Day 11: Walking In The Light

“(Jesus said) ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” -John 8:12

Picking up from yesterday’s devotional on Finding Hope , I wonder how often we find ourselves in dark places. I don’t mean some dark alley in an unknown part of town, I mean in those dark moods, in those dark times where all hope does seem lost, whether because of health, family, friends, work etc… Dark times do come.

I remember one time awakening in the middle of night and all of our power was out. It was pitch dark, and it just so happened to be September 12th, 2001. As you can recall the horrific events that took place on September 11th. In our little town, cars were lined up at the pumps because they were afraid something far greater was going to happen. Those first few days, weeks, months were very dark times. Many were looking for answers and fear was at the forefront of everyone’s minds…anyway, I digress. So I awaken in the middle of the night without power, right after this awful, dreadfully dark day. I stumble around trying to find a flashlight. I remember tripping over things and eventually stumbling down the stairs in the dark. Finally, I made my way out to the car in the driveway and flick on the lights. (I too was afraid something on a national level had happened, which lead to this blackout) Finally, when I had turned on the lights, orientated myself I realized that it was only a brief blackout in our neighborhood. Those moments spent in the dark, were somewhat terrifying to me post Sept 11th.

For a brief moment, I had been living in fear and I was truly in the dark.

I wonder how many Christians still today, are living in the dark because of fears and uncertainties? We cannot control the world around us. It is often turbulent and even violent. Dangers seem to lurk around the corner, or so we think. Could it be that a little portion of us needs to take control and we, perhaps do not fully trust God to come to our aid? I’m not saying that we simply don’t protect our families or neighbors from dangers – of course do that! But I am wondering if we have our doubts that linger in the back of our minds if God will really be there for us through thick and thin…even in the dark?

Rest assured, Our Heavenly is the Light that we desperately need, and by which ALL THINGS are judged and seen. God knows what you are going through in your life right now. He will not leave you are abandon you! We can live in the light no matter what the world around us throws in our direction. Stand firm and be encouraged today! God’s got this!

Prayer: Lord, help me with my fears. We live in a dangerous world. I want to live for you even if the world around me seems dark. Cast your light into my life today. Help me to shine for you in all that I do and say! In Your name I pray these things. -Amen.

January 11, 2017 0

Day 10:Finding Hope In The Lord!

Whether it is because of gloomy days, or circumstances in life, there are times when we become worn out and run down. Because of this, our attitudes and even perspectives on life can become bleak or distorted. Rest assured that you aren’t alone in these feelings. We all face difficulties, frustrations and even opposition in this life – this is nothing new.
Before David became king of Israel, we find him on the run and afraid for his life. King Saul was jealous of David and sought to kill him. He was perceived to be a threat to King Saul because David was a war hero and highly revered in all of Israel. Imagine having all of those accolades and notoriety but still having to run for your life?! You would think that because of those circumstances David’s perspectives on life would have become bleak and gloomy, but they didn’t. He remained steadfast even while in hiding. Even amidst David’s trials he managed to have this perspective:

^“God! Look! Enemies past counting!
Enemies sprouting like mushrooms,
Mobs of them all around me, roaring their mockery:
“Hah! No help for him from God!”

^3-4But you, God, shield me on all sides;
You ground my feet, you lift my head high;
With all my might I shout up to God,
His answers thunder from the holy mountain.” (Psalm 31-4 The Message Version)

Regardless of what you might be facing today, there is hope!
Shout to God.
Cry out to Him.
He will hear you!
He will be your shield on every side of you as well!
No matter how dark your day might seem, God’s light can shine on you and bring you hope and peace! Cling to this! Seek Him out, and He will lift your head!

Prayer: Dear Lord, there are days when the gloom and stress of it all encompass me. Remind me of your very real presence in my life today. Shine your light on these sometimes dark circumstances around me. Strengthen me and be my shield. In You, Oh Lord do I put my trust and in Whom do I find my joy and hope! My Your will be done in my life today! In Christ’s name I pray these things. -Amen.

January 11, 2017 1

Day 9: Fecal Of The Mouth…

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29

Do you remember getting your mouth washed out with soap?
Perhaps you do, and I would imagine that soapy taste still lingers to this day. Parents would do this to try and instill wholesome verbal skills in their children.

But this fecal of the mouth doesn’t end with the use of profanity, it continues into all of the negative comments we might make in an average day. We might complain about things. We might constantly criticize without any kind of constructive counterpoints. All we are doing is essentially spewing verbal fecal matter around us. That sounds disgusting doesn’t it? Well it is.

No one wants to hang out with a negative person all the time do they?
They tend to bring the party down. As Christians we are called to be set apart from how the World tells us to live. This passage goes way beyond using swear words, and reminds us of the necessity to build each other up instead of tear each other down. So when Paul says “let no unwholesome words come out of your mouth”, he is reminding Christ-followers to be mindful of what they say – which becomes their testimony to the rest of the world around us. The words we choose can be the very words of Christ, or they can be the words of Satan. That sounds harsh, but the reality is that words can cut deeper than any blade, and words can maim or encourage beyond what we could ever see. Words are that important! And how we choose to use them can either bless or curse the souls of those around us.

So How About You?
How are your speech patterns?
Are there areas in your life that you find difficult and you end up catching yourself speaking with fecal, unwholesome speech? Do you constantly have to fight against going negative. Does this permeate your entire outlook on life and on others around you? If so, how can you change this pattern of unwholesome talk? We can blame other people and situations, that would be the easy way out…but only when we take responsibility for our own speech and rein in our thoughts, will we ever seen measurable spiritual growth. It begins with you, it begins with me.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me with my tongue today.
Remind me that I am set apart for you. Cleanse me of malice and negative thinking that seems to bleed out into my speech. I want to be a kingdom builder, not one who tears down. Show me what it means to be edifying and encouraging to others. Help me with the words I choose to speak. My the words of my mouth and meditations of my heart be acceptable to You, Oh Lord my Strength and my Redeemer. -Amen

January 9, 2017 0

Day 8: The Full Court Press…

“Not that I have already obtained all of this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Philippians 3:12

Let’s face it, none of us are perfect, and we all struggle from time to time.
But there ought to be some reassurance in knowing the Father – who sent His one and only Son for us. Although we fail from time to time, we have a Savior who doesn’t fail us. In fact He picks us up when we fall flat on our faces and helps us back on our feet, that is our faith on this spiritual journey.
Here’s a caution for all of us though, just because we are not perfect does not mean that we cannot be made Holy by God’s divine presence. The Holy Spirit longs for us to become what we were always created to be – Christ’s very image here on earth. And so He prods us, reminds us, convicts us of the things we have yet to surrender to Him. Sometimes we might have deep dark places in our hearts that we think aren’t forgiveable or redeemable, and so we hide them away and never talk about them. We think God will just forget about them, but the truth is if we never confront them, we will never full realize the image of Christ in us – it will always remain blurred and seemingly far away.

Press On!
So we have to put on the full court press in our lives.
We have strive to be disciplined in our personal conduct and in our thought processes.
We are made for something so much more than this and we ought not settle for being “just okay”…we can live Christ in every facet of our lives. Paul reminds us that he isn’t even there yet, but that doesn’t get him down, he just presses onward. This is what we are to do as well. Admittedly, we aren’t there yet…we still have a ways to go, so don’t quit, become frustrated or exhausted – keep going!

How is your spiritual journey going so far?
Has your journey been wrought with set backs, failures, heartbreaks and hurts?
If not perhaps you aren’t trying hard enough…and if it has, don’t quit and don’t surrender – keep pressing onward! Without this forward progress within us, we will wither, become stale and ultimately fail. Ask important questions. Challenge spiritual concepts. Tackle the rough things in your life, and with the Holy Spirit’s help we will overcome! Do you believe it? I mean do you REALLY believe it?

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I confess that I am not there yet.
I am often imperfect and I struggle in my spiritual disciplines.
Help me to overcome. Grant me your strength to press onward.
Make me holy Lord, so that my thoughts are your thoughts; my heart your heart.
I long to finish this race with strength and power, and not simply end by the skin of my teeth. Help me to thrive along the way! In Your name I pray all of these things. -Amen!

January 8, 2017 1

Day 6: Listening to the noise…

“After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper…” 1 Kings 19:12

This is one of my favorite verses in the bible…Elijah is worn out, frustrated and afraid for his life. He seeks refuge in the mountains because God told him to do this. As he waits for God, a bunch of noise happens around him. First an earthquake, then a fire…and it says that God was not in those things. I wonder how long Elijah waited on God. It doesn’t say, I would speculate that God’s arrival to him was not immediate…there was a waiting period involved here.

The Noise
There is so much noise around us today, so much distraction. We might blast our favorite songs on the radio in the car, I sure do. We flip on the t.v. to catch our favorite hour long show – guilty again. We check our social media accounts more often than we’d care to admit. The distraction of noise, both auditory noise and visual noise, is all around us! It seems as if we cannot escape it’s grasp on our lives.

With all this distraction around us, when do we carve out the time to wait on God?
Do we sometimes forget Him amidst the distraction of the noise? It would be very easy to do in our culture today. We are seemingly immersed in the noise and there is virtually no where to run from it. But thankfully we serve a mighty God who is capable of breaking through that noise! In Elijah’s case, God showed up in a gentle whisper. Elijah recognized it and stepped out there to encounter Him. He recognized the moment for what it was…

Do We Recognize our Moments With God?
When the noise of life crashes in, like it frequently does, will we recognize the gentle whisper of God? Are we focused and in tune with Him? Do we wait expectantly for God to show up (which He will)? Whatever your distractions and noise might be, rest assured that God can break through for you, just be prepared and listening for Him!

Prayer
Dear Lord, my life is noisy and often I become distracted by it.
Many times I am consumed by it. Help me to find the gentle whispers in my life. Allow me the patience and attention to hear your voice amongst the noise. Be with me today. Remind me of this communion with You, that I desperately need your divine presence with me. Let me fellowship with you! In Your name I pray these things. Amen.

Nooma- Noise

January 6, 2017 2

Day 5 – All Things New

“And He who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.'” -Revelation 21:5

It snowed here today.
Snow is not uncommon, but our community is not properly equipped for snow fall. There are not enough snow plows and other equipment here to handle such things. Thus, unsurprisingly, we received an early morning phone call from our children’s schools – School was canceled. There is something sweet about telling our children that there would not be any school as they thrust fists into the air and then nestled deep down into their blankets once more to catch a few more slumber hours…especially the smelly teenagers in our house.

Looking out our windows today, there is a small, pure white dusting of snow on the ground, just enough to make things look clean, crisp and white. It got me thinking – This is what our Heavenly Father does for us when it comes to forgiveness. He wipes our slates clean. He purifies us, and all of the hopes and possibilities become visible again because we do not have to focus on all of the guilt and shame any longer. Of course the consequences are still there, like ripples in a pond…but forgiveness comes (through Christ alone) to make all things new within our hearts. Everything that we cannot change…everything that we still feel guilt over…everything that we regret…everything that weighs us down and, with seemingly unbreakable chains, holds us captive…EVERYTHING is washed away, wiped clean the moment we receive and accept this gift of forgiveness from God.

The amazing thing is, that we will often need to go back to the source of forgiveness and grace, and we can receive it. This, of course, doesn’t mean that we treat it like a get out of jail free card from monopoly, but we can still receive forgiveness when stumble along the way.

So how about it?
Are there moments right now in your life that require this cleansing once more?
Are you bogged down by the weight of sin and guilt? It doesn’t take much to soil this cleansing – a few words of malice; entertaining impure thoughts; actions that are not God-honoring…these daily temptations come rushing in at us because we still live in this fallen world.

But hear the still small voice of God himself who says to us – Behold, I will make all things new. This isn’t just at the end of all things, this is also true in your life today, at this very moment. Just whisper a prayer to Him and He will glad cleanse you once again. Our goal? Becoming the very reflection of Christ in our living…this can only be done by consciously allowing His holy presence to guide, restore and change us…We must linger moment by moment in the Master’s presence in order to fully realize this reality in our lives.

Prayer:
Lord I long for you to make all things new in my life right now.
Forgive me of these sins that creep up in my life and weigh me down.
Cleanse me once more, make my heart and mind vessels for you and you alone. I long to be the reflection of Christ in all that I do and all that I say. In your name I pray these things, Amen.

January 5, 2017 0

Day 2 – Residing In The Goodness…

Focus Verse: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28 (NIV)
The grace of God resides within us. His presence provides what we need in the good times as well as the bad.

Our focus verse for today has less to do with some sort of magic “goodness”and more to do with where we choose to place ourselves daily. What I mean by that is this: are we firmly planted in our faith in the almighty? Or, like shifting sands, do you waver and even falter when stressful/difficult things occur?

The emphasis within this verse is “…of those who love Him…” Whatever you may face today, wherever your path might take you, how deep does your love for God go? To what depths will you journey…will you go even beyond your comfort zone to serve our Father in heaven?

The goodness God offers might not manifest itself in earthly riches and worldly fame, but rather in our daily provisions and spiritual blessings. He gives us what we need, not necessarily what we want. He loves us and know exactly the means by which to provide and to protect us. The very real question is: do we trust Him? Might I confess that I still struggle with this trust. I still attempt to “handle” it all on my own…and I usually fail gloriously when I do.

Might I suggest that we tackle this trust issue moment by moment instead of with vast brush strokes and promises?! …and in so doing, may we plant ourselves firmly in the goodness of God, and remain there!

Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to reside within your goodness. Show me how that can take place within my doubting moments. Help me to surrender to you even when the going gets tough. I long to be yours and yours alone! Thank you for this glorious day that you have given me and the blessings that I often take for granted. Reside with me throughout my day and all that might frustrate my plans. May Your will be done in my life today.

-Amen.

January 2, 2017 0

A Transforming Year – Reading #1

As promised, I will attempt, with the help of others, to include a Pondering daily devotional this year. I hope that this might be found useful to all who read it. -Blessings!

Reading #1
“Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” -Romans 12:2

What will this year have in store for us?
Will it be an epic year, or will it be a difficult year?
What challenges will I face?

As we look into this new year of 2017, we cannot but help to wonder what might happen, both the good and the not so good. Despite the fact that we do not know what the future holds for us, we do know who holds that future! Our faith must not be so shallow as to worry about what could happen, or what might take place…these things are beyond our reach, and as Matthew 6:25-34 describes – what good is worrying?…”Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear...” The only thing that worry is good for is wasting our time and efforts. Let go of what could be, or what might happen…these worries distort and consume us if we allow them access to our innermost thoughts.

Instead, let our focus verse become just that today – Your focus.
Do not allow the elements and issues of the world around you to decide how you will live or interact with others. These concerns of the world will always be there, but at the end of the day can we really control it all? – NO!

Do you want a transformation that lasts much longer than any new year’s resolution? Then look no further than God’s Holy Presence to begin that new and good work within you! It won’t be easy. There will be setbacks along the way, but with His power and strength, all things are possible! But I must warn you – this path takes discipline and diligence to see a marked improvement of the soul.

Take time today read this focus verse…read it more than once.
Perhaps say the words out loud…even take it step further and write these words in your own handwriting somewhere, perhaps in a journal or a piece of paper you can post on your refrigerator or some place prominent. Pray for God’s transforming power to begin this good work within you anew.

Homework: (Don’t be afraid, there won’t be a test)
* Read the words out loud
* Write them down
* Pray about your concerns and worries – begin to lay them one by one at God’s feet.
* Invite God into every aspect of your day – from beginning to end.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, I have these worries in my life.
Fears about tomorrow.
Stresses at work and sometimes with my family and friends.
Intercede in my life today!
Remind me of your transforming power that will guide and provide me peace in the midst of my storms. Help me this year Lord to trust you more, to worry less about the world around me that often consumes my thoughts and leaves me drained and empty. Give me a passion for others that reflects Yours. Change this heart of mine, transform my thoughts, ambitions, desires and efforts into an outpouring of love for You. Thank you for Your presence with me, now walk be side me into this new year. In Jesus name I pray these things. -Amen.

January 1, 2017 0

Elections: When We Mock God’s Sovereignty…

“The LORD sat as King at the flood; Yes, the LORD sits as King forever.” Psalm 29:10

Please do not misunderstand me when I say this – sometimes we make a mockery of God’s Sovereignty in life. Today is a presidential election, we have one every four years…it’s built into the construct of our nation (and other nations also). Admittedly, some elections seem to be more pivotal than others. We ought to, if compelled, exercise our civic duty and right to vote. The problem I have is this: When God’s people, those who would label themselves as Christians – use the term “who ever becomes President, God is still sovereign”…now don’t get me wrong, it’s not that this isn’t true, but I think we sometimes use this flippantly and with very little thought. I will also admit that I have used it, and this is why I write this today.

I have looked around social media today (Election day) and I am amazed in the outpouring and calls for prayer. Not that we don’t need prayer, we absolutely do, but it feels almost like that test in school. You know the one I’m talking about. It’s the test you didn’t study for, and are about to take. You aren’t prepared and so you utilize the last resort prayer…does God work that way? I mean, does he answer prayers for crammed tests and sudden emergencies in our lives? Is that what God has become to His faithful? The God of last resorts?

This is where I feel we make a mockery of God’s Sovereignty sometimes, and as I say this I am not accusing everyone of this, I am asking us to look into our motivations behind the prayers and the declarations of God’s sovereignty. Are we treating God as if he is the emergency cord?

What I mean is, do we include Him in only a portion of our lives, ONLY when we need Him? Or is He invited in daily? Do we only declare Him to be a Sovereign God, who is over all things ONLY during an election, or do we declare this in and through ALL of our every day existences?

What if we prayed to the Almighty like we did during that Presidential election day?
What if we declared His Sovereignty not just when we feel our candidate is the one that should be elected, but in our common, every day kinda life? What would happen then?
I’ll tell you what would happen – we would stop making a mockery of God’s Sovereignty through our consistent declarations.

So which is it?
Do we serve a God who only comes out at election day and ensures the right candidate is placed in the Oval office? Or do we serve a God who is over all and in all things every day of the year – every moment of every day? I must confess that as I point the finger out to every Christian today, that I have three fingers pointing back at me, and that scares me.
I do not want to cheapen God’s power and might! I do not want to make light of His Sovereignty. I must approach this topic with a sober mind knowing that I too have done this. Have you?

Prayer:
Lord, forgive us when we have cheapened your grace and power.
I long to have you walk beside me every moment of every day. Forgive me when I have forgotten to include you in my life, when I have used you as a last resort instead of my constant Father who vows never to leave me or forsake me. I ask that you remind me of what it means to be called a child of You. Show how I must live today, and tomorrow…
Lord, you are Holy and the only One who is Sovereign over all things. Help me declare this every day, through word and deed. -Amen.

November 8, 2016 0

Keep It Simple Stupid – An Uncomplicated God Thing…

“For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form…” Colossians 2:9

We as humans tend to over-complicate things, our friendships, our beliefs and even our families from time to time. When it comes to Church and our worship, we have to have all of the right elements put into place…the right songs need to be sung, the format – comfortable, and we place our “hallelujahs” and “amens” all in the right places…have we made our worship overly complicated? Are our experiences with God overly complicated? Do we make it something it was never intended to be? What about authenticity and candid moments with the Father? Do these take place in our utterances to Him?

I believe we have this big picture idea about God sometimes that leaves God this great big idea out there…but very seldom do we realize that He comes directly to us in our minuscule lives and wants to just hang out. He longs to connect in ways we have never anticipated or believed to be possible. Why is that? Why do we believe in this mighty God and yet, at times, fall short of believe He desires real, authentic relationship with us?

I will tell you why – because there a moments, even large spans of time where we believe the lie that Satan tells us. What is that lie you ask? – That we aren’t good enough. That we don’t really belong. That no matter what that preacher or friend might say, He would never spend time with me, because of all of the sins and bad things I have done in my life…yet we asked for forgiveness…yet we accepted Christ into our lives…but still…why do we keep buying this lie?

Because we do not feel worthy enough?
Because we do not think a great BIG God would ever come down to our teeny tiny level?
Because we still struggle with temptation…and we still stumble and fall?

So we over complicate it…our relationship with God.
We try to fill in the gaps with complicated worship and ornate speech and follow a strict pattern of obligations…but it’s complicated…

God doesn’t do complicated.
He doesn’t beat around the bush (sorry Moses).
He doesn’t need ritual or motions of worship for us to be accepted as His children.
He simply says to us,”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28)

All He wants from us is our fellowship.
He desires to be included.
He longs for connection…for things uncomplicated.

So let’s uncomplicate things…
Let His presence remove the insecurities and the lies.
This great BIG God will be there in our small spaces of life.
And He breathes peace into our lives
Something more to ponder today.

Peace be with you!

October 26, 2016 0

Category: God