And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Daniel 6:23b (NIV)
I dreamt I was in a deep pit with granite walls. Boulders were stacked at odd angles forming a way to the top where light filtered into the darkness. I saw three lions: one guarding the foot of the rocky ladder, one pacing the floor around me, and another hiding, barely visible in the recesses of the bedrock.
People were standing at the opening to the den looking down at me. I stared back at them in anger, blaming them for throwing me to the lions, sure that I had been falsely accused. As my heart hardened against them, the lion resting on the steps opened his jaws with a growl and shook his head. The one circling me picked up his pace and the other emerged from the shadows, ready to pounce. My flesh quivered and my hair stood on end when I realized I was about to be devoured.
I woke up realizing that, like the lions, my anger could consume me. God calls us to be forgiving. If I were thrown into the lions den would I be found faultless, trusting totally in God? Or would I be ensnared by my wounded pride?
Dear Lord, bless me with the grace to forgive those who have hurt me. Heal the wounds I have suffered from decades of living in and conforming to the patterns of an unforgiving world. Help me to live obediently and to seek my life in the fullness of Christ. In Jesus name, I ask it. Amen.
© 2009 Stephanie L. Snead
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Mary or Martha?
"Martha, Martha, thou are careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41, 42 (KJV)
For two days I helped my husband mow and trim the grass in preparation for a cookout on Sunday. That morning I purchased what we needed for the cookout. Now I stood at the kitchen sink washing vegetables. Busy? Yes. I knew I would not get a chance to rest until long after our normal bedtime.
Often when I am very busy, I think of Bible stories, reflecting on them. I thought about what Jesus said when Martha complained of having to do all the work while Mary sat at Jesus' feet listening to spiritual things.
It suddenly occurred to me that I was being a "Martha." I was working so hard to present a nice house and plentiful food on the Lords' day instead of Saturday. My conscience smarted when I realized that I was constantly busy at something and hadn't attended Sunday services for months. Yet I found time to attend my specialty group on Sunday afternoons after all the worship services were over. My conscience stung me again when I remembered what my mother said. "You should never get too busy to worship Jesus." I think I'll begin going to services again.
Heavenly Father, may I never be too busy to worship You. Keep pricking my conscience when I let worldy things blind me to my need for You in my life. Amen
(c) 2009
E. Bonnie Ryan
For two days I helped my husband mow and trim the grass in preparation for a cookout on Sunday. That morning I purchased what we needed for the cookout. Now I stood at the kitchen sink washing vegetables. Busy? Yes. I knew I would not get a chance to rest until long after our normal bedtime.
Often when I am very busy, I think of Bible stories, reflecting on them. I thought about what Jesus said when Martha complained of having to do all the work while Mary sat at Jesus' feet listening to spiritual things.
It suddenly occurred to me that I was being a "Martha." I was working so hard to present a nice house and plentiful food on the Lords' day instead of Saturday. My conscience smarted when I realized that I was constantly busy at something and hadn't attended Sunday services for months. Yet I found time to attend my specialty group on Sunday afternoons after all the worship services were over. My conscience stung me again when I remembered what my mother said. "You should never get too busy to worship Jesus." I think I'll begin going to services again.
Heavenly Father, may I never be too busy to worship You. Keep pricking my conscience when I let worldy things blind me to my need for You in my life. Amen
(c) 2009
E. Bonnie Ryan
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Loneliness
God sets the lonely in families. Psalm 68:6a (NIV)
As a result of the death of a spouse or of divorce, some of us find ourselves alone in the world. We did not expect to be in this situation at this time in our lives, but we are. Sometimes we feel very lonely without the companionship of our life partner.
Psalm 68:6a (NASB) reads, “God makes a home for the lonely.” He cares about our feelings of loneliness and loss no matter what has happened in our lives. He finds unique ways of placing us in “families.” Sometimes, He brings us closer to parents or siblings, or heals our relationships with our children. He may also open up fresh, new relationships with friends, who become like family to us.
This summer I joined some friends for a week-long vacation. We took time away from our regular routines and enjoyed laughing and talking together. We went to places that were new to most of us and did things we had never done before. Our shared activities drew us together, very much like a family on vacation.
Dear Father: Thank You for loving us so much that you make a home for us when we are lonely. Please be with all those who are lonely and sad today.
In Jesus name, Amen.
© 2009 Diane E. Hussey
As a result of the death of a spouse or of divorce, some of us find ourselves alone in the world. We did not expect to be in this situation at this time in our lives, but we are. Sometimes we feel very lonely without the companionship of our life partner.
Psalm 68:6a (NASB) reads, “God makes a home for the lonely.” He cares about our feelings of loneliness and loss no matter what has happened in our lives. He finds unique ways of placing us in “families.” Sometimes, He brings us closer to parents or siblings, or heals our relationships with our children. He may also open up fresh, new relationships with friends, who become like family to us.
This summer I joined some friends for a week-long vacation. We took time away from our regular routines and enjoyed laughing and talking together. We went to places that were new to most of us and did things we had never done before. Our shared activities drew us together, very much like a family on vacation.
Dear Father: Thank You for loving us so much that you make a home for us when we are lonely. Please be with all those who are lonely and sad today.
In Jesus name, Amen.
© 2009 Diane E. Hussey
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Thankful
. . . Put your hope in God, for I will praise Him, my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:11 (NIV)
For many moons visiting Brazil was a dream deferred. This year the opportunity came and it was a thrilling notion. What if questions swirled in my head. Is this the right time? I wondered half-heartedly embracing the idea. Then as planning progressed fairly smoothly, from ticket, to passport, to visa, a level of certainty increased. In the meantime prayer, faith, and even destiny were dispelling seeds of doubt. Knowing this dream could come true, fueled my anchored excitement.
One daily reading was pleasantly inspiring as it spoke of how fulfilling dreams and accomplishing goals have their own rewards. I am grateful for every opportunity, every lesson learned, every trial, and every dream realized. Living this life is a work in progress. We strive to make the most of our time and efforts to give back to God by contributing creatively, skills, ideas and time to enhance the lives of others.
Thank You Lord for keeping the possibilities alive. This current journey reminds us, God’s grace shows up when you least expect it. The fog clears and circumstances change. We are humbled by your steadfast grace and mercy. Your love is our light. I travel with a joyous heart beating in gratitude. Wrapping oneself in a robe of hopefulness is comforting. Possibilities are contagious.
Dear Lord, In quiet realization, thankfulness fills me. May patience befriend us all as we hold on, listen for Your love and receive Your grace in our lives.
(c) Evelyn Taylor 2009
Psalm 42:11 (NIV)
For many moons visiting Brazil was a dream deferred. This year the opportunity came and it was a thrilling notion. What if questions swirled in my head. Is this the right time? I wondered half-heartedly embracing the idea. Then as planning progressed fairly smoothly, from ticket, to passport, to visa, a level of certainty increased. In the meantime prayer, faith, and even destiny were dispelling seeds of doubt. Knowing this dream could come true, fueled my anchored excitement.
One daily reading was pleasantly inspiring as it spoke of how fulfilling dreams and accomplishing goals have their own rewards. I am grateful for every opportunity, every lesson learned, every trial, and every dream realized. Living this life is a work in progress. We strive to make the most of our time and efforts to give back to God by contributing creatively, skills, ideas and time to enhance the lives of others.
Thank You Lord for keeping the possibilities alive. This current journey reminds us, God’s grace shows up when you least expect it. The fog clears and circumstances change. We are humbled by your steadfast grace and mercy. Your love is our light. I travel with a joyous heart beating in gratitude. Wrapping oneself in a robe of hopefulness is comforting. Possibilities are contagious.
Dear Lord, In quiet realization, thankfulness fills me. May patience befriend us all as we hold on, listen for Your love and receive Your grace in our lives.
(c) Evelyn Taylor 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
All Circumstances
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus ” I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
While having coffee with a friend, I remembered and talked about these verses from I Thessalonians 5:16-18. "Give thanks in all circumstances" would mean in the difficult circumstances. Is this possible? The knowledge of this verse became very meaningful two weeks later.
As I reupholstered a chair, a tack propelled into my eye and lacerated the cornea. A visiting neighbor drove me to the hospital. While I walked into the hospital the possibility of being blind in one eye worried me. The scripture discussed with my coffee friend came to mind, so I prayed to God with clenched teeth and told Him, “I WILL PRAISE YOU IN THIS CIRCUMSTANCE.”
A noticeable peace came over me. I was admitted to the hospital and was told by a doctor that I had only a fifty percent chance to regain sight in that eye. I pictured myself with a pink, rhinestone studded, eye patch.
In the operation my cornea was repaired with three stitches. The following day the senior doctor of the clinic looked into my eye and said, “Amazing!” The thought, “amazing grace,” rushed through my mind.
During my hospital stay, I had many visitors. Four pastors who administered communion, an LPN who prayed with me every morning and the resident doctor, who performed the operation. He was very pleased with the results.
I praised God in the circumstance and the curtain parted. I saw Him at work, as if I had a front row seat in a theater and God was on stage.
You are an awesome God who gives us your will in Christ Jesus. A-men.
© 2009 Mary Burkey
While having coffee with a friend, I remembered and talked about these verses from I Thessalonians 5:16-18. "Give thanks in all circumstances" would mean in the difficult circumstances. Is this possible? The knowledge of this verse became very meaningful two weeks later.
As I reupholstered a chair, a tack propelled into my eye and lacerated the cornea. A visiting neighbor drove me to the hospital. While I walked into the hospital the possibility of being blind in one eye worried me. The scripture discussed with my coffee friend came to mind, so I prayed to God with clenched teeth and told Him, “I WILL PRAISE YOU IN THIS CIRCUMSTANCE.”
A noticeable peace came over me. I was admitted to the hospital and was told by a doctor that I had only a fifty percent chance to regain sight in that eye. I pictured myself with a pink, rhinestone studded, eye patch.
In the operation my cornea was repaired with three stitches. The following day the senior doctor of the clinic looked into my eye and said, “Amazing!” The thought, “amazing grace,” rushed through my mind.
During my hospital stay, I had many visitors. Four pastors who administered communion, an LPN who prayed with me every morning and the resident doctor, who performed the operation. He was very pleased with the results.
I praised God in the circumstance and the curtain parted. I saw Him at work, as if I had a front row seat in a theater and God was on stage.
You are an awesome God who gives us your will in Christ Jesus. A-men.
© 2009 Mary Burkey
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Servant for Christ
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:16
Mom went to be with the Lord a few months ago. As I look at the pile of her clothes on the floor, I start to cry. When we found out she had cancer of the lungs, and it had metastasized to her liver we were shocked. As I stand looking at her belongings, questions come flooding into my mind. How did it happen so fast? She had chest x-rays months before, and they did not find it then.
God took a hold of my thoughts and I recalled how many years ago, Mom was among those of us attending a full gospel church when we gave our hearts to the Lord. It was great going to Bible classes with my family. We dined on the Word of God together.
Life was hard on Mom when Dad died; she missed him a lot. It was a blessing to me knowing that she had the Lord to lean on. She filled the time by joining the VFW where she did a lot of volunteer work. She spent her last days on earth reading stories from the Bible, praying, and talking about God.
The Bible tells me "life is a vapor." I do not know how long I have on this earth; therefore, with the time left, I want to be the best servant for Jesus Christ I can be.
Our belongings will disappear. Our testimony will live forever.
Father, I pray you use me as a living testimony to my children and my children's children. Let Your word fill me to overflowing. Help me to be a disciple. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
© Marcella Panowicz 2009
Mom went to be with the Lord a few months ago. As I look at the pile of her clothes on the floor, I start to cry. When we found out she had cancer of the lungs, and it had metastasized to her liver we were shocked. As I stand looking at her belongings, questions come flooding into my mind. How did it happen so fast? She had chest x-rays months before, and they did not find it then.
God took a hold of my thoughts and I recalled how many years ago, Mom was among those of us attending a full gospel church when we gave our hearts to the Lord. It was great going to Bible classes with my family. We dined on the Word of God together.
Life was hard on Mom when Dad died; she missed him a lot. It was a blessing to me knowing that she had the Lord to lean on. She filled the time by joining the VFW where she did a lot of volunteer work. She spent her last days on earth reading stories from the Bible, praying, and talking about God.
The Bible tells me "life is a vapor." I do not know how long I have on this earth; therefore, with the time left, I want to be the best servant for Jesus Christ I can be.
Our belongings will disappear. Our testimony will live forever.
Father, I pray you use me as a living testimony to my children and my children's children. Let Your word fill me to overflowing. Help me to be a disciple. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
© Marcella Panowicz 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Last Quarter of the Game
"Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone." Dt.34:7 (NIV)
As football fans know, there are four quarters in a game. Sometimes there is a strong start with scores coming quickly. Other times two teams fight hard throughout the game, but winning goals are not earned until the last quarter.
I consider myself in the final quarter of life. Did I get a good start serving God at the beginning of life’s game? No! Are there things I would like to have done in a better way? You bet!
But the game is not over. After all, Moses was 84 before he first spoke to Pharaoh.
I was, in fact, seeking God’s will in the first three quarters; but there were time constraints and responsibilities to shoulder. Too often I followed “rabbit trails” and did not stay true to my desire to serve God above all else.
My desire is to make the last quarter of life the best it can be for the Lord. I want to answer every urging of the Holy Spirit, explore more ways to serve God, and witness every chance I get. In short, I want to score big in the last quarter by living a triumphant Christian life.
If you are in one of the first three quarters of life, remember that the best games are played by fighting for goals through the entire game. If you are over sixty, I invite you to join me in making the last quarter the best.
Prayer: Father, help us to value the days and years You have given us. May we dedicate all of the time we have here on earth in service to You.
© 2009 Christy Struben
As football fans know, there are four quarters in a game. Sometimes there is a strong start with scores coming quickly. Other times two teams fight hard throughout the game, but winning goals are not earned until the last quarter.
I consider myself in the final quarter of life. Did I get a good start serving God at the beginning of life’s game? No! Are there things I would like to have done in a better way? You bet!
But the game is not over. After all, Moses was 84 before he first spoke to Pharaoh.
I was, in fact, seeking God’s will in the first three quarters; but there were time constraints and responsibilities to shoulder. Too often I followed “rabbit trails” and did not stay true to my desire to serve God above all else.
My desire is to make the last quarter of life the best it can be for the Lord. I want to answer every urging of the Holy Spirit, explore more ways to serve God, and witness every chance I get. In short, I want to score big in the last quarter by living a triumphant Christian life.
If you are in one of the first three quarters of life, remember that the best games are played by fighting for goals through the entire game. If you are over sixty, I invite you to join me in making the last quarter the best.
Prayer: Father, help us to value the days and years You have given us. May we dedicate all of the time we have here on earth in service to You.
© 2009 Christy Struben
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