HI, friend! I know it’s been several weeks since I sent a devotional to you – I’ve been to Israel and back during that time! I hope you missed hearing from me!
I am at peace with God...
Romans 5:1,2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Psalms 29:11 The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace.
Psalms 85:8 I will listen to what God the LORD will say; He promises peace to His people, His saints--but let them not return to folly.
Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 54:10 "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, Who has compassion on you.
KPRZ Encouragement for Today Devotions
March 7, 2012
How Do I Let Peace Rule?
Samantha Reed
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
“No more able are we to drive the rain back into the clouds by holding hands to the sky...
“Or stretch a rainbow's colors wide by scurrying to grasp its tails...
“Or force the tides to retreat by running at the sea...
“No more capable of these feats are we, than to pursue and capture peace.
“Peace.
“That for which the world wars. Families crumble. People roam. That for which we compromise, and improvise, and televise: It's here... if only you race after it with your time, your money, your life.
“But for all our chasing, we never lay hold of peace. Not until we reckon with these nine words that beckon a stillness. A truth that causes shoulders to fall and jaws to relax. This scripture tells us there's peace a' plenty, free for all.
"’Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts’ (Colossians 3:15 NIV).
“If we're to find peace, we must become a pupil of He who is our Peace, Jesus Christ. He who is the Word. And this bit of Word, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts," is a fine educator.
“This truth teaches us to slow down. Those two strong words, "let" and "rule" mean to "umpire" our hurried heart. So when circumstances crumble and we worriedly scramble to right them, we are taught to pause and call our heart to peace. How do we do this? Through intimate knowledge of He who is our Peace.
“Christ is just, as Esther's courage and Haman's defeat reflects. (Esther 7)
“Christ redeems, as Job's great loss and even greater gain assures. (Job 42:7-17)
“Christ is trustworthy, as His promised resurrection proves. (Matthew 28:1-10)
“Christ controls the storms, as calmed winds and waves attest. (Mark 4:35-41)
“It will take time to teach our hearts to let peace rule. Umpires don't begin careers in the World Series. Indeed, umpires go through rigorous training and schooling. They must work for years in the minor leagues before even dreaming of the majors.
“We too must set our heart and mind to learning. A good place to start is with the minors. Calling our hearts to peace when running late, dinner burns, scrapes and bruises happen, and fender benders occur. This is our practice and preparation for when the doctor calls, the pink slip is given, the papers are served, and the accusations fly.
“We call our hearts to trust in He who is faithful to us in the small things, so we learn His character again and again. This gives our hearts the training needed to know He is trustworthy to us in the big things, the in-between things... everything.
“Each call leads to another, which leads to an eventual place of surety. A place where the chase ends. And peace begins.
“Dear Lord, You are our Peace. Teach me Your ways, direct me in Your truth. Help me relax my shoulders, loosen my tense jaw, calm my hurried heart. I want to know You more and more. In Jesus' Name, Amen.”
People all around you are seeking after peace. Some will try to find it in a bottle – a pill – a new relationship – but we know that true peace is found only in Jesus! I’ve tried some of the other ways to peace – and they may have helped for the moment, deep in my heart I was anything BUT peaceful. The turmoil I felt as a result of being separated from God became unbearable – and there were times when suicide looked like a really good way out. Praise JESUS I didn’t fall for that lie from the enemy! I fell for Jesus instead! Right into His waiting arms! From that moment on I have experienced a peace that truly does “surpass understanding.” That’s not to say that I don’t ever feel anxious – I do – but now I know I can turn to the One who died to make real – lasting – eternal - peace possible! When I do struggle I get deep into God’s word – because the mind that is steadfast will be at peace – that’s a promise! Sharon
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Monday, March 4, 2013
In Christ - I am valued by God
I am valued by God...
Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Today’s Devotion by Mike MacIntosh
May 8, 2012
When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it."
Mark 8:34-35
“What makes a diamond so valuable? Essentially, a diamond is just a rock -- a pretty, sparkling rock. Intrinsically, it is basically composed of the same earthly elements as other rocks, and is even usually pretty small in comparison. But diamonds are valuable because people love them. Boy, we spend entire savings accounts on diamonds because we love them. Unless diamonds were in demand -- unless they were loved -- they would have no value. In the same way, absent God's love for us, our lives would be without value. You see, your life is valuable not because you own assets, or give money to charity, or even because you are a good person and love others. Your life is valuable because you are loved by God.
“You are loved by the Lord of heaven and earth, who formed your inwards parts (Psalm 139:14) and who ‘knew you before you were born’ (Jeremiah 1:5). You are loved by the Creator of everything you've ever known, whose thoughts toward you are ‘more than can be numbered’ (Psalm 40:5) – ‘thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope’ (Jeremiah 29:11). God so loved you that He gave His only begotten Son to die for you. Why? So that by believing in Him, you would ‘not perish, but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16). Whether you choose to believe it or not, God loves you. And whether you realize it or not, your life is invaluable because of His infinite love for you.
“But imagine a diamond sitting lifelessly under glass in a store. If someone came and offered the full asking price for the diamond -- in cash -- wouldn't you think it absurd for the shopkeeper to refuse the sale? Why would he essentially render the diamond worthless, both to himself and to the potential buyer, by refusing the cash for it? Until the diamond is purchased, its value is not realized.
“In the same way, Jesus Christ offers to pay -- in full -- the debt for sin of anyone who will believe in Him. And make no mistake, it's a steep price; only He could pay it. He sacrificed His very life as a ransom for ours, that we might no longer be ‘slaves of sin’ (Romans 6:17). So why would we refuse? Why would we reject His love when our entire value rests in it? Why would we choose not only to render His love worthless, but to render ourselves worthless?
“You see, we fool ourselves if we think we are anything apart from the love and grace of God. Jesus says in Mark 8:35 that ‘whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.’ If you reject Jesus, you reject the value of your own life, but if you surrender to Him, He will save your life!
“Let me encourage you today to surrender to Him anew. If there is anything you are holding back from Him -- anything you cling to because it is ‘too valuable’ to give up -- surrender it to Him. Maybe you've never surrendered your heart to Him at all. Today is the day of salvation. Or maybe you're struggling through a difficult time in your life. Today is the day of restoration. Let God's love for you be your strength, your hope, and your reason for living. Let it be the foundation under your feet and the protection over your head. Let His Spirit wash over you like a liquid waterfall of love. He loves you! You are valuable because you are loved by God.”
What can I add to that? It’s pretty clear, isn’t it? God values us because He CHOOSES to – and He values us so much that He was willing to die rather than spend eternity without us! THAT, my friend, is amazing love! Rest is how valued you are by the King of kings this day! Sharon
Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Today’s Devotion by Mike MacIntosh
May 8, 2012
When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it."
Mark 8:34-35
“What makes a diamond so valuable? Essentially, a diamond is just a rock -- a pretty, sparkling rock. Intrinsically, it is basically composed of the same earthly elements as other rocks, and is even usually pretty small in comparison. But diamonds are valuable because people love them. Boy, we spend entire savings accounts on diamonds because we love them. Unless diamonds were in demand -- unless they were loved -- they would have no value. In the same way, absent God's love for us, our lives would be without value. You see, your life is valuable not because you own assets, or give money to charity, or even because you are a good person and love others. Your life is valuable because you are loved by God.
“You are loved by the Lord of heaven and earth, who formed your inwards parts (Psalm 139:14) and who ‘knew you before you were born’ (Jeremiah 1:5). You are loved by the Creator of everything you've ever known, whose thoughts toward you are ‘more than can be numbered’ (Psalm 40:5) – ‘thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope’ (Jeremiah 29:11). God so loved you that He gave His only begotten Son to die for you. Why? So that by believing in Him, you would ‘not perish, but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16). Whether you choose to believe it or not, God loves you. And whether you realize it or not, your life is invaluable because of His infinite love for you.
“But imagine a diamond sitting lifelessly under glass in a store. If someone came and offered the full asking price for the diamond -- in cash -- wouldn't you think it absurd for the shopkeeper to refuse the sale? Why would he essentially render the diamond worthless, both to himself and to the potential buyer, by refusing the cash for it? Until the diamond is purchased, its value is not realized.
“In the same way, Jesus Christ offers to pay -- in full -- the debt for sin of anyone who will believe in Him. And make no mistake, it's a steep price; only He could pay it. He sacrificed His very life as a ransom for ours, that we might no longer be ‘slaves of sin’ (Romans 6:17). So why would we refuse? Why would we reject His love when our entire value rests in it? Why would we choose not only to render His love worthless, but to render ourselves worthless?
“You see, we fool ourselves if we think we are anything apart from the love and grace of God. Jesus says in Mark 8:35 that ‘whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.’ If you reject Jesus, you reject the value of your own life, but if you surrender to Him, He will save your life!
“Let me encourage you today to surrender to Him anew. If there is anything you are holding back from Him -- anything you cling to because it is ‘too valuable’ to give up -- surrender it to Him. Maybe you've never surrendered your heart to Him at all. Today is the day of salvation. Or maybe you're struggling through a difficult time in your life. Today is the day of restoration. Let God's love for you be your strength, your hope, and your reason for living. Let it be the foundation under your feet and the protection over your head. Let His Spirit wash over you like a liquid waterfall of love. He loves you! You are valuable because you are loved by God.”
What can I add to that? It’s pretty clear, isn’t it? God values us because He CHOOSES to – and He values us so much that He was willing to die rather than spend eternity without us! THAT, my friend, is amazing love! Rest is how valued you are by the King of kings this day! Sharon
Thursday, February 21, 2013
In Christ - I am the salt of the earth and the light of the world
I am the salt of the earth and the light of the world...
Matthew 5:13-16 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
January 5, 2013
Daily Devotional – Charles Spurgeon/Alistair Begg
Reflecting on Light
“And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:4
“Light might well be good since it sprang from that fiat of goodness, ‘Let there be light.’ We who enjoy it should be more grateful for it than we are, and see more of God in it and by it. Physical light is said by Solomon to be sweet, but gospel light is infinitely more precious, for it reveals eternal things and ministers to our immortal natures. When the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual light and opens our eyes to behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, we behold sin in its true colors, and ourselves in our real position; we see the Most Holy God as He reveals Himself, the plan of mercy as He propounds it, and the world to come as the Word describes it. Spiritual light has many beams and prismatic colors, but whether they be knowledge, joy, holiness, or life, all are divinely good. If the light received be thus good, what must the essential light be, and how glorious must be the place where He reveals Himself. O Lord, since light is so good, give us more of it, and more of Yourself, the true light.
“No sooner is there a good thing in the world than a division is necessary. Light and darkness have no communion; God has divided them--let us not confound them. Sons of light must not have fellowship with deeds, doctrines, or deceits of darkness. The children of the day must be sober, honest, and bold in their Lord's work, leaving the works of darkness to those who will dwell in it forever.
“Our churches should by discipline divide the light from the darkness, and we should by our distinct separation from the world do the same. In judgment, in action, in hearing, in teaching, in association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, and maintain the great distinction that the Lord made upon the world's first day.
“O Lord Jesus, be our light throughout the whole of this day, for Your light is the light of men.”
Do you remember the song “This little light of mine – I’m gonna’ let it shine?” It was a favorite song in Sunday School and VBS – and it’s probably still being sung by children all around the world! The simple truth of that song is this – God has given us spiritual light, and by that light we have been guided out of the darkness of this world. AND by that light we’re to help guide others out of that same darkness. We can only do that when we are “turned on” – much like a flashlight is useless when it’s turned off, we offer no light to those around us if we’re not daily “plugged in” to our power source and making every effort to caste a bright light into our environment. How bright is your light today? Have you been plugging in – daily – to the source of power? Are you consistently and faithfully avoiding the darkness in your own life? God hasn’t asked us to leave this world (yet!) – but He REQUIRES that we do not walk as those who are without the light. We can shine our lights INTO the darkness – but we cannot be effective if we are choosing to walk/play/persist in the darkness of this world. Be the light of the world God has called you to be today! Sharon
Matthew 5:13-16 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
January 5, 2013
Daily Devotional – Charles Spurgeon/Alistair Begg
Reflecting on Light
“And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:4
“Light might well be good since it sprang from that fiat of goodness, ‘Let there be light.’ We who enjoy it should be more grateful for it than we are, and see more of God in it and by it. Physical light is said by Solomon to be sweet, but gospel light is infinitely more precious, for it reveals eternal things and ministers to our immortal natures. When the Holy Spirit gives us spiritual light and opens our eyes to behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, we behold sin in its true colors, and ourselves in our real position; we see the Most Holy God as He reveals Himself, the plan of mercy as He propounds it, and the world to come as the Word describes it. Spiritual light has many beams and prismatic colors, but whether they be knowledge, joy, holiness, or life, all are divinely good. If the light received be thus good, what must the essential light be, and how glorious must be the place where He reveals Himself. O Lord, since light is so good, give us more of it, and more of Yourself, the true light.
“No sooner is there a good thing in the world than a division is necessary. Light and darkness have no communion; God has divided them--let us not confound them. Sons of light must not have fellowship with deeds, doctrines, or deceits of darkness. The children of the day must be sober, honest, and bold in their Lord's work, leaving the works of darkness to those who will dwell in it forever.
“Our churches should by discipline divide the light from the darkness, and we should by our distinct separation from the world do the same. In judgment, in action, in hearing, in teaching, in association, we must discern between the precious and the vile, and maintain the great distinction that the Lord made upon the world's first day.
“O Lord Jesus, be our light throughout the whole of this day, for Your light is the light of men.”
Do you remember the song “This little light of mine – I’m gonna’ let it shine?” It was a favorite song in Sunday School and VBS – and it’s probably still being sung by children all around the world! The simple truth of that song is this – God has given us spiritual light, and by that light we have been guided out of the darkness of this world. AND by that light we’re to help guide others out of that same darkness. We can only do that when we are “turned on” – much like a flashlight is useless when it’s turned off, we offer no light to those around us if we’re not daily “plugged in” to our power source and making every effort to caste a bright light into our environment. How bright is your light today? Have you been plugging in – daily – to the source of power? Are you consistently and faithfully avoiding the darkness in your own life? God hasn’t asked us to leave this world (yet!) – but He REQUIRES that we do not walk as those who are without the light. We can shine our lights INTO the darkness – but we cannot be effective if we are choosing to walk/play/persist in the darkness of this world. Be the light of the world God has called you to be today! Sharon
Thursday, February 14, 2013
In Christ - I am loved by God
I am loved by God...
Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."
Romans 8:38,39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 3:17-19 And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
I John 4:16-19 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us.
Joni and Friends Daily Devotional February 13, 2013
Love Displayed
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35-39
"’This is a verse I'm supposed to believe,’ we sigh, full of doubts. It sounds more like theological doctrine than practical reality, especially when we are the ones facing trouble, hardship, danger or the sword. But the apostle - who, incidentally, suffered a lot more than persecution or famine - wrote this sweeping statement specifically for those who would doubt the love of God in the midst of hardships.
“Look at the last ten words, ‘The love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ If ever we are tempted to doubt God's good intentions, if ever He seems to be an uncaring deity sequestered in an ivory tower untouched by pain, we must remember the love of God that is in Christ. Christ who bore the weight of sin, the sting of spit, the bite of the whip, the accusations of ignorance, and the sufferings of the world. This is love poured out like wine as strong as fire. This is love never to be doubted or betrayed.
“Thomas Merton said, ‘In order to suffer without dwelling on our own affliction, we must think about a greater affliction and turn to the cross.’ If you are questioning the love of God because of a disappointment or trial, turn your eyes upon Jesus. He is the love of the Father in the flesh displayed. When Jesus hung on the cross, God was saying, ‘I love you;’ and nothing can separate you from that.
“If I'm tempted to doubt your love today, Lord, place before me the cross.”
Thomas Merton, No Man Is an Island (New York: Harcourt, Brace and Co., 1955), 94.
How awesome it is that this day’s devotional is about the love of God – when “love” is in the air and all around us! I know that Valentine’s Day can be a really hard day for single women – a REALLY hard day. It’s like the enemy works overtime rubbing our faces in our singleness. I learned LONG ago that I could either let it get me down – or I could embrace my singleness as the gift that it is, and glory in the amazing love of my Jesus! There is no lover that can compare with Him! He never gets “fed up” – He never tires of showing me how much He loves me – He never throws my past failures in my face – He has promised to NEVER leave me or forsake me! No one else will ever love me – or you – like that! It’s doubtful – HIGHLY doubtful – that anyone else would be willing to take the brutal punishment my sin deserves to prove how much he loves me! How can I resist a love like that? How can you? How can I betray a love like that? How can you? If you’re single I hope you will spend some time thinking about how VERY much you are loved! If you’re married – or in a relationship – enjoy that love – but never let it be a substitute for your First Love! Sharon
Thursday, January 24, 2013
In Christ - I am always in God's thoughts
I am always in God's thoughts...
Psalms 139:17,18 How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with You.
Isaiah 49:15-16 "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me."
Jeremiah 29:4-13 Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon; “Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters - that you may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace. For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the LORD. For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
September 21, 2011
Finding Hope for My Future Despite the Pain of My Past
Renee Swope
"God works all things together for good."
"You were created for a purpose"
"God has a plan for your life."
“What do you feel when you read these promises? Do you believe them, or do you sometimes question if they're true for you?
“I've doubted, and I've believed.
“Soon after I surrendered my life to Christ, I started struggling with painful things from my past that made me doubt God's promises. I wondered: If God loves me, why has He allowed so much pain in my life?
“If He loved me, why did God allow my family to be broken by adultery and divorce, shattered by confusion and chaos, shaken by alcohol and drug addictions and so much more? And why didn't He stop me from the pain I brought on myself, or keep me from the darkness of depression?
“One afternoon I got the courage to tell my friend Wanda about my doubts and questions. I remember how she didn't give me a pat answer, but looked at me with understanding in her eyes and told me she was sorry. Then she told me her story, which included many disappointments and heartbreaks. Yet, I didn't sense doubt or pain in her words. Instead, I sensed confidence and hope.
“Turning the pages of her Bible to Jeremiah 29, Wanda read today's key verse as a promise to me: 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' (v. 11)
“She then told me God wanted to heal the pain of my past and use what I'd experienced to pave the way to His plans for my future. But I didn't want God to use my pain or my past. How would any of it do anything good for anyone, especially me?
“Have you ever felt that way or asked: ‘If God loves me, then why...?’
“These are the kind of questions that can linger in our hearts when we've been wounded and disappointed. And hurts that aren't healed can lead to bitterness and bondage. Yet, in the security of a relationship with Jesus, God invites us to ask hard questions and look for answers that usher us into the depths of His redeeming love and healing power.
“Can I whisper some hope into your heart today? If you are living and breathing, your purpose has not yet been fulfilled. No matter what you have done or what has been done to you, God does have a plan for your life.
“So, how can you discover those plans? Let's read the premise that follows the promise in Jeremiah 29. After God declares He knows the plans He has for us, He says, ‘Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’ (v.12-13)
“We find God's plans when we surrender ours to Him each day. It's a moment by moment process of coming to Him, talking to Him, believing He listens and letting Him love us into a place of hope and healing.
“God's love is not a quick-fix for our wounds, but it has the power to redeem and restore us into confident hope. When we allow the Holy Spirit poured out like Living water to go deep into our pain, He can heal our hearts from the inside out.
“As we process the pain of our yesterdays and live through the disappointments of our todays, doubts may still creep up, threatening to steal our hope. But each time that happens, we can stop and seek God in that place. We can ask Him to show us His purpose by revealing what is true about who we are and what we have been through to make us start doubting.
“Then we can ask Him to help us re-define our future, not through the filter of our past and pain, but through the power of His life-giving truth. And do you know what happens when we do that moment by moment, day by day, doubt by doubt? God tells us in Jeremiah 29:14, ‘I will be found by you...and will bring you back from captivity.’
“We find Him again and again. We find the One who longs to lead us out of captivity to our doubts into a place of freedom and hope. I know this is true because I have walked it, wrestled with it, resisted it and finally surrendered to it.
“God's love is not only unfailing, it redeems and restores. His Truth cuts to the core of our struggles, bringing purpose to our pain, redemption from our past and hope for our future!
“Lord, heal my hurts and give me hope as I learn to trust the plans You have for me. I'm coming to You and seeking You with all my heart today. Please set me free from my doubts and lead me into a place of confident hope. In Jesus' Name, Amen.”
It can be easy to feel like God isn’t looking – or He doesn’t care – when we’re hurting or when bad things happen in our lives. I know that feeling myself. There have been many times when I’ve felt SO alone – and wondered where God was in the midst of my pain and hurt. I’ve come to see the truth of today’s devotional – God is right there in the midst of it. He doesn’t shy away from the mess of our lives – He’s there with us – walking us through it – helping us see our way out – and cheering us on. We’re NEVER alone. We’re NEVER out of His sight – or off of His mind – or out of His prayers! Hold on to that the next time you feel overwhelmed – God is with you – and He is for you!
If you’ve been to one of our groups you’ll remember the visual we show you – a small vial of sand – and we talk about how many THOUSANDS of grains of sand are in that test tube. God’s thoughts towards us outnumber THAT! They outnumber the grains of sand on a BEACH – in a DESSERT – ON THE PLANET! We can’t even begin to comprehend how much He’s thinking about us! No matter what we’re going through, God is there – He cares – He’s thinking about you! Hold on to that and never let go! Sharon
Psalms 139:17,18 How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with You.
Isaiah 49:15-16 "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me."
Jeremiah 29:4-13 Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon; “Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters - that you may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the LORD for it; for in its peace you will have peace. For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Do not let your prophets and your diviners who are in your midst deceive you, nor listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them, says the LORD. For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
September 21, 2011
Finding Hope for My Future Despite the Pain of My Past
Renee Swope
"God works all things together for good."
"You were created for a purpose"
"God has a plan for your life."
“What do you feel when you read these promises? Do you believe them, or do you sometimes question if they're true for you?
“I've doubted, and I've believed.
“Soon after I surrendered my life to Christ, I started struggling with painful things from my past that made me doubt God's promises. I wondered: If God loves me, why has He allowed so much pain in my life?
“If He loved me, why did God allow my family to be broken by adultery and divorce, shattered by confusion and chaos, shaken by alcohol and drug addictions and so much more? And why didn't He stop me from the pain I brought on myself, or keep me from the darkness of depression?
“One afternoon I got the courage to tell my friend Wanda about my doubts and questions. I remember how she didn't give me a pat answer, but looked at me with understanding in her eyes and told me she was sorry. Then she told me her story, which included many disappointments and heartbreaks. Yet, I didn't sense doubt or pain in her words. Instead, I sensed confidence and hope.
“Turning the pages of her Bible to Jeremiah 29, Wanda read today's key verse as a promise to me: 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' (v. 11)
“She then told me God wanted to heal the pain of my past and use what I'd experienced to pave the way to His plans for my future. But I didn't want God to use my pain or my past. How would any of it do anything good for anyone, especially me?
“Have you ever felt that way or asked: ‘If God loves me, then why...?’
“These are the kind of questions that can linger in our hearts when we've been wounded and disappointed. And hurts that aren't healed can lead to bitterness and bondage. Yet, in the security of a relationship with Jesus, God invites us to ask hard questions and look for answers that usher us into the depths of His redeeming love and healing power.
“Can I whisper some hope into your heart today? If you are living and breathing, your purpose has not yet been fulfilled. No matter what you have done or what has been done to you, God does have a plan for your life.
“So, how can you discover those plans? Let's read the premise that follows the promise in Jeremiah 29. After God declares He knows the plans He has for us, He says, ‘Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’ (v.12-13)
“We find God's plans when we surrender ours to Him each day. It's a moment by moment process of coming to Him, talking to Him, believing He listens and letting Him love us into a place of hope and healing.
“God's love is not a quick-fix for our wounds, but it has the power to redeem and restore us into confident hope. When we allow the Holy Spirit poured out like Living water to go deep into our pain, He can heal our hearts from the inside out.
“As we process the pain of our yesterdays and live through the disappointments of our todays, doubts may still creep up, threatening to steal our hope. But each time that happens, we can stop and seek God in that place. We can ask Him to show us His purpose by revealing what is true about who we are and what we have been through to make us start doubting.
“Then we can ask Him to help us re-define our future, not through the filter of our past and pain, but through the power of His life-giving truth. And do you know what happens when we do that moment by moment, day by day, doubt by doubt? God tells us in Jeremiah 29:14, ‘I will be found by you...and will bring you back from captivity.’
“We find Him again and again. We find the One who longs to lead us out of captivity to our doubts into a place of freedom and hope. I know this is true because I have walked it, wrestled with it, resisted it and finally surrendered to it.
“God's love is not only unfailing, it redeems and restores. His Truth cuts to the core of our struggles, bringing purpose to our pain, redemption from our past and hope for our future!
“Lord, heal my hurts and give me hope as I learn to trust the plans You have for me. I'm coming to You and seeking You with all my heart today. Please set me free from my doubts and lead me into a place of confident hope. In Jesus' Name, Amen.”
It can be easy to feel like God isn’t looking – or He doesn’t care – when we’re hurting or when bad things happen in our lives. I know that feeling myself. There have been many times when I’ve felt SO alone – and wondered where God was in the midst of my pain and hurt. I’ve come to see the truth of today’s devotional – God is right there in the midst of it. He doesn’t shy away from the mess of our lives – He’s there with us – walking us through it – helping us see our way out – and cheering us on. We’re NEVER alone. We’re NEVER out of His sight – or off of His mind – or out of His prayers! Hold on to that the next time you feel overwhelmed – God is with you – and He is for you!
If you’ve been to one of our groups you’ll remember the visual we show you – a small vial of sand – and we talk about how many THOUSANDS of grains of sand are in that test tube. God’s thoughts towards us outnumber THAT! They outnumber the grains of sand on a BEACH – in a DESSERT – ON THE PLANET! We can’t even begin to comprehend how much He’s thinking about us! No matter what we’re going through, God is there – He cares – He’s thinking about you! Hold on to that and never let go! Sharon
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
In Christ - I am washed clean from my sins
I am washed clean from my sins...
Isaiah 1:18 "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."
Ezekiel 36:25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.
Joni and Friends Daily Devotions – February 16, 2009
“Because I cannot reach for a Bible and flip open the pages with my hands, I make it a point to memorize scripture. It's the only way I can have the Word of God at my fingertips! For me, memorizing portions of the Bible is very practical. I use the King James Version of the Bible when I commit God's Word to memory. The words are uncommon - a little like poetry - and my mind seems to retain it easier.
“When I was memorizing Psalm 51, I stopped short at the second verse. It says, ‘Wash me throughly from mine iniquity.’ At first I thought it was a printing error, but after a little research, I learned it was the Elizabethan-English-way of saying ‘through and through.’ You could paraphrase it, ‘Wash me through and through from my iniquity.’ It's not many times I prefer English from the 16th century, but this time I did. I don't want God to merely scrub me good on the outside - it's not a matter of cleansing me from my sin - but washing me clean, clear through.
“The word ‘throughly’ doesn't exist anymore. When I wrote it on my computer, my automatic spell check kept trying to change it to thoroughly. But I'm with Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth, and King James on this one. I don't want God to do a surface job on my character; I want Him to get rid of every vestige of deep-down hidden sins.
* * * * * * * *
“First Thessalonians 5:23-24 says (in modern English), "May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." From what hidden or secret sins can you ask God to wash you through and through today?
“Lord, I confess______________________. Thank you for forgiving me and completely cleansing me from all unrighteousness. Safeguard my heart and mind and keep me pure.”
“When I was memorizing Psalm 51, I stopped short at the second verse. It says, ‘Wash me throughly from mine iniquity.’ At first I thought it was a printing error, but after a little research, I learned it was the Elizabethan-English-way of saying ‘through and through.’ You could paraphrase it, ‘Wash me through and through from my iniquity.’ It's not many times I prefer English from the 16th century, but this time I did. I don't want God to merely scrub me good on the outside - it's not a matter of cleansing me from my sin - but washing me clean, clear through.
“The word ‘throughly’ doesn't exist anymore. When I wrote it on my computer, my automatic spell check kept trying to change it to thoroughly. But I'm with Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth, and King James on this one. I don't want God to do a surface job on my character; I want Him to get rid of every vestige of deep-down hidden sins.
* * * * * * * *
“First Thessalonians 5:23-24 says (in modern English), "May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." From what hidden or secret sins can you ask God to wash you through and through today?
“Lord, I confess______________________. Thank you for forgiving me and completely cleansing me from all unrighteousness. Safeguard my heart and mind and keep me pure.”
When I moved into my “new” (to me) house last year I had to make a decision about the carpet that came with it – did I keep it and have it professionally cleaned – or did I need to replace it and start fresh. I hadn’t realized how dirty the carpet was when I bought the house because the lady who lived there still had all of her furniture in the house and the areas that were badly stained where somewhat covered by coffee tables, end tables and floor runners. Once she was completely moved out I could clearly see what had been hidden – the carpets were REALLY dirty. I gave it some thought and made the decision to have the carpet replaced. Since then I’ve learned that old, stained carpet does not clean up well –surface dirt may come up with a professional cleaning – but underneath the carpet is the padding, and dirt/grime embedded there isn’t going to come out. Eventually – over time - the stains will return. Carpets can’t be “throughly” cleaned – just like our heart, mind, and spirit can’t be “throughly” cleaned by just doing surface work. It’s important to note WHO is doing the “through and through” cleaning – GOD. We can try – but we’ll never be able to do a “through and through” cleansing – only Jesus can do that for us. That requires an attitude of humility – we see our inability to be “throughly” cleaned – and we allow the Lord to do that inner work of cleansing that is necessary. It’s only when we give up our own efforts and allow Him to do what He does best that we can be truly cleansed.
Once we’ve been cleansed we can – and should – make every effort not to pollute our heart/mind/soul again by allowing idols and evil any room in our life. That’s a day-by-day – sometimes moment-by-moment exercise in hearing the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to show us things that the enemy uses to pollute our inner man. It might be that you can’t watch certain TV programs or go to some movies – it could be that you will need to cut back on shopping – or stop buying magazines that cause you to stumble. Listen for His direction – and respond! If you feel yourself being stained and polluted by the world, you can always go back and ask Jesus to wash you again – to cleanse you – to make you whiter than snow – and He will! Sharon
In Christ - I am a child of God
I am a child of God...
Psalms 68:5 A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling.
John 1:12,13 Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
Romans 8:14-15 Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, <"Abba,> Father."
I John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
April 20, 2010
Mary DeMuth, She Speaks Conference Graduate
"For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God."
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NASB)
“I didn't know that when those older boys pinned five-year-old me to the earth, my backside poked by brambles, that someday God would choose that frightened little girl, sexually abused for a year, to shame the wise. But He chose a shattered me.
“I didn't know that as my childhood home filled with drugs and unsafe parties, God would rescue weak and scared me. But, eventually, He salved my fears.
“I didn't know that as I ran from other predators, the boys' marks on me like a beacon, I'd someday limp into the arms of a Savior. I felt debased, unworthy, ugly, dirty, ruined. But He welcomed me.
“I didn't know that as my earthly father slipped from this earth, my Heavenly Father stood nearby, open armed. Though my earthly father's death left me fatherless, my Heavenly Father didn't orphan me. He grafted me into His family.
“I didn't know that as I considered different ways to kill myself in junior high, as I faced a third parental divorce, that Jesus' own beautiful death provided a way of new life for me. He rescued me from taking my life.
“I was all the things the apostle Paul wrote about in today's key verse, and then some. Neglected, needy, pained, lost, small, frightened. And yet God took those negatives and beautified them with Himself. That's the great paradox God brings to all of us, no matter how "easy" or hard our upbringing. It's not that we're strong and sufficient and wise, it's that He is.
“Perhaps you've looked back on your past and shuddered. Perhaps you've questioned God about why He'd allow atrocities in your life. But consider this: God gets the most glory in the life fully surrendered to Him, and it's hard for a self-sufficient person to submit. He does the most work in our helplessness. (See 2 Corinthians 12: 9, 10).
“Our weakness and frailty are not merely places of desolation; they are dance floors—holy places where the God of the universe is allowed to freely move in our lives. Our own lack allows for and welcomes this sacred dance where God's talent outshines our capabilities, where only He receives the glory.
“Will you lay down your past today? Will you trust Him with the mess, the memories, the mayhem? If you do, He will take the marred pieces of your life, reassemble them, and make you fly. So you (because of Him) can shame the wise.
“Lord, I confess I've seen my own injuries as reasons to blame you and keep You far from my heart. I'm sorry. Help me instead to see my weaknesses as a place where You can demonstrate Your strength. I welcome You into the painful places. Do something new and miraculous. I don't want to be embittered. I want to be free. And I want to give You all the glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.”
I know it can be really hard to see God as a loving Father if you come from a background like this – it doesn’t make sense, does it? That’s where we have to exercise our faith and trust that God can see the whole picture, and He’s working something beautiful in us through those wounds. Don’t believe for a minute, though, that your Heavenly Father didn’t care – He did – and He does – and He wants to heal you and set you free from all of that so that you can truly experience all of the blessings of being HIS – His precious, beloved child! SO – if you’re struggling with a past full of hurt, shame and guilt – turn it over to the Father – let Him help you see the purpose and give you just a tiny glimpse of what He is working into your life. Trust that He is with you through everything – He will never let you go – He loves you like no earthly Father ever could! Sharon
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