Renewing Our Spirit Even During The Most Difficult Times
30 Apr 2011 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: California, David, Father God, God, Lord, Psalm, Psalm 51, Spirit
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
I love reading about King David, especially his psalms. Today, as I read in Psalm 51, I stopped to meditate on verse 10. King David asks God to renew a steadfast spirit within him. This is a spirit that isn’t easily shaken; a spirit that allows only God’s truth to guide it; a spirit that can’t be moved, regardless of what is going on around it. It is a confident spirit that allows God’s word to be the final authority.
It is just what I need today–a reminder to trust God no matter what I face.
We live in times that are exciting, challenging, and sometimes frightening. Many days have unknown elements, but each moment is cemented in the palm of our Father’s hands.
It is comforting to know that like David, we can seek God to renew our spirits, to give us the courage to face our day head-on and to trust that He will get us through. When our lives are filled with uncertainty and when we have to learn to go with the flow of our limits, we should remember to celebrate the strength that God has placed within us. The Lord will never fail to uphold us and help us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples left by those who have gone before us. Help us to remember that You provide everything we need to live successfully this day.
About the Author:
Dorothea lives in California with her family. Although she has endured the challenges of several chronic conditions for over 20 years, she trusts in God’s grace to help her get through each day. She writes with the desire to encourage others and to remind them of God’s unfailing love.
Even Through the Darkest Night God is There
29 Apr 2011 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian, Christianity, chronic, David, God, Psalm, Psalm 23, Religion & Spirituality
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” (Psalm 23:4)
A baby takes its only remaining breath. A family’s heart is broken.
The words “cancer” come slowly out of a doctor’s mouth. A young mother cries.
An old woman quietly breathes her last as her family sits in silence around her.
Tragedy strikes in unknown ways, yet, in each and every situation–God is there. We don’t understand. We question. We doubt. We cry. We rage.
“Why, why, WHY?” we demand.
We get no satisfactory answers.
Many questions will never be answered in this lifetime. We begin to doubt God’s power or even his very existence.
I think of David, the shepherd boy–the king. Even when things looked bleakest, when he had doubts and fears, he came to God.
The 23rd Psalm holds so much truth. I’m sure many people who’ve not read much of Scripture are at least familiar with those words. I try to envision what they meant to David. He knew exactly what it was to be a shepherd: The responsibility, the care, the concern for the sheep. If only one were lost–the shepherd was committed to finding it and bringing it home.
If one lamb was lost in a dark place, a scary place–it didn’t stop the shepherd. The shepherd sought out the lamb and brought it home. Perhaps it was an unknown sinister valley, filled with dangers. The shepherd did not abandon his charge. No, he walked though the darkness to find what belonged to him and bring it home safely.
We read familiar words: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Even in the darkest valley.
He is there.
Prayer: Lord God, thank You for the wisdom and insight that has been passed down to us through the ages. May the words we hear that teach of You never become old and stale and trite. May we feel Your strength as our Shepherd as You bring us through the darkest night. 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 .
The Journey of Life Is Not Meant to Be Done Alone
28 Apr 2011 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christ, Christianity, chronic pain, First Epistle to the Thessalonians, God, Jesus, Melbourne, Religion and Spirituality
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
I remember listening to a pastor at a service where my parents were being received into membership. He talked about them coming to share part of their journey at that church. We are each on a life journey and that journey may take us in many directions; our paths will cross with many people–some we will value and others we may wish we hadn’t met at all. There will be circumstances beyond our control, decisions that we will make – both right and wrong.
We think that our lives will work out in a certain way, but then things change and the reality is far different. My life changed dramatically at the age of 24. When I look back now, over twenty years later, I can see things very differently compared to how I saw them at that time. My journey took a turn I never expected, or planned for.
Along the journey, there will be people who are influential in helping us, or just walking alongside us as we journey together.
In the “Footprints” poem we are reminded that when life is tough Christ carries us, but so too do the people who come alongside us. They help and encourage us through times when we might wish to give up, or we just don’t know how we will get through.
Rest Ministries has introduced me to people who I am able to depend on during those hard times. They are people who understand me and support me, pray for me, encourage me, and not judge me. They just accept me with all my faults and my fears.
A preacher reminded me recently, that God “did not think it was good for man to be alone”–as it says in Genesis. God made us to need people and to need to be in fellowship of a Christian community. For some of us that community is not local. We may never meet them on this side of heaven, but we still have that community of people who are walking with us.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the people You send to walk this journey with me and thank You that You promise never to leave me, no matter what direction my path leads. Amen.
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful for the difference God makes in her life, and the lessons He teaches her, as she lives with chronic pain. She enjoys finding time for reading, writing, and photography, and to travel when she is able. You can contact her in the Sunroom.
You Don’t Need to Battle – Just Stand and Listen
27 Apr 2011 7 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Books of Chronicles, God, Israelites, Jehoshaphat, Jesus, Lord, Lord's Cricket Ground, The Battle Is Not Yours
“O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. . . . This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’” (2 Chronicles 20:12,15)
I suffer from a rare condition and have done a lot of research as my own advocate on my diagnosis and treatment journey. I have often said to my husband, “I just don’t know what to do next.” My husband once directed me to this story of King Jehoshaphat.
The people of Judah are about to be invaded by a vast army with which they cannot compete. In response, Jehoshaphat gathers the people together to seek the Lord. While the situation looks grim and they don’t know what to do, they choose to seek God rather than sit around and worry.
The Spirit of the Lord tells them the battle is the Lord’s and they don’t need to fight, but rather to stand firm and watch God save them from their attackers! The Lord not only destroyed their enemies for them, but He also greatly blessed them with all their enemies’ goods. In fact it took the Israelites three days to gather all that the Lord gave them through this victory!
This passage really convicts me because I often find myself fighting so hard instead of relying on God like I should. No matter what I do or don’t do, God is the one who is fighting for me. I believe that God is in control yet I often feel like I need to somehow control the situation too.
The encouraging thing is that nothing I have done or ever will do can frustrate God’s plans. He is reigning and His will will be accomplished for my life. Praise God that none can withstand Him! The “victory” may not always look the way we would like, but if God is fighting for us we can always trust the battle’s outcome.
Prayer: Lord, help us to seek You no matter how daunting the situation and trust that You will fight our battles.
Welcome to Our New Writer!
Kari Essenpreis is a young wife and mother of a busy toddler. After ministering to those suffering from HIV/AIDS in Africa she is learning personally that pain has a purpose. She suffers from pudendal neuralgia, a rare type of pelvic nerve pain and widespread muscle pain.
We ALL Need a Savoir, Especially During Difficult Times
26 Apr 2011 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: Karlton Douglas
“The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:7-8)
I find God so amazing and beyond comprehension, and His word so rich that a single verse can be life-changing, that I cannot fathom the number of unbelievers. Entire nations seem to be moving further from God, nations and people who have ample opportunity to learn about and experience God. It is hard to fathom their rejection of the Divine, except when human pride and the flesh are considered, I suppose we should wonder that there are not more unbelievers considering the hardness of the human heart.
It is also amazing to me that anyone survives hardship without God. I cannot imagine enduring my many trials outside of God’s help. My suspicion is that there is a much higher percentage of believers among those who chronically suffer, considering we soon learn humility and just how frail we are as humans, and how badly we need our Creator in the midst of our suffering and pain.
It is tempting to think we can make it through life without God. Human pride wants to think we are in essence our own “god” the master of our own fate. Yet those who will open their eyes, step onto the narrow path, and look up when circumstances try to bring them down, we find circumstances can change, God can still work miracles, He can bring people into our lives that bring us love, help, and kindness.
With open eyes, with eyes open wide, we can see a world that only makes sense in the light of scripture and God’s presence. We find meaning and understanding in light of God’s love and scriptural teachings and doctrine. Without God you have no future, no hope, no justice, no love, no mercy, no help.
Worldly people deny their Maker, and think they can make it through life alone, but godly people find relief, and peace in the Creator of all they are.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we lean upon You because You are there, in our hopes and prayers and manifest through love and peace and the people You bring into our lives to love and aid us on our journey to You. Thank You Lord, Creator and Maker of all things, even the unbelievers. Amen.
About The Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. God has been a part of his life since he was a boy, and he would not trade that personal relationship with Christ for anything.
Easter: Don’t Forget The Rock
24 Apr 2011 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: Books of Samuel, Christianity, dancing, Easter, God, Jesus, Lisa Copen, Lord, praises, praising god, Psalms, rest ministries, video
Note from Lisa: I know many of you may be unable to physically attend church today. I invite you to join me at church. My church Maranatha Chapel with Pastor Ray Bentley and music with Phil Wickham will have their services broadcast live at 8:30 and 10:30 AM Pacific time, and then they will be archived to watch at any time.
————–
Easter: Don’t Forget The Rock
“But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.” (Mark 16:4)
“The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!” (2 Samuel 22:47)
Happy Easter! He is Risen!
When we think of symbols of our Christian faith and how we display it daily, we tend to think of the cross. I have one around my neck, a decorative one beside my front door, and they are scattered through my home.
The cross is where Jesus laid down His life and took on all the world’s sin. And yes, we should remember the cross. We must remember the cross.
But today, on this Easter Sunday, I am going to think about the ROCK!
Illness and pain may be a part of your daily life and there are times you ask God why He allows that kind of suffering. But regardless of the situation He is our Rock.
Scriptures tell us “For their rock is not like our Rock, as even our enemies concede” (Deuteronomy 32:31); and “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2).
We cannot do this life alone. “If a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.” (Proverbs 26:27b) But with God living in us we can cry out to God, “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.” (Psalm 31:3)
Easter is a day of life! Do something outrageous today for the Lord. Blast some worship music, sway to the music, call a friend and have a giggle, or write that poem you’ve been thinking about. Live for the Lord. When Jesus rose from the tomb he did it in an outrageous way. He didn’t give up His life so we could choose to do be ambivelent about life.
Be outrageous for Him!
Prayer: “Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.” (Psalm 31:2) God, I celebrate You today and that Jesus has risen! May You always be my Rock!
About the Author:
Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries and has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since 1997. She hoped that even if you are home today and unable to attend church you can make time to sing some praises to the Lord.
Here are 2 videos of people dancing and being outrageous for the Lord!
http://www.godtube.com/resource/mediaplayer/5.3/player.swf
You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com
Seeing God’s Goodness Now
23 Apr 2011 5 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christianity, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, lynn severance, New King James Version, NKJV, Psalms, Religion & Spirituality
“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13 NKJV)
It was morning as I awakened. Fear was grabbing at me. Immediately (not always my first response when in fear) I recited this verse as translated in my well worn RSV Bible. “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!” Then my recitation became,”I do see the goodness of the Lord in this land where I live.” What a Holy Spirit nudge.
I often turn to this verse when seeking hope. I realized in this experience that I relate that God’s goodness is here with each of us “now”. No matter our circumstances, our pain, our concerns about loved ones in crisis — all of it, God’s goodness never changes. It is not something we will only find in the future as we tough things out in the present. He and his goodness are with us now.
As I write this we are heading into Holy Week. It holds remembrances of Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. It ends that same week of Passover with his having gone through his excruciating passion and death on the Cross.
The apostles scattered in fear and disbelief. Where was the goodness? It had been with then all along. Jesus had been with them all along. They came to discover that Jesus was to be with them in deeper ways as they became empowered by God’s own Spirit. They would live fully telling of Jesus’ victorious Resurrection and triumph over death and all fear.
Because of love’s greatest self sacrifice, we also carry his Holy Spirit deep within. When in times of crisis and challenges that overwhelm us, we need not fear but remember that we hold within the One who overcame so that we can turn inward and draw on His strength. We can see the goodness of the Lord in the land where we are living right now.
Prayer: Lord, I rejoice in Your goodness as I turn inward to garner strength to meet the challenges of each day. We dwell together and together we overcome. 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.
Pruned by God through Pain and Suffering
22 Apr 2011 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Bronlynn Spindler, Christ, fruit, garden, God, Pruning, Second Epistle to the Corinthians, Tree, Virginia
“I am the vine, and my Father is the gardener. . . every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 14:1,2)
Spring has sprung beautifully here in Virginia and I am blessed that I am able to take part in a beginner gardening course. We recently discussed pruning and I was reminded of the above verse. As we studied the benefits of pruning, I realized how God’s pruning tools of trials and suffering are for our benefit.
Pruning redirects growth. I need to grow in directions of joy, contentment, hope, and peace , rather than envy, discouragement, bitterness, or self-pity. Pruning thins out extra branches and strengthens the main branches supporting the tree’s structure.
God may remove certain things in my life to show me that He is enough and my strength comes from Him. Pruning rejuvenates old growth. I sometimes need a fresh reminder that God is in control and has the best plan for my life, regardless of how it seems at the moment.
I can adopt new outlooks and methods of coping with problems, remembering I am new creation in Christ. Proper pruning encourages fruit growth. God’s purpose is for me to bear fruit for Him whatever my circumstances, and He gives me the strength and ability to do that if I am attached firmly to Him.
Pruning shapes the object. Everything that God brings in to my life has the potential of conforming me more to His image so that I am transformed into His likeness (II Corinthians 3:18).
Interestingly enough, a well-pruned tree which is exposed to severe weather will build up stronger supportive tissue and more flexible limbs than those trees which are not under such stress. God’s Spirit helps us to increase in perseverance and endurance through suffering, so that we will become mature in Him (James 1:2-4).
Improper pruning can destroy a tree. Thankfully our God is not a harsh gardener. Our scars show the cuts of His love and care, and He is shaping us perfectly for eternity.
Prayer: O God, You are the perfect pruner. May I yield to Your pruning methods in my life as You shape me for Your glory. Amen.
About the Author:
Bronlynn Spindler lives in VA and is blessed to have the support and encouragement of a wonderful husband and three grown daughters. God’s grace and strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.
Special Poem: Not Wounded Alone
22 Apr 2011 2 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christ, christian, Christianity, Evangelism, God, Jesus, Lord, Religion and Spirituality
The disciples were gathered in the room,
their Lord had been crucified.
They were discouraged, felt abandoned,
wishing He was at their side.
And then! He appeared ! Right there
and He wished them His peace.
The disciples were filled with joy -
their questions now could cease!
And then! Lovingly, He showed them
the wounds in His side, His hands,
wanting them to know He’d hurt, too
and now He could understand…
Understand each pain and each trial
that they would ever go through,
understand their tribulations
for He had felt them, too.
For God is not a God
who kept Himself protected,
not a God who played it safe
and tried not to be affected.
He was willing to walk our earth
and feel what it is to be man;
that was one of His intentions
and part of His perfect plan.
So when you have a hurting heart
and in your personal pains and aches,
know that He’s been wounded, too,
and for you, His own heart breaks.
In His mercy and compassion
and because of all He went through,
Jesus cares for your every concern
and feels it along with you.
When He goes to wipe your tears,
know He’s had tears of His own.
He’s experienced loneliness and loss,
so you’re not wounded alone.
No, you’re not wounded alone.
About the Author:
Cynthia Evans is a published poet living in the greater Atlanta area. When she’s not writing, you might find her serving at Christian companies, traveling, walking or watching inspirational films.
In Times of Adversity Praising God is Hard, But Valuable
21 Apr 2011 8 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christianity, Denominations, Gem, God, Job, Lanette Kissel, Lord, Religion & Spirituality, Satan
“. . . the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21)
Our lives become drastically altered when a spouse’s health is taken away. My husband was diagnosed with colon cancer near the end of 2005. The next three years were like a roller coaster ride, filled with good news and bad, hope and despair. Dave bravely faced his cancer demon. And with the Lord’s help, I remained by his side, supporting him through it all until God said “Enough” and called him home near the end of 2008.
The Lord’s faithful servant, Job, became well acquainted with the words ‘taken away.’ Job enjoyed the good life and had accumulated much wealth. God had richly blessed him. Yet God allowed Satan to take away those material blessings, his health, and other blessings as well.
The wise Job realized that none of the riches and possessions he had accumulated in life were of importance. His relationship with God the Father was what really mattered to him.
Though the walls of Job’s existence were crumbling around him, this faithful servant did not lose focus upon God. Nor did he lose faith. In the face of terrible adversity, Job still honored and praised God.
In times of adversity, we are extremely vulnerable. At those times, we seem to need God more than ever. Many of us quickly turn to God when things get rough. However, are we able to praise God during those rough times? It is far from easy to praise God when things seem to be crumbling around us. Yet, that is exactly what Job did.
Though my path is uneven and rocky,
and the ground beneath my feet falls away,
Your loving arms are there to catch me.
By my side, You will always stay.
You will be with me all the way.
Prayer: All knowing Father, help us to be able to praise You in all things, the good and the bad. Help us to be able to rejoice in every season of our lives. Amen.
Welcome to our New Writer!
Lanette Kissel’s passion is writing Christian/inspirational poetry, which she has been doing for over ten years. Her poetry has appeared in The Gem, The Lutheran Message, Purpose, Halo Magazine, Silver Wings, and other print publications, along with a few ezines. She loves singing in her church choir, and lives in Evansville, IN.
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