Joshua 1:5 - I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Matthew 28:20 - Jesus said, "Surly I am with you always to the very end of the age."
My husband's occupation was Forestry. We lived on Forests Units far away from towns and our neighbors. We had three small children. There were many forest animals and many poisonous snakes.
I was raised in a small town, but still there were people all around all the time. I felt very isolated and alone. Our 3-way party line was out of order most the time so I couldn't talk with anyone.
I came to realize that the only one I could depend on was God. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. They were always present. When I would cry out to God suddenly a beautiful bird might appear, or a squirrel would chatter in the trees, or a deer might come close to the house.
God used our dog - a collie - to protect us from the copperhead snakes. He would circle around them letting me know one had crawled into the yard.
God was always near. Sometimes I would walk out on the porch feeling lonely and suddenly I could hear the wind in the distance blowing the tree's leaves, rushing toward me until It finally reached me blowing my hair. It was an awesome sound letting me know God was near and on his way.
Today I can reflect on those memories of peace,quiet,God's beautiful creation and how God kept his promise to always be with me.
In the hustle, bustle of today's living, take time to stop, listen, observe and you will experience God's presence.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Come Follow Me
Matthew 4: 19 - "Come, follow me," Jesus said.
Jesus invited the disciples to stop what they were doing and follow Him. They dropped everything and did just that.
What does that mean for us today? Do you want to follow Jesus? Where is HE? Do you see Him on your busy streets or in your towns?
Guess what? We have the Holy Spirit to help us listen and hear Jesus' voice.
We are called to serve God in many different places: a foreign land, classroom at school, business world, a stay at home mom, fire fighter, police officer, doctor, nurse, and even a public office. Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." Luke 10:2. This field is all around us: globally, next door, at work, on the playground where our children play.
In all these places we can share Jesus' love with others so they can respond to Jesus' voice and follow Him too.
Jesus said, "Follow me." That we can do, right now, this very moment.
I pray that you and I will submit our desires, plans, lives to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and Follow Him.
Jesus invited the disciples to stop what they were doing and follow Him. They dropped everything and did just that.
What does that mean for us today? Do you want to follow Jesus? Where is HE? Do you see Him on your busy streets or in your towns?
Guess what? We have the Holy Spirit to help us listen and hear Jesus' voice.
We are called to serve God in many different places: a foreign land, classroom at school, business world, a stay at home mom, fire fighter, police officer, doctor, nurse, and even a public office. Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." Luke 10:2. This field is all around us: globally, next door, at work, on the playground where our children play.
In all these places we can share Jesus' love with others so they can respond to Jesus' voice and follow Him too.
Jesus said, "Follow me." That we can do, right now, this very moment.
I pray that you and I will submit our desires, plans, lives to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and Follow Him.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Answered Prayers
Isaiah 55:8 - "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.
Because I belong to an intercessory prayer group, I keep a prayer journal. From time to time I go back over my journal and check off prayer request that have been answered. Sometimes they are answered with a yes or no, or no not now.
Have you ever gone back over your prayer request and found one that was answered long after the request was made? Many times we want instant answers to our prayers but it doesn't happen. Have you thought about how waiting for God to act can refine your faith, teach you and prepare you for future responsibilities God has for you?
God has the bigger picture and He knows things we don't. I find comfort in knowing that He knows best, doesn't make mistakes and that He is always present watching over me.
"God answers some prayers immediately, some eventually and some only in eternity" - Upper Room
Because I belong to an intercessory prayer group, I keep a prayer journal. From time to time I go back over my journal and check off prayer request that have been answered. Sometimes they are answered with a yes or no, or no not now.
Have you ever gone back over your prayer request and found one that was answered long after the request was made? Many times we want instant answers to our prayers but it doesn't happen. Have you thought about how waiting for God to act can refine your faith, teach you and prepare you for future responsibilities God has for you?
God has the bigger picture and He knows things we don't. I find comfort in knowing that He knows best, doesn't make mistakes and that He is always present watching over me.
"God answers some prayers immediately, some eventually and some only in eternity" - Upper Room
Friday, May 21, 2010
Prayer Champion
Psalm 7: 1-14 - O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!. . . . .
Several years ago Ed and I took a course that identified our spiritual gifts. I had always thought my gift was teaching, but discovered one of my spiritual gifts was intercessory prayer.
I joined our intercessory prayer group at the church. I felt uncomfortable at first, because I had no experience praying in a group. I learned that prayers do not have to be eloquent but to simply pray what is in your heart. God already knows so all I needed to do was share it with him. Talk with God as if I saw him sitting right there in the room with me.
The psalmist shows us how to cut through fancy language and get to the heart of the matter: save me, rescue me, hear me and do not forsake me.
God is the source of salvation, protection, comfort and victory in times of great need. He is a rock of refuge, a strong fortress. Jesus taught us that when he prayed in the garden.
When I pray I ask God to help me, Jesus to guide me and the Holy Spirit to comfort me. It brings me peace and knowledge that Jesus is ever present.
Several years ago Ed and I took a course that identified our spiritual gifts. I had always thought my gift was teaching, but discovered one of my spiritual gifts was intercessory prayer.
I joined our intercessory prayer group at the church. I felt uncomfortable at first, because I had no experience praying in a group. I learned that prayers do not have to be eloquent but to simply pray what is in your heart. God already knows so all I needed to do was share it with him. Talk with God as if I saw him sitting right there in the room with me.
The psalmist shows us how to cut through fancy language and get to the heart of the matter: save me, rescue me, hear me and do not forsake me.
God is the source of salvation, protection, comfort and victory in times of great need. He is a rock of refuge, a strong fortress. Jesus taught us that when he prayed in the garden.
When I pray I ask God to help me, Jesus to guide me and the Holy Spirit to comfort me. It brings me peace and knowledge that Jesus is ever present.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Gratitude
1 Thess. 5: 16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
What will you thank God for today?
Sometimes I get caught up in the giants that I face each day. My mother always told my brother and I to look for good in every situation and it would out way the bad.
Do you take your blessings for granted? I have and I do! I have a journal that I write down answered prayers in; but I get busy and forget to write all of them down. Jesus healed ten leapers, but only one remained and gave thanks for his healing. Do I give thanks for one and not all the others that have been answered? Do I forget nine times out of ten to notice and give thanks for all my blessings?
I want to have a sensitive, grateful and loving heart. I want others to know that I value their friendship and kindness they have shown me. I want to thank God for all the gifts / blessings I receive each and everyday. I pray that I can live each day with gratitude.
What will you thank God for today?
Sometimes I get caught up in the giants that I face each day. My mother always told my brother and I to look for good in every situation and it would out way the bad.
Do you take your blessings for granted? I have and I do! I have a journal that I write down answered prayers in; but I get busy and forget to write all of them down. Jesus healed ten leapers, but only one remained and gave thanks for his healing. Do I give thanks for one and not all the others that have been answered? Do I forget nine times out of ten to notice and give thanks for all my blessings?
I want to have a sensitive, grateful and loving heart. I want others to know that I value their friendship and kindness they have shown me. I want to thank God for all the gifts / blessings I receive each and everyday. I pray that I can live each day with gratitude.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Communication
Psalm 139: 4 - "Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord."
Today modern technology has become the main way we communicate: memos, e-mails, texting, computer, facebook, twitter, and of course the phone/answering machines and voice mail.
All of the above methods represent opportunities for messages and request to be lost, or simply; ignored.
The old way of face to face - eye to eye communication is a lost art. It is hard to know exactly what others are feeling or what is meant by their messages.
I am confident that my prayers reach my heavenly Father. He has assured me that they do. God knows my thoughts/petitions before I ever whisper or speak them out loud. I don't have to wait for a reply to know He received them. He may not respond in the way I expected, but I can trust and have faith that He will respond.
communication may break down on earth, but communication with God never fails. I can rest assured that my message - prayer - will be received.
"Our words to God never go astray." Upper Room
Today modern technology has become the main way we communicate: memos, e-mails, texting, computer, facebook, twitter, and of course the phone/answering machines and voice mail.
All of the above methods represent opportunities for messages and request to be lost, or simply; ignored.
The old way of face to face - eye to eye communication is a lost art. It is hard to know exactly what others are feeling or what is meant by their messages.
I am confident that my prayers reach my heavenly Father. He has assured me that they do. God knows my thoughts/petitions before I ever whisper or speak them out loud. I don't have to wait for a reply to know He received them. He may not respond in the way I expected, but I can trust and have faith that He will respond.
communication may break down on earth, but communication with God never fails. I can rest assured that my message - prayer - will be received.
"Our words to God never go astray." Upper Room
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Falling Short
Matthew 26:69-75 - This scripture is about Peter denying Jesus 3 times.
John 21: 16 - This scripture is about the assignment Jesus gave Peter.
As hard as I try to stay on track, keep my focus on Jesus, I continually fall short by making mistakes and poor choices. I get so disappointed in myself. Why would God still love me? Then I remember Romans 8: 28. We are told God takes the bad and puts it to good use.
All the things I remember as falling short can be redeemed for good. Jesus shed all of His blood to seal the new covenant - the promise of forgiveness. In that covenant the Holy Spirit is able to bring me to rebirth, re-creation, renewal and redemption. I, like Peter, can still be used for God's purposes no matter what I have done in the past.
I am grateful that nothing can separate me from the love of God.
John 21: 16 - This scripture is about the assignment Jesus gave Peter.
As hard as I try to stay on track, keep my focus on Jesus, I continually fall short by making mistakes and poor choices. I get so disappointed in myself. Why would God still love me? Then I remember Romans 8: 28. We are told God takes the bad and puts it to good use.
All the things I remember as falling short can be redeemed for good. Jesus shed all of His blood to seal the new covenant - the promise of forgiveness. In that covenant the Holy Spirit is able to bring me to rebirth, re-creation, renewal and redemption. I, like Peter, can still be used for God's purposes no matter what I have done in the past.
I am grateful that nothing can separate me from the love of God.
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