YOU Are A Son or Daughter Of The King–No Matter How You May Feel Today!
31 Mar 2011 5 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian, Christianity, chronic, Father God, God, Jesus, Kingdom of God, Lord
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ (Romans 8:15)
Sometimes it takes a load of bricks to fall on my head for me to understand things. I’ve been going through one of the roughest periods of my life: Completely unequipped to handle all that life seems to be throwing at me. I know God is in control – and I’m thankful – because I know I surely am not.
I received an email of encouragement from a dear friend. In the email she made a comment, “You are indeed a daughter of the King.”
Huh?
Me?
I must admit to crying as I read these words. Did she know? Did she realize how little strength I really have? As the words slowly sunk in. . .”You are indeed a daughter of the King,” I began to understand. Yes, I am the daughter of the King.
I needed to read those words.
Each of us, each who believe, are children – sons and daughters of the King.
And yes, maybe we are worried, maybe we are weak, maybe we are weary–but we are still children of the King. And as we bring each weakness, each weariness, each worry to His feet–He is the one who will give us strength.
It is His strength others see in us. It is His hand who upholds us. It is He who allows others to see the One in whom we place our faith.
Are you claiming your rightful place in God’s kingdom today? Are you realizing that it is He and He alone who will get you through whatever trial you face? Beloved reader, I pray that today, you will look to Him and cry, “Abba, Father” – for He is the one who will make you strong when you are at your weakest.
Prayer: Father God, I praise and thank you for the words of encouragement you bring into our lives. I am awed that you have chosen us to be your children and equip us, in the worst of times, to come to you and cry. . . “Abba , Father!” Amen.
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. Her website is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com/Encouragement – deni can be reached at encouragingwords@me.com
Life Can Turn Our Words Into Life-Changing Poetry To God’s Ears
30 Mar 2011 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic pain, Father God, God, Heavenly Father, Jesus, Lord, Psalm, Religious text
“For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
When I was a teenager one of the poems that I wrote was published. It was entitled “A Poet’s Dilemma.” It spoke of the hardship that one must face to produce just the right words, in just the right rhythm, so that the written work of art was not only read, but enjoyed and remembered. When I was a young writer, this was an important part of my thinking. I not only wanted notability, I wanted to write words that stuck with the reader.
The Lord has brought me, a long ways from those days.
When chronic pain became a permanent part of my life, I was sure that my writing days were over. It wasn’t until I was so down physically and emotionally, that I considered what I had wrote in days past. They were just words– lovely words, formed together for the reader’s entertainment. These words held no major significance in the life of someone who was in pain.
There are words however that are stronger than the pen. Words that not only encourage, but also strengthen and bless. Words that are so powerful, that they reach into the deepest part of our soul and inspire us to examine ourselves. Words that give us Hope and Promise. These are the “Living Words of God,” referred to as the Holy Scriptures.
May the Words of our Heavenly Father, fill you and encourage you today. May you find peace and contentment, knowing that God’s word is true and His promises are real. I pray today that you find solace and comfort, as you seek direction in your life.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, please sooth us today with Your Word! Help us to remember that hurtful words from others are just words we should not take to heart, as You are our Healer of our pain, both physically and emotionally. We love You, Lord! Amen
About the Author:
Deborah Farmer is a part-time writer and small business owner with several “health aggravations.” She desires your prayers as she seeks guidance from God’s word. She hopes to be an instrument of encouragement as she learns to depend on the wisdom of her Lord.
When in Chronic Pain, How Does God Show You ‘A Hug?
29 Mar 2011 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: chronic pain, Devotions, Failed back syndrome, God, Health, Lord, Max, pain, Pain Management
“Know therefore that the Lord our God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.” (Deuteronomy 7:9)
When you live with chronic pain you never know the type of day you will have. Oh, I can plan, but there are things of which I have no control, that can increase my pain level.
Weather, good and bad, can increase pain. A simple movement, like emptying the dishwasher or brushing my teeth can send the pain through the roof.
And of course, my attitude can affect my pain. If I am more positive it doesn’t really lower the pain, it just better equips me to handle the pain.
Today I had one of those higher than normal pain days. I thought it would be a good day, however, when I tried to get out of bed I quickly realized it was going to be a high pain day. I took my pain medications and did a few other things to lower my pain. Yet, today, I just couldn’t get the pain to lower. . . at all. In fact, as the day progressed, the pain seemed to increase. The clock moved very slowly as I waited for the time for my next pain pill.
At one point, as I was ready to have a “poor me” moment, my pet bird, Max, flew to my shoulder and started talking. He had a lot to say. When he was done talking, he simply fell asleep on my shoulder.
When I moved I thought he’d fly to one of his many perches and go back to sleep. But, no he was content to stay on my shoulder as I got up and walked around the apartment. He just wanted to be with me. In fact, he stayed with me pretty much all day.
At one point, he was in his cage eating, and I got up and went into the kitchen. Immediately, I heard “Achoo, achoo, achoo,” which is what Max says when he wants me. I yelled back, “I’m in the kitchen.” Max flew into the kitchen, landed on my shoulder, and promptly started yelling at me for leaving him!
As I look back over today, my pain was high for what seemed like no reason. Yet, the day was not a bad day. Having Max so close to me all day was like God giving me a hug. And any day you get a hug from God is a good day!
The days which you seem to have no control can still be positive if you remember that God loves you. His love is unconditional. The fact that God, the Creator of all, loves you should not only encourage you, but make you feel amazing!
Prayer: Lord, help me remember Your amazing love that never ceases. Just trying to understand the amount of love You have for me should help me make any day a positive one.
About the Author:
Rhonda Sawtelle lives with chronic headaches and pain due to failed back surgery syndrome. Her philosophy is “Create a positive day!” She enjoys watching football, digital scrapbooking, and reading. To read more about how Rhonda creates a positive day, even while living with pain, visit her blog: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com.
Is Suffering Inevitable But Fear Optional?
28 Mar 2011 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: anxiety, fear, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Lisa Copen, Love of God, rest ministries, rheumatoid arthritis, suffering, why cant i make people understand
“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer.” (Revelation 2:10)
“Now, this is going to hurt just a little bit.” Most of us heard these words. Sometimes it does hurt “just a little bit.” Usually it hurts more than the medical specialist let on. Because if he said, “This is going to make you want to scream like crazy we’d yell “stop!” I’ve lost count of the number of times it’s hurt much more than just a little bit and I have a pretty high tolerance for pain.
Suffering comes. It’s inevitable in our world that is filled with sin. But consider this for a moment: Suffering does not have to be accompanied by fear.
Imagine knowing something was about to hurt more than you were prepared for but you felt a complete lack of fear. No fright, nerves, anxiety, or dread. No trembling, cold sweats, apprehension, dread, hesitation, or worry.
How is it humanly possible to know pain or suffering will come, yet not feel fear? It is not–not humanly possible. Only through the presence of the Holy Spirit can we ever feel peace in the middle of pandemonium. Only through our relationship with Jesus, can He provide serenity instead of shock, tranquility through the trembles.
Chronic illness could leave us with immense anxiety every day. We can worry about everything from getting through our plans of the day, simply getting around, the side effects of medication, the bills that continue to arrive in the mail, disappointing those we love, and the list goes on. Don’t surrender over to the fear or it can not just overwhelm you, but envelop you.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you for the gifts You have given me access to by simply knowing Jesus in an intimate relationship. You know all the ways that I could allow fear and anxiety to take over my mind. I ask for daily strength to choose to surrender it over to you and feel that peace that can pass our human understanding.
About the Author:
Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries and she has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since 1993. Illness is fertile ground where emotions can grow that can separate us farther from God’s love. If you are struggling with people not understanding what your daily life is like, you will find a chance to grow through this in Lisa’s book, “Why Can’t I Make People Understand? Discovering the Validation Those With Chronic Illness Seek and Why.” All proceeds help keep Rest Ministries going!
How To Share The Gospel In Your Daily Life–Share You Hope!
27 Mar 2011 4 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: bible verses on sharing your faith, bible verses sharing faith, Christ, Chronic (medicine), First Epistle of Peter, God, how to share the gospel, Jesus, Lisa Copen, Lord, rest ministries, rheumatoid arthritis
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)
A few weeks ago I took my much-softened love seat cushions to a local upholstery shop to get new, firmer foam. It is owned by a married Hispanic couple in their sixties and when I walked in I noticed the woman behind the counter had her Bible open. She took me to the back of shop to have her husband help me decide how firm of foam I wanted.
I told them I had rheumatoid arthritis and that I needed to be able to stand up from the cushions again. The woman shared how she had suffered from a stroke last year and was still self-conscientious at how she talked or walked. I told her I barely noticed and did understand. We laughed at the humor related to having one’s husband as a caregiver at times.
I ran out to the car to get my checkbook and when I came back in I noticed her Bible was no longer sitting out. I asked her, “Did I see your Bible sitting out earlier?”
“Oh, yes!” she smiled. “I couldn’t make it through a single day without it.”
I told her I shared her faith and about the ministry. I said, “It’s always such an encouragement for me to see people reading their Bible.” As I went to leave she leaned in and said, “I feel like I should hug you!” We laughed and hugged. When I came back to get my cushion the next day I brought her two of my books.
The following week, after my back flared uncontrollably, I literally spent the entire night sitting on one of the new cushions and putting the other one behind my back. I didn’t move for two days. I don’t know how I would have survived sitting without these firm cushions. So when my husband took down the cushion from my favorite chair the following week, he told them what a difference they had made for me. How often do those in the upholstery business hear they changed someone’s life? Two days later my mom picked up the cushion. Each time the couple spoke to my family and said I was “so sweet.”
God places us in the rarest of places to share our faith and why we have hope. When we ask God to use us, we must be willing to share our faith (and sometimes about our sufferings) even when we are tired, or standing in an upholstery shop. That same day a twenty-something woman at the office supply store said she had part of her spine fused and that her dad has multiple sclerosis. The woman at the bank asked, “What does Rest Ministries do?” as I made my deposit. She said her sister had fibromyalgia.
What is the reason you have hope? You may firmly believe it is only because you know God is in control of your life and Jesus lives in your heart. But how often do you have to give a reason for this hope? If you find you rarely have to tell someone about the Lord, then ask God for opportunities to share about your hope and He will quickly provide them.
It may be when a telemarketer calls and says, “How are you today?” or the grocery clerk asks, “Do you need help out to your car?” Times like this I will respond, “I really appreciate your help with my groceries. I have rheumatoid arthritis, so this makes a significant difference for me.” This can open up a whole conversation.
Prayer: Lord, give me opportunities to tell people why I have hope in You. Sometimes I grow nervous or am not sure how to approach a conversation. Give me comfort and confidence so I can be obedient in giving the reason for my hope in You and your goodness.
About the Author:
Lisa Copen is the gal who started Rest Ministries from her home office back in 1996. She still runs the ministry from her home office, but God has transformed lives, including her own, through the opportunities He has provided for sharing her hope in Him. Mosaic Moments: Devotionals for the Chronically Ill is a wonderful way to find daily encouragement from her and over 20 other writers. All proceeds keep Rest Ministries going. 1 Peter 3:15 is one of her favorite bible verses on sharing your faith.
The Difference Between Joy and Happiness And How M&Ms Can Be a Reminder
26 Mar 2011 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: Carnegie Mellon University, definition of joy, difference between happiness and joy, difference between joy and happiness, Eating, Food, God, Hacketstown, Health, joy and happiness difference, Lord, M&M's, what is the difference between joy and happiness
“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” (Psalm 126:2)
When I was in high school, I lived next door to the M&M plant in Hacketstown, NJ. Loving M&M’s it was a great place to live. When I went off to college, I took a jar of M&Ms with me. And the jar soon was full of “Joy Pills” — green and yellow M&Ms. Why were they called “joy pills”? Because whenever you eat M&Ms you smile!
My dorm-mates would drop by and take a few “joy pills” when they needed some encouragement. Since college, I’ve kept up the tradition of having the same jar filled with M&Ms (either green and/or yellow).
Today, I knocked over the jar and green M&Ms went everywhere. As I tried to sweep up the M&Ms they just rolled away. They rolled under the heat vent, the shelving. . . everywhere. Just when I thought I had gotten them all I’d see another one. As I stood there looking at the M&Ms all over the floor, I smiled.
I had spilled my ‘Joy’— but God got my attention!
God’s joy is not based on circumstances. It’s not based on what we have, or don’t have. Joy is not based on how we feel, or what is happening in our lives. Joy is not about us. Rather, pure joy is based on an unchanging God, who loves with an unconditional love.
I’m going through medication withdraw, as I prepare for a new treatment to lower my pain. There is NO reason I should be experiencing joy right now. The pain is unbearable. I’m dizzy and have a terrible headache. My body is wanting medication, but the medication I can give it has it’s own side effects. Yet in the midst of my circumstances, I have joy!
Since the joy God provides, is not based on our emotions (which change on a whim), we can enjoy JOY twenty-four hours, seven days a week, no matter our circumstances. There is a significant difference between happiness and joy. We can celebrate joy in the midst of any circumstance knowing that God is in control and He is at work in our lives.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see these little moments of pure joy in my life whatever way you send them. Even the “messes” we make can become little reminders of joy if we have the right perspective.
About the Author:
Rhonda Sawtelle lives with chronic headaches and pain due to failed back surgery syndrome. Her philosophy is “Create a positive day!” She enjoys watching football, digital scrapbooking, and reading. To read more about how Rhonda creates a positive day, even while living with pain, visit her blog: http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com.
You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com
Happiness and Loneliness, Finding The Balance By Remembering Christ’s Presence
25 Mar 2011 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: California, Christ, Chronic (medicine), definition loneliness, depression and loneliness, depression loneliness, God, happiness and loneliness, Health, help for loneliness, how to beat depression and loneliness, how to cope with depression and loneliness, how to deal with loneliness and isolation, Jesus, loneliness, loneliness and depression, loneliness meaning, loneliness symptoms, Medicine
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:35)
My husband goes to the majority of my doctor’s appoints with me. I’m thankful for his companionship, especially on the days when I have procedures or receive test results. There’s something wonderful about knowing that I’m not alone. Someone else is there offering a smile, carrying medicine, or helping me remember critical information.
Recently, I needed an MRI, and Norman came with me. Because our medical facility was undergoing reconstruction, he couldn’t sit in the usual waiting area. He went as far as he could, then I went the rest of the way alone. When my name was called, I followed the tech outside to a modular building. Our route was covered with clear plastic, but the dusk created a lonesome atmosphere.
I hoped that I would be able to remain still during the test. As I was rolled inside the tube, the muscle spasms started. I knew I had to focus my mind or I would prolong the test.
So, I started praying, asking God to take my mind off the pain. As I focused on God, I was reminded of things I should be thankful for – our insurance, the extended hours, even the MRI. I felt myself relax and was able to complete the test.
Prayer: Lord, I am sure there will be times when I face trials alone without someone beside me and am tempted to feel loneliness symptoms, but no matter what I’m going through, I have to remind myself that nothing will ever separate me from You and Your love.
About the Author:
Dorothea lives in California with her family. Although she has endured the challenges of chronic illness for more than 20 years, she trusts in God’s grace to help her get through each day. Visit her in the Sunroom.
You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com
Our Body May Be Tired, But We Are Not Wasting Life Away. The Eternal Matters!
24 Mar 2011 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Bible, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, crohn's disease, God, Hercules, Karlton Douglas, Lord, Ohio, Second Epistle to the Corinthians, wasting life away
“That is why we are not discouraged. Though outwardly we are wearing out, inwardly we are renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16)
Within a period of about six weeks, two different doctors looked at me and sent me to the lab; each doctor was convinced I needed a blood transfusion, the second doctor assured me I would need at least two units of blood. Well it turned out I only “looked like a starving vampire”–in both cases my blood count was fine.
Recently I was told that a family member, who happens to be in the fourth stage of cancer, thought that I looked really bad.
Four years ago, at five foot ten inches tall, I weighed 225 pounds. Last winter I weighed 185 pounds. Right now I would be amazed if I could hit the 150 pound mark. I know something of what it means to see the outward man perishing.
Thank God that we are more than our outward shell. Thankfully our true self is the one that exists inwardly, our personality, our likes and dislikes, our loves and hates–all come from within where our true self exists.
God looks at the heart. He measures each of us by who we really are, by who we are on the inside. Some people look very good on the outside. Some people are pure muscle and look as strong as Hercules.
Others are so beautiful that their faces are seen on all the magazines. But God sees past all that into the heart.
You may feel like me. You may hardly recognize the person you see in the mirror. You may wonder what happened to the strength you once had. Such changes can be devastating to us if we let them. I think that is why the Bible continually reminds us we have a better home awaiting us, that even though we may fade while on this earth, we will shine in heaven.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we long for the day when we are renewed, until then give us grace and strength on this earth. Amen.
About The Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. He has both Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohn’s Disease.
You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com
Would You Eat a ‘Groundhog Supper?’
23 Mar 2011 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: Bill Murray, Groundhog, Groundhog Day, holidays, Jesus Christ, Kansas, Punxsutawney Phil, United States
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
I don’t know what it is like in your part of the United States, but here in western Kansas we celebrate Groundhog Day with meals fit for a king! Many churches and smaller communities have what is called a “Groundhog Supper”, and for a small price you can get a wonderful meal. This meal always includes a sausage patty, sauerkraut, homemade biscuits and gravy. Having grown up here, I experienced firsthand how great these homemade meals can be.
This last week I had to go for a doctor’s visit out of town. Our youngest daughter was going to drive my husband and I to the appointment. Because we were going to be home late, our daughter had her two sons stay at their aunt’s house after school until we got home. Their aunt took them to a Groundhog Supper put on by a local church. Soon we received a phone call, and after quite a lengthy conversation, a story unfolded.
It seems that after sitting the children down with their groundhog supper plates, our oldest grandson proceeded to tell everyone that he was not going to eat this food! And furthermore, no one could make him eat it!
I am sure you can put two and two together. He wasn’t going to eat anything that looked like the animal we had watched on television the week before. You know, that cute furry creature they hold up in the air to show the world, looks like it’s related to a beaver, and has to see it’s shadow! There was absolutely no convincing this boy that it was sausage!
I think that often we as chronically ill people think like my grandson did. After the many doctor visits and unexplained changes happening to our bodies, we close ourselves to trust. The trust that is essential in our lives with Jesus Christ. The trust that is essential to healing mentally as well as physically.
Many of us know that our bodies may be beyond repair, but with trust and belief in the Lord, our minds can get us through anything. “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:20)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, be with us through this day and give us strength through trust in You. “I will trust and not be afraid.” (Isaiah 12:2)
About the Author:
Nancy Carr is from western Kansas and has retired due to degenerative disc disease and Fibromyalgia. Strength from our Lord has kept her going through many difficult days. Her husband is in the last stage of Parkinsons disease.
Learning to Escape To Our Knees When We Cannot Escape Our Illness
22 Mar 2011 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian, God, Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, Lisa Copen, Lord, rest ministries, rheumatoid arthritis, Satan
“When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.” (Matthew 14:13)
I was recently sharing with a friend how exhausted I am lately, coping with some harsh flares of my rheumatoid arthritis. “I love people,” I explained. “But when I am in so much pain I need space. I don’t want to talk to anyone. I don’t want to answer the phone. I don’t want anyone in my house, even the housekeeper. And then that feels so selfish! I don’t want to be that kind of person! But I shouldn’t have to leave my own house to get some quiet.”
“Lisa,” she calmly said. “What did Jesus do when he was tired and needed to find renewal?”
“He withdrew” I said.
What does “withdrawing” mean to you? We all have read how Jesus went “away” quite frequently. There were times when it was just a stone’s throw away from his disciples (Luke 22:41), and other times He went to the mountains or desert. But even Jesus knew there were times He would literally need a boat in order to escape the demands of life to be able to talk with His Father.
Connecting with God takes time. I have learned that for me, those 8-minute little pre-packaged devotionals are comforting, but they don’t get me to the deep soul-quenching talk I need to have with God to feel fulfilled. And sometimes to get this we need to “go.” Go can mean changing the lighting, putting on some music, or stacking up some cozy pillows. It can also mean getting in your car and just driving a bit, or pulling over and looking at the sun set or a body of water.
And if we feel guilty about withdrawing in order to grow close to God? That is Satan telling us lies: “Real Christians should be able to connect with God anywhere, any time,” he says. “You are being selfish asking for that time to yourself. Your family needs you. You already spent time today ‘resting’ and now you need time to be with God. A good parent wouldn’t put her kids last.”
Do you hear those lies?
So know that I love hearing from you. I love getting your emails. You keep me going each day. But if you are like me and sometimes feel like life’s demands make you feel like there are not enough hours in the day to be everything to everyone, the best place to start is just being a child of the most Holy God. Everything else will fall into place. Our illness gives us a special connection with the Lord. He is close to the broken-hearted. He hears our cries. But we must allow ourselves to cry out now and then in order for Him to comfort us.
Prayer: God, so often I try to distract myself from the pain by staying busy, but more than any distraction, what I need to do is allow myself to rest in Your arms. Help me put aside “my” needs, the needs of others and the need to please, and instead just let me fall into the need for You.
About the Author:
Lisa Copen is the woman behind Rest Ministries. She started in her bedroom office in 1997 when she was unable to find Christian support for living with a chronic illness. She has had rheumatoid arthritis since 1993 and has had the worst season in her last three months physically. She’s ready for spring! You can see what books Lisa has written at http://lisacopensbooks.com . ALL proceeds (100%) support our ministry!
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