by Charity Pence
This Week's Verse: "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." Psalm 34:18 (NKJ)
Some days God seems so near to me that I can feel Him holding me, uplifting me, and, yes, even pushing me when necessary. Other days He feels distant, as if the sound of my voice crying out cannot reach His ears. Do you have days like that? Ever wonder why? In my case, it's never that God is drawing away from me; I am drawing away from Him.
Unfortunately, drawing away is much too easy to do. I get caught up in the things I need to accomplish and don't make the time for God. Perhaps one day I don't read my Bible. The next, I read a quick chapter or two but don't pray. Or maybe I read and pray, but my mind is focused on what's in store for me that day which denies my Heavenly Father the opportunity to enter my heart. Knowing I've neglected the relationship that should matter the most to me is heartbreaking. My God wants so much more for me than what I allow.
The way I treat my relationship with God has a direct effect on how distant He feels. Keeping in contact with my Heavenly Father is a must. After all, I don't ignore my friends, my family, or my spouse with hopes of keeping the relationships intact. Why do that to God?
Next time you feel God's distance, consider how much time you have been spending with Him. Have you neglected Him? Are you not as close as you once were? Examining how you spend your time may make you uncomfortable, but spending time with God should be our priority no matter what else is going on. If you find an area you've grown lax, change it. Do whatever is necessary to draw close to Him again. You won't regret it.
Dear Heavenly Father, I have neglected You in so many ways. I am ashamed of my behavior toward You. Yet I am thankful that You are never too far away to hear my voice. Please forgive me and help me to re-focus so that You are my priority. And Lord, please be with those who have struggled as I have. Help them to return to You, to open their hearts to You, so that You can be their best friend and closest ally. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Power Verses:
Isaiah 58:9 "Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer, thou shalt cry, and He shall say, 'Here I am.'" (NKJ)
Isaiah 30:19 "He shall be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when He shall hear it, He will answer thee."
Showing posts with label Relationship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Relationship. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Friday, July 23, 2010
One Year Ago...
by Bethany Lashbrook
This Week’s Verse: 1 Timothy 1:12, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service."(NIV)
Devotion:
I have a thing with numbers. I can remember the exact time I woke up this morning. I can remember dates incredibly well. A lot of times, I can think about what I will be doing six months from now or remember exactly what I was doing exactly a year ago. For example, one year ago today I was just returning from Piedras Negras, Mexico, with my daughter Savannah.
It was our first mission trip.
I saw things on this mission trip that I had never seen before. I saw how poor someone could be financially yet how rich he or she can be in God’s love. I saw men and women sacrificing their lives, their careers, and their closeness to family, to spread God’s word in Mexico.
And, it was here that for the first time in a long time, I was given daily quiet time to walk with my Lord. It’s not very often that I am handed 20 minutes of “down” time just to read scripture. Then, given six hours of time to work for the Lord. THEN brought back with other believers to talk about scripture. It was there that I lived for God, worked for God, showed others God and thanked God 24/7.
I wish I could say I do this every day now, but I would only be lying. Yes, I live for God, work for God, and show others God, but not 24/7. In this world of mine its really easy to get caught up in this lavish lifestyle that I live. I have a car, food, and a house with air-conditioning. I have two children who are schooled, have more than one pair of name-brand tennies, and who have no idea what poor is. I am so BUSY that some days I find it hard to give myself 20 minutes of quiet time… Doesn’t something need done?
I yearn for those days on the mission trip in Piedras Niegras. Yes, it was hot. Yes, we worked a lot and sweat a lot. But, it was here that God spoke to me and I wasn’t too busy to listen.
All week, Savannah and I have been remembering day by day what we were doing a year ago. It has been fun reminiscing and smiling about it. The Lord did amazing things there – which are still shining through us today.
Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunity Savannah and I had to serve you. Thank you for the friendships we made on this trip. Thank you for all those things we saw, heard, and became aware of. Thank you for working in and through us. What an awesome God you are! Bless each one reading this with her own special mission-trip moments with you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Application: This summer, try to find quiet time with God. Find a comfy chair, a quiet place in your home, and go for it. Open His Word, speak to Him, and see where it is He takes you!
Power Verses:
Romans 15:17, "Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God."(NIV)
Job 13:17, "Listen carefully to my words; let your ears take in what I say."(NIV)
Proverbs 13:7, "There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches."(NKJV)
This Week’s Verse: 1 Timothy 1:12, "I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service."(NIV)
Devotion:
I have a thing with numbers. I can remember the exact time I woke up this morning. I can remember dates incredibly well. A lot of times, I can think about what I will be doing six months from now or remember exactly what I was doing exactly a year ago. For example, one year ago today I was just returning from Piedras Negras, Mexico, with my daughter Savannah.
It was our first mission trip.
I saw things on this mission trip that I had never seen before. I saw how poor someone could be financially yet how rich he or she can be in God’s love. I saw men and women sacrificing their lives, their careers, and their closeness to family, to spread God’s word in Mexico.
And, it was here that for the first time in a long time, I was given daily quiet time to walk with my Lord. It’s not very often that I am handed 20 minutes of “down” time just to read scripture. Then, given six hours of time to work for the Lord. THEN brought back with other believers to talk about scripture. It was there that I lived for God, worked for God, showed others God and thanked God 24/7.
I wish I could say I do this every day now, but I would only be lying. Yes, I live for God, work for God, and show others God, but not 24/7. In this world of mine its really easy to get caught up in this lavish lifestyle that I live. I have a car, food, and a house with air-conditioning. I have two children who are schooled, have more than one pair of name-brand tennies, and who have no idea what poor is. I am so BUSY that some days I find it hard to give myself 20 minutes of quiet time… Doesn’t something need done?
I yearn for those days on the mission trip in Piedras Niegras. Yes, it was hot. Yes, we worked a lot and sweat a lot. But, it was here that God spoke to me and I wasn’t too busy to listen.
All week, Savannah and I have been remembering day by day what we were doing a year ago. It has been fun reminiscing and smiling about it. The Lord did amazing things there – which are still shining through us today.
Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunity Savannah and I had to serve you. Thank you for the friendships we made on this trip. Thank you for all those things we saw, heard, and became aware of. Thank you for working in and through us. What an awesome God you are! Bless each one reading this with her own special mission-trip moments with you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Application: This summer, try to find quiet time with God. Find a comfy chair, a quiet place in your home, and go for it. Open His Word, speak to Him, and see where it is He takes you!
Power Verses:
Romans 15:17, "Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God."(NIV)
Job 13:17, "Listen carefully to my words; let your ears take in what I say."(NIV)
Proverbs 13:7, "There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches."(NKJV)
Friday, July 9, 2010
I Wanna Thank You . . .
by Paula Sprigg
This Week's Verse: James 2:23, "And the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called God's friend."(NIV)
Devotion:
. . . Thank you for bein' a friend. . . I wanna thank you . . . Thank you for bein' a friend!!!
We all have friends. We all--more than likely--have many friends. We go to dinner, play cards, take walks, go to the movies, go on vacations. I think you get the point: we spend time with our friends.
Some friends are those you can call--in the middle of the night if necessary--to pray with you when something terrible has happened. Or perhaps they pray for you when you are so burdened that you simply cannot pray. Those are the friends who know your plans; they know what you're doing throughout the week (and feed your cat when you're gone), they know what your kids are doing (and would spank them for you if it was necessary), they know what you're having for dinner tonight (which is good 'cause often times even I don't know that!), they know your deepest, darkest secrets (and they won't judge you). They know what makes you laugh, what makes you cry, what makes you do the 'happy dance', what you like for dessert (anything with cherries)!
Good friends will come to your house, sit at your kitchen table, and share their hopes and dreams with you. They might even ask for your opinion now and then! And once they've asked, they'll take the time to listen. They seek, listen to, and (sometimes) even take your advice when given humbly, and with compassion and genuine concern. They don't stomp their foot, and go away mad. They may have to ponder your words for a time, or they may never see your point of view at all.
But the sweet thing about that true friendship is that you know they still love you no matter what! True friendship begins with the journey of "Give-and-Take" on "Two-Way Street".
Abraham had a relationship with God that was just like that. But it didn't happen without Abraham putting some effort into it, without taking the time to know God. Of course, God knows everything there is to know about us--the aches, pains, joys, and sorrows, the number of hairs on our head, the number of days in our life. Even so, He created us to be in a relationship with Him and He wants us to know Him.
Abraham knew God so intimately, that God convened His heavenly council at Abraham's tent and shared His plans for Sodom and Gomorrah with him (Gen. 18:16-19). WOW! God actually came and had coffee with Abraham. And then, God actually listened to Abraham and . . . well, you know the story about how Abraham proceeded to argue with God about sparing Sodom and Gomorrah if 'so many' righteous people could be found. Abraham had the audacity to ask God not once, not twice, but SIX times to spare the cities from complete destruction.
Abraham knew that he risked God's anger by continuing to ask, but he also knew that they were good enough friends that he could beg forgiveness for his brazen behavior, and approach God with humility, and genuine concern and compassion for the people. Abraham and God knew one another. They talked together. Abraham listened to and obeyed God, and consequently God shared his plans with Abraham (and I like to believe it was over a cup of coffee or possibly a glass of iced tea!). And then God spared the lives of a few righteous people from the destruction of Sodom.
I don't mean to imply that we can change God's plans. But we might find it easier to hear Him and obey his will for our lives, if we know Him better. I think I'll fix another pot of coffee this morning, and spend some time getting to know my Friend better!
Lord, I want to know you better. I want to have a close and deep relationship with you. I want to know you, I want to love you, I want to see your face. I know that I can only have that relationship with you by spending QUALITY time with you each and every day. My prayer is that you will convict me of your desire to know me better, and create a burning passion within my soul to take our relationship to a whole new level.
Application: Do you KNOW your friend? How well do you know the one person who should be your best friend? Will you commit to taking some time each day to spend with Jesus either in prayer, study, or silent meditation/reflection and learn to know Him on a more personal level?
Power Verses:
Proverbs 18:24, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”(NIV)
Isaiah 41:8–9, “But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend. I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.”(NIV)
Genesis 33:11, “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. . .”(NIV)
This Week's Verse: James 2:23, "And the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called God's friend."(NIV)
Devotion:
. . . Thank you for bein' a friend. . . I wanna thank you . . . Thank you for bein' a friend!!!
We all have friends. We all--more than likely--have many friends. We go to dinner, play cards, take walks, go to the movies, go on vacations. I think you get the point: we spend time with our friends.
Some friends are those you can call--in the middle of the night if necessary--to pray with you when something terrible has happened. Or perhaps they pray for you when you are so burdened that you simply cannot pray. Those are the friends who know your plans; they know what you're doing throughout the week (and feed your cat when you're gone), they know what your kids are doing (and would spank them for you if it was necessary), they know what you're having for dinner tonight (which is good 'cause often times even I don't know that!), they know your deepest, darkest secrets (and they won't judge you). They know what makes you laugh, what makes you cry, what makes you do the 'happy dance', what you like for dessert (anything with cherries)!
Good friends will come to your house, sit at your kitchen table, and share their hopes and dreams with you. They might even ask for your opinion now and then! And once they've asked, they'll take the time to listen. They seek, listen to, and (sometimes) even take your advice when given humbly, and with compassion and genuine concern. They don't stomp their foot, and go away mad. They may have to ponder your words for a time, or they may never see your point of view at all.
But the sweet thing about that true friendship is that you know they still love you no matter what! True friendship begins with the journey of "Give-and-Take" on "Two-Way Street".
Abraham had a relationship with God that was just like that. But it didn't happen without Abraham putting some effort into it, without taking the time to know God. Of course, God knows everything there is to know about us--the aches, pains, joys, and sorrows, the number of hairs on our head, the number of days in our life. Even so, He created us to be in a relationship with Him and He wants us to know Him.
Abraham knew God so intimately, that God convened His heavenly council at Abraham's tent and shared His plans for Sodom and Gomorrah with him (Gen. 18:16-19). WOW! God actually came and had coffee with Abraham. And then, God actually listened to Abraham and . . . well, you know the story about how Abraham proceeded to argue with God about sparing Sodom and Gomorrah if 'so many' righteous people could be found. Abraham had the audacity to ask God not once, not twice, but SIX times to spare the cities from complete destruction.
Abraham knew that he risked God's anger by continuing to ask, but he also knew that they were good enough friends that he could beg forgiveness for his brazen behavior, and approach God with humility, and genuine concern and compassion for the people. Abraham and God knew one another. They talked together. Abraham listened to and obeyed God, and consequently God shared his plans with Abraham (and I like to believe it was over a cup of coffee or possibly a glass of iced tea!). And then God spared the lives of a few righteous people from the destruction of Sodom.
I don't mean to imply that we can change God's plans. But we might find it easier to hear Him and obey his will for our lives, if we know Him better. I think I'll fix another pot of coffee this morning, and spend some time getting to know my Friend better!
Lord, I want to know you better. I want to have a close and deep relationship with you. I want to know you, I want to love you, I want to see your face. I know that I can only have that relationship with you by spending QUALITY time with you each and every day. My prayer is that you will convict me of your desire to know me better, and create a burning passion within my soul to take our relationship to a whole new level.
Application: Do you KNOW your friend? How well do you know the one person who should be your best friend? Will you commit to taking some time each day to spend with Jesus either in prayer, study, or silent meditation/reflection and learn to know Him on a more personal level?
Power Verses:
Proverbs 18:24, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”(NIV)
Isaiah 41:8–9, “But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend. I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.”(NIV)
Genesis 33:11, “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. . .”(NIV)
Friday, March 19, 2010
In a Relationship With...
by Mollie Thompson
This Week's Verse: Jer.29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (NKJV)
Devotion:
How sweet are the words of this week's verse. God our Father has plans for us – each and every one of us. None of us are here by random accidents. None of us are mistakes. None of us are a bother to God. We each have a purpose designed by God – the Creator of the Universe. In Jesus, we are not hopeless or helpless or worthless. No mistake is too big or too hard to overcome by the will of God. Isn’t that refreshing?
This verse was written when the people of God had really messed up and they were in captivity. It’s sort of like when we put our kids in time-out, or when we ground them from opportunities they would like to participate in. It’s a way of sitting them down, and saying, “Hey! Pay attention! I have some good stuff for you if only you will listen to me and do what I tell you. Now you’re going to stay here until I tell you it’s time for you to get up.”
The punishment from God came for the good of His people. They were on a self-destructive path and wouldn’t listen to Him. He had to get their attention. Their ears were getting tickled by the world and they liked what they were hearing. It suited them.
But God knew they were getting farther away from Him and His good and His truth. He had good planned for each and every one of them, but they had to get back with His program. They had to get back in relationship with Him.
And that’s the big thing God has been showing me lately. The big thing about Christianity is the relationship we are to be continually establishing with our Father and with His Son and with His Spirit.
The closer we are in relationship with Him, the more we will be able to be led by Him, the more we will be able to line ourselves up with that good future and hope He has for each and every one of us.
Father, we get so busy with the things of life. We get so carried away with our own hopes and dreams we have for our future and for the future of our families. The world can promise us (or at least tempt us with) some pretty amazing things. Then we get our eyes off of you and start doing things our own way. Please forgive us for this. Please help us get our eyes back on you. Help us to remember how big you really are, and that your plans are the best. And if we need a time-out, please provide us with one. We love you so much. Draw us back into relationship with you – no matter what it takes. In Jesus' most precious and Holy Name. Amen.
Application:
On Facebook there’s a spot to tell your “Relationship Status.” It’s really a big deal when you are single and then you get to announce the name of that somebody special you are in a relationship with. Somehow that makes your relationship “official.” How official would you say your relationship is with Jesus Christ? How in tune would you say you are with the plans God has for you? Do you talk to him enough to say you are in relationship with him?
Power Verses:
Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end it leads to death."(NIV)
Jeremiah 33:2, 3, "This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'" (NIV)
Psalm 34:8, "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"(NKJV)
John 21:17, “[Insert your name here], do you love Me?”
This Week's Verse: Jer.29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (NKJV)
Devotion:
How sweet are the words of this week's verse. God our Father has plans for us – each and every one of us. None of us are here by random accidents. None of us are mistakes. None of us are a bother to God. We each have a purpose designed by God – the Creator of the Universe. In Jesus, we are not hopeless or helpless or worthless. No mistake is too big or too hard to overcome by the will of God. Isn’t that refreshing?
This verse was written when the people of God had really messed up and they were in captivity. It’s sort of like when we put our kids in time-out, or when we ground them from opportunities they would like to participate in. It’s a way of sitting them down, and saying, “Hey! Pay attention! I have some good stuff for you if only you will listen to me and do what I tell you. Now you’re going to stay here until I tell you it’s time for you to get up.”
The punishment from God came for the good of His people. They were on a self-destructive path and wouldn’t listen to Him. He had to get their attention. Their ears were getting tickled by the world and they liked what they were hearing. It suited them.
But God knew they were getting farther away from Him and His good and His truth. He had good planned for each and every one of them, but they had to get back with His program. They had to get back in relationship with Him.
And that’s the big thing God has been showing me lately. The big thing about Christianity is the relationship we are to be continually establishing with our Father and with His Son and with His Spirit.
The closer we are in relationship with Him, the more we will be able to be led by Him, the more we will be able to line ourselves up with that good future and hope He has for each and every one of us.
Father, we get so busy with the things of life. We get so carried away with our own hopes and dreams we have for our future and for the future of our families. The world can promise us (or at least tempt us with) some pretty amazing things. Then we get our eyes off of you and start doing things our own way. Please forgive us for this. Please help us get our eyes back on you. Help us to remember how big you really are, and that your plans are the best. And if we need a time-out, please provide us with one. We love you so much. Draw us back into relationship with you – no matter what it takes. In Jesus' most precious and Holy Name. Amen.
Application:
On Facebook there’s a spot to tell your “Relationship Status.” It’s really a big deal when you are single and then you get to announce the name of that somebody special you are in a relationship with. Somehow that makes your relationship “official.” How official would you say your relationship is with Jesus Christ? How in tune would you say you are with the plans God has for you? Do you talk to him enough to say you are in relationship with him?
Power Verses:
Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end it leads to death."(NIV)
Jeremiah 33:2, 3, "This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.'" (NIV)
Psalm 34:8, "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"(NKJV)
John 21:17, “[Insert your name here], do you love Me?”
Friday, January 8, 2010
I Know the Man
by Kathy Lay
This Week's Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:16, "So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!" (NLT)
Devotion:
A friend of mine had a conversation with a young man who recently gave his life to the Lord. Her eyes sparkled as she told me about his transformation and involvement in church activities.
Apparently, he watches The Passion of the Christ from time to time. My friend told him that she doesn't want to see it again because of the brutality and blood. Then the young man said something like this: "Yeah, the first time I watched it was with my parents and they just wept. I didn't get why at the time--I mean it was definitely brutal--but I didn't understand why they were so moved. But now when I watch it, I know why: I know the man now."
I know the man now.
What powerful words. I love the "now" part, as in that was then; this is now. He once was lost, but now he's found. Things are different now that he knows Christ personally.
Isn't it wonderful to see our own then and now's? To look back and see where you were when Jesus first caught your heart and compare it to where you are now in your relationship with him? Have certain viewpoints about this man, this Jesus, changed because He's personally shown you aspects of Himself through your adventure together?
There was a time when we just didn't get it, but now--well, now, we know the man. And that makes all the difference.
Father, we praise you for the relationship you make possible through Jesus. He's the way to You, He's the truth, and He's the life. Thank you for drawing us to You through him and that we can say with confidence that we know the Man now.
Application:
Think of all of the ways that Jesus has made Himself known to you. In what ways can you pursue knowing Him more? If you don't know the man and want to, click here.
Power Verses:
2 Peter 1:8, "The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."(NLT)
John 17:3, "And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth" (NLT).
This Week's Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:16, "So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!" (NLT)
Devotion:
A friend of mine had a conversation with a young man who recently gave his life to the Lord. Her eyes sparkled as she told me about his transformation and involvement in church activities.
Apparently, he watches The Passion of the Christ from time to time. My friend told him that she doesn't want to see it again because of the brutality and blood. Then the young man said something like this: "Yeah, the first time I watched it was with my parents and they just wept. I didn't get why at the time--I mean it was definitely brutal--but I didn't understand why they were so moved. But now when I watch it, I know why: I know the man now."
I know the man now.
What powerful words. I love the "now" part, as in that was then; this is now. He once was lost, but now he's found. Things are different now that he knows Christ personally.
Isn't it wonderful to see our own then and now's? To look back and see where you were when Jesus first caught your heart and compare it to where you are now in your relationship with him? Have certain viewpoints about this man, this Jesus, changed because He's personally shown you aspects of Himself through your adventure together?
There was a time when we just didn't get it, but now--well, now, we know the man. And that makes all the difference.
Father, we praise you for the relationship you make possible through Jesus. He's the way to You, He's the truth, and He's the life. Thank you for drawing us to You through him and that we can say with confidence that we know the Man now.
Application:
Think of all of the ways that Jesus has made Himself known to you. In what ways can you pursue knowing Him more? If you don't know the man and want to, click here.
Power Verses:
2 Peter 1:8, "The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."(NLT)
John 17:3, "And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth" (NLT).
Friday, February 6, 2009
What Do You Call God?
by Marsha Loftis
This Week's Verse: Isaiah 9:6, “He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.”
Devotion:
There are many different names for God: Father, Lord, Abba, God, Prince of Peace... I read a book last year where one of the main characters had such a closeness and fondness for God that she called Him "Papa."
I was thinking this past week that where I am in my relationship with God sometimes determines how I refer to Him or what I call Him. When I first came to FCC, I believed in God, but didn’t really know Him the way I do now. I guess you could say that even though I was a Believer we didn’t have a personal relationship.
I’ve had a 'different' kind of relationship with my own dad. So calling God “Father” was way out of my comfort zone. Let alone Abba Father! Calling the Creator of The Universe “Daddy”?! No, that wasn’t for me. I’ll just stick with ‘God’ for now. “God, help me to know You” was probably prayed more often than any other prayer.
Lately, I’m blessed to say, that I have been referring to my God as Father! I’ve come a long way from bolting out of the sanctuary in tears every time we started to sing “Abba Father” to actually calling upon Him in this way--as a parental guide, someone who loves me unconditionally, the way I am, but also loves me so much that He will not leave me this way.
Do you call out Jesus? Our Savior, intercessor… If we are God’s children and Jesus is His son, then He must also be our brother, our friend. Someone to lean on and talk to. Someone who will intercede with Dad on our behalf! Someone who has “our back”.
This next one is a little tougher for me. What about Lord? I say it. But do I mean it? If I call God ‘Lord’ then I might have to give up some things.... control, worry, guilt, money, friends, habits… When I cry out, Lord, help me to __________ (fill in the blank) do I really want the Lord of The Universe to be Lord of my life?!
No matter what you call God and where you are in your relationship with Him, remember that He will always meet you wherever you are and be whatever you need Him to be.
Father, God, Jesus, Daddy, Papa, Lord…. Help me to know that You are All. Healer, counselor, Lover of my Soul, The Beginning and The End and everything in the middle! You are all these things and more to me. I am nothing without You in my life. Help me to give it all up to You no matter how I refer to You. You know my name; be Lord of my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Application:
Ask Him to meet you where you are and grow you from there. Ask Him to be what you need, whether it be a friend, father-figure, inteceeding spirit or The Lord of your life. Strive to be work in progress. Never stop growing and maturing in Him and let Him be ALL to you.
Power Verses:
Psalm 135:1-3, “Hallelujah! Praise the name of God, praise the works of God. All you priests on duty in God’s temple, serving in the sacred halls of our God, shout 'Hallelujah!' because God’s so good, sing anthems to his beautiful name.” (MSG)
Romans 9: 26-29, “If each grain of sand on the seashore were numbered and the sum labeled 'chosen of God,' they’d be numbers still, not names; Salvation comes by personal selection. God doesn’t count us; he calls us by name.” (MSG)
Proverbs 18:24, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother." (NIV)
Genesis 16:13 "She answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, 'You’re the God who sees me! Yes! He saw me and then I saw Him!'” (MSG)
This Week's Verse: Isaiah 9:6, “He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.”
Devotion:
There are many different names for God: Father, Lord, Abba, God, Prince of Peace... I read a book last year where one of the main characters had such a closeness and fondness for God that she called Him "Papa."
I was thinking this past week that where I am in my relationship with God sometimes determines how I refer to Him or what I call Him. When I first came to FCC, I believed in God, but didn’t really know Him the way I do now. I guess you could say that even though I was a Believer we didn’t have a personal relationship.
I’ve had a 'different' kind of relationship with my own dad. So calling God “Father” was way out of my comfort zone. Let alone Abba Father! Calling the Creator of The Universe “Daddy”?! No, that wasn’t for me. I’ll just stick with ‘God’ for now. “God, help me to know You” was probably prayed more often than any other prayer.
Lately, I’m blessed to say, that I have been referring to my God as Father! I’ve come a long way from bolting out of the sanctuary in tears every time we started to sing “Abba Father” to actually calling upon Him in this way--as a parental guide, someone who loves me unconditionally, the way I am, but also loves me so much that He will not leave me this way.
Do you call out Jesus? Our Savior, intercessor… If we are God’s children and Jesus is His son, then He must also be our brother, our friend. Someone to lean on and talk to. Someone who will intercede with Dad on our behalf! Someone who has “our back”.
This next one is a little tougher for me. What about Lord? I say it. But do I mean it? If I call God ‘Lord’ then I might have to give up some things.... control, worry, guilt, money, friends, habits… When I cry out, Lord, help me to __________ (fill in the blank) do I really want the Lord of The Universe to be Lord of my life?!
No matter what you call God and where you are in your relationship with Him, remember that He will always meet you wherever you are and be whatever you need Him to be.
Father, God, Jesus, Daddy, Papa, Lord…. Help me to know that You are All. Healer, counselor, Lover of my Soul, The Beginning and The End and everything in the middle! You are all these things and more to me. I am nothing without You in my life. Help me to give it all up to You no matter how I refer to You. You know my name; be Lord of my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Application:
Ask Him to meet you where you are and grow you from there. Ask Him to be what you need, whether it be a friend, father-figure, inteceeding spirit or The Lord of your life. Strive to be work in progress. Never stop growing and maturing in Him and let Him be ALL to you.
Power Verses:
Psalm 135:1-3, “Hallelujah! Praise the name of God, praise the works of God. All you priests on duty in God’s temple, serving in the sacred halls of our God, shout 'Hallelujah!' because God’s so good, sing anthems to his beautiful name.” (MSG)
Romans 9: 26-29, “If each grain of sand on the seashore were numbered and the sum labeled 'chosen of God,' they’d be numbers still, not names; Salvation comes by personal selection. God doesn’t count us; he calls us by name.” (MSG)
Proverbs 18:24, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother." (NIV)
Genesis 16:13 "She answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, 'You’re the God who sees me! Yes! He saw me and then I saw Him!'” (MSG)
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