Daily Christian Wisdom

[Bri'sBeauty]

Originally Posted by dutchgirl1

I love Just Enough Light.... by Stormie. I read one chapter at nite while waiting on hubs to come to bed. after I finish, I am going to read again - this time w/ a yellow highlighter.

honey, we all feel the same way. in the words of #5 (remember short circuit?) NEED MORE INPUT!!
hang in there and keeping trusting the Lord. He will give you all that you need.. whether to fight off the enemy or to walk in courage. I find my days go much easier
when I put on the armor every morning... (eph 6)

hugs n prayers.
d'gal

I am loving "Just enough light" I am almost half way through it! I am gonna take it to my daughter to read in rehab when I am done with it but after she reads it I am gonna get it back, It will definitely be read several times. I usually read stuff like this and pass it on to friends but this one is a keeper!

[mandymoo]

Originally Posted by dutchgirl1

I love Just Enough Light.... by Stormie. I read one chapter at nite while waiting on hubs to come to bed. after I finish, I am going to read again - this time w/ a yellow highlighter.

honey, we all feel the same way. in the words of #5 (remember short circuit?) NEED MORE INPUT!!
hang in there and keeping trusting the Lord. He will give you all that you need.. whether to fight off the enemy or to walk in courage. I find my days go much easier
when I put on the armor every morning... (eph 6)

hugs n prayers.
d'gal

"Number 5 is ALIVE!".

[dutchgirl1]

Strategic Lessons for Spiritual Warfare




“The Lord is faithful. He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3

Military strategists will tell you that learning the truth about your enemy is a critical factor in winning battles. As followers of Christ, we have an enemy that seeks to destroy us, but as we are learning this week on the broadcast, Jesus has already won the war. We are “In It to Win It,” as our series title describes.
Today, let’s add some ammunition to our spiritual warfare arsenal by blowing up some of Satan’s most calculated lies about himself.

#1 Satan has limitations. Don’t think that the enemy of our souls can get access to you any time he wants or do anything he feels like doing. The Bible doesn’t teach that. It’s important for us to remember, as the followers of Jesus Christ, that God has put limits on the enemy.
In my small group we’ve been memorizing the great promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “There is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, He will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able.” When the enemy whispers in your ear, “Give in—you can’t win.” Say back to him, “That is a lie.” (Remember “Liar” is another of his names.) God says there’s nothing that you will face that you can’t have victory over. He wouldn’t allow it. He only allows you to be tempted to the point where you can win. God allows the struggle to go on so that we can draw down upon His strength and live in victory.

#2 Satan is not omni-anything. He doesn’t know everything (he’s not omniscient.) Satan doesn’t know what you’re thinking. Only God knows your thoughts. He’s also not everywhere like God (he’s not omnipresent). He can’t do everything or anything (he’s not omnipotent), but can only do what God allows.

#3 Satan is the defeated enemy. Revelation 20 makes very clear Satan’s ultimate end in the lake of fire. Satan has already lost the fight—it’s just a matter of time. Jesus took the fire out of Satan’s battle plans at the Cross. Colossians 2:15 says, “Jesus disarmed rulers and authorities in the spiritual realm, triumphing over them in the cross.” I love that! Satan must have thought, “If I get Him up on the cross, it’s over.” But wait a second—He’s alive again! The greatest victory of all time is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His victory guarantees our victory in the spiritual war of the ages.

So here are two things to think about this week. #1 Know the truth about your enemy. And an even greater formula for success is, #2: Know your God and His Word. When you do, you’ll know how to win each battle in the streets and in your home every day of your life.

James MacDonald devotions

[Bri'sBeauty]

Originally Posted by dutchgirl1

Strategic Lessons for Spiritual Warfare




“The Lord is faithful. He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”
2 Thessalonians 3:3

Military strategists will tell you that learning the truth about your enemy is a critical factor in winning battles. As followers of Christ, we have an enemy that seeks to destroy us, but as we are learning this week on the broadcast, Jesus has already won the war. We are “In It to Win It,” as our series title describes.
Today, let’s add some ammunition to our spiritual warfare arsenal by blowing up some of Satan’s most calculated lies about himself.

#1 Satan has limitations. Don’t think that the enemy of our souls can get access to you any time he wants or do anything he feels like doing. The Bible doesn’t teach that. It’s important for us to remember, as the followers of Jesus Christ, that God has put limits on the enemy.
In my small group we’ve been memorizing the great promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “There is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, He will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able.” When the enemy whispers in your ear, “Give in—you can’t win.” Say back to him, “That is a lie.” (Remember “Liar” is another of his names.) God says there’s nothing that you will face that you can’t have victory over. He wouldn’t allow it. He only allows you to be tempted to the point where you can win. God allows the struggle to go on so that we can draw down upon His strength and live in victory.

#2 Satan is not omni-anything. He doesn’t know everything (he’s not omniscient.) Satan doesn’t know what you’re thinking. Only God knows your thoughts. He’s also not everywhere like God (he’s not omnipresent). He can’t do everything or anything (he’s not omnipotent), but can only do what God allows.

#3 Satan is the defeated enemy. Revelation 20 makes very clear Satan’s ultimate end in the lake of fire. Satan has already lost the fight—it’s just a matter of time. Jesus took the fire out of Satan’s battle plans at the Cross. Colossians 2:15 says, “Jesus disarmed rulers and authorities in the spiritual realm, triumphing over them in the cross.” I love that! Satan must have thought, “If I get Him up on the cross, it’s over.” But wait a second—He’s alive again! The greatest victory of all time is the resurrection of Jesus Christ. His victory guarantees our victory in the spiritual war of the ages.

So here are two things to think about this week. #1 Know the truth about your enemy. And an even greater formula for success is, #2: Know your God and His Word. When you do, you’ll know how to win each battle in the streets and in your home every day of your life.

James MacDonald devotions

Loved Todays Word! It was very needed. The devil is really trying my patience and I needed the reminder that he can only go so far before God turns it all around for my good and his GLORY!

[dutchgirl1]

no matter what the enemy does or attempts against us.... he can do nothing w/o Gods permission. sometimes God will allow something because He knows we will be ok.

[dutchgirl1]

When God Says “No” . . . Pray

When nobody is around and when we're able to be absolutely honest with ourselves before God, we entertain certain dreams and hopes. We want very much by the end of our days to have _________________________ (fill in the blank). However, it may well be that we will die with that desire unfulfilled. Should that occur, it will be one of the hardest things in the world for us to face and accept. David heard the Lord's "no" and quietly accepted it without resentment. That's awfully hard to do. But we find in David's final recorded words a life-sized portrait of a man after God's own heart.

After four decades of service to Israel, King David, old and perhaps stooped by the years, looked for the last time into the faces of his trusted followers. Many of them represented distinct memories in the old man's mind. Those who would carry on his legacy surrounded him, waiting to receive his last words of wisdom and instruction. What would the seventy-year-old king say?

He began with the passion of his heart, pulling back the curtain to reveal his deepest desire—the dreams and plans for building a temple to the Lord (1 Chronicles 28:2). It was a dream that went unfulfilled in his lifetime. "God said to me," David told his people, "'You shall not build a house for My name because you are a man of war and have shed blood'" (28:3).

Dreams die hard. But in his parting words, David chose to focus on what God had allowed him to do—to reign as king over Israel, to establish his son Solomon over the kingdom, and to pass the dream on to him (28:4–8).
Then, in a beautiful prayer, an extemporaneous expression of worship to the Lord God, David praised the greatness of God, thanking Him for His many blessings, and then interceded for the people of Israel and for their new king, Solomon. Take some extra time to read David's prayer slowly and thoughtfully. It's found in 1 Chronicles 29:10–19.

Rather than wallowing in self-pity or bitterness regarding his unfulfilled dream, David praised God with a grateful heart. Praise leaves humanity out of the picture and focuses fully on the exaltation of the living God. The magnifying glass of praise always looks up.

"Blessed are You, O LORD God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone." (29:10–12)

As David thought of the lavish grace of God that had given the people one good thing after another, his praise then turned to thanksgiving. "Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name" (29:13).
David acknowledged there was nothing special about his people. Their history was one of wandering and tent-dwelling; their lives were like shifting shadows. Yet, because of God's great goodness they were able to supply all that was needed to build God a temple (29:14–16).

David was surrounded by limitless riches, yet all that wealth never captured his heart. He fought other battles within but never greed. David was not held hostage by materialism. He said, in effect, "Lord, everything we have is Yours—all these beautiful elements we offer for your temple, the place where I live, the throne room—all of it is Yours, everything."
To David, God owned it all. Perhaps it was this attitude that allowed the monarch to cope with God's "no" in his life—he was confident that God was in control and that God's plans were best. David held everything loosely.

Next, David prayed for others. He interceded for the people he had ruled for forty years, asking the Lord to remember their offerings for the temple and to draw their hearts toward Him (29:17–18). David also prayed for Solomon: "give to my son Solomon a perfect heart to keep Your commandments, Your testimonies and Your statutes, and to do them all, and to build the temple, for which I have made provision" (29:19).

This magnificent prayer contained David's last recorded words; shortly after, he died "full of days, riches and honor" (29:28). What a fitting way to end a life! His death is a fitting reminder that when a man of God dies, nothing of God dies.

Though some dreams remain unfulfilled, a man or woman of God can respond to His "no" with praise, thanksgiving, and intercession . . . because when a dream dies, nothing of God's purposes die.

charles swindoll devotions

[szcunane]

Wow . ..this was something I needed to hear today, because I've been struggling with broken dreams. Sometimes, not wanting to accept God's no . .
and then I read this devotion . . .. and the closing words . .

"Though some dreams remain unfulfilled, a man or woman of God can respond to His "no" with praise, thanksgiving, and intercession . . . because when a dream dies, nothing of God's purposes die".

I have been really working on thanking Him (thanks to Ann Voskamp, her website: A Holy Experinece) and her book "One Thousand Gifts. Thanking Him is lifting my spirits and helping my attitude, but I love this devotion on David . .. and the reminder that nothing of God's puposes die.

Thank you, for the devotions . .God is working through you this week, to bring some comfort and direction my way.

[dutchgirl1]

Higher Than the Mire


I had been living under a black cloud of fear and anxiety, feeling morose and melancholy. Instead of experiencing peaceful rest each night, I had been lying wide awake, my mind swirling with thoughts of my current job responsibilities, my future goals, my finances, my family's health, and my single status. Inevitably, I woke up exhausted and found that I couldn't remember the last time I had really enjoyed myself, the last time I had spread an uninhibited smile across my face. I was too busy beating up on myself.

Realizing that something had to change, I began to pray. But though I was communicating my troubles to the Lord and trying to meditate on Scriptures about not worrying and giving Him my burdens, somehow I couldn't release my grip on my life so that God could do His work. And here I was working for a Christian ministry, surrounded by other Christians, faithfully going to church on Sundays.
Something was really wrong. Aren't Christians supposed to be joyful? Aren't we supposed to be relaxed knowing that God loves us and He is meeting our needs? I knew the answer was yes, so why wasn't this God thing working for me?

Then the answer came to me. I realized I was stuck in the mire of life because I was striving. Now, it is one thing to accomplish goals. Goals are good. We need goals in life. Goals provide us with vision, without which the Bible explains we perish. It isn't always what we do that is a problem, but rather the reason we do it that can eat away at us. God wants us moving, but He wants us moving toward Him, not moving toward pleasing others or even trying to win His approval.

I couldn't drop the ball, I couldn't say no, because I feared that to do so would mean losing approval from those who had meant the most to me. I was waiting for the proverbial pat on the back from the Lord, even while panicking to keep all plates spinning. Ridiculous, right? I should have recalled that I already had God's favor because of Christ. Instead of resting in His grace, I was striving under the law -- something that God never intended me to do.

It was time to come back into the presence of the Lord. I decided to do something that I am ashamed to admit I had not done for awhile: read His Word believing that God really had something for me, that God really was going to accomplish His purposes in my life.

The Bible says that the Word is sharper than a double-edged sword. It can accomplish much because it is life giving. I was willing to take the chance again, although, to be honest, I wasn't sure it would make a difference. After all, reading the Bible wasn't going to make my current responsibilities magically disappear. And I guessed God wouldn't necessarily get me out of the circumstances that had made me fearful either. So what was the point? And yet I was drawn to Him again.

There are times in life when you re-evaluate and say, 'Is this God stuff really true? I know it is true for my co-workers, because I see them renewed and I see miracles in my friends and neighbors. But the real question here is the belief that a relationship with the Ever Living God could make a drastic difference in MY life. Could God give ME the peace I had been lacking for so long?'

I was willing to bank on it, so I picked up that Bible with just a smidgen of faith. I didn't read a lot. I didn't set aside hours and hours of time with the Lord. I didn't do in-depth Bible studies. All I did was set about ten minutes aside to read a little from one of Paul's letters, mostly from Romans. The remaining time I spent in prayer, saying, 'Lord, give me peace. Help me to stop striving. Help me not to be driven by approval.' I then trusted that God heard me and would answer my prayers.

And believe it or not, I noticed a change in me even after such a short time. Every day I found that I wanted to talk to God and hear what He had to say more than I did the day before. And I found that I was sleeping more soundly at night. God comforted my heart. My circumstances didn't change drastically, but I felt better about me. Instead of feeling condemnation for what I hadn't done, I felt His acceptance because of what Christ did in me.

Christ died once and for all for my sins, and I trust in His name to save me. Instead of taking everything in my life so seriously, I am letting God take it and help me see that life isn't so hard after all.

There is another thing that I have learned, and it has to do with destiny. I used to think that destiny was something that happened to you at some later point in your life. I liked to think of it as that eureka moment when your life's purpose was announced with trumpet blare and streamers and you were finally at one with the King of the universe. But this is not the case.
As I thought about the life of Jesus and His ministry, it was almost like God asked me, "When do you think the destiny of My Son began?" And then the answer came to me. It wasn't what I usually thought. Normally, I would say, "Well, when Jesus got baptized in the Holy Spirit and began His ministry." This time I realized it was at His birth. Jesus began His destiny at conception. Wow! I never really thought about it before, but it was obvious now.

We are no different. Destiny isn't something out there in the far future. It is already in process. Your destiny is everything in life that God redeems and every step that you take by faith as you follow Him, whether it seems grandiose or not. And that is comforting to someone like me who tends to strain for what lies ahead.

Be at peace that Your Savior is shaping you, that He is marking your steps. He knows where the path diverges, and He knows every fork in the road. And if you get troubled or bogged down in your day to day life, as I often do, take time out to spend with Him. You will find the peace that was missing. He will renew your strength and your joy. His mercies will be new for you every morning.

Can God change your life?
God has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own life. Discover how you can find peace with God.


By Laura Bagby - CBN devotions

[dutchgirl1]

some of the last few devotions that I have put in have to do with giving hope and 'light at the end of the tunnel'. todays is a little harder..dealing with anger. many of us hold anger and it is something that needs to be dealt with, same as forgiveness.
d'gal

What Are You Doing With Your Anger?

For the churning of milk produces butter, and pressing the nose brings forth blood; so the churning of anger produces strife.
Proverbs 30:33

Any college football team knows about rivalry games. There are just some special match-ups where the stakes are higher and the emotions run hotter. That is especially true concerning the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners. Texas-OU weekend in Dallas in October often sees fan fights as the animosity toward one another runs as deep as the Red River.

Obviously, these “fighting fans” let their anger run amok. They churn their anger, work themselves into a frenzy, and, no doubt, regret the strife that invariably ensues. Anger is like that. If you churn it and turn it over and over in your mind and heart, you will see harmful, hurtful results. Many have been murdered because of churned anger. If you don’t believe me, just ask Cain and Abel.

SO WHAT DO WE DO WITH ANGER?
God never wants us to churn and chew on our anger. To churn and chew on anger is as foolish as rolling around in Poison Ivy. Surely no one would do that, right?
Perhaps you are angry toward a boss who mistreated you, or a spouse who betrayed you, or a relative who abused you, or a dad who wasn’t there for you, or a coach who cut you, or a teacher who embarrassed you, or a former friend who stabbed you in the back.
When that person’s name is mentioned in conversation, you can feel your stomach start to churn and begin to taste the bitterness in your mouth toward that terrible, horrible, hypocritical person. Inflicting harm on that “evil” person sure sounds like a great plan, doesn’t it? Surely God would want you to take the bull by the horns and get even, right? WRONG!

“Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord”(Romans 12:19).

GIVE YOUR ANGER TO GOD!
Anger typically comes about because something happened to you or someone you love that you did not like, did not want, or did not think was right. Yet, God in His providence allowed it to touch your life.
Therefore, when you feel anger welling up inside of you, instead of churning it, chewing on it, and letting it produce strife, give it to God. You can choose His grace to help you in your time of need. His grace, the desire and power to live for Christ and rise above, is sufficient for every situation you and I will ever encounter.

Are you angry today? Are you churning your anger? Is the rancid butter of strife, discord, resentment and disharmony starting to ooze out of your life like pus from a boil? (I was extra graphic here on purpose to help see what God sees when you churn your anger.)
Put down the churning-stick, and give your anger to God. Let Him repay those who have wronged you. Choose His grace, and allow the Lord to take the ashes of your hurt and anger and turn them to gold.

PRAYER
Dear Father, I have been holding on to anger, churning it, and chewing on it … and I need to stop. I confess what I have been doing is a sin, and it is very displeasing to You. Forgive me, Lord. By faith, I put down the churn-stick and turn this situation over to You. I choose Your grace to help me rise above. Bring back the joy, Lord, as I walk in the light with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen!


jeff schreve devotions

[dutchgirl1]

Is Your Faith Worth the Leap?


In today’s culture, many people have the opinion that we should live by our own standards, oblivious to the Word of God. Some want the blessings of the promises of God, without subjecting themselves to obedience to God. However, to truly be happy and fulfilled, we must examine ourselves in the light of God’s Word and live by it.

The Bible says, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105)

The stress and tensions of life become more unbearable when we live in selfish disobedience to the Word of faith. Yet simple submission and obedience to God’s Word relieve the stress that disobedience and today’s culture impose. Doubt is crippling, but faith is empowering; so make that leap! Faith in action brings victory!

The Bible says in James 2:26, that faith without works is dead. I have learned that faith with works (action) is alive. Faith without works (action) can become an unfulfilled fantasy. For if I have faith that God is leading me, but I do not follow or act on it, then faith turns to doubt and my inaction leads to death; the death of my faith and the death of my dream. This is a horrible state in which to exist.

Unfulfilled faith creeps into one’s life like oil into water. Just as oil pollutes, leaving a nasty film which ruins the purity of the water - so doubt, solidified by inaction, covers the purity of faith; rendering it polluted, unfit, and unusable. Faith activated by works (action) skims the doubt that covers the water of life, cleans it, and recovers the purity of the gift that obedience brings to fruition.

We must be doers of the word and not just hearers. It is so human to hear the word, rejoice in what we hear, and then…. ponder. Pondering plants seeds of doubt, which grows into the mighty tree of procrastination, that bears the poisonous leaves of inaction.

“But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do” (Psalms 1:2)

We must be like good soldiers and jump to attention, springing into action at the orders of our commander, the Lord. But what do we do instead? We hear the order and then prepare to jump, but inaction and hesitation cause us to get caught in the preparation, and we fail to jump. What a sad sight, to see the army of the Lord procrastinating before Him! How undignified!

It is better to jump and fall, than be stuck squatting down to jump. Squatting is a horrible place to stay. You can’t sit down. You can’t rise up. You can neither rest in your success nor stand in the knowledge of a job well done. Go ahead and jump! You can ask how high on the way up! Better to relieve the tension and stretch in the jump than to live with the constant strain of being stuck in the squat. Obedience in the jump is the better way. Make that leap of faith. We’ll see you on the way up!

By Gene Markland CBN devotions

[Bri'sBeauty]

I am asking that all my praying friends pray for my friends son. His name is Tony and he is 15. He has been in remission and they are thinking the cancer has returned. WE Believers Know that GOD can keep the Cancer away! BY JESUS' STRIPES I AM BELIEVING THAT HE IS HEALED OF CANCER AND THE TEST WILL COME BACK CLEAR! IN JESUS' Name AMEN AND AMEN!

[dutchgirl1]

Hi Pam. you know, my hubs and I have been doing some study in 'the words of our mouth.'
the Word says that confession is made unto salvation. well that also applies in our everyday conversations. if we speak negative words, even in jest, we are putting that upon ourselves or others. we need to always speak positve words... whether scripture or 'It is Written"... or ... Thus says the Lord... etc.
example... some old sayings.... ''Be still my heart!... do you really want your heart to be still?
"Oh, that scared me to death" .... really?
I do like the saying "there but for the Grace of God go I."

but my point is... claiming Gods Word is so important for our well-being and others well-being.

just wanted to add that as your post made me think of it. plus - your post goes along with todays devotion scripture.

keeping this young man in Gods keeping and prayers for complete recovery IN JESUS NAME.

hugs.

[dutchgirl1]

The God Who Suffers

He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief . . . Surely He has borne our grief and carried our sorrows.—Isaiah 53:3-4

When we think of God, we usually consider that fact that He is righteous, holy, loving, and good. But here is something else to consider about God: He is the God who has suffered. We don’t tend to think that a perfect Creator would experience such a human trait as human pain and suffering. After all, why would you suffer if you did not have to?

But God has suffered, and more deeply than any of us could ever imagine. In his book The Cross of Christ, John Stott said, “Our God is a suffering God.” And I think he is right.

Listen to Isaiah’s description of what Jesus (who was God) went through at Calvary:
“He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief . . . Surely He has borne our grief and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:3-5)

“A man of suffering.” That was Jesus. But why did God suffer? Because He loved and loves. That means He also enters into our suffering as well.

Hebrews 2:17-18 tells us..
“Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted” (nlt).

You are not alone in your suffering today. Jesus has been there and walked in your shoes and He is here for you right now. Call out to Him.

Think of someone in your life who is suffering. Send today’s devotion to them by e-mail. Then pray that they would find encouragement in its words.

greg laurie devotions.

[mandymoo]

Praying for Tony!

[dutchgirl1]

Job 22:21 Now acquaint yourself with Him, and be at peace; thereby good will come to you.

The best relationship you can commit to is a relationship with the Lord. We know so many people; we know our friends' likes and dislikes, their patterns and desires - but do we know God? We know many things about God; we know His marvelous deeds of the past, and we may have memorized His words in the Bible ~ but do we really know Him?
In Job 22:21, you will notice the word now. It doesn't mater what experiences you have had with God in the past, or what you might do together in the future. The issue is "now". What is God saying to you at this moment? Have you experienced His nearness today? Is He dearer toyou today than yesterday?
Always keep your relationship with God in the present tense. This verse calls us to intimate communion with Him. Where there is intimacy, there is conception and consequent birthing. We will continuously bear everlasting fruit of His glory. A lifestyle of acquaintance with Him will prevent lukewarmness, discouragement, and backsliding. This is how to survive every assault fromt he enemy and every disappointment that comes your way - by knowing Him as El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One.

The second phrase of Job 22:21 speaks of peace. Jesus is our peace, and He came to guide our feet into the way of peace (see Luke 1:79; Eph 2:14). The peace of the Lord will keep you in a state of rest, quietness, and calmness. It will cushion you from the stress and strife. It can keep you prosperous, healthy, and happy. Trouble may be all around you, but you can be insulated from it. The more you acquaint yourself with Him, the more you will be at peace.
What does the Bible say will happen when you acquaint yourself with Him and enter into peace? "Thereby good will come to you." When you acquaint yourself with Him, "you will have your delight in the Almighty" (v26). He has promised that when you delight yourself in Him, He will give you the desires of your heart ( see Psalm 37:4). I have experienced all the promises of this teaching over and over again. The Lord and His Word have never failed me.

God wants to reveal Himself to you, too. He wants to be known by His children He wants you to know that He's your provider, your fortress, your haven of rest, your strong tower, your defender (Psalm 18), your Father, your friend, your confidant, your true love, your prince. He desires to be everything to you. So I encourage you, my sisters, to accquaint yourself with Him ~ right now!

by bobby-jean taken from bible devotions.

[dutchgirl1]

Psalm 43:5 "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God: For I shall praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God."

Depression is on of the most common and debilitating problems we face. Depression is more than feeling down or having a sad day. It involves a persistant sadness that affects most aspects of our lives. Symptoms last for more than two weeks and can include; a sad or down mood, loss of interest in normal activities, weight loss or gain, sleep problems, agitation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, inappropriate guilt, difficulty concentrating, hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide.
Some forms of depression are caused by genetic/biological factors, such as a lack of sleep, lack of excercise, PMS, delivery of a baby, menopause, side effects of drugs, poor diet, or disease. Other depressions are rooted in psychological, cognitive, and spiritual causes like troubled family experiences, stress over multiple roles we may face each day, social inequities like poverty and abuse, loss, negative thinking, sin, unresloved hurt and anger, and poor coping responses.

The voice of depression is hopeless, anxious, and negative - all counter to the Word of God. When you listen to the voice of depression, you give the enemy a stronghold, an area of your life in which to defeat you. You must fight negative thoughts, behave positively, and renew your mind through the promises of God.
How dowe do this ?
1.) Acknowledge the depression (Proverbs 12:25)
2.) Trust in God to help you (Psalm 46:1)
3.) Praise Him despite the circumstances (Psalm 34:1)
4.) Speak hope into the situation (Psalm 39:7) *this goes w/scripture about 'the words of our mouth*
5.) Renew your negative thoughts through the positive Word of God (Phil 4:8)
6.) Take steps to correct your behavior. Take care of your body and get active. Make yourself do it! Don't wait to feel it.
7.) Address the causes of the depression. For example, deal with anger, setle family conflicts, resolve inappropriate guilt, and forgive those who hurt you.

Nothing is hopeless or impossible with God. Be encouraged. God's Word gives us several examples of people struggling in the depths of despair - Moses, Job, Peter, the Israelites, Naomi, Jeremiah, David, and even Elijah.
The most powerful example God gave us was Jesus. The night He grieved in the garden over His impending death, "He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed" (Matthew 26:37). Jesus, confronted with despair and all alone, responded by praying even more earnestly. He submitted to the will of the Father. As He was nailed to the cross, He thought of others. Facing death, He was concerned that we be forgiven, that His mother be cared for, that the thirf next to Him enter glory. What a model for us: Confront our darkest time, submit to the will of the Father, turn our attention to the needs of others, and praise God for the victory of the Cross.

by Linda Mintle, Womans Devotional Bible

[dutchgirl1]

The Power of Faith

How important is faith? It takes faith to even believe in Christ; it takes faith to believe that what God says is always right and true; and it takes faith to trust and walk in that each and every day. However, if you’re faith doesn’t continue to grow in your relationship with Christ, you won’t have the faith to see God’s Kingdom come not only in your life, but in the lives of those around you.

Whatever faith you have inside of you will determine the outcome of the faith level you’ll have for God at work around you. If you don’t have faith for God to move, there’s a good chance you won’t be looking for anything to take place.

Do you realize that the message of your life; what you spend your time, money and energy on will scream how much faith [belief] you have put in Christ?

When we read all through the Gospels we see how Jesus loved and always responded to anyone that had faith. He loved it. He loved it when those placed their full trust in Him. (Matthew 8:5-13; Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 5:21-24; Luke 19:1-10).

Also, what’s so amazing is that Jesus said you don’t even need a lot of faith. Jesus in fact said that just a little amount can move mountains. In other words just a little faith can do amazing things in your life and in the lives of those around you. (Matthew 17:20; 1 Corinthians 13:2).

Jesus said our faith could be compared to a mustard seed. What’s interesting is that a mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds. But it also is a seed. A seed is worth more when it continues to grow. You water and feed the seed of your faith by giving it nourishment. We get nourishment by reading Gods Word; worshipping; praying. All those things feed the seed of faith in your life. (Matthew 17:20).
Hebrews 4:16 speaks that we should have confidence; which actually means faith—to approach God’s throne of grace. Saying you believe is one thing.. Walking that out, day in & day out is another… Lets break it down…what faith is and why faith is so important.

Why Faith is Important

Without faith it’s impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Jesus is the object of our faith, reliance and hope.

• John 14:6Where does our faith come from?

• Romans 10:17

Q: If the Bible says our faith comes from God; what does that say about us when we place faith in other things?
Faith is a gift, and gifts are imparted.

• Ephesians 2:8

Since faith is a gift; just like all the other gifts - that means you cannot earn it. It’s a gift. It’s given to you; all you have to do is ask, and after you ask believe that it’s yours. It’s now time to walk in it.
We can also ask God for more faith.

• Luke 17:5

Believing what God says to us is true; even if we don’t see it happen right away.

• Look at the lives of those that lived lives marked by faith in Hebrews 11.

The interesting theme in Hebrews 11 is found in the great stories of the amazing people that have gone before us is that these people believed in what God spoke to them, even though some didn’t see things come to pass in their lifetime. I’m sure they were disappointed or confused at times not seeing things come as they had thought; yet they had confidence in their God.
Q: When you don’t see things happen for you when you think they should, what response do you usually have? Do you still continue to go forward or do you start to question God?

Faith is a Verb
Being full of faith is one thing; However, It’s not just about saying you believe—its actually doing something to show how much you believe.
Most people don’t share Christ with others or step out to pray for them because they’re afraid to be embarrassed, afraid to be rejected. However if you want to see God move in the lives of the people around you; taking risks is a part of stepping out.
It’s important to remember; “What if no one shared Christ with you?”

• Read James 1:22; 2:14; and 2:21-22; and see how faith and deeds work together.

Faith is spelled R.I.S.K. (John Wimber)
Having a strong faith in what Christ has done for you should be enough to compel you to share God with others. If you don’t share your faith in Christ, something isn’t right.
Think about the things you talk about. You usually talk about things that are most important to you. Who a person is eventually makes its way out of their mouth. You talk about what you truly believe in. If you’re relationship with God is so important to you, and you understand that Christ himself has rescued you from hell, then of course you would want others around you to not only be saved, but to also experience and know Him as well.
Don’t think about the risk so much as the great opportunity you have too be a bridge for others to experience God almighty. Don’t think so much about what could go wrong; instead ask God to fill you with faith to share.
Don’t be one that wishes they had stepped out more.

Theodore Roosevelt
“It’s not the critic who counts; or the man who points how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena --who at best, knows in the end the triumph of great achievements, and who at the worst, if he fails at least while daring greatly. His place will never be with those cold, timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

Q. How important do you think it is that we share our faith with others.
Jesus said: Matthew 10:32-33
Application:

• The Apostles said: 1 Peter 3:15

Application:

• Read Acts 1:8 and write how you think this passage talks about how we share our faith.

The only Bible many people around you will read will be YOUR life.
Your life story is the most powerful message you carry. What God has and is doing in your life.

• Matthew 5:16

• Serving others: Matthew 25:34-40
• Forgiving others: Matthew 5:23-24; Luke 17:3-4
• Loving your enemies: Matthew 5:44
• Bearing the fruits of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22

By Christy Wimber
The Vineyard Churches

[Bri'sBeauty]

Loved todays word! I passed a little piece of it on to my facebook friends. Let me know if I did it right.

I am working through an issue that I have been praying for and now that it looks like it might happen my faith is wavering. It isn't my faith in him, it is in myself to make the right decisions for my life.
Why do I do this!? I say that I will trust God in my situations and then when I see them coming to pass, I start doubting if I was praying for the right thing and if I am making a mistake. UUGGHHH!

[dutchgirl1]

sometimes, it is hard if we arent walking really close to Him to hear His voice.
my hubs hears His voice a lot more than I do.
we can only walk what we believe is the Lords leading in any decision to be made. the best way to know is what our heart tells us.
do we make a decision and go that direction or do we keep thinking about it and wondering if it is right?
James chapter 1 tells us if we ask Him for wisdom He gives it, but if we waver we loose.
I guess the best is when we feel the Lord tells us something but we arent sure if it is the Lord or not, check with the Word and see if it lines up. He will not lead us into a wrong decision if we are trusting Him completely.
and, if we make a decision and truly believe it is His but it flounders, and we find we were only hearing what we wanted I believe the Lord will make it right.

we cant trust in ourselves at all. we are subject to failure if we do.

the Lord says if we ask, believing, He will hear us and answer. we have to trust Him in that. but be aware sometimes He says no, or wait. not always yes.
but ask Him for His wisdom, and ask that He open your spiritual ears to hear His voice.

hugs.
d'gal

[dutchgirl1]

A Reason to Smile

Joy—it makes people wonder at your secret. Yet joy is no secret to the trusting Christian. When we choose to grow closer to God, resting in His character and provision, joy spills over into our lives so that others can’t help but notice.

Do you want to be a person of joy? Silly question, isn’t it? We would love to live above our circumstances. Or have a great attitude. Or laugh a lot. But joy goes beyond all these things.
Let’s learn from God’s Word the lovely facets of joy:

1. Joy is the fruit of God’s Spirit. More than a great attitude or an indomitable spirit, joy comes from God (Galatians 5:22). Our joy increases in direct proportion to our intimacy with Christ. And when sin keeps us from that relationship, it also robs us of our joy (Psalm 51:8, 12).

2. Joy doesn’t depend on circumstances. Paul wrote Philippians—often called “the book of joy”—from a jail cell. He was criticized, tired, and misunderstood. But instead of allowing his horrible circumstances to choke out God’s Word and God’s Spirit (as Mark 4:19 describes they often can), Paul chose to concentrate on the joy of knowing Christ (Philippians 2:17). Next time you read Philippians, picture Paul’s jail cell . . . and his face.

3. Joy is a choice. “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2). Here’s the reality—read it carefully. Life’s painful trials are not joyous in themselves, but when we walk through them, we should be filled with joy. Why? Because of the good God is developing in us and in the situation. We can know real joy while in the scariest storm when we fill our minds and hearts with truth about God.

Joy becomes a transaction between you and God that others can’t help but notice. It’s God’s life spilling over the brim of your life and into others’ lives. When you trust Christ with the details of your life, you experience His life in wonderful excess, and it can’t help but give you reason to smile.

charles swindoll, insight for living devotions

[Bri'sBeauty]

I LOVE feeling the Joy of the lord! There is nothing sweeter than that connection.

[dutchgirl1]

When You Are Low on Hope

Water. All Noah can see is water. The evening sun sinks into it. The clouds are reflected in it. His boat is surrounded by it. Water. Water to the north. Water to the south. Water to the east. Water to the west. Water.

He sent a raven on a scouting mission; it never returned. He sent a dove. It came back shivering and spent, having found no place to roost. Then, just this morning, he tried again. With a prayer he let it go and watched until the bird was no bigger than a speck on a window.

All day he looked for the dove’s return.

Now the sun is setting, and the sky is darkening, and he has come to look one final time, but all he sees is water. Water to the north. Water to the south. Water to the east. Water to the …

You know the feeling. You have stood where Noah stood. You’ve known your share of floods. Flooded by sorrow at the cemetery, stress at the office, anger at the disability in your body or the inability of your spouse. You’ve seen the floodwater rise, and you’ve likely seen the sun set on your hopes as well. You’ve been on Noah’s boat.

And you’ve needed what Noah needed; you’ve needed some hope. You’re not asking for a helicopter rescue, but the sound of one would be nice. Hope doesn’t promise an instant solution but rather the possibility of an eventual one. Sometimes all we need is a little hope.

That’s all Noah needed. And that’s all Noah received.

Here is how the Bible describes the moment: “When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf!” (Gen. 8:11 NIV).

An olive leaf. Noah would have been happy to have the bird but to have the leaf! This leaf was more than foliage; this was promise. The bird brought more than a piece of a tree; it brought hope. For isn’t that what hope is? Hope is an olive leaf—evidence of dry land after a flood. Proof to the dreamer that dreaming is worth the risk.

To all the Noahs of the world, to all who search the horizon for a fleck of hope, Jesus proclaims, “Yes!” And he comes. He comes as a dove. He comes bearing fruit from a distant land, from our future home. He comes with a leaf of hope.

Have you received yours? Don’t think your ark is too isolated. Don’t think your flood is too wide. Receive his hope, won’t you? Receive it because you need it. Receive it so you can share it. Receive his hope, won’t you? Receive it because you need it. Receive it so you can share it.

What do you suppose Noah did with his? What do you think he did with the leaf? Did he throw it overboard and forget about it? Do you suppose he stuck it in his pocket and saved it for a scrapbook? Or do you think he let out a whoop and assembled the troops and passed it around like the Hope Diamond it was?

Certainly he whooped. That’s what you do with hope. What do you do with olive leaves? You pass them around. You don’t stick them in your pocket. You give them to the ones you love. Love always hopes. “Love … bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor. 13:4–7 NKJV, emphasis mine).
Love has hope in you.

Love extends an olive leaf to the loved one and says, “I have hope in you.”
Love is just as quick to say, “I have hope for you.”

You can say those words. You are a flood survivor. By God’s grace you have found your way to dry land. You know what it’s like to see the waters subside. And since you do, since you passed through a flood and lived to tell about it, you are qualified to give hope to someone else.

max lucado devotions

[jancy]

Originally Posted by dutchgirl1

1.) Acknowledge the depression (Proverbs 12:25)
2.) Trust in God to help you (Psalm 46:1)
3.) Praise Him despite the circumstances (Psalm 34:1)
4.) Speak hope into the situation (Psalm 39:7) *this goes w/scripture about 'the words of our mouth*
5.) Renew your negative thoughts through the positive Word of God (Phil 4:8)
6.) Take steps to correct your behavior. Take care of your body and get active. Make yourself do it! Don't wait to feel it.
7.) Address the causes of the depression. For example, deal with anger, setle family conflicts, resolve inappropriate guilt, and forgive those who hurt you.

Nothing is hopeless or impossible with God. Be encouraged. God's Word gives us several examples of people struggling in the depths of despair - Moses, Job, Peter, the Israelites, Naomi, Jeremiah, David, and even Elijah.
The most powerful example God gave us was Jesus. The night He grieved in the garden over His impending death, "He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed" (Matthew 26:37). Jesus, confronted with despair and all alone, responded by praying even more earnestly. He submitted to the will of the Father. As He was nailed to the cross, He thought of others. Facing death, He was concerned that we be forgiven, that His mother be cared for, that the thirf next to Him enter glory. What a model for us: Confront our darkest time, submit to the will of the Father, turn our attention to the needs of others, and praise God for the victory of the Cross.

by Linda Mintle, Womans Devotional Bible

we are thinking along the same lines!

[dutchgirl1]

as we are in the last week before Resurrection Sunday - to most it is called Easter - this week I am going to focus on the Cross and that beautiful Sunday morning that our Lord rose again.

Angels' Teardrops

I heard a song titled "Ten Thousand Angels Cried," sung by LeAnn Rimes. I could picture heaven the day our Savior was crucified. Those angels were looking at the torture He endured for the salvation of mankind. They must have pondered this senseless way to die. They saw people mocking Him and spitting on Him, lashing at Him with a whip repeatedly, until He was disfigured beyond recognition.

Why would He choose to leave heaven's splendor to die in our place when we were the sinful ones? We cannot understand this. The fact remains that He chose to lay aside His crown and royalty to take on the form of humanity for you and me.

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday people will attend services in churches around the world. There will be the celebration of Resurrection Sunday, better known as Easter. We rejoice that Jesus was raised from the tomb and lives ever making intercession for us. He did this so that one day those who have accepted his death, burial and resurrection will live in Heaven with Him. For those who have invited the Lord into their hearts, these special services will remind us of His supreme sacrifice. We will rejoice that Jesus loved us so much He went to the cross, as painful and humiliating as it was for Him. When we think about how the sky became pitch black and the curtain in the sanctuary immediately torn in two that day (Mark 15: 33-37, Luke 23:44-46), the song about the ten thousand angels crying will seem very real. I imagine there may have been a huge display of lightning, thunder and a downpour of rain. It will be as if those angels were weeping so profusely that their tears resonated heaven's intense response.
Sometimes I still weep and I am so thankful He did not come down from the cross, because I know He purchased eternal life for me. It helps me know that my tears are a language God understands. The angels must have wondered if there could have been another way. It is in those moments it makes me appreciate that although He was God, He removed His divinity to put on the flesh of man.

Now, whenever thunder roars, the wind blows and the lightning flashes across the sky, I look out my window. As the rain drops become stronger and louder on the roof top, I think about the day my Savior was crucified and how the angels cried!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. (Revelation 5:11)
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)
For as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. (Philippians 3:18)

Can God change your life?
God has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own life. Discover how you can find peace with God.

By Cathy Irvin, CBN devotions

[dutchgirl1]

Exodus 12:1-14 In this chapter, the Lord God is speaking to Moses and Aaron. He is preparing His people for their departure from Egypt. He (the Lord) tells Moses to have the people to take a lamb, without spot or blemish into their home and on a particular day they are to kill it at twilight..... vs7..And they shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel of the houses where they eat it. They shall eat the flesh on that night, roasted in fire... vs11..And thus shall you eat it; with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. So shall you eat it in haste. It is the Lord's Passover. . . (cont'd).....

Here is what was happening, since Pharoh would not release the children of Israel, God was going to pass through and the firstborn of a household would die, the blood on the doorposts indicated a 'safe place'... the angel would passover those places and all inside were safe.

Quick forward........ Matthew 26:1-2.."Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings (previous chp), that He said to His disciples, 'You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified'".

This passover would be the final sacrifice to be made for mans sins. Jesus left His home in Heaven with His Father to come to earth to be our sin payment. He endured the punishment all of us deserve, but dont have to pay because He paid it all. I love the song Jesus Paid It All.................
the chorus says it all.... Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

As we prepare to celebrate Easter, (Resurrection Day) lets remember what Christ did for us all. amid the egg hunts, family get to gethers, etc... remember what the day is about... The Cross and Jesus sacrifice... all for LOVE.

by d'gal