Today is actually my first real day of unemployment. I was given a two week notice and I worked those days. Since the time I heard the news, God has been so good to give me words of encouragement. If you have been one of his people to encourage me, I say thank you.
My immediate supervisor and sweet friend, Cindy Poole shared several devotionals that came her way. (Her hours were reduced). God's timing is always perfect. If you know someone who has been laid off, this is a good devotional to share with them.
God Can Provide Through Any Faucet
Rick Warren
"But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today." Deut. 8:18
The Bible teaches that God is the source of our finances. He is the one who provides for our needs.
What does this mean? It means that, instead of looking to my employer for financial security, I look to God. It means that, instead of looking at my savings account for financial security, I look to God. It means that I don't look to anyone or anything other than God to provide for my needs.
Let me illustrate it this way: When I turn on the water, I know the water doesn't actually come from the faucet. The water comes through the faucet. The water is actually from a reservoir, and the way I happen to receive it is trough the faucet.
In the same way, the income that God wants to give you may come through a job or though something or someone else.
But the source is always God.
We don't need to worry about which faucet God uses to supply our needs. In a sense he says, "If I turn off one faucet, I can just as easily turn on another. If you lose one job, I can give you another. I am your source, not your job. I am your source, not your bank account."
Worry reveals the places where you are not trusting God. Ask God to help you understand what causes you to not trust him, and ask him to teach you to start trusting him. Look for how he does that. In addition, when you start to worry, talk to God about your concerns.
Showing posts with label Devotional. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Devotional. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Work!
I love how the Lord orchestrates certain devotionals reading or Bible Study lessons to speak specifically to a request or need in my life. No, it does not happen every day, but when it does, it is such a spiritual high. As Beth Moore says, "There is no "high" like the MOST HIGH!"
Speaking of Beth Moore, this past January she encouraged readers of her blog to memorize 24 scriptures during this year. On the 1st and 15th of the month, a new scripture of your choosing, would be added to your memory work. (I am joined by several special ladies, Beckie, Cynthia, Patty, Jennifer, Lisa and Debbie) It is great having the accountability of not only Beth's blog, but these ladies as well.
My scripture for March 15
Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us, yes, establish the work of our hands. PS. 90:17
This morning before my feet hit the floor, I was praying this scripture. Kynn and I, along with Cynthia, teach a young couples class at the 8:45 am hour at Shandon Baptist Church. Yesterday we began a new class for this church year. I was specifically praying for our class and the direction that God may lead it. I was asking God to establish the work of our hands, the work that He has for us to do. We are open to his leading. We want to join him where he is at work.
I am currently working through a devotional book called, A 30 day walk with God in the Psalms by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Wouldn't you just know it! My lesson today was Psalm 90. Yep! That was the verse I was praying this morning.
Nancy DeMoss walks the reader through the whole Psalm. God is our dwelling place, we are frail and will return to dust, we are to number our days, and it ends with establish the work of our hands.
After working through this psalm, I felt an even more urgency to pray, Establish the work of our hands,.....MY hands. Verse 12 reads, "So teach us to number our days, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
Two questions that she asked in the application part of the devotional included,
1. Calculate approximately how many days you have already lived. If God gives you a lifespan of 70 years (25,550 days), how many days do you have left on earth? How do you want to live those remain days? (ok, I know for the young peeps (lol) out there, this does not mean much, but for older peeps like me, :) well..............) I DID the math! Gulp.
2. What practical difference would it make for you to live your life "in the light of eternity?"
2 Peter 3 says
"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed."
Our works really do matter here on earth. They will be exposed and judged one day by God.
Whatever your work is today, may it be for God's glory.
Speaking of Beth Moore, this past January she encouraged readers of her blog to memorize 24 scriptures during this year. On the 1st and 15th of the month, a new scripture of your choosing, would be added to your memory work. (I am joined by several special ladies, Beckie, Cynthia, Patty, Jennifer, Lisa and Debbie) It is great having the accountability of not only Beth's blog, but these ladies as well.
My scripture for March 15
Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us, yes, establish the work of our hands. PS. 90:17
This morning before my feet hit the floor, I was praying this scripture. Kynn and I, along with Cynthia, teach a young couples class at the 8:45 am hour at Shandon Baptist Church. Yesterday we began a new class for this church year. I was specifically praying for our class and the direction that God may lead it. I was asking God to establish the work of our hands, the work that He has for us to do. We are open to his leading. We want to join him where he is at work.
I am currently working through a devotional book called, A 30 day walk with God in the Psalms by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Wouldn't you just know it! My lesson today was Psalm 90. Yep! That was the verse I was praying this morning.
Nancy DeMoss walks the reader through the whole Psalm. God is our dwelling place, we are frail and will return to dust, we are to number our days, and it ends with establish the work of our hands.
After working through this psalm, I felt an even more urgency to pray, Establish the work of our hands,.....MY hands. Verse 12 reads, "So teach us to number our days, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
Two questions that she asked in the application part of the devotional included,
1. Calculate approximately how many days you have already lived. If God gives you a lifespan of 70 years (25,550 days), how many days do you have left on earth? How do you want to live those remain days? (ok, I know for the young peeps (lol) out there, this does not mean much, but for older peeps like me, :) well..............) I DID the math! Gulp.
2. What practical difference would it make for you to live your life "in the light of eternity?"
2 Peter 3 says
"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed."
Our works really do matter here on earth. They will be exposed and judged one day by God.
Whatever your work is today, may it be for God's glory.
Father, I pray today, that you will establish the work of my hands, that it may make a difference for your kingdom, that I will not waste my time, but use it wisely. Help me to be mindful to number my days. Thank you for bringing your word to me. Amen.
(If anyone would like to join the scripture memory, it is not too late. Just let me know and we will add you to our email each 1st and 15th or join in on Beth Moore's blog)
Friday, July 22, 2011
Love covers a multitude of sins
"Love covers a multitude of sins."
Have you ever seen the verse, "Love covers a multitude of sins"? It is one of my favorites and I pull it up in my mind often. Jesus is so interested in love and wants us to love like He loves. Notice I did not say "loved" as if He was still dead...
I love it when the Holy Spirit helps me retrieve this verse so I can apply it to my life and extend mercy, cut someone some slack, or react differently than I would have years ago, before I began to zero in on this verse.
Today after work I stopped by a grocery store that I usually do not frequent. I ordered a pre-made raw salad and a nice young man saw me waiting at the deli counter, parked his broom, and offered to assist me. I wondered if he would wash his hands or put on gloves before he helped me. After all, he had been cleaning only God knows what.
He did neither...
He reached for a long-handled spoon to scoop out my broccoli-raisin salad and I thought, "Well, how easily can germs make it from his hands to the broccoli, down that long handle in just a few short seconds?" I let it slide instead of making a big issue out of it...
There was only one problem: some of the broccoli flopped out onto his hand and he just took that spoon and scooped it right back into my container! At that point I had to choose how I would respond.
Instead of giving him a big lecture on why he should wear gloves and how he should not sell food that has touched his hand, I just felt led show some grace and smile, thanking him for the friendly service.
I then had to decide if I was going to march to the manager, demand a free broccoli salad and report the young man...
So I paid for the salad and shared the story with the Lord's kindness, while emphasizing that the man was one of the nicest people I had ever met and his customer service was excellent. All he needed was some training about health codes. The manager said he was new and would explain their policy. I doubt he was ever told about the gloves...
This man didn't "sin" against me as the verse states, but in my quest to grow in love and become more and more like Jesus, I look for little everyday ways I can apply his grace and love to others. I wonder if this was a small, silly way to do this... I really don't know, but just wanted to write about it. Maybe my two sons will stumble upon it one day and use it to address another scenario.
Yesterday while I was in the waiting room at the doctor's office the person at the desk asked each person who checked in to have their picture taken so it appears on their chart. They do this at MD Anderson, too, so they can be assured that you are you. There was a woman who became unglued, verbally outraged, over this and I felt for her, that such a thing would set her off like that. I felt compassion, though, and wondered if a cancer diagnosis had just caused her to cave in.
I think God cares about the little things as well as the big things. He cares about how we treat people - all people. We can exhort people or "teach" them in love and humility. I want to be better at that! I can recall times when I was just like that woman. I want to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord...
Today was a good day. I am thankful for another day. (Anne Buck, July 22, 11)
Have you ever seen the verse, "Love covers a multitude of sins"? It is one of my favorites and I pull it up in my mind often. Jesus is so interested in love and wants us to love like He loves. Notice I did not say "loved" as if He was still dead...
I love it when the Holy Spirit helps me retrieve this verse so I can apply it to my life and extend mercy, cut someone some slack, or react differently than I would have years ago, before I began to zero in on this verse.
Today after work I stopped by a grocery store that I usually do not frequent. I ordered a pre-made raw salad and a nice young man saw me waiting at the deli counter, parked his broom, and offered to assist me. I wondered if he would wash his hands or put on gloves before he helped me. After all, he had been cleaning only God knows what.
He did neither...
He reached for a long-handled spoon to scoop out my broccoli-raisin salad and I thought, "Well, how easily can germs make it from his hands to the broccoli, down that long handle in just a few short seconds?" I let it slide instead of making a big issue out of it...
There was only one problem: some of the broccoli flopped out onto his hand and he just took that spoon and scooped it right back into my container! At that point I had to choose how I would respond.
Instead of giving him a big lecture on why he should wear gloves and how he should not sell food that has touched his hand, I just felt led show some grace and smile, thanking him for the friendly service.
I then had to decide if I was going to march to the manager, demand a free broccoli salad and report the young man...
So I paid for the salad and shared the story with the Lord's kindness, while emphasizing that the man was one of the nicest people I had ever met and his customer service was excellent. All he needed was some training about health codes. The manager said he was new and would explain their policy. I doubt he was ever told about the gloves...
This man didn't "sin" against me as the verse states, but in my quest to grow in love and become more and more like Jesus, I look for little everyday ways I can apply his grace and love to others. I wonder if this was a small, silly way to do this... I really don't know, but just wanted to write about it. Maybe my two sons will stumble upon it one day and use it to address another scenario.
Yesterday while I was in the waiting room at the doctor's office the person at the desk asked each person who checked in to have their picture taken so it appears on their chart. They do this at MD Anderson, too, so they can be assured that you are you. There was a woman who became unglued, verbally outraged, over this and I felt for her, that such a thing would set her off like that. I felt compassion, though, and wondered if a cancer diagnosis had just caused her to cave in.
I think God cares about the little things as well as the big things. He cares about how we treat people - all people. We can exhort people or "teach" them in love and humility. I want to be better at that! I can recall times when I was just like that woman. I want to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord...
Today was a good day. I am thankful for another day. (Anne Buck, July 22, 11)
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Catch those foxes.
Boy, I had a "fox" today. :( I was talking to my BFF Marlene and she said, "I have sent you an email that you need to read." This spoke and ministered to my heart. Thank you Lord, for speaking to me today.
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines…"(Song of Solomon 2:15, NKJV)
Most often, it's not the big things that happen in life that keep us from being happy; it's the small things. I've heard it said, "Tornados and hurricanes get more news coverage, but in reality, termites do more damage." That's what today's scripture is saying. Most of the time, we're not dealing with some major crisis like losing a job, a life-threatening illness, or a relationship breaking up. The big things are rare. It's the little inconveniences like not being able to find your car keys in the morning, or being in a hurry and getting behind a driver going 40 in a 60-mile-an-hour zone. It's the little interruptions and frustrations that get our emotions worked up and cause us to lose our joy and peace.
The way we handle the little things will determine what kind of life we will live. When we allow negative thoughts of frustration to come in, we are allowing the little foxes to spoil the vines. Make the decision today to "catch" those foxes by choosing to think on the right things. Let His Word bring new life to your emotions so you can move forward in the life of peace and joy the way God intends.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, today I submit my mind, will and emotions to You. I choose to focus on Your Word and not allow the little foxes to steal my joy and peace. Keep me close to You and guide me in the way I should go. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines…"(Song of Solomon 2:15, NKJV)
Most often, it's not the big things that happen in life that keep us from being happy; it's the small things. I've heard it said, "Tornados and hurricanes get more news coverage, but in reality, termites do more damage." That's what today's scripture is saying. Most of the time, we're not dealing with some major crisis like losing a job, a life-threatening illness, or a relationship breaking up. The big things are rare. It's the little inconveniences like not being able to find your car keys in the morning, or being in a hurry and getting behind a driver going 40 in a 60-mile-an-hour zone. It's the little interruptions and frustrations that get our emotions worked up and cause us to lose our joy and peace.
The way we handle the little things will determine what kind of life we will live. When we allow negative thoughts of frustration to come in, we are allowing the little foxes to spoil the vines. Make the decision today to "catch" those foxes by choosing to think on the right things. Let His Word bring new life to your emotions so you can move forward in the life of peace and joy the way God intends.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, today I submit my mind, will and emotions to You. I choose to focus on Your Word and not allow the little foxes to steal my joy and peace. Keep me close to You and guide me in the way I should go. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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