by Kathy Lay
This Week’s Verse: Hosea 13:6, “…always live in confident dependence on your God.” (NLT)
Devotion:
Remember that team-building exercise that was all the rage for awhile at everything from corporate workshops to summer camps? You know the one—members of small groups were asked to take turns falling backwards into the arms of the others in their group. The purpose was to address trust issues, thereby fostering more cohesiveness and unity within the group.
Though I was never asked to participate in that experience myself, any time I’d heard others talk about it I always wondered what the big deal was. I thought about the people I’ve worked with, played with, lived with, worshiped with, and generally “done life” with, and I don’t think I’d hesitate for a second to fall back, trusting them to catch me. (Hmm…maybe I’m TOO trusting?!)
But what I realized is that even though I might fully trust them to not let me hit the ground during a pre-planned, artificial scenario, I may have trouble trusting them not to let me down in real life. Can I really trust so-and-so to get such-and-such to me by that deadline? Will so- and-so convey the message in as detailed a manner as necessary? Are the kids going to remember to feed and water the dog as they promised? It’s those kinds of areas where I have trust issues. I guess I question others’ follow-through.
But you know who always follows through? I mean, always? I’ll drop a few hints—he’s crazy in love with you. He sings and dances over you. He desires to spend forever with you so much that he became flesh so he could die for you, but he’s such a gentleman that he leaves the decision up to you. If you choose him, he works miracles in your life whether or not you realize how perfect they are for you at that moment.
Now that’s someone we can trust. I loved the phrase from this week’s verse the moment I read it. Confident dependence on God…that’s what I want to always have. I want to wholly depend on him and be 100% confident that He’ll come through. I believe it in my head, but when it gets down to the daily ins and outs of life, do I live it out from my core? Do you?
Let’s depend on God with such confidence that we don’t hesitate for a millisecond to fall back into His big arms. He’ll never let us crash when we do.
Father, sometimes it’s just so tough to trust your timing or accept your will and yet you always follow through with mercy and grace when we ask you to. Help us to trust in full confidence that we can depend on you for everything that’s best for us, when it’s best for us. Help us to confidently depend on You. By all the authority in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application:
Whether it’s falling backward, taking a leap of faith (off a cliff, sometimes!), or running hard, trusting God fully usually requires some action on our part. What steps have you taken recently to put your faith into action? What steps do you need to take to show God you’re confidently depending on Him in a certain situation?
Power Verses:
2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (NLT)
James 5:11, “…From his [Job’s] experience we see how the Lord’s plan finally ended in good, for he is full of tenderness and mercy.” (NLT)
Psalm 44:3, “They did not conquer the land with their swords; It was not their own strength that gave them victory. It was by your mighty power that they succeed; It was because you favored them and smiled on them.” (NLT)
Friday, August 8, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
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)
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)
Friday, July 25, 2008
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)
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)
Friday, July 18, 2008
My Spiritual Gift
By Bethany Lashbrook
This Week’s Verse: Romans 12:6-8, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."
Devotion:
This past week in Sunday school class, we talked about these verses. Afterwards, I was desperate to find what was my “gift” that I contribute with, or could work on. I came home and first thing Monday morning, I was on the computer doing a Spiritual Gifts Inventory Sheet that had been emailed to me long ago.
Was I the Teacher? Did I have the “Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by motivating other’s to action by urging them to pursue a course of conduct”? I love teaching the smaller children at FCC. I work at a handicap day camp during the summers with children. I have children of my own that I am teaching! Surely, I am a Teacher.
Or, was I a Server? Did I “desire to serve God and render practical help in both physical and spiritual matters”? I love helping others. I try to help older and younger ones in the church. When something is needed – just ask me – I will help! Surely I was a Server!
Was I the Giver? Did I have a strong “desire to serve God by giving our material resources, beyond our tithe, to further the work of God”? I was sure this would be at the top of my list! I love to give. OR I LOVE TO THINK ABOUT GIVING EVEN IF WE CAN’T AFFORD IT! I love to help others in time of need. I try to support local missionaries in their field. I just love the feeling of giving! Surely I was a Giver!
Nope. Nada. What appeared at the bottom of my screen was a word that I just barely gave a thought to…it was THE PROPHET. Can you believe it? I am classified as a Prophet, with “the Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by proclaiming God’s truth or the hell-fire-brimstone preacher who points out sin”.
The preacher what??? How could I point out sin to others when I have sinned so much myself? It all boils down to this. The Lord gave me a story so I could tell it to others. The TRUTH is that I have lived through a lot during my short time here on Earth. Some days it’s amazing to look back and think that I am even alive, let alone thriving in my Spiritual Life with a husband, two beautiful children and a wonderful supportive family behind me.
TRUTH is that God told me “Bethany, use your story to help others and if that means pointing out sins, then point them out.” I guess I just feel blessed to have sinned (as silly as that sounds) so that I can say loud and clear to others “YES I have sinned,” and if others know that and recognize that – maybe they can come to Christ just as I have. So, today, I will continue “prophesying” and asking God to help me further understand the spiritual gifts he has laid upon me to help others reach him.
Second on my list was Serving – thank goodness!
Lord, help us to fully understand our spiritual gifts given to us specifically by you. Help us to let the Holy Spirit guide us daily with these gifts, so that we may serve you better. Guide us and direct us in all areas, all gifts, and all walks of life. Lord, clarify to us what you want us to use our gifts towards and help us to attain our goals for your satisfaction and glory. It’s in Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Application:
*Discover your spiritual gift(s). Go to http://buildingchurch.net/g2s.htm. All you have to do is read the directions, click which “number” fits you best and find out what gifts you have.
*Pray about these gifts that God has given you. We are each powerfully blessed with them, but just because they are God-given doesn’t mean we don't sometimes slip into misusing them for our own glory and satisfaction. Make sure to use them wisely.
Power Verses:
1 Corinthians 12:4-6, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men." (NIV)
Joel 3:28, "Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. You old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions." (NLT)
Acts 15:8, "God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us." (NIV)
This Week’s Verse: Romans 12:6-8, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."
Devotion:
This past week in Sunday school class, we talked about these verses. Afterwards, I was desperate to find what was my “gift” that I contribute with, or could work on. I came home and first thing Monday morning, I was on the computer doing a Spiritual Gifts Inventory Sheet that had been emailed to me long ago.
Was I the Teacher? Did I have the “Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by motivating other’s to action by urging them to pursue a course of conduct”? I love teaching the smaller children at FCC. I work at a handicap day camp during the summers with children. I have children of my own that I am teaching! Surely, I am a Teacher.
Or, was I a Server? Did I “desire to serve God and render practical help in both physical and spiritual matters”? I love helping others. I try to help older and younger ones in the church. When something is needed – just ask me – I will help! Surely I was a Server!
Was I the Giver? Did I have a strong “desire to serve God by giving our material resources, beyond our tithe, to further the work of God”? I was sure this would be at the top of my list! I love to give. OR I LOVE TO THINK ABOUT GIVING EVEN IF WE CAN’T AFFORD IT! I love to help others in time of need. I try to support local missionaries in their field. I just love the feeling of giving! Surely I was a Giver!
Nope. Nada. What appeared at the bottom of my screen was a word that I just barely gave a thought to…it was THE PROPHET. Can you believe it? I am classified as a Prophet, with “the Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by proclaiming God’s truth or the hell-fire-brimstone preacher who points out sin”.
The preacher what??? How could I point out sin to others when I have sinned so much myself? It all boils down to this. The Lord gave me a story so I could tell it to others. The TRUTH is that I have lived through a lot during my short time here on Earth. Some days it’s amazing to look back and think that I am even alive, let alone thriving in my Spiritual Life with a husband, two beautiful children and a wonderful supportive family behind me.
TRUTH is that God told me “Bethany, use your story to help others and if that means pointing out sins, then point them out.” I guess I just feel blessed to have sinned (as silly as that sounds) so that I can say loud and clear to others “YES I have sinned,” and if others know that and recognize that – maybe they can come to Christ just as I have. So, today, I will continue “prophesying” and asking God to help me further understand the spiritual gifts he has laid upon me to help others reach him.
Second on my list was Serving – thank goodness!
Lord, help us to fully understand our spiritual gifts given to us specifically by you. Help us to let the Holy Spirit guide us daily with these gifts, so that we may serve you better. Guide us and direct us in all areas, all gifts, and all walks of life. Lord, clarify to us what you want us to use our gifts towards and help us to attain our goals for your satisfaction and glory. It’s in Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Application:
*Discover your spiritual gift(s). Go to http://buildingchurch.net/g2s.htm. All you have to do is read the directions, click which “number” fits you best and find out what gifts you have.
*Pray about these gifts that God has given you. We are each powerfully blessed with them, but just because they are God-given doesn’t mean we don't sometimes slip into misusing them for our own glory and satisfaction. Make sure to use them wisely.
Power Verses:
1 Corinthians 12:4-6, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men." (NIV)
Joel 3:28, "Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. You old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions." (NLT)
Acts 15:8, "God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us." (NIV)
Friday, July 11, 2008
Serious Berry Pickin'
by Kathy Lay
This Week’s Verse: Hosea 10:12, “I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of my love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’”
Devotion:
Blackberry bushes line the perimeter of our yard and this time of year we’re usually out reaping the harvest. These are wild bushes; we didn’t plant them and yet we’re able to enjoy their luscious fruit.
There is a small price to pay for the bounty though. The thorns on the bushes can make berry-picking a painful experience if we’re not careful. Most of the time, we just stick to the outside berries—even though they’re usually smaller—so that we don’t have to endure being poked and pierced. We usually take the easy way out.
But while I was doing the “easy” picking last year, I spied through the leaves and branches a fat, full, succulent cluster of berries. They were so much better than “the outside berries”—so plump and huge.
I weighed my options. I could lean straight forward through a lot of thorny branches, tough it out, grab the blackberries, then deal with the consequences later. Or I could try to find a way in from the back, decreasing (only a little!) my exposure to the thorns, but increasing (a lot!) the time invested for the berries. With the heat and bugs pestering me, I opted to get right to business and leaned through about three feet of prickly hell. But I got those berries! And it was so worth it when the kids and I had dark juicy stains on our lips!
How like berry-picking is living for God. He graces us with blessings we don’t deserve (we didn’t plant those bushes), but then our will comes into play as far as what we do with them. We could ignore them altogether. We could randomly pick at them as we speed past on the lawn mower of life. We could make an intentional effort, but merely settle for small fruit while playing it safe on the outside.
Or we could sacrifice ourselves and go deep, seeking the biggest and the best waiting for us.
Lord, put a longing in our hearts to keep our eyes on the prize—the best fruit for Your kingdom. Put a yearning in us to go beyond our comfort zone and sustain us to persevere. Even if we get pierced or hurt along the way, help us to remember that You, Jesus, did it first. And thank You for that.
Power Verses:
Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”(NIV)
Mark 8:34, “Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, ‘Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?’” (MSG)
Jeremiah 45:5, “’And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,’ says the LORD. ‘But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.’” (NKJV)
This Week’s Verse: Hosea 10:12, “I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of my love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’”
Devotion:
Blackberry bushes line the perimeter of our yard and this time of year we’re usually out reaping the harvest. These are wild bushes; we didn’t plant them and yet we’re able to enjoy their luscious fruit.
There is a small price to pay for the bounty though. The thorns on the bushes can make berry-picking a painful experience if we’re not careful. Most of the time, we just stick to the outside berries—even though they’re usually smaller—so that we don’t have to endure being poked and pierced. We usually take the easy way out.
But while I was doing the “easy” picking last year, I spied through the leaves and branches a fat, full, succulent cluster of berries. They were so much better than “the outside berries”—so plump and huge.
I weighed my options. I could lean straight forward through a lot of thorny branches, tough it out, grab the blackberries, then deal with the consequences later. Or I could try to find a way in from the back, decreasing (only a little!) my exposure to the thorns, but increasing (a lot!) the time invested for the berries. With the heat and bugs pestering me, I opted to get right to business and leaned through about three feet of prickly hell. But I got those berries! And it was so worth it when the kids and I had dark juicy stains on our lips!
How like berry-picking is living for God. He graces us with blessings we don’t deserve (we didn’t plant those bushes), but then our will comes into play as far as what we do with them. We could ignore them altogether. We could randomly pick at them as we speed past on the lawn mower of life. We could make an intentional effort, but merely settle for small fruit while playing it safe on the outside.
Or we could sacrifice ourselves and go deep, seeking the biggest and the best waiting for us.
Lord, put a longing in our hearts to keep our eyes on the prize—the best fruit for Your kingdom. Put a yearning in us to go beyond our comfort zone and sustain us to persevere. Even if we get pierced or hurt along the way, help us to remember that You, Jesus, did it first. And thank You for that.
Power Verses:
Philippians 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”(NIV)
Mark 8:34, “Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, ‘Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?’” (MSG)
Jeremiah 45:5, “’And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them; for behold, I will bring adversity on all flesh,’ says the LORD. ‘But I will give your life to you as a prize in all places, wherever you go.’” (NKJV)
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