Sunday, April 30, 2017

April 30, 2017 – Truth


Before belief comes confirmation. But the question remains, "What are you founding your confirmation on?" Is it the voice of others, or the voice of the source? Do you seek the truth with an emptiness of self; or, do you confront the issues as one of superiority, not keeping room inside to learn? We have available to us truth given in traditions, history, and scripture. Before you trust in a rumor or hearsay, it is good to seek confirmation by going to the source of truth itself. Empty yourself of personal presumptions, ambition, or desire. In prayer and contemplation, with the Word opened before you, and the conviction of the Holy Spirit within, let God be your guide. In this, you will find truth. 

Blessed is anyone whose conscience brings no reproach and who has never given up hope. - Ecclesiasticus 14:2

Saturday, April 29, 2017

April 29, 2017 – Light


The world’s beautiful sun bakes the earth with life-giving warmth. It can be felt even when the clouds block its glow, and lingers as the earth passes into the dark of night. This is Earth’s largest star, source of mystery to science and man. Without its heat, without its light, the world cannot thrive. Our Glorious God set our sun in orbit to bring us this warmth and light. This light will one day fade. Our world will one day be no more. Yet God, the Creator, never ceases to shine. His Light spreads as Hope, bringing us life beyond the earth, beyond our mortality: life eternal and full of goodness and joy. When we seek Him, even though the darkest nights, we find His Light; and this Light will last forever. This is the day that God has made. Let us rejoice and be glad.


Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light." - John 12:36

Friday, April 28, 2017

April 28, 2017 – Return


Sometimes separation is the best tool to help us realize just how much we miss our loved ones. Just as the father opens his arms to welcome the prodigal son, we feel this Grace from our Heavenly Father when we return to Him in prayer. We must never let our regrets, pride, fear, or shame keep us from coming back to our Lord. Our journey may lead us away; but, with Hope, we can come back. Fall into the arms of your Hope and feed your soul with God’s Freeing Love.

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! - Luke 15:17

Thursday, April 27, 2017

April 27, 2017 – Selfish


When selfishness negatively impacts someone else, it becomes time to reevaluate your choices. Is your goal set on God or on earthly desires? Only you can know this answer and only you can set things right.



For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.… - James 3:16,17

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

April 25, 2017 – Fatigue


pixabay.com
Do you ever have one of those days when your body is so full of aches and pains it seems your greatest accomplishment for the next 24 hours may be just getting out of bed? Although appealing, this is never a wise choice. The more we lay still the harder it becomes for us to move. Our spirits cry out in the same way. When we do not exercise our spirits by spending time with scripture, prayer, and stepping out in works of mercy and love, our spirits become dull. Atrophy slowly creeps into our being and clouds our responses to the call of God. Just as stretching our muscles sends energy and strength into our physical beings, stretching our spirits energizes the soul.

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. - Galatians 6:9

Monday, April 24, 2017

April 24, 2017 – Present


Things will happen today. Some will be monumental; some devastating; some peaceful, calming, and joy-filled. What God asks from you in each of these moments is simply to be present. Let your mind rest right where it is. Do not wander, but soak in this moment. Be open to see what God wants for you -- as you are right now. And return to Him your love.



For the LORD, who is high and lifted up, looks upon the humble, but the proud he does not know. – Psalm 138:6 (Jubilee Bible)

Sunday, April 23, 2017

April 23, 2017 - Happiness


I once thought of happiness as a state of mind, yet there are moments in my life that have been filled with unshakable sorrow no matter how hard I tried to shake it.  In prayer, I have come to realize that our emotions are a gift from God.  When we truly anguish through the pains of a sinful world, we are feeling the heart of God.  We grow in understanding, acceptance, hope, and unconditional love. For those who walk close to Him, His emotions become a part of our being.  I give thanks to God for his gifts.  As my sorrow finds peace in God's hands, my heart can be freed to accept the Grace He has for me: the grace of happiness, praise, and thanksgiving.  I pray today that you will be graced with happiness, and filled with the beauty of sharing God's heart.

I know there is no happiness for a human being except in pleasure and enjoyment through life. And when we eat and drink and find happiness in all our achievements, this is a gift from God. - Ecclesiastes 3: 12,13

Saturday, April 22, 2017

April 22, 2017 – Promises


Photo courtesy: Pixabay.com

Sometimes, in our desire to please, we promise others things we cannot deliver.  It may not be intentional.  We may be sincere in our thoughts at the time.  But as life unfolds, the truth is revealed that humankind does not control all things.  The Master's hand is our strength, our truth, our ultimate delivery.  When you ensure your promises are grounded in the faith of God, you will be ready to move in any direction they may take you. 

My birthright, my cup is Yahweh; you, you alone, hold my lot secure. The measuring-line marks out for me a delightful place, my birthright is all I could wish. - Psalm 16:5-6

Friday, April 21, 2017

April 21, 2017 - Victory

We may know all the rules and the right things to say and do. The process may be explained over and over. Yet, until we practice, until we get out and do the drills ourselves, until we put forth the effort due, we can never, and will never experience the fullness of the victory. 

My child, if you aspire to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal. Cling to him and do not leave him, so that you may be honored at the end of you days. - Ecclesiasticus 2:2,3

Thursday, April 20, 2017

April 20, 2017 - Life



Christ surrounds us with life. The angels tell the women at the tomb, "You will not find Jesus among the dead."  This translates to our every day. No bar, no drugs, no alcohol will give you what you want. You cannot be satisfied through non-Christian friends, spouses, places, activities, or establishments. Jesus will not stay where He is not wanted. We must seek Jesus among the living.

But the two said to them, "Why look among the dead for someone who is alive?" - Luke 24:5b

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

April 18, 2017 – Patience


It was a Camaro. A souped-up, high-powered, race-car-wanna-be. Why, on earth, was it moving so . . . slow? Realizing frustration had me tail gaiting as if I could push him forward, I backed off his rear. Then I saw the bigger picture: an elderly couple having troubles navigating their car was at the front of a long line.


Many times in life, I find myself pushing on God in the same manner. I want something to happen and cannot understand why He is moving so slow. I form my own opinions of His unanswered prayer and become frustrated.  Yet, when I finally step away from the problem and take the time to listen to God, I see the bigger picture.  God must tend to a need I can’t see. Only by waiting on Him, and making my choices for His sake, can I move forward.  




Yahweh Sabaoth says this: He says, “Apply the law fairly, and show faithful love and compassion towards one another. Do not oppress the widow and the orphan, the foreigner and the poor, and do not secretly plan evil against one another.” – Zechariah 7:9-10



Monday, April 17, 2017

April 17 - Hope

Resurrection, Pixabay.com

The crucifixion and resurrection of Christ has brought light into the world. We believers now see our cup as half full rather than half empty. With the knowledge of the resurrection, we can find hope and our hope magnifies every moment of our lives: the good, the bad, the joy-filled and the sad. Because of this saving Grace, we know the best is yet to come; and, in hope, we cling to the glorious promise of God. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. 


"Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you." - Matthew 28:7

Sunday, April 16, 2017

April 16 - He is Risen

Christ is risen from the dead!

By death He conquered death!

And to those in the graves, He granted life!



Christ is Risen!   Indeed, He is Risen!

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. - 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

Saturday, April 15, 2017

April 15 - Forgiven

Our Heavenly Father, who spared his people's first-born on the night of the Passover, has given us His only son to be slain as atonement for our sins.


For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son; and whosoever beleveth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. - John 3:16

Friday, April 14, 2017

April 14 - Good

Pixabay.com
Why do we call this day "Good Friday"? It seems so hard to find any good in it at all. Rebellion, abuse, desertion, lies, deceit, bullying, murder; the list is unending. Yet, on that day, just as on every single day of our lives, the one true "Good" is there. Never ceasing and always faithful, Christ's pure love shines goodness and light into every dark moment of our lives.

So when the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried out saying, "Crucify, crucify!" Pilate said to them, "Take Him yourselves and crucify Him, for I find no guilt in Him." John 19:6

Thursday, April 13, 2017

April 13, 2017 – Will


When you do not clearly see God's path, nor understand His purpose, turn your will completely over to our Father; and, in this act of faith, you will have all you need.




But he said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know."  So the disciples said to one another, "Could someone have brought him something to eat?" Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work." - John 4: 33,34



Wednesday, April 12, 2017

April 12, 2017 – Difficulties


"There are two kinds of persons in the world: those who think first of difficulties and those who think first of accomplishments in spite of the difficulties", Samuel Warren. Remember God has placed us in each moment.  What we receive out of it is our choice.


As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. - 2 Samuel 22:31

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

April 11, 2017 – Zeal

Play hard, work hard, dream and scheme with vigor and zest. Go for the gold. Push for the best.  For the one who gives a lot, receives a lot. The one who goes beyond the necessary, reaps the blessings of plenty. And in this same enthusiasm, praise our God, for He is the one who graces us with the passion. He is the one who gifts us with this life.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:2



Monday, April 10, 2017

April 10, 2017 – Careless


Scene: Kitchen set up with a bar sink that opens out into living area. The faucet for the sink has a pullout spray-head. A plush sofa sits in the living room carpet just a few feet from the bar. Daughter #1 is washing dishes. Daughter #2 is antagonizing Daughter #1 from the living room side. The pullout spray-head makes a great weapon. Your imagination may fill in the rest. It is a fun and happy memory . . . now.



     Often in life, we become caught up in a spontaneous moment and do not think ahead to a plausible outcome. The damage done does not lie in just that moment or stay physically confined in a straight path. Our responses may find ourselves deep in a massive cleanup afterward. Even a moment of joy can set off a reaction that could affect others negatively.


     As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we begin to take on His nature and put ours' aside. Praying unceasingly and keeping His peace within us will train us to react through His eyes in both joy and pain. As we live in His Light, we hold hope that all of our spontaneous moments will become happy memories.


But I tell you that for every careless word that men shall speak they will be held accountable on the day of Judgment. - Matthew 12:36

Sunday, April 9, 2017

April 9, 2017 – Majesty

How awesome is this: the God that rules with a voice like thunder is the same one who comes to me in my quiet moments of peace.

And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. – Revelations 14:2

Saturday, April 8, 2017

April 8, 2017 - Ability


It is very hard to work without nourishment, at times impossible.  Without food, drink, or rest, our body literally shuts down.  We have no strength.  Our thoughts become clouded.  Decisions are hard and mistakes happen more easily.  Our physical bodies reflect our soul.  Just as we require sustenance and rest to function properly physically, we must equally have these items for our spiritual needs.  Fueling ourselves with the Word of God; finding Him in prayer, almsgiving, and service to others and seeking rest in His peace gives us strength, wisdom and endurance to live and work in His Kingdom.


Cause me to understand the way of your precepts that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.  - Psalms 119:27

Friday, April 7, 2017

April 7, 2017 – Belief


I do believe. But sometimes I hear comments and witness moments that shake this belief.  “What if?” . . . “Perhaps” . . . “Could it be”, filters into my conscience and I devote a lot of time exploring these subjects to test my heart. But, as I explore, what stays with me is this: no other situation in my life, no other moment, no other belief brings me a truer peace than the realization that God is my supreme creator. He is capable of anything, anything at all. And when I place my trust in this belief, and in my relationship with Him, He reveals marvelous things to me.  This is what I trust, this is where my heart is.


“For you have said, ‘My teaching is pure, and I am innocent in your eyes.’ “But would that God might speak, and open His lips against you, and show you the secrets of wisdom! For sound wisdom has two sides. Job 11:4-6

Thursday, April 6, 2017

April 6, 2017 – Unworthy


Do you ever feel unworthy? You’ve done nothing but gripe and complain the entire day. You know it’s wrong, but you did it anyway. Now the day is coming to a close and you feel torn and spent. You feel you’ve no right to ask God for anything, but can’t feel right without Him. And, do you know what? Our Lord is very happy with you. You've just made the most important step of the whole day; realizing you can’t feel complete without God. So, go ahead, talk with Him. He’s been waiting all this time and has a whole lot of peace to share. You are definitely worth His while.

"Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." – Matthew 26:41

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

April 5, 2017 – Pause


"Don't forget to pause each day . . . and look up. Take in the
beauty of the world." Annie Camp @theyogaroomconroe

When you move from moment to moment, take time to pause. Look up and look out. Breathe in a fresh breath and find peace . . . and in the stillness, however brief, reconnect with God and renew your strength for the next moment.

Then they were glad because they were quiet, So He guided them to their desired haven. – Psalm 107:30

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

April 4, 2017 - Conflict


The question is not ARE there conflicts in life; of course there are. The question is how will you approach these conflicts? Centering ourselves with the mind and spirit of Jesus helps us to direct our passions accordingly. Learning to ask for His guidance before we step out into these challenges will help to make every situation more favorable and ultimately bring glory to our Lord.

Prepare plans by consultation, and make war by wise guidance. The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the innermost parts of his being. – Proverbs 20: 18, 27

Monday, April 3, 2017

April 3, 2017 – Blessed




We are so very blessed that whenever we become too busy to remember Jesus, He never becomes too busy to remember us.



Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. – Psalm 95:6-7a

Sunday, April 2, 2017

April 2, 2017 – Support


We were not all created to share the same point of view, but rather, to use these separate views for creativity and advancement. Helping another to feel good about their accomplishments when things have gone off course can be difficult. Betty Clipman, chorus director of The Woodlands, Texas Show Chorus, teaches, "Correction without compassion is brutality." Our goal must be to help advance the other person, never to bring them down.

 

Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”  Luke 6:36

Saturday, April 1, 2017

April 1, 2017 –  Distractions


Our senses drive us.  A pungent smell, catchy scenery, or simply the clicking of a clock can subtly distract us from our goals.  When temptation is strong and life is not going quite as you planned, limit your senses.  Take time out to focus solely on God and focus your heart in His direction.



Enter by the narrow gate, since the road that leads to destruction is wide and spacious, and many take it; but it is a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life, and only a few find it.  Matthew 7:13-14