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Posts Tagged ‘Where did you find God today’

Red Letter Day

Posted in Biblical, Christian, Devotional, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , on November 4, 2013| Leave a Comment »

IMG_20131030_091447_725Have you ever heard the term, “it’s going to be a red letter day?”

It means the day is going to be special, outstanding, worth remembering. Here is what the source of all sources (hmmm) Wikipedia says:

The term originates from Medieval church calendars. Illuminated manuscripts often marked initial capitals and highlighted words in red ink, known as rubrics. The First Council of Nicaea in 325 decreed the saints’ days, feasts and other holy days, which came to be printed on church calendars in red. The term came into wider usage with the appearance in 1549 of the first Book of Common Prayer in which the calendar showed special holy days in red ink.
 

My first real Bible- the one I was given when I confirmed Jesus as IMG_20131030_075636_787my Lord and Savior- is precious to me. It is the first one I read cover to cover, eager to absorb all the heavenly wisdom it contained.  In it, all the words attributed to Jesus were in red letters. They were special. Our Lord had uttered them. They stood out from the page and made the rest of the words fade into the background. The red letter words were the ones worth noting.

As I grew, I began to realize they were not just words. They were not just wisdom. The Bible is alive, a breathing extension of my faith. The old acronym – Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth –  is true. With the Holy Spirit’s help, these words are God-inspired,  breathed into me to guide, instruct, correct, convict and comfort me. (2 Timothy 3:16)

I want today to be a red letter day- a special holy day because I choose to include the holy in it.  I want it to be a day where I  read, hear and act upon the words of Jesus. A day where He dominates the page of my life. A day where my thoughts, words and actions, solely for my benefit, fade into the background while what I think, say and do for Him and for others stand out.

Who knows? Maybe that will make it a red letter day for someone else- someone I least expect!

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Saints Alive

Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , , , on October 31, 2013| Leave a Comment »

“I sing a song of the Saints of God,patient and brave and true …”

I grew up singing that song in church. Did you?

lay handsNovember 1 has for centuries been designated as the day we honor and pray for  the saints. In the Bible, the “saints” mentioned in the Psalms and the letters of Paul and John were living, breathing humans for whom we should pray, support, and emulate. Not the ones who are long gone with formal names and days venerated to them like St. John, St. Paul and St. Francis. Not  the dead– that is reserved for November 2, All Souls Day.  But, All Saints Day is the day we honor and thank God for the ordinary saints – folks just like you and me – who live their lives trying to live out the Gospel.

“They love their Lord so dear, so dear, and His love made them strong; and they followed the right, for Jesus’ sake, the hole of their good lives long…”

You know who they are. They may not have three miracles attributed to them or have been blessed by a pope, but their lives have influenced others to turn to Jesus. They are the ones we recall have been strong in times of turmoil, and positive even when it seemed the worse was happening to them.  They are the ones who are there when we need them, who reach out a  hand, and take the time to call even when it is not convenient for them. They are the ones we go to when we need clarity. The ones who know the Word because it is so a part of their lives. They are the ones who will wear out their knees in the wee hours for a stranger they heard or read about. Thy are the ones who silently scrub the commodes in the church or mow the lawn and never want any recognition.

“…you can meet them in school, or in lanes or at sea,  at church, or on trains, or in shops, or at tea…”

Think of the saints who have influenced you.  If they have passed on, thank God for them. If they are still on earth, why not write them, call them or even text them. Tell them you are praying for them. But above all,  thank them for being a shining example of what defines being a follower of Christ.  Let them know how much they have meant to you in your faith walk. Tell them, it is partially because of them that you can sing–

“…For the saints of God are folk just like me, and I mean to be one, too.”*

*Words by Lesbia Scott (b. 1898)

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Fall Back

Posted in Christian, Devotional, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , , on October 28, 2013| Leave a Comment »

????????????????????????????????????????This next Sunday, November 3rd,  at 2:00 a.m., most of the U.S. will be prompted to turn their clocks back one hour. It is called “Fall Back”, to reverse the hour we lost in the spring when we went adjusted our clocks forward one hour for Daylight Savings Time.

Many,  like me, crumble about this whole concept originally joked about by Benjamin Franklin 200 years ago and conceptualized by George V. Hudson in 1895. We not only relish that precious one hour of sleep, we applaud that we are finally getting back to “God’s time”.  Good riddance it’s about time! (Pun intended.)

But, we don’t have to wait until Congress deems it is time to go back to God’s time. His mercies are new every morning. (Lamentations 2:3) Each day, we can choose to fall back into His ways and not rely upon our man-made choices. Each moment,  we can choose to follow His timing instead of trying to manipulate things to march to our own schedule.

Scripture tells us He is working His purpose out, (Romans 8:28, Philippians 2:13)  and that His ways are not our ways. But our limited view often blocks us from realizing this. We want it all to happen now  — our way, please.

We only have this present second — God has all of eternity. We can only make our decisions based on the now, and our skewed version of the past as seen through our eyes and experiences. God sees all, knows all.

Who will you fall back on today?

 

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Love Letters

Posted in Christian, Devotional, tagged , , , , on October 25, 2013| 1 Comment »

I love this quote. Thanks Steve for finding it.
If we are these pencils in the hands of a writing God, then that means He is involved, He is active, He is influential in our lives and those of others–whether they realize it or not.
But, it is up to us to stay sharpened. We can all get “used” up in serving God. When we wear down our “lead” we won’t be able of much use to Him. Let us be willing to be put in the sharpener for a good grind every now and then. That means spending time in His Word, listening to His Spirit, and yielding to His will. We must go through the process of shaving away what is keeping us from being His instrument.

Grind away, Lord. I want to be sharp for you.

Steve's avatariChristian

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We are all pencils in the hand of a writing God, who is sending love letters to the world.

 

Mother Teresa

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Reaching Down

Posted in Biblical, Christian, Devotional, tagged , , , , , , on October 19, 2013| 12 Comments »

I knew it was him. I could see him through the sheets of rain, as if he was walking inside a waterfall. The waves crashed around the boat, swirling it like a leaf in a gutter.  Yet he kept inching towards us, steady-footed, calm, assured.

Wait. He was on top of the water! A few cried out,”It’s a ghost!”. But, my heart knew it was him. If he was near, all would be alright. Through the whoosh of the wind I heard his voice in my soul. “Come to me.”

Without a second thought, I jumped in the water and rushed towards him.

Oh, my Lord. I was on the surface of the lake as well, my feet barely dampened by the waves.  This can’t be.  No one can walk on water.  It can’t be done.  What was I thinking?

The waves lapped my feet. Then my knees. Something  jerked me downwards into the frigid lake. Help me, Lord. Help me.

A wave crashed over my head. My mouth filled with muddy water and choked the words I tried to cry out. I floundered, even though my arms and legs pushing against the waves with every ounce of strength I had.  The gripping force pulled my legs straight down. My head ducked underwater. My tunic billowed around me then slapped against me like a death shroud. My  chest crunched against the pressure. My heart pounded against it like fists on a  closed door.I looked up through the water.  I was going to die. Lord, don’t let me die.

Then, through the shimmering murkiness appeared a hand. It reached for me. I saw his soft face smiling, beckoning beyond the surface of the lake. I stretched my fingers. They touched his.

Warmed strength surged through me as he grabbed hold and lifted me to His face. His caring eyes smiled into mine. “Believe, my friend,  and live.”

(Inspired by Matthew 14:22-32)

Jesus reaching inDo you feel like you are being pulled under? You don’t have another smidgen of strength to fight it. The pressures of your world push against you, jerking you down into the murky unknown where faith is drowned by anxiety and doubt. You sputter for breath. You may even whisper in a resolved plea, “Okay. I quit. Take me then.”

Stop struggling on your own.  Look up. He is there to reach down and lift you out into His loving arms. Stretch to meet his fingers. Believe, and live.

I found God today in this picture – it made me realize once again that if I fix my eyes on Jesus,  grab hold of His hand,  give Him the control, I will not sink.

 

To order a copy go to: http://www.goodsalt.com/cart/print_yskas0001.html

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More or Less

Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , , on October 17, 2013| 1 Comment »

As I listened to a Christian radio broadcast in the car, a message came through the airwaves into my heart. The DJ simply said:

                    Don’t think less of yourself, think of yourself less.

Growing up, I was shunned by the in-crowd who were the children of parents’ friends. It left deep scars on my psyche. Bolstered by my late husband, who never complimented me on anything but was quick to riducle my faults, I battled a deep-seeded self esteem problem. That is until I truly discovered Christ’s love for me. The immensity of that love began to sink into the corners of my mind, though I doubt I will ever fully understand it. But as I open myself to experience His love more and more, I dsicover that I hate myself less.

ID-100142606Pride is one of the seven deadly sins, but lack of pride is one as well. Both foster the same result- a skewed image of self that is not the one God intends for us to have.  Pride thinks too much of self, while poor self esteem thinks not enough.

But, and this is key, both have the mirror planted firmly in front, focused mostly on self. All else – friends, family and even God – are in the peripheral vision.

Woman MeditatingHowever, when we think of ourselves less, we then can think more on things that are above. We center our thoughts in Christ Jesus instead of ourselves.  We don’t think about how we will come across, what others may think, or what they might say behind our backs. Instead, we think more of the wonderfulness of His love for us and for others, so we are more open to being His voice in a hurting world. We see more miracles, feel more passion, and experience the humbled joy of being more useful.

I guess in this case, the adage is true: Less is more.

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A Stiff Backing

Posted in Biblical, Christian, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , , on October 13, 2013| 2 Comments »

SqueezeIt kept flopping over in a wilt. The picture I’d printed of my new book and glued to a piece of card stock would not stand upright in the little ringed holder at my vendor booth. With the moisture-laden gray clouds hovering overhead us that day, it was just too humid – even in an air conditioned room. I kept straightening my sign in the stand, and then out of the corner of my eye, I’d see it slowly bow towards the table in a wimpy droop. How would people be attracted to my book?

Then a wise friend came up and said, “Here. I can fix that.” She peeled the paper from the card stock. Next she accordion-folded the card stock in a tri-fold pattern and set it behind the paper.  Viola!  My sign stood straight as a soldier, and remained that way the rest of the day.

She shrugged with a grin. “It just needed a stronger backing.”

So do I, I thought. I need the tri-fold power of the Trinity to support me and keep me straight. That way,  I will – pardon the pun – stand out. Soon, people will take notice. They will be attracted to my message of what Christ has done in my life.

When I try to stand for Christ on my own, soon I will begin to droop against the elements of this world.  I just don’t have the strength that is needed. I need to stand firmly on the promises of the Word and let God be my strong backing.  If I lean on Him, God’s Spirit will bolster me.  I will not be toppled, I will not wilt.

Who is backing up you today?

So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.  2Thessalonians 2:15

 

 

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A breath of fresh air

Posted in Christian, Life Experiences, tagged , , , , , on October 7, 2013| 1 Comment »

We knew it would happen, eventually. It always does. That didn’t make the waiting any easier or the day it arrived less exciting.

ID-10019954Finally the cold front barreled down and broke the sweltering summer temperatures.  A few rumbles of thunder, a welcomed rain storm, and a gust of wind ushered in the relief. It was as if the fridge door had finally been opened onto Texas. Everyone stood with eyes closed in long-awaited bliss and breathed in the coolness– ahhhh.

Windows were thrown open to let in the breeze. Joggers and their dogs scampered on the knolls. Sweaters were dug out of cedar chests and the back of closets. Kids skipped to the school bus.

When I came home, the AC hadn’t kicked on because it was not yet 78 inside, thanks to the cloud-cover and lower temps. But, since the house was still shut tight, it was stuffy and still. So, I dropped my purse and dashed to the windows to lift the sash. Immediately, the cool, fresh air billowed in through the curtains. I could almost hear my furniture heave a sigh of joy.

The Holy Spirit can be that same breath of fresh air in our lives, but – and this is key – we have to let Him in.  Before the Holy Spirit can refresh our lives, we have to throw open the windows of our souls. That means change. And good or bad, change is a scary thing to many people.

But what can be more exhilarating than to have your sins washed away by the Blood of the Lamb so His Spirit takes up residence? How invigorating to have Him sweep away all the stale and gloomy cobwebbed corners of your life with a swish of fresh, clean air!

You know it’s coming.  You know it will be glorious.  You see it ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????happening to others.  You witness them basking in the breath of the Spirit. So, go to your own life, open up your heart, and let Him in.

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Which way?

Posted in Biblical, Devotional, tagged , , , , , , , on October 2, 2013| Leave a Comment »

Have you ever come to a crossroads in your life?  It’s that tough decision between two or more choices you have to make.

You can’t go back. The past is the past.  But you can’t go ahead the way you had been either, because there are now several paths open to you.

Which do you choose?

Robert Frost wrote a poem called the Road Not Taken, and how choosing that lesser traveled path made all the difference in his life.

Jesus talks of the narrow road (Matthew 7:14) – and it, too, is the one fewer people choose to travel down.

But what if the signs are not that clear? You peer down and both seem narrow. Both veer off so you can’t see where they lead. Maybe both are filled with potholes?

Isaiah was given a clue – and your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (vs.30:21)

ID-100146465So often we try to figure it out on our own. We expect God to send up smoke signals, or leave a piece of thread dangling on a branch. Maybe a footprint or two would help.  Bread crumbs?

When, all we need to do is stop, ask, and then listen.  The answer may not come right away. That doesn’t give us permission shrug it off and trek out on our own.

If we wait patiently, we may see a barricade pop up, or see sunbeams shine down on the direction we need to go. We may even see one way disappear entirely, as if it was a mirage.

Or, we may just hear that voice inside of us, which we know is not our own, whisper, “Go this way my child. It is the way I’ve prepared for you.”

One thing is certain. God will always go with us, no matter what direction we choose –even if we choose poorly. All we need to do is ask.

After all, no matter where life leads,  one thing remains the same.  Jesus is The Way.

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Let It Rain

Posted in Life Experiences, Nature, tagged , , , , , , , on September 23, 2013| Leave a Comment »

We’ve been parched. Bubbling creeks had become sandy dry beds. Once green, grassy hills appeared straw-colored. The lake and river levels were dangerously low. A friend commented her back yard looked like the San Andreas fault in an earthquake movie – the cracks were huge, and growing.

dreamstimefree_127674For several days the skies taunted us with building clouds and overcast shadows. Then it came.  The sweet smell of moistened dirt. Soft, pelting rain pounded the landscape, filling the furrows and crevices…for hours and hours. 

People’s spirits lifted. The temperatures dropped from scorching nineties into  pleasant seventies.  Birds splashed in the puddles, fluffing their feathers and dipping their beaks.  Windshield wipers danced back and forth like concert attendees waving their hands in joy. Gutters drummed softly with the splatters from Heaven. Blessed relief. 

I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. Ezekiel 34:26

Have you experienced a drought? Not the physical kind Texas has been having, but the spiritual kind. Most likely you have. It may have been a time of depression, of doubts, a string of bad luck we call a “Job-like season”, or the agonizing limbo feeling after at tragedy. It felt as if God had stopped blessing you. You thirsted for His presence. Your life cracked open. Your brow was furrowed and your eyes downcast.  But, deep inside you clung to the hope He was there, just as Job did.

Then it came.  Your prayers were finally answered. Your heart was drenched in peace.  His mercies rained down and your doubts and shame were sloughed down the gutter. Your spirit was bathed in His grace. You lifted your hands in relief.

The Newsboys wrote a song over twenty years ago called Let it Rain, from their “Going Public” album. It is Peter’s final prayer before being crucified upside down.  An ancient legend says the Heavens burst open when this apostle, Jesus called the Rock, took his final breath.  In their song, Peter prays, “Lord we’re waiting for Your rain to fall- bringing back the wonder of it all. I can see Your face again when You let it rain.”

Listen to the lyrics. Pray for His blessings.  Let His spirit fall afresh on you today. Be refreshed in the Power of His love.

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