I hope these devotions will be encouraging and helpful to us all. Helpful in the sense that the purpose in which they are written is to enrich and deepen your relationship with our sweet, caring, loving, needs meeting Father.
This is never intended to cause you stress, guilt, or more work. So take what works for you. Implement it to your schedule, adapt it to the you that you know. Guilt never comes from the Lord. The conviction that calls for repentance and transforming of yourself more to Him, comes from Him, but never guilt. So if you catch hold of one or more ideas from this that will help you in your pilgrimage to be closer to the Lord, then mission accomplished for me.
This is never intended to cause you stress, guilt, or more work. So take what works for you. Implement it to your schedule, adapt it to the you that you know. Guilt never comes from the Lord. The conviction that calls for repentance and transforming of yourself more to Him, comes from Him, but never guilt. So if you catch hold of one or more ideas from this that will help you in your pilgrimage to be closer to the Lord, then mission accomplished for me.
Prayer Journal, January 1
Start this year and continue by keeping a prayer journal. It can be a notebook or use the daily pages in your calendar book. You need to find what works for you. Keep your prayer journal and a pen with your Bible. Put them somewhere you can easily access them.
1Peter 5:7 "Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you."
Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
1Peter 5:7 "Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you."
Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
Memorize Scripture, January 2
"Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:11
"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105
Let's memorize scripture this year. Don't be overwhelmed. This is very simple. Just pick a verse and go for it. Print it on your bathroom mirror with a dry erase marker, on your chalk board, on index cards in your car. Work on a scripture a week or a month. Custom fit this to you: how you learn, your time, etc. Teach it to your children. If you need a jump start: "Jesus wept," John 11:35. There, you have already begun and accomplished your goal.
Here are some great ones to start with:
"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105
Let's memorize scripture this year. Don't be overwhelmed. This is very simple. Just pick a verse and go for it. Print it on your bathroom mirror with a dry erase marker, on your chalk board, on index cards in your car. Work on a scripture a week or a month. Custom fit this to you: how you learn, your time, etc. Teach it to your children. If you need a jump start: "Jesus wept," John 11:35. There, you have already begun and accomplished your goal.
Here are some great ones to start with:
- Psalm 119:11
- Psalm 119:105
- Psalm 19:14
- Matt 6:33
- Philippians 4:8
- Proverbs 4:23
- James 1:5
- Romans 12:2
- Psalm 37:4
- Psalm 37:5
Prayer Spectrum, January 3
Consider the spectrum of whom and what you pray for.
Many years ago the Lord gave me this idea of how to pray for my family. At the time it was much smaller, but as we have expanded through having children and now grandchildren and more children as our grown children marry, it has evolved and grown in numbers with time.
I started with our oldest child and continued throughout the week assigning one day a week to each child. What is very convenient for me is that I have seven children. Before I had the seven children, I had one day for my husband and one day for myself. It can extend to extended family. The thing we all need to learn is that we must adjust each idea we hear to our own personality and taste, or we just won't totally adopt it. You need to tweak it to suit your family's needs.
This really all came about because I wanted to make sure to give each child equal prayer time. Before this plan I would always start with the oldest and I began to feel as if I didn't give equal time to the younger children. Of course, they have different prayer needs and some more than other at different times; however, this will ensure that you bring their name and needs before the Lord each day. On each day I write their names, but start with the specific one for that day. Also, I write it on the refrigerator, board or some place prominent, so they will see their name and know that they are being prayed for specifically on their special day. Sometimes I will group text all the kids and remind them to pray for whoever's day it is.
Remember --- to think about what you are thankful or grateful for today.
Just a side note to praying for our children/family, and a practical pointer. Find something good and wonderful about your children/family/fellow workers/teammates/etc. every day. An obedient behavior, catch them doing something right, sweet, kind, and then brag on them. Encourage them. Be as proud of them as you can be. Nurture these things in your children. Those you are in charge of: sometimes as moms or bosses we get so wrapped up in correction of wrong behaviors that we forget to acknowledge right actions. We forget to see how far we have come. We can say:
Catch your charges with these behaviors and brag on them. Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, faith, meekness, temperance. Galatians 5:22
Many years ago the Lord gave me this idea of how to pray for my family. At the time it was much smaller, but as we have expanded through having children and now grandchildren and more children as our grown children marry, it has evolved and grown in numbers with time.
I started with our oldest child and continued throughout the week assigning one day a week to each child. What is very convenient for me is that I have seven children. Before I had the seven children, I had one day for my husband and one day for myself. It can extend to extended family. The thing we all need to learn is that we must adjust each idea we hear to our own personality and taste, or we just won't totally adopt it. You need to tweak it to suit your family's needs.
This really all came about because I wanted to make sure to give each child equal prayer time. Before this plan I would always start with the oldest and I began to feel as if I didn't give equal time to the younger children. Of course, they have different prayer needs and some more than other at different times; however, this will ensure that you bring their name and needs before the Lord each day. On each day I write their names, but start with the specific one for that day. Also, I write it on the refrigerator, board or some place prominent, so they will see their name and know that they are being prayed for specifically on their special day. Sometimes I will group text all the kids and remind them to pray for whoever's day it is.
Remember --- to think about what you are thankful or grateful for today.
Just a side note to praying for our children/family, and a practical pointer. Find something good and wonderful about your children/family/fellow workers/teammates/etc. every day. An obedient behavior, catch them doing something right, sweet, kind, and then brag on them. Encourage them. Be as proud of them as you can be. Nurture these things in your children. Those you are in charge of: sometimes as moms or bosses we get so wrapped up in correction of wrong behaviors that we forget to acknowledge right actions. We forget to see how far we have come. We can say:
- Great job
- How could I do this without you
- You are amazing
- Thank you
- Way to go
- And on and on we could go: Be Positive
Catch your charges with these behaviors and brag on them. Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, faith, meekness, temperance. Galatians 5:22
New Creature, January 5
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away, behold all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17
Are you living as this new creature? Or are you allowing the enemy of your soul to keep you tied down to the baggage of your old self? Behold, old things have passed away...you have become brand new. This new year, live as the new creature that you are.
Are you living as this new creature? Or are you allowing the enemy of your soul to keep you tied down to the baggage of your old self? Behold, old things have passed away...you have become brand new. This new year, live as the new creature that you are.
Renew Your Mind, January 6
Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
Just as the word here tells us, don't be conformed to this world. Renew your mind and be transformed. As we begin this new year embrace the new you that you are and be transformed. You are His creation, His child, His treasure, you are loved of God. Know this, live this, make this the year you really live in the truth that you are transformed.
Romans 8:29 "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son..."
Ladies, I want to just encourage you right where you are. This is a season of your life. Pour yourself into it and be joy filled. Thank you for being the you that you are and live inspired by the Lord. Know who you are and how important the work you are doing is. You are loved, gifted, amazing.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Just as the word here tells us, don't be conformed to this world. Renew your mind and be transformed. As we begin this new year embrace the new you that you are and be transformed. You are His creation, His child, His treasure, you are loved of God. Know this, live this, make this the year you really live in the truth that you are transformed.
Romans 8:29 "For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son..."
Ladies, I want to just encourage you right where you are. This is a season of your life. Pour yourself into it and be joy filled. Thank you for being the you that you are and live inspired by the Lord. Know who you are and how important the work you are doing is. You are loved, gifted, amazing.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Walk in the Spirit, January 8
"Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust (desires) of the flesh." Galatians 5:16
The fruit of the Spirit. Ephesians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control."
The fruit of the Spirit comes to us free of charge when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Like any relationship, if we care about it, we must spend time in it. Same is true in our relationship with the Lord. John 15:4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me." Spending time with the Lord produces the Fruit of the Spirit in you. No need to try to be "nice:" when you seek the Lord, then His ways will be evident in you. How can I tell if this is working? Just continue in your normal routine and see what happens. You will be amazed that the more time you think on the Lord and His ways, the less time you spend being impatient, irritated, short-tempered, fussy. Try it and you'll be astonished. The larger the Lord becomes to you, the smaller you become (wish that worked physically, ha ha) and the less put upon you feel. The smaller your focus on self, the larger your joy.
The fruit of the Spirit. Ephesians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control."
The fruit of the Spirit comes to us free of charge when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Like any relationship, if we care about it, we must spend time in it. Same is true in our relationship with the Lord. John 15:4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me." Spending time with the Lord produces the Fruit of the Spirit in you. No need to try to be "nice:" when you seek the Lord, then His ways will be evident in you. How can I tell if this is working? Just continue in your normal routine and see what happens. You will be amazed that the more time you think on the Lord and His ways, the less time you spend being impatient, irritated, short-tempered, fussy. Try it and you'll be astonished. The larger the Lord becomes to you, the smaller you become (wish that worked physically, ha ha) and the less put upon you feel. The smaller your focus on self, the larger your joy.
Be Still, Delight in Him, January 9
"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
This is a tough one. To be still, that is. We are such doers and goers that the thought of being still seems impossible. There is always something to do, right? Just try it. Slow down, be still, be quiet, let all the thoughts swirling through your busy mind escape, and just be still and know that God is God. What a wonderful truth. Let that soak in and dwell there.
"Delight yourself also in the LORD. And He shall give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
How do we do this? You know how to delight because of those things you delight in and enjoy, the things you are excited to be with, watch, see, hear from, participate with, think about. Delight yourself in the Lord. Think about Him, spend time with Him, listen to Him, talk to Him, see Him in everything you do, strive to please Him. Delight in Him.
What are you thankful or grateful for today?
This is a tough one. To be still, that is. We are such doers and goers that the thought of being still seems impossible. There is always something to do, right? Just try it. Slow down, be still, be quiet, let all the thoughts swirling through your busy mind escape, and just be still and know that God is God. What a wonderful truth. Let that soak in and dwell there.
"Delight yourself also in the LORD. And He shall give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
How do we do this? You know how to delight because of those things you delight in and enjoy, the things you are excited to be with, watch, see, hear from, participate with, think about. Delight yourself in the Lord. Think about Him, spend time with Him, listen to Him, talk to Him, see Him in everything you do, strive to please Him. Delight in Him.
What are you thankful or grateful for today?
Don't Worry, January 10
Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you."
The Lord is teaching us in Matthew 6:25-33 not to worry. Do not worry about what we will eat, drink, or wear. Very simply Jesus says, "your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things." He knows what you need before you know yourself. Imagine the ridiculousness of your children coming to you fretting and worrying about their basic needs. Wondering and wringing their hands. What am I going to do? What are we going to eat, how are we going to make it? (Can you picture yourself here worrying about your needs?) We, as their parents, know what they need and have prepared all this before they need it. In much the same way except way more, the Lord, our heavenly Father, is doing this for us. We need to rest in this and believe.
The Lord is teaching us in Matthew 6:25-33 not to worry. Do not worry about what we will eat, drink, or wear. Very simply Jesus says, "your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things." He knows what you need before you know yourself. Imagine the ridiculousness of your children coming to you fretting and worrying about their basic needs. Wondering and wringing their hands. What am I going to do? What are we going to eat, how are we going to make it? (Can you picture yourself here worrying about your needs?) We, as their parents, know what they need and have prepared all this before they need it. In much the same way except way more, the Lord, our heavenly Father, is doing this for us. We need to rest in this and believe.
God Pleasers, January 11
Don't worry about what other people say about you, it is none of your business. This year let's try to remember to be God-pleasers instead of man-pleasers. But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29 NKJV) In this new year, let us concern ourselves first with obeying and pleasing the Lord. It's a fruitless waste of time to dwell on what others think of you or how others may expect you to act. We need only concern ourselves with pleasing the Lord. Believe it or not, you'll end up pleasing others a lot more and spend a lot less of your time worrying about it.
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
Thankful is Your Choice, January 12
There are many things in our life we can not control, like where, and to whom we were born. Whether we are male or female, short or tall, black or white, blond or brunette (well, wait that does seem to be a choice for many of us ha ha). I am talking uncontrollable circumstances. However, we have lots of choices to make. Circumstances we can not always control, but how we view things and how we respond, we are in control of. So ladies let's choose thankful, grateful hearts. And be on the look out each day for just that: what am I grateful/thankful for today.
On my iPad I have my pictures and if I can do this anyone can. I am the most untechno person alive. Ask my son-in-law who is always having to rescue me from some mess. I think he helps me because ... well he is so sweet, and because the rest of my family is exhausted from years of trying to help me, so whenever I begin the "now I just need a little help," they all run. Back to what I was trying to say, go to your photo page and create a new album. I labeled my new album "grateful/thankful," then each day cut and paste a picture of something you are grateful/thankful for. It's really fun. At the end of 2014 you should have 365 photos.
On my iPad I have my pictures and if I can do this anyone can. I am the most untechno person alive. Ask my son-in-law who is always having to rescue me from some mess. I think he helps me because ... well he is so sweet, and because the rest of my family is exhausted from years of trying to help me, so whenever I begin the "now I just need a little help," they all run. Back to what I was trying to say, go to your photo page and create a new album. I labeled my new album "grateful/thankful," then each day cut and paste a picture of something you are grateful/thankful for. It's really fun. At the end of 2014 you should have 365 photos.
Forgiveness of Others is Your Choice, January 14
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses." (Mark 11:25 NKJV)
Are you harboring unforgiveness, carrying that big ol' burden all by yourself? First, I want you to know I may not understand your particular situation, but I do understand being wronged, being misunderstood, and having circumstances go wrong on you without having done anything to encourage that. So with all that said let's jump into this and face our deal.
Unforgiveness hurts you. If you allow yourself to forgive being wronged, it does not mean that person was right and they are being let off the hook. Forgiveness is your choice and it will be so freeing. And in time, the facts that you have dwelt on so long will begin to fade in your memory that you relived and rehashed so many times. Forgiveness gives you back a lot of your time, energy, and joy.
What a mighty God we serve. Our God can walk us through true forgiveness by being that example as He was being prepared to be crucified, a perfect sinless man. "Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.' And they divided His garments and cast lots." (Luke 23:34 NKJV)
Wow is all, wow. Don't think any of us ever had it that bad. He was forgiving the very people who were totally unjustified in crucifying Him. Your choice: get back your life, put aside bitterness that unforgiveness breeds, give it over to the Lord.
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
Are you harboring unforgiveness, carrying that big ol' burden all by yourself? First, I want you to know I may not understand your particular situation, but I do understand being wronged, being misunderstood, and having circumstances go wrong on you without having done anything to encourage that. So with all that said let's jump into this and face our deal.
Unforgiveness hurts you. If you allow yourself to forgive being wronged, it does not mean that person was right and they are being let off the hook. Forgiveness is your choice and it will be so freeing. And in time, the facts that you have dwelt on so long will begin to fade in your memory that you relived and rehashed so many times. Forgiveness gives you back a lot of your time, energy, and joy.
What a mighty God we serve. Our God can walk us through true forgiveness by being that example as He was being prepared to be crucified, a perfect sinless man. "Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.' And they divided His garments and cast lots." (Luke 23:34 NKJV)
Wow is all, wow. Don't think any of us ever had it that bad. He was forgiving the very people who were totally unjustified in crucifying Him. Your choice: get back your life, put aside bitterness that unforgiveness breeds, give it over to the Lord.
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation, January 15
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses." (Mark 11:25 NKJV)
One of my sweet friends and I were talking about forgiveness versus reconciliation. So I thought I would just share with us all what we discussed, as a follow-up to yesterday's devotion.
As far as I understand it, forgiveness is something that you have power over and can do. Reconciliation takes both parties. I believe sometimes in our relationships there is going to be forgiveness without reconciliation. We can only do our part. But if we harbor unforgiveness then it affects us and brings in roots of bitterness and anger. But we can not make someone else do their part. And forgiving someone is just releasing that hold it has on us. It does not mean that person did the right thing, or did not do anything wrong or that they are getting away with it. It just means we are free from the pain it has caused us because we choose to release it.
Now just to clarify we always try to fight for reconciliation in marriage. That is our "one flesh" relationship with our husband. So I am not talking about marriage here but other relationships we have with friends and family.
In those relationships, we continue forgiving because we can and because it is up to us. However, reconciliation takes the other party or parties involved. Will this act of forgiveness on your part change what happened or what was said? No. But it gives you the opportunity to purge yourself of negative things that only weigh you down. You can only control yourself. What you do, how you react, how you respond. With lots of prayer.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
One of my sweet friends and I were talking about forgiveness versus reconciliation. So I thought I would just share with us all what we discussed, as a follow-up to yesterday's devotion.
As far as I understand it, forgiveness is something that you have power over and can do. Reconciliation takes both parties. I believe sometimes in our relationships there is going to be forgiveness without reconciliation. We can only do our part. But if we harbor unforgiveness then it affects us and brings in roots of bitterness and anger. But we can not make someone else do their part. And forgiving someone is just releasing that hold it has on us. It does not mean that person did the right thing, or did not do anything wrong or that they are getting away with it. It just means we are free from the pain it has caused us because we choose to release it.
Now just to clarify we always try to fight for reconciliation in marriage. That is our "one flesh" relationship with our husband. So I am not talking about marriage here but other relationships we have with friends and family.
In those relationships, we continue forgiving because we can and because it is up to us. However, reconciliation takes the other party or parties involved. Will this act of forgiveness on your part change what happened or what was said? No. But it gives you the opportunity to purge yourself of negative things that only weigh you down. You can only control yourself. What you do, how you react, how you respond. With lots of prayer.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Exercise? January 16
To exercise or not to exercise, that is the question.
"But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." 1Timothy 4:7-8.
Know what you are thinking....Thank the LORD I have finally found scripture to confirm that physical exercise is not Godly, ha ha ha. Not so fast. It does profit us, but little. I think the big message here is that we need to work on our interiors more than our exteriors. Nothing wrong with a little paint, new hair do, and spin classes. But don't neglect that Spirit inside us that will fade with neglect. Be desperate for Him, long to spend that time the Lord provides for you to be immersed in His presence and love.
I remember as a new Mom having about two seconds to myself, not the hours with the Lord and five thousands of Bible studies I had before. But the Lord so multiplied my time whenever I was faithful to ask Him and then truly spent that time seeking Him. Oh, the joy He would give. So ladies, exercise yourself unto Godliness.
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
"But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." 1Timothy 4:7-8.
Know what you are thinking....Thank the LORD I have finally found scripture to confirm that physical exercise is not Godly, ha ha ha. Not so fast. It does profit us, but little. I think the big message here is that we need to work on our interiors more than our exteriors. Nothing wrong with a little paint, new hair do, and spin classes. But don't neglect that Spirit inside us that will fade with neglect. Be desperate for Him, long to spend that time the Lord provides for you to be immersed in His presence and love.
I remember as a new Mom having about two seconds to myself, not the hours with the Lord and five thousands of Bible studies I had before. But the Lord so multiplied my time whenever I was faithful to ask Him and then truly spent that time seeking Him. Oh, the joy He would give. So ladies, exercise yourself unto Godliness.
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
Eyes Wide Open, January 17
Live with your eyes wide open.
Each day, live longing to see God's hand in everything. Sometimes we go days without acknowledging Him because we are sooo busy going through the motions of our high demand lives. How many sunsets have we looked right past as we ran to some type of ball practice, church, dinner, dance. How many little hands were held out to us to hold that we missed as we raced by on the way to wherever. No guilt, no judgment. Just pause, breathe, and smell the roses, hold those grimy little hands, kiss that sweet face, watch those brief moments of glorious splendor as the colors of the sunset fade into yet another day.
Be that friend, wife, mom who really really sees people. Acknowledge whomever you are around and look at them through the eyes of your Creator.
Live this year with your eyes wide open.
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
Each day, live longing to see God's hand in everything. Sometimes we go days without acknowledging Him because we are sooo busy going through the motions of our high demand lives. How many sunsets have we looked right past as we ran to some type of ball practice, church, dinner, dance. How many little hands were held out to us to hold that we missed as we raced by on the way to wherever. No guilt, no judgment. Just pause, breathe, and smell the roses, hold those grimy little hands, kiss that sweet face, watch those brief moments of glorious splendor as the colors of the sunset fade into yet another day.
Be that friend, wife, mom who really really sees people. Acknowledge whomever you are around and look at them through the eyes of your Creator.
Live this year with your eyes wide open.
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord, January 18
"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing." (Psalms 100:1-2 KJV)
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
I am not the music Nazi, as some may say. We listen to all kinds of music. It's okay if you don't, but my bottom line is music can lift you up or drag you down. It doesn't have to say Jesus (although that helps) in every line in order to be edifying. Music is in your being. And what you listen to affects you. Filling your heart and mind with words that glorify God go a long way to bring you joy.
Words are vital. We used to tell the children, when they were younger, that you can listen to anything so long as you would get up in front of the church and read the lyrics. Well, I must say I wish we would all hold true on that one, but oh well. Some pastors, elders, elderly folks, and mamas might be dropping dead from heart attacks with the lyrics out there. Yikes.
Bottom line? Music is a gift. So enjoy.
One more thing. When you wake in the morning, what song is on your mind? I feel like whatever song is on your mind, that is the recording that has been playing around and around all night while you sleep. Wouldn't it be great to think even in your sleep you were sleep praising? Just make sure the last song you hear is balm to your Spirit.
This new year, enjoy God's gift of music to you. Sing on, dance on. We are free to enjoy the wonderful gift of music! You are the judge of yourself and what you can handle.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
I am not the music Nazi, as some may say. We listen to all kinds of music. It's okay if you don't, but my bottom line is music can lift you up or drag you down. It doesn't have to say Jesus (although that helps) in every line in order to be edifying. Music is in your being. And what you listen to affects you. Filling your heart and mind with words that glorify God go a long way to bring you joy.
Words are vital. We used to tell the children, when they were younger, that you can listen to anything so long as you would get up in front of the church and read the lyrics. Well, I must say I wish we would all hold true on that one, but oh well. Some pastors, elders, elderly folks, and mamas might be dropping dead from heart attacks with the lyrics out there. Yikes.
Bottom line? Music is a gift. So enjoy.
One more thing. When you wake in the morning, what song is on your mind? I feel like whatever song is on your mind, that is the recording that has been playing around and around all night while you sleep. Wouldn't it be great to think even in your sleep you were sleep praising? Just make sure the last song you hear is balm to your Spirit.
This new year, enjoy God's gift of music to you. Sing on, dance on. We are free to enjoy the wonderful gift of music! You are the judge of yourself and what you can handle.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Friends, January 19
"The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray." (Proverbs 12:26 NKJV)
This new year evaluate your friends. Choose your friends wisely, carefully for the way of the wicked (those whose heart is not fixed on Jesus--that would be my definition of wicked, but I am not Webster's dictionary) leads them and you astray.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
This new year evaluate your friends. Choose your friends wisely, carefully for the way of the wicked (those whose heart is not fixed on Jesus--that would be my definition of wicked, but I am not Webster's dictionary) leads them and you astray.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Thoughts, January 21
"Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established." (Proverbs 16:3 KJV)
Want to have pleasant thoughts, right thoughts? Then commit your doings to the Lord and your thoughts will be on Him. Because, let us be honest with ourselves, most of our works and thoughts are about what's good for us. Committing ourselves to doing what is pleasing to the Lord will establish a new direction in our thoughts and perhaps actions.
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8 NKJV)
These things will be wonderful to dwell on and to meditate on, to think on:
These are the things God says to dwell on, instead of what we usually think about, which are probably not true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, virtuous, praiseworthy. Examine your thought life this new year and see what a difference a new thought life will make. Maybe it will not change the world, but there is one thing it will change and that is you.
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
Want to have pleasant thoughts, right thoughts? Then commit your doings to the Lord and your thoughts will be on Him. Because, let us be honest with ourselves, most of our works and thoughts are about what's good for us. Committing ourselves to doing what is pleasing to the Lord will establish a new direction in our thoughts and perhaps actions.
"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8 NKJV)
These things will be wonderful to dwell on and to meditate on, to think on:
- whatsoever things are true
- whatsoever things are noble
- whatsoever things are just
- whatsoever things are pure
- whatsoever things are lovely
- whatsoever things are of a good report
- if there is virtue
- if there is anything praiseworthy
These are the things God says to dwell on, instead of what we usually think about, which are probably not true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, virtuous, praiseworthy. Examine your thought life this new year and see what a difference a new thought life will make. Maybe it will not change the world, but there is one thing it will change and that is you.
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
What's Down in the Well, January 22
What's down in the well comes up in the bucket.
This old saying is so true. We are a well and whatever we allow to be down inside of us will eventually come up. So careful what you see, hear, watch because eventually it will come up. Whenever we get a little bit of pressure or maybe things don't quite go our way, we are running late, traffic jam, (you fill in your blank), does that old self come roaring back? Anger, hate-filled words, thoughts, feelings of revenge or wrong.
But there can be a day when you put aside all that and begin the well cleansing. How? By walking in the Spirit, spending time in the Word, being more Christ-like, being conformed to His image. It's a day by day process. Jump into the process this new year and begin or continue the conformation.
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
This old saying is so true. We are a well and whatever we allow to be down inside of us will eventually come up. So careful what you see, hear, watch because eventually it will come up. Whenever we get a little bit of pressure or maybe things don't quite go our way, we are running late, traffic jam, (you fill in your blank), does that old self come roaring back? Anger, hate-filled words, thoughts, feelings of revenge or wrong.
But there can be a day when you put aside all that and begin the well cleansing. How? By walking in the Spirit, spending time in the Word, being more Christ-like, being conformed to His image. It's a day by day process. Jump into the process this new year and begin or continue the conformation.
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
Don't Borrow Trouble, January 23
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Matthew 6:34 NKJV
Probably the above verse is where this old saying is derived: Don't borrow trouble. My mother always told us don't borrow trouble, and the meaning is just this: Don't waste your time and upset yourself worrying about what probably won't happen anyway. You know it's true in your life. Something happens and your mind starts spinning in a million "what ifs." Sit down and think if any of those options actually happened. What good did it do you to stress and borrow that trouble. Just take things as they come and try not to anticipate what you think will happen because it probably won't happen anyway.
We need to remind ourselves, if we start down this road, that the Lord is in control!
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Remember that a grateful/thankful heart can make all the difference in your outlook.
Probably the above verse is where this old saying is derived: Don't borrow trouble. My mother always told us don't borrow trouble, and the meaning is just this: Don't waste your time and upset yourself worrying about what probably won't happen anyway. You know it's true in your life. Something happens and your mind starts spinning in a million "what ifs." Sit down and think if any of those options actually happened. What good did it do you to stress and borrow that trouble. Just take things as they come and try not to anticipate what you think will happen because it probably won't happen anyway.
We need to remind ourselves, if we start down this road, that the Lord is in control!
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Remember that a grateful/thankful heart can make all the difference in your outlook.
Leaning on Friends, January 24
When you need your friends the most you tend to pull away. When we are under attack we tend to run and hide. When we need to be around Christian friends the most, sometimes we want to the least.
Now as that Christian friend who is currently strong: Sometimes we just listen. Sometimes we pray. Sometimes we cry. Sometimes we just sit. Sometimes we cook them a meal. Sometimes we just hug our buddy. Sometimes we just run to their side. Sometimes we just love our sister.
Prayer will lead you to whatever it is that they need at that particular time. Listen and be obedient.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Now as that Christian friend who is currently strong: Sometimes we just listen. Sometimes we pray. Sometimes we cry. Sometimes we just sit. Sometimes we cook them a meal. Sometimes we just hug our buddy. Sometimes we just run to their side. Sometimes we just love our sister.
Prayer will lead you to whatever it is that they need at that particular time. Listen and be obedient.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Some Things Never Change, January 26
I heard a sermon from pastor Louie Giglio who said that there are lots of things that change from year to year. Many things will change in 2014 but these four things will never change:
Pause and meditate on these.
What a comfort for us and a rock in which to anchor our life. What is an anchor? "An anchor is a device normally made of metal, that is used to connect a vessel to the bed of a body of water to prevent the craft from drifting due to wind or current."
So lets anchor ourselves to our rock to avoid drifting due to all the outside influences of our life.
The Word of God remains the same and teaches us the character of God (unchanging), His love for us (remains the same), and reveals His purpose for us (unchanging).
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
- Word of God
- Character of God
- God's love for you
- God's purpose for your life
Pause and meditate on these.
What a comfort for us and a rock in which to anchor our life. What is an anchor? "An anchor is a device normally made of metal, that is used to connect a vessel to the bed of a body of water to prevent the craft from drifting due to wind or current."
So lets anchor ourselves to our rock to avoid drifting due to all the outside influences of our life.
The Word of God remains the same and teaches us the character of God (unchanging), His love for us (remains the same), and reveals His purpose for us (unchanging).
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Be the Friend You Wish You Had, January 27
Be the friend you wish you had.
"Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12 NKJV
Instead of us wishing away our life by fussing and pouting because no one will be "good enough" to us, care about our needs, serve us, call us, write us, be concerned about us, want to hear what we have to say, then instead of worrying about why they aren't, we should be the friend to someone we wish we had. Be this person you wish everyone else would be to you. "Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them." In this new year of 2014 why don't we truly die to ourselves and begin to really live by putting the needs, feelings, cares, longing, desire, wants of others before our own.
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." Romans 12:10 KJV
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
"Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12 NKJV
Instead of us wishing away our life by fussing and pouting because no one will be "good enough" to us, care about our needs, serve us, call us, write us, be concerned about us, want to hear what we have to say, then instead of worrying about why they aren't, we should be the friend to someone we wish we had. Be this person you wish everyone else would be to you. "Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them." In this new year of 2014 why don't we truly die to ourselves and begin to really live by putting the needs, feelings, cares, longing, desire, wants of others before our own.
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." Romans 12:10 KJV
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Ask This Question, January 28
I heard a sermon (Andy Stanley) and he said the most important question in a family to ask is, "how can I help you?" Imagine how you would feel if this question was asked by your husband, children, sister, brother, mom or dad. In much the same way imagine how they would feel if you asked this question to them. The thought that someone really thinks of you and wants to help you. Or the fact that you ask that of them and want to help them.
Try this great question in our new year. It may transform your family.
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
Try this great question in our new year. It may transform your family.
What are you thankful/grateful for today?
Double Click Those Apps, January 29
Whenever you open an app (Bible programs, messages, email, instagram, facebook, anything you google) on your phone or iPad if you do not "clear your app" it is still open, just waiting there for you to get back to it. Well, this is quite funny, because me trying to explain something about technology is hilarious. But stick with me there is a point, ha ha. So you double click the "on" button, and move the app upward with your finger (throwing the app) and they will be cleared from the "open status." Now I am quite sure this is not the right terminology, but I hope you get the point. So at night and sometimes during the day and if I forget first thing in the morning I clear my apps. So you are now thinking what in the world.
Well what occurred to me is a picture of what's in our minds. All the apps that are open just awaiting our attention (Bible program, husband's needs, children needs, bills, grocery list, dinner plans, child training, books need reading, laundry, house cleaning, clean out car, yard, birthdays, school...) And no wonder it's sooo hard for us ladies to "be still" and spend time with the Lord. And actually absorb anything. We have all these unclosed apps spinning in our hard drives (minds) just waiting until we have the time to pull them back up, think about them and work on them.
Another sidebar to this open apps is if you get too many going at once it really slows down your hard drive and gobbles up your battery life. Is there a life lesson here, you ask? Yes, ma'am in much the same way if we have too many "apps" open and we don't close out some, we slooooow down ourselves and kill our batteries (energy). Granted, it's much easier to double click and clear your apps on the phone, iPad, computer, than to clear your schedule or your mind but try it. Even do it in your mind and then, "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Well what occurred to me is a picture of what's in our minds. All the apps that are open just awaiting our attention (Bible program, husband's needs, children needs, bills, grocery list, dinner plans, child training, books need reading, laundry, house cleaning, clean out car, yard, birthdays, school...) And no wonder it's sooo hard for us ladies to "be still" and spend time with the Lord. And actually absorb anything. We have all these unclosed apps spinning in our hard drives (minds) just waiting until we have the time to pull them back up, think about them and work on them.
Another sidebar to this open apps is if you get too many going at once it really slows down your hard drive and gobbles up your battery life. Is there a life lesson here, you ask? Yes, ma'am in much the same way if we have too many "apps" open and we don't close out some, we slooooow down ourselves and kill our batteries (energy). Granted, it's much easier to double click and clear your apps on the phone, iPad, computer, than to clear your schedule or your mind but try it. Even do it in your mind and then, "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Soft Answer, January 30
"A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1 NKJV)
Most of the time when someone fusses at us we just want to fuss back. Yell at us, we yell at you. But stop. Halt. The Bible tells us that a soft answer will turn away wrath. If we respond to someone being mean or fussing by a soft answer, we will diffuse the situation and turn away their anger. But if we are harsh back it only makes matters worse. And stirs it up.
So next time you have the opportunity to respond to anger, wrath, harshness do it with a soft answer.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Most of the time when someone fusses at us we just want to fuss back. Yell at us, we yell at you. But stop. Halt. The Bible tells us that a soft answer will turn away wrath. If we respond to someone being mean or fussing by a soft answer, we will diffuse the situation and turn away their anger. But if we are harsh back it only makes matters worse. And stirs it up.
So next time you have the opportunity to respond to anger, wrath, harshness do it with a soft answer.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Contentment, January 31
"Now godliness with contentment is great gain." (I Timothy 6:6 NKJV)
Contentment is one of those things we can choose. Being "satisfied" with what we have is a fruit of having a thankful spirit/attitude. Jealousy is a fruit of discontentment and that is not a fun place to be. Choosing to be content does not mean you have no drive or that you are settling for less than best. Contentment simply means you are at "peace" and "happy" and "joyfilled" no matter where you are or what you have. It means you are not constantly looking at others and wanting what they have. Or worse, thinking you deserve it and they don't. Contentment is a wonderful thing to possess. Contentment is something free and able to be possessed by us all just for the asking, and it's great gain.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?
Contentment is one of those things we can choose. Being "satisfied" with what we have is a fruit of having a thankful spirit/attitude. Jealousy is a fruit of discontentment and that is not a fun place to be. Choosing to be content does not mean you have no drive or that you are settling for less than best. Contentment simply means you are at "peace" and "happy" and "joyfilled" no matter where you are or what you have. It means you are not constantly looking at others and wanting what they have. Or worse, thinking you deserve it and they don't. Contentment is a wonderful thing to possess. Contentment is something free and able to be possessed by us all just for the asking, and it's great gain.
What are you grateful/thankful for today?