Obedience: No Understanding Required

JAMES 1:19-20

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Noah-It took a long time to build the ArkI. Throughout the process, possibly, (although I find no mention directly in the Bible), Noah was ridiculed, yet he remained obedient to the Lord

Hebrews 11:7 – By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.  

Matthew 24:37-39,But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.

Abraham and Sarai-  Instead of continuing to wait on Sarai to have children, she sent her husband to another woman! Abraham and Sarai chose their desires over the Lord’s Will, and Abraham produced Ishmael with Hagar.Do we assume what God’s plans are for our lives, and make decisions on those basis? We could have acceptable results, but would we give glory to God or ourselves for those accomplishments?  On the other hand, our choices to run ahead could cause consequences for ourselves or others, as did the actions of Abraham and Sariia.  Let’s just hold on and find out what God has in store for us! 

Genesis 16:1-5 Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.

 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. And Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.

 And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the Lord judge between me and thee

.David – In the following passage, we see that the Lord promised that someone in David’s Line would always be king.  Other than taking that promise and trying to self-fulfill it, David  showed his trust in the Lord’s Word, and determined to wait for His time to place him in that position. It seems as though David would even be able to justify taking Saul’s life, as he could have claimed self defence.  The king hated David and was on a mission to destroy him. Having confidence in the Lord’s Word, David remembered what he was promised.  He didn’t know when or how, but he did believe and trusted God.  

Psalm 132:11 The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.  David did make many mistakes, as we all do; nonetheless, God had His hand on him and indeed his line will continue throughout eternity. 

1 Samuel 26:22-25 And David answered and said, Behold the king’s spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it.The Lord render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed

.And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the Lord, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation. Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place

.Jonah – This part of history is not just for a children’s Sunday school lesson!  If we have been in church our entire lives or not even much at all, it is very likely we have heard about Jonah and the big fish!Not really wanting to do the task God asked of him, Jonah considered it wise somehow, to try

running away from our omnipotent Lordrks are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?Hebrews 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.Jeramiah 23:24  Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

Jonah Chapter 1 Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.

So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.

Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou?And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.

Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous.

And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.

Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them.

Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased thee.

So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging.Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows.Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Please take some time to consider these situations and apply them to your life.  If God has called you to do something, be thankful that He is sending you out to do whatever it is.  The task does not have to be significant.  What carries the heaviest weight is your willingness and obedience. 

Mary had no idea what awaited her, but she trusted the Lord and gave herself to serve Him by carrying the Christ child. Although she watched Jesus suffer tremendous agony, God’s Will was accomplished by this otherwise, obscure young lady. 

Don’t eagerly run ahead of God like a dog pulling its owner down the sidewalk.  Don’t lag behind like a kid whining for candy at the checkout line.  You don’t have to “keep up” with  the Lord, because He carries you! 

Almighty Father 

Thank You for this and every day You give us

Please forgive our sins against You, others and ourselves

Thank You for allowing us to participate in Your Work here on earth

Please find us willing to obey, because we know when You call 

We will be able to do the tasks You set before us

If we misunderstand, please block any avenue, not ordained by You

Please give us clarity and discernment 

Let us be willing to pick up or put down whatever it is You are leading us to start or cease

When we need to stick with something, please allow confirmation and encouragement that we are in Your Will

But when we are led to leave an idea, a person, a situation, we ask for wisdom to do so

Let us long to please You

We love You and we want to display that in our lives by obedience to our Father

We delight in You Lord, please allow us to delight You in how we live the blessing of life

In the Name of Jesus

Amen

CREDITS: GOD THE FATHER, JESUS, HOLY SPIRIT, SCRIPTURE

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The Encouragement of Truth

2 Timothy 1:7– For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

,In this world of perversion, hatred and constant chaos, as Believers we can be encouraged by God’s beautiful and perfect Word.

Lord and Savior

Thank You for this and every day

Praise Your Glorious Name for peace In these dark hours

While we walk through this world You dwell within us

Guiding, instructing, leading us in Truth

We, Your children are comforted

In ways far beyond human comprehension

Lord, thank You for Your peace that passes all understanding

Please allow us to testify to Your greatness by the way we live our lives

And let our words and actions be a testimony to the faith we have in You

.In the precious Name of Jesus

Amen

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Recognition For Dads. .Praise To Our Father ..Father’s Day 2021

• 1 John 3:1  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.      
• The 20th was a day for people to recognize fathers.  All of the card companies and manufacturers never mentioned in any commercials about honoring the ONE TRUE FATHER, our Lord, because they don’t understand. 
• So let’s take a minute to  think about it,  on this day filled with tools, ties and thanks to dad,  above all,  be a reminder to us just how blessed we are to call Him “Father”.

Almighty God, You tell us to call no one Father on earthToday when it is suggested to uplift dadsWe are going to take such an opportunity to recognize YouFor all You have doneFor what You are doingAnd what You will doThank You for special dadsFor the blessing they were or are in our livesAbove allPraise, honor and glory goes to YouOur FatherIn the Name of JesusAmen

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In Our Creator’s Hands

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Aren’t we so blessed the Father has our days in His hands! Thanks be to the Lord for the confidence and comfort this brings, being children of the Most High.

Re-read the verse in Jeremiah. Go to the Word and read the surrounding passages (which is always a good practice with any verse, to get the context and intent of what is being said). Consider what the Lord is telling us here and how precious we must be to Him.

If you are or have ever wondered what your value is as a person, look to the One Who created you. The Cost for us to be called Daughters of the Almighty was the spilled blood of Jesus Christ on our behalf.

Only our enemy would attempt to convince us on one extreme or the other: Either mankind is self-sufficient with no need for a Savior or worthless, sinful and hopeless. He is a liar the father of lies (technically should be upper case, but I refuse) and there is no truth in him.

Remember, our Father is always mindful of His children! His watchful eyes are upon us constantly! Find peace in the knowledge of His presence!

Psalm 8:4
4 What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

PRAYER

Almighty Lord

Father and King

Thank You for this beautiful day

For the breath You give us

Let us send it back to You on wings of praise

We recognize You for Who You Are

Lord of lords

Majesty

Great Jehovah God

Thank You for the blood spilled for us

Thank You that we can call us Your God

And that You call us Your people

Please give us understanding

About what a tremendous position that is

There could be nothing greater than being Your child

Glory to God in the Highest!

In the Name of Jesus

Amen

songs

Glory To God

I Lift My Hands

Jesus Messiah

credits: God the Father, Precious Savior and King, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture
encouraging words
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Earthly Pursuits Dimmed By Heavenly Focus

B <carpediemhwy@gmail.com>	11:47 PM (3 minutes ago)
to me, Amanda, Aunt, Brecca, Brittney, Carolyn, cathy, Courtney, Emily, Ginger, Janet, Janett, jonathan, Kim, Paula, Sonya

COLOSSIANS 3:1-2

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

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There have been far too many times I have wasted countless hours, piddling around the house or scouring the web.  It amazes me how I can get so involved with things that are so insignificant.  

After a while, I search out passages for the devotional, but by then I’m too tired to give appropriate focus to what I  hoped to share, so I’ll wrap it up for the night, intending to send something out the following day (which too often it’s usually longer).

Rather than looking on websites for things I may or may not buy, beach houses we could never afford or places I won’t visit, I believe the Lord has been calling me to invest in sharing His Word with others. 

The Holy Spirit makes me aware of my ability to get distracted by things of this world, yet I neglect His gentle reminders. Is that intentional?  It must be.  My attitude has been more like, “Of course spending time on other things is much less important than working on the devotionals.”   

Really? Where is my proof?  Where is my heart?  It seems to me as though I’m saying one thing, but my actions do not support it. Where and how am I spending my time and effort? What are my priorities showing to be?

Praise Our Wonderful, Forgiving Lord.  He allows me time to learn, grow and continue to share. With God’s guidance, I will see distractions away from Him for what they are, and avoid them, through His Power and Strength.  In Christ, the lure of things on earth will weaken, as within me,desire for that which is eternal grows ever stronger.

Gracious Lord

Thank You for this and every day

Please forgive us our sins against You, others and ourselves

Please give us a heart of obedience 

And desire to please You, Father

We seek to hold in value

 That which is truly valuable

Our Lord

As the world pursues more and more material reward

We find our Treasure in You

Please dim the lure of all that is not of Christ

Fill us, please, with Your Truth 

That things of this world are of no use

With You

Abiding in eternity

No matter how inticing they may seem

Nothing or no one can compare 

To the priceless hope of those who place their trust in Christ for salvation

No Higher Price has or will ever be paid

Than Christ’s Blood shed on Calvary

In Jesus Name

Amen

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Ruth: Leaving Her Past Behind For A Better Future

Ruth 1:16-17 

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

When they married, Ruth and Orpah left their parent’s home, and the people and places familiar to them.

Sadly, both of their  husbands, Mahlon. Chilion and  Father-in-Law perished, leaving their Mother-in-Law, Naomi, without her husband or sons. 

The widow learned that the Lord had blessed His people with food, so Naomi,  Ruth and Orpah headed toward Judah. 

At a certain point, Naomi told both women that her hope was for the Lord to deal kindly with them, and that they should return to their mothers’ houses. She told them the reasons why and even went so far as to tell them that the Hand of the Lord had gone out against her, so they should separate for their good.

It was a tearful goodbye, but Orpah kissed her Mother-in-Law, and returned to people, gods and what was familiar to her. Ruth, on the other hand, clung to Naomi.

At the beginning of barley harvest, the two women arrived in Bethlehem. It was here that Naomi claimed God had dealt bitterly with her.

In God’s Perfect Providence, history introduces a wealthy kinsman of Naomi’s husband. 

We see throughout, the great blessings Ruth had because she was willing to leave her past, entirely.  We do not read about regret that she abandoned the false gods, clinging to the One True God.

Our Lord requires our loyalty. When we are rescued from death into life eternal by the Blood of Christ, we are called to abandon what we knew, even though life offered the comfort of familiarity. 

There is only One Truth, anything else is a lie. Darkness and light do not “coexist”. As cherished children of the Most High, we are expected to assume our role as royalty, forsaking anything not approved  by our Father, the King.

Father God

Thank You for this day

Please forgive our sins against You, others and ourselves

Like Ruth, please let us cleave to You

Please let us willingly give up anything that will lead us away from Your Will

Thank You for Ruth’s example

And that she did not choose to return to where she once was

Just because it was familiar

Please let us do likewise

Please let us encourage one another in obedience

Uplifting each other in faith

You are the One True God

With Your Work within us

Our past does not have to dictate our future

In the Name of Jesus

Amen

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Devotional: The Blessing of a godly Mom

Psalms 127:3 – Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the Fruit of the Womb is His reward.  

Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 31

The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. 

Every Mother’s Day, what means something to me, is remembering and honoring my own Mom. Although she departed for her Heavenly Home in 2005, not a day goes by when something reminds me of her. The Springtime brings glorious blooms and fragrances. Summer comes upon us quickly, as the white beaches and warm ocean invite us to walk along the shore. The Fall decorates the trees with vibrant colors. As we move toward Winter, there are lights galore to enjoy as we celebrate the season’s festivities

.My Mom found something special in every season, and that was only part of what made her special to me. 

The pretty blossoms made her happy, walking along the seashore, taking in the colorful leaves and riding around, admiring decorations, no matter what, she was agreeable and would find something she enjoyed in situations.

Even though her parents divorced when she was eight and she was widowed with six children at fifty, she did not let her circumstances dim her view of life, as I ever observed, her faith in Christ only seemed to strengthen over time.  Mom was a friend to so many, and volunteered to help anywhere she was needed. All that being said, the Lord, in His Goodness, chose to knit me together in her womb! 

I have much to be thankful for this Mother’s Day. I’ve been blessed with a sweet husband, three wonderful, generous, precious. intelligent  children (and Son-in-Law), three (almost 4), darling grandchildren, a 95 year old Mother-in-Law, more than I could ever list and most of all, deserve.  Something I will never understand, yet forever appreciate, is God’s gift that I was trusted to the  care of Katherine Wilson and that Brittney, Courtney and Charles were entrusted to me.

To all, if your mother has passed, praise God for the time you had. If your mother is still around, praise Him for the time you have!

Lord God

Thank You for this day when we acknowledge mother

sPlease forgive our sins against You, others and ourselves

You created us to be in a particular homeYou determined who our parents would be

And other members of this earthly family

Where and when we were born is all Your Perfect Design

Thank You for those of us who were or are blessed with godly mothers

Who depended upon You and showed us by their lifestyle

What it meant to love and trust in You

Mothers who prayed for us

Who loved us enough to teach us about you

Mothers who sincerely loved and served the Lor

For those who did not have that particular situation

May Your  blessing be upon them as well

You know where there is blessing and where there is lacking

You fill voids, no human possibly could

You gave a young lady the willingness to carry the Christ Child

She gave birth to Jesus and she watched as He grew

Until He hung on the cross, giving

His life for those who would believe

The Son she delivered was her Deliverer As He is ours

Thank You, Lord, for things we are yet to understand

In Your Holy Name, Jesus,

Amen

credits:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Scriptur

Katherine Wilson,, Jonathan, Brittney, Courtney, Charles, Sam, Katherine, Kenneth, Alexandria, baby boy

Extended family and friends

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Devotional: God’s Word Was Written To Be Shared

John 15:12

“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

The other night, I started writing down a prayer list of my family, then my extended family, each one of their children and children’s children.  After getting those written, I moved on to my friends, listing each child and grandchild as well. Next was our church family.

 As I continued on down the list (in no level of importance), acquaintances were included (such as my hair-dresser, the servers at the restaurants we frequent, etc).  When I ran out of names that came to mind, I took a look at that list and was astonished at the length! 

How God has blessed me over the years to have come in contact with so many individuals.  Now, not everyone there is someone I get along with, necessarily, but for whatever reason, the Lord has them in my life.

Now that I think about it, I need to go back and  put the leaders of this country (by name), even if I  do not agree with them.  Additionally, no one I really dislike is on there (Ugh! Typing this confession, I can’t help but notice  that I need to be adding to my list!)

Included, there are several  who share faith in Jesus Christ.  Those  who don’t, now is not the time to shy away from discussing the Lord, as none of us are aware how much time we have, until we have no more.

Matthew 13:44 Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.  

Mark 16:15 – And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. 

Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.  

Luke 11:33 –No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.  

Almighty God

Thank You for this and every day You give us

Please forgive our sins against You, others and ourselves

Father, please provide us with opportunities to talk to those who don’t know You

Lord, You have given  us the Gift of eternal life

How can we withhold telling others about such a blessing

If we won’t share with our family and friends, then who?

Please open doors where You would have us tell others

About Your Love, Grace and why we place our faith and trust in You for salvation.

Please let our words and actions glorify You,

That others will recognize and desire the peace we have in Jesus.

Even though this world is in chaos

When evil seems to be everywhere we look

Father, we as Believers can look to You

Please give us boldness, and let us step out of  the way, that You will speak through us

To You be all glory given

Thank You, Father

In Jesus’ Name

Amen

credits: God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture

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Devotional: Step Away From The Kid’s Table

1 Corinthians 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. Sitting here  nibbling on animal crackers, I remembered back when I was 4 or 5 years old, doing the same thing as my Sunday school teacher, Mrs. Blount, told Bible stories using an old school flannel board. 

Now when I was a little girl, that was fine.  I looked and took in the Word in simplistic terms as I munched on my crackers and sipped my juice.  Those demonstrations and snacks were tasty, but neither the treat nor the lessons were intended to sustain me.  What if that was all I was given the entire week? I would be malnourished and  my caregivers would be irresponsible. What if in the college class I sat around in a  small chair, chomping graham crackers, as the instructor read from a picture book of  the Bible? That’s just crazy. Long before then, I would be expected to feed and study for myself.

As I grew, my tastes matured and my hunger for a deeper study into God’s Word did as well. In Matthew, Jesus tells us that those who still crave more are blessed, because He will fill us. We know certainly that what the Lord gives us will certainly nourish and satisfy.  Like our stomach growling to be fed, so should our soul cry out for God’s Word. 

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 

 Father God

Thank You for this day

Thank You for the many things You have to teach us

Please encourage our hearts to open Your Word

That we might learn more about You
 It’s time we leave the “kid’s table”, Lord

We can’t remain in a juvenile mindset, Almighty God

We need to learn, grow and mature
From Your Word, we need to learn what has been and what is to come

Please put the desire to obey within us

Thank You for providing all we need

Your Word has the delicious aroma

 Please let us come, craving the satisfaction only found in You

In the Name of Jesus

Amen

credits: God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripturegoogle, Mrs. Blount, blueletterrbible, Carolyn, Sherry, Kim

Where Do You Place Your Trust?

Psalms 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the Name of the LORD our God.  

A few weeks ago, I was going to take the dogs for a  walk beside a lake close to our house. I put everything together (poo bags, bottled water for me, leashes, etc.) .  I covered the passenger side seat with towels , lowered the top and finally went down to get two excited dogs suited up for our big adventure. 

I sat down in the driver’s seat, buckled my seatbelt, turned the key ……NOTHING.  Okay, so I know I had not driven the car in over a month, and Jonathan even mentioned a few times that I needed to drive it (even around the block or to the store), to keep the battery from dying.  

These things ran through my head as  I wiggled out of my seat so I could get Jonathan.  I really hoped that no one walked down our street (especially with a pet), while I ran inside, leaving the dogs unattended in the convertible out in the driveway. The battery indeed was dead.  It had not been too terribly long since we bought one, so we really wondered if that was the actual issue (thankfully it was).  We took   it to the store and had it replaced for free since it was under warranty (Isn’t God great!).

Far too many times there have been dead batteries, low tires or other circumstances that took me from what I planned to something totally different.  My dependence was in the wrong place. Are our expectations on people or things too high, or the confidence in Christ low? 

Even the most reliable person can potentially let you down at some point, most likely in an unavoidable situation, but mostly because they are human. I remember being in school, feverish and feeling terrible, trying to rest on those horrible clinic beds, while the nurse tried over and over to reach Mom (who apparently was having a marathon telephone session with someone!)  These were the days of busy signals! I think the person who created call waiting must have experienced this at some point!

What about those newer model cars you have passed on the interstate with the hood up and a frustrated owner, ranting on the phone,  pacing back and forth? Certainly they must not have anticipated having issues! They may have invested in the later version to avoid such aggravation. Let’s take the next few days and think about who or what it is we depend upon and just how much we know that our God can be counted on anytime, anywhere, giving Him praise and glory for allowing us to depend on our Merciful Heavenly Father.

 Almighty God

Thank You for the days You’ve given us

Both here on earth and  eternity with You

Please forgive our sins against You, others and ourselves

To You be all praise, honor and glory

We know that we can have confidence in You

Even if and when things do not turn out “our way”

You love us enough to tell us “No”

We can depend upon You, Father

When things are chaotic around us

Or when there is peace

Or where there is sorrow

Or in times of celebration

You are there!

We depend upon You Alone

For only You can meet every need

Please grow our desire to be closer to You, Lord

To want what You wantTo desire to please You

To walk in obedience to Your Will

In the Name of Jesus we thank You

Amen

credits: God the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Scripture

Mom, google, clinic and staff East Clinton Elementary, Blueletterbible