July 30th
"WORSHIP ME in the beauty of holiness. I created beauty to declare the existence of My holy Being. A magnificent rose, a hauntingly glorious sunset, oceanic splendor--all these things were meant to proclaim My Presence in the world. Most people rush past these proclamations without giving them a second thought. Some people use beauty, especially feminine loveliness, to sell their products.
How precious are My children who are awed by nature's beauty; this opens them up to My holy Presence. Even before you knew Me personally, you responded to My creation with wonder. This is a gift, and it carries responsibility with it. Declare My glorious Being to the world. The whole earth is full of My radiant beauty--My Glory!"
Psalm 29:2 (NKJV); Isaiah 6:3
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
July 29
July 29th
"COME TO ME CONTINUALLY. I am meant to be the Center of your consciousness, the Anchor of your soul. Your mind will wonder from Me, but the question is how far you allow it to wander. An anchor on a short rope lets a boat drift only slightly before the taut line tugs the boat back toward the center. Similarly, as you drift away from Me, My Spirit within you gives a tug, prompting you to return to Me. As you become increasingly attuned to My Presence, the length of rope on your soul's Anchor is shortened. You wander only a short distance before feeling that inner tug--telling you to return to your true Center in Me."
Hebrews 6:19; 1 John 2:28; Matthew 22:37
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This one made me smile too. Tug-tug!
It reminded me of the times at night or early in the morning when I'm waking up or starting to drift off to sleep and I'm having one of my many conversations with Jesus. I start drifting to one other thing or another that has absolutely nothing to do with our conversation...then "tug-tug." It reminds me of Sox pushing her toy at me when she wants attention; God does the same thing. "Tug-tug, get back over here miss!" It makes me giggle but makes me feel so loved too! He wants my attention that badly and it's really nice to know that even though there are times when I feel as though I have drifted too far, that He is always there to pull me back to Him again <3 And the closer we become, the less distance I am able to drift..
"COME TO ME CONTINUALLY. I am meant to be the Center of your consciousness, the Anchor of your soul. Your mind will wonder from Me, but the question is how far you allow it to wander. An anchor on a short rope lets a boat drift only slightly before the taut line tugs the boat back toward the center. Similarly, as you drift away from Me, My Spirit within you gives a tug, prompting you to return to Me. As you become increasingly attuned to My Presence, the length of rope on your soul's Anchor is shortened. You wander only a short distance before feeling that inner tug--telling you to return to your true Center in Me."
Hebrews 6:19; 1 John 2:28; Matthew 22:37
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This one made me smile too. Tug-tug!
It reminded me of the times at night or early in the morning when I'm waking up or starting to drift off to sleep and I'm having one of my many conversations with Jesus. I start drifting to one other thing or another that has absolutely nothing to do with our conversation...then "tug-tug." It reminds me of Sox pushing her toy at me when she wants attention; God does the same thing. "Tug-tug, get back over here miss!" It makes me giggle but makes me feel so loved too! He wants my attention that badly and it's really nice to know that even though there are times when I feel as though I have drifted too far, that He is always there to pull me back to Him again <3 And the closer we become, the less distance I am able to drift..
Thursday, July 28, 2011
July 28
July 28th
"LET MY LOVE seep into the inner recess of your being. Do not close off any part of yourself to Me. I know you inside and out, so do not try to present a "clean-up" self to Me. Wounds that you shut away from the Light of My Love will fester and become wormy. Secret sins that you "hide" from Me can split off and develop lives of their own, controlling you without your realizing it.
Open yourself fully to My transforming Presence. Let My brilliant Love-Light search out and destroy hidden fears. This process requires time alone with Me, as My Love soaks into your innermost being. Enjoy My Perfect Love, which expels every trace of fear."
Psalm 139:23-24; 1 John 4:18 (AMP)
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How easy is it for us to hide things from our spouses, family members, and friends? Too incredibly easy. It may not be something "bad" but just things we wish not to share with them; it may hurt them, make them angry with us, sadden them, etc., and we would feel shame for making them feel anything negative. So we hide from them. For whatever reason.
No matter what we do, what we say, how we try to justify our lives and actions, we cannot run from our Lord. He knows All. He knows our innermost secrets, our darkest sins, our private thoughts...all before we even commit them to our lives. We cannot hide who we really are to Him. We can try to pretend, "Oh well I meant it like this or that" and justify ourselves... HAHAHHAHAA. What a crock of bull! And YOU know it! You know it in the back of your head while you're spilling your BS excuses to Jesus. He just shakes His head, you know. I can see it when I spill my own BS to Him. I've finally learned to catch myself, shake my head and just ask for His forgiveness. He knows better. I don't.
All He wants, is a piece of it. He wants us to own up to those things to Him. Confess, come to Him, ask for forgiveness, for guidance, for love, for support, for help...for whatever we may need to continue on the path He has set before us. There is NO hiding when it comes to Jesus. Running from Him would be like running an endless marathon; so tiring, so exhausting, when He is the answer. Drop down and give all to Him and He will refresh us endlessly.
Life is scary. But it doesn't have to be. It is frustrating. But it doesn't have to be.
Today I was frustrated that our new way of balancing our checkbook had a few kinks in it. LOL! Of all things to get frustrated with! I wasn't worried, even if we'd spent a bit more than we would have liked. Those extra bills (the quarterly ones) creep up on you sometimes and can be overwhelming---but only if you let it ;) The drive home helped me speak with Him and clear my head, get rid of that frustration enough to apologize to my husband for snapping at him and taking that frustration out at him. It just showed me that there are some flaws in our new system that needs to be worked on. And we will :) There is plenty of time. I just ask and pray for guidance...and I do not worry. I was never worried, how ever little we may ever have in our account.
I have learned over the years that money is petty. You can't take it with you when you die, so why worry about it so much now? Oh, sure we need it to live and survive in this world, but if we pray and put Him first, include Him in our lives, He will make sure we are well taken care of. It may be at the last minute sometimes, but He is the best Knight in shining armor a person could ever ask for.
"LET MY LOVE seep into the inner recess of your being. Do not close off any part of yourself to Me. I know you inside and out, so do not try to present a "clean-up" self to Me. Wounds that you shut away from the Light of My Love will fester and become wormy. Secret sins that you "hide" from Me can split off and develop lives of their own, controlling you without your realizing it.
Open yourself fully to My transforming Presence. Let My brilliant Love-Light search out and destroy hidden fears. This process requires time alone with Me, as My Love soaks into your innermost being. Enjoy My Perfect Love, which expels every trace of fear."
Psalm 139:23-24; 1 John 4:18 (AMP)
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How easy is it for us to hide things from our spouses, family members, and friends? Too incredibly easy. It may not be something "bad" but just things we wish not to share with them; it may hurt them, make them angry with us, sadden them, etc., and we would feel shame for making them feel anything negative. So we hide from them. For whatever reason.
No matter what we do, what we say, how we try to justify our lives and actions, we cannot run from our Lord. He knows All. He knows our innermost secrets, our darkest sins, our private thoughts...all before we even commit them to our lives. We cannot hide who we really are to Him. We can try to pretend, "Oh well I meant it like this or that" and justify ourselves... HAHAHHAHAA. What a crock of bull! And YOU know it! You know it in the back of your head while you're spilling your BS excuses to Jesus. He just shakes His head, you know. I can see it when I spill my own BS to Him. I've finally learned to catch myself, shake my head and just ask for His forgiveness. He knows better. I don't.
All He wants, is a piece of it. He wants us to own up to those things to Him. Confess, come to Him, ask for forgiveness, for guidance, for love, for support, for help...for whatever we may need to continue on the path He has set before us. There is NO hiding when it comes to Jesus. Running from Him would be like running an endless marathon; so tiring, so exhausting, when He is the answer. Drop down and give all to Him and He will refresh us endlessly.
Life is scary. But it doesn't have to be. It is frustrating. But it doesn't have to be.
Today I was frustrated that our new way of balancing our checkbook had a few kinks in it. LOL! Of all things to get frustrated with! I wasn't worried, even if we'd spent a bit more than we would have liked. Those extra bills (the quarterly ones) creep up on you sometimes and can be overwhelming---but only if you let it ;) The drive home helped me speak with Him and clear my head, get rid of that frustration enough to apologize to my husband for snapping at him and taking that frustration out at him. It just showed me that there are some flaws in our new system that needs to be worked on. And we will :) There is plenty of time. I just ask and pray for guidance...and I do not worry. I was never worried, how ever little we may ever have in our account.
I have learned over the years that money is petty. You can't take it with you when you die, so why worry about it so much now? Oh, sure we need it to live and survive in this world, but if we pray and put Him first, include Him in our lives, He will make sure we are well taken care of. It may be at the last minute sometimes, but He is the best Knight in shining armor a person could ever ask for.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
July 27
July 27th
"HOPE is a golden cord connecting you to heaven. This cord helps you hold your head up high, even when multiple trials are buffeting you. I never leave your side, and I never let go of your hand. But without the cord of hope, your head may slump and your feet may shuffle as you journey uphill with Me. Hope lifts your perspective from your weary feet to the glorious view you can see from the high road. You are reminded that the road we're traveling together is ultimately a highway to heaven. When you consider this radiant destination, the roughness or smoothness of the road ahead becomes much less significant. I am training you to hold in your heart a dual focus: My continual Presence and the hope of heaven."
Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; Hebrews 6:18-19
"HOPE is a golden cord connecting you to heaven. This cord helps you hold your head up high, even when multiple trials are buffeting you. I never leave your side, and I never let go of your hand. But without the cord of hope, your head may slump and your feet may shuffle as you journey uphill with Me. Hope lifts your perspective from your weary feet to the glorious view you can see from the high road. You are reminded that the road we're traveling together is ultimately a highway to heaven. When you consider this radiant destination, the roughness or smoothness of the road ahead becomes much less significant. I am training you to hold in your heart a dual focus: My continual Presence and the hope of heaven."
Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; Hebrews 6:18-19
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
July 26
July 26th
"RELAX AND LET ME LEAD YOU through this day. I have everything under control: My control. You tend to peer anxiously into the day that is before you, trying to figure out what to do, and when. Meanwhile, the phone or the doorbell rings, and you have to reshuffle you plans. All that planning ties you up in knots and distracts you from Me. Attentiveness to Me is not only for your quiet time, but for all your time. As you look to Me, I show you what to do now and next.
Vast quantities of time and energy are wasted in obsessive planning. When you let Me direct your steps, you are set free to enjoy Me and to enjoy Me and to find what I have prepared for you this day."
Psalm 32:8; Psalm 119:35
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Schedules, schedules, schedules!! Plans, plans, plans!
AAAAHHH Don't they make you just want to SCREAM half the time?! Especially if you have kids and a busy life.
Errrrrrrrrrrt, put on those brakes and slow it down. Remember to breath. Remember to stop, take a deep breath and ask for His guidance. We can make all the plans and schedules we want, but we have to take into account that we do NOT have the final say, things can happen and pop up at a moment's notice and ruin our oh-so-important plans. Remember: our plans are nothing compared to His. His plans trump ours at all costs. His are much more important and should come first.
When we have so much going on in our lives, it can be hard to stop to pray and ask for guidance when we make our plans. But, if we do that, we will be lead down a path we are supposed to be going and often, without negative interruption. When we take the time to set aside that time to speak with Him, include Him, and ask Him for His help, He is right there to include His helping hand.
So, when making our plans, let us make sure He is included in that schedule and plan for the day :)
"RELAX AND LET ME LEAD YOU through this day. I have everything under control: My control. You tend to peer anxiously into the day that is before you, trying to figure out what to do, and when. Meanwhile, the phone or the doorbell rings, and you have to reshuffle you plans. All that planning ties you up in knots and distracts you from Me. Attentiveness to Me is not only for your quiet time, but for all your time. As you look to Me, I show you what to do now and next.
Vast quantities of time and energy are wasted in obsessive planning. When you let Me direct your steps, you are set free to enjoy Me and to enjoy Me and to find what I have prepared for you this day."
Psalm 32:8; Psalm 119:35
--------------------------------------------------------------
Schedules, schedules, schedules!! Plans, plans, plans!
AAAAHHH Don't they make you just want to SCREAM half the time?! Especially if you have kids and a busy life.
Errrrrrrrrrrt, put on those brakes and slow it down. Remember to breath. Remember to stop, take a deep breath and ask for His guidance. We can make all the plans and schedules we want, but we have to take into account that we do NOT have the final say, things can happen and pop up at a moment's notice and ruin our oh-so-important plans. Remember: our plans are nothing compared to His. His plans trump ours at all costs. His are much more important and should come first.
When we have so much going on in our lives, it can be hard to stop to pray and ask for guidance when we make our plans. But, if we do that, we will be lead down a path we are supposed to be going and often, without negative interruption. When we take the time to set aside that time to speak with Him, include Him, and ask Him for His help, He is right there to include His helping hand.
So, when making our plans, let us make sure He is included in that schedule and plan for the day :)
Monday, July 25, 2011
July 25
July 25
"AS YOU LISTEN to birds calling to one another, hear also My Love-call to you. I speak to you continually: through sights, sounds, thoughts, impressions, Scripture. There is no limit to the variety of ways I can communicate with you. Your part is to be attentive to My messages, in day, you discover that the world is vibrantly alive with My Presence. You can find Me not only in beauty and birdcalls, but also in tragedy and faces filled with grief. I can take the deepest sorrow and weave it into a pattern for good.
Search for Me and My messages, as you go through this day. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with your whole being."
John 10:27; Romans 8:28 (AMP); Jeremiah 29:13
"AS YOU LISTEN to birds calling to one another, hear also My Love-call to you. I speak to you continually: through sights, sounds, thoughts, impressions, Scripture. There is no limit to the variety of ways I can communicate with you. Your part is to be attentive to My messages, in day, you discover that the world is vibrantly alive with My Presence. You can find Me not only in beauty and birdcalls, but also in tragedy and faces filled with grief. I can take the deepest sorrow and weave it into a pattern for good.
Search for Me and My messages, as you go through this day. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with your whole being."
John 10:27; Romans 8:28 (AMP); Jeremiah 29:13
Sunday, July 24, 2011
July 24
July 24
"THANKFULLNESS OPENS THE DOOR to My Presence. Though I am always with you, I have gone to great measures to preserve your freedom of choice. I have placed a door between you and Me, and I have empowered you to open or close that door. There are many ways to open it, but a grateful attitude is one of the most effective.
Thankfulness is built on a substructure of trust. When thankful words stick in your throat, you need to check up on your foundation of trust. When thankfulness flows freely from your heart and lips, let your gratitude draw you closer to Me. I want you to learn the art of giving thanks in all circumstances. See how many times you can thank Me daily; this will awaken your awareness to a multitude of blessings. It will also cushion the impact of trials when they come against you. Practice My Presence by practicing the discipline of thankfulness."
Psalm 100:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:18
"THANKFULLNESS OPENS THE DOOR to My Presence. Though I am always with you, I have gone to great measures to preserve your freedom of choice. I have placed a door between you and Me, and I have empowered you to open or close that door. There are many ways to open it, but a grateful attitude is one of the most effective.
Thankfulness is built on a substructure of trust. When thankful words stick in your throat, you need to check up on your foundation of trust. When thankfulness flows freely from your heart and lips, let your gratitude draw you closer to Me. I want you to learn the art of giving thanks in all circumstances. See how many times you can thank Me daily; this will awaken your awareness to a multitude of blessings. It will also cushion the impact of trials when they come against you. Practice My Presence by practicing the discipline of thankfulness."
Psalm 100:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Saturday, July 23, 2011
July 23
July 23
"I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. Men crawl through their lives cursing the darkness, but all the while I am shining brightly. I desire each of My followers to be a Light-bearer. The Holy Spirit who lives in you can shine from your face, making Me visible to people around you. Ask My Spirit to live through you, as you wend your way through this day. Hold My hand in joyful trust, for I never leave your side. The Light of My Presence is shining upon you. Brighten up the world by reflecting who I Am."
John 8:12; Matthew 5:14-16; Exodus 3:14
"I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. Men crawl through their lives cursing the darkness, but all the while I am shining brightly. I desire each of My followers to be a Light-bearer. The Holy Spirit who lives in you can shine from your face, making Me visible to people around you. Ask My Spirit to live through you, as you wend your way through this day. Hold My hand in joyful trust, for I never leave your side. The Light of My Presence is shining upon you. Brighten up the world by reflecting who I Am."
John 8:12; Matthew 5:14-16; Exodus 3:14
Friday, July 22, 2011
July 22
Hey friends! I apologize for getting behind. Sometimes when I read the daily devotion, nothing really comes to me to write about until later. However, I realized, for you all, I should still at least post that day's devotion so it can still help and relate to your life, even if it doesn't for me at the moment. So, again, I sincerely apologize for not doing my part. Love you all!
July 22
"FIND FREEDOM through seeking to please me above all else. You can have only one Master.When you let others' expectations drive you, you scatter your energy to the winds. Your own desire to look good can also drain your energy. I am your Master, and I do not drive you to be what you are not. Your pretense displeases Me, especially when it is in My "service." Concentrate on staying close to Me at all times. It is impossible to be inauthentic while you are focusing on My Presence."
Ephesians 5:8-10; Matthew 23:8; Matthew 6:1
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This should have been Wednesday's devotional, lol. But maybe I wasn't meant to realize its meaning for me until the day after.
All too often throughout life, friends, but most especially family, are always pushing you to do one thing or another--go one way or another in your life. To accomplish their dreams, goals, and ambitions for you, when it is YOUR life planned out for you by Him. As much as I respect my parents' and family's wishes for what I should do with my life, it is my own to make my decisions--good and bad, by asking for His direction and guidance. Recently, I openly spoke to one of my parents about my husband and I wanting to try and conceive a baby...next year when he returns from his deployment. I was told, "NO!! Wait until you're 30. Please...trust me on this." I completely understand their concerns as they look back on their own life and wish they would have waited a bit longer. However, just because we want to start trying, doesn't mean it's going to happen right away. I've been praying for direction and guidance from Him. While my husband and I have our plans, we don't know what His are, I am praying it works out the best way possible. It is what we want as a couple. While I will take family/friends suggestions into consideration, it is our life and we feel ready (as ready as you "can" be considering bringing another human into the world, lol), have talked about it extensively and are financially able to. We're not doing it because it's "the next step" or anything, because it's what our hearts are telling us is right.
On Wednesday, I had a bit of a downer day, because of what said family member said. Person has known to be negative in my life previously, though has gotten a lot better. I understand they just want what is best for me and my life, but I am an adult, married, and able to make such decisions wisely. It was just kind of a downer moment, so I prayed, as I have been praying--for guidance. Having that person's .02 in made me second guess, "Should we wait? Are we doing the right thing? Are we jumping the gun?" Even more-so since we already picked out a crib, bedding, stroller, bouncy chair, and a few other things...Gave me a few minutes of panic, so I prayed again, asking for guidance and I felt relaxed and calm--at peace. Haha, I can cry typing that, but it's true. A feeling of contentment washed over me. I gave Him my anxiety and worry, I was 'real' with Him in His Presence and He blessed me with His peaceful Spirit.
Our lives are a gift from above. What we do with that gift is up to us, but not alone. We have the ability to ask for guidance from the One who made us, the One that knows all--what a better person to ask for help when we need it most?
July 22
"FIND FREEDOM through seeking to please me above all else. You can have only one Master.When you let others' expectations drive you, you scatter your energy to the winds. Your own desire to look good can also drain your energy. I am your Master, and I do not drive you to be what you are not. Your pretense displeases Me, especially when it is in My "service." Concentrate on staying close to Me at all times. It is impossible to be inauthentic while you are focusing on My Presence."
Ephesians 5:8-10; Matthew 23:8; Matthew 6:1
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This should have been Wednesday's devotional, lol. But maybe I wasn't meant to realize its meaning for me until the day after.
All too often throughout life, friends, but most especially family, are always pushing you to do one thing or another--go one way or another in your life. To accomplish their dreams, goals, and ambitions for you, when it is YOUR life planned out for you by Him. As much as I respect my parents' and family's wishes for what I should do with my life, it is my own to make my decisions--good and bad, by asking for His direction and guidance. Recently, I openly spoke to one of my parents about my husband and I wanting to try and conceive a baby...next year when he returns from his deployment. I was told, "NO!! Wait until you're 30. Please...trust me on this." I completely understand their concerns as they look back on their own life and wish they would have waited a bit longer. However, just because we want to start trying, doesn't mean it's going to happen right away. I've been praying for direction and guidance from Him. While my husband and I have our plans, we don't know what His are, I am praying it works out the best way possible. It is what we want as a couple. While I will take family/friends suggestions into consideration, it is our life and we feel ready (as ready as you "can" be considering bringing another human into the world, lol), have talked about it extensively and are financially able to. We're not doing it because it's "the next step" or anything, because it's what our hearts are telling us is right.
On Wednesday, I had a bit of a downer day, because of what said family member said. Person has known to be negative in my life previously, though has gotten a lot better. I understand they just want what is best for me and my life, but I am an adult, married, and able to make such decisions wisely. It was just kind of a downer moment, so I prayed, as I have been praying--for guidance. Having that person's .02 in made me second guess, "Should we wait? Are we doing the right thing? Are we jumping the gun?" Even more-so since we already picked out a crib, bedding, stroller, bouncy chair, and a few other things...Gave me a few minutes of panic, so I prayed again, asking for guidance and I felt relaxed and calm--at peace. Haha, I can cry typing that, but it's true. A feeling of contentment washed over me. I gave Him my anxiety and worry, I was 'real' with Him in His Presence and He blessed me with His peaceful Spirit.
Our lives are a gift from above. What we do with that gift is up to us, but not alone. We have the ability to ask for guidance from the One who made us, the One that knows all--what a better person to ask for help when we need it most?
July 21
July 21
"REST IN MY PRESENCE when you need refreshment. Resting is not necessarily idleness, as people often perceive it. When you relax in My company, you are demonstrating trust in Me. Trust is a rich word, laden with meaning and direction for your life. I want you to lean on, trust, and be confident in Me. When you lean on Me for support, I delight in your trusting confidence.
Many people turn away from Me when they are exhausted. They associate Me with duty and diligence, so they try to hide from My Presence when they need a break from work. How this saddens Me! As I spoke through My prophet Isaiah: In returning to Me and resting in Me you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength."
Proverbs 3:5 (AMP; Isaiah 30:15 (AMP)
"REST IN MY PRESENCE when you need refreshment. Resting is not necessarily idleness, as people often perceive it. When you relax in My company, you are demonstrating trust in Me. Trust is a rich word, laden with meaning and direction for your life. I want you to lean on, trust, and be confident in Me. When you lean on Me for support, I delight in your trusting confidence.
Many people turn away from Me when they are exhausted. They associate Me with duty and diligence, so they try to hide from My Presence when they need a break from work. How this saddens Me! As I spoke through My prophet Isaiah: In returning to Me and resting in Me you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength."
Proverbs 3:5 (AMP; Isaiah 30:15 (AMP)
July 20
July 20
"SEEK MY FACE, and you will find all that you have longed for. The deepest yearnings of your heart are for intimacy with Me. I know, because I designed you to desire Me. Do not feel guilty about taking time to be still in My Presence. You are simply responding to the tugs of divinity within you. I made you in My image, and I hid heaven in your heart. Your yearning for Me is a form of homesickness: longing for your true home in heaven.
Do not be afraid to be different from other people. The path I have called you to travel is exquisitely right for you. The more closely you follow My leading, the more fully I can develop your gifts. To follow Me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your desire to please other people. However, your closeness to Me will bless others by enabling you to shine brightly in this dark world."
Psalm 42:1-2; Psalm 34:5; Phillippians 2:15
"SEEK MY FACE, and you will find all that you have longed for. The deepest yearnings of your heart are for intimacy with Me. I know, because I designed you to desire Me. Do not feel guilty about taking time to be still in My Presence. You are simply responding to the tugs of divinity within you. I made you in My image, and I hid heaven in your heart. Your yearning for Me is a form of homesickness: longing for your true home in heaven.
Do not be afraid to be different from other people. The path I have called you to travel is exquisitely right for you. The more closely you follow My leading, the more fully I can develop your gifts. To follow Me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your desire to please other people. However, your closeness to Me will bless others by enabling you to shine brightly in this dark world."
Psalm 42:1-2; Psalm 34:5; Phillippians 2:15
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
July 19
July 19th
"BRING ME ALL YOUR FEELINGS, even the ones you wish you didn't have. Fear and anxiety still plague you. Feelings per se are not sinful, but they can be temptations to sin. Blazing missiles of fear fly at you day and night; these attacks from the evil one come at you relentlessly. Use your shield of faith to extinguish those flaming arrows. Affirm your trust in Me, regardless of how you feel. If you persist, your feelings will eventually fall in line with your faith.
Do not hide from your fear or pretend it isn't there. Anxiety that you hide in the recesses of your heart will give birth to fear of fear; a monstrous stepchild. Bring your anxieties out into the Light of My Presence, where we can deal with them together. Concentrate on trusting Me, and fearfulness will gradually lose its foothold within you."
Ephesians 6:16
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Reading this reminded me how it is okay to be vulnerable and pour everything out to Him instead of keeping everything bottled up inside. For the longest time, I wanted to please everyone and would bite my tongue and hold my true feelings back, letting them bottle up inside. I never really understood how unhealthy that was. Sure, I would talk with my friends about certain things here or there, but those were the surface issues, feelings, anxiety that I was feeling. It only scraped off that first layer. Never did it take care of the root of it all.
Until I gave my heart and life to Jesus did I truly understand how it feels to be de-rooted of all that negative energy, thoughts, and feelings that had been built up over years of bottled up emotions, feelings, thoughts, and abuse that I put myself through and that others have put me through. Never have I felt so...free and so full of positivity, trust, love, and understanding for others and most importantly, for Jesus.
Just because I have Him in my life and have Him there to guide me, doesn't mean that I am completely protected. I get constant attacks from the bad one, daily. Half the time it feels as though I am fighting with myself and I don't even realize it. Those mean little thoughts that enter my head can grab hold of my thoughts and if I don't catch it in time, it makes its way into action. If/when I do catch it, I pray and shout out for Jesus, for Him to help me, to block the devil and his evil from entering my mind and my thoughts, to help protect me against the evil. And Holy Cheeze it sure works! I am able to be care-free again, but I constantly need to remind myself that I have to be on guard as well. I cannot be as care-free as I want to be. There are attacks happening all the time and it's up to me to stop it by asking for His help and protection. When we lose control of it, is when the dark spiral starts taking place again. We need to learn to recognize when it is happening in order to put a stop to it.
No one likes feeling anxious, or anything negative. Present Him with your feelings, anxieties, problems. Go over them with Him, let it out all. He is the best therapist/psychiatrist in existence. He is there to take those feelings and emotions and replace them with His everlasting Spirit and Love. Trust in Him to do His job.
"BRING ME ALL YOUR FEELINGS, even the ones you wish you didn't have. Fear and anxiety still plague you. Feelings per se are not sinful, but they can be temptations to sin. Blazing missiles of fear fly at you day and night; these attacks from the evil one come at you relentlessly. Use your shield of faith to extinguish those flaming arrows. Affirm your trust in Me, regardless of how you feel. If you persist, your feelings will eventually fall in line with your faith.
Do not hide from your fear or pretend it isn't there. Anxiety that you hide in the recesses of your heart will give birth to fear of fear; a monstrous stepchild. Bring your anxieties out into the Light of My Presence, where we can deal with them together. Concentrate on trusting Me, and fearfulness will gradually lose its foothold within you."
Ephesians 6:16
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Reading this reminded me how it is okay to be vulnerable and pour everything out to Him instead of keeping everything bottled up inside. For the longest time, I wanted to please everyone and would bite my tongue and hold my true feelings back, letting them bottle up inside. I never really understood how unhealthy that was. Sure, I would talk with my friends about certain things here or there, but those were the surface issues, feelings, anxiety that I was feeling. It only scraped off that first layer. Never did it take care of the root of it all.
Until I gave my heart and life to Jesus did I truly understand how it feels to be de-rooted of all that negative energy, thoughts, and feelings that had been built up over years of bottled up emotions, feelings, thoughts, and abuse that I put myself through and that others have put me through. Never have I felt so...free and so full of positivity, trust, love, and understanding for others and most importantly, for Jesus.
Just because I have Him in my life and have Him there to guide me, doesn't mean that I am completely protected. I get constant attacks from the bad one, daily. Half the time it feels as though I am fighting with myself and I don't even realize it. Those mean little thoughts that enter my head can grab hold of my thoughts and if I don't catch it in time, it makes its way into action. If/when I do catch it, I pray and shout out for Jesus, for Him to help me, to block the devil and his evil from entering my mind and my thoughts, to help protect me against the evil. And Holy Cheeze it sure works! I am able to be care-free again, but I constantly need to remind myself that I have to be on guard as well. I cannot be as care-free as I want to be. There are attacks happening all the time and it's up to me to stop it by asking for His help and protection. When we lose control of it, is when the dark spiral starts taking place again. We need to learn to recognize when it is happening in order to put a stop to it.
No one likes feeling anxious, or anything negative. Present Him with your feelings, anxieties, problems. Go over them with Him, let it out all. He is the best therapist/psychiatrist in existence. He is there to take those feelings and emotions and replace them with His everlasting Spirit and Love. Trust in Him to do His job.
Monday, July 18, 2011
July 18
July 18th
"I AM NEARER than you think, richly present in all your moments. you are connected to Me by Love-bonds that nothing can sever. however, you may sometimes feel alone, because your union with Me is invisible. Ask Me to open your eyes, so that you can find Me everywhere. The more aware you are of My Presence, the safer you feel. This is not some sort of escape from reality; it is tuning in to ultimate reality. I am far more real than the world you can see, hear, and touch. Faith is the confirmation of things we do not see and conviction of their reality, perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses."
Acts 17:27-28; Hebrews 11:1 (AMP)
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We all have times where we feel alone. There are some days I wake up and even though my amazingly, loving husband is right there...now and again there is a feeling of loneliness. Maybe because I'm away from the rest of my family and I miss them dearly, maybe because I haven't been hearing God's awesome voice speaking to me... and it makes me realize that I must not be paying attention. I must not be listening for Him. He is always there, always speaking to us; sometimes the problems of the world or daily life drown Him out. We have to take that step and take that initiative to be pro-active in our relationship with Jesus. Call out to Him, pray, speak your problems, ask and pray for guidance, for awareness and open-ness. Ask Him to fill your heart with His Spirit. I know the millisecond I do, that feeling of loneliness disappears from my body and is replaced with love. His love is so full-filling.
"I AM NEARER than you think, richly present in all your moments. you are connected to Me by Love-bonds that nothing can sever. however, you may sometimes feel alone, because your union with Me is invisible. Ask Me to open your eyes, so that you can find Me everywhere. The more aware you are of My Presence, the safer you feel. This is not some sort of escape from reality; it is tuning in to ultimate reality. I am far more real than the world you can see, hear, and touch. Faith is the confirmation of things we do not see and conviction of their reality, perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses."
Acts 17:27-28; Hebrews 11:1 (AMP)
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We all have times where we feel alone. There are some days I wake up and even though my amazingly, loving husband is right there...now and again there is a feeling of loneliness. Maybe because I'm away from the rest of my family and I miss them dearly, maybe because I haven't been hearing God's awesome voice speaking to me... and it makes me realize that I must not be paying attention. I must not be listening for Him. He is always there, always speaking to us; sometimes the problems of the world or daily life drown Him out. We have to take that step and take that initiative to be pro-active in our relationship with Jesus. Call out to Him, pray, speak your problems, ask and pray for guidance, for awareness and open-ness. Ask Him to fill your heart with His Spirit. I know the millisecond I do, that feeling of loneliness disappears from my body and is replaced with love. His love is so full-filling.
July 17
July 17th
"COME AWAY WITH ME for a while. The world, with its nonstop demands, can be put on hold. Most people put Me on hold, rationalizing that someday they will find time to focus on Me. But the longer people push Me into the background of their lives, the harder it is for them to find Me.
You live among people who glorify busyness; they have made time a tyrant that controls their lives. Even those who know Me as Savior tend to march to the tempo of the world. They have bought into the illusion that more is always better: more meetings, more programs, more activity.
I have called you to follow Me on a solitary path, making time alone with Me your highest priority and deepest Joy. It is a pathway largely unappreciated and often despised. However you have chosen the better thing, which will never be taken away from you. Moreover, as you walk close to Me, I can bless others through you."
Song of Songs 2:13; Luke 10:42
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Another good reminder to not lose sight of what is, and should be, the Ultimate Priority: Him. Getting caught up in life happens, and is what makes us normal and human. But, being Children of God, we need to really make Him our #1 Priority. It's hard, it really seems to be one of life's biggest challenges besides living itself.
When He calls to you, answer Him. Don't ignore Him. No one likes being put on the back-burner. He is no different. He has feelings that hurt just like anyone else in our lives. We would never intentionally hurt another, now would we? Pushing Him to the back-burner when something comes up, will only make things worse. Instead, if you're going through an ordeal, the best solution is to keep Him on the front line. He is there as our Warrior, standing and ready to protect us and help us in any way we need. Keeping Him #1 will help you make it through whatever you're going through..in the best way possible. All things are possible with Him.
"COME AWAY WITH ME for a while. The world, with its nonstop demands, can be put on hold. Most people put Me on hold, rationalizing that someday they will find time to focus on Me. But the longer people push Me into the background of their lives, the harder it is for them to find Me.
You live among people who glorify busyness; they have made time a tyrant that controls their lives. Even those who know Me as Savior tend to march to the tempo of the world. They have bought into the illusion that more is always better: more meetings, more programs, more activity.
I have called you to follow Me on a solitary path, making time alone with Me your highest priority and deepest Joy. It is a pathway largely unappreciated and often despised. However you have chosen the better thing, which will never be taken away from you. Moreover, as you walk close to Me, I can bless others through you."
Song of Songs 2:13; Luke 10:42
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Another good reminder to not lose sight of what is, and should be, the Ultimate Priority: Him. Getting caught up in life happens, and is what makes us normal and human. But, being Children of God, we need to really make Him our #1 Priority. It's hard, it really seems to be one of life's biggest challenges besides living itself.
When He calls to you, answer Him. Don't ignore Him. No one likes being put on the back-burner. He is no different. He has feelings that hurt just like anyone else in our lives. We would never intentionally hurt another, now would we? Pushing Him to the back-burner when something comes up, will only make things worse. Instead, if you're going through an ordeal, the best solution is to keep Him on the front line. He is there as our Warrior, standing and ready to protect us and help us in any way we need. Keeping Him #1 will help you make it through whatever you're going through..in the best way possible. All things are possible with Him.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
July 16
July 16th
"SELF-PITY IS A SLIMY, BOTTOMLESS PIT. Once you fall in, you tend to go deeper and deeper into the mire. As you slide down those slippery walls, you are well on your way to depression, and the darkness is profound.
Your only hope is to look up and see the Light of My Presence shining down on you. Though the Light looks dim from your perspective, deep in the pit, those rays of hope can reach you at any depth. While you focus on Me in trust, you rise ever so slowly out of the abyss of despair. finally, you can reach up and grasp My hand. I will pull you out into the Light again. I will gently cleanse you, washing off the clinging mire. I will cover you with My righteousness and walk with you down the path of Life."
Psalm 42:5; Psalm 147:11
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That dark, damp, evil whole of depression is one place I never, ever want to be again. high school can be a pretty dark place too. While I had a lot of fun, there are a lot of bad choices I made during that time of my life. There were a lot of good ones made as well, and self-knowledge made too. There were many dark times of my life in those days, I would never want to go back and be a teenager again. Fighting with my parents, mostly my dad, and having responsibilities that a teenager shouldn't have. However, I should have stepped up to the plate and been more helpful for my dad and brother than I was. I was too concerned about myself, my boyfriend, friends, and being depressed inwardly to think about how I was affecting others. Not too long after I moved back to the U.S. from after living in Germany with my brother and father (parents divorced years earlier and Mom was back in the States) after getting into a physical altercation with my father... my "beloved" boyfriend was killed in a freak accident at a gun shooting range he was at with his uncle and father. He had also recently moved back to the U.S. and we were going to visit eachother shortly after I moved back. I think, after that happened, I pretty much sunk into a dark whirlwind of depression and any thoughts of God went out the window.
I was about 16. I was pretty damn good at hiding my depression outwards, but inwardly, I was so incredibly self-destructive. It continued on and got a bit better after meeting one of my best friends, then switching schools and moving in with my Gparents. My poor Gparents, I took a lot out on them, but they are and always have been wonderful to me, put up with me, loved me, took care of me, fought with me, and they let me have a lot of free-rein. Got into trouble here and there, but as I got older, I had the nagging tug at my thoughts and mind that was God trying to call me back to him. Which, I ignored for a few more years.
At 18, I got pregnant. I'd been dating a guy for a few years (we ended up staying together for 7 years in total--from 16.5 until over a year ago with one major break up in between for a year and half) already and had decided to keep the baby. Unfortunately, I didn't find out until after I'd been the passenger during a car accident and after a heavy night of drinking a week or so before the accident. While I don't open up about this a whole lot, but it's time to stop carrying the guilt. I've let go of it, but I ended up having to abort the baby due to medical complications and we felt that was best for all of us at the time. There was no way I could have gone through a miscarriage. Probably would have shook my world even more. Complications that were caused by my recklessness. It was heartbreaking and devastating. Not something I ever want to go through again in my life. Hardest decision I have ever had to make.
I basically walked through a lot of fog for a while. Thankfully, my mother found an amazing church that really hit me. Hit me where it hurts and the words our Pastor spoke, the words of Jesus, had me on my knees crying and begging for Him to hold me and to take away my pain, my anger, my worries, my depression, all the negativity in my life. I was Saved then, as my mother was saved in jail from multiple DWIs. We have both been on a struggling path since then, but we know that all we have to do is cry out to Jesus, and His hand is there to help us, to pull us out of whatever hole we may have gotten ourselves into. I Thank Him immensely. He saved me because He loves me. Loved me enough to die for all of MY sins. MY wrongdoings, MY bad decisions. He was willing to take the rap for all of it, because He loves me THAT much. He loves us all THAT much. I don't think it's too much of Him to ask that we love Him back and spread the word about His love...and how amazing it is. How He can change your life in the utmost best way possible.
Thank you for letting me share that. It brought back years of memories, good and bad, tears, and emotions that I will never forget. But I am grateful that He made it all better. He is still working on me, as He is you.
"SELF-PITY IS A SLIMY, BOTTOMLESS PIT. Once you fall in, you tend to go deeper and deeper into the mire. As you slide down those slippery walls, you are well on your way to depression, and the darkness is profound.
Your only hope is to look up and see the Light of My Presence shining down on you. Though the Light looks dim from your perspective, deep in the pit, those rays of hope can reach you at any depth. While you focus on Me in trust, you rise ever so slowly out of the abyss of despair. finally, you can reach up and grasp My hand. I will pull you out into the Light again. I will gently cleanse you, washing off the clinging mire. I will cover you with My righteousness and walk with you down the path of Life."
Psalm 42:5; Psalm 147:11
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That dark, damp, evil whole of depression is one place I never, ever want to be again. high school can be a pretty dark place too. While I had a lot of fun, there are a lot of bad choices I made during that time of my life. There were a lot of good ones made as well, and self-knowledge made too. There were many dark times of my life in those days, I would never want to go back and be a teenager again. Fighting with my parents, mostly my dad, and having responsibilities that a teenager shouldn't have. However, I should have stepped up to the plate and been more helpful for my dad and brother than I was. I was too concerned about myself, my boyfriend, friends, and being depressed inwardly to think about how I was affecting others. Not too long after I moved back to the U.S. from after living in Germany with my brother and father (parents divorced years earlier and Mom was back in the States) after getting into a physical altercation with my father... my "beloved" boyfriend was killed in a freak accident at a gun shooting range he was at with his uncle and father. He had also recently moved back to the U.S. and we were going to visit eachother shortly after I moved back. I think, after that happened, I pretty much sunk into a dark whirlwind of depression and any thoughts of God went out the window.
I was about 16. I was pretty damn good at hiding my depression outwards, but inwardly, I was so incredibly self-destructive. It continued on and got a bit better after meeting one of my best friends, then switching schools and moving in with my Gparents. My poor Gparents, I took a lot out on them, but they are and always have been wonderful to me, put up with me, loved me, took care of me, fought with me, and they let me have a lot of free-rein. Got into trouble here and there, but as I got older, I had the nagging tug at my thoughts and mind that was God trying to call me back to him. Which, I ignored for a few more years.
At 18, I got pregnant. I'd been dating a guy for a few years (we ended up staying together for 7 years in total--from 16.5 until over a year ago with one major break up in between for a year and half) already and had decided to keep the baby. Unfortunately, I didn't find out until after I'd been the passenger during a car accident and after a heavy night of drinking a week or so before the accident. While I don't open up about this a whole lot, but it's time to stop carrying the guilt. I've let go of it, but I ended up having to abort the baby due to medical complications and we felt that was best for all of us at the time. There was no way I could have gone through a miscarriage. Probably would have shook my world even more. Complications that were caused by my recklessness. It was heartbreaking and devastating. Not something I ever want to go through again in my life. Hardest decision I have ever had to make.
I basically walked through a lot of fog for a while. Thankfully, my mother found an amazing church that really hit me. Hit me where it hurts and the words our Pastor spoke, the words of Jesus, had me on my knees crying and begging for Him to hold me and to take away my pain, my anger, my worries, my depression, all the negativity in my life. I was Saved then, as my mother was saved in jail from multiple DWIs. We have both been on a struggling path since then, but we know that all we have to do is cry out to Jesus, and His hand is there to help us, to pull us out of whatever hole we may have gotten ourselves into. I Thank Him immensely. He saved me because He loves me. Loved me enough to die for all of MY sins. MY wrongdoings, MY bad decisions. He was willing to take the rap for all of it, because He loves me THAT much. He loves us all THAT much. I don't think it's too much of Him to ask that we love Him back and spread the word about His love...and how amazing it is. How He can change your life in the utmost best way possible.
Thank you for letting me share that. It brought back years of memories, good and bad, tears, and emotions that I will never forget. But I am grateful that He made it all better. He is still working on me, as He is you.
Friday, July 15, 2011
July 14 & 15
July 14th
"KEEP WALKING with Me along the path I have chosen for you. Your desire to live close to me is a delight to My heart. I could instantly grant you the spiritual riches you desire, but that is not My way for you. Together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain. The journey is arduous at times, and you are weak. Someday you will dance lightfooted on the high peaks; but for now, your walk is often plodding and heavy. All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction. Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend. Stay on the path I have selected for you. It is truly the path of Life."
Psalm 37:23; Psalm 23:2-3
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I love this! Life is not meant to be easy. Thanks to Adam and Eve? Eh, maybe, but I believe God saw that mishap coming anyway. I dislike reading and hearing people complain that God isn't real or this and that because if it were so and if He truly loved His children, there would be no poor, no murder, no this and that, but people fail to realize that those happenings are based off of a person's bad judgement and bad decision making. He can only do so much for us; He has given us Free Will to make the decisions we do, but we need to make them wisely and with His guidance. He wants us to pray and ask for that guidance, wants us to follow our paths. Yes, there will be bumps in the road. Yes, there will be high and lows, but we are not alone in any of those times! HE is there, raising us up in those good times, and holding our hands, there to help pull us out of the bad. We have to learn to make the correct decisions to better our lives, we cannot have Him do it for us; what is the learning and experience in that? That makes it too easy, too boring. Doing the best we can in this life using His guidance, will lead us to the shiny gates of Heaven. That is our reward and what an Awesome reward it is! There is no reward in easy, having everything handed to you on a silver platter. The reward has much more meaning when you have had to work through many different circumstances, good and bad, to reach that goal. We have to learn to trust in Him to guide us through the rough patches, to guide us through the dark towards the little light at the end of the tunnel. Only with Him, will we reach that ultimate reward.
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July 15th
"DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW! This is not a suggestion, but a command. I divided time into days and nights, so that you would have manageable portions of life to handle. amy grace is sufficient for you, but its sufficiency is for only one day at a time. When you worry about the future, you heap day upon day of troubles onto your flimsy frame. You stagger under this heavy load, which I never intended you to carry.
Throw off this oppressive burden with one quick thrust of trust. Anxious thoughts meander about and crisscross in your brain, but trusting Me brings you directly into My Presence. As you thus affirm your faith, shackles of worry fall off instantly. My Presence continually by trusting Me at all times."
Matthew 6:34; 2 Corinthians 12:9
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I love this one too! While it's not the same scripture listed at the end of today's devotional, it is close by and part of it, haha. It is one that always sticks with me and I love that it does. I used to be a huge worry wort about the littlest, most petty things. SO not worth it! My mom gave me this scripture a LONG time ago:
Momma would tell me to speak my worries to Him. Pretend/visualize putting them into a bucket or into His hands, and handing them over to watch Him reel His arm back like a baseball pitcher, and throw it to the furthest galaxy only to have it explode into nothing. He takes your worries and rids you of them. Doing so always makes my shoulders, mind, and heart feel much lighter and less crowded; giving me more free space and thoughts to dedicate to Him and being in His Presence.
How awesome is that?! Any time I catch myself worrying about anything (which I have gotten good at now), I stop myself, empty it out on Him, and He demolishes it. Win-Win!
"KEEP WALKING with Me along the path I have chosen for you. Your desire to live close to me is a delight to My heart. I could instantly grant you the spiritual riches you desire, but that is not My way for you. Together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain. The journey is arduous at times, and you are weak. Someday you will dance lightfooted on the high peaks; but for now, your walk is often plodding and heavy. All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strength and direction. Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparkling surprises just around the bend. Stay on the path I have selected for you. It is truly the path of Life."
Psalm 37:23; Psalm 23:2-3
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I love this! Life is not meant to be easy. Thanks to Adam and Eve? Eh, maybe, but I believe God saw that mishap coming anyway. I dislike reading and hearing people complain that God isn't real or this and that because if it were so and if He truly loved His children, there would be no poor, no murder, no this and that, but people fail to realize that those happenings are based off of a person's bad judgement and bad decision making. He can only do so much for us; He has given us Free Will to make the decisions we do, but we need to make them wisely and with His guidance. He wants us to pray and ask for that guidance, wants us to follow our paths. Yes, there will be bumps in the road. Yes, there will be high and lows, but we are not alone in any of those times! HE is there, raising us up in those good times, and holding our hands, there to help pull us out of the bad. We have to learn to make the correct decisions to better our lives, we cannot have Him do it for us; what is the learning and experience in that? That makes it too easy, too boring. Doing the best we can in this life using His guidance, will lead us to the shiny gates of Heaven. That is our reward and what an Awesome reward it is! There is no reward in easy, having everything handed to you on a silver platter. The reward has much more meaning when you have had to work through many different circumstances, good and bad, to reach that goal. We have to learn to trust in Him to guide us through the rough patches, to guide us through the dark towards the little light at the end of the tunnel. Only with Him, will we reach that ultimate reward.
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July 15th
"DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW! This is not a suggestion, but a command. I divided time into days and nights, so that you would have manageable portions of life to handle. amy grace is sufficient for you, but its sufficiency is for only one day at a time. When you worry about the future, you heap day upon day of troubles onto your flimsy frame. You stagger under this heavy load, which I never intended you to carry.
Throw off this oppressive burden with one quick thrust of trust. Anxious thoughts meander about and crisscross in your brain, but trusting Me brings you directly into My Presence. As you thus affirm your faith, shackles of worry fall off instantly. My Presence continually by trusting Me at all times."
Matthew 6:34; 2 Corinthians 12:9
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I love this one too! While it's not the same scripture listed at the end of today's devotional, it is close by and part of it, haha. It is one that always sticks with me and I love that it does. I used to be a huge worry wort about the littlest, most petty things. SO not worth it! My mom gave me this scripture a LONG time ago:
Matthew 6:25-34
New International Version (NIV)
Do Not Worry
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life[a]?Momma would tell me to speak my worries to Him. Pretend/visualize putting them into a bucket or into His hands, and handing them over to watch Him reel His arm back like a baseball pitcher, and throw it to the furthest galaxy only to have it explode into nothing. He takes your worries and rids you of them. Doing so always makes my shoulders, mind, and heart feel much lighter and less crowded; giving me more free space and thoughts to dedicate to Him and being in His Presence.
How awesome is that?! Any time I catch myself worrying about anything (which I have gotten good at now), I stop myself, empty it out on Him, and He demolishes it. Win-Win!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
July 13
July 13
"I WANT YOU to experience the riches of your salvation: the Joy of being loved constantly and unconditionally. You make a practice of judging yourself, based on how you look or behave or feel. If you like what you see in the mirror, you feel a bit more worthy of My Love. When things are going smoothly and your performance seems adequate, you find it easier to believe you are My beloved child. When you feel discouraged, you tend to look inward so you can correct whatever is wrong.
Instead of trying to "fix" yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, direct it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in My righteousness, radiant in My perfect Love."
Ephesians 2:7-8; Hebrews 3:1; Psalm 34:5
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How incredibly true! When life gets us down, we blame ourselves and think poorly of ourselves inside and bringing all that negativity in our lives will only make matters worse. If we look up and praise Him, letting Him inside...it raises us up too, it let's that positivity and His Spirit cleanse our souls and our way-of-thinking. All we have to do, is turn to Him. He created us and He loves us, no matter what is going on in our lives, no matter what we have done. It may upset Him, but he still loves us and wants to raise us to be in His Presence, no matter what. We are His creation and we are perfect to Him.
I know how it feels to look inside and not be happy with myself. It has happened numerous times in my life. I was miserable and depressed, self-loathing and filled with bitterness because I was not happy on the inside. I didn't understand why. I had a wonderful family who gives love and support unconditionally, I had a good job, food on the table, a roof over my head, animals who was always there for me, amazing friends who just being with them took away some of those negative feelings..but only for a little bit. It was just slapping a bandaid on in hopes it would soon heal and go away.
Lightbulb! I had turned my back on Jesus. I had fallen off the tracks, yet again. I had forgotten to turn to Him when I was in my darkest cloud, so completely overwhelmed by everything; yet I had so much! Worldly "things" are just "things." They are not enough to placate our soul. I opened my arms and asked for forgiveness. Apologizing for forgetting about Him; asking to fill my heart and soul with His Holy Spirit. Being in His Presence like that is overwhelming in a different way. In a filling way. In a positive and energizing type of light. I felt whole again, free again, Happy again. Relief and His Love overpowers even the darkest clouds, the darkest thoughts, the deepest hurts. His Spirit washes it all away and leaves only His Love and Spirit.
Going to a shrink may help us gain another perspective on our lives and try to help us "fix" ourselves, but how can we not seek the One who created us in the first place? The One who knows us inside and out, the BEST person, the Best mechanic for the job? He specializes in correct fixing that starts with our heart and soul and giving to Him, entrusting Him to lead us down the correct path. What better person to guide us than the One who made us who and what we are? He is the expert. Not a shrink, not a doctor... No one can prescribe The Holy Spirit but Him.
"I WANT YOU to experience the riches of your salvation: the Joy of being loved constantly and unconditionally. You make a practice of judging yourself, based on how you look or behave or feel. If you like what you see in the mirror, you feel a bit more worthy of My Love. When things are going smoothly and your performance seems adequate, you find it easier to believe you are My beloved child. When you feel discouraged, you tend to look inward so you can correct whatever is wrong.
Instead of trying to "fix" yourself, fix your gaze on Me, the Lover of your soul. Rather than using your energy to judge yourself, direct it to praising Me. Remember that I see you clothed in My righteousness, radiant in My perfect Love."
Ephesians 2:7-8; Hebrews 3:1; Psalm 34:5
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How incredibly true! When life gets us down, we blame ourselves and think poorly of ourselves inside and bringing all that negativity in our lives will only make matters worse. If we look up and praise Him, letting Him inside...it raises us up too, it let's that positivity and His Spirit cleanse our souls and our way-of-thinking. All we have to do, is turn to Him. He created us and He loves us, no matter what is going on in our lives, no matter what we have done. It may upset Him, but he still loves us and wants to raise us to be in His Presence, no matter what. We are His creation and we are perfect to Him.
I know how it feels to look inside and not be happy with myself. It has happened numerous times in my life. I was miserable and depressed, self-loathing and filled with bitterness because I was not happy on the inside. I didn't understand why. I had a wonderful family who gives love and support unconditionally, I had a good job, food on the table, a roof over my head, animals who was always there for me, amazing friends who just being with them took away some of those negative feelings..but only for a little bit. It was just slapping a bandaid on in hopes it would soon heal and go away.
Lightbulb! I had turned my back on Jesus. I had fallen off the tracks, yet again. I had forgotten to turn to Him when I was in my darkest cloud, so completely overwhelmed by everything; yet I had so much! Worldly "things" are just "things." They are not enough to placate our soul. I opened my arms and asked for forgiveness. Apologizing for forgetting about Him; asking to fill my heart and soul with His Holy Spirit. Being in His Presence like that is overwhelming in a different way. In a filling way. In a positive and energizing type of light. I felt whole again, free again, Happy again. Relief and His Love overpowers even the darkest clouds, the darkest thoughts, the deepest hurts. His Spirit washes it all away and leaves only His Love and Spirit.
Going to a shrink may help us gain another perspective on our lives and try to help us "fix" ourselves, but how can we not seek the One who created us in the first place? The One who knows us inside and out, the BEST person, the Best mechanic for the job? He specializes in correct fixing that starts with our heart and soul and giving to Him, entrusting Him to lead us down the correct path. What better person to guide us than the One who made us who and what we are? He is the expert. Not a shrink, not a doctor... No one can prescribe The Holy Spirit but Him.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
July 12
July 12
"WHENVER YOU FEEL DISTANT from Me, whisper My Name in loving trust. This simple prayer can restore your awareness of My Presence.
My Name is constantly abused in the world, where people use it as a curse word. This verbal assault reaches all the way to heaven; every word is heard and recorded. When you trustingly whisper My Name, My aching eas are soothed. The grating rancor of the world's blasphemies cannot compete with a trusting child's utterance: 'Jesus.' The power of My Name to bless both you and Me is beyond your understanding."
Acts 4:12; John 16:24
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I will be one to admit, yes I have spoken The Lord's name in vain. Too many times to count in my lifetime. How horrible I felt afterward, I cannot begin to explain and still apologize for it to this day. I hope that calling out to Him when my thoughts start to betray me, when I feel myself start to slip and speak His name... that it makes up for the past transgression, at least in some way. I do not expect to be completely forgiven for that, how it must hurt Him. I pray that drawing near to Him, when I do, helps soothe the pain I have caused for Him.
When I am feeling down and low, I know all I have to do is say, "Jesus, hear me. Jesus, be near me. Jesus."... just, "Jesus," and/or "God" and He is RIGHT there by my side. No matter what. He is there waiting and listening, ready to open His ears and heart for me to pour my thoughts, worries, concerns, happiness, gratitude and love into Him.
Even when we feel far away, He is always there. Always waiting, always watching, always patient and loving.
"WHENVER YOU FEEL DISTANT from Me, whisper My Name in loving trust. This simple prayer can restore your awareness of My Presence.
My Name is constantly abused in the world, where people use it as a curse word. This verbal assault reaches all the way to heaven; every word is heard and recorded. When you trustingly whisper My Name, My aching eas are soothed. The grating rancor of the world's blasphemies cannot compete with a trusting child's utterance: 'Jesus.' The power of My Name to bless both you and Me is beyond your understanding."
Acts 4:12; John 16:24
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I will be one to admit, yes I have spoken The Lord's name in vain. Too many times to count in my lifetime. How horrible I felt afterward, I cannot begin to explain and still apologize for it to this day. I hope that calling out to Him when my thoughts start to betray me, when I feel myself start to slip and speak His name... that it makes up for the past transgression, at least in some way. I do not expect to be completely forgiven for that, how it must hurt Him. I pray that drawing near to Him, when I do, helps soothe the pain I have caused for Him.
When I am feeling down and low, I know all I have to do is say, "Jesus, hear me. Jesus, be near me. Jesus."... just, "Jesus," and/or "God" and He is RIGHT there by my side. No matter what. He is there waiting and listening, ready to open His ears and heart for me to pour my thoughts, worries, concerns, happiness, gratitude and love into Him.
Even when we feel far away, He is always there. Always waiting, always watching, always patient and loving.
Monday, July 11, 2011
July 11
July 11
"WORSHIP ME ONLY. Idolatry has always been the downfall of My people. I make no secrets about being a jealous God. Current idols are more subtle than ancient ones, because today's false gods are often outside the field of religion. People, possessions, status, and self-aggrandize-ment are some of the most popular deities today. Beware of bowing down before these things. False gods never satisfy; instead, they stiru up lust for more and more.
When you seek me instead of the world's idols, you experience My Joy and Peace. these intangibles slack the thirst of your soul. providing deep satisfaction. The glitter of the world is tinny and temporal. The Light of My Presence is brilliant and everlasting. Walk in the Light with me. Thus you become a beacon through whom others are drawn to Me.
Exodus 20:4-5; 2 Samuel 22:29
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How many times do we see ourselves feeling or thinking, "GAAAH! I need this or that" or "OMGosh that is so awesome, I have to have that!" and get so caught up thinking about the things we think we need or want? ALL.THE.TIME. Husband and I knowingly do this and have to rein ourselves back in, lol. We all get so caught up with the worldly things, they are so tempting, how could we not! Thankfully, I have learned to really rationalize needs vs. wants...and especially now that Dave and I are wanting to really start a family of our own, we have to be cost effective.
The best thing I ever read, was in one of my books: "Prayers for your Marriage." It's a great book with a bunch of prayers containing everything from money issues, to other relationship issues, concerns, etc., and one part I will not forget was in the money issues part. Every time you get a paycheck or some kind of money from who-knows where.. Stop. Pray about it. Thank Jesus for giving you the means to obtain the money you have. Thank Him for giving you the funds and pray, asking for His help and guidance in spending His money wisely.
It isn't OUR money to spend. Sure, we've earned it, but who gave us the means to earn it? He did. Give thanks and appreciation. Pray for guidance. It TRULY helps! It has helped us a lot. Though we've gone off the tracks by letting the worldly things cloud our judgement when we have gotten a large sum of money in..and then it's gone. We rationalize it logically by how we spent it. For the most part, it is true. However, we should have prayed about it and given thanks and asked for help in guiding our spending ways so we spend the given money wisely. Sure, our house is more furnished now and we have a few nice things, but at what appreciation and what cost? We have kicked ourselves and I have thought inwardly how selfish we were.
The few times we have gotten money recently (besides David's paychecks), I have prayed and asked for guidance. It turns out, I didn't even spend it on the thing that I had wanted for a while (new phone) and ended up holding on to it "just in case"...and it came in handy! Although, I will admit, I felt selfish and didn't want to use/spend it on xyz but had to. Humble Pie!! Then I was blessed with funds after finally selling my saddle. He does work, in His own way and His own time on His terms...not mine. I am grateful and thankful that He had me hold onto it because He knew something else was going to come up that would need taken care of. He knows better than I do, who am I to question that?
He is so amazing and always takes care of us!
"WORSHIP ME ONLY. Idolatry has always been the downfall of My people. I make no secrets about being a jealous God. Current idols are more subtle than ancient ones, because today's false gods are often outside the field of religion. People, possessions, status, and self-aggrandize-ment are some of the most popular deities today. Beware of bowing down before these things. False gods never satisfy; instead, they stiru up lust for more and more.
When you seek me instead of the world's idols, you experience My Joy and Peace. these intangibles slack the thirst of your soul. providing deep satisfaction. The glitter of the world is tinny and temporal. The Light of My Presence is brilliant and everlasting. Walk in the Light with me. Thus you become a beacon through whom others are drawn to Me.
Exodus 20:4-5; 2 Samuel 22:29
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
How many times do we see ourselves feeling or thinking, "GAAAH! I need this or that" or "OMGosh that is so awesome, I have to have that!" and get so caught up thinking about the things we think we need or want? ALL.THE.TIME. Husband and I knowingly do this and have to rein ourselves back in, lol. We all get so caught up with the worldly things, they are so tempting, how could we not! Thankfully, I have learned to really rationalize needs vs. wants...and especially now that Dave and I are wanting to really start a family of our own, we have to be cost effective.
The best thing I ever read, was in one of my books: "Prayers for your Marriage." It's a great book with a bunch of prayers containing everything from money issues, to other relationship issues, concerns, etc., and one part I will not forget was in the money issues part. Every time you get a paycheck or some kind of money from who-knows where.. Stop. Pray about it. Thank Jesus for giving you the means to obtain the money you have. Thank Him for giving you the funds and pray, asking for His help and guidance in spending His money wisely.
It isn't OUR money to spend. Sure, we've earned it, but who gave us the means to earn it? He did. Give thanks and appreciation. Pray for guidance. It TRULY helps! It has helped us a lot. Though we've gone off the tracks by letting the worldly things cloud our judgement when we have gotten a large sum of money in..and then it's gone. We rationalize it logically by how we spent it. For the most part, it is true. However, we should have prayed about it and given thanks and asked for help in guiding our spending ways so we spend the given money wisely. Sure, our house is more furnished now and we have a few nice things, but at what appreciation and what cost? We have kicked ourselves and I have thought inwardly how selfish we were.
The few times we have gotten money recently (besides David's paychecks), I have prayed and asked for guidance. It turns out, I didn't even spend it on the thing that I had wanted for a while (new phone) and ended up holding on to it "just in case"...and it came in handy! Although, I will admit, I felt selfish and didn't want to use/spend it on xyz but had to. Humble Pie!! Then I was blessed with funds after finally selling my saddle. He does work, in His own way and His own time on His terms...not mine. I am grateful and thankful that He had me hold onto it because He knew something else was going to come up that would need taken care of. He knows better than I do, who am I to question that?
He is so amazing and always takes care of us!
July 9 & 10
July 9
"STOP WORRYING long enough to hear My voice. I speak softly to you, in the depths of your being. your mind shuttles back and forth, hither and yon, weaving webs of anxious confusion. As My thoughts rise up within you, they become entangled in those sticky webs of worry. Thus, my voice is muffled, and you hear only 'white noise.'
Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can think My thoughts. This ability is an awesome benefit of being My child, patterned after My own image. Do not be deafened by the noise of the world or that of your own thinking. Instead, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Sit quietly in My Presence, lettign My thoughts reprogram your thinking."
Deuteronomy 30:20; Genesis 1:27; Romans 12:2
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Honestly, the only thing that comes to mind (that I haven't already talked about relating to this), is:
When you're really starting to worry about something that you push all other thoughts to the back burner and it's so clouded in your mind that you can't think of anything else or let anything else in (like God's voice telling you to shut up and stop worrying)...
Remember to...
STOP!!! In the name of God! And let him speeeeeak to your heart! (sung to the tune of "Stop, In the Name of Love")
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July 10
"RELAX IN MY PEACEFUL PRESENCE. Do not bring performance pressures into our sacred space of communion. When you are with someone you trust completely, you feel free to be yourself. This is one of the joys of true friendship. Though I am Lord of lords and King of kings, I also desire to be your intimate Friend. When you are tense or pretentious in our relationship, I feel hurt. I know the worst about you, but I also see the best in you. I long for you to trust Me enough to be fully yourself with Me. When you are real with Me, I am able to bring out the best in you: the very gifts that I have planted in your soul. Relax, and enjoy our friendship."
Revelations 17:14; John 15:13-15
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I couldn't help but giggle reading this. I remember when I was younger and I would try to justify my actions to God in something I've done to others here on earth. Back then I didn't quite understand as I do now that: YOU CAN'T HIDE WHO YOU ARE FROM GOD. Anyone who thinks they can are only hurting and fooling themselves in the process. God is who made us who we are. He knows the ins and outs of our hearts, mind, body, and soul. He knows us better than anyone would ever think to know or understand. BUT, just because He already knows this, doesn't mean we should stop sharing who we are with Him. Letting Him in willingly and openly "HERE I AM, GOD!" with welcoming arms. He wants us to want Him in, to be privy of our thoughts, worries/concerns, happiness, questions...etc. He already knows our deepest, darkest secrets, goals, and dreams...but just wants us to openly and willingly share it with Him.
God is so awesome that even Chuck Norris can't one-up Him.
"STOP WORRYING long enough to hear My voice. I speak softly to you, in the depths of your being. your mind shuttles back and forth, hither and yon, weaving webs of anxious confusion. As My thoughts rise up within you, they become entangled in those sticky webs of worry. Thus, my voice is muffled, and you hear only 'white noise.'
Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can think My thoughts. This ability is an awesome benefit of being My child, patterned after My own image. Do not be deafened by the noise of the world or that of your own thinking. Instead, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Sit quietly in My Presence, lettign My thoughts reprogram your thinking."
Deuteronomy 30:20; Genesis 1:27; Romans 12:2
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Honestly, the only thing that comes to mind (that I haven't already talked about relating to this), is:
When you're really starting to worry about something that you push all other thoughts to the back burner and it's so clouded in your mind that you can't think of anything else or let anything else in (like God's voice telling you to shut up and stop worrying)...
Remember to...
STOP!!! In the name of God! And let him speeeeeak to your heart! (sung to the tune of "Stop, In the Name of Love")
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July 10
"RELAX IN MY PEACEFUL PRESENCE. Do not bring performance pressures into our sacred space of communion. When you are with someone you trust completely, you feel free to be yourself. This is one of the joys of true friendship. Though I am Lord of lords and King of kings, I also desire to be your intimate Friend. When you are tense or pretentious in our relationship, I feel hurt. I know the worst about you, but I also see the best in you. I long for you to trust Me enough to be fully yourself with Me. When you are real with Me, I am able to bring out the best in you: the very gifts that I have planted in your soul. Relax, and enjoy our friendship."
Revelations 17:14; John 15:13-15
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I couldn't help but giggle reading this. I remember when I was younger and I would try to justify my actions to God in something I've done to others here on earth. Back then I didn't quite understand as I do now that: YOU CAN'T HIDE WHO YOU ARE FROM GOD. Anyone who thinks they can are only hurting and fooling themselves in the process. God is who made us who we are. He knows the ins and outs of our hearts, mind, body, and soul. He knows us better than anyone would ever think to know or understand. BUT, just because He already knows this, doesn't mean we should stop sharing who we are with Him. Letting Him in willingly and openly "HERE I AM, GOD!" with welcoming arms. He wants us to want Him in, to be privy of our thoughts, worries/concerns, happiness, questions...etc. He already knows our deepest, darkest secrets, goals, and dreams...but just wants us to openly and willingly share it with Him.
God is so awesome that even Chuck Norris can't one-up Him.
Friday, July 8, 2011
July 8
July 8
"WHEN YOU SEEK MY FACE, put aside thoughts of everything else. I am above all, as well as in all; your communication with Me transcends both time and circumstances. Be prepared to be blessed bountifully by My Presence, for I am a God of unlimited abundance. Open wide your heart and mind to receive more and more of Me. When your Joy in Me meets My Joy in you, there are fireworks of heavenly ecstasy. This is eternal life here and now: a tiny foretaste of what awaits you in the life to come. Now you see only a poor reflection as in a mirror, but then you will see face-to-Face."
John 15:11; 1 Corinthians 13:12
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Good Afternoon!
I am a little behind today, forgive me!
And what a beautiful day it as turned into. Didn't start off all that well for me; my mare and I had a clash during our schooling session and boy was I ever frustrated with her (and myself) after our ride. Then, like any teenager would do, kept doing those little things that kept driving me even more up the wall.
Stop. Breath. "God, please take this frustration away from me, please do that and in it's place, fill my heart with contentment, happiness, and joy of the Holy Spirit. I am near to beating this little horse to a pulp, but would rather not. Please help me stay calm, relax, and enjoy the very faint breeze we do have today. I thank you for this time you have given me to even spend with my bratty horse, any time with her, good and bad, is a blessing...and for that I thank You."
Much better!!
Taking just those little moments in your day to push everything else away and speak to Him, ask for His help, or just express gratitude for something He has done or given you, brings joy. Can you imagine that feeling duplicated by hundreds and thousands? If speaking with Him each time lifts everything off your shoulders, can you imagine how Heaven is going to be? We'll all float on light as a feather..
"WHEN YOU SEEK MY FACE, put aside thoughts of everything else. I am above all, as well as in all; your communication with Me transcends both time and circumstances. Be prepared to be blessed bountifully by My Presence, for I am a God of unlimited abundance. Open wide your heart and mind to receive more and more of Me. When your Joy in Me meets My Joy in you, there are fireworks of heavenly ecstasy. This is eternal life here and now: a tiny foretaste of what awaits you in the life to come. Now you see only a poor reflection as in a mirror, but then you will see face-to-Face."
John 15:11; 1 Corinthians 13:12
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Good Afternoon!
I am a little behind today, forgive me!
And what a beautiful day it as turned into. Didn't start off all that well for me; my mare and I had a clash during our schooling session and boy was I ever frustrated with her (and myself) after our ride. Then, like any teenager would do, kept doing those little things that kept driving me even more up the wall.
Stop. Breath. "God, please take this frustration away from me, please do that and in it's place, fill my heart with contentment, happiness, and joy of the Holy Spirit. I am near to beating this little horse to a pulp, but would rather not. Please help me stay calm, relax, and enjoy the very faint breeze we do have today. I thank you for this time you have given me to even spend with my bratty horse, any time with her, good and bad, is a blessing...and for that I thank You."
Much better!!
Taking just those little moments in your day to push everything else away and speak to Him, ask for His help, or just express gratitude for something He has done or given you, brings joy. Can you imagine that feeling duplicated by hundreds and thousands? If speaking with Him each time lifts everything off your shoulders, can you imagine how Heaven is going to be? We'll all float on light as a feather..
Thursday, July 7, 2011
July 7
July 7
"TRUST ME IN ALL YOUR THOUGHTS. I know that some thoughts are unconscious or semiconscious, and I do not hold you responsible for those. But you can direct conscious thoughts much more than you may realize. Practice thinking in certain ways--trusting Me, thanking me--and those thoughts become more natural. Reject negative or sinful thoughjts as soon as you become aware of them. Don't try to hide them from Me; confess them and leave them with me. Go on your way lightheartedly. This method of controlling your thoughts will keep your mind in My Presence and your fee on the path of peace."
Psalm 20:7; 1 John 1:9; Luke 1:79
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Good Morning Everyone! I can't believe it's Thursday already! This week has just flown by it seems.
After reading today's devotional, I couldn't help but smile. It's nice to be reminded that you aren't held accountable for your unconscious thoughts or semi-conscious ones. Because I have some pretty whacked out dreams sometimes and I wake up feeling slightly guilty for them--wondering if they have any meaning, lol. Who can seriously be held accountable for what they dream though, since it's out of our control? Thankfully we need not worry about them. We have no control over it, but when you do catch yourself thinking something mean-spirited or negative, you'd better be sayin' sorry! That's one of the things I'm pretty good about. I feel horrible when I catch myself and always make a point to apologize to my Maker for thinking such a thing. Even if it's funny =\
There are things have gone through my head while thinking, the most random thoughts, and I try so dang hard to push them aside because either 1.) they are irrelevant and/or 2.) it's not a nice thought. To me, that is the devil pecking away at my consciousness and trying to play with my mind, to think negatively or mean-spirited..and when I catch myself, I always apologize to Him and ask for forgiveness. We all do that, I believe it is absolutely normal to think such things and struggle with it, it's like a constant tug-o-war for our minds. It's such a hard battle, but that's why we need to remember the supreme Chuck Norris Bad A** we have on our side: God. He's the ultimate butt-kicker of evil and will vanquish such negativity from our minds and lives. It's not permanent but He is always there, ready to round-house kick the devil to the curb when he's acting a fool (By the way, yes I really to talk like this) and ready to protect us at all costs. The War between Heaven and Hell are constantly at bay, and asking for His help should always be a priority. He wants to help, He wants us in His Presence so we are better shielded by the negativity and evil the devil sets in our path. We have to reach up and take God's hand and follow His light through the path He has set for us. It may have some obstacles along the way, but we can get through it with Him.
That's most of my thoughts for today. I hope everyone has a wonderful day today!
"TRUST ME IN ALL YOUR THOUGHTS. I know that some thoughts are unconscious or semiconscious, and I do not hold you responsible for those. But you can direct conscious thoughts much more than you may realize. Practice thinking in certain ways--trusting Me, thanking me--and those thoughts become more natural. Reject negative or sinful thoughjts as soon as you become aware of them. Don't try to hide them from Me; confess them and leave them with me. Go on your way lightheartedly. This method of controlling your thoughts will keep your mind in My Presence and your fee on the path of peace."
Psalm 20:7; 1 John 1:9; Luke 1:79
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Good Morning Everyone! I can't believe it's Thursday already! This week has just flown by it seems.
After reading today's devotional, I couldn't help but smile. It's nice to be reminded that you aren't held accountable for your unconscious thoughts or semi-conscious ones. Because I have some pretty whacked out dreams sometimes and I wake up feeling slightly guilty for them--wondering if they have any meaning, lol. Who can seriously be held accountable for what they dream though, since it's out of our control? Thankfully we need not worry about them. We have no control over it, but when you do catch yourself thinking something mean-spirited or negative, you'd better be sayin' sorry! That's one of the things I'm pretty good about. I feel horrible when I catch myself and always make a point to apologize to my Maker for thinking such a thing. Even if it's funny =\
There are things have gone through my head while thinking, the most random thoughts, and I try so dang hard to push them aside because either 1.) they are irrelevant and/or 2.) it's not a nice thought. To me, that is the devil pecking away at my consciousness and trying to play with my mind, to think negatively or mean-spirited..and when I catch myself, I always apologize to Him and ask for forgiveness. We all do that, I believe it is absolutely normal to think such things and struggle with it, it's like a constant tug-o-war for our minds. It's such a hard battle, but that's why we need to remember the supreme Chuck Norris Bad A** we have on our side: God. He's the ultimate butt-kicker of evil and will vanquish such negativity from our minds and lives. It's not permanent but He is always there, ready to round-house kick the devil to the curb when he's acting a fool (By the way, yes I really to talk like this) and ready to protect us at all costs. The War between Heaven and Hell are constantly at bay, and asking for His help should always be a priority. He wants to help, He wants us in His Presence so we are better shielded by the negativity and evil the devil sets in our path. We have to reach up and take God's hand and follow His light through the path He has set for us. It may have some obstacles along the way, but we can get through it with Him.
That's most of my thoughts for today. I hope everyone has a wonderful day today!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
July 6
July 6
"I AM YOUR FATHER-GOD. Listen to Me! Learn what it means to be a child of the everlasting King. Your richest duty is devotion to Me. This duty is such a joyous privilege that it feels like a luxury. You tend to feel guilty about pushing back the boundaries of your life to make space for time alone with Me. The world is waiting to squeeze you into its mold and to crowd out time devoted to Me. The ways of the world have also warped your conscience, which punishes you for doing the very thing that pleases Me most: seeking My Face. Listen to Me above the clamor of voices trying to distract you. Ask for My Spirit to calm your mind, for He and I work in perfect harmony. Be still and attentive in My Presence. You are on holy ground."
Romans 8:15-16; Exodus 3:5
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Good morning everyone!
When I first read today's devotion, I didn't know what I would write about today. It didn't really "hit" me like they do most days and I think to myself, "OH MY GOSH It's like today's was meant exactly for ME because X,Y,Z, is going on right now and it's reminding me to do this or that."
I have my longtime friend (since Elementary school--no doubt!), Caitlin, to thank for giving me the inspiration and meaning to write about today's devotional.
In her comment to one of my previous entries, she at one point mentioned how she clings to Him when times are tough, but forgets to cling, connect, and talk with Him during the good times. And that made me realize how I do the same thing. I'm sure many of us do, and then we feel horrible. It's like when you're in a relationship and times are bad, you talk to all your friends and family about it for advice, but then when things are good you hardly speak with them. Pretty selfish, and I had previously (a looong time ago) wondered why it felt like I didn't have any friends. Oh I did, but when it was convenient for me. Luckily and Thankfully I still have many who have stuck by me through those times, it has really shown me who my true friends are...because they were able to forgive. Just like God forgives us each time we come back to him...even if it's under negative circumstances. He always welcomes us back with open and loving arms. Love isn't about convenience. It is about love, respect, honoring one-another, COMMUNICATION, and trust. Sometimes it boggles my mind how our Father can trust us after the way we have continued to hurt him when we've turned our backs and pushed him aside because the worldly things in life are really good. I have to remember to INCLUDE Him in that and give Thanks for providing the blessings in the first place! Had it not been for Him showering us with blessings, we would have no reason to be joyous.
I have come to love and look forward to reading and writing about the day's devotion. It gives me that time with Him, to reflect on what it is He is telling me, reminding me, demanding of me and to remember to include Him in Everything that I do. The good and the bad. That is part of any relationship, sticking together through the ups and the downs. Crying together in the bad, and laughing together in the good.
I like talking to Him as I'm drifting off to bed. That is my favorite time, but I feel bad because then I start rambling about the weirdest things that would only make sense to Him anyway, hahahaha! I can just see Him chuckling and laughing at me while I'm trying to stay focused on givings thanks and asking that He bless and protect my husband, to wrap him in His love and fill his heart with His Spirit. Praying for my friends, religious ones and not, and asking that He also fill their hearts. I go from that to thinking about the most random things. I am certain I was talking with Him (in my head) so much last night that I ended up talking in my sleep; my husband woke me up or responded to me at one point and I said something along the lines of, "I'm just dreaming...and talking in my sleep. Nothing." Poor thing, hahaha!
Another time I like talking with Him, is when I'm driving. I sing along to some songs and have a conversation with Him at the same time in my head; sometimes out-loud as well. I have so much free time in the car since it takes 1/2 hour to and from the barn, it's the perfect time to reflect upon my morning, thoughts from the night before, happenings currently... and I can just feel the joy from His Spirit that I'm talking with Him and including Him. It really lifts you up when you lift Him up.
And remember in my previous blog I mentioned how we were handed a "crud" sandwich? Well, it really does matter and really does pay to hand over your worries and problems to God. The situation was fixed in our favor and I couldn't help but praise God when I heard the news. He took care of us, as promised; as He always has. As soon as I handed over the worry and the problem, my anxiety and worry left, even most of the thoughts that pertained to the situation were gone, I had no feeling what-so-ever towards it... I was left with a peaceful feeling. TRUST in Him! For He does take care of you when you do.
And include Him in your daily life. The good times even more-so than the bad. He will ALWAYS be there for both, but don't let Him feel like the black sheep. It hurts Him just as it hurts us when we are the ones left out. When life is good, we need to remember to thank Him first. He is the one who makes it possible.
"I AM YOUR FATHER-GOD. Listen to Me! Learn what it means to be a child of the everlasting King. Your richest duty is devotion to Me. This duty is such a joyous privilege that it feels like a luxury. You tend to feel guilty about pushing back the boundaries of your life to make space for time alone with Me. The world is waiting to squeeze you into its mold and to crowd out time devoted to Me. The ways of the world have also warped your conscience, which punishes you for doing the very thing that pleases Me most: seeking My Face. Listen to Me above the clamor of voices trying to distract you. Ask for My Spirit to calm your mind, for He and I work in perfect harmony. Be still and attentive in My Presence. You are on holy ground."
Romans 8:15-16; Exodus 3:5
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Good morning everyone!
When I first read today's devotion, I didn't know what I would write about today. It didn't really "hit" me like they do most days and I think to myself, "OH MY GOSH It's like today's was meant exactly for ME because X,Y,Z, is going on right now and it's reminding me to do this or that."
I have my longtime friend (since Elementary school--no doubt!), Caitlin, to thank for giving me the inspiration and meaning to write about today's devotional.
In her comment to one of my previous entries, she at one point mentioned how she clings to Him when times are tough, but forgets to cling, connect, and talk with Him during the good times. And that made me realize how I do the same thing. I'm sure many of us do, and then we feel horrible. It's like when you're in a relationship and times are bad, you talk to all your friends and family about it for advice, but then when things are good you hardly speak with them. Pretty selfish, and I had previously (a looong time ago) wondered why it felt like I didn't have any friends. Oh I did, but when it was convenient for me. Luckily and Thankfully I still have many who have stuck by me through those times, it has really shown me who my true friends are...because they were able to forgive. Just like God forgives us each time we come back to him...even if it's under negative circumstances. He always welcomes us back with open and loving arms. Love isn't about convenience. It is about love, respect, honoring one-another, COMMUNICATION, and trust. Sometimes it boggles my mind how our Father can trust us after the way we have continued to hurt him when we've turned our backs and pushed him aside because the worldly things in life are really good. I have to remember to INCLUDE Him in that and give Thanks for providing the blessings in the first place! Had it not been for Him showering us with blessings, we would have no reason to be joyous.
I have come to love and look forward to reading and writing about the day's devotion. It gives me that time with Him, to reflect on what it is He is telling me, reminding me, demanding of me and to remember to include Him in Everything that I do. The good and the bad. That is part of any relationship, sticking together through the ups and the downs. Crying together in the bad, and laughing together in the good.
I like talking to Him as I'm drifting off to bed. That is my favorite time, but I feel bad because then I start rambling about the weirdest things that would only make sense to Him anyway, hahahaha! I can just see Him chuckling and laughing at me while I'm trying to stay focused on givings thanks and asking that He bless and protect my husband, to wrap him in His love and fill his heart with His Spirit. Praying for my friends, religious ones and not, and asking that He also fill their hearts. I go from that to thinking about the most random things. I am certain I was talking with Him (in my head) so much last night that I ended up talking in my sleep; my husband woke me up or responded to me at one point and I said something along the lines of, "I'm just dreaming...and talking in my sleep. Nothing." Poor thing, hahaha!
Another time I like talking with Him, is when I'm driving. I sing along to some songs and have a conversation with Him at the same time in my head; sometimes out-loud as well. I have so much free time in the car since it takes 1/2 hour to and from the barn, it's the perfect time to reflect upon my morning, thoughts from the night before, happenings currently... and I can just feel the joy from His Spirit that I'm talking with Him and including Him. It really lifts you up when you lift Him up.
And remember in my previous blog I mentioned how we were handed a "crud" sandwich? Well, it really does matter and really does pay to hand over your worries and problems to God. The situation was fixed in our favor and I couldn't help but praise God when I heard the news. He took care of us, as promised; as He always has. As soon as I handed over the worry and the problem, my anxiety and worry left, even most of the thoughts that pertained to the situation were gone, I had no feeling what-so-ever towards it... I was left with a peaceful feeling. TRUST in Him! For He does take care of you when you do.
And include Him in your daily life. The good times even more-so than the bad. He will ALWAYS be there for both, but don't let Him feel like the black sheep. It hurts Him just as it hurts us when we are the ones left out. When life is good, we need to remember to thank Him first. He is the one who makes it possible.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
July 5
July 5
"DRAW NEAR TO ME with a thankful heart, aware that your cup is overflowing with blessings. Gratitude enables you to perceive Me more clearly and to rejoice in our love-relationship. Nothing can separate you from My loving Presence! That is the basis of your security. Whenever you start to feel anxious, remind yourself that your security rests in Me alone, and I am totally trustworthy.
You will never be in control of your life circumstances, but you can relax and trust in My control. Instead of striving for a predictable, safe lifestyle, seek to know Me in greater depth and breadth. I long to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must stop clinging to old ways. I am always doing something new within My beloved ones. Be on the lookout for all that I have prepared for you.
Romans 8:38-39; Psalm 56:3; Isaiah 43:19
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Good Morning! I hope everyone had a safe but joyful 4th of July celebration yesterday!
I had to read the above devotional a few times. Not because I didn't understand it, but I had to draw it into my heart. It's funny how I can open up my Jesus Calling book for that day, read it, and it fits to my exact situations. It's like God knows I need to read this, that I need to bring it into my heart, and trust in Him.
It feels as though, in the last couple of months, that my husband and I have been greatly tested. Last night, we were handed another dirt sandwich (though that isn't the term I would actually use, just sayin'), which we already figured was a huge probability, but the fact that it may interfere with his deployment deflated our plans and hopes to start building a family, start having children when Dave returns from his deployment early next year. It will push those plans back further, and that just kills me. While I was angry and upset, I calmly reminded myself to let God do the worrying. If this happens, then there must be other plans He has in store for us. It could be some more hardships, it could be an amazing blessing, or both in and of itself. We don't know and I decided to not worry about it. I closed my eyes and pictured myself putting all these worries and negative feelings into a tupperware container, of some sort (you can tell I'm a stay-at-home-wife, eh?), duct taped the lid onto it, and handed it over to God, placing it into His trustworthy hands. I know we can trust Him. He has always taken care of us before, why would He stop? He wouldn't because He loves us and has plans in store for us; our plans do not matter. Just like to the military, haha, they don't care about our plans. God cares, but his are more important and He has it set up a certain way that will rain blessings upon us, because He loves us. The military doesn't love us, doesn't have our best interests at heart and I don't trust in them the way I trust in God.
We can trust in God and in God we trust.
"DRAW NEAR TO ME with a thankful heart, aware that your cup is overflowing with blessings. Gratitude enables you to perceive Me more clearly and to rejoice in our love-relationship. Nothing can separate you from My loving Presence! That is the basis of your security. Whenever you start to feel anxious, remind yourself that your security rests in Me alone, and I am totally trustworthy.
You will never be in control of your life circumstances, but you can relax and trust in My control. Instead of striving for a predictable, safe lifestyle, seek to know Me in greater depth and breadth. I long to make your life a glorious adventure, but you must stop clinging to old ways. I am always doing something new within My beloved ones. Be on the lookout for all that I have prepared for you.
Romans 8:38-39; Psalm 56:3; Isaiah 43:19
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Good Morning! I hope everyone had a safe but joyful 4th of July celebration yesterday!
I had to read the above devotional a few times. Not because I didn't understand it, but I had to draw it into my heart. It's funny how I can open up my Jesus Calling book for that day, read it, and it fits to my exact situations. It's like God knows I need to read this, that I need to bring it into my heart, and trust in Him.
It feels as though, in the last couple of months, that my husband and I have been greatly tested. Last night, we were handed another dirt sandwich (though that isn't the term I would actually use, just sayin'), which we already figured was a huge probability, but the fact that it may interfere with his deployment deflated our plans and hopes to start building a family, start having children when Dave returns from his deployment early next year. It will push those plans back further, and that just kills me. While I was angry and upset, I calmly reminded myself to let God do the worrying. If this happens, then there must be other plans He has in store for us. It could be some more hardships, it could be an amazing blessing, or both in and of itself. We don't know and I decided to not worry about it. I closed my eyes and pictured myself putting all these worries and negative feelings into a tupperware container, of some sort (you can tell I'm a stay-at-home-wife, eh?), duct taped the lid onto it, and handed it over to God, placing it into His trustworthy hands. I know we can trust Him. He has always taken care of us before, why would He stop? He wouldn't because He loves us and has plans in store for us; our plans do not matter. Just like to the military, haha, they don't care about our plans. God cares, but his are more important and He has it set up a certain way that will rain blessings upon us, because He loves us. The military doesn't love us, doesn't have our best interests at heart and I don't trust in them the way I trust in God.
We can trust in God and in God we trust.
Monday, July 4, 2011
July 4
July 4
"WHEN YOU WORSHIP ME in spirit and in truth, you join with the choirs of angels who are continually before My throne. Though you cannot hear their voices, your praise and thanksgiving are distinctly audible in heaven. Your petitions are also heard, but it is your gratitude that clears the way to My Heart. With the way between us wide open, My blessings fall upon you in rich abundance. The greatest blessing is nearness to Me--abundant Joy and Peace in My presence. Practice praising and thanking Me continually throughout this day."
John 4:23;-24; Psalm 100:4
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Every 4th of July, we (Americans) have so much to be thankful for. And not thankful for ourselves but thankful to Him to have given us all that He has. He has blessed our nation in many ways, even though there is much to be worked on (that part is on us). He has given us the tools and the knowledge to help one another, to build a strong nation that will care for it's people, but we must pray for the guidance to do so, give Thanks to Him for the blessings, in order to one-day be peaceful. He watches over and protects our soldiers who have chosen to fight for our nation, He knows who will not survive or return home and welcomes them into Heaven with open and loving, caring arms. He blesses the families of the soldiers who do return home; He also blesses the families of those who do not--while the loss of life is extremely tragic, it was done in selfless-ness; it is a blessing to have such brave and honorable people in our lives.
We should be Thanking Him every day, for everything, from the most seemingly insignificant to the most obvious. While I jump when I hear thunder rolling that sets off car alarms in the middle of the night, I Thank Him for the blessing of rain. Living in the extremely dry and hot desert, we must be grateful for that little bit of precipitation. The beauty of the lighting striking in the distance, is all His doing; He is giving us a show of the amazing beauty He has created. Thank Him for sharing it with you. Praise His work of art and be thankful You were chosen to have it shared with.The sunsets and sunrises, the pitter patter of running feet, the joy in the laughter over-heard or coming from your own mouth, for the love shared between you, your family, your friends, your pets, and the kindness showed to you by complete strangers. Remember to Thank Him for the blessings and praise Him for how amazing the blessings are.
When your life is spiraling down, release the worries into His hands--He will take care of them. Remember to Thank Him for the positives, for listening to you, for comforting, and for Him letting you be in His awesome presence. He will lift you up and shine His blessings upon you; but, also remember to bless others with the blessings that have been bestowed upon you.
"WHEN YOU WORSHIP ME in spirit and in truth, you join with the choirs of angels who are continually before My throne. Though you cannot hear their voices, your praise and thanksgiving are distinctly audible in heaven. Your petitions are also heard, but it is your gratitude that clears the way to My Heart. With the way between us wide open, My blessings fall upon you in rich abundance. The greatest blessing is nearness to Me--abundant Joy and Peace in My presence. Practice praising and thanking Me continually throughout this day."
John 4:23;-24; Psalm 100:4
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Every 4th of July, we (Americans) have so much to be thankful for. And not thankful for ourselves but thankful to Him to have given us all that He has. He has blessed our nation in many ways, even though there is much to be worked on (that part is on us). He has given us the tools and the knowledge to help one another, to build a strong nation that will care for it's people, but we must pray for the guidance to do so, give Thanks to Him for the blessings, in order to one-day be peaceful. He watches over and protects our soldiers who have chosen to fight for our nation, He knows who will not survive or return home and welcomes them into Heaven with open and loving, caring arms. He blesses the families of the soldiers who do return home; He also blesses the families of those who do not--while the loss of life is extremely tragic, it was done in selfless-ness; it is a blessing to have such brave and honorable people in our lives.
We should be Thanking Him every day, for everything, from the most seemingly insignificant to the most obvious. While I jump when I hear thunder rolling that sets off car alarms in the middle of the night, I Thank Him for the blessing of rain. Living in the extremely dry and hot desert, we must be grateful for that little bit of precipitation. The beauty of the lighting striking in the distance, is all His doing; He is giving us a show of the amazing beauty He has created. Thank Him for sharing it with you. Praise His work of art and be thankful You were chosen to have it shared with.The sunsets and sunrises, the pitter patter of running feet, the joy in the laughter over-heard or coming from your own mouth, for the love shared between you, your family, your friends, your pets, and the kindness showed to you by complete strangers. Remember to Thank Him for the blessings and praise Him for how amazing the blessings are.
 |
| Thunder & Lightening Storm 7/3/2011 |
When your life is spiraling down, release the worries into His hands--He will take care of them. Remember to Thank Him for the positives, for listening to you, for comforting, and for Him letting you be in His awesome presence. He will lift you up and shine His blessings upon you; but, also remember to bless others with the blessings that have been bestowed upon you.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
July 3
"MY CHILDREN make a pastime of judging one another--and themselves. But I am the only capable Judge, and I have acquitted you through My own blood. Your acquittal came at the price of My unparalleled sacrifice. That is why I am highly offended when I hear My children judge one another or indulge in self-hatred.
If you live close to Me and absorb My Word, the Holy Spirit will guide and correct you as needed. There is no condemnation for those who belong to Me. "
Luke 6:37; 2 Timothy 4:8; Titus 3:5; Romans 8:1
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Good morning!
As much as we tend to judge others, we are also our own worst critics. We know this, yet are still so harsh on ourselves. Sometimes it's a good thing, as it can be an eye opener in some situations, however it also tends to leave your vision cloudy and rather negative. Stubborn in our ways, when we feel disappointed in ourselves and begin to dislike ourselves, it leaves us open and even more vulnerable for the evil negativity to lay into our minds, hearts, and lives.
I know I struggle with this sometimes. I get so down and out because I'm being so hard on myself. When I do that, everything else is out of focus, especially God, while I have my pity party. How selfish of myself! All I need to remember is that God made me this way. Haha, even Lady GaGa has it right, "If God makes no mistakes, I'm on the right track baby, I was born this way!" Which, if you really think about it, is dead on. God made us how He wanted us to be for His own reasons. Reasons we may never understand ourselves, but it may help someone else out down the road. Who knows? But why worry about it? How about not focus on ourselves all the time and focus on God and His will? It's hard to do, especially when life throws us curve balls, it's hard to stay on track. All the worldly things cloud our vision and we lose sight as to what is truly important; spreading the Word of God.
We all know judging others is a no-no; who are we to judge others when we are imperfect perfect humans? We are perfect in God's eyes, but are imperfect as we are not impervious to error and mistakes. We like to compare this and that of others against one another and against ourselves, it's part of our nature, but that is not an excuse. Many people use it as an excuse to judge others and turn their noses up at those they deem lesser when they do not know them, have never walked a mile in their shoes, do not know their life situation, or anything else about them except what they assume.
I try my darndest to not judge others. Now and then I find myself doing the thing I dislike the most (judging) and am Thankful that I catch it, apologize to them (in my head) and to my Maker for doing something I have no business doing. That is His job, not mine. He will be the judge of All when the time comes, it's too big of a job for any measly human to do. I'll leave it up to Him, gladly, and ask for forgiveness when I catch myself passing unwanted or unwarranted judgements I have no right to make.
I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed morning. I'm off to wake up my husband and jam out to Lady GaGa :B
If you live close to Me and absorb My Word, the Holy Spirit will guide and correct you as needed. There is no condemnation for those who belong to Me. "
Luke 6:37; 2 Timothy 4:8; Titus 3:5; Romans 8:1
--------------------------------------------
Good morning!
As much as we tend to judge others, we are also our own worst critics. We know this, yet are still so harsh on ourselves. Sometimes it's a good thing, as it can be an eye opener in some situations, however it also tends to leave your vision cloudy and rather negative. Stubborn in our ways, when we feel disappointed in ourselves and begin to dislike ourselves, it leaves us open and even more vulnerable for the evil negativity to lay into our minds, hearts, and lives.
I know I struggle with this sometimes. I get so down and out because I'm being so hard on myself. When I do that, everything else is out of focus, especially God, while I have my pity party. How selfish of myself! All I need to remember is that God made me this way. Haha, even Lady GaGa has it right, "If God makes no mistakes, I'm on the right track baby, I was born this way!" Which, if you really think about it, is dead on. God made us how He wanted us to be for His own reasons. Reasons we may never understand ourselves, but it may help someone else out down the road. Who knows? But why worry about it? How about not focus on ourselves all the time and focus on God and His will? It's hard to do, especially when life throws us curve balls, it's hard to stay on track. All the worldly things cloud our vision and we lose sight as to what is truly important; spreading the Word of God.
We all know judging others is a no-no; who are we to judge others when we are imperfect perfect humans? We are perfect in God's eyes, but are imperfect as we are not impervious to error and mistakes. We like to compare this and that of others against one another and against ourselves, it's part of our nature, but that is not an excuse. Many people use it as an excuse to judge others and turn their noses up at those they deem lesser when they do not know them, have never walked a mile in their shoes, do not know their life situation, or anything else about them except what they assume.
I try my darndest to not judge others. Now and then I find myself doing the thing I dislike the most (judging) and am Thankful that I catch it, apologize to them (in my head) and to my Maker for doing something I have no business doing. That is His job, not mine. He will be the judge of All when the time comes, it's too big of a job for any measly human to do. I'll leave it up to Him, gladly, and ask for forgiveness when I catch myself passing unwanted or unwarranted judgements I have no right to make.
I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed morning. I'm off to wake up my husband and jam out to Lady GaGa :B
Saturday, July 2, 2011
July 1 & 2--Hello Again
July 1
"I AM LIFE AND LIGHT IN ABUNDANCE.
As you spend time 'soaking' in My Presence, you are energized and lightened. Through communicating with Me, your burdens are transferred to My strong shoulders. By gazing at Me, you gain My perspective on your life. This time alone with Me is essential for unscrambling your thoughts and smoothing out the day before you.
Be willing to fight for this precious time with me. Opposition comes in many forms: your own desire to linger in bed; the evil one's determination to distract you from Me; the pressure of family, friends, and your own inner critic to spend your time more productively. As you grow in your desire to please me above all else, you gain strength to resist these opponents. delight yourself in Me, for I am the deepest Desire of your heart."
Psalm 48:9; Deuteronomy 33:12; Psalm 37:4
July 2
"LET ME SHOW YOU My way for you this day. I guide you continually, so you can relax and enjoy My Presence in the present. Living well is both a discipline and an art. Concentrate on staying close to Me, the divine Artist. Discipline your thoughts to trust Me as I work My ways in your life. Pray about everything; then, leave outcomes up to Me. Do not fear My will, for through it I accomplish what is best for you. Take a deep breath and dive into the depths of absolute trust in Me. Underneath are the everlasting arms!"
Psalm 5:2-3; Deuteronomy 33:27
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Well, that struck a chord deep within me. It's like I was supposed to read that, to remember, to feel guilty for neglecting my Lord; but, most importantly, to kick me back on track. I got lost in all the commotion of daily life, struggles, confusion, financial issues, life frustrations...everything!
Reading today's devotion gave me the idea to start a blog based on this book.
Here is why:
The month of June 2011 was incredibly hard for me, but the downward spiral seemed to have started a month earlier. In the beginning of May, my husband bought me a bunny for my 25th birthday. He was the cutest darn thing and we both fell in love with the little creature only to have him pass away (assuming of heart-attack as they are prone to) three days later. We were devastated.
The weeks following, we had an absolutely wonderful time with our friends from Canada and Chicago, IL, who came down to be part of my husband and I's wedding ceremony. We'd been married since July 23 of 2010, but never had the bigger ceremony that included friends and family. Anyway, we enjoyed ourselves on "our" day with our friends and family.
About two weeks later, I was an a car accident. I was rear-ended rather hard (but not hospitalized, Thank God!) and pushed into the vehicle in front of me. Luckily we have very good insurance and I was in our 3500 Dodge diesel, but there was still substantial damage done to our truck. Still having to pay a rather good chunk as our deductible, it really tightened our finances--and then one thing after another crept up on us financially at the same time. My cat, that I had for 6 (almost 7--since he was a kitten) years, was killed by coyotes in our neighborhood. Completely devastated me. Then more financial crop ups.
It's been a frustrating, worrisome mess and my husband and I have been feeling so completely over-whelmed. Only in these situations do we remember what we lost sight of. The most important thing. We forgot to have Faith in God.
God has always taken care of us. Previously, when finances had gotten tight or random things would pop up, I would hand over that worry to God for him to take off our plate. And He DID! Why did I lose sight of that in the first place? Why did I forget to hand Him my worries like I had so easily done before? I got consumed by the world. Eaten up whole, lost, and left with negative feelings and emotions. He'd always taken care of us before... "he of so little faith." It's not that I didn't have Faith, I had just forgotten. It breaks my heart to know that and I feel so ashamed. But... I know He still loves me and still wants to take our worries and burdens from us so He can handle it. I have to remind myself and be firm with myself to not lose faith, not to lose sight of Him, and to remember: HE is there for US. There for us to hand over our worldly worries. There to comfort us in the down-time in our lives, to remind us that He is the provider of all and if we stay within His light and presence, he will continue to provide all that we will ever need.
I finally picked up my Jesus Calling book, that has been sitting collecting dust on my computer desk since April 22, 2011. That is the last day I opened it and it makes sense that the downward spiral started just shortly after that. Some say, it's a coincidence. But no, it's not.
Thank you for letting me share this and get this "off" of my chest.. life can be a struggle, but I believe with God and Jesus in your heart, the struggle is short-lived and the reward is much much greater in the end.
"I AM LIFE AND LIGHT IN ABUNDANCE.
As you spend time 'soaking' in My Presence, you are energized and lightened. Through communicating with Me, your burdens are transferred to My strong shoulders. By gazing at Me, you gain My perspective on your life. This time alone with Me is essential for unscrambling your thoughts and smoothing out the day before you.
Be willing to fight for this precious time with me. Opposition comes in many forms: your own desire to linger in bed; the evil one's determination to distract you from Me; the pressure of family, friends, and your own inner critic to spend your time more productively. As you grow in your desire to please me above all else, you gain strength to resist these opponents. delight yourself in Me, for I am the deepest Desire of your heart."
Psalm 48:9; Deuteronomy 33:12; Psalm 37:4
July 2
"LET ME SHOW YOU My way for you this day. I guide you continually, so you can relax and enjoy My Presence in the present. Living well is both a discipline and an art. Concentrate on staying close to Me, the divine Artist. Discipline your thoughts to trust Me as I work My ways in your life. Pray about everything; then, leave outcomes up to Me. Do not fear My will, for through it I accomplish what is best for you. Take a deep breath and dive into the depths of absolute trust in Me. Underneath are the everlasting arms!"
Psalm 5:2-3; Deuteronomy 33:27
---------------------------
Well, that struck a chord deep within me. It's like I was supposed to read that, to remember, to feel guilty for neglecting my Lord; but, most importantly, to kick me back on track. I got lost in all the commotion of daily life, struggles, confusion, financial issues, life frustrations...everything!
Reading today's devotion gave me the idea to start a blog based on this book.
Here is why:
The month of June 2011 was incredibly hard for me, but the downward spiral seemed to have started a month earlier. In the beginning of May, my husband bought me a bunny for my 25th birthday. He was the cutest darn thing and we both fell in love with the little creature only to have him pass away (assuming of heart-attack as they are prone to) three days later. We were devastated.
The weeks following, we had an absolutely wonderful time with our friends from Canada and Chicago, IL, who came down to be part of my husband and I's wedding ceremony. We'd been married since July 23 of 2010, but never had the bigger ceremony that included friends and family. Anyway, we enjoyed ourselves on "our" day with our friends and family.
About two weeks later, I was an a car accident. I was rear-ended rather hard (but not hospitalized, Thank God!) and pushed into the vehicle in front of me. Luckily we have very good insurance and I was in our 3500 Dodge diesel, but there was still substantial damage done to our truck. Still having to pay a rather good chunk as our deductible, it really tightened our finances--and then one thing after another crept up on us financially at the same time. My cat, that I had for 6 (almost 7--since he was a kitten) years, was killed by coyotes in our neighborhood. Completely devastated me. Then more financial crop ups.
It's been a frustrating, worrisome mess and my husband and I have been feeling so completely over-whelmed. Only in these situations do we remember what we lost sight of. The most important thing. We forgot to have Faith in God.
God has always taken care of us. Previously, when finances had gotten tight or random things would pop up, I would hand over that worry to God for him to take off our plate. And He DID! Why did I lose sight of that in the first place? Why did I forget to hand Him my worries like I had so easily done before? I got consumed by the world. Eaten up whole, lost, and left with negative feelings and emotions. He'd always taken care of us before... "he of so little faith." It's not that I didn't have Faith, I had just forgotten. It breaks my heart to know that and I feel so ashamed. But... I know He still loves me and still wants to take our worries and burdens from us so He can handle it. I have to remind myself and be firm with myself to not lose faith, not to lose sight of Him, and to remember: HE is there for US. There for us to hand over our worldly worries. There to comfort us in the down-time in our lives, to remind us that He is the provider of all and if we stay within His light and presence, he will continue to provide all that we will ever need.
I finally picked up my Jesus Calling book, that has been sitting collecting dust on my computer desk since April 22, 2011. That is the last day I opened it and it makes sense that the downward spiral started just shortly after that. Some say, it's a coincidence. But no, it's not.
Thank you for letting me share this and get this "off" of my chest.. life can be a struggle, but I believe with God and Jesus in your heart, the struggle is short-lived and the reward is much much greater in the end.
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