Yesterday I didn't do my QT time...first time in over a month. I woke up and hit the trail running getting my work todo's done remoteley so we could spend the rest of the day at Mike's tournament in St. Louise. I blame it on being out of my "routine" or being away from home. But, the truth is I didn't make my time with the Father a priority! Plain and simple. I was more worried about the tasks that might reflect I didn't do my job than time with the Lord that no one would know didn't happen except me. Strange how I can tell a difference in my attitude and patience. Lord, I need that time with you. I miss that time where you teach me about yourself and about me. Forgive me for placing my time with you last in my priority list.
Today is a new day and I am back on track. Thank you Lord for the freshness of a new day.
Back to the Bible
And the Lord restored Job's losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10
Father, teach me this principle...I need to pray for those that harm me. I have been doing this but sometimes it is Lord, show them the error of their ways. Now I see I just need to pray your blessings on them and that my heart would be tender. I especially think of one person in my life that I have had to learn this with. I see softening in their hearts at times. I pray for continued softening in mine as well.
The next few days will be a trust challenge for me. We are away from home...very little cash on hand or available, and needing to extend our stay due to winter storm and not being able to get home. I trust you Lord. You have been teaching me to let go of my anxious thoughts. I am anxious about something I can't control. Father, take control. Help me to honor my husband and trust him in taking care of us. I don't have to micro-manage him. May I encourage him and trust his decisions even if they are not exactly the way I would handle things. I desire to be his helpmate...not his discouraging nagging wife.
Thank you that Becca was not able to fly out of Roanoke...she would have been stranded in an airport. Never would have gotten to us. I know her heart was broken, but mine was relieved after we discovered what might have occurred had the flight not been cancelled. Praise you for looking out for her best.
Heal Michael of illness and help him to get through his tournament.
Give me patience with my Mom.
Thank you for all your blessings in every way!
Amen
Children caring for children
Abba... Heavenly Father to the fatherless
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Day 31: Comfort
Back to the Bible
"Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind." Job 38:1
The author writes:
God is not committed to give you answers, but He is committed to bring you comfort. Avail yourself of what God offers--His presence in the midst of tribulation--and leave the rest up to someone far wiser than yourself.
Abba, this is so true. I want to figure you out...figure out the why behind what we are experiencing. But even if you did allow me to attempt to figure it out...you are so mysterious that I wouldn't be able to. Comfort, your peace, your contentment...Father that is what I have experienced. You have taught me to trust in you with all my heart and to not lean, or count on my own understanding. You have shown your comfort again and again...in the middle of the night when I wake up feeling like a semi truck is on my chest...not knowing the next thing...you have woven in a strand of comfort and peace. It comes from within me and sometimes from friends and those around me. How can I praise you enough that in the storm you bring comfort?
I Timothy 1
It is your grace that has allowed me to have this relationship with you Father. I am a person that continues to miss the mark of your perfection. I always will. Yet, in your grace you have provided Christ to bring grace and forgiveness.
Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:15 - 17
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Not to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only god, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
May I live this day, this moment to glorify you and honor you in my actions and my attitude.
Father, please help us to identify your servant leaders as Campus Pastors. Help me to see through your eyes.
Praise to you! You continue to provide for SA this summer. We were told yesterday all of Lonnie's trip will be paid as team leader so that I can join him for two weeks to explore the future possibility of ministry there. How amazing! Your wonders and blessings are new every morning.
In the midst of seeing you provide a way for us to do the mission, I received a letter yesterday from on of the children's friend. Casually they mentioned the struggle Becca is having with us leaving. Oh God my Father, I too am already grieving that moment. We need you to bring strength and comfort. To help us both see past our needs to the needs of our boys in SA. Continue to give her a confidence in you that is deep enough to hold her and prevent her from feeling abandoned. May we both know without any shadow of turning that this is the call...and in the call you will provide ... in the storm you will bring that comfort. Out of the whirlwind may we know you intimately. Not only for Rebecca, Lord, but for our boys also will I grieve separation. Be with our family as we sacrifice this separation from one another.
I can only trust in your character, God. A character of love and comfort for your children.
Amen
"Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind." Job 38:1
The author writes:
God is not committed to give you answers, but He is committed to bring you comfort. Avail yourself of what God offers--His presence in the midst of tribulation--and leave the rest up to someone far wiser than yourself.
Abba, this is so true. I want to figure you out...figure out the why behind what we are experiencing. But even if you did allow me to attempt to figure it out...you are so mysterious that I wouldn't be able to. Comfort, your peace, your contentment...Father that is what I have experienced. You have taught me to trust in you with all my heart and to not lean, or count on my own understanding. You have shown your comfort again and again...in the middle of the night when I wake up feeling like a semi truck is on my chest...not knowing the next thing...you have woven in a strand of comfort and peace. It comes from within me and sometimes from friends and those around me. How can I praise you enough that in the storm you bring comfort?
I Timothy 1
It is your grace that has allowed me to have this relationship with you Father. I am a person that continues to miss the mark of your perfection. I always will. Yet, in your grace you have provided Christ to bring grace and forgiveness.
Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:15 - 17
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Not to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only god, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
May I live this day, this moment to glorify you and honor you in my actions and my attitude.
Father, please help us to identify your servant leaders as Campus Pastors. Help me to see through your eyes.
Praise to you! You continue to provide for SA this summer. We were told yesterday all of Lonnie's trip will be paid as team leader so that I can join him for two weeks to explore the future possibility of ministry there. How amazing! Your wonders and blessings are new every morning.
In the midst of seeing you provide a way for us to do the mission, I received a letter yesterday from on of the children's friend. Casually they mentioned the struggle Becca is having with us leaving. Oh God my Father, I too am already grieving that moment. We need you to bring strength and comfort. To help us both see past our needs to the needs of our boys in SA. Continue to give her a confidence in you that is deep enough to hold her and prevent her from feeling abandoned. May we both know without any shadow of turning that this is the call...and in the call you will provide ... in the storm you will bring that comfort. Out of the whirlwind may we know you intimately. Not only for Rebecca, Lord, but for our boys also will I grieve separation. Be with our family as we sacrifice this separation from one another.
I can only trust in your character, God. A character of love and comfort for your children.
Amen
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Day 30:Seeing the Heart
Back to the Bible
As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him; He is excellent in power, in judgment and abundant justice; He does not oppress. Therefore men fear Him; He shows no partiality to any who are wise of heart. Job 37:23-24
Dr. Kroll writes, "If you find yourself hung up on a person's economic status or skin color, ask God to help you see past these superficial matters. Seek to know others as God does--by their heart. Have no part in partiality."
Lord, I did that yesterday. As we were considering potential Campus Pastors I look at others things too often before I consider the heart and your desire for that individual. Forgive me and I pray that I will not allow the deceiver to hush out the voice of the Holy Spirit as I seek your will and your chosen. Speak in to my heart and mind. Help me to see their heart first.
Scripture Study: 1st and 2nd Timothy
I finished the Revealed 30 day devotion. I believe I am going to read through 1st and 2nd Timothy to see how Paul mentored and raised up Timothy.
But today I read the first chapter of Jeremiah. The verses that stand out related to The Water's Edge, Coastal's emerging leaders Internship program.
It reads:
The LORD Chooses Jeremiah 4The LORD said:
5"Jeremiah, I am your Creator,
and before you were born,
I chose you to speak for me
to the nations."
6I replied, "I'm not a good speaker, LORD, and I'm too young."
7"Don't say you're too young," the LORD answered. "If I tell you to go and speak to someone, then go! And when I tell you what to say, don't leave out a word! 8I promise to be with you and keep you safe, so don't be afraid." (CEV)
Lord, I thank you for this verse. It reminds me that you do call and select your servants. We can come up with some reasons not to do as you ask, that is for sure! But you will equip us and it is a matter of obedience to the final step...not leaving out one word. Thank you for this verse Lord.
Yesterday you continued to show your hand in our lives. I received an email from Liberty asking that I teach two courses this semester...the 8 week terms will overlap by 4 weeks in the middle but I know you have prepared me for this pace in my Ed.D. work. I praise you for your provision. It is against their usual procedure to have a new professor teach two courses. You work in mysterious ways. Father, continue to provide and show us Lord the way we should go. If you want the three us in SA this summer...provide. If you want our debt reduced...provide. The two fleeces....provide.
Be with our families this day. May they sense your presence and our love.
Amen
As for the Almighty, we cannot find Him; He is excellent in power, in judgment and abundant justice; He does not oppress. Therefore men fear Him; He shows no partiality to any who are wise of heart. Job 37:23-24
Dr. Kroll writes, "If you find yourself hung up on a person's economic status or skin color, ask God to help you see past these superficial matters. Seek to know others as God does--by their heart. Have no part in partiality."
Lord, I did that yesterday. As we were considering potential Campus Pastors I look at others things too often before I consider the heart and your desire for that individual. Forgive me and I pray that I will not allow the deceiver to hush out the voice of the Holy Spirit as I seek your will and your chosen. Speak in to my heart and mind. Help me to see their heart first.
Scripture Study: 1st and 2nd Timothy
I finished the Revealed 30 day devotion. I believe I am going to read through 1st and 2nd Timothy to see how Paul mentored and raised up Timothy.
But today I read the first chapter of Jeremiah. The verses that stand out related to The Water's Edge, Coastal's emerging leaders Internship program.
It reads:
The LORD Chooses Jeremiah 4The LORD said:
5"Jeremiah, I am your Creator,
and before you were born,
I chose you to speak for me
to the nations."
6I replied, "I'm not a good speaker, LORD, and I'm too young."
7"Don't say you're too young," the LORD answered. "If I tell you to go and speak to someone, then go! And when I tell you what to say, don't leave out a word! 8I promise to be with you and keep you safe, so don't be afraid." (CEV)
Lord, I thank you for this verse. It reminds me that you do call and select your servants. We can come up with some reasons not to do as you ask, that is for sure! But you will equip us and it is a matter of obedience to the final step...not leaving out one word. Thank you for this verse Lord.
Yesterday you continued to show your hand in our lives. I received an email from Liberty asking that I teach two courses this semester...the 8 week terms will overlap by 4 weeks in the middle but I know you have prepared me for this pace in my Ed.D. work. I praise you for your provision. It is against their usual procedure to have a new professor teach two courses. You work in mysterious ways. Father, continue to provide and show us Lord the way we should go. If you want the three us in SA this summer...provide. If you want our debt reduced...provide. The two fleeces....provide.
Be with our families this day. May they sense your presence and our love.
Amen
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Day 29: Imagine That?
Revealed
Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
Father,
You are able to do more than I can imagine, and I can't imagine what that might look like! You are beyond my understanding and I am thankful for that. I don't understand how you right now hear my prayers, know my name, my thoughts; you know all of creations thoughts. I don't understand why you would care about us: our needs, hurts, joys, desires.
I do know you loved me enough to send Jesus to die for me. I do know you speak to me through your word and circumstances. I do know you desire what is best. I do know you can make all things work to glorify you. These things my Father I know. They are built on faith in that I can not see nor understand. It is grounded in trust that has been built on your continued faithfulness in our lives.
I can't imagine know how you will do it...but Father make the way for us to move into our next phase of ministry. Provide a way for my husband to finally live out the desires of his heart. Provide for our children in ways I can't imagine. Keep our parents close and give us the mercy to take care of them with the dignity and love they deserve.
Help me to see you at work around me so that I may join you.
I love you Abba,
Amen
Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
Father,
You are able to do more than I can imagine, and I can't imagine what that might look like! You are beyond my understanding and I am thankful for that. I don't understand how you right now hear my prayers, know my name, my thoughts; you know all of creations thoughts. I don't understand why you would care about us: our needs, hurts, joys, desires.
I do know you loved me enough to send Jesus to die for me. I do know you speak to me through your word and circumstances. I do know you desire what is best. I do know you can make all things work to glorify you. These things my Father I know. They are built on faith in that I can not see nor understand. It is grounded in trust that has been built on your continued faithfulness in our lives.
I can't imagine know how you will do it...but Father make the way for us to move into our next phase of ministry. Provide a way for my husband to finally live out the desires of his heart. Provide for our children in ways I can't imagine. Keep our parents close and give us the mercy to take care of them with the dignity and love they deserve.
Help me to see you at work around me so that I may join you.
I love you Abba,
Amen
Monday, January 25, 2010
Day 28: Something New Each Day
Revealed
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
I rolled out of bed this morning, a little later than usual~been a long weekend~ let the dog out, fed her, poured my coffee and sat down for my Qt time. Picked up the devo book and read the scripture...I love it when the next thing happens...I read a familiar verse I've read numerous times and it jumps out at me...or at least part of it? God you are so amazing!
This morning the phrase "test me and know my anxious thoughts...." said, this is what I am doing, Debbie. You are a worry wart...you easily become anxious even though you trust me...you don't need to live a life anxious and concerned. You need to learn to be confident I am at work, release your emotions and thoughts to me. Trust me in all things."
Lord, I know it is not a sin issue per say. But it does distract me from you and what you are doing in my life. Is it possible that the financial struggles are preparing me for the mission field? I know there will be times that I don't see "how things are going to work out" but I know they will. I want to live a life of peace...not anxious worry. Thank you for revealing this to me this morning. Truly, Father, thank you for the testing that prepares me for your service. I don't always like it...enjoy...look forward to it. I do look forward to be in your will and where you will have us.
Back to the Bible
Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to commit iniquity. Job 34:10
Lord, there is no dark side to you as the author put it. You allow but don't commit evil. There are things that come into our lives are just part of living in this world. There are test that come but they are not in the form of evil. I praise you for your character that helps me to discern where the challenges are originating. I ask for the ability to share this concept with people that are suffering so that I can help them understand you.
Be with my "babies" today. Especially Michael's ankle. Give wisdom to the trainers, Lord. Help Mike to be cautious and wise. Thank you for Becca's call last night to see how my message went. it warmed my heart. Thank you for allowing me to minister with James and see the gifts you have given him. Be with Nanny Sue and Papa Jim. Get Nanny into the doctor so they can begin continue the healing process on her broken ankle. Thank you for our home that has allowed them to be her with us. Praise your for Jaden!
May I serve you well today, Lord.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24
I rolled out of bed this morning, a little later than usual~been a long weekend~ let the dog out, fed her, poured my coffee and sat down for my Qt time. Picked up the devo book and read the scripture...I love it when the next thing happens...I read a familiar verse I've read numerous times and it jumps out at me...or at least part of it? God you are so amazing!
This morning the phrase "test me and know my anxious thoughts...." said, this is what I am doing, Debbie. You are a worry wart...you easily become anxious even though you trust me...you don't need to live a life anxious and concerned. You need to learn to be confident I am at work, release your emotions and thoughts to me. Trust me in all things."
Lord, I know it is not a sin issue per say. But it does distract me from you and what you are doing in my life. Is it possible that the financial struggles are preparing me for the mission field? I know there will be times that I don't see "how things are going to work out" but I know they will. I want to live a life of peace...not anxious worry. Thank you for revealing this to me this morning. Truly, Father, thank you for the testing that prepares me for your service. I don't always like it...enjoy...look forward to it. I do look forward to be in your will and where you will have us.
Back to the Bible
Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to commit iniquity. Job 34:10
Lord, there is no dark side to you as the author put it. You allow but don't commit evil. There are things that come into our lives are just part of living in this world. There are test that come but they are not in the form of evil. I praise you for your character that helps me to discern where the challenges are originating. I ask for the ability to share this concept with people that are suffering so that I can help them understand you.
Be with my "babies" today. Especially Michael's ankle. Give wisdom to the trainers, Lord. Help Mike to be cautious and wise. Thank you for Becca's call last night to see how my message went. it warmed my heart. Thank you for allowing me to minister with James and see the gifts you have given him. Be with Nanny Sue and Papa Jim. Get Nanny into the doctor so they can begin continue the healing process on her broken ankle. Thank you for our home that has allowed them to be her with us. Praise your for Jaden!
May I serve you well today, Lord.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Day 27: Holy Spirit Blessed
Revealed
I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23
Back to the Bible
"Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice." Job 32:9
What perfect verses to recall when I look back at a challenging week. Our steps have been a challenge in our understanding why and where. And Father, our wisdom amounts to a hill of beans. We so need you to be with us and help us make wise decisions. You don't promise everything will perfect...that we won't experience the suffering of this world...illness, loss, hurt. You only promise that you will never leave us or forsake us. You promise that you can make all things work for our good.
It was a challenge pulling together the message for this morning. Topic - restoration, Rahab. By your grace I wrote the message but felt a strong spiritual attack when it came to memorizing it. It developed into an obvious evangelistic message...pointing people to you. That must have been why.
Holy Spirit you showed up! You brought it to memory! It flowed! It pointed people to you. I can't praise you enough for allowing me to be your servant and share the amazing story of Rahab and her life transformation. May hearts continue to be drawn to you.
Bless our children this Sabbath day!
Amen
I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. Jeremiah 10:23
Back to the Bible
"Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice." Job 32:9
What perfect verses to recall when I look back at a challenging week. Our steps have been a challenge in our understanding why and where. And Father, our wisdom amounts to a hill of beans. We so need you to be with us and help us make wise decisions. You don't promise everything will perfect...that we won't experience the suffering of this world...illness, loss, hurt. You only promise that you will never leave us or forsake us. You promise that you can make all things work for our good.
It was a challenge pulling together the message for this morning. Topic - restoration, Rahab. By your grace I wrote the message but felt a strong spiritual attack when it came to memorizing it. It developed into an obvious evangelistic message...pointing people to you. That must have been why.
Holy Spirit you showed up! You brought it to memory! It flowed! It pointed people to you. I can't praise you enough for allowing me to be your servant and share the amazing story of Rahab and her life transformation. May hearts continue to be drawn to you.
Bless our children this Sabbath day!
Amen
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Day 26: Provision
Back to the Bible
If I have made gold my hope, or said to fine gold, 'You are my confidence'; if I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because my hand had gained much; . . . this also would be an iniquity worthy of judgment, for I would have denied God who is above. Job 31: 24-25, 28
Revealed
Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12b (NLT)
Yesterday I was leaving Wal-mart and true to Wal-mart visits I met four people from Coastal as I was leaving and they were coming in. One conversation was so relevant to what God is showing me and teaching me in His scripture...so many of us struggle with finances but it is all his and there is a bottom line assurance of his provision that leads us to worship him after all the tears are cried. In the middle of the floor...the worship occurs and you, oh God, meet us there.
The stewardship process in our lives is a way to tangibly see your providing hand. It does bring opportunity for us to lift our arms fully extended before you and say, "Abba, it is all yours. We are yours and we need you to provide for us." Then we can wait for your provision in our lives. Spiritual provision, physical provision, emotional provision.
But the wait for your provision is hard, the unknown is such a challenge. Help us to recognize the deceptions and lies of the evil one. May our spiritual armor be tightly secured to us. For he will attack in those weakest moments on the floor..."God's not going to provide...you are sunk....what have you gotten for all you've given? nothing.....You are not important enough for God to care about...is there really a God that cares about just when he has the whole universe to run?" May we fight those lies head on and recognize that they are from Satan himself.
Dear God,
Help Lonnie and I to be examples to those we teach, and those around us, in the way we live our lives, in our marriage, in our faith, and in the purity of our hearts and minds. May all we do point others to you. I pray they will look at us and see your calling and provision for that calling. Lord, our fleeces are before you! I thank you for Lonnie's part time job to begin, I thank you for my coaching job to begin, I ask that you work with the distance learning position at Liberty and make that happen if it is your will. We praise you that Lonnie's job may not be eliminated in July and that the extra 10 months of income will help us prepare for our journey.
Heal Michael's ankle...be with James as he prepares to speak tomorrow night...Kelsey as she balances school, internship, work, and marriage....Becca as she navigates relationship waters...and TH as he seeks you with his whole heart. Help us to meet our obligations...grow together as a couple. Prepare my heart for what lies ahead. I offer it to you as Abraham offered Issac.
Amen
If I have made gold my hope, or said to fine gold, 'You are my confidence'; if I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because my hand had gained much; . . . this also would be an iniquity worthy of judgment, for I would have denied God who is above. Job 31: 24-25, 28
Revealed
Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12b (NLT)
Yesterday I was leaving Wal-mart and true to Wal-mart visits I met four people from Coastal as I was leaving and they were coming in. One conversation was so relevant to what God is showing me and teaching me in His scripture...so many of us struggle with finances but it is all his and there is a bottom line assurance of his provision that leads us to worship him after all the tears are cried. In the middle of the floor...the worship occurs and you, oh God, meet us there.
The stewardship process in our lives is a way to tangibly see your providing hand. It does bring opportunity for us to lift our arms fully extended before you and say, "Abba, it is all yours. We are yours and we need you to provide for us." Then we can wait for your provision in our lives. Spiritual provision, physical provision, emotional provision.
But the wait for your provision is hard, the unknown is such a challenge. Help us to recognize the deceptions and lies of the evil one. May our spiritual armor be tightly secured to us. For he will attack in those weakest moments on the floor..."God's not going to provide...you are sunk....what have you gotten for all you've given? nothing.....You are not important enough for God to care about...is there really a God that cares about just when he has the whole universe to run?" May we fight those lies head on and recognize that they are from Satan himself.
Dear God,
Help Lonnie and I to be examples to those we teach, and those around us, in the way we live our lives, in our marriage, in our faith, and in the purity of our hearts and minds. May all we do point others to you. I pray they will look at us and see your calling and provision for that calling. Lord, our fleeces are before you! I thank you for Lonnie's part time job to begin, I thank you for my coaching job to begin, I ask that you work with the distance learning position at Liberty and make that happen if it is your will. We praise you that Lonnie's job may not be eliminated in July and that the extra 10 months of income will help us prepare for our journey.
Heal Michael's ankle...be with James as he prepares to speak tomorrow night...Kelsey as she balances school, internship, work, and marriage....Becca as she navigates relationship waters...and TH as he seeks you with his whole heart. Help us to meet our obligations...grow together as a couple. Prepare my heart for what lies ahead. I offer it to you as Abraham offered Issac.
Amen
Friday, January 22, 2010
Day 25: Listening, Waiting, Praising
Revealed
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:6 (MSG)
I so desperately need to hear your voice. It is another testing time...school notes due, medical bills, repairs on rental, not enough to even rob Peter to pay Paul. Lonnie's part time work won't begin for a few weeks. Not sure when mine will begin...not until the end of March at least. Some extra will be coming in this month with the coaching opportunity beginning next week. But it is not enough. Lord, I hear "Trust, no more debt." I know, "It is all mine and you are just caretakers, stewards." But Father, Abba, what do we do to provide for ourselves and the children? Will this be what it will to be a missionary? I believe so...trusting and waiting for your miracles of provision. God, please send a miracle, a small blessing. Help me to hear your voice so we will stay on track.
Back to the Bible
I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman? Job 31:1
The verse is intended to warn us of lustfully looking at a person of the opposite sex. I love my husband and don't have that temptation at all. But I do have the temptation to look with lust upon things I don't have...furniture, landscaped yards, bank accounts with actual savings, investments. I lust after these things. I don't go to the mall...or just "shopping" because I know the battle I face. It stirs up within me a spirit of discontent.
Today I will choose my response to be one of praise. I need to stop and thank the Lord for what I have:
Lonnie - constant devotion to us, a man of integrity. Loves me unconditionally
James - a beautiful, God loving wife...Kelsey. Loves the Lord and is seeking him
Kelsey - adores our son, financially wise. Loves the Lord and his desire for their lives.
Michael - tender, loving, hardworking and committed.
Becca - seeking God in her relationships and willing to wait on His best for her. Gift of teaching.
Coastal - opportunities to use my gifts.
My education and life experience
Our home...vehicles
Friendships that are loving, accountable, and fun!
Parents that are still with us...
Bella following me from room to room...
A dream of what God will allow us to do for him
Lonnie piping in..."Whatcha doin'?" makes me smile...
Thank you Father for all you provide. Help me to trust you and wait on your provision. May we be wise stewards of all that is yours.
Amen
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:6 (MSG)
I so desperately need to hear your voice. It is another testing time...school notes due, medical bills, repairs on rental, not enough to even rob Peter to pay Paul. Lonnie's part time work won't begin for a few weeks. Not sure when mine will begin...not until the end of March at least. Some extra will be coming in this month with the coaching opportunity beginning next week. But it is not enough. Lord, I hear "Trust, no more debt." I know, "It is all mine and you are just caretakers, stewards." But Father, Abba, what do we do to provide for ourselves and the children? Will this be what it will to be a missionary? I believe so...trusting and waiting for your miracles of provision. God, please send a miracle, a small blessing. Help me to hear your voice so we will stay on track.
Back to the Bible
I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman? Job 31:1
The verse is intended to warn us of lustfully looking at a person of the opposite sex. I love my husband and don't have that temptation at all. But I do have the temptation to look with lust upon things I don't have...furniture, landscaped yards, bank accounts with actual savings, investments. I lust after these things. I don't go to the mall...or just "shopping" because I know the battle I face. It stirs up within me a spirit of discontent.
Today I will choose my response to be one of praise. I need to stop and thank the Lord for what I have:
Lonnie - constant devotion to us, a man of integrity. Loves me unconditionally
James - a beautiful, God loving wife...Kelsey. Loves the Lord and is seeking him
Kelsey - adores our son, financially wise. Loves the Lord and his desire for their lives.
Michael - tender, loving, hardworking and committed.
Becca - seeking God in her relationships and willing to wait on His best for her. Gift of teaching.
Coastal - opportunities to use my gifts.
My education and life experience
Our home...vehicles
Friendships that are loving, accountable, and fun!
Parents that are still with us...
Bella following me from room to room...
A dream of what God will allow us to do for him
Lonnie piping in..."Whatcha doin'?" makes me smile...
Thank you Father for all you provide. Help me to trust you and wait on your provision. May we be wise stewards of all that is yours.
Amen
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Day 24: Wisdom...What's that?
Back to the Bible
"But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?" And to man He said, "Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding." Job 28:12, 28
There are so many times I feel like an idiot. I don't know which way to go...what to do...I make the wrong decision. Sometimes I feel like my feet are in concrete and I can't move one way or another.
Then there are times I feel like I'm in the middle of the road dodging cars to keep alive. I vividly remember crossing the street in Jamaica with friends while on a mission trip there. The traffic flow is reversed from the states. I looked my "usual" way and began to cross only to soon discover a car flying at me from over the hill in the "wrong" direction....well my wrong direction! I danced like a crazy person in the middle of the road not knowing which way to go.
That's how life seems at moments. Things are coming from me from the "wrong" direction...according to me. Actually, it is the "right" direction for that situation. What am I to do?
God's word does have all the answers but I have to find them...get in there and search. Spend time with the one that knows the answers. Trust his principles and writings. Again, that is so hard to do when nothing makes sense.
It comes down to faith. Do I trust the Bible that was written years ago is from a God that doesn't know time? yes! do I trust that what is written is out of love for me? yes! Do I trust that God can speak through it? Yes! I have the faith and trust to keep searching and hold tight to the faith that my God will answer...I have to be the best scholar I can be. Thus I am honing my skills...this is day 24 of my journey.
Revealed
"...Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind;" and , "Love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27 (NIV)
Why would Jesus say that the greatest commandments stem from "Love?" Why not fear? Respect? Obedience? and the list could go on and on.... Why Love? I think because it was love that drew Christ to the cross...love of me. I obey because I love God...it is an outward sign of my gratitude and belief in Him. My love is the motivator to be running after his heart beat right now...I want to experience more of that love. My love is what draws my spirit to want to dwell with him, honor him with my choices. My love is what wants me to be strong for the battles ahead. My love is what kindles the desire to place his words in my mind and be able to lead others to Him. To grow intellectually in order to serve Him with excellence.
I want my children to honor and respect me. But it starts with a love relationship.
Lord,
Thank you for the thoughts and insights today. It was so timely! I have a member of my congregation struggling in their faith and belief in the authority of your word. That authority and relevance is the bottom line of our faith. This helps me to remember that all wisdom comes from your word. Show me how to minister to them and respond in a way that draws them to you. Even the Revealed scriptures, based on love, is perfect for this individual that sees your word as full of rules that are irrelevant. To know that they are given out of love and protection for us is an insight I need to communicate.
In our own lives we have so many questions right now and decisions. As we spend time with you and in your word, please, oh Father, show us the steps you would have us to take through scripture. Your wisdom is what we seek. You say, if we seek you with our whole hearts we will find you...Lord, that is a promise we are holding fast to with white knuckles.
May our children grow in you today, see you personally in their lives.
Amen
"But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?" And to man He said, "Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding." Job 28:12, 28
There are so many times I feel like an idiot. I don't know which way to go...what to do...I make the wrong decision. Sometimes I feel like my feet are in concrete and I can't move one way or another.
Then there are times I feel like I'm in the middle of the road dodging cars to keep alive. I vividly remember crossing the street in Jamaica with friends while on a mission trip there. The traffic flow is reversed from the states. I looked my "usual" way and began to cross only to soon discover a car flying at me from over the hill in the "wrong" direction....well my wrong direction! I danced like a crazy person in the middle of the road not knowing which way to go.
That's how life seems at moments. Things are coming from me from the "wrong" direction...according to me. Actually, it is the "right" direction for that situation. What am I to do?
God's word does have all the answers but I have to find them...get in there and search. Spend time with the one that knows the answers. Trust his principles and writings. Again, that is so hard to do when nothing makes sense.
It comes down to faith. Do I trust the Bible that was written years ago is from a God that doesn't know time? yes! do I trust that what is written is out of love for me? yes! Do I trust that God can speak through it? Yes! I have the faith and trust to keep searching and hold tight to the faith that my God will answer...I have to be the best scholar I can be. Thus I am honing my skills...this is day 24 of my journey.
Revealed
"...Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind;" and , "Love your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27 (NIV)
Why would Jesus say that the greatest commandments stem from "Love?" Why not fear? Respect? Obedience? and the list could go on and on.... Why Love? I think because it was love that drew Christ to the cross...love of me. I obey because I love God...it is an outward sign of my gratitude and belief in Him. My love is the motivator to be running after his heart beat right now...I want to experience more of that love. My love is what draws my spirit to want to dwell with him, honor him with my choices. My love is what wants me to be strong for the battles ahead. My love is what kindles the desire to place his words in my mind and be able to lead others to Him. To grow intellectually in order to serve Him with excellence.
I want my children to honor and respect me. But it starts with a love relationship.
Lord,
Thank you for the thoughts and insights today. It was so timely! I have a member of my congregation struggling in their faith and belief in the authority of your word. That authority and relevance is the bottom line of our faith. This helps me to remember that all wisdom comes from your word. Show me how to minister to them and respond in a way that draws them to you. Even the Revealed scriptures, based on love, is perfect for this individual that sees your word as full of rules that are irrelevant. To know that they are given out of love and protection for us is an insight I need to communicate.
In our own lives we have so many questions right now and decisions. As we spend time with you and in your word, please, oh Father, show us the steps you would have us to take through scripture. Your wisdom is what we seek. You say, if we seek you with our whole hearts we will find you...Lord, that is a promise we are holding fast to with white knuckles.
May our children grow in you today, see you personally in their lives.
Amen
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Day 23: Heart Reflection
Revealed
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 (NIV)
My heart reveals my relationship with you...my love for you...and my stewardship demonstrates my love for you and trust in you. Help me to examine my spending as a reflection of my love for you. Help me to see needs from your perspective. May what I treasure be solely based on what you treasure.
Back to the Bible
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. Job 23;10 (ESV)
Looking back at the challenges, hard times, panics, could it be that God was teaching us, refining us? Absolutely. We have learned to rely on him for everything. We have learned that His love for us is always there even when the world and our security here are being pulled out from under us like a rug. All that we had counted on ... gone...only He was left to point the way. He picked us up and set us on our feet. He drew us in. We have learned the tangible is not as important as peace of mind and spiritual security. We have been to the place where our hearts longed to do something for the least of these...so much so that we are willing to give up all we know here and join Him there.
Father, I pray earnestly that we will remember your love for us and that through every challenge, trial, heart ache you hold the opportunity to refine us to be more as you desire.
Thank you for the coaching opportunity you have given me. May I be an instrument of encouragement and focus for Carol and your church. Thank you for the financial benefit it will bring our family. Help us to discern how you would like us to use this resource...mission trip, savings, tuition, debt. It is yours.
Bless our son as he celebrates his 25th birthday today. You have created an amazing young man that is full of potential and serves you with his whole heart. I am amazed at your grace in allowing us to parent him. How could you have loved us so much? And then to give us two more remarkable children. Be with Mike as he starts another season and both of them in this semester of school.
Be with Lonnie each day as he works. Help him to maintain joy in knowing you are there and know tomorrow is no mystery to you. You will take care of his family.
Watch over your bride, Coastal Community Church. I pray for leadership resources to carry out your work and mission. Help me to see those you desire to lead. May Coastal reach those far from you.
I continue to seek your will in timing as far as our next steps. My fleeces remain before you so that I won't miss your timing. I'm so afraid I might. Open my eyes to you at work and prompt me to respond at the correct time...not running ahead of you, nor lagging behind.
Amen
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 (NIV)
My heart reveals my relationship with you...my love for you...and my stewardship demonstrates my love for you and trust in you. Help me to examine my spending as a reflection of my love for you. Help me to see needs from your perspective. May what I treasure be solely based on what you treasure.
Back to the Bible
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. Job 23;10 (ESV)
Looking back at the challenges, hard times, panics, could it be that God was teaching us, refining us? Absolutely. We have learned to rely on him for everything. We have learned that His love for us is always there even when the world and our security here are being pulled out from under us like a rug. All that we had counted on ... gone...only He was left to point the way. He picked us up and set us on our feet. He drew us in. We have learned the tangible is not as important as peace of mind and spiritual security. We have been to the place where our hearts longed to do something for the least of these...so much so that we are willing to give up all we know here and join Him there.
Father, I pray earnestly that we will remember your love for us and that through every challenge, trial, heart ache you hold the opportunity to refine us to be more as you desire.
Thank you for the coaching opportunity you have given me. May I be an instrument of encouragement and focus for Carol and your church. Thank you for the financial benefit it will bring our family. Help us to discern how you would like us to use this resource...mission trip, savings, tuition, debt. It is yours.
Bless our son as he celebrates his 25th birthday today. You have created an amazing young man that is full of potential and serves you with his whole heart. I am amazed at your grace in allowing us to parent him. How could you have loved us so much? And then to give us two more remarkable children. Be with Mike as he starts another season and both of them in this semester of school.
Be with Lonnie each day as he works. Help him to maintain joy in knowing you are there and know tomorrow is no mystery to you. You will take care of his family.
Watch over your bride, Coastal Community Church. I pray for leadership resources to carry out your work and mission. Help me to see those you desire to lead. May Coastal reach those far from you.
I continue to seek your will in timing as far as our next steps. My fleeces remain before you so that I won't miss your timing. I'm so afraid I might. Open my eyes to you at work and prompt me to respond at the correct time...not running ahead of you, nor lagging behind.
Amen
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Day 22: How will I Know?
Back to the Bible
Do you not know this from of old, since man was placed on earth, that the exulting of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment? Job 20:4-5
Revealed
Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this, they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NLT)
Lord,
Please help us to discern temporary from eternal. May our choices be those that honor you and point others towards you. I pray we can see life choices through your eternal lenses. What we have Lord is all from you so may we hold it in an open hand raised up to you.
I would like to keep Court Circle Lord but you know if this is something that we must hand over to you in order to do your eternal work we are willing to do that. I am willing to go back to North Landing if that is your will. But God I need help in clearly knowing your will. You know how I work, think, discern...please speak to me in a way I will know it is clearly you. I am a risk taker for you, but Father, I don't want to be careless, or make assumptions about your will. I don't trust my emotions so I really need you to speak clearly into this heart of mine. I don't want to be disobedient. I desire to live a life of obedience that pleases you and will give up what ever is required. I praise you for teaching me in the past to hear you and to trust you. I praise you for providing in our lives, even on a day by day basis.
Abba, be with our children. James and Kelsey as they build their lives together. Bless their careers and ministry. Mike as he forges through college. Draw him closer to you. I pray he has a desire to please you and seek you above all things. Be with his relationship with Tracy. Speak to both their hearts so that they are in your will in all things. Thank you for the way you have worked in Becca's life. Continue to comfort her as she honors you in relationships. Even though it is difficult may she wait for you to whisper..."This is him...this is my best for you." Continue to train her to teach and continue to nurture that joy for teaching you have given her.
Amen
Do you not know this from of old, since man was placed on earth, that the exulting of the wicked is short, and the joy of the godless but for a moment? Job 20:4-5
Revealed
Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them. By doing this, they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of real life. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NLT)
Lord,
Please help us to discern temporary from eternal. May our choices be those that honor you and point others towards you. I pray we can see life choices through your eternal lenses. What we have Lord is all from you so may we hold it in an open hand raised up to you.
I would like to keep Court Circle Lord but you know if this is something that we must hand over to you in order to do your eternal work we are willing to do that. I am willing to go back to North Landing if that is your will. But God I need help in clearly knowing your will. You know how I work, think, discern...please speak to me in a way I will know it is clearly you. I am a risk taker for you, but Father, I don't want to be careless, or make assumptions about your will. I don't trust my emotions so I really need you to speak clearly into this heart of mine. I don't want to be disobedient. I desire to live a life of obedience that pleases you and will give up what ever is required. I praise you for teaching me in the past to hear you and to trust you. I praise you for providing in our lives, even on a day by day basis.
Abba, be with our children. James and Kelsey as they build their lives together. Bless their careers and ministry. Mike as he forges through college. Draw him closer to you. I pray he has a desire to please you and seek you above all things. Be with his relationship with Tracy. Speak to both their hearts so that they are in your will in all things. Thank you for the way you have worked in Becca's life. Continue to comfort her as she honors you in relationships. Even though it is difficult may she wait for you to whisper..."This is him...this is my best for you." Continue to train her to teach and continue to nurture that joy for teaching you have given her.
Amen
Monday, January 18, 2010
Day 21: What do I Know?
Back to the Bible
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25 (ESV)
Father, how can I express my gratitude for the sacrifice of your son on the cross. You redeemed me from eternity in hell separated from all that is good...separated from you. You redeemed me from hopelessness in this life. I know you live. I see you in my life and in the lives around me. I see the work of your hand, your heart for us. I can't explain it. I just know it. I know it in my heart that my redeemer knows me by name. Praise Him for what I can't explain.
Revealed
People who live only for wealth come to the end of their lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day they were born. Ecclesiastes 5:15 (NLT)
Lord, you are my Lord and all we have is yours and from you. All. How does that really play out? It means I trust you and know you will provide. It is hard and scary. But I do in the midst of the struggle.
God what is the line between risk and careless? The line is knowing the risk is because you required it...commanded it...asked it of us. For the first time this day I see our obedience in building this house as a risk...you asked it of us not so we would have bigger and better...but because you you had a purpose in how this home would be used...missionary on furlow staying with us...75 people a week in Bible study...out of country and state students having a place for school break.
You had a purpose in us learning to survive in the unknown. You know I want the answers...now.
God it is yours and has been worth the risk. The risk is still present. I can't say I don't worry about 2 homes and how we will sell one or both to go to Africa. Will you have us sell both? One? none? What will be the risk you require of us to step out in obedience to be missionaries. How will you support us? How will you provide for Becca and Mike to finish school? How will you provide for the school notes we already have? Where will we live when we return to the states?
The words of the author, Doug Turner, sting deep into my heart. "We can take risks because of our relationship with God and our family in Christ. Stewardship isn't something we do; it's who we are. We trust God and invest the time, talent, and treasure He has given us because that's who we are--and whose we are." "God wants us to let go of our stuff and set our hearts on the Kingdom, so He can show us how powerfully He really can work in our lives. If we play it safe and live our lives for security, we find ourselves at the end of life as naked and empty-handed as the day we were born." (page 87)
Help me to have the inner courage to take the risks with what you have for us. I do trust you. May I live out that trust.
Amen
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25 (ESV)
Father, how can I express my gratitude for the sacrifice of your son on the cross. You redeemed me from eternity in hell separated from all that is good...separated from you. You redeemed me from hopelessness in this life. I know you live. I see you in my life and in the lives around me. I see the work of your hand, your heart for us. I can't explain it. I just know it. I know it in my heart that my redeemer knows me by name. Praise Him for what I can't explain.
Revealed
People who live only for wealth come to the end of their lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day they were born. Ecclesiastes 5:15 (NLT)
Lord, you are my Lord and all we have is yours and from you. All. How does that really play out? It means I trust you and know you will provide. It is hard and scary. But I do in the midst of the struggle.
God what is the line between risk and careless? The line is knowing the risk is because you required it...commanded it...asked it of us. For the first time this day I see our obedience in building this house as a risk...you asked it of us not so we would have bigger and better...but because you you had a purpose in how this home would be used...missionary on furlow staying with us...75 people a week in Bible study...out of country and state students having a place for school break.
You had a purpose in us learning to survive in the unknown. You know I want the answers...now.
God it is yours and has been worth the risk. The risk is still present. I can't say I don't worry about 2 homes and how we will sell one or both to go to Africa. Will you have us sell both? One? none? What will be the risk you require of us to step out in obedience to be missionaries. How will you support us? How will you provide for Becca and Mike to finish school? How will you provide for the school notes we already have? Where will we live when we return to the states?
The words of the author, Doug Turner, sting deep into my heart. "We can take risks because of our relationship with God and our family in Christ. Stewardship isn't something we do; it's who we are. We trust God and invest the time, talent, and treasure He has given us because that's who we are--and whose we are." "God wants us to let go of our stuff and set our hearts on the Kingdom, so He can show us how powerfully He really can work in our lives. If we play it safe and live our lives for security, we find ourselves at the end of life as naked and empty-handed as the day we were born." (page 87)
Help me to have the inner courage to take the risks with what you have for us. I do trust you. May I live out that trust.
Amen
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Day 20: What is a Win?
Revealed
Tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to trust in their money....trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 1Timothy 6:17 (NLT)
Lord, it is so hard to not keep score. I look around at others homes, yards, vacations and I tend to keep score. It is my pride. Then I look at the non tangible blessings...our children and where they are in life...our marriage...our ministry....our friends...and our relationships with you. Thank you for giving us what we need to enjoy life! Peace of mind, security in you, forgiveness, assurance in our eternity.
Back to the Bible
If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, till my change comes. Job 14:14
Father, I know I will live with you in eternity. I know that this life is temporary, thus the pain and discouragement that it brings is temporary.
But honestly, in the human moment, the right now...it doesn't always feel so temporary. You know life and its struggles are hard. You know we often put on a mask and smile and quickly utter, "Jesus is in control!" type of phrases. I believe those statements, trust you, and I mean them...but it is still so hard to emotionally stay on a level field. It is hard to look at an empty bank account and find joy...to see the hurtful choices of those we love, to endure the pain of harsh words...disease, loss...and be joyful in emotion.
First, forgive my unbelief and weak spirit. Help me to look past the now into your eyes. To sense you walking with me...sustaining me...holding me close.
This day, Lord, may I look for the non-monetary blessings of your presence in our lives. May I live this day with eternity in your presence before me. May I be your hands, feet, and heart to those around me.
Provide safe travel to our daughter, protection to our sons and daughter-in-law. Wisdom and stamina for our Pastor.
Amen
Tell those who are rich not to be proud and not to trust in their money....trust should be in the living God who always richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 1Timothy 6:17 (NLT)
Lord, it is so hard to not keep score. I look around at others homes, yards, vacations and I tend to keep score. It is my pride. Then I look at the non tangible blessings...our children and where they are in life...our marriage...our ministry....our friends...and our relationships with you. Thank you for giving us what we need to enjoy life! Peace of mind, security in you, forgiveness, assurance in our eternity.
Back to the Bible
If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, till my change comes. Job 14:14
Father, I know I will live with you in eternity. I know that this life is temporary, thus the pain and discouragement that it brings is temporary.
But honestly, in the human moment, the right now...it doesn't always feel so temporary. You know life and its struggles are hard. You know we often put on a mask and smile and quickly utter, "Jesus is in control!" type of phrases. I believe those statements, trust you, and I mean them...but it is still so hard to emotionally stay on a level field. It is hard to look at an empty bank account and find joy...to see the hurtful choices of those we love, to endure the pain of harsh words...disease, loss...and be joyful in emotion.
First, forgive my unbelief and weak spirit. Help me to look past the now into your eyes. To sense you walking with me...sustaining me...holding me close.
This day, Lord, may I look for the non-monetary blessings of your presence in our lives. May I live this day with eternity in your presence before me. May I be your hands, feet, and heart to those around me.
Provide safe travel to our daughter, protection to our sons and daughter-in-law. Wisdom and stamina for our Pastor.
Amen
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Day 19: Storm Survival
When I am in the middle of a life storm, or even on the verge of one, it is so diffacult for me to see through the rain, wind, and turmoil that it brings. As a worry prone person I struggle to look past the circumstance to see the one that holds all things in His hands. I want to know the answers, the outcome, the future. I want to know what it is going to cost emotionally or physically, how I will survive.
Back to the Bible
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Job 13:15
Job was at the bottom. The storm had hit him, and hit him hard. With severe outcome. And he still had such trust in God. How? The author, Dr. Kroll, writes "Trust is based on character, not circumstances." Job trusted the character of God to sustain. Even if it mean his life he trusted God.
In the midst of my storms I need to focus on my God's character. His love, power, grace, mercy, salvation. That worldly possessions are not essential. That my relationship with him and my respect for him are what is essential. Easier said than accomplished, I know. But it is what I ask the Lord to teach me in the midst of lifes challenges. I have to know that he allows challenges, loss, and even hurt into my life...and from that he will teach me what I need to know to draw nearer to His heart.
Revealed
Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Matthew 6:20 (NLT)
My treasures. What God has given~ not only physical, but spiritual.
Lord,
I so desire my life to honor you. In the midst of the storms may my survival be based on the trust in you that you are always teaching me. Help me to concentrate on your character Lord. Your character is unchanging.
Amen
Back to the Bible
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Job 13:15
Job was at the bottom. The storm had hit him, and hit him hard. With severe outcome. And he still had such trust in God. How? The author, Dr. Kroll, writes "Trust is based on character, not circumstances." Job trusted the character of God to sustain. Even if it mean his life he trusted God.
In the midst of my storms I need to focus on my God's character. His love, power, grace, mercy, salvation. That worldly possessions are not essential. That my relationship with him and my respect for him are what is essential. Easier said than accomplished, I know. But it is what I ask the Lord to teach me in the midst of lifes challenges. I have to know that he allows challenges, loss, and even hurt into my life...and from that he will teach me what I need to know to draw nearer to His heart.
Revealed
Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Matthew 6:20 (NLT)
My treasures. What God has given~ not only physical, but spiritual.
Lord,
I so desire my life to honor you. In the midst of the storms may my survival be based on the trust in you that you are always teaching me. Help me to concentrate on your character Lord. Your character is unchanging.
Amen
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Day 18: Gift Giver
Revealed
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)
There is something powerful about the lack of money in my life. If anything is going to keep me up at night it usually revolves around thoughts of how are we going to ......." and money is involved. Pay tuition. Repair bills. Bills. Savings. Retirement. The list doesn't include the things we want...it always deals with the essentials. We live a basic life style and that perplexes me. I have had numerous conversations with the Lord regarding this. Lord, we honor you in our tithe and life style. We honor you in our service. Why then do we have to go through this?
There is something powerful about the affirmation of God's presence in my life when He meets our financial needs. Perhaps that is it. I am a concrete, hands on learner and when the Lord obviously steps in to provide our financial needs, or help us to stretch that last bit of money in the account a few days further, I notice it. I see his financial blessings. It is my belief that God uses money to teach us numerous lessons about himself because it is something we can directly see and experience.
The blessing isn't always financial. It is often manifested in things like taking a growth step in trust, hearing his voice of assurance, or spiritual perspective on needs and wants. We also live in an economy where we are faced with sever financial challenges for everyone. As Christ followers we are not immune from this and can only run to you for the help to make it through. Help in all aspects but especially emotionally and spiritually. To release the grip of money in our life.
Back to the Bible
Truly I know it is so, but how can a man be righteous before God? Job 9:2
God,
You are the giver all good things. Thank you for every blessing you give to us financially and spiritually. Thank you for caring about us enough to know when to give and when to withhold. The main blessing is the peace, the unexplainable peace that you bring to us...in times when the mountain appears unmovable. Maybe it is unmovable to us but you, oh Father, can give us spiritual tenacity to deal with the mountain.
And Lord, there is no sin in my life that you are not aware. No action or thought. Sin of commission and sin of omission. I am so thankful before your throne for the atoning death of Jesus on the cross for me. May my heart not compare my sin to another, as sin is sin in your eyes. Forgive me when I worry because I don't trust or believe that you see me and care. You are in control and will help us. The obvious and physical outcome may not be what the world would consider a successful answer to prayer. But the outcome of trusting you, knowing you more intimately, and drawing a breath closer to your heart is a blessing.
Thank you for a successful conversation yesterday with Liberty. I am trusting you in the opportunity to earn additional income from part time teaching. Use this opportunity to glorify you and use my talents for your Kingdom work to help Lonnie get to SA and us not to incur school debt. Thank you for the part time job that Lonnie will begin in a few weeks. Thank you for all this as you have opened the door for him to go on the mission trip this summer with the team. We pray for the finances to make that happen.
Praise you the Gift Giver of ALL things...seen and unseen.
Amen
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 (NIV)
There is something powerful about the lack of money in my life. If anything is going to keep me up at night it usually revolves around thoughts of how are we going to ......." and money is involved. Pay tuition. Repair bills. Bills. Savings. Retirement. The list doesn't include the things we want...it always deals with the essentials. We live a basic life style and that perplexes me. I have had numerous conversations with the Lord regarding this. Lord, we honor you in our tithe and life style. We honor you in our service. Why then do we have to go through this?
There is something powerful about the affirmation of God's presence in my life when He meets our financial needs. Perhaps that is it. I am a concrete, hands on learner and when the Lord obviously steps in to provide our financial needs, or help us to stretch that last bit of money in the account a few days further, I notice it. I see his financial blessings. It is my belief that God uses money to teach us numerous lessons about himself because it is something we can directly see and experience.
The blessing isn't always financial. It is often manifested in things like taking a growth step in trust, hearing his voice of assurance, or spiritual perspective on needs and wants. We also live in an economy where we are faced with sever financial challenges for everyone. As Christ followers we are not immune from this and can only run to you for the help to make it through. Help in all aspects but especially emotionally and spiritually. To release the grip of money in our life.
Back to the Bible
Truly I know it is so, but how can a man be righteous before God? Job 9:2
God,
You are the giver all good things. Thank you for every blessing you give to us financially and spiritually. Thank you for caring about us enough to know when to give and when to withhold. The main blessing is the peace, the unexplainable peace that you bring to us...in times when the mountain appears unmovable. Maybe it is unmovable to us but you, oh Father, can give us spiritual tenacity to deal with the mountain.
And Lord, there is no sin in my life that you are not aware. No action or thought. Sin of commission and sin of omission. I am so thankful before your throne for the atoning death of Jesus on the cross for me. May my heart not compare my sin to another, as sin is sin in your eyes. Forgive me when I worry because I don't trust or believe that you see me and care. You are in control and will help us. The obvious and physical outcome may not be what the world would consider a successful answer to prayer. But the outcome of trusting you, knowing you more intimately, and drawing a breath closer to your heart is a blessing.
Thank you for a successful conversation yesterday with Liberty. I am trusting you in the opportunity to earn additional income from part time teaching. Use this opportunity to glorify you and use my talents for your Kingdom work to help Lonnie get to SA and us not to incur school debt. Thank you for the part time job that Lonnie will begin in a few weeks. Thank you for all this as you have opened the door for him to go on the mission trip this summer with the team. We pray for the finances to make that happen.
Praise you the Gift Giver of ALL things...seen and unseen.
Amen
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Day 17: What?
My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle. Job 7:6
...Let's just o ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't. If you preach, just preach God's message, nothing else ... Romans 12:6 (MSG)
Lord,
Really, I do get it. There is something you created me to do...gifted me to do ... for your pleasure and to benefit your kingdom work. There is a "sweet spot" when I am doing it, I will sense you there and smiling and laughing. Pleased with me. But Father, I am having a difficult time distinguishing what that "sweet spot" might be. I know I enjoy teaching, creating programs, dreaming and thinking strategically about the next step and next way to encourage people to be growing in their relationship with you. I enjoying preaching and communicating. But there is so much more that I need to do that it all becomes blurred and I loose the joy of the gifting in the center of the hurricane of "have to do." As we look to Africa I wonder what will my "sweet spot of serving you" be? Why me? Why us? I see the passion in Lonnie's heart. I sense it in mine. I just don't know what it will be.
Time is going by so quickly. The shuttle is blurred and it is moving so quickly. I can't be sure we are accomplishing what you would desire us to accomplish by the end of each day. Life is hectic with a to-do list that is immense. Help me to see you in the moments of each day. To trust you that what I can accomplish are the things you desire. Help me to put aside what is not necessary according to your plan.
I sense your hand moving...weaving the tapestry of our life and beginning a new work...a beautiful work...I just don't know what it will look like...where it will be...how it will be woven....
What will James' future education look like? What is his "sweet spot"? What will Kelsey's first real job be and where? What are your plans for Michael? What will be there to help Becca finish school at LU? What will be the decision regarding Lonnie's job? What will his next phase in life bring him? What can we do to move towards your desire for our lives?
What? I don't know. But you Father know all things. That is your character trait that I praise you for this day...you know all things. Your ways are not my ways and I can trust the "what?" to you.
Amen
...Let's just o ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't. If you preach, just preach God's message, nothing else ... Romans 12:6 (MSG)
Lord,
Really, I do get it. There is something you created me to do...gifted me to do ... for your pleasure and to benefit your kingdom work. There is a "sweet spot" when I am doing it, I will sense you there and smiling and laughing. Pleased with me. But Father, I am having a difficult time distinguishing what that "sweet spot" might be. I know I enjoy teaching, creating programs, dreaming and thinking strategically about the next step and next way to encourage people to be growing in their relationship with you. I enjoying preaching and communicating. But there is so much more that I need to do that it all becomes blurred and I loose the joy of the gifting in the center of the hurricane of "have to do." As we look to Africa I wonder what will my "sweet spot of serving you" be? Why me? Why us? I see the passion in Lonnie's heart. I sense it in mine. I just don't know what it will be.
Time is going by so quickly. The shuttle is blurred and it is moving so quickly. I can't be sure we are accomplishing what you would desire us to accomplish by the end of each day. Life is hectic with a to-do list that is immense. Help me to see you in the moments of each day. To trust you that what I can accomplish are the things you desire. Help me to put aside what is not necessary according to your plan.
I sense your hand moving...weaving the tapestry of our life and beginning a new work...a beautiful work...I just don't know what it will look like...where it will be...how it will be woven....
What will James' future education look like? What is his "sweet spot"? What will Kelsey's first real job be and where? What are your plans for Michael? What will be there to help Becca finish school at LU? What will be the decision regarding Lonnie's job? What will his next phase in life bring him? What can we do to move towards your desire for our lives?
What? I don't know. But you Father know all things. That is your character trait that I praise you for this day...you know all things. Your ways are not my ways and I can trust the "what?" to you.
Amen
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Day 16: These are the words...
Lord,
This day the devotions are about feeding my gifts to develop them. Feeding them by spending time with you in Bible study, prayer, fellowship with others. Help me to never forget that if I want to be the person you created me to be I must be in solid relationship with you. As I whine about the challenges I face I neglect the promise that you will be with me and never leave me. I must admit the mountains in front seem unmovable. There are times I feel like I have attempted to climb again and again only to be washed backed down, or to collapse from exhaustion. I allow the deceiver to whisper, sometimes yell, into my mind that I'll never be able to succeed at this. Father, I need you to make it. You are the vine and I am the branch. Apart from you I can do nothing. (John 15)
This day may I also be aware of my words and actions and the impact they have on others. Let me the type of friend that encourages. Help me to guard my words so that they are helpful and not hurtful nor discouraging.
"Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; cause me to understand wherein I have erred. How forceful are right words! Job 6:24
Father, please continue to provide for our family in challenging times. I pray for the two fleeces and that you would use them to confirm your perfect timing. Help me to never loose confidence in your presence in our lives. I thank you for showing your will to Bec regarding her trip to Africa through the support she is generating for the mission trip. I am amazed that you have opened the door for Lonnie to attend! Help us now to find the finances for that trip.
You are amazing and I can't comprehend you, but I know your character and I trust you. You are the God of yesterday, today, and you are tomorrow. You are already there in the future and know all things. You are waiting for me....for all of us. I love that about your character. It brings me comfort.
Amen
This day the devotions are about feeding my gifts to develop them. Feeding them by spending time with you in Bible study, prayer, fellowship with others. Help me to never forget that if I want to be the person you created me to be I must be in solid relationship with you. As I whine about the challenges I face I neglect the promise that you will be with me and never leave me. I must admit the mountains in front seem unmovable. There are times I feel like I have attempted to climb again and again only to be washed backed down, or to collapse from exhaustion. I allow the deceiver to whisper, sometimes yell, into my mind that I'll never be able to succeed at this. Father, I need you to make it. You are the vine and I am the branch. Apart from you I can do nothing. (John 15)
This day may I also be aware of my words and actions and the impact they have on others. Let me the type of friend that encourages. Help me to guard my words so that they are helpful and not hurtful nor discouraging.
"Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; cause me to understand wherein I have erred. How forceful are right words! Job 6:24
Father, please continue to provide for our family in challenging times. I pray for the two fleeces and that you would use them to confirm your perfect timing. Help me to never loose confidence in your presence in our lives. I thank you for showing your will to Bec regarding her trip to Africa through the support she is generating for the mission trip. I am amazed that you have opened the door for Lonnie to attend! Help us now to find the finances for that trip.
You are amazing and I can't comprehend you, but I know your character and I trust you. You are the God of yesterday, today, and you are tomorrow. You are already there in the future and know all things. You are waiting for me....for all of us. I love that about your character. It brings me comfort.
Amen
Monday, January 11, 2010
Day 15: Chastening? Enjoy discipline?
Back to the Bible
Job 5:17
"Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty."
There are not many occasions that I can recall where I was "happy" with discipline or chastening at the moment it was occurring. I call them "spiritual spankings" and I know when they are occurring, but I don't like them. As with any good parent God will correct me to bring me back into line with what he desires and what is best for me in the long run. Like any child I have the choice to learn from the correction and alter my behavior or continue in disobedience and do what I want to do.
It is frightening to know that God loves me enough to allow me to continue to ignore the correction and go my own way. He will allow me to choose the path of destruction. I am not his robot. I am his child with a free will. It is so important that I respond correctly to my Abba's chastening in order to walk in the direction He desires for my life.
Lord,
There have been times that I didn't see the correction or that I choose to ignore the correction. I want to thank you for the correction. For loving me enough to discipline me and steer me in the direction you would have me to go. Help me Father to understand your heart so well that I recognize and understand the corrections you place in my life. That my heart is broken in response to my disobedience to you.
Help me to be the type of parent to my children that you are to me. To establish and administer discipline with the sole purpose of leading them in your direction. Even as adults, help me to do my part when necessary.
I thank you for Jesus, who gave his life on the cross, took the ultimate discipline for me. Bring my mind back to this picture when I am whining about the chastening and correction you bring into my life.
Amen
Job 5:17
"Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty."
There are not many occasions that I can recall where I was "happy" with discipline or chastening at the moment it was occurring. I call them "spiritual spankings" and I know when they are occurring, but I don't like them. As with any good parent God will correct me to bring me back into line with what he desires and what is best for me in the long run. Like any child I have the choice to learn from the correction and alter my behavior or continue in disobedience and do what I want to do.
It is frightening to know that God loves me enough to allow me to continue to ignore the correction and go my own way. He will allow me to choose the path of destruction. I am not his robot. I am his child with a free will. It is so important that I respond correctly to my Abba's chastening in order to walk in the direction He desires for my life.
Lord,
There have been times that I didn't see the correction or that I choose to ignore the correction. I want to thank you for the correction. For loving me enough to discipline me and steer me in the direction you would have me to go. Help me Father to understand your heart so well that I recognize and understand the corrections you place in my life. That my heart is broken in response to my disobedience to you.
Help me to be the type of parent to my children that you are to me. To establish and administer discipline with the sole purpose of leading them in your direction. Even as adults, help me to do my part when necessary.
I thank you for Jesus, who gave his life on the cross, took the ultimate discipline for me. Bring my mind back to this picture when I am whining about the chastening and correction you bring into my life.
Amen
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Day 14: Stuff Happens
Back to the Bible
For affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble spring from the ground; yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward. Job 5:6-7
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
As a classroom teacher I quickly became accustomed to the old saying, "Stuff happens." I learned to be flexible, quick thinking, calm, and developed the innate ability to "shoot from the hip." Why? Because teaching middle and high school students is a constant adventure in flexibility and unpredictability. There would always be days when things just didn't go as expected.
Life in general can be that way. For no fault nor valid explanation events just go crazy. Bad things happen to good people. We live in a world were trouble finds us. So why is it so difficult for me to carry over from the classroom some of the same skills? Could it be I want to be in control of my life like I was in the classroom? Well that's just not going to happen is it? I'm not God and he's the only one in control of life and the universe. Why am I surprised when life throws unexpected and unwanted events into my world? Are they always directly from God? No, his permissive will allows life events that are hurtful, difficult, challenging, and just plain stinky.
So what to do. Do as Jesus said in John, "Take heart" meaning ... know in my heart that Jesus overcame so much more, and I will overcome because of his presence in my life. If I trust him, come to him, seek him, I will survive. As Dr. Kroll, the author of Back to the Bible writes,
"Don't be surprised. Instead, turn to God. When your life goes contrary to your expectations, He is able to give you either the wisdom to deal with it or the grace to live with it. Trust Him.
When trouble draws close, draw close to God."
Revealed this morning talked about the body of Christ and how we are all knit together with our specific gifts. We should not be jealous of others. We should work together for the community of believers God has placed us in. When I become frustrated by a personality or situation involving people I need to remember that God created them, gifted them, and placed them right where he desired. Now, I need to just deal with it, and ask the Lord to help me see them as He does. Help me to love them as He does. And help them to love me in all my shortfalls the same way.
Lord,
Help me this day to remember that I'm not perfect, no one is. You have woven together those that I will minister with today just as you please. May I be flexible and if trouble draws close, even with my attitude, may I draw closer to you.
Thank you for your hand of protection in my son's best friends life. May his injuries heal well. Be with our son as he will deal with the emotional piece of seeing his best friend injured.
Bless this sabbath day and draw heart's towards you.
Amen
For affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble spring from the ground; yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward. Job 5:6-7
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
As a classroom teacher I quickly became accustomed to the old saying, "Stuff happens." I learned to be flexible, quick thinking, calm, and developed the innate ability to "shoot from the hip." Why? Because teaching middle and high school students is a constant adventure in flexibility and unpredictability. There would always be days when things just didn't go as expected.
Life in general can be that way. For no fault nor valid explanation events just go crazy. Bad things happen to good people. We live in a world were trouble finds us. So why is it so difficult for me to carry over from the classroom some of the same skills? Could it be I want to be in control of my life like I was in the classroom? Well that's just not going to happen is it? I'm not God and he's the only one in control of life and the universe. Why am I surprised when life throws unexpected and unwanted events into my world? Are they always directly from God? No, his permissive will allows life events that are hurtful, difficult, challenging, and just plain stinky.
So what to do. Do as Jesus said in John, "Take heart" meaning ... know in my heart that Jesus overcame so much more, and I will overcome because of his presence in my life. If I trust him, come to him, seek him, I will survive. As Dr. Kroll, the author of Back to the Bible writes,
"Don't be surprised. Instead, turn to God. When your life goes contrary to your expectations, He is able to give you either the wisdom to deal with it or the grace to live with it. Trust Him.
When trouble draws close, draw close to God."
Revealed this morning talked about the body of Christ and how we are all knit together with our specific gifts. We should not be jealous of others. We should work together for the community of believers God has placed us in. When I become frustrated by a personality or situation involving people I need to remember that God created them, gifted them, and placed them right where he desired. Now, I need to just deal with it, and ask the Lord to help me see them as He does. Help me to love them as He does. And help them to love me in all my shortfalls the same way.
Lord,
Help me this day to remember that I'm not perfect, no one is. You have woven together those that I will minister with today just as you please. May I be flexible and if trouble draws close, even with my attitude, may I draw closer to you.
Thank you for your hand of protection in my son's best friends life. May his injuries heal well. Be with our son as he will deal with the emotional piece of seeing his best friend injured.
Bless this sabbath day and draw heart's towards you.
Amen
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Day 13: Let Not
Back to the Bible
Discouraged? When it comes to people of faith in the Bible it is easy for me to think they were seldom discouraged...why they are in the Bible and that means they were strong in their faith, right?
Not so. Some of David's most profound Psalms are when he is frightened, discouraged, fearful. And then there is Job. We know the end of Job's story...everything is restored and then some. But Job was human and he experienced a grief that I can't comprehend. I would be devastated. This past week a family lost their son to drug overdose...I would be be devastated. Last year one of Becca's friends died in a car accident. I would be devastated. And Job lost all his children, his wealth...everything. What was his reaction? He worshiped. Yes, he worshiped. But he also grieved the day he was born.
"May the stars of its morning be dark; may it look for light, but have none, and not see the dawning of the day; because it did not shut up the doors of my mother's womb, nor hide sorrow from my eyes. Why did I not die at birth? Why did I not perish when I came from the womb? Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breasts, that I should nurse?" Job 3:9-12
God can take it when we have these seasons in our lives. He can take our questions, doubts of purpose, fear of the future, lack of understanding why things happen. He is God.
John 14:1 (ESV)
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me"
We must believe in the Lord and his compassion. We must look for the purpose, or acknowledge is love in spite of our inability to understand. I must choose this day to trust him in spite of my inability to understand him.
Revealed
God's various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:4-5 (MSG)
God is the giver of gifts and it is for his purpose not mine. What I have is to be used for him. Not to further my ambition or bank account. Continually look for how He desires me to use these.
Lord,
I want to recall the verse from John. I believe in you and don't want my heart to be troubled. Because I believe in you I can cry out to you and ask you for understanding. In the middle of the night I can ask you for understanding. In crises I can ask you. And you will respond in your time.
Thank you for Lonnie's part time job. Oh it was a miracle how you worked. The first place! The closest place. Even though he sensed the deceiver telling him not to go there...too busy, wrong time, etc. He sensed you saying go in! And in obedience he did. We joked before he left with a mental list of several potential places to see part time work. He said, "Honey, do I take the first job I'm offered?" I was the one saying, "Now don't be disappointed. It takes a while." Well that was in man's time but in your time...you gave him a job immediately and he didn't have to go place to place. It was you! Thank you Lord as you provide for our family and move us towards your purpose for our lives. Help us not to live so much in the future that we forget what you are doing this moment.
I love you and thank you for each moment with you.
Amen
Discouraged? When it comes to people of faith in the Bible it is easy for me to think they were seldom discouraged...why they are in the Bible and that means they were strong in their faith, right?
Not so. Some of David's most profound Psalms are when he is frightened, discouraged, fearful. And then there is Job. We know the end of Job's story...everything is restored and then some. But Job was human and he experienced a grief that I can't comprehend. I would be devastated. This past week a family lost their son to drug overdose...I would be be devastated. Last year one of Becca's friends died in a car accident. I would be devastated. And Job lost all his children, his wealth...everything. What was his reaction? He worshiped. Yes, he worshiped. But he also grieved the day he was born.
"May the stars of its morning be dark; may it look for light, but have none, and not see the dawning of the day; because it did not shut up the doors of my mother's womb, nor hide sorrow from my eyes. Why did I not die at birth? Why did I not perish when I came from the womb? Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breasts, that I should nurse?" Job 3:9-12
God can take it when we have these seasons in our lives. He can take our questions, doubts of purpose, fear of the future, lack of understanding why things happen. He is God.
John 14:1 (ESV)
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me"
We must believe in the Lord and his compassion. We must look for the purpose, or acknowledge is love in spite of our inability to understand. I must choose this day to trust him in spite of my inability to understand him.
Revealed
God's various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. God's various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God's Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:4-5 (MSG)
God is the giver of gifts and it is for his purpose not mine. What I have is to be used for him. Not to further my ambition or bank account. Continually look for how He desires me to use these.
Lord,
I want to recall the verse from John. I believe in you and don't want my heart to be troubled. Because I believe in you I can cry out to you and ask you for understanding. In the middle of the night I can ask you for understanding. In crises I can ask you. And you will respond in your time.
Thank you for Lonnie's part time job. Oh it was a miracle how you worked. The first place! The closest place. Even though he sensed the deceiver telling him not to go there...too busy, wrong time, etc. He sensed you saying go in! And in obedience he did. We joked before he left with a mental list of several potential places to see part time work. He said, "Honey, do I take the first job I'm offered?" I was the one saying, "Now don't be disappointed. It takes a while." Well that was in man's time but in your time...you gave him a job immediately and he didn't have to go place to place. It was you! Thank you Lord as you provide for our family and move us towards your purpose for our lives. Help us not to live so much in the future that we forget what you are doing this moment.
I love you and thank you for each moment with you.
Amen
Friday, January 8, 2010
Day 12: Time According to God
I hate waiting! I dislike lines! I become tense when I'm running late. I loose track of time when I'm engaged in deep thought or strongly immersed in work. I work best in chunks of time...for my dissertation I had to carve out hours because a few moments here and there didn't work for me.
I'm not good at waiting on God's time. I usually think the delay is because I have done something wrong. God's not going to answer...the answer is no. As my son James would phrase it, I'm horrible at the "waiting game." It is in the waiting that the deceiver whispers the lies into my mind..."you're not good enough, God doesn't care, you can't hear God, that's not what God said to you," and the lies and deceptions go on and on.
God, the sad, really sad, part is I believe those lies at times. I'm so tired and defeated by circumstances that I lean into the deceiver and begin to doubt truth. Lord, your truth isn't always easy to swallow...wait, endure, sacrifice. But that's exactly what your son did. He waited 33 years for your time to endure the shame and humiliation of the trials and beatings; then, to sacrifice his life for mine on that horrendous cross. And sadly I can't seem to wait years for you to reveal your plans for the next steps for my little life? Forgive me for my impatience.
There are times when I believe I see your plan coming together. Moments I begin to get a glimpse of why you waited and the positive impact that wait had on my life in the long run. The opportunities to see you working in seemingly impossible situations. If you had answered immediately would I have see your faithful hand...or would I have appreciated it as profoundly?
Lord, you know my heart and you are teaching me about yours. I thank you for that. I appreciate your steadfastness, mercy, grace, patience with me, your wisdom, power, and provision.
Right now I see you bringing some key parts of our life together in ways that I don't understand. Ways that initially kept me awake at night. Honestly, that seemed more of a curse than a blessing. But because I'm spending time with you and seeking your perspective, I'm realizing it can't be anything but you and your desire for us. There are still two pretty big "fleece" type things in my heart that I need you to take care that will surely speak to me that what we are sensing you are doing. That what seems to be occuring is truly you and the time to respond is now. Not when I thought, but according to your timing. I don't want to publicly write them here, but Lord I will write them when the time is right and you have answered~ one way or another. God, you know I am an emotional decision maker so I lay these fleeces before you so that without doubt I will know of your desires and your timing. You know my heart in this matter and you know why I desire your response in this manner. Thank you, Father.
Thank you for the Revealed devotion this morning on your perspective of time and timing. It oh so spoke to my heart.
"Discovering God's plan for your time."
Don't overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness....He is giving everyone space and time to change. 2 Peter 3:8-9 (MSG)
The author writes:
"The deliberate pace with which God may choose to move-- or the suddenness with which He ruses in --are not determined by the availability of time. Time is not a controlling factor for God as it is with us. While we cannot break free from the hold time has on us, we can learn to see things more from God's perspective. If we live as if time were the only determining factor for our choices, we are living a very shallow life." (p. 46)
"Lazarus' family and friends were only aware of one thing: Jesus was too late. Jesus, on the other hand, was aware that this was an opportunity for God's glory to be revealed." (p. 47)
Reveal your glory through our circumstances and may we be a testimony to how you work through circumstances to show your divine timing and purpose in our lives.
Thank you for Back to the Bible as it reminded me that there are times of silence where words are not needed. Just quiet time before you.
Job 2:11 (ESV)
11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him.
I praise you for being a God I don't understand...a God of miracles and surprises.
Amen
I'm not good at waiting on God's time. I usually think the delay is because I have done something wrong. God's not going to answer...the answer is no. As my son James would phrase it, I'm horrible at the "waiting game." It is in the waiting that the deceiver whispers the lies into my mind..."you're not good enough, God doesn't care, you can't hear God, that's not what God said to you," and the lies and deceptions go on and on.
God, the sad, really sad, part is I believe those lies at times. I'm so tired and defeated by circumstances that I lean into the deceiver and begin to doubt truth. Lord, your truth isn't always easy to swallow...wait, endure, sacrifice. But that's exactly what your son did. He waited 33 years for your time to endure the shame and humiliation of the trials and beatings; then, to sacrifice his life for mine on that horrendous cross. And sadly I can't seem to wait years for you to reveal your plans for the next steps for my little life? Forgive me for my impatience.
There are times when I believe I see your plan coming together. Moments I begin to get a glimpse of why you waited and the positive impact that wait had on my life in the long run. The opportunities to see you working in seemingly impossible situations. If you had answered immediately would I have see your faithful hand...or would I have appreciated it as profoundly?
Lord, you know my heart and you are teaching me about yours. I thank you for that. I appreciate your steadfastness, mercy, grace, patience with me, your wisdom, power, and provision.
Right now I see you bringing some key parts of our life together in ways that I don't understand. Ways that initially kept me awake at night. Honestly, that seemed more of a curse than a blessing. But because I'm spending time with you and seeking your perspective, I'm realizing it can't be anything but you and your desire for us. There are still two pretty big "fleece" type things in my heart that I need you to take care that will surely speak to me that what we are sensing you are doing. That what seems to be occuring is truly you and the time to respond is now. Not when I thought, but according to your timing. I don't want to publicly write them here, but Lord I will write them when the time is right and you have answered~ one way or another. God, you know I am an emotional decision maker so I lay these fleeces before you so that without doubt I will know of your desires and your timing. You know my heart in this matter and you know why I desire your response in this manner. Thank you, Father.
Thank you for the Revealed devotion this morning on your perspective of time and timing. It oh so spoke to my heart.
"Discovering God's plan for your time."
Don't overlook the obvious here, friends. With God, one day is as good as a thousand years, a thousand years as a day. God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness....He is giving everyone space and time to change. 2 Peter 3:8-9 (MSG)
The author writes:
"The deliberate pace with which God may choose to move-- or the suddenness with which He ruses in --are not determined by the availability of time. Time is not a controlling factor for God as it is with us. While we cannot break free from the hold time has on us, we can learn to see things more from God's perspective. If we live as if time were the only determining factor for our choices, we are living a very shallow life." (p. 46)
"Lazarus' family and friends were only aware of one thing: Jesus was too late. Jesus, on the other hand, was aware that this was an opportunity for God's glory to be revealed." (p. 47)
Reveal your glory through our circumstances and may we be a testimony to how you work through circumstances to show your divine timing and purpose in our lives.
Thank you for Back to the Bible as it reminded me that there are times of silence where words are not needed. Just quiet time before you.
Job 2:11 (ESV)
11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. They made an appointment together to come to show him sympathy and comfort him.
I praise you for being a God I don't understand...a God of miracles and surprises.
Amen
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Day 11: Balance
Balance - with it you have two sides and you find the balance in the middle. Balance in my time means appropriately scheduling and making priorities. All work is not good....all play is not good...finding the time to relax, to be productive, be alone, be with others, the listing could go on and on. But one point the devotion made is the balance in the events of our lives...the joy and the heart ache...the smooth sailings and stormy seas....the sun and the rain. Having the heart to thank the Lord in all seasons and experiences and looking for what he can teach me. Knowing that without the sorrow the joy wouldn't be as sweet.
Honestly, when everything is smooth sailing I become complacent. I hate to say it but I take it for granted. I forget how much I really need the Lord's tenderness, wisdom, comfort. I just plod through my days. When stormy times come I run back to him and again sense his hand in my life. Why is it I am that way? Am I so lazy that God has to use turmoil to get my attention? Could be.
Back to the Bible
Job said to his wife in Job 2:10, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
Revealed
...Mary sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. Luke 10:39
Lord,
Thank you for walking with me in the adversity your will allows to come into my life. May I learn from the adversity and draw near to your heart. Help me to balance my time and choose in the moment how to honor you. Life does seem to spin out of control and circumstances seem unbearable. Through all this may I praise you and grow closer to you. May my lips not sin, but be an instrument of praise.
Be with our family... appointments, safe travel , practice and school...camp preparation, job seeking, major exams.
Thank you for the rain...without it the sweet aroma of life would never be.
Honestly, when everything is smooth sailing I become complacent. I hate to say it but I take it for granted. I forget how much I really need the Lord's tenderness, wisdom, comfort. I just plod through my days. When stormy times come I run back to him and again sense his hand in my life. Why is it I am that way? Am I so lazy that God has to use turmoil to get my attention? Could be.
Back to the Bible
Job said to his wife in Job 2:10, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
Revealed
...Mary sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. Luke 10:39
Lord,
Thank you for walking with me in the adversity your will allows to come into my life. May I learn from the adversity and draw near to your heart. Help me to balance my time and choose in the moment how to honor you. Life does seem to spin out of control and circumstances seem unbearable. Through all this may I praise you and grow closer to you. May my lips not sin, but be an instrument of praise.
Be with our family... appointments, safe travel , practice and school...camp preparation, job seeking, major exams.
Thank you for the rain...without it the sweet aroma of life would never be.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Day 10: Martha, Martha
A few years ago I read a wonderful book, "Having a Mary heart in a Martha World." It was a perfect read for people like me...a doing type person, task oriented, a pleaser by way of doing.
Today's Revealed scripture took me back to that,
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)
Oh, how I can hear my Lord saying that to me...."Debbie, Debbie, you are so worried and consumed about so many things...things you even have no control over. Choose what is better! Sit with me and depend on me, rest with me." You see, I know this all in my mind, and in my heart...but here we go again with these women emotions and left over yuck from childhood...the "What ifs" step in...I hate it when I place myself on this Roller Coaster Ride.
I am so glad I have been spending time at my Master's feet for the last 10 days consistently. So glad to have read his love letter to me and be able to share scripture with Lonnie. So blessed to see God tangibly answer my prayer from yesterday to see him at work and experience his peace...thank you Jesus for being alive and real...for the peace that came yesterday.
Back to the Bible
Job 2:9 (ESV)
9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.”
Wow! Don't give up the devotion says...even when those you love and are close to you...they don't understand and say...just stop...quit...it's not worth it! I must seek the Lord and know he has a plan. If I give up I loose the opportunity to Draw Near to His Heart in the situation. I loose the the opportunity on the other side of the struggle to look back and see how my God walked with me, encouraged me. But I have to admit, God, it is so HARD! to take that next step in the hurt, pain, discomfort. To WAIT for you when you are timeless; for me time moves at a snails pace through the challenge, the hurt, the uncertainty.
Hold fast to my integrity? That seems odd for her to say. What integrity. The man is covered with disgusting boils and has lost everything! I can't imagine the pain of losing all my children. But I can imagine if I lost all my children, or even one, the pain would be so intense I might think life is over...or it would be better if it were. I guess the integrity is not giving up. Job never gave up and he never lost sight of His God.
The author from Back to the Bible writes:
"People are always ready to encourage you to give up. "Life is too difficult," they say. "Life is not fair. It hurts too much." But such advice fails to take into account the omnipotent hand of God. Even though we may not understand why painful and discouraging events happen in our lives, we have the assurance that God has His reasons--good reasons.
Don't allow anyone to talk you into quitting. Even though your trials may throw you for a loss time after time, you can have the confidence that God is still in control. Don't quit. Trust Him and keep on going. A day is coming when you'll be glad you did.
When you give up on yourself, you give up on God."
Lord,
I don't want to give up on you, or my ability to walk through this with you. I don't want others to see me as failing because I didn't stay close to you. I don't know the blessings on the other side of this tough time...perhaps it is just your soft whisper, "Well, done my good and faithful servant. Well, done Debbie. You chose what was best...time with me."
Lord, I sense the ask is going to be big, seemingly unable to accomplish from our perspective. Something we won't understand nor comprehend why you have asked us to do it. But I know you will not let us go it alone. You have been oh so faithful in the past...so many times ... me being an at home mom, seminary, the children's issues - Learning disabilities, relationships, Christian school, Regent, fellowship, possibility of Liberty teaching, side jobs for Lonnie, renting a home, building a home, loss of a parent. The list could go on and on. How could I ever curse you?
I don't understand at times what life brings our way, but I chose to worship you and trust you.
Help me to be a Mary... a Jobette
Amen
Today's Revealed scripture took me back to that,
"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)
Oh, how I can hear my Lord saying that to me...."Debbie, Debbie, you are so worried and consumed about so many things...things you even have no control over. Choose what is better! Sit with me and depend on me, rest with me." You see, I know this all in my mind, and in my heart...but here we go again with these women emotions and left over yuck from childhood...the "What ifs" step in...I hate it when I place myself on this Roller Coaster Ride.
I am so glad I have been spending time at my Master's feet for the last 10 days consistently. So glad to have read his love letter to me and be able to share scripture with Lonnie. So blessed to see God tangibly answer my prayer from yesterday to see him at work and experience his peace...thank you Jesus for being alive and real...for the peace that came yesterday.
Back to the Bible
Job 2:9 (ESV)
9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.”
Wow! Don't give up the devotion says...even when those you love and are close to you...they don't understand and say...just stop...quit...it's not worth it! I must seek the Lord and know he has a plan. If I give up I loose the opportunity to Draw Near to His Heart in the situation. I loose the the opportunity on the other side of the struggle to look back and see how my God walked with me, encouraged me. But I have to admit, God, it is so HARD! to take that next step in the hurt, pain, discomfort. To WAIT for you when you are timeless; for me time moves at a snails pace through the challenge, the hurt, the uncertainty.
Hold fast to my integrity? That seems odd for her to say. What integrity. The man is covered with disgusting boils and has lost everything! I can't imagine the pain of losing all my children. But I can imagine if I lost all my children, or even one, the pain would be so intense I might think life is over...or it would be better if it were. I guess the integrity is not giving up. Job never gave up and he never lost sight of His God.
The author from Back to the Bible writes:
"People are always ready to encourage you to give up. "Life is too difficult," they say. "Life is not fair. It hurts too much." But such advice fails to take into account the omnipotent hand of God. Even though we may not understand why painful and discouraging events happen in our lives, we have the assurance that God has His reasons--good reasons.
Don't allow anyone to talk you into quitting. Even though your trials may throw you for a loss time after time, you can have the confidence that God is still in control. Don't quit. Trust Him and keep on going. A day is coming when you'll be glad you did.
When you give up on yourself, you give up on God."
Lord,
I don't want to give up on you, or my ability to walk through this with you. I don't want others to see me as failing because I didn't stay close to you. I don't know the blessings on the other side of this tough time...perhaps it is just your soft whisper, "Well, done my good and faithful servant. Well, done Debbie. You chose what was best...time with me."
Lord, I sense the ask is going to be big, seemingly unable to accomplish from our perspective. Something we won't understand nor comprehend why you have asked us to do it. But I know you will not let us go it alone. You have been oh so faithful in the past...so many times ... me being an at home mom, seminary, the children's issues - Learning disabilities, relationships, Christian school, Regent, fellowship, possibility of Liberty teaching, side jobs for Lonnie, renting a home, building a home, loss of a parent. The list could go on and on. How could I ever curse you?
I don't understand at times what life brings our way, but I chose to worship you and trust you.
Help me to be a Mary... a Jobette
Amen
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Day 9: I am the vine
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NIV)
A long night...restless...kept hashing the events of last night...knew that God is in control...watching after us...the verse, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make straight your paths" over and over again I recited this verse. I looked past the present into the future. The emotions though are what get me. I wish I could just let things fall right off my heart...I am such a pleaser, and a worrier, and I don't like not meeting the needs of others...somehow I think I'm going to get in trouble.
And then there's Lonnie struggling with his job and waiting, waiting for the outcome. As a man and head of the family this is a frightening place for him. He is miserable.
Where would we be without the vine! As difficult as this season is for us the only thing keeping us sane is knowing that we have the vine to give us life and substance. But often the Lord prunes the branch to bear much fruit. Lord is that what we are experiencing now? Pruning? If this season in our lives is so challenging how difficult will it be when there is no immediate family there?
So much running through my mind that I am rambling.
Job.
Not by chance we are in this part of the Bible for our journey!
21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21
God is the owner of all we have...we are the stewards. It is his home...his well...his bathroom, his career. The Earth is the Lord's and all that is in it. (Psalm) He will help us take care of it.
Psalm 27 http://bible.logos.com/passage/ESV/Ps%2027#q=&ref=Ps%2027%2Chi%3DJob%201%3A21&ver=ESV- This psalm the Lord continues to place before me the entire psalm is conforting but today especially..."The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?" "When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.....my heart will not fear"
Lord,
I am praying specifically for our family needs, Lonnie's career needs, and the the needs of North Landing to be met. Intercede please, Father. Let us hear your voice so we can follow you. As Lonnie said this morning, the 23rd Psalm says, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil. For you are with me." We will walk through dark, frightening valleys, but we can do so without fear because you our Father are with us. I pray that we can tangibly sense that and experience the miracle of your peace today.
Amen
A long night...restless...kept hashing the events of last night...knew that God is in control...watching after us...the verse, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make straight your paths" over and over again I recited this verse. I looked past the present into the future. The emotions though are what get me. I wish I could just let things fall right off my heart...I am such a pleaser, and a worrier, and I don't like not meeting the needs of others...somehow I think I'm going to get in trouble.
And then there's Lonnie struggling with his job and waiting, waiting for the outcome. As a man and head of the family this is a frightening place for him. He is miserable.
Where would we be without the vine! As difficult as this season is for us the only thing keeping us sane is knowing that we have the vine to give us life and substance. But often the Lord prunes the branch to bear much fruit. Lord is that what we are experiencing now? Pruning? If this season in our lives is so challenging how difficult will it be when there is no immediate family there?
So much running through my mind that I am rambling.
Job.
Not by chance we are in this part of the Bible for our journey!
21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21
God is the owner of all we have...we are the stewards. It is his home...his well...his bathroom, his career. The Earth is the Lord's and all that is in it. (Psalm) He will help us take care of it.
Psalm 27 http://bible.logos.com/passage/ESV/Ps%2027#q=&ref=Ps%2027%2Chi%3DJob%201%3A21&ver=ESV- This psalm the Lord continues to place before me the entire psalm is conforting but today especially..."The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?" "When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.....my heart will not fear"
Lord,
I am praying specifically for our family needs, Lonnie's career needs, and the the needs of North Landing to be met. Intercede please, Father. Let us hear your voice so we can follow you. As Lonnie said this morning, the 23rd Psalm says, "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil. For you are with me." We will walk through dark, frightening valleys, but we can do so without fear because you our Father are with us. I pray that we can tangibly sense that and experience the miracle of your peace today.
Amen
Monday, January 4, 2010
Day 8: "Rubble Reaction": Part I & Part II
Back to the Bible devotion
Job 1:20 (ESV)
20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.
Job was a man that lost everything...everything! And what was his reaction? He fell before the Lord and worshipped. How incredible is that. To loose your children, your home, everything and then worship God. There was a time in our lives when I feared losing our homes...yes homes. In the middle of the real estate dive we were in the middle of moving from one home to another. We still have two homes. There was fear and trust all at the same time. I wondered how could I survive this and was I "spiritual" enough if I still grieved and feared...but the bottom line was...My God is in control. That is what oozed out.
Today we are facing the unknown yet again. This time with Lonnie and his job of almost 30 years. What will happen? Will the city transition him to another position? Will he be forced into retiring 10 months earlier than even possible and a few years before desired. Will we loose all we have worked for? How will we pay tuition? School debt? And if we are faced with a job change what will our reaction be? What if God takes us to another country sooner than we anticipated...sell our homes...leave our children...I can hardly type as I hold back the tears of my mother's breaking heart. What will it look like? feel like? And then when we come back...where will we live? work? when I am old how will I be able to live on social security? My mind clamors with the "what ifs" and "how's".
Job found out his answer. He worshipped. Lord, help me to have a heart of worship and trust that you are with me in the midst of the pain and uncertainty. How do I have that heart of worship? Time with the Lord. Scripture in my life. To know You and trust You because I have drawn near to your heart. Perhaps this is why I am on this journey.
Revealed Devotion:
Getting Control of your time
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life---your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life --- and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Romans 12:1 (MSG)
Ok, the bottom line today...God is in control of my life...spend time with Him...meditate on his word....enjoy life...the spontaneous moments. Don't over organize and miss Him. He is here at this moment. I can't control tomorrow...that's his job. Enjoy the blessings of day. Fill myself with a heart of worship so I am prepared for the challenges.
Lord,
Be with Greg and Annie as Greg leaves this morning to return to the mission field in South Africa. Help me to be aware of panic over things I can't control. Help me to focus on you and your purpose, your strength, your love. Whatever happens may I have a heart of worship.
Bless Lonnie each moment. Keep the children focused on you. Show yourself in a real way to Michael and draw him in close to you. Be with James and Kelsey as they make decisions. Provide for them. Guard Becca's heart and help her to guard the hearts of others. May she continue to lean into you and trust you for your best.
Bless Coastal. Help each of us to serve your Bride with love.
Amen
Part II - End of the day
I was waiting for it in a sense...I knew the time would come that I would write how hard it is to stay God focused and really know he is in control...to let the knowing spill over to my emotions and not allow Satan to rob, steal, devour the joy of this moment. To be ridiculed and challenged...to be in a place where the pit in my stomach won't go away. Conflict...how I dislike conflict and dealing with difficult people. But what can I learn from this situation and time? Remembering that God came to seek and find the lost...that no matter what I am experiencing I am to be his hands and feet with my attitude...asking for his divine intervention in my spirit...to keep me focused on him.
Why? Why are we having to endure this? A better question is "Lord, what can I gain from this? How is this preparing us for the future calling on our life? I am sure we will be challenged with people. I pray I learn what I need to learn in order to serve you.
Right now I pray you will help us to see your priorities and path...Holy Spirit calm me ... give me scripture to calm me...my Father's word to be my comforter.
This day, Lord I choose to honor and serve you with all that I have. Job worshipped you among the rubble and hurt...I want to be worshipping you among the turmoil of this time.
Thank you for the wisdom of my best friend that helped me to think past the anguish of the moment and situation. To see this through your lens.
I will trust you.
Amen
Job 1:20 (ESV)
20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped.
Job was a man that lost everything...everything! And what was his reaction? He fell before the Lord and worshipped. How incredible is that. To loose your children, your home, everything and then worship God. There was a time in our lives when I feared losing our homes...yes homes. In the middle of the real estate dive we were in the middle of moving from one home to another. We still have two homes. There was fear and trust all at the same time. I wondered how could I survive this and was I "spiritual" enough if I still grieved and feared...but the bottom line was...My God is in control. That is what oozed out.
Today we are facing the unknown yet again. This time with Lonnie and his job of almost 30 years. What will happen? Will the city transition him to another position? Will he be forced into retiring 10 months earlier than even possible and a few years before desired. Will we loose all we have worked for? How will we pay tuition? School debt? And if we are faced with a job change what will our reaction be? What if God takes us to another country sooner than we anticipated...sell our homes...leave our children...I can hardly type as I hold back the tears of my mother's breaking heart. What will it look like? feel like? And then when we come back...where will we live? work? when I am old how will I be able to live on social security? My mind clamors with the "what ifs" and "how's".
Job found out his answer. He worshipped. Lord, help me to have a heart of worship and trust that you are with me in the midst of the pain and uncertainty. How do I have that heart of worship? Time with the Lord. Scripture in my life. To know You and trust You because I have drawn near to your heart. Perhaps this is why I am on this journey.
Revealed Devotion:
Getting Control of your time
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life---your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life --- and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Romans 12:1 (MSG)
Ok, the bottom line today...God is in control of my life...spend time with Him...meditate on his word....enjoy life...the spontaneous moments. Don't over organize and miss Him. He is here at this moment. I can't control tomorrow...that's his job. Enjoy the blessings of day. Fill myself with a heart of worship so I am prepared for the challenges.
Lord,
Be with Greg and Annie as Greg leaves this morning to return to the mission field in South Africa. Help me to be aware of panic over things I can't control. Help me to focus on you and your purpose, your strength, your love. Whatever happens may I have a heart of worship.
Bless Lonnie each moment. Keep the children focused on you. Show yourself in a real way to Michael and draw him in close to you. Be with James and Kelsey as they make decisions. Provide for them. Guard Becca's heart and help her to guard the hearts of others. May she continue to lean into you and trust you for your best.
Bless Coastal. Help each of us to serve your Bride with love.
Amen
Part II - End of the day
I was waiting for it in a sense...I knew the time would come that I would write how hard it is to stay God focused and really know he is in control...to let the knowing spill over to my emotions and not allow Satan to rob, steal, devour the joy of this moment. To be ridiculed and challenged...to be in a place where the pit in my stomach won't go away. Conflict...how I dislike conflict and dealing with difficult people. But what can I learn from this situation and time? Remembering that God came to seek and find the lost...that no matter what I am experiencing I am to be his hands and feet with my attitude...asking for his divine intervention in my spirit...to keep me focused on him.
Why? Why are we having to endure this? A better question is "Lord, what can I gain from this? How is this preparing us for the future calling on our life? I am sure we will be challenged with people. I pray I learn what I need to learn in order to serve you.
Right now I pray you will help us to see your priorities and path...Holy Spirit calm me ... give me scripture to calm me...my Father's word to be my comforter.
This day, Lord I choose to honor and serve you with all that I have. Job worshipped you among the rubble and hurt...I want to be worshipping you among the turmoil of this time.
Thank you for the wisdom of my best friend that helped me to think past the anguish of the moment and situation. To see this through your lens.
I will trust you.
Amen
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Day 7: Dreams and a Leash
Odd combination for a title, right? A quick note about today's devotion as I am on my way to church...it is Sunday and the day begins early.
Revealed scripture:
I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. John 10:10b (MSG).
My dreams pale in comparison to what God has for me. When I think about the future I often focus on the material blessings or challenges. I need to focus only on what God does...relationships and eternal life with him. Lord help me to rest in peace and comfort that you are in control and my dreams can align with yours. It really is not the material that will bring joy.
Back to the Bible scripture:
"But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" So the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person."
The Lord has Satan on a leash! In God's permissive will there is only so much Satan can do to me. So I must, MUST, trust that my God will walk with us through the difficulties as we seek his dreams for us and walk towards them.
Lord,
I trust you and desire the dreams you have for our family. Help me to understand those dreams aren't focused on things, material wealth, but on your eternal purpose for our lives. When difficulty arises, and it will, recall to my mind that you are walking with me. May I focus on you and not the difficulty.
Help us to meet tuition payments this month. Be good stewards of what you have blessed us with.
Move in peoples hearts today at church. Draw us all closer to your heart.
Thanks for Mike being home safely! Thank you for family.
Amen
Revealed scripture:
I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. John 10:10b (MSG).
My dreams pale in comparison to what God has for me. When I think about the future I often focus on the material blessings or challenges. I need to focus only on what God does...relationships and eternal life with him. Lord help me to rest in peace and comfort that you are in control and my dreams can align with yours. It really is not the material that will bring joy.
Back to the Bible scripture:
"But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" So the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person."
The Lord has Satan on a leash! In God's permissive will there is only so much Satan can do to me. So I must, MUST, trust that my God will walk with us through the difficulties as we seek his dreams for us and walk towards them.
Lord,
I trust you and desire the dreams you have for our family. Help me to understand those dreams aren't focused on things, material wealth, but on your eternal purpose for our lives. When difficulty arises, and it will, recall to my mind that you are walking with me. May I focus on you and not the difficulty.
Help us to meet tuition payments this month. Be good stewards of what you have blessed us with.
Move in peoples hearts today at church. Draw us all closer to your heart.
Thanks for Mike being home safely! Thank you for family.
Amen
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Day 6: Sacrifice--A frightening word
Yesterday I experienced that chest tightening, tummy woozy feeling. I experience this when the issue with the rental house comes up...when we talk about selling it. When I realize where we were and how hard it was five years ago. I play it over and over in my mind. I recall how hard it was to trust God and our ability to understand His voice and move. A season when nothing made since. A season when only the life of Job brought any understanding. And even then the understanding was frightening...sacrifice...loss...grief...spiritual attack...trust that we wouldn't loose everything but if we did we would still have our God...God would walk with us. They were tear filled days....days I had hoped would never return.
But here I am again. This is a fleece before the Lord as I don't see how we can move in his direction with this huge mountain in front of us. It seems overwhelming. We need to sell that home but absolutely have to invest financially in it a way we aren't able to do. I know in my head and my heart that all we have is the Lord's. It is his house to sell or keep. I guess I really don't trust our ability to be his caretaker. How do I overcome the emotional doubt! Lord, I don't see how it is all suppose to work. It seems impossible and a miracle opportunity. What are we to do? Sell the one we are living in...move into the rental to repair....sell it and then move to our next phase. I can trust you to provide a home for us where ever we are.
How do I know what God wants us to do? How do I balance trusting, hearing, responding, sacrificing? Discern his timing?
Revealed devotional title today is "The violence of sacrificial love"
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Sacrifice is a frightening word. The author, Doug Turner, pg. 18, writes "Sacrifice always has some kind of association with death. Something must die for real sacrifice to happen--an act, an emotion, an attitude, a habit, even a life." Oh, that is so true. The sacrifice of life for our freedom. So what is my sacrifice for missions? Am I willing to emotionally sacrifice the distance from children? Even with Mike leaving this morning I cried and I'll see him in the next three weeks! The thought of selling this home and not having a home when we return from missions makes me nervous. It may not happen for two years but it makes me nervous already. The sacrifice of not knowing the future. Lord I am willing and I am trying...but I am not doing so well at this!
Job! Do you believe it...Job is the text for Back to the Bible devotion today.
Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Job 1:9
The Lord has not placed an impermeable hedge of protection around us. The economy is horrible and homes are not selling. So why would be any different? The assurance for us, however, is that our God is there with us....
Deuteronomy 33:27 (ESV)
27 The eternal God is your dwelling place,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
And he thrust out the enemy before you
and said, Destroy.
Psalm 139:5 (ESV)
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
His love is all we have to rest in. His permissive will allows us to walk through this yuck...and his unconditional love is underneath us, beside us, and before us. His word assures of his compassion and love towards us. His sacrifice was his Son. There is no sacrifice that stands beyond that. Your word is true, Lord! You do care. You will bring comfort if I will just trust you and give it to you.
Father,
I honestly dread the emotional impact of this upcoming season in our lives. The change and the sacrifice will not be comfortable...nor enjoyable. But, Lord, knowing you are with us, knowing your word is true and never changing, knowing you care, knowing the sacrifice will bring joy on the other side, knowing all that and loving you beyond all the pain, this is obedience and a sacrifice I desire ~ no I don't desire to make ~ I am willing to make. Prepare our hearts, prepare our family, prepare our finances. Please don't allow finances to be the door closer. Help me to see the panic for what it is...a spiritual attack. Help me to rest in you in all things! Provide for us my Abba, Provider God, Protector God. I sense the urgency in our hearts to prepare. And Lord, please, this day give grace and protection to Michael as he travels to school.
Amen
But here I am again. This is a fleece before the Lord as I don't see how we can move in his direction with this huge mountain in front of us. It seems overwhelming. We need to sell that home but absolutely have to invest financially in it a way we aren't able to do. I know in my head and my heart that all we have is the Lord's. It is his house to sell or keep. I guess I really don't trust our ability to be his caretaker. How do I overcome the emotional doubt! Lord, I don't see how it is all suppose to work. It seems impossible and a miracle opportunity. What are we to do? Sell the one we are living in...move into the rental to repair....sell it and then move to our next phase. I can trust you to provide a home for us where ever we are.
How do I know what God wants us to do? How do I balance trusting, hearing, responding, sacrificing? Discern his timing?
Revealed devotional title today is "The violence of sacrificial love"
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Sacrifice is a frightening word. The author, Doug Turner, pg. 18, writes "Sacrifice always has some kind of association with death. Something must die for real sacrifice to happen--an act, an emotion, an attitude, a habit, even a life." Oh, that is so true. The sacrifice of life for our freedom. So what is my sacrifice for missions? Am I willing to emotionally sacrifice the distance from children? Even with Mike leaving this morning I cried and I'll see him in the next three weeks! The thought of selling this home and not having a home when we return from missions makes me nervous. It may not happen for two years but it makes me nervous already. The sacrifice of not knowing the future. Lord I am willing and I am trying...but I am not doing so well at this!
Job! Do you believe it...Job is the text for Back to the Bible devotion today.
Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Job 1:9
The Lord has not placed an impermeable hedge of protection around us. The economy is horrible and homes are not selling. So why would be any different? The assurance for us, however, is that our God is there with us....
Deuteronomy 33:27 (ESV)
27 The eternal God is your dwelling place,
and underneath are the everlasting arms.
And he thrust out the enemy before you
and said, Destroy.
Psalm 139:5 (ESV)
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
His love is all we have to rest in. His permissive will allows us to walk through this yuck...and his unconditional love is underneath us, beside us, and before us. His word assures of his compassion and love towards us. His sacrifice was his Son. There is no sacrifice that stands beyond that. Your word is true, Lord! You do care. You will bring comfort if I will just trust you and give it to you.
Father,
I honestly dread the emotional impact of this upcoming season in our lives. The change and the sacrifice will not be comfortable...nor enjoyable. But, Lord, knowing you are with us, knowing your word is true and never changing, knowing you care, knowing the sacrifice will bring joy on the other side, knowing all that and loving you beyond all the pain, this is obedience and a sacrifice I desire ~ no I don't desire to make ~ I am willing to make. Prepare our hearts, prepare our family, prepare our finances. Please don't allow finances to be the door closer. Help me to see the panic for what it is...a spiritual attack. Help me to rest in you in all things! Provide for us my Abba, Provider God, Protector God. I sense the urgency in our hearts to prepare. And Lord, please, this day give grace and protection to Michael as he travels to school.
Amen
Friday, January 1, 2010
Day 5: New Year
Two devotional verses for this morning....
Revealed:
May you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. Ephesians 3:18 (NLT)
Back to the Bible
So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did regularly. Job 1:5
Yesterday was a bit testy...I found times I was frustrated and short with those around me. We had invited, at the last minute, a few friends over for New Year's Eve. I started cooking and straightening up...frustrated at the pace of family members around me. I had to actually stop and correct my attitude in mid gate and ask for forgiveness. The front of the house (the rest is still in chaos!) was set...the snacks and beverages were out. Whew...all ready!
Many chose to stay home with family and not venture out for the evening. I recall saying to myself....that's what I'm doing next year...just our family. Not because I didn't want to see my friends, but because our children will soon be returning to their lives at school and I'm just grieving that a bit. Mike leaves in less than 24 hours. Bec still has a 2 weeks. I thought, "Next year it is just about us." But wait...the rest of the "us" were out and didn't want to be home with this part of "us." And, we had a wonderful evening. We had a couple here we have never really just shared one on one time with. That was wonderful to check in with them and hear what is going on in their lives. I was so glad they came by. And then a long time friend that has had a straining past two years to say the least. I often think we are his "safe place," his place to go for spiritual encouragement. He hasn't stopped by in a very long time. The first couple were leaving and he arrived. God timing I would say.
What's the point?
It's hard being a mom of young adult children. I want them close and to be intimately involved in their lives. As they should, they want to be independent and moving away. In September I set my phone alarm for 4:00 p.m. Why? It's my prompt in the middle of the day to pray for my children and other young adults I am close to. Job 1:5 talks about the purpose of this. To intercede on behalf of my adult children. Honestly, there are times I hit the dismiss...mumble a quick bless them...and then move on with my day. Then there are times I earnestly pray for them. Knowing specific challenges they are facing...but also not knowing and pleading with the Holy Spirit to intercede on their behalf. I desire for them to know God's deep love as described in Ephesians 3:18 and need to be praying they will discover that for themselves.
The whole New Year's Eve thing... Looking for God's purpose and not mine. To be able to sacrificially give my time...back to the beginning of this journey....my ability to have people in our home, hospitality. The Ephesians verse..."The power to understand..." so that I can be available to show people the depth of God's love.
Lord,
In this new year help me to continually bring my children before you in prayer. Work in their lives according to your will and what you need to do to develop their relationship with you.
In this new year I bring you my heart's desire to understand how wide, long, high and deep your love really is for my family, myself, and those I have the privilege to see everyday. Teach me about your heart, Father, for your purpose as I draw nearer to your heart in 2010.
Amen
Revealed:
May you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. Ephesians 3:18 (NLT)
Back to the Bible
So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." Thus Job did regularly. Job 1:5
Yesterday was a bit testy...I found times I was frustrated and short with those around me. We had invited, at the last minute, a few friends over for New Year's Eve. I started cooking and straightening up...frustrated at the pace of family members around me. I had to actually stop and correct my attitude in mid gate and ask for forgiveness. The front of the house (the rest is still in chaos!) was set...the snacks and beverages were out. Whew...all ready!
Many chose to stay home with family and not venture out for the evening. I recall saying to myself....that's what I'm doing next year...just our family. Not because I didn't want to see my friends, but because our children will soon be returning to their lives at school and I'm just grieving that a bit. Mike leaves in less than 24 hours. Bec still has a 2 weeks. I thought, "Next year it is just about us." But wait...the rest of the "us" were out and didn't want to be home with this part of "us." And, we had a wonderful evening. We had a couple here we have never really just shared one on one time with. That was wonderful to check in with them and hear what is going on in their lives. I was so glad they came by. And then a long time friend that has had a straining past two years to say the least. I often think we are his "safe place," his place to go for spiritual encouragement. He hasn't stopped by in a very long time. The first couple were leaving and he arrived. God timing I would say.
What's the point?
It's hard being a mom of young adult children. I want them close and to be intimately involved in their lives. As they should, they want to be independent and moving away. In September I set my phone alarm for 4:00 p.m. Why? It's my prompt in the middle of the day to pray for my children and other young adults I am close to. Job 1:5 talks about the purpose of this. To intercede on behalf of my adult children. Honestly, there are times I hit the dismiss...mumble a quick bless them...and then move on with my day. Then there are times I earnestly pray for them. Knowing specific challenges they are facing...but also not knowing and pleading with the Holy Spirit to intercede on their behalf. I desire for them to know God's deep love as described in Ephesians 3:18 and need to be praying they will discover that for themselves.
The whole New Year's Eve thing... Looking for God's purpose and not mine. To be able to sacrificially give my time...back to the beginning of this journey....my ability to have people in our home, hospitality. The Ephesians verse..."The power to understand..." so that I can be available to show people the depth of God's love.
Lord,
In this new year help me to continually bring my children before you in prayer. Work in their lives according to your will and what you need to do to develop their relationship with you.
In this new year I bring you my heart's desire to understand how wide, long, high and deep your love really is for my family, myself, and those I have the privilege to see everyday. Teach me about your heart, Father, for your purpose as I draw nearer to your heart in 2010.
Amen
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