Is That The Best You Can Do?

 





by Shelia Gaines

Verse for Thought: 
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

When I was in graduate school, I worked on a semester long project for one of my classes.   It was a paper that was done in three parts.    I spent a lot of time on it and worked very hard on the first two parts.  I don’t remember what happened, but I just know that for whatever reason, I kind of threw the last part together, hoping and praying that what I had already would be enough to carry the grade.  As you
might have guessed, shoddy preparation and the lack of time spent on the last part was reflective in both the quality of the work and the grade I received.   As a matter of fact, I did such a poor job on it that the professor commented that the last part looked as if someone else had done the first part.

Our verse for thought lets us know that whatever we do should be done as unto the Lord.  In other words, we should put our whole heart into it.  That’s exactly what I did in the previously mentioned paper.  At least initially!  Thinking about that made me wonder how often we do the same thing in our Christian walk. I wonder how often we put the majority of our time and energy into our home, our job, and our “life”, believing what’s left (often a “whole hour” on Sunday morning) should suffice as our time for God.     I know many people who spend a lot of time at work to take care of a family that’s at home feeling neglected.  On the other hand, I know many people who pend so much time at church that their family that they have at home feels neglected.  

If we truly understand today’s verse for thought, we realize that putting God first does not mean neglecting everything else.  It means always seeking His guidance in finding that often elusive “balance” required to follow Proverbs 3:6.  In all thy ways, acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.

Let’s Pray: 
Thank you God for everything that you have given me in this precious gift we call life.   Help me to know how to prioritize without becoming disorganized.  When I am overwhelmed, show me how to look to you with gratitude instead of attitude, following the example set by your son.

Take the next step:
Read Colossians 3 and consider where you are in all of the relations it deals with.  The next time you find yourself tempted to do less than your best, ask yourself that now famous question, “What would Jesus do?” Prayerfully seek the answer and follow his advice.   

The stars are still there

by Stephanie Gaines

Verse for Thought:
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.  2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

I’ve always been one to enjoy a simple night under the stars. The beauty of a vast universe created by an awesome God never ceases to amaze me. Whenever I have a stressful day, there’s nothing more calming than looking up at the stars. I remember a particularly long day when I went outside to de-stress, but the sky was cloudy and I couldn’t see any of the stars. In my mind, my horrible day ended on a depressing note! I was telling a close friend about this and he said to me “Even though you can’t see the stars they’re still there.” This statement rings true in our walk with God. There have been plenty of times that I’ve failed to see God, but he was still there.

There are days and even weeks when I feel God is nowhere in sight. Recently I’ve been trying to transition into the “real world.” It’s really not that much fun at all. Especially since trying to maintain a relationship with God at the same time can be stressful and confusing. I may not have to deal with “grown up” issues like mortgage, light bills, full time careers, or kids driving me crazy; but the stress of trying to figure out the next step in life while barely, and I do mean barely, managing to pay the rent every month has made me lose sight of where God is in all of the mix. Time and time again I want to just give up because I don’t see the point of it all.

My stress level seems to cloud my vision. I don’t tend to see how God will bring me out of all this mess, and when he does I feel that the only lesson I’ll learn is financial struggles aren’t fun. Still, in the back of my mind I have to keep reminding myself that there will be better days and more blessings to come.  And no matter how cloudy my starry night is, the stars and God are still there.

Let's Pray:
Dear God, I pray that you continue to give me strength through all the hard times in life. I know I may doubt you and continually question where you are and what your plan is for my life.   However, in the end I know you’re still there watching over my life. Help me to continue to trust in you even when my life doesn’t make sense. Wrap your loving arms around me and continue to show me your grace and mercy. Amen.

Take the Next Step:
Take some time to truly take in the glory of God. We get so wrapped up in the business and drama of life that we tend to forget that God is there. Find a quiet place where it’s just you and God without any distractions. Tell him your fears, stress, hopes, and dreams. Then let him speak to you. Sometimes we think God’s not there because we won’t take the time to listen.

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.

If Each One Could Reach One

by Belinda Blevins

Verse for Thought:   Go rather to the lost sheep. As you go, preach this message: The kingdom of heaven is near; Matthew 10:7

The Bible tells us to go into the world to reach people along our journey.  Do not worry about bags, silver, gold or copper. Just go! Whatever town you enter God will supply a place to stay. As you enter the place you will bless it and give it your greetings for this is God’s instructions to us.

In Matthew 10:16-17, God reminds us “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”   He knew just what we needed.

It is time to get busy. The harvest is plentiful, but the labors are few.  There are people out there looking for the answer to a need. We know the answer is Jesus and we need to let the world know that He loves his children.  Sometimes we get so busy going along our journey that we forget to share the good news that Jesus came so that all men and women could be saved.

Sometimes we are busy “churching”.  Now, it is important that we attend church, but it’s also important to remember that we are the church.  It is time that we stop trying to push the Bible down people’s throat and just tell them about the LOVE of Jesus and let them know he died that all would be free to go to heaven. There are not many gifts in life that are free. This is the best gift you will ever receive. As you receive your gift, you can tell others.  If we all reach one, just think how many sister and brothers we would have.

Think of it this way.  If you were having a party, wouldn’t you invite everyone you knew to come?  This is one invitation I accepted and hope you will to.  “There is no party like a Holy Ghost party and a Holy Ghost party won’t stop!”

Let’s Pray:
Father God, thank you for saving me.   I know that you did not save me to be seated.  Father, as I tell others about you I pray that they all will open their hearts to receive the best gift ever. In Jesus’ name Amen

Take the next step:
Tell others about the Love of God.  It doesn’t matter who they are and what they have done. We have a forgiving God and nothing can separate us form his love.

Where’s Your Resting Place

 




by Stephanie Gaines

Verse for Thought:   Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28 (NIV)

We all have those days where we’re counting down the hours until we can sit down and relax.  For me, I think, I’m going to go home, turn on some music, turn off the lights and my phone, and curl up in my bed.  Others may curl up with a good book while others draw themselves a nice, hot bath to rest.  About a month ago, I was dealing with a lot of stress spiritually and emotionally and this scripture came to my mind. I was thinking to myself, I’ve been trying to rest but I still don’t feel quite rested.  Right after I said that I heard a distinct voice respond with, “Because you won’t come to me to rest.”  Ouch.

Sometimes, we get that way.  Life is getting hectic and stressful so we decide to have time to ourselves.  We shut out the world to finally get some peace, but sometimes we shut out God in the process.  So I ask you. Where is your spiritual resting place?

Let’s Pray:
Dear God, please help me to stay mindful of your presence during the weary times in my life. Help me to look to you to find rest and peace.  Comfort me with your embrace and give me the strength to continue on.

Take the Next Step:
Whenever you feel like you just need a break, try to intentionally find rest in God’s arms. Go to that secret place where you can tell God how weary you are.  Let him know that you want to be comforted and reassured.  If this is a normal instinct for you in weary times; be sure to encourage fellow Christians.  It’s comforting to know that there are others out there finding comfort, peace, and rest. 

Family Matters

by Belinda Blevins

Verse For Thought: Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widows has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 1 Timothy 5 :4

As a child I can remember playing outside on a sunny day, running around with my sisters and brothers and having so much fun. It didn’t matter what we played . I just remember laughing and playing. When we played hide and seek, I would usually be the one found first. Sometimes I would even tell where I was hiding to make it easy for the one looking for us. Lots of fun times. Meal times were also great with so many of us sitting at the table wondering who would get the corner piece of corn bread.

It saddens me today to think of the many things that have taken the place of family time. Everyone finds their own place in what they want to do, not considering what could happen if they paid attention to other family members. The scripture tells us to give recognition to family members, admonishing parents to train their children up well and for children to give honor to parents.  The importance of a good relationship between husband and wife are also there to let us know that family does matter.

When there is a need, the family member often just needs someone to show them how to put their hope in God. God wants us to take pleasure in lending a helping hand. After all we are his hands extended, putting our faith in practice by caring for our own family members. I Timothy 5:8 lets us know that If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Let's Pray:
Father you are such a wonderful father. Thank you for supplying all our needs. As each day passes, allow the Holy Spirit to show us who to help as it is pleasing to you. Father help us remember that family matters. In Jesus' name Amen

Take the next Step:
Allow yourself to reach out to a family member today. Do something spontaneous.  You will be blessed and they will be also. Kindness always brings joy to everyone.

The Company We Keep

by Stephanie Gaines

Verse for Thought:
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character. Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. I Cor. 15:33-34 (NIV)

Being a Christian in high school or college can have its challenges. In high school, our Christianity may take a backseat to popularity. Even at a Christian college, busy schedules can overshadow spiritual commitments. Confident in our faith and determined to do even more for Christ, we immediately connect with a church home, hoping to maintain our passion. We start out with good intentions, but pretty soon we become faithful members of Bedside Baptist (a.k.a. sleeping in on Sundays with Pastor Pillow and Reverend Comforter; Jlet the church say Amen!) and we substitute watching a sermon on television and listening to a few gospel songs for attending services. I, myself have fallen victim to such behavior and I know what you’re thinking. How can I break this cycle that’s so easy to slip into? I’m glad you asked. Put on some comfy walking shoes and journey with me down the path of the company we keep. I’m sure many of us can think of a close friend or group of friends that we tend to gravitate to. These friends tend to relate to us and are often there during darkest times. That said, we could all agree that these same friends can also have a negative influence on our actions. It’s so important to surround ourselves with others who will not only push us to remain steadfast in our walk with God, but also be there to encourage and lift us up during our moments of weakness. It’s always great to have a plethora of friends with different personalities, but I want to challenge you to examine the company you keep. Are they building you up or pulling you down?

Let’s Pray:
God, thank you for friends that you have placed in my life and for the chance we have to influence each other. I pray that we would have a godly influence on each other. Give me wisdom to know how to deal with difficult friendships and to know which friends I need to separate myself from.

Take The Next Step:
Take some time to evaluate the friendships you have. Ask yourself if you are being influenced in a positive or negative way. If you are being influenced in a negative way, take some time to rebuild and regroup your morals and values. Think of ways you can influence these friends more and create a healthier friendship.

In His Presence

by Guest Devotion Writer, Dorothy Ware


Verse for Thought:  Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalms 16:11 (KJV)


Several years ago I was going through a very trying and devastating time in my life and felt as if I had no one to turn to or anyone that I could talk to who would understand my plight. I would go to bed at night and not sleep because life was just throwing me all kinds of terrible blows, I had so much on me; health issues, children with their own issues, lost relationships and money woes.  I had been fired from my job and was still dealing with the loss of my husband.  No wonder my hair was turning white. 

When I couldn’t sleep at night, I didn’t count sheep, I counted bills.  They were all due and there was no money in the pot. I struggled with what to do. I was in a mess, I was in trouble. I felt like I was sinking and would surely drown. God is always in the storm with us but sometimes He will not answer us even though He hears us.

God spoke to my spirit one night and said "If you do not release it, whatever it is, it is going to kill you.” That night I came into the presence of the Lord and released every burden and every care. I will never forget it. I was freed from that heavy burden.  I gave it to my Him acknowledging He can do anything but fail. God's presence came into my life so strong, I grabbed hold of faith like I never had before and I let God do what He does best. Take care of me!

I still had all of my bills, my children were still having their problems and my husband was not coming back. But, as I released and walked by faith God supplied above and beyond my needs in so many miraculous ways. In the mist of all I was dealing with and going through I learned how to trust in Jesus. I felt like Job, thinking "Though He slay me YET will I trust Him.” (Job 13:15). Today, I have a YET praise. Yes, He brought me out, but not until I learned to release and trust Him. There is no place greater than to be in His presence. In His presence is the fullness of joy and at His right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Let’s Pray:
Dear God, I thank you for every opportunity to give you praise and to remember that you are the God of everything. When I am in need you are only a prayer away. Please forgive me when I limit you to be the last resource, when Father you are my only source. Remind me of your God promise in Matthew 6:33. But seek Him first and His righteousness; all of these thing shall be added unto us.

Take The Next Step:
I would encourage you to have a closer walk with the Lord.  Realize that difficult situations do not come to destroy you but to bring you closer to God. Spend more time in His word and acknowledge Him at all times.  Be careful that you do not slip back into your old pattern of trying to take matters in your own hands. Begin to do as the scripture tells you to. God will give you the strength to endure. Your ultimate next step is to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct thy path.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6 KJV)

A Wake Up Call

by Shelia Gaines

Verse for thought:  
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and will remind you of  everything that I have said to you. John 14:26 (NIV)

Although the conveniences of cell phones have made them less popular, wake up calls are usually requested by hotel guest who needed to be up for a meeting or on the road by a certain time.  A wake up call can startle you out of a deep sleep.  Even if you are an early riser, that first call in the morning can still be a little irritating.  However, the thing to remember is you don’t receive a wake-up call unless you request it. What you do after you receive the call is up to you.  The hotel employees will not come to your room to get you out of bed, but they will give you a call to let you know that it’s time for you to wake up. You have a choice when you receive the call.  You can say thank you and go back to sleep or you can go ahead and get up and get about your business.  If you go back to sleep you run the risk of over sleeping and missing an appointment.  It’s possible that you will wake up on time anyway, but you still take the risk.

An article in the Experiencing God Study Bible, Amos is described as “a prophet who spoke God’s words faithfully to a people who had grown complacent in their life styles and asleep in their faith.  He was sent to wake them up.  They were doing well, enjoying the king and everybody was prospering, but they were spiritually dead.  Have you ever found yourself at a place like that?  Maybe things seem to be going well, everybody seems to be happy, but something seems to be missing for you.  Well, maybe God is nudging you to “wake up”.  Often we are going through the motions but we don’t have a real relationship with the Lord.  If this is where you are today, why not wake up and take to heart the words of one recording artist who said, “I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking, what if I had given everything instead of going through the motions?”  Sometimes God has sent us someone to give us a wake-up call, but we are just saying thanks and going back into a complacent sleep.  

Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing your Holy Spirit to “wake us up” when we get on the wrong track.  Help us to answer your call willing, trusting that you always have our best interest at heart.   Thank you for your unconditional love.  Amen

Take the Next Step:
Give yourself a wake-up call. Ask God to show you what you need to do to grow your relationship with him. Look around at the people he has placed in your life.  Is there someone who needs a wake-up call?  Why not listen to what God has put in your spirit and give them a ring?

The Royal GPS

by Belinda Blevins

Verse for Thought: Joshua said to the Israelites, “come here and listen to the word of the Lord your God. Joshua 3:9b (NIV)

Listening to the Lord the first time is easier than doing things our way.

When I plan a trip, I just get in a hurry and take off. I don’t think about how many do not enter, road closed or even detour signs I may run into along the way. I just go. The trip could be better if I prayed and asked God for directions or even bothered to consider if this is His plan for me.

In today’s scripture, God had a plan for Joshua crossing the Jordan.  Joshua listened, and obeyed.

The prospect that confronted Israel was one of conflict, but it was also one of victory. God had a promise if they followed him and he has a purpose if we follow him. It may take longer and we may face challenges, but the method or the road God chooses to use is always best. It is up to us to listen and follow directions.

When we get into doing things our way, look out! We can get into all sorts of trouble.  Then we want to blame someone else. We end up feeling defeated and have to stop and ask someone else for directions.  This only leads to a longer journey. In order for Christians to pass from one level of life to another, we must learn to listen to God as he gives clear and concise directions.  It marks the end of us relying on self and the beginning of relying on God just as Joshua did.  Learn to position yourself and follow Him.

God wants to change our life, and the only way to victory from defeat is to change the vision and the direction. God’s method effect the change. This Royal Route only leads to Blessings.

Are you counting the cost? Check your GPS! It may need new Batteries!

Let’s Pray:
Father, thank you for having a purpose and plan for our life. As you give directions, help use to listen and follow you and not the voice of a stranger. You tell us in your word that you will never leave us or forsake us. Thank you Lord.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Take the next Step:
Before you go out on your next trip or vacation, make sure you have your GPS checked.  Make sure your route is the right one.  Check your plans.  Have your windows cleaned for good vision as you go.  It is too costly.  Amen

Going God's Way

by Belinda Blevins

Verse for Thought:
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16: 3

As an adult, there are times when I make a decision to go my way.  When I was a child I remember being told to sit down and do homework. Sometimes I would play around, then hurry up and do it quickly so I could have more play time. I would always get in trouble, but doing it my way still seemed right to me. The price for being disobedient as a child was frustrating, and even as an adult, the consequences are unpleasant today.  However, I have learned a valuable lesson doing it my way.  Yep, you guessed it.  Going God’s way is the better way.

How do you respond when things that happen in your life make you want to do things your way instead of God’s way?  Do you respond joyfully or do you resist in stubborn rebellion?  I’ve learn to trust God and relax and today I want to challenge you to commit to do it God’s way.    God has promised to bless us when we walk in the path he has planned (Psalms 37:4).  When we decide to follow God’s way willingly, wonderful things can happen. I am a living witness today. I am learning to lean and depend on him. There are still times I doubt being on the right path, however I now realize that I must trust him, and be willing to walk on. Things are going great!

Let’s Pray:
God, I want what you want for my life.  Help me to know you heart, and submit to your path without wanting it my way. Please give me courage when my spirit is weak. Please give me the ability to commit to you and your way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take the next Step:
Learn to relax and trust God. Give up control and commit to him.

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.

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 while 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 dried and the leaves wilted without water, there was still time to revive it. I was always amazed by how fast it 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. Without a healthy balance, even good things (jobs, spouses, children, church) can leave us feeling drained and empty. 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. Take care of yourself in a way that is pleasing to God, with a healthy diet of Matthew 4:4.

Let’s Pray:
Thank you, Lord for the living water you provide. Help me to drink of your word not only during the “dry” seasons in my life but also in my daily walk. 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.

Darkness and Storms at night

 





by Belinda Blevins

Verse for thought: 
Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus Our Lord  Romans 8:39 (NRSV)

Sometimes when it is storming and lighting and thunder is rumbling, it reminds me of my childhood.  I was really afraid during storms and my dad would always say,  “It is not going to hurt you.  It’s ok.  It’s just a storm.”   He would try to comfort me as the storm would continue.  Now, I think I know how the disciples felt when they were out on the  sea of Galilee and their boat was being tossed to and from by the waves. God is there to help us in our storms just like he was there to help them.   Only Jesus Christ can give us peace in the mist of all storms.
Calling on him and remembering the assurance in his is what gives us courage in the storms.  One thing to remember about storms is they always PASS.  Sometimes the leave destruction in their wake.  But, they do pass.  Are you going through a storm today?  Do you feel like it is so dark it will never pass, and you can’t see a way out?  Remember, This too shall Pass…The storm is almost over.

Let’s Pray:
Thank you for being a loving heavenly father who honors our commitment to walk according to your will even in the storm.  Let us remember that you are there for us as go through each day. Thank you for each step we take in the storm.  Thank you 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 believing you are the only peace in the storm.  When we are afraid, help us to trust you in the mist of the storm and not be distracted by in.  In Jesus name.  AMEN

Take the next step: 
Why not stretch your faith today by offering a prayer for someone who is in a storm and needs to be encouraged.  Maybe it is someone who  just needs a sounding board, someone who has lost a loved one, or someone in the hospital.   Let the Holy Spirit use you today to help someone.  GOD BLESS YOU!!

Mountaintop Experience

by Shelia Gaines

Verse for Thought:
He replied, Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20 (NIV)

Last fall, my husband and I went to Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains and the third highest peak east of the Mississippi.   There is an observation tower at the top that provides a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view of  the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Simply breathtaking! It made the trip up there worth it, but as the old saying goes; the trip up there is not for the faint of heart.  Although it is a beautiful drive up the mountain, you can only get to the trail that leads to the tower by car.  The rest of the trip is a half mile hike.  Straight up the mountain!  There are benches available for resting along the way and signs advising you to take advantage of them should you become tired or faint. We met a lady who had had knee surgeries and made it as far as the bottom of the observation tower but did not go the rest of the way up the ramp to the top of the tower.   While I sympathize with her condition, it saddens me that she came that far and missed out on the whole point of the trip.  As someone pointed out, the long walk up the winding ramp was nothing compared to the half mile hike to that point.

How many times have you gotten so close to a goal only to fall short at the very end?  What are you doing about that?  Are you trying to have a mountaintop experience without climbing the mountain?   As we walked back down to our car from the tower, we overheard someone tell his friend that it was a good thing he wasn’t told of the half mile hike it would take to get up to the top.  He would have said no and missed out on an opportunity to “see God.”   The reward was definitely worth every bit of the effort.

Let’s pray:
Lord, when there are mountains in my life, please give me strength to climb them, but keep me mindful of my own times I spent in the valley.  Let me consider others who struggle in the climb.  Let me lift them up in prayer and not judge them.  Amen

Take the next step:
Instead of asking God to remove every difficult situation from your life, why not ask him to show you where he is in the situation, what you need to learn from it, and how he wants you to overcome it.  Why not make a list of your ‘mountains” and cross them off the list as you allow God to help you overcome each one?