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 |   Devotion's that have touched my heart from God's Word
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During a time in my life where I was chair bound, I became really depressed and feeling quite like I wasn't being useful to my family or to God. It was while all this was happening, that God started touching my heart about writing. I wrote, edited, and published my first book, and then thought I was done. However, God had other plans. He touched my heart about starting this weekly devotion on facebook, and now I'm adding it here. I hope it is as much an encouragement to you as it is to me! All scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible. ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **
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My favorite passage of scripture is found in both Matthew and Mark. Matthew 8:23-27 and Mark 4:37-41 both feature the story of Jesus being asleep in the bottom of a boat while a raging storm seemingly threatens lives. I feel like the men in this boat quite often in my life. “And there arose a great storm of wind…” is the first phrase that we read in the passage in Mark. This happens in my life more often that I would like. A circumstance or situation will come up, and it seems more than I can handle. Now, with this circumstance, I have two choices. I can fret, worry, and pace until I have worked myself up into true fear. Or, I can go to God’s word, pray, and have peace until I feel that God has it under control. Either way, I know that God is in the boat with me, so to speak. The disciples had the same choices that I have, but even though the Son of God was in the boat with them, they chose to worry. Do you think that God had things well in hand before the disciples woke Jesus? Of course He did. It wasn’t time for Jesus to die yet. However, they were very fearful, and we see this when they ask the Lord, “Carest thou not that we perish?” Of course He cares. “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” My favorite three words as a Christian are “Peace, be still.” I know that my savior has the power to calm the storm and to fix my circumstance. You know, though, sometimes I don’t make the right choice, and I do the same thing as the disciples. I go running to Jesus, and I am scared and crying. Whether I fret or whether I trust, Jesus can still say, “Peace, be still.” However, look at what He tells the disciples here in verse 40, “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” Well, I feel that rebuke even now. I can tell you from experience, that God has told the same thing to my heart. That makes me feel even worse than worrying did. I don’t want my faith to waver. I’m not talking about my salvation. Praise God that is secure. I’m talking about the faith that God will bring me through my trial. Finally, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Do you know Him? This man that stands and says, “Peace, be still,” and then the “wind and sea obeys Him”, do you know Him? Have you experienced His power? Have you accepted His free gift of salvation? I give all honor and praise to Him. The reason that the elements obey our Lord is because He is the Creator. He is in ultimate control. |
| I let my pastor read this before posting. I wanted to make sure it wasn't too graphic. Most of you know that I have fibromyalgia and some other problems. The devil comes to me off and on just like he does all of us. This poem came from heart and will be the devotion for this week. I want to give a warning before you scroll down. This poem deals with suicide. It's not something that you need to worry about with me, but I know others who have dealt with chronic pain and one day, they just couldn't deal with it any more. We need to lift our brother's and sister's up in prayer that God would sustain them. "The Devil's Trickery" by Marci Perrine The Devil came to my home one day. “I’ve not seen you in church recently.” Then with a grand bow, The Devil sat down, And started a discussion with me. “My girl, I see you’re in so much pain. Have you ever thought of giving in?” He gave a sly grin, And then rubbed his chin. “See, I just want what’s best for my friend.” Then that sneaky, wicked old fellow, You know the one we call the Devil, He didn’t let up, We started to sup, He railed me ‘til I’d reached my level. He paused a while to give me a break Then started again, that awful rake “You could fall asleep, And go very deep, ‘Til on this earth you never awake.” “Or you could get a knife really quick And cut the vein in your little wrist.” He gave me ideas, As I finished my pizza, But the food soon became really thick. “You are useless, and can’t do a thing, And you’re husband wears the apron strings. Your kids don’t need you. Church can replace you. Just do it quick, it will barely sting.” On and on he continued with me, ‘Til only heaven’s light I can see. “Oh Jesus should I Just meet you on high Or just stay here, and suffer in peace?” The Devil said, “Why are you praying? Jesus don’t know what you are saying!” Then I rebuked him For making me grim. And I said, “From Christ I’m not straying.” When Satan tries to direct your life, It will cause so much turmoil and strife. Don’t open the door When you see the horns. Keep him out of your house with God’s knife. God’s word says that suicide is wrong You need to stay here and become strong For Jesus’ own cause, I give my applause. I vow I’ll serve him my whole life long. “Thank you, Lord, for sustaining me through, Though the pain is still keeping me blue. Each daily pace You give me grace And I promise to trust only you! |
| Last evening, I was reading through some poetry by Emily Dickinson. I was delighted to find several pieces in which the writer gave praise to the Lord. I have found a new excitement recently in writing devotions and short stories, but I never thought I would have enjoyed writing poetry as much as I do. It fills my heart with joy to pen something that gives honor, praise, and glory to our Lord. Ephesians 5:19-20 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Colossians 3:16-17 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. While I was thinking on the subject of poetry, these two passages came to mind. God has given us a wonderful creation to enjoy. What a kind and generous God! We should be filled with praises to Him no matter what circumstances we face. He has given us more than we ever deserve. Take the time to thank Him for it. Does God expect everyone to write poetry? No, of course He doesn’t. He didn’t give everyone that gift. However, you can enjoy those things that others have written. Think of the music that you listen to. Is it uplifting and pleasing to God? What about the things that you read? Is it filled with praise for Him? Then, there is the precious Word… are you reading it? The verse in Colossians says to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” Memorize these words so that they fill your heart with joy. Here is a re-post of a recent poem that I wrote. I hope you will enjoy reading it again as it goes well with this devotion. Running through fields of flowers Makes me think of April showers Rain drops make the flowers grow Sunshine makes a shimmering glow God’s bounty given with love Robins, sparrows, finches, and doves Beautiful things God gave all I praise Him, and heed to His call Honeybees fly to each bloom Spiders weave silk as on a loom Hummingbirds flit to each tow’r Tasting nectar from May flowers Petals dance with winds of spring Lovely rainbows the season brings Lord, you gave this awesome view I stand in awe of all you do |
| James 1:2-4 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James reminds us to “count it all joy” when we fall into divers temptations. I was recently asked the question, “What does it mean to ‘count it all joy’?” I think that the answer to this question is found in several other portions of scripture. Phil 4:11 “ Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” II Cor 8:2 “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.” I Pet 4:12-13 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” The verse that speaks to me the most is in I Peter. Christ suffered and still followed his path with joy. We need to follow his example. We should have joy whether we are having good times or trials. A while back, I had a study that showed the difference between the word “joy” and the word “happiness”. Our happiness depends upon our circumstances. I may not always be happy with what’s going on in my life, but I can still have joy. You might ask me how I can have joy in bad circumstances, and I would answer that joy depends on God and not on me. Then, James talks about how the trying of our faith gives us patience. The Lord knows that my faith has been tried. I have learned over the years that I have more joy if I am not worried. I can have joy because I can give my circumstances to God. I count it all joy because I can give it to God. I also know that God has taught me a lot through all of my trials. He is so good to me and the most amazing thing is that I don’t even deserve it! Thank you Lord! |
| Ephesians 1:5a “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself…” My husband and I have had the honor of adopting two beautiful children so I know a few things about the process. When I think of the things that we went through and compare them to Ephesians chapter 1, an excitement just fills me. God is so good, and nothing is by accident. In order to adopt, the very first thing that we had to do was to become approved. We had to prove that we could provide a good home. Just like my kids, if we are saved, we are adopted into God’s family. Then He provides our heavenly home – Eph 1:3b “who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” After we got our baby, we had to promise to love that baby like he/she was our very own. Well, that wasn’t hard a hard thing for us, but look at what God says about when He adopts us. Eph 1:6 “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Then we had to go to court to finalize the adoption. Now, can you see where I am going with this? We had to have a lawyer, and we had to take the baby to face the judge. It was a very exciting day. The judge asked us why we were worthy to be this babies parents, and then the lawyer stepped up and answered for us. Now in our case, where God has adopted us, Jesus steps in and tells the judge that we are worthy because He has paid our debts and cleansed our sins. Eph 1:7 “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Finally, once the adoption was final, the kids bore our name. They became ours permanently. In fact, you cannot disinherit an adopted child. Eph 1:14 “Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Eph 1:18 “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,” What a blessing to know that we are securely kept as adopted children of our Heavenly Father. |
| Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Yesterday, I was having school with the kids and I told them it was April Fool’s Day. I usually don’t make a big deal out of this, but they thought it would be fun to prank their daddy. Well, they kept asking me what to do, and I couldn’t think of anything. Then they asked about it right in front of him. I told them it was more fun to prank someone if they forgot it was April Fools. So, we didn’t end up doing anything to daddy, but we kind of had fun thinking up some different things. Then tonight as I was planning for this week’s devotion, I instantly thought of Proverbs 1:7. Now, I know that April Fool’s Day can be fun, and we can pull jokes, etc, but when the Bible talks about fools, it is a highly serious matter. The word of God says that a fool is someone that despises wisdom and instruction along with many other things. • Pro 1:22 – They hate knowledge • Pro 3:35 – They are full of shame • Pro 13:19 – It is an abomination to depart from evil • Pro 14:8 – Their folly is deceit • Pro 14:9 – They make a mockery of sin • Pro 15:2,14 – Their mouth feed on and pour out foolishness The definition of a fool is someone that doesn’t act with wisdom and does not follow the requirements of God. I think that the most foolish mistake anyone can make is to not follow the savior Jesus Christ. Let us not become as the fools. Rather let us seek after Godly wisdom and instruction. Let us love knowledge and not be full of shame. Let us depart from evil, from lying, and from making a mockery of sin. Finally, let our mouths not feed on or pour out foolishness. Let it be a daily goal to seek out the wisdom of God by reading His word and spending time in prayer with Him! |
| Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. I’ve really had to pray hard about what I should write exactly. While it is not my intention to offend or hurt anyone, this just needs to be said. When Ephesians was written there were no telephones, cell phones, facebook, etc. So I really don’t believe I’m doing an injustice when I say, “let no communication proceed out of your mouth, your texts, your emails, your facebook, or your hands (if you sign).” I love getting on facebook and seeing cute pics, inspiring pics, funny sayings, and anything that edifies. However, it really bothers me when I see that sometimes my friends, family, and others that claim to be Christians are not careful what they communicate. If you are a Christian, this can really affect your testimony. I might see a clean picture on here, but if it comes from a page with a bad word in the name, I will still not share it. I value my testimony and it doesn’t take a lot to destroy it. What about those out there that we are trying to win to Christ? What do they think about what you are sharing? It’s so easy to hit that “like” button and that “share” button, but we need to stop and think how it will affect those around us. I want you to know that I have stopped following several people’s posts recently because what they post to the news feed really offends me. My child often sits on my lap to look at the cute pictures and stuff. She is old enough to read, and many times I have to hurry up and scroll past things before her innocent little eyes can see it. Finally, if you lose your testimony, and if you offend other Christians, how do you think God feels? Ephesians 4:29 lets us know exactly what He thinks. He thinks you are going right against His word. He says for our communication to be of good use, to edify, and to minister grace. Let’s pledge from this moment on to be more careful what we say to people, what we text (and I’m talking about abbreviations as well), and what we put on facebook. I love everyone of you, and I’m praying for you. |
| Phil 2:3-4 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. As I write this I am watching a tv show with my daughter about school princesses and snobby girls. It was so ironic that I started reading the scripture in Phil chapter 2. It seems that girls have not changed all that much since I was in high school. There are the super popular yet super snobby girls all the way down to the nerdy kids who apparently are not worth the time of day to the snobby crowd. When I was in school, I think I fell somewhere in between. I hated the way a bunch of the girls would get together and snicker and whisper and exclude others in the class. Then as I entered adulthood I thought all that would be behind me. However, I found that it carried over into other areas of my life such as college, work, and unfortunately church. Now, I am blessed that the church I attend now doesn’t seem to have this problem, but it can happen anywhere. Sometimes those in teaching positions group together. Musicians think they are better than others because of the talent that God has given them. There are many other examples as well, but you get the point. I think that sometimes we do forget that our talents do come from God. We are all part of the body, and we each have an important part. Everything we do for the Lord is only BECAUSE of God. So, ask yourself, “Am I a snob?” It may sound harsh. Maybe we don’t always realize that we are being a snob. I’ve been guilty. If you answer “yes” then make an effort to change. Make an effort to “each esteem other better than” ourselves. Verse 5 of Phil 2 says, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” Jesus didn’t make of himself a reputation even though he was in the form of God and equal with God. On this earth, he took upon the form of a man and did not snub his nose. He had compassion on people and saw their need for a Savior. In fact, he was willing to lower himself to the death of the cross which was the most demeaning of all executions. What an example! I pray this of myself as well as others that we would strive to follow Christ’s example and not esteem ourselves over others. |
| Phil 3:13b-14 13” …but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” Hebrews Chapter 12 1” Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Have you ever watched anyone run a marathon? It’s much different than watching shorter races. As I read the above verses, it put me in mind of this kind of race. I did some research on how to prepare for a marathon because I know I’ve never run one. Some of my friends on here have though. If you have anything to add to this, I would love it! Now, if you are not a runner, chances are you are not even going to think about running a marathon. So the first thing you need to do is become a runner. The same thing is true when we live a Christian life. How can we live the life if we are not a Christian? If you are not saved, I encourage you to read “My Testimony” in the documents section of this group. Always feel free to contact me about becoming a Christian or any other counseling you may need. If I’m not able to help you, I will gladly put you in touch with my husband or my pastor. After you make the decision to become a runner, then you need to come up with a healthy eating plan. The Bible tells us that we should feast on God’s word. We need to have a plan where this is concerned. If I don’t plan my Bible reading time, then I don’t get it done. I usually spend time reading at night when the house is quiet. I can concentrate best at this time. This is also the time I spend studying and writing usually. What is your plan? Without the healthy plan of Bible reading and study, you will not run a successful race of the Christian life. Another important aspect of preparing for a marathon is to get a coach. Do you see where I am going with this? My coach in this case is my Pastor. He is the one that encourages me as well as others in the congregation four times a week. He teaches Sunday School and preaches three other services a week. Then I must be faithful to my training. In Hebrews we are told not to “forsake the assembling of ourselves together…” God expects us to be faithful for our Christian training. We need to train under our coach, so that means we need to be faithful to the services set forth in our local church. Understand that sometimes we may get an injury during training, and we are expected to rest before getting back to training. God understands that there are times when we are sick and just not able to be at church. He does expect us to rest and then get right back to it. However, if it’s a deep injury, we may have to do more than rest. I want to relate this to more than physical sickness. Apply this more to your heart. There are times in our Christian life when we go through trials and heartache. We might really need to go see the Great Physician just as with physical injury we may need to go see an earthly physician. When we run our race here on earth, it doesn’t end until our death. God has shown us all these things that we can do to run a successful race. Paul tells us not to look back, but to look forward. If we look back, we could fall. The same thing can happen in life. If we dwell too much on our past, we get our eyes off of the prize. We need to keep pressing forward. Finally, without God’s grace, none of the above is possible. Only through God’s grace can we become a successful runner. Nothing that we physically do can make us lose our salvation. In fact, the race has nothing to do with salvation. Non-runners can try to run a marathon, but they will never make it. There has been no preparation because the first part of the preparation was becoming a runner. The same is true in our lives. Everyone is running the race, but not everyone is winning. If you are saved, you are destined to win because the prize is heaven. We don’t all have the same experiences in our race, but one thing is for sure, we have the example of Jesus to follow, and He alone will show us the best way to go. |
| Philippians 2:14-16 “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life…” Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” When I burn a candle, I first have to trim the wick and get the old ashes and dirt out of the way. If I don’t do that, then the candle won’t burn as bright, and you will get a lot more smoke. As I read Philippians chapter, this thought came to mind. Our murmurings and disputes are like the candle wick that we don’t trim. If we don’t take care of these things, then how can our light shine in this world? Think of it this way… When I keep my light shining brightly, and I set it next to other candles that are all smoky and barely burning, then they will wonder why I can shine so bright. They will want to know how they can shine that brightly as well. When I physically trim my candle wick, it is a testament to how I take care of my candle. Now, let’s apply this to our lives. When I shine bright in this dark world, others will want to know why. That’s when I can lead them to Jesus. The Bible says that we “hold forth the word of life.” How about that!!! Matthew 5:16 reads, “that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” This is why we share the good news of the Father. We want to give Him all the glory. A candle is created expressly for the purpose of giving light, and we are created expressly for the same reason… to show the light of the Father! |
| And I am not talking about Chinese food here. What do others think about when they think of you? I have a friend that I LOVE to be around. She has the sweetest disposition. She is an encourager and never has a negative thing to say about her circumstances or other people. She always praises the Lord for the things He does, and gives God honor and glory. Then I have another friend, who I love dearly, but sometimes I dread being around her. Although she is a sweet person overall, she can often have a sour attitude about her life and her circumstances. I know that we all have our moments, and there are times we need to talk seriously about things going on. I am not talking about that. I’m talking about your overall testimony. What do people think about when they think of you? Paul writes to the Philippian church while he is under house arrest in Rome. The things that he writes to these people just touch my heart. He says in chapter 1 verse 3, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.” What an awesome thing to be said about you!!! He goes on to say in verses 4 and 5 that he is making his requests with joy and how thankful he is for the fellowship that God has allowed him with this group of people. How many people can say this about you personally? What do people think about when they think of you? More important even than your attitude about life is your testimony. Paul writes in Philippians 1:27, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Let me tell you about one more influence in my life. My grandmother, who is 93, has always been someone that I admired. I was really close with her when I was growing up. I would go to yard sales, flea markets, stores, etc. with her. Here is the one thing I remember. Every place we went my grandmother was a witness. She would ask people if she could tell them about the Lord. She would ask them if they were going to heaven when they died. I was so impressed because I don’t have quite the boldness that she did. What a wonderful thing for me to remember as I grow old and try to be an influence on the next generation. It’s such a sweet memory to me. So, what do people think about when they think of you? Do they think of you as an encourager or a witness for the Lord? Or do they think of you as worry wart and discourager? If the latter is true, this is something that you can change right now. Dear Lord, I pray that as others read through this devotion that it will touch their hearts as it did mine. Only through you and your word can we become true encouragers and have a testimony for you. I am so thankful for all you have done for me, but most of all I thank you for your Son who you sent to die for me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen! |
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