Merry Christmas and Welcome to the Family Page

We Begin Here

I LOVE my family!

You are probably wondering WHY did mom start a blog for our family???? 

You are all growing up and starting lives of your own...BUT we will always be a family no matter how old your are or how far away you go. 

I am starting this blog so that each day you can come here and find a devotion to start your day plus a verse that will hopefully stick in your heart and guide you as you make your own choices and decisions out in the world.

This is also a place that you can leave a prayer request - no matter how small it may seem.  We are your family, and anything you are concerned with - so are we!

And yes....I will add a sappy picture or two from time to time.

This is a HUGE adventure for me that is outside of my comfort zone...so that is my first prayer request!  Pray I don't give up because I am confused :)  I love you all very, very much! 

Verse:  Ephesians 1: 16-19 – I couldn’t stop thanking God for you – every time I prayed  I’d think of you and give thanks.  But I do more than thank.  I ask – ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory – to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for you, oh the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him – endless energy, boundless strength!

January 1st

The Journey of Life

Sometimes, we have to DECREASE in self so that God can INCREASE in our lives.  When you serve Christ, there will be times when your abilities and your reputation cease to be important in this world.  Think of Saul….(not Paul) He was a Benjamite, the smallest of Israel’s tribes and a very insignificant clan.  But God chose him to be the first king of Israel.  He didn’t even feel worthy of the job at first and tried to hide from being anointed.  Saul, in fact, found his new path in his life as a result of a loss.  He was looking for lost sheep and through a servant, who was a true friend, he was counseled in the right direction.  He was counseled not to focus on himself and his weaknesses but to have faith in God’s plan. 

But in 1 Samuel 10:9, it says, “At that very moment God transformed him – made him a new person!”  He became strong in areas he had always been weak in.  Others noticed…in fact they doubted him and made fun of him.  In verse 12 one man says, “Who would’ve guessed?”  And if verse 27 it says that others “held him in contempt and refused to congratulate him.” At first Saul paid them no mind.  But the doubt and words of others birthed an attitude in Saul that eventually became his downfall.  He cared what others thought of him and over time, he became a “people pleaser” instead of a God pleaser. 

Having a lack of confidence in yourself does not equate to humility.  Truly humble people have an enormous amount of confidence because they know that they know they are in God’s will.  When you stand out because of your abilities, people will become jealous and will try to bring down your confidence with their words.  Be wise in these situations.  Don’t boast or brag or make others feel inferior.  Just refuse to focus on yourself and stay focused on God.  Don’t obey doubt because what others say has disappointed you.  By faith – always remember that you are anointed and chosen by God.  Your abilities are from him and you will thrive when you give honor and thanks to God for them.  Rejoice in the privileges God has given you instead of worrying about what others may think. 

When you have problems with other people, this does not mean to avoid them either.  When you shy away from and avoid all confrontation, this is actually prioritizing yourself over God.  Allow God to work through you as you deal with problems.  Become a leader in handling difficult situations.  If you lead out of compassion for others, wanting them to see Christ in your life and not to receive their favor, God will raise you up and you will prosper beyond your imagination. 

Verse:  Galatians 1:10 – Am I trying to win the approval of men or God?  Or am I trying to please men?  If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. 

January 8th

GOD IS SELDOM IN A HURRY – BUT HE IS NEVER LATE

Back to Saul….

He was a young man when he became king of Israel and he reigned for many years.  Over time, he raised a might army and he and his son Jonathan were very successful in battle. 

During the early part of his reign, Saul’s successes came because he continually relied on God.  He often sought counsel from Samuel, his chief priest,  and followed his advice.  He let Samuel lead sacrifices and spiritual ceremonies. 

During one battle, Jonathan attacked and killed the Philistine governor.  The news traveled fast throughout the Philistine empire and the quickly rose and army to march against Israel.  Samuel had forewarned Saul that all this would happen.  He had encouraged Saul to not be afraid and when he went out to battle to meet the Philistines to wait for him (Samuel) to arrive and offer a sacrifice to God to ensure the victory.

Saul did as he was told and waited for seven days, the time set by Samuel.  But Samuel didn’t show.  So Saul took charge and took matters into his own hands.  He went ahead and sacrificed the burnt offering.  About the time he finished, Samuel showed up.  Samuel quickly chastised Saul and told him that because Saul had refused to wait on God that God was already looking for his replacement.  His impatience was going to cost him his kingdom.

Why did Saul become so impatient?  Well…remember what his fault was?  Saul was a people pleaser.  He cared what others thought.  He had no patience to wait for God’s timing and was unable to lead others to do so either.  Waiting for God was supposed to be his chance to shine – to lead his men in a great victory.  He probably cracked under the pressure of doubt from his men.  As they criticized his waiting instead of taking action – he caved to re-earn their respect.  He took matters into his own hands and began his own downfall.

Always wait on the Lord.  When you take matters into your own hands and try to force situations into being, we lose God’s goodness.  We miss out on his blessing. 

Verse:  Hebrews 10: 34b-39 – Knowing you have for yourselves a better possession and abiding one.  Therefore, do not throw away your confidence which has a great reward.  For you have need of endurance so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.  For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come and not delay.  But my righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, my soul has not pleasure in him.  But we are not those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.  

January 15th

Giving Encouragement

A couple of verses for background….

Acts 4:36 – And Joseph,  Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means, Son of Encouragement) and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles feet.

Acts 9: 26-27 SPEAKING OF PAUL – Back in Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him – they didn’t trust him one bit. Then Barnabas took him under his wing.  He introduced him to the apostles and stood up for him…..

Through Barnabas’ encouragement, Paul became the greatest missionary to non-Jewish people.  He essentially began the largest religious movement in all of history. Barnabas was known to be an encourager.  His words of support helped others accomplish great things!

The root word of the word encouragement is COURAGE.  What do you think courage has to do with encouragement? 

Giving encouragement to someone is literally transplanting some courage into them for their situation.  In life, everyone will have a critical need for encouragement at some time during their life.  Sometimes it is a small situation – such as walking into an unknown group and feeling uncomfortable.  Others are big issues – standing up for what is right when a crowd is against them. 

It is very easy for each of us to see our own weaknesses and faults.  When others point them out, it feeds the lack of self-confidence.  People don’t need others to hone in on their weaknesses, rather, people need others who focus on their strengths and encourage them to use those strengths to overcome obstacles.  Giving others encouragement, essentially motivating them to have courage and confidence, can be the push they need toward the abundant life of the Lord Jesus – even in the midst of discouraging circumstances.

I Thessalonians 5: 11 – So SPEAK encouraging words to one another.  Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.  I know you are already doing this, but keep doing it.

This behavior/attitude can apply to any situation in your life.  Not just helping a church get started!  You can encourage someone that they can get good grade, they can score goals for the team, they don’t have to “party”…the list is endless.

So what are the results of encouragement?  SUCCESS

Acts 11: 22-24 – When the church of Jerusalem got wind of this, they sent Barnabas to Antioch to check on things.  As soon as he arrived, he saw that God was behind and in on it all.  He threw himself in with them, got behind them, encouraging and urging them to stay with it the rest of their lives.  He was a good man that way: enthusiastic and confident in the Holy Spirit’s ways.  THE COMMUNITY GREW LARGE AND STRONG IN THE MASTER.

January 22nd

Why Do We Have Difficult People In Our Lives?

Have you ever wondered why God can’t just change certain people so it would make your life easier?  I mean, it would be much easier to love them if God would work on their faults, right?

Here is a new perspective….

You have been anointed to reveal Christ to those difficult people.  They are not there just to constantly bring you down.  They are put there because they need YOU to bring them up – by just being who you are. 

You can affect the lives of others and encourage them to follow Christ by simply revealing Christ to them through your behavior. 

Don’t let people irritate you because they are a distraction.  That is hating an obstacle instead of over-coming it.  Focus on the purpose God has in the situation.  It is the person, the relationship that you are there to affect.  Overcome your feelings of wanting to “put them in their place”, rather demonstrate Christ to them by how you react to them. 

Verse:  I Peter 3:8-9 – Summing up:  Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble.  That goes for all of you, no exceptions.  No retaliation.  No sharp tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless – that’s your JOB, to bless.  You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.  

January 29th

Focus On The Blessings

God honors Christ-like behavior. 

But things happen in life.  Things that will get you down, things that disappoint, things that utterly break your heart, things that anger you, things that tempt you to stray from being a Christian. 

During these times, it is so hard to have Christ-like reactions and we tend to obey our emotions and feelings rather than falling back on our faith. 

How can we train ourselves to overcome our tendency to react in ways contrary to God’s word?  A good start is to focus on the past…I know that sounds like weird advice.  This is because when most people focus on the past, it is to recall things that can be used to feed negative thoughts.  We remember the bad things and let those memories fuel bitterness.

That is not the past you should focus on.  Rather, focus on the blessings from God in your life.  If you think about it, there are really too many to count.  And when you are in the midst of disappointment, heartache, anger, frustration, etc., being thankful for the blessings you do have can break the yoke of bondage to our feelings.  Remembering what God has done in the past will fuel your faith to wait on God and will see you through your present circumstances.

Verse: Psalm 103: 1-6 – O my soul, bless God.  From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name.  O my soul, bless God, DON’T FORGET A SINGLE BLESSING!   He forgives your sins – every one.  He heals your diseases – every one.  He redeems you from hell – saves your life.  He crowns you with love and mercy – a paradise crown.  He wraps you in goodness – beauty eternal.  He renews your youth – you’re always young in His presence.  God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet.