Treasures in Darkness

Marketplace Meditations 12/23

December 23
Treasures in Darkness

Isaiah 45:3 I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

"I have never been in this place before. It is new ground for me, and I find I am way out of my comfort zone. I am scared to death to trust Him at this level. I had to confess to the Lord I have not been able to accept or believe His love for me in this area." Those were the words I expressed to a friend when I was in a difficult place in my life. That day when I confessed those words, God led me to this passage of Scripture.

What we perceive as dark periods in our lives are designed to be treasures from God. They are actually riches stored in secret places. We cannot see those times in this light because of the often-accompanying pain or fear that prevents us from accepting these times as treasures. They have a particular purpose from God's viewpoint: "...so that you may know that I am the Lord...who summons you by name."

You see, unless we are cast into times in which we are completely at God's mercy for breakthroughs in our lives, we will never experience God's faithfulness in those areas. We will never know how personal He is, or that He can be trusted to meet the deepest needs in our lives. God wants each of us to know that we are "summoned by name." Every hair of our head is numbered. He knows every activity we are involved in. His love for you and me knows no bounds, and He will take every opportunity to demonstrate this to us.

Has God brought you into a place of darkness? Trust Him today to reveal that hidden treasure that can be found in this darkness. Let Him summon you by name.

The Value of a Humble Heart

In Touch - Dec. 22-23, 2007

In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
December 22-23, 2007

– The Value of a Humble Heart – Luke 2:8-20

The Bible never grows old or stale. I find that verses I have studied 99 times yield fresh insights on the hundredth reading, which inspires me to keep meditating on the Word. In the account of Jesus’ birth, I discovered a principle that recurs frequently in Scripture: God often gives great revelations to those in lowly positions. A person’s worth before the Lord cannot be judged by his position, abilities, or popularity.

Since Mary and Joseph were both from common families, they probably seemed an unlikely choice for parents of the Messiah. Similarly, the men selected to receive the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth also lacked social standing—shepherds were considered part of the lowest class. Yet God revealed His plans to these individuals, not on the basis of worldly status, but because their heart attitude was right. The people He used were all humble followers who submitted to His will—whether the mission was bearing and protecting a young Jesus, or hurrying to worship Him where He lay in a manager.

When God guides us to take an important action, we might wonder why we have been chosen. We’re tempted to think, Surely He wants someone with better talent or more wisdom. In fact, many Bible characters, like Gideon and Moses, express that exact sentiment to the Lord (Judges 6:15; Exodus 3:11). But we can’t allow a sense of inadequacy to stand in the way of obedience. If God chooses us for a task, He will also give us the strength and wisdom to complete it. All we need is a willing and obedient spirit.

Though Conditioner #7

THIS WEEK'S THOUGHT CONDITIONER:

Thought Conditioner No. 7

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Many people are lacking in energy. Their vitality is low. They are filled with inner conflicts which dissipate energy. They are dull and apathetic.

What is the secret of energized life? Christ is the answer. It is said of Him, “In Him was life” (John 1:4). Fill your mind with Christ, fill your heart with Him, and inevitably energy, vitality, exuberance, delight, and eagerness will well up within you.

Every day as you repeat this text make it read, “Christ has come that I (fill in your own name) might have life and might have it more abundantly.”

The Perfect Christmas Tree

There's a worship song we sing at church that goes, "Broken hearts and broken wings---somehow God uses broken things"-----I love that!---LL


HomeWord - Dec. 20, 2007


The Perfect Christmas Tree

This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Each year in the mall near our home, a Christmas tree looms high above the department stores as a decoration and focal point for holiday celebrations. It is breathtaking. Of course, this tree gets a lot of help. In fact, to make sure the tree looks perfect and even from all sides, existing branches are cut off, extra ones are collected, and each branch is cut and trimmed. Then, holes are drilled in the tree trunk and extra branches are placed in just the right spots. The tree is made to look flawless.

When I think about the holiday season and the message of Christ, this mall has it all wrong. I think God looks at us more like Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree. You know the one I mean. A tree that is far from perfect: skimpy, left behind and unwanted. A tree that has lots of gaps in the branches and need extra help getting decorated.

God demonstrated his power in mighty ways through the Apostle Paul. The passage from 2 Corinthians records Paul’s requests to God to remove the afflictions he was facing, but God chose not to do so. God demonstrated His incredible power through Paul by working through Him even in the midst of His weaknesses. It is also these weaknesses that reminded Paul to rely on the Lord, for he knew he could not succeed without the power of God in his life.

It is tempting to rely on our own strength or think we can do everything on our own based on the talents, energy and effort we give to something. However, God wants us to realize instead that we need to rely on Him to be our strength. When we rely on Him, we will not only find ourselves stronger, but we will also continue to grow and move to deeper Christian character when we allow God’s strength to work in us. So when you face situations that are difficult and challenging, be encouraged. God will make His power perfect in you…just as you are, with flaws and all .

Accepting God's assignments

Just the other day I was with some friends and this response of Mary's was brought up. Oh that I would be like her---praising the Lord and worshipping him and obeying!---LL


Encouragement for Today - Dec. 18, 2007

December 18, 2007

If You Choose to Accept This Assignment . . .
By Amy Carroll

‘“I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her.” Luke 1:38 (NIV)

Devotion:
How was Mary so accepting of her assignment from the Lord? There is no doubt that it was a glorious assignment. To carry the promised Messiah and raise Him as His mother was awe-inspiring; however, it came with tremendous personal cost. Jewish law demanded that women who became pregnant out of wedlock were to be stoned to death. Even though Joseph came to her rescue and did not end their betrothal, there were surely whispers and innuendos for the rest of her life.

In a beautiful scene in CS Lewis’ book The Horse and His Boy, Hwin, a wise horse in the story, faces a fierce lion. The lion, Aslan, is the perfect picture of the Lord in all His glory. Lewis’ characters often say of Aslan, “He’s not a tame Lion, but He is good.” The story continues like this: “Then Hwin, though shaking all over, gave a strange little neigh and trotted across to the Lion. ‘Please,’ she said, ‘you’re so beautiful. You may eat me if you like. I’d sooner be eaten by you than fed by anyone else.’” This little horse was consumed by a love and awe for Aslan that was so great that she knew Truth and inspiration in a flash.

Mary was able to be a willing servant because she knew Truth and was well acquainted with the greatness of the Master. Her praise of Him in Luke 1:46-55 displays the depth of her knowledge of Him. She praises Him as Savior, for His mindfulness of His children, as the Mighty One, for His mercy, for His power, as the mighty but compassionate King, as Provider and as the compassionate Lord of Israel. The One who gave the assignment was no stranger to Mary. Her heart of praise reveals her deep love and awe for Him.

God has an assignment for each of us, too. He created us with a purpose in mind and with good works for His children to perform. How do we respond to His assignments for us, especially if they involve personal cost? If we have invested our lives in knowing our Master, it will be much easier to be joyful servants. We will know that our highest good is linked to His glory. We’ll know that true personal loss comes in the form of disobedience to the Lord. We’ll remember that He is worthy and that serving Him is its own priceless reward.

There have been times that I’ve ignored His voice. Sometimes it was because of busyness. Sometimes I questioned whether it was His voice or my own I heard. Other times it was just outright disobedience. Every time I was left with regret and emptiness. He is so merciful, and He forgave me when I asked. He gently and faithfully restored me. I don’t want to miss any more opportunities to say “yes” to His assignment, so I’m fixing my eyes on Jesus. I want to know my Master so well that I hear His voice and follow Him into any assignment that He gives me. I want to become a maidservant to the Lord, just like Mary.

Dear Lord, You are worthy of my entire life and all of my devotion. Help me to hear and obey Your voice. I desire to joyfully accept every assignment that You have for my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Making time to be in the Word

Such a great reminder and encouragement to begin my day and make time to be with the Lord--in prayer, in the Word, and in fellowship with Him. It's a discipline that only grows our love for the Lord----because when you spend time with Him, your relationship and love for Him grows! How beautiful!

December 17

Today's Reading:
Psalms 29-30; Acts 23:1-15

Today's Thoughts: Seek God First

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33

The devil will kill, steal and destroy any fruit of the Spirit in your day if you do not spend time with the Lord. The most important thing that allows us to live a victorious Christian life seems to be the hardest thing to maintain on a consistent basis. We have to understand that the power of the Holy Spirit is released by abiding in the Word. If the devil can keep you from opening the Word, you will be ineffective and have little peace in knowing the will of God. The Lord wants to instruct you and keep you in the way you should go; but if you cannot spend time with Him, He will not be able to lead you.

Repeatedly, the common excuse is that we are too busy. But by spending time with the Lord, He is then allowed in intervene in your life in such a way that gives you more time in your day. It is like tithing. You give and then you get. Time works the same way with the Lord.

No one was busier than Jesus. He had many things to do and many lessons to teach in a very short period of time. What did He do? Jesus made it a priority to spend time with the Father. He would rise early, before the dawn, just to pray. There was nothing that was more important, or as pressing as spending time with His Father. If Jesus needed to spend time alone with God, how much more do we need to spend time with Him? If the devil cannot make you bad, he will make you busy. Why? Because all those valuable things you are doing distracts you from the only thing that really matters for eternity. Even church-oriented events will not bear the fruit you are praying for without His counsel and His blessing.

Seek Him first - first thing in the morning, first before any plans are made and first in your thoughts and prayers. No other task can compare to finding God after seeking Him with your whole heart.

Thought Conditioner #6

THIS WEEK'S THOUGHT CONDITIONER:

Thought Conditioner No. 6

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

This text will help you avoid a nervous breakdown. It will stimulate your recovery if you have had one.A famous neurologist, specialist in nervous breakdowns, often “prescribes” this text for his patients. He writes the words on a card and instructs his patients to commit them to memory and repeat them until they are indelibly printed on the subconscious mind.The cause of much nervous trouble is frustration. And the antidote to frustration is a calm faith, not in your own cleverness, or in hard toil, but in God’s guidance. The cure of frustration is the belief that God will help you obtain your heart’s desire. Trust in God with all your heart, and you will be able to keep on working in health and happiness for long years to come.

Communicating Love to a Woman pt 3

I picked yesterday and today's devotional because "I" desire someone to communicate love to me! It kind of sucks being single and desiring affection and attention from the opposite sex-----a different kind of nurturing altogether. LIke the devotional says----we, (I) just want to know that we are special.----LL

Moments Together for Couples 12/14
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

December 14
What Communicates Love to Women? (Part Three) by Barbara Rainey

The Song of Solomon 2:16 "My beloved is mine, and I am his."

Continuing my top 10 list of romantic things you can do for your wife:

5. Written notes, letters or cards. Recently, I was cleaning our bathroom and I found an old note from Dennis: "Have you found all your little notes around that say how much I love you?" He had once left notes like this all around the house, and I had a great time searching for them. I had taped this one on a closet wall in the bathroom just to remind me what a wonderful husband I had.

4. Going out on a date. Again, a date means time away, with no kids, just the two of you. A wife likes to be the focus of her husband's attention. She enjoys having a block of time where she has him all to herself.

3. Having special meals together. You can put the kids to bed a little early and have a quiet candlelight dinner at home. You can pick up your wife at her office at noon and take her for a short picnic.

2. Touch. I'm not talking about sexual touch here, but hugging, cuddling, caressing without expectation of a later payoff.
Many women never received much physical affection from their parents. So they grow up with a longing for physical touch, and if all they get from their husbands is touch that is tied to sex, they will begin thinking, He really doesn't love me that much. He just needs me for his own pleasure.

And finally we come to the end of my list:

1. Flowers. Many men never understand the power of flowers on women, and I'm not sure if I understand it myself. I think flowers say, "You are special." I think perhaps it's because flowers are so frivolous-they will wilt and die in a few days, but for that brief period of time you see a constant bright reminder that your husband loves you.

You'll note that a few themes run through this list: Women want to feel special. They want you to show love without an expectation of sex. For women, romance = relationship.

Prayer:
That God will enable you to keep romance alive in your marriage.

Discuss: Again, look through this list and ask your wife which items most communicate love to her. Talk about the equation: romance = relationship. Agree/disagree?

Communicating Love to a Woman

What Communicates Love to Women? (Part Two) by Barbara Rainey

The Song of Solomon 2:16 "My beloved is mine, and I am his."

As Dennis wrote in the last devotional, the best way to learn what says "I love you" to your wife is to ask her. But to give you a little more help, we surveyed 800 people at our FamilyLife Marriage Conferences. Here is our top 10 list, in reverse order, of what communicates romantic love to women.

10. Holding hands. To a woman, this simple act communicates closeness. It says, "I want to be close to you and I like you."

9. Massage. Many woman are reluctant to ask their husbands for foot rubs or back rubs because they know that most men tend to see massage as sexual foreplay. But women often enjoy massages with no strings attached.

8. Acts of servanthood and sacrifice. Sometimes it's as simple as opening the door for your wife or cleaning the dishes after dinner. When a husband denies himself, even in little ways, he tells her he cares about her and he wants to make her feel special.

7. A kiss. It's interesting that men ranked this higher than women. I suspect women would rank kissing higher if they didn't know from experience that their husbands usually don't want to stop with a kiss.

6. Taking a walk together. Again, this is not usually high on men's lists. It's very relational. When you go for a walk with your husband, you are taking a break from daily responsibilities and distractions. You're away from the telephone and the television, away from children, away from work. It allows you to focus on the relationship in a nonthreatening way.

After looking at this part of the list, I was struck with how God has made women different from one another. And how, as a woman, different things communicate romantic love to me at different times. But we all have one thing in common, we want to feel that our husbands love us.

Prayer:
That God would develop within you the desire to communicate love to your wife without any expectation of her response.

Discuss:
Look over this devotion with your wife and ask her, "Which of these items most communicate love to you?"

God's Mysterious Dealings

Those are such sweet and scary times----when the Lord takes hold of you (and we need to let Him)----and re-shapes our little clay pots of our lives. ---LL

God's Mysterious Dealings

"Thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons" (2 Kings 4:4).

They were to be alone with God, for they were not dealing with the laws of nature, nor human government, nor the church, nor the priesthood, nor even with the great prophet of God, but they must needs be isolated from all creatures, from all leaning circumstances, from all props of human reason, and swung off, as it were, into the vast blue inter-stellar space, hanging on God alone, in touch with the fountain of miracles.

Here is a part in the programme of God's dealings, a secret chamber of isolation in prayer and faith which every soul must enter that is very fruitful.

There are times and places where God will form a mysterious wall around us, and cut away all props, and all the ordinary ways of doing things, and shut us up to something Divine, which is utterly new and unexpected, something that old circumstances do not fit into, where we do not know just what will happen, where God is cutting the cloth of our lives on a new pattern, where He makes us look to Himself.

Most religious people live in a sort of treadmill life, where they can calculate almost everything that will happen, but the souls that God leads out into immediate and special dealings, He shuts in where all they know is that God has hold of them, and is dealing with them, and their expectation is from Him alone.

Like this widow, we must be detached from outward things and attached inwardly to the Lord alone in order to see His wonders. --Soul Food

In the sorest trials God often makes the sweetest discoveries of Himself. --Gems

"God sometimes shuts the door and shuts us in,That He may speak, perchance through grief or pain,And softly, heart to heart, above the din,May tell some precious thought to us again."

Nemo gospel

The Gospel According to Nemo

This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt

Suppose one of you had a hundred sheep and lost one. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the lost one until you found it? Luke 15:4 (The Message)

With all of the junk the Hollywood movie industry throws our way, it is exciting when a movie comes along that is wholesome, demonstrates good morals and values and – isn’t cheesy. Putting aside my hesitancy to over spiritualize everything, I found that Finding Nemo, released in 2003, was both a great movie – and intentionally or unintentionally – shared the Gospel storyline to millions of people.

In a nutshell, Finding Nemo tells the story of two clown fish: Marlin (father) and Nemo (son). Nemo disobeys his father and ends up in a dentist office aquarium. Marlin, relentlessly seeks to find his son. The word of Marlin’s courageous journey to find Nemo (can you say “good news”?) spreads and eventually reaches Nemo. Nemo, compelled by the message of his father’s love and concern responds by taking a leap of faith – out of the aquarium – and down a drain that leads him back to the ocean and eventually to a happy reunion with his father.

Doesn’t this sound just like our own storyline with God? We have all disobeyed God. Yet God loves us and relentlessly pursues us – even to the extent of sending His son, Jesus – to die in our place - paying the penalty for our sins – so that we might be reunited with our Heavenly Father. By stepping out in faith – believing in God’s love for us demonstrated through Jesus – we are saved.

Why was Finding Nemo such a popular movie with adults? I believe it is because most everyone, regardless of age, is drawn into stories of heroic love – and a relentless pursuit of the beloved. Most everyone hopes that someone would love them enough to leave everything else behind in order to find them. And, as believers in Jesus, we know that we have that Someone. I enjoy having little opportunities along the way in my own journey of faith – that remind me of what God has done for me. In Finding Nemo, I found an unexpected reassurance of God’s great love for me. How about you?

Today, say thank you to God for his relentless love .

Hide and Seek

Moments Together for Couples 12/5
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

December 5
Hide and Seek (Part Two)

Jeremiah 29:13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

In the previous devotion I spoke of hiding from God and each other. Why would anyone want to do this? Because we fear we'll be hurt. Intimate relationships can be painful.
No human relationship endures more hiding and hurting than marriage. It is within this most intimate of human associations that two people seek to know one another and be known. It is tragic that many people marry to stop being lonely, but soon find themselves lonelier than they were as singles.

I believe that 95 percent of all marriages suffer from isolation, and few people in marriage realize how desperately alone they really are. Often a husband and wife begin drifting apart so slowly that they hardly recognize the slide. Then, after a few years of hiding and poor communication, they realize that their once romantic love has grown stale. That's why many successful-looking marriages aren't much more than two successful people independently doing their own thing; they aren't friends and life-partners.

How do you defeat this drift to isolation?

I believe the most important thing you can do as a couple is to regularly pray together. Barbara and I began this spiritual discipline shortly after we were married in 1972, and I believe it's done more for our marriage than any other single thing. If there's a problem between us, we find that we either resolve the problem and pray, or go to sleep angry. Because of our commitment to end each day in prayer, we have learned to build bridges of understanding between us, forgive one another, and then pray.

Praying together keeps us from hiding from one another.

Prayer:
Take turns praying for one another before you go to sleep tonight. Ask God to help you develop this spiritual discipline in your relationship with Him and one another.

A Different Kind of Christmas

Oh Lord---help me "see" with Your eyes who I can be a blessing to. Help me to better love people in practical ways, special ways, and in encouragement---that they may seek You, the One who fills me with this love.--LL

Girlfriends in God - Dec. 4, 2007

December 4, 2007
A Different Kind of Christmas
Sharon Jaynes


Today’s Truth
“Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measure to you.” Luke 6:38 NIV

Friend to Friend
Of all the Christmases that Mike Wekall remembers, his seventh stands out from all the rest. Mike was the fifth of six Wekall children. Like every child, Mike met December with the anticipation of new toys, freshly baked goodies, glittering decorations, and school vacation. But one week before Christmas, Mike’s parents called the children into the den.

“Kids, I’ve have some bad news for you,” Mr. Wekall said, barely able to look his children in the eye. “As you know, things have been pretty tight at work this year. In fact, we are going to have to file bankruptcy, so we won’t have Christmas this year. I’m sorry. Maybe we can make it up to you next year.” Then he quietly walked out of the room.

The children just sat there for a while in silence. Mike thought to himself, “What does he mean ‘we won’t have Christmas’? Does that mean I’ve been bad and Santa isn’t going to come? And what is bankruptcy?”

It was a confusing time for little Mike, but one thing became perfectly clear on Christmas morning-Christmas had not come to the Wekall house. No presents were under a tree, and the aroma of a roasting turkey did not come from the kitchen. The family did, however, go off to church that crisp, cold morning. When they arrived at church, all the other children were sporting new clothes and chattering about what they had found under their trees.

“Hey, Mike, what’d you get?” one asked.

“Nothin’. We didn’t have Christmas at our house. We’re having a bankruptcy.”

“What’s wrong? Have you been too bad to get anything? Didn’t you even get a few switches?”

Feeling rather blue, the family of eight went home for a lunch of lima beans and hamhocs. About an hour later, the door bell rang. “Maybe it is Santa after all,” Mike thought as he ran to the door.

Standing in the doorway wasn’t Santa, but it was the Bosky family, all ten of them. Each of the eight children had smiles on their faces and two gifts in their hands. Mr. and Mrs. Bosky held a turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

As it turned out, the eight Bosky children went home from church and told their parents about how the Wekalls weren’t having Christmas this year. Seeing how they had been so richly blessed, the children decided to pick two of their toys and wrap them up for the Wekalls. Mom and Dad joined in and brought gifts for the parents. Even though Mrs. Bosky had Christmas dinner all choreographed for her own dining room, she gathered up the food in boxes and baskets to share with a family who needed it more.

That was over forty years ago, but Mike still gets tears in his eyes when he shares this story. “It was the best Christmas I have ever had,” he told me. “The Spirit of God showed me that Christmas wasn’t about getting presents but about giving and caring for others. It is about showing goodness toward other people. Every year, I tell this story to someone, because it exemplifies how Christ gave so freely of Himself for us.”

Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, I have so much and I am surrounded by people who have so little. Show me someone I can help this Christmas. Open the eyes of my heart to see the needs of others. Make me an extension of Your lavish love.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

Super Mom Has Left the Building

I picked this devotional today because I soooo struggle with my drive to complete my never-ending to-do list. I get frustrated when I hit road bumps, although I have come a LONG way and have become much more flexible with the curveballs of life. But I like the reminder of Mary's response to what the angel told her---"May it be to me as you have said." The Lord has me where He wants me---and He is the one who should fill my calendar. I will seek Him today and each day. ---LL

December 3, 2007

Super Mom Has Left the Building
By Marybeth Whalen

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1 (NIV)


Devotion:
I just have to insert something in the midst of this busy season we call Christmas:

“You can’t do it all.”

And I don’t think I can say that enough.

I found this entry in my journal from years ago, and I thought you might like to read it…

Someday…

I’ll remember to order those cute Christmas return address labels for my cards.

I’ll bake real gingerbread houses like Martha Stewart instead of buying those cheap, cheesy kits.

I’ll finish my shopping early instead of waiting to the last minute.

I’ll hand make gifts for all our neighbors, teachers, postal carriers, and garbage men.

I’ll wrap presents that look like the ones in the magazines, not like a kindergartner did it.

I’ll actually do all those service projects that look like a worthy thing to do.

Someday… is not now.

Whatever season in life you are in this Christmas, embrace it. There will be other times to do all those things you want to do. Or not. Whatever your situation is, trust that God is sovereign and He ordained for you to be where you are at this time, for His purpose. There is something to be gained from every season in life. The trick is to find that piece of wisdom God has for you in the midst of each season.

When the angel appeared to Mary, he told her some pretty shocking news about what was going to happen to her. His message ushered her into a season in life that included confusion, rejection and some pretty extreme transition. And yet, her response was “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).

I want Mary’s reaction to be my own reaction. I want my attitude to be one of complete surrender to God’s will, no matter what the circumstances. I want to be able to say with confidence “May it be to me as you have said” instead of whining to God, “Why did you let this happen to me?” like I usually do.

The first step in embracing every season is to let go of our own expectations—even when it means learning to love our limitations. Whether you are struggling with illness, or lack of energy, or a marriage situation, or money problems, or family issues—whatever it is, that is where God has you. Stop trying to be Super Mom or Super Woman and trust a super God instead.

Dear Lord, help me see You this Christmas. Help me keep my focus on You and not on my to-do list. And would you please remind me when I forget that You love me not because of what I accomplish but because I am, simply, Your child? In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Striving vs. Abiding

I was struck by the comment that our outcomes are based on our obedience. Wow----I know I strive----when I need to simply obey what the Lord is speaking into me. --LL

Marketplace Meditations 12/1

December 1Striving Versus Abiding

Psalms 127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.

What does it mean for the Lord to build the house? It almost seems a contradiction when we consider that we might be the builders in this passage. God wants us to allow Him to build the house. He explains further:

Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-for He grants sleep to those He loves (Psalm 127:1-2).

God is telling us there is a way of working without striving. There is a way to conduct business without sweating and toiling for outcome. His warning to each of us is to avoid thinking that outcome is based on our sweat and toil. Outcome is based on obedience. That outcome is sometimes more than we deserve. Sometimes it is less than we hoped for. His desire for each of us is to see Him working in our daily work life. He wants us to avoid looking to our own effort to gain an outcome.

One day Jesus called out to Peter from the shore of the lake and suggested he throw his net on the other side of the boat. It was this simple act of obedience that yielded a tremendous catch that he would not have received unless he obeyed.

We are called to work; He is called to bring forth the fruit. He is the vine. We are the branches. Fruit comes forth naturally from a healthy tree.

Today, ask God to show you when you enter into striving. Ask Him to show you the difference between loving trust and obedience and striving for outcome. It can be challenging for us to balance this in our daily work experience. He wants to help us walk in this freedom and rest.

Amazing Grace

I'm so glad that the Lord is not done with me! "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it!" TGIF-----LL


From His Heart - Week of Nov. 30

AMAZING GRACE
On the night Jesus was betrayed, He told His disciples what was going to happen. He let them know that He would be delivered up... and they would all fall away from Him.
The disciples could not believe their ears. If Jesus were to be arrested and in need, no way would they ever desert Him! Why Peter kept saying repeatedly, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You! With You, I am ready to go to prison and to death!"
Of course, you know the story. Peter did not live up to his commitment. When push came to shove, he succumbed to the pressure and the fear of man. He vehemently denied three times that he even knew Jesus, even cursing and swearing on the last denial to convince his audience. How horrible he felt when the Lord turned and looked at him with a look of wounded love... and then the cock crowed. The Bible says that Peter "went out and wept bitterly."

CAN YOU RELATE?
I can so relate to Peter, can you? There have been so many times that I have promised the Lord this, that, and the other... only to fail miserably and fall woefully short of my commitments. In my 26 years as a Christian, I have surely experienced the guilt and bitter tears associated with denying Jesus through my attitudes, actions and reactions.
Maybe you have made a huge mess of your life by disobeying and denying God. Maybe you have trashed your marriage, or your family, or your purity, or your good name by your sins and selfishness. What do you do when it seems like you have sinned too greatly for even God to forgive?

No doubt that is EXACTLY how Peter felt. He denied even knowing the Lord in the Lord's greatest hour of need. What a HUGE sin!

THERE IS HOPE FOR YOU!
One of the greatest lines in all the Bible was delivered by the angel at the empty tomb, "But go, tell His disciples and Peter, 'He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He said to you'" (Mk 16:7). Peter felt so worthless and rejected because of what he did, yet God was not through with him. The Lord singles him out that resurrection morning to let Peter know that He still loved him and still had a plan for him.
The same is true for you! No matter what you may have done in your life, the cross and empty tomb shout from the highest mountain, "You can be forgiven!" Though you may have failed miserably, you do not have to languish in that failure. Just like Peter, God wants you to get up and get back in the game. You are NOT destined to be a second class Christian. You can be restored and made new.

BE ENCOURAGED
Take courage, my friend. The Lord still loves you. He still has a wonderful plan for your life. His blood is still able to cleanse the worst of sins. That is the story of Easter - you can receive a new life and a new start with the Lord.

Why not thank Him right now for his AMAZING GRACE! Put your life in His hands and let the resurrected Christ arise in you.

Awakening

Today is a new day for me---an awakening and refreshing of my spirit! I had a great time with my friend last night and she encouraged me to own the fact that regarding Tony---I've done my part as his parent. It's time to let him go----and he needs to be on his own to learn the next part of growing up. There's nothing more I need to say-----it's been said, modeled, taught, prayed over, etc.

So I feel like today is the day I start my next chapter in life---- by letting go of Tony. Surrendering him to the Lord---and even though I still love him and will be there for him---I am releasing him and assuming no direct responsibility for him. It feels both scary and liberating!--LL

A Woman's Walk - Week of November 25

Awakening Margaret D. MitchellWeek of November 25, 2007

“Wake up, Deborah, wake up! Wake up, wake up, and sing a song! Arise, Barak! Lead your captives away, son of Abinoam!” ~ Judges 5:12

God suddenly alerted Deborah to speak a battle command to Barak, Israel’s military leader, that would free their nation from 20 years of captivity and oppression.

Like Israel, how long and how often have we found ourselves held captive by ruthless consequences of sin? Perhaps by our own volition or that of others. Perhaps even by generational iniquity. Did it not it feel like an eternity? And did we not cry out for God to rescue us, just like the Israelites?

Indeed, God hears our cries. And in His time, His gavel falls. And when it does, it is swift. Because He loves us, He not only puts an end to our suffering by driving a tent peg through the enemy’s head, He revives us (Judges 4:21). And we begin anew.

An awakening is a revival or renewal of something. It is the beginning of a new beginning, a spring season in bud. In Deborah and Barak’s case, it was the beginning of a renewed freedom for Israel, a complete turnaround.

Awakenings are a call to action that give us a sudden, glorious opportunity to remove the grave clothes, shake off the dust and get it right. They are rooted in God’s infinite mercy and His heart of love for us.

Consider Peter. Acts 12:7 tells us, “Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel tapped him on the side to awaken him and said, ‘Quick! Get up!’ And the chains fell off his wrists.”

As in Peter’s case, divine awakenings offer us miraculous opportunity for escape, and they reposition us to fulfill God’s plan. Awakenings awe us and burst open doors of opportunity for us to receive God’s abundance of life. In divine awakenings, we are quickly relieved of burdens. We are reminded that God’s yoke is light (Matt. 11:30).

Divine awakenings send our hearts singing out of gratitude and joy.

Just last week, while sitting in my office, I noticed a bird singing right outside my window. I don’t often hear birds singing this time of year, and when I heard it’s lovely chirp, I immediately sensed a spring season in my spirit.

This occurred a few more times during successive days, which prompted me to pray about what God was telling me. He responded by showing me the word, “Awakening.” As I continue to seek His heart, I believe the Lord will reveal what type of awakening He has at hand.
Are you in need of God’s awesome awakening, His miraculous and “sudden” turnaround? Spend time in His presence seeking His heart, worshipping Him, and ask Him for one. God can reverse your circumstances in an instant and can reset you on a path of freedom to complete your divine destiny. He can awe you!

Is My Jesus Enough

Encouragement for Today - Nov. 28, 2007

November 28, 2007

Is My Jesus Enough?
By Lysa TerKeurst

“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)

Devotion:
I was stopped in my tracks the other day as I was mindlessly singing a beautiful praise song. I say mindlessly not because I wasn't focusing on God. I was definitely lifting up my heart to Him. But the mindlessly part came when I realized I had no clue of the weight of the words in this song. Did I really mean what I was singing? The song said this: "(Jesus) You're all I want. You're all I ever needed."

Really? Did I really mean those words? Is my Jesus enough? Ultimately the question should be: Is my relationship with Jesus in such a place that if He was truly all I had today, would I still stand and sing those powerful song lyrics?

My husband Art is flying on a small private plane today. You know the ones you hear about that crash with no survivors... yes that kind of plane. As I kiss him goodbye in a few minutes can I send him off with full confidence that no matter what, Jesus is enough?

My son Jackson just got his driver's license and will be driving to a friend's house to watch the football game in a few minutes. His friend lives less than five miles from our house. But don't the statistics show that most car accidents happen on the roads we are most familiar with, closest to our homes? Will I be able to smile, tell him to be careful and let him drive down our driveway with full confidence that no matter what, Jesus is enough?I don't know what kinds of twists and turns might come during my life journey. But, I know the only way to travel with a joyful peace is to settle in my heart the answer to this question once and for all. So, today, I declare Jesus is enough.

Before I even know in what way this declaration will be tested, I've made the decision to say it, believe it and settle it.

Jesus is enough. I think this is why one of my favorite portraits of a godly woman in the Bible says, "she can laugh at the days to come," (Proverbs 31:25). She was filled with such incredible joy not because life was perfect but simply because she had decided to make laughter, peace, and true happiness the hallmark of her life. Proverbs 31:30 goes on to say this was a woman to be praised because she so reverenced God in the shrine of her heart that she knew without a doubt, He was enough.


Dear Lord, Thank You that in this world we don’t have to live consumed with fear of the unknown. For You know all things. Nothing will happen to us that does not first pass through your hands. May I find peace in Your love that is so consuming for us that You only have our best interests in mind. Help us to believe and trust that truth no matter what. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Divine Sufficiency

Moments Together for Couples 11/27
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

November 27
Divine Sufficiency

2 Corinthians 3:4,5 And such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God.

It's so easy to feel overwhelmed by life. When we consider our responsibilities in marriage, family, work, church and extended family, feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness can rise suddenly and envelop you like a thick fog.

Yet you can keep from being overwhelmed by focusing on the sufficiency of Christ. He is alive today, and He stands ready to guide you along the way.

There's a great poem that says:

Lord, I crawled across the barrenness to You with my empty cup
Uncertain of asking for any small drop of refreshment
If only I would have known You better,
I would have come running with a bucket.

God wants us to know Him and to receive His blessings and to live a life of peace, purpose and pardon. The Bible contains many wonderful principles and truths, but these principles will be only stale dogma and doctrine to you unless you allow the person of Jesus Christ to be at the center of your life. As A. W. Tozer states, "The most important thing about you is what you think about God."

No matter how inadequate you feel in helping your mate, God is completely able to do what appears impossible. His power is most evident when we are weakest. As Paul says in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Why not submit to Him today and ask Him to be your sufficiency and your strength?

Prayer:
That you would be able to trust in God's sufficiency even when you feel you are unable to do anything worthy on your own.

Discuss: In what areas do you feel inadequate? How has God proven His sufficiency to you in the past?

The Source of our Problems

My spirit is soooo troubled. I think (no, I know) that my son is up to something no good----and I want to kick him out of the house----but I'm afraid to. I"m afraid that his response won't be to step up and start being responsible, but to continue to find the shortcuts in life....to find the easy way out to get what he wants.

I can't trust him, I know his friends are bad, and I think that providing him with a home in which he can "figure things out" has actually enabled him to be a lazy, unthankful son. And that grieves me. I've worked my ass off for 18 years loving him, disciplining him, teaching him, and pointing him to Jesus----but he loves himself. I'm grieving and angry----LL

Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Nov. 26, 2007

Monday, November 26, 2007

The Source of Our Problems

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
—2 Thessalonians 3:3

We are living in a time when we love to blame someone or something else for the things we do. It’s convenient to have a scapegoat, especially when no one likes to take responsibility for their own actions anymore. We can make a million excuses for our wrong behavior, but we never seem to say, “I am responsible for my actions” or “I have sinned against God.”

Tragically, even in the church today, psychology is in many cases placed on the same level as the Bible (and sometimes above it). Many in the church know more about self-esteem than they do about self-denial. They know more about inner healing than they do about outward obedience.
But is low self-esteem the source of our problems today? Is it the fault of others? Is it our family? Is it our culture or upbringing?

James gives us the answer. He tells us the source of our problems: “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:1–2).

James was saying, “Your problems come from your desire for pleasure that battles within you.” The Bible is not saying that pleasure in and of itself is necessarily wrong. There are certain pleasures that have been given to us by God himself.

James is warning us about possessing a pleasure-mad mentality. He is saying that the source of our problems is the selfish pursuit of pleasure. In other words, our problems come from a passionate love of ourselves.

Knowing vs. Doing

Marketplace Meditations 11/25

November 25

Knowing Versus Doing

Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection....

If I asked you the purpose for which God made you, what might you say? You might give a lot of answers that required some action on your part. However, the simplest answer to that question relates to one primary thing: fellowship. The most important thing God desires from us today is to have a deep and intimate fellowship with each of us.

The apostle Paul said he wanted to know Christ, and by knowing Christ he could experience the power of His resurrection. I find this to be the hardest thing for many of us businesspeople to do. So often it is much easier to be busy with the urgent (or even Christian) activity than spending quiet moments before the Lord. Before we realize it, days have passed since our last quiet time with Jesus.

Jesus understood how important quiet moments were with the Father. "After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone" (Mt. 14:23). The more mature I become in my relationship with the Lord, the more precious this time becomes to me. It is a time I look forward to almost daily. It offers me a time to reflect, to share my concerns with my Lord, and to hear Him speak. In the last few years I have begun prayer walks, which accomplish three things: fellowship, prayer, and exercise. It has changed my prayer life. I have come to understand that Jesus views us as His friend and He wants to spend time with us. We are depriving Him of His time when we put Him aside for the urgent. An interesting thing happens when we make prayer a priority: Urgent things seems to wane as we focus on Him. He makes all these other things fall into place.

Are you taking the time to get to know Him today?

Grasping for the Wind

I woke up this morning and decided to read all of Ecclesiastes. I was so blessed by it. It's a reminder not to get too attached to the things of this world---and that nothing we do has meaning unless it comes from the Lord. Over and over King Solomon writes "I pondered in my heart"------so today I will also ponder in my heart and seek the Lord and His wisdom for today, and all the tomorrows that He gives me. ---LL

Monday, September 17, 2007

Grasping for the Wind

I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” —Ecclesiastes 2:1–2

Joy Davidman, the wife of C. S. Lewis, said, “Living for your own pleasure is the least pleasurable thing a person can do. If his neighbors don’t kill him in disgust, he will die slowly of boredom and powerlessness.”

It has also been said that the only cure for hedonism is to try to practice it. If you go after pleasure, you will quickly see the emptiness of it.

Of course, the pursuit of pleasure is nothing new. As Solomon reminds us a number of times in the Book of Ecclesiastes, when you boil it down, there is nothing new under the sun. Though our technology has changed and we have had certain advancements since Solomon wrote those words, the basic cravings of humanity have not changed. The basic things people look to have not changed either. The philosophy of “eat, drink, and be merry” has been with us for a long time.

Solomon once decided to pursue everything this world had to offer. Then he came to realize there was nothing to profit from under the sun. It was only when he looked above the sun and looked to God that he found the answers he was seeking. In other words, when we see God for who He is, we will see the world for what it is.

If you have a close relationship with God and are walking intimately with Him, then you will see this world for what it is. You will recognize the philosophies and concepts and ideologies our culture propagates that are contradictory to what the Bible teaches. And when you are walking closely with God, you will see the emptiness and the futility of the things people chase after.

The Pain that goes with Discipline

November 23, 2007

Getting Stronger Can Be Painful
By Glynnis Whitwer

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.
Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

Devotion:
A month into my newly-begun exercise program I wanted to quit. It’s probably because I’m the least athletic person I know. I’ve also been told I run worse than a girl and I’m pretty sure I flunked the President’s Physical Fitness test in grade school.

However, since I know in my head that exercise is the only path to getting stronger, I ignored my body’s protests and pressed on. But each week I discovered a new pain somewhere in my body … my shins, knees and arms all groaned with the discomfort of being awoken from their sedentary state.

During one grueling exercise class, the instructor had us do a lower back exercise. At the first twinge of pain, I stopped. I knew that some pain could be dangerous and didn’t want to continue something that could be damaging to my back. Watching me stop, the instructor stooped down to my level with a questioning look on his face. “It hurts,” I explained.

“I know,” he answered. “This exercise is going to strengthen your back. Stop when you need to rest, but try it again. And each time, hold it just a little bit longer.”

My first instinct was to stop at the painful feeling. I know pain is one of God’s warning signals to protect us, and my self-protection instinct was fully engaged. However, in order to get stronger, I had to experience the pain.

Pain seems to be a common side effect any time we try to strengthen an area of our lives. Whether it’s trying again after a discouragement, loving after heartache, or forcing ourselves to organize our kitchen when we’d rather be watching a movie, life can be painful.

I’m sorry to admit that my instinct to avoid pain or discomfort has often kept me from achieving goals in my life. Part of this is because it’s difficult to differentiate the pain that we should avoid, like getting burned from touching a stove, and the kind of pain that makes us stronger. Pain just seems like pain – something to run from.

But some pain is actually good for us. One thing that has helped me determine when pain is helpful, is to look at the end result. Hebrews 12:11 tells of the promise of the pain of discipline: “a harvest of righteousness and peace.”

This “Big Picture” approach has helped me push through many painful experiences in my life. As a follower of Jesus, my life doesn’t hold the promise of ease. In fact, it can contain quite the opposite. Much of what God asks me to do pushes me past my comfort zone. And yet His promise of “a harvest of righteousness” is worth any discomfort.

So I guess I’ll keep exercising, and look at my pain as a path to strength. As I do so, I’ll thank God for the promise of a healthy end-result – in all areas of my life.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me enough to provide discipline in my life. Help me to see which pain means to stop, and which pain is necessary for my health. I want to be stronger in all areas of my life so that I can serve You more fully. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Note from the author: Pain is God’s warning signal. If you experience any persistent physical pain, please seek professional help.

Bare Bones of Hope

When I read this I thought of the words in the song,---"Breathe on me and make me new, be the Strength---of my life!"---------Ooooh how somedays my bones ache and long to live! I pray that today the Lord will breathe on me and renew my soul!---LL
Girlfriends in God - Nov. 21, 2007


November 21, 2007

Bare Bones of Hope
Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth
“For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 NIV

Friend to Friend
We’ve all gone through difficult situations that left us wounded. I can’t think of many people who haven’t needed healing in one area or another. And I’ve learned that healing is a process.

Healing begins by recognizing that there is a wound that needs to be healed – a painful memory, a festering bitterness, an aching heart, a gaping hole. It usually doesn’t happen in an instant, but through a process of steps or decisions. Webster defines “process” as “a series of acts or changes, proceeding from one to the next, a method of manufacturing or conditioning something, a moving forward, especially as part of a progression or development.”

One of my favorite words in the New Testament is immediately. “Immediately they received their sight,” “immediately the leprosy left him,” “immediately her bleeding stopped,” and so it goes. Sometimes God heals…immediately. And yet, sometimes He chooses to send us through a process of healing steps. Either way, I have learned that God is more concerned with the process than the finished product. Of course, I prefer the immediately route, but most times it seems I travel through the valleys and mountain ranges as did “Much Afraid” in the classic book “Hinds Feet in High Places.”

The good news is that Jesus never encountered someone whose infirmity was greater than His power to heal it. You might think that you are “too far gone.” Rest assured, Jesus specializes in bringing life from death, no matter how long death has prevailed.

In the Bible, there are three instances of Jesus’ raising someone from the dead: Jairus’s daughter (Luke 8:41-56), the widow of Nain’s son (Luke 7:11-17), and Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha (John 11:1-57). Jairus’s daughter had been dead only a few hours, the widow of Nain’s son had been dead a few days, and Lazarus had been dead long enough for his body to begin to decay. Neither the length of time the person had been dead nor did the amount of deterioration that had taken place matter to Jesus. One word from Jesus and they were back on their feet!

Likewise, no matter how long we have felt the pain from a seemingly fatal wound of the soul, God can restore and resurrect our broken dreams. He can even create a vast army from a pile of dried up bones. He told the prophet Ezekiel to speak to a hovel of bones.

Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD…’”
So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet – a vast army. (Ezekiel 37:4-6, 10).

If God can take a pile of dead old dry bones and change them into a vast army, then He can certainly take the broken pieces of our lives and transform us into mighty warriors for Him! Olympian, Eric Liddell once said, “Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God’s plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.”

Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, our Creator and Restorer of Broken Dreams. I just love the story of Ezekiel speaking to the dead bones and You raising up a mighty army. Today, I pray that You will breathe fresh wind on the dry bones of my life. I thank you that nothing, absolutely nothing, is impossible for You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

Now It’s Your Turn
Is there anything in your life that you have felt is impossible to change?

Is there anything in your life that is more difficult than transforming a pile of bones into a vast army?

Go back and read today’s truth. Turn to this verse in your Bible and note the context in which this verse is used.

What is your answer to the angel’s question?

More from the Girlfriends
Are you in a situation that seems hopeless? Oh dear girlfriend, there is always hope for a child of God. If you would like to learn more about hope for the hurting, see Your Scars are Beautiful to God by Sharon Jaynes.

Trials

Perfect and complete lacking NOTHING!----ll

Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Nov. 20, 2007


Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Hot Water

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.
—James 1:2

Have you ever had the bottom drop out of your life? Things had been going reasonably well. The birds were singing. The sun was shining. Then without warning, the storm clouds began to gather. It started to rain on your parade. A calamity hit. A tragedy struck, and suddenly you felt lower than you had ever felt before. What was it all about?

Or, have you ever had one of those times where you were walking with God, trying to do all the things that should build you up in your Christian faith, when, out of nowhere, you were hit with a heavy-duty, intense temptation? It often happened at the worst conceivable time, like when you were in prayer or in church. You wondered, Why is this happening to me?

What is the purpose of trials and temptations in the life of the Christian? Is there anything we can do to move them along a little more quickly?

Without a doubt, none of us enjoy trials. None of us enjoy being tempted, but there are some valuable lessons that come through these times God allows in our lives. In fact, the Bible tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2–4).

I have heard people say, “Christians are a lot like tea bags: you don’t know what they are made of until you put them into hot water.” Sometimes we think we are doing pretty well spiritually when all of a sudden, God puts us in some hot water. He lets us go through a trial. He allows temptation in our lives. Yet it is those difficult times that help to strengthen us spiritually

Thanks for the Pebbles in my shoes

The verse says give thanks in EVERYTHING----so don't leave anything out!---LL

Moments Together for Couples 11/19
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

November 19
Pebbles in My Shoes (Part Two)

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

For many years I didn't react well to those nagging little problems-the "pebbles in my shoe." I was used to either calling things "bad luck," getting ticked off, or just shrugging my shoulders while muttering "What's the use?"

Then I discovered 1 Thessalonians 5:18, and I began to measure my walk with God by those four simple words: "In everything give thanks." To my amazement, I started to notice a change in my attitude about life in general. I began to realize that God wants to invade every area of my life.

Let me suggest three reasons God commanded us to give thanks in all things:

First, giving thanks in all things expresses faith-faith in the God who knows what He's doing; faith in the God who sovereignly rules in all that happens to us. Isn't that what He wants from us?

Second, He knew we wouldn't do it naturally. Giving thanks in all things means I am no longer walking as a mere man, grumbling and griping, but walking as a spiritual man (see 1 Cor. 2:14,15)-a man who sees God at work...even in the grains of sand that tend to fill my shoes.
Isn't that a little bit of what's wrong with twentieth-century Christianity? Don't we divorce God from the details of daily experience? Don't we ultimately dislike those things that we can't seem to control? Let's be honest, we'd rather gripe, complain and be miserable about circumstances than give thanks.

Finally, God wants to teach us how to deal with the irritating grains of sand so we can get on with climbing the mountains He has for us. All we see are the pebbles, and we think if we could just remove all those pebbles then we could get on with real life. But the pebbles are the real life that God brings us day by day. He wants to use those irritants to instruct us and to see us mature in Christ.

Prayer:
Tell God you want to submit to Him to learn the lessons He has for you in the midst of daily life. Ask Him to teach you through these pebbles that are in your shoes."

Discuss: Do you have some grit and gravel in your shoe that feel like a herd of boulders? Before you try to empty them out, why don't you stop right now and give thanks for that rock pile and ask Him to teach you what you need to learn.

Committing our Minds to the Lord

Today's Scripture
You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You. So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]. Isaiah 26:3-4 AMP

Thoughts for Today
This week we’ve been discussing healing from the pain of abuse. Many people who have suffered abuse experience pain long after the abuse has ended. We’ve looked at the importance of overcoming fear by learning to trust God … of seeking forgiveness for the wrong attitudes and responses we have allowed to develop in our life … of forgiving those who have hurt us.

There is no quick fix for the pain of abuse. Healing is a process. Today’s scripture gives us keys to this process: focusing our mind on Jesus, trusting him, committing ourselves to him, leaning on him and hoping in him. As we do these things, he promises to guard us and keep us in perfect and constant peace.

Consider this…During the healing process, you will most likely face some painful memories and some difficult experiences within yourself. Remember … God is your greatest source of comfort. Go to him and he will comfort you by his Spirit who is living in you. With his help, you can be healed and truly put the past behind.

Prayer
Father, thank you for your promise of peace. Help me to trust you more, to keep my focus on you, and to follow the steps you lay before me in this process of healing. In Jesus’ name …
These thoughts were drawn from…

Air Brushed Christians

Let the confessions begin! TGIF----Elle Elle

Moments Together for Couples 11/16
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

November 16Air-Brush Christians

James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.

Oliver Cromwell, the British statesman and leader of the British Isles, war hero and leader, was posing one day for a portrait. He got up from his seat after the artist had done a great deal of work, and examined it. Then he turned to the young woman and rebuked her, "When you paint me, you paint me warts and all!"

The artist had done a beautiful job of painting Sir Oliver, but it was too good. And I think that little story typifies the kind of the air-brush society we live in. Today you can take an unflattering photograph of yourself and have all the "warts" removed. They will fix your lumpy nose, change the color of your eyes, improve your smile and remove any unsightly blemishes-all with either an air-brush or what we call today "computer enhancement"!

We are a culture of fake people: air brushing our lives, creating illusions, never willing to admit our faults to others. And this is often just as true of Christians. Once you know how to talk and relate to other Christians, it's often easy to give them the impression that you are much more mature in Christ than you really are.

The irony is that true maturity begins to occur when you are willing to confess your sins to others. We're often afraid to be so vulnerable, and yet people always seem to respond with warmth and understanding.

As James 5:16 says, healing occurs when you come to the point in your walk with God that you know you won't get rid of sin by concealing it; you need to become accountable within the Body of Christ. When we confess our sins to God and to others, then little by little we become like Jesus Christ.

Perhaps there is no better relationship than marriage for two people to begin to experience authenticity. There's no air brushing faults and removing blemishes here; it's life, up close and personal. Just like God intended it.

Prayer:
That God will conform you to His image as you make yourself more accountable to others in the Body of Christ.

Discuss: Are you concealing any sins that you need to confess, first to God and then to others?

Peter's Challenge to Invest

November 15, 2007
Peter’s Challenge to Invest
Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth
“And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:32 (emphasis added)

Friend to Friend
I’m so glad Jesus picked Peter to be one of His disciples. Time and time again, we see him with his foot in his mouth, his pride in his pocket, and his temper on his sleeve. Satan knew Peter was going to have a big impact on the church at large, and he tried many times to get him off course. During the last supper, Jesus warned Peter that he was about to be tested…”Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31 emphasis mine).

Peter puffed out his chest, lifted his head and said, “I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

I imagine Jesus thought, sure you are, son.

Just a few hours later, the sifting began. As Peter stood by the fire just outside where Jesus was being beaten and tried, a little servant girl asked if he was one of Jesus’ followers.

“Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.

Then again…

“Man, I am not (one of his disciples)!” Peter replied.

And again…

“Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

And just as the third denial slipped off Peter’s lips, the roster crowed to remind him of Jesus’ words, “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”

Peter went outside and wept bitterly.

Jesus knew that Peter was going to deny him, and yet, before he even fell from grace, Jesus was picking him up. Yes, Peter was absolutely crushed at his weakness in denying Jesus three times. But then, the ray of God’s love reminded him of Jesus’ words…”When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

After Jesus’ resurrection, he reminded Peter to invest what he had learned in other people. Three times Jesus asked, “Do you love me?” After each of Peter’s affirmations, Jesus said, “Feed my lambs…take care of my sheep…feed my sheep.” Peter did exactly what Jesus asked and spent the rest of his life investing in other people. Rather then wallowing in shame and guilt, Peter spent the rest of his life in ministry.

Maybe you, like Peter, have had a time when you felt you failed God. Do you know that Satan wants you to feel so guilty that you feel disqualified from ministry? But not God! He dusts off a repentant heart and puts us right back in the game. Don’t believe the enemy’s lies. Do you love Jesus? Then take care of His sheep.

Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for forgiving me of all my shortcomings. Thank you for allowing me to be your chosen servant even though I make so many mistakes. Help me not to believe the enemy’s lies that tell me I am disqualified after a failure, but to believe You when you tell me that all is forgiven.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

Now It’s Your Turn
Today, have you asked God to forgive you of your mistakes?
Today, do you believe that God has forgiven you?
Today, do you believe that God has a plan for you life?
Today, do you believe that there is no place so far away from God that His grace cannot forgive you, cleanse you, and use you for His purposes?

If you can answer “Yes” to those questions, I want you to write down on a piece of paper… “God, I believe that you have forgiven me and can use me. Show me where You want me to serve You today.”

Hang on to your hat! If you really believe what you just wrote, you’re in for an exciting day!

More from the Girlfriends
Peter is one of my best friends. I’m sure if we were walking the earth at the same time, we’d be neck-and-neck in the “Who can put their foot in their mouth first” contest. But God took this man with many scars and named him Rock. If you would like to know more about how God can transform a life littered with faults and turn them into a life filled with faith, see Your Scars are Beautiful to God by Sharon Jaynes

When the Heart Grows Faint

Moments Together for Couples 11/14
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

November 14When the Heart Grows Faint

Psalm 61:1,2 Hear my cry, O God; give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to Thee, when my heart is faint.

Discouragement. Who hasn't felt its chilling grip on the heart? Discouragement neutralizes optimism, assassinates hope and vaporizes courage. For many, a frequent source of discouragement is when it seems that God doesn't answer a crucial prayer.

Close friends of ours once went through the heart-ripping experience of a divorce. Their five-year-old, freckle-faced daughter was jerked north, then south as the marriage unraveled. For nearly three years Barbara and I had prayed. We counseled. We called. We wrote letters. We got them to attend two FamilyLife Marriage Conferences. We pleaded, reasoned and wept. We gave it our best shot. We kept praying.

The day the divorce was finalized, a piece of our heart was crushed as the judge's gavel came smashing down. We were bewildered. Confused. Didn't God say He hated divorce? We were left with a living mosaic of deceit, betrayal and broken promises. We were tempted to lose heart.
In the midst of such times I like to remember the British missionary Elizabeth Aleward. Miss Aleward had two great sorrows as a young girl: Her hair was black and straight (when all of the popular girls had a head full of golden curls), and while all her friends kept growing, she ended up short.

Years later, God called her to the mission field in China. As she stood looking at the people to whom God had called her to minister, she said two very apparent observations occurred to her. "First, each and every one of them had long, straight black hair. And, secondly, each and every one of them had stopped growing at exactly the same moment that I did. And I bowed my head and prayed, 'Jehovah God, You know what You are doing!'"

You and I will never lose heart as long as we know that God is in control. He knows what He's doing, even though we don't comprehend many times what His purposes are. He wants us to keep the faith, not lose it.

Prayer:
Thank God that He is in control and ask Him to help you when you go through periods of discouragement that rob you of your faith.

Discuss: Can you cite a heartfelt prayer of your own that apparently went unanswered? Have other events tempted you to lose heart?

Stress Management

November 13, 2007
Stress Management 101
Mary Southerland

Today’s Truth
Philippians 4:6-7 (ICB) Do not worry about anything. But pray and ask God for everything you need. And when you pray, always give thanks. And God’s peace will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The peace that God gives is so great that we cannot understand it.

Friend to Friend
Stress management is a spiritual discipline that begins with diligent preparation in every area of life – mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. We must be ready to deal with stress before we are required to deal with stress. Dealing with stress is an ongoing, daily battle that will not end - this side of Heaven. In order to win that battle, we must be prepared. While there is no single secret to handling stress, God’s Word is filled with many truths that can enable and empower us to deal with stress in a healthy, productive and God-honoring way.

Sometimes the most familiar passages of scripture are also the most overlooked. Psalm 23 is one of those passages. I often find myself rushing to this psalm for peace and comfort in the aftermath of a stressful situation or for guidance and shelter from the storm that I see barreling straight for the unprepared shores of my life. However, I have also discovered that Psalm 23 is a powerful tool for dealing with stress on an everyday basis.

If you are like me, I tend to handle the major calamities in life better than the mundane, ordinary but definitely stress-inducing minutia of daily living. A study of Psalm 23 has led me to believe that it is often the small pebble in my shoe, rather than the massive boulder on my path, that causes the greatest stress in my life. Life is so daily! Fortunately, so is God.

He promises to be my shepherd, to lead and guide me, to provide my every need, to protect me from my enemies, to fill my heart with peace, and to stand between me and my greatest fears. God delivered a profound message when He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live among us each and every day. Jesus could have come to us in many ways but He chose to interrupt the ordinary with the extraordinary! Jesus could rightfully have been born in a palace. He was, after all, a King. Yet His life on earth began in a manger - a smelly, dusty, dirty and definitely common barn. The simplicity of His birth is one of His most precious gifts to us and a constant reminder that He really does care about everything that touches our lives - no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. God wants to be involved in the simple, ordinary happenings of each day.

While I cannot imagine my world without the presence and power of Jesus Christ, I am often guilty of living as if He does not exist. The result is a stress-filled life. A trial comes and I try to handle it on my own. Loneliness empties my heart and instead of reaching out to Him, I withdraw into the darkness where stress is waiting to fill that emptiness with anxiety and fear. Still, God is faithful. His peace is a soothing balm that leads me once again to the manger and away from stress. Emmanuel, God with me! He steps into my life and changes everything. When He comes, stress is stripped away, tranquility given in its place.

When I find myself wishing I could have been there that holy night when Jesus was born, He gently reminds me that I had my own manger experience, when God became a personal reality in my life. I have my own holy moments each and every day as I reach out to Him and He is there, right in the middle of my common, ordinary and often smelly circumstances.

Stress has no place in a heart that kneels before the manger. Stress is powerless in a life that continually seeks God and chooses to surrender to His love and care – like the sheep surrender to the love and care of their Shepherd. Psalm 23 describes the intimate, personal and trusting relationship between sheep and shepherd, between child and father, and is not only a beautiful portrait of God’s complete and faithful provision, but an arsenal of stress-busting truths and principles that, when embraced and applied, will empower and equip us to live a life of peace and victory.

Let’s pray
Father, I want to thank You for your unconditional love and forgiveness. Help me to focus on You and Your presence in my life each day. I pray that any stress in my heart will be swallowed up in the reality that You are faithful and are in control. I know You are not surprised by anything that comes my way and will transform the good into better, the unthinkable into the unstoppable and the unbelievable into fact. I praise You for the amazing way You guide me and lift me up when I fall. I want to focus on You today and thank You that in doing so, I will experience true peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now it’s Your Turn
Think about the way you begin each day. Are you afraid of what the day holds? Do you dread facing whatever comes your way? Or do you focus on God and His promises? Let’s encourage one another to walk in faith, peace and victory.

More from the Girls
Stress is one of the enemy’s favorite weapons to use against me. Stress has caused physical pain, emotional darkness and spiritual bankruptcy in my life. I constantly have to bring my heart and mind back to God. I know how hard it is to stay balanced and at peace. Need help? Check out my book, “Escaping the Stress Trap” to discover nine steps you can take to manage stress…instead of allowing it to manage you.

Is God in Everything?

In Touch - Nov. 12, 2007

In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
November 12, 2007 –

Is God in Everything – Genesis 50:15-21

The Old Testament story of Joseph is one of the best-known examples of the Lord blessing a man’s life though his harsh experiences. In today’s passage, the slave-turned-prisoner-turned-national leader stands before the brothers who sold him into servitude. He says, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (vv. 19-20).
One individual’s sin or failure often affects another person’s life—something we tend to deem unfair. But our ways are not God’s ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). From Scripture, we can glean that Joseph desired to serve the Lord (Genesis 39:9; 40:8; 41:16). Yet his brothers were permitted to sell him as a slave. And Potiphar’s wife wasn’t prevented from accusing Joseph of rape, which landed the young man in prison. The Bible promises, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and rescues them” (Psalm 34:7). In other words, hardship and trial could touch Joseph—or any of the faithful—only because God purposefully allowed it.
No one can say for sure why bad things happen. But we can draw comfort from the fact that God knows. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29). Our part is to learn from the example of men like Joseph, who trusted the Lord and followed all that He commanded.

Ministry of the Holy Spirit

This is good! So many times I start something in the Spirit, and at some point it morphs into the flesh. Just a good reminder to daily submitting ALL THINGS to the Lord and His Spirit! Then Pride, Self-reliance and the such will find it harder to creep in!---LL

In Touch - Nov. 10-11, 2007

In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley

November 10-11, The Ministry of the Holy Spirit – John 16:7-15

The moment we trust Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we are adopted into God’s family, and the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. His presence is a guarantee that we belong to our heavenly Father.

The Spirit’s ministry is essential to our ability to carry out God’s work—and do it in a manner pleasing to Him. Transforming us from the inside out to be like Jesus and producing godly fruit in our lives are significant parts of His work. He also convicts us of sin, provides us with understanding and wisdom, and gives us the spiritual gifts we need to serve God. Only through the Spirit’s divine presence do we receive the equipping and empowerment necessary to accomplish God’s plans. As we serve in a godly manner, we will testify to the truth of who Jesus is.

All believers have God’s supernatural power to accomplish the work He has for them to do. Yet not all Christians choose to operate out of the Holy Spirit’s strength. Sometimes that’s because we’re confident in our own abilities and see no need to involve Him. A related reason is pride: we want to work things out ourselves and not depend on God. Human nature likes to be in control and have its own way.

By attempting to live the Christian life in our own strength, we achieve only what we ourselves are able to accomplish. However, when you and I operate in the strength and power of the Spirit, the result is what our almighty God can do. The presence of the Holy Spirit is essential to our living a victorious life.

Depression

Living Free - Nov. 9, 2007

Today's Scripture
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT

Thoughts for Today
Climbing out of depression is a process, and it requires perseverance.
We must persist in believing God’s truth instead of listening to our feelings. We may have thoughts like “I’m such a failure. I never do anything right. What’s the use?” Instead of focusing on these negative feelings, we need to intentionally refocus on truths from the Bible: “I am special to God. God made me for a purpose. God loves me. He will never leave me. With God, there is always hope. I can do all things through Christ.”

Although change takes time, as we persistently choose to believe God’s truths instead of our feelings, those truths will become a part of us. Our thinking about ourselves will begin to change. Our relationship with God will grow stronger. And we will find it easier to build healthy relationships.

Consider this…God gives us help for fighting depression: The truths of the Bible … The Holy Spirit to remind us of those truths … And the people of God to encourage us. We must persistently open our hearts and minds to all these wellsprings of help.
Don’t give up. You can climb out of depression. As you persist in trusting God, he will show you the way, step by step. And he will give you strength for the climb. With Christ, all things are possible (Philippians 4:13).

Prayer
Father, it took me a long time to sink into this level of depression, and I know climbing out of it will take time as well. Help me not to give up. Help me to focus on the truths of your word. Please transform me into a new person by changing the way I think. In Jesus’ name …

Waiting for my Portion

November 7, 2007

Waiting for My Portion
By Amy Carroll

“Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.’”
Lamentations 3:22 (NIV)

Devotion:
It was going to be one of those days. I had gone to sleep with the long list of things to do rattling around in my head, slept fitfully and awakened with a knot of anxiety. I’m sure that you know exactly what I’m talking about. I was facing a day with more list than time and none of it could wait. I drug myself out of bed and through the morning routine with my children.

As I walked back into the house from the bus stop, I was tempted to skip the one thing that I can’t live without. “But, Lord,” I argued silently, “you know that I’m dust.” (Yes, that’s scriptural, but also one of my favorite cop-outs.) “You’ve given me most of the assignments on my list today, so I know that You’ll understand if I skip my prayer and Bible study time.” Even while I rehearsed the argument in my head, I felt the draw of the One who could bring order to this chaotic day.
At this point I need to say that many times I’ve made the argument and gone straight to my check list. On this particular day, however, God brought to my memory something that my friend and leader Lysa TerKeurst had said many times. She encourages us to ask God each morning for our assignment and then ask Him for our portion. Asking for my portion was a phrase that had really stuck with me.

Scripture has a lot to say about how God feeds and strengthens His children. When Jesus was teaching His disciples to pray, He instructed them to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matt. 6:11 NIV) Notice that He didn’t say weekly bread (as if we could get everything we need at church each week and live the rest of the time on our own), monthly bread, or yearly bread.
The picture I love most, though, is that of the Israelites in the desert gathering the manna that God had provided as food. God’s direction was to gather as much as they could eat for the day but not to try to keep it over night. Some ignored this last part of the instruction and found themselves left in the morning with stinky, maggoty leftovers! (Exodus 16). God wants the same thing for us as He wanted for the Israelites. He wants us to trust Him each day for what we need. He wants us to be dependent on Him each morning as we face the day asking our Provider for our portion.
I recently heard a question that I’ve been chewing on for some time. If I could knock on the door of God’s office and ask for a look at His heavenly calendar, what would be on it that day for me? The speaker followed with an even more piercing question—what would NOT be on it that day for me? God clearly extends mercy to His overextended children, but I think that maybe the portion is for the items that He divinely has included on my daily agenda.

That morning I took the lesson to heart. I spent some time on my knees crying out for my portion, for God’s order for the day and for a change in my own rotten attitude. Friends, I want to testify that He is faithful! The day went smoothly, and I even had a few minutes to put my feet up, to close my eyes and to thank Him before the bus returned to bring home my next assignment. He is good!

Dear Lord, I thank You that You promise to provide just the portion of strength and faith to face each day. Help me to come to You trusting that You will be my Provider. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

When to say Yes and NO

Encouragement for Today - Nov. 1, 2007

November 1, 2007

Just Breathe
By Melanie Chitwood

“It’s useless to rise early and got to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? Psalm 127:2 (MSG)

Devotion:
Many women today share a few common denominators: we’re busy, we’re tired, and we need some breathing room! We have jobs outside the home and in. Husbands need meals, romance, clean laundry, and more romance. Kids have play-dates, sports, church activities, and homework. We volunteer at the school, run carpools, clean the kitchen, walk the dog, do laundry, squeeze in a walk - and on and on our list continues. Whew!

Ladies, we cannot do it all. The good news is that we were never intended to do it all. Today you have permission to say “no.” For some of us that comes easily. However, for many of us women, whom God designed to be givers and nurturers, this word does not come out of our mouths very easily.

Here’s one practical way I’ve learned to say “no.” I ask myself, What are my priorities? I have two levels of priorities. The first level includes God, my husband, my children, and the home front. This level is set in stone. The second level of priorities includes ministry, friends, and exercise, and this level of priorities has more variation for me. Taken together, these priorities are my compass, helping to guide me to a “yes” or “no” when considering adding another activity to my life.

Let’s see how this works in real life. Last year I was asked to teach a women’s Bible study at my church. Now, at first glance, this seems like an automatic “yes.” After all, teaching Bible study is a good thing! However, I took the time to pray, and God very clearly showed me it was not the right time to add this commitment to my life. Looking back my family and I were incredibly busy last year in some ways I hadn’t anticipated. I see clearly how saying “no” was the right answer at that time.

In a sense I have to give myself permission to say “no” because for most of my life I’ve said “yes” when deep down inside I’ve wanted to say “no.” Here are two practical guidelines to help you learn how to say “no.” First, if you immediately know you don’t want to do something, just go ahead and turn it down by saying something such as, “Thank you so much for asking, but I just cannot make that commitment right now.” The next guideline – pray! If you’re asked to do something and you really want more time to consider the situation, be honest by responding, “Let me take some time to pray and I’ll give you an answer in a week.” Then really pray and listen to God’s leading!

Take a deep breath and say it aloud – no. Now breathe again, sit down for ten minutes with a cup of coffee and enjoy the breathing room you’ve created for yourself.

Dear Lord, You show me by Your example of resting on the seventh day of creation that I, too, need rest. Show me your priorities for my life. I pray that they align with Your will for me. Help me to say no to the things that appear good but might take me away from the better choices You have for me. Lord, I pray that I will have breathing room in my life, times to be refreshed and moments of quiet closeness with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Being Content with Singleness

I am very thankful for this reminder to keep a heavenly perspective! It "lightens" the load I can sometimes feel! :)

Living Free - Oct. 31, 2007

Today's Scripture
"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Ephesians 4:15-16 NLT

Thoughts for Today
The mistaken belief that singleness equals rejection can lead to insecurity and depression. If you are experiencing these feelings, it may help to remember that Jesus was always single. Although he never had a marriage relationship, he did have many friends.

The apostle Paul was either single or widowed. Used greatly by God, Paul wrote that his singleness allowed him to have a deeper relationship with God and to serve him more fully (1 Corinthians 7).

Consider this…God wants you to look to him, not to another person, to have your needs met. His presence within you can help you handle loneliness and depression, your need for intimacy and your search for fulfillment.

Remember that being single is not God’s second best. Although marriage can be wonderful, it is not for everyone! Some people find contentment in being married; others find contentment in singleness. God has a plan for your life. Your main concern should not be in whether you will be single or married, but in fulfilling God’s purpose.

If you are not already content in your singleness, whether it be for a time or throughout your life, ask God to help you be content in his plan for you.

Prayer
Lord, help me be content in your plan for me—single or married. I thank you that I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. In His name …