The Lord's Love Supported Me

As I read Psalm 94: 17-19, I was reminded of God's presence, His truth, His mercy, and His comfort.  I was reminded that I have called upon Him and felt certain that He understands and loves me. 

Psalm 94: 17-19 (KJV)
17 Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.
18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up.
19 In the multitude of my thoughts (anxiety) within me thy comforts delight my soul.

Even when I have not known how to pray as I should, when I have not had the words to say how I felt, when all I could do is cry, and I had no answer other than the promise of His salvation -- I knew I could trust and that God had heard.  Verses 26 - 27 of Romans 8 make this absolutely clear.  And I knew what was a bad situation was in God's hands, because all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose (KJV, Romans 8:28).

If you have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, then I am sure you will see the glorious truth that God cares for you, even when you  despair, even when you experience the infirmities that come upon you while you are a sojourner, waiting for the glorious coming of our Lord. 

Romans 8: 26-28 (KJV)

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Prayer:  May God bless you and keep you.  May He fill you with the peace and comfort of His love.  Amen

Giving It To God

Yesterday, I was looking through the New Testament to find some verses for two of my grandsons.  As I was flipping through the Bible, my eye was caught by the word "depression."  I am happy to say that this is not a word that comes to my mind much anymore, but once it did;  moreover, I know there are many afflicted year round with depression, and there are others who struggle with seasonal depression.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I hope you are not depressed;  but if you are, take heart.  Even the apostle Paul struggled with depression at times, which is not surprising.  I would be surprised if he did not have PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder).  He had suffered stoning, imprisonment, and even been ship-wrecked.  However, he did not count his sufferings as loss, because they were for the cause of bringing others to salvation in Jesus Christ.  All he did was for God.

You can have the same joy Paul had and I have.  Give your cares to Jesus Christ.  You may think I don't understand, but I assure you I do, because I was so depressed at one time that felt that I was losing my faith.  However, God would not let me go.  Even when I did not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit interceded for me:  In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words (NASB, Romans 8:26).  Romans 8 is a wonderful chapter for Christians to read, because of great comfort for all of us there.  

Blessings upon you.  As I write, you are in my prayers.  I may not know your name, but God does.  Cast all your cares upon Him -- casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you   (NASB, 1 Peter 5:7).

2 Corinthians 7

1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from

 all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

² Make room for us in your hearts; we wronged no one, we corrupted no one, 

we took advantage of no one. ³ I do not speak to condemn you, for I have said

 before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together.

 ⁴ Great is my confidence in you; great is my boasting on your behalf.

 I am filled with comfort; I am overflowing with joy in all our affliction.

⁵ For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest,

 but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within.

 ⁶ But God, who comforts the depressed,comforted us by the coming of Titus;

 ⁷ and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort

 with which he was comforted in you, as he reported to us your longing,

 your mourning, your zeal for me;  so that I rejoiced even more.

 "Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
 Used by permission."

Fear or Praise? Part 1

Fear -- I don't know about you, but I don't even like to say the word, because of the strong memories it evokes.  Yet, today, I want to share with you that fear does not have to be a dirty word:  there are ways to overcome fear.  And I am going to mention a few that have helped me overcome mine.  A positive thing about experiencing fear is that it gives us the wonderful blessing of giving the things that cause our hearts to be afraid to God and knowing His peace.  This is a short series, so I will not be finishing in one devotion.

The first one I want to mention is Psalm 23, because it has been a blessing to me ever since I memorized it in Vacation Bible School as a young girl.  I can picture ...

Praying Psalm 143, Part 1

Hear my prayer, O Lord...
so why did I not come to your word for comfort yesterday?
The words were there,
   the ones I needed to hear
           the words I needed to say.

A N G E R
generating sadness, confusion, frustration, confusion
    in my mind, in my heart;
          It pervaded everything.
I couldn't escape it with music, with reading, with art, with friend' words.
          Anger colored all I did,            
               Shading it with colors I didn't like.

Give ear to my supplications!
Answer me in Your faithfulness, in Your righteousness!
And do not enter into judgment with your servant,
For in Your sight no man living is righteous.

         "Prayer" coutesy of graur razvan ionut/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Thank you for reminding me, Lord,
            You have the answers,
                You are faithful,
Even when I have trouble with that--
             You are righteous, and I am not;
                                And yet,                                             
                                      You still hear me.

Psalm 143: 1-2
“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB." 
www.lockman.org

What Gives Me Life

This is my comfort in my affliction,     
For Your word has given me life.
Palm 119:50

__________________________________________________

It is easy to get caught up in day to day ephemera, which distracts me from spending time with God.  Sometimes, in a moment of guilt,

I will rattle off a quick prayer, which is a good thing;  
but, it is often a substitute for quiet reflection and fellowship with God.  The truth is that God's word is essential for my life.  It is what I read in the Bible that feeds my soul and comforts me in my difficulties.  It is His word that will last forever.

Scripture taken from 
New King James Version (NKJV)

The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Joy

Focus on this: God wants our joy to be full. We protest, "But I am in pain, I don’t have a job, I have family problems, I don’t even like myself."  We wonder why God is letting us go through the problems we have; or we feel guilty, because we never feel good enough.   

Quiet your heart.    

Listen.

And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. (1John 1:4  NKJV)

As I read this verse, my heart quiets and my head quits trying to figure out why things aren’t whatever “vision of perfect” I think my life should be. I rest.

Prayer: Father-God thank you for the peace that floods my soul when I stay in Your word. Thank you that You want us to have JOY. Bless the readers of this devotion. May they know the assurance that You care about them and love them. May they have JOY. In Jesus precious name, I pray. Amen.

Our next devotion is going to touch on the things that have been written to us in 1 John 1-3.

Calming My Heart

Today started quietly.  My heart and mind were calm:  all felt well with my soul.  Then, things began to happen:  I couldn't find a notebook that was important to me, so stopped and I did slow breathing exercises.  I decided to practice piano and get my mind off that illusive notebook, which I knew would turn up when I wasn't looking for it.  I did some housework, feeling pleased with the results;  moreover, I drank a healthy smoothie and the notebook did turn up.  Sounds great doesn't it?  

No Worry Here

However, as I sat down to rest and catch my second wind, I began to disintegrate into a frustrated, frazzled mess.  I felt impatient with myself and what I was doing on the computer.  Puzzled at my disintegration into chaos, I felt like throwing my hands up in the air and I grunted my frustration with a loud, "Arghhh."   Then, God's Holy Spirit spoke within me, "Read your Bible."  So this time, I listened, and I obeyed.  Peace, peace -- I knew I needed peace within, and I received it.  How?  I read God's word and rested in Him:  His precious word is so very true:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB." 
www.lockman.org

Inspiration and Instruction

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work  (NASB, 2 Timothy 3: 16-17).
“Scripture quotations taken from the NASB." 
www.lockman.org

All too often, I fail to spend time in God's word.  I hate to admit that, because I equate reading His word with spending time with Him.  My spirit comes alive with His words in my heart.  I am so glad I learned to memorize scripture at an early age; because often, those scriptures come back to me when I need instruction or comfort.  And I cannot think of a time reading the Bible did not fill my heart so much that I did not want to talk to God.  Whether I am led to confession or praise, the Holy Spirit leads me ever closer to my Creator through His word.

Prayer: 

Dear Father in Heaven, Thank you for inspiring men to write the Bible.  I believe in my heart, that this is your word to us on this earth.  Thank You for speaking to my heart in comfort, for leading me to confession, and for filling me with the desire to know more about You.  Fill me with Your Wisdom for I want to have the thoughts and desires You put in my heart; that I might serve You in whatever capacity you may lead.  Bless my brothers and sisters in Christ, Lord,  that their lives may be enriched  and pleasing in Your sight.   In Jesus Name I pray,  Amen.