Finding God’s Strength In Our Fatigue of Illness
31 Jan 2011 5 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian encouragement, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
Have you ever been so tired that you did not even have the energy to watch TV? Think about that. How much energy could it require, and how much poor concentration is needed to sit in front of a TV set? Yet I’ve found myself even that exhausted, to the point of not enough energy for the mindless entertainment of television.
Sometimes God will speak to you in your spirit, just a small voice that you must listen closely to hear. Recently I was praying to God and saying, “Lord, today I need You to carry me for I have no strength.”
The Lord surprised me by responding, “I’ve been carrying you today and every day.”
I burst out laughing because it was so very true. God had been carrying me through the many days when I had no strength.
My “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” needs a name change to “Constant Fatigue Syndrome.” I’m continually exhausted and finding myself with no strength. Yet the Lord has helped me to somehow get through.
We each face diverse things. For me fatigue is a major issue, and for you it may be something completely different.
You may have plenty of energy but find yourself in a wheelchair or limited in movement by arthritis. We may need different kinds of rest and relief, but one Lord supplies all of our needs by His love and grace.
Today you may find yourself in dire need of God’s rest for your soul. Our Jesus is a living God. He is master of the universe and master of our lives. We each face much adversity, but we never face it alone. Turn to Him for rest for your weary soul.
Prayer: Dear Lord, when weariness saps at our will to go on, give us rest and strength to move forward again. Amen.
About The Author
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. He has both Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohn’s Disease.
God’s Amazing Colors Exemplifies God Has No Limits
30 Jan 2011 6 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, Health, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering
Fiona's Photo
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom it.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
On my recent trip to USA and Canada, we were privileged to see some of the magnificent Fall color that I’ve heard much about over the years, but had never been visiting at the right time to see it myself.
As we gazed out the windows of the coach, or just walked beneath the beautiful trees, it seemed almost too beautiful. For me, coming from the Southern Hemisphere, the colors seem to be different to what we experience in our Autumn. Of course the trees are different, so the colors are too. But, we do have beautiful Autumn color here too.
A few of the photos that I took in Eastern Canada I’ve had to revisit to make sure that I didn’t artificially enhance them on my computer. But no, they really did look like that! If I hadn’t seen it with my eyes, I probably wouldn’t have believed it. They need no enhancement.
It made me think of the amazing palette that God has used to color all that we see. There are so many colors in the rock formations, our coastlines, the oceans and rivers, the trees, the mountain scenery, the sky, that change with seasons and light, to a myriad of more colors.
God needs no digital enhancement of His colors. It reminded me that God is not limited in ways we may be. He has this variety of creative power available, that we cannot even imagine and will probably never see and experience all of it, in our lifetime. How awesome is that!
God planned each of those colors and just as He cared enough to do that so beautifully, He also cares about you and me. He has planned our days, He knows our thoughts and He feels, and understands our pain.
Our Creator God has given us so much to appreciate and thank Him for – I want to always be aware of that.
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 reading, writing, travel and photography. You can contact her in the Sunroom.
The Lord Seeks Our Heart and Mind, Not Our Body’s Abilities
29 Jan 2011 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Bible, Books of Chronicles, Christ, christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, Health, Henry Ford, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, Joshua, Lord, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering
“… and serve Him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.” (1 Chronicles 28:9)
My son handed me the form his teacher filled out on his first oral report about Henry Ford; 120 points out of 100 (which included extra credit). I looked at it and scanned down through how he earned his points, such as speaking clearly, looking at his audience, etc. As a kid who struggles in reading, writing, and math, and who brings home less than wonderful grades despite his effort, this was astronomical for his self-esteem.
I hugged him close, and said. “Honey, I knew you were a good speaker and leader, but this really is your gift.”
“My gift?” he asked. “Why?”
“Because even when you had to stand up in front of people you knew and do a report on a topic you didn’t choose you did fabulous. You are an amazing speaker. Did you know some adults are scared to speak in front of people?”
Each day we struggle trying to figure out how God can possibly use us in our current state. Like my son, there in no shortage of resources in our world that will confirm your feelings of failure. (Remember those thick red markers they corrected your papers with in school?) But God made each of us perfectly; we are designed exactly how He intended, with our strengths, weaknesses, and our experiences.
My son and I have talked about Joshua in the Bible and how, as a soldier, he was likely a good leader and speaker. He encouraged his troops, but also made sure they knew God was his commander. What is most vital is that we are spiritually seeking God at all times; our motives and thoughts are Christ-like and that we search Him whole-heartedly and with a willing mind.
Does our mind always need to be focused? Does our devotion need to be on a particular do-gooder topic? No. God already knows our hearts and motives. We just need to work on our character and following Him and His gifts and plans for our life will be revealed. Even from our bed, with the help of some technology, we can reach the world with the news of our Lord.
Prayer: Lord, when I begin to doubt that you still have plans for my life, remind me that you are concerned with my heart and mind and how I use it for Your glory. My body, and its physical strengths are not necessary to do the works you have set before me.
About the Author:
Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries which she began a few years after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1993. She is the author of “Beyond Casseroles: 505 Ways to Encourage a Chronically Ill Friend,” available at http://beyondcasseroles.com and 100% of the proceeds support Rest Ministries.
Announcement: Latte With Lisa – Completely Unfiltered
28 Jan 2011 12 Comments
in Announcements Tags: Christ, Chronic (medicine), God, Lisa, Lisa Simpson, rest ministries, rheumatoid arthritis, YouTube
Living with illness is hard. Yes, that is nothing new that you have not heard me say before. But Thursday I felt like I was hit “hard.” It’s not life-threatening news or anything, it was just one of those “can’t I catch a break” moments. And the tears flowed. And I used the time to talk with you.
Latte with Lisa is something I usually share over on my blog at the Rest Ministries web site, but I thought some of you who may not regularly read the articles over there may find comfort in my video. . . you are not alone.
As I have prayerfully listened to God’s voice on what direction to take Rest Ministries, one of my hopes was to “connect” with you more… to share the realities of life with illness–AND the hope we CAN find in Christ.
Sure, I usually fix my makeup and put on a shirt with a collar before making a video. I try to add a bit of sparkle so I don’t scare you off (smile) and so it at least appears I know what I am doing. But sometimes a gal just has to put aside that shiny image and get real. It’s not always pretty, but it is real.
If the video below does not show up or play you can find it here on our YouTube channel.
Tell me. . . how does this make you feel? Is it comforting to know I am on the same journey? Or. . . disheartening? Do you like seeing the “real” me? Or do you prefer the more professional version that looks a bit more filtered? I’m curious to know what you think.
Lisa
How To Completely Allow God To Be Your Refuge In Illness and Pain
28 Jan 2011 7 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian encouragement, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, patricia armstrong, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals
“O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8)
“My life is just one big crisis,” was the frustrating and emotional sharing of a friend. Have we ever felt the same way? I know I have. Those of us living in chronic pain and with continuing illness for which treatment is not successful truly feel that all the others frustrations of life “snowball” and can become overwhelming. Pain and illness often magnify the stress of financial and personal concerns, lack of understanding from others, and fear of what the future holds.
How do we cope with life when it becomes a crisis? Our greatest comfort is Jesus and His Word and the Bible has much to say about what to do when facing a crisis.
First, we must release our grief. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4 ). That means it’s okay to be honest about our grief. “O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8 ) God wants to comfort us in tragedy. He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. God created us to feel emotions and he doesn’t expect us to act happy when we’re grieving.
Be willing to receive help from others. The Bible tells us that when we carry one another’s burdens, we obey the Law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2) Ask Jesus not to let us be bitter and remember we all have the power to decide how trouble affects us. We can always thank God for our blessings and focus on them.
A time of crisis is a good time to clarify our values by considering what is really important in life. It is important to remember that crisis doesn’t mean that our self worth is less. This is a time to remember what the Apostle Paul said, “I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens; I can do all things through Christ, because He gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11,13)
Prayer: Lord, no matter how bad the situation, help me remember that You are always faithful. Teach me to turn to You for all the strength I need to get through this day.
About the Author:
Patricia Armstrong lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with her husband, Richard. Patricia is a retired elementary school teacher. She enjoys church activities, reading, gardening and camping. Patricia deals with constant pain from a nerve disease but is learning that Jesus is always with us even in times of greatest crisis. She prays others who are suffering will find this comfort too.
Allowing God to Build Our Mansion Despite The Clutter of Illness
27 Jan 2011 9 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christ, christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, Lord, lynn severance, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:1a, 2)
The group setting was small. The person guiding our discussion was emphasizing the importance of maintaining one’s target heart rate to get the benefit of exercise work outs. That is not possible for me! God quieted these internal stirrings and redirected my thoughts.
I wondered, “How is my spiritual target heart rate these days? Am I focusing on the One who holds the plan for my life where physical exertion has to be at a minimum?”
Yes, He is preparing an eternal place for me. Some say it will be a mansion! Yet His Spirit dwells within me now. My earthly home needs my attention as well as His. In the now, I am building towards a further plan that will be revealed in eternity.
Living with multiple challenges – some chronic – it is easy to slip into lethargy, even jealousy. I view others whose lives are unchallenged in the ways that mine is. I need God to build me up when my mind starts churning, attempting to tear me down, bringing disrespect within his temple.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.” If I dwell within negative thoughts, I am not on target with Christ at my center. My problems become the center. They cannot be denied but they do not identify me. Christ does.
Following where He leads, I don’t want to trip over any clutter. I want to live in the “now” as it builds towards the future. I want the target that is filled with Him and His purposes to count the most.
How are you doing as you tend to your earthly home, letting God work on that mansion yet to come?
Prayer: Lord, Your building plans for me are perfect. Help me to keep my focus clear and steady–on target with You in the here and now. Amen.
About the Author:
Lynn Severance lives in Lynnwood, Washington. She is a retired elementary classroom teacher. Lynn writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 28 years of living with daily physical challenges.
An Attitude of Gratitude Is An Action, Not a Cliche
26 Jan 2011 5 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christ, christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, Chronic (medicine), chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, Gratitude, Health, holidays, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, Lord, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering, Thanksgiving
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:5-7)
I have this theory: If I hear something once, it might be a random thing. If I hear it twice, maybe I need to pay attention to it. God might be saying something I need to hear. The third time? No doubt about it. I best listen.
Today, it has all been about gratitude. It can be hard to be grateful when we face challenge after challenge – but that it what God calls us to do.
I’m seeing over and over how I must seek out the positives in my life. My current literary “blessing” is a book study on Alice in Wonderland.
In the book, this exchange occurs.
‘Cheshire Puss,’ [Alice] began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know whether it would like the name: however, it only grinned a little wider. ‘Come, it’s pleased so far,’ thought Alice, and she went on. ‘Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?’
‘That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,’ said the Cat.
‘I don’t much care where — ‘ said Alice.
‘Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,’ said the Cat.
The same is true of our attitude. If we want to get to a place of gratitude we must walk in that direction. We will live in the place of negativity if we walk that path. We have our choice of destinations.
As another writer put it, we can “feed” the gratitude inside of us – or we can feed the negativity. It’s up to us.
This season setting goals can be difficult for many of us. It is important to realize that whatever we feed – will grow. We will become more and more positive or, conversely – more and more negative.
God calls us to do everything with thanksgiving.
If you don’t know where to start thanking God, perhaps thanking Him that you are able to read and understand what you are reading right now is a place to begin.
Christ gave His life that you may live and have Him as Lord of your life. That is the ultimate destination.
Chart your course wisely.
About the Author:
Deni Weber believes that the only true way to deal with chronic challenges is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her challenges have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest desire that her lessons may 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
How to Logistically Apply the “Don’t Worry” Verse When You Are Ill
25 Jan 2011 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: American Sign Language, christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, Evangelism, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, Health, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jeremiah, Jesus, Lord, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”‘” (Matthew 4:4)
This verse cut to my heart this morning. I have not been spending time with the Lord as I should be. Yet, I worry about what I will eat, my financial situation, my eating disorder, and much more.
God tells us not to worry. Luke 12:22 says, “Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.’
Jesus tells us to put our trust in Him. “‘I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me,’ declares the Lord” (Jeremiah 39:18).
With these truths, we know not to worry, and to trust Him, but how do we do this practically? Well, what Jesus said is that we live on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. What we need to do, then, is read His Word and apply it to our lives. Then everything else seems to fall into place.
What an awesome God we serve! All we need to do is to trust and obey, which is far easier than living our lives on our own terms! We live to love and glorify God, and to love others, the two greatest commandments. And He is worthy of all praise.
May God bless you today as you put your trust and hope in Him.
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for Your Word, which you have so freely given to us. We ask for help in trusting and obeying You, and doing Your will. We often don’t know what Your will is for us. Please reveal it to us. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
About the Author:
Wendy Spurling lives in Northeastern Massachusetts. She lives alone, but is surrounded by friends. She loves writing, reading, and using the computer. She is going to college for Human Services and Deaf Studies. She loves American Sign Language! Most of all, though, she loves the Lord. If you need to be saved, and are ready for it, please contact her at inhim4life@comcast.net and she will help you.
Taking The Chance to Pray “Thy Will Be Done” With Surrender
24 Jan 2011 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, chronic illness, chronic pain, crohn's disease, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, Gospel of Matthew, Health, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, Ohio, our daily bread devotion book, prayer, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering, Thy Will Be Done
“He went away a second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.’” (Matthew 26.42)
“Thy will be done.” How many times do we really mean that prayer, or even pray that prayer? Don’t we really desire in our prayers that: “Lord, please please do what I want, what my will is. Please give me what I’m asking for, what I desire, what I will.”
It is a scary proposition to ask the Lord that “His will be done.” What if His will is to take us through very difficult circumstances to deepen our faith and build character in us? What if His will is to allow our hardship to continue to teach us patience? Or to help us to better relate to others who are suffering?
Isn’t it interesting that Jesus did not pray what today is considered a “great prayer of faith”? He did not claim His desired outcome, but rather put His face and His prayer outcome in God’s hands. This is worth considering, for today many preachers have it backwards, removing God from the equation and placing their own will solely at the beginning, middle, and ending of their prayers.
I would submit to you that you can never go wrong in placing your faith in God’s will for your life. You may not get everything you want, but you will find God’s mercy and grace at work in your life.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You always know what is best for us, while our vision is limited, You know and see all things. Thank You for the times You say “yes” to our prayers, and the times You say “no.” Thy will be done. Amen.
About The Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. He has suffered with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohn’s Disease for many years, and has found God faithful to help him in his afflictions.
God Is Always Our Refuge, Despite What Our Illness May Bring
23 Jan 2011 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, Health, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, Lord, meditation, Melbourne, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, prayer, Psalm, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
Some years ago, when I still was part of a choir, we were working on a difficult arrangement of Psalm 46, for a concert we were doing. I liked a challenge in my music, but this was a challenge to most of us and there were times when we thought we would never get it right. I remember our choir director, encouraging us that we could do it, even when there were many who didn’t quite believe her.
We worked so hard to get the notes right, that sometimes we could lose sight of the powerful words. But after all that practice, they have stayed with me in ways they may not have had the music been easier.
I was reading the Psalm again this week and as I thought about all the things that seem to be weighing me down at present, I was reminded again that God is my refuge in times of trouble. Times when things seem to get me down, come and go, but God is there to be ever present with me in times of trouble. And He’s there the rest of the time as well.
The Psalm goes on to bring us those wonderful words “Be still and know that I am God.” Then “The Lord Almighty is with us.”
We need to slow down sometimes to be still – even for those of us that don’t “do” a lot – it may still be necessary to slow down and focus on being still before God.
I want to make sure that no matter what else occupies my thoughts and mind, that I’m never in doubt that God is always my refuge and that He is the strength of my life.
Prayer: Father, please help me to be still and to focus on you as my God, my strength and my refuge. 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 reading, writing, travel and photography. You can contact her in the Sunroom.
Recent Comments