Today I feel I am getting nowhere fast. Ever feel that way? Grandkids have been sick for a while. Agape took them to the doctor this morning. Patrick was to call yesterday, until now there is no news nor an answer if I try to call him. Bills need to paying, but not enough to pay them. Now you can relate. Right? I thought so.
Then I opened the Bible this morning to continue my reading in 1 John 3:1-9. First verse opened with "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knows us not because it knew Him not."
What manner of love has He given to me? The love that passes any kind of problems I could possibly have! The love that draws me under His protecting wing. The love that keeps me floating in the midst of discouragement. The love that gives me courage to go on step forward. But most of all, the love that covers all my sins and makes me white as snow.
What a Father we have! I don't think I will fully comprehend all His love until I reach glory.
God bless you
Friday, February 10, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Grateful or Grumbling
Hebrews 13:15 "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of [our] lips, giving thanks to His name."
I know I have used this verse in a previous post, but I believe it is worthy of repeating. Yesterday was definitely a difficult day. I was physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted. Every where I looked there seemed to be another mound of problems. And, of course, when it is this way, what shouldn't be a problem I make it one.
All day, the negative seemed to float to the top. Has something changed today? Not in reality, but my attitude has. A heart of praise is a good fix for negativity. Praise in spite of difficulty. "How long, Lord, will it take me to learn this? Will I ever have praise as my first response to difficulty."
Maybe you don't experience this in the same way, but it isn't the big things that gives me problems. Those are obvious, and I see them as a problem when it hits. But it is the smaller nagging things, that start grinding at the grumbling wheel. By the end of the day, the wheel is spinning out of control.
When the wheel of ungratefulness spins so fast, the chips of peace start to fall. It doesn't take long until my whole life is thinking of the ugliness around me, instead of the beauty of peace.
Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." A great promise that I've know for many years.
"Lord, take my eyes off the circumstances, and fix them on You, the God of circumstances. You, and You alone, are the answer to my every detour in the road. Bring peace to my heart as I meditate on You."
I pray you have peace today and a grateful heart.
God bless you
I know I have used this verse in a previous post, but I believe it is worthy of repeating. Yesterday was definitely a difficult day. I was physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted. Every where I looked there seemed to be another mound of problems. And, of course, when it is this way, what shouldn't be a problem I make it one.
All day, the negative seemed to float to the top. Has something changed today? Not in reality, but my attitude has. A heart of praise is a good fix for negativity. Praise in spite of difficulty. "How long, Lord, will it take me to learn this? Will I ever have praise as my first response to difficulty."
Maybe you don't experience this in the same way, but it isn't the big things that gives me problems. Those are obvious, and I see them as a problem when it hits. But it is the smaller nagging things, that start grinding at the grumbling wheel. By the end of the day, the wheel is spinning out of control.
When the wheel of ungratefulness spins so fast, the chips of peace start to fall. It doesn't take long until my whole life is thinking of the ugliness around me, instead of the beauty of peace.
Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." A great promise that I've know for many years.
"Lord, take my eyes off the circumstances, and fix them on You, the God of circumstances. You, and You alone, are the answer to my every detour in the road. Bring peace to my heart as I meditate on You."
I pray you have peace today and a grateful heart.
God bless you
Monday, February 6, 2012
Blessed
Today, 64 years ago, a little baby was born to wonderful parents. Parents that taught her about God, how to serve Him and love others. She remembers sitting on her daddy's lap, listening as he read the Bible story book. The pictures were all in black and white. But the story book was a favorite. This was only the beginning of my spiritual training.
Until now, every day I'm in training—the School of the Spirit. I don't always learn so well but God never gives up on me. (If I were God, I'd probably given up on me a long time ago.) I'm so glad He didn't!!
But today, I was blessed beyond words with so many birthday wishes from family and friends. It is truly a blessing to know that we are all in the same family with God as our Father. It really can't get better than that. Did I do anything "special" today? I have my mother here with me, my son, and grandchildren (just missed having Patrick and Rachel & family here too). It would have been great to hear from Patrick, but maybe tomorrow.
In light of my years, I repeat the verse of a few days ago, and that my desire is to finish my race with joy. I do not know what my race will still consist of, but it doesn't matter, I only want to do it with joy.
Acts 20:24 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
May God bless you
Until now, every day I'm in training—the School of the Spirit. I don't always learn so well but God never gives up on me. (If I were God, I'd probably given up on me a long time ago.) I'm so glad He didn't!!
But today, I was blessed beyond words with so many birthday wishes from family and friends. It is truly a blessing to know that we are all in the same family with God as our Father. It really can't get better than that. Did I do anything "special" today? I have my mother here with me, my son, and grandchildren (just missed having Patrick and Rachel & family here too). It would have been great to hear from Patrick, but maybe tomorrow.
In light of my years, I repeat the verse of a few days ago, and that my desire is to finish my race with joy. I do not know what my race will still consist of, but it doesn't matter, I only want to do it with joy.
Acts 20:24 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."
May God bless you
Saturday, February 4, 2012
A Special Word
I woke up with this morning, with 2 little characters standing beside my bed. This started the day. They are so special.
As the day continued my heart was more and more burdened with the situation I'm in (not personally, but a confidant). The more I struggled, and I was getting another side of the story, I wondered what I should do. I'm still wondering.
Then I opened my email, and there it was, the daily scripture from Blue Bible:
"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I
will guide thee with mine eye." (Psalms 32:8)
As the day continued my heart was more and more burdened with the situation I'm in (not personally, but a confidant). The more I struggled, and I was getting another side of the story, I wondered what I should do. I'm still wondering.
Then I opened my email, and there it was, the daily scripture from Blue Bible:
"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I
will guide thee with mine eye." (Psalms 32:8)
I think He is teaching me, and He will guide me when the time is right. Waiting on the Lord.
So if you are in a situation, between a rock and hard place, and don't know which way you should go, then take God's Word and allow Him to teach you and He will guide you. For me, right now, this means knowing the right words to say at the right time. And frankly, maybe I'm not the one to "say" something.
Trusting God for direction.
God bless you
Friday, February 3, 2012
Hold My Peace
This is where I find myself today. I want to scream at the injustice of words people say, yet, I find myself unable to open my mouth. Then I read this by Roy Coy. God is fighting the battle and I am to pray.Today, God fights for us; we are to be still, and let God, rather than struggling in our own power when the world comes to bring us into slavery. (Roy Coy)Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. (Exodus 14:14 NKJV)
This is so difficult, for you see, I am a "fix-it" person. It is a struggle, but I am to hold my peace. When God wants me to speak, I will know.
Thank you, Jesus, for fighting the battle. My Jesus knows every detail of the battle. He knows where to strike in the battle. If I fight, I may do more harm than good.
If you are in the middle of a battle, claim the verse "The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."
There are times to speak, but there are times to "be still, and see what God will do." Don't forget to be thankful in all things, this means in the midst of the battle, there can be thanksgiving.
Remember to pray for Patrick in Haiti. He is well, but working hard. My next news from him will probably be Tuesday.
Have a blessed weekend. God bless you
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Praying for Peace
2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
This was God's answer to Paul's prayer...but the last part of the verse is Paul's response to God's answer. Gladly glory in our infirmities. Being okay with the cards that God puts into our hands. Not just saying, "it's okay" but having an attitude of true gratefulness. By doing this Christ's power can rest on us. So it is God's power versus my attitude toward my infirmities, things that make me anger, things that cause me to suffer, and mostly people who do so.
The words of an angry person can cut to the heart. What is my reaction to such anger? Is it to bite back, or is it to stay calm? God's grace is sufficient to keep me calm and quiet. Yes, I did hear angry words, but I know that no matter what I would have said, would only have caused more anger.
My prayer is for peace that passeth all understanding. I pray for quiet in the midst of the storm. This only comes through God's grace.
Please pray for Nicole. Her husband, Dave, passed away this afternoon. She grieves, but knows Dave rests in the arms of the One who loved him more than anyone else. The days ahead will be difficult for her and the family. Keep them in your prayers.
May God bless you
This was God's answer to Paul's prayer...but the last part of the verse is Paul's response to God's answer. Gladly glory in our infirmities. Being okay with the cards that God puts into our hands. Not just saying, "it's okay" but having an attitude of true gratefulness. By doing this Christ's power can rest on us. So it is God's power versus my attitude toward my infirmities, things that make me anger, things that cause me to suffer, and mostly people who do so.
The words of an angry person can cut to the heart. What is my reaction to such anger? Is it to bite back, or is it to stay calm? God's grace is sufficient to keep me calm and quiet. Yes, I did hear angry words, but I know that no matter what I would have said, would only have caused more anger.
My prayer is for peace that passeth all understanding. I pray for quiet in the midst of the storm. This only comes through God's grace.
Please pray for Nicole. Her husband, Dave, passed away this afternoon. She grieves, but knows Dave rests in the arms of the One who loved him more than anyone else. The days ahead will be difficult for her and the family. Keep them in your prayers.
May God bless you
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Dave
My heart is heavy, and praying for the Bompart family. Dave was shot in Haiti a week ago, and his life still hangs in the balance at Jackson Memorial. If you care to follow the blog and join the prayers:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/davidbompart/mystory
We know God is in the control tower, looking down on Dave. It brings back so many memories of 2 years ago when Patrick also was in Intensive Care at the same hospital, his life also hanging in the balance.
Please pray not only for Dave, but also his wife and the whole medical staff who are helping Dave.
God bless you
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/davidbompart/mystory
We know God is in the control tower, looking down on Dave. It brings back so many memories of 2 years ago when Patrick also was in Intensive Care at the same hospital, his life also hanging in the balance.
Please pray not only for Dave, but also his wife and the whole medical staff who are helping Dave.
God bless you
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)