One of you precious children of God asked me what a DEVO is, so here is a refresher. It's a short, one-page writing on the Christian faith and life.
What is the purpose behind all these DEVOs? It is not just about getting to heaven. It's about having a relationship with Him. Heaven is our ultimate destination, and I have said it before that one day we will all be there so completely happy that it will blow our minds. But in the meantime, we are not just supposed to tolerate living or get by with drudgery. NO! We are to live with faith, hope, peace, and joy because Jesus wants us to.
John 10:10
The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
His purpose is to give us a rich and satisfying life. The thief', also known as the devil, steals, kills, and tries to destroy everything Jesus wants us to have. It really is the battle of the ages.
And yet, by prayer and faith and a relationship with Him, His purpose, and His purpose alone prevails.
Do you feel as though you have been robbed of joy? Peace? Love? Hope? Health? A sound mind? A good relationship? Has there been destruction in any area of your life that you would like to see rebuilt? What bout in the life of someone you love?
This is serious business, folks, and someone is counting on your prayers today.
Let us go to the One Who in His unparalleled generosity, desires to makes things right.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord,
We love that Your purpose is for us to have a rich and satisfying life, but there are days when we just aren't living it. We have trouble, pressures, worries, and anxiety. So today we invite You to fulfill Your purpose for us and restore to us a rich and satisfying life. It is impossible to have a rich and satisfying life unless You are in it, so fill us with Your presence today. We open up our hearts to Your goodness. We also pray for those we love. Do Your thing, because nothing else will do. Some people's hearts are closed to You, but Amen and Glory, You specialize in melting that hardness away. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Asking Wrongly~
This morning I decided to treat myself to a mani-pedi before going to work. As usual the topic of my aggressive tendon-like cuticles came up as well as all the other nonsensical stuff one tends to talk about at the salon. And then came the deep...
The young lady who attended me suddenly confessed that she has been trying to get pregnant for over a year but nothing yet.
I sensed an opportunity to encourage her, but first things first.
"Are you married, dear?"
"Yes," she replied, "And my husband and I desperately want a child."
Now let me go on the record as saying that I believe that the Bible is my guide for living. If God says that society and families are best served when children are born to a committed husband and wife, then it would be wrong of me to advise this young lady without first making sure everything is in proper order.
Notice how I didn't say perfect, just in order.
God truly desires to bless us, but we can not expect Him to grant us things carte blanche just because we want them.
I will never forget how several years ago a person I knew asked me for prayer because they wanted to date a certain person. The problem is the person they wanted to date was already dating someone else. How absurd.
Imagine God honoring that request. Does the Bible even address the notion of unacceptable requests?
James 4:3
"You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly..."
Thank God that He won't answer us when we ask wrongly, but He won't answer anyone else either.
Most of us are pretty wise folks and know how to ask for the things that are good and right. If you are not sure, ask God and He will show you.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, We do not want to ask wrongly. Guide us even as we pray. We want to receive all Your blessings! In Jesus name. AMEN~
The young lady who attended me suddenly confessed that she has been trying to get pregnant for over a year but nothing yet.
I sensed an opportunity to encourage her, but first things first.
"Are you married, dear?"
"Yes," she replied, "And my husband and I desperately want a child."
Now let me go on the record as saying that I believe that the Bible is my guide for living. If God says that society and families are best served when children are born to a committed husband and wife, then it would be wrong of me to advise this young lady without first making sure everything is in proper order.
Notice how I didn't say perfect, just in order.
God truly desires to bless us, but we can not expect Him to grant us things carte blanche just because we want them.
I will never forget how several years ago a person I knew asked me for prayer because they wanted to date a certain person. The problem is the person they wanted to date was already dating someone else. How absurd.
Imagine God honoring that request. Does the Bible even address the notion of unacceptable requests?
James 4:3
"You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly..."
Thank God that He won't answer us when we ask wrongly, but He won't answer anyone else either.
Most of us are pretty wise folks and know how to ask for the things that are good and right. If you are not sure, ask God and He will show you.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, We do not want to ask wrongly. Guide us even as we pray. We want to receive all Your blessings! In Jesus name. AMEN~
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Nothing is Impossible For Him~
"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17
What about nature inspires you the most? Is it an orderly processional of ants loaded with crumbs? What about a field of flowers? Perhaps a sunrise or sunset? To this day I regret the time I stepped on a spider that was scurrying across my kitchen floor because when I did, hundreds of itty bitty spider babies scattered from underneath their squished momma in all directions. I almost criedL
But what really inspires me is two things: Animal babies and human babies. I especially love elephant babies, and I have yet to smell a newborn whose scent did not intoxicate me. One of you DEVO readers actually told me not to lick your baby when it was born. AS IF!!!
Nature is there as a testament to the grandness and greatness of God. The very same Lord who created hairless cats, snowfall, and the Grand Canyon, is the One Who listens to and answers prayer. If you are feeling down because the answer has not arrived…if you are wondering whether or not God has the power to help…if you are at the end of your rope waiting waiting waiting, then fret no more. Open your eyes today to the vastness of creation and tell yourself that GOD IS AWESOME AND POWERFUL. Do not give up; He cares for you.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, Nature is amazing and taking time to enjoy it strengthens our faith in You. And just like the verse above says, we invite You to stretch out Your arm and with Your great power make something happen in our lives today. We need You to restore order and peace. If we ever doubt it, prompt us to look out the window and up in the sky at the sun where we will remind ourselves that if You could do that, then nothing is impossible for You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN~
What about nature inspires you the most? Is it an orderly processional of ants loaded with crumbs? What about a field of flowers? Perhaps a sunrise or sunset? To this day I regret the time I stepped on a spider that was scurrying across my kitchen floor because when I did, hundreds of itty bitty spider babies scattered from underneath their squished momma in all directions. I almost criedL
But what really inspires me is two things: Animal babies and human babies. I especially love elephant babies, and I have yet to smell a newborn whose scent did not intoxicate me. One of you DEVO readers actually told me not to lick your baby when it was born. AS IF!!!
Nature is there as a testament to the grandness and greatness of God. The very same Lord who created hairless cats, snowfall, and the Grand Canyon, is the One Who listens to and answers prayer. If you are feeling down because the answer has not arrived…if you are wondering whether or not God has the power to help…if you are at the end of your rope waiting waiting waiting, then fret no more. Open your eyes today to the vastness of creation and tell yourself that GOD IS AWESOME AND POWERFUL. Do not give up; He cares for you.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, Nature is amazing and taking time to enjoy it strengthens our faith in You. And just like the verse above says, we invite You to stretch out Your arm and with Your great power make something happen in our lives today. We need You to restore order and peace. If we ever doubt it, prompt us to look out the window and up in the sky at the sun where we will remind ourselves that if You could do that, then nothing is impossible for You. In Jesus’ name, AMEN~
Monday, January 28, 2013
Keep on Knocking~
Yesterday we looked at a sequence of events that goes something like this:
1-We have a need/concern.
2-We pray.
3-God hears it.
4-He formulates a plan of action.
5-He implements the plan.
What do we do, however, when things seem stuck between numbers four and five? What are we thinking on those days or even weeks or months between us having prayed, accepted by faith that God has heard our prayers, confident that He has a solution, but we still don't have the answer?
The tendency we have is to either give up on praying because we convince ourselves that God is never going to answer, or we feel like we have bothered God one too many times and don't want to keep pestering Him over the same matter.
This is where having the Bible comes in mega handy. Luke 11:5-10
Then Jesus said, “Imagine what would happen if you went to a friend in the middle of the night and said, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread. An old friend traveling through just showed up, and I don’t have a thing on hand.’ “The friend answers from his bed, ‘Don’t bother me. The door’s locked; my children are all down for the night; I can’t get up to give you anything.’ “But let me tell you, even if he won’t get up because he’s a friend, if you stand your ground, knocking and waking all the neighbors, he’ll finally get up and get you whatever you need. “Here’s what I’m saying: Ask and you’ll get; Seek and you’ll find;Knock and the door will open.
What these verses show us is that if we will finally get up out of bed and open the door, even for an annoying friend, how much more will God, who is never bothered by us, answer us? These verses give us holy permission to keep on knocking until we receive an answer. We must never give up just because our timeline differs from God's. Trust me, if I could have had it my way, there are some answers that would have shown up in two days as opposed to two months.
The reason why our relationship with God is sometimes called a faith walk is because it takes faith to keep on praying when the answer seems so far off.
Nevertheless, please know that God not only wants you to keep knocking, He expects it!
Is there something you stopped praying for because the answer never came? I encourage you to reignite that flame before the Lord and keep it burning until He shows up.
I was going to stop the DEVO there, but then I remembered something significant.
Six and a half years ago I started a very special prayer relationship with someone. Every day we pray on the phone for a few minutes for the health and well-being of someone she loves. The number one thing we asked is that he would stop smoking. SIX YEARS later, that prayer was answered, and he has finally quit.
What would have happened if we would have stopped praying one year in, or two years in? Certainly by year five no one would have blamed us if we would have stopped because at that point, God had surely forgotten us. But what we discovered is that even while we were waiting for the answer, God encouraged us mightily along the way. He protected those we love, gave peace to our anxious hearts, provided for our needs. In other words, other beautiful things were granted while we were waiting on the one big answer. We would have missed out on so much if we would have quit. Let us resolve today that we are going to go the distance with God, no matter how long it takes. There are too many blessings along the way that we do not want to forfeit.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, You will always come through for us; we must never give up. Thank You that You have made it clear in Your Word that You want us to be persistent with our prayers. We take You up on that invitation and ask You to bless us today. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
1-We have a need/concern.
2-We pray.
3-God hears it.
4-He formulates a plan of action.
5-He implements the plan.
What do we do, however, when things seem stuck between numbers four and five? What are we thinking on those days or even weeks or months between us having prayed, accepted by faith that God has heard our prayers, confident that He has a solution, but we still don't have the answer?
The tendency we have is to either give up on praying because we convince ourselves that God is never going to answer, or we feel like we have bothered God one too many times and don't want to keep pestering Him over the same matter.
This is where having the Bible comes in mega handy. Luke 11:5-10
Then Jesus said, “Imagine what would happen if you went to a friend in the middle of the night and said, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread. An old friend traveling through just showed up, and I don’t have a thing on hand.’ “The friend answers from his bed, ‘Don’t bother me. The door’s locked; my children are all down for the night; I can’t get up to give you anything.’ “But let me tell you, even if he won’t get up because he’s a friend, if you stand your ground, knocking and waking all the neighbors, he’ll finally get up and get you whatever you need. “Here’s what I’m saying: Ask and you’ll get; Seek and you’ll find;Knock and the door will open.
What these verses show us is that if we will finally get up out of bed and open the door, even for an annoying friend, how much more will God, who is never bothered by us, answer us? These verses give us holy permission to keep on knocking until we receive an answer. We must never give up just because our timeline differs from God's. Trust me, if I could have had it my way, there are some answers that would have shown up in two days as opposed to two months.
The reason why our relationship with God is sometimes called a faith walk is because it takes faith to keep on praying when the answer seems so far off.
Nevertheless, please know that God not only wants you to keep knocking, He expects it!
Is there something you stopped praying for because the answer never came? I encourage you to reignite that flame before the Lord and keep it burning until He shows up.
I was going to stop the DEVO there, but then I remembered something significant.
Six and a half years ago I started a very special prayer relationship with someone. Every day we pray on the phone for a few minutes for the health and well-being of someone she loves. The number one thing we asked is that he would stop smoking. SIX YEARS later, that prayer was answered, and he has finally quit.
What would have happened if we would have stopped praying one year in, or two years in? Certainly by year five no one would have blamed us if we would have stopped because at that point, God had surely forgotten us. But what we discovered is that even while we were waiting for the answer, God encouraged us mightily along the way. He protected those we love, gave peace to our anxious hearts, provided for our needs. In other words, other beautiful things were granted while we were waiting on the one big answer. We would have missed out on so much if we would have quit. Let us resolve today that we are going to go the distance with God, no matter how long it takes. There are too many blessings along the way that we do not want to forfeit.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, You will always come through for us; we must never give up. Thank You that You have made it clear in Your Word that You want us to be persistent with our prayers. We take You up on that invitation and ask You to bless us today. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Friday, January 25, 2013
God's Guidance~
This morning I got out of bed like a newborn pony and wobbled over to my desk to make my list of things to do, and as I write this my eyes are narrowed, and I am staring at that list through the slits. So much to do and such minimal desire. Among my adventures I must go and return the wireless thingy at the cable company because I am still without Internet. I must also make several calls and runs errands.
But the one thing I look forward to is writing this DEVO. Why? Because it settles me down as I purposely focus on God and invite His guidance into my life and yours.
What exactly, does it mean to ask God for guidance, and how do you know if you received it?
It all boils down to one thing, and it's called faith.
Here are a few examples drawn from our very own ranks:
(1) "My relationship is in turmoil. I need help, Lord." And then you are lovingly and gently directed to a relationship pro who is providing you with life-affirming advice and helping you put the pieces back together.
(2) "My parents aren't getting along, Lord. Help them reaffirm their love for one another." And then these parents decide to take a little trip to reconnect with one another and the relationship is back on track.
(3) "I am running low on money, Jesus. Help me pay the rent." And then a deal that had been on the back burner re-emerges and there is enough commission to pay the bills and eat out to celebrate!
What happened in each of these instances is that the folks involved took a step of faith and shared their heart with God. Honest and simple, because we already learned that we can not hide anything from Him. And then God responded to the cries for help.
Our responsibility is asking God for help and then leaving the schematics up to Him.
Isn't schematics a great word? It appears a lot in the spy novels I read because as you might imagine, there is a lot of planning in covert operations.
The difference between us and the spies is that they come up with both the plan and then execute it. We, on the other hand, call on God and He comes up with the plan and then sees to it that it is executed.
The LORD of Heaven's Armies has spoken--who can change His plans? When His hand is raised, who can stop Him?" Isaiah 14:27
All of this might and power and awesomeness depends on prayer. I can never say it enough; we must daily seek Him because this puts His plan in motion.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, Thank You that You hear our prayer and then answer us. Seems to us that Your responsibility is HUGE compared to ours. But that is just a testament to How great You are. Each of us in this DEVO group has different concerns and needs, but You have a plan for working it all out. We invite You now through prayer to fix it. We do not need to know how--just WHO is doing it. In Jesus' name, Amen~
But the one thing I look forward to is writing this DEVO. Why? Because it settles me down as I purposely focus on God and invite His guidance into my life and yours.
What exactly, does it mean to ask God for guidance, and how do you know if you received it?
It all boils down to one thing, and it's called faith.
Here are a few examples drawn from our very own ranks:
(1) "My relationship is in turmoil. I need help, Lord." And then you are lovingly and gently directed to a relationship pro who is providing you with life-affirming advice and helping you put the pieces back together.
(2) "My parents aren't getting along, Lord. Help them reaffirm their love for one another." And then these parents decide to take a little trip to reconnect with one another and the relationship is back on track.
(3) "I am running low on money, Jesus. Help me pay the rent." And then a deal that had been on the back burner re-emerges and there is enough commission to pay the bills and eat out to celebrate!
What happened in each of these instances is that the folks involved took a step of faith and shared their heart with God. Honest and simple, because we already learned that we can not hide anything from Him. And then God responded to the cries for help.
Our responsibility is asking God for help and then leaving the schematics up to Him.
Isn't schematics a great word? It appears a lot in the spy novels I read because as you might imagine, there is a lot of planning in covert operations.
The difference between us and the spies is that they come up with both the plan and then execute it. We, on the other hand, call on God and He comes up with the plan and then sees to it that it is executed.
The LORD of Heaven's Armies has spoken--who can change His plans? When His hand is raised, who can stop Him?" Isaiah 14:27
All of this might and power and awesomeness depends on prayer. I can never say it enough; we must daily seek Him because this puts His plan in motion.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, Thank You that You hear our prayer and then answer us. Seems to us that Your responsibility is HUGE compared to ours. But that is just a testament to How great You are. Each of us in this DEVO group has different concerns and needs, but You have a plan for working it all out. We invite You now through prayer to fix it. We do not need to know how--just WHO is doing it. In Jesus' name, Amen~
Thursday, January 24, 2013
We Have Enough on Our Plate Already~
I am a book nerd. I love to read and would rather do that than just about any other activity. I am one of those who gets very sad as I read the last page. My favorite books are spy novels. I have six authors whose books I read, and sometimes I get all the characters confused. One of the side effects of all this reading is that I sometimes have vivid dreams. Just last week I was in Libya launching a rocket grenade at heroin smugglers.
In my dreams I am thin, fit, fast, a weapons expert, highly intelligent, and sassy.
Then I wake up, and I am mostly sassy. And that is ok. I am who I am, and I have learned that one of the secrets to contentment is to not compare myself with anyone.
We have spoken about this before. That tendency to compare my body with someone else's. Or my kids with someone else's. My income with someone else's. My spouse with someone else's. My career, my friends, my dog... It's an exercise in futility because nothing productive will come out of it.
"When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." (Ouch!) 2 Corinthians 10:12
The reason this topic has come up again is because of a conversation I recently had with someone who was very very frustrated with a situation in her family and started off by saying, "I wish we were more like..."
"STOP IT!" I yelled.
I think we all have enough on our plate already. Let's not make room for a serving of jealousy or envy.
What I will do is be grateful for what I have and ask God to make it the very best it can be. Will you join me?
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, We all have areas of our lives that are far from perfect. But rather than waste precious energy dwelling on how good everyone else seems to have it, we ask for Your help in making improvements in our own circumstances. Give us wisdom, understanding, and patience so that we make the right decisions. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
In my dreams I am thin, fit, fast, a weapons expert, highly intelligent, and sassy.
Then I wake up, and I am mostly sassy. And that is ok. I am who I am, and I have learned that one of the secrets to contentment is to not compare myself with anyone.
We have spoken about this before. That tendency to compare my body with someone else's. Or my kids with someone else's. My income with someone else's. My spouse with someone else's. My career, my friends, my dog... It's an exercise in futility because nothing productive will come out of it.
"When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." (Ouch!) 2 Corinthians 10:12
The reason this topic has come up again is because of a conversation I recently had with someone who was very very frustrated with a situation in her family and started off by saying, "I wish we were more like..."
"STOP IT!" I yelled.
I think we all have enough on our plate already. Let's not make room for a serving of jealousy or envy.
What I will do is be grateful for what I have and ask God to make it the very best it can be. Will you join me?
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, We all have areas of our lives that are far from perfect. But rather than waste precious energy dwelling on how good everyone else seems to have it, we ask for Your help in making improvements in our own circumstances. Give us wisdom, understanding, and patience so that we make the right decisions. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
He Knows Already~
Join me today in shouting, "Hallelujah," which is the highest praise we can offer God.
My sister, Aldys, who was married this past November, was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst that the doctors said had to be removed immediately. A second opinion verified this, so the appointment was made. Both doctors said it did not look good, and that the ovary would have to be removed as well. They also said there was a certain percentage that it could be malignant and that she would have to sign a document allowing for a complete hysterectomy if necessary.
Imagine if you were told that and had never had children. Rough rough rough!
What, dear one, are we to do when faced with these possibilities? On the count of three, One...Two...Three...PRAY!
So I hunkered down before the throne and had lengthy conversations with my Jesus, and I said, "Jesus, You are my friend. You and I spend a lot of time together, and You know very well that I am emotionally allergic to the thought of any one else I know on this earth ever having THAT again. Have mercy on my sister, her husband, and me. Fix it, Lord. You are the Great Fixer Upper. She hasn't had children yet. Please!!!"
And on and on this went for several weeks. My sister finally had the surgery Friday, and not only was everything super duper hunky dory, she was wheeled out of the operating room with TWO ovaries and the assurance that she can try for her baby in four weeks.
That is why I invited You all to shout Hallelujah with me. For you see, the very same Lord Who took care of my sister, the biggest Chonga east of the Mississippi, is the very same Lord Who takes care of you and me.
Do you think it's possible to hide your feelings from Him? Do you think it's ever possible for Him not to know what's really going on inside your head? Can you pretend that everything is ok and get away with it? NO!
How aware is our Lord of every single detail of your life?
Psalm 139:2-4 You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand what I am thinking when I am distant from You. You discern my going out and my lying down;You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord.
Based on that passage I think it's safe to say that God is intimately aware of every last little bit of our existence. Let's get real for a moment. Are you even aware of how many times you have already stood up and sat down today? Are you keeping track of how often you go out or lie down?
I have tried, more than once, to keep track of my kids, but it was exhausting. It has been much easier to leave them in the care of the One Who is going to be doing it anyway.
Each of you precious folks is important to me, but not to the point that I need you to check in and let me know every second of every day what you are up to. And yet, our Lord cares about it all--even the mundane.
Which brings me back to the whole point of this DEVO. Before you even say it, when you are just thinking it, God already knows it. It is futile to hide your feelings from God, so share share share. He really wants to hear it, and more importantly, He wants to do something about it.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, You are amazing. You know what we are thinking, so we may as well be honest and let You know how we feel. There is nothing we could ever pray about that You aren't already aware of, so our sharing is not for Your benefit but for ours. Spending time with You strengthens our faith and increases our joy. Thank You for knowing our hearts but for also inviting us to spend time with You because that is where we receive Your goodness. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
My sister, Aldys, who was married this past November, was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst that the doctors said had to be removed immediately. A second opinion verified this, so the appointment was made. Both doctors said it did not look good, and that the ovary would have to be removed as well. They also said there was a certain percentage that it could be malignant and that she would have to sign a document allowing for a complete hysterectomy if necessary.
Imagine if you were told that and had never had children. Rough rough rough!
What, dear one, are we to do when faced with these possibilities? On the count of three, One...Two...Three...PRAY!
So I hunkered down before the throne and had lengthy conversations with my Jesus, and I said, "Jesus, You are my friend. You and I spend a lot of time together, and You know very well that I am emotionally allergic to the thought of any one else I know on this earth ever having THAT again. Have mercy on my sister, her husband, and me. Fix it, Lord. You are the Great Fixer Upper. She hasn't had children yet. Please!!!"
And on and on this went for several weeks. My sister finally had the surgery Friday, and not only was everything super duper hunky dory, she was wheeled out of the operating room with TWO ovaries and the assurance that she can try for her baby in four weeks.
That is why I invited You all to shout Hallelujah with me. For you see, the very same Lord Who took care of my sister, the biggest Chonga east of the Mississippi, is the very same Lord Who takes care of you and me.
Do you think it's possible to hide your feelings from Him? Do you think it's ever possible for Him not to know what's really going on inside your head? Can you pretend that everything is ok and get away with it? NO!
How aware is our Lord of every single detail of your life?
Psalm 139:2-4 You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand what I am thinking when I am distant from You. You discern my going out and my lying down;You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord.
Based on that passage I think it's safe to say that God is intimately aware of every last little bit of our existence. Let's get real for a moment. Are you even aware of how many times you have already stood up and sat down today? Are you keeping track of how often you go out or lie down?
I have tried, more than once, to keep track of my kids, but it was exhausting. It has been much easier to leave them in the care of the One Who is going to be doing it anyway.
Each of you precious folks is important to me, but not to the point that I need you to check in and let me know every second of every day what you are up to. And yet, our Lord cares about it all--even the mundane.
Which brings me back to the whole point of this DEVO. Before you even say it, when you are just thinking it, God already knows it. It is futile to hide your feelings from God, so share share share. He really wants to hear it, and more importantly, He wants to do something about it.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, You are amazing. You know what we are thinking, so we may as well be honest and let You know how we feel. There is nothing we could ever pray about that You aren't already aware of, so our sharing is not for Your benefit but for ours. Spending time with You strengthens our faith and increases our joy. Thank You for knowing our hearts but for also inviting us to spend time with You because that is where we receive Your goodness. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Monday, January 21, 2013
Who's in Your 12?
Good morning~
Here is an interesting statement that I read a while back:
"The average person only has the capacity to truly care about and love a maximum of 12 people."
Let's put that theory to the test. Think of those closest to you, and ask yourself if there are more than 12 that if something devastating happened to them it would directly affect you.
We are all moved by stories of abuse, war, and poverty etc...but do we worry about it at a personal level the way we would about one of our 12?
I think I see the point in that statement because if we were to shoulder the burden of having the same concerns for everyone in the planet that we do for our children, siblings, parents, spouses, friends, etc., it would be impossible to function.
That statement above is the reason why we can go to a funeral of someone we truly liked--maybe even loved, sincerely grieve with the family, but then go out to La Carreta for a Cuban sandwich and a diet coke.
There's nothing wrong with that either. If anything, it is a testament to the grandeur of our God Who is a Father to millions upon millions, including us. When you think about it, we really are puny. You're not as tough as you think you are. Don't believe me? There are several scenarios under which you would crumble, but God never has and never will. That is why we must stay plugged into Him every single day through prayer.
I do not usually use quotes to end the DEVOs, but this one fits.
“It is about the greatness of God, not the significance of man. God made man small and the universe big to say something about Himself.”
— John Piper
PRAYER: Dear Lord, We hear You loudly and clearly today. You are great and we are small. This is why we come to You--to ask great things of a great God. How dare we diminish You by thinking in our little brains that somehow just because we can't figure it out that You are somehow limited? NEVER! In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Here is an interesting statement that I read a while back:
"The average person only has the capacity to truly care about and love a maximum of 12 people."
Let's put that theory to the test. Think of those closest to you, and ask yourself if there are more than 12 that if something devastating happened to them it would directly affect you.
We are all moved by stories of abuse, war, and poverty etc...but do we worry about it at a personal level the way we would about one of our 12?
I think I see the point in that statement because if we were to shoulder the burden of having the same concerns for everyone in the planet that we do for our children, siblings, parents, spouses, friends, etc., it would be impossible to function.
That statement above is the reason why we can go to a funeral of someone we truly liked--maybe even loved, sincerely grieve with the family, but then go out to La Carreta for a Cuban sandwich and a diet coke.
There's nothing wrong with that either. If anything, it is a testament to the grandeur of our God Who is a Father to millions upon millions, including us. When you think about it, we really are puny. You're not as tough as you think you are. Don't believe me? There are several scenarios under which you would crumble, but God never has and never will. That is why we must stay plugged into Him every single day through prayer.
I do not usually use quotes to end the DEVOs, but this one fits.
“It is about the greatness of God, not the significance of man. God made man small and the universe big to say something about Himself.”
— John Piper
PRAYER: Dear Lord, We hear You loudly and clearly today. You are great and we are small. This is why we come to You--to ask great things of a great God. How dare we diminish You by thinking in our little brains that somehow just because we can't figure it out that You are somehow limited? NEVER! In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Friday, January 18, 2013
Look at How Far You've Come~
TGIF Greetings!
Last weekend I did one of my favorite things ever! I rode my tandem bike with Jorge all over Miami Beach. We started by Lincoln road and headed toward the Convention Center, circled around by the golf course and then wheeled into a water-front neighborhood, and before we knew it, we had logged 10 miles.
Sometimes when I am on the bike, and Jorge has found a strong rhythm, and I am taking a break by resting my feet on the bar, and I extend my arms out a la Titanic style, and I ignore the yelps and yells of the rude people, who are not in ManRef (The Manners Reformation Society of South Florida), calling me lazy, who try to alert Jorge that he is doing all the pedaling, as if he didn't know, I look back, and I am always amazed at how much distance we have covered. Take a breath, people!
HOW MUCH DISTANCE WE HAVE COVERED!!!! It deserves to be in bold because it took effort!!! Think back at how your faith was a few years back, even just last year, and can you testify that God has done something in your life? If the answer is yes, then you have been doing your part by prayer. If the answer is no, then check out this verse:
Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.
Let's break it down--Macarena style.
Who has to initiate the convo? You and I do. Our dear Lord is not pushy like me. He does not force Himself on folks like I tend to do.
What happens when you call? He answers! He is the Great Answerer! Let's be honest. Why bother praying if we do not expect an answer? It's called faith, and if you are struggling with that as well, then He will help you there too.
And not only does He answer, He also tells us amazing stuff. In my heart I have so many treasures that God has shown me. Some of which I share, and some of which are just between Him and me.
I desire that God would tell you marvelous things too. Let us pray.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord,
We call on You today and ask for Your blessings in our lives. Blessings of contentment, safety, and joy. By faith we can all say today that You will answer us. You have something special for each us that You would like to tell us today--something that will minister to our individual needs. We are listening. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Last weekend I did one of my favorite things ever! I rode my tandem bike with Jorge all over Miami Beach. We started by Lincoln road and headed toward the Convention Center, circled around by the golf course and then wheeled into a water-front neighborhood, and before we knew it, we had logged 10 miles.
Sometimes when I am on the bike, and Jorge has found a strong rhythm, and I am taking a break by resting my feet on the bar, and I extend my arms out a la Titanic style, and I ignore the yelps and yells of the rude people, who are not in ManRef (The Manners Reformation Society of South Florida), calling me lazy, who try to alert Jorge that he is doing all the pedaling, as if he didn't know, I look back, and I am always amazed at how much distance we have covered. Take a breath, people!
HOW MUCH DISTANCE WE HAVE COVERED!!!! It deserves to be in bold because it took effort!!! Think back at how your faith was a few years back, even just last year, and can you testify that God has done something in your life? If the answer is yes, then you have been doing your part by prayer. If the answer is no, then check out this verse:
Jeremiah 33:3
Call to Me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.
Let's break it down--Macarena style.
Who has to initiate the convo? You and I do. Our dear Lord is not pushy like me. He does not force Himself on folks like I tend to do.
What happens when you call? He answers! He is the Great Answerer! Let's be honest. Why bother praying if we do not expect an answer? It's called faith, and if you are struggling with that as well, then He will help you there too.
And not only does He answer, He also tells us amazing stuff. In my heart I have so many treasures that God has shown me. Some of which I share, and some of which are just between Him and me.
I desire that God would tell you marvelous things too. Let us pray.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord,
We call on You today and ask for Your blessings in our lives. Blessings of contentment, safety, and joy. By faith we can all say today that You will answer us. You have something special for each us that You would like to tell us today--something that will minister to our individual needs. We are listening. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Comfort Others~
Are you having a nice day? You better be because I asked God to bless you today:)
I saw a license tag frame today that says, "Jesus loves you, but I'm His favorite." And the reason I saw it is because it's on one of my cars.
Enough of the randomness; let's get down to business.
I had a conversation with someone yesterday that stunned me, but in a great way. This dear child of God has been having some intense struggles. And even though she is still sorting stuff out and hanging on for dear life, she did something rather spectacular. She turned right around and offered her friend counsel and prayers when that friend called on the verge of hysteria with some intensity of her own.
No one, least of all me, would have blamed her if she would have gently explained to her buddy that there was too much going on in her life for her to take the time to help.
But no! She did exactly what the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 1:4, "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."
Why did she choose to reach out? Because in her journey others who have gone on ahead have back pedaled a little bit and comforted her. And even though she awaits God's greater glory in her life, He has comforted her through so much pain that sharing that goodness is not even an option. It's the only logical response.
Let me get real for a moment. LOSING MY MOM TO CANCER STUNK!!!! IT WAS AWFUL!!!! But even I cannot deny that I was tremendously comforted during that experience by so many beautiful people who embraced me, and prayed with me, and cried with me!
It literally transformed my life. Anyone who knows me, knows that I always say that the reason why I take the time to reach out to people, pray with people, help in anyway that I can, is because of all those who helped me.
Tag! You're it! If you have ever been comforted, take a step of faith and reach out to someone who needs it today. The most amazing thing will happen; somehow someway you will wind up with the bigger blessing. I promise:)
PRAYER: Dear Lord, You expect us to reach out to others, even when we are in pain. But it is all part of Your plan to bless us. Help us get with the program. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
I saw a license tag frame today that says, "Jesus loves you, but I'm His favorite." And the reason I saw it is because it's on one of my cars.
Enough of the randomness; let's get down to business.
I had a conversation with someone yesterday that stunned me, but in a great way. This dear child of God has been having some intense struggles. And even though she is still sorting stuff out and hanging on for dear life, she did something rather spectacular. She turned right around and offered her friend counsel and prayers when that friend called on the verge of hysteria with some intensity of her own.
No one, least of all me, would have blamed her if she would have gently explained to her buddy that there was too much going on in her life for her to take the time to help.
But no! She did exactly what the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 1:4, "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."
Why did she choose to reach out? Because in her journey others who have gone on ahead have back pedaled a little bit and comforted her. And even though she awaits God's greater glory in her life, He has comforted her through so much pain that sharing that goodness is not even an option. It's the only logical response.
Let me get real for a moment. LOSING MY MOM TO CANCER STUNK!!!! IT WAS AWFUL!!!! But even I cannot deny that I was tremendously comforted during that experience by so many beautiful people who embraced me, and prayed with me, and cried with me!
It literally transformed my life. Anyone who knows me, knows that I always say that the reason why I take the time to reach out to people, pray with people, help in anyway that I can, is because of all those who helped me.
Tag! You're it! If you have ever been comforted, take a step of faith and reach out to someone who needs it today. The most amazing thing will happen; somehow someway you will wind up with the bigger blessing. I promise:)
PRAYER: Dear Lord, You expect us to reach out to others, even when we are in pain. But it is all part of Your plan to bless us. Help us get with the program. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Mere Mortals~
Happy Tuesday:)
Psalm 8:4
What are mere mortals that You should think about them?
That verse above raises an interesting question. Why does God love us so much? What do we have to offer Him? We humans are a dramatic, imperfect bunch of bones that will one day return to the earth as dust.
And yet...HE LOVES US to eternity and beyond.
The short answer is simply because we are His children. Think about it this way. When your baby was born what did he or she offer you? Was your baby self-sufficient, quiet, loving, thoughtful, and giving? Or did you suddenly find yourself at the beck and call of another person who was extraordinarily demanding? Still, we loved our babies instantly.
I remember one time I was at a birthday party with Jorgie when he was about three months old. I was standing next to another mom who was holding an older baby. Her child leaned over to Jorgie and tried to bite him, and for one quick second I thought about taking that infantile jaw and punching it. Naturally, I am more civilized than that, but I was outraged. (On a side note, Rayray was kicked out of a children's play group for being a biter).
Why? Just because he was mine--all mine--and that is how God sees us.
Let's face it. We really do have very little to offer Him, but because He is our Father, He loves us--no strings attached. And just like there's nothing our children could ever do for us to stop loving them, there is nothing we can do for Him to stop loving us. Consider the benefits of having a loving Father today as you go about and live your life. He is here to help every step of the way with guidance, peace, protection, and joy.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, Thank You that You love us just because we are your children. We need You today and everyday. Guide our every step and the steps of those we love. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
PS
See Psalm 103 for an awesome list of the benefits we have as God's child:)
Psalm 8:4
What are mere mortals that You should think about them?
That verse above raises an interesting question. Why does God love us so much? What do we have to offer Him? We humans are a dramatic, imperfect bunch of bones that will one day return to the earth as dust.
And yet...HE LOVES US to eternity and beyond.
The short answer is simply because we are His children. Think about it this way. When your baby was born what did he or she offer you? Was your baby self-sufficient, quiet, loving, thoughtful, and giving? Or did you suddenly find yourself at the beck and call of another person who was extraordinarily demanding? Still, we loved our babies instantly.
I remember one time I was at a birthday party with Jorgie when he was about three months old. I was standing next to another mom who was holding an older baby. Her child leaned over to Jorgie and tried to bite him, and for one quick second I thought about taking that infantile jaw and punching it. Naturally, I am more civilized than that, but I was outraged. (On a side note, Rayray was kicked out of a children's play group for being a biter).
Why? Just because he was mine--all mine--and that is how God sees us.
Let's face it. We really do have very little to offer Him, but because He is our Father, He loves us--no strings attached. And just like there's nothing our children could ever do for us to stop loving them, there is nothing we can do for Him to stop loving us. Consider the benefits of having a loving Father today as you go about and live your life. He is here to help every step of the way with guidance, peace, protection, and joy.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, Thank You that You love us just because we are your children. We need You today and everyday. Guide our every step and the steps of those we love. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
PS
See Psalm 103 for an awesome list of the benefits we have as God's child:)
Monday, January 14, 2013
Our Journey~
I saw a saying today that made me smile. "I'm as happy as a bird with a french fry."
Monday morning greetings! I trust you all had a lovely weekend.
Years ago I chaperoned an overnight field trip with Rayray's soccer team all the way to glorious Tampa Bay, also known as the Lightning Capital of the World!
The bus trip was a lot of fun--for her and her buddies. For me not so much. Since one never knows how far reaching ones words might be, I will follow my own advice and not leave a papertrail of info. Suffice to say that another chaperone on that trip sat next to me the entire time for the sole purpose of complaining--ABOUT EVERYTHING.
The bus smells, the girls are loud, the seats are uncomfortable, why can't we use the on-board bathroom?, the driver swerves too much, these snacks are stale...on and on it went for four torturous hours. When we finally arrived at our hotel I was exhausted but also immensely relieved to know that each of the chaperones had been assigned a private room. Glory!
I thought about this story yesterday as my fabulous Pastor Bill made the following comment: The people you travel with depends on the quality of your journey.
Isn't that the gospel truth?
Those of us who are parents know the extreme importance of our kids having the right friends, and those of us who are married, were married, or want to get married, know the importance of settling down with the right person too. Why? Because the quality of your journey is at stake.
When one of my children started 6th grade, I noticed that one friend had made a noticeable transformation over the summer. Their mind was clearly on the opposite sex, and my child was still very much questioning the existence of Santa Claus. I did not want them hanging out because I could see where this was headed, and let's just say I was right. How do you navigate these waters without hurting your child or somene else's?
I asked God daily for that friendship to end. Does that sound mean? Read on. I asked for the friendship to end but for God to bring another more compatible soul to my child. As I look back to the margins of my prayer book where I made numerous scribbles about my concerns and worries, a beautiful picture of how God cares for my child emerged. Within two weeks of my pouring out my heart to God, this little friend basically left my kid in the dust for another crowd. At the same time, another friendship was already underway that turned out to be a fountain of bountiful blessings for both families all through middle school.
What has been the quality of your journey so far? How about for your kids? The good news is that we can ask God for His help when the road gets bumpy, dangerous, or lonely.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, So much of the peace we enjoy comes from us and those we love being in the right relationships. A strain in that area brings so much heartache. Spare us, Lord! Help our children choose wisely. If they encounter the wrong crowd, change the crowd. And for those of us who feel stuck because of vows we took, thank You that we have hope in You. Turn any rocky relationship around so that we can live in joy and peace. And no matter how old we get, we could always use a good friend. Bless the friendships we already have, and help us open our hearts to new ones. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Ecclesiastes 4:12
By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.
Monday morning greetings! I trust you all had a lovely weekend.
Years ago I chaperoned an overnight field trip with Rayray's soccer team all the way to glorious Tampa Bay, also known as the Lightning Capital of the World!
The bus trip was a lot of fun--for her and her buddies. For me not so much. Since one never knows how far reaching ones words might be, I will follow my own advice and not leave a papertrail of info. Suffice to say that another chaperone on that trip sat next to me the entire time for the sole purpose of complaining--ABOUT EVERYTHING.
The bus smells, the girls are loud, the seats are uncomfortable, why can't we use the on-board bathroom?, the driver swerves too much, these snacks are stale...on and on it went for four torturous hours. When we finally arrived at our hotel I was exhausted but also immensely relieved to know that each of the chaperones had been assigned a private room. Glory!
I thought about this story yesterday as my fabulous Pastor Bill made the following comment: The people you travel with depends on the quality of your journey.
Isn't that the gospel truth?
Those of us who are parents know the extreme importance of our kids having the right friends, and those of us who are married, were married, or want to get married, know the importance of settling down with the right person too. Why? Because the quality of your journey is at stake.
When one of my children started 6th grade, I noticed that one friend had made a noticeable transformation over the summer. Their mind was clearly on the opposite sex, and my child was still very much questioning the existence of Santa Claus. I did not want them hanging out because I could see where this was headed, and let's just say I was right. How do you navigate these waters without hurting your child or somene else's?
I asked God daily for that friendship to end. Does that sound mean? Read on. I asked for the friendship to end but for God to bring another more compatible soul to my child. As I look back to the margins of my prayer book where I made numerous scribbles about my concerns and worries, a beautiful picture of how God cares for my child emerged. Within two weeks of my pouring out my heart to God, this little friend basically left my kid in the dust for another crowd. At the same time, another friendship was already underway that turned out to be a fountain of bountiful blessings for both families all through middle school.
What has been the quality of your journey so far? How about for your kids? The good news is that we can ask God for His help when the road gets bumpy, dangerous, or lonely.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, So much of the peace we enjoy comes from us and those we love being in the right relationships. A strain in that area brings so much heartache. Spare us, Lord! Help our children choose wisely. If they encounter the wrong crowd, change the crowd. And for those of us who feel stuck because of vows we took, thank You that we have hope in You. Turn any rocky relationship around so that we can live in joy and peace. And no matter how old we get, we could always use a good friend. Bless the friendships we already have, and help us open our hearts to new ones. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Ecclesiastes 4:12
By yourself you’re unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.
Friday, January 11, 2013
God's Lullaby~
TGIF Greetings~
Last night I was talking with a gal pal, and one of the verses that popped into our conversation was this one:
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He takes great delight in you, He quiets you with His love, He rejoices over you with singing.
One of my earliest memories is of my granny sitting me on her lap and singing a song to me that loosely translated goes something like this.
"My little hand is burned, and all the little bones are gone..."
I know it sounds horrible, but if you're Cuban you know it was a very common lullaby and actually very sweet. Lord, I miss my granny! In those tender moments, the world was a perfect place. Not a worry in the world, and just 100% contentment.
And then we grow up and BAM! Life comes at us hard, which is why it is such a relief to know that no matter how old I get or you get, God still quiets us with His love and rejoices over us with singing.
Sometimes I just sit and think about God, the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth, leaning in close to me and taking me in His arms and breathing peace into my weary soul. And all the while He rejoices over me. He takes great delight in me. (Close your eyes for a moment and envision this as best you can).
NEWS ALERT: Not everyone takes delight in me. Why, there are those who might even say that I am loud, obnoxious, and annoying. Shocking, right? And yet, my Lord takes GREAT DELIGHT in me and in you. It is no small thing that our Lord loves every last little bit of us. So much so that He takes the time to cradle us--especially when life gets hard.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, Thank You for singing over us. Thank You for quieting us with Your love. Fill our souls today to overflowing with Your goodness and peace. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Last night I was talking with a gal pal, and one of the verses that popped into our conversation was this one:
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He takes great delight in you, He quiets you with His love, He rejoices over you with singing.
One of my earliest memories is of my granny sitting me on her lap and singing a song to me that loosely translated goes something like this.
"My little hand is burned, and all the little bones are gone..."
I know it sounds horrible, but if you're Cuban you know it was a very common lullaby and actually very sweet. Lord, I miss my granny! In those tender moments, the world was a perfect place. Not a worry in the world, and just 100% contentment.
And then we grow up and BAM! Life comes at us hard, which is why it is such a relief to know that no matter how old I get or you get, God still quiets us with His love and rejoices over us with singing.
Sometimes I just sit and think about God, the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth, leaning in close to me and taking me in His arms and breathing peace into my weary soul. And all the while He rejoices over me. He takes great delight in me. (Close your eyes for a moment and envision this as best you can).
NEWS ALERT: Not everyone takes delight in me. Why, there are those who might even say that I am loud, obnoxious, and annoying. Shocking, right? And yet, my Lord takes GREAT DELIGHT in me and in you. It is no small thing that our Lord loves every last little bit of us. So much so that He takes the time to cradle us--especially when life gets hard.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, Thank You for singing over us. Thank You for quieting us with Your love. Fill our souls today to overflowing with Your goodness and peace. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Thursday, January 10, 2013
My Help Comes From The Lord~
Good afternoon~
Before we go I must issue a slight retraction. Jorge reminded me that just two weeks ago he swallowed my gum when we found ourselves at a nice restaurant and there was no other place for me to put it. Still, you all know what I mean...
Today we will engage in a faith-building exercise. Please read the Psalm below--more than once if necessary--until it penetrates your soul and brings you joy. Blessings :)
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let my foot slip—He who watches over me will not slumber.
The Lord watches over me—the Lord is my shade.
The Lord will keep me from all harm—He will watch over my life;
The Lord will watch over my coming and going both now and forevermore.
AMEN~
Notice the resounding emphasis on the Lord. It ain't your momma, your daddy, your spouse, your neighbor, or your friendly neighborhood Spider Man who helps you. It is God Himself. He helps us, watches over us, won't allow our feet to slip, is our shade, keeps us from all harm, and watches over our lives forever. Let us give credit where credit is due.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, Thank You that You and You alone will see me and those I love safely through this life into eternity. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Before we go I must issue a slight retraction. Jorge reminded me that just two weeks ago he swallowed my gum when we found ourselves at a nice restaurant and there was no other place for me to put it. Still, you all know what I mean...
Today we will engage in a faith-building exercise. Please read the Psalm below--more than once if necessary--until it penetrates your soul and brings you joy. Blessings :)
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let my foot slip—He who watches over me will not slumber.
The Lord watches over me—the Lord is my shade.
The Lord will keep me from all harm—He will watch over my life;
The Lord will watch over my coming and going both now and forevermore.
AMEN~
Notice the resounding emphasis on the Lord. It ain't your momma, your daddy, your spouse, your neighbor, or your friendly neighborhood Spider Man who helps you. It is God Himself. He helps us, watches over us, won't allow our feet to slip, is our shade, keeps us from all harm, and watches over our lives forever. Let us give credit where credit is due.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, Thank You that You and You alone will see me and those I love safely through this life into eternity. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
To Infinity and Beyond~
Good afternoon, all you beautiful, magnificent, and highly-blessed children of God!
Last Friday night I took Jorge to see Les Misérables. He enjoyed a nice two-hour nap while I sat enthralled by the story. I will admit that dialogue in singing form takes a little getting used to, but the message in the film was inspiring. None of us would hesitate to make a sacrifice for one of our children, telling the truth at all cost is a noble pursuit, and being gracious to someone when they have been ungrateful is a powerful thing. But the one resounding theme that always gets me is LOVE. Sigh :)
There's a scene when Cosette and Marius see each other for the first time, and it's love at first sight. Immediately they know they want to be together forever, and I, well, I just thoroughly enjoyed the way they stared at each other.
Do you remember what it was like at the beginning of your relationship? Jorge and I would talk on the phone--the one connected to the wall--starting at midnight, and we would fall asleep talking nonsense and the phone would be off the hook all night. And then we would wake up and say, "Good morning. I missed you..." It was so silly, but it was love. More than once I recall my momma getting upset because there was drool on the phone.
I am still madly in love with my man, but let's be honest. The days of chewing each other's gum are long gone. But what if I told you that God has always been crazy about you, and He is as passionate now as He ever was?
Look at how God describes His love for us.
Isaiah 62:5 As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, God rejoices over you.
Jeremiah 31:3 I have loved you with an everlasting love.
Let me take this opportunity to tell you all that I am sick and tired of all the bad news. I have made it my mission to be joyful, hopeful, and encouraging all year with each of you and anyone else I come into contact with. Therefore, please let those verses above really sink into your soul.
God rejoices over us with the same zeal a bridegroom does over his bride on their wedding day, and it never wears off. IT'S EVERLASTING.
Are you having a rough day? A rough patch? A rough spell? The Maker of your soul loves you to infinity and beyond. He will take care of you. Never doubt it.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord,
I am so glad You rejoice over me. Not everybody does, and even when they do, it's not every single day of my life. Sometimes relationships on earth are not so great, but how comforting to know that no matter what, I am passionately loved by You forever. Heal my heart, comfort me with your goodness. Thank You that You love me. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Last Friday night I took Jorge to see Les Misérables. He enjoyed a nice two-hour nap while I sat enthralled by the story. I will admit that dialogue in singing form takes a little getting used to, but the message in the film was inspiring. None of us would hesitate to make a sacrifice for one of our children, telling the truth at all cost is a noble pursuit, and being gracious to someone when they have been ungrateful is a powerful thing. But the one resounding theme that always gets me is LOVE. Sigh :)
There's a scene when Cosette and Marius see each other for the first time, and it's love at first sight. Immediately they know they want to be together forever, and I, well, I just thoroughly enjoyed the way they stared at each other.
Do you remember what it was like at the beginning of your relationship? Jorge and I would talk on the phone--the one connected to the wall--starting at midnight, and we would fall asleep talking nonsense and the phone would be off the hook all night. And then we would wake up and say, "Good morning. I missed you..." It was so silly, but it was love. More than once I recall my momma getting upset because there was drool on the phone.
I am still madly in love with my man, but let's be honest. The days of chewing each other's gum are long gone. But what if I told you that God has always been crazy about you, and He is as passionate now as He ever was?
Look at how God describes His love for us.
Isaiah 62:5 As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, God rejoices over you.
Jeremiah 31:3 I have loved you with an everlasting love.
Let me take this opportunity to tell you all that I am sick and tired of all the bad news. I have made it my mission to be joyful, hopeful, and encouraging all year with each of you and anyone else I come into contact with. Therefore, please let those verses above really sink into your soul.
God rejoices over us with the same zeal a bridegroom does over his bride on their wedding day, and it never wears off. IT'S EVERLASTING.
Are you having a rough day? A rough patch? A rough spell? The Maker of your soul loves you to infinity and beyond. He will take care of you. Never doubt it.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord,
I am so glad You rejoice over me. Not everybody does, and even when they do, it's not every single day of my life. Sometimes relationships on earth are not so great, but how comforting to know that no matter what, I am passionately loved by You forever. Heal my heart, comfort me with your goodness. Thank You that You love me. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
It's a Great Day to be Alive~
Travis Tritt, a country singer got it right when he sang, "It's a great day to be alive..."
And why? Because God says in Hebrews 13:5 I will never abandon you or leave you.
Amen and glory! Whoop whoop!!!!
Over and over again God reminds us that He is here to stay. He isn't going anywhere. The reason for this, dear people, is that over and over again we need the reassurance.
My precious Rayray went out last night to watch the BCS Bowl game with some friends. Afterward she decided to spend the night with some of the girls at their place. She forgot to call that she had arrived safely and always always always as I am dialing that phone to hear her sweet voice I find myself praying, "Dear Lord, Thank You that You are with Rayray."
I truly believe I would have gone crazy by now if I didn't believe that He watches over my little chickadees. My son is in New York while his wife is living alone in their apartment, and even though Rayray lives at home, she is constantly on the go.
I can not be everywhere at once, but thank God that He can and He is. It's one of the profound blessings of being His child. Let us purpose in our hearts this New Year to believe every single thing God says.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, If You say that You will never leave us or abandon us, then we believe it. It is a source of great joy and peace for us that even when we are not with those we love, You are. Thank You, in Jesus' name, AMEN~
And why? Because God says in Hebrews 13:5 I will never abandon you or leave you.
Amen and glory! Whoop whoop!!!!
Over and over again God reminds us that He is here to stay. He isn't going anywhere. The reason for this, dear people, is that over and over again we need the reassurance.
My precious Rayray went out last night to watch the BCS Bowl game with some friends. Afterward she decided to spend the night with some of the girls at their place. She forgot to call that she had arrived safely and always always always as I am dialing that phone to hear her sweet voice I find myself praying, "Dear Lord, Thank You that You are with Rayray."
I truly believe I would have gone crazy by now if I didn't believe that He watches over my little chickadees. My son is in New York while his wife is living alone in their apartment, and even though Rayray lives at home, she is constantly on the go.
I can not be everywhere at once, but thank God that He can and He is. It's one of the profound blessings of being His child. Let us purpose in our hearts this New Year to believe every single thing God says.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, If You say that You will never leave us or abandon us, then we believe it. It is a source of great joy and peace for us that even when we are not with those we love, You are. Thank You, in Jesus' name, AMEN~
Monday, January 7, 2013
Seven Truths~
I am re-settling into work after a 17-day hiatus. It felt great to have all those days off, but back to reality.
So as I sit here and shuffle papers and return calls, I also find myself reminding myself of seven truths-truths that were right on target in 2012 and already blessing me in 2013:
(1) God loves me, yes me!
(2) God cares for me and every little detail of my life, some of which you may find incredibly boring. But not God; He is totally engaged in it all.
(3) God is compassionate toward me.
(4) God understands me. My own husband, who knows me better than anyone else on the planet can not compete with God. Sorry. But it's ok. In fact, it's great! How many of you know that your husband doesn't want to hear it all the time anyway? And yet my Lord always has His ear inclined toward me ready to hear my heart. (Please do not misunderstand what I am trying to say here. Jorge is AWESOME, but he ain't Jesus!)
(5) God satisfies me.
(6) God heals me.
(7) God renews me.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, The New Year is in full swing, and we are grateful that You are with us loving us, caring for us, being kind toward us, understanding us when we sometimes do not even understand ourselves, satisfying us, healing us, and renewing us. Thank You that with You on our side, anything is possible. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Happy New Year!
Once upon a time in 1989 Jorge and I went on a cruise. We docked In Jamaica, and one of our activites was climbing Dunn's River Falls. It was truly majestic and beautiful, and there is one thing that stands out mightily in my mind. It wasn't the clear wading pools waiting at every landing or the way you could stand behind the falls and watch from the inside out or even the fact that Tom Cruise had filmed part of his movie, "Cocktail," there.
The one overwhelming memory I have is of Jorge holding my hand really tightly. The rocks we had to climb to get to the top of the falls were super slippery. All along the way there were folks with bloodied knees and sore elbows. I lost my footing one time, and from that moment on Jorge grabbed my hand and did not let go until we got to the top. It was not your typical husband and wife holding hands tender moment. It really made an impression on me because I had not until that moment ever had my hand held that way by Jorge.
And so as I sent out the Bible verse yesterday it brought back the memory. Let's refer to that verse again today.
Isaiah 41:13 (Message Version)
I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic.' I’m right here to help you.
I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic.' I’m right here to help you.
Aren't you glad God's grip is firm? It's not half-hearted or limp. Living life is way more perilous than climbing a slippery rock, and God knows it. He's not letting go!
PRAYER:
Dear Lord,
As we start this New Year we thank You that You wrap us tightly in Your love and protection. We move forward into 2013 hand in hand with You. Anything is possible! In Jesus name, AMEN~.
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