Saturday, February 18, 2017

February 18

One of the common threads that I've noticed running through the testimonies of the great preachers and leaders, is that most had a very humble beginning. They never set out to become world famous preachers or leaders. Their hearts were focused on Jesus and He taught them along the way by preparing them with one task at a time. Their fame didn't come overnight, although a few were transformed by having their feet put to the fire. It was a simple step by step process where each step built upon the last. They completely surrendered their life to Jesus, emptied themselves so that He could remake them into the image that He desired for them. They were examples of God's Word coming to life. They waited on God to move them and they followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Surrender and give Him the power to do a good work in you. You never know the kind of impact a small task may have.

"One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. Luke 16:10

Friday, February 17, 2017

February 17

There is a spirit of fear throughout this nation that has been stirred up by the enemy. The fear and worry of pending doom is being capitalized on and spread by the news and social media. They have become useful tools for the devil in causing division, inciting violence, and instilling fear. Other than what you've heard or seen in the news, how has any of this affected you physically? I live in a very large city and have yet to be touched by any of it. FEAR=False Evidence Appearing Real. I would say that this sums it up! Anxiety and worry are sweeping through so many minds that they are not really noticing that their lives haven't changed to match their fear. There is good news in all of this, God is still on His throne and is still in charge! If you trust in the Lord, fear should not be a part of your vocabulary unless it is fear of the Lord, which is a good thing. Turn off the news if it's frightening you and trust the Almighty.

for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

Thursday, February 16, 2017

February 16

We've all ridden in a car with a crazy driver. They speed up to keep people from getting in front of them, every stoplight is the opportunity to race the car next to them, and they ride the bumper of the car that's clogging up the fast lane! They think that the other drivers have ill intentions. The passenger seat is a scary place to be! Most of the time no laws were broken and you get to where you are going unscathed, and believe me, you are relieved to get there! As a follower of Jesus, our ride can be as exhilarating or as frightening, depending on the way you look at it. We need to keep our focus on where we are going and drive defensively, but we also need to remember that not everyone has ill intensions as we pass them on the highway of life. We don't want to mow anyone down as we speed toward our destination. We know where we are going, so slow down and enjoy the ride.

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

February 15

My husband and I were on our way home from dinner just as the sun was getting ready to set. It was quite brilliant peaking through the cypress trees. Though we may not see it during the nighttime hours, it is always full. I think that it's quite interesting that the Bible uses light to describe Jesus. Just as the sun is the light of the world, Jesus is the true light. The sun warms the earth and causes it to flourish an grow, feeding us and keeping us alive. Jesus feeds us with wisdom, causing our minds to grow in knowledge of Him and saving us from eternal death. I am so grateful for my life. Though in this world we may encounter trouble, we know that Jesus overcame the world, defeated death and its hold, and has given us everlasting life where we will dwell in the shadow of the almighty and never face darkness again. Living in the brilliant light of Jesus is where I want to be. How about you?

the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned." Matthew 4:16

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

February 14

I'm no expert on love, but I do know how great it feels to be loved. Today is a day that has been dedicated to showing love in an extraordinary way. Many people make dinner arrangements, order flowers and candy, and go beyond the norm in their expressions. Love is so special to God that it's even a biblical commandment! There is a segment of society that is angry all the time; my theory is that they feel no love therefore they give no love. If you dare, try to be kind to them and show you care. There was a woman who worked at the deli counter at my local grocery store who always had a sour look on her face. I never wanted her to wait on me. I decided to reach out to her and strike up a conversation. I watched as her angry face perked up into a smile and now she's as friendly to me as can be. It's not that hard to show loving kindness; remember to do that today and every day.

"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:36-39

Monday, February 13, 2017

February 13

Do you ever just allow God's power to work through you? When I started pulling things together for my first devotional book, I put in place a few ground rules, 1) I will wait on God's timing, 2) I will listen intently to the Holy Spirit for guidance, 3) If writing this book is God's will, then He will provide the funding to do it. As a testament to show God's faithfulness, I didn't spend a dime! As far as the timing, I had thought that I had enough writings to have it complete long before  I did, but that's not what God wanted. After a review of those, I realized that I needed to keep writing. Here is the caveat: if the words reach out and grab you, then you know that they were inspired. If the words stink, it was me trying to force it by working through my own power, which is no power at all! My prayer has always been that if the words were uninspired, they go completely unnoticed. The point of this is, "let go and let God!"

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Sunday, February 12, 2017

February 12

There are mornings that I just want to sleep in but I have furry individuals that sometimes need to go out very early. Once they wake me up then it's over, I can never go back to sleep. It's always a good thing though. God always helps me fill those early morning awakenings with His presence. Sometimes He works through my dogs to wake me up because He has a surprise waiting for me. He says "come outside and take a look; I've hung the moon for you!" My response is of overwhelming gratitude. I'm even brought to tears because I know He did that just for me and couldn't wait for me to see it. That gift was so bright that it lit up the whole sky reminding me that His banner over me is love! Soften you heart so you can feel the Father's love. He shows us His kindness in so many ways but it's up to us to take notice. He loves you to the moon and back! 

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. Song of Solomon 2:4

and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19