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.
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
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,
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....
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.
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!
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.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Day 30...One more day to go!
"Day 30: I am fully equipped for a life of true fulfillment. Everything I need for my destiny is within reach. I pray God will open my eyes to the opportunities, people and resources He's put in my life to further His plan. Even if what's available seems small and ordinary, in God's hands it can become extraordinary."
Follow Up: So so true! My athletes seemed to be connecting with me last night. Amazing how just one day can make all the difference in the world. Or maybe I am just opening my eyes to their small steps.
Follow Up: So so true! My athletes seemed to be connecting with me last night. Amazing how just one day can make all the difference in the world. Or maybe I am just opening my eyes to their small steps.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Day 29...
"Day 29: I am enlarging my vision for the amazing things God has for my future. My hopes and dreams are in His hands. I'm entering into a season of abundance where God is restoring impossible situations and opening up new doors. God's favor is at work in my life right now to raise me higher than ever before."
Follow Up: The coaching part of my life has always been easy. A constant, no change job. I love it. I love my athletes. I always have. It's just something I know I am supposed to do. This year however has been challenging, but I have to know that even in the most challenging years there are athletes there that need me to keep trying. I will look for God to work in my life, open doors, and make the impossible possible. I have 3 weeks left of track season. Who knows what could happen! :)
Follow Up: The coaching part of my life has always been easy. A constant, no change job. I love it. I love my athletes. I always have. It's just something I know I am supposed to do. This year however has been challenging, but I have to know that even in the most challenging years there are athletes there that need me to keep trying. I will look for God to work in my life, open doors, and make the impossible possible. I have 3 weeks left of track season. Who knows what could happen! :)
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Day 28...
"Day 28: I am letting God be in control each and every day. I'm not going to make a big deal out of things that are not a big deal. No matter how things look, I know God is still in control. When things don't go my way, I won't get uptight. It's not worth losing my peace over. Instead, I'll stay in peace, knowing that God is still on the throne."
Follow Up: I love this chapter in Psalms that I just found. It says everything I need, and everything I am feeling about this devotional. My eyes are on you Lord, my eyes are on YOU!
Psalm 25
Psalm 25 Of David.
1 In you, LORD my God,
I put my trust.
2 I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
4 Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, LORD, are good.
8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, LORD,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
12 Who, then, are those who fear the LORD?
He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
13 They will spend their days in prosperity,
and their descendants will inherit the land.
14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 Relieve the troubles of my heart
and free me from my anguish.
18 Look on my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
19 See how numerous are my enemies
and how fiercely they hate me!
20 Guard my life and rescue me;
do not let me be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope, LORD, is in you.
22 Deliver Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!
Psalm 25 Of David.
1 In you, LORD my God,
I put my trust.
2 I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
4 Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, LORD, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, LORD, are good.
8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, LORD,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
12 Who, then, are those who fear the LORD?
He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
13 They will spend their days in prosperity,
and their descendants will inherit the land.
14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 Relieve the troubles of my heart
and free me from my anguish.
18 Look on my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
19 See how numerous are my enemies
and how fiercely they hate me!
20 Guard my life and rescue me;
do not let me be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope, LORD, is in you.
22 Deliver Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Day 27...
"Day 27: I am going to make the best out of every day. I'm going to invest time and energy into building relationships with family and friends. God is placing great opportunities in my life; I'm going to pause and appreciate them. As I choose to enjoy the journey, my life will be much more rewarding and fulfilling."
Follow Up: Doing this 31 day devotional has already made my journey more rewarding and fulfilling. I definitely pray more and my relationships with the ones I love and that love me are stronger. I have found peace, but am still working on letting little things bother me. There is a bigger picture and I must trust that He is taking me there. I love this new journey I am on, and I am so excited to see how the Lord works in me.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Day 26....Happy Texas Independance Day!
"Day 26: I am where God wants me to be at this very moment. Every experience is part of His divine plan. I am confident and thankful that He has a special purpose for my life. I'm going to be happy and enjoy this day. As I honor God in this season, I will begin to bloom right where He has planted me."
Follow up: I woke up this morning feeling good and feeling like things were falling into place. I am where I am supposed to be! :) One of the things I kept thinking this morning was, "You can't be everything to everyone. You just have to be you." So today, I am just being me. I don't need to be any more or any less than that. I am happy, relieved, and carefree. I am...excited that I am in a great place! Onward and upward I go. As myself and no one else. :)
Follow up: I woke up this morning feeling good and feeling like things were falling into place. I am where I am supposed to be! :) One of the things I kept thinking this morning was, "You can't be everything to everyone. You just have to be you." So today, I am just being me. I don't need to be any more or any less than that. I am happy, relieved, and carefree. I am...excited that I am in a great place! Onward and upward I go. As myself and no one else. :)
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Day 25...Happy Birthday Cousin Jana!
"Day 25: I am going to live happily and see today as a gift from God. I'm thankful for my relationships, my health and opportunities God's given me. When I think back on what he's done. I'm filled with hope and gratitude. I'm expecting great things for others around me as well, and I pray my joy and happiness will brighten someone else's day."
Follow Up: I feel like I can just repeat this devotional and say, YES! This is what it's about. So I will....
I will live happily today because today IS a gift from God. I am thankful for all of my relationships....that is an understatement. I am thankful for my health and the opportunities God surrounds me with. When I think back on what he has done....I AM FILLED WITH HOPE AND GRATITUDE! I am expecting great things for others around me...I pray my joy and happiness will brighten someone else's day!
Life is just really, really good. I cannot say that enough. The title of my blog is "The Baehr Life: Blessed Beyond Belief" and it describes our life exactly: The Baehr Life....The Good Life, and yes, by the grace of God we are BLESSED BEYOND BELIEF!
And on a side note... A very happy birthday to my cousin, Jana! I pray this year brings you a fresh new start and more joy than you can ever imagine!
Follow Up: I feel like I can just repeat this devotional and say, YES! This is what it's about. So I will....
I will live happily today because today IS a gift from God. I am thankful for all of my relationships....that is an understatement. I am thankful for my health and the opportunities God surrounds me with. When I think back on what he has done....I AM FILLED WITH HOPE AND GRATITUDE! I am expecting great things for others around me...I pray my joy and happiness will brighten someone else's day!
Life is just really, really good. I cannot say that enough. The title of my blog is "The Baehr Life: Blessed Beyond Belief" and it describes our life exactly: The Baehr Life....The Good Life, and yes, by the grace of God we are BLESSED BEYOND BELIEF!
And on a side note... A very happy birthday to my cousin, Jana! I pray this year brings you a fresh new start and more joy than you can ever imagine!
Genesis 49:26
Your father’s blessings are greater
than the blessings of the ancient mountains,
than the bounty of the age-old hills.
than the blessings of the ancient mountains,
than the bounty of the age-old hills.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Day 24...Happy Leap Day!
"Day 24: I am believing for God to accelerate my life like never before.Those dreams and goals that seemed so far ahead are within reach. The victory I'm believing for will happen sooner than I ever imagined. God's not only making up for lost time, He is thrusting me further into the blessings He has for me."
Follow Up: I am excited to see my goals and dreams come true. There are times that I am just living life and not really focusing on the fact that the goals I have for myself are just sitting idly by. I found this the other day and I think it's perfect for reminding me to re-energize and refocus....
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Follow Up: I am excited to see my goals and dreams come true. There are times that I am just living life and not really focusing on the fact that the goals I have for myself are just sitting idly by. I found this the other day and I think it's perfect for reminding me to re-energize and refocus....
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us. And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
Happy Leap Day! :)
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Day 23...
"Day 23: I am waiting on God's promises with expectancy. At a set time they will come to pass, and nothing can stop them. I'm not worried about things happening on my time-table because I know God has everything lined up for me. The moment I pray, He establishes those promises, so I am going to press forward knowing the answer is on its way."
Follow Up: I heard this song for the first time yesterday and thought it was perfect for today's follow up. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! :)
Monday, February 27, 2012
Day 22...
"Day 22: I am trusting God with the desires of my heart. He knows what's the best for my life, and give Him complete control over all I am and all I have. Any worry, fear or frustration, I turn over to Him. I'm at peace knowing that He will get me to where he wants me to be, and I will never be disappointed."
Follow Up: This is such a perfect devotional for me today! I know I always say that, but it really is!
Baehr and I are in a really good place right now. Well, we are always in a really good place so that doesn't really describe where we are...GREAT is more like it. Some great things are happening in our lives and the blessings continue to flow, but being in a great place for me leads to a lot of worry. Worrying is one of my biggest obstacles...especially when things are really good. I often think, "Things are so good right now, what's about to happen?" It's a terrible thing, and I go thru phases where it gets really bad. Right now is one of those times.
I don't worry about menial things like clothes, or cars, or my hair. I worry about losing loved ones. It's terrible! I need to learn to stop worrying and turn it over to God, to enjoy my life and the time I have instead of waiting for the moment when life isn't good and they are gone.
Follow Up: This is such a perfect devotional for me today! I know I always say that, but it really is!
Baehr and I are in a really good place right now. Well, we are always in a really good place so that doesn't really describe where we are...GREAT is more like it. Some great things are happening in our lives and the blessings continue to flow, but being in a great place for me leads to a lot of worry. Worrying is one of my biggest obstacles...especially when things are really good. I often think, "Things are so good right now, what's about to happen?" It's a terrible thing, and I go thru phases where it gets really bad. Right now is one of those times.
I don't worry about menial things like clothes, or cars, or my hair. I worry about losing loved ones. It's terrible! I need to learn to stop worrying and turn it over to God, to enjoy my life and the time I have instead of waiting for the moment when life isn't good and they are gone.
Matthew 6:27
27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
So true....worrying will not add a minute to my life or to anyone else's life so I will enjoy my time here on earth and enjoy our GREAT life! :) I will be at peace knowing that He will get me where He wants me to be!
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