Saturday Devotional

Overcomers

Lately, I’ve found the topic of overcoming sin popping up over and over again. I hear it on the radio. Friends are struggling with it. I’ve thought about it in my own life. Why does it seem that some can find success in a sinful area, but it doesn’t happen for everyone? This is a difficult question to ponder, one that I’ve heard some interesting responses to consider.

Consideration #1

My mother and I were discussing a new TV show the other day called Touch. The show is definitely fascinating and too complicated to thoroughly explain in a short devotional. I’m sure it’s even considered controversial to many for one reason or another. Our discussion focused on how each episode seems to show that certain events need to line up perfectly in order for the needed outcome to occur.

That statement may seem obvious, but when you see the events laid out before you, and how certain peoples’ lives need to cross or “touch” at just the right place and time in order for the events to be played out, and it happens right before your eyes all in an hour’s time, it makes you go, “Whoa!”

My mother’s observation was that God does that in our lives. He’s the one who sees all, hears all, and knows all. He allows things to happen so that the right people cross and touch at the right time and place. He makes sure all the events are lined up in order for the right outcome. Often, though, it takes a long time for everything to be lined up. It can’t happen in an hour’s episode in our life. Oh the patience we need as we wait for Him to complete a work in us.

Consideration #2

I heard a book discussed on the radio, and I’m definitely going to buy it even though the name is deceiving. It’s called, “Three Free Sins.” I barely heard the premise touched on in the short time this author was interviewed, but what I heard was interesting.

Some people appear to have overcome their sinful behavior, and we applaud them in their victory and even envy their success. However, have they truly conquered? Did they allow God to do the work in them, or did they do it themselves? The question is were they truly repentant because otherwise all that will occur is self righteousness and falling back on their faces. Ouch! That’s difficult to swallow, but I understood it.

In my life, there have been seasons where I’ve found victory over sin, but my attitude left a bad taste in my mouth. I suppose now I know why. I was full of self righteousness. The key is repentance which means a change of mind. It means to change your mind from your own to God’s. If your mind is focused on God, you can’t be full of self. You can’t give yourself the credit. You can’t think of yourself as holier than Thou. When you repent, your victory will be because of Him and not yourself…which means it will be lasting.

Consideration #3

As I reread a wonderful book on strongholds, I’m reminded that usually what’s manifested in our lives is the result of something much deeper that we don’t even realize is there. Bursts of anger, insecurities, pride, addictions, phobias, etc…these are the things that we see and others see. What’s not seen are our past experiences that may not even seem related to the behavior but are actually the root causes. Learning how to let God heal in these areas can make the behaviors easier to overcome. Again, this may seem obvious, but is it?

So, which one of these considerations is the right answer to the question? Is it all three? Life is complicated, and there is a force working against us all the time to make it even more complicated. I’m sure there are many more considerations, and the best answer would be to discover the right combination of them for each of us.

Even in these three, I can see how they’re related. How about patiently waiting for God to bring the right person into my life to reveal to me the root cause, and then repenting for holding onto that root, so that I can change my mind from my own to God’s?

None of this is revolutionary. It’s all contained in God’s Word. He promises answers if we seek them through Him and His Word wholeheartedly. If you’re seeking for answers, He’ll give them. He’ll give clear to this complicated question that fits us each individually because He loves. He loves so much that He not only desires this for us, but He made it possible for us to be more than overcomers.

Amie Spruiell

3-30-2012

Friday Devotional

“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.”

Proverbs 3 verses 5 and 6 (Amplified Bible)







This is such a wonderful reminder to me today. There are so many times that I begin to believe that I know the “answers” to things. Often times that belief is only based on my own experiences in life, which leaves me with a very limited view.

Other times I have very strong feelings about how a situation should be worked out. Sometimes these feelings can be misconstrued as insights. These “insights” have caused me to follow in the wrong direction at times. I have had to learn that just because I feel strongly about something, that doesn’t mean that I always have the correct perspective about it.


I am a student at heart, and I love to learn new things. Perhaps the most important thing that I have learned is that I must choose my teachers wisely. I have learned a lot of things from others, but they haven’t always been good for me. Perhaps you can relate.


The above verse tells us to “lean on, trust in” and to “be confident” in the Lord. This is a place in which I have learned to trust. I love that the Lord knows all things and understands all things. Perhaps the thing that I love the most is that He is willing to share that knowledge and understanding with us. He knows the correct ways in which to lead us. He leads us in wisdom and with love. He never looks down upon us with criticism, but He leads us “up” to where He is and gives us His vantage point. His ways are so much higher than our ways and yet He is willing to come to the place where we are in order to help us.


Written by Beverley A Napier

Thursday Devotional...3/29/12

Trust in the Foundation

My grandmother got up at 5:30 every morning to make coffee, a full breakfast, and pack a lunch for my grandfather. After placing the food and any important papers inside of his black metal lunch pail she placed it on the table. She tidied the kitchen and sipped her own cup of coffee as he ate his meal and read the newspaper. No Wall Street Journal for him, he knew how the economy was by the number of orders waiting for him at his shop.

Standing up from the table my grandfather thanked my grandmother as she reached to clear his dishes. Reminding him of any plans for the day she would ask him what time he would be home for dinner. He almost always said 5:30 and she would reply that dinner would be ready by 6:00.

Except on the coldest of days, my grandfather would carry his work boots outside before putting them on. With his lunch pail beside him, he sat on the top step of a small concrete porch with beautiful ornate iron railings. He kissed my grandmother, said goodbye, and walked to his truck. As he drove past he made one final wave before heading into town.

Both of my grandparents were teens during the depression of the 1930’s. They married in the early 40’s and had two sons and a daughter over the next twelve years. As they moved an hour away from their families they sought out a church family by visiting various congregations. I can only guess from my own experience that they were looking to attach themselves to their community and to establish a foundation.

As my own children leave the safety net of our home during a time of economic uncertainty I am encouraged by my grandparent’s history. No matter how difficult and challenging the days may be, I can have hope.

Psalm 37:3-9 (NLT)

Trust in the LORD and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Commit everything you do to the LORD.

Trust him, and he will help you.

He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,

and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the LORD,
and wait patiently for him to act.

Don’t worry about evil people

who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

Stop being angry! Turn from your rage!

Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm.

For the wicked will be destroyed,

but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land.

Dear Lord, thank You for blessing this country throughout its history. Although the whole world is struggling and striving to create economic stability and social peace, You alone are the foundation that will not be shaken. In Jesus name, amen.

Written by

Mary M. Wilkins

Wednesday Devotional

"In All Things Give Thanks"

The Lord tells us in

1 Thessalonians 5:18

"Be thankful in all circumstances

for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

Notice His word says to be thankful in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. We don't have to be thankful for that unexpected bill in the mail, or that recent car wreck we experienced or the extra tension at work. What God is telling us is that He wants us to have a thankful heart regardless of what we may be walking through. He is gently reminding us that thankfulness keeps our hearts in line and in tune with Him. He is with us in every situation, and will walk it out with us. God knows when we have a thankful heart, it is much easier the handle the difficult situations we all go through.


So just remember to be thankful in every circumstance, no matter how tough that may be. Then let God take care of the rest. An attitude of gratitude is always the best route to take in our daily walk with God.


In His Gratefulness,
Sandy Billingham

Tuesday Devotional

Philippians 1: 3-5

1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

1:4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

Through the apostle Paul's example, we see that it is our duty to be thankful for each other on a constant basis. It is difficult to be upset with someone while at the same time thanking God that he is our brother in Christ.

Spurred by outgoing concern for others, we can be thankful for the faith of Christ exhibited in them, their conversion, the true love they show through obedience to His Word, the earnest care or zeal exhibited by them for the brethren and God's work. The list is endless (II Corinthians 9:11). Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

submitted by : Annie

Monday Devotional

Psalm 46:4-6

River fountains splash joy, cooling God's city, this sacred haunt of the Most High. God lives here, the streets are safe, God at your service from crack of dawn. Godless nations rant and rave, kings and kingdoms threaten, but Earth does anything He says.

Wedding Daybreak

The sun stretches her shiny arm-like rays

And rises from her nocturnal divan
behind the eastern hills
Not intense yet as clouds of sleep still shroud
The luster of her arrival to launch another nuptial day

Like a bride

she peeks out
from behind a wedding veil

Of foggy lace

still dimming the blaze to come

As she slowly opens

her amber cyclopean eye.

It is a day for glory this

And nothing will
be able to hold her back

As she blesses the waiting world belowBringing her Master’s warmth and life.

Carrying His devotion and protection

For all who wake  

To greet her golden glowing arrival.

They bask in the radiance of her wakeup call

But only few can see or even understand

The intensity of protection and provision

The delivery of His gift of affection brings.

Few ponder a sunrise and comprehend
Even fewer still appreciate or recognize
That the incredible splendor of this gift
She delivers for Him each day
Is the radiance of the our Groom’s good morning kiss.

Psalm 8:5-8

Yet we've so narrowly missed being gods, bright with Eden's dawn light. You put us in charge of your handcrafted world, repeated to us your Genesis-charge, Made us lords of sheep and cattle, even animals out in the wild, Birds flying and fish swimming, whales singing in the ocean deeps.

Every day our God pours out His blessings to His people who are made in his image. He is like a bridegroom lovingly awaking His precious children by sending the first blessing of the day...the morning sun. This is just the first of countless blessings we receive in our daily walk with Him. Warmth and light from the One who loves us most.

Corinne Mustafa

SHELTERING WINGS

Devotional for Sunday 3/25/12

There may be times in our lives when we feel like a tiny speck of dust in the universe, buffeted about by the slightest breeze. We may feel weak and overwhelmed by circumstances beyond our control, at the mercy of some greater power than ourselves. But that is a good thing! When we acknowledge that we cannot "go it alone" and that we only have control over our own responses to life's situations, then we can accept God's presence in our lives as our guide and protector. Knowing that God is ever faithful and will never leave or forsake us brings us great comfort.

I love this picture of the baby birds being sheltered by the wings of their parent, with the reminder that God shelters us as well:

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4 NIV

May we forever remain under God's wings!

by Jan Andersen

Saturday Devotional

A Clear Perspective

I finally got out for a walk today. Though there was plenty of sunshine, evidence of winter still lingered as I walked past a field. Well I guess you could say it was more of an empty lot. At one time, plans were in the works to make this area into a park or school or both. As I hurried by on a path that ran parallel to it, I hardly turned to look at the emptiness beside me. When I did, my vantage point was from an upper angle, for the path was elevated. All it looked like to me was dark brown, almost black patches of dirt with pale brown weeds overgrowing the wasteland.

Zigzagging through neighborhoods, I found myself on the opposite side of this piece of real estate. This time, the sidewalk was at a lower level and my eyes were slightly above the horizon of what I at first deemed a hopeless chunk of earth. The next thing I knew, dozens of upon dozens of little heads were popping up and quickly disappearing everywhere. As far as the land stretched, critters had made it their home, playground, or both. It even made me giggle, and I actually stopped to marvel for a few minutes at the life contained in this place shouting, “Look at me!” In fact, not only was the field dancing with squirrels, jack-rabbits, and the like, but it was covered with wild flowers waving at me through the breeze as well as bees buzzing all around them. I wondered how in the world could I have missed such beauty.

Was it the angle, the sun rays causing it to look hazy, or was the light of sunshine that we haven’t seen much of lately actually blinding me? Whatever it was, I missed what was really there until I was able to look at it from another perspective. As I continued my walk, I wondered how often we do that to certain situations in our lives. Just yesterday, my husband learned that a couple we know is getting a divorce. I wonder if they need to look at things from another perspective. I’m reminded of a loved one who recently chose to get an abortion. I understood that from her perspective, it was the only choice, however….

Sometimes, just speaking to others before making a decision to write off a situation as hopeless can bring so much insight. Of course, seeking God’s guidance can give us a vantage point that not one of us has. And although, many feel that God is silent in uncertain times, the truth is He uses everything around us to speak to us…like the thriving habitat that I wrote off as a wasteland.

Are you finding yourself needing to make a difficult choice or some sort of a judgment call in a blurry situation? Did you just get the news from the doctor? Still haven’t landed that job? Maybe you’re so close that the light is blinding you. You may think that it’s nothing but a wasteland of dirt and weeds, but as the song goes, God can make beautiful things out of dust and out of us. Seek Him first before dismissing it as hopeless. Seek others who can give you a different perspective. Don’t let the life and beauty that’s ready to thrive slip from your fingers just because of a bad angle.

Amie Spruiell 3/23/12

Friday Devotional...3/23/12

The Veil

I was recently thinking about the veil that a bride wears over her face adorned in the beauty of her gown as she walks down the isle to meet her groom on their wedding day.

Oh what a joyous occasion this is, as her beauty is shear behind her veil. In that moment of the ceremony when the groom is able to lift the veil from his brides face to see the glory of her countenance, all is revealed as she is like a shinning star to the man she is espoused to.

Surely he must sing in his heart the familiar song of Carol King:

I feel the earth move under my feet

I feel the sky tumbling down

I feel my heart start to trembling

Whenever you’re around

There is not much to compare to this picture of Love as each now become one.

I see a glimpse of similarity of Jesus being our husbandman. On the day Jesus was crucified on the Cross of Calvary,

the Bible says:  in Matthew 27:51

“And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent

in twain from the top to the bottom;

and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent

The curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was torn in half! ….Oh Glory to God, Hallelujah Hallelujah! The Veil was lifted as we became the Bride of Christ and we now share His glory.

(Psalms 93:1) The LORD reigneth, he is clothed in majesty; We are now one with the Lord as a husband is to his wife…

the LORD is clothed with strength,

wherewith he hath girded himself;

the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved

 as the Veil has been lifted and

we are now forever united with the Lord.

“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the Veil”

Please join me and say…. “I DO”


Written by
Glenna Williamson

Thursday Devotional...3/22/12

What is the Root of Patience?

That’s it! I have been working on an application all afternoon and now when I am almost ready to submit it – my internet connection is very slow. So slow that it won’t even load a page that I need. I had a deadline, a self-imposed one, but I wanted to finish this and now I am going to have to wait.

I consider myself a relatively patient person. My husband and I have raised five kids (the youngest is 14) and we are still married to each other. We have also embraced the company of 5 dogs, 2 cats, and 1 lizard.

Of course, I have loved all of them; people and animals. Really that’s the difference, isn’t it? When we love someone it’s that much easier to be patient with them. Wait a minute, could it be when someone loves me, THEN it is easier for me to be patient with them? Yep, since that was hard to write, it might be worth looking at more closely.

Let’s test this!

If I am feeling loved, then it is easier for me to return love. True.

If I am feeling loving towards someone then that love strengthens my patience with that person. True.

So when I am not “feelin’ the love” I am not quite so patient. True.

Even if I am trying to be patient on the outside, I am not feeling the peace of patience on the inside. True.

A few verses on love and patience:

1 Peter 4:8 (Amplified):

Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another,

for love covers a multitude of sins

 [forgives and disregards the offenses of others].

Proverbs 14:29 (NIV 1984):

A patient man has great understanding,

but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

Galatians 5:22- 23a (NIV 1984):

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,

peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

 gentleness and self-control.

Galatians 5:22 (Amplified):

But what happens when we live God's way?

He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way

that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others,

exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness

 to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart,

and a conviction that a basic holiness

permeates things and people. We find ourselves

involved in loyal commitments,

not needing to force our way in life,

able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Dear Lord, thank You for answers. I was impatient when my plans were thwarted by the internet connection and I surprised myself at my own frustration. I asked You for clarity about my impatience and You have shown me that I was depending upon and focused on what I could do. I could have “peace with patience” if I start trusting You in everything, at all times, big or little, keeping You and Your love in the front of my mind at all times. Thank You for loving me even while I struggle to grow and mature. In Jesus name, amen.

 

Written by
Mary M. Wilkins

Wednesday Devotional

He Roars Within Us"

I have really enjoyed listening to the song by the Newsboys called "God's Not Dead." Every time I hear it, it strengthens my spirit man and reminds me how very powerful our God is. There is a part of the lyrics that they sing frequently during the song saying, "God's not dead, He is surely alive, He is living on the inside, roaring like a lion."

I know many times during my Christian walk I have been discouraged and felt downtrodden. Those are the times I have felt very weak and so aware of my need for God's help. In fact Paul describes it similarly in 2 Corinthians 12:10 "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

The good news is that our Mighty God lives within us and is truly roaring like a lion in the very depths of our life. He is incredibly strong within us. As we call upon His name, His strength rises up and far surpasses all weaknesses we may be experiencing. His power flows and floods out of us.

We can take great pleasure in knowing that when we are weak our God roars within us and is ready to act on our behalf as we cry out in His name!

In Rich Blessings,

Sandy Billingham

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnU4zqu5M-Y

Tuesday Devotional

James 2:12-13

2:12 So speak ye, and so do,

as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy,

that hath shewed no mercy;

 and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

A divine judgment is coming, and it will be done fairly. However, God will be disinclined to show any mercy to those who have not exhibited mercy and kindness to others. This is the law of reciprocity: God will judge us according to how we have judged others (see Matthew 7:2; Luke 6:37-38).

James also says that "mercy triumphs over judgment." Indeed, the laws we have broken demand our death, but the mercy of God through the sacrificial death of His Son has made a way for us to be accepted. In the end, it will be clear that God's mercy prevails.

submitted by: Annie

Monday Devotional

       Uniquely You

Oh, be uniquely yourself

The other has been done

It is a cool breeze

Across a withered soul

When one is true to themselves

It brings freshness

And hope

That they too are acceptable

Just as they are

And can be

Uniquely them.

 Psalm 139:1-18, 23-24

1 O LORD, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
2 You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
3 You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
4 You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, LORD.
5 You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!

7 I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
8 If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave,[a] you are there.
9 If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me.
11 I could ask the darkness to hide me
and the light around me to become night—
12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.
To you the night shines as bright as day.
Darkness and light are the same to you.


13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marveloushow well I know it
15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, a
s I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
16 You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.


17 How precious are your thoughts about me,[b] O God.
They cannot be numbered!
18 I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Poem written by
Kathy B.

HIGHWAY OF LIFE

devotional for Sunday 3/18/12

"The car you drive has a large windshield, but only a relatively small rearview mirror. The implication is obvious: What happened in your past is not nearly as important as what is in your future. Where you are going is much more important than where you've been. "

~ Joel Osteen, Become a Better You

While I don't agree with Joel Osteen's emphasis on the Bible promising earthly prosperity, the above quote reminds us that even though the past helps shape us, we can step beyond it. It does not determine our future. And too much focus on the past keeps us from planning for what is to come. There are so many possibilities out there awaiting us. Every moment of every day we can choose to remain on a new path. It is so important to keep our focus on God and allow him to lead us on the right road. The biggest destination in our lives is our blessed reunion with God and all believers in heaven. But we can't constantly live in either the past OR the future. We must acknowledge the past and prepare for the future by acting and living in the present, with God steering the way. So my addition to the above quote would be this:

"You can learn from past accidents on the roadway. So look ahead and all around with eyes wide open to be prepared, but live in the present with both hands on the steering wheel and with the use of your GPS (God's Plan of Salvation). As you travel this highway of life, let the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) be your map."

God is our guide for our life. He has not only provided the highway (our life on earth), but also the optional routes to take (choices), the auto to carry us (Jesus), the steering wheel to steer us (His Holy Spirit), the curbs to keep us on track (the 10 Commandments), and even the gas in our auto (faith). He gives us all of this freely out of his great love for us so that we may dwell with him in heaven.

In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:13 NIV

Dear Lord, please be with me every mile as I make my way through life's roadblocks and detours, making sure I make it to your destination as planned. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Written by Jan Andersen

Saturday Devotional...3/17/12

I Don’t Hate This Person

Yesterday, I said something to myself that was hard to swallow. I cried out, “I have to keep reminding myself that I don’t hate my children.” I know! How could I say such a thing?

You see what really was going on in my mind is that I hate their behavior. I mean, how long can I endure the bullying, crying, teasing, hitting, etc? Of course I teach and train them to love, but patiently waiting for them to change stirs up so much emotion in me, I want to yell, scream, curse, and basically thrash around having a tantrum. In fact, I’m tempted to say things that would sound as if I hated my own children. So, I remind myself that I don’t.

Separating emotions is a tricky thing to do. Wanting to direct them in the wrong place is a great temptation even for the most patient of people. Yet, not doing so has serious repercussions.

Maybe it’s the neighbor who gossips about everyone, the married co-worker who flirts uncontrollably, or the friend who continues to cause problems in everybody’s lives because of the prison of her addiction. It’s the same old lesson of hating the sin, but loving the sinner. It’s not excusing the behavior, but it is being Christ to the person.

In today’s world, the Christian has the reputation of being hypocritical, intolerant, and even hateful. I understand how the world can misconstrue our intentions of taking a stand on certain issues. Unfortunately, they’ve also witnessed too many times the very ones who are self proclaimed to be Christ-like failing to separate their emotions. In fact, many don’t even realize that they are supposed to separate them.

I suppose it could be just a matter of reminding ourselves over and over again, “I don’t hate this person. I don’t hate this person. I don’t hate this person.” Whatever it takes, It’s important…extremely important…because not doing so can mean lost souls. And let’s not forget that just because we’re saved by grace does not mean that we are perfect. We could be making it just as difficult for others to not hate us because of our own behavior. I hope others are able to find the dividing line between the two with me and love me in spite of the areas I still struggle in.

I’d like to believe that I could never hate someone, but when too much anger gets stirred up, well as I’ve written about before, let’s just say we are all capable of even the worst of sins. I love my children. I love people. But it is tempting to take the hate I have for wrong behavior and direct it at the person. So, I pray that I never stop reminding myself.

Amie Spruiell
       3/16/12