-
Starting today August 7th, 2024, in order to post in the Married Couples, Courting Couples, or Singles forums, you will not be allowed to post if you have your Marital status designated as private. Announcements will be made in the respective forums as well but please note that if yours is currently listed as Private, you will need to submit a ticket in the Support Area to have yours changed.
Come Into The Deep End... with ImHisServant (3)
- Thread starter ImHisServant
- Start date
- Status
cristianna
...dancing in the rain...
Jen I think your actions speak a great deal. To me it seems like this wore on your heart for some time (and may still), and you were courageous enough to admit your fault and mend wounds.
Absolutely! Everyone is welcome!
Very, very true!
And you are absolutely right also! Good or bad, everything has a consequence.
Upvote
0
I
IBLuke226
Guest
great thoughts and comments today!! 
made me think... whatsoever a man sows so shall he reap.
and then we have to eat what we reap it may not taste very good.
made me think... whatsoever a man sows so shall he reap.
and then we have to eat what we reap
it may not taste very good.
Upvote
0
SunMessenger
Devoted To The Holy Spirit Of God
- Apr 27, 2006
- 163,144
- 13,244
- Faith
- Catholic
- Marital Status
- Private
- Politics
- US-Others
Upvote
0
Maharg
wanting greater intimacy with Jesus
Some good pointers and some great Bible verses, thank you.
You know, I am having amoment of weakness atthe moment. I'm just settling in to a new job and I was ok at first - relaxed and happy, if a little nervous. But I'm starting to have that feeling of stress that colours my judgements and makes me function less well at the moment.
I've been asking God to help me to identify how I've slipped away from him and I have realised that it is through worrying. Worrying leads to higher levels to stress and then IO panic at things that I should take in my stride. And yes, I do take others down with me, because I get irritable and angry with my husband and am NOT the true reflection of agape love at all!
I'm praying that I will be able to continue to seek God and get rid of the anxiety and worry so that I can really serve God. I'm carrying a baby now too, and I don't want to hurt it by being stressed a lot, so I'm praying that I can remain close to God, remember that worrying is a sin, and have faith, love and hope.
You know, I am having amoment of weakness atthe moment. I'm just settling in to a new job and I was ok at first - relaxed and happy, if a little nervous. But I'm starting to have that feeling of stress that colours my judgements and makes me function less well at the moment.
I've been asking God to help me to identify how I've slipped away from him and I have realised that it is through worrying. Worrying leads to higher levels to stress and then IO panic at things that I should take in my stride. And yes, I do take others down with me, because I get irritable and angry with my husband and am NOT the true reflection of agape love at all!
I'm praying that I will be able to continue to seek God and get rid of the anxiety and worry so that I can really serve God. I'm carrying a baby now too, and I don't want to hurt it by being stressed a lot, so I'm praying that I can remain close to God, remember that worrying is a sin, and have faith, love and hope.
Upvote
0
cristianna
...dancing in the rain...
STOP THE PRESS... NO DEVO TODAY!!!!!!!
Today we are going to focus on and lift up (privately or publicly-- your choice) our sister Maharg!
Go ahead and turn red with embarassment all you want Maharg... but you're not online to stop me right now.
PRAISE THE LORD! I'm sooooo utterly ecstatic for you Maharg!!!!!Father I PRAISE YOU today for Your unrelenting marvelous works! How awesome of a God You are, and especially to tell Maharg of her blessing before science could tell her! I've often wondered about that tree and what message You were sending. Lord, You are A-W-E-S-O-M-E!
Father I ask You to take Maharg's worry and stresses from her. Allow her to release them into Your control so she may be a devoted, shining reflection of You and Your love to all she comes across, especially her husband. In her moments of weakness fill her with strength and confidence.
And Father, while I praise You for Maharg's wonderful news, my heart still weeps for another one of our Deep End sister's JenRenee who continues the battle for conception. Lord please send Jen and her husband a message of hope. A message that everyones prayers, most importantly theirs, is not falling on deaf ears. We know every prayer is heard, but sometimes the silence and wait is deafening. Send them a message to show them You are in control and You know when that plan will be fulfilled. And please provide them with peace and patience as we await Your divine hand in this.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Upvote
0
F
FireyAngel
Guest
Father, i stand in agreement with this sister and claimvictory in these things, according to Your will. Amen!!!STOP THE PRESS... NO DEVO TODAY!!!!!!!
Today we are going to focus on and lift up (privately or publicly-- your choice) our sister Maharg!
Go ahead and turn red with embarassment all you want Maharg... but you're not online to stop me right now.
Father I PRAISE YOU today for Your unrelenting marvelous works! How awesome of a God You are, and especially to tell Maharg of her blessing before science could tell her! I've often wondered about that tree and what message You were sending. Lord, You are A-W-E-S-O-M-E!
Father I ask You to take Maharg's worry and stresses from her. Allow her to release them into Your control so she may be a devoted, shining reflection of You and Your love to all she comes across, especially her husband. In her moments of weakness fill her with strength and confidence.
And Father, while I praise You for Maharg's wonderful news, my heart still weeps for another one of our Deep End sister's JenRenee who continues the battle for conception. Lord please send Jen and her husband a message of hope. A message that everyones prayers, most importantly theirs, is not falling on deaf ears. We know every prayer is heard, but sometimes the silence and wait is deafening. Send them a message to show them You are in control and You know when that plan will be fulfilled. And please provide them with peace and patience as we await Your divine hand in this.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Upvote
0
Maharg
wanting greater intimacy with Jesus
Thank you!STOP THE PRESS... NO DEVO TODAY!!!!!!!
Today we are going to focus on and lift up (privately or publicly-- your choice) our sister Maharg!
Go ahead and turn red with embarassment all you want Maharg... but you're not online to stop me right now.
Father I PRAISE YOU today for Your unrelenting marvelous works! How awesome of a God You are, and especially to tell Maharg of her blessing before science could tell her! I've often wondered about that tree and what message You were sending. Lord, You are A-W-E-S-O-M-E!
Father I ask You to take Maharg's worry and stresses from her. Allow her to release them into Your control so she may be a devoted, shining reflection of You and Your love to all she comes across, especially her husband. In her moments of weakness fill her with strength and confidence.
And Father, while I praise You for Maharg's wonderful news, my heart still weeps for another one of our Deep End sister's JenRenee who continues the battle for conception. Lord please send Jen and her husband a message of hope. A message that everyones prayers, most importantly theirs, is not falling on deaf ears. We know every prayer is heard, but sometimes the silence and wait is deafening. Send them a message to show them You are in control and You know when that plan will be fulfilled. And please provide them with peace and patience as we await Your divine hand in this.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
And I stand in agreement with prayer for jenrenee.
Upvote
0
Hisbygrace
Carried On The Wings Of An Eagle
- Sep 22, 2004
- 120,388
- 6,418
- 74
- Faith
- Baptist
- Marital Status
- Politics
- US-Democrat
Upvote
0
cristianna
...dancing in the rain...
God Watching
By Amy Carroll
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 (NIV)
Devotion:
Ive had a fascination with birds ever since I was a little girl. One summer my brother and I raised two baby birds from naked little things until they took flight. I still love the sound of birds on a spring morning, and I treasure my coneflowers because goldfinches love to eat them as they wilt and dry. This summer a tiny, brown bird built her nest in my front door wreath. No sooner were those beautiful blue eggs hatched, raised and gone than another bird raised her family in my topiary right beside the front porch. It has been my delight every morning to peep into those nests on my way out the door. On the morning that the second nest was empty, I happened to glance over to a nearby tree. There on a branch sat one of the babies receiving his first flying lesson. I listened enthralled as the mother bird coaxed her young one from a short distance away.
Ive been thinking about the intensity of my interest as I watched the lives of these birds. My deepest desire is to be a more avid God watcher than a bird watcher. God is active all around us, but as we hurry through our daily lives, we so often overlook His work. My husband and I have both had the opportunity to do short term mission trips in third world countries. The thing that struck us with the most force upon reentry into American life was how our spiritual eyes get so glazed over in our familiar, comfortable environment. In a new and challenging place, we could see God everywhere! We saw Him shining in the faces of new believers even in the midst of terrible hardship. We saw Him provide extra strength and vigor to accomplish goals despite obstacles. We saw Him provide a capable doctor for an injured friend in an isolated area. We saw Him provide for even the smallest needs.
We realized that our familiarity with our culture and surroundings had caused us to feel very self-sufficient. We saw our actions and the things that came our way as a result of our own work and own will. That realization was followed by great repentance and a renewed determination to watch for God. Jesus, through parables and other means, often told his followers to watch. We are to watch for His work, watch out for sin, and watch in expectation for the signs of His second coming.
Luke 12:24 says, Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! I encourage you to begin watching for God this week. He cares for you. Has He sent a cool breeze to blow over you as you work in your garden? Has He helped you to respond kindly to a friend or spouse who has just stepped on your last nerve? Has He provided a friend to wipe away the tears that spill over from the sorrow in your heart? Has He allowed the internet to include a devotion that reminds you of your great worth to Him? Turn your spiritual eyes toward your world this week and watch for Him.
Dear Lord, help me to have keen spiritual eyes. Make me aware of the times when my vision has glazed over, and sharpen my heart toward God-watching again. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Reflection:
Start a journal where you reflect at the end of the day. Write down times that you see God work.
Look for small blessings that He provides.
Share with a friend this week about Gods work in your life. Let thankfulness overflow!
In what area of life have I become so self-sufficient that I dont see God at work?
How am I called to be part of Gods work in the lives of others?
Do I give God the credit for His work in my life?
Power Verses:
Luke 21: 36, Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man. (NIV)
Luke 12: 37, It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. (NIV)
By Amy Carroll
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord,
I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7 (NIV)
Devotion:
Ive had a fascination with birds ever since I was a little girl. One summer my brother and I raised two baby birds from naked little things until they took flight. I still love the sound of birds on a spring morning, and I treasure my coneflowers because goldfinches love to eat them as they wilt and dry. This summer a tiny, brown bird built her nest in my front door wreath. No sooner were those beautiful blue eggs hatched, raised and gone than another bird raised her family in my topiary right beside the front porch. It has been my delight every morning to peep into those nests on my way out the door. On the morning that the second nest was empty, I happened to glance over to a nearby tree. There on a branch sat one of the babies receiving his first flying lesson. I listened enthralled as the mother bird coaxed her young one from a short distance away.
Ive been thinking about the intensity of my interest as I watched the lives of these birds. My deepest desire is to be a more avid God watcher than a bird watcher. God is active all around us, but as we hurry through our daily lives, we so often overlook His work. My husband and I have both had the opportunity to do short term mission trips in third world countries. The thing that struck us with the most force upon reentry into American life was how our spiritual eyes get so glazed over in our familiar, comfortable environment. In a new and challenging place, we could see God everywhere! We saw Him shining in the faces of new believers even in the midst of terrible hardship. We saw Him provide extra strength and vigor to accomplish goals despite obstacles. We saw Him provide a capable doctor for an injured friend in an isolated area. We saw Him provide for even the smallest needs.
We realized that our familiarity with our culture and surroundings had caused us to feel very self-sufficient. We saw our actions and the things that came our way as a result of our own work and own will. That realization was followed by great repentance and a renewed determination to watch for God. Jesus, through parables and other means, often told his followers to watch. We are to watch for His work, watch out for sin, and watch in expectation for the signs of His second coming.
Luke 12:24 says, Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! I encourage you to begin watching for God this week. He cares for you. Has He sent a cool breeze to blow over you as you work in your garden? Has He helped you to respond kindly to a friend or spouse who has just stepped on your last nerve? Has He provided a friend to wipe away the tears that spill over from the sorrow in your heart? Has He allowed the internet to include a devotion that reminds you of your great worth to Him? Turn your spiritual eyes toward your world this week and watch for Him.
Dear Lord, help me to have keen spiritual eyes. Make me aware of the times when my vision has glazed over, and sharpen my heart toward God-watching again. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Reflection:
Start a journal where you reflect at the end of the day. Write down times that you see God work.
Look for small blessings that He provides.
Share with a friend this week about Gods work in your life. Let thankfulness overflow!
In what area of life have I become so self-sufficient that I dont see God at work?
How am I called to be part of Gods work in the lives of others?
Do I give God the credit for His work in my life?
Power Verses:
Luke 21: 36, Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man. (NIV)
Luke 12: 37, It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. (NIV)
Upvote
0
jenrenee
Child of God
- Nov 16, 2006
- 1,478
- 153
- 43
- Faith
- Lutheran
- Marital Status
- Married
- Politics
- US-Republican
STOP THE PRESS... NO DEVO TODAY!!!!!!!
Today we are going to focus on and lift up (privately or publicly-- your choice) our sister Maharg!
Go ahead and turn red with embarassment all you want Maharg... but you're not online to stop me right now.
Father I PRAISE YOU today for Your unrelenting marvelous works! How awesome of a God You are, and especially to tell Maharg of her blessing before science could tell her! I've often wondered about that tree and what message You were sending. Lord, You are A-W-E-S-O-M-E!
Father I ask You to take Maharg's worry and stresses from her. Allow her to release them into Your control so she may be a devoted, shining reflection of You and Your love to all she comes across, especially her husband. In her moments of weakness fill her with strength and confidence.
And Father, while I praise You for Maharg's wonderful news, my heart still weeps for another one of our Deep End sister's JenRenee who continues the battle for conception. Lord please send Jen and her husband a message of hope. A message that everyones prayers, most importantly theirs, is not falling on deaf ears. We know every prayer is heard, but sometimes the silence and wait is deafening. Send them a message to show them You are in control and You know when that plan will be fulfilled. And please provide them with peace and patience as we await Your divine hand in this.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Just saw this - and totally agree! Am so excited for you Maharg!! As the song says - our God is an awesome God!!
And thank you so much for the prayers! I almost cried when I read this!
It feels sooo good knowing that you ladies are praying for us and that you care so much! I think that God has already sent us a sign - with Maharg. That she was able to have her prayers come true after waiting for so long - it definitely gives me hope that ours will too. Thanks again and God Bless you all!!
Upvote
0
Maharg
wanting greater intimacy with Jesus
Thank you for the support here folks. I've been in hospital with a suspected ectopic pregancy but all is well and I had a scan yesterday - the embryo's heart is beating. Thank you so much for the prayers. It really helped me while I was in hospital to know that I had been prayed for.
Upvote
0
cristianna
...dancing in the rain...
A Different Perspective
By Zoë Elmore
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Devotion:
Our youngest son is studying to be a pilot. Three days after he received his initial pilot's license Joseph invited his dad and I to a nearby airport for a "flight." Now I must tell you that I'm claustrophobic and don't like small planes, but I was determined not to let my fears stand in the way of celebrating our son's accomplishment. Tom and I met our son at a rural airport and made our way to an old, tiny plane. Tom climbed in the back seat and I beside our son in the co-pilot's seat.
It was a perfect day for flying; clear blue sky and not a cloud in sight. As we taxied down the runway and took off I could hear my son talking over the headset to ground control (just a man sitting at a desk... I told you it was a rural airport) giving our coordinates and flight plan. What a proud moment for parents! We had only been up in the air ten minutes when my son looked at me from the corner of his sunglasses and said over the headset, "Hey mom, I'm going to show you a maneuver the FAA required me to do before giving me my pilot's license." At that moment Joseph pointed the nose of the plane straight toward heaven and stalled the engine. You can guess what happened next, the nose of the plane didn't point toward heaven any longer, it pointed straight down to the ground. Now, I've never spoken in tongues before but let me just say that day, knowing my son could hear everything I'd say and not wanting him to hear my fearful prayer fest, I took off my head set and then began praying in every tongue imaginable for the Lord to send his largest and strongest angels to rescue us from certain death!
After a few seconds that seemed like minutes I noticed my son pulling levers and turning knobs, and before I knew it he had righted the plane and returned us to our proper altitude. Once my heart had taken its rightful place back in my chest I opened my eyes and began to look out the window and I saw some pretty amazing sights. Rock quarries, deep and brilliant azure water surrounded by sparkling white rocks, incredible farm land untouched by housing developers and miles of towering pine trees. It was absolutely breathtaking. I've traveled the highway running parallel to all of this land literally hundreds of times yet I never knew these breathtaking sights even existed. Soon our flight was over and we landed at the tiny little airport. We hugged our son, expressed our pride in his accomplishment and headed home.
All the way home I heard the Lord speaking to my heart, "Zoe, I know your life appears to be spinning out of control just like that tiny plane." Just like your son knew how to recover the plane's engine; I know exactly what I'm doing in your life. I see and know the things you are going through, but if you will begin to see your life from a different perspective you will notice there is beauty even in the midst of these difficult days."
"Oh Lord, you're right, I've been focused on the discomfort of my life's difficulties and I've forgotten about Your sovereign hand allowing everything I'm experiencing for my good and Your glory. Someone said it best,' we should put our problems into perspective by saying 'Problem, here is my God!'" because there is no problem You cannot handle in our lives."
By making my problems my focus, I was easily discouraged and forgot I have a God who sustains me. When I changed my perspective, and made God the object and the focus of my life, I again experienced the peace that comes through a life of trust
Dear Lord, I confess I've turned my attention to my trails and my comfort. Forgive me and lift my perspective. Show me the beauty in the midst of these difficulties. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Reflections:
In your journal, list your challenges.
Read Psalm 136
Right the refrain from this verse beside each challenge and trial listed in your journal.
What is keeping you from changing your perspective?
Who can hold you accountable for lifting your perspective?
Power Verses:
I Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (NIV)
Psalm 136, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
To him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
Who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
Who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
Who made the great lights-- His love endures forever.
The sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
The moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever."
By Zoë Elmore
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
Devotion:
Our youngest son is studying to be a pilot. Three days after he received his initial pilot's license Joseph invited his dad and I to a nearby airport for a "flight." Now I must tell you that I'm claustrophobic and don't like small planes, but I was determined not to let my fears stand in the way of celebrating our son's accomplishment. Tom and I met our son at a rural airport and made our way to an old, tiny plane. Tom climbed in the back seat and I beside our son in the co-pilot's seat.
It was a perfect day for flying; clear blue sky and not a cloud in sight. As we taxied down the runway and took off I could hear my son talking over the headset to ground control (just a man sitting at a desk... I told you it was a rural airport) giving our coordinates and flight plan. What a proud moment for parents! We had only been up in the air ten minutes when my son looked at me from the corner of his sunglasses and said over the headset, "Hey mom, I'm going to show you a maneuver the FAA required me to do before giving me my pilot's license." At that moment Joseph pointed the nose of the plane straight toward heaven and stalled the engine. You can guess what happened next, the nose of the plane didn't point toward heaven any longer, it pointed straight down to the ground. Now, I've never spoken in tongues before but let me just say that day, knowing my son could hear everything I'd say and not wanting him to hear my fearful prayer fest, I took off my head set and then began praying in every tongue imaginable for the Lord to send his largest and strongest angels to rescue us from certain death!
After a few seconds that seemed like minutes I noticed my son pulling levers and turning knobs, and before I knew it he had righted the plane and returned us to our proper altitude. Once my heart had taken its rightful place back in my chest I opened my eyes and began to look out the window and I saw some pretty amazing sights. Rock quarries, deep and brilliant azure water surrounded by sparkling white rocks, incredible farm land untouched by housing developers and miles of towering pine trees. It was absolutely breathtaking. I've traveled the highway running parallel to all of this land literally hundreds of times yet I never knew these breathtaking sights even existed. Soon our flight was over and we landed at the tiny little airport. We hugged our son, expressed our pride in his accomplishment and headed home.
All the way home I heard the Lord speaking to my heart, "Zoe, I know your life appears to be spinning out of control just like that tiny plane." Just like your son knew how to recover the plane's engine; I know exactly what I'm doing in your life. I see and know the things you are going through, but if you will begin to see your life from a different perspective you will notice there is beauty even in the midst of these difficult days."
"Oh Lord, you're right, I've been focused on the discomfort of my life's difficulties and I've forgotten about Your sovereign hand allowing everything I'm experiencing for my good and Your glory. Someone said it best,' we should put our problems into perspective by saying 'Problem, here is my God!'" because there is no problem You cannot handle in our lives."
By making my problems my focus, I was easily discouraged and forgot I have a God who sustains me. When I changed my perspective, and made God the object and the focus of my life, I again experienced the peace that comes through a life of trust
Dear Lord, I confess I've turned my attention to my trails and my comfort. Forgive me and lift my perspective. Show me the beauty in the midst of these difficulties. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Reflections:
In your journal, list your challenges.
Read Psalm 136
Right the refrain from this verse beside each challenge and trial listed in your journal.
What is keeping you from changing your perspective?
Who can hold you accountable for lifting your perspective?
Power Verses:
I Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." (NIV)
Psalm 136, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
To him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.
Who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.
Who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.
Who made the great lights-- His love endures forever.
The sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.
The moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever."
Upvote
0
- Status
Similar threads
