by Jessica Finney
Waiting on God to tell us what He wants us to do is not easy. It says in Isaiah 40:32 "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with eagles, they shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not grow faint."
To me that means that God know our limitations, so sometimes waiting for His timing is just getting us the rest that we need and helping us to get equipped for what He wants us to do. Once He lets us know, it usually is something we would have never imagined.
It also teaches us patience and lets us see how strong our faith really is. I don't know about you, but mine sometimes fails terribly.
I am a planner. I want to know what I am doing about every minute of every day and every year. I start getting worried and nervous if plans aren't going well, even though God has showed me time and time again that some of the best moments are the ones that weren't planned out.
I believe during times like that God is reminding me that it isn't about me, and I need to put my trust in Him alone. His plan is so much better than mine, and His ways are the only ways I should desire.
I always want to be in His will, but I am like a child sometimes and don't want to wait for the answer; I want it now.
But how much better off our lives would be if we just waited on the Lord and loved Him enough to show that we are willing to wait, however long it takes.
Dear heavenly Father, Thank you for guiding us and growing us while we wait on You. Please help me with my faith because I can't do anything without You. Help me to not be impatient and try to get ahead of you. I want to show You that I love You enough that I will wait for your answer. I know that it will be better then I could ever imagine. In Jesus name, amen.
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Sunday, January 6, 2013
A New Day
by Charity Pence
This Week's Verse: "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalm 27:14 (NKJ)
There was a time when I looked forward to New Year's. I'd jot down my resolutions and then ring in the new year with family. We'd bang pots and pans, cheer, have a toast for all the good to come. The new year always held such potential. Regardless of what occurred the prior year, I could smile and be joyful. A new year brought a new day, new opportunities.
Each year, a bit of that excitement slips through my fingers as I'm reminded that one day doesn't change anything. Not really. On New Year's Eve, when the clock strikes midnight, there's no magic wand that waves away our struggles. And, thankfully, our blessings are not waved away, either. Instead, life goes on in one continuous loop that seems to speed up and never slows down. And you know what I recently realized? I don't mind. Okay, I wouldn't mind if time slowed, but I don't mind that time occurs in a continuous cycle.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." (NKJ) The point is, there really is a time for everything. Seasons change, circumstances change. And it all happens in God's time. So rather than see January 1st as a new day for change, I try to appreciate each and every day because every day has potential for change. When life gets tough, I accept struggles as lessons for patience (although not always gracefully), knowing that the trial will pass. I try to focus on the blessings because they don't end when the year ends.
In the midst of the holiday season, it's easy to get caught up in the idea of a new year. But every day is a new day. And even more amazing, God's right there with us. He will hold our hand, wipe our tears, laugh with us, hold us up. Whatever we need, every day of the year, we can count on God to provide.
So don't focus so much on January 1st. Every day is a new day, and God is with us to celebrate.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me I don't need a new year to see Your glory. I don't need to wait until next year to find joy. Instead of focusing on a new year, help us to look upon each day as we do the new year. Every day holds promise; every day You are there. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Power Verses:
Psalm 16:1 "Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust." (NKJ)
Isaiah 55:6 "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near." (NKJ)
This Week's Verse: "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psalm 27:14 (NKJ)
There was a time when I looked forward to New Year's. I'd jot down my resolutions and then ring in the new year with family. We'd bang pots and pans, cheer, have a toast for all the good to come. The new year always held such potential. Regardless of what occurred the prior year, I could smile and be joyful. A new year brought a new day, new opportunities.
Each year, a bit of that excitement slips through my fingers as I'm reminded that one day doesn't change anything. Not really. On New Year's Eve, when the clock strikes midnight, there's no magic wand that waves away our struggles. And, thankfully, our blessings are not waved away, either. Instead, life goes on in one continuous loop that seems to speed up and never slows down. And you know what I recently realized? I don't mind. Okay, I wouldn't mind if time slowed, but I don't mind that time occurs in a continuous cycle.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." (NKJ) The point is, there really is a time for everything. Seasons change, circumstances change. And it all happens in God's time. So rather than see January 1st as a new day for change, I try to appreciate each and every day because every day has potential for change. When life gets tough, I accept struggles as lessons for patience (although not always gracefully), knowing that the trial will pass. I try to focus on the blessings because they don't end when the year ends.
In the midst of the holiday season, it's easy to get caught up in the idea of a new year. But every day is a new day. And even more amazing, God's right there with us. He will hold our hand, wipe our tears, laugh with us, hold us up. Whatever we need, every day of the year, we can count on God to provide.
So don't focus so much on January 1st. Every day is a new day, and God is with us to celebrate.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me I don't need a new year to see Your glory. I don't need to wait until next year to find joy. Instead of focusing on a new year, help us to look upon each day as we do the new year. Every day holds promise; every day You are there. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Power Verses:
Psalm 16:1 "Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust." (NKJ)
Isaiah 55:6 "Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near." (NKJ)
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Caleb and Joshua
Today as I consider the Numbers story of Caleb and Joshua, I wonder how often we as Christians back up our faith with courage. In Numbers chapter 13, we are told that spies were sent to the land of Canaan. Among those spies were Caleb and Joshua. After spying on the land for forty days, the spies returned to Moses and the Israelites.
The children of Israel surely were expecting a good report. They had been delivered from the Egyptians and were ready to claim the land promised to them by God. Caleb did indeed give a good report. However, verse 31 says, "But the men who had gone up with him said, 'We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.'" The congregation then wept. After everything they witnessed God do for them, they allowed a few men to convince them they could not fight against the inhabitants of Canaan.
Yet Caleb and Joshua believed in God. They had faith. And they were ready to back up their faith with courage. In Numbers 14:8-9, Caleb and Joshua tell the Israelites, "If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them."
Caleb and Joshua were ready to go, even though the spies who accompanied them were not. And when Caleb and Joshua tried to change the minds of the Israelites, they said Caleb and Joshua should be stoned!
The question I have to ask myself after reading this passage is this: would I have the courage to go where God sends me? If everyone around me was too afraid, would I have the courage to trust God and go alone? That's a question we all need to ask ourselves.
The children of Israel surely were expecting a good report. They had been delivered from the Egyptians and were ready to claim the land promised to them by God. Caleb did indeed give a good report. However, verse 31 says, "But the men who had gone up with him said, 'We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.'" The congregation then wept. After everything they witnessed God do for them, they allowed a few men to convince them they could not fight against the inhabitants of Canaan.
Yet Caleb and Joshua believed in God. They had faith. And they were ready to back up their faith with courage. In Numbers 14:8-9, Caleb and Joshua tell the Israelites, "If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them."
Caleb and Joshua were ready to go, even though the spies who accompanied them were not. And when Caleb and Joshua tried to change the minds of the Israelites, they said Caleb and Joshua should be stoned!
The question I have to ask myself after reading this passage is this: would I have the courage to go where God sends me? If everyone around me was too afraid, would I have the courage to trust God and go alone? That's a question we all need to ask ourselves.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Abraham's Obedience
by Charity Pence
This Week's Verse: Genesis 22:2 "Then He said, 'Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." (NKJ)
I cannot imagine what was going through Abraham's mind when he received the command from God to sacrifice his son Isaac. The Bible only tells us that Abraham went. But it could not have been easy for Abraham. That is why I believe we can learn much from this story.
Abraham was an old man by the time he was blessed with a son. Consider for a moment the joy he must have felt when Isaac was born. His faith was already strong, but surely receiving such a seemingly impossible blessing must have strengthened his faith in God. Isaac would be his heir! The descendants promised by the Lord became a reality with Isaac's birth. But then God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac as an offering. At that point, I would have said, "Hold up. How are you going to carry out your promise if I kill my son?" The story in Genesis doesn't mention Abraham doubting the Lord. But taking that journey to Moriah had to be one of the most difficult trips for Abraham.
The point is, being obedient to God is easy when His command makes sense. When we understand. But when we don't understand? That's when real faith kicks in. That's when we reveal our true character.
We may never know what would have happened if Abraham withheld Isaac from God. What we do know is that Abraham took those steps, despite how hard it must have been. And he was blessed for his obedience. "By myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son, blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand whch is on the seashore, and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies." Genesis 22:16, 17 (NKJ)
Dear Heavenly Father, It's so easy to rejoice and be obedient when things go our way. But when the path you set before us is difficult or doesn't make sense, too often we stumble. Please help us to be more like Abraham. Strengthen us so we can let go of fear and doubt, and so we can continue walking until your will is done. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Power Verse:
Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." (NKJ)
Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." (NKJ)
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
God Is Listening
by Charity Pence
This week's post is a bit different from the typical format. And I apologize for the lengthy absence. I certainly didn't mean for a month to go by with no new posts.
Today, I'd just like to share one verse. "Call to me, and I will answer you." Jeremiah 33:3.
Short. Simple. But it has huge meaning. When we call out to God, He hears us. Not only that, He responds. We might not always like the answer, but we can take comfort in knowing that He is listening to us. Isn't that great? I think so.
So with that in mind, don't hold back from God. Whether you are angry, scared, glad, or rejoicing - call out to our heavenly father. He can take whatever we have to say.
This week's post is a bit different from the typical format. And I apologize for the lengthy absence. I certainly didn't mean for a month to go by with no new posts.
Today, I'd just like to share one verse. "Call to me, and I will answer you." Jeremiah 33:3.
Short. Simple. But it has huge meaning. When we call out to God, He hears us. Not only that, He responds. We might not always like the answer, but we can take comfort in knowing that He is listening to us. Isn't that great? I think so.
So with that in mind, don't hold back from God. Whether you are angry, scared, glad, or rejoicing - call out to our heavenly father. He can take whatever we have to say.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Stepping Out In Faith
by Charity Pence
This Week’s Verse: Proverbs 16:20 “He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.” (NKJ)
A good friend of mine recently told me something out of Christian love. She had heard me speak often about wanting children and waiting for the right time. And she’d heard me talk about being faithful and believing what God’s word says regarding blessings of children. However, she thought I wasn’t really trusting God. Why? Because I wasn’t doing anything.
Since I love and respect this friend, I was not bothered by what she told me. I spent the next week praying about that. One morning, as I was praying and considering what she’d said, God told me it was time to step out in faith. You see, I thought I was trusting God and being faithful by waiting. Waiting for God to correct our circumstances, waiting for God to provide what we would need, waiting for God to provide a job closer to home. Now don’t get me wrong; there are times when we need to wait. But I was waiting for things we didn’t really need yet. What I needed to do was move! Though I thought I was doing the right thing and trying to be responsible, I was actually holding God back. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (NKJ)
Seldom does God move without expecting us to move with Him. When God revealed to me that the time to wait was over, I was a bit…terrified. Stepping out in faith is hard, but what better way is there to show God we truly trust in Him? So I am excited to announce my husband and I are beginning the adoption process. This is the path God has brought us to. And instead of standing back, we’re going to step up and watch our Lord move! “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.” Psalm 16:9 (NKJ).
Dear Heavenly Father, You are so faithful in your promises to us. Thank You for always providing for me and my husband through all of our trials. You have given us more than enough reason to trust in You. You are our provider, healer, counselor, and friend. I love you, Lord, and I look forward to the journey you are taking us on. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Do you ever get tired of just waiting? Whatever you’re waiting for this week, pray about it. God might be waiting on you. And if that’s the case, it’s time to get moving!
Power Verses:
Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (KJV)
Isaiah 46:11 “Yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (KJV)
Romans 4:20 “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.” (NKJ)
This Week’s Verse: Proverbs 16:20 “He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.” (NKJ)
A good friend of mine recently told me something out of Christian love. She had heard me speak often about wanting children and waiting for the right time. And she’d heard me talk about being faithful and believing what God’s word says regarding blessings of children. However, she thought I wasn’t really trusting God. Why? Because I wasn’t doing anything.
Since I love and respect this friend, I was not bothered by what she told me. I spent the next week praying about that. One morning, as I was praying and considering what she’d said, God told me it was time to step out in faith. You see, I thought I was trusting God and being faithful by waiting. Waiting for God to correct our circumstances, waiting for God to provide what we would need, waiting for God to provide a job closer to home. Now don’t get me wrong; there are times when we need to wait. But I was waiting for things we didn’t really need yet. What I needed to do was move! Though I thought I was doing the right thing and trying to be responsible, I was actually holding God back. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (NKJ)
Seldom does God move without expecting us to move with Him. When God revealed to me that the time to wait was over, I was a bit…terrified. Stepping out in faith is hard, but what better way is there to show God we truly trust in Him? So I am excited to announce my husband and I are beginning the adoption process. This is the path God has brought us to. And instead of standing back, we’re going to step up and watch our Lord move! “Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.” Psalm 16:9 (NKJ).
Dear Heavenly Father, You are so faithful in your promises to us. Thank You for always providing for me and my husband through all of our trials. You have given us more than enough reason to trust in You. You are our provider, healer, counselor, and friend. I love you, Lord, and I look forward to the journey you are taking us on. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Do you ever get tired of just waiting? Whatever you’re waiting for this week, pray about it. God might be waiting on you. And if that’s the case, it’s time to get moving!
Power Verses:
Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (KJV)
Isaiah 46:11 “Yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (KJV)
Romans 4:20 “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.” (NKJ)
Friday, July 30, 2010
What If?
by Denise Reed
This Week’s Verse: Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)
Devotion:
Sometimes when I’m lying in bed I get a bad case of the “what-ifs”. My mind starts thinking about every possible bad or tragic thing that can happen to me and my family. What if my husband gets in a fatal accident to/from work? What if one of my children dies in some sort of freak accident? What if someone breaks into our house while we’re sleeping?. . . and the list goes on and on.
Next thing I know, I’m crying in bed, and I’m feeling stupid. I’m crying about my husband dying and he’s laying right next to me! I’m just hoping he’s already asleep so he doesn’t hear me sniffling. I wouldn’t want to tell him why I’m crying! Does anybody else do this?
But then, thankfully, God reminds me of this week’s verse and I feel peace and relief. I am not relieved because tragedies will never happen. But I am consoled because I know that if disaster strikes, God will get me through it.
Just look at the example God provides for us in the book of Job—in fact, I’m convinced God included Job’s story in the Word to inspire us to hold on through any hardship. In this extreme case we see the proper way to react when tragedy occurs. He relies on God during his excessive hardships and remains faithful. He learns more about the nature of God through his adversity and we would do well to grasp the same truth.
God is our comforter, our strength when we are weak. It is SO hard when difficulties come, but it will be okay. God promises to never hurt us. We have to trust His promises and carry out our mission here on this earth. Although we would love for it to, the world will not stop for us in times of calamity.
How terrible it must be for non-Christians to go through tragedies without knowing God’s promises! We believers have something they don’t, though, and it’s our job to reach out to them and anyone needing the promises and strength of Christ.
We have the answer to the world’s “What ifs…”
Lord, thank you for the example of your servant Job. I pray that you will remind me of your promises when my mind starts to wonder. I pray that I can console others with your promises when tragedies occur. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application:
Next time you get a case of the "what-ifs" allow yourself to be comforted by God’s word and find strength in knowing that tragedy will not overcome you.
Power Verses:
2 Cor. 1:4, “…who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (NIV)
Rom. 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”(NIV)
Ps 119:50, “My comfort in my suffering is this: your promise preserves my life.” (NIV)
This Week’s Verse: Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)
Devotion:
Sometimes when I’m lying in bed I get a bad case of the “what-ifs”. My mind starts thinking about every possible bad or tragic thing that can happen to me and my family. What if my husband gets in a fatal accident to/from work? What if one of my children dies in some sort of freak accident? What if someone breaks into our house while we’re sleeping?. . . and the list goes on and on.
Next thing I know, I’m crying in bed, and I’m feeling stupid. I’m crying about my husband dying and he’s laying right next to me! I’m just hoping he’s already asleep so he doesn’t hear me sniffling. I wouldn’t want to tell him why I’m crying! Does anybody else do this?
But then, thankfully, God reminds me of this week’s verse and I feel peace and relief. I am not relieved because tragedies will never happen. But I am consoled because I know that if disaster strikes, God will get me through it.
Just look at the example God provides for us in the book of Job—in fact, I’m convinced God included Job’s story in the Word to inspire us to hold on through any hardship. In this extreme case we see the proper way to react when tragedy occurs. He relies on God during his excessive hardships and remains faithful. He learns more about the nature of God through his adversity and we would do well to grasp the same truth.
God is our comforter, our strength when we are weak. It is SO hard when difficulties come, but it will be okay. God promises to never hurt us. We have to trust His promises and carry out our mission here on this earth. Although we would love for it to, the world will not stop for us in times of calamity.
How terrible it must be for non-Christians to go through tragedies without knowing God’s promises! We believers have something they don’t, though, and it’s our job to reach out to them and anyone needing the promises and strength of Christ.
We have the answer to the world’s “What ifs…”
Lord, thank you for the example of your servant Job. I pray that you will remind me of your promises when my mind starts to wonder. I pray that I can console others with your promises when tragedies occur. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application:
Next time you get a case of the "what-ifs" allow yourself to be comforted by God’s word and find strength in knowing that tragedy will not overcome you.
Power Verses:
2 Cor. 1:4, “…who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” (NIV)
Rom. 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”(NIV)
Ps 119:50, “My comfort in my suffering is this: your promise preserves my life.” (NIV)
Friday, July 2, 2010
Trust
by Bethany Lashbrook
This Week’s Verse: Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”(NIV)
Devotion:
Lately, I’ve had to trust a lot. I trust that Gabrielle will do just fine in kindergarten. I trust Savannah when she tells me she only grabbed one piece of candy from our candy jar. I trust Clint when he tells me six hours of sleep is enough per night for him. I trust that I can have the strength to sometimes refuse dessert, even when it looks yummy!
But lately, I have really had to put my TRUST in the LORD. I am at a major crossroads in my life and I have complete trust that the Lord will put me on the right path.
I have complete trust that no matter how bad I want to mess with things, that the Lord will quietly (or maybe loudly) tell me to quit meddling in His business. I have 100% trust in letting him make the right decisions for my children when long, hot summer days have us exhausted and in each other’s hair at the end of the day. I have given the Lord all my trust to continue to bless my marriage that I am in; to help Clint and me become more fruitful in our endeavors each and every day.
While studying the book of Job this last month at FCC, I have often wondered how much trust Job put into the Lord after all of his hardships. We see him lose his family, his livestock, his servants, and then is afflicted with painful sores. We see Job deal with his feelings in the next several chapters following these life-changing moments. He really starts to feel sorry for himself, wondering why he had to go through all of these mishaps.
Even so, he seems to return to understanding that trust in anything but the Lord is useless. He says “Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return”(15:31, NIV).
It is not very often in our lives that we are REALLY tested like Job was. I have to wonder how trustworthy I would be if something serious were to happen. The events thus far in my life seem “manageable”. But other events, they could be detrimental to my life. I hope that the Lord will be proud of me just as He was with Job. I hope to stand tall, proclaim that the Lord is in control, and be the best Christian that I know how to be.
Dear Lord, thank you for the book of Job. Thank you for choosing these men and women of the bible to remind us that we are not alone. Thank you for knowing just what we need to hear, need to read, and need to focus on in your Word so that we can apply it to our lives. And thank you, most of all, for sending your Son to die on the cross. Continue to help us grow in You. In Your Son’s Name I pray, Amen.
Application:
Have you read the book of Job? It can be a tough book, but a chapter or two at a time helps make it easier. Job really is on an emotional roller coaster. He loses his family, his friends turn on him, and he feels rejected and left alone. Yet, he continues on. I don’t know about you, but as a woman in today’s world…I get to feeling like this. Job really is an inspiration to turn to. He survives – and so can we!
Power Verses:
Psalm 9:10, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.”(NLT)
Nahum 1:7, “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.”(NKJV)
John 12:36, “Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.”(NIV)
This Week’s Verse: Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”(NIV)
Devotion:
Lately, I’ve had to trust a lot. I trust that Gabrielle will do just fine in kindergarten. I trust Savannah when she tells me she only grabbed one piece of candy from our candy jar. I trust Clint when he tells me six hours of sleep is enough per night for him. I trust that I can have the strength to sometimes refuse dessert, even when it looks yummy!
But lately, I have really had to put my TRUST in the LORD. I am at a major crossroads in my life and I have complete trust that the Lord will put me on the right path.
I have complete trust that no matter how bad I want to mess with things, that the Lord will quietly (or maybe loudly) tell me to quit meddling in His business. I have 100% trust in letting him make the right decisions for my children when long, hot summer days have us exhausted and in each other’s hair at the end of the day. I have given the Lord all my trust to continue to bless my marriage that I am in; to help Clint and me become more fruitful in our endeavors each and every day.
While studying the book of Job this last month at FCC, I have often wondered how much trust Job put into the Lord after all of his hardships. We see him lose his family, his livestock, his servants, and then is afflicted with painful sores. We see Job deal with his feelings in the next several chapters following these life-changing moments. He really starts to feel sorry for himself, wondering why he had to go through all of these mishaps.
Even so, he seems to return to understanding that trust in anything but the Lord is useless. He says “Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return”(15:31, NIV).
It is not very often in our lives that we are REALLY tested like Job was. I have to wonder how trustworthy I would be if something serious were to happen. The events thus far in my life seem “manageable”. But other events, they could be detrimental to my life. I hope that the Lord will be proud of me just as He was with Job. I hope to stand tall, proclaim that the Lord is in control, and be the best Christian that I know how to be.
Dear Lord, thank you for the book of Job. Thank you for choosing these men and women of the bible to remind us that we are not alone. Thank you for knowing just what we need to hear, need to read, and need to focus on in your Word so that we can apply it to our lives. And thank you, most of all, for sending your Son to die on the cross. Continue to help us grow in You. In Your Son’s Name I pray, Amen.
Application:
Have you read the book of Job? It can be a tough book, but a chapter or two at a time helps make it easier. Job really is on an emotional roller coaster. He loses his family, his friends turn on him, and he feels rejected and left alone. Yet, he continues on. I don’t know about you, but as a woman in today’s world…I get to feeling like this. Job really is an inspiration to turn to. He survives – and so can we!
Power Verses:
Psalm 9:10, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.”(NLT)
Nahum 1:7, “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.”(NKJV)
John 12:36, “Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.”(NIV)
Friday, May 21, 2010
Flight Training
by Kathy Lay
This Week's Verse: Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."(NASB)
Devotion:
The other morning, my kids and I witnessed a beautiful occurrence. Out of our window, we watched as a mom and dad bird taught their babies how to fly. The little ones were perched around the lattice on our deck. Mom and Dad flew back and forth from there to a nearby arbor and retaining wall, trying to coax the little fuzz-heads to follow suit.
Sure enough, with their parents' attentive chirping (bird-language encouragement?), the little ones took flight one by one. Short little “fly-jumps” turned to bolder, longer flights. The parents were there during the whole process.
Boy, if that scenario isn't ripe for life application, I don't know what is!
I felt a lump form in my throat as I thought about how soon my own little lovies will be flying our coop, leaving our nest empty. I wondered if Mom and Dad Bird had such a bitter-sweet feeling or if instinct simply spurred them to start preparing for their next brood. I smiled, imagining them offering up little birdie prayers of protection over their young. Regardless, they set an awesome parental example of preparing our own young to launch into adulthood.
From the time our kids are helpless newborns, we begin a gradual process of equipping them little by little to become independent. They start moving themselves, feeding themselves, expressing themselves, dressing themselves, asserting themselves, eventually transporting themselves, and finally, even paying for themselves! We exert a little less control with each milestone and relinquish more control to them as they prove worthy.
Then one day they're ready to take flight. And we pray like crazy that everything they've been taught has taken root and that they'll follow after God. That while they taste independence for the first time, they still depend on God. We pray that the wings we've given them will take them far, but that they experience the fulfilled promise in Isaiah 40:31: "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint"(NIV).
May that be true for them. And may that be true for us as we continue to soar to new heights on the winds of God's grace and power. As illustrated by the bird family that blessed my kids and me, the best training tool is leading by example.
Power Verses:
Matthew 6:26, "Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?"(NLT)
Psalm 124:7, "We've flown free from their fangs, free of their traps, free as a bird. Their grip is broken; we're free as a bird in flight."(MSG)
Isaiah 54:13, "I will teach all your children,and they will enjoy great peace."(NLT)
This Week's Verse: Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."(NASB)
Devotion:
The other morning, my kids and I witnessed a beautiful occurrence. Out of our window, we watched as a mom and dad bird taught their babies how to fly. The little ones were perched around the lattice on our deck. Mom and Dad flew back and forth from there to a nearby arbor and retaining wall, trying to coax the little fuzz-heads to follow suit.
Sure enough, with their parents' attentive chirping (bird-language encouragement?), the little ones took flight one by one. Short little “fly-jumps” turned to bolder, longer flights. The parents were there during the whole process.
Boy, if that scenario isn't ripe for life application, I don't know what is!
I felt a lump form in my throat as I thought about how soon my own little lovies will be flying our coop, leaving our nest empty. I wondered if Mom and Dad Bird had such a bitter-sweet feeling or if instinct simply spurred them to start preparing for their next brood. I smiled, imagining them offering up little birdie prayers of protection over their young. Regardless, they set an awesome parental example of preparing our own young to launch into adulthood.
From the time our kids are helpless newborns, we begin a gradual process of equipping them little by little to become independent. They start moving themselves, feeding themselves, expressing themselves, dressing themselves, asserting themselves, eventually transporting themselves, and finally, even paying for themselves! We exert a little less control with each milestone and relinquish more control to them as they prove worthy.
Then one day they're ready to take flight. And we pray like crazy that everything they've been taught has taken root and that they'll follow after God. That while they taste independence for the first time, they still depend on God. We pray that the wings we've given them will take them far, but that they experience the fulfilled promise in Isaiah 40:31: "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint"(NIV).
May that be true for them. And may that be true for us as we continue to soar to new heights on the winds of God's grace and power. As illustrated by the bird family that blessed my kids and me, the best training tool is leading by example.
Lord, how we thank You for giving us wings to take flight--for Your constant presence that give us the confidence to even attempt such a thing! Equip us to impart that same tender-loving presence with our children and that they take flight knowing it's You who allows them to soar. In Jesus' Name.
Application: In what ways are you preparing your brood to take flight? Consider maturity in all its areas, including physical, emotional, psychological, and especially spiritual. In what ways can you lead by example?Power Verses:
Matthew 6:26, "Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?"(NLT)
Psalm 124:7, "We've flown free from their fangs, free of their traps, free as a bird. Their grip is broken; we're free as a bird in flight."(MSG)
Isaiah 54:13, "I will teach all your children,and they will enjoy great peace."(NLT)
Friday, April 23, 2010
Just Ask
by Bethany Lashbrook
This Week's Verse: Isaiah 55:6, "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near."(NIV)
Devotion:
Have you ever wanted something, asked the Lord for it, and then before you could say the words “maybe I didn’t mean to ask for that” you had already received it?
Matthew 17:20 states: He [Jesus] replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Isn’t this inspiring? Jesus is telling us so simply, believe and you shall receive. I think sometimes my faith must be smaller than that simple little mustard seed because many times I have asked for something not really believing that God would actually give it to me. But, He does. Why is that?
I can think of many instances where the Lord has quickly answered. A year ago, I asked the Lord to make me a part of something that would get me out of my comfort zone. A response was quick and to the point: minister to those Jesus would minister to. Jesus didn’t tour churches. He didn’t hang with the rich, the classy, and the educated. He wanted to teach the lost and the confused.
Since this request, a small group of adults from our church visits our local jail once a month to talk to the inmates about Jesus and how He has worked in our lives. Two years ago, I would have thought this idea was crazy. But, I asked. He gave.
Within the last month I asked: “Lord, how is it that some can get in front of a crowd at church and look calm?” Well, several weeks ago at our Easter service, I was asked to give a cardboard testimony. It’s as simple as it sounds. My testimony – shortened from a book down to several words that fit onto a sheet of paper no bigger than a television screen. I stood in front of over 500 people in our congregation that day baring my soul. I asked. He gave.
And, most recently, within the last week, I asked the Lord for direction in a relationship of mine that has been struggling for years. Did you see that – YEARS. And do you know what I did (because He nudged me)? I asked this person to go on a walk with me. After years of issues, months of miscommunications, and lots of conversations that have led us nowhere, the Lord answered a simple request. I asked. He gave.
As I age, I am understanding more that God wants to answer my prayers that mean something to Him, not just to me. Really, what does He get out of a money tree growing in my yard (yes, I have prayed for this!) or my daughter’s team winning their soccer game! But, He does get satisfaction knowing that I am out of my comfort zone, sharing His word with others, and restoring friendships.
Now ask. He'll give.
Dear Lord, thank you for answering our prayers, even when we are not quite sure that we should have asked for them. Thank you for helping us become more of who You made us to be, and less of the worldly woman that sometimes we would rather be. Lord, we could never fully understand your Way or understand your giving to us as You did on the Cross, but for that, we are so very thankful and grateful. Father, help us to remain your servants, and do so with grace and pleasure and dignity. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Application: Are you struggling in your prayer life? Try some of these things to help “spice up” your prayer life!
*Too busy? Pray on your way to or from work.
*Not good at praying? Just pray the Word.
*Don’t know who to pray for? Just close your eyes and the Lord will give you a name.
*Need something new? Try a new location: think, “prayer-chair”. Who says you can’t be comfy while praying?
*Need a prayer warrior? Ask a friend, a spouse, or a child to pray for you.
Power Verses:
Psalm 17:6, "I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer."(NIV)
Philippians 4:6-7, "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
Proverbs 2:6, "For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
This Week's Verse: Isaiah 55:6, "Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near."(NIV)
Devotion:
Have you ever wanted something, asked the Lord for it, and then before you could say the words “maybe I didn’t mean to ask for that” you had already received it?
Matthew 17:20 states: He [Jesus] replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Isn’t this inspiring? Jesus is telling us so simply, believe and you shall receive. I think sometimes my faith must be smaller than that simple little mustard seed because many times I have asked for something not really believing that God would actually give it to me. But, He does. Why is that?
I can think of many instances where the Lord has quickly answered. A year ago, I asked the Lord to make me a part of something that would get me out of my comfort zone. A response was quick and to the point: minister to those Jesus would minister to. Jesus didn’t tour churches. He didn’t hang with the rich, the classy, and the educated. He wanted to teach the lost and the confused.
Since this request, a small group of adults from our church visits our local jail once a month to talk to the inmates about Jesus and how He has worked in our lives. Two years ago, I would have thought this idea was crazy. But, I asked. He gave.
Within the last month I asked: “Lord, how is it that some can get in front of a crowd at church and look calm?” Well, several weeks ago at our Easter service, I was asked to give a cardboard testimony. It’s as simple as it sounds. My testimony – shortened from a book down to several words that fit onto a sheet of paper no bigger than a television screen. I stood in front of over 500 people in our congregation that day baring my soul. I asked. He gave.
And, most recently, within the last week, I asked the Lord for direction in a relationship of mine that has been struggling for years. Did you see that – YEARS. And do you know what I did (because He nudged me)? I asked this person to go on a walk with me. After years of issues, months of miscommunications, and lots of conversations that have led us nowhere, the Lord answered a simple request. I asked. He gave.
As I age, I am understanding more that God wants to answer my prayers that mean something to Him, not just to me. Really, what does He get out of a money tree growing in my yard (yes, I have prayed for this!) or my daughter’s team winning their soccer game! But, He does get satisfaction knowing that I am out of my comfort zone, sharing His word with others, and restoring friendships.
Now ask. He'll give.
Dear Lord, thank you for answering our prayers, even when we are not quite sure that we should have asked for them. Thank you for helping us become more of who You made us to be, and less of the worldly woman that sometimes we would rather be. Lord, we could never fully understand your Way or understand your giving to us as You did on the Cross, but for that, we are so very thankful and grateful. Father, help us to remain your servants, and do so with grace and pleasure and dignity. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Application: Are you struggling in your prayer life? Try some of these things to help “spice up” your prayer life!
*Too busy? Pray on your way to or from work.
*Not good at praying? Just pray the Word.
*Don’t know who to pray for? Just close your eyes and the Lord will give you a name.
*Need something new? Try a new location: think, “prayer-chair”. Who says you can’t be comfy while praying?
*Need a prayer warrior? Ask a friend, a spouse, or a child to pray for you.
Power Verses:
Psalm 17:6, "I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer."(NIV)
Philippians 4:6-7, "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
Proverbs 2:6, "For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."
Friday, February 26, 2010
Amazed
by Kathy Lay
This Week's Verse: Mark 6:6, "And he was amazed at their unbelief. . ." (NLT)
Devotion:
Envision the face of someone who is amazed. Astonished. The person is completely taken aback by something. There's the good kind of amazement, like when a child displays a great skill or a stranger surprises you with incredible kindness. But there's also the not-so-good kind, more like disgust. For example, picture a sports fan who disagrees with a ref's call. Get the picture? I see eyes opened wide, a dropped jaw, a negative headshake, and maybe even hands thrown up in the air to reinforce the thought: "Un-be-LEIV-able!"
Mark 6 opens with Jesus visiting his hometown of Nazareth. While teaching at the synogogue, the hometown folks were astonished and asked, "Where did he get all his wisdom and the power to perform such miracles? He's just the carpenter, son of Mary and brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters are right here among us."(v. 2-3, NLT). He's just the local boy, right? Who does he think he is?
They couldn't believe what they were seeing. In fact, the next verse says they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. They acknowledged his wisdom and powerful miracles, but they still didn't believe?! Come on!
The text goes on to say that because of their unbelief, Jesus couldn't do any mighty miracles among them except to heal a few people. Their unbelief--their lack of faith--put up a wall that blocked any powerful miracles Jesus may have wanted to do. And then scripture records this statement: he was amazed at their unbelief.
Some translations say he was "astonished" at their lack of faith. When I read that, I pictured Jesus throwing his arms up in the air and shaking his head at them.
And that's when it hit me--hard! I wonder how many times a day he is astonished at my lack of faith. I wonder how many times a day he just looks at me in amazement, eyes opened wide and jaw dropped as he thinks, "Kathy, seriously, I can NOT believe that your faith is so small."
And that makes my heart hurt. I don't want Jesus to be astonished at my lack of faith in him being right there wanting to work miracles in my crazy day-to-dayness. I don't want my wall of unbelief to prevent him from doing what he wants to do.
The next time I astonish my Lord, I want it to be in the good way--the child-displaying-skill way. I want him shaking his head with a smile that conveys, "See Kath? See where a little faith will take you?" THAT'S the way I want to amaze him.
Lord, we don't want to be like the hometown folks of Nazareth! You're right here among us wanting to work miracles in our daily lives, but we prevent it when we forget just who you really are. Forgive us for our unbelief and increase our faith. Help us to amaze you in the good way. By the power in your mighty Name, Jesus.
Application:
For a biblical example of astonishing Jesus in the good way, read about the faith of the Roman officer in Matthew 8. He understood the concept of authority and knew Jesus had it. Notice Jesus' reaction in verse 10. Visualize it. How does he look? Etch that picture into your memory and strive to astonish Jesus daily in that way.
Power Verses:
Luke 17:5-6, "The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' He replied, 'If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.'" (NIV)
Matthew 8:10, "When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, 'I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.'"(NIV)
Matthew 9:22, "Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, 'Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.' And the woman was healed at that moment."(NLT)
This Week's Verse: Mark 6:6, "And he was amazed at their unbelief. . ." (NLT)
Devotion:
Envision the face of someone who is amazed. Astonished. The person is completely taken aback by something. There's the good kind of amazement, like when a child displays a great skill or a stranger surprises you with incredible kindness. But there's also the not-so-good kind, more like disgust. For example, picture a sports fan who disagrees with a ref's call. Get the picture? I see eyes opened wide, a dropped jaw, a negative headshake, and maybe even hands thrown up in the air to reinforce the thought: "Un-be-LEIV-able!"
Mark 6 opens with Jesus visiting his hometown of Nazareth. While teaching at the synogogue, the hometown folks were astonished and asked, "Where did he get all his wisdom and the power to perform such miracles? He's just the carpenter, son of Mary and brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters are right here among us."(v. 2-3, NLT). He's just the local boy, right? Who does he think he is?
They couldn't believe what they were seeing. In fact, the next verse says they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. They acknowledged his wisdom and powerful miracles, but they still didn't believe?! Come on!
The text goes on to say that because of their unbelief, Jesus couldn't do any mighty miracles among them except to heal a few people. Their unbelief--their lack of faith--put up a wall that blocked any powerful miracles Jesus may have wanted to do. And then scripture records this statement: he was amazed at their unbelief.
Some translations say he was "astonished" at their lack of faith. When I read that, I pictured Jesus throwing his arms up in the air and shaking his head at them.
And that's when it hit me--hard! I wonder how many times a day he is astonished at my lack of faith. I wonder how many times a day he just looks at me in amazement, eyes opened wide and jaw dropped as he thinks, "Kathy, seriously, I can NOT believe that your faith is so small."
And that makes my heart hurt. I don't want Jesus to be astonished at my lack of faith in him being right there wanting to work miracles in my crazy day-to-dayness. I don't want my wall of unbelief to prevent him from doing what he wants to do.
The next time I astonish my Lord, I want it to be in the good way--the child-displaying-skill way. I want him shaking his head with a smile that conveys, "See Kath? See where a little faith will take you?" THAT'S the way I want to amaze him.
Lord, we don't want to be like the hometown folks of Nazareth! You're right here among us wanting to work miracles in our daily lives, but we prevent it when we forget just who you really are. Forgive us for our unbelief and increase our faith. Help us to amaze you in the good way. By the power in your mighty Name, Jesus.
Application:
For a biblical example of astonishing Jesus in the good way, read about the faith of the Roman officer in Matthew 8. He understood the concept of authority and knew Jesus had it. Notice Jesus' reaction in verse 10. Visualize it. How does he look? Etch that picture into your memory and strive to astonish Jesus daily in that way.
Power Verses:
Luke 17:5-6, "The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' He replied, 'If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.'" (NIV)
Matthew 8:10, "When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, 'I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.'"(NIV)
Matthew 9:22, "Jesus turned around, and when he saw her he said, 'Daughter, be encouraged! Your faith has made you well.' And the woman was healed at that moment."(NLT)
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