A Merry Heart
31 Oct 2009 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Basset Hound, Christianity, Christianity for Seekers, Divine grace, Evangelism, fibromyalgia, God the Father, heart problems, Jesus, Parkinson, Religion and Spirituality, spinal stenosis
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“A merry heart does good like medicine: But a broken spirit dries the bones.” Proverbs 17:22
When we laugh we let a little sunshine into our days. It warms us and helps us to feel just a little bit healthier. God’s word tells us that it is good medicine.
For the last eight years I have had a little basset hound dog named Sassy. Well she actually isn’t very little. She is quite the rolly polly, but as cute as she can be. She has been a constant companion to me. She has very long ears, and those sad hound dog eyes, and knows just how to get her way, and what works best with me.
There hasn’t been a day that she doesn’t do or show something that will make me smile or laugh. Sassy seems to have that affect on others as well. She has learned to take her walks with me using my wheel chair, and now can see other people every day.
You can see people smile as the watch her waddle down the street, or wag her tail happily to every one she meets. I enjoy that she can bring a smile to some one that is somberly driving along, or maybe make a child giggle. She is just a little ray of sunshine that God has blessed my days with. I am thankful for her.
Our true joy and happiness is found in Jesus Christ. He is our light, and gives us hope and peace. He gives us joys in our lives, and wants us to have a merry heart.
Do you have something or someone that brings sunshine into your life? We can’t always control the things that happen in our daily lives. But we can control how we react to them. A smile, a little laughter, is good medicine for each of us.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the joys and sunshine you let into our lives. Your warmth comforts us and gives us a merry heart. Amen
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Margie Scott lives in Arizona. She strives daily to trust God’s grace will always provide, as challenges arise due to heart problems, Parkinson, fibromyalgia, and spinal stenosis. You can reach Margie at mscott123@cox.net
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God’s Bountiful Harvest
29 Oct 2009 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Bible, Christianity, God the Father, Jesus, MSN, Nancy & Patrick, New International Version, Religion and Spirituality
- Image by joaquimb via Flickr
“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” (Genesis 8:22 (NIV)
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. When we were pastoring a church full time we would have a special Fall Harvest Celebration at our church.
All the children would dress up as Bible Characters, or a pumpkin, or a cartoon character, but no monsters, demons, etc.
We would have a Pot Luck and have Apple Bobbing, and fun games. It was a great time. The home made pies were always delicious. Home made soups and stews showed the pride of all the delicious vegetables that were the last of the years harvest.We always had prayers centered around God’s abundant harvest.
How blessed we are to be able to know God made the Seasons for our pleasure and enjoyment.
He has provided the good soil and seeds that grow into the wonderful foods we eat.
God also has provided for us in other ways, the sun to warm us and to help with the growing of the food we eat, the moon and stars at night to light our way. How glorious are His mighty ways!
Indeed God has a bountiful harvest for each of us, bountiful in his love and the giving of His precious Son Jesus who died on the cross to save mankind.
Thank you Heavenly Father for all your good provisions. We give you all the glory and praise. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pastor Nancy Dittert lives in a berm home in Rural Central Iowa with her husband & soul mate Patrick, 5 cats and a Lab/ Sharpei dog. Nancy & Patrick are both pastors, retiring early because of illness. Write Nancy at nancierose@msn.com and visit her Chronic Pain Web Site at http://Fibromyalgiahelp.homestead.com/index.html
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Servanthood
29 Oct 2009 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christ Jesus, Christianity, God, Human, Jesus, Religion and Spirituality, Resurrection, Washington
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“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. ” (Philippians 2:5-7 NIV)
Attitude! How often my thoughts and feelings can rule my attitude. Like the leaves disturbed by the winds or a turbulent storm, my emotions can be all over the place. Where can I seek and find steadiness?
In this Scripture, I read that my goal is to have an attitude similar to that of Christ. In very nature he was God. He served his Father by lovingly humbling
himself to become a human being. By his death and resurrection, he achieved his ultimate purpose – to reconcile sinful mankind back to his Father.
A servant is defined as one who is “tireless” in his commitment to be a devoted and helpful follower. In my case, this would mean a follower of Christ. He perfected servanthood so beautifully that now I can join with other believers to try and learn from his example. He never wavered from the commitment he made to his Father.
Life’s harsh experiences can assault me and I crumble. Jesus was not immune to life’s disappointments — opposition to his teachings, or desertion by his
closest friends when he needed them the most. He met such dissatisfaction head-on, feeling their reality but responding in love. When his human efforts
tired him, he spent time alone to seek nourishment and direction from his Father.
God asks me to stay steady towards him whatever my circumstances. When I turn to him for strength, I can remain a tireless servant. Christ knew that a higher purpose would unfold from his obedience. In my covenant commitment to him, I choose to do the same. His strength is sufficient when I ask for it and receive it. His best will come to me as I die to self . . . for this is true servanthood.
Prayer: Lord, help me continue to seek a stance of steadiness in my attitude, becoming more like you. I want to accept the nature you modeled when you became the servant to all. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. She lives in Lynnwood, Washington. She writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 26 years of living with daily physical challenges.
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God’s Love is Never Ending
28 Oct 2009 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christ, Christianity, Epistle to the Ephesians, God, Human, Melbourne, Religion and Spirituality, Romance
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“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17b-19 NIV)
Have you ever wondered if God’s love is really all you need? Is it really enough to get you through those very tough times in your life? Is God’s love a constant? Is there anywhere that God’s love cannot reach?
There are times when I struggle. I struggle to make sense of what is happening to me, or around me. Struggle knowing what is the right thing to do in the circumstances. Wondering if there is anyone who really understands or knows how I am feeling.
But knowing the love of God, is what makes it possible for me to go on. Knowing that God will be there with me to face whatever today, or tomorrow brings and knowing that God’s love cannot be lost by any mistakes that I make, makes me able to get up and face a new day, each and every day.
As humans we show love to one another, but we also do things to other people that aggravate, hurt or upset them. Because we are human, we will keep on doing that. Our relationships with other people are always flawed, even though in our own way, we may love them.
God loves us no matter what we do. We cannot be outside of God’s love. His love is all-encompassing and we cannot escape from it.
I love Renee Bondi’s book, “The Last Dance but Not the Last Song,” where she says about the above verses:
“God’s love is complete.
It is wide – covering all our experiences and reaching out to the whole world.
It is long – continuing the length of our lives.
It is high – rising to the heights of our joy and celebration.
It is deep – reaching to the depths of our despair and hopelessness.
When you feel cut off or alone, remember that you can never be outside of God’s love.”
God’s love is truly complete.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful for the difference God makes in her life as she lives with chronic pain. She enjoys finding time for writing, travel and photography.
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Purpose While Afflicted
25 Oct 2009 6 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Board game, Chess piece, Chessboard, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, prayer
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“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (II Corinthians 4:17).
There have been times when I have believed the truth of this verse shortly after going through a trial. But for the most part, I have needed faith to believe in and wait for that eternal reward.
As someone living with chronic pain and illness, it is very easy for me to become self focused. Daily thoughts can revolve around my discomfort level, what medicines to take, or limitations on my activities. My troubles do not seem light and momentary. In my relationship with God and what He is doing in my life, I see only my “square of the chessboard” – how my circumstances are affecting me now. I want God to be “all about me”. He is, but He is all about others as well.
If we allow God to do so, He may begin showing us how our pain and suffering can impact others for tremendous good. In the midst of our own struggles, whether we send an encouraging note, pray for someone we know who is struggling, or brighten someone’s day via phone or e-mail, we are all part of God’s bigger picture to touch the lives of others. Perhaps our pain is developing a stronger prayer life in someone we know, or allowing them to be a giver rather than a receiver. Handling even one aspect of our suffering well may be a testimony and example to those around us, affecting their lives in a way no healthy life ever could.
When I become too focused on my pain and trials, I want to pray for a heart of thankfulness for all that they may be accomplishing in my life and in the lives of others – now and in eternity. God give me the grace to do it.
Prayer: Lord, give me the strength to stand firm in the faith, knowing that after I have suffered a little while, you will restore me, making me strong, firm, and steadfast (I Peter 5:9,10). May I be willing to endure my trials for your eternal purposes. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bronlynn Spindler is a wife and mother of three grown daughters and lives in Fredericksburg, VA. God’s grace and strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. You may contact her at spindler@cox.net.
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To Be His Very Own
25 Oct 2009 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Atrial Fibrillation, Celiac Sprue, chronic, deni, hopekeepers, illness, mistake, pain, purpose, rest ministries, value
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He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:15-17, NIV)
Do you know what I love about Scripture? I can hear or read a verse over and over and then suddenly – a new meaning appears that seems to be speaking right to my heart.
God is slowly showing me His purpose for my life; but to be honest, sometimes I feel – well – useless. I don’t always see any value in being “me”.
Today, as I read this verse for the I don’t know how many’th time, a new meaning popped out at me. “All things were created by Him (well, yeah, I knew that) and for Him.” It was the “for Him” that popped out at me like fireworks coming off the page.
I was created FOR Him. He wants me here. I am not a mistake. My life is not some kind of cosmic accident. And dear reader, neither is yours. You are here because Christ created you on purpose and wants you here. Now.
The God that holds the universe together created us to be His very own.
Now, I am not gonna claim to know why – or what He wants to accomplish in your life. I only pray that the knowledge that you were created for Christ gives you hope, joy, and encouragement. What a blessing at this time in my life, to know – and know for sure, that I was created by and for Him. I bask in the glow of those thoughts today. My prayer is that you can do the same.
Lord, How amazing is your Word. How much hope, and joy, and encouragement can be found therein. Thank you that each and every person reading these words was created with a purpose – was created expressly by and for You. It is almost too big a thought to hold on to! You are indeed an awesome God. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
deni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic pain and chronic illness is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her multiple illnesses (Celiac Sprue, Atrial Fibrillation, Ankylosing Spondylitis, to name a few) have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest prayer that some of her lessons might be helpful to others as they walk the path of chronic illness. deni can be reached at EncouragingWords@me.com. Her website is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com/Encouragement.
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What’s in a Smile?
24 Oct 2009 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Birthday, Chats and Forums, chronic pain, Health, Melbourne, Nintendo, Shopping, Support Groups
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“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength.” (Habakkuk 3:17-19 NIV)
People often comment about my smile. I seem to smile a lot and that’s often what people notice most about me. A lady I met when traveling some years ago, said she thought I smiled so much I must even smile in my sleep!
Smiling seems to come naturally to me, but I know too, that I sometimes smile because I am nervous, insecure, or even if I can’t remember someone’s name. So sometimes it’s like a mask.
When people find out that I live with chronic pain, they sometimes say about how they never guessed because they see me smiling. Some people even ask how I can smile when I am putting up with such pain. They say I don’t look like I’m in pain.
Whilst I might continue to smile, there are many days when I don’t feel I have much to smile about. Things I can’t do anymore, things that just seem so difficult. There may be lots of things going on in my life that would make me feel I don’t want to smile – but I still have an overwhelming reason to smile.
God gives me a reason to smile – a reason to feel joyful, even in the face of pain – He is the one in control of my life. He has promised to never ask me to go though more than I can bear and promised to always be there beside me, no matter what I am going through.
My face can be the first thing people notice about me. I want my life and my face, to greet them with something that reflects the hope I have, even in the midst of my pain.
Prayer: Father God, may we find a reason to smile today, even in the midst of sickness or pain, because of the hope we have in You. Amen
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful for the difference God makes in her life as she lives with chronic pain. She enjoys finding time for writing, travel and photography.
Previously posted with chronicpaindevotional@yahoogroups.com by Rest Ministries 10/21/2009
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Monuments Of God’s Care
24 Oct 2009 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: #iiwk09, Automobile, awareness week, blogging for invisible illness week, christian, christians and depression, chronic illness, chronic pain, depression, depression and illness, disabilities, diseases, Flat tire, Health, health conditions, hopekeepers, invisible illness, invisible illness news, invisible illness personal stories, invisible illness virtual conference, invisible illness week, invisible illness week conference, invisible illness week seminars, invisibleillnessweek, Jordan, Joshua, Lord, rest ministries, Shenandoah Valley, symptoms, Tire
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“When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, “Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan from right where the priests stood and to carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight.” (Joshua 4: 1-3 NIV)
As I was reading this passage, I suddenly myself meditating on how many times God has been faithful in my life. The Israeli army had an almost impossible task viewed in human eyes—getting across the Jordan River. But God was faithful, as He had promised. These twelve stone represent conquered territory but only because of God’s providence. I’d say the Jordan River drying up long enough for the Israeli army to cross was worth remembering.
I can recall time after time when circumstances in my life made the desired outcome seem almost impossible. The times I have been planning to carry out commitments and the pain would surface and I would wonder if I would be able to follow through. A very frightening time occurred when I was driving in morning rush traffic.
I hit a trailer hitch that had fallen off a car and I blew two tires and bent 2 wheels. This was in the bottom of the tunnel. God allowed me and others to get out of the tunnel unhurt—even as 18-wheelers were following closely at great speeds.
What monuments have I dedicated to God to remind me of His care? These monuments don’t have to be material things. Perhaps a regular time of prayer to thank God and to remember all the His care could serve as this daily reminder. Times of sharing with others can serve as “special remembrances” of God’s caring.
Lord, I will strive to constantly keep in mind that you are faithful. This is especially important for those of us dealing with pain and chronic conditions of health as we strive to be certain God will always follow through on His promise of loving and caring of His children.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Patricia Armstrong lives in Virgina Beach, VA and in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Va. where she and her husband, Richard, plan to retire in less than 2 years. Her hope and prayer is that those in pain will find peace in knowing God will never leave them.
Previously posted with chronicpaindevotional@yahoogroups.com by Rest Ministries 10/21/2009
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The Flower That Stayed
24 Oct 2009 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: awareness week, Chats and Forums, christian, chronic illness, disabilities, diseases, Flower, God, Health, invisible illness, Jack Frost, List of Happy Tree Friends characters, Religion and Spirituality, United States
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“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psa. 91: 1-2 NIV)
I love planting flowers in the spring to spruce up our little acre but I am no longer physically able to work the earth with a rake and hoe.
So about 9 years ago I decided that all my flowers would be in pots, large ones and medium ones, scattered all over our yard. We also have 2 huge whiskey barrels that house red and pink Begonias. Having them in pots is so much easier to maintain than having them in flower beds.
This fall has been unseasonably cold. Down in the lower 30′s at night and 40′s during the day.
All of our flowers are gone, bitten by Mr. Jack Frost, except for one little Petunia that sits close to our sunroom window on our patio.
It amazes me how that one little purple flower has managed to hang on. Then I recognized the fact that this little petaled survivor was most likely being kept alive some what by the warmth coming from the sunroom, and also the protection of the corner wall where it sits.
This reminds me of us and our Heavenly Father. When we remain close to Him allowing Him to have His way with our lives… we are kept strong in His strength and love, no matter what is going on around us. We may be going through a winter in our lives, but if we trust our Abba Father God… we will turn out ok. God will be our source and our resource.
Thank You, Father, for always being our strength and hope.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pastor Nancy Dittert (Founder & Overseer of Fibro/Chronic Pain Support Ministry) lives in a berm home in Rural Central Iowa with her husband & soul mate Patrick, 5 cats and a Lab/ Sharpei dog. Nancy & Patrick are both pastors, retiring early because of illness. Nancy lives with Severe Fibromyalgia, Absence Seizures and Neuropathy, and her husband had a brain tumor that left him disabled. They are still actively involved as Christian freelance writers and work full time in Chronic Pain Ministry through the Internet and local Cable TV. Write Nancy at nancierose@msn.com and visit her Chronic Pain Web Site at http://Fibromyalgiahelp.homestead.com/index.html
Previously posted with chronicpaindevotional@yahoogroups.com by Rest Ministries 10/19/2009
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Planting and Harvest
24 Oct 2009 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: #iiwk09, Agriculture, awareness week, blogging for invisible illness week, christian, Christianity, christians and depression, chronic illness, chronic pain, depression, depression and illness, disabilities, diseases, Divine grace, faith, God, Health, health conditions, hopekeepers, invisible illness, invisible illness news, invisible illness personal stories, invisible illness virtual conference, invisible illness week, invisible illness week conference, invisible illness week seminars, invisibleillnessweek, Lynnwood Washington, Religion and Spirituality, rest ministries, Soil, symptoms
- Image by Annie&John via Flickr
“Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”(Luke 8:13-15 NIV)
I wonder how any of us become the fertile soil where the seeds of God’s Word remain healthfully rooted? I have concluded that it comes in stages throughout the seasons of our lives. As a child, God met my needs through my parent’s care. During my busy young adulthood, infrequent somber medical news was taken in stride. With little interruption, I was back to my life as usual. God’s grace helped me to recognize his personal care.
I now live daily with chronic conditions that have considerably slowed the activity in my life. What about those roots I need to preserve? As I reach out for God’s strength each day and he responds, he is the one causing the roots to go deeper, enriching my soil with his touch. He continually meets my needs, season after season. He uses my circumstances to cultivate the soil he enriches. He knows the crop he is preparing. It is his good and noble heart that responds to my cries.
There are harvests along the way of faith and trust for me. With each season, God delights when I accept his help and our relationship grows. Do I like the challenges or the thorns that can hurt and bring worries? No. I choose to remain assured that God knows what will emerge from his planting. My deeper understanding will come in eternity and we both will rejoice in the bounty of his harvest.
Prayer: Lord, help me persevere in the challenges throughout each season as you nurture and tend to all you are cultivating in my life. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. She lives in Lynnwood, Washington. She writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 26 years of living with daily physical challenges.
Previously posted with chronicpaindevotional@yahoogroups.com by Rest Ministries 10/17/2009
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