Happy in His Work

 







by Belinda Blevins

Verse for thought:
Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work-- this is a gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19 (NIV)

It is such a joy to know that God isn’t against rich people. God has blessed and enabled us to enjoy the riches he given us.  I enjoy spending money for the glory of God.  How much more will your father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?  In everything, do to other what you would have them do for you.  Matthew 7: 11-12.

Doing things for others makes my heart happy. Just to help someone, with or without money. It is exciting to experience the joy that giving brings. It brings a smile to the face of some and tears of joy to others.

We are here on earth to serve others as servants of God.  I don’t have to think about what I need because God supplies all that I need.  It is a joy to do something as simple as giving in times like these when so many people are in need.  I enjoy going to the mall and buying things that I remember someone else seeing and saying “I sure would like to have that.”  It may be something as simple as food, clothes, or flowers, but the joy is greater than the gift.

Another thing that brings me joy is to go to the Daily Bread kitchen and help others by giving of my time. I am just thankful to be able to serve. I have learned to enjoy all of the riches that I have been given, it truly is better to give than to receive.  I have heard other say how depressed they are.  For me cure for this is giving to others.  That does not leave time to be depressed.  I find true satisfaction in a wealth of giving; whether it is time, talent, or money.

Let’s Pray:
Father God you are so awesome.  Thank you for all you have given us. Help us to use it for your glory.  Help us to not grow weary in well doing, but to continue to bring joy to the body of Christ.  In Jesus’s name!  Amen

Take the next step:
Do what you can to bring a smile and joy to someone new this week. It will light up your day also. God bless.

Gather up the fragments

 




by Shelia Gaines

Verses for thought:
When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. John 6:12-13 (KJV)

“Give him the fragments of your broken life, my friend.  The potter wants to put you back together again.” 

Over time and with continued use, the files and folders on a computer can break down or become fragmented.  When this happens, it causes the system to run slowly and experience processing problems.  In severe cases, some programs may stop running all together.  Thankfully, all computers come with some type of defragmenter tool and usually let the user know when something needs to be done.

Have you ever wished for a quick fix to a problem or situation that left you feeling broken and fragmented?  Perhaps you are struggling with a family problem, a broken marriage, financial insecurity or low self-esteem. If this is where you find yourself today, you are not alone.  The opening quote is from Tramaine Hawkins song, The Potter’s House.  She reminds us that no matter what broken situation we find ourselves in, there is hope, salvation and healing in the Potter’s House.  Isaiah 64:8 reminds us that we are the potter and our heavenly father is the clay.

Today’s verses for thought do not pertain to something that happened after a planned feast.  It was after thousands of people found themselves in need of a miracle.  Jesus not only performed the miracle of feeding five thousand people with so little, he also admonished his disciples to make sure they gathered up all the fragments that were left so that nothing would go to waste.  

Are you in need of a miracle today?  Why not allow Jesus to gather up the fragments of your life and make you whole again.

Let’s Pray: 
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for being the potter.  Mold me and make me into everything you want me to be.  Help me to trust you even when I don’t understand the process and feel broken beyond repair.  Please take the broken pieces and make me whole again.
In the name of your precious son, Jesus.  Amen
  
Take the Next Step: 
Why not take a moment and search online for the lyrics to The Potter’s House.  Let these words sink into your spirit.  Ask God to pick up the pieces of your fragmented life and watch miracles happen.

Too Blessed to be Stressed

 







by Belinda Blevins


Verse for thought: 
I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me.  Psalm 120: 1 (NIV)


I had only been on the job for a few days.   It was during a very stressful period of my life.  I was dealing with situations where I saw first- hand, children being charged with different crimes. I had no idea it would be so stressful, and I was having second thoughts about this job.  However, even in my distress I began to see an opportunity to encourage the children as they passed through the system.

The thought of someone going through difficult times made me realize that I could see the person rather than the problem.  Some were depressed and some had other personal problems.   At times I found myself in tears for these children.  I remembered those who go out weeping, carrying seeds to sow, thinking of the good to come for them in the future.  I consoled myself with these two verses from Psalms 130:1 and 128:1.  In the first verse the psalmist says “Out of the depth I cry to you Lord.”  The second verse lets me know that “blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways.”  These verses helped me to stop and realize I was in that place “for such a time as this.”

I could have allowed those situations to keep me stressed.  But, instead I chose to concentrate on the reasons “I am too blessed to be stressed.”   God is always in control, even when he is working through you to help others. We must be confident and glad to do what we have been called to do. It may seem stressful at times and you may want to quit.  However only you can do what is ordained for you. God has deposited in us a boldness, so be courageous, not stressed.  We are called to make a difference in situations by trusting God and walking by faith.

Today I am glad I got that job and feel confident that several lives were changed because of the fruit I continue seeing today.


Let’s Pray:
Father, thank you for blessing me to be a blessing!  Thank you for fruit of the seeds sowed in stressful times.  Father, help me to continue even when I don’t know what to do. Thank you for the faith to be the confident woman you created.  Help me be an encourager in the body of CHRIST.  In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Take the next Step:
Yesterday is gone.  Today is all we have.  Tomorrow is not promised.   So in the stress of the day, remember you are too blessed to be stressed.   Share what God has invested in you. You can!!!  JUST do it.  Be Blessed.

Water When you are Thirsty

by Shelia Gaines

Verse for thought:
He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. John 7:38

There is a beautiful plant on the circulation desk of our library. It is actually two or three different plants with a lily in the center.   At one time, I was responsible for watering that plant.  Thankfully, it was only for a short period of time because unlike my mother, I am not very good with plants.  We came close to losing that beautiful plant more than once in that short period of time it was under my “care”.  Even though I walk past it dozens of  times every day,  I did not think about watering it until the tall beautiful leaves were wilted so much that they would be lying down on the side of the planter.   Fortunately, even after the soil dries and the leaves wilt without water, there is still time to revive it.  I was always amazed by how fast the plant was revived.  Within a matter of hours, the leaves would start to stand up again and they would look alive. The dry soil would begin to stay moist again.   In addition to water, plants will often need plant food.   They will also need occasional pruning.  

If we make time in our lives for everything except our relationship with Christ, we will find ourselves continually in a dry place.  If this is where you are today, remember that just as a plant is revived after it is watered, we can be revived by the living water of the word (from a sermon, a word of encouragement, or a devotional) and be healthy again.

Let’s Pray:
Thank you, Lord for the living water you provide.  Help me to drink of your word during the “dry” seasons in my life.  Remind me of your presence when I fill my life with other things instead of you.

Take the next step:
Make a list of the areas in your life that are dry and/or dying.  Pray about those things every day this week.  Ask God to show you what you need to do replenish those areas of your life and see growth.  Pray for strength to follow God’s leading if there are things that you do not need to revive and continue to trust him no matter what.

Walking by Faith

by Belinda Blevins

Verse for thought:
For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7. (NIV)

I have been a believer most of my life and I know that we should walk by faith.  However, there are times when I still struggle to hear and apply God’s wisdom. Sometimes when I have been hurt or disappointed, it’s hard to forgive, even though I know that I must.  If I am going to remain committed to God and stay on the right path, I know I must follow God’s word no matter what.  Even when I don’t understand why I have to go through some things, I still have to determine in my heart that I will follow God no matter what.  I know that the best decision in any situation is to do what is pleasing to God, but I don’t always feel like doing it.
It reminds me of a song that refers to life as a “dress rehearsal.”  In order to get to our heavenly home, we must get it right down here with our sisters and brothers.  When that gets difficult, God is there to help us.

Let’s Pray:
Thank you for being a loving heavenly father who honors our commitment to walk according to your will.  You are always there for us as we go through each day. Thank you for each step we take, for holding our hand, for being our peace, and for giving us joy as we go. Father help us to carry everything to you in prayer because we know you are the only one who has the answer, help us to trust you for the answer as we walk with you. Thank you in Jesus name.
AMEN

Take the next step:
Why not stretch your faith today by offering a prayer for someone with whom you have had or still have difficulty showing God’s unconditional love.  If you want to take it a step further, offer a kind word of encouragement to them personally or seek God’s help in offering true forgiveness.

But I Like Me

by Cynthia Edwards

Verse for thought:
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful and I know that full well.  Psalms 139:14-15 (NIV)




The past couple of years have not been easy ones for me.  However, as I think about things that I will share in future devotions, I also think of the continued blessing of God.  Through it all, his grace has sustained me.  In times of loneliness and self-doubt, he gave strength and assurance.  I believe we live in a world where our greatest undercover pass time is  making ourselves into something other than what God created.  Instead of asking ourselves, “what is it that God wants me to do to show his love to the world,  we spend our time trying to figure out is what we can do differently in order to become to be part of someone else’s world.  We never consider whether or not that is where God wants us to be.

Thankfully, God has shown me that there is only one of me in this whole world.  I want to be the best me that I can be because I now realize that if I become anything other than myself, the world will be missing a major piece of it’s wonderful puzzle of life.

Let us Pray:
Dear God,

Help me to always remember that you made me and for that reason alone I am perfect in my own right.  Help me to realize that any changes that need to be made should be those to better glorify you and not solely to please someone else.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the beauty of this world.

Amen

Take the next Step: 
When you look in the mirror each day, ask God to let you see yourself as He sees you.  Look past any physical flaws or imperfections (we all have them) and see the beauty of God.  As you “find the good” in yourself, begin to look for it in others and praise God for it.  Trust me.  You will begin to see beauty everywhere.

Depreciation Situations

by Shelia Gaines

Verse for Thought:
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.  Isaiah 61:3

When something loses value, it is said to have depreciated.  Anything can depreciate; a car, a home, or a relationship.  Often when things depreciate they are discarded and replaced.  However, sometimes the very thing that we no longer have any use for is just what someone else may need desperately.

Have you ever felt depreciated and wondered if you were valued by others in general or even one person in particular.   I dare say many of us have been at that place at one time or another.  When our best efforts are met with rejection or complacency, it makes us feel unappreciated.

When I find myself at that point, I try to remember the words in our key verse.  God appreciates us and he loves us unconditionally.  Even when we make mistakes or don't feel the value that God sees in us, he will never use us and toss us aside.

The next time you find yourself questioning your worth, look to your creator instead of at your circumstances.  Remember that he who began a good work in you is able to complete it, no matter what (Philippians 1:6).


Let’s Pray:
Father, thank you for your unconditional love!   Help us to realize that you have made us in your own image and our value rest in that and not in our lot in life.  Show us how to continue to share your love with everyone even when it hard to do.  In the precious name of your son, Jesus, Amen.

Take the Next Step:
There is only so much you can do in any situation.  Make sure you continue to show love to others no matter what they do, but don't allow what you do  or do not receive in return, shape who you believe you are in God.  You are still fearfully and wonderfully made.   The goal is not to validate you but to glorify him.

From Darkness to light

 







by Belinda Blevins

Verse for thought:
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the world.  Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8 (SFLB)

In the still of the night when it is dark you can’t see anything moving or grow. All you see is the stars shining in the sky. Just before a storm comes it gets dark.  It is a scary feeling.  At times I think of hiding until it passes over.  A couple of weeks ago we had a storm here like I had never seen before. There were trees uprooted, homes blown away, and lives lost.   It was a dark time for many families. Home completed gone forced a new beginning for many. It reminds me of all the storms that have come in my life. Many times I find myself in situations where I wish those storms would hurry and pass. It was like having a cover over my head and I could see nothing but dark days. I could not see my way out. Then in the mist of the storm, I remember the story of Jesus on the boat with the disciples.  All Jesus did was speak to the wind and the rain. PEACE Be STILL. No more gloom and doom. The storm quieted.

As a child of God, I must remember that storms come and go, Dark days come and go. God tells me to walk as his child of light so that the world may see that even in the dark days he is with me.

When I come out of darkness, I can see clear again.  I can breathe again.  I realize that I can’t move the storm, but I can get through it with the help and grace of God. The word tells us trials only come to make us strong. I now have big muscles and with God I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.

God has created us to trust him during the storms.   All we need to do is depend on him.
Today I choose to walk in the light.  I am hoping to overshadow any darkness that may come and encouraging others to do the same.

Let’s Pray:
Father, I love you and thank you for being there as we go through the dark days. Thank you that you gave us a light to shines in darkness. God, as we go on our daily journey, help us to walk in the light of your glory.  Let others see that you will be glorified. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Take the Next Step:
When the storms and dark days come, be encouraged that God is there and he will never leave us or forsake us. Continue being that light he created you to be!

The Right Key

 



by Shelia Gaines

Verse for Thought: 
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

Once you have learned to type, you don’t have to look at the keyboard.  You just put your hand on the home row and reach all the other needed keys from there because you have practiced enough to know where all the keys are.  I have known how to type for years, but every once in a while I will look at the screen as I am typing  and realize that I have not typed what I intended to type because my hands were on the wrong keys.   This is exactly what happens when we start in the wrong place spiritually.  The fifth verse of today’s scripture, Proverbs 3, admonishes us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not to our own understanding.  When we try to do the will of God on our own, we will fail, because we are starting from the wrong place.

God has given us his word to live our lives by and as long as we start there, we can easily get where we need to go.  If we start in the wrong place (anywhere that God’s presence does not reside and God is not pleased) we do not end up with the results we intended.

Think about it.  If you keep typing with your hands on the wrong keys, you can easily fill a page quickly depending on how fast you can type.   However, the words on the page will not make any sense because your hands will be hitting the wrong keys.  Every word you type will be wrong because your hands are on the wrong keys.  Likewise if you don’t allow the foundation of your Christian walk to be the word of God, you will find yourself creating things with your own hands that are useless.

Is this where you find yourself today?  Are you working from the wrong foundation?  Do you think you’ve “typed” too much to start over?  It’s not too late.  Why not allow Christ to help you find your way back home today.

Let’s Pray:
Dear God, thank you for being the perfect starting place for our needs.  Help us to understand what we need to do to trust you and follow you.   Thank you for being the key that opens the door to our heart.    Amen.


Take the Next Step:
Think about that one thing in your life that never seems to work out.  Ask yourself how you got started down that path.  Read Proverbs 3.  Pray for God's guidance and honestly confess your part in the situation.  You will be surprised how easy it is to start over in the right place with God.

Accepting Ourselves

by Belinda Blevins

Verse for Thought:
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made:  Psalm 136: 14 (NIV)

Whether in appearance or physical abilities, most of us have at some point wished we were different.  While it is all right to admire good traits in others, we shouldn’t desire to be like someone else. Instead we must learn to accept ourselves as God made us.

I’ve learned that before I can accept myself, I must see the truth about myself.  I must recognize both the gifts and the limitations that God has given me.  If I do not do this, I will constantly struggle to be someone I am not.

None of us are perfect, but each of us are unique, special, and accepted by God.   Because I can now be renewed spiritually and mentally, I am willing to accept the truth about myself , so that I will bring glory and honor to the one who created me.

Remember that while other may have an opinion about who you are, you can still see yourself as God sees you and love who you are.   You are a beautiful masterpiece. Isn’t that wonderful!

Don’t ever see yourself as worthless.   Be encouraged.  See the transformation God has made in you.  Love who you are!  Appreciate an amazing creation.  Remember Jeremiah 29: 11 tells us that God has a purpose and a plan for his children.  We are his children.

Failure to see yourself as God sees you only leads to disappointment and suffering. You are a true reflection made in his image.  He is the potter.  You are the clay.

Let’s Pray:
Father God, thank you for making me so wonderfully.  Help me appreciate who I am when I fail to see.   Remind me that I am created by you and for you.  Father, I want to bring honor and glory to you.  May my light shine bright so others will see your creation.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Take the next Step:
The next time you walk by a mirror, really see who you are.   Accept yourself, hold you head up.  Remember you are beautiful in every way.

Unnecessary Burdens

 by Shelia Gaines 

Verse for Thought:
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:29           

When I was younger and my mother would see us carrying heavy loads, she would tease us and say laziness will kill you.  She was not so much questioning our willingness to carry a heavy load but the wisdom (or lack thereof) in having to bear the additional burden caused by all the added weight.  I often tease my son-in-law about carrying heavy loads of luggage when we are traveling.  He would rather make one trip weighted down with more bags than one person should carry rather than make two trips. Some people would prefer to have a lighter load and make two trips, but he did as we all often do from time to time.  We choose to carry a heavy load when we don’t have to.

In 1 Peter 5:7, we are reminded that we can cast all our cares upon the Lord because he cares for us.  However, we often willingly weigh ourselves down with the cares of this world.  We try to take carry things that Christ has already died on the cross to take care of.  How many people do you know who spend their lives weighted down with fear, guilt, or shame?     I am learning more and more to live free of life’s burdens.  Not by living in denial but by knowing that while we will have troubles in this world, we also have a means of dealing with those things (John 16:33).  Christ has not left us comfortless.

We used to sing a song, Take your burdens to the Lord and leave them there.  This is not always easy to do, but take my word for it, God really can do a better job handling those things than you can.  So, instead of spending your time carrying burdens you weren’t meant to carry, try spending your time “casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Let’s Pray:
Dear God.  Thank you for being there to bear our burdens and share our heavy loads.   Help us to trust you with all our cares and acknowledge you in everything we do, trusting that you will direct our paths as you have promised in Proverbs 3:6.  Amen.

Take the Next Step:
Do you know someone who is burdened down?  Why not share the story of the burden bearer with them?   Keep them in prayer even as you grow in your own faith.

Peace in the Storm

by Belinda Blevins 

Verse for Thought:
Peace I leave with you: My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. John 14:27 ( NIV)

Peace must be practical and practiced! I need to start each day with God, reading his word and praying. Then when something that causes unrest knocks at my door, it will not upset the peace of the day. I must remind myself that nothing is beyond the range of God. Many families are in crisis today. Storms, death, divorce, and drug addiction are stealing the peace from so many families. It saddens my heart that in times like these we try everything but God to fix the problem. Most of the time, it’s hard to think of peace when chaos is going on. In a chaotic situation our heart lacks peace and we are full of uncertainty, not knowing which way to go. I used to work with juveniles in the court system. It was heart breaking every day to see parents face their day in court not knowing what would happen because of their child’s circumstances. No matter what the situation the pain was overwhelming for both parent and child. It’s very difficult to know that your child could be sent off and locked up for a crime at an early age. Still, I was reminded that God is in control and I would pray. I would remember my quiet time earlier and pray for Gods peace in the storm for those families. Even today I still draw close to God from those experiences. In spite of all the pressure I still try to follow the example of Christ, knowing his peace surpasses all understanding in all situations. Practicing peace in a storm may not be so bad after all. I have learned that during times of suffering, I must walk by faith. I am no longer focusing on the problem, but the problem solver.

Let’s pray:
Father God, thank you for your peace in the times of problems. Father, remind me that you are always in control of every circumstance. Help me to keep our heart open to you at all times. Amen

Take the Next Step:
When you are facing your next storm, practice Peace! Begin your day in prayer so that when the storm comes you will know what to do.

Every Weight

by Shelia Gaines

Verse for Thought:
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrew 12:1

Many years ago, a gynecologist told me that what happens to a lot of women the age I was at the time is that they start gaining a pound or two each year. That doesn’t seem like much at first because it’s only a pound or so and they only think about it at check-up time each year. But then they get on the scale a few years later, and they have gained ten pounds. Now, it is a big problem because they see the whole ten pounds! Because they did not take care of the first few extra pounds in the beginning, they find themselves at a loss as to how they will lose the ten pounds.
Maintaining spiritual health is just as important. When we become complacent about our walk with the Lord, we can slip away from a close relationship with the Lord without even realizing it. One day we wake up and realize that we are not as close to God as we used to be, but we don’t know what happened. It may seem like it has happened over night, but in the words of a contemporary song, “it’s a slow fade.” Because it happens a little bit at a time, it can sneak up on us and we will find yourself without our faith when we need it the most.
You can’t just think about your health in January each year as you start another resolution to lose weight and to eat more healthily. That will cause you to fall back to your old habits of eating unhealthily and not exercising as much or not exercising at all. It has to be about lifestyle change, not simply to joining a fad or fitting into a certain outfit or being part of the latest fitness rage.
Maintaining a healthy weight will be easier if you consider how each meal or snack you eat will affect your body as well as your life. Likewise, if you allow yourself to think about how you will face God for your decisions and actions, it will be easier for you to maintain a healthy walk with him because you will be less likely to pick up the “added weight” of ungodly activities and associations.

Let’s Pray:
Lord, help me to lay aside those things (activities, relationships, interests) that are not like you. Help me to always be mindful of what it takes to maintain my walk with you, to understand what it means to walk “with” you and not ahead or behind.

Take the Next Step:
Read all of chapter 12 of the book of Hebrew. Make a list of “weights” in your life. Pray about those and ask God to show you how to take steps to move beyond those things and closer to him.

Staying Your Course

by Belinda Blevins

Verse For Thought:
…and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews12:1b)
 
The secret to making progress is perseverance with God’s help. God helps us through tough times so we can experience his joy in the process. Today it is hard to think about good when so much is happening with family finances and so many people are losing their jobs. We may get discouraged and face opposition, but no matter what happens, we must keep our focus, and stay on course. Only then will we know the joy of sharing our testimony on a daily basis.
I learned this from my own experience when I lost my job. Day after day I didn’t know what was going to happen. Some days I didn’t want to get up. I just wanted to quit church and stay in bed. I didn’t want to see anyone one. Depression surely sat in. I even questioned, God what are you doing? This reminded me of Peter when he took his eyes off God as he was walking on water. He lost his focus. When I lost my job, I lost my focus, so I had to get my eyes off my situation and get back to walking by faith. I had to learn to be determined to run on and finish my course no matter what was going on and remember it is not how I start, but how I finish.
Christ is the path, Christ is the prize. Today I look back and see that it wasn’t as bad as I thought. God had another plan for me. I was side tracked for a season, but it brought me closer to God. My race of faith is unique because I realize I must be determined. I learned to endure, looking forward to a great finish. You can too!

Let’s Pray:
Father God, thank you for a path to follow even when I don’t know where you are leading me. Help me to persevere when I face trials and get side tracked. Father, help me see you as I run my race. I want to finish the course so I can hear you say, welcome in thy good and faithful servant. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Take the next Step:
Running a race takes qualities. As you run, Endurance and discipline are important. Remember, no looking back. Be determined to finish and encourage others to do the same.

Bringing Our Hard Questions to God

 







by Belinda Blevins

Verse For Thought:
How frail is humanity! How short is life, and full of trouble!  Job 14: 1 (Spiritual Renewal Bible)

A year ago we were living in Arizona, trying to figure out what we needed to do about coming back to Tennessee. Our children and grandchildren are there and I knew we would miss them very much when we left.

When life doesn’t seem fair we question God, instead of stopping to remember that he is good and fair.  It’s only natural to want to question God as we go through the tough times but we must continue seeking him.  Remember God sees our heart and never stops working on our behalf. Working through the pain and unfairness of life helps us to be satisfied with trusting him even if we don’t understand. We can be sure if we trust God and seek him in hard times, God will respond and bless us for our faith.

Life often seems unfair to us. That’s one reason why many of us, like Job conclude that God is unreasonable in his demands. Of course God is holy and does not have to answer to us.  Yet, in our humanness we sometimes think we have to “forgive” God for the things in our life that we don’t understand.  In the midst of Job’s suffering, he cried out in the words of today’s verse for thought.  Every day I realize, like Job, just how frail life is. Like a shadow of a passing cloud we disappear quickly.

Today we are back in Tennessee. We miss our family, but we trust God knows what he is doing. But, my question to God now is did we serve our purpose while living there for only six months.  It was painful leaving; almost unbearable but we are able to Skype often and that make it easier.
Life may still seem unfair, but I am learning to unleash our feeling to God.   He understands.

Let’s Pray:
Father, as we go through life daily, help us to trust you in every situation.  Father even when we don’t understand, your word tells us to trust in you and lean not on our understanding, you will direct our path. Thank you. For being there for us as we bring our hard questions to you. In Jesus name Amen.

Take the Next Step:
As you face life’s daily situations, ask God for directions.  You will see he will be there with an answer.  It may not be the answer you want, but remember he knows best.

Flip Flops and Rain

 





by Stephanie Gaines

 Verse for Thought:   
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:10-11.
 

I was rushing that day.  I was late for class.  I threw on the first thing I could find, slid my feet into the first pair of flip flops I saw and headed toward the door determined to be avoid any further delays.   Only to open the door and realize it was raining.   Determined to get to class as soon as possible, I only spent a brief second thinking about my feet getting wet in the rain.  I was on a mission and did not want to waste time putting on the proper footwear. 

Now, granted, in hindsight, I can see the wisdom in going back to change shoes, especially since I was already late.  However, at the time, I didn't see the problem until I rushed outside and in my haste slipped in the mud and almost fell flat on my face.  Hence, today's topic, "Flip Flops and Rain Don't Mix."

The 14th and 15th verse of today's scripture in Ephesians 6 goes on to admonish us to "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."   It's one thing to get caught out in the rain in flip flops.  But, it another story if you know that it's raining and muddy out and to still go out with your feet unprotected.   That does not show readiness.

How many days do we get up and "go out into the world" without the protective armour of God?  We know what we need to do.  But, we allow the cares of life to keep us from taking care of ourselves.  If we are not at our best, we can not give others our best.  Is that where you find yourself today?  If so, it's not too late.  Just like I ended up having to go back and change my shoes that day, you too can change your path today.  You can choose the right shoes for the right path that God has for you.

Let's Pray:
Dear God,
Show me how to use wisdom in preparing to walk the path you have chosen for me.  Help me to understand that when I go out unprepared, the harm that I can do to myself is often greater than the inconvenience of taking the time to do it right.  Thank you for always being there to pick me up when I fall.   Amen.

Take the Next Step:
Spend some time reading the entire chapter of Ephesians 6.   Be a good steward of everything that God has blessed you with, your natural body and your mind and spirit.  Take care of it, keep it protected and keep it strong.