Shock and Awe

By Marsha Loftis

This Week’s Verse:
Hebrews 10:19-25, “So, friends, we can now-- without hesitation--walk right up to God, into the ‘Holy Place.’ Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice…Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” (MSG)

Devotion:
"Shock and Awe"...If you’re like me when you hear those two words together you think of three things. George Bush, Iraq, and The War. The people of Iraq were supposed to be surprised that we were there and in fear and wonder of the power of our troops.

Lately, like after a Wednesday night class on Preparing My Heart for Easter, those words have a different meaning. Now when I think or hear them, I wonder about the ‘Shock and Awe’ that two women experienced over two thousand years ago! When upon arrival at the tomb, where they had buried the Lord, the stone had been rolled away! They were definitely surprised! When Mary saw the angels, I’m sure she knelt in fear and wonder of the things she saw. They knew he was the Messiah. We know he told them he would rise again. We know that Jesus told his followers that “where two or three are gathered together in his name He would be there.” I wonder why, then, were the two Mary’s so surprised when they saw Jesus? They were there for Him, gathered together to finish the burial process. Mary even told “the Gardener” that they had taken “her Master.” They knew He was returning to them…one day, yet they were still surprised when He showed up!

I don't ever want to take my relationship with Jesus for granted, but I certainly don't want to be surprised when I feel His presence. After all, I've asked Him to be with me in all things, all situations. Parenting, finances, social gatherings, work... Feeling God's presence is an awe-inspiring, beautiful thing. Something to forever be grateful and thankful for, but not something to be shocked by.

I was at a friend’s house for lunch the other day, and she said the blessing, in His name. I spoke of the gifts He has given us. We were there in the name of friendship, fellowship, and in His name. I know He was there with us! Blessing the time we spent together and the love shared between two friends in Christ. When we gather to pray for others, we don't have to wonder if He hears us, it's promised! When we gather to worship, He is there!

I don’t want to ever be in shock that Jesus is there with me. I want it to be commonplace, natural, “everydayish”… But I will always be in awe of Him and His goodness and mercy.

Father God, help me to know that You are always there with me and to never be surprised when you show up! I know that, one day, You will return to me just like you did to the two Mary’s. Help me to be ready to be awed by You! May we know the comfort of having You near us at all times. Thank you for sending Your Son so this relationship and fellowship with You becomes a way of life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application:
Talk to God. I know. It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But how often do we really do it? Not some scripted, elaborate prayer, just talk to Him. He’s waiting and listening. Ask Him to accompany you everywhere you go. Lord, be with me at church so that I may not only be blessed, but that I may be a blessing to others. Lord, be with me when the kids come home from school so I don’t lose my temper when they have ruined the third pair of shoes this year. Lord, be with me when I go to work so I can be a bright, shining light for You instead of the pinlight I’ve been lately. Lord, be with me when my husband comes in and let me lift Him up and not tear him down so that he may lead our family in Your name. Lord, be with me at the store, so I don’t spend too much money on things I don’t need.

Be aware of His presence in your life and never be shocked when He shows up!

Power Verses:
Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.” (NIV)
James 4:8, “Come near to God and He will come near to you…” (NIV)
Hebrews 12:28-29, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’” (NIV)
Acts 1:11, “Jesus has been taken into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go.”
Psalm 145:13, “The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving to all he has made.”
Mark 14:62, “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at he right hand of the Mighty one and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (NIV)

**This is a reprint from a previous devotion ran in 2008. Thanks Marsha for sharing!**

Happy Father's Day: Who's Your Daddy?

***In honor of Father's Day, this is a re-run of a wonderful reminder to celebrate our Heavenly Father along with our earthly ones this Sunday. It was originally posted in March of 2008.

by Marsha Loftis

This Week's Verse: Psalm 68:5-6, "A father of the fatherless and a judge and protector of widows is God in his Holy habitation. God places the solitary in families and gives the desolate a home in which to dwell."

Devotion:
In this nation of fatherless children, my own being one of them, I wonder, am I teaching her to love on, listen to, lean on, and be guided by the only Father that truly matters?

You see, I am not only raising a 'fatherless child,' I am one too. So I can painfully identify with her and this plight sweeping our nation. In case you were wondering...Yes, she does have a father. So do I. But, unfortunately, what we don't have are Dads... That old saying, “Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad," is never more prevalent than in today’s society.

If you don't know a child being raised by someone other than their biological father then I'm sure you are in the minority. Maybe you know a child who has been blessed to not be raised by their biological father. One who is being led, lifted up, and encouraged by a wonderful man who has stepped up to the plate and taken on this awesome responsibility.

My prayer is that every lonely and left out child eventually finds this kind of father-figure. For those who don't seem to be headed for this life-style I pray that those of us in the same situation can teach them to call on our ultimate Father-figure...Our Abba Father!

This concept of having an "Abba Father” was foreign to me until I came to FCC. First, I had never heard the term before. Second, being from an absent-father home, how could some "being" I had never met before love me more than my own flesh and blood father?! This seemed absurd! My study Bible uses this term as "an exceptionally close relationship to God."

I hope I'm not alone in this revelation. I hope everyone "got it" and continues to "get" what God in his infinite love and mercy has to offer. That feeling of being scooped up in your father's arms. That feeling of being loved, cherished, and adored by Our Creator...How awesome is that! He not only made us, He promises never to leave us or be absent from our lives, but to be our Abba Father, Our Daddy.

Even Jesus cried out "Abba Father" (Mark 14:36) and since we have received the Spirit of Sonship, we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Gal. 4:6).

Whatever your station in life, by the grace of God, it is our birthright to call out "Abba Father." When we suffer with him it is so that one day, we may also share in His glory!

Father God, I pray that you'll settle down in the hearts of those who need your comforting presence. Let them know they are not alone. I pray every person reading this, "fatherless" or not boldly proclaims, "I AM A CHILD OF GOD!" In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application:
Join me in getting these verses to the people who need them. Write one out on a piece of paper and slip it into a gnarled and noble hand. Whisper one in the ear of a toddler while you are praying over them. Tell a ten year old, "I hear you're father's a King?!" Let them know they are important to you and to God. Wherever life has left them, God will take them the rest of the way.

Power Verses:
2 Cor. 6:18, "I will be a Father to you and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." (NIV)
Romans 8:15, "We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us--an unbelievable inheritance!" (MSG)
Galatians 4:6, "...God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba Father’...God has made you an heir." (NIV)
Deuteronomy 31:7-8, "Be strong. Take courage…God is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." (MSG)
------------------------------------------------------------
*On a personal note, I was blessed more than twenty years ago to have a step-dad who filled in a lot of the gaps my own father didn't. And my daughter’s father is trying to get his life in order so he can be a dad to her.

God is good!

Being Human

by Marsha Loftis

This Week's Verse: Hebrews 2:14, "Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death."

Devotion
I love being human! I love to revel in the marvelous things that God has done and made. I love to hear the birds sing. I love to taste the sweetness of honey. I love to feel the hug of a child. I love to see the sunsets. I love to sing His praises. I love being His creation.

Most of the time. Then there are times where being human is a very rough road to travel. Times when I feel every bump and bruise like a ripened apple! Times when somehow my size eight shoe fits snuggly in my size one mouth. Times when the pain of my broken heart is almost too much to bear. Times when I feel like God has stuck a fork in me and said, "Nope! She's not done yet."

I'm not. I'm not "there" wherever "there" is; I obviously haven't reached that point yet. None of us have and we never will until He calls us home. We are walking, talking, sometimes crawling and falling works of “undoneness”.

Even the great apostle Paul struggled with his “not quite done-ness.” He fought thinking what is right, knowing what is right, and doing what is right.

Romans 7:15-25: “What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. …But I need something more! I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. … I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.” (MSG)

Being human is HARD! Don’t you think? If Paul struggled like this then who am I to think that I’ve got it all under control?! Have you ever told God, “I got this… I can handle this one alone.”? Well the human condition is hard enough. Why on earth would we want to go it alone?

We have been bought into a relationship with God through Christ’s death and resurrection. We don’t have to do this thing called life alone and we have been made righteous! I know it’s hard to think of ourselves as righteous. After all, we are only human, with all our baggage, our pasts, faults and flaws--a person who is still learning how to be the person that God wants, all the while being righteous and knowing without a doubt that God is not done yet. The same person who is standing on the promise that what works God has started will not cease until that work is done. That person is you! And me..... any one who believes that Jesus died for them AND now lives in them!

Father God, help me to know that I am nothing without You, your love and most of all your grace. Thank you for accepting me when I was not righteous and sending your Son so I may come to you, unashamed, washed, loved and forgiven. Help me to become the person You need me to be, the person I long to be. Help me to do what I know is right even when I feel UN-righteous. I ask all these things in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Application:
Being righteous doesn’t mean we are better than someone else. It only means that we have Saving Grace that allows us to come to God’s throne freely and present our worship, praise, and requests. Shake off that “human-ness,” that feeling of being “not quite done yet.” Let go of that guilt. Deny that shame, that feeling of being unworthy and present yourself to God as a sacrifice. Empty yourself of yourself and let God fill you up with HIM!

Power Verses:
Ephesians 2:4-10: “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (MSG)
Romans 8:5, "Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them—living and breathing God!" (MSG)
Romans 5:18-19, “....Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.” (NLT)
Romans 8:3, “In his Son, Jesus, he personally took on the human condition, entered the disordered mess of struggling humanity in order to set it right once and for all.”

Heart Cry

by Marsha Loftis

This Week's Verse: Psalm 5:1-3, "Listen, God! Please, pay attention! Can you make sense of these ramblings, my groans and cries? King-God, I need your help." (MSG)

Devotion:
I saw the words "heart cry" as I tried to catch up on my daily readings from Tim. He was describing David crying out to God.

I was immediately taken back to a time where I didn't know what to pray, how to pray, or what to hope for or dream of. A time where I was completely at His mercy, where I should be more often, but this particular time I was really lost. I could not form words or thoughts. I could only fall on my face and weep. Jesus knew what I was doing. I was praying. I was communicating with Him in a cry directly from my heart.

At times when you are so lost, so weary, so confused, so .... whatever! Know with every thing in you that Jesus understands. He cares about the smallest detail of our lives. He cares enough to number the hairs on our head. He collects our tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). He is there for the little things, the big things, and every THING in between! His love is unimaginable. He knows all. He knows when we cry, when we sigh, and when we are too weary to try.

Thankfully, Jesus cares enough to be my intercessor and go to God on my behalf and interpret my 'heart cry'.

Lord, search my heart. Know that I long to be at Your mercy in all my 'things'. Thank you for sending your Son so that we may have a personal relationship with You, allowing your Holy Spirit to dwell in us. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Application:
Have you ever been unable to 'talk' to God? Every moan, groan, or sigh can be a prayer. Whether that prayer is out loud, silent or in the form of a heart cry. Each time you communicate with God you are releasing His power here on earth. Wait, watch, and be exalted!

Power Verses:
Lamentations 2:18 "Give out heart-cries to the Master, dear repentant Zion. Let the tears roll like a river, day and night, and keep at it—no time-outs. Keep those tears flowing!"(MSG)
Romans 8:26 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."(NIV)
1 Peter 5:6 "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."(NKJV)
Matthew 11:28 "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace."(MSG)

For Me? Really?!

by Marsha Loftis

This Week’s Verse: Romans 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”(NIV)

Devotion
Have you ever been so surprised and grateful to receive a gift that you could barely utter those words, “For me?! Really?!” That’s what I feel like most of the time when I read Scripture. MOST of the time… There are those times, however, that my mind and my heart disconnect. I know in my head that what I read is for me, but my heart isn’t always so sure.

It’s hard for me to read in Jeremiah and feel that God is doing all things "to prosper me and not to harm me." He’s not really talking to me. He was talking to Jeremiah.

But then I read a different version of this week’s verse in The Message. Eugene Peterson puts it this way: “Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us.” Hmm…. “Really? For me?”

Yes! You know why?! Because Jeremiah’s God and my God are the same God! He is the same now and forever, and THEN! He hasn’t changed. The world has. I have. You have. Every one of us goes through an innumerable amount of changes in our lifetime, but God doesn’t.

As a matter of fact, Peterson goes on to say, “The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” His promise will be fulfilled because God cannot lie. Through scripture, He even tells us that we are to use The Word for hope and encouragement…. And patience.

Lord, help me to not only know in my head, but feel in my heart that your truth and your promises are for me. Help me to be patient while I wait in You. Not on you, Lord. I want to wait where you abide, where you live, in YOU.

Application
Think of all the promises, made to all the people in the Bible. Then try and wrap your mind and heart around the fact that those promises are a gift given to you, through God and His Word. Read some of those promises, and think, “For me?! Really?!” Then listen as your Father tells your heart, “Yes.”

Power Verses
Romans 15:4, “For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope.” (AMP)
Isaiah 59:21, “My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children’s children forever. I, the Lord, have spoken!" (NLT)
Hebrews 6:17, “Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.” (NIV)
Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."(NLT)

How God Works

by Marsha Loftis

This Week's Verse: Isaiah 55:8 & 12, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD...You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." (NIV)

Devotion:
I took my daughter to school one day this week and when I came back, I got my Bible out of the car. I brought it in the house, intending to read up on a little Isaiah 55-- a verse I got from a very dear friend--and see where that led me. But I didn't do it. I couldn’t find my copy of the Message, there was a pile of laundry on the floor, and other things occupied my mind and my time. (Forgive me Lord.)

So in the midst of doing other things (I had to take a signed “exit paper” back to TRW--not high on my list of "want to's" but pretty high on my list of "have to's"), I get a call from a brother in Christ telling me that a "little birdie" told him that I was down and needed a spiritual boost. I'm not down. The sun is shining, and the birds are singing. I feel pretty good, I thought.

Well, come to find out that even if you aren't 'down' that doesn't mean you can't be lifted higher! Praise God for this man's obedience and his "little bird"!! He told me to get in The Word and read and wrap myself up in God's love letter to me. Yeah, yeah... I will... when I have time is what I was thinking. I have every intention of doing that... when I find my Message, when I get this load of laundry done, when I get back from TRW... He also told me to take a drive or a walk and just be in God's creation, to enjoy the sun and all He's created for us. Okay, I will... when I have time. Being unemployed, I'm a lot busier than you would think!

I went to TRW and when I left I had a choice to either turn left and go home and get that laundry done, Oh! and get busy on Isaiah... Or turn right and go to Lincoln Trail and do some of that basking in God's creation we were just talking about. I went ahead and turned right. (Yes, I see the irony in taking the "right turn"!) I realized on the way down to the park that I had taken my Bible out of the car! Aw… man! I'd hoped to kill two birds with one stone: Creation and The Word!

There was, however, another Bible in the car, my daughter's. Score!! I was set. I found a lovely bench in the sun, out of the wind... Perfect! And then I read my Isaiah 55. Good stuff. Then I saw something: a side note. Her Bible has a lot of 'extra' goodies in there that make you think! I was looking up 2 Cor. 5-7 and missed it by a chapter or two and ended up in Galatians. She has "Love Notes" in her Bible. They are written in letter form, to the reader and are ‘signed’ by God. The Love Note on this page says: "Child, you are my daughter, adopted into my eternal family. There is nothing within my power and my possession that I will withhold from you. All my resources--power, forgiveness, grace and love--belong to you. Abba, Daddy."

Anyone who knows me very well knows the issues I have had with this particular name for God. You can imagine how I felt reading His 'love note' to me and it being signed 'Daddy'. It's based on the scripture from Gal. 4:4-7.

I'm not done. That was beautiful, yes. But then I remembered Jer. 29:11 and wondered if there were any 'love notes' for me there. Plus, I happen to love that verse and wanted to read it in this version. Well, in Jeremiah I find THIS 'love note'... "Beloved, Never doubt this: I want only the best for you. I will do whatever it takes to get your attention, to draw you closer to me and to wrap you in my everlasting love. You are my child, my chosen one. Your Loving Father" (Based on Jer. 31:3)

Okay, God. I don't have a job, the laundry can wait... You have my full attention! We had just talked about letting God “wrap” me up in His word!

Then comes the breath of God, the wind, which blew the pages to THIS 'love note' also in Jeremiah. It says: "Dear daughter, Don't set your expectations too low for me. Don't just give me easy, surface-level questions. Bring me your biggest problems, your toughest challenges, your deepest questions. I'll answer you and blow your mind in the process. Your all-powerful Father." (Based on Jer. 33:3)

I had just posted on Facebook that very morning this quote: "Not having a job is hard... Waiting on God is harder." Waiting on Him is, to date, one of the toughest challenges I've faced. But I know that He is with me while I wait!

Father God, Thank you! Thank you for using the people in my life to lift me up, even when I’m not sure I’m down. Thank you for leading me to the very words you want me hear. Thank you for your love letter to me and my brothers and sisters. Sometimes I call it irony, but in my heart I know it’s You, loving me, in just the way I need at just the right time. Thank you for knowing me and providing for my spiritual and physical needs. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application:
God is always working and moving in our lives. Sometimes we see it and sometimes we don't. Look back over the past month, or year, or even five or ten years. Do you see God's fingerprints all over your life?! People, places, jobs, children... all brought into your life to serve a certain purpose. If you can look back and see yourself in God's hands, then you know that He is, has been, and will forever be in control, always wanting what's best for you!

Power Verses:
Galatians 4:6, "And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, 'Abba, Father.'"(NLT)
Jeremiah 31:3, "I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love.With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself." (NLT)
Jeremiah 33:3, "Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own."(MSG)

What Do You Call God?

by Marsha Loftis

This Week's Verse: Isaiah 9:6, “He’ll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness. His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.”

Devotion:
There are many different names for God: Father, Lord, Abba, God, Prince of Peace... I read a book last year where one of the main characters had such a closeness and fondness for God that she called Him "Papa."

I was thinking this past week that where I am in my relationship with God sometimes determines how I refer to Him or what I call Him. When I first came to FCC, I believed in God, but didn’t really know Him the way I do now. I guess you could say that even though I was a Believer we didn’t have a personal relationship.

I’ve had a 'different' kind of relationship with my own dad. So calling God “Father” was way out of my comfort zone. Let alone Abba Father! Calling the Creator of The Universe “Daddy”?! No, that wasn’t for me. I’ll just stick with ‘God’ for now. “God, help me to know You” was probably prayed more often than any other prayer.

Lately, I’m blessed to say, that I have been referring to my God as Father! I’ve come a long way from bolting out of the sanctuary in tears every time we started to sing “Abba Father” to actually calling upon Him in this way--as a parental guide, someone who loves me unconditionally, the way I am, but also loves me so much that He will not leave me this way.

Do you call out Jesus? Our Savior, intercessor… If we are God’s children and Jesus is His son, then He must also be our brother, our friend. Someone to lean on and talk to. Someone who will intercede with Dad on our behalf! Someone who has “our back”.

This next one is a little tougher for me. What about Lord? I say it. But do I mean it? If I call God ‘Lord’ then I might have to give up some things.... control, worry, guilt, money, friends, habits… When I cry out, Lord, help me to __________ (fill in the blank) do I really want the Lord of The Universe to be Lord of my life?!

No matter what you call God and where you are in your relationship with Him, remember that He will always meet you wherever you are and be whatever you need Him to be.

Father, God, Jesus, Daddy, Papa, Lord…. Help me to know that You are All. Healer, counselor, Lover of my Soul, The Beginning and The End and everything in the middle! You are all these things and more to me. I am nothing without You in my life. Help me to give it all up to You no matter how I refer to You. You know my name; be Lord of my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Application:
Ask Him to meet you where you are and grow you from there. Ask Him to be what you need, whether it be a friend, father-figure, inteceeding spirit or The Lord of your life. Strive to be work in progress. Never stop growing and maturing in Him and let Him be ALL to you.

Power Verses:
Psalm 135:1-3, “Hallelujah! Praise the name of God, praise the works of God. All you priests on duty in God’s temple, serving in the sacred halls of our God, shout 'Hallelujah!' because God’s so good, sing anthems to his beautiful name.” (MSG)
Romans 9: 26-29, “If each grain of sand on the seashore were numbered and the sum labeled 'chosen of God,' they’d be numbers still, not names; Salvation comes by personal selection. God doesn’t count us; he calls us by name.” (MSG)
Proverbs 18:24, "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother." (NIV)
Genesis 16:13 "She answered God by name, praying to the God who spoke to her, 'You’re the God who sees me! Yes! He saw me and then I saw Him!'” (MSG)

Die Another Day

by Marsha Loftis

This Week's Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:11, "For we who are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh." (NASB)

Devotion:
When given the choice between bowing to satan and or having your head chopped off, the answer is an easy one, isn't it? I'd be singing "Pop Goes the Weasel" before they could get the blade ready! Dying that one time for that reason is a 'no brainer'. . .no pun intended.

But what about the times when I make the wrong choice? Making the choice to live for satan in that moment. Isn't that the same thing? Every time I choose to ignore what I know in my heart God wants me to do, I make the same wrong choice.

Why is the decision to lay down my life for my God so simple, but the every day deaths I either choose to endure or choose to ignore are so hard?! Losing my patience, looking down on someone, not helping when I see a need... Ignoring these everyday situations and giving into the flesh kills off a little piece of what God wants me to be. I'm killing myself off anyway, why can't I die to my earthly wants and desires and take that step that will bring me closer to the person God intended?

Every day I choose to die another day. More than that even, every moment I choose to die to myself and what my flesh wants to do and to give God the control over my life. Lordship. Ownership. I am merely a steward for this vessel that He gave me.

Father, I pray that I come to you every time I feel the flesh start to give in. Lend me Your strength to die to my fleshly desires and take one more step toward being the person You want me to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application: The next time you feel those fleshy desires, take a moment to pray and decide to offer up the control so you may glorify His name. It will bring you closer to the person who wants to be like Christ. Giving Him control makes you stronger in your walk and gives Him glory!

Power Verses:
Matthew 26:41, "Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." (NASB)
Romans 6:19, "You can easily recall, can't you, how at one time the more you did just what you felt like doing--not caring about others, not caring about God--the worse your life became and the less freedom you had? And how much different is it now as you live in God's freedom, your lives healed and expansive in holiness?" (MSG)
2 Corinthians 4:11, "Our lives are at constant risk for Jesus' sake, which makes Jesus' life all the more evident in us. While we're going through the worst, you're getting the best!" (MSG)

Weeping Willows Rejoice!

by Marsha Loftis

This Week's Verse: Psalm 56:8, "You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book."

Devotion
I recently read a wonderful work of fiction. I won’t reveal what the book was in case you haven’t read it. I don’t want to give anything away. If you have read it, you may recognize what I’m about to tell you and you may want to do what I did… Read it AGAIN!

The author suggests that people collect things because they are valuable. Either to everyone, or to the individual. He also suggests that the Holy Spirit collects our tears. That every single one shed is so valuable that God has directed the Spirit to collect each one in a bottle. Isn’t that wonderful?!

I cry in church. There, I said it. Sometimes it embarrasses me. There, I said that too! There are times when I think, “Goodness, Girl! Why can’t you keep it together?!” I don’t always know what makes the tears come. Sometimes, when I close my eyes the church sounds as close to angels as I can imagine. (We are so blessed to have the Praise Band, don’t ya think?) Anyway, the beauty of all those voices brings tears to my eyes. Sometimes, I’ve had a particularly awful week and to be there, in the midst of the beauty and the presence of God brings on the waterworks. There are times that I am so thankful for what God has done in my life, there’s nothing I can do but weep.

This past week, we were in the middle of the song “Offering” when, of course out of nowhere, here come the tears. I thought of the Holy Spirit collecting each one that spilled out of of my eyes. While I sang, “I bring an offering of worship to my King, no one on earth deserves the praises that I sing…” I could feel His presence, and see the other offerings that were being lifted up to Our King… Hands raised high, heads bowed low, arms spread wide... and my tears beginning to fall.

I will no longer be embarrassed by my tears. They are an offering of worship to my King! When I leave the ‘building’ from now on with slightly swollen eyes, wearing less make-up than when I came in and a gnarled, balled up Kleenex in my hand I will feel as though I have been to church! I have been in His presence and I have worshipped at the feet of Jesus!

Fellow Weeping Willows, fear not; your tears are precious! There’s no need to be embarrassed… We are in good company. Remember? “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)

Father, thank you for showing me one more way to worship You. Thank you for my tears and the cleasning feeling that they bring. They let me leave it all with you and convince me that when I feel like I'm falling apart that You will be there to put me back together again. Just like the stars in the sky, You count my tears and value each one as a gift given unto You. Blessed Be Your Name, Amen.

Application:
Worship was meant to be personal. That's why there are so many ways to do it. Whatever fits your personality and your relationship with Christ. Sometimes it’s hard to express what is in your heart. Whether your tears are born from joy or sorrow, love or laughter, thankfulness or regret, remember that the One who knit you together in your mother's womb sees and records every one. Whatever position you choose to worship… Hands raised, head bowed, kneeling, standing, face down on the floor or crying a river for The King. Be assured, it won’t be wrong. God will honor what’s in your heart, not what position you’re in.

Power Verses:
John 11:33-35, “When Jesus saw her weeping… He was deeply moved in spirit…Jesus wept.” (NIV)
2 Kings 20:5, “This is what the Lord, God of your father David, says: I have heard you prayers and seen your tears; I will heal you.” (NIV)
Psalm 30:5, "The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter." (MSG)
Jeremiah 31:9, "Tears of joy will stream down their faces, and I will lead them home with great care."(NLT)
Luke 6:21, "You're blessed when the tears flow freely. Joy comes with the morning."(MSG)

Be My Bubble

By Marsha Loftis

This Week’s Verse: 1 Peter 5: 8, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (NIV)

Devotion:
Have you ever been the slightest bit ‘envious’ of our pastors? Or the church secretary? Or a teacher at a Christian school? Or anyone in a position where they are for the most part surrounded by other Christians? I have. I have wondered what it would be like to not have to deal with the worldliness of, well, the world.

I used to think that it would be awesome to be able to go to work and not have to put up with the inevitable “potty mouth,” the singles “escapades,” or the “negative Nelly” that it seems is always there. What would it be like to work with people of like minds and like values? It would be bliss!

Then one day, I was blessed with this bliss! Ninety percent of the people I worked closely with were Christians. For over a year, every weekend. It was amazing! Even when one of us was having an off day, we could go in and say, “Hey, would you pray for me?” They would actually ask me the next day if things were any better! They actually cared what was going on in my life and were overjoyed to hear of God working in it!

And then it stopped…

I was really mad! I couldn’t understand why God had taken me out of my safe, wonderful bubble with my loving, caring friends and thrown me to the wolves! (Or the ‘lions’.) The ones that prowl around looking for someone to devour. Why would He not want me to be in a place of contentment? What happened to my bliss?!

After several days, and several tears, and several more complaints, it hit me! The “why” of it all. When we are safe and content and comfortable we get lazy! Spiritually speaking. I know I did. Who was I supposed to witness to when I was surrounded by Believers?! Who was I supposed to be an example to? People who were already living with the same values I had? What would be the point?!

As usual, God knew what He was doing. He gave me a fresh start. A new attitude. And a new “audience” of sorts. It made me take stock in what I did at work, how I did my job, and mindful of who was watching. I love the way He works! Just when I thought He burst my bubble, I realized that He IS My Bubble!! Instead of surrounding me with mere mortals, He is surrounding me with His supernatural power, love and grace!

Being protected by God’s bubble is special. His bubble is permeable, it has to be! It has to be gentle enough to let the “goodness” out and be strong enough to not let the “lions” in.

We all need to gather strength from our loved ones, church family, and other believers, of course. I’m in no way trying to diminish the importance of being with like-minded people. Just remember, when you feel like you’ve been thrown to the wolves, or the lions, you are the only one who can burst your own bubble!

Lord, be My Bubble. Protect my mind and heart from the prowling lions. Let my life be transparent so that others can see You through me. Let them wonder what I’ve got that they need and give the me opportunity and words to say what You want me to say. Allow me to speak to their hearts in that perfect way so they will know it’s You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application:
The next time you’re faced with wondering why God has placed you where you are take a look inside and ask yourself, “Have I gotten comfortable?” He is the King of taking us our of our comfort zone! After you’ve looked inside, take a look around and ask God, “Who am I here for?” or “Am I here to be blessed or to be a blessing to someone else?”

Power Verses:
Psalm 17:8-9, “Keep me as the apple of you eye, hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.”(NIV)
John 17:15-16, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”(NIV)
Mark 16:14, “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all.”(MSG)
James 4:10, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (NIV)

Do I Trust You, Lord?

by Marsha Loftis

This Week’s Verse: John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Devotion:
If you haven’t heard about the “stuff” going on at TRW then you must live in a cave just outside of town. It might even be next door to mine. That’s where I usually am. In my cave, safe, protected, “in the dark” sometimes, but I do love my cave! Since I’ve worked thirds or the overnight shift a lot of my life I’ve grown used to the cave and even fond of it. Most of the time it’s just me and my daughter here. I kinda like that part. One of these days she will want to exit the cave, I know, but for right now, she likes being here with me as much as I like being here with her.

Last week I found out my shift would be "dissolved". Which, when translated to ‘cave-talk’ means: “Uh-oh.” So, I did the three things I always do: #1) I freaked out; #2) I prayed; and #3) I called my mom. (These aren’t always in the same order. The line-up varies with every situation. And yes, they can overlap one another, and often do.)

During “Freak Out” Mode, I called my mom. I had to leave her a message. Not always a good thing while I’m in this ‘mode’. I forgot to tell her that I had a chance at another position on another shift. Whoopsy! My bad! She picked up my daughter and told her what she thought was going on… I was losing my job. Then, being from the same cave, my daughter naturally went into “freak out” mode too.

We were both still in the same mode when I finally got the chance to talk to her and get things straightened out. I found myself comforting my daughter by saying things like, “You don’t have to worry about this…It’s going to be okay…You’re going to be fine…I love you and I’m gonna take care of you.” I was thinking ‘parental’ and it seemed natural.

Then I heard my favorite still small voice saying to me, “You don’t have to worry about this, it’s going to be okay, you’re going to be fine, I love you and I’m gonna take care of you. You call me ‘Father’ every day; why won’t you let me ‘parent’ you?”

Whoa! Talk about freaking out! It wasn’t exactly audible, but I clearly knew who was speaking to me and what I supposed to do. Trust Him. Then I prayed. I prayed first for forgiveness for not praying in the first place. Then I prayed to accept the comfort He, My Father, was offering me.

I kept thinking My peace I leave with you over and over again. That was all I could remember, but it was enough to get me through ‘til I could get to my Bible and look it up. It’s from John 14:27 and that’s not the only thing it says. It reads, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Later on, in the next paragraph it says, “…so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.”

Whoa. I take that to mean: NOW, not only can I NOT freak out, but I better not let anyone else see me freaking out! So that the world, or cave translation, The People I Work With, know that I love God and I trust Him. Oh, and my daughter too!

To make a short story long… When times are tough we are to be a witness to those around us. The ones far away and the ones so very close. My human-ness wants to sit around and cry and say “Uh-oh” and run around like a chicken with my head cut off thinking now what am I gonna do? My one-ness with the Holy Spirit wants me to fall on my face and say “I trust you” because I know that His peace is with me.

Father, let me always come to you first. Help me to put my trust and faith in You and You alone. Help me to filter out all the other voices in my head and concentrate on only the still small One. Your peace is with me now and forever. Help me to accept the gifts and promises You willingly give. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application:
It’s okay to spend a little time in “the cave,” but when you come out remember: The world is watching. What will they see?

Power Verses:
2 Samuel 22:30-32, “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried. He is a Shield to all those to take refuge and trust in Him.” (AMP)
Jeremiah 29:11, “I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out--plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” (MSG)
Psalm 9:10, “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” (NIV)

O Jealous Heart

by Marsha Loftis

This Week's Verse: Psalm 18:2, "The Lord is my rock, my protection, my Savior. My God is my rock. I can run to Him for safety. He is my shield, my saving strength, my defender." (NCV)

Devotion:
I recently attended funeral services for a wonderful man. A man that will be missed terribly by his family and friends. I know, because although we were not that close, his life made an impact on my daughter, and about a thousand other people. I sat in the service, listening to the pastor speak of what a great man he was, a good husband and dad, and an exemplary grandfather. He promised that this was not "Goodbye," just "See ya later." He reassured the family, each one by name, that they would see their loved one again.

This was all overwhelming for me. There were so many people! So, much loss, loss of years and events and time and many, many tears shed. At one time or another, I tend to wonder if I am truly a Christian. This was one of those times, albeit a bad time, but there I was... thinking. I always think I could do more, know more, pray more, live more, be more thankful, more patient, more obedient, listen more... MORE, MORE, MORE! I was clearly only present in body, not in mind. Then I heard the pastor say, "...'cause there's Someone on the other side standing there, with outstretched arms, saying, 'Welcome home'."

There, sitting between the two most important people in my earthly life, I felt the tears begin to tumble. I wept. Oh, I was sad, I was feeling loss, thinking about what a great man he was, and thinking about what a horrible person I can be, but more than anything I cried because I was jealous! He got to go home and I didn't! He's being welcomed into Jesus' arms right now and I'm not! He's not feeing anymore pain and I still have to face.... tomorrow!

Now this was not me; this was not rational, not 'normal' for me at all! I'm scared of dying! I don't want to leave this place, this life, this child, my mom...! I'm not done here! There's too much left for me to do, to say, to teach, to fix, to create, to love... I'M NOT READY. But there I was, sitting between my precious daughter, and my beloved mother thinking, I wanna go home! Oh, I've heard it before, "This place is not your home, it's only temporary." But my earthly ties are strong... or should I say, were strong. I think this is the first time in my life I've felt like a "true Christian." Or a term I like a little better, "Christ follower." I know Jesus. I believe that He died for me. I believing He's coming back. But, NOW, I'm actually looking forward to it!

Although we were not close here on earth, I will see Big Bill again, for we are truly brother and sister in Christ. I get to tell him that he not only made an impact on others with his life, he did in his death as well. Had I not been at his funeral, I would probably still be living for the dot and not the line.

Father God, help me to not have a jealous heart for I know that You are with me. I pray that Your Holy Spirit will continue to guide me through this earthly life and will set my heart on course so that I may live for the eternal and not the temporal. Help me to know and to teach and to live as though this is not my home. I can't wait to see Your outstretched arms! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application:
I know it's hard to think of leaving loved ones behind, even harder to let them go. If there's anyone that you aren't sure that you will see on the other side, start praying now, if you haven’t already. That's what I'm going to do! Pray for courage to approach them, and hearts that will receive the most important thing you can ever pass on. More than morals, and a good work ethic, more than being kind and appreciative. THIS is your legacy. If you are the legacy, pray that those who are lost will somehow find their way home!

Power Verses:
2 Samuel 14:14, "All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead He devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from Him." (NLT)

1 Thes. 4:13, "First off, you must not carry on over them like people who have nothing to look forward to, as if the grave were the last word...Archangel thunder! God's trumpet blast! He'll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise... Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master... then there will be a huge family reunion." (MSG)

1 Thes. 5:4 & 9, “But friends, you're not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard in any of this? You're sons of Light and daughters of Day… He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we're awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we're alive with Him!" (MSG)

Psalm 18:30, "As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him." (AMP)

All Bibled Up

by Marsha Loftis

This Week's Verse: Psalms 119:11, "I have hidden your word away in my heart that I may not sin against You."

Devotion:
Well, this week's devotional comes straight on the heels of VBS. If you were involved, thank you. You did a great thing for a lot of wonderful kids. If not, there's always next year! VBS is a five day program that teaches kids some of the basic Bible stories. It also teaches the parents, if they're late Christian bloomers like I was!

During a conversation with my 11-year-old daughter, she was trying to convey some information to me regarding the parents of our two bilingual volunteers and wondered if they spoke another language too. She said, "You know--Mary and Joseph!" I had no idea who she was referring to. Then it dawned on me... Mary and RICH, Kash! I laughed that she automatically put those two names together! Her response was, "I guess I'm all Bibled up this week!"

All this week I've been thinking what that means. My conclusion is that it must mean to be so full of the Word that it is the first thing that comes to mind. It's automatic. So, I tried to come up with some practical application of being "all Bibled up" that might be said or heard in 'normal', everyday situations.

In the morning, when you and your family are getting ready to start your day....You might say, "Take your bath!" But think He has washed me whiter than snow. If you say, "Don't forget your coat and hat!" You could think Put on the full armor of God, the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation. When you take care of your own hair, think of how Mary wiped Jesus' feet with her hair after pouring out her expensive perfume.

At work, depending on where you work, you might hear or say any number of these things...."Receiving, you have a delivery." You can think, Ask and you shall receive. You may say, "The boss is upstairs meeting with the board members" and think, Jesus is in the upper room with his disciples. It might be "Did you hear about so and so?!" Your next thought could be I need to avoid godless chatter, so that I may not become more and more ungodly.

In the car, if you are a woman, you might have to stop and say, "I'm lost and I need directions" and think Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. If you come to a place where you can turn either way, think of how many times a day we choose the narrow path, the one less traveled, instead of the wide one that's been trampled by all the people making wrong choices in their life.

Around the house, if you hear someone ask, "Please pass the salt," you can think about what it means to be 'salt to the world'. And if you've turned off the bathroom light five times in the last half hour, like I do, remember that we are to be light in the darkness, every time! Even five times in a half hour, especially to the ones leaving on the light! You may peer into your closet on Sunday morning and think I have nothing to wear. Think about the story in Matthew where Jesus tells them not to worry about what to eat, what to drink, or what to wear. God clothes the grasses of the field, will He not clothe you?

Meditate on the Word as it applies to all your situations. Let's get all Bibled up!

Lord, be with me in every situation, every circumstance, every conversation. Help me to think of You and Your Word first, to put Your Word on my heart and in my mind. Help me to have a desire to do this daily, that I may meditate on it day and night. Thank you for Your Love Letter to my heart. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application:
Read some of God's Word every day. If you are just starting out, a daily devotional or a flip calendar is good way to begin disciplining yourself. Ask God to give you the desire to this with a willing spirit.

Power Verses:
Deut. 11:18-19, "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds...Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home, walking along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."(NIV)
Psalm 19:14, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."(NIV)
Col. 4:5-6, "Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracioius in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out."(MSG)
Matt. 24:35, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."(NIV)

Count To Nine...

By Marsha Loftis

This Week’s Verse: Galatians 5:22, “But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with it’s passions and desires. Since we live by the spirit, let us keep in step with the spirit.” (NIV)

Devotion:
There have been times in my life where I have had people tell me that whenever I get upset or angry or impatient that I should just take a minute and “count to ten”. This advice has served me well in the past. Like when I am getting ready to discipline my daughter. I’m not supposed to do that when I’m angry because I will scare her instead of teach her. I want her respect, not fear. So, I will stop and count to ten. This action has saved her butt many times!

I also have times when I count to nine… There are nine Fruits of the Spirit. These are things that God has blessed us with when we gave our lives over to Jesus. If we have Jesus in our hearts, then we have the fruits of the spirit in us. Those times when I get impatient, mouthy, uncaring, or just plain rude I am reminded that I don’t need to “go there”—that nasty place that some people choose to live in. I might visit, but I don’t have to stay there because I have something in me that keeps bringing me back.

I have love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. They’re there! I know this because God says so. I might have trouble with one or all of them from time to time, but there’s no doubt in my mind that they are in me.

God gave me the spirit of Love so that I may love others as He loves me, ALL OTHERS. Not just the lovable ones, the unlovable ones too!

He gave me the spirit of Joy so that when others see me enjoying the blessings of God they will wonder, ‘What’s she so happy about?’ And this is the open door to tell that “lovable” character all about Jesus!

He has given me the spirit of Peace so that we may live in the world and be not of the world in its un-peaceful ways. So that we may carry the peace of Christ in our hearts everywhere we go.

He gave me Patience because He knew my daughter before I did! We also need peace so we don’t give up so easily on those around us who are in need of Jesus and just won’t admit it. It would be so easy to just say, ‘This person frustrates me because I have the answer they are searching for they just won’t listen. It’s not worth it.’ God says they are. And we need to hang in there for their sake.

Kindness—this is one we need so we will actually keep people around long enough to listen to us! No one is going to be in your company if you treat them poorly; then who will you have to witness to?

We have the spirit of Goodness in order that we may always have a choice to do the right thing. Use that goodness that Jesus placed in our hearts to watch out and care for the people in our lives. To simply say, ‘Please and thank you,’ 'God bless you,’ and ‘Excuse me’. Little things make a big difference in showing your character to the people you are around every day.

Faithfulness. I think this was given to us so we may not be tempted to try it another way. When we give our lives to Jesus, it’s not just once. It’s like an addict chooses to stay sober every day. We have a choice to make every day. Do we choose to give our lives to Jesus today, tomorrow, and every day there after? Faithfulness will keep us coming back to the One who has given so sacrificially of His love and strength so that we may have the opportunity to spend our eternity with Him.

Gentleness. We HAVE to have a gentleness of spirit to embrace hurting people without judging them. When we ask, ‘How are you?’ Do we wait for an answer? When someone actually says, ‘Wow. Thanks for asking. I’ve had a really bad time lately. I kinda need someone to talk to.’ We have to be able to listen gently, without judgment in order for them to see God through us. If God’s people are harsh and unforgiving, then what kind of God are we representing to the ones who need Him more than anything?

I feel like Self-control is more for our inward needs than our outward reaches. We have to maintain some form of self-control to live a life worth witnessing about. Plus, if we don’t, how’s anyone going to tell us apart from those living for this world? Self-control is also a gift to be used when we mess up. When someone says, ‘I heard you cuss under your breath’ or ‘I saw you lose your temper the other day’. That spirit is there to keep us from saying, “Yeah, well, you’re not perfect either, y’know?!” That spirit is there so that we may keep our composure and say instead, “Yeah. I know. I’m sorry you had to hear that. I’m not perfect but I serve someone who is. And in His perfect love, I’ve already asked for his forgiveness and He has forgiven.”

Father God, help me to always remember that your spirit is forever with me. Remind me daily that you have given these gifts to me so I may show others the true character of your son. So that I may live a life that's pleasing to you. Give me your strength to call upon you in all things so that your Name will be glorified in all I do. Thank you for these and all the other gifts in my life. Amen.

Application:
The next time you need to count to ten, try counting to Nine instead. Memorize the Fruits of the Spirit and call them out in your mind. By the time you get through all nine, you will probably forget whatever made you want to start counting in the first place. And if not, you will at least be reminded that all these things are in you because of who loves you and it will be harder for you to go to your ‘Nasty Place’ after all! Say them with me now:
Love, Joy, Peace
Patience, Kindness, Goodness
Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control

Power Verses:
Ezekiel 36:26-28, "I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed. I'll put my Spirit in you and make it possible for you to do what I tell you and to live by my commands." (MSG)
Ephesians 5:8-10, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord." (NIV)
1 John 4:13-16, "He's given us life from his life, from his very own spirit. Also, we've seen for ourselves and continue to state openly that the Father sent his Son as Savior of the world. Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God." (MSG)

Shock and Awe

By Marsha Loftis

This Week’s Verse:
Hebrews 10:19-25, “So, friends, we can now-- without hesitation--walk right up to God, into the ‘Holy Place.’ Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice…Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” (MSG)

Devotion:
"Shock and Awe"...If you’re like me when you hear those two words together you think of three things. George Bush, Iraq, and The War. The people of Iraq were supposed to be surprised that we were there and in fear and wonder of the power of our troops.

Lately, like after a Wednesday night class on Preparing My Heart for Easter, those words have a different meaning. Now when I think or hear them, I wonder about the ‘Shock and Awe’ that two women experienced over two thousand years ago! When upon arrival at the tomb, where they had buried the Lord, the stone had been rolled away! They were definitely surprised! When Mary saw the angels, I’m sure she knelt in fear and wonder of the things she saw. They knew he was the Messiah. We know he told them he would rise again. We know that Jesus told his followers that “where two or three are gathered together in his name He would be there.” I wonder why, then, were the two Mary’s so surprised when they saw Jesus? They were there for Him, gathered together to finish the burial process. Mary even told “the Gardener” that they had taken “her Master.” They knew He was returning to them…one day, yet they were still surprised when He showed up!

I don't ever want to take my relationship with Jesus for granted, but I certainly don't want to be surprised when I feel His presence. After all, I've asked Him to be with me in all things, all situations. Parenting, finances, social gatherings, work... Feeling God's presence is an awe-inspiring, beautiful thing. Something to forever be grateful and thankful for, but not something to be shocked by.

I was at a friend’s house for lunch the other day, and she said the blessing, in His name. I spoke of the gifts He has given us. We were there in the name of friendship, fellowship, and in His name. I know He was there with us! Blessing the time we spent together and the love shared between two friends in Christ. When we gather to pray for others, we don't have to wonder if He hears us, it's promised! When we gather to worship, He is there!

I don’t want to ever be in shock that Jesus is there with me. I want it to be commonplace, natural, “everydayish”… But I will always be in awe of Him and His goodness and mercy.

Father God, help me to know that You are always there with me and to never be surprised when you show up! I know that, one day, You will return to me just like you did to the two Mary’s. Help me to be ready to be awed by You! May we know the comfort of having You near us at all times. Thank you for sending Your Son so this relationship and fellowship with You becomes a way of life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application:
Talk to God. I know. It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But how often do we really do it? Not some scripted, elaborate prayer, just talk to Him. He’s waiting and listening. Ask Him to accompany you everywhere you go. Lord, be with me at church so that I may not only be blessed, but that I may be a blessing to others. Lord, be with me when the kids come home from school so I don’t lose my temper when they have ruined the third pair of shoes this year. Lord, be with me when I go to work so I can be a bright, shining light for You instead of the pinlight I’ve been lately. Lord, be with me when my husband comes in and let me lift Him up and not tear him down so that he may lead our family in Your name. Lord, be with me at the store, so I don’t spend too much money on things I don’t need.

Be aware of His presence in your life and never be shocked when He shows up!

Power Verses:
Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.” (NIV)
James 4:8, “Come near to God and He will come near to you…” (NIV)
Hebrews 12:28-29, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our ‘God is a consuming fire.’” (NIV)
Acts 1:11, “Jesus has been taken into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go.”
Psalm 145:13, “The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving to all he has made.”
Mark 14:62, “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at he right hand of the Mighty one and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (NIV)

The Proverbs 29 1/2 Woman

by Marsha Loftis

This Week's Verse: Proverbs 31:10-30 as detailed below.

Devotion:
The Proverbs 31 Woman! EEEK!... To be honest, I have always had some issues with this gal. I am single and I have never been in love with a Christian man so I can’t really identify with her situation. Not only must she be some kind of woman, but HE must be some kind of guy! I see her as the “perfect” woman so comparing myself to her is useless. I can’t hold a candle to this girl! Let’s just say we’re different, very different.

Let’s explore the difference between the Proverbs 31 woman and me, the “29 1/2 Woman”... maybe less, by the time we get done.

Prov. 31:10 states that she is worth far more than rubies. I think I’m O.K. here. I would tend to agree that, yes, I am worth far more than that.

(11) Her husband calls her…My husband calls me his “ex-wife”. She’s got me there. We won’t talk about what he called me when we were married! There are some divorces where people say, “Oh, it wasn’t really anyone’s fault.” They even have a "No fault divorce" just for those instances. This was not my case. It was a “my fault” divorce. And I’ve sought forgiveness for disappointing God and not honoring my vows. Guess what? He has forgiven.

(12) She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life…I hope he’s better off now. I feel like I am. If I had not been and done what I did, I would not have met God, where he was waiting for me.

(13) She selects wool and flax…If wool coats count, then we’re good. I have no idea what flax is. …works eager with her hands…depends on what I’m working on. Laundry, dishes, dusting? Not so much. I SHOULD, because I hate all of them and should work eagerly to get them done as soon as I can! Getting my hair fixed before church, yeah I get pretty eager there. (‘Cause I’m usually running late.)

(14) She is like the merchant ships bringing food from afar…Yes! Wendy’s is almost a whole mile from my house.

(15) She gets up while it’s still dark…Nearly every day. Like now. It’s 4:30 am. That’s mainly because I work all night Friday, Saturday, and Sunday on the weekend and then during the week, I can’t sleep all the way through the night. …provides food for her family…Yeah, I work all night and go to Wendy’s a lot. We already covered this one. …portions for her servant girls…What servant girls? If you ask my daughter, she is one. “Do I have to put the dishes away again?” “Yes. You do.” “Awww…Man…I have to do everything.” “No. You don’t. But you do have to put the dishes away.”

(16) She considers a field…I like to say about the corn, “Knee high by the Fourth of July…” So, yes, I consider a field. …and buys it… Oh. Never mind. …Out of her earnings she plants a vineyard… I’ve been known to buy a little wine but if I was to plant anything, it would die.

(17) She sets about her work vigorously…( isn’t that eagerly?) …her arms are strong for her tasks… Well, I don’t like to brag, but I got some guns! (Arms, for those who were wondering.)

(18) She sees her trading is profitable…Anyone who knows me knows I don’t trade anything. Nor do I throw it away. I just move it into the nearest closet or the garage. I am a hoarder. (Pray for me.) …her lamp does not go out at night…This is true. Remember? I don’t sleep at night. I might start a load of laundry…Ugh…and finish it by the light of day… maybe.

(19) In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers… Is this English? I honestly have no idea what this verse means. So, there’s no comparison. I must win! Right? Or maybe I have to forfeit this one. Yeah, that’s probably it.

(20) She opens her arms to the poor and extends her arms to the needy…I’m seriously working on this one. I told you, I hoard. I keep things I know I don’t need. That someone else could use. Someone with less than me. I was not born with a servant’s heart. I have said more times than I care to admit, “I was not put on this earth to serve you.” And now God is saying, “As a matter of fact, Marsha, yes you were.”

(21) When it snows, she has no fear… I don’t mind driving in the snow, it’s the ice that gets me. …her household are clothed in scarlet…My daughter has a red coat.

(22) She makes coverings for her bed…I don’t really sew much unless something is falling apart and I have to put it back together. 'Cause ya know I ain’t throwin' it away if I can help it!

(23) Her husband…Yeah, we been there.

(24) She makes… and sells…Don’t sew much, and if I did I’m pretty sure no one would want to but it when I was done.

(25) She is clothed with strength and dignity…I am probably my own worst critic. But I’m gonna go ahead and say this, I TRY to conduct myself in this manner. She can laugh at the days to come. This is probably not because she’s going to say something stupid and will then have to laugh about it later, as is in my case.

(26) She speaks with wisdom…See? I told you. Faithful instruction is on her tongue… I still consider myself kinda new at this "God and Jesus and stuff" but I know this, He’s still on working on me! (Thank you, Lord.) I do my best to pass along what I know to my daughter. It all probably sounds like blah, blah, blah... but, one day, hopefully, it will all make sense.

(27) She watches over the affairs of her house… Yes. Who else is gonna do it? …does not eat the bread of idleness… I’m going to eat the bread, and I’m probably going to eat it on my couch. So this one is going to her.

This woman is making me tired! How ‘bout you? And I’m just talking about what she does. It’s not looking too good for “29 ½,” is it?

( 28) Her children arise and call her blessed…No, not mine. Mine arises and calls me, “Mean Mom”. She is clearly not a morning person. She wonders why I’m using my “Mean Mom” voice. I tell her I was using my “Nice Mommy” voice 45 minutes ago when "I started trying to get you up. I have progressed to THIS VOICE ! Now, GET OUT OF BED!"

(29) Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all… If you define noble as doing the best I can with God and what He has blessed me with, then, yeah, I do some noble stuff. For Him, with Him, and with His grace and love carrying me through when I cannot go on in my own strength.

(30) Charm is deceptive…I’m trying not to fall for this one anymore. And beauty is fleeting… I hear ya Sister! Fleeting, falling, spreading, sagging…well, I’m sure you get my point. …but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Then, praise away! But not me. Praise God, Our Creator, Lover of our womanly souls and emotions and everything that makes us female.

29 ½….Yeah…I’ll take that. Maybe next year I’ll be a 30, or with His help, should I dare hope for a 31?!

Father God, help me not to compare myself to this woman or any other. Help me to see that with your love and guidance I can be the woman you want me to be, unlike any other but made perfectly by You, for You and Your glory. Thank you for making me wonderfully different!! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application:
My study Bible calls her the "Wife of noble character". The dictionary defines noble as "having or showing qualities of high moral character, such as courage, generosity, or honor." It's not about comparing ourselves to her or anyone else. These are characteristics we should all strive for, whether you are a wife, daughter, or mother. Be wise in your dealings with your family and others. Take care of them in a timely manner. Be there for your family and instruct them the best way you know how, praying and praising the whole way through!

Power Verses:
Proverbs 31:10-30

Who's Your Daddy?

by Marsha Loftis

This Week's Verse: Psalm 68:5-6, "A father of the fatherless and a judge and protector of widows is God in his Holy habitation. God places the solitary in families and gives the desolate a home in which to dwell. "

Devotion:
In this nation of fatherless children, my own being one of them, I wonder, am I teaching her to love on, listen to, lean on, and be guided by the only Father that truly matters?

You see, I am not only raising a 'fatherless child,' I am one too. So I can painfully identify with her and this plight sweeping our nation. In case you were wondering...Yes, she does have a father. So do I. But, unfortunately, what we don't have are Dads... That old saying, “Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad," is never more prevalent than in today’s society.

If you don't know a child being raised by someone other than their biological father then I'm sure you are in the minority. Maybe you know a child who has been blessed to not be raised by their biological father. One who is being led, lifted up, and encouraged by a wonderful man who has stepped up to the plate and taken on this awesome responsibility. My prayer is that every lonely and left out child eventually finds this kind of father-figure. For those who don't seem to be headed for this life-style I pray that those of us in the same situation can teach them to call on our ultimate Father-figure...Our Abba Father!

This concept of having an "Abba Father” was foreign to me until I came to FCC. First, I had never heard the term before. Second, being from an absent-father home, how could some "being" I had never met before love me more than my own flesh and blood father?! This seemed absurd! My study Bible uses this term as "an exceptionally close relationship to God." I hope I'm not alone in this revelation. I hope everyone "got it" and continues to "get" what God in his infinite love and mercy has to offer. That feeling of being scooped up in your father's arms. That feeling of being loved, cherished, and adored by Our Creator...How awesome is that! He not only made us, He promises never to leave us or be absent from our lives, but to be our Abba Father, Our Daddy.

Even Jesus cried out "Abba Father" (Mark 14:36) and since we have received the Spirit of Sonship, we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Gal. 4:6). Whatever your station in life, by the grace of God, it is our birthright to call out "Abba Father." When we suffer with him it is so that one day, we may also share in His glory!

Father God, I pray that you'll settle down in the hearts of those who need your comforting presence. Let them know they are not alone. I pray every person reading this, "fatherless" or not boldly proclaims, "I AM A CHILD OF GOD!" In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application:
Join me in getting these verses to the people who need them. Write one out on a piece of paper and slip it into a gnarled and noble hand. Whisper one in the ear of a toddler while you are praying over them. Tell a ten year old, "I hear you're father's a King?!" Let them know they are important to you and to God. Wherever life has left them, God will take them the rest of the way.

Power Verses:
2 Cor. 6:18, "I will be a Father to you and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." (NIV)
Romans 8:15, "We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us--an unbelievable inheritance!" (MSG)
Galatians 4:6, "...God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba Father’...God has made you an heir." (NIV)
Deuteronomy 31:7-8, "Be strong. Take courage…God is striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you down; he won't leave you." (MSG)
------------------------------------------------------------
*On a personal note, I was blessed more than twenty years ago to have a step-dad who filled in a lot of the gaps my own father didn't. And my daughter’s father is trying to get his life in order so he can be a dad to her.

God is good!

What's Your Game Plan?

By Marsha Loftis

This Week’s Verse: Matthew 18:2-5, "I'm telling you, once and for all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in. Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom. What's more, when you receive the childlike on my account, it's the same as receiving me." (MSG)

When was the last time you came to God as a little child? To me, this verse not only pertains to coming to God with innocence and purity of heart, but also with fun and laughter. Remember when we were little and played games with parents or friends? We can take those lessons about how to "win" and strategize and apply them to our lives as adults.

Sometimes, I feel like I'm still playing the classics. Do you ever feel like you're playing “Battleship” with the devil? (Stay with me here.) Sometimes YOU get a hit! Sometimes he gets one. Sometimes he misses, and sometimes you are completely sunk!

If at times you feel like the devil is dragging you down and shooting fire bombs at you on a daily basis, then you are probably on the right course with God! Rejoice! That ole snake knows that you and God are getting closer and smoother waters are just ahead!

What about “Hide N Seek”? Everyone remembers that one! Well, it also has a place in our current life. If we are to “hide the Word away in our hearts” and “seek God first in all things,” but the people closest to us can't see Jesus, then maybe we should be doin' a little less “Hide N Seek” and a little more “Show N Tell”. Jesus shouldn't be that hard to locate. If we tell people more often about all the wonderful things Jesus does in our lives and show people Jesus' hands and His feet then everyone will see more clearly the Body of Christ.

Are ya still with me?

"Connect Four" is one of my favorites. My daughter and I still play that one today. It has special meaning to me in these times. Do you remember how to play? The goal is to fill the empty spaces. Not randomly, but in a special order. The goal is to line up four pieces in a row. If we use this principle as a rule for aligning The Father, Son, Spirit, and ourselves in special order then there will be no gaps. So many people in our lives are trying desperately to fill in the empty spaces with whatever is convenient. Our children, neighbors, co-workers, and even parents are so busy trying to fill their "empty spaces" in the bottom of a bottle, the backseat of a car, a designer label, or even an end zone.

If we can strive to Show and Tell everyone about Jesus, rise above the battle for our minds and hearts, and be an example of all four of our Special Pieces in alignment with God's Word, then there will be no empty spaces. I realize that the pieces may shift a little, but hopefully just enough for God's light to shine through.

I hope that no one thinks I'm being flip about this game of LIFE. I just want everyone to get a CLUE so that no one ends up SORRY!

Father, I pray that everyone we come in contact with sees Jesus in our lives. Even when we mess up the order and try to put our piece first I pray that as Christ followers we handle our mistakes in a Godly way. In our daily battle, I pray that we always remember to call upon you first to fill in the spaces.

Application/Power Verses:
Don't be so hard on yourself. If you feel like you need a time out, take a seat and just B.R.E.A.T.H.E...
B--Believe God has a plan for your life. “’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.’”(Jer. 29:11, NIV)
R--Rest in the Lord. "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 8:28, NIV)
E--Encourage those around you. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..." (1 Thess. 5:11, NIV)A--Acknowledge that God is in control. "Do not be afraid or discouraged...For the battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chron. 20:15, NIV)
T--Think good thoughts. "I'd say you'll do best by filling your mind and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst..." (Phil. 4:8, MSG)
H--Hand it over to God. "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you." (Ps. 55:22, NIV)
E--Enjoy this time in your life. "The thief comes only to destroy. I come that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)." (John 10:10, AMP)

Sweet, Sweet Pain

by Marsha Loftis

This Weeks’ Verse: Micah 7:19, "You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea." (NIV)

INIQUITIES:
1. gross injustice or wickedness.
2. a violation of right or duty; wicked act; sin.

I dreamt of a woman walking along a beach. I couldn't see her face but I knew her. I knew how she felt, why she was there, and everything about her.

She was searching for a lost love. A love named Pain. They were inseparable. No one could tell where she stopped and Pain began. They did everything together. They ate together, slept together, even went to work together.

None of her friends liked Pain. Everyone told her she deserved better. She deserved to live her life without Pain. Most of the time she wouldn't listen. She couldn't imagine her life without Pain. What would she do? Where would she go? Who would she hang around with? Still her friends persisted, hoping that something would get through.

As the days went by she realized that something was missing in her life. A void that Pain could no longer fill. She tried to separate herself from Pain. She really did! But Pain was relentless. He followed her everywhere. He followed her to work, when she went out with her friends. He even followed her into new relationships! None of them lasted, of course. Not with Pain right there, hounding, stalking, never leaving her alone.

One day, she met someone who said he was The One who could take care of her Pain. Replace him. Make it so Pain would never hurt her again. "How?" she asked. "What would you do?"

"I would take your Pain and throw him into the sea for all the hurt and injustice he has caused you," He told her. "All you have to do is ask and believe that I can make it so."

In an instant, she felt better! Lighter! Her Pain was gone. Relieved. But then she got scared. Pain had been such a huge part of her life. How could she go on? She began to doubt what The One had told her.

She had to find Pain! She went to the beach, looking and calling out for him. But she heard no response. Into the water she dove, down, down deep into the mud and muck searching for her Sweet, Sweet Pain. At last, she felt something! She struggled with all her might to bring her Pain to the surface...

Even though I never see her face, I KNOW HER...It's me. And it's you. It's every woman who's ever prayed "Father God, please take this pain away." And then dives into the murky water, time and time again struggling to revive the very thing that should forever remain forgotten at the bottom of the sea.

There are so many types of pain. For each one God has the answer. In order to move past the pain, you must move into frightening territory. A place called FORGIVENESS. You may have to start by forgiving yourself. Maybe you caused some of the pain you're in by making wrong choices. Maybe you need to forgive others. Were you teased for being wonderfully different? Were you looked over for a promotion? Had your heart broken into? Some of you beautiful souls are dealing with the pain of mental, physical, and/or sexual abuse.

Beloved, please don't use the very breath God gave you to resuscitate the Pain you asked Him to take away. Leave it at the bottom of the sea.

Heavenly Father, I pray that you begin to heal those of us walking along the shore, ready to head for the deep one more time. I pray you'll constantly remind us of who you are...Wonderful, Counselor, Forgiver and our extra strength Pain Reliever! So that we may be constantly reminded of who WE are in You...Forgiven, Beloved, Chosen, Child of God. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application:
Practice forgiving yourself. In order to be successful at anything, it takes practice. (Don't expect to get it right the first time, either.) Pray earnestly about each type of pain you are dealing with. Look up verses concerning each hurt and speak them out loud. There's power in The Word!


Power Verses:
Matthew 6:14-15, "In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part."(MSG)

Philippians 4:6-7, "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and prayers shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns."(MSG)

Galations 2:20, "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."(NLT)

Romans 12:19, "Dearly Beloved, avenge not yourselves, but give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay saith the Lord." (KJV)