James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. It has been a while, but if I have talked to you recently, you understand the reasons it has been a bit since the last e mail. On behalf of my family, we are deeply touched and humbled by those who have helped in so many ways, prayed and continue lifting us up as we learn and grow through these days. We give God glory for whatever He is working out through this situation. James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.here with you all today. Genesis 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. On Friday, July 17, J and I were just starting our weekend groove. C headed out for work around 5:20 p.m. and J and I were going to more than likely have a nice little dinner at one of our favorite mom and pop establishments. The 21st we had tickets to a play we were going to attend with a friend, so we decided just to keep it simple until then. Not long after leaving, our son called and said that his car, the one we just spent a small fortune on not long ago, quit on his way to work. Jonathan told me just to stay here at home and he would be back in just a little while and we would grab something to eat. I was not all that pleased with the situation, especially since we had just put money into that car, but J as always, just rolled with the punches and said it would “work out” fine. Typically I sigh, probably because he is right, it does “work”. While sitting on the couch waiting, I shot out a few prayer requests, not for the guys but that the REPAIRS would not be costly. Eventually they told me that it looked like a radiator hose, so there, prayer answered, a relatively easy fix. They were waiting on the tow truck, I was told, and then we would take our evening off “pause”. As I waited for Jonathan to come through the door any minute, I saw that C was calling me. I thought maybe he was just telling me dad was on his way, or that he was joining us, I just was not connecting those dots. It was a little odd, but nothing prepared me for what I heard next. C proceeded to tell me not to panic, but to meet them at the hospital. My first thought was that J got overheated and had some kind of asthma issue. I asked C if it was J’s breathing. He told me “they” thought his leg may be broken, just meet at the hospital. The only other thing I was told is that they were hit. I knew they were looking under the hood so I asked if it was their body and he said no, it was the car. J had gone over with C what to tell me so I would panic the least. I scrambled about the house, trying to lock up and leave on enough lights that C and I could get J back in with a cast. It was cloudy and about 6:30 p.m. by then, so a little duskiness was falling as I drove, trying my best not to come unglued, fearing it was far worse than I was being led to believe. When I got to the ER, the guys were not there yet, so I didn’t know what to anticipate. The lady at the desk finally said they were coming in and I saw C walking slowly since he had strained his shoulder and was clearly stiff and shaken, then I saw my husband of 28 years up on the gurney, in pain, with blood on the side of his head, his pillow, neck in a brace and left leg on a board. At the time, my son was feeling responsible since Jonathan was there as a result of helping him. J, the girls and I assured C, in no way was what happened his fault. Then was not the time to cry, look worried or fearful. I knew needed help and support. Quickly, I called on someone from our church who also arrived before the guys and stayed probably a least 5 hours, praying and supporting C. Although the pastor was working a soup kitchen that night and had company from out of town, he came later, stayed a long while and ended up following C and I home in his car to make sure we made it back safely between 1 and 2 a.m. The guys were sitting in J’s new Nissan (we just made the 3rd payment that Monday), waiting on the tow truck for C’s car, when a 27 year-old woman plowed into both of our vehicles, totaling them. The accident sprained C’s shoulder and (doctors believe), pushed J’s knee up, crushing the ball of his hip, shattering the surrounding area and sent glass flying like shrapnel, leaving Jonathan with 4 stitches, 4 staples and a necessary total hip replacement. MIRACLES (We know, many we are unaware): >The Hand of God working this situation out before it even happened >The Word of God, giving peace >The Great Comforter >Faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior >J could have just dropped off the AAA card and C would have been alone >All three of us could have been together, putting one of us in the back seat (very probably critically injuring that person, at best) >The guys were both just standing outside the car with their heads under the hood shortly before the driver came at them at 70 mph >Jonathan and I were on the phone minutes before impact (God spared me hearing that all unfold and chaos) >C wasn’t injured more seriously or killed >Medical staff, etc, were amazed that J was not more severely injured or killed >The other driver and passengers (including a man and two children in car seats) were not seriously hurt or killed >Charles’ composure in the situation, from helping Jonathan control bleeding, calling 911, staying calm and the way he communicated with everyone (including answering my questions). Jonathan has told everyone how proud he is of Charles for handling everything so maturely. >For a husband who, through the excruciating pain of a broken hip and other injuries, was concerned about Charles and also inquired about the safety of the other passengers. He also demonstrated concern for me, in that he offered specific directions as how to tell me so I would be able to drive to the hospital. What compassion and kindness. >For my girls who have supported us throughout this situation >Family who stepped in to pray and help when and where needed >For the many friends rallying around, praying for and loving on us, helping in so many ways This devotional has been tossing about in my mind since the accident, waiting until I could come up with what I have learned so far from this entire experience. Thankfulness and a keen awareness of God’s absolutely POWERFUL and PERFECT WILL for each of us. He doesn’t call us to understand, only to trust Him. Does a dog KNOW it is a dog? A tree can’t be a river. God may call some to do one thing for a lifetime and others to change around in careers or location. We never know where the Lord will take us, why nor how He will get us there. A life offered back to the Creator Who so willingly gave His own, is privileged (not easy by any means), and blessed beyond anything this world has to offer. Luke 22: 41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if Thou be willing, remove this cup from Me: nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto Him from Heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly: and His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. PLEASE NEVER PART COMPANY WITHOUT TELLING THOSE YOU CARE ABOUT THAT YOU LOVE THEM! DON’T ALLOW ANYTHING SAID OR DONE KEEP YOU FROM SAYING “I love you”! After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, for ever. Amen. In Christ Alone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT0393FXu_I How Great Thou Art https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc0QVWzCv9k ‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LJwSkEhruw Praise You In This Storm https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5bLvVjJ4MA Blessed Be Your Name https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnWKehsOXu8 10,000 Reasons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E
But God!
Mark 9:20-27 And they brought him unto Him: and when He saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And He asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if Thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.
When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.
And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, he is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
Subtlety has never been a strength of mine. No, this is not the entire story, no Paul Harvey moment here. My attention tonight was drawn closely to this Passage, most especially (from beginning to end):(1) Our heart is well-aware that Christ is capable of doing something, does our mind often times attempt to convince us otherwise? Do we think “Certainly He can, but will He”? Zero doubt about God’s Power and Ability! (2) Helping our unbelief. As in the above, we want to believe. We know God has the Ultimate Authority. Every power and principality are in subjection to Him. God reigns over our health, safety, jobs, homes, relationships, any and all circumstances and situations. The enemy attempts to capsize our faith, by overloading us with seeds of doubt. The more we allow him to whisper discouragement and lie after lie, we are apt to slip into a place where uncertainty starts to take root. Let’s continue to seek out the Father’s help in strengthening and deepening our belief in Him.(3)When Jesus commands, there is no option for that spirit but to obey. It MUST, moreover, it cried in defeat as it left the boy. Jesus SPEAKS something, it happens. How is that for POWER! (4)According to those around, the boy was considered dead, then those sweet words “BUT JESUS”! How many times in our lives, only so far, have we been able to testify to that very thing. Situations seem hopeless, circumstances are horrific, BUT JESUS! He took him by the hand and he rose. What Power and Might! That is Who we call “Father”.
Great Jehovah
Thank You for this day
Please forgive our sins against You, others and ourselves
We just want to give You thanks for Who You Are
We acknowledge Your Power and Authority
Please help us believe You fully
With all of our hearts, let us trust in You
In the Name of Jesus
We give You honor and glory for now and forevermore
Amen
songs
I AM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-HIKxnSZSA
Faith of Our Fathers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF0Wzm-xBoA
Great Is Thy Faithfulness https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cACqcURyvJA
credits: God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture
biblehub, blueletterbible, google, youtbe
Where Is Your Treasure?
Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Luke 12: 32-34 Fear not, Little Flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Father God
Thank You for another beautiful day
We give You thanks for those You’ve given
To pray with and for us
For the times our family, friends and even strangers
Go boldly before You on our behalf
Lord, we ask that You will lead us to do likewise
That we will unselfishly give of ourselves to
Approach Your Throne to intercede for others
Thank You, Lord, for the Blood of Christ
Paying and paving our way to You
Let our treasures be found in You
He ALONE is the way we have access to You, Father
All praise, glory and honor to You, King
In the Name of Jesus
Amen
Song: Where Your Treasure Is
credits: God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture
prayer warriors, biblehub,
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Climbing Down From The Tree
Luke 19:1-10
And Jesus entered and passed through Jericoh. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who He was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him: for He was to pass that way.
And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received Him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That He was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
I knew the Lord as a young girl, but when I reached teenage and early twenties, I withdrew a bit. I loved Christ, and throughout my life, I’ve known He has always been right there with me. At best, though, I’m afriad to say, but believe I was lukewarm.
Like Zacchaeus, I took a climb up a proverbial tree where I reamained perched there for a few years. Peeking through limbs of circumstances and leaves of situations in my life, it was difficult to get a clear glimpse of God. What were His plans for my life? How would I ever know if I couldn’t see clearly? Although my vision of Christ was impaired, He knew exactly who and where I was!
Once I got settled, “observing” didn’t seem so bad! Dare I say, comfortable? I was making it, day to day without having to really DO anything! What was I hearing in my spirit? Startled, I realized it was Christ, beckoning me to come out from down from there! Our Lord was not just going leave me where I was! Being a Child of God is not passive!
The impression I got from the upbringing at my church was that as long as I was “good”, I could just remain at status quo, spiritually. As long as I wasn’t moving backward, I was good to go! What did “following” Christ mean, anyway?
For the last few years, praise God, He has been teaching what it does mean to FOLLOW the Lord. Ever-active in serving Him, loving Him and others, engaging in prayer, reading and studying His Word, ready always to go wherever He leads!
Heavenly Father
Thank You for this day
Thank You for having a distinct Voice
The Voice of Truth
As Your Children
Let us be so familiar with Who You Are
We will know and obey when You call
Let us be willing to pick up and go, wherever You take us
Or to be content staying where we are, if that is where You want us to be
Thank You for this life You’ve lent to us
Please let us treat is as a precious jewel You’ve entrusted to us
Our Creator, our Savior, our Almighty God
In the Name of Jesus, Amen
song: I Will Follow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgqD_HQQir0
credits: God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture
google. youtube, biblehub
Let There Be Light
John 1:5 And the Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the Light of the World: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of Life.
Ephesians 5:8-10 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the LORD: walk as Children of Light: For the Fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; Proving what is acceptable unto the LORD.
A drawer, an entire drawer…not even a small one, all filled with mismatched socks! In the darkness of the room, what I thought was a pair, when I opened the blinds to let the pure sunlight shine on them, clearly was not! I kept pulling out socks, one at a time, thinking eventually I would HAVE to find the match, or at least a different set. Well, actually, I did find 3 pair, too bad they were WOOL! It took the light to reveal that what seemed to be right, was in fact, not at all.
You know how trying something on in a dressing room can be often times deceptive? I mean, the lighting in there is DESIGNED to make everything look as good as possible. So you go up to the register, get the item and when that occasion you bought it for rolls around and you put in on for the first time since the store and step in front of the mirror at home, in a more realistic setting. Oh my goodness! How you could have been so mistaken! The dress was NOT this short, that flower on the back makes my behind look HUGE and I know those rolls of backfat weren’t showing like that! The world’s lighting is invented to draw us in to things that may seem acceptable, but when viewed in God’s Light, it is very clear that what initially appeared attractive, was actually deceptive.
As God’s Children, we are of The Royal Line of The King. We are to be outfitted in righteousness, the world’s garments are not going to fit, nor be presentable. The Blood of Jesus has taken us from rags to robes. In the darkness, things may look, sound, feel, taste close, but if, as we should, only measure something by the Light of Christ, we will know for certain the temendous differences. Children of God do not go faux!
Would you pick up a pill in the dark and assume it was right, of course not, you could poison yourself. The same thing goes for consuming those things that are potentially deadly to us spiritually. Baby AND bathwater must go! God gives discernment, He does not force us to use it!
It is dangerous to believe you are too advanced for the enemy when it comes to tricks and manipulation. He is very smart and conniving. The enemy studies you and your weaknesses and just a sidestep off God’s path, into the shadows then into the darkness, you will be spiritually disoriented and prone to further descent into sin.
Staying on that path God has created for you will bring peace that obedience allows. Yes, there will be potholes, rocks, limbs, thorns and thistles, obedience is not painless, but it offers great reward, best of all, the pleasure of our Father.
Almighty God
Thank You for these beautiful days
For the breath You give us to praise You
For the energy to serve You
And for loving us first, So we could know how to love You and others
Lord, let us compare all we do and say
All we hear and read
To Your Perfect Light
If it does not prove to be in line with what You would have for us
Please turn our hearts against it
Please give us the strength to refuse the enemy in Your Name
We ask that we are not filled with pride, assuming we can reject him alone
We need You, Lord
Every minute of every hour
Your Word is the Light unto our feet!
And the Lamp unto our path!
Though we may trip or stumble along the way
We are helped back up again
And we can see it is You Who leads us!
Thank You for the light
For breaking the darkness
We are not fearful of dark
Because You have put the Light inside of us
In the Name of Jesus
Amen
song:
Here I Am To Worship https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaUTv1pXRyU
credits: God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture
blueletter bible,google, youtube
Our Call To Holiness
1 Peter 1: 1-16
Peter, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the Blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are kept by the Power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the Last Time.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the Appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you; searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the Revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance, but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I Am holy.
Be holy? Impossible? Does the Lord call us to do something He does not equip us to obtain? I have to tell you, this Scripture makes me nervous, and I really do not want to attempt to interpret, lest I sound heretical in suggesting our state of “holiness”. That is something only the Lord can determine.
How do we reconcile being holy with this verse in Isaiah? (Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.)
Deuteronomy 7:6-9 For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart:
try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the Mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
1 Samuel 2:2 There is none Holy as the Lord:
for there is none beside Thee:
neither is there any Rock like our God.
Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect.
Isaiah 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of Hosts: the whole earth is full of His Glory.
I am unable to answer or translate any of these Words from Almighty God. These were simply brought to my attention for us to consider and pray about what the Lord is teaching us about holiness . It is mentioned often in Scripture. I didn’t even hardly scratch the surface. Please, if you feel God is leading you down a path to better understand this, seek His direction and listen to what He has to teach you about holiness. Learning is best accomplished with closed lips, opened ears and heart.
Holy God
Thank You for Your Word
Please teach us what You would have us to learn from these verses.
Lord, please put a yearning in our hearts for holiness
Teach us, please, what that means
And how, Father, we are to obtain it
We yearn to please You
Give us, please, a longing to obey
Thank You for the Blood of Jesus
Cleansing our sins
That we can stand before You
Covered and forgiven
Let us please seek forgiveness quickly and earnestly
For any and all sins against You, others and ourselves
Father, we carry Your Name as adopted children
Let us please realize the honor and responsibility that carries
We want those we encounter to know without a doubt, who our Father is!
Oh how we look forward to the fulfiment of Revelation 4: 8, when Your Word says
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, which Was, and Is, and Is to Come.
In Jesus Name
amen
songs
Agnus Dei https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWndDW_271g
Holy, Holy, Holy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwuDSw-9cUQ
credits: God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture
blueletterbible, google, youtube
God’s Will~The Perfect Plan!
James 4: 13-15 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
How many of us have second-guessed ourselves, especially when (our) plans don’t go, well, as ” planned”? We can always find room for regret, for things we have done or said. Maybe the opposite is true, perhaps there are actions left undone or you kept quiet when you wish you had spoken, either way can hit us equally hard, looking back.
“Should have”, “Could have.” “Would have”. These are just a few of the lingering considerations that can last, for some, a lifetime. “What if?” Naturally, I believe, the older one gets, the more of these we have about different situations or sets of circumstances in our lives.
This is only a very small part of a more complicated issue. This is one of many reasons to pray, read and study the Word of God as if your life depended on it, because it does. The more we are in communication with the Father, we become familiar with His voice, we grow to listen and better understand what He wants and expects from us. When this happens, when we seek out His plan for our lives, in decisions and direction and use the wisdom He provides, we see that our wants and needs grow less and less carnal and “me” focused, and more about pleasing the Lord in what we do with the blessings He has provided for us. We will never regret obeying the Lord, even if that means not going where we wanted, not doing whatever it was we had in mind, changing jobs, friends, church, patterns of behavior, or anything for that matter. Following what He has in store will never disappoint. His Will is PERFECT.
We never know what God will provide, but we know that He certainly can! Has He ever surprised You with His Greatness, He has me! I have a closet filled with thrift store finds rather than crammed full of over-priced department store items. I have what I need. I’m not saying that someone who buys clothes from the mall, boutiques or other places is wrong, I do so myself from time to time, it’s that I have peace and God has given me satisfaction in this area of my life with what I have. It’s my choice to buy pre-owned for the most part, but it is through His Power that I find contentment with the decisions.
Heavenly Father
Thank You for these beautiful days of sunshine during the day
And brilliant stars by night
Thank You for the warmth of the sunlight
For the joy You put in our heart
Lord, please let us recognize Your Voice
Because we are familiar with the sound of our Father speaking to us
By prayer and reading of Your Word
Please give us understanding
We know You will, as You say that it will be given liberally to those who seek it
Father, we just ask for contentment, but not only that
For pure delight in doing Your Will
We want our thoughts, speech and actions to reflect what You would have us to be
Thank You for each and every blessing
In the Name of Jesus
Amen
Songs
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
credits: God the Father. Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture
Biblehub, google, youtube
