by Stephanie Neibarger
This Week's Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track." (MSG)
Devotion:
I love my GPS. I was hesitant about getting one when they first came out. Being raised in the boondocks, I always felt like I could get anywhere on my own by using basic “country living principles.” But now that I have it, I love it!
I love being able to program where I want to go and it will calculate the route, how long it will take me to get there and what time I will arrive at my destination. I love it that I don’t even have to know the actual address of where I am wanting to go. For instance, if I want to go to Starbucks, with just a couple of click, it gives me directions to the nearest one. This week I was going to Urbana so I punched in the address of where I was going and--Viola!--it showed me how to get there.
But my favorite part about the GPS is that even when I get off course and take a different route, it's right there to tell me how to get back on the right course. (Seriously, I love that it does that… I’m not just saying this so it sounds like a cool devotion!)
I think you are probably seeing the analogy by now. God is our ultimate GPS. Through His Written Word, He clearly tells us how to get to our destination. If we get off course, He can help lead us back on track.
Maybe you’ve felt like you know how to get where you are going and decide to do things your way, and go where you want to go. It’s okay. God can help lead you back on track. I am completely guilty of this. So many times, I think I know the way to go, which roads to take, I do things on my own, in my own way but it always ends in a dead-end road.
Fortunately, I have not fallen off of God’s GPS radar. With patience, reading scriptures, and a lot of prayer, God can get me back on the right road. He can bring you back too. Even if you don’t know the way, just take hold of His hand and let Him lead.
Father, we can not thank you enough that you never leave us. You never let go of us. You continue to love us even when we are being unlovable. Forgive us for the times we have been disobedient to You. Help us to get back on course when we seek our own path and get lost because we went out on our own. We genuinely love you Lord. Lead us down the right paths to be better servants for You.
Application:
Have you taken a wrong road in life? We all have. It’s okay. Maybe you are at a crossroad in your life. Seek God’s direction and He can lead you onto the right path. His GPS is there to guide you. I encourage you to read Psalm 25.
Power Verses:
Deuteronomy 31:6, "The Lord your God will always be at your side, and he will never abandon you."(CEV)
Psalm 25:4, "Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow."(NLT)
Psalm 25:8, "The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray."(NLT)
Showing posts with label Steph. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steph. Show all posts
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
Amazing Grace
by Stephanie Neibarger
This Weeks' Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you.”(NIV)
Devotion:
For the past couple of weeks, the word “Grace” has reverberated over and over in a variety of ways. I don’t think I’ve ever really understood the real meaning of the word so I decided to look up what grace means in the dictionary. I found one common definition: the unmerited (undeserved) and freely given, infinite love, mercy, favor, and goodwill shown to man by God.
Lately I have come to understand grace a little differently. [Disclaimer: I am not an expert on this topic. Just as I am not an expert on any of the devotions I have written. I mostly write these for myself!]
I was watching a Charles Stanley program one day and he spoke of how grace “sustains” us through the difficulties of life. God did not promise we would just roll through life without any issues. In fact, He specifically told us we would have them. In John 16:33, Jesus tells us “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
So often when we go through painful circumstances in life, we often ask God to take away our pain. Paul asked God three times to take away his pain, but we see God’s response in this week’s verse: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” God’s not always going to take away the pain; instead He gives us the grace to go through it.
Grace sustains us so we can keep on going, even when we don’t see the circumstances change. I’ve come to realize that even though I don’t always “see” anything happening in a particular situation, I know God is working “behind the scenes.” When we go through hard times and don’t see anything happening, it’s natural to wonder if God really cares. Satan wants us to doubt God and take matters into our own hands or just give up completely. I know. I’ve fallen into this trap many, many times.
In James 5:10-11, we see the example of Job and how he persevered: “My friends, follow the example of the prophets who spoke for the Lord. They were patient, even when they had to suffer. In fact, we praise the ones who endured the most. You remember how patient Job was and how the Lord finally helped him. The Lord did this because he is so merciful and kind.”
On Charles Stanley’s website (here), he lists seven ways of how grace works:
Next time you feel like giving up and throwing in the towel or you don't see how things could possibly work out, remind yourself of God's grace and how He is always with you. Just remember, Satan fights us the hardest when he knows God has something great planned for our lives!
Gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your grace. Helps us to stay more focused on You and Your love for us when we are going through difficulties. Sometimes it’s hard to feel Your presence, but please remind us that You are there and Your grace is sufficient for us.
Application:
As we approach another New Year and make resolutions, why not make this year your resolution to grow closer to God and allow His grace to wash over and transform you. Listen to Chris Tomlin’s “Amazing Grace: My Chains are Gone” by clicking here.
Power Verses:
2 Peter 1:2-3 “May God bless you with his special favor and wonderful peace as you come to know Jesus, our God and Lord, better and better. As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness!” (NLT)
Romans 8:28, "We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him." (NCV)
Hebrews 4:16, "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it."(NLT)
This Weeks' Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you.”(NIV)
Devotion:
For the past couple of weeks, the word “Grace” has reverberated over and over in a variety of ways. I don’t think I’ve ever really understood the real meaning of the word so I decided to look up what grace means in the dictionary. I found one common definition: the unmerited (undeserved) and freely given, infinite love, mercy, favor, and goodwill shown to man by God.
Lately I have come to understand grace a little differently. [Disclaimer: I am not an expert on this topic. Just as I am not an expert on any of the devotions I have written. I mostly write these for myself!]
I was watching a Charles Stanley program one day and he spoke of how grace “sustains” us through the difficulties of life. God did not promise we would just roll through life without any issues. In fact, He specifically told us we would have them. In John 16:33, Jesus tells us “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
So often when we go through painful circumstances in life, we often ask God to take away our pain. Paul asked God three times to take away his pain, but we see God’s response in this week’s verse: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” God’s not always going to take away the pain; instead He gives us the grace to go through it.
Grace sustains us so we can keep on going, even when we don’t see the circumstances change. I’ve come to realize that even though I don’t always “see” anything happening in a particular situation, I know God is working “behind the scenes.” When we go through hard times and don’t see anything happening, it’s natural to wonder if God really cares. Satan wants us to doubt God and take matters into our own hands or just give up completely. I know. I’ve fallen into this trap many, many times.
In James 5:10-11, we see the example of Job and how he persevered: “My friends, follow the example of the prophets who spoke for the Lord. They were patient, even when they had to suffer. In fact, we praise the ones who endured the most. You remember how patient Job was and how the Lord finally helped him. The Lord did this because he is so merciful and kind.”
On Charles Stanley’s website (here), he lists seven ways of how grace works:
*Grace releases supernatural strength to keep going in the midst of pain, suffering, and loss. The Holy Spirit helps us face adversity.
*Grace ignites determination to keep going.
*Grace reminds us that God is always with us.
*Grace points us toward the Father’s goal in allowing trials. We can be content knowing we are in the center of His will.
*Grace reminds us that God uses trials to strengthen our faith and deepen intimacy with Him.
*Grace assures us that the Lord sets limitations on what can happen to His children.
*Grace gives us faith to believe God will transform tough times into something good.
Next time you feel like giving up and throwing in the towel or you don't see how things could possibly work out, remind yourself of God's grace and how He is always with you. Just remember, Satan fights us the hardest when he knows God has something great planned for our lives!
Gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your grace. Helps us to stay more focused on You and Your love for us when we are going through difficulties. Sometimes it’s hard to feel Your presence, but please remind us that You are there and Your grace is sufficient for us.
Application:
As we approach another New Year and make resolutions, why not make this year your resolution to grow closer to God and allow His grace to wash over and transform you. Listen to Chris Tomlin’s “Amazing Grace: My Chains are Gone” by clicking here.
Power Verses:
2 Peter 1:2-3 “May God bless you with his special favor and wonderful peace as you come to know Jesus, our God and Lord, better and better. As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness!” (NLT)
Romans 8:28, "We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love Him." (NCV)
Hebrews 4:16, "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it."(NLT)
Friday, June 19, 2009
Watch Your Mouth!
by Stephanie Neibarger
This Week's Verse: James 3:5, "The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." (NIV)
Devotion:
Watch your mouth! Have you ever been told that as a child? You would say something that was probably a little inappropriate and your parents would not-so-gently caution you to “Watch your mouth!” Yeah, me too! (More times than I care to admit!)
Just yesterday (as I’m writing this) I was certain a friend of mine had lied to me. I wanted so badly to cuss her out, yell, scream, whatever, to let her know that I had caught her in a lie and wasn’t going to put up with it. But, after taking a step back, I thought, "What good would that do?" It would only hurt our friendship and if she did lie, it was her problem, not mine. So I immediately prayed (thanks Kathy!).
But that’s not where this story ends… today, as I read the two daily scripture calendars that I have on either side of my microwave, both of them (yes – both!) talked about controlling the tongue! Wow! I am soooo glad I didn’t lash out at my friend. So now, instead of regretting any harsh words, I’m writing a devotion (thanks God!).
Quite a few years ago when I used to teach I visited another teacher in her room. I noticed a plaque on her desk that read “It is better to leave angry words unspoken, than to mend the heart those words have broken.” I have never forgotten that simple little rhyme. As an immature Christian, if I got upset or angry about something, I would fly off the handle and say whatever I thought, no matter the consequences, only to regret it later. I’ve gotten a little better at controlling my tongue when I get angry but admit I can still say some pretty stupid and hurtful things at times.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 18:21 that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (NLB).
I have a phrase I like to use with my athletes when they come into the training room complaining about someone or something… “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I hope, like that plaque, it will stick with them forever.
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Prayed from Psalm 19:14, NLT)
Application:
The Bible tells us that if we want joy in our life and have happy days, we are to keep our tongue from saying bad things and our lips from talking bad about others (1 Peter 3:10). It might help to remember the little rhyme that has stuck with me throughout the years: “It’s better to leave angry words unspoken, than to mend the heart those words have broken.”
Power Verses:
James 3:10, "My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn’t right."(CEV)
Proverbs 13:3, "Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything."(NLT)
Proverbs 15:4, "Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."(NLT)
Psalm 39:1,“I will guard my way, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will bridle my mouth, so long as the wicked are in my presence.”(RSV)
This Week's Verse: James 3:5, "The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark." (NIV)
Devotion:
Watch your mouth! Have you ever been told that as a child? You would say something that was probably a little inappropriate and your parents would not-so-gently caution you to “Watch your mouth!” Yeah, me too! (More times than I care to admit!)
Just yesterday (as I’m writing this) I was certain a friend of mine had lied to me. I wanted so badly to cuss her out, yell, scream, whatever, to let her know that I had caught her in a lie and wasn’t going to put up with it. But, after taking a step back, I thought, "What good would that do?" It would only hurt our friendship and if she did lie, it was her problem, not mine. So I immediately prayed (thanks Kathy!).
But that’s not where this story ends… today, as I read the two daily scripture calendars that I have on either side of my microwave, both of them (yes – both!) talked about controlling the tongue! Wow! I am soooo glad I didn’t lash out at my friend. So now, instead of regretting any harsh words, I’m writing a devotion (thanks God!).
Quite a few years ago when I used to teach I visited another teacher in her room. I noticed a plaque on her desk that read “It is better to leave angry words unspoken, than to mend the heart those words have broken.” I have never forgotten that simple little rhyme. As an immature Christian, if I got upset or angry about something, I would fly off the handle and say whatever I thought, no matter the consequences, only to regret it later. I’ve gotten a little better at controlling my tongue when I get angry but admit I can still say some pretty stupid and hurtful things at times.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 18:21 that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (NLB).
I have a phrase I like to use with my athletes when they come into the training room complaining about someone or something… “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I hope, like that plaque, it will stick with them forever.
May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Prayed from Psalm 19:14, NLT)
Application:
The Bible tells us that if we want joy in our life and have happy days, we are to keep our tongue from saying bad things and our lips from talking bad about others (1 Peter 3:10). It might help to remember the little rhyme that has stuck with me throughout the years: “It’s better to leave angry words unspoken, than to mend the heart those words have broken.”
Power Verses:
James 3:10, "My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses. We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn’t right."(CEV)
Proverbs 13:3, "Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything."(NLT)
Proverbs 15:4, "Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."(NLT)
Psalm 39:1,“I will guard my way, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will bridle my mouth, so long as the wicked are in my presence.”(RSV)
Friday, May 29, 2009
Un-Offendable
by Stephanie Neibarger
This Week's Verse: Col. 3:13, “You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (NLT)
Devotion:
A few years ago, while up from Kentucky for a visit, Jeff Noel gave the message for a Wednesday evening service. I don’t remember everything he talked about, but the key concept of his message was that as Christians, we are to be “un-offendable.” I have reflected on that message periodically over the years. If you know me very well, then you probably know that I can get offended a little too easily. I usually remember Jeff’s message some time after I have gotten offended… hey, at least I eventually do remember! One of these days I will remember before being offended!
It’s easy to get upset when things don’t go our way or at least the way we had pictured it in our head. We can get upset when someone has said or done something to harm us, and we may want to ‘pay them back.’ But we are instructed in 1 Peter 3:9, “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you do and he will bless you for it”(NLT).
We need to follow Jesus’ example in 1 Peter 2:23: “Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. And when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly”(CEV). It is not our place to judge the intentions of someone’s actions.
Joyce Meyer puts it this way, "The devil sets you up to get you upset." This is confirmed in 1 Peter 5:8, where it says “Be careful – watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart”(TLB). Satan, the father of lies, wants us to believe the worst about a situation to get us upset. That’s when we are most vulnerable to be attacked by Satan and his attempts to destroy our faith.
We need to be patient with each other, including ourselves, and not be so quick to jump to the wrong conclusion. I’ve had Jeff’s message stuck in my head for years now and I’m still working on being “un-offendable!” 2 Cor. 4:16 says, “Do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
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)
Application:
Are you easily offended? How many times could you have offended God by some of the things you have done? In the same way God has forgiven you for those offenses, we need to learn to forgive others.
Proverbs 18:19, "It's harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron bars."(NLT)
Romans 12:17-19, "Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. 'I'll do the judging,' says God. 'I'll take care of it.'"(MSG)
Genesis 50:20a,"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…"(NIV)
This Week's Verse: Col. 3:13, “You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (NLT)
Devotion:
A few years ago, while up from Kentucky for a visit, Jeff Noel gave the message for a Wednesday evening service. I don’t remember everything he talked about, but the key concept of his message was that as Christians, we are to be “un-offendable.” I have reflected on that message periodically over the years. If you know me very well, then you probably know that I can get offended a little too easily. I usually remember Jeff’s message some time after I have gotten offended… hey, at least I eventually do remember! One of these days I will remember before being offended!
It’s easy to get upset when things don’t go our way or at least the way we had pictured it in our head. We can get upset when someone has said or done something to harm us, and we may want to ‘pay them back.’ But we are instructed in 1 Peter 3:9, “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you do and he will bless you for it”(NLT).
We need to follow Jesus’ example in 1 Peter 2:23: “Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. And when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly”(CEV). It is not our place to judge the intentions of someone’s actions.
Joyce Meyer puts it this way, "The devil sets you up to get you upset." This is confirmed in 1 Peter 5:8, where it says “Be careful – watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart”(TLB). Satan, the father of lies, wants us to believe the worst about a situation to get us upset. That’s when we are most vulnerable to be attacked by Satan and his attempts to destroy our faith.
We need to be patient with each other, including ourselves, and not be so quick to jump to the wrong conclusion. I’ve had Jeff’s message stuck in my head for years now and I’m still working on being “un-offendable!” 2 Cor. 4:16 says, “Do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
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)
Application:
Are you easily offended? How many times could you have offended God by some of the things you have done? In the same way God has forgiven you for those offenses, we need to learn to forgive others.
Proverbs 18:19, "It's harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron bars."(NLT)
Romans 12:17-19, "Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. 'I'll do the judging,' says God. 'I'll take care of it.'"(MSG)
Genesis 50:20a,"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…"(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, April 10, 2009
Love Is A Verb
by Stephanie Niebarger
This Week’s Verse: 1 John 3:18, “Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.” (NLT)
Devotion:
After I read the devotion from a few weeks ago, it stirred me to go a little deeper. I thought about love and what all it means. My first thought was the song by DC Talk, “Luv is a Verb.” While it is true that we are to love each other, what exactly does that mean? Love really is a verb because it requires action.
I have a friend who used to call me every so often for no reason at all other than just to say Hi and that she was thinking about me. The conversations hardly lasted five minutes, but that was the best five minutes of my day because it reminded me that she loved me.
This past week I was reading a newsletter from my church back in Iowa, and it mentioned a soldier being killed by “friendly fire.” It was not the enemy who killed him but some misguided weapon. I see on the news all too often the mass shootings in our own country, and I can’t help but wonder if this is a result of friendly fire, too. Could some of them have been prevented by a word of encouragement to the assailant? Sometimes harsh criticism can cause wounds which are too difficult to heal and push people away. We are told in Philippians 2:3: “Think of other people as more important than yourself”(NLB).
Sometimes love requires us to get out of our comfort zone. Jesus said in Luke 14:12-14, “The next time you put on a dinner, don’t just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You’ll be – and experience – a blessing. They won’t be able to return the favor, but the favor will be returned – oh, how it will be returned! – at the resurrection of God’s people”(MSG).
Jesus also tells us in Matthew 25:40, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me” (CEV). Love most definitely requires action; Love also requires sacrifice. Sometimes we may not always “feel” like doing something because it may make us uncomfortable, but I don’t think that ever stopped Jesus. Love is a Verb!
Father, Thank you for loving us by Your actions. Thank you for sending a Perfect Example of love. Father help us to show more love to others by our actions. Help us to reach out to others in love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application:
Is there someone you need to show love to? Do you have five minutes for a phone call? What are some of the ways you can show love and encouragement to others? It doesn’t take much. Just a little time. You never know what it might mean to that person.
Power Verses:
Galatians 6:10, “Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.” (NLT)
1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just an in fact you are doing.” (NIV)
Hebrews 10:24, “Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. (NLT)
Proverbs 12:25, “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” (NLT)
This Week’s Verse: 1 John 3:18, “Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.” (NLT)
Devotion:
After I read the devotion from a few weeks ago, it stirred me to go a little deeper. I thought about love and what all it means. My first thought was the song by DC Talk, “Luv is a Verb.” While it is true that we are to love each other, what exactly does that mean? Love really is a verb because it requires action.
I have a friend who used to call me every so often for no reason at all other than just to say Hi and that she was thinking about me. The conversations hardly lasted five minutes, but that was the best five minutes of my day because it reminded me that she loved me.
This past week I was reading a newsletter from my church back in Iowa, and it mentioned a soldier being killed by “friendly fire.” It was not the enemy who killed him but some misguided weapon. I see on the news all too often the mass shootings in our own country, and I can’t help but wonder if this is a result of friendly fire, too. Could some of them have been prevented by a word of encouragement to the assailant? Sometimes harsh criticism can cause wounds which are too difficult to heal and push people away. We are told in Philippians 2:3: “Think of other people as more important than yourself”(NLB).
Sometimes love requires us to get out of our comfort zone. Jesus said in Luke 14:12-14, “The next time you put on a dinner, don’t just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors, the kind of people who will return the favor. Invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You’ll be – and experience – a blessing. They won’t be able to return the favor, but the favor will be returned – oh, how it will be returned! – at the resurrection of God’s people”(MSG).
Jesus also tells us in Matthew 25:40, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me” (CEV). Love most definitely requires action; Love also requires sacrifice. Sometimes we may not always “feel” like doing something because it may make us uncomfortable, but I don’t think that ever stopped Jesus. Love is a Verb!
Father, Thank you for loving us by Your actions. Thank you for sending a Perfect Example of love. Father help us to show more love to others by our actions. Help us to reach out to others in love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application:
Is there someone you need to show love to? Do you have five minutes for a phone call? What are some of the ways you can show love and encouragement to others? It doesn’t take much. Just a little time. You never know what it might mean to that person.
Power Verses:
Galatians 6:10, “Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters.” (NLT)
1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just an in fact you are doing.” (NIV)
Hebrews 10:24, “Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. (NLT)
Proverbs 12:25, “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” (NLT)
Thursday, February 12, 2009
A New Day
by Stephanie Niebarger
This Week's Verse: Isaiah 43: 18-19, “Do not remember things that have happened before. Do not think about the things of the past. See, I will do a new thing. It will begin happening now.” (NLB)
Devotion:
I read the above scripture in my daily devotion a few weeks ago and it reminded me that each day is a new day to make a fresh start. Forget about what mistake you made and go forward. One of my favorite Reba McEntire songs is “Walk On.” The chorus goes: “Walk on. Nothing ever stays wrong that long. Walk toward the light, ‘til you find the sun (or Son – my translation) and you’ll be better off in the long run.” In other words, if we endure while walking through a rough patch, we'll actually come out better on the other side. But the thing about a fresh start is, you have to let go of the past.
Joyce Meyer puts it this way: “Don’t waste your future being condemned about your past. Sooner or later, we must come to the place where we stop feeling bitter, resentful, and sorry for ourselves. There must come a time when we stop living in the past and asking why. Instead, we must learn to let God turn our scars into stars.” Our negative history, if we let God shift our perspective, can possibly begin to be viewed as positive because it's shaped us into who we now are or can be in God.
Think about a precious stone or diamond--it doesn't get that way by any easy means. It is first placed under intense heat and then chiseled away to the beautiful stone that may be on your finger right now! Do you feel like you've been through the fire, chiseled like a stone? Don't give up. God is forming you into something beautiful like a diamond.
A friend sent me one of those “forwarded emails” with this analogy: Take a cup of water and hold it out straight in front of you. Initially you hardly noticed the weight of it. But after a while, it gets heavier and heavier until you can’t hold it anymore. That’s the same as any past mistakes or failures you may be carrying around with you. Let them go. They are holding you back from being the person God intended for you to be. Treat each day as a new day. Let go of past mistakes and go forward knowing that God is there with you to help you along the way. And you can bet He's polishing you to sparkle and shine for Him.
Father thank you for seeing us through some of our most difficult times. Please Dear Father, help us to let go of the past and focus more on the future that You have for us.
Application:
Is there something in your past that you are hanging on to? Past resentment, guilt, anger? Let it go. If there is someone you need to forgive, do it. Ask Jesus to help you get past all the baggage you are carrying around with you. Don’t waste your future being condemned about your past!
Power Verses:
Revelation 21:5, "Then the one sitting on the throne said: 'I am making everything new. Write down what I have said. My words are true and can be trusted.'"(CEV)
Philippians 4:13, "Christ gives me the strength to face anything."(CEV)
1 Corinthians 1:9, "God, who started you in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that." (MSG)
This Week's Verse: Isaiah 43: 18-19, “Do not remember things that have happened before. Do not think about the things of the past. See, I will do a new thing. It will begin happening now.” (NLB)
Devotion:
I read the above scripture in my daily devotion a few weeks ago and it reminded me that each day is a new day to make a fresh start. Forget about what mistake you made and go forward. One of my favorite Reba McEntire songs is “Walk On.” The chorus goes: “Walk on. Nothing ever stays wrong that long. Walk toward the light, ‘til you find the sun (or Son – my translation) and you’ll be better off in the long run.” In other words, if we endure while walking through a rough patch, we'll actually come out better on the other side. But the thing about a fresh start is, you have to let go of the past.
Joyce Meyer puts it this way: “Don’t waste your future being condemned about your past. Sooner or later, we must come to the place where we stop feeling bitter, resentful, and sorry for ourselves. There must come a time when we stop living in the past and asking why. Instead, we must learn to let God turn our scars into stars.” Our negative history, if we let God shift our perspective, can possibly begin to be viewed as positive because it's shaped us into who we now are or can be in God.
Think about a precious stone or diamond--it doesn't get that way by any easy means. It is first placed under intense heat and then chiseled away to the beautiful stone that may be on your finger right now! Do you feel like you've been through the fire, chiseled like a stone? Don't give up. God is forming you into something beautiful like a diamond.
A friend sent me one of those “forwarded emails” with this analogy: Take a cup of water and hold it out straight in front of you. Initially you hardly noticed the weight of it. But after a while, it gets heavier and heavier until you can’t hold it anymore. That’s the same as any past mistakes or failures you may be carrying around with you. Let them go. They are holding you back from being the person God intended for you to be. Treat each day as a new day. Let go of past mistakes and go forward knowing that God is there with you to help you along the way. And you can bet He's polishing you to sparkle and shine for Him.
Father thank you for seeing us through some of our most difficult times. Please Dear Father, help us to let go of the past and focus more on the future that You have for us.
Application:
Is there something in your past that you are hanging on to? Past resentment, guilt, anger? Let it go. If there is someone you need to forgive, do it. Ask Jesus to help you get past all the baggage you are carrying around with you. Don’t waste your future being condemned about your past!
Power Verses:
Revelation 21:5, "Then the one sitting on the throne said: 'I am making everything new. Write down what I have said. My words are true and can be trusted.'"(CEV)
Philippians 4:13, "Christ gives me the strength to face anything."(CEV)
1 Corinthians 1:9, "God, who started you in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that." (MSG)
Friday, October 3, 2008
By Your Side
by Stephanie Neibarger
This Week’s Verse: Revelation 3:7-8, “When I open a door, no one can close it. And when I close a door, no one can open it. Listen to what I say. I know everything you have done. And I have placed before you an open door that no one can close. You were not very strong, but you obeyed my message and did not deny that you are my followers.”(CEV)
Devotion:
During the past few weeks I’ve encountered various circumstances that have left me to question some of the decisions I have made in my life (mostly job related). Did I hear God correctly? Is this the path He wants me to take? Then I remembered He did not promise us that the path would always be easy, but He did promise that He would be there to help us through it: “When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2, NLT)
Recently I was watching the movie Facing the Giants. If you haven’t seen the movie it is about a football coach who implements Christian values in his team instead of winning and losing. In the beginning of the movie he faces criticism from others because he's not winning games. Due to the criticism, he questions if this was the path God wants for him. Then a friend walks into the coach’s office and reads Rev. 3:7-8 to him (this week’s verse, above).
Hmm, just what I needed to hear! I was letting others’ criticism cause me to question the door God had opened for me. This criticism was reflective in my attitude as well. I was letting other people’s action towards me determine my attitude. I had let their negativity creep into my own life. I have, in essence, let them determine my level of happiness. Jesus tells us in John 16:22, “Therefore, you too have grief; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.”
The movie also mentioned that the phrase “Do not be afraid” was in the Bible 365 times. Hmm, that’s one for each day of the year. Reassurance to face each day without fear. We can face each day with confidence knowing that God is right there along side us to help us through the day (Deut 31:8 – below).
Father thank you for always being with us through every situation in our life. Please help us to focus on you instead of our circumstances in times of trouble. Help us cling to Your promises so our attitude would reflect more of You.
Application:
If things don't always go the way you would like, do you get upset? If we depend on other people or cirucmstances to keep us happy, there will always be something to steal our joy. Don't let other people or circumstances determine your happiness; God's your true source of joy.
Power Verses:
Psalm 94:13, “That You may give him power to keep himself calm in the days of adversity, until the [inevitable] pit of corruption is dug for the wicked.”(AMP)
John 16:22, “Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.”(NASB)
Hebrews 10:35-36, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”(NIV)
Deut. 31:8, “The Lord Himself will go ahead of you. He will be with you. He will never leave you. He’ll never desert you. So don’t be afraid. Don’t lose hope.”(NIV)
This Week’s Verse: Revelation 3:7-8, “When I open a door, no one can close it. And when I close a door, no one can open it. Listen to what I say. I know everything you have done. And I have placed before you an open door that no one can close. You were not very strong, but you obeyed my message and did not deny that you are my followers.”(CEV)
Devotion:
During the past few weeks I’ve encountered various circumstances that have left me to question some of the decisions I have made in my life (mostly job related). Did I hear God correctly? Is this the path He wants me to take? Then I remembered He did not promise us that the path would always be easy, but He did promise that He would be there to help us through it: “When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2, NLT)
Recently I was watching the movie Facing the Giants. If you haven’t seen the movie it is about a football coach who implements Christian values in his team instead of winning and losing. In the beginning of the movie he faces criticism from others because he's not winning games. Due to the criticism, he questions if this was the path God wants for him. Then a friend walks into the coach’s office and reads Rev. 3:7-8 to him (this week’s verse, above).
Hmm, just what I needed to hear! I was letting others’ criticism cause me to question the door God had opened for me. This criticism was reflective in my attitude as well. I was letting other people’s action towards me determine my attitude. I had let their negativity creep into my own life. I have, in essence, let them determine my level of happiness. Jesus tells us in John 16:22, “Therefore, you too have grief; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.”
The movie also mentioned that the phrase “Do not be afraid” was in the Bible 365 times. Hmm, that’s one for each day of the year. Reassurance to face each day without fear. We can face each day with confidence knowing that God is right there along side us to help us through the day (Deut 31:8 – below).
Father thank you for always being with us through every situation in our life. Please help us to focus on you instead of our circumstances in times of trouble. Help us cling to Your promises so our attitude would reflect more of You.
Application:
If things don't always go the way you would like, do you get upset? If we depend on other people or cirucmstances to keep us happy, there will always be something to steal our joy. Don't let other people or circumstances determine your happiness; God's your true source of joy.
Power Verses:
Psalm 94:13, “That You may give him power to keep himself calm in the days of adversity, until the [inevitable] pit of corruption is dug for the wicked.”(AMP)
John 16:22, “Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.”(NASB)
Hebrews 10:35-36, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”(NIV)
Deut. 31:8, “The Lord Himself will go ahead of you. He will be with you. He will never leave you. He’ll never desert you. So don’t be afraid. Don’t lose hope.”(NIV)
Friday, May 30, 2008
The Renewed Season
by Stephanie Neibarger
This Week’s Verse: John 15:1-5, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned for greater fruitfulness by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."
Devotion:
I don’t know if I’m just becoming a nature freak or if this is just one tool that God is using to teach me things. Last year I noticed a rose bush that had a bunch of dead branches on it. I trimmed off all the dead branches leaving a skeleton of a bush.
This year, I noticed that same bush and it was big and beautiful with tons of rose pedals. I thought, hmm, there must be a devotion in there somewhere! I thought how God will sometimes cut or prune things out of our life. Initially things seem bad, but later we realize He did this to cause us to prosper.
His Word even states in John 15:1-2, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” Notice that it says even branches that do bear fruit are pruned so they can produce even more. So when things in your life are going great and God decides to prune you, know that He is doing so in order for you to produce more fruit.
Isaiah 55 teaches us that His ways are not our ways, His ways are higher than our ways. God also promises us in Jeremiah 29 that His plans for us will cause us to prosper, not harm us. So even when we deal with disappointments and things just aren’t going our way, we don’t have to get discouraged because we know that God has a better plan for us.
Father, thank you for always causing us to prosper. Thank for working for good in our lives. Help us to draw closer to You so we may know Your will and follow Your direction for our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.
Application:
Has there been anything that He has cut out of your life that you just don’t understand? Rest assured that He is only doing it to cause you to increase in your life. Stay positive and God will bring things around for you.
Power Verses:
Isaiah 55:8-9, "My thoughts are completely different from yours,' says the Lord. 'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.'" (NLT)
Philip. 1:6, "And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again." (NLT)
Hebrews 10:36, "You must be willing to wait without giving up. After you have done what God wants you to do, God will give you what He promised you." (NLB)
Romans 8:28, "And we know all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into His plans." (LB)
Joshua 1:9, "I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (NLT)
Jeremiah 29:11, "I will bless you with a future filled with hope – a future of success, not suffering." (CEV)
This Week’s Verse: John 15:1-5, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned for greater fruitfulness by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful apart from me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."
Devotion:
I don’t know if I’m just becoming a nature freak or if this is just one tool that God is using to teach me things. Last year I noticed a rose bush that had a bunch of dead branches on it. I trimmed off all the dead branches leaving a skeleton of a bush.
This year, I noticed that same bush and it was big and beautiful with tons of rose pedals. I thought, hmm, there must be a devotion in there somewhere! I thought how God will sometimes cut or prune things out of our life. Initially things seem bad, but later we realize He did this to cause us to prosper.
His Word even states in John 15:1-2, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.” Notice that it says even branches that do bear fruit are pruned so they can produce even more. So when things in your life are going great and God decides to prune you, know that He is doing so in order for you to produce more fruit.
Isaiah 55 teaches us that His ways are not our ways, His ways are higher than our ways. God also promises us in Jeremiah 29 that His plans for us will cause us to prosper, not harm us. So even when we deal with disappointments and things just aren’t going our way, we don’t have to get discouraged because we know that God has a better plan for us.
Father, thank you for always causing us to prosper. Thank for working for good in our lives. Help us to draw closer to You so we may know Your will and follow Your direction for our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.
Application:
Has there been anything that He has cut out of your life that you just don’t understand? Rest assured that He is only doing it to cause you to increase in your life. Stay positive and God will bring things around for you.
Power Verses:
Isaiah 55:8-9, "My thoughts are completely different from yours,' says the Lord. 'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.'" (NLT)
Philip. 1:6, "And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again." (NLT)
Hebrews 10:36, "You must be willing to wait without giving up. After you have done what God wants you to do, God will give you what He promised you." (NLB)
Romans 8:28, "And we know all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into His plans." (LB)
Joshua 1:9, "I command you—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (NLT)
Jeremiah 29:11, "I will bless you with a future filled with hope – a future of success, not suffering." (CEV)
Friday, May 9, 2008
A New Season
by Stephanie Neibarger
This Week's Verse: Isaiah 43:19, "For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness for my people to come home. I will create rivers for them in the desert!" (NLT)
Devotion:
Once again, Joel is my inspiration for this devotion. Today I was watching his program on TV and he was talking about what has been on my mind the past few days. He was talking about staying positive during some of the tough times in our life. Let me explain:
Each morning I walk my dogs and lately I’ve been noticing the changing of the trees, flowers and other things coming to life. I thought How beautiful, God! I love the spring season because of all the beauty it provides. I love the smell of the honeysuckle and lilac. The beautiful dogwood trees are blooming. And then I thought, Gee, these are the same trees that were here in the winter, only I didn’t find them as beautiful because I couldn’t see it.
I thought how much that was like on our own lives. Sometimes in our life we go through seasons. We have our winter and our spring seasons. Maybe you are going through a winter season. Maybe you are not seeing anything changing. Just like the trees, the beauty is there, but God is waiting for the perfect time for you to ‘bloom.’ Don’t give up. At the right time, God will cause things to turn around in your life. Your spring season is just around the corner.
Father, we know that you are in complete control over our lives. Thank you for being there during each of the seasons in our lives, even though we may not always see or feel you. Help us to see Your beauty in each day. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Application:
If you are having a trouble seeing God working in your life, go out and admire all the beauty He has for you in the trees, the flowers and the birds. The same beauty He brings about in nature He will do for you as well.
Power Verses:
Eccles. 3:1, “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.” (NJKV)
Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (NKJV)
Romans 8:28, “We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan.” (NLV)
Psalm 54:7a, “You have rescued me from all of my troubles.” (CEV)
This Week's Verse: Isaiah 43:19, "For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness for my people to come home. I will create rivers for them in the desert!" (NLT)
Devotion:
Once again, Joel is my inspiration for this devotion. Today I was watching his program on TV and he was talking about what has been on my mind the past few days. He was talking about staying positive during some of the tough times in our life. Let me explain:
Each morning I walk my dogs and lately I’ve been noticing the changing of the trees, flowers and other things coming to life. I thought How beautiful, God! I love the spring season because of all the beauty it provides. I love the smell of the honeysuckle and lilac. The beautiful dogwood trees are blooming. And then I thought, Gee, these are the same trees that were here in the winter, only I didn’t find them as beautiful because I couldn’t see it.
I thought how much that was like on our own lives. Sometimes in our life we go through seasons. We have our winter and our spring seasons. Maybe you are going through a winter season. Maybe you are not seeing anything changing. Just like the trees, the beauty is there, but God is waiting for the perfect time for you to ‘bloom.’ Don’t give up. At the right time, God will cause things to turn around in your life. Your spring season is just around the corner.
Father, we know that you are in complete control over our lives. Thank you for being there during each of the seasons in our lives, even though we may not always see or feel you. Help us to see Your beauty in each day. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Application:
If you are having a trouble seeing God working in your life, go out and admire all the beauty He has for you in the trees, the flowers and the birds. The same beauty He brings about in nature He will do for you as well.
Power Verses:
Eccles. 3:1, “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.” (NJKV)
Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (NKJV)
Romans 8:28, “We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan.” (NLV)
Psalm 54:7a, “You have rescued me from all of my troubles.” (CEV)
Friday, April 25, 2008
Pay It Forward
by Stephanie Neibarger
This Week’s Verse: Philippians 2:3-5, "Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing. Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had." (NLT)
Devotion:
I started reading Joel Osteen’s book Your Best Life Now book about four years ago. I got about two-thirds of the way through it and then stored it neatly on my bookshelf along with my other innumerable collection of “How to be a Better Christian” type books!! (Gee – if I would only read them!!) It wasn’t until this past week that I decided to pick it up again. This is the part where I had left off: [I paraphrased some of it to condense the writing.]
In the story of Ruth from the Old Testament, her eyes were not on herself. She had compassion on her mother-in-law, Naomi. Both were widows and Ruth was determined to stay with Naomi and care for her. By this devotion and unselfishness, God blessed Ruth. (For more details, go to the book of Ruth in the Old Testament.)
In today’s world we seem to do for others just so we can get something in return, whether it’s the notoriety of our actions or something more tangible. Ruth knew Naomi could not offer her anything in return. She did it out of mere love and unselfishness.
There was a movie made a few years ago that focused on meeting the needs of others. It was called Pay It Forward--hence the title of this devotion. It was about a boy who had a school project to do and he decided his project would be to do good for others and all they had to do in return was to do good for someone else. I love the old adage that states: “What goes around comes around”. In good or bad cases, I firmly believe that to be true. If you want good to come back around to you, go do good for someone else.
Don’t you think it’s time we start being more like Jesus? We need to stop focusing on our own problems and start having more compassion for others. When we care for others and their problems we demonstrate the love Jesus showed to others.
Father, thank You for the many gifts You have blessed us with. Help us to use these gifts to be a blessing to others. May we always think of others as better than ourselves. May we earnestly seek to help others who are in need, whether it be tangible gifts or just our love and support. May we continue to be an example for You. In Jesus name, Amen.
Application:
You may be thinking that your problems are so big there’s no way I can help someone else. How do you know what others are going through? Or that your problems are bigger than theirs? Or you may be thinking I am so busy I can barely do the things I need to get done. If you will focus on meeting the needs of others, God will make sure your needs are met.
James 2:14-17 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well"—but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless.” (NLT)
To that end, identify one person whose needs you can meet. Step out in faith to meet it.
Power Verses:
Matthew 25:40, “Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.'” (MSG)
2 Cor. 9:8, "God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others." (CEV)
Proverbs 11:24-25, "It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything. The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." (NLT)
Luke 6:38, “If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” (CEV)
Eccles. 11:1, "Be generous, and someday you will be rewarded." (CEV)
Footnote:
I wrote this devotion last week but was told it would be posted this week instead since last week's devotion was already written and ready to go. Then as I was listening to John’s sermon on Sunday, I thought how ‘crafty’ God is because his sermon was related to what this one's about. If you would like to listen to John’s sermon you can go here.
This Week’s Verse: Philippians 2:3-5, "Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing. Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had." (NLT)
Devotion:
I started reading Joel Osteen’s book Your Best Life Now book about four years ago. I got about two-thirds of the way through it and then stored it neatly on my bookshelf along with my other innumerable collection of “How to be a Better Christian” type books!! (Gee – if I would only read them!!) It wasn’t until this past week that I decided to pick it up again. This is the part where I had left off: [I paraphrased some of it to condense the writing.]
In Jesus life, you may recall that He always took time for people. He was never too busy with His own plans. He wasn’t caught up in Himself that He was unwilling to stop and help a person in need. He could have easily been distracted by His own situations and made excuses that He was too busy, but He didn’t. He had compassion on people. He was concerned about what others were going through. He willingly took the time to stop and listen and help others with their problems, no matter what else He may have had going on.Most of the time I stayed focus on my own struggles and more or less ‘kept my nose in my own backyard’. I wasn’t very compassionate towards others or what they were going through. Jesus did not focus on his own struggles. Even when he was rejected, persecuted and shamed, He still showed compassion for others. The late Keith Green’s song ‘Make My Life a Prayer’ has a line it in that speaks volumes: “It’s so hard to see when my eyes are on me.”
In the story of Ruth from the Old Testament, her eyes were not on herself. She had compassion on her mother-in-law, Naomi. Both were widows and Ruth was determined to stay with Naomi and care for her. By this devotion and unselfishness, God blessed Ruth. (For more details, go to the book of Ruth in the Old Testament.)
In today’s world we seem to do for others just so we can get something in return, whether it’s the notoriety of our actions or something more tangible. Ruth knew Naomi could not offer her anything in return. She did it out of mere love and unselfishness.
There was a movie made a few years ago that focused on meeting the needs of others. It was called Pay It Forward--hence the title of this devotion. It was about a boy who had a school project to do and he decided his project would be to do good for others and all they had to do in return was to do good for someone else. I love the old adage that states: “What goes around comes around”. In good or bad cases, I firmly believe that to be true. If you want good to come back around to you, go do good for someone else.
Don’t you think it’s time we start being more like Jesus? We need to stop focusing on our own problems and start having more compassion for others. When we care for others and their problems we demonstrate the love Jesus showed to others.
Father, thank You for the many gifts You have blessed us with. Help us to use these gifts to be a blessing to others. May we always think of others as better than ourselves. May we earnestly seek to help others who are in need, whether it be tangible gifts or just our love and support. May we continue to be an example for You. In Jesus name, Amen.
Application:
You may be thinking that your problems are so big there’s no way I can help someone else. How do you know what others are going through? Or that your problems are bigger than theirs? Or you may be thinking I am so busy I can barely do the things I need to get done. If you will focus on meeting the needs of others, God will make sure your needs are met.
James 2:14-17 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well"—but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless.” (NLT)
To that end, identify one person whose needs you can meet. Step out in faith to meet it.
Power Verses:
Matthew 25:40, “Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.'” (MSG)
2 Cor. 9:8, "God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others." (CEV)
Proverbs 11:24-25, "It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything. The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." (NLT)
Luke 6:38, “If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” (CEV)
Eccles. 11:1, "Be generous, and someday you will be rewarded." (CEV)
Footnote:
I wrote this devotion last week but was told it would be posted this week instead since last week's devotion was already written and ready to go. Then as I was listening to John’s sermon on Sunday, I thought how ‘crafty’ God is because his sermon was related to what this one's about. If you would like to listen to John’s sermon you can go here.
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