John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
As I was reading these two verses this morning from my devotional, I began humming an older Sandi Patty song that I wanted to share with you. Very, very pretty. Here are the lyrics, but if you get a chance to hear it, do!
Sometimes when you're in the valleys
All of your burdens you carry alone
Oh, but I know, I know when you need Me
Call I'll be there
Longing to prove how much I care
Peace, I'll give you peace
When the wind blows on
Peace, whenever you call Me
I'll give you peace
When the wind blows on
Heartaches, whenever your heart aches
I want to be there
To help see you through
When you're weary
You know you can find all the strength that you need
Find your rest and your hope in Me
No matter how long the night may last,
I'll keep you safe 'til the storm is past
Oh, I'll give you
Peace, sweet peace
When the wind blows on
Peace, whenever you call Me
I'll give you peace
When the wind blows on
I'll give you peace when the wind starts blowing
Peace, I'll give you peace
Have a day filled with the peace and joy that He alone can provide!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Entrust Your Loved Ones to the Lord
Exodus 33:14
The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
2 Kings 17:12
They worshiped idols, though the LORD had said, "You shall not do this."
Many parents are sending their children off today for the first day of school. School supplies are packed, lunches are made, and pictures are being taken. My devotional this morning reminded me to entrust your loved ones to the Lord. Release your little ones into His protective care. It's in His arms where they are safest. It aso reminded me to be very careful not to endanger your loved ones by allowing them to become an idol to you. God tells us numerous times how He feels about idols. He often took extreme measures to rid His people of their idols. Remember Abraham and Isaac? God had to be sure that Abraham had no other idols before Him, including his son. Thankfully, Abraham passed God's test, and Isaac was saved.
So today, release your children to the Lord. Entrust Him alone with their safety and protection. He will be there holding their hand throughout today and every day.
The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."
2 Kings 17:12
They worshiped idols, though the LORD had said, "You shall not do this."
Many parents are sending their children off today for the first day of school. School supplies are packed, lunches are made, and pictures are being taken. My devotional this morning reminded me to entrust your loved ones to the Lord. Release your little ones into His protective care. It's in His arms where they are safest. It aso reminded me to be very careful not to endanger your loved ones by allowing them to become an idol to you. God tells us numerous times how He feels about idols. He often took extreme measures to rid His people of their idols. Remember Abraham and Isaac? God had to be sure that Abraham had no other idols before Him, including his son. Thankfully, Abraham passed God's test, and Isaac was saved.
So today, release your children to the Lord. Entrust Him alone with their safety and protection. He will be there holding their hand throughout today and every day.
Monday, August 2, 2010
The Secret to Contentment
Phil. 4:11-12
...For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
What an awesome example God provides us through Paul! Oh, to be content no matter what our circumstances may be! Paul discovered the secret to contentment. If we read on to Phil. 4:13, we find out what his secret was. He says:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
So, the secret to contentment? Christ Himself. Putting our faith and trust and hope in Him alone... not in our circumstances, not in our possessions, not in ourselves. It's easy to feel content in times of good health, when we have a nice home with nice furniture and possessions. It's easy when your marriage is going smoothly and when the kids are doing well in school. When there is a steady income coming in and bills are able to be paid on time.
But what about in difficult times? Are we still content with life then? Or do we waller in self-pity, disappointment, and bitterness? I admit that this is a big challenge for me. I tend to find myself always wanting more, and when more comes, I want even more. The truth is that contentment will not come via earthly things, people, or circumstances. True contentment comes from Christ alone.
Dear Lord, I cannot truthfully say at all times that I am content no matter the circumstances I find myself in. I pray that You will teach me to be content and to allow You to reign sovereign in my life. You know better than I do what I need to grow, so I ask that You nourish me with Your provisions, that I may be content in You who gives me strength. Amen.
...For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
What an awesome example God provides us through Paul! Oh, to be content no matter what our circumstances may be! Paul discovered the secret to contentment. If we read on to Phil. 4:13, we find out what his secret was. He says:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
So, the secret to contentment? Christ Himself. Putting our faith and trust and hope in Him alone... not in our circumstances, not in our possessions, not in ourselves. It's easy to feel content in times of good health, when we have a nice home with nice furniture and possessions. It's easy when your marriage is going smoothly and when the kids are doing well in school. When there is a steady income coming in and bills are able to be paid on time.
But what about in difficult times? Are we still content with life then? Or do we waller in self-pity, disappointment, and bitterness? I admit that this is a big challenge for me. I tend to find myself always wanting more, and when more comes, I want even more. The truth is that contentment will not come via earthly things, people, or circumstances. True contentment comes from Christ alone.
Dear Lord, I cannot truthfully say at all times that I am content no matter the circumstances I find myself in. I pray that You will teach me to be content and to allow You to reign sovereign in my life. You know better than I do what I need to grow, so I ask that You nourish me with Your provisions, that I may be content in You who gives me strength. Amen.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Glory in Your Tribulations
Romans 5:3-5
...But we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Tribulation, trials, troubles... whatever we call them doesn't matter. Our human nature is the avoid them, detest them, or ignore them. But God, in His ultimate wisdom, tells us to glory in them, rejoice in them, be happy about them. How could that be?
God sees the bigger, grander picture. He knows that the trials we endure bring about good things to come. Sometimes we can directly see the good take place. Other times we continue to wonder how any good could possibly come out of a particular situation. Perhaps our personal trials can lead to another person's trust in you or just an opportunity to witness to someone. Or perhaps the trial simply strengthens your character so you can endure the next trial easier or to help someone else get through their trial.
No matter what, we know that God is in our trials... every step, every breath, every tear. He knows when your heart is broken and when you feel as if you just can't go on. Remember that God put His only Son through the ultimate trial... death on the cross. He separated Himself from His Son so that we could draw closer to Him through the forgiveness of sin.
Dear Lord, I am not asking for trials to come my way, but I thank You for the promise that trials will lead to hope, and in the process, draw me closer to You. Amen.
...But we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Tribulation, trials, troubles... whatever we call them doesn't matter. Our human nature is the avoid them, detest them, or ignore them. But God, in His ultimate wisdom, tells us to glory in them, rejoice in them, be happy about them. How could that be?
God sees the bigger, grander picture. He knows that the trials we endure bring about good things to come. Sometimes we can directly see the good take place. Other times we continue to wonder how any good could possibly come out of a particular situation. Perhaps our personal trials can lead to another person's trust in you or just an opportunity to witness to someone. Or perhaps the trial simply strengthens your character so you can endure the next trial easier or to help someone else get through their trial.
No matter what, we know that God is in our trials... every step, every breath, every tear. He knows when your heart is broken and when you feel as if you just can't go on. Remember that God put His only Son through the ultimate trial... death on the cross. He separated Himself from His Son so that we could draw closer to Him through the forgiveness of sin.
Dear Lord, I am not asking for trials to come my way, but I thank You for the promise that trials will lead to hope, and in the process, draw me closer to You. Amen.
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