have you had your devotions today?

The past couple of days I’ve really been thinking about my grandparents. I didn’t know my mother’s parents well but I was blessed with knowing my father’s parents. They lived not too far from where we lived. We actually could ride bikes to their house!

All of my grandparents have passed on but they have left behind an amazing godly heritage. I am so thankful for the Christian values that my grandparents instilled in my parents and my parents in me. We called my dad’s parents, Nan & Pop.

I want to take some time and write down some memories I have with Nan & Pop.

I remember as a child going over to their house and sitting on Nana’s lap. Even as I grew she would want me to sit on her lap. I told her I would break her (because she was the tiniest thing) but she insisted even as a teen to sit on her lap.

I remember when my parents went away on a trip, I stayed at Nan & Pop’s. I actually think I had pneumonia or some other ailment during that time. They always took such great care of me.

I remember the organ that sat in their back room. This was the organ my dad played in church. I would go back there, turn it on and play. Also in that back room we did a lot of reading…Nan had those wonderful Bible story books…they were Arch story books. We would sit and read together and one of the highlights was getting recorded on the tape recorder! As a child I loved hearing myself or others on tape. What technology!

Another memory I have are playing games…Pop loved Chinese checkers and Tri-Ominos. We had a blast playing those games. They also had a Bugs Bunny puzzle that I loved to put together…I actually still have it!

Often times I would eat at Nan & Pop’s. Nan would make pot roasts and potatoes and served salad with her homemade 1,000 island dressing. I would help her set the table.

Pop was a great gardener. I loved smelling all the magnificent roses that Pop grew.

These are some wonderful memories and I’m so thankful I can still remember them but there is one thing that I remember most about my grandparents….they were amazing godly people. They were faithful in church, faithful in prayer, faithful to each other, faithful to their family, faithful to God.

There is one thing that Pop used to do every time he saw me and I know he asked it of other family members as well. He would ask, “Did you have your devotions today?” I can’t tell you how many times as a teenager I would make some response up. I think I did that because I didn’t want to disappoint him but at the same time why lie about something like that? We are all human and we all have days when we don’t spend time with the Lord. We should strive for that daily relationship continually. It wasn’t until later, as I matured, that I really appreciated Pop asking that question and to this day I really miss hearing it. I think Nan & Pop would be pleased to see where I am with the Lord today. I can’t wait to see Nan & Pop again when we are reunited in heaven, praise the Lord! I just can’t wait to tell Pop how much I appreciated him asking that question of me and how much it has influenced my daily walk with the Lord.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4

HE IS ABLE

A couple of songs for you today. On my walk this morning I was reminded of a good song that I haven't heard in a very long time. The lyrics go like this:

He is able, more than able
to accomplish what concerns me today.
He is able, more than able
to handle anything that comes my way.
He is able, more than able
to do much more than I could ever dream,
He is able, more than able,
to make me what He wants me to be.

You can search for the song and play it here.


As I was searching for the song on youtube I found this other song by the same name. It's actually a song I used to sing as a special in church. I haven't heard this song in years as well. It was so encouraging to hear again. Interestingly enough the song is sung by one of my favorites, Whitley Phipps. He just has the most magnificent voice. The ironic thing is that he is singing this amazing song filled with unbelievable truth on the Oprah Winfrey show. Of course this was many years ago but to see this Oprah show of yesteryear and compare it to what her show is now, the two are very different.

Here's the video clip:

turning back the hands of time

I must say as I’ve gotten older I’ve become one of those people who long for the “good ‘ol days”. I know I still have a lot of life left to live if God has that for me but as I’ve aged I’ve experienced more. As a child, I remember feeling so safe and secure. I recall being able to play outside and riding my bike all over…I would walk over to the school across the street and play on the playground. I even remember as I got a little older, walking down to the drug store and grocery store! Some of those things kids can’t do today because of the world in which we now live. The thing I long for the most when I look back is the innocence. I hear people that are older than me talking about more innocent times when they were growing up and really those days were more innocent.

Things weren’t talked about as widely as they are today (i.e.: teen pregnancy, homosexuality, abortion, etc). Nowadays we fight over these things. We stand firm in our beliefs on these topics whichever side it may be. We vote on these issues. We look to leadership who believe the same things we do. Life seems to have gotten more hectic as the years go on. I know there is nothing new under heaven. Nothing is a surprise to God and shouldn’t be a surprise to us.

There are days when I wish I could turn back the hands of time. Go back to my more innocent days when I didn’t have the realm of knowledge I do today. But where does that put me? As nice as it would be go back to those days it is our future that has the hope and promise! I know during these days of uncertainty it doesn’t seem like there is a lot of hope but God does promise that to His children.

During this election period I just keep reminding myself that God is in control regardless of the outcome. People are scared. They want someone to save them and to make everything better. Neither of the candidates can do that only Christ can! Christ came so that we could have life and live it abundantly. Christ promises us that His plans are the best for us…they are plans to prosper us and not to harm us. What great truth! Why do we as Christians often forget this?

Christians can certainly get caught up in the “woe is me” feelings…the economy is crashing; our nation is headed into a socialist society, etc, etc. But remember…Christ already came to set us free! He has been and always will be in control. As we count down the days to Election Day, let us not stop looking to the one who holds our hope, who holds our future. May we earnestly go to God in prayer, asking, begging for His mercy on our nation.

IN GOD WE STILL TRUST!

examples in overcoming

I spent some time watching videos on godtube and youtube last night. I came across two that caused some tears to form in my eyes. One is about a deaf violinist. As a former violinist myself, I think of the adversity those with a disability might encounter in order to play a beloved instrument whether it be a violin, a piano, or even in singing. This video has a powerful message.


The second is another video on overcoming challenge. Two dancers come together and show how even without an arm or a leg they can do something amazing using each others strengths. It's an amazing video to watch.


Both are a good reminder that WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God." Luke 18:27

the moon and the stars, the sun and the earth and jupiter and mars

God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. Genesis 1:16

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place. Psalm 8:3

By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. Psalm 33:6

I have always had a fascination with space...meaning outer space. As a child I used to love going to the Wright Patt Air Force Museum and walking through the space history area. Of course I always had to have space ice cream before I left the museum! I just had such a desire to be in space, even as a child. When I went to a planetarium, I found myself emotionally overwhelmed as I watched the presentation. A couple of years ago I saw a movie called, "In the Shadow of the Moon". It was a documentary about the lunar shuttles and the landing. I couldn't get enough of it!


I love gazing into the sky in the morning to see the sunrise and in the evening to stare at the stars and moon. It just so happens that when I walk in the mornings I've been able to see the moon still bright and high in the sky and the sunrise all in the same walk! It's been amazing. I've actually tripped a couple of times because I've been gawking at the sky and not looking in front of me.


I think the reason I am so in awe of the heavens is that not only did my Creator create it but I have such a desire to be in heaven one day. Sometimes I feel the closest to God and those who have gone before me by just gazing into the heavens. I'm just amazed at how the stars and planets hang in space at God's command. Wow!


When was the last time you gazed into the sky? Whether it be day time or night time the heavens are outstanding and that is just one facet of God's creation. I encourage you to stop and study the clouds, the stars, the sunrise, the sunset, the colors and shades...all the things that make up the heavens. Thank God for his mighty creation!

being held

I like a wide range of music, especially when it comes to Christian music. The song I'm posting today is one that has always been encouraging to me. It describes the hurts and pains that we face in life and how at times we can feel so alone. There are others in life that have been through the same trials but none compare to what Jesus went through. He faced it all. He felt all the emotions we face. He has been there and He is there now to hold us and carry us through our struggles. How encouraging to know that the God I worship and love has experienced life as man and knows what I deal with day in and day out. I hope that encourages you too.

Hold Me Now
By: Kirk Franklin

The spring of April is gone
The leaves have all turned brown
The children are all grown up
And there's no one around
I'm looking over my life
And all the mistakes I've made
And I'm afraid, afraid
Somebody told me that
You would wash all my sins
And cleanse me from the scars
That are so deep within
So I'm calling to you
If you can hear me, I don't know how
I was wondering
Can You hold me now?

You are the only one that's patient when I fall
Your angels come to save me every time I call
You don't laugh at me when I make mistakes and cry
You're not like man, you understand me

See people change
One day they don't like You
The next they do
I wish that everyone
Could love me just like You
So here I am, this sinful man
Peace won't allow
I was wondering
Can You hold me now?
I was wondering
Can You hold me now?

To every broken person that may hear this song
To every boy or girl who feels their smile is gone
I know exactly how it feels
To lay in the bed at night
And cry, and cry
Don't you worry
God is faithful and He cares
About the tears you drop
And the pain you feel, He's there
When you are weak, that's when He's strong
Even though you don't know how
Don't you worry
Jesus can hold you now

making plans

Proverbs 16:9

We make our own plans, but the LORD decides where we will go. (CEV)

We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it. (The Message)

In your heart you plan your life. But the Lord decides where your steps will take you. (NIRV)

The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. (NASB)

This verse was on my calendar for today. I can't recall ever reading this verse and truly listening to the words. I know I've read it because I've often times read a chapter of Proverbs a day. But today that verse stood out to me.

I know there are a lot of things in my life that I have a plan for. When I was younger and getting ready to graduate high school, I initially had plans to go to a local medical school to study to be a radiology technician. I wasn't accepted into the school, so I went on to college. When I entered there I thought I wanted to be a teacher and I studied that path. That door later closed. I also had a plan to get married and have a family by a certain age. These were all plans that I had created and they became desires of my heart. But in reading this passage I am yet reminded, I can plan and dream all I want but it's God that is going to direct my every step and lead me. No matter what I do, what choices I make, God decides where my steps will take me.

That is encouraging to me...to know that He knows my life, He knows my dreams and plans and He will guide me every where I go. God is looking out for me and He's looking out for you. His plans are the best and He wants to pour down His blessings on us.

I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 The Message

Are we seeking His guidance in all that we do? Do we trust God with all our heart?

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5-6 The Message

it could be today

I received this devotional today in my email. It was written by David Jeremiah.

Country music artist Tim McGraw's hit single "Live Like You Were Dying" was a number one hit in 2004. It tells the story of a man faced with a terminal disease and how he chooses to spend his final days on earth: sky diving, bull riding, fishing, and mountain climbing. At a deeper level, the song's subject also begins to read the Bible and forgive everyone who had ever wronged him.

All of us are faced with the terminal disease called death that should keep us motivated to use our time wisely. But the Christian has an even more urgent deadline approaching: the Rapture of the church when Jesus Christ returns to call those who are His to meet Him in the sky. The Bible says that event could happen today. If you lived today as if it were your last day on earth, what would you do differently? Most important, who would you tell about Jesus? Who would you urge to repent of their sins and receive God's forgiveness if you knew that Jesus' return was just a few hours away?

The truth is, His return is nearer now than it was yesterday—and it could be today. Who is waiting for you to share the good news of the Gospel with them before it is too late?

Here is the song.

I Asked God

I asked God to take away my habit. God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No. I give you blessing; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No. I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me. God said…Finally you have the idea.

I received this reading in an email. Click here for the link.

Standing on the Promises

Joshua 23:14

You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. (NIV)

The Lord your God has kept all of the good promises he gave you. Every one of them has come true. Not one has failed to come true. And you know that with all your heart and soul. (NIRV)

Know this with all your heart, with everything in you, that not one detail has failed of all the good things GOD, your God, promised you. It has all happened. Nothing's left undone—not so much as a word. (The Message)

My daily calendar had this verse on it today. The more I read it and mulled over it, the more it encouraged me. The fact that every one of God’s promises has been fulfilled and not one has failed is an amazing thought. That gives me encouragement today and in the days to come. No matter what happens in life God’s promises are true and we can stand firm on those promises. As I typed those last words I recalled a hymn we used to sing in church, “Standing on the Promises”. Below are the words and a video. Reacquaint yourself with that wonderful hymn that is full of truth. Through Christ, we can live victoriously regardless of the situations we face in life. Are you standing on God’s promises today?



Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

Chorus:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

a difference a hug can make

Today as I was working, one of the older ladies from our congregation came in. She was in need of a ride to the bank. She is definitely a more haggard looking woman and isn't very clean. She has a son that lives with her but he doesn't take care of her. We don't know if she eats and bathes regularly...she is in need of a lot of help. She had walked from her home to the church to look for a ride since the bank was too far. Several of the staff were gone to lunch and the pastor came in and asked if I would take her. Deep down in my heart I was hoping he would take her. I didn't know this woman and to be honest I was a little afraid of having her in my car. I know that wasn't a right attitude to have at the moment but that soon changed. We got to my car and I had to help her in as she was rather frail. As we rode to the bank we had conversation about her life. I found out that after we were done with the bank, I needed to take her home. Since I am fairly new to the area, I had no idea where the road was that she lived on! So here we were, a woman who is loosing her mental capabilities and a woman who had no idea where she was going! We really took the scenic route but after several minutes we found her home. I went around the side to her door to help her out of the car. She just laughed and apologized for the run around and thanked me for taking her. It was then she reached over and hugged me. At that moment I forgot that she was frail and unclean. I hugged her back. I left with a smile on my face and a real blessing in my heart. That incident reminded me of something. We have a choice to react to each and every situation that we are faced with every day. Initially I wasn't too thrilled with having to take her to the bank but as I took the time to listen to her and enjoy getting lost with her I remembered that she is God's creation just like I am. God loves her just as much as He loves me and I should love her as He does. What a lesson! I went back to work feeling extremely touched and blessed by the unexpected car ride.

Slow Fade

This is a great song with a powerful message. Check it out.

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

God shuffles my iPod

In the mornings when I walk, I usually have my iPod with me. When I start my walk I select “Shuffle Songs”. Even in the randomization process, I don’t believe it is totally random. I am convinced that the songs that play are meant for my ears that very morning. God has a hand in my iPod’s shuffling process. There have been many walks where a song comes on that just touches my heart in an amazing way or is a reminder of a truth that I needed to hear at that very moment. This morning that song was, “God Will Make a Way”. It’s an older chorus but its lyrics are overwhelmingly true.

God will make a way
When there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way
He will make a way!

God's Answers to Prayer

Dear Lord, help me understand, as I kneel to pray,
That You, indeed, will answer it, though there are several ways.
The first, of course, is obvious, the one we most like to receive.
If everyone got a "yes" to their prayers, it would be easy to believe.

But, Father, there are two more ways You may handle my appeal.
So, please don't let Your denial dampen my spiritual zeal.
For You alone can see beyond the benefits I ask for,
So help me take "no" for an answer, when You decide to shut the door.

And don't let me forget the third way You may answer my request,
Because You know exactly the time that it would benefit me best.
You see, the hardest answer of them all, develops true virtue -
For we develop patience, Lord, when we learn to wait on
You.

By: Beth Fisher

with all my heart

WITH ALL MY HEART
By: Babbie Mason

In this quiet place with you I bow before your throne
I bare the deepest part of me to you and you alone
I keep no secrets for there is no thought You have not known
I bring my best and all the rest to you and lay them down

With all my heart I want to love you Lord
And live my life each day to know you more
All that is in me is yours completely
I’ll serve you only with all my heart

You faithfully supply my needs according to your plan
So help me Lord to seek your face before I seek your hand
And trust you know what's best for me when I don't understand
Then follow in obedience in every circumstance

With all my heart I want to love you Lord
And live my life each day to know you more
All that is in me is yours completely
I’ll serve you only with all my heart