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

All Nature Sings!

Luke 19:39-40

New King James Version (NKJV)

39 And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”
40 But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out.”



Have you looked around at God's creation lately?  I mean really stopped and appreciated the beauty of it? Have you heard the stones cry out? I have a good friend and prayer partner that is teaching me to do that very thing! I meet with this friend on a weekly basis for prayer. She never fails to thank God for His creation and the way creation sings praises to God. It can be snowing so hard that you cannot see across the street and my friend will thank God for the beauty and the uniqueness of each snowflake.  Take time today to stop, quiet your thoughts and listen! see the intricicise of a flower, a leaf or a blade of grass. Marvel at the strength of an ant. Listen to the music a bee's wings make as they ensure the flowers and trees continue. Join the birds in singing praises to the King of kings! Don't let the stones cry out on your behalf!

Father, Creator, all of creation sings Your praises and You reply with the beauty of a rainbow and the colors of a sunset or sunrise! Teach me to hear all of nature singing Your praises. Teach me to join in the song! I do not want the stones to have to cry out on my behalf! I love You LORD! In Jesus mighty name, amen!
 
   
 

Praise and Peace

Philippians 4:6-7


New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Throughout the Old Testament we see examples of this scripture being lived out. Moses was hesitant when God called him but once he accepted his commission he never doubted God's awesome power. Even when the Red Sea was before him and the Egyptian soldiers were behind him he knew God would deliver His people. Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego showed the same resolve vowing not to ever bow to a man or his statue, praising God's power and glory no matter the out come. Daniel was just as courageous as he faced the lion's den because of his faith.

The New Testament records the same in steadfastness in Stephen, Peter, James, Paul, Silas and John as they faced death, persecution and imprisonment because of their faith.

How can anyone praise God when they are being stoned or are chained in a prison? It takes focus and resolve! I was reminded of the importance of focus as I was driving on a narrow mountain road with an S-curve. I have driven on that road many times. Sometimes I experience anxiety and hit the brakes and sometimes I have complete peace, leaving the cruise on. What makes the difference? It is my focus! If I allow my gaze to look too far into the distance I lose sight of where the road goes and become anxious about the size of the road and possible oncoming traffic, even if there is none. If I am looking to close to the front of my car I become anxious about the degree of the turn and decide the posted speed is not safe after all. But if I keep my focus where it should be I am not anxious or afraid. Peter had the same experience when he got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. As long as his focus was where it should be, on Jesus, he was fine. But as soon as he lost focus and looked at the storm he became anxious and started to sink.

We have the ability to praise God in good times and in storms if we do not take our eyes off of Jesus, then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus!

Father, Creator, You are my strength and my peace! Help me to keep my eyes firmly focused on You and too praise You no matter what! I would rather face any storm with Your peace than to receive any blessing without You in my life! Today I surrender all to be in Your presence! Thank You for calling me Yours! In Jesus 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!

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

Who Are You Trying to Impress?

Daily Devotion written by Shelley Brandon, Grief and Encouragement Coach

Galatians 2:20 MSG

“What actually took place is this: I tried keeping rules and working my head off to please God, and it didn't work. So I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that. Is it not clear to you that to go back to that old rule-keeping, peer-pleasing religion would be an abandonment of everything personal and free in my relationship with God? I refuse to do that, to repudiate God's grace. If a living relationship with God could come by rule-keeping, then Christ died unnecessarily.”

How are you living out your Faith?  Do you live by rules and regulations of religious traditions or are you living by the resurrection of living Savior? 

I’m afraid to say that I often try to hide behind legalisms, judging others for things that I would not want to be judged by.  Justifying myself to myself.  Backing myself into self-created corner of the world.  Trying to compete in an imaginary pageant of righteousness. 

Can I possibly hope to impress God with anything I do?  Who is it that I’m trying to impress with my show?  Others, who aren’t even watching, or myself?  Just how much righteousness can I create for myself anyway? 

Living by my faith in Jesus Christ creates a balance and content in me.  Living by my charades of religion leaves me grouchy and needy.  So why do I continue to live in pageant mode rather than by the grace allowed to me through my Savior?  Good question. 

Heavenly Father, I come to you again asking for holy blinders to keep me focused on the cross and the sacrifice You made to grant us the way to eternal life with You.  Let us not forget the power of Easter and the freedom it brings to us to live in Your grace and mercy.  “Thank you”, is not enough to express the gratitude and humility for this unsurpassed blessing.  Help us to not keep our hearts hidden away.  In Jesus precious name,…~Amen

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.

Today's Devotional

Brought to you by Prayer Team member Bobbi Heffel

Good morning Lord. Thank you that in an imperfect world with bumps, bruises and hurts that you give us a peace that passes all understanding.

Philippians 4:4-8
New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

It amazes me how much our attitudes can take the same circumstances and turn from what seems impossible to having great hope. How? Trusting the Lord and living out the above verses. Sound too simple to be true? Please, don’t take my word for it, try it out yourself. If you are like me you have already applied these verses and found them to have a profound effect in your life. Yet, we sometimes find ourselves blown off course and need a refresher in letting go and letting God.

Prayer
Thank you Father that there is nothing to big or too small for you to take care of. I lay this burden at your feet and I know that even though it is a heavy burden for me that for You it is easy and that you will work it out for my good in accordance with your timing. And that person that is driving me up the wall, You love them. They drive me so crazy I have a hard time seeing anything good in them right now but, simply knowing you love them is a place to start. Help me to find what is excellent and praiseworthy in all situations. Thank you for your abundant grace, mercy and love. In the blessed name of Jesus we pray. Amen

 

Today's Devotional brought to you by prayer warrior Michelle Simpson

Hosea 7:8

Amplified Bible (AMP)

⁸Ephraim mixes himself among the peoples [courting the favor of first one country, then another]; Ephraim is a cake not turned.

 

What kind of cake gets turned? A pancake! If it is not turned over one side gets done but the other side does not. So it is with our lives, if we only allow God access to certain areas of our lives. Ephraim, wanting to ensure safety, had sought treaties with one country after another. Throughout Israel's history God had instructed Israel to trust God for victory over her enemies and not to make treaties. Ephraim professed to belong to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob but put its faith in trust in treaties with its enemies. Because of the close association with her enemies, Ephraim was practicing idolatry, setting up places of worship to the Gods of their enemies. A half-baked hot cake is not good for eating and a lukewarm believer is of no use to God. According to Revelation 3:15-16 God would rather have us cold than lukewarm. We all have areas of our lives that we are afraid to turn over to God. Ask God to reveal those ares to you today. Ask Him to "turn you over" and allow Him to complete the good work He has begun in you. Surrender all of yourselg to Him today. Allow Him to transform you into the image of Christ Jesus by the renewing of your mind.

 

Father, Creator, You have begun a good work in me and promise to see it through to completion until Jesus returns or You call me home. But there are areas I have tried to hide from You and not given You access to. Forgive me Father! You already know everything about me and You still love me! There is no area of my life that is so ugly that You don't wish to clean up and make beautiful. Today I surrender all of me to You. Today I trust You to take every part of my life and turn the ashes in to beauty through Your Son Jesus! In Jesus name I pray, amen!

 

 

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

Matthew 22:39

New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’^[a]

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 22:39 Leviticus 19:18

Matthew 5:43-44

New King James Version (NKJV)

Love Your Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor^[a] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,^[b]

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 5:43 Compare Leviticus 19:18
2. Matthew 5:44 NU-Text omits three clauses from this verse, leaving, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

John 15:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹³ Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

Genesis 43:8-9

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the lad with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. ⁹ I myself will be surety for him; from my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever.

"Love your neighbor as yourself." Sounds easy doesn't it! The key is in the second half of this verse, "as yourself." Do you...love yourself. Some may say, "Sure" or "I think so". Some may respond with "You don't know me. I am not worth loving." God calls us to love ourselves and then toove our neighbors in the same manner as we love ourselves. The problem is we know all about ourselves. We know our temptaions and how we have given in to them. We know every failure we have ever had and continue to struggle with. We have such a close relationship with ourselves that we know the dark secrets about ourselves no one else does. If we can't tolerate or forgive ourselves how can possibly tolerate or forgive others especially those we perceive as enemies.

God loves us and He believes we are worthy of His love. He loves us so much that He gave His Only Begotten Son for us. Jesus loves us so much that when the time came for Him to be crucified He asked His Father to remove the cup from Him, and then declared, "not my will but thine be done." God loves us so much that He rejoices over us with singing Zeph. 3:17. Imagine God is so delighted with you, He loves you so much He has a song just for you, that He sings over you.

My oldest son gave me great insight into this not long ago. We had been in church and a member had been asked to pray.  As the gentleman prayed he continually talked about undeserving he was. Those words disturbed my son. So after church he approached the gentleman to assure him that God loved him and he deserved God's love because God said he did. Then my son asked me why anyone would pray that way. I explained to Him it was because there is nothing we can do to earn God's love. My son understood that but he explained, "If God says you are desrving of a gift, a blessing, and His love you need to say 'Thank You Lord for loving me' and believe you deserve it or it is like not accepting God's gift at all!" Wow!!! Today thank your Heavenly Father for His gift of love and the gifts and blessings He has given you. Love yourself and believe you deserve it then use those gifts to bring glory to Him. Forgive yourself for your failures, God already has! Like my son pointed out "If God says you deserve it, then you desrve it!" Then see the difference it makes in all of your relationships!

Father, thank You for loving us before we loved you! Thank You for loving us when we are unloveable or unlovely! Help us to love ourselves like You love us so we can then love other as You love them. In Jesus name, amen.

Today's Devotional

Brought to you by Prayer Team member Bobbi Heffel

Oh the feeling of getting all those things on your to-do list accomplished and checked off. And before lunch too! The rest of the day is before me and all the must do things are accomplished, what a victorious, freeing feeling. I am a little tired though, that took a bit of effort. It has me wondering. When Christ was there on the cross and declared “It is finished” what did that feel like? He had been beaten and physically depleted. But in that instant when he left that body behind and went to the Father with EVERYTHING completed…what that must have been like? It is Finished the Victory is Won!

The Death of Jesus
John 19:28-30
28 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

The Death of Jesus
Matthew 27:50-54
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” (NIV1984)

PRAYER
Thank you Lord that it is finished! The victory is won! We don’t need to do anything because You have completed it! We only need to accept what You have done for us and live. Live for You alone. As we stand with the tasks of daily life around us and troubles that pull at us, help us to stand in the victory You have accomplished. Thank you for the fresh breeze of freedom that you bring into our lives and the knowledge that you will never leave nor forsake us.

Hebrews 13:4-6
4 Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”[a]
6 So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?”[b]
Footnotes:
Hebrews 13:5 Deut. 31:6
Hebrews 13:6 Psalm 118:6,7

This week's Devotionals brought to you by prayer warrior Michelle Simpson

Luke 2:27-33

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁷ So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, ²⁸ he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:
²⁹“ Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
³⁰ For my eyes have seen Your salvation
³¹ Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
³² A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”

³³ And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.

Simeon had waited his entire life for God's promised Messiah to come to earth. The Bible records that Simeon was very devout and the Holy Spirit was upon Him. God had promised that Simeon would not see death until he saw Jesus. Many in this world are waiting for something in their lives. Some are waiting for jobs, some are looking for basic needs, some for children or grandchildren in their homes, and some are looking for love. I can't promise the answers you are seeking to things like jobs, finances, basic needs, children or grandchildren, but I can promise you can find the love and peace you are loking for! The birthday we celebrated yesterday is conformation of that promise! God sent His only begotten Son because of His great love for us! That baby born more than two thousand years ago changed everything! We have been offered adoption into God's eternal family. We can now approach the throne of grace with boldness and confidence. We can receive forgiveness for our sins and we can receive His Spirit and strength to help us to become all God created us to be!

Thank You Father for the greatest gift I have ever received, the gift of salvation through Your Son Jesus! The gift of Jesus was and still is free for all who choose to receive and unwrap it! Thank You Jesus for leaving all of the riches of heaven and coming to earth, taking on the confines of human flesh and pouring out the love of the Father on the world! Father I pray that I will continue to share the gift of Your love all year long by sharing the changes a Baby, Jesus has made in my life! In Jesus loving, feeing name I pray, amen!

Today's Daily Devotion

Today's Devotion is brought to you by Prayer Team member Bobbi Heffel

Wise Men Still Seek Him

Matthew 2

 ¹NOW WHEN Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men [astrologers] from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, ²Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east at its rising and have come to worship Him.    
Amplified Bible (AMP) biblegateway.com

I just love this time of year. There are twinkly lights and bright stars everywhere. They add so much beauty to what would really be a dark time of year. There is a restaurant I like to go to that has an old oak tree out front. The owners have put tables around under the tree. During the day it is a great place to sit and have lunch. But when dark comes and the white twinkly lights are turned on, that tree goes from just being a place out of the sun to magically romantic. 

I don’t imagine that the wisemen saw the star of Christ as magically romantic. It was something deeper than that. It was the excitement of the fulfillment of a promise long ago, for a promised king, a deliverer. This was the arrival of someone worthy of a long dusty travel and extravagant gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

Yes, to see the beauty of the Christmas stars and know the story behind them is moving. But to personally know the savior that these lights represent is … ever growing. The more I learn about Him, the more I find there is to learn. I thought I knew how much he loved me; he stretched out his arms and died for me. But I learned that he loves me even more. I thought I knew that he would forgive me. But I am still learning how far the east is from the west. I thought I knew his grace was sufficient. Yet, I sometimes find myself holding on to things wondering how he could love me after this. How does his grace cover all the times we are in an impossible situation and doubt that he will come through? Yes, the more I know about him, the more there is to learn. With each discovery, I think those Christmas lights get just a bit brighter and twinkle-er.

Today’s Prayer

Lord, I thank you for this special time of the year we set aside to remember the birth of our savior. I know there are winter celebrations that have nothing to do with you. There is always an emptiness to them.  They are nothing to compare with the celebration of you. Help us to refrain from the commercial race of emptying our bank accounts in the attempt to celebrate your birth. With you there is a filling. You fill us with love, joy, hope, celebration, life and peace.  Help us to give wisely in accordance with your will. Please give us creative ways and opportunities to share with others.  Help us to share the love, joy, hope, celebration, life and peace you give with them. After all, the best gift that ever was or ever could be has already been given. There is no topping you! 

Today's Daily Devotion

Today's Devotion is brought to you by prayer team member Bobbi Heffel

From Trial to Triumph

Luke 23:26-43

The Crucifixion

 ²⁶ As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. ²⁷ A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. ²⁸ Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. ²⁹ For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ ³⁰ Then “‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’

   ³¹ For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

 ³² Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. ³³ When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. ³⁴ Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.  And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

 ³⁵ The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”

 ³⁶ The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar ³⁷ and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

 ³⁸ There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

 ³⁹ One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

 ⁴⁰ But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

 ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

 ⁴³ Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

John 19:25-27

Behold Your Mother

 ²⁵ Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” ²⁷ and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Matthew 27:45-50

The Death of Jesus

 ⁴⁵ From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. ⁴⁶ About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi    lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

 ⁴⁷ When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

 ⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

 ⁵⁰ And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 

Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation that is out of control, unbearable, painful.  Sometimes we feel beat down and ready to give up. We have been hanging on to the last knot in our rope and Friday just won’t get here soon enough. What do we do? How do we go on? 

We follow the example of Jesus. The pain he endured on the cross was unbearable but he knew the Father had a purpose in it. Jesus endured the pain while still thinking of his mother’s needs and making arrangements for her future needs. He had physically been beaten to beyond recognition yet he didn’t hold malice toward the ones who attacked him. Better yet, he asked for forgiveness for the ones that had abused him. While hanging on to humanity and the life left in his body he never called upon the armies of angles at his disposal to rescue him. He lived out that situation knowing that was what he was born for and, that there was a great purpose in it. 

Whatever you are going through God is there with you in the midst of it. As out of control as it seems, he knows about it and he is in control of it. He will use it to refine you and bring you closer to him, if you allow him to. Remember that you aren’t the only one hurting. Reach out to others and help them however you can. Forgive the ones that have hurt you and are currently hurting you. Hang on until God tells you otherwise. We don’t always know why he created us, the task he has for us, or the prosperity he has for us around the next corner. We do know he loves us and we can trust him. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:10-12)

Today’s Prayer

Father, here we are at the holiday season. Everything is decked out for Christmas and everywhere we look hearts and faces are aglow. As wonderful as this time of the year is it can leave us feeling lonely and filled with pain. Lord I pray for those of us who need your loving touch, a fresh filling of your joy, that we would experience your presence anew. Lord, take these things that grab us, hold us or bind us and put them in perspective so that we may leave them at your feet. Holy is you name! You are worthy to receive all glory, power and honor! Thank you for all you have done on our behalf and all you are still doing. Merry Christmas! We love you too! Amen

All scripture used today is from the New International Version 1984 (NIV1984) http://www.biblegateway.com/