I Will Remember!

Scripture
Psalm 106:13 But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His plan to unfold.

Observation
How soon the children of Israel forgot what great things God had done for them.  Not waiting for His plan . . . but making their own plans - giving in to their cravings and desires.  They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things, miracles, and awesome deeds for them.  But they forgot.  They were impatient.  They did things 'their way'.  They despised the pleasant land, did not believe His promises, grumbled, and disobeyed the LORD.   

Application
Psalm 77:11-12 says, "I will remember! I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago.  I will consider all Your works and meditate on all Your mighty deeds."  
And so, I will remember what a wonderful and faithful GOD I serve and worship.  He saved and rescued me.  In February 1970, Louie and I were at the home of his Uncle Bruce and Aunt Dottie.  They opened the Bible and read the verses out loud for us to hear the good news of salvation and forgiveness, grace and mercy - about God's power and love.  That's a day to remember!  He gave us new life and a new beginning, a future and a hope.  
I will wait for Your plan to unfold, Your will, Your way be done in my life.

Prayer
Father God, You are Holy and Just!  What god is as great as my God?  There is none like You!  You are the GOD of miracles!  You do them every day!  I give You thanks and praise!  Help me never to forget but always remember You.  May I patiently wait for Your glorious plans for me and not give in to my own cravings and wants.  May I rest and trust in You always. 
For Your glory!  A-men.

Open Door - Go for It!

Scripture
1 Corinthians 16:9, 13-14
For a wide door for effective service has opened to me and there are many adversaries.  
Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, be brave, be strong. 
Let all that you do be done in love.

Observation
When I read these verses early this morning, my first thoughts were that it was referring to an open door or opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others, but in doing so, there would be some opposition.  So be strong in the Lord and be sure that whatever you do - do it in love.  But after short ride in the car, I realized we don't have to be in conversation with someone about God to be used by God in a meaningful way.  
  
This morning I followed Louie in his car to drop off my car for repair at an auto service.  He took another route than what I was expecting - sort of a back way to the place.  On the way, we passed what appeared to be an accident.  About 7-10 construction workers were gathered around a man lying on the sidewalk; two were kneeling, and one was touching the injured man.  I could hear that emergency vehicles were fast approaching the scene.  Not knowing what had happened, but seeing the desperate situation, I prayed for the helpless man lying there.
God gave me a 'favored moment'  to be able to minister His love and grace - even though I was only driving by - I prayed.  
  
The Bible says 'our adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour; and he comes to kill, steal, and destroy.'  We are to be on the alert, keeping watch, standing steadfastly in the faith, and do all things in love.  There's not much else I could've done to assist the man - but I could pray. Sometimes we think praying isn't enough - but it is.  Praying for others in times of need is a very effectual service to the Lord and to the person we are praying for.

Application
Through what happened this morning and thinking about these verses I feel encouraged by the Lord.  To 'go for it!'   
With those 7-10 construction workers around that man, only 2 were kneeling down to really try to help; like loosening his collar, speaking comfort, encouraging the man - they actually were 'hands on' to help him.  The other guys appeared to be talking to each other, looking at what was happening, and waiting for the emergency vehicles.  But then there was me; just a 'drive by' a 'looky loo.'  For sure there was nothing for me to do -  I would only be in the way!  But God said, 'Pray'.  So I prayed as I drove on by.  God reminded me that an 'opened door for effective service' can come in any number of ways.  Just listen, be open, and be ready.  When I see a 'favorable moment' or chance to be used by God, go for it.

Prayer
Dear Lord, I won't be afraid or timid, for You are with me.  I will trust in You and not turn away from those divine appointments and life lessons You have prepared for me.  Though the enemy may whisper in my ear and remind me or accuse me of all my shortcomings and failures - I choose to be bold, to be strong in faith believing You have called me to effective service - not to be a spectator.  With the help of Your Holy Spirit power in my life, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Run to Win the Prize!

Scripture
1 Corinthians 9:24-27  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.  No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 

Observation
Paul compares our 'walk' with Jesus to training and running in a race.  Discipline yourself in such a way that you finish the race and win the prize.  Persevere and bring your physical body into subjection so that you won't give into fleshly desires.  It's not enough to begin a race . . . but the goal is to run the race and complete it!  Finish well!

Application
This reminds me of my granddaughter Alyse who is a cross country runner in track events at her high school.   She trains in all weather - when the sun is shining or when it's cold, windy, blustery, and overcast!  She's out there with the other runners, running sprints, warming up, stretching, preparing for the race.  She competes against her own times, setting herself for the long haul.  She paces herself.  She familiarizes herself as much as she can with the terrain, the running course.  Endurance, strengthening, and focus are a part of her every day schedule.  She watches her diet, gets rest, and keeps a positive attitude.  She looks to her instructors for ways to improve and is open to necessary corrections.  She runs and trains with teammates who push her to the limit and encourage her to keep going.  Quitting is not an option.  

I can learn something here.  Spiritual disciplines are God's training program for me!  They will help develop character and endurance, faith, and positive attitude!  By practicing some daily devotional habits everyday, I can run the race to win and not get side lined because of a lack of self - discipline.  Setting aside a morning time at the feet of Jesus is essential, as well as getting necessary rest, eating right, prayer, worship, Bible reading, quiet, journaling, serving, fellowship - these are all a part of my daily 'training' program for the race.  I will stay the course!  Take a day at a time!  And so I will run this race to win the prize of Your high calling in Jesus Christ my Lord!

Prayer
Father, thank You for this reminder.  It's timely.  I give You praise for helping me refocus and to keep moving forward - and for encouraging me through the life of my beloved granddaughter.  She inspires me!  May I continue to run the race to win, with the thought of doing 'today well' in such a way to bring glory and honor to Your Name!  In Jesus Name I pray. A-men.

Groping for God

Scripture
Acts 17:27 'That they would seek God, perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live, and move, and exist, as even some of your poets have said, 'For we also are His children'.

Observation
God's purpose for us is to seek Him and find Him; to repent and turn to Him above all else, and to nurture a loving relationship with God, our Father in Heaven.  The verse says that we might grope for Him, to find Him.  I picture myself in darkened room with arms high and hands open taking small steps so I won't run into anything, but feeling my way around for something to hold onto; reaching out to try to find God, to touch Him.  God is nearer to us than we can imagine.  We are the ones who are distant from Him, separated by sin & darkness.  

Application
If I can just reach out to Him, His light will lead me to Him.  I have purpose in my life when I open my heart to God.  
Psalm 18:28 Lord, You have brought light to my life, my God, You light up my darkness.  
Luke 11:36  If you are filled with light with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant as though a floodlight is shining on you.  

Prayer 
Father, thank You for this gentle reminder to continue to seek and find you in the midst of the darkness & doubt that try to 'move in' to the corners of my heart.  I will not fear - for You are with me.  I trust in You!  Shine your light on me and reveal areas of my life not yielded to You.  I need You Lord, I'm groping for You Lord - in You I live, move, and have my being.   In Your Name, A-men.

Don't be afraid, be quiet.

Scripture
Exodus 14:13-14 But Moses said to the people, “ Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent."

Observation
Moses encourages and exhorts the people not to be afraid.  Just stand and watch what God will do!  God will fight for you, just keep silent.  Don't open your mouth!  In quietness and in trusting God, you will have the strength you need!  

Application  
Do not fear!  Don't be afraid of the enemy or his plans - be quiet, be strong, the Lord your God is with you!  He will fight for me, just don't speak out of fear by making negative comments or by saying, 'but what if' - it's in quietness and trust that will be my strength.  (Isaiah 30:15)  

Prayer
Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight.  You are my Rock and my redeemer!  (Psalm 19:14).  If I open my mouth to say anything, may it be a good report that comes from my lips; may it be faith filled, and full of praise and exaltations of Your greatness, faithfulness, and amazing grace!  Otherwise seal my lips from negative or critical words that I would speak out of fear or my own insecurities.  Thank You Lord. In Jesus Name, A-men.  

When Jesus asks - just do it!

Scripture
Luke 19:28b-34  Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, walking ahead of his disciples. As he came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives, he sent two disciples ahead. “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks, ‘Why are you untying that colt? ’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it. ’”
 So they went and found the colt, just as Jesus had said. And sure enough, as they were untying it, the owners asked them, “Why are you untying that colt?”
 And the disciples simply replied, “The Lord needs it.” So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for him to ride on.

Observation 
Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice, O people of Zion!  Shout in triumph, O people of Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you. He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.

This verse in Zechariah is prophetic in proclaiming the coming Messiah, riding on a donkey!  Jesus fulfilled this scripture when He rode the donkey the two disciples got for Him for His ride into Jerusalem.

When Jesus asked his disciples to get him a donkey, they could have thought, "What kind of meaningless assignment is the Master giving us!"  They could have said, "We would rather hang out with You Jesus, sit at Your feet, and listen to the gracious words that stream from Your lips.  If we go get a donkey for You, we are going to miss something!"  
Jesus tells them what to say if anyone asks them about what they are doing.  Just tell them, "The Lord needs it."

Application
No job is meaningless, insignificant, menial, or without purpose when Jesus is asking me to do it.  It may be a lonely assignment, going off by myself, separated from others, even involve doing something a bit crazy.  But I hear The Lord saying to me -  to do what He asks.  If there are questions about it, He will tell me how to answer.  I don't need to try and explain or add to what He says.  In doing so, I may be a part of much bigger picture that He's going to let me participate in fulfilling.  Don't despise the day of small things!  If Jesus has a hand in it, it is divine.  

Prayer
Father thank You for Your word!  Nothing You ask me to do is without purpose!  My response, no matter how I view things, is to obey You.  To follow Jesus, to serve You my Lord, is my joy! 
In Jesus Name,  A-men.

2015 - A New Year!

Scripture 

Luke 2:40 The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

Observation

Jesus, the Holy Son of God, born in Bethlehem, grew to become strong in stature, and God's wisdom and grace was evident in His life.  God was with him.  

Application

Ask for wisdom and grace, and it's ok to ask for more. Seek Him first and His righteousness - everything else will fall into place.  Knock, and the door will open.  Then take a step of faith.  

Prayer

As I read and study Your Word O Lord in this new time, I pray that I would increase in Your godly wisdom and that I would continue to grow in grace as I walk with You.   May this new year be filled with love, joy, hope, and the peace that passes all understanding.

May I listen and hear Your voice, and may I walk the path You have prepared for me.  Teach me Your way and help me to lean into You and embrace the great and mighty things You have promised.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

‘ Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know. ’ ~ Jeremiah 33:3
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. ~ Ephesians 3:20-21