It's Such A Pain

The dictionary describes pain as:

pain   [peyn]

noun

1.  physical suffering or distress, as due to injury, illness, etc.

2.  a distressing sensation in a particular part of the body: a back pain.

3.  mental or emotional suffering or torment: I am sorry my news causes you such pain.

4.  pains,

a.  laborious or careful efforts; assiduous care: Great pains have been taken to repair the engine perfectly.

b. the suffering of childbirth.

5.  Informal . an annoying or troublesome person or thing.

There are so many hidden pains, whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual, and yet most pain cannot be seen by anyone else.  It certainly cannot be felt by someone else, at least not in any comparable way because feelings cannot be shared that way.  Someone may say to you, “I know how you feel”, but the truth of the matter is they do not.  It is in every way impossible for one to know how anyone else feels.  We can imagine the pain another is in, but that is the full extent of it. 

How then do we reach out to those whose pain has become a burden beyond their means for endurance?  How do we help without smothering?  How do we help without insulting?  What do we say without hurting?

We’ve all heard the good intentions of others telling us to “call if you need anything”, or “keep your chin up, it will get better with time.”    I’ve heard some outrageous words of ‘encouragement’ when my husband became ill with brain cancer and later when he died from it; words that caused more pain to my already broken heart.  So we put on our Happy Mask and hide our pain from the world.

Hidden diseases, menacing pain in a body that looks in every way healthy, are an enigma to the outside world as well.  “You look just fine”, “It’s all in your head”, “Just don’t think about it”.  More words from those who think that they are helping, but in reality their help is “all in their head.”  

So what do we do?  Do we pretend that we are practically perfect in every way?  I’ve never been to successful at flying with umbrellas so I think we should leave the “practically perfect” pretense to Mary Poppins.  Do we hide from the world and lick our wounds in private?  Also not a good plan, hermits tend to get overly cantankerous and bow-legged.  What do we do?

We connect.  We find a place where we are free to be who we are.  A safe place where there are others who truly can imagine our pain, whatever kind of pain it is.  Or if they can’t imagine it, they can at least empathize with us, rather than patronize us.  A place where we are encouraged to look beyond our pain into the world as it can be when we are surrounded by the love of those who have already walked our journey or are on the same road we are walking now.  We find a place like CVO and SCwSG, where our life and our dreams are nourished, where we are free to leave our masks on the coat rack and we are free to express our pain, our thoughts, and our hopes.

Today's message was shared during a Zoom video call. Join people from all over the world and SCwSG/CVO members/volunteers every Tuesday, at 10am mst., for 15 minutes of:
Hope & Encouragement with Shelley Brandon!

SCwSG's Grief and Encouragement Coach

Deuteronomy 31:17

New King James Version (NKJV)
Joshua the New Leader of Israel

1 Then Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel. 2 And he said to them: “I am one hundred and twenty years old today. I can no longer go out and come in. Also the Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not cross over this Jordan.’ 3 The Lord your God Himself crosses over before you; He will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua himself crosses over before you, just as the Lord has said. 4 And the Lord will do to them as He did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites and their land, when He destroyed them. 5 The Lord will give them over to you, that you may do to them according to every commandment which I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
7 Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. 8 And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

God is preparing His people for a change. They are about to enter the Promised Land, but it will not be under the leadership of Moses. God knows how hard change can be for people especially when it has to do with leadership. The people were not always pleased with Moses, often they complained against Moses, but Moses was the one who had led them out of bondage in Egypt and through the desert for 40 years. The people had come to trust that Moses could get them out of a tight spot. Now Moses tells the people he is too old to continue leading the people and God has said that Moses would not enter the Promised Land. Moses reminds the people that it was God, not Moses, who has gone before the people as they traveled. It is God, not Moses, who defeated the Amorites and gave their land to the Israelites and God will continue to go before the Israelites and defeat their enemies. They are instructed to remain strong and courageous because God will never leave them nor forsake them.

God has called Joshua to take Moses' place as the leader of His people. If you have ever been called to replace a beloved leader you can imagine how Joshua may have felt. He may have had feelings of insecurity and doubt. God does two things to encourage and strengthen Joshua. He has Moses appoint Joshua in front of the entire Hebrew Nation and He tells Joshua that He is with him. God tells Joshua to be strong and of good courage because He will cause Joshua to be successful as He follows God's command. The people will inherit the land God has promised to them because God will go before Joshua and cause it to happen. He also tells Joshua personally that He will never leave nor forsake him.

God is still a close and personal God! He desires to have a close personal relationship with each of us. His promise to go before and never leave nor forsake is not only for Joshua and the Israelites it is for each of us. I don't know what changes you are facing in your life or what positions God has called you to but I do know that He is telling you that He is with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. So remain strong and courageous my friend, your God is with you! He is going before you and He will be successful as He leads you!

Father, Source of my strength, thank You for being close beside me! Thank You Jesus that through You I can draw on the strength of the Father! Thank You that You are the same yesterday, today and forever and that the promises in your Word are for me as well! Go before me today I pray. help me to remain stron and courageous as I walk through this life and do all the things You call me to do! In Jesus strong and powerful name, amen!

Carried to the Table

2 Samuel 4:4

New King James Version (NKJV)

4 Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel; and his nurse took him up and fled. And it happened, as she made haste to flee, that he fell and became lame. His name was Mephibosheth.

2 Samuel 9:1-3, 5-7, 9-11

New King James Version (NKJV)

1Now David said, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”
2 And there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba. So when they had called him to David, the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?”
He said, “At your service!”
3 Then the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?”
And Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet.”

5 Then King David sent and brought him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar.

6 Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself. Then David said, “Mephibosheth?”
And he answered, “Here is your servant!”
7 So David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.”

9 And the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “I have given to your master’s son all that belonged to Saul and to all his house. 10 You therefore, and your sons and your servants, shall work the land for him, and you shall bring in the harvest, that your master’s son may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s son shall eat bread at my table always.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.
11 Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king has commanded his servant, so will your servant do.”
“As for Mephibosheth,” said the king, “he shall eat at my table like one of the king’s sons.”

At a recent church service, just before partaking in the LORD's Supper, I heard a beautiful song. Immediately God brought the story of Mephibosheth and David to mind. Mephibosheth was the son of Jonathan, grandson of king Saul. Now Jonathan had a son who was injured at age five. His injury caused him to be lame in his feet. Mephobisheth would need someone to care for him for the rest of his life. No problem, right!? His father was next in line to become king. But God has given each of us free will and we do not always make good choices. Such was the case with Saul. God had given Saul explicit instructions that he chose not to follow completely. When Samuel confronted Saul he lied and made excuses. Saul lost his kingship because of unconfessed sin. God made David king, not Jonathan. This meant Saul's transgression had cost his family their inheritance and Mephibosheth his security.

But God had a plan. He had brought Jonathan and David together early and they had a friendship based with God in the center. David had promised Jonathan that he would never forget Jonathan or any of his descendants when he became king. David was true to his word!

Our ancestors, Adam and Eve forfeited our inheritance in paradise when they sinned in the garden. But God had a plan for us too! He sent His Son, Who calls us to Himself. When we come to Him He restores our inheritance and carries our broken, lame, helpless spirits and set us where we could never earn the right to be, His table! Won't you come to Him today!

Father, Creator, Provider, Healer, I come to You just as I am, broken and lame by the things of this world. A sinner, undeserving to receive the gift of life You offer me. I know I am a sinner. Today I confess me sins to You. I open the door of my heart that You have been knocking at and ask You to come into my life. Create in me a clean heart O God. Carry me to Your table! In Jesus saving name, Amen!

Perserverence

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

New King James Version (NKJV)
Striving for a Crown

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.



Today the Olympic Opening Ceremonies will be broadcast from London, England to the world. Much of the world has been looking forward to this day with great anticipation and hope! Every nation hopes to achieve bragging rights of having the "best" by winning gold medals.As I though about the word opening I was struck by the irony of the word. Opening paints a picture of a beginning point, a starting place and although that is true for these particular competitions, it is far from the beginning for the participants!. Years of training, discipline and competitions have preluded this particular point in time. Most of these athletes began training as children for their events. All of them know the agony of defeat, the thrill of success and the difficulty of dedication. I am sure all of them at one time or another wondered if it was really worth the early mornings, late nights, giving up of television, birthday parties, dances, school functions, torn muscles, aching or broken bones, and bruises. They had times they wondered if the hard work and perserverence would bring them to their goal. They all had skills that seemed impossible to "get" when they were in the process of learning them. Some of them may have even given up at one time and quit and then returned because of their love for the sport. I promise you Beloved that every athlete competeing at the Olympics is glad they perservered now. The hardships of training are behind them and they are all jubilant to be in London this year!

Paul likens our Christian walk to a race. There are certain things that God asks us to do to help make our walk easier. God teaches us to Hide His word in our hearts so we don't sin against Him (Psalm 119:10-12). Memorizing scripture is not easy but with God's help, it is not impossible. Memorizing and meditating on God's word gives us tools in our arsenal to defeat discouragement, depression, and temptations. It is the tool that gives us strength when we are weak, hope when we are hopeless and words to encourge the down trodden around us. God's word teaches us about God's character. It reveals the image of Christ, who we are striving to be transformed  into (Romans 12:2). It is one of the greatest skills we can aquire!

Another part of our training is prayer. Luke records numerous times that Jesus drew away to pray. Just like athletes depend on their coach for guidance, instruction, correction, and encouragement, we must depend on God. If an athlete showed up for practice unwilling to communicate with their coach the would not improve. Simply showing up is not enough. Simply showing up for church and Sunday school is not enough either. We must be willing to be active in our training! Training is never easy but when the opening ceremony begins for you in heaven you will recall all of your training with great joy!

Father, thank You that You never give up on me! You never lose patience. You wait with loving arms and kind words for me to seek You perfect coaching. Search me and know my heart. Show me if there is any wickedness in me. Create in me a clean heart. Help me to hide Your words in my heart so that I might not sin against You! Prepare me for eternity with You! In Jesus healing, saving name, amen!

Throw Off Your Coat

Mark 10:46-50

The Message (MSG)

46-48 They spent some time in Jericho. As Jesus was leaving town, trailed by his disciples and a parade of people, a blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus, was sitting alongside the road. When he heard that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by, he began to cry out, "Son of David, Jesus! Mercy, have mercy on me!" Many tried to hush him up, but he yelled all the louder, "Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!"
49-50 Jesus stopped in his tracks. "Call him over."
They called him. "It's your lucky day! Get up! He's calling you to come!" Throwing off his coat, he was on his feet at once and came to Jesus.

When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing by he called out to Him. The crowd tried to hush him up. He was a blind beggar and Jesus shouldn't be bothered. But Bartimaeus was undaunted by the crowed and yelled even louder. Jesus stopped and called Bartimaeus to come to him. Bartimaeus threw off his coat and immediately went to see Jesus. I was struck by the fact that Bartimaeus threw off his coat. Why and why was that fact important? Often we cloak ourselves from the world to cover our failures, blemishes and insecurities. Did Bartimaeus use his coat to hide himself as he sat beside the road and now that Jesus had acknowledged him he felt free to shed his coat?

As I drove down the street today I saw two people walking. One was headed north and the other south. One was a teenage girl and the other a young woman. They had not yet met and clearly did not intend to, as each one looked down and away from the other, changing course slightly to create more space as they passed each other. Neither one was over weight and there had never been any danger of them actually passing by close enough to touch but still they each widened the gap slightly.  Perhaps they were each having a bad day. Maybe they did not want to bother the other or maybe they were afraid of what the other might think if they spoke. Whatever the reason they passed by each other in silence. I was struck by the sadness of it. Then I though of all of the times I had been in a similar situation in the grocery store, post office, or elevator and done the same thing. Immediately Matthew 28:19-20 came to mind. Jesus told us to "Go" and keep going into our community and all of the world talking to them about the Gospel of Christ. God created us for fellowship with Him and with each other. How sad it must make Him when we blindly walk by each other.

Father we cry out to You today, heal our blindness. Help us to shed our coats of insecurity and reach out to those around us. When we find ourselves blinded by our fears and insecurities help us to cry out to You in faith just like Bartimaeus did. Open our eyes Father. In Jesus

Fitting In

Deuteronomy 18:9-14

New King James Version (NKJV)

9 “When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you. 13 You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. 14 For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the Lord your God has not appointed such for you.

We all want to "fit in". We want to "fit in" at home, at work, at school, at church, in our communities, and even with our activities. Sometimes it becomes so important to us that we are willing to compromise our own likes, desires, or dreams to "fit in". "Fitting in" can look like different things to different people. Some people equate acceptance with prestige, wealth, success and good looks. Others want to be mediocre. To them "fitting in" is not standing out or being noticed. There are even those who see "fitting in" as being the biggest, baddest, toughest person on the planet. We equate "fitting in" with freedom. Freedom from insecurity, hopelessness, shame, hurt and numerous other things. The reality is "fitting in" leads to sin and sin is bondage. We become a slave to the world's way of thinking. We are always striving for the next thing that we need to do, buy, or achieve in order to "fit in". The other problem with "fitting in" is often times the crowd you were so eager to "fit it" with will leave you as soon as you no longer suit their purpose.

God warned the Israelites of trying to conform to the ways of the people He was casting out of the pomised land. He knew conformity with the wold would draw His people away from Him and lead to slavery and misery. Jesus told the story of the Prodigal Son who so desperately wanted to do what looked like fun that he demanded his inheritance and left his father's house. While the prodigal had money he had friends and "fit in". As soon as the money ran out his friends abandoned him and he was left penniless, homeless and friendless in an unfamiliar city.

The good news is God loves us! He loves us so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son to pay the debt we accrued while trying to "fit in"! He does not leave us friendless, He is our friend (John 15:15)! He does not leave us homeless, He is our shelter (Psalm 143:9)! He does not leave us hopeless, He is our hope! The truth is this world is not our home. We will never "fit in" here. Stop trying to conform to this world. Be conformed, by the Holy Spirit, into the image of Jesus. Only then will you know true joy and freedom!

Abba, Father, for too long I have tried to "fit in" to the world's mold. It has led me far from You! Here I am today, Daddy, with my arms open wide towrd You! I repent and turn away from the things of this world. Mold me and shape me into the image of Your Son. Take me in Your arms I pray! In Jesus beautiful name, amen.

Security

Psalm 51:11-13


New King James Version (NKJV)
11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.

Romans 8:37-39


New King James Version (NKJV)
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Yesterday I heard part of an uplifting message on Pilgrim Radio. The gentleman was talking about David and Saul, God's removal of His spirit from Saul and the assurance we have as believers in our salvation. We know from scripture that God is no respecter of persons and that Jesus taught that sin is sin. There are not verying degrees of sin. In fact Jesus taught that the mere thought of committing the act was the same as committing the sin.  Saul disobeyed God; he did not utterly destroy the Amalekites and all of their belongings. He spared Agag, the king, and allowed the people to keep the best possesions. David also sinned; he commited adultery and then tried to cover it up with murder. Both lost something because of their sin. Saul lost the kingdom and God's Spirit, David lost a child and eventually the kingdom.

Romans 8:38-39 tells us that once we belong to God, nothing can separate us from his love. I have always been convinced thatthis is true, but I also believe it is wrong to take pieces of scripture and use them to promote my beliefs. God gave us all of scripture so that we can have a more complete picture of whi He is and what He desires. Psalm 51 was written after David's sin had been pointed out to him by Nathan. David knew God could and would take His Spirit away from those who turned away from God. He had seen it happen to Saul, so David pleads with God not to remove His Holy Spirit from him. David had seen what happened to Saul as a result and wanted no part of that. There is another piece of information here that I overlooked when reading Psalm 51, perhaps you have too. David does not plead with God to restore his salvation. He asks God to restore the joy of God's salvation to himDavid's sin had separated him from God and caused him great anguish. David records in Psalm 32 the physical, emotional and mental consequences of his sin, now he wanted God to forgive him and restore the joy of his salvation to him.

So take heart Believer! If you find yourself separated from God because of sin, you have not forfeited your salvation. You may have lost your joy. Repent, return to the Source of your joy and ask Him to restore the joy of His salvation to you. He will!

Father, thank You for the security and assuance of my salvation! Thank You that You promise that nothing can separate me from Your immeasuable love fo me! Father I know that my sin can and has separated me from You. Forgive my for my transgressions, ceate in me a clean heart and restore to me the joy of Your salvation. I pray in Jesus, healing, powerful name, amen

Encouragement...Pass it on!

Hebrews 10:24-25
The Message (MSG)
 22-25So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

In the beginning of the book of Daniel some of the children of Israel are taken into captivity. These young men have not been randomly selected. They are all children from nobility, good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, quick to understand, and without blemish. These were all children who had been born with a "silver spoon in their mouths" so-to-speak! Daniel does not tell us how many children were ripped from the only homes they had probably known, their parents, their families and friends and carried off 900 miles to Babylon. Four of the youth are highlighted however, they are Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. We don't know if these young men knew each other prior their captivity, became friends on the long journey, or if they first met in captivity. We do know that they were all set under the same steward (Daniel 1:11) We also know these boys stuck together and were prayer partners (Daniel 1:11-17 and Daniel 2:13-18).

The purpose for the captivity of these specific children of Israel was so that they might be assimilated into the Babylonian culture and serve the king. "But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (Daniel 1:6). Daniel obviously had an intimate relationship with God and he was not going to do anything to hurt that relationship. Sounds a little like resolutions we all make. Resolutions are hard to keep! We can determine to do or not do something and manage to keep the resolution for a while. We are more likely to keep that resolution when we have support and encouragement from family and friends! God provided friends for Daniel! I am sure they encouraged each other when temptations threatened to undo their conviction!

Today's devotional video is not a music video. It is a video about the resolve of one young man to accomplish a  task some thought too difficult for him. In fact he was given the option to not participate. His resolve and courage inspired his classmates to greatness. I have been truly blessed to know people like Matt W. They refuse to be imprisoned by physical or health limitations. Instead they have faith that God will give them the courage, strength and encouragement to do whatever He asks them to do. They pass that courage on to others through their encouragement!

Father, You have created each one of us! You have connected us to each other! Thank You for those in my life that have encouraged me! Help me to encourage those around me! In Jesus precious name, amen!

Great is My Faithfulness?

Micah 6:8
Amplified Bible (AMP)
8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?


Hebrews 11:6
New King James Version (NKJV)
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

James 2:21-23

New King James Version (NKJV)
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”[a] And he was called the friend of God.




Because of God's great love, faithfulness, kindness and mercy toward me I desire to please Him. Exactly how do I do that? How do you give God a gift that will please Him? He has everything and if there were ever anything He needed or wanted it He could certainly create it! Isaiah tells me that all of my righteousness is like filthy rags so how can I please God?

Micah 6:8 tells us God has already shown us how to please Him. He requires that we act justly, be honest in our dealings with friends, family, neighbors and others; to love kindness and mercy, to extend grace and forgiveness to those who offend or injure us and to treat everyone with the same love, forgiveness, patience, understanding, and mercy that God treats us with and we are to do theses things in order to bring glory to God, not ourselves.

The writer of Hebrews says that it is impossible to please God without faith. What is faith? According to Webster faith is allegiance to duty or a person, belief and trust in and loyalty to God. Seems simple enough until the next crisis hits and I scramble, worry and fret about how "I can fix" the situation. Oops, that doesn't show trust in God! Trusting in God would give me peace that no matter what happens He is in control and is caring for me. Okay so maybe my faithfulness isn't perfect, but it can be great with God's help! In those times that my faith falters He is just and good to remind me of Who He is and what He is capable of! When I repent and turn back to Him, He is quick to forgive. Through every failure, God draws me closer to Him and my faith is strengthened! He will continue to work in me and give me opportunities to work with Him so that my faith may be made perfect!

Father You are the Author and Finisher of my faith! I desire to please You above all things! So great is Your faithfulness to me! Forgive me when my faith falters! Help me to do all that pleases You! Strengthen my faith! In Jesus Name, amen!

Great Is Thy Faithfulness!

Hebrews 13:8
New King James Version (NKJV)
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Psalm 103:17-18  (NKJV)
"But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.”

We live in an ever changing world. It wasn't so long go that if you wanted to see someone you had to travel to where they were. Now all we need to have is a internet access, a computer or smart phone, and Skype or a similar program. It brings a whole new meaning to "Reach out and touch someone"! Governments change, nations leadership changes, stocks, world economy, and weather. We change jobs or careers, move, buy new cars, furniture, clothing and shoes. It seems as if nothing in our lives is constant. We enjoy variety when it comes to food, clothing, cars, television show, and music. We do not like variety when it involves things we had counted on to remain in our lives such as our job or home, those types of changes bring stress.

God is unchanging! He is the same yesterday, today and forever! The words He spoke to the prophets and to the apostles He speaks to you today. His words of encouragement and promise are meant for each of us today! His love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and restoration are still available to all who will believe and ask! What a comfort to know that in this ever changing world there is a solid Rock upon which we can stand, a Fortress we can hide in! Great is God's faithfulness!

Father You are unchanging! You are still God! You can still supply our every need, calm our every fear and dry our every tear! You still answer prayers and bless our lives with wonderful gifts! You change the seasons and keep each planet and star in place! I thank You and praise You O God my Father for all of the gifts You have given me, especially the gift of salvation! Continue to transform me into Your likeness! I pray in Jesus unchanging name, amen.

Today's Devotional brought to you by Prayer Warrior Michelle Simpson

* Conversion - by Julie Ackerman
2 Corinthians 12:14-21
New King James Version (NKJV)
Love for the Church

14 Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.

16 But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning! 17 Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?

19 Again, do you think[a] that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification. 20 For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; 21 lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.


Before my husband and I travel, we go to the bank and trade in our US dollars for the currency of the country we’ll be visiting. We do this so we can pay for expenses while we’re away from home.

When we become Christians, another kind of exchange takes place. Our lives are like currency that we convert from one medium to another. We trade our old life for a new one so that we can begin “spending” ourselves in a different kingdom. Instead of spending ourselves for the causes of this world, we are able to start spending ourselves for the cause of Christ.

The apostle Paul is a good example of this difference. After his dramatic conversion on the way to Damascus (Acts 9), he began spending his life in a dramatically different way. Instead of pursuing Christians to imprison and kill them, he began pursuing non-Christians to convert them. Then he spent the rest of his life for their welfare. He wrote to the church at Corinth, “I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls” (2 Cor. 12:15). Everything he did was for the edification of his spiritual children (vv.14,19).

Conversion is far more than just changing our final destination. It’s changing the way we spend each day of our lives.

Lord, help me to spend myself on what will last,not on what will fade away one day.I give my life to You that I might spend and be spentfor others and Your will. Amen.Conversion takes only a moment—transformation takes a lifetime.

 * Taken from Our Daily Bread May 24, 2012

Today's Devotional brought to you by Prayer Warrior Michelle Simpson

Romans 12:10
New King James Version (NKJV)
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

As I was having my quiet time this morning, I was reading Leviticus chapter 19. The chapter begins with "...You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy." Then the chapter begins to describe what that looks like. Much of the chapter talks about our relationships with others. One of the verses that stuck out to me was verse 32; "You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord."  I was reminded of a time in our Country when an elderly or disabled person came into a room or boarded a bus people would stand and offer them their seat, out of courtesy. That rarely happens anymore. We have adopted an "every one for themselves" attitude. Common courtesies seem to be disappearing at an alarming rate!
As I read my Bible I am convinced that the things we did out of courtesy were once done because God commanded them to be done. Children were taught to respect their parents and elders and to treat others as they wanted to be treated because God commanded it. A courtesy is just something you do because it is a nice gesture. It does not carry the threat of a consequence if you do not perform the task. A command is a law and as with all laws it carries the promise of a consequence if it is not followed. There is a reason God commanded us to teach our children (Deut. 4:9, 10; 6:7; 11:19; 31:19).
How we treat one another is very important to God! He loves each one of us the same.! He does not love one more than the other! It is His desire that not one be lost but all should have eternal life. How we treat each other is so important that God places reminders of how He desires us to treat each other throughout scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments. Next time you have the opportunity to be courteous do and then use it as a teaching moment. When someone asks you why tell them, "because God commands me to." It may just begin a conversation that leads to a salvation, and that may change the world!

Father, Teacher, continue to teach me Your precepts! Your word is alive and as relevant today as it was when it was written! Help me to never miss a moment  when You are teaching me or a moment to pass Your precepts on to those around me. I love You LORD! Help me to become holy just as You are holy! In Jesus cleansing, righteous name, amen!

Today's Devotional brought to you by Prayer Warrior Michelle Simpson

Acts 15:7-11
New King James Version (NKJV)
7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: “Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ[a] we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”

I grew up in a Christian home and gave my life to Jesus at a young age. I knew He loved me, but growing up I believed the amount of love you received was dependent on who you were, how you looked or how you performed. Because I believed the love of important people in my life was based on these things I also, mistakenly believed God's love was as well.

In high school I took a Great Religions of the World class an decided in order for God to love me more I needed to convert to Judaism. After much research I was disappointed to learn you had to be born Jewish to actually be Jewish. God's chosen people will always be the Jewish people but how comforting these words from Acts are! They assure us that even though we were not born into the Jewish faith, God loves us too and wants us to be with Him for eternity! He makes no distinction between us and them! So deep is His love for us that He sent His only Begotten Son to pay our debt!

Father, how great is Your love for all of Your children whether Jew or Gentile! Thank You that reached down and touched my life! Thank You that You call me Yours! Help me to never forget that! In Jesus name, amen.

Today's Devotional brought to you by Prayer Warrior Michelle Simpson

Isaiah 49:15-17
New King James Version (NKJV)
15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child,
And not have compassion on the son of her womb?
Surely they may forget,
Yet I will not forget you.
16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;
Your walls are continually before Me.
17 Your sons[a] shall make haste;
Your destroyers and those who laid you waste
Shall go away from you.

Genesis chapter one tells us how God created the heavens and the earth. From nothingness God spoke the world into existence. He lovingly and painstakingly created everything to sustain, nourish, and delight us. His hand holds every star and planet in place. Daniel chapter two tells us that God is the one who changes the times and seasons. Job chapters 37 and 38 tell us that God has treasuries of snow and tells the snow to fall and no two snowflakes are the same.
This is the same God who created you. No one else is like you! No one else can do the things you do the way you do them! No one else can reach another person in the same way you can! Just like the snowflakes you are unique! But God knows everything about you. He knows where you are at all times (Psalm 139)! He cares so deeply about you that He has numbered every hair on your head and inscribed your name on the palm of His hands! Amazing!!!

Father God, Creator, I am amazed at how great You are! Who am I that You care so deeply for me? I feel small and insignificant. I may have never done anything the world will remember but You promise You will never forget me! Thank You Jesus! Amen!

Your Enemy Prowls

Daily Devotional


Brought to you by Prayer Team member Bobbi Heffel

The enemy seeks to destroy us! “ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 It seems to me that he plots to distract us with entertainment, small problems, and great storms. After all if we were faced suddenly with overwhelming disaster we would at once turn to our Father to guide and protect us. No, I am convinced this crafty enemy of ours starts out with small things we think we can handle on our own. Then when our eyes are off the Lord and we don’t feel as close to Him as we once did, the enemy slams us.



If you feel like you are being picked on, you are. Remember in each, challenge or temptation is an opportunity for VICTORY. Our Lord has given us every tool we need to stand and fight.



1 Peter 5:7-9

New International Version (NIV)

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.



Prayer

Lord, Thank you for loving us! In these days of distraction and turmoil help us to keep our focus on you.


Song

Daily Devotional

Brought to you by Prayer Team member Bobbi Heffel

Jesus Changes Water Into Wine


John Chapter 2

2 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

4 “Woman,[a] why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.[b]

7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.

8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

12 After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days.



After rereading this passage I was amazed at how many lessons jumped out at me.

This was not a life threating issue, but would cause a great embarrassment yet, Jesus was compelled to act on their behalf. ~ He has compassion on our pleas.

The wedding party didn’t come to Jesus in a frenzy asking him to help but someone with a close relationship to Jesus that asked on their behalf.  ~We can make requests to God on the behalf of others.

Mary didn’t just make a request of Jesus, she made preparations, she gave instructions the servants. She expected something to happen.  ~This reminds me of that saying, don’t just pray for rain go on and make the fields ready for it.

Can you imagine yourself trying to arrange for more wine in short order? I just love Jesus’ actions here. He doesn’t get all flustered or try to figure out how this will be accomplished. With confidence he instructs the servants to fill the ceremonial water jars to the brim with water. With that done he tells the servants to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. Can you imagine what that servant thought!?   ~Am I willing to do what Jesus asks of me without question when it makes no sense to me?

When Jesus acted, he didn’t just fix the situation he went beyond what was requested or expected and provided the very best. ~ God desires His best for us.

Prayer
Lord, Thank you for your Holy word through which you reveal yourself to us. Thank you that we can read example after example of how you love and care for us! AMEN

Song

Daily Devotional

Daily Devotional brought to you by Jon Vasgar Prayer Warrior

                                                                                          Title: You Want Me to Do What? Part 4

Verses: Genesis 22:2 'Then He (God) said, "Take now your son, your only [son] Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you."'

The last time we saw Abraham, he had just been told he was going to have a son at a very old age. Like many of us, he didn't believe God could do that. Sarah laughed and was reproved by God. Sure enough, a year later, Isaac was born to the 100 yr old Abraham and the 90 yr old Sarah.

All was wonderful for awhile as now Abraham did have the promised son who would carry on the bloodline. He had send his other son and his mother away, so now he just had Isaac. God had promised Abraham that a great nation would be born of his son. But, just when life had settled down, God had something else in mind.

Reread the verse above. God has just told Abraham to take his only son and sacrifice him. Kill his son! Can you imagine. Ah, but look at what Abraham chooses to do. Rather than question God, read what happens next: 'So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you."' (Gen 22:3-5) Notice what Abraham said. 'We will come back to you.' Not, I will. No, so great was his faith that even though he knew that God was commanding him to kill his son, he knew God also would not break his promise! When Isaac questioned his father on the sacrifice, he said in vs 8 "My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering."

Oh, to have the faith of Abraham! Notice how far it got. In vs 9-10 'Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.' He was so committed to God, that he knew this was His will. He must have thought that God would raise Isaac from the dead or stop him from this. However, he followed through. As the knife came down, a hand reached out and stopped Abraham. God Himself sent an angel to stop Abraham and provided a ram to be sacrificed.

As a result, look at what was promised in vs 16-18 '"By Myself I have sworn, says the LORD, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only [son]-- blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which [is] on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice."

Now, I turn the question to you. How often as God's will not made any sense? How often have you felt His prompting and thought, "Nope, not going there God. You promised me THIS, but not THAT, so I'm gonna stay here." How amazing could your life be if, like Abraham, you just took that wild leap and did what He asked you to do? God isn't cruel, He wants to teach us. He used this to build Abraham AND Isaac's faith. What is holding you back from doing what God told you to do? What is keeping you back from an unbelievable (if not easy) life? Notice what Jesus says to us in John 15:10-11 "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and [that] your joy may be full."

You see, Jesus never promised happiness or that it would be simple. But, He does promise joy, peace, love. How cool is that? What are you waiting for? Dive in! Following God will fill your soul. Chasing happiness will lead to nothing. You can't ever get enough happiness, but God can fill you up with His eternal, everlasting joy.

 

Daily Devotional

Today's Devotion brought to you by Jonathan Vasgar Prayer Warrior

 (All scripture taken from the NKJV unless otherwise noted)

                                                                                                                        "The Names of Jesus"

Have you ever taken the time to really reflect on the different names of our Lord? He has so many different names for different uses. As we kick off our week, I wanted to mention some of them.

First think of this one: Jehovah-Jireh or God my Provider. Genesis 22:14 is where Abraham (who I will get back to tomorrow, promise!) says: 'And Abraham called the name of the place, Jehovahjireh; as it is said [to] this day, "In the Mount of the LORD it shall be provided.'" Feeling like you need a provider? God is there for everything. If you are His child, He is your ultimate provider.

The there's El-Shaddai or God is our rock. How cool is that? We often say, that guy or girl is a rock in my life. How much sweeter to say that God is the rock in our life. Even when storms blow around, what doesn't move? A rock, that's what! A rock also casts a shadow to keep you out of the harsh sunlight. When all around you it gets to be too much, go to the Rock for shelter. Psalm 91:1 translates El Shaddai this way:' He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.'

Jehovah-Shalom means "the Lord send peace". Can you believe it? When you are feeling scared, the LORD himself provides peace. Forget anti-anxiety pills and take a healthy dose of God instead.

He is Jehovah-Rapha or God our Healer. Who better to bandage our wounds, but Jesus. When a sparrow falls to the ground, He notices! Matthew 6:26 (NIV) "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" How much love He has for us, He loves us enough to heal our brokeness.

Ezekiel 48:35b: "And the name of the city from [that] day [shall be]: THE LORD [IS] THERE." That phrase is translated from Jehovah-shammah. I love this. People so often will let you down. It's just a fact. We are humans, we aren't always there for each other like we maybe need to be. However, the one who will NEVER let you down, never leave you lonely, is there always, is the LORD God Almighty.

Here's a challenge for you today. Take a piece of paper and write down names or characteristics of God that describe who He is to you. You'll be surprised how much He really means. For fun, I used the letters A-Z. He's Amazing, Almighty, Benevolent, Beloved, Creator God, etc.

Prayer: Lord, let us never forget what You have done for us. We don't deserve Your love. We don't deserve Your grace, and yet You are there for us. Let us remember to cry out to You when we are sad, go to You with our emotions. Let us run to You when we are lonely or full, You shouldn't be there for us only when we absolutely need You. God we need Your presence felt now. God, we need Your healing, Your love, Your friendship, we need You in our lives. Fill us and free us. AMEN

Song: This song is directly to the devotion above, but is God singing over us. Another reminder of Who He is. 

 

Today's Devotional brought to you courtesy of Prayer Warrior Laurie L. Thomas

John 3:16-17


New King James Version (NKJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

For God so loved the world....the world, one of the meanings listed for the original Greek word meaning "world" is the inhabitants of the earth, men, the human family. Everyone reading this fits into that category! We are all inhabitants on this earth, members of the human family. That means For God so loved you, me, each of us! Not just those who love Him or those who are obedient to Him, but all of us right where we are today, this very minute! Whether we are struggling with a temptation, an addiction, an affliction, or on a mountain top doing well, God sees us and loves us! He loves us so very much He sacrificed His Only Begotten Son, and Jesus would not have had it any other way. When Jesus prayed in the Garden He asked for the cup to pass from Him, but knowing what had to be done He concluded with, "not My will but Thine be done."

God the Father and God the Son did this so you and I would not perish but have everlasting life. Ever have someone do something nice for you only to have them constantly remind you of what they did for you? That is not what Jesus will ever do! He did not come to point fingers and condemn but to offer us everlasting life with Him in His Kingdom! Wherever you find yourself today remember you are loved! You are worth more than gold or silver! You are worth more to God anything! After all He gave His Son for you!

Father, Redeemer You are God. You did not have to save me but because of Your great love for me You did! I love You LORD because You first loved me! I know that I stumble and fall often, forgive me for all of the times I fail You! Strengthen me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to be Your heart, hands and feet to someone today. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Jonah 2
New King James Version (NKJV)
2 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly. 2 And he said:

“I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction,
And He answered me.
“Out of the belly of Sheol I cried,
And You heard my voice.
3 For You cast me into the deep,
Into the heart of the seas,
And the floods surrounded me;
All Your billows and Your waves passed over me.
4 Then I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight;
Yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.’
5 The waters surrounded me, even to my soul;
The deep closed around me;
Weeds were wrapped around my head.
6 I went down to the moorings of the mountains;
The earth with its bars closed behind me forever;
Yet You have brought up my life from the pit,
O Lord, my God.
7 “When my soul fainted within me,
I remembered the Lord;
And my prayer went up to You,
Into Your holy temple.
8 “Those who regard worthless idols
Forsake their own Mercy.
9 But I will sacrifice to You
With the voice of thanksgiving;
I will pay what I have vowed.
Salvation is of the Lord.”
10 So the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

Yesterday we saw Esther, a beautiful young orphan who had been crowned queen, then asked to do an impossible task. Although she was afraid she knew her strength came from the LORD so she asked others to pray with her so she would have courage to do what God wanted her to. The truth is not all of us are Esthers. Many of us chose to run if the task is too frightening, too difficult, or might require more than we are willing to give.

It is not comfortable to admit but many times I have been more like Jonah. God told Jonah to go to Nineveh and tell them that they were sinning and God was not going to stand for it any longer (Jonah 1:1-2). Jonah did not want to do what God had asked him to do. Nineveh was the center of the Assyrian Empire, enemies of the Israelites. Jonah was probably afraid of the consequences that could come from delivering such a message to one's enemy. Chapter 4 of the book of Jonah gives us some more insight into another reason Jonah is reluctant to go; he knows God is "a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and [when sinners turn to You and meet Your conditions] You revoke the [sentence of] evil against them." (Jonah 4:2b AMP). Jonah finds a ship headed in the opposite direction and sees it as a perfect escape so he takes it.

We often find ourselves in the midst of raging storms when we are out of God's will; storms that not only affect our lives but the lives of those around us as well. Just like Jonah we can be oblivious to the raging storm we have caused until someone points it out to us, then we have a choice, apologize and admit our wrong doing or continued denial. The good news is that when we admit our wrong doing God rescues us! God did not allow Jonah to drown when he took ownership of his sin. He sent a big fish to rescue Jonah from drowning, then when  Jonah repented and was ready to submit his will to God, God had the fish spit Jonah onto dry land.  Did you see the rescue was a big fish? Most of us would not see three days in the belly of a fish as being rescued but Jonah 1:6 assures us that Jonah did. Take heart Beloved, even if you are enduring a raging storm of your own making or find yourself in a pit you dug yourself, God loves you  and longs to rescue you! Fall on your knees in prayer, confess all to the One who made you and loves you more than any other then give Him thanks even if the rescue does not seem like a rescue right now! God is faithful!

Father, You rescue me from the pit and set my feet on solid ground. Your mercy and compassion are unmeasured.You call to me and pursue me even when I am running from You, that is how great Your love is for me! Father help me to hear Your voice and respond obediently and when I don't help me to be like Jonah and recognize my folly immediately and turn back to You! You alone are God, You alone are my salvation! In Jesus saving name, amen.