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Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Starting New....
I am starting a new year devotional on YouVersion and wanted to share it with you. I think it's perfect because we always look at starting over with a "It's best to do it on Monday or New Year's or the first of the month..." This devotional is talking about the beginning of the year, but also says that we can start over any time we want. Life is never too far gone to come back to the One who hears our hearts. I hope you enjoy it!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Are you a New You? Day 14...
This devotional ends on a perfect note, and something I think we all need....
Go to the Throne Before the Phone!
Don't run around seeking counsel from just anyone. Pray first, asking the Lord whether it is His will that you go to another human being for counsel or whether He desires to counsel you Himself. In my own life I have had many, many problems, yet I never went to anyone else for counsel with the exception of one time. On this occasion I visited a lady in ministry who had been abused herself. I do not mean to discredit her, but she really was not able to help me. It was not her fault; she simply was not anointed by the Lord to do so.
God is not obligated to anoint what He does not initiate. So often people run to others without following the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit, and it never bears good, lasting fruit. When you are in trouble, go to the throne before you go to the phone. I do not mean to suggest that it is wrong to seek counsel. I am just suggesting that you pray and allow the Lord to lead and guide you through the Holy Spirit. Let Him choose the right counselor for you. Just because a person has been through what you are going through, or is a close personal friend, does not mean that individual is the right counselor for you. So I repeat, pray!
LOVE THIS VERSE!!!
Proverbs 2: 4 - 6 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Go to the Throne Before the Phone!
Don't run around seeking counsel from just anyone. Pray first, asking the Lord whether it is His will that you go to another human being for counsel or whether He desires to counsel you Himself. In my own life I have had many, many problems, yet I never went to anyone else for counsel with the exception of one time. On this occasion I visited a lady in ministry who had been abused herself. I do not mean to discredit her, but she really was not able to help me. It was not her fault; she simply was not anointed by the Lord to do so.
God is not obligated to anoint what He does not initiate. So often people run to others without following the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit, and it never bears good, lasting fruit. When you are in trouble, go to the throne before you go to the phone. I do not mean to suggest that it is wrong to seek counsel. I am just suggesting that you pray and allow the Lord to lead and guide you through the Holy Spirit. Let Him choose the right counselor for you. Just because a person has been through what you are going through, or is a close personal friend, does not mean that individual is the right counselor for you. So I repeat, pray!
LOVE THIS VERSE!!!
Proverbs 2: 4 - 6 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Day 12 & 13....
Complain and Remain, Praise and Be Raised
Complaining is a sin! It is a corrupt form of conversation that causes many people a great deal of problems in their lives. It also opens many doors for the enemy. Words are containers of power. Complaining, grumbling words carry destructive power. They destroy the joy of the one doing the complaining and can also affect other people who have to listen to them.
In Ephesians 4:29, the apostle Paul instructs us not to use any foul or polluting language. At one time I would not have known that included complaining, but now I have learned that it does. Murmuring and complaining pollute our lives and probably sound like cursing to the Lord. To Him it is verbal pollution. To pollute is to poison. Did you ever stop to think that you and I can poison our future by complaining about what is going on right now?
When we complain about our current situation, we remain in it; when we praise God in the midst of difficulty, He raises us out of it. The best way to start every day is with gratitude and thanksgiving. Get a jump on the devil. If you don't fill your thoughts and conversation with good things, he will definitely fill them with evil things. Truly thankful people do not complain.
They are so busy being grateful for the good things they do have that they have no time to notice the things they could complain about. Praise and thanksgiving are good; complaining and grumbling are evil.
John 6:43 "Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered.
Our Standard Is Jesus
Obey God in every little thing, and you will enjoy an excellent life. Be diligent in your obedience. Learn to live your life before God and not before man. Go the extra mile and do all the little things that God tells you to do, even though nobody else may ever know. Put your grocery cart back in the stall where it belongs instead of leaving it out in the middle of the parking lot. Why? Because the owner of the property has put up a sign saying, "Please return carts here," and God has said to submit to authority (SEE TITUS 3:1).
The flesh says, "Well, everybody else leaves their carts everywhere; why should I put mine up?" Because our standard is not others - our standard is Jesus. When I compare myself to everybody else, I don't look too bad. But if I compare myself to Jesus, I am humbled and ask God to help me! Until Jesus comes to get us, we need to compare ourselves to Him and the standard of holiness that He holds up for our lives.
Colossians 1:10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
Complaining is a sin! It is a corrupt form of conversation that causes many people a great deal of problems in their lives. It also opens many doors for the enemy. Words are containers of power. Complaining, grumbling words carry destructive power. They destroy the joy of the one doing the complaining and can also affect other people who have to listen to them.
In Ephesians 4:29, the apostle Paul instructs us not to use any foul or polluting language. At one time I would not have known that included complaining, but now I have learned that it does. Murmuring and complaining pollute our lives and probably sound like cursing to the Lord. To Him it is verbal pollution. To pollute is to poison. Did you ever stop to think that you and I can poison our future by complaining about what is going on right now?
When we complain about our current situation, we remain in it; when we praise God in the midst of difficulty, He raises us out of it. The best way to start every day is with gratitude and thanksgiving. Get a jump on the devil. If you don't fill your thoughts and conversation with good things, he will definitely fill them with evil things. Truly thankful people do not complain.
They are so busy being grateful for the good things they do have that they have no time to notice the things they could complain about. Praise and thanksgiving are good; complaining and grumbling are evil.
John 6:43 "Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered.
Our Standard Is Jesus
Obey God in every little thing, and you will enjoy an excellent life. Be diligent in your obedience. Learn to live your life before God and not before man. Go the extra mile and do all the little things that God tells you to do, even though nobody else may ever know. Put your grocery cart back in the stall where it belongs instead of leaving it out in the middle of the parking lot. Why? Because the owner of the property has put up a sign saying, "Please return carts here," and God has said to submit to authority (SEE TITUS 3:1).
The flesh says, "Well, everybody else leaves their carts everywhere; why should I put mine up?" Because our standard is not others - our standard is Jesus. When I compare myself to everybody else, I don't look too bad. But if I compare myself to Jesus, I am humbled and ask God to help me! Until Jesus comes to get us, we need to compare ourselves to Him and the standard of holiness that He holds up for our lives.
Colossians 1:10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
Sunday, April 29, 2012
New Day, New You...Day 10...
Oh, Well
Whenever I find myself in a situation I can't do anything about, I have found that a good way to cast my care upon the Lord is simply to say, "Oh, well."
Take, for example, the morning that Dave spilled his orange juice in the car and got a little of it on my sweater. Immediately he said, "Devil, I'm not impressed." And I said, "Oh, well." So that problem was solved, and we pressed forward with the rest of our day.
Some things just aren't worth getting upset about, yet many people do. Unfortunately a large majority of Christians are upset, fretful, and full of anxiety most of the time. It is not the big things that get to them; it is the little things that don't fit into their plans. Instead of casting their care and just saying, "Oh well," they are always trying to do something about something they can't do anything about. On more than one occasion that simple phrase "Oh, well" has really helped me to make it through.
Whenever I find myself in a situation I can't do anything about, I have found that a good way to cast my care upon the Lord is simply to say, "Oh, well."
Take, for example, the morning that Dave spilled his orange juice in the car and got a little of it on my sweater. Immediately he said, "Devil, I'm not impressed." And I said, "Oh, well." So that problem was solved, and we pressed forward with the rest of our day.
Some things just aren't worth getting upset about, yet many people do. Unfortunately a large majority of Christians are upset, fretful, and full of anxiety most of the time. It is not the big things that get to them; it is the little things that don't fit into their plans. Instead of casting their care and just saying, "Oh well," they are always trying to do something about something they can't do anything about. On more than one occasion that simple phrase "Oh, well" has really helped me to make it through.
Psalm 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.
New Day, New You...Day 11...
Shake It Off
One of my favorite stories is about a farmer's donkey that fell into a dry well. The animal cried pitifully for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do for his poor donkey. Finally, he concluded that the well was too deep, and it really needed to be covered up anyway. Besides, the donkey was old, and it would be a lot of trouble to get him out of the pit. The farmer decided that it was not worth trying to retrieve the animal, so he asked his neighbors to help him fill in the well and bury the donkey.
They all grabbed shovels and began to toss dirt into the well. The donkey immediately realized what was happening, and he began to bray horribly. Crying would be our normal response if somebody was mistreating us this badly, so this donkey was responding the same way we would at first, but then he got real quiet. A few shovel loads of dirt later, the farmer looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that hit the donkey's back, the donkey would shake it off and step on top of it.
As the neighbors and the farmer continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he continued to shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon the donkey shook off the last shovel full of dirt, took a step up, and walked right out of the well. We can learn so much from this story. When trouble comes, if we will get still and listen, God will tell us what to do.
By the grace and mercy of God, I was able to shake off a lot of things in my life, a lot of hurt feelings, a lot of mistreatment, a lot of abuse, a lot of unfair, unjust, unkind things. Just like the donkey, in order to keep pressing on and have victory in our lives, we are going to have to learn to shake off the troubles that come our way.
One of my favorite stories is about a farmer's donkey that fell into a dry well. The animal cried pitifully for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do for his poor donkey. Finally, he concluded that the well was too deep, and it really needed to be covered up anyway. Besides, the donkey was old, and it would be a lot of trouble to get him out of the pit. The farmer decided that it was not worth trying to retrieve the animal, so he asked his neighbors to help him fill in the well and bury the donkey.
They all grabbed shovels and began to toss dirt into the well. The donkey immediately realized what was happening, and he began to bray horribly. Crying would be our normal response if somebody was mistreating us this badly, so this donkey was responding the same way we would at first, but then he got real quiet. A few shovel loads of dirt later, the farmer looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that hit the donkey's back, the donkey would shake it off and step on top of it.
As the neighbors and the farmer continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he continued to shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon the donkey shook off the last shovel full of dirt, took a step up, and walked right out of the well. We can learn so much from this story. When trouble comes, if we will get still and listen, God will tell us what to do.
By the grace and mercy of God, I was able to shake off a lot of things in my life, a lot of hurt feelings, a lot of mistreatment, a lot of abuse, a lot of unfair, unjust, unkind things. Just like the donkey, in order to keep pressing on and have victory in our lives, we are going to have to learn to shake off the troubles that come our way.
Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
Friday, April 27, 2012
New Day, New You...Day 9...
Let It Drop
According to the dictionary, forgive means "to renounce anger or resentment against, to absolve from payment of (e.g. a debt)." I like the phrase used by The Amplified Bible in Mark 11:25, "Let it drop." How many times have you had a problem with someone and think you have settled it between you, but the other person keeps bringing it back up?
My husband and I have had those kinds of experiences with each other many times in our shared life. I believe most men are more willing and able to let things go than women. The popular stereotype of the nagging wife is not entirely inaccurate. I know, because I used to be one of them.
Dave and I would have a disagreement or problem between us and he would say, "Oh, let's just forget about it." But I would keep dragging it up again and again. I can remember him saying to me in desperation, "Joyce, can't we just drop it?" That's what Jesus is telling us to do here in this verse. Drop it, leave it, let it go, stop talking about it.
Mark 11:25 (I love this verse!)
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
Hope you are having a great Friday night!
Love,
Carrie
Day 7 & 8...
You can read Day 7 here....
And here is Day 8... I love it! It has definitely changed my prayers. I am still working on praying two or three times a day rather than just at night, but it has me thinking more about the content... one step at a time. :)
Take a Praise Pause
I don't think anything blesses God more than when we stop right in the middle of what we're doing sometimes and lift our hands to worship Him or take a moment to bow down before Him and say, "I love You, Lord." In the scripture for today, the psalmist says he took time seven times a day and all day long to praise God.
Think about a businessman, for example, maybe the president of a large company. Wouldn't it be wonderful if two or three times a day, he would close the door to his office, turn the lock, kneel, and say, "God, I just want to take some time to worship You. Father, all these things You are giving me - the business, the money, the success - are great, but I just want to worship You. I magnify You. You are so wonderful. I love You. You are all I need. Father, I worship You. Jesus, I worship You. Holy Spirit, I worship You." I believe that if the businessman did that, he would never need to be concerned about his business, his finances, or success. All of those things would be taken care of.
Matthew 6:33 (KJV) says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
And here is Day 8... I love it! It has definitely changed my prayers. I am still working on praying two or three times a day rather than just at night, but it has me thinking more about the content... one step at a time. :)
Take a Praise Pause
I don't think anything blesses God more than when we stop right in the middle of what we're doing sometimes and lift our hands to worship Him or take a moment to bow down before Him and say, "I love You, Lord." In the scripture for today, the psalmist says he took time seven times a day and all day long to praise God.
Think about a businessman, for example, maybe the president of a large company. Wouldn't it be wonderful if two or three times a day, he would close the door to his office, turn the lock, kneel, and say, "God, I just want to take some time to worship You. Father, all these things You are giving me - the business, the money, the success - are great, but I just want to worship You. I magnify You. You are so wonderful. I love You. You are all I need. Father, I worship You. Jesus, I worship You. Holy Spirit, I worship You." I believe that if the businessman did that, he would never need to be concerned about his business, his finances, or success. All of those things would be taken care of.
Matthew 6:33 (KJV) says, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Psalm 119: 164
Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
The Next Chapter...
I was just scanning channels last Sunday and came across Oprah interviewing Joel Osteen on her new show "Next Chapter". For those of you who haven't seen or heard about Next Chapter, it is basically a show where Oprah interviews different people. When I was watching the Joel Osteen episode, I decided I needed to record the next episode with T.D. Jakes, and in the process of recording that episode, I decided I should just record them all. (haha)
T.D. Jakes is a pastor at The Potter's House in Dallas, and during this episode of Next Chapter, Oprah sits in on one of his Sunday Sermons called "Save the Scraps". They only played bits and pieces, but let me tell you they were absolutely moving. So I searched the web for transcripts, but was only able to come up with a video of the whole service. So far I have only watched the first 45 minutes (it's an hour and 30 minutes long), but I think putting everything in one posting would be too long and I think, at this point, you need to watch it for yourself because then you can take away what you need....not what I think I need. :) So here it is....You won't regret watching it...I promise!
Oprah opens the show with "Sometimes in life, you get exactly what you need at the moment you most need it." It's so true, and I feel like my last few devotionals and this show are really God telling me some stuff that I need right now. So, in sharing this video, I hope that you find something that you need in this moment and time.
Day 6...
But God...
There is a little phrase in the Bible that I get excited about every time I come across it. It is just two little words, but it is found throughout the Bible and is probably one of the most powerful two-word phrases in it. It is simply this: But God . . .
As we go through the Bible, we constantly read disastrous reports of the terrible things the devil had planned for God's people. Then we come to this little phrase, But God . . ., and the next thing we read about is a victory. In the above scripture, the fact is mentioned that we are all sinners, a condition that deserves punishment and death. The phrase But God . . .
interrupts the process. God's love is brought into the situation and changes everything.
While we were sinners, Christ died for us, and by doing so, proved His love for us. He proved that His love interrupts the devastation of sin. When God called me into the ministry, people told me, "Joyce, a group of us have been talking, and we feel that there is no way you are ever going to be able to do what you say God has told you that you are going to do. We don't feel your personality is suitable for such a job." I still remember how awful I felt when they said those things to me.
I was hurt and discouraged . . . but God had called me, and He qualified me. What others thought was not even usable, God saw value in. He helped me, and He will do the same thing for you.
Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
There is a little phrase in the Bible that I get excited about every time I come across it. It is just two little words, but it is found throughout the Bible and is probably one of the most powerful two-word phrases in it. It is simply this: But God . . .
As we go through the Bible, we constantly read disastrous reports of the terrible things the devil had planned for God's people. Then we come to this little phrase, But God . . ., and the next thing we read about is a victory. In the above scripture, the fact is mentioned that we are all sinners, a condition that deserves punishment and death. The phrase But God . . .
interrupts the process. God's love is brought into the situation and changes everything.
While we were sinners, Christ died for us, and by doing so, proved His love for us. He proved that His love interrupts the devastation of sin. When God called me into the ministry, people told me, "Joyce, a group of us have been talking, and we feel that there is no way you are ever going to be able to do what you say God has told you that you are going to do. We don't feel your personality is suitable for such a job." I still remember how awful I felt when they said those things to me.
I was hurt and discouraged . . . but God had called me, and He qualified me. What others thought was not even usable, God saw value in. He helped me, and He will do the same thing for you.
Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Monday, April 23, 2012
New Day, New You...Day 4 & 5
Day 4: Love: Your First Priority
Where does love fit into your list of priorities? Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you" (JOHN 13:34 NKJV). It seems to me that Jesus was saying love is the main thing on which we should concentrate. The apostle Paul states that "faith, hope, love abide . . . but the greatest of these is love" (1 CORINTHIANS 13:13).
Love should be number one on our spiritual priority list. We should study love, pray about love, and develop the fruit of love by practicing loving others. God is love, so when we walk in His love we abide in Him.
Because we walk in God's love by receiving and expressing it, we should not deceive ourselves into thinking we can love God while we hate other people (SEE 1 JOHN 4:20). It took me about forty-five years to realize that my priorities were mixed up and that I was not making love the main thing in my life. The commitment to learn how to walk in love has been the single best decision I have ever made as a Christian.
1 Corinthians 12:31
Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
And check out Day 5 here...Another Magical Monday....
Where does love fit into your list of priorities? Jesus said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you" (JOHN 13:34 NKJV). It seems to me that Jesus was saying love is the main thing on which we should concentrate. The apostle Paul states that "faith, hope, love abide . . . but the greatest of these is love" (1 CORINTHIANS 13:13).
Love should be number one on our spiritual priority list. We should study love, pray about love, and develop the fruit of love by practicing loving others. God is love, so when we walk in His love we abide in Him.
Because we walk in God's love by receiving and expressing it, we should not deceive ourselves into thinking we can love God while we hate other people (SEE 1 JOHN 4:20). It took me about forty-five years to realize that my priorities were mixed up and that I was not making love the main thing in my life. The commitment to learn how to walk in love has been the single best decision I have ever made as a Christian.
1 Corinthians 12:31
Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
And check out Day 5 here...Another Magical Monday....
Saturday, April 21, 2012
New Day, New You ... Day 3
It's Okay to Laugh
Many serious things are going on in this world, and we need to be aware of them and prepared for them. But at the same time we need to learn to relax and take things as they come without getting all nervous and upset about them. We need to learn how to enjoy the good life God has provided for us through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ (SEE JOHN 10:10). In spite of all the troubling things going on around us in the world, our daily confession should be, "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."
Something we Christians need to do more of is laugh. We tend to be so heavy about everything - our sin, expecting perfection from ourselves, our growth in God, our prayer life, the gifts of the Spirit, and memorizing Bible verses. We carry around such heavy burdens. If we would just laugh a little more - be of good cheer, "cheer up" - we would find that a little bit of laughter makes that load much lighter.
In the world we live in, there isn't a great deal to laugh about so we will need to do it on purpose. It is easy to find plenty to worry about. To be happy, we need to work on it a little. We need to laugh and have a good time.
Psalm 32:11
Many serious things are going on in this world, and we need to be aware of them and prepared for them. But at the same time we need to learn to relax and take things as they come without getting all nervous and upset about them. We need to learn how to enjoy the good life God has provided for us through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ (SEE JOHN 10:10). In spite of all the troubling things going on around us in the world, our daily confession should be, "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."
Something we Christians need to do more of is laugh. We tend to be so heavy about everything - our sin, expecting perfection from ourselves, our growth in God, our prayer life, the gifts of the Spirit, and memorizing Bible verses. We carry around such heavy burdens. If we would just laugh a little more - be of good cheer, "cheer up" - we would find that a little bit of laughter makes that load much lighter.
In the world we live in, there isn't a great deal to laugh about so we will need to do it on purpose. It is easy to find plenty to worry about. To be happy, we need to work on it a little. We need to laugh and have a good time.
Psalm 32:11
Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
Friday, April 20, 2012
New Day, New You, Day 2...
I love Day 2!
Let Your Mess Become Your Message
I encourage people to let go
of their past, but never to run from it. The only way to gain victory
over the pain of our past is to let God walk us back through that
doorway of pain and into victory. No one can achieve victory for us; we
have to work out our own salvation. Paul explained this truth in his
letter to the Philippian church, saying:
"Therefore, my dear ones . . . work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). [Not in your own strength] for it is God
Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating
in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good
pleasure and satisfaction and delight" (PHILIPPIANS 2:12,13 AMP).
We have to let God take us through things and let Him work in us so our mess becomes our message. Difficult things that we have endured in our past prepare us for God's blessings in our future. (I am going to blog about this later today!)
2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with open face beholding
as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image
from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
A New Day, A New You...Day 1...
I just finished another devotional by Joyce Meyers entitled "New Day, New You". I really feel like this devotional was written for me these last 14 days so I wanted to recap it here on my blog while doing it AGAIN. :) I also find that being able to blog every day keeps my mind on track and keeps me in a positive mindset. So here we go...
Day 1: Willpower: The Fair-weather Friend
Willpower sure sounds like a great thing. We are led to believe that we have enough of it to fight off every temptation that comes our way. And sometimes it works. But let me tell you a little secret about willpower. Willpower is your best friend when things go well, but it's the first friend to check out when you get weary. I have found that if I really don't want to do something, my mind gives me plenty of reasons why I don't have to. My emotions even join in, saying, "I agree because I don't feel like doing it anyway." (This is so me!!!)
Our soul (mind, will, emotions) would love to run our lives, but the Bible says we are to be led by God's Spirit. We are never instructed to be willpower-led, we are told to be Spirit-led. Willpower and discipline are important and vitally necessary to a successful life, but willpower alone won't be enough. Determination gets you started and keeps you going for awhile, but it is never enough to bring you across the finish line. Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV) says, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."
What happens if, instead of turning first to willpower in your time of need, you turn to God instead? God releases His power into your willpower and energizes it to bring you across the finish line. Willpower does not get the credit for our success, God does. Jesus said in John 15:5 (AMP), "Apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing." This is one of the most important and most difficult lessons we must learn if we want to enjoy the life Jesus died to give us.
Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
It's as if those few sentences were written for me.
Dear Carrie, Stop negotiating with God and just do what he says. How many times has he told you to move on? Now stop being stubborn and do it! Love, Joyce Meyers
Got it... :)
Monday, April 16, 2012
Questions...
I have an app for a daily devotional with scriptures of the day and an app that gives thoughts or mini devotionals for every day of the year. I just got done reading my mini devotional for the day and it's titled Marriage and Family. The subject is Ephesians 5:22, "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord". It goes on to say how we are supposed to submit cheerfully to our bosses, the government, and parents, but it doesn't exactly spell out what "submit to your husbands" means in this verse. So, I come to you friends and family on facebook to ask what your interpretation of this verse means...
Ready, set, ANSWER! :)
Ready, set, ANSWER! :)
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
I remember the moment...
I am known for not listening. Yes, Baehr and Courtney pick your jaw up off the floor, I am admitting that I don't listen! :) On my way to work this morning I heard this song by Britt Nicole and thought "I have heard this song a million times, but never REALLY heard the words!" You know when you REALLY hear something? All it takes is a moment to just sit and listen, to ignore the million thoughts going through your head, and the phone ringing, but you can do it. Anyways, I had one of those moments this morning, and it fit perfectly with my devotional last night ... which I will post next... :)
When I lost my grandmother I had this overwhelming sense of loss. Something that you cannot even begin to describe. It lead to years of depression or being just plain disappointed, but I knew, the moment He took her from me that He was there. It's hard to see it in the darkness, but He's there, and this song says it all for me.
I remember the moment
I remember the pain
I was only a girl
But I grew up that day
Tears were falling
I know You saw me
I remember the pain
I was only a girl
But I grew up that day
Tears were falling
I know You saw me
...
All this time
From the first tear cry
To today's sunrise
And every single moment between
You were there
You were always there
It was You and I
You've been walking with me all this time
From the first tear cry
To today's sunrise
And every single moment between
You were there
You were always there
It was You and I
You've been walking with me all this time
Monday, April 9, 2012
Just another Magical Monday...
And it's not even over yet! :)
So far I have had a great Monday! It actually started on Sunday night with my devotional, and I thought while reading it "I have to share this on my blog!" So I am... :)
"Choose Life!
We will never enjoy life unless we make a quality decision to do so. Satan is an expert at stealing and our joy is one of his favorite targets. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. In John 10:10 we are told that "the thief" comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but that Jesus came that we might have and enjoy life. Satan is the thief, and one of the things he seeks to steal is our joy. If he can steal our joy from us, we will be weak; and when we are weak, the enemy takes advantage of us.
Weak believers are no threat to him and his work of destruction. In order to live as God intends for us to live, the first thing we must do is truly believe that it is God's will for us to experience continual joy. Then we must decide to enter into that joy. Experiencing enjoyment in our souls is vitally important to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Proverbs 17:22 says, "A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." It is God's will for us to enjoy life! Now it is time to decide to enter into the full and abundant life that God wills for us.
Joy and enjoyment are available just as misery is available. Righteousness and peace are available and so are condemnation and turmoil. There are blessings and curses available, and that is why Deuteronomy 30:19 tells us to choose life and blessings."
Oh, how the Lord knows what I need, when I need it. I had to share this with my mom and sister at lunch. It just really give you a whole new perspective on how Satan tries to effect your life. This is just something else to add to my growing relationship with God. Knowing that I am to be joyful in all things, and that the things around me that bring me down continuously are not just circumstances but situations that Satan is using to take my joy and make me weak.
I will choose life, and life will be so much different. So much more joyful! So I hope that you take this "Case of the Mondays" and make them MAGICAL! And remember, above all else, this is not where we belong... :)
So far I have had a great Monday! It actually started on Sunday night with my devotional, and I thought while reading it "I have to share this on my blog!" So I am... :)
"Choose Life!
We will never enjoy life unless we make a quality decision to do so. Satan is an expert at stealing and our joy is one of his favorite targets. Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. In John 10:10 we are told that "the thief" comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but that Jesus came that we might have and enjoy life. Satan is the thief, and one of the things he seeks to steal is our joy. If he can steal our joy from us, we will be weak; and when we are weak, the enemy takes advantage of us.
Weak believers are no threat to him and his work of destruction. In order to live as God intends for us to live, the first thing we must do is truly believe that it is God's will for us to experience continual joy. Then we must decide to enter into that joy. Experiencing enjoyment in our souls is vitally important to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Proverbs 17:22 says, "A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones." It is God's will for us to enjoy life! Now it is time to decide to enter into the full and abundant life that God wills for us.
Joy and enjoyment are available just as misery is available. Righteousness and peace are available and so are condemnation and turmoil. There are blessings and curses available, and that is why Deuteronomy 30:19 tells us to choose life and blessings."
Deuteronomy 30:19
"I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:"
Oh, how the Lord knows what I need, when I need it. I had to share this with my mom and sister at lunch. It just really give you a whole new perspective on how Satan tries to effect your life. This is just something else to add to my growing relationship with God. Knowing that I am to be joyful in all things, and that the things around me that bring me down continuously are not just circumstances but situations that Satan is using to take my joy and make me weak.
I will choose life, and life will be so much different. So much more joyful! So I hope that you take this "Case of the Mondays" and make them MAGICAL! And remember, above all else, this is not where we belong... :)
Happy Easter Weekend...
Happy Easter Weekend! I hope everyone had a blessed few days!
I spent Easter with my mom, dad, and nephew in West Texas. We left on Friday and got there in enough time catch some sun. My parents LOVE fishing and always have. I, on the other hand, like to lay out and read books. :)
We have been going to West Texas for almost 20 years. It's so relaxing... well...when you aren't trying to entertain an 8 year old! haha This time CAL wanted people to help him build rapids, throw rocks, scare away snakes, and fish. So we stayed busy trying to keep him entertained.
Mom, Dad, and CAL caught some decent sized fish on our last day of fishing. Here are their biggest catches...
On Sunday, we got up and laid out by the pool, then headed home. On the way back we found this awesome flower place on the side of the road...
Turns out Courtney has always wanted to go to this place so we will have to make a trip sometime soon. :) We had a great weekend, and I got home in just enough time to watch Celebrity Apprentice with Baehr. It was GOOD to be home!
I spent Easter with my mom, dad, and nephew in West Texas. We left on Friday and got there in enough time catch some sun. My parents LOVE fishing and always have. I, on the other hand, like to lay out and read books. :)
We have been going to West Texas for almost 20 years. It's so relaxing... well...when you aren't trying to entertain an 8 year old! haha This time CAL wanted people to help him build rapids, throw rocks, scare away snakes, and fish. So we stayed busy trying to keep him entertained.
Mom, Dad, and CAL caught some decent sized fish on our last day of fishing. Here are their biggest catches...
On Sunday, we got up and laid out by the pool, then headed home. On the way back we found this awesome flower place on the side of the road...
Turns out Courtney has always wanted to go to this place so we will have to make a trip sometime soon. :) We had a great weekend, and I got home in just enough time to watch Celebrity Apprentice with Baehr. It was GOOD to be home!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Tuesday = Track Day...
Coaching middle school track this year has been difficult for me because our team consisted of some very athletic but emotional children. We spent a day every week trying to get them on track, get them motivated, or get the to focus. Don't get me wrong...we had some really good kids, but the majority either didn't care or weren't focused.
I have always had a talented group of kids that understood that track was about what you put into it. The harder you worked the better your meets were, and they almost always competed with each other. They pushed each other to be better, and they compared their times every week to the best in the nation. This year though, we didn't have that group.
Coming up on the District Track meet this year, we gave them one last speech. "This is it! This is what you have worked for all season long!" We had another mediocre practice, and I was beginning to worry that our district champion streak was about to end. (We have been champions or runner ups for the past .... well, since I was in high school!)
Tuesday came, we had practice that morning, and well....let's just say if that had been a sign of what was to come we were in BIG trouble!!!! haha We got all our kids out to the track that afternoon and started getting them where they needed to be. Field events at 4:30 and Running at 6:30 pm. Here we go...
Once the track meet started going there was no turning back now, and I tell you what...these kids have been listening all year. I know I say this a lot, but this was "a God thing". Things just clicked and we were off to a awesome start!!! By the time running started we knew we were in the game. It was so exciting to our girls come from 3rd to 1st in the final leg of the 4X1. Our boys 4X2 came back to beat a team that was over 40 meters ahead to take first place, and our 4X4 girls DESTROY the competition! At the end of the night, God reminded me why I do what I do. That every year isn't going to be an easy year, but in the end it pays off. Oh did I mention we got 1st in JV Boys and 1st in Varsity Girls? :)
I will say even if we didn't win, Tuesday made everything worth it. To see the kids take what we had been saying all year, give it their all, break personal records, and cheer for each other was just enough for me. It was AWESOME!!!
Here are some of our track stars with their trophies!
I have always had a talented group of kids that understood that track was about what you put into it. The harder you worked the better your meets were, and they almost always competed with each other. They pushed each other to be better, and they compared their times every week to the best in the nation. This year though, we didn't have that group.
Coming up on the District Track meet this year, we gave them one last speech. "This is it! This is what you have worked for all season long!" We had another mediocre practice, and I was beginning to worry that our district champion streak was about to end. (We have been champions or runner ups for the past .... well, since I was in high school!)
Tuesday came, we had practice that morning, and well....let's just say if that had been a sign of what was to come we were in BIG trouble!!!! haha We got all our kids out to the track that afternoon and started getting them where they needed to be. Field events at 4:30 and Running at 6:30 pm. Here we go...
Once the track meet started going there was no turning back now, and I tell you what...these kids have been listening all year. I know I say this a lot, but this was "a God thing". Things just clicked and we were off to a awesome start!!! By the time running started we knew we were in the game. It was so exciting to our girls come from 3rd to 1st in the final leg of the 4X1. Our boys 4X2 came back to beat a team that was over 40 meters ahead to take first place, and our 4X4 girls DESTROY the competition! At the end of the night, God reminded me why I do what I do. That every year isn't going to be an easy year, but in the end it pays off. Oh did I mention we got 1st in JV Boys and 1st in Varsity Girls? :)
I will say even if we didn't win, Tuesday made everything worth it. To see the kids take what we had been saying all year, give it their all, break personal records, and cheer for each other was just enough for me. It was AWESOME!!!
Here are some of our track stars with their trophies!
2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
And while I can say, my lesson learned is ... keep the faith....in all things. There is a reason for everything. Life isn't always going to be easy, but the end result is worth the trophies.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Without Him...I am NOTHING...
During my devotional I felt this overwhelming sense of peace, but in the days since it ended I have felt myself being pulled back into the lull of every day life. I haven't changed the way I live...I still have my daily patterns, but I am back into the prayer at the end of the day instead of the continuous conversation. I have noticed that my eyes are starting to focus back on what's ahead instead of seeing the small things God is doing minute by minute or hour by hour. The only way to describe it is going from walking hand and hand with Jesus to veering off at the fork in the road - you can still see Him, but you aren't as close as you want to be.
Life is so busy. There are so many things that I want to do in this next year. Personal accomplishments that I know I can complete, but I know that without making my relationship with God my number one priority none of that matters.
I have never been a fan of 1 Corinthians 13 because I feel like it is overused, but writing this I keep thinking "Without Christ, I am but a resounding gong or clanging symbol" so that's what I will finish this post with, but when I read it I will replace love with Christ because without Him, I AM NOTHING.
Life is so busy. There are so many things that I want to do in this next year. Personal accomplishments that I know I can complete, but I know that without making my relationship with God my number one priority none of that matters.
I have never been a fan of 1 Corinthians 13 because I feel like it is overused, but writing this I keep thinking "Without Christ, I am but a resounding gong or clanging symbol" so that's what I will finish this post with, but when I read it I will replace love with Christ because without Him, I AM NOTHING.
1 Corinthians 13
1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Day 31...My last day of this devotional...
"Day 31: I am ready to walk in freedom in my life. I refuse to let bitterness keep me from an amazing future. Today I'm going to forgive those that have hurt me. I'm going to forgive myself so I can walk in victory. It's time to move forward because I have a God-given destiny to fulfill."
Follow Up: My 31 day devotional is over. So many things have changed in me personally: my prayers, my walk with God, my relationships, and my outlook. It has been a life changing experience and I want to thank Elise for introducing this devotional. God has placed people in my life for a reason, and I see that now more than ever. I am excited to stay on this new journey and see where it takes me.
Romans 6:4
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
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