by Charity Pence
This Week’s Verse: John 14: 27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (KJV)
Devotion:
When I was a child, Christmas decorations didn’t get put up in our house until two weeks before Christmas. As I became older, I never understood why people were in such a hurry to celebrate. Don’t get me wrong, the birth of our Savior is definitely worth celebrating, not just for a few weeks or a month; we should be celebrating all year. That being said, I have to admit my decorations were out of the attic before Thanksgiving. And why was I so eager to get my decorations up? Because I knew Christmas would be over in the blink of an eye. I wanted to make sure I gave myself plenty of time to enjoy the holiday season.
You see, lately I’ve had a problem with slowing down. By the time I get one thing finished, I’ve thought of three more tasks that need completed. And I feel pressured to get those tasks done. Yes, I pressure myself. I don’t know why I do, but once I have my mental list prepared, I race through the day in order to get all the things done. Those things may be chores or errands or projects, but I’m always busy. And by the end of the day, I’m cranky and exhausted. But Matthew 11:28 tells us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (KJV)
So this month, I have decided I want to enjoy Christmas and everything the holiday means. I want to take comfort in knowing Jesus was born to be my personal Savior. I want to accept the peace and assurance that has been so freely given to me. I want to sit down with a cup of hot chocolate and relax while enjoying the decorations in my house. I want to be still so I can allow God to restore me. 1 John 4:9 says, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” (NIV) Now, more than any other time during the year, is the time to recognize the birth of Jesus and what his birth means for all those who believe in him. And if that means we need to force ourselves to slow down, to stop adding additional items to our to-do lists, then we must do that.
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to slow down this week and this month so I can truly appreciate what You have done for me. Forgive me for becoming so busy that I have neglected my relationship with You. I pray that I will allow myself to sit still so I can be surrounded by Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Applications: If you have difficulty slowing down, allow yourself to take a break this week. Let our Lord restore you this Christmas season so you can focus on what’s really important.
Power Verses:
Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” (KJV)
Psalm 51:12 “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.” (NKJV)
Romans 5:1 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NKJV)
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Friday, December 10, 2010
Praise God!
By Charity Pence
This Week’s Verse: John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (NIV)
Ever wanted to throw your hands in the air and give up? If you are like me, the answer is yes. We all have those moments in our lives, moments when we are knocked down before we have had a chance to get back up again. It is times like that when it is easy to lose sight of the Truth. Psalm 35:18 tells us that the Lord delivers us from all of our afflictions. Though the trials we go through may at times be too much for us, they are never too much for God. Psalm 18:6 promises God hears us when we cry out to Him in distress. How often do you cry out to Him? Do you trust Him to hear you? I have learned firsthand that God does hear me. My prayers are not always answered the way I expect. Sometimes the answer to my prayers is the opposite of what I asked for. God has taught me, though, that if I trust Him entirely, He will provide. This lesson was not something I learned quickly. It has taken me many years and many trials to realize that God has my best interests at heart and will make provisions accordingly. And through everything, I have learned another important lesson.
Lifting our hands in praise is difficult to do when everything around us is falling apart. And yet, the Bible tells us we are to praise God always. We are not meant to praise God only when things are good. So when I find myself lying flat on the ground from yet another hit, I praise God. I praise Him because He has always given me the strength to get back up. I praise Him because I know He is with me. I praise Him because no matter how hard this life can be, it will not always be this way.
We sang a song in church recently. “When I call Your name, Lord You reply, You bring Your kingdom and stand by my side.” As I sang these words, I pictured myself standing, surrounded by God and His army. It was an awesome reminder that as long as I trust God, He will fight my battles for me.
Dear Heavenly Father, life is so hard sometimes and it would be easy to give up, to stop trusting in You. Thank You for the lessons You have taught me. Continue to be with us all, Lord, please. Give us the strength to lift our hands in praise when we are too weak to even stand. You indeed are Lord and I will put my trust in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Applications: Do not let yourself be overwhelmed by the trials you must face. God will not leave our side; He has already won our battle.
Power Verses:
I Thessalonians 5:16, “Rejoice always.” (NIV)
Psalm 50:15, “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (KJV)
I Peter 3:13, “And who is he that will harm you, if you be followers of that which is good?” (KJV)
Friday, August 20, 2010
Blessed Peace
by Kathy Lay
This Week’s Verse: Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”(NIV)
Devotion:
This seems to be a season when many people who are close to me are facing decisions. A restlessness or dissatisfaction is stirring some to consider changes in jobs, changes in ministry, changes in habits, changes in whatever; but some sort of change that will move them closer to their goals and where God would have them be.
The most difficult part about being in that “what-do-I-do-now” phase is knowing for sure which path to take. Lord, do I do this? Am I supposed to go this way? How do I know You’re in this?
That last question, I believe, can be answered at least in part by this: peace. For example, three years ago when I was getting burnt out teaching (actually, the grading is what burnt me out) at ISU, I was presented with another job option. It made no logical sense to switch and the thought of it made me so nervous I had panic attacks.
So I prayed and asked God for guidance. He provided a scripture that made it clear this new job WAS what He wanted for me and that I was to trust Him. And from that point on I had peace about the decision. The circumstance still made me nervous, but I had peace I made the right decision.
And I've seen this same cycle repeat several times since then.
One of the fruits of God's spirit is peace. Trust that when you begin to feel peace about a decision--no matter how scary, or crazy, or unpopular that decision may seem--God will give you peace about that decision. And He'll be with you in the resulting circumstance as well.
Father, thank you for that blessed peace that passes all understanding when we go the way You would have us go. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application:
What decisions do you face? Invite God into the process and ask that peace well up in you when considering the right decision--the way that God wants you to go. Pray that His peace will be your compass.
Power Verses:
Galatians 5:22, "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness"(NLT).
1 Thessalonians 5:23, "Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again."(NLT)
Judges 18:6, "The priest answered them, 'Go in peace. Your journey has the LORD's approval.'"(NIV).
This Week’s Verse: Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”(NIV)
Devotion:
This seems to be a season when many people who are close to me are facing decisions. A restlessness or dissatisfaction is stirring some to consider changes in jobs, changes in ministry, changes in habits, changes in whatever; but some sort of change that will move them closer to their goals and where God would have them be.
The most difficult part about being in that “what-do-I-do-now” phase is knowing for sure which path to take. Lord, do I do this? Am I supposed to go this way? How do I know You’re in this?
That last question, I believe, can be answered at least in part by this: peace. For example, three years ago when I was getting burnt out teaching (actually, the grading is what burnt me out) at ISU, I was presented with another job option. It made no logical sense to switch and the thought of it made me so nervous I had panic attacks.
So I prayed and asked God for guidance. He provided a scripture that made it clear this new job WAS what He wanted for me and that I was to trust Him. And from that point on I had peace about the decision. The circumstance still made me nervous, but I had peace I made the right decision.
And I've seen this same cycle repeat several times since then.
One of the fruits of God's spirit is peace. Trust that when you begin to feel peace about a decision--no matter how scary, or crazy, or unpopular that decision may seem--God will give you peace about that decision. And He'll be with you in the resulting circumstance as well.
Father, thank you for that blessed peace that passes all understanding when we go the way You would have us go. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application:
What decisions do you face? Invite God into the process and ask that peace well up in you when considering the right decision--the way that God wants you to go. Pray that His peace will be your compass.
Power Verses:
Galatians 5:22, "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness"(NLT).
1 Thessalonians 5:23, "Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again."(NLT)
Judges 18:6, "The priest answered them, 'Go in peace. Your journey has the LORD's approval.'"(NIV).
Friday, August 28, 2009
How Do I Trust Thee? I Wish I Could Count the Ways...
by Paula Sprigg
This Week's Verse: Psalms 94:19, "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."(NIV)
Devotion:
Do you remember the lyrics of this popular song from several years ago? "Anticipation… Anticipation… is makin' me late - is keepin' me waitin' …." They were actually written by Carly Simon, but made popular by Heinz Ketchup. If you'll recall, someone was holding a bottle of ketchup over the hamburger and waiting, anticipating the savory taste of the ketchup on the freshly grilled burger. WOW--sort of makes you hungry, doesn't it ?
Or maybe you recall the days of your youth (mine seem to be getting farther and farther behind me!), and the anticipation of Christmas, or birthdays, or summer break from school. Or possibly you can recall the dreaded anticipation of the beginning of the school year--new friends, new teachers, new classes, lots of homework--the fear and anxiety of the unknown!
Caleb plays football as do several of his friends. One of those friends, Sheldon, lives nearby and so our two families trade rides to and from football. The boys catch a ride to football practice with me, and then they get a ride home from Sheldon's parents. Last Wednesday evening, I picked Sheldon up at the prescribed time and when he got in the car I asked him how he was, if he'd had a good day, etc. I'm sure you've had a conversation like this before, the kind where the adult asks the kid various questions about their day, and the basic answers are yes, no, good, uh-huh, huh-uh. So we had the usual dialogue, and then it was quiet for a short time.
And then the conversation went something like this:
Sheldon: Hey Caleb, are you ready for school tomorrow?
Caleb (giving me an odd, terrified sort of look): HUH????
Me (giving them both an odd look): School doesn't start tomorrow.
Sheldon (with a VERY puzzled look): WHAT???
Me: Today is Wednesday, and school doesn't start until Friday.
Sheldon: Huh-uh….. (continuing to look a little puzzled as the truth sunk in.)
Me: Yeah. You have another day of freedom tomorrow!
Sheldon (with a look of surprise and relief): WOW! I can't believe it. I've been thinking about it, and dreading it all day long! I thought school started tomorrow.
We had a good laugh after that (at Sheldon's expense of course!). And we talked about the fact that they did in fact, have one more day of freedom and how glad they were for the 'extra' day! But as we continued the drive to town, I had to ponder the fact that he had 'worried' about it all day. Something that was beyond his control (school starting, the end of summer break), had worried him, occupied his thoughts and caused him to have a sense of dread all day.
Then I thought about my own life, and how often I allow things over which I have no control to worry me, occupy my thoughts, and cause me to have a sense of dread or anxiety--sometimes for much longer than just a day, sometimes until my stomach hurts and I am physically ill. I worry about my kids, my soon-to-arrive grandbaby, Ruthie and how she'll handle Nate's absence during Basic Training and Tech School, the economy, a job, and the list could go on and on and on. (Wow, sort of makes me feel a little ill.) I try to convince myself NOT to worry, to let God have control and lead. And I will readily admit that I'm not very good at giving that part of my life over to God.
Last week at church, we sang a song about God being "unchangeable, unshakeable, unstoppable... That's what You are… You are God alone… and before time began, You were on Your throne, You were God alone, and right now in the good times and bad, You are on Your throne, You are God alone." And I had chills as we sang this song because at that moment, the reality of God's love and provision struck me very hard (and I need that now and then!) The reality that HE IS in control of EVERYTHING sunk in to the very depths of my soul.
And I prayed that He would protect my family, provide what I need according to His will for my life, give us peace in difficult times, help me feel His presence even when I'm unsure of what's coming next. And at that moment, I had peace and assurance that He WILL provide just what I need, just as I need it according to HIS perfect plan. And today I'm very sure that he holds the future, and I don't have a thing to worry about!
Dear God, help me to give it all to you knowing that you're already well aware of not only my concerns, but also the outcome whether it's tomorrow or years from now. I pray, Dear God, that you would remind me that I must not worry or be anxious about anything--that I need to give it all to you, and if necessary, on a daily basis name my concerns one by one even though you know them already. I thank you for your calming presence each and every day of my life, and pray that I would learn to trust you more and more. Amen.
Application:
Are you worried about something? Do you have something that occupies your thoughts, something that gives you a sense of dread or anxiety? Cast ALL of your cares on Him, and He will give you the peace that you need!
Power Verses:
Matthew 6:34, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."(NIV)
Psalms 94:19, "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."(NIV)
Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."(NIV)
I Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."(NIV)
This Week's Verse: Psalms 94:19, "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."(NIV)
Devotion:
Do you remember the lyrics of this popular song from several years ago? "Anticipation… Anticipation… is makin' me late - is keepin' me waitin' …." They were actually written by Carly Simon, but made popular by Heinz Ketchup. If you'll recall, someone was holding a bottle of ketchup over the hamburger and waiting, anticipating the savory taste of the ketchup on the freshly grilled burger. WOW--sort of makes you hungry, doesn't it ?
Or maybe you recall the days of your youth (mine seem to be getting farther and farther behind me!), and the anticipation of Christmas, or birthdays, or summer break from school. Or possibly you can recall the dreaded anticipation of the beginning of the school year--new friends, new teachers, new classes, lots of homework--the fear and anxiety of the unknown!
Caleb plays football as do several of his friends. One of those friends, Sheldon, lives nearby and so our two families trade rides to and from football. The boys catch a ride to football practice with me, and then they get a ride home from Sheldon's parents. Last Wednesday evening, I picked Sheldon up at the prescribed time and when he got in the car I asked him how he was, if he'd had a good day, etc. I'm sure you've had a conversation like this before, the kind where the adult asks the kid various questions about their day, and the basic answers are yes, no, good, uh-huh, huh-uh. So we had the usual dialogue, and then it was quiet for a short time.
And then the conversation went something like this:
Sheldon: Hey Caleb, are you ready for school tomorrow?
Caleb (giving me an odd, terrified sort of look): HUH????
Me (giving them both an odd look): School doesn't start tomorrow.
Sheldon (with a VERY puzzled look): WHAT???
Me: Today is Wednesday, and school doesn't start until Friday.
Sheldon: Huh-uh….. (continuing to look a little puzzled as the truth sunk in.)
Me: Yeah. You have another day of freedom tomorrow!
Sheldon (with a look of surprise and relief): WOW! I can't believe it. I've been thinking about it, and dreading it all day long! I thought school started tomorrow.
We had a good laugh after that (at Sheldon's expense of course!). And we talked about the fact that they did in fact, have one more day of freedom and how glad they were for the 'extra' day! But as we continued the drive to town, I had to ponder the fact that he had 'worried' about it all day. Something that was beyond his control (school starting, the end of summer break), had worried him, occupied his thoughts and caused him to have a sense of dread all day.
Then I thought about my own life, and how often I allow things over which I have no control to worry me, occupy my thoughts, and cause me to have a sense of dread or anxiety--sometimes for much longer than just a day, sometimes until my stomach hurts and I am physically ill. I worry about my kids, my soon-to-arrive grandbaby, Ruthie and how she'll handle Nate's absence during Basic Training and Tech School, the economy, a job, and the list could go on and on and on. (Wow, sort of makes me feel a little ill.) I try to convince myself NOT to worry, to let God have control and lead. And I will readily admit that I'm not very good at giving that part of my life over to God.
Last week at church, we sang a song about God being "unchangeable, unshakeable, unstoppable... That's what You are… You are God alone… and before time began, You were on Your throne, You were God alone, and right now in the good times and bad, You are on Your throne, You are God alone." And I had chills as we sang this song because at that moment, the reality of God's love and provision struck me very hard (and I need that now and then!) The reality that HE IS in control of EVERYTHING sunk in to the very depths of my soul.
And I prayed that He would protect my family, provide what I need according to His will for my life, give us peace in difficult times, help me feel His presence even when I'm unsure of what's coming next. And at that moment, I had peace and assurance that He WILL provide just what I need, just as I need it according to HIS perfect plan. And today I'm very sure that he holds the future, and I don't have a thing to worry about!
Dear God, help me to give it all to you knowing that you're already well aware of not only my concerns, but also the outcome whether it's tomorrow or years from now. I pray, Dear God, that you would remind me that I must not worry or be anxious about anything--that I need to give it all to you, and if necessary, on a daily basis name my concerns one by one even though you know them already. I thank you for your calming presence each and every day of my life, and pray that I would learn to trust you more and more. Amen.
Application:
Are you worried about something? Do you have something that occupies your thoughts, something that gives you a sense of dread or anxiety? Cast ALL of your cares on Him, and He will give you the peace that you need!
Power Verses:
Matthew 6:34, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."(NIV)
Psalms 94:19, "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."(NIV)
Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."(NIV)
I Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."(NIV)
Friday, May 15, 2009
The Pursuit of Happiness
by Stephanie Neibarger
This Week's Verse: Psalm 84:5, "Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow your steps." (TLB)
Devotion:
About a month ago, while covering a soccer match in 40 degree weather, a bunch of us were huddled together under blankets and layers of clothing trying to stay warm. I heard one friend say “I’ll be happy when it warms up!”
I replied, “Ya know, in a month we will be complaining that it’s too hot!” And sure enough, on a nice 70 degree day, I heard one of them say “Man,- it’s hot out here!”
Why is it that we are never happy? Why is it that we have our own set of standards as to what it is to be happy. In Ecclesiastes 11:4 it says “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.”
I’ll be happy when… I’ll be happy when I get married. I’ll be happy when it stops raining. I’ll be happy when the weather warms up. I’ll be happy when I get that promotion at work. Sound familiar? Why is our happiness determined by our circumstances? Happiness is not defined by our circumstances but trusting God with our circumstances. Be happy now, knowing God is in control.
Chuck Swindoll once said that “Life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% of how we react to it.” How we react to life often determines our level of happiness.
I had a friend from my church back in Iowa who was battling cancer (he has since lost that battle). One rainy Sunday morning while giving the communion meditation, he said “Just because you can’t see it, the sun is still shining.” He knew that life was not determined by his present circumstances. He knew there were better days ahead. He chose to stay positive in the midst of his circumstances.
You may be having some ‘rainy days’ but just remember – the Son is still shining!
Lord, help me to remember that no matter how dark my situation may become, You are the light of my life and can never be put out. No matter what dark clouds settle on my life, You will lift me above the storm and into the comfort of Your presence. Only You can take whatever loss I experience and fill that empty place with good. Only You can take the burden of my grief and pain and dry my tears. I am desperately aware of how much I need Your power to transform me and my circumstances. Help me to remember to give thanks to You in all things, knowing that You reign in the midst of them. (From Stormie Omartian's book, The Power of a Praying Woman.)
Application:
Learn to be happy no matter where you are or what the circumstances may be. Put your trust in God and in his timing, you will reap a harvest of blessings. (Galatians 6:9)
Scriptures:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Always be joyful. Always keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful." (TLB)
Hebrews 13:5, "Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.'" (TLB)
Eccles. 3:1, "There is a time for everything, and everything on earth has its special season." (NCV)
Eccles. 3:12, "I know there is nothing better for men than to be happy and to do good as long as they live."(NLB)
Prov 16:20 b, "Whoever trusts in the Lord will be happy."(NCV)
This Week's Verse: Psalm 84:5, "Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow your steps." (TLB)
Devotion:
About a month ago, while covering a soccer match in 40 degree weather, a bunch of us were huddled together under blankets and layers of clothing trying to stay warm. I heard one friend say “I’ll be happy when it warms up!”
I replied, “Ya know, in a month we will be complaining that it’s too hot!” And sure enough, on a nice 70 degree day, I heard one of them say “Man,- it’s hot out here!”
Why is it that we are never happy? Why is it that we have our own set of standards as to what it is to be happy. In Ecclesiastes 11:4 it says “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.”
I’ll be happy when… I’ll be happy when I get married. I’ll be happy when it stops raining. I’ll be happy when the weather warms up. I’ll be happy when I get that promotion at work. Sound familiar? Why is our happiness determined by our circumstances? Happiness is not defined by our circumstances but trusting God with our circumstances. Be happy now, knowing God is in control.
Chuck Swindoll once said that “Life is 10% of what happens to us and 90% of how we react to it.” How we react to life often determines our level of happiness.
I had a friend from my church back in Iowa who was battling cancer (he has since lost that battle). One rainy Sunday morning while giving the communion meditation, he said “Just because you can’t see it, the sun is still shining.” He knew that life was not determined by his present circumstances. He knew there were better days ahead. He chose to stay positive in the midst of his circumstances.
You may be having some ‘rainy days’ but just remember – the Son is still shining!
Lord, help me to remember that no matter how dark my situation may become, You are the light of my life and can never be put out. No matter what dark clouds settle on my life, You will lift me above the storm and into the comfort of Your presence. Only You can take whatever loss I experience and fill that empty place with good. Only You can take the burden of my grief and pain and dry my tears. I am desperately aware of how much I need Your power to transform me and my circumstances. Help me to remember to give thanks to You in all things, knowing that You reign in the midst of them. (From Stormie Omartian's book, The Power of a Praying Woman.)
Application:
Learn to be happy no matter where you are or what the circumstances may be. Put your trust in God and in his timing, you will reap a harvest of blessings. (Galatians 6:9)
Scriptures:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Always be joyful. Always keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful." (TLB)
Hebrews 13:5, "Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.'" (TLB)
Eccles. 3:1, "There is a time for everything, and everything on earth has its special season." (NCV)
Eccles. 3:12, "I know there is nothing better for men than to be happy and to do good as long as they live."(NLB)
Prov 16:20 b, "Whoever trusts in the Lord will be happy."(NCV)
Friday, September 26, 2008
Do I Trust You, Lord?
by Marsha Loftis
This Week’s Verse: John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Devotion:
If you haven’t heard about the “stuff” going on at TRW then you must live in a cave just outside of town. It might even be next door to mine. That’s where I usually am. In my cave, safe, protected, “in the dark” sometimes, but I do love my cave! Since I’ve worked thirds or the overnight shift a lot of my life I’ve grown used to the cave and even fond of it. Most of the time it’s just me and my daughter here. I kinda like that part. One of these days she will want to exit the cave, I know, but for right now, she likes being here with me as much as I like being here with her.
Last week I found out my shift would be "dissolved". Which, when translated to ‘cave-talk’ means: “Uh-oh.” So, I did the three things I always do: #1) I freaked out; #2) I prayed; and #3) I called my mom. (These aren’t always in the same order. The line-up varies with every situation. And yes, they can overlap one another, and often do.)
During “Freak Out” Mode, I called my mom. I had to leave her a message. Not always a good thing while I’m in this ‘mode’. I forgot to tell her that I had a chance at another position on another shift. Whoopsy! My bad! She picked up my daughter and told her what she thought was going on… I was losing my job. Then, being from the same cave, my daughter naturally went into “freak out” mode too.
We were both still in the same mode when I finally got the chance to talk to her and get things straightened out. I found myself comforting my daughter by saying things like, “You don’t have to worry about this…It’s going to be okay…You’re going to be fine…I love you and I’m gonna take care of you.” I was thinking ‘parental’ and it seemed natural.
Then I heard my favorite still small voice saying to me, “You don’t have to worry about this, it’s going to be okay, you’re going to be fine, I love you and I’m gonna take care of you. You call me ‘Father’ every day; why won’t you let me ‘parent’ you?”
Whoa! Talk about freaking out! It wasn’t exactly audible, but I clearly knew who was speaking to me and what I supposed to do. Trust Him. Then I prayed. I prayed first for forgiveness for not praying in the first place. Then I prayed to accept the comfort He, My Father, was offering me.
I kept thinking My peace I leave with you over and over again. That was all I could remember, but it was enough to get me through ‘til I could get to my Bible and look it up. It’s from John 14:27 and that’s not the only thing it says. It reads, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Later on, in the next paragraph it says, “…so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.”
Whoa. I take that to mean: NOW, not only can I NOT freak out, but I better not let anyone else see me freaking out! So that the world, or cave translation, The People I Work With, know that I love God and I trust Him. Oh, and my daughter too!
To make a short story long… When times are tough we are to be a witness to those around us. The ones far away and the ones so very close. My human-ness wants to sit around and cry and say “Uh-oh” and run around like a chicken with my head cut off thinking now what am I gonna do? My one-ness with the Holy Spirit wants me to fall on my face and say “I trust you” because I know that His peace is with me.
Father, let me always come to you first. Help me to put my trust and faith in You and You alone. Help me to filter out all the other voices in my head and concentrate on only the still small One. Your peace is with me now and forever. Help me to accept the gifts and promises You willingly give. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application:
It’s okay to spend a little time in “the cave,” but when you come out remember: The world is watching. What will they see?
Power Verses:
2 Samuel 22:30-32, “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried. He is a Shield to all those to take refuge and trust in Him.” (AMP)
Jeremiah 29:11, “I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out--plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” (MSG)
Psalm 9:10, “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (NIV)
This Week’s Verse: John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Devotion:
If you haven’t heard about the “stuff” going on at TRW then you must live in a cave just outside of town. It might even be next door to mine. That’s where I usually am. In my cave, safe, protected, “in the dark” sometimes, but I do love my cave! Since I’ve worked thirds or the overnight shift a lot of my life I’ve grown used to the cave and even fond of it. Most of the time it’s just me and my daughter here. I kinda like that part. One of these days she will want to exit the cave, I know, but for right now, she likes being here with me as much as I like being here with her.
Last week I found out my shift would be "dissolved". Which, when translated to ‘cave-talk’ means: “Uh-oh.” So, I did the three things I always do: #1) I freaked out; #2) I prayed; and #3) I called my mom. (These aren’t always in the same order. The line-up varies with every situation. And yes, they can overlap one another, and often do.)
During “Freak Out” Mode, I called my mom. I had to leave her a message. Not always a good thing while I’m in this ‘mode’. I forgot to tell her that I had a chance at another position on another shift. Whoopsy! My bad! She picked up my daughter and told her what she thought was going on… I was losing my job. Then, being from the same cave, my daughter naturally went into “freak out” mode too.
We were both still in the same mode when I finally got the chance to talk to her and get things straightened out. I found myself comforting my daughter by saying things like, “You don’t have to worry about this…It’s going to be okay…You’re going to be fine…I love you and I’m gonna take care of you.” I was thinking ‘parental’ and it seemed natural.
Then I heard my favorite still small voice saying to me, “You don’t have to worry about this, it’s going to be okay, you’re going to be fine, I love you and I’m gonna take care of you. You call me ‘Father’ every day; why won’t you let me ‘parent’ you?”
Whoa! Talk about freaking out! It wasn’t exactly audible, but I clearly knew who was speaking to me and what I supposed to do. Trust Him. Then I prayed. I prayed first for forgiveness for not praying in the first place. Then I prayed to accept the comfort He, My Father, was offering me.
I kept thinking My peace I leave with you over and over again. That was all I could remember, but it was enough to get me through ‘til I could get to my Bible and look it up. It’s from John 14:27 and that’s not the only thing it says. It reads, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Later on, in the next paragraph it says, “…so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.”
Whoa. I take that to mean: NOW, not only can I NOT freak out, but I better not let anyone else see me freaking out! So that the world, or cave translation, The People I Work With, know that I love God and I trust Him. Oh, and my daughter too!
To make a short story long… When times are tough we are to be a witness to those around us. The ones far away and the ones so very close. My human-ness wants to sit around and cry and say “Uh-oh” and run around like a chicken with my head cut off thinking now what am I gonna do? My one-ness with the Holy Spirit wants me to fall on my face and say “I trust you” because I know that His peace is with me.
Father, let me always come to you first. Help me to put my trust and faith in You and You alone. Help me to filter out all the other voices in my head and concentrate on only the still small One. Your peace is with me now and forever. Help me to accept the gifts and promises You willingly give. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application:
It’s okay to spend a little time in “the cave,” but when you come out remember: The world is watching. What will they see?
Power Verses:
2 Samuel 22:30-32, “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried. He is a Shield to all those to take refuge and trust in Him.” (AMP)
Jeremiah 29:11, “I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out--plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” (MSG)
Psalm 9:10, “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (NIV)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)