Sunday devotional...BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED

                                                    ......BLOOM AND BEAR GOOD FRUIT

Sometimes it is hard to see why we are brought to a particular place in time. But wherever God puts us, he intends for us to remain in him, learn and grow, bloom and bear good fruit. That may seem like a tall order at times. We may feel mired down in muck, unable to see the point of it all. Our troubles may feel like quicksand, sucking us down into the pit. We may question why our life must be so difficult.

It is out of just such struggles that God is able to bring beauty to our lives and the lives around us. Without the filthy soil, and the stench of fertilizer, and the storms that bring rain, one would not have as bountiful a garden. Life's dirt and storms are sometimes just what we need to bloom where we are planted through God's power and mercy. If all we were to do is remain stuck in the mud and blinded to God due to the dirt in our eyes, we would never bear the fruit that he intended. God sends the rains to cleanse us so that we can see again. Our life can become a great witness to others as we cling to our Lord when we feel most broken and praise him for all that he does for us.

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,

whose confidence is in him.

He will be like a tree planted by the water

that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when

heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries

in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV

written by Jan Andersen

Saturday Devotional...Trust and Obedience...

                                                        ...by walking in the will of God

“So he did according to the word of the Lord; he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, east of the Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank of the brook. After awhile the brook dried up because there was no rain in the land.”

I Kings 17: 5 thru 7
(Amplified Bible)

In this story we see how the Lord directed Elijah to a place where he would be fed and cared for. The Lord had commanded the ravens to bring Elijah both bread and meat in the morning, and also again in the evening. There was a brook there, from which he could drink.

But then, it says that “after a while the brook dried up”. The good thing for Elijah was that the Lord then sent him another word and directed him where to go from there. But just for a moment, I’d like to stay right there at that little brook.

It seems to me that I have been at that place in my life. There have been times that all of my “needs” are being met, and I didn’t need to wonder at what was going to happen tomorrow. I had “found” my place of comfort and shelter and I was content at being where I was. There was no need for me to leave the place where I was at.

But then, one day the brook dries up. Now this concerns me. This wasn’t in my plans, I think to myself. “The Lord has been providing and caring for me, this just can’t be. There must be something wrong! What could I have possibly done to deserve this? Lord, there must be some mistake!” I say. I begin to call out my thoughts to the Lord, but the brook remains dry.

My first thoughts in times like these, even though I hate to admit it, are thoughts of myself. It is because I have become comfortable with the way things are. I am satisfied with being “fed and watered” without it taking too much effort on my part. I don’t have to worry about what I will do tomorrow, for I will simply do again, what I have done today.

These are the times that I have come to recognize as the “uncomfortable” times. I don’t know what lies ahead. Now, in this particular story, the Lord does tell Elijah where to go, and who is going to help him. But when he gets there, it surely doesn’t look like what the Lord said is really going to happen. He does get fed, but he surely doesn’t arrive at a place where the “banquet” table is already “set” for him.

My point is this; at times the Lord is going to give us those places of comfort. But, just like Elijah, we must be ready and willing to move on when the Lord tells us that it’s time. We cannot stay beside the “dry brook” praying for rain! We must move when the Lord says to move. He will bring us into those times of uncertainty so that we can learn to trust in Him. Not on the brook with the seemingly endless water supply. It is Him that truly supplies for all of our needs. Even when our circumstances don’t seem to appear that way, in fact, especially then.

We must be like Elijah, the Bible says, “So he arose…” . He didn’t stay there, kicking his feet and complaining that he had liked it the “way that it was”, as so many of us do. No, he arose and went on the way that the Lord was directing him to go. He didn’t know how long he would “stay” at that “new place” or how comfortable he would be, but he went anyway.

That is how I want to be. I want to willingly “rise” from that place where I’m at. I want to “rise” quickly, and without complaint. I want to leave that place, thanking the Lord for His goodness and provision to me. I want to go into the new place with a thankful heart. I want to remember how the Lord had provided, and how He will provide again, if I only allow Him. I want to be at each and every place in my life for only the appointed number of days. No more, and no less. I want to be “in step” with each and every plan that the Lord has for my life.

Thank you, Lord, that you are the One in Whom I can put my trust. Thank you that with You, all things stay the same, yet you allow change to take place in our lives so that we will come to fully know and understand You and your ways of caring for us. Help us to arise when its time to arise and to rest when it’s time to rest. Above all else, help us to place our love and trust in You alone, and never on the circumstances that surround us. It is in Your name that we pray, and that we ask these things. Amen.

Written by Beverley A Napier

Friday Devotional...9/28/12...THE VOICE...

                                                              ...My Sheep Shall Know My Voice

There’s a T.V. program called “The Voice”. I really enjoy watching talented people make their way through this singing competition in order to win the title of “The Voice”

Four judges listen carefully and very intently to each singer with their backs turned away from the auditioner as they know just what to listen for being it range, soul, pitch or a variety of various individuality talents that they are searching for.

When they hear that chosen “Voice” that they think will be successful in a singing career….the judges then have the option (with their backs still against the vocalist) to push a button which will twirl their chair around to face the soloist.

Sometimes there is what I would call a great singer, nothing wrong to my ear as to why at least one of the judges did not push their button in order to give the singer a chance to choose them to be their mentor.

At times when asked of each judge that did not pick the candidate “Why didn’t you turn around?” The judge will inevitably say….”I was looking for a certain voice, and I just didn’t hear it, in this particular stage guest”…..I’m sorry.

This reminds me of the scripture in

John 10:27

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 

Born again Christian believers in Jesus….have heard his voice and know him and follow him. He will guide us all the days of our lives as one might say “The forever career of our life” He is our Savior, our Lord, our Brother and our mentor if we will but hear his voice.

Written by:

 Glenna Williamson

Thursday Devotional..."Not a Warm Welcome"....

                                                   ....actually quite a cool welcome

Ouch! Ok, not really, but I am so humbled, and I can’t think of an outside word to express my inside feeling.

This is how it went. I was out of town and visiting a church. The pastor invited everyone to come to the altar for the closing prayer. It was a group of about 30 so we would all fit and I obediently went to the front. The prayer was very encouraging and inspiring. Then the pastor dismissed us with a command, “Please greet and hug each other.”

Well! Talk about making me uncomfortable! I didn’t want to hug a bunch of strangers, and I didn’t want them to hug me. But I decided I would pretend to follow directions by hugging a few women I had greeted earlier, then smiling I would simply say “God bless you” or “Have a nice week” as I made my way back to my seat. I hugged a few women as I had mentally promised. A man nearby turned towards me, so I offered my hand in greeting. He shook my hand, smiled and told me, “God bless you.” One step closer, whew, almost there. The next individual on my path was a dad with his daughter, he put an arm out for a hug, so I slid in sideways, murmured “God bless you” inaudibly, and turned away as quickly as I could. Two young men were the only remaining obstacles between me and safety. They were about the ages of my oldest children. Smiling, I looked each one in the eye pleasantly, said, ”God bless you”, and moved to step past them. The more confident of the two put out his hand to shake, and reminded me, “He said to hug one another.” I quipped, “I know, I know.” Then in my embarrassment I brushed past them both ignoring the offered hand.

Two seconds later and I was standing safely in my row. I could feel an “uh-oh” warning inside of me. No, I started to argue with the feeling. I felt right and proper in my choosing to not “hug everyone.” I don’t hug when I am not at least acquainted with someone. I especially didn’t want to hug just because the pastor said so. Then I heard within myself, “This is the custom here, you are offending these people. Your refusal appears to be rejection.” Nonsense, I answered in my head, I am a visitor, and those young men don’t care if the new person doesn’t hug them. I sat down hard, hoping the change in position would distract the thoughts in my head.

“We are so glad you decided to join us, Brian,” I heard the pastor saying to the confident young man who had tried to keep me on the straight and narrow. “You are very welcome to be here, too, Daniel, he said to the other.

“Oh no, Lord!” I whispered. Oh yes, my daughter. Those young men have no idea that you are a visitor or that you don’t care to hug strangers. They do know that a respectable looking woman did not do what the pastor had asked all of them to do. They do know that not all of the Christians in this place were willing to give them a full welcome.

Romans 12:9-10 (AMP)

[Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil

[loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness],

but hold fast to that which is good.

Love one another with brotherly affection

 [as members of one family],

giving precedence and showing honor to one another.

John 13:35 (NIV1984)

By this all men will know that you are my disciples,

 if you love one another.”

Dear Lord, I am so sorry I did not respect the directions of your servant. I am sorry for thinking only of myself by putting my comfort and preference first. I regret that I avoided an opportunity to love others and in the process set a poor example. Please cleanse my heart of this unrighteousness and plant in me strength to love others. Please help me to show sisterly affection for my brothers and sisters in Christ whether I am already acquainted with them or not. In Jesus name, amen.

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

Wednesday Devotional...9/26/12..Though the wait is long.....

..."Do Not Lose Heart"

I am thinking about the many times I have prayed countless prayers for months on end for a particular situation. It appeared that nothing was changing on the outside and at times deep discouragement would set in. I would grow weary and even question God why I was not seeing answered prayer. But I knew in my heart I could not give up, and the Lord would always come through and give me the courage and strength to keep praying.

Just these last few days in that situation, I have seen three different ways in which God has heard and answered my prayers. There are still many break throughs that need to happen but I know God has His hand in it, and He will complete the answer in His time.

God specifically tells us in His word in Galatians 6:9

"And let us not grow weary while doing good,

for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

So I encourage you sister to keep praying and not grow weary or lose heart for in due time you will see God's goodness and faithfulness in your prayers.

In His Outrageous Love,

Sandy Billingham

Tuesday Devotioal...Jesus Heals Woman Who Is...

                                                          ...Fighting Through The Crowd!         

            

“ When she heard about Jesus,
she came up behind Him
in the crowd and
touched His cloak,
because she thought,
“If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.”
-Mark 5:27-28

      When I read this passage of scripture, the word determination came to my mind. 

What an amazing testimony of faith.  I can’t not imagine what this poor woman was physically going through bleeding for 12 years.  I cannot imagine how many times she wanted to give up hope or how many times she asked God to just end her life.  Doesn’t that sound familiar? We might not  be bleeding for 12 years, but we do experience trials in our lives, trials that cause us pain and that can paralyze us from having hope  and faith in God.  What amazes me about this woman is that she had determination to get her healing no matter what she had to go through.  If you have been in a crowd, you know that people are loud and rude because they are trying to see what is going on around them.  This crowd wanted to see Jesus.  Who knows how many others were there to get their healing as well?  I can picture this woman pressing her way through the crowd and she had her eye on the prize, JESUS!! She stayed focused on Him and Him alone.  She didn’t stop in the middle of the crowd and ask herself, “ How am I going to get to Him?”

I want to say she ignored the noise around her and kept pressing through the crowd. Can I 

ask, do we keep our focus on Jesus like she did?? Do we desire healing so bad that we allow 

nothing to stop us from getting it? Or, do we let the enemy convince us that we will never 

get healed? Do we settle on sitting around and letting our trials and hurts take over our 

lives? Or, are we going to be like this courageous woman and fight through the crowd to get 

to our Healer, Jesus?

He wants to take our trials and hurts from us so that we may be at peace with not only Him, 

but with ourselves.  It blows my mind away to know that when the woman touched His

 clothes, He asked, “Who touched my clothes?” How is that Jesus asks that question? He is

 God, He knows everything.  He knew the woman was healed and He wanted her to testify

to that .  It wasn’t for her to boast about her healing, but it was to testify her faith she had in

Him.  Even when she fell to her knees trembling and afraid, He saw what her faith did…. It

moved His Healing Hand!

So, when you face a  moment in your life of pain, sickness, or bad circumstances, fight, fight,

 fight through the crowd to get to Jesus! He is waiting for you to touch His garment. 


Written by Liz Chavez

Tuesday Devotioal...Jesus Heals Woman Who Is...

                                                          ...Fighting Through The Crowd!         

            

“ When she heard about Jesus,
she came up behind Him
in the crowd and
touched His cloak,
because she thought,
“If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.”
-Mark 5:27-28

      When I read this passage of scripture, the word determination came to my mind.  What an amazing testimony of faith.  I can’t not imagine what this poor woman was physically going through bleeding for 12 years.  I cannot imagine how many times she wanted to give up hope or how many times she asked God to just end her life.  Doesn’t that sound familiar? We might not  be bleeding for 12 years, but we do experience trials in our lives, trials that cause us pain and that can paralyze us from having hope  and faith in God.  What amazes me about this woman is that she had determination to get her healing no matter what she had to go through.  If you have been in a crowd, you know that people are loud and rude because they are trying to see what is going on around them.  This crowd wanted to see Jesus.  Who knows how many others were there to get their healing as well?  I can picture this woman pressing her way through the crowd and she had her eye on the prize, JESUS!! She stayed focused on Him and Him alone.  She didn’t stop in the middle of the crowd and ask herself, “ How am I going to get to Him?”

I want to say she ignored the noise around her and kept pressing through the crowd. Can I ask, do we keep our focus on Jesus like she did?? Do we desire healing so bad that we allow nothing to stop us from getting it? Or, do we let the enemy convince us that we will never get healed? Do we settle on sitting around and letting our trials and hurts take over our lives? Or, are we going to be like this courageous woman and fight through the crowd to get to our Healer, Jesus?

He wants to take our trials and hurts from us so that we may be at peace with not only Him, but with ourselves.  It blows my mind away to know that when the woman touched His clothes, He asked, “Who touched my clothes?” How is that Jesus asks that question? He is God, He knows everything.  He knew the woman was healed and He wanted her to testify to that .  It wasn’t for her to boast about her healing, but it was to testify her faith she had in Him.  Even when she fell to her knees trembling and afraid, He saw what her faith did…. It moved His Healing Hand!

So, when you face a  moment in your life of pain, sickness, or bad circumstances, fight, fight, fight through the crowd to get to Jesus! He is waiting for you to touch His garment. 

Written by Liz Chavez

Monday Devotional...9/24/12...God has plans for you...

...even if you end up at THE WRONG FUNERAL This is wonderful, just keep reading. I found this story and I cannot say whether it is fact or fiction. However I think it is an example of God's miracles and intentions in our lives. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “ They are plans for good and not for disaster,  to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11  Consumed by my loss, I didn't notice the hardness of the pew where I sat. I was at the funeral of my dearest friend - my mother. She finally had lost her long battle with cancer. The hurt was so intense; I found it hard to breathe at times. Always supportive, Mother clapped loudest at my school plays, held a box of tissues while listening to my first heartbreak, comforted me at my father's death, encouraged me in college, and prayed for me my entire life. When mother's illness was diagnosed, my sister had a new baby and my brother had recently married his childhood sweetheart, so it fell on me, the 27-year-old middle female child without entanglements, to take care of her. I counted it an honor. "What now, Lord?" I asked sitting in church. My life stretched out before me as an empty abyss. My brother sat stoically with his face toward the cross while clutching his wife's hand. My sister sat slumped against her husband's shoulder, his arms around her as she cradled their child. All so deeply grieving, no one noticed I sat alone. My place had been with our mother, preparing her meals, helping her walk, taking her to the doctor, seeing to her medication, reading the Bible together. Now she was with the Lord. My work was finished, and I was alone. I heard a door open and slam shut at the back of the church. Quick footsteps hurried along the carpeted floor. An exasperated young man looked around briefly and then sat next to me. He folded his hands and placed them on his lap. His eyes were brimming with tears. He began to sniffle. "I'm late," he explained, though no explanation was necessary. After several eulogies, he leaned over and commented, "Why do they keep calling Mary by the name of 'Margaret?'" "Because, that was her name, Margaret. Never Mary, no one called her 'Mary,'" I whispered. I wondered why this person couldn't have sat on the other side of the church. He interrupted my grieving with his tears and fidgeting. Who was this stranger anyway?  "No, that isn't correct," he insisted, as several people glanced over at us whispering, "her name is Mary, Mary Peters." "That isn't who this is." "Isn't this the Lutheran church?" "No, the Lutheran church is across the street." "Oh." "I believe you're at the wrong funeral, Sir." The solemnness of the occasion mixed with the realization of the man's mistake bubbled up inside me and came out as laughter. I cupped my hands over my face, hoping it would be interpreted as sobs. The creaking pew gave me away. Sharp looks from other mourners only made the situation seem more hilarious. I peeked at the bewildered, misguided man seated beside me. He was laughing too, as he glanced around, deciding it was too late for an uneventful exit. I imagined Mother laughing. At the final "Amen," we darted out a door and into the parking lot. "I do believe we'll be the talk of the town," he smiled. He said his name was Rick and since he had missed his aunt's funeral, asked me out for a cup of coffee.  That afternoon began a lifelong journey for me with this man who attended the wrong funeral, but was in the right place. A year after our meeting, we were married at a country church where he was the assistant pastor. This time we both arrived at the same church, right on time. In my time of sorrow, God gave me laughter. In place of loneliness, God gave me love. This past June, we celebrated our twenty-second wedding anniversary. Whenever anyone asks us how we met, Rick tells them, "Her mother and my Aunt Mary introduced us, and it's truly a match made in heaven." Thank you,God, that You do not make mistakes. You put us where we are supposed to be...just where you want us to be...even if it is at the wrong funeral. You have good things in mind for us. You bless us with simple and miraculous happenings in our lives all the time. You bless us on a daily basis, and we love you for who you are...not only for what you do. Amen. Shared and prayed by Corinne Mustafa