John 16:33 - These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, take courage, I have overcome the world.
When the news broke on 9/11, I was at school teaching. A teacher hollered, turn your TV on. I did and quickly turned it off not wanting to frighten my First Graders. My first thoughts were my family, scattered in different states and towns and I prayed: Please God keep them safe. As we watched off and on a TV in an empty classroom my heart hurt for all the people trapped, their families, the people on the planes and their families, the Firemen and the Policemen and their families.
I though this can't be happening, not in my country. Never again will we feel safe and secure. I pray that God's powerful love will overcome our fears: I place our enemies in God's presence, hoping that their hearts of hate will turn to love. Satan will not win, unless our hearts become harden because they or full of hate.
As you reflect on your memories of that day remember Romans 8:28 - And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
For all those who lost their lives that day: people trapped in the tower, in the planes and the heroes who gave their lives working diligently to save others - They are now safe and secure, experiencing God's glory in heaven.
To honor them I will do my best to serve God by following Jesus my Lord and Savior's example. To love and not hate, to live life without fear, and care about others. Remember God loves you and so do I.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Choosing a Simpler LIfe
Ecclesiastes 3:5 - "A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away."
God never intended for you to make completing a-to-do list the purpose of your life. There are many things we think we have to do that really are not worth doing.
Simplifying is really about choices - prioritizing what is important and then sticking to those choices no matter how tempting it is to add more to your to-do list. Put them on a list of things not to do.
You are the only one who can assume responsibility for your time and clarify what is really important to you. You are probably thinking: I have to take care of the kids or I have a report do at school or I have to finish these papers at work.
I know you feel a lot of pressure in your lives from daily living. Think about your activities: things that take priority, put on your to-do list, all others on you not-to-do list.
Rick Warren's Daily Devotional
God never intended for you to make completing a-to-do list the purpose of your life. There are many things we think we have to do that really are not worth doing.
Simplifying is really about choices - prioritizing what is important and then sticking to those choices no matter how tempting it is to add more to your to-do list. Put them on a list of things not to do.
You are the only one who can assume responsibility for your time and clarify what is really important to you. You are probably thinking: I have to take care of the kids or I have a report do at school or I have to finish these papers at work.
I know you feel a lot of pressure in your lives from daily living. Think about your activities: things that take priority, put on your to-do list, all others on you not-to-do list.
Rick Warren's Daily Devotional
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Armor Of God
Ephesians 6: 10-17 - "Put on the full armor of God. . ."
Colossians 3: 14 - "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
As Christians we acquire a new life, become a different person. Our best and most important clothing is spiritual. Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. This clothing transforms your whole life. God wants you to wear purity, modesty, humility and love. Spiritual clothing never wears out but becomes more beautiful everyday when you honor the one who gave it to you.
Colossians 3: 14 - "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
As Christians we acquire a new life, become a different person. Our best and most important clothing is spiritual. Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. This clothing transforms your whole life. God wants you to wear purity, modesty, humility and love. Spiritual clothing never wears out but becomes more beautiful everyday when you honor the one who gave it to you.
Friday, June 24, 2011
All Are One
Galatians 3:28 - There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.
A couple enjoyed a recent holiday in New Zealand where they saw thousands of sheep and cows. These animals shared the same paddocks.
The early settlers / ranchers killed each other over the mistaken believe that cattle and sheep could not live on the same land.
We let political, tribal, religious, racial, gender differences divide us. Paul said that God does not value one person over another. That we are clothed in Christ is all that matters to God.
If we fully followed Christ's teaching our differences would disappear. - Upper Room
Precious our cocker spaniel of seventeen years was a perfect example. One day a bird flew into our breeze-way hitting the sliding class door. It was stunned and appeared dead. Precious needed to go out so I let her watching closely so she wouldn't hurt the bird. She walked over to it, gently nudged it with her nose several times until the bird began to move. Then she went on out into the yard and the bird flew away. This was awesome to watch Precious genuine concern over the bird and the bird responding to her.
Isaiah 11:6 - In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all.
A couple enjoyed a recent holiday in New Zealand where they saw thousands of sheep and cows. These animals shared the same paddocks.
The early settlers / ranchers killed each other over the mistaken believe that cattle and sheep could not live on the same land.
We let political, tribal, religious, racial, gender differences divide us. Paul said that God does not value one person over another. That we are clothed in Christ is all that matters to God.
If we fully followed Christ's teaching our differences would disappear. - Upper Room
Precious our cocker spaniel of seventeen years was a perfect example. One day a bird flew into our breeze-way hitting the sliding class door. It was stunned and appeared dead. Precious needed to go out so I let her watching closely so she wouldn't hurt the bird. She walked over to it, gently nudged it with her nose several times until the bird began to move. Then she went on out into the yard and the bird flew away. This was awesome to watch Precious genuine concern over the bird and the bird responding to her.
Isaiah 11:6 - In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Faith & Works
1 Timothy 4: 7-8 - "Train yourself in godliness for, while physical training is of some value godliness is valuable in every way; holding promise for both the present life and the life to come".
It doesn't matter if it is a sport, choir, class or job, in order to do it well, it takes practice each day. It is the same with faith. We show our faith as we obey and fulfill God's mandates in real life. God uses challenges that come, where we are most vulnerable, in order to turn our weaknesses into strengths. Through all our experiences we will obtain spiritual victory. We gain the prize of victory in Christ. Our hearts overflow with joy and blessings.
Remember God loves you and so do I.
It doesn't matter if it is a sport, choir, class or job, in order to do it well, it takes practice each day. It is the same with faith. We show our faith as we obey and fulfill God's mandates in real life. God uses challenges that come, where we are most vulnerable, in order to turn our weaknesses into strengths. Through all our experiences we will obtain spiritual victory. We gain the prize of victory in Christ. Our hearts overflow with joy and blessings.
Remember God loves you and so do I.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
God's Plans
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope".
Have you ever picked a dandelion head and blew the seeds off of it. I have. The seeds float through the air finding a suitable place to root and grow. Life is like that. Life blows us in new directions, into new stages. Sometimes this makes us uneasy. We want to cling to the familiar. Fear of the unknown can overwhelm us. However, God has a place prepared where you can put down roots and bloom afresh. Your paths may change. Seek God for guidance, trust him as life's winds blow you to new places, experiences and opportunities.
Have you ever picked a dandelion head and blew the seeds off of it. I have. The seeds float through the air finding a suitable place to root and grow. Life is like that. Life blows us in new directions, into new stages. Sometimes this makes us uneasy. We want to cling to the familiar. Fear of the unknown can overwhelm us. However, God has a place prepared where you can put down roots and bloom afresh. Your paths may change. Seek God for guidance, trust him as life's winds blow you to new places, experiences and opportunities.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
What Is In A Name
Proverbs 22:1 - "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches."
I read a devotional several months ago titled What Is In A Name. After reading it my thoughts traveled back to my childhood. My grandfather, on my daddy's side of the family, was one of five brothers. Two of my grandfather's brothers made many mistakes throughout their lives causing people to look down on this family. A bad reputation!
I have one brother and in our childhood many looked down on us because of our last name. We lived in a very small town.
Our mom and dad worked hard to bring honor to the family name. Our dad's goal was for each of us to change our name's image, to build character, bring honor and not shame to the Nuttle name.
My brother has traveled the world and is highly respected by leaders around the world and in our own country. My life is much more quiet but I try hard to remember the world is watching me to see if my daily living brings honor to my heavenly Father.
Now our name is Christian and we belong to the family of Christ. My brother and I are both committed Christians. He has truly fulfilled our dad's goal of bringing honor to the Nuttle's name and he does glorify God.
Although I know I make many mistakes each and everyday, I want people to be drawn to Christ by the things I do right; by glorifying God and bringing honor to the name, Christian.
I read a devotional several months ago titled What Is In A Name. After reading it my thoughts traveled back to my childhood. My grandfather, on my daddy's side of the family, was one of five brothers. Two of my grandfather's brothers made many mistakes throughout their lives causing people to look down on this family. A bad reputation!
I have one brother and in our childhood many looked down on us because of our last name. We lived in a very small town.
Our mom and dad worked hard to bring honor to the family name. Our dad's goal was for each of us to change our name's image, to build character, bring honor and not shame to the Nuttle name.
My brother has traveled the world and is highly respected by leaders around the world and in our own country. My life is much more quiet but I try hard to remember the world is watching me to see if my daily living brings honor to my heavenly Father.
Now our name is Christian and we belong to the family of Christ. My brother and I are both committed Christians. He has truly fulfilled our dad's goal of bringing honor to the Nuttle's name and he does glorify God.
Although I know I make many mistakes each and everyday, I want people to be drawn to Christ by the things I do right; by glorifying God and bringing honor to the name, Christian.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Renewal
Matthew 6: 25-34 - This Scripture is about not being anxious,. . .God will provide.
Psalm 119: 103 - The psalmist said to God, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey, to my mouth".
Have you ever witnessed a honeybee working. they are known for their ceaseless labor. A single worker bee makes 1/12Th of a teaspoon of honey in their lifetime. A good hive produces 50 - 60 pounds of honey to survive the winter.
It is a fact that a hard working honeybee will cease activity for a brief while. This is essential for renewal and doesn't hurt the hive at all.
If a honeybee can stop, have time out, then shouldn't we. When our stress levels rise we need to do like the honeybee does. After all Jesus took time to renew himself when he went up the mountain to pray - to create a time and space for God to refresh his spirit. IF Jesus needed to take time to rest then shouldn't we.
Psalm 119: 103 - The psalmist said to God, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey, to my mouth".
Have you ever witnessed a honeybee working. they are known for their ceaseless labor. A single worker bee makes 1/12Th of a teaspoon of honey in their lifetime. A good hive produces 50 - 60 pounds of honey to survive the winter.
It is a fact that a hard working honeybee will cease activity for a brief while. This is essential for renewal and doesn't hurt the hive at all.
If a honeybee can stop, have time out, then shouldn't we. When our stress levels rise we need to do like the honeybee does. After all Jesus took time to renew himself when he went up the mountain to pray - to create a time and space for God to refresh his spirit. IF Jesus needed to take time to rest then shouldn't we.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
God Shuts the Door!
Genesis 7: 15-16
"A male and female of each kind of living being went into the boat with Noah, as God had commanded. Then the Lord shut the door behind Noah."
Do you think God wanted Noah to feel safe before the awful Storm so he shut and locked the door? Was God trying to make Noah feel safe? One thing is for certain; God closed the door out of love for Noah.
As we approach storms in our lives, God loves us with the same great capacity and looks out for us with the same sensitive care. How do you see God's care in you life?
"A male and female of each kind of living being went into the boat with Noah, as God had commanded. Then the Lord shut the door behind Noah."
Do you think God wanted Noah to feel safe before the awful Storm so he shut and locked the door? Was God trying to make Noah feel safe? One thing is for certain; God closed the door out of love for Noah.
As we approach storms in our lives, God loves us with the same great capacity and looks out for us with the same sensitive care. How do you see God's care in you life?
Friday, March 18, 2011
God Constant Presence
Psalm 121:5 - "The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand."
As I go through the day, sometimes I loose my focus. Things begin to fall apart. My first thought, is where are you God? At that particular moment I feel abandoned. Then it dawns on me that I didn't check in. I didn't invite God to share my day.
Peace doesn't mean that everything will always go my way, but I can trust that God is always present and will walk with me throughout the day.
In the Upper Room Pat Rowland talked about shadows, constant companions. No matter how fast you walk, your shadow keeps up. It is impossible to separate yourself from your shadow. sometimes your shadow is lengthened and sometimes shortened making it hard to see. He said, he thinks of God's presence in the same way. Sometimes you can clearly see God moving in your life, but at other times God's presnece isn't as obvious and you doubt that he is near.
Just as you can't disengage your shadow, you can't disengage God from your presnece.
God is more constant and connected to you than your shadow is.
As I go through the day, sometimes I loose my focus. Things begin to fall apart. My first thought, is where are you God? At that particular moment I feel abandoned. Then it dawns on me that I didn't check in. I didn't invite God to share my day.
Peace doesn't mean that everything will always go my way, but I can trust that God is always present and will walk with me throughout the day.
In the Upper Room Pat Rowland talked about shadows, constant companions. No matter how fast you walk, your shadow keeps up. It is impossible to separate yourself from your shadow. sometimes your shadow is lengthened and sometimes shortened making it hard to see. He said, he thinks of God's presence in the same way. Sometimes you can clearly see God moving in your life, but at other times God's presnece isn't as obvious and you doubt that he is near.
Just as you can't disengage your shadow, you can't disengage God from your presnece.
God is more constant and connected to you than your shadow is.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Choose Light
John 8: 12 - "Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
God makes an unconditional commitment to us. He is our Father. In Christ, God kneels down, whispers in your ear and tells you; "You can call me Father. I will always love you and be proud of you. I am here and I love you."
We can call God Father, not because of what we do but because of who God is and wants to be in our lives.
Ask God to show you how to reflect the light of Christ so everyone you know sees the light and can experience God's unconditional love.
God makes an unconditional commitment to us. He is our Father. In Christ, God kneels down, whispers in your ear and tells you; "You can call me Father. I will always love you and be proud of you. I am here and I love you."
We can call God Father, not because of what we do but because of who God is and wants to be in our lives.
Ask God to show you how to reflect the light of Christ so everyone you know sees the light and can experience God's unconditional love.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
To Honor God
John 15:10 - Jesus said, "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in His love."
All through our lives we encounter rules. Our job as a Christian is to follow the rules. We can't always do what we want, but have to / need to obey the rules.
Each day you make decisions. God gave us free will. You have a choice: to honor God by living as the Bible directs or rebelling against God by doing only what you want to do. God wants to guide you toward wise choices about how you live. With loving arms God waits for you to trust and obey.
Make a list of your recent decisions. In which of them did you consult God for directions? Life is meant to be a partnership between you and God.
You may not realize that people are watching you looking up to you as an example of how to live as a Christian.
All through our lives we encounter rules. Our job as a Christian is to follow the rules. We can't always do what we want, but have to / need to obey the rules.
Each day you make decisions. God gave us free will. You have a choice: to honor God by living as the Bible directs or rebelling against God by doing only what you want to do. God wants to guide you toward wise choices about how you live. With loving arms God waits for you to trust and obey.
Make a list of your recent decisions. In which of them did you consult God for directions? Life is meant to be a partnership between you and God.
You may not realize that people are watching you looking up to you as an example of how to live as a Christian.
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