When you're lying awake at night thinking about that situation or that person, there isn't peace.
He himself is our peace. (Ephesians 2:14) The Holy Spirit within us is our comforter in the events of life that keep us awake at night. Through prayer, we are promised the peace that passeth all understanding. This peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Yes, our hearts and minds need guarding. Otherwise, we are prone to sleeplessness, self-focus, worry and despair.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
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Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. [John 14:27]
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Friday, August 23, 2013
Sunrise, Sunset
Today, as I said goodbye to one child heading off to freshman orientation at college, I was teaching my youngest child the ABC's. The paradox of the moment struck me. Happy to have a little one still; sad when they grow up and leave home. Happy to be finished homeschooling the one; struggling to find strength to start over with another.
TV
~Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
[Lamentations 3:22]
TV
~Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
[Lamentations 3:22]
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Comparison
I heard a pastor once say, "Whenever there is comparison, there is sin." When we compare ourselves to those around us, we are tempted either to be proud and boastful, or ungrateful and jealous
Instead, let us focus on the Lord and ask Him how He wants us to use our resources. Peter walked towards Jesus on the water. When he took his eyes off Jesus and started looking at the waves wround him, he began to sink. He needed to keep his eyes on Christ, who enabled him to walk on top of it all.
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And he said, "Come." And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. [Matthew 14:29]
Instead, let us focus on the Lord and ask Him how He wants us to use our resources. Peter walked towards Jesus on the water. When he took his eyes off Jesus and started looking at the waves wround him, he began to sink. He needed to keep his eyes on Christ, who enabled him to walk on top of it all.
TV~
And he said, "Come." And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. [Matthew 14:29]
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
A Large Place
Tonight, someone was asking me questions regarding decisions I've made regarding our home purchase, income decisions and general lifestyle.
Afterwards, I went to the Lord feeling both defensive and frustrated. Below is the verse that He provided through today's devotional reading. I will meditate upon it and find rest for my soul.
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He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me; because he delighted in me."
[Psalm 18:19]
Afterwards, I went to the Lord feeling both defensive and frustrated. Below is the verse that He provided through today's devotional reading. I will meditate upon it and find rest for my soul.
TV~
He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me; because he delighted in me."
[Psalm 18:19]
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Music Stand
We own a beautiful, handcarved music stand that was made in France. It is an expensive item, that draws many a compliment. However, it has one big problem. The tripod of legs does not hold its ground, and invariably the stand becomes unstable and topples over.
Today, I spoke with the person who sold us this music stand. He picked the stand up, spun around each leg of the tripod and locked it in place, solving the problem. Apparently, he'd had the same problem with his music stand and called the manufacturer in France to ask for guidance on solving the problem.
This music stand was designed to hold its ground, yet it was not doing so because of improper use. Are we using our time and talents properly, so that we can stand our ground for Christ? If not, our Manufacturer knows how to solve this problem. We need to call upon Him and ask for guidance and wisdom to stand firm.
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But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. [Isaiah 64:8]
Today, I spoke with the person who sold us this music stand. He picked the stand up, spun around each leg of the tripod and locked it in place, solving the problem. Apparently, he'd had the same problem with his music stand and called the manufacturer in France to ask for guidance on solving the problem.
This music stand was designed to hold its ground, yet it was not doing so because of improper use. Are we using our time and talents properly, so that we can stand our ground for Christ? If not, our Manufacturer knows how to solve this problem. We need to call upon Him and ask for guidance and wisdom to stand firm.
TV~
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. [Isaiah 64:8]
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Biggest Weakness, Biggest Strength
Is there a personality trait in a loved one that you find annoying? A person's weakness aften has an opposite positive side, which is a point of strength. Ask God to show you the strength that is the inverse of your loved one's weakness. Sometimes the positive side can be the sanding off of some of our own sharp corners!
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Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. [Philippians 4:8]
TV~
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. [Philippians 4:8]
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Deliverance from Evil
The words of The Lord's Prayer are so familiar to most of us, that we sometimes ignore their poignancy. "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."
Recently, I've been praying for a loved one to be shielded from temptation and from evil. If our Lord taught us to pray those words, how important and effective they must be.
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And the Lord shall stand by them and save them: he shall deliver them from the ungodly, and he shall save them, because they put their trust in him. [Psalm 37:41]
Recently, I've been praying for a loved one to be shielded from temptation and from evil. If our Lord taught us to pray those words, how important and effective they must be.
TV~
And the Lord shall stand by them and save them: he shall deliver them from the ungodly, and he shall save them, because they put their trust in him. [Psalm 37:41]
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