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Come Into The Deep End... with ImHisServant (3)
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cristianna
...dancing in the rain...
Let This Be Written
By Glynnis Whitwer
Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD Psalm 102:18 (NIV)
Devotion:
Some people say writers are born to be writers that you can tell them apart at an early age because they are always writing. Some writers tell about scribbling their thoughts late into the night in a little journal, or keeping a diary. They say they need to write or they will surely fade away. I guess thats true for some, but certainly not the case for every writer.
Take me for example. I love to write now, but when I was young I was too busy to sit and write. I was organizing clubs (with me as president), starting group games (like hide and seek), or directing neighborhood plays. No diary for me. Plus, my self-preservation was intact at an early age. Even as a child I worried, what if someone found my diary?
Once in school, however, I discovered I loved the writing assignments, like research papers or book reports. In college I majored in journalism and public relations. I wrote newspaper articles, brochure copy and put together many newsletters. What I discovered about myself is I care more about conveying a message, than the act of writing. So if I listened to those who said a writer feels they must write or die, I would have disqualified myself as an author years ago. And I wonder how many men and women have disqualified themselves as writers because of what someone else has said to them? How many stories havent been passed on to future generations because of this?
Writing is important. Writing clarifies our thoughts, conveys a message and creates something lasting. Today we treasure the records we have from earlier generations. We learn things from history that can positively affect our future. Writing teaches us and can provide insight into deep truths. For a Christian, however, writing takes on an additional significance. Writing becomes a way to glorify God.
King David of the Old Testament knew this well. The book of Psalms is a magnificent testimony to Gods power and righteousness, and we have David to thank for writing much of it down. David was an honest writer who poured out his pain and fear through His writing, yet He also records much about the character and actions of God. We know God better through Davids writing. I think David wasnt just writing for himself. I think Davids heart was to attempt to capture the awesome nature of His God in words so that others would love and obey Him as well. Psalm 102:18 is our clue to Davids heart: Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD
What an amazing purpose of writing that sometime in the future, some man or woman not yet born would read our writing and praise God because of it. What an encouragement to start writing down stories of Gods faithfulness to our family, of how He answered prayers, and of the daily miracles of life. Today, we have many avenues to capture stories of Gods work. We can start a blog, scrapbook, or even self-publish a book. It doesnt matter how we record our experience with God, just that we do it.
Years ago a wise woman told a group of writers and speakers, Its not your story; its Gods story. Yes, my story is important. But as a Christian, its my deepest hope that it always points others to God. Start writing and keep writing so that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.
Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your goodness and righteousness. I thank You that through Your Holy Spirit, You inspired the writing of the Scriptures. Through this writing, I am learning to know You and trust You in greater ways. Help me to write more about who You are and what You are doing in my life, so that my children, grandchildren and beyond, will love You and praise You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Reflections:
If you dont already have a journal, make or purchase one. Commit for 30 days to write something in it every day about God. This could be something you thank God for or how you have seen Him revealed in your life or the lives of others that day.
Name one way the writing of another person has changed your life?
What is one of characteristic of God you have learned from reading the Bible?
If you were going to write a story about one thing God has done in your life, what would it be?
Power Verses:
Exodus 34:27-28, Then the LORD said to Moses, Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel. Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenantthe Ten Commandments. (NIV)
Jeremiah 30: 1-2, This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you. (NIV)
By Glynnis Whitwer
Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD Psalm 102:18 (NIV)
Devotion:
Some people say writers are born to be writers that you can tell them apart at an early age because they are always writing. Some writers tell about scribbling their thoughts late into the night in a little journal, or keeping a diary. They say they need to write or they will surely fade away. I guess thats true for some, but certainly not the case for every writer.
Take me for example. I love to write now, but when I was young I was too busy to sit and write. I was organizing clubs (with me as president), starting group games (like hide and seek), or directing neighborhood plays. No diary for me. Plus, my self-preservation was intact at an early age. Even as a child I worried, what if someone found my diary?
Once in school, however, I discovered I loved the writing assignments, like research papers or book reports. In college I majored in journalism and public relations. I wrote newspaper articles, brochure copy and put together many newsletters. What I discovered about myself is I care more about conveying a message, than the act of writing. So if I listened to those who said a writer feels they must write or die, I would have disqualified myself as an author years ago. And I wonder how many men and women have disqualified themselves as writers because of what someone else has said to them? How many stories havent been passed on to future generations because of this?
Writing is important. Writing clarifies our thoughts, conveys a message and creates something lasting. Today we treasure the records we have from earlier generations. We learn things from history that can positively affect our future. Writing teaches us and can provide insight into deep truths. For a Christian, however, writing takes on an additional significance. Writing becomes a way to glorify God.
King David of the Old Testament knew this well. The book of Psalms is a magnificent testimony to Gods power and righteousness, and we have David to thank for writing much of it down. David was an honest writer who poured out his pain and fear through His writing, yet He also records much about the character and actions of God. We know God better through Davids writing. I think David wasnt just writing for himself. I think Davids heart was to attempt to capture the awesome nature of His God in words so that others would love and obey Him as well. Psalm 102:18 is our clue to Davids heart: Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD
What an amazing purpose of writing that sometime in the future, some man or woman not yet born would read our writing and praise God because of it. What an encouragement to start writing down stories of Gods faithfulness to our family, of how He answered prayers, and of the daily miracles of life. Today, we have many avenues to capture stories of Gods work. We can start a blog, scrapbook, or even self-publish a book. It doesnt matter how we record our experience with God, just that we do it.
Years ago a wise woman told a group of writers and speakers, Its not your story; its Gods story. Yes, my story is important. But as a Christian, its my deepest hope that it always points others to God. Start writing and keep writing so that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.
Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your goodness and righteousness. I thank You that through Your Holy Spirit, You inspired the writing of the Scriptures. Through this writing, I am learning to know You and trust You in greater ways. Help me to write more about who You are and what You are doing in my life, so that my children, grandchildren and beyond, will love You and praise You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Reflections:
If you dont already have a journal, make or purchase one. Commit for 30 days to write something in it every day about God. This could be something you thank God for or how you have seen Him revealed in your life or the lives of others that day.
Name one way the writing of another person has changed your life?
What is one of characteristic of God you have learned from reading the Bible?
If you were going to write a story about one thing God has done in your life, what would it be?
Power Verses:
Exodus 34:27-28, Then the LORD said to Moses, Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel. Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenantthe Ten Commandments. (NIV)
Jeremiah 30: 1-2, This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you. (NIV)
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SunMessenger
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FireyAngel
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Psalm 102:18 is our clue to David’s heart: “Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD …”
I LOVE that!! People NOT YET CREATED!!! WOW!
I LOVE that!! People NOT YET CREATED!!! WOW!
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cristianna
...dancing in the rain...
Taking a Spiritual Examination
By Micca Monda Campbell
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
Devotion:
I dont have a green thumb, but that doesnt keep me from trying to grow plants and flowers. This year, my sister gave me a beautiful orchid for my birthday. On the card, she joked, Happy Birthday. Enjoy the orchid and try not to kill it.
Not wanting to disappoint my sister, I took extra care of the plant. I measured the water I gave it, marked the calendar so Id remember when to water it again, and I even prayed over it. Caring for the plant made me consider what my life would be like if I gave this much attention to my relationship with God.
Often we neglect to care for our spiritual life. Too often we become apathetic and lazy in our faith. The result is lost passion and commitment, while self and sin thrive. Too often, we get nothing out of church. God seems far away, and freedom from bondage seems even further. I believe that these characteristics describe a Christian who is in need of a spiritual examination.
I realize that some of us are in a mess so big that we cant see a way out. Others have tried and tried to live a holy life but continue to fall short. There are also those whose faith has become stagnate, and everyday long for something more. I know. Ive been there. Whether we realize it or not, we have neglected some area of our spiritual life. Our passion and power have dried up. But with God, there is always hope. He can revive us!
Our key verse tells us how. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV ). According to this verse, the way out of our struggle is towards God through personal revival.
What exactly is revival? As one pastor put it, revival is: coming to life again. Its when we go from indifference to making a difference. Its when we move from being comfortably numb to being passionately committed. Its when we move from an appetite for the world and self to an appetite for God.
Friend, I want to share with you a list of characteristics of a thriving believer that I keep tucked away in my bible so that I can periodically take a spiritual assessment of myself:
We need revival when....
... when we do not love God as we once did.
when earthly interests and occupations are more important to us than eternal ones.
when we would rather watch TV and read secular books and magazines than read the Bible.
when our Christianity is joyless and passionless.
when we know truth in our heads that we are not practicing in our lives.
when we make little effort to witness to the lost.
when we have time for sports, recreation, and entertainment, but not for Bible study or prayer.
. . . when we do not tremble at the power of God.
On the other hand, the characteristics that take place when revival comes are
... a deepened spiritual hunger
... intense fervent prayer that is enjoyable not dreadful
... repentance
... reckless abandonment and surrender to God
... a fresh fullness of the Holy Spirit
... spontaneous evangelism and soul winning
... restored relationships
... a spirit of thanksgiving and joy
... increased hunger for Gods Word
... a desire to put God/church before entertainment
Just like any living thing, without proper care our spirits wilt. If you and I are smart, we will not neglect our faith. Daily, we will fall on our knees, confess our sin and seek God. Then, He showers down upon us fresh Holy Spirit power. Power that changes lives, restores relationships, brings healing, breaks strongholds, and enables us to live as God intends passionate and purposeful.
Dear Lord, I confess indulging myself in pleasure and comfort. I confess a loss of passion and love for You. I have neglected my relationship with You and have lost the wonder of who You are. Oh, Lord, I cry out for forgiveness. I ask that You hear me, restore me, and heal me. I rejoice that You are the God of more than second chances. Awaken me, Lord, that I might live in righteousness again, in Jesus Name, Amen.
Reflections:
Use the above list to take a spiritual examination of yourself. Are you in need of a fresh faith? If so, humble yourself, confess your sins, and ask God for a fresh encounter with Him that creates new life within.
What characteristics above reveal to you that you have neglected your spiritual life?
Which characteristics show that you are alive and growing in Christ?
Power Verses:
Read Acts 2:1-42, 46, 47
By Micca Monda Campbell
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
Devotion:
I dont have a green thumb, but that doesnt keep me from trying to grow plants and flowers. This year, my sister gave me a beautiful orchid for my birthday. On the card, she joked, Happy Birthday. Enjoy the orchid and try not to kill it.
Not wanting to disappoint my sister, I took extra care of the plant. I measured the water I gave it, marked the calendar so Id remember when to water it again, and I even prayed over it. Caring for the plant made me consider what my life would be like if I gave this much attention to my relationship with God.
Often we neglect to care for our spiritual life. Too often we become apathetic and lazy in our faith. The result is lost passion and commitment, while self and sin thrive. Too often, we get nothing out of church. God seems far away, and freedom from bondage seems even further. I believe that these characteristics describe a Christian who is in need of a spiritual examination.
I realize that some of us are in a mess so big that we cant see a way out. Others have tried and tried to live a holy life but continue to fall short. There are also those whose faith has become stagnate, and everyday long for something more. I know. Ive been there. Whether we realize it or not, we have neglected some area of our spiritual life. Our passion and power have dried up. But with God, there is always hope. He can revive us!
Our key verse tells us how. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV ). According to this verse, the way out of our struggle is towards God through personal revival.
What exactly is revival? As one pastor put it, revival is: coming to life again. Its when we go from indifference to making a difference. Its when we move from being comfortably numb to being passionately committed. Its when we move from an appetite for the world and self to an appetite for God.
Friend, I want to share with you a list of characteristics of a thriving believer that I keep tucked away in my bible so that I can periodically take a spiritual assessment of myself:
We need revival when....
... when we do not love God as we once did.
when earthly interests and occupations are more important to us than eternal ones.
when we would rather watch TV and read secular books and magazines than read the Bible.
when our Christianity is joyless and passionless.
when we know truth in our heads that we are not practicing in our lives.
when we make little effort to witness to the lost.
when we have time for sports, recreation, and entertainment, but not for Bible study or prayer.
. . . when we do not tremble at the power of God.
On the other hand, the characteristics that take place when revival comes are
... a deepened spiritual hunger
... intense fervent prayer that is enjoyable not dreadful
... repentance
... reckless abandonment and surrender to God
... a fresh fullness of the Holy Spirit
... spontaneous evangelism and soul winning
... restored relationships
... a spirit of thanksgiving and joy
... increased hunger for Gods Word
... a desire to put God/church before entertainment
Just like any living thing, without proper care our spirits wilt. If you and I are smart, we will not neglect our faith. Daily, we will fall on our knees, confess our sin and seek God. Then, He showers down upon us fresh Holy Spirit power. Power that changes lives, restores relationships, brings healing, breaks strongholds, and enables us to live as God intends passionate and purposeful.
Dear Lord, I confess indulging myself in pleasure and comfort. I confess a loss of passion and love for You. I have neglected my relationship with You and have lost the wonder of who You are. Oh, Lord, I cry out for forgiveness. I ask that You hear me, restore me, and heal me. I rejoice that You are the God of more than second chances. Awaken me, Lord, that I might live in righteousness again, in Jesus Name, Amen.
Reflections:
Use the above list to take a spiritual examination of yourself. Are you in need of a fresh faith? If so, humble yourself, confess your sins, and ask God for a fresh encounter with Him that creates new life within.
What characteristics above reveal to you that you have neglected your spiritual life?
Which characteristics show that you are alive and growing in Christ?
Power Verses:
Read Acts 2:1-42, 46, 47
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SunMessenger
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wolfman544
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How incredibly true that is.
That verse seems to be speaking to America, we need God to heal our land. What would the founding fathers think if they could see their country now?
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encouraging loves animals
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encouraging loves animals
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SunMessenger
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cristianna
...dancing in the rain...
Be There
By Lysa TerKeurst
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, he praises her Proverbs 31: 27-28 (NIV)
Devotion:
I always chuckle at speaking engagements when I hear the event coordinator introduce me as this award-winning author and nationally known speaker blah, blah, blah. To those who know me best, Im simply a carpooling mom of 5 kids whose husband rises to call me blessed if I can manage one monumental task have clean underwear in his drawer every morning!
My life is not much different from any other woman. To be honest, some days when I think about all that needs to be done, I start feeling overwhelmed. Doing laundry, paying bills, answering e-mails or phone calls, returning library books, grocery shopping, packing lunches, making dinner, helping with that school project, writing a thank you note, buying a birthday gift, washing the car, and taking the dog to the vet. Whew! No wonder we keepers of the home have become masters doing many things at once.
Now, Im all for multi-tasking but sometimes it can get us into trouble! Recently, while filling up at the gas station, I was trying to do so many things at once that I almost pulled away with the nozzle still attached to my car! Multi-tasking really does help me cross more things off of my never-ending to do list. But, Ive found its not good to make it a habit when Im with my family.
A wise friend once said to me, Lysa when youre with those you love - be there. In other words, let the legacy you are creating with your family be one of love and attention, not a completed task list. Oh sure the jobs still need to get done but maybe we can learn to prioritize our to-do list, complete what we can and let other things wait. That way we can make sure that we are being what God designed women to be, the heart of the home.
Simple things can speak volumes of love and attest to our priorities with our families. When my husband comes home from work, I get off the phone. When I pick my kids up from school, I give them my full attention as they share a myriad of details from their day. And each morning I take time to read the Bible and talk to God first; even before throwing in a load of laundry or checking my e-mail. Then I can say with confidence to those I love, Im really here for you.
Dear Lord, I dreamed my whole life of being a keeper of my home. Lord, I want to do this job in a way that honors You and showers love on those closest to me. Sometimes its hard having so many constant demands, but I know You can help me prioritize and complete my tasks. Will You help me know what needs to be done and what can be put off until later? Will You speak to my heart when Im too wrapped up in my tasks and not attentive enough to my family? Help me create a legacy of truly being there for my family, in Jesus Name, Amen.
Reflections:
Take an honest look at your to-do list today. Prioritize your list into three categories: Must Do, Want to Do, Can Wait If Necessary. Then make an honest assessment of the time you are with your family and purpose to fully be there.
The One we need more than anyone else has so graciously given you His time and attention. How can you put aside a few minutes a day to give appropriate time and attention to those who need you the most? Work diligently today so that you can make proper commitments, not feeling so overwhelmed that you are compelled to break plans.
Power Verses:
Job 7:17-18, What is man that you make so much of him, that you give him so much attention, that you examine him every morning and test him every moment?
Proverbs 21:5, The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Proverbs 27:23, Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds. (NIV)
Luke 10:38-40, As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lords feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! (NIV)
By Lysa TerKeurst
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, he praises her Proverbs 31: 27-28 (NIV)
Devotion:
I always chuckle at speaking engagements when I hear the event coordinator introduce me as this award-winning author and nationally known speaker blah, blah, blah. To those who know me best, Im simply a carpooling mom of 5 kids whose husband rises to call me blessed if I can manage one monumental task have clean underwear in his drawer every morning!
My life is not much different from any other woman. To be honest, some days when I think about all that needs to be done, I start feeling overwhelmed. Doing laundry, paying bills, answering e-mails or phone calls, returning library books, grocery shopping, packing lunches, making dinner, helping with that school project, writing a thank you note, buying a birthday gift, washing the car, and taking the dog to the vet. Whew! No wonder we keepers of the home have become masters doing many things at once.
Now, Im all for multi-tasking but sometimes it can get us into trouble! Recently, while filling up at the gas station, I was trying to do so many things at once that I almost pulled away with the nozzle still attached to my car! Multi-tasking really does help me cross more things off of my never-ending to do list. But, Ive found its not good to make it a habit when Im with my family.
A wise friend once said to me, Lysa when youre with those you love - be there. In other words, let the legacy you are creating with your family be one of love and attention, not a completed task list. Oh sure the jobs still need to get done but maybe we can learn to prioritize our to-do list, complete what we can and let other things wait. That way we can make sure that we are being what God designed women to be, the heart of the home.
Simple things can speak volumes of love and attest to our priorities with our families. When my husband comes home from work, I get off the phone. When I pick my kids up from school, I give them my full attention as they share a myriad of details from their day. And each morning I take time to read the Bible and talk to God first; even before throwing in a load of laundry or checking my e-mail. Then I can say with confidence to those I love, Im really here for you.
Dear Lord, I dreamed my whole life of being a keeper of my home. Lord, I want to do this job in a way that honors You and showers love on those closest to me. Sometimes its hard having so many constant demands, but I know You can help me prioritize and complete my tasks. Will You help me know what needs to be done and what can be put off until later? Will You speak to my heart when Im too wrapped up in my tasks and not attentive enough to my family? Help me create a legacy of truly being there for my family, in Jesus Name, Amen.
Reflections:
Take an honest look at your to-do list today. Prioritize your list into three categories: Must Do, Want to Do, Can Wait If Necessary. Then make an honest assessment of the time you are with your family and purpose to fully be there.
The One we need more than anyone else has so graciously given you His time and attention. How can you put aside a few minutes a day to give appropriate time and attention to those who need you the most? Work diligently today so that you can make proper commitments, not feeling so overwhelmed that you are compelled to break plans.
Power Verses:
Job 7:17-18, What is man that you make so much of him, that you give him so much attention, that you examine him every morning and test him every moment?
Proverbs 21:5, The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.
Proverbs 27:23, Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds. (NIV)
Luke 10:38-40, As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lords feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! (NIV)
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wolfman544
Servant of the Secret Fire.
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I will keep you in prayerHello all
Feeling a little glum today. Good to have this place to come to. The devotional was just right, thank you. x
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