Wednesday, June 29, 2011

great devotional.

Todays posting is by Bonnie Jensen. She is a senior writer for DaySpring. I hope her devotional will be a blessing and an ecouragement to you.

God is in ordinary life. He meets us here with extraordinary grace.

I want to see God. I need to see Him. I’ve seen Him in pink and orange sunsets and foamy, crashing waves. But a long time ago, I asked Him for something more personal: a just-for-me glimpse of His omnipresence in my life. He, more than anyone else, understands what we love and appreciate as unique souls in this world. He wired us, put us together with specific passions, and designed us for divine purposes.

I love the Eastern Bluebird, so for me, this vibrantly colored feathered friend became my ‘glimpse’—

a smile, an assurance, a sweet reminder that our extraordinary God breathes life into the ordinary, sometimes difficult days. But they are an elusive, if not impossible sight in the urban setting I now call home. Circumstances have brought me to a place where bluebirds don’t settle, and rarely, if ever, visit.

In really tough times, many days can feel void of God’s presence. We can be ‘forgetful’ of the subtle yet very personal gifts and glimpses God has given us in the past. And it was a cold day, with winter on the ground, when I found myself guilty of forgetting…the bluebird flitting in front of my car, seemingly out of nowhere (God is thinking of me)…the bluebird on a fence post, his colors blurred through tear-filled eyes (God is here). But God decided in His beautiful and overwhelming grace to send a reminder. Outside my office window, on the branch of a barren tree, I saw blue. I stood up, still not believing. That’s when I spotted another bluebird in the brush behind the tree—and nearby, four more.

This is our God. Not a single bluebird, but six. In the middle of winter came an impossible gift from a personal God…and He multiplied it by the pain of the season I was in. Through tears mixed with humility and joy, I knew what God was saying—this is the measure of things to come. I am with you, close to your broken heart, in touch with your shattered soul.

You are never alone. You are never ignored. God is paying close attention to everything that concerns you…the sad, the happy, and every moment in between. Today there are glimpses of His love sent just for you—and I hope you see every one of them.

Bonnie Jensen

Friday, June 24, 2011

Joy. Joy. Joy. Joy.

What are the differences between worldly joys and spiritual joys? The gleanings of spiritual joys, are better than the vintage of the worldly joys.

(1.) Spiritual joys help to make us BETTER, worldly joys often make us worse. "I spoke unto you in your prosperity—but you said, I will not hear." Jer 22:21. Pride and luxury are the two worms which are bred from worldly pleasures. Wine is the inflamer of lust. As Satan entered in the sop, so often in the cup. But spiritual joy makes one better; it is like cordial medicine, which, as physicians say, not only cheers the heart—but purges out the noxious humours. Just so, divine joy is cordial medicine, which not only comforts but purifies; it makes a Christian more holy; it causes an antipathy against sin; it infuses strength to live and suffer for Christ. "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Some colors not only delight the eye—but strengthen the sight. Just so, the joys of God not only refresh the soul—but strengthen it.

(2.) Spiritual joys are INWARD, they are heart joys. "Your heart shall rejoice." John 16:22. True joy is hidden within, worldly joy lies on the outside, like the dew which wets the leaf. We read of those who "rejoice in appearance," in the Greek, in the face. 2 Cor 5:12. It goes no farther than the face, it is not within. "Laughter can conceal a heavy heart; when the laughter ends, the grief remains." Proverbs 14:13. Like a house which has a gilded frontispiece—but all the rooms within are hung in mourning. But spiritual joy lies most within. "Your heart shall rejoice." Divine joy is like a spring of water which runs underground! Others can see the sufferings of a Christian—but they see not his joy. "Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy." Prov 14:10. His joy is hidden manna—hidden from the eye of the world; he has joyful music which others cannot hear. The marrow lies within, the best joy is within the heart.

(3.) Spiritual joys are SWEETER than worldly joys. "Your love is sweeter than wine!" Song of Songs 1:2. Spiritual joys are a Christian's festival; they are the golden pot and the sweet manna, they are so sweet, that they make everything else sweet! Spiritual joys sweeten health and estate, as sweet water poured on flowers makes them more fragrant and aromatic. Divine joys are so delicious and ravishing, that they put our mouth out of taste for earthly delights; just as he who has been drinking cordials tastes little sweetness in water. Paul had so tasted these divine joys, that his mouth was out of taste for worldly things; the world was crucified to him, it was like a dead thing, he could find no sweetness in it. Gal 6:14.

(4.) Spiritual joys are more PURE, they are not tempered with any bitter ingredients. A sinner's joy is mixed with dregs, it is embittered with fear and guilt—he drinks wormwood wine. But spiritual joy is not muddied with guilt—but like a crystal stream, it runs pure. It is a rose without prickles; it is honey without wax.

(5.) Spiritual joys are SATISFYING joys. "Ask, that your joy may be full." Worldly joys can no more fill the heart than a drop can fill an ocean; they may please the palate or imagination—but cannot satisfy the soul. "No matter how much we see—we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear—we are not content." Ecclesiastes 1:8. But the joys of God satisfy. "Your comforts delight my soul." Psalm 94:19. There is as much difference between spiritual joys and earthly joys—as between a banquet which is eaten—and one which is painted on the wall!

(6.) Spiritual joys are STRONGER joys than worldly joys. "Strong consolation." Heb 6:18. They are strong joys indeed, which can bear up a Christian's heart in trials and afflictions. "Having received the word in much affliction, with joy." These joys are roses which grow in winter! These joys can sweeten the bitter waters of Marah! He who has these joys, can gather grapes from thorns, and fetch honey out of the carcass of a lion! "As sorrowing—yet always rejoicing." 2 Cor 6: 10. At the end of the rod—a Christian tastes honey!

(7.) Spiritual joys are UNWEARIED joys. Other joys, when in excess, often cause loathing; too much honey nauseates. One may be tired of pleasure, as well as labor. King Xerxes offered a reward to him who could find out a new pleasure! But the joys of God, though they satisfy—yet they never glut. A drop of joy is sweet—but the more of this wine the better! Such as drink of the joys of heaven—are never glutted. Their satiety is without loathing, because they still desire more of the joy with which they are satiated.

(8.) Spiritual joys are ABIDING joys. Worldly joys are soon gone. Such as crown themselves with rosebuds, and bathe in the perfumed waters of pleasure—may have joys which seem to be sweet—but they are swift. They are like meteors, which give a bright and sudden flash, and then disappear. But the joys which believers have are abiding; they are a blossom of eternity—a pledge of those rivers of pleasure which run at God's right hand! "In Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures!" Psalm 16:11

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

words.



I have just finished an awesome book! It is a must read and it has truely changed my life and I am praying that I will become transformed by the Fruit of the Holy Spirit.


Our words play an essential part in our everyday life.

"For out of the overflow of yor heart the mouth speaks." Colossians 3:12

We can't be kind and slanderous, kind and full of cursing, kind and gushing with gossip, kind and biting with our tongues. We must season our words with the hope of the gospel and the love of Jesus with a seasoning that can only come from the Holy Spirit.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Becoming the woman of his deams

Lately, as all girls do, I feel as if I am constantly searching for the perfect guy.

Is this him? He is cute? What's his name?

M sister and I constantly talk about mutual friends, how every story we read, they met through mutual friends. Which, I am in need of apparently! haha but hey, I've come to realize that I am not ready yet and he must not be ready to meet me either. We are being prepared for each other! How exciting. It is certainly a desire of my heart to be married and I know that the Lord will give me and fulfill that desire for me in His timing.

I have just finished a WONDERFUL book called Becoming the Woman of His Dreams by Sharon Jaynes. It talks mainly about the seven qualities that Christian men look for in a wife. At the end of the book, the author talks about prayer and the effect it can do for your future husband.

Praying Scriptual Prayers for Your Future Husband from Head to Toe:

1. His head- Help him to take the leadership role in our future home and seek Your wisdom in every decision he is making and will make in the future.

2. His mind- Lord, I pray for his mind, I know that You do not give a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind. I pray he willnot be conformed to this world but transformed by Your word. Every spiritual battle of temptation is won or lost at the theshold of the mind. Keep him in perfect peace, Lord.

3. His eyes- I pray that You will steer his eyes away from temptation today. From the internet to women he may meet. Open his eyes to see Your greatness in creation and to see Your mercies are new every morning. May he look to You for strength.

4. His ears- I pray for You to lead him from temptation by what he hears with his ears. May he hear Your still small voice today. I pray he will wal away from jesting, filthy talk, and off-color jokes.

5. His mouth- I pray for the words of his mouth to be pleasing to you. I pray that no unwholesome word would come from his mouth. Set a guard over his mouth and keep watch over the door of his lips.

5. His hands- Lord I pray for the work of his hands. I pray he will enjoy the good things of life. I pray that he will find purpose in his hands for You. Whatever he does with his hands, I pray that he is working to the best of his ability for You.

6. His heart- Lord, I pray for his heart. That he will love You more than he will love me. I pray that he will love You with all his heart. Bless him with a sincere heart full of faith.

7. His feet- Lord, I pray you will order my husband's steps today so that his eyes will look straight ahead and fix his gaze on You. I pray that he will walk in truth, in light, and in life. I pray he will walk in Your truth.


Thursday, June 16, 2011

He is my strength...trusting in God who understands my weaknesses

God does not give us overcoming life-He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. -Oswald Chambers

What are some words that you use to describe God?

Refuge. Joy. Strength. Helper.

Lord,

I desire to notice You in all places of life, the big, and the small, the good, and the bad, the times I am energized as well as the times I am weary.

Amen.

HE knows all of my weaknesses.
HE cares about my weaknesses.
HE gives me strength and power in the areas where I am weak.
He is my shield.
HE is my strength.
HE is sovereign.
My strength is renewed with I look to the Lord.

Monday, June 13, 2011

He is my freedom part two

"Shut out every other thought and keep yourself befor eGod in this one thing only: my utmost for His highest. I am determined to be absolutely and entirely for Him and Him alone." Oswald Chambers

The beauty we hope for never quite meets reality.

He has set us free, called us to His daughters, and given us full rights to the things of the Spirit.

We all have selfishness, we were born with it, and we need to submit to God in order to be free from sin.

Jesus came to take you out of captivity. He came that you might have life in Him, movement in Him, peace in Him, faith in Him, and confidence in Him. Don;t refuse His free gift of grace. You will never be fee until you trust in God's power to unlock and deliver.

In Him, we have safety ans security.

If you are a believer, you can say the folllowing about yourself:

1. I have peace with God.
2. I am accepted by God.
3. I am a child of God.