Today's Reading: 2 Kings 13-14; James 5
The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful” (James 5:16b HCSV).
Today was a day of wondering and worrying. Things that I’ve given to God were once again at the forefront of my mind. My main worry had to do with the little one I’m currently carrying inside. For some reason, I wasn’t feeling the kicks I normally felt each morning, and so I was wondering if something was wrong. Of course, I was busy this morning, but that didn’t stop the flags from raising and my heart from sinking. I knew I needed to spend time with God and bring my concerns up to him, but I was too busy to stop and do this. Once again I ignored the prompting of the Holy Spirit and went about my day.
My pastor always says that there are four pivotal facets to our Christian walk: Fellowship, Worship, Reading the Word, and Prayer. My weakest, by far, is prayer. Yes, I utter quick prayers throughout my day, talking to God has become a natural part of my day. But, I often forget to spend quiet time truly listening for his voice.
I get busy, I get preoccupied, and I just don’t devote the time to prayer that I should.
And so, back to today. All this morning I focused on how I was feeling. I was achy, I was tired, I was worried once again that the baby wasn’t doing ok.
And then, I sat down with my Bible and I heard these verses over and over again in my head:
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:27 NIV).
Once again I was reminded how much I need time with God each day. Once again I was reminded how much I need His comfort and love to make it through each day.
As I relaxed, read God’s word, and spent time in prayer, my heart was calmed, and the baby kicks started to come rapidly.
Those kicks reminded me of how precious this growing life inside of me is to my Savior. He cares more for this little one then I ever will. He has an ultimate plan and purpose already in place for this child. He is in charge of life, not me.
And so, I’m once again thankful. Thankful for the gift of life God has given to this child. Thankful that He’s chosen me to be the mother of this precious life. And thankful that He really does answer prayers, big and small.
What answered prayers are you thankful for today? What unanswered prayers do you need to bring before the throne of God?
Monday, August 9, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
An Attitude Adjustment
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 10-12; James 4
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:7-8,10 NIV) .
My attitude, today, has not been the best. I’ve been grumpy, focusing on my own aches and pains, and easily annoyed with others. It took me quite awhile to figure out why. I didn’t start today with God. That’s pretty normal for me on the weekends. During the week I’ve gotten pretty good at setting a part some time everyday, but on the weekends I get distracted. My husband’s around, and we’re usually out and about running errands, doing something with friends, or just enjoying the beautiful summertime in general.
Today I felt a nudging from the Holy Spirit, but I ignored it and started my day. It was a matter of going downstairs to get my laptop, but I didn’t feel like going that far out of the way. I was more interested in breakfast, and the company currently staying at our house. And so I neglected to spend time with God, even though I knew I needed to.
And I’ve felt grumpy ever since.
Now it’s almost dinnertime, and I’ve finally wised up. I holed myself up in my room, away from all the distractions, and spent some time reading the word of God. I’ve found myself weak, humbled, and award of my inadequacies. I’m ready for my heart to once again be purified. And I’m praying that the rest of this day, however little is left, is much better than the first. I’m praying that my attitude improves, and that joy of the Lord will once again be my strength.
What about you? How are you doing on your daily quiet time with God? Does your attitude or heart need an adjustment today?
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:7-8,10 NIV) .
My attitude, today, has not been the best. I’ve been grumpy, focusing on my own aches and pains, and easily annoyed with others. It took me quite awhile to figure out why. I didn’t start today with God. That’s pretty normal for me on the weekends. During the week I’ve gotten pretty good at setting a part some time everyday, but on the weekends I get distracted. My husband’s around, and we’re usually out and about running errands, doing something with friends, or just enjoying the beautiful summertime in general.
Today I felt a nudging from the Holy Spirit, but I ignored it and started my day. It was a matter of going downstairs to get my laptop, but I didn’t feel like going that far out of the way. I was more interested in breakfast, and the company currently staying at our house. And so I neglected to spend time with God, even though I knew I needed to.
And I’ve felt grumpy ever since.
Now it’s almost dinnertime, and I’ve finally wised up. I holed myself up in my room, away from all the distractions, and spent some time reading the word of God. I’ve found myself weak, humbled, and award of my inadequacies. I’m ready for my heart to once again be purified. And I’m praying that the rest of this day, however little is left, is much better than the first. I’m praying that my attitude improves, and that joy of the Lord will once again be my strength.
What about you? How are you doing on your daily quiet time with God? Does your attitude or heart need an adjustment today?
Friday, August 6, 2010
The Power of the Tongue
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 7-9; James 3
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness” (James 3: 9 NIV).
The tongue is a dangerous weapon. Physical wounds can heal faster then the wounds of a tongue. As I’m sitting here typing, I can bring to mind hurtful things people have said to me from ten or even fifteen years ago. Once again I can start to feel hurt, angry and abused. I can start to get my feathers in a ruffle over things that person has long ago forgotten. They might not even realize they said the hurtful thing to me. Yet, I can still get hurt all over again by it.
Words are such a powerful tool. They can hurt, or they can build up and affirm a person. Sometimes simply telling someone that you love and admire them can change their whole day. Instead of being glum, a smile is brought to their face that they can’t seem to shake. Their whole outlook has changed.
James 1:19-20 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (NIV).
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not very good at this. More often then naught something spews out of my mouth before I’m even thinking about the consequences. I say things that hurt and wound those around me, without even meaning to do so.
So my prayer for today is that I’ll speak just a little bit slower. My prayer is that the words of my mouth will come from God, not from me. My prayer is that I’ll never forget just how powerful words are in this world, and that I’ll use my words to build up, instead of tear down.
What about you? What are your words portraying about you today?
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness” (James 3: 9 NIV).
The tongue is a dangerous weapon. Physical wounds can heal faster then the wounds of a tongue. As I’m sitting here typing, I can bring to mind hurtful things people have said to me from ten or even fifteen years ago. Once again I can start to feel hurt, angry and abused. I can start to get my feathers in a ruffle over things that person has long ago forgotten. They might not even realize they said the hurtful thing to me. Yet, I can still get hurt all over again by it.
Words are such a powerful tool. They can hurt, or they can build up and affirm a person. Sometimes simply telling someone that you love and admire them can change their whole day. Instead of being glum, a smile is brought to their face that they can’t seem to shake. Their whole outlook has changed.
James 1:19-20 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (NIV).
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not very good at this. More often then naught something spews out of my mouth before I’m even thinking about the consequences. I say things that hurt and wound those around me, without even meaning to do so.
So my prayer for today is that I’ll speak just a little bit slower. My prayer is that the words of my mouth will come from God, not from me. My prayer is that I’ll never forget just how powerful words are in this world, and that I’ll use my words to build up, instead of tear down.
What about you? What are your words portraying about you today?
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Putting Faith to Work
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 4-6; James 2
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26 NIV)
Elisha was such a great example of a man of God who believed that anything was possible with God, and acted on his faith to help others see the truth. In 2 Kings 4, a widow comes to Elisha, asking for help. Her sons are about to be sold as slaves because of her debts. Elisha gives her a task. He sees a way to act on his faith, but it will require a great amount of faith from the widow as well. She must fill as many jars as possible with oil. Yet she only has a little bit left. Yet, she believes that the impossible with happen, and it does. She fills enough oil in the jars to pay off her creditors. Elisha’s act of faith influences her own act of faith. Because he was willing to help her, she sees the power of God in action.
Isn’t it a wonderful cycle? One person’s faith influences another persons faith and causes it to grow.
So often I get caught up in myself, and forget to reach out and help others in need. I forget all that God can do through a simple act of kindness. And how that simple kindness can draw others closer to him.
What about you? How can you reach outside of yourself today and help someone else in need? How can you put your faith to good use?
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26 NIV)
Elisha was such a great example of a man of God who believed that anything was possible with God, and acted on his faith to help others see the truth. In 2 Kings 4, a widow comes to Elisha, asking for help. Her sons are about to be sold as slaves because of her debts. Elisha gives her a task. He sees a way to act on his faith, but it will require a great amount of faith from the widow as well. She must fill as many jars as possible with oil. Yet she only has a little bit left. Yet, she believes that the impossible with happen, and it does. She fills enough oil in the jars to pay off her creditors. Elisha’s act of faith influences her own act of faith. Because he was willing to help her, she sees the power of God in action.
Isn’t it a wonderful cycle? One person’s faith influences another persons faith and causes it to grow.
So often I get caught up in myself, and forget to reach out and help others in need. I forget all that God can do through a simple act of kindness. And how that simple kindness can draw others closer to him.
What about you? How can you reach outside of yourself today and help someone else in need? How can you put your faith to good use?
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Words
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 1-3; James 1
“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1: 13-15 NIV).
I love sitting in coffee shops and writing. The music, the bustling, the sugary drinks, it’s a wonderful atmosphere to think, and to observe. As I was reading my devotions today, I couldn’t help but over hearing a conversation nearby. Across the room from me four people were sitting, a boy and three girls. From what they were saying they had to be college age, enjoying a dinner at this coffee shop. While I in no way no their hearts, their conversation was less than holy. I’ll save you the details, but I was saddened by the kind of personal information they were sharing so freely. Where has our world come to that nothing is kept holy? That anything and everything is up for public conversation? When did the name of the Lord start being used as a swear word? And the bonds of marriage no longer considered set apart and holy?
I really don’t want to preach today. I don’t want to stand up on a soap box. But I really was bothered today. I was bothered by what I heard. And I was at a loss for how to change it. Maybe I should have stood up, walked over, and asked them to change their topic of conversation. Maybe I should have said something. I’m no sure. But it was interesting how their conversation lined up so closely with what James had to say about the dangerous powers of the tongue and the temptations of this world.
“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1: 13-15 NIV).
I love sitting in coffee shops and writing. The music, the bustling, the sugary drinks, it’s a wonderful atmosphere to think, and to observe. As I was reading my devotions today, I couldn’t help but over hearing a conversation nearby. Across the room from me four people were sitting, a boy and three girls. From what they were saying they had to be college age, enjoying a dinner at this coffee shop. While I in no way no their hearts, their conversation was less than holy. I’ll save you the details, but I was saddened by the kind of personal information they were sharing so freely. Where has our world come to that nothing is kept holy? That anything and everything is up for public conversation? When did the name of the Lord start being used as a swear word? And the bonds of marriage no longer considered set apart and holy?
I really don’t want to preach today. I don’t want to stand up on a soap box. But I really was bothered today. I was bothered by what I heard. And I was at a loss for how to change it. Maybe I should have stood up, walked over, and asked them to change their topic of conversation. Maybe I should have said something. I’m no sure. But it was interesting how their conversation lined up so closely with what James had to say about the dangerous powers of the tongue and the temptations of this world.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Paul and Barnabus
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 21-22; Acts 14
“Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith” (Acts 14:21-22 NIV).
Paul and Barnabas didn’t have it easy. They were spit at, rebuked, chased and stoned. They were persecuted and ridiculed, yet they still reached out to others. They had a great desire to share the Good News of Christ with all who would believe. They spoke the truth, even in the midst of persecution, and encouraged their brothers and sisters in Christ to stand firm.
I’ll admit it, when I feel beat down, the last thing I want to do is encourage someone else. Instead, I want to focus on my own hurts, pains and fears. I want to focus on how I’ve been mistreated, instead of encouraging someone else. Yet this is exactly the example Paul and Barnabas set for us. They encouraged and gave, even when they were at the end of their selves. And look how God used them! Paul and Barnabas had such an amazing ministry, and brought so many to Christ. At times I wonder if I could ever do the same. They seem so much greater then men, so much more important.
But they’re not really. They’re just men, willing to be broken and used by their Savior.
I wonder what ways God could use me today, if I truly got over myself and my own misfortunes and focused on others instead. If, instead of focusing on what I couldn’t do, I focused on what I could do to love and serve others.
I’m sure some amazing things would start to happen.
Lord, please help me to look past myself and truly see the needs of others today. Show me practical ways in which I can love them, and draw them closer to your side.
“Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith” (Acts 14:21-22 NIV).
Paul and Barnabas didn’t have it easy. They were spit at, rebuked, chased and stoned. They were persecuted and ridiculed, yet they still reached out to others. They had a great desire to share the Good News of Christ with all who would believe. They spoke the truth, even in the midst of persecution, and encouraged their brothers and sisters in Christ to stand firm.
I’ll admit it, when I feel beat down, the last thing I want to do is encourage someone else. Instead, I want to focus on my own hurts, pains and fears. I want to focus on how I’ve been mistreated, instead of encouraging someone else. Yet this is exactly the example Paul and Barnabas set for us. They encouraged and gave, even when they were at the end of their selves. And look how God used them! Paul and Barnabas had such an amazing ministry, and brought so many to Christ. At times I wonder if I could ever do the same. They seem so much greater then men, so much more important.
But they’re not really. They’re just men, willing to be broken and used by their Savior.
I wonder what ways God could use me today, if I truly got over myself and my own misfortunes and focused on others instead. If, instead of focusing on what I couldn’t do, I focused on what I could do to love and serve others.
I’m sure some amazing things would start to happen.
Lord, please help me to look past myself and truly see the needs of others today. Show me practical ways in which I can love them, and draw them closer to your side.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Deliverance
Today my heart is heavy. Some of my dear friends are going through extremely rough times. And there’s nothing I can do to help, but pray. I’m sure they feel quite hopeless tonight, and don’t know where to turn too. And so, I pray that God shows up, and wraps His arms around them tonight.
As I read about the prophet of Elijah, I was once again reminded how God meets each of us exactly where we are. He sees our feelings of hurt, of rejection, of helplessness, and He wraps his arms around us in love. He really does understand. In today’s reading, Elijah is at the end of his rope. He has fled to the desert, ready to die, and calls out to God in desperation. Instead of letting him die, God sends an angel to minister to Elijah. This angel brings the prophet food, and tells him to get up and wait for the presence of the Lord to pass by. Elijah obeys, and is treated to yet another supernatural experience. As he seeks the voice of the Lord, he hears strong winds, an earthquake, and then, finally, a gentle whisper.
It is in this whisper that the Lord God finally speaks to Elijah.
What a great reminder to all of us, to be still, even in the midst of life’s troubles, and listen for the voice of God. Sometimes it’s so hard to hear His voice, when we’re caught up in our own circumstances. We get into a survival mode, and forget to look up for help. We try to do things on our own, instead of calling on the Great Helper for Deliverance.
Lord, please help me to be silent enough tonight so that I can hear your voice.
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