constant working on my lesson horse, and I hadn't taken enough water breaks... but I didn't realize it until I dismounted. Then it hit me I could hardly raise my arms, and my legs felt as if they would collapse. I couldn't even reach up to begin loosening the girth of my saddle which was only just above my waist, and I thought I would never catch my breath. I had become dehydrated and felt faint, almost to the point of heat exhaustion. So, I sprawled on a bench nearby, downed lots of water and poured it on my head and on my bandana, swabbing my face over and over until I gradually regained my strength. I was appreciative of the place to rest and ever so grateful that I only had a very light English saddle to lift from the horse's back after my break. Even then, that was a bit of a chore for my exhausted arms, and I took several more breaks before I was done untacking the horse, cooling her down, and returning her to her stall.

Life is sometimes like that. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in working on something, so focused on the task at hand, trying to solve our own problems, that we don't stop often enough to be refreshed. We don't remember to rely on God and his Word. We become weary with the burdens of life. We can become so exhausted that we feel faint at heart. But there is relief waiting for us when we turn back to God:

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.

Jeremiah 31:25

God provides rest for our souls. Gently, he gives us support and comfort. He supplies us with that bench to rest upon, and water to quench our thirst and cool our faces. He refreshes us when we gather with fellow believers and study his Word. He gives us the strength to go on. And he lightens our load, supplying everything needed for life and salvation.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you

and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

Thank you Lord, Jesus, for providing rest for my weary soul, easing my load, supplying all my needs, and refreshing me with your life-giving gift. Help me to always turn to you for help. Amen.

Written by Jan A

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Are you ready?

Devotional for Saturday 7/23/2001

Repost of Devotional from Sept.11, 2010

In my dream, I was in some sort of prison. It was a life prison. I couldnt remember life before the prison or why any of us were there. We all the same prison clothes, shoes, and jacket. Everyday, someone was executed. It was inevitable that everyone would die in this prison. There was no way out. The executions were not doled out according to your crime or how long you had been there. They were random, like a lottery. I suppose you couldve been there a day and your number would be up, or you couldve been there a lifetime before it was your turn. Everybody would gather together in what seemed like a coliseum. The warden would stand in the center of the stage, and the number was drawn. If your number was drawn, you would go down to the center stage and become hooked up to an electric chair. Everybody would watch. There was no cheering, only silence.

In my dream, my number was drawn. I was sitting next to someone who was a good friend of mine, so I said good-bye to her. On the other side of me was an empty chair, and usually my closest friend was sitting there, but today he was late. I looked around for him so I could say good-bye, but could not find him. I felt more disheartened that he wasnt there to say good-bye than I was about my ultimate doom that lay before me. I handed my jacket and shoes to the friend who was there, as was customary, and asked her to bid farewell to the missing one.

The closer I got to the stage, the more frightened I became. Then I fell to my knees and on my face. I began to pray right there in the middle of the stage. I was so focused on my anguish; I did not know what was going on around me. I was begging God to help me to get through the fear and the pain. I dont know how long I was there, but it seemed like a long time. I was aware, however, that there was a lot of noise and lights flashing in the auditorium. I guess I began to assume that I hadnt even noticed them hooking me up to the wires, and so here it wasmy death. I was so exhausted. Id never been through such intense praying before. Then I stopped. I noticed it was quiet around me and I became confused. As I struggled to catch my breath my mind was racing with questions. Did it really happen? Why am I still alive? Maybe the lights and sounds really wasnt the electrocution after all. Thats right! I was never strapped down. Im still here in the middle of the stage. I still had not looked up when I felt the warden put her hand on my shoulder. She asked me, Are you ready? Somehow I knew she was not asking me if I was ready to die. Though still confused about the question, I still knew to say yes. I started to look up, and two people came over to me to help me to my feet. I was so weak, I could hardly stand. I obviously was not dead, but still had to reassure myself as I examined my body. I was drenched with sweat. I looked back down at the floor and saw my puddle of tears. I though about the scripture that says Jesus was sweating drops of blood at the Garden of Gethsemane, but I did not see any blood mixed with my tears and sweat. I did, however, have sticky hands and face covered with snot, but it did not seem to bother the two men who were smiling at me. There was a low murmur over the crowd as the men led me out of the prison to where I had never been before as if I was free. I had never seen such a thing happen before in all the time I had been there, nor had I ever heard of it.

As I regained my strength, gasping for air every now and then from the hyperventilating affect that crying has on a person, we walked up and down the streets through crowds of people that they introduced me to as if I was some sort of celebrity. I was amazed how everyone seemed to know me. They kept saying Youre the one. Youre the one he did it for. You are so loved! Then without a word spoken, the two explained it to me and it finally all made sense. My friend, the one I could not find before the execution, had taken my place while I was on my face sobbing. Thats what the noise and the lights were. And the question that was asked, Are you ready? was really Are you ready to accept what Hes already done for you?

That was my dream, and I dont remember anything else after that.

Written by Amie Spruiell

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

He Will Lead Us

Devotional for Friday 7/22/11
Repost from Friday, November 5, 2010

And He led them on safely and in confident trust,

so that they feared not,

but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.

Psalm 78:53

(Amplified Bible)

As I was leaving my house one day, I noticed a little squirrel in the middle of the road. As he saw my truck fast approaching, that little squirrel seemed to freeze in his tracks. In a split second he froze, and then he went high tailing it as fast as he could, right back into the direction that he had come from.

Now, this may not sound so unusual, but as I began to ponder this, some things came to my mind. The first one was that if you were where I was, at my vantage point, you would have seen that the little squirrel was more than three quarters of the way across the road when he saw me. It would have been much easier, and faster, for him to continue to move forward in his journey. However, he chose to turn and run right back into the very place that he had come from.

How many times have we, as Christians, been to that place of being almost there in our walking through or walking out something in our lives. At times we have almost made it to the place of overcoming, and yet for whatever reason, we have become frightened and that fear has sent us right back into the place that we were trying so hard to leave.

The second thing I noticed was what happened to that little squirrel when he saw my truck barreling down on top of him. He froze. He saw something that was so big and it was headed right towards him. He probably also heard the sound of the engine. He probably felt like a goner. Between what he saw, what he heard, and what he felt he had to somehow decide what he should do. What course of action would be the best for him to take at this time, and what direction should he go in.

How clearly this pertains to our Christian walk, also. At times, we also see those things that are huge in our sight, and sometimes they look as if they are headed right towards us. We also hear the roar of that engine inside of us, as we listen to the overwhelming sounds that are all about us. Everything inside of us responds to what is happening on the outside, and soon our feelings on the inside are what are determining what action we will take, and what direction we will choose to run in.

The third and last thing that I noticed was this. The little squirrel, although so close to being on the other side of his journey, responded to all of this in a way that sent him right back into the place where he had come from. He went back to the familiar. He chose to run back into what he knew, rather than to continue on his path into a new place.

I cannot help but think that we are just like that little squirrel. Here we are, going through our journeys, minding our own business, being productive and happy, when boom before we know it, something comes along and sends us high tailing it right back into the place we had just made up our minds to travel from. What that little squirrel didnt know was that I would have slowed down to allow him to cross that street, and to go forward in his journey. He didnt know that there was someone watching out for his welfare, because he couldnt see me. What that little squirrel also didnt know was that I cared.

Isnt this like us, how we try so hard to determine our own paths. We think that we are in charge of our own destiny, and so many times we opt to go back to the familiar. We think that we are the ones that need to protect ourselves, and so often we end up in a familiar but frustrating cycle in our lives. We take a few steps and are determined to make it this time, only to be frightened into going back the way we came because of what we see, hear and feel.

We seem to forget that there is a God Who loves us. We forget that there is a God who knows the way that we should go. We forget that there is a God who is willing and able to protect us on our journey. We forget that there is a God Who can see the things that we cannot see, and that we must trust Him. We forget that there is a God Who wants only the best for us, and we forget that He will patiently wait for and stand beside us until we are able, and ready to continue on in the journey that He has laid out for us.

Written by Beverley A. Napier

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

Satisfaction in Life

Repost from Thursday, September 16, 2010

Just before her high school graduation I was taking a moment to chat with my daughter about dreams and expectations. We discussed the belief of there being one perfect thing for her to do. Is it true? Is there a calling, a purpose, or a mission that will collectively make use of her gifts and talents for the benefit of others and satisfaction to herself.

As I listened to her toy with big dreams, little wishes and high hopes, I did something unusual. I kept all my warnings and opinions about how hard this or that is, or how difficult or rare it is to achieve such n such tmyself. I know! I was surprised too! Not that Im against practical analysis, some might even say Im a bit cynical. But this was a dreaming session, and in a beautiful example of Gods grace, He shut the mouth of this momma lion. The result was a privileged peek into my daughters heart.

What a delightful experience. I wish I had done this sooner and more often. Why does it take me so long to learn these things? By the time I get the hang of it, Im almost done! But thatll be something fun to write about at another time. The short answer is rather rough, painful and embarrassing. Truth be known, I was busy with other things and other people. An honest assessment of my fears, priorities, and habits can wait for another day.

Continuing the discussion of embracing life my daughter clarified her perspective regarding One perfect thing. She suggested that life satisfaction would come from many areas experienced rather than a success enjoyed. She does hope to achieve her current dreams, but as opportunities come along she is willing to be flexible and consider adjusting them.

That sounded so healthy and balanced I started thinking about my own life and how it might measure up to such a well-rounded perspective. I imagined a yummy holiday pie divided into many slices. If the pie represented my life, what did each slice stand for? I thought about my husband, 2 slices, definitely. Each child, another 2 slices each; then church, friends, extended family, bible study, running a home, keeping a job, health, personal care, alone time, personal time with God. Looking at the list I began to realize that all of these areas added up to a positive life. Yes, there had been struggles, challenges, losses and negatives. But the sweet moments, joy and laughter end up tipping the balance toward a satisfied life.

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments;

and His commandments are not burdensome.

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world;

and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.

Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

I John 5:3-5 (NASB)

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true,

whatever is worthy of reverence

and is honorable and seemly,

whatever is just, whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely and lovable,

whatever is kind and winsome and gracious,

if there is any virtue and excellence,

if there is anything worthy of praise,

think on and weigh and take account of these things

[fix your minds on them].

Philippians 4:8 (AMP)

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

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My Security Is In Christ"

Devotional for July 20, 2011

Just today I had a gentleman come to my door to sell us an upgraded, top of the line, security system for our home. He presented us with a great offer that was pretty hard to resist. I am confident that his coming to my door presenting security inspired me to give my devotional on security today.

Daily I am secure in Christ. Daily, moment by moment I can hide away in the arms of Christ. What a peace to know my security is always with me 24 hours a day.

In Psalms 32:7 it says;

"You are my hiding place. You shall preserve me from trouble.

You shall compass me about with songs of deliverance."

That scripture is jam packed with protection for us!

There is no doubt in my mind that our Lord loves us so, and will continuously watch over us and preserve us all the days of our life.
As for the gentleman that came to sell us a security system, my husband and I decided to not accept his offer at this time. What I do know for certain is that my Heavenly Father is the best, top of the line security around! And He provides that security free of charge as I put my life in His hands and trust Him completely!

Now that is an offer I will never refuse!

Written by Sandy

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onday, July 18, 2011

Communion with God Prayer

Devotional for July 19,2011

Repost from Tuesday, September 14, 2010

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do,

that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

John 14:13-14 b

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Is it true that God has given us a blank check to ask anything of Him just as one might ask a genie in a fairy tale? Some may misunderstand this to be the case, but I John 5:14 qualifies what He will grant: "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." Real prayer is communion with God, and what is necessary for communion are common thoughts between His mind and ours.

What we need is for Him to fill our minds and hearts with His thoughts. Then His desires will become our desires flowing back to Him in the form of prayer. James 4:3 confirms this: "You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." If we ask amiss, we are certainly not asking according to His will, and we will not receive.

But does not Jesus say in John 16:23, "Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you"? He most assuredly does, but we still do not have a carte blanche. To ask God for anything in the name of Jesus Christ, it must be in keeping with what He is. To ask in Christ's name is to ask as though Christ Himself were asking. Therefore, we can only ask for what Christ Himself would ask. It is therefore necessary to set aside our own will and accept God's. Jesus says in John 8:29: "And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him." If we do as Jesus did, we are sure to receive answers as He did. He adds in John 11:41-42: "Father, I thank you that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me."

We must come away with the realization that prayer is not dictating to God, but a humble and heartfelt expression of our attitude of dependency and need. Because of this, the one who truly prays is submissive to God's will, content with Him supplying his need according to the dictates of His sovereign pleasure. The result of this, combined with the infusion of God's attitudes and thoughts as we draw near to Him, will work to create us in His image.

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Submitted by Annie

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Monday, July 18, 2011

Repost from July 26, 2010

ANSWERED PRAYER

I came to Him in my distress.
I let Him know my plea.
I asked Him for a great request.
I came on bended knee.
His Word assures us of His love,

His willingness to bless.
Why then did I stand so amazed,
When He quickly answered me?

The Word of God is filled with promises that the Lord hears our petitions and that He is more than willing to meet our needs and even give us the desires of our hearts. As we ask in faith according to His will, Scripture and even our past experiences confirm that the Lord can and will come to our aid.

Let us then remember then to be immeasurably thankful yet not so surprised when the Lord rescues us and works on our behalf through answered prayer.

Written by CF

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Sunday, July 17, 2011

ROAD SIGNS

Set up road signs; put up guideposts. Take note of the highway, the road that you take..." Jeremiah 31:21 NIV

We see road signs all the time. Some are recognizable simply by their shape and color like the octagonal red stop sign. What about the yellow diamond shaped signs with black diagrams or writing? They are general warning or caution signs, like the symbol of a car with skid marks meaning "slippery when wet". The white rectangular signs with black or red letters/numbers/symbols? They are regulatory signs like speed limits, or giving direction like "keep right". They can also have black symbols with a red circle around the symbol and a red strike through that symbol, indicating "no (something)" like no U turns. Do you know what the blue signs with white lettering or symbols are? They direct you to some type of motorist services, such as a hospital, or they mark handicapped driver parking. And then there are the big green rectangles... they guide and give directional information - the big overhead signs telling you what exits lie ahead, etc.

The Bible is our life's book of road signs - it tells us we should "stop" and pay attention to God and his power:

He says, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 NIV

Listen to this, Job; stop and consider Gods wonders." Job 37:14 NIV

The Bible also tells us we should use "caution" along our paths:

Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Proverbs 4:26 NIV

God's Word also gives us limits and direction on the road of life:

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 NIV

And while we are told what TO do, we are also told what NOT to do, such as worrying or being afraid:

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?" Matthew 6:25 NIV

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

And finally, the Bible tells us God guides us through our good and bad times in life:

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his names sake. Even though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:2-4 NIV

So never go on a trip (life) without your roadmap (God's Word) or you might get lost!

Safe journey - in God's arms!
Written by Jan A

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Peace, Be Still

Devotional for July 16, 2011

Theres just something about the calming effect of a strong hand. My son, Garrett, has always had a struggle whenever it came time to wind down. Ive never before seen a toddler perform so many acrobats in a crib just in an attempt to fall asleep.

Even as an infant, it was a challenge for him. Though we would allow him to cry himself to sleep on a regular basis, sometimes he just needed a little help. His Daddy knew what to do. Slowly yet firmly, my husband would press his hand down little Garretts back. Finally, my baby boy would settle down. Cant you just hear the little newborn sigh? It would confirm that peace had finally arrived and blessed that precious babe.

It could be that the tiny body just didnt have the strength to squirm under the authority of that mighty hand, but I think theres more to it. There just happens to be a great feeling of security when you know deep down that you are under the submission of someone so powerful, yet so full of love.

I know that feeling. It happens every time I surrender my will over to God. Come to think of it, that beautiful scene of Authoritative Father and restless child reminds me of the mighty Hand of Jesus and one wild and crazy storm.

Peace, be still

With one simple gesture, and a few words, Peace, be still, Jesus calmed the most violent of seas. Peace, be still, and one strong hand was all it took and the chaos surrendered. The waters were lulled to sleep.

All it takes is one strong hand to feel safe and sound, and to rest like a sleeping baby. Theres just something about the calming effect of a strong hand.

Peace, be still

Sleep peacefully, little Garrettsweet, energetic and restless son, God is with you.

I will lie down in peace and sleep,

for You alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.

Psalms 4:8

Amie Spruiell
Written on 8/15/2002

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Friday, July 15, 2011

Jesus, Our Shelter in the Storms of Life

Have you ever found yourself being falsely accused of betraying a confidence? This is a something that I have recently experienced in my own life. I can tell you honestly that there was no intention on my part to betray anything, in fact, quite the opposite was true. Nevertheless, I found myself on the receiving end of somebodys mistrust, and it was not a pleasant place to be.

There are all kinds of thoughts that go through your head when this happens. There are also a lot of feelings that go through your heart. My first thoughts were of how I could prove that I was, indeed, telling the truth. I wanted to defend myself and hold onto the sense of honor that I feared was being stripped away from me. In my heart I was at first incredulous, then hurt, and eventually I became offended.

I began to try and reason the situation out in my own understanding. I thought of how long I had known the people involved, and I found myself thinking about how unfair the situation was. I thought of all the times that I had been there for them, and how this is what I end up getting in return. It didnt take long for my thoughts of reason to begin to reel in all different directions. Soon they were just plain out of control.

This was when I felt an all compassing sense of peace come over me. It was in such sharp contrast with all of the other feelings that I had been having, that it caused me to stop and breath in deeply. I knew it was the Lord. He was quieting me with His love and His peace. All of a sudden I knew that I didnt have to defend myself. I knew that He knew the truth of all that had taken place. I felt it as He reassured me of this, and I knew that it would be Him Who would stand beside me.

Psalm 57, verses 1 and 2 say, v.1 Be merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter and confidence in You: yes, in the shadow of your wings will I take refuge and be confident until calamities and destructive storms are passed. v.2 I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me (Who brings to pass His purposes for me and surely completes them)!

I cannot tell you how much comfort I received from these verses. I was reminded that it was not in my own understanding on which I could lean, but only on the Lords. Psalm 119 verse 130 says, The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light, their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple. It would be the Lords words that would cause my heart and mind to understand, not my own and not anybody elses.

I love the fact that the Lord comes to save me, and all of us, in these circumstances. He saves us from the pain that others inflict on us, and He also saves us from ourselves. He keeps us from retaliating towards others and He teaches us to release our pain and anger to Him. It is much easier for us to stay silent when it is He that is quieting our thoughts, comforting our hearts and keeping our spirits in a place of peace.

Although I understand that this situation is not over, I do know that the Lord will be with me through all that there is to come. This alone is what I place my hope in.

Thank you, Lord, for the peace that you give us

which surpasses all of our own understanding.

Thank you that you rescue us,

before we do further damage

to a situation in which weve been hurt.

Thank you for teaching us that we can

trust in you for all things, in all situations.

Thank you for your infinite wisdom and your endless grace.

In every way I ask that you

would help us to be more like you,

and that ultimately,

you would be honored in every area of our lives.

Amen.

Written by Beverley A. Napier

July 13, 2011

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Thursday, July 14, 2011

Hungry?

I notice his posture first. Standing with his hands in his pockets he has the casual slump of a typical teenager. Dark brown hair pulled to a ridge (called a faux hawk by the trendy) point, it reminds me of silly boy cartoons from the past. Brown eyes intently watch the server filling up his plate with warm and appetizing food. Anticipation clearly marks his face as he waits for his serving.

I am surprised! But why? The food smells good to me, too. Then it dawns on me, hes just hungry. This youth who may cause his mother to worry about the future, his father to frown, and his teachers to doubt is just hungry.

In an instant I feel a bond with this young stranger as I realize that I, too, am just hungry. Of course, we are all hungry. We all want and need food. But we have other hungers in common, too.

Just to start with WE ARE

hungry for love.

hungry for acceptance.

hungry for a sense of belonging.

hungry for understanding.

hungry to be acquainted with.

hungry for approval.

hungry for appreciation.

hungry for recognition.

hungry to be known.

hungry for peace.

hungry for mercy.

hungry for forgiveness.

Does Gods Word address our hunger?

John 6:34-36 Amplified Bible (AMP) Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).

Luke 1:52-53 (AMP) He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of low degree. He has filled and satisfied the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty-handed [without a gift].

Should we be doing anything about our hunger?

Luke 3:10-12 New Living Translation (NLT) The crowds asked, What should we do? John replied, If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry. Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, Teacher, what should we do?

Romans 12:19-21 The Message (MSG) Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it." Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he's thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don't let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

Philippians 2:13-15 (MSG) Do everything readily and cheerfullyno bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing.

A teenager, an exhausted parent, a middle-aged woman, a grumpy customer, a stressed man, a doubting believer, a struggling individual, a worn out employee, a tired nurse: we are all hungry. We are all in some mode of survival: pushing, fighting, resisting, clawing, grabbing, reaching, stretching, or grasping. If perchance, you are in rest mode, catching your breath, then you are aware and understand the struggle others are going through. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines compassion as: sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it.

Compassion for us and from us is Gods idea.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (MSG) The Rescue All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfortwe get a full measure of that, too.

Oh God, I am so blessed yet I quickly forget these blessings as soon as my eyes notice some obstacle or the taunting thought that this cant last starts to darken a bright moment. Please help me to remember that YOU will satisfy my hunger and that I will know and feel Your love within as I reach out to others in patience, with kindness, while overlooking offenses, and extending the hand of friendship. Please help me to be strong and do my best and You will do the rest. In Jesus name, amen.

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Hallowed!

After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Matthew 6:9

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To hallow God's name means to make it holy or set it apart for holy use, respecting it greatly. We hallow His name by obeying Him in all our conduct. Conversely, prayer without obedience is a form of blasphemy (Matthew 7:21, Mark 7:6-7), as is praise offered to God in the attitude of rebellion against His way. It is vain or vanityuseless and contemptible.

Submitted by: Annie

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MONday, July 11, 2011

CONSIDER THE WORD

Repost from July 2010

Today there are many different philosophies prevalent in our society. We are threatened by political correctness, afraid to offend anyone with the truth. Laws are being passed which protect immorality. Our children are being taught in schools that they must be tolerant of lifestyles which contradict the principals of our Christian faith. Many times the people we work with, neighbors, and prominent media figures treat our Christian values as if they were archaic and irrelevant in our modernistic society.

We know what we believe to be ethical, logical, honorable and virtuous. Yet, when we are bombarded with the profane, we need validation of our convictions. What better way to center ourselves in the truth than to turn to the word of God. When the attitudes which surround us seem topsy-turvey and we begin to feel like "social dinosaurs" let us be comforted by the words of Jesus. In Matthew 24:35 we are reminded that "Heaven and earth shall pass away but my words shall not pass away." (KJV) Also in I Peter 1:25 we find "but the word of the Lord endureth forever." (KJV)

Let us then refuse to be intimidated or swayed by current trends and ideas. Instead let's remember to read and meditate on the Holy scriptures. We experience such peace and stability when we saturate ourselves in God's word. And when we are filled with the truth we will "Always be prepared to gave an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." I Peter 3:15 (NIV)

Written by CF

Daily Devotional

Friday, September 2, 2011

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Saturday, August 27, 2011

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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

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Thursday, August 25, 2011

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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Tuesday, August 23, 2011

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Sunday, August 21, 2011

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After Gods Own Heart...AS

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Friday, August 19, 2011

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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

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wednesday, August 17, 2011

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Squeezing into the world's molds...annnie

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Monday, August 15, 2011

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Amie Spruiell 9/14/2010

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The Lords Table

Devotional for Friday, August 12Repost from October, 2010

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Wednesday, August 10, 2011

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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

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Monday, August 8, 2011

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Monday, August 8, 2011

the Challenge

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Friday, August 5, 2011

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Wednesday, August 3, 2011

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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

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Sunday, July 31, 2011

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Thursday, July 28, 2011

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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

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Sunday, July 24, 2011

Sunday, July 24, 2011

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

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Thursday, July 21, 2011

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onday, July 18, 2011

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Monday, July 18, 2011

Repost from July 26, 2010

Sunday, July 17, 2011

ROAD SIGNS

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Devotional for Friday, August 12
Repost from October, 2010

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MOday, August 1, 2011