Come Into The Deep End... with ImHisServant (3)

[littleredkiss484]

 

[cristianna]

Friend of God
By Glynnis Whitwer


“You are my friends if you do what I command.” John 15:14 (NIV)


Devotion:
I often think about what it will be like when Jesus comes back to earth. In my mind I imagine the crowds that will surround Him. People will push to be near Him. They will call His name hoping He’ll stop and turn for just a moment … His hand on their heads or a word of blessing from His mouth.

In that same picture, I imagine myself on the outside of the circle. Not quite brave enough to push through the crowd. Timid and certain that Jesus would be looking to find someone more “important” than me. What would I say if I actually got close enough to speak to Him? How would I introduce myself?

“Uh, hello Jesus … it’s me … Glynnis.” Ugh! I’d probably embarrass myself with awkward and stilted words. What would I say next? Knowing me, I’d probably begin a list of how I’ve served Him, hoping to prompt His memory about who I am. Or maybe trying to impress Him a bit. Double ugh.

As I read through today’s scripture verse, I got another picture of Jesus. In that one, I don’t have to introduce myself to Jesus. He already knows who I am. In fact, just as a friend calls for me across the street, Jesus would call me by name. I won’t have to spell it for Him as I’ve done all my life. I won’t have to tell him my name is “Liz” like I do at Starbucks so they’ll be able to pronounce it when my coffee is ready. Jesus will already know me and call me by name … Glynnis.

How am I sure of this? John 15:14 tells us that when we obey Jesus’ commands He calls us friend. Scripture also tells us that He knows us by name (John 10:3). And that He’s coming back to get us (John 14:3).

This picture of meeting Jesus fills me with joy. Whether it’s here on earth at His return, or when I get to meet Him in heaven, Jesus will call me friend if I obey His words. As joyful as the future will be when I meet Jesus, I can start to develop that relationship with Him now. Reading the Bible so I know what to obey is critical. I also can spend time talking with Him in prayer. My friendship with Jesus needs an investment of time just like my other friendships if it is to develop and strengthen. That sure sounds better to me than standing on the outside of the circle.


Dear Lord, I praise You for Your faithfulness to me. Thank You for loving me and for calling me friend. Help me to make obeying You a priority. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflections:
Name five characteristics of a good friend. Think of how God has fulfilled these characteristics.

What does it tell you about someone when he or she remembers your name?

What difference does it make to you that Jesus knows your name?

What changes do you need to make in your life so that you are a better friend to God?


Power Verses:
John 15:15, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (NIV)

John 10:3, “The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (NIV)

Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV)

 

[Maharg]

Reflections:
Name five characteristics of a good friend. Think of how God has fulfilled these characteristics.

Loyalty - stays by you in all circumstances.

Although sometimes I've felt alone, I know God has never left me.

Longsuffering - wil listen no matter how many hours you've been crying, complaining, or worrying.

God is patient with me and seems to be ok with giving me the same answers over and over if I need them.

Sense of humour - makes you laugh and 'lightens you', relieving the stress of taking everything so seriously.

I remember once laughing as my husband got knocked over by a large wave in the sea. Almost instantly as I laughed, I got knocked over by an even bigger wave which made me lose my bikini bottoms! This happened when I was going through a real depressive period and just completely lightened me - reminded me about God's sense of humour and that He isn't all about us being 'serious' all the time.

Company - Spends time with you doing things that you enjoy together, and stopping you from feeling lonely.

I realised relatively recently that God can simply be with me when I am relaxing - just doodling or surfing the net. I don't have to be doing intense Bible study to know He is with me.


Caring - thinks of little things to do to make you feel happy for no real reason other than to cause you joy.

I can't think of any specific examples at the moment, but I do know that God has done this for me. There are times when I have been quite tearful with the sense of being deeply cared for enough that even the little things matter to Him.

What does it tell you about someone when he or she remembers your name?

That they know who I am. This is especially important to me as I am an identical twin and was called simply 'twin' by some people as I was growing up or 'one of the twins'.

What difference does it make to you that Jesus knows your name?

I know that I am loved.

What changes do you need to make in your life so that you are a better friend to God?

I need to do those things which I keep putting off and which I know he wants me to do.

I need to show how much I care for him by being more caring to hose who really need it.

I need to learn how to live without worrying AT ALL, thereby demonstrating my love for him and my trust in him.

 

[iec91820]

 

[woman.at.the.well]

Friend of God
By Glynnis Whitwer



Reflections:
Name five characteristics of a good friend. Think of how God has fulfilled these characteristics.

What does it tell you about someone when he or she remembers your name?

What difference does it make to you that Jesus knows your name?

What changes do you need to make in your life so that you are a better friend to God?


First Reflection question:
1. loyal
2. patient
3. good listener
4. encouraging
5. loves you unconditionally

He's the only friend I know who consistently fills these shoes :0)

Second:
I think it usually means you left an impression on them.

Third:
It makes me smile from the inside out every time I think of this. I could think of no better friend to have than one who would die on a cross for me.

Fourth:
Probably the most important thing I could do is give Him more of my time and do what He asks me to do WHEN He asks me to do it.

 

[bornagain91]

MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB


The weaknesses we all possess
The devil knows them well
He tempts in hope’ that we transgress
And lead us off to hell

The battleground is in the mind
It’s here he’ll lead astray
Even in Christ we’re sometimes blind
We turn the other way

Such foolishness can none afford
To stray can only harm
But those who turn to Christ The Lord
Can trust His mighty arm

Through faith we trust The Living Christ
Through faith, we conquer sin
It matters not how oft enticed
The devil cannot win

We overcome on bended knees
Demons will feel The Flame
Shaking them off like canine fleas
To burn in Jesus’ name

Each mountain’s there for us to climb
To test each woman’s child
Who overcome their life of crime
Through Christ are reconciled

The hatred that we have for one
The malice that we bear
When these we give The Father’s Son
His Kingdom, Christ will share

Moving a mountain grain by grain
We’ll foil the devil’s plan
The world may think God’s child insane
But Jesus says, “We can”…


Michael P. Johnson​

 

[littleredkiss484]

Hope you have a great week!
God bless you!

 

[JPPT1974]

[BIBLE]James 1:1-3[/BIBLE]

 

[bornagain91]

LISTEN


The universe so vast and grand
The things we fail to see
Held together in Jesus’ hand
At Heaven’s royal decree


Flowing fresh as a mountain stream
God’s word runs true and deep
But till it reigns in hearts supreme
The world remains asleep


God shows quite clear what man should do
We hear His guiding voice
Who’s minds through Christ in truth are new
Who’s hearts in love rejoice


The Lord won’t keep His children blind
He gives them ears to hear
Quiet; He’ll speak within the mind
Yet oft times loud and clear


For Jesus lives He’s fit and well
Although the world’s in doubt
He’ll keep God’s children free of hell
He’ll show what life’s about


He’ll show this life, is not for gain
He’ll show the church His plan
He’ll cleanse each child of spot and stain
He’ll show the world he can


This evil world’s festooned with sin
Though truth is plain in sight
She fails to hear the voice within
She fails to see The Light!


Yet those who make God’s Son their choice
Who seek The Lord’s desire
Our God will guide through Jesus voice
And clothe their souls in fire


Michael P. Johnson​

 

[jenrenee]

Name five characteristics of a good friend. Think of how God has fulfilled these characteristics.

trustworty/reliable - God is the most trustworthy of all - we can count on Him for everything - He is always reliable

honest - God's word is the honest truth

good listener - God listens to me every night through my prayers - He may not always answer them as I think He should, but He always listens

loyalty - He is always by my side, even when I try to push Him away

caring - He cares for me and helps me to feel His care and love at times when I need it most




What does it tell you about someone when he or she remembers your name?
That I must have made some type of an impression on them that they cared enough to remember my name.

What difference does it make to you that Jesus knows your name?
It is a great feeling to know that with the millions of people in the world, He knows me by name - and loves me for me - I'm so glad to call Him my friend!

What changes do you need to make in your life so that you are a better friend to God?
I need to trust Him more and know that His plans for my life are the right ones

 

[woman.at.the.well]

Hi All! It's Tuesday and I finally remembered to post a topic. Instead of Our Daily Bread, like I usually post, here is today's devo from www.crosswalk.com:

October 30

​

A Talking Donkey

Numbers 22:30
The donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day?...."

Most businesspeople I know tend to be task-oriented, motivated visionaries. And they will do just about anything to make their projects successful. This great strength can, if not properly bridled by the Holy Spirit, be a great weakness in their ability to fulfill God's will in their life.
Sometimes we want something to succeed so much that we fail to listen to that little voice inside trying to warn us by directing us on a different path. Such was the case of Balaam. He started out as a man of God, but then took the path of a "prophet-for-hire." God was not pleased with Balaam's decision to respond to a pagan king's request that he curse Israel. As Balaam rode his donkey to keep his appointment with the king, God sent the angel of the Lord to stand in the way and oppose Balaam. Although Balaam did not see the angel, his donkey did. Three times the donkey turned from the path and three times Balaam beat the animal in anger. Finally, the donkey turned around, and to Balaam's shock and amazement, began to speak to him, admonishing his master for beating him. Imagine a donkey talking to you! He warned Balaam of the angel of death who was standing in the road with a sword drawn, ready to kill Balaam if he continued. There are times when pushing harder, trying to manipulate the circumstance, or pressing those around you is not the response to have to the roadblock. God may be trying to have you reconsider your ways. God may be doing one of four things when you are faced with an obstacle: 1) He's blocking it to protect you. 2) His timing to complete this stage is not the same as yours, and He may need you to go through a process of character refinement. 3) He may want other players to get in place, and the circumstances are not yet ready for them to enter. 4) He may be using the process to develop patience in you. Relying on the Holy Spirit to know which one applies to your situation is the key to moving in God's timing.

After reading this:
1) What roadblocks are you facing?
2) What do you think God is trying to do in your life with this situation?

​

​

 

[bornagain91]

MORE OF YOU, LESS OF ME


Lord more of You and less of me
Refine this child with fire
Until the day Your face I see
Diminish world desire


Let Heaven be my only goal
Make hell lock tight its door
Give truthful heart give gentle soul
And life forever more


I see my faith is due to You!
The strength I have is Yours
Allow the goal I now pursue
Lead straight through Heaven’s Doors


As now I pray on bended knee
See deep within my heart
Allow my eyes Your will to see
That we may never part


Convict my soul when things go wrong
Bestow me Godly fear
That I may sing life’s victory song
Chastise me whilst I’m here


Hold fast my God Your servant’s hand
Your Spirit give as Guide
On judgement day allow me stand
With Jesus at my side


With Christ as Councillor and Friend
As Saviour and my Lord
I pledge my soul that He defend
Against Your vengeful sword


Before my body turns to dust
Before this world’s demise
In Christ alone I place my trust
In endless joy to rise


Michael P. Johnson​

 

[ysl_75]

God bless u!

 

[wolfman544]

Hi All! It's Tuesday and I finally remembered to post a topic. Instead of Our Daily Bread, like I usually post, here is today's devo from www.crosswalk.com:

October 30

​

A Talking Donkey

Numbers 22:30
The donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day?...."

Most businesspeople I know tend to be task-oriented, motivated visionaries. And they will do just about anything to make their projects successful. This great strength can, if not properly bridled by the Holy Spirit, be a great weakness in their ability to fulfill God's will in their life.
Sometimes we want something to succeed so much that we fail to listen to that little voice inside trying to warn us by directing us on a different path. Such was the case of Balaam. He started out as a man of God, but then took the path of a "prophet-for-hire." God was not pleased with Balaam's decision to respond to a pagan king's request that he curse Israel. As Balaam rode his donkey to keep his appointment with the king, God sent the angel of the Lord to stand in the way and oppose Balaam. Although Balaam did not see the angel, his donkey did. Three times the donkey turned from the path and three times Balaam beat the animal in anger. Finally, the donkey turned around, and to Balaam's shock and amazement, began to speak to him, admonishing his master for beating him. Imagine a donkey talking to you! He warned Balaam of the angel of death who was standing in the road with a sword drawn, ready to kill Balaam if he continued. There are times when pushing harder, trying to manipulate the circumstance, or pressing those around you is not the response to have to the roadblock. God may be trying to have you reconsider your ways. God may be doing one of four things when you are faced with an obstacle: 1) He's blocking it to protect you. 2) His timing to complete this stage is not the same as yours, and He may need you to go through a process of character refinement. 3) He may want other players to get in place, and the circumstances are not yet ready for them to enter. 4) He may be using the process to develop patience in you. Relying on the Holy Spirit to know which one applies to your situation is the key to moving in God's timing.

After reading this:
1) What roadblocks are you facing?
2) What do you think God is trying to do in your life with this situation?

​

​

Very good point
thank you

 

[cristianna]

Hi WATW!

I've been so busy I have not been around! Thank you for posting!!!


Great devo!

Oh, I can think of hundreds of roadblocks I am currently facing. Truly, there are so many I don't know if I should sigh, cry or smile. But I can say with each roadblock I've encountered, they always ensure I keep my focus on Him. I really believe if they didn't, I would fall to pumping myself up, and not acknowledging where the passion, strength, courage or knowledge is coming from.

With all the roadblocks in my path right now, I know some of them are simply Him telling me all four of those reasons. Patience is definitely one of them. All around I am a patient person- especially when it comes to dealing with others, but I really do like things now, not even half a second later, when it comes to situations, assignments or projects. And many, despite seeing it on the path, I know I'm just not ready for.

What a terrific devo! Thanks!!!! And God Bless!

 

[woman.at.the.well]

Hi WATW!

I've been so busy I have not been around! Thank you for posting!!!


Great devo!

Oh, I can think of hundreds of roadblocks I am currently facing. Truly, there are so many I don't know if I should sigh, cry or smile. But I can say with each roadblock I've encountered, they always ensure I keep my focus on Him. I really believe if they didn't, I would fall to pumping myself up, and not acknowledging where the passion, strength, courage or knowledge is coming from.

With all the roadblocks in my path right now, I know some of them are simply Him telling me all four of those reasons. Patience is definitely one of them. All around I am a patient person- especially when it comes to dealing with others, but I really do like things now, not even half a second later, when it comes to situations, assignments or projects. And many, despite seeing it on the path, I know I'm just not ready for.

What a terrific devo! Thanks!!!! And God Bless!

You are VERY welcome dear! Lord knows you've been doing it plenty lately! It's about time I got in here and did this!

 

[Maharg]

What roadblocks are you facing?

Well, I seem to be redeveloping an old problem with stress in relation to my job at the moment. Even though my job is a lot more manageable than my last one, I am feeling very stressed at the moment and am not sleeping well.

I'm finding it very hard because the lack of sleep is making it hard to concentrate, and this is making things worse. I'm pregnant and I want to avoid stres because I want my body to be a good healthy place for my baby to grow.

I think God is maybe trying to help me be less attached to work and make it rule my life less so that things going wrong there do not impact on my whole life. It's very difficult in the type of job I have because as a teacher, it's very hard to leave work at work. I'm praying that God helps me to focus on Him as the centre of my life and not let me be directed by work.

 

[bornagain91]

WHO WHAT HOW

How can the voice of God be heard
How can we see God’s face
Who can believe such things absurd
Escaping death’s embrace

Who can reserve tomorrows dawn
Who can remove life’s stain
What can we do to be reborn
And live no day in vain

What can achieve eternal peace
Who can the grave survive
Who from hell’s fire can bring release
To ever stay alive

How is a man His flesh to kill
How can salvation be
How can a man be living still
That died upon a tree

Man’s full of doubts through Satan’s lies
Though wisdom’s close at hand
The Truth that’s brought to foolish eyes
Most fail to understand

For this we need The Ghost of Christ
The Gift God gives us free
We need The Lamb God sacrificed
Salvations Word to see

We need God’s Fire to burn inside
We need our hearts to change
We need God’s Spirit as our guide
Our lives to rearrange

Love’s Light will enter through our doors
Our eyes will truly see
We’ll cease to be the devil’s harlots
When Truth has set us free

Michael P. Johnson​

 

[cristianna]

Just Breathe
By Melanie Chitwood


“It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?" Psalm 127:2 (MSG)


Devotion:
Many women today share a few common denominators: we’re busy, we’re tired, and we need some breathing room! We have jobs outside the home and in. Husbands need meals, romance, clean laundry, and more romance. Kids have play-dates, sports, church activities, and homework. We volunteer at the school, run carpools, clean the kitchen, walk the dog, do laundry, squeeze in a walk - and on and on our list continues. Whew!

Ladies, we cannot do it all. The good news is that we were never intended to do it all. Today you have permission to say “no.” For some of us that comes easily. However, for many of us women, whom God designed to be givers and nurturers, this word does not come out of our mouths very easily.

Here’s one practical way I’ve learned to say “no.” I ask myself, What are my priorities? I have two levels of priorities. The first level includes God, my husband, my children, and the home front. This level is set in stone. The second level of priorities includes ministry, friends, and exercise, and this level of priorities has more variation for me. Taken together, these priorities are my compass, helping to guide me to a “yes” or “no” when considering adding another activity to my life.

Let’s see how this works in real life. Last year I was asked to teach a women’s Bible study at my church. Now, at first glance, this seems like an automatic “yes.” After all, teaching Bible study is a good thing! However, I took the time to pray, and God very clearly showed me it was not the right time to add this commitment to my life. Looking back my family and I were incredibly busy last year in some ways I hadn’t anticipated. I see clearly how saying “no” was the right answer at that time.

In a sense I have to give myself permission to say “no” because for most of my life I’ve said “yes” when deep down inside I’ve wanted to say “no.” Here are two practical guidelines to help you learn how to say “no.” First, if you immediately know you don’t want to do something, just go ahead and turn it down by saying something such as, “Thank you so much for asking, but I just cannot make that commitment right now.” The next guideline – pray! If you’re asked to do something and you really want more time to consider the situation, be honest by responding, “Let me take some time to pray and I’ll give you an answer in a week.” Then really pray and listen to God’s leading!

Take a deep breath and say it aloud – no. Now breathe again, sit down for ten minutes with a cup of coffee and enjoy the breathing room you’ve created for yourself.



Dear Lord, You show me by Your example of resting on the seventh day of creation that I, too, need rest. Show me your priorities for my life. I pray that they align with Your will for me. Help me to say no to the things that appear good but might take me away from the better choices You have for me. Lord, I pray that I will have breathing room in my life, times to be refreshed and moments of quiet closeness with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Reflections:
Consider your life right now. Do you have breathing room?

Pray for God to help you create priorities

Who or what gets your best attention, time, and energy?

Do your activities reflect these priorities? What can you do to align the two?



Power Verses:
Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven.”(AMP)

Genesis 2:2, “On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work.” (NLT)

Psalm 91:1, “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” (NLT)

 

[cristianna]

Reflections:

No, I do not have breathing room, but given I just quit working a temp job, I'm hoping life goes back to some sort of normalcy. Today's my first day home in a long time!

Because of that, I feel answering the rest of the questions would be unfair with my fresh start today! But the devo is certainly timely. What a better time to ask God to help me prioritize than on my first free day!