"Oh my Lord, My burden bearer
My help in trouble, My joy in sorrow
My light in darkness, My sword and shield"
~Oh! What A Time
You ever feel like you just need a hug?
Things have been a little overwhelming for me lately. With the normal stress of being a SAHM to 3 kiddos, we have had the added stress of some (hopefully) minor health problems with our oldest. Then the low economy (compounded by my husband being a self-employed construction worker), some sickness and death in our family, and a few other personal problems, and I am about ready to throw in the towel. Needless to say, I have spent loads of time talking to God here lately. And always, when I pray, I feel a little bit better. I know that God is always there to listen and that the Holy Spirit will guide me in what to do or say at any given time if I will just listen.
Sometimes I can just feel the Lord wrapping those mighty arms of His around me and saying "Everything is alright. All will be fine. I am here and ready to carry your burden for you." Those times bring me such peace. It is so comforting and calming to know that all I have to do when I feel lost, alone, or overwhelmed is start talking. There is nothing that He can't handle, and He won't place more on me than He knows I can handle. (Although sometimes I feel like His definition of "you are strong enough" and mine are miles apart!)
God will be everything to you, i fyou will only let Him. He will be your burden-bearer, your help in trouble, your joy in sorrow, your light in darkness, your sword and shield. And then when we see him one day......Oh, my Lord, What a Time!!
Mighty Father, I know that when I am weak, you are strong. Please guide me in everything that I do and lift me when I think I am too weak to go on. I cast all my cares at your feet knowing that you will help me. In Christ's holy name, Amem.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Maturity Is An Option
Psalm 119:9-10 "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!"
Think about how many choices we have to make. Who to be friends with. Who to date. Who to marry. Where to go to college. Whether or not to go to college. What kind of career to pursue. Whether to become a Christian. Whether to act like a child or a mature adult.......yes, that is an option, too.
We all start out as babes, literally and spiritually. We grow and learn. As we learn, we have to make the decision whether we want to apply what we learn, or continue to walk around acting childish. Looking at it from a spiritual standpoint, we should want to seek out God and His commandments and "take heed." Some choose not to do this. They would rather blame circumstances, or a negative view of humanity, or something that they think justifies that God doesn't exist and that gives them the right to act however they want. They use obscene language, cut others down, make crude jokes, anything to try to make themselves feel better.
They are really trying to fill a void.
That void is the place where God is supposed to be in our lives. He created us to need Him, to want to rely on Him. When Satan gets a hold of us, God in a sense steps to the side, waiting until we are ready to put Him back where He belongs. He never leaves, He just waits in the background, waiting on us to realize He isn't in His place of honor in our lives anymore. When we make this realization, we will, hopefully, turn back to Him and restore Him to that place of honor and strive to mature in Him.
So, yes, being mature is an option, as is being righteous, ignorant, wise, faithful, or anything else we can choose to be or not be. There will be times in our lives when we may consciously or unconsciously choose to "backslide," losing our maturity, righteousness, wisdom, etc. But we can always gain it back and improve it if we choose to.
Loving Father, I know that I am not perfect. But I choose to strive to grow and mature in You every day. Please help me in this endeavor to better serve you and to use my maturity to show others the way to You and Heaven. In Christ's name, Amen.
Think about how many choices we have to make. Who to be friends with. Who to date. Who to marry. Where to go to college. Whether or not to go to college. What kind of career to pursue. Whether to become a Christian. Whether to act like a child or a mature adult.......yes, that is an option, too.
We all start out as babes, literally and spiritually. We grow and learn. As we learn, we have to make the decision whether we want to apply what we learn, or continue to walk around acting childish. Looking at it from a spiritual standpoint, we should want to seek out God and His commandments and "take heed." Some choose not to do this. They would rather blame circumstances, or a negative view of humanity, or something that they think justifies that God doesn't exist and that gives them the right to act however they want. They use obscene language, cut others down, make crude jokes, anything to try to make themselves feel better.
They are really trying to fill a void.
That void is the place where God is supposed to be in our lives. He created us to need Him, to want to rely on Him. When Satan gets a hold of us, God in a sense steps to the side, waiting until we are ready to put Him back where He belongs. He never leaves, He just waits in the background, waiting on us to realize He isn't in His place of honor in our lives anymore. When we make this realization, we will, hopefully, turn back to Him and restore Him to that place of honor and strive to mature in Him.
So, yes, being mature is an option, as is being righteous, ignorant, wise, faithful, or anything else we can choose to be or not be. There will be times in our lives when we may consciously or unconsciously choose to "backslide," losing our maturity, righteousness, wisdom, etc. But we can always gain it back and improve it if we choose to.
Loving Father, I know that I am not perfect. But I choose to strive to grow and mature in You every day. Please help me in this endeavor to better serve you and to use my maturity to show others the way to You and Heaven. In Christ's name, Amen.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Instruments of God
Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, and give thanks to God the Father through Him."
I was sitting in the hospital bed, holding my 6 month old baby while she received a breathing treatment from the lady from respiratory. This was Audrey's fourth day in the hospital with RSV. She was still sick, but much improved. The kind lady giving her the treatment told me how glad she was Audrey was doing better. She said "We are always so happy when we can help them get better....but we are really just instruments of God."
It meant so much to me to hear her say that. So few people publicly acknowledge the Lord in their work. She didn't have to add that tag at the end. But she did. She realized that the work she does in helping others is a labor of love for the Lord, so He can be glorified. God worked through her and the doctor and nurses to help my baby on the road to better breathing. Everything we do we are to do for His glory, to bring others to Him, whether it is teaching a Bible class, doing our secular job to the best of our ability, being a good friend, raising our children - our entire lives are to be lived in His name.
What is an instrument? A tool. Something used to aid us in whatever it is we are doing. Is that not what we are for God? He uses us to help Him bring others to Him. By our words and our actions. And if we aren't being a tool for God, that can only mean we are being used by Satan, for Jesus tells us if we aren't gathering and working for Him, we are against Him. Whose instrument are you?
All-powerful Father, I know that without You, I am nothing. You are my Creator and Life-giver. Please always help me to remember that I am Your creation, and that You created me to be an instrument for Your glory. Help me to always do that which is right and will not only help me get to Heaven, but also be able to bring others with me. In Christ's name, Amen.
I was sitting in the hospital bed, holding my 6 month old baby while she received a breathing treatment from the lady from respiratory. This was Audrey's fourth day in the hospital with RSV. She was still sick, but much improved. The kind lady giving her the treatment told me how glad she was Audrey was doing better. She said "We are always so happy when we can help them get better....but we are really just instruments of God."
It meant so much to me to hear her say that. So few people publicly acknowledge the Lord in their work. She didn't have to add that tag at the end. But she did. She realized that the work she does in helping others is a labor of love for the Lord, so He can be glorified. God worked through her and the doctor and nurses to help my baby on the road to better breathing. Everything we do we are to do for His glory, to bring others to Him, whether it is teaching a Bible class, doing our secular job to the best of our ability, being a good friend, raising our children - our entire lives are to be lived in His name.
What is an instrument? A tool. Something used to aid us in whatever it is we are doing. Is that not what we are for God? He uses us to help Him bring others to Him. By our words and our actions. And if we aren't being a tool for God, that can only mean we are being used by Satan, for Jesus tells us if we aren't gathering and working for Him, we are against Him. Whose instrument are you?
All-powerful Father, I know that without You, I am nothing. You are my Creator and Life-giver. Please always help me to remember that I am Your creation, and that You created me to be an instrument for Your glory. Help me to always do that which is right and will not only help me get to Heaven, but also be able to bring others with me. In Christ's name, Amen.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Psalm 113:3 "From the rising of the sun to its going down The Lord's name is to be praised."
Since my baby is sick and I didn't get to attend worship services this morning, I wanted to spend some time today thinking about and praising God. What hasn't He done for us? Even in less than ideal circumstances, His children are always cared and provided for. He uses every situation that we go through to bring us closer to Him, if we will let Him. So, today, maybe you will join me and the Psalmist in just giving some praise to God.
Psalm 8:1 "O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens."
Psalm 9:1-2 "I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High."
Psalm 66:1-4 "Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, 'How awesome are Your works!Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship You And sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.' "
Psalm 92:1-2 "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night."
Psalm 100: "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are his people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name., For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations."
Psalm 102:12 "You, O Lord, shall endure forever, And the remembrance of Your name to all generations."
Psalm 104:24-25 "O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all, The earth is full of Your possessions---This great and wide sea, In which are innumerable teeming things, Living things both small and great."
Psalm 111:7-9 "The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name."
There are, of course, many more times in the Scripture that the authors gave praise to God. They understood, as should we, how exalted and excellent our loving Father's name is. Let us always remember to praise Him here on earth, so that one day we can praise Him face to face!
O Lord, how glorious and excellent is Your name in all the earth! Let us always remember what a loving, powerful, and righteous God You are, and to show that we remember. In Christ's most precious and holy name, Amen.
Since my baby is sick and I didn't get to attend worship services this morning, I wanted to spend some time today thinking about and praising God. What hasn't He done for us? Even in less than ideal circumstances, His children are always cared and provided for. He uses every situation that we go through to bring us closer to Him, if we will let Him. So, today, maybe you will join me and the Psalmist in just giving some praise to God.
Psalm 8:1 "O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens."
Psalm 9:1-2 "I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High."
Psalm 66:1-4 "Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, 'How awesome are Your works!Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship You And sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.' "
Psalm 92:1-2 "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, And Your faithfulness every night."
Psalm 100: "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are his people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name., For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations."
Psalm 102:12 "You, O Lord, shall endure forever, And the remembrance of Your name to all generations."
Psalm 104:24-25 "O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all, The earth is full of Your possessions---This great and wide sea, In which are innumerable teeming things, Living things both small and great."
Psalm 111:7-9 "The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name."
There are, of course, many more times in the Scripture that the authors gave praise to God. They understood, as should we, how exalted and excellent our loving Father's name is. Let us always remember to praise Him here on earth, so that one day we can praise Him face to face!
O Lord, how glorious and excellent is Your name in all the earth! Let us always remember what a loving, powerful, and righteous God You are, and to show that we remember. In Christ's most precious and holy name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Priorities and Needs
Matthew 6:33 "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness..."
Okay. I realize here Christ was talking about not worrying about material things. Which is completely true. But it should also be a "whole life" application.
God and my desire to serve Him should always be first in my mind. If I follow His word in all things, everything else will fall into place. Not saying that everything will be exactly the way I think it should be, but things will happen that will help me stay on the right track in serving God. There are things that happen in my life all the time that I can't help but wonder, "What reason does God have for this happening to me right now?" I have come to the conclusion that on the other side of my troubles, not only will I be wiser, but I will be better equipped to help someone else who may be in a similar situation. That old saying, "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger" has truth to it. We will have troubles. We are promised that as followers of Christ there will be hard times, though everyone's hard times will not be the same. But in our times of trial, we should continue to seek God and righteous living, even if it seems the world is against us. There may be some changes you have to make. But it will all be worth it in the end. And truly, if we honestly do our best to imitate Christ and follow in His paths in life, our life here on earth will end up being richer, too.
Which brings us back to material things, and I may get a little off subject here. God promised to feed and clothe us; He never promised a mansion, or 2 extra cars, or money in savings. He promised to meet our NEEDS. I think sometimes we get our needs and wants confused. I heard someone talking about priorities not long ago, and, although he was making a point, the 3 things he mentioned were the car payment, the light bill, and the cable bill. I certainly would not put those three as my top three priorities. The cable bill is obviously way down on my list, since at our house we don't even have the local channels. But my point is, what are your priorities? What do you "know [I] can't live without"? Cable? 2 cars? Electricity and running water? A house with enough bedrooms that no one has to share? What are definite needs, and what are "it is so nice to have"s? There again, if we are seeking after God, the material will become less important to us, and we can be like Paul and learn to be content no matter what state we are in.
Loving Father, Thank you for knowing my needs, both material and spiritual, and for providing for those needs. Please continue to bless me in such a manner that those things that I receive and the things that happen to me in life will always help me on my path to serve and please You, and to be able to help others along the way as well. In Christ's Holy name, Amen.
Okay. I realize here Christ was talking about not worrying about material things. Which is completely true. But it should also be a "whole life" application.
God and my desire to serve Him should always be first in my mind. If I follow His word in all things, everything else will fall into place. Not saying that everything will be exactly the way I think it should be, but things will happen that will help me stay on the right track in serving God. There are things that happen in my life all the time that I can't help but wonder, "What reason does God have for this happening to me right now?" I have come to the conclusion that on the other side of my troubles, not only will I be wiser, but I will be better equipped to help someone else who may be in a similar situation. That old saying, "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger" has truth to it. We will have troubles. We are promised that as followers of Christ there will be hard times, though everyone's hard times will not be the same. But in our times of trial, we should continue to seek God and righteous living, even if it seems the world is against us. There may be some changes you have to make. But it will all be worth it in the end. And truly, if we honestly do our best to imitate Christ and follow in His paths in life, our life here on earth will end up being richer, too.
Which brings us back to material things, and I may get a little off subject here. God promised to feed and clothe us; He never promised a mansion, or 2 extra cars, or money in savings. He promised to meet our NEEDS. I think sometimes we get our needs and wants confused. I heard someone talking about priorities not long ago, and, although he was making a point, the 3 things he mentioned were the car payment, the light bill, and the cable bill. I certainly would not put those three as my top three priorities. The cable bill is obviously way down on my list, since at our house we don't even have the local channels. But my point is, what are your priorities? What do you "know [I] can't live without"? Cable? 2 cars? Electricity and running water? A house with enough bedrooms that no one has to share? What are definite needs, and what are "it is so nice to have"s? There again, if we are seeking after God, the material will become less important to us, and we can be like Paul and learn to be content no matter what state we are in.
Loving Father, Thank you for knowing my needs, both material and spiritual, and for providing for those needs. Please continue to bless me in such a manner that those things that I receive and the things that happen to me in life will always help me on my path to serve and please You, and to be able to help others along the way as well. In Christ's Holy name, Amen.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The Privilege of Prayer
James 5:13-16 "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven, Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man avails much."
How often do you hear, "Please pray for me/my family," or, "The X family has requested prayers"? Now, how often do you mention those people by name in your prayers? As Christians, prayer is not only a privilege, but a responsibility. We have the ability to communicate directly with our Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, with the help of the Spirit. We should count it as an honor and a blessing when someone requests prayers from us. This means they know we have a close relationship with God. We should want to, and in a sense, feel obligated to honor their request. Not obligated in a grudging manner, thinking "Ok, God. Here I am doing my duty and sending up this prayer," but humbly and lovingly.
We should also remember that while it is okay to ask for things to turn out like we want them to, we should always let God know that we are confident in Him; we know that He will always do what is best for us, even if it isn't to our liking at the time. Jesus gave us the example to pray "Your will be done." (Matthew 6:10, Matthew 26:39, 42) He also told us to be persistent in our petitions (Luke 18:1-8), and that we should ask in His name (John 14:13, 14).
Prayer is our direct line to God, and should be taken seriously. This isn't to say that it always has to be formal. We should be able to talk to Him like we would our earthly fathers, or a friend. How wonderful it is to know that He is always there, ready to listen.
Dear Lord, help me to remember You are always available, and I can come to You for anything. I know You will always answer my prayers as You see fit, and as You know will best benefit me adn those I pray for. In Christ's name, Amen.
How often do you hear, "Please pray for me/my family," or, "The X family has requested prayers"? Now, how often do you mention those people by name in your prayers? As Christians, prayer is not only a privilege, but a responsibility. We have the ability to communicate directly with our Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, with the help of the Spirit. We should count it as an honor and a blessing when someone requests prayers from us. This means they know we have a close relationship with God. We should want to, and in a sense, feel obligated to honor their request. Not obligated in a grudging manner, thinking "Ok, God. Here I am doing my duty and sending up this prayer," but humbly and lovingly.
We should also remember that while it is okay to ask for things to turn out like we want them to, we should always let God know that we are confident in Him; we know that He will always do what is best for us, even if it isn't to our liking at the time. Jesus gave us the example to pray "Your will be done." (Matthew 6:10, Matthew 26:39, 42) He also told us to be persistent in our petitions (Luke 18:1-8), and that we should ask in His name (John 14:13, 14).
Prayer is our direct line to God, and should be taken seriously. This isn't to say that it always has to be formal. We should be able to talk to Him like we would our earthly fathers, or a friend. How wonderful it is to know that He is always there, ready to listen.
Dear Lord, help me to remember You are always available, and I can come to You for anything. I know You will always answer my prayers as You see fit, and as You know will best benefit me adn those I pray for. In Christ's name, Amen.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Our Comforter
2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
**This one may be a little short and out of the norm for me...***
Saturday, we were supposed to drive up to my aunt and uncle's for a fellowship/singing. My aunt called me that morning and told me they were having to cancel because one of her dear friends' son had been found dead that morning. I haven't been able to put this out of my mind. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child, especially so unexpectedly and unexplained. All I could do, and can still do, is pray for that mother, and her other son, and the rest of that young man's family and friends. My prayers were for comfort for them, because that is what we want when something bad happens, right? How blessed we are to have such a loving Father who will comfort us. Who has sent His Spirit to comfort us, and who has given us friends and family to give us physical comfort. (2 Corinthians 7:6 & 7; 1 Thessalonians 5:11) We can know that no matter what happens, no matter how terrible it is - and sometimes it may be almost unbearable - He will be there. We can pray (James 5:13) and cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7), and He will deliver us (Psalm 34:19).
I wrote a poem for a friend back when we were in high school and she lost her father. The circumstances today are a little different, but the sentiment is the same as it was from my 17-year-old heart then.
***
I know right now you're hurting,
But tomorrow will be brighter.
I know it feels as though the pain
Will never go away,
But it will eventually start
To ease.
I know the sadness with always be
Underlying there,
But you must go on with your life.
And always remember
You've got your friends -
We'll always be here for you.
To help you through the tough times,
To share with you the good.
We'll always be true.
Lean on us and we'll lean on you
And we'll all survive.
***
Like I said, from a 17-year-old's heart.
And remember, God can make a rainbow out of any storm.
Dear God, I praise You for being such a loving Father, and for always being there for us. Help us to always turn to You when we need comforting, and to remember You can help us through any situation that arises in our lives. I pray especially at this time for those who have lost a loved one. Please comfort them as only You can, and help us to be there for them and to bring them Your loving-kindness. In Christ's precious name, Amen.
**This one may be a little short and out of the norm for me...***
Saturday, we were supposed to drive up to my aunt and uncle's for a fellowship/singing. My aunt called me that morning and told me they were having to cancel because one of her dear friends' son had been found dead that morning. I haven't been able to put this out of my mind. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child, especially so unexpectedly and unexplained. All I could do, and can still do, is pray for that mother, and her other son, and the rest of that young man's family and friends. My prayers were for comfort for them, because that is what we want when something bad happens, right? How blessed we are to have such a loving Father who will comfort us. Who has sent His Spirit to comfort us, and who has given us friends and family to give us physical comfort. (2 Corinthians 7:6 & 7; 1 Thessalonians 5:11) We can know that no matter what happens, no matter how terrible it is - and sometimes it may be almost unbearable - He will be there. We can pray (James 5:13) and cast our cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7), and He will deliver us (Psalm 34:19).
I wrote a poem for a friend back when we were in high school and she lost her father. The circumstances today are a little different, but the sentiment is the same as it was from my 17-year-old heart then.
***
I know right now you're hurting,
But tomorrow will be brighter.
I know it feels as though the pain
Will never go away,
But it will eventually start
To ease.
I know the sadness with always be
Underlying there,
But you must go on with your life.
And always remember
You've got your friends -
We'll always be here for you.
To help you through the tough times,
To share with you the good.
We'll always be true.
Lean on us and we'll lean on you
And we'll all survive.
***
Like I said, from a 17-year-old's heart.
And remember, God can make a rainbow out of any storm.
Dear God, I praise You for being such a loving Father, and for always being there for us. Help us to always turn to You when we need comforting, and to remember You can help us through any situation that arises in our lives. I pray especially at this time for those who have lost a loved one. Please comfort them as only You can, and help us to be there for them and to bring them Your loving-kindness. In Christ's precious name, Amen.
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