Category: John

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Made Special

I know we all want to feel special. There is something about us that “entitles” us to the little extras. A bigger piece of pie, an extra scoop of ice cream, more money per hour at work, the bigger bouquet, the nicer car, the corner office and the list goes on.

However, I’ve never been the one to win the trophy buckle, to graduate valedictorian, be promoted to executive team or even win the state championship. But there is one thing I’ve done that puts me in the top group every time!

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone (whosoever) who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. ” John 3:15 ERV

Yes, I’m a member of the world – I’m an everyone! That makes me a recipient of the Father’s love and a participant in life eternal. I’m one of millions/billions of people who lived but I am one in a million in God’s eyes! He knows the number of hairs on my head, He knows when I fall and He knows my name.

“Training your body helps you in some ways. But devotion to God helps you in every way. It brings you blessings in this life and in the future life too. 9 Here is a true statement that should be accepted without question: 10 We hope in the living God, the Savior of all people. In particular, he is the Savior of all those who believe in him. This is why we work and struggle. 11 Command and teach these things.” I Timothy 4:8-11 CEV

Father God is the Savior of ALL but we have a part to play and that is we must BELIEVE in Him.

If I came to your house with a big box, wrapped in beautiful paper, tied up with a gorgeous ribbon and I had put your name on the box, would that present be yours? Well of course it would!

If you took that present and set it on the dining room table and looked at it, each day, admiring how pretty it was and how nice it was of me to bring it, would it benefit you? No, not really. It’s not until you open the gift, fully accept it, that it truly becomes yours and is a benefit to you.

Many people have seen the gift the Father brought them; the gift of forgiveness and restoration but for whatever reason have failed to open it and appropriate it for themselves.

“My dear children, I write this letter to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone sins, we have Jesus Christ to help us. He always did what was right, so he is able to defend us before God the Father. 2 Jesus is the way our sins are taken away. And he is the way all people can have their sins taken away too.” I John 2:1-2 CEV

“no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13 All who call out to the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12-13 CEV

So you see if you are a whosoever, an everyone, an “all people”, the gift is yours! Accept it and take advantage of what is being given – it definitely makes you a winner!

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No Introduction Needed

Jesus knows your name. You know that don’t you?

He knows the very number of hairs on your head; He saw you as you were being formed in your mother’s womb and considered you perfect. He has been there every day of your life and has been as intimately involved as you have allowed Him to be. There’s no introduction necessary, He knows you!

I know I have brought this as the morning devotion before but I am so in AWE of the fact that God the Father, the Almighty God, Creator of the Universe knows my name. He not only knows it but He calls to me each and every day! His desire to provide for me and have me rest in Him.

“Don’t be afraid. I saved you. I named you. You are mine. 2 When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. 3 That’s because I, the Lord, am your God. I, the Holy One of Israel, am your Savior:” Isaiah 43:1-3 ERV

The prophet Isaiah wrote this as a reminder to the people of Israel that God was there for them – the situations of life would not bring anything so large that God was not with them; He is the Lord, their Savior.

He says the same thing to us in the New Testament in the book of Hebrews.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Hebrews 13:5-6

We don’t need to be looking at others and wishing we had what they have because we have God who has promised to never leave us or forsake us. We have our help that comes from the Lord so we should be “fear free”; our God is greater than any man.

I know, I can hear you saying – “That sounds good on paper but those are just words on a page. Where is God now? Do you know what I’m going through?” No, I don’t but He does!

I’ll leave you with this thought. Remember when Mary went to the garden along with the other women. She went early in the morning to properly prepare Jesus body in his death. When they arrived the tomb was open and empty. They were just as heartbroken then as they were when they saw Jesus crucified. The women had gone to pay their last respects, to do one final thing for the Lord – to give him a proper burial and He was gone! Someone had taken his body away – what a cruel joke! Who could be so mean?

Mary looked into the tomb and saw the angels but all she could think of was the gravity of the situation and Jesus was gone.

“Mary Magdalene stood crying outside the tomb. She was still weeping, when she stooped down and saw two angels inside. They were dressed in white and were sitting where Jesus’ body had been. One was at the head and the other was at the foot. The angels asked Mary, “Why are you crying?” She answered, “They have taken away my Lord’s body! I don’t know where they have put him.” As soon as Mary said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know who he was. Jesus asked her, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”
She thought he was the gardener and said, “Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him.” Then Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him, “Rabboni.” The Aramaic word “Rabboni” means “Teacher.” John 20:11-16

In her darkest hour, in her deepest grief, in her hopelessness, eyes filled with tears she didn’t recognize that Jesus was there and then…He spoke her name. What is your situation today? Are your eyes filled with tears? Have your circumstances obscured your vision? Are you blinded from seeing the One who has promised to never leave you or forsake you?

Listen – listen carefully – you will hear Him call your name!

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L’Chaim – To Life

There is a word used in Jewish toasts – L’Chaim, to Life!

Lifting a glass of wine to celebrate an engagement or marriage, the birth of a child and everyone says L’Chaim.

Each day we should be doing the same. We should be toasting the life that God has given us. Celebrating life and His goodness. A life of thankfulness and faith.

L’Chaim!

The just shall live by faith. Faith isn’t just something we have when we can’t handle things on our own, it’s a way of life.

Faith is what pleases God and God is the one who has given us the faith that we need to please Him – pretty good right? God doesn’t leave us unprepared or without the proper equipment. He tells us what it takes to please Him and then he supplies us – gotta love that.

“I realize how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you.” Romans 12:3 CEV

“But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and that he rewards everyone who searches for him.” Hebrews 11:6 CEV

I don’t understand where people get the idea that God is sitting up in heaven just waiting for us to fail or mess up. Moses told the nation of Israel that God set before them life and death, blessing and cursing. Then he told them “Choose life”. That was Jesus’ purpose – to provide the way of blessing – choose life.

“Today I am giving you a choice of two ways. And I ask heaven and earth to be witnesses of your choice. You can choose life or death. The first choice will bring a blessing. The other choice will bring a curse. So choose life! Then you and your children will live. 20 You must love the Lord your God and obey him. Never leave him, because he is your life. And he will give you a long life in the land that he, the Lord, promised to give to your ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 ERV

Jesus said: “The robber comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I came so they might have life, a great full life.” John 10:10 NLV

L’Chaim!

Again, choosing to live by faith brings reward. God is the one who promised it, our part is to seek Him and not give up.  Faith is believing that God will be faithful to His word; that what He has said WILL come to pass. And why shouldn’t we believe Him – He hasn’t lied yet!

The greatest miracle in the Bible was the result of a young woman’s faith. The angel came to Mary and told her that she would have a child. Mary asked how this could happen since she was a virgin and hadn’t been intimate with any man. (You all know the story). I love what the angel, Gabriel, said in response.

“Nothing is impossible for God!” 38 Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said.” And the angel left her.” Luke 1:37-38

I want my response to God to be the same “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it happen as He said”.

What are you facing today? NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE when we put our faith in GOD.

L’Chaim

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These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

I love reminiscing!

When I knew that we would be leaving Montana I began going through all the tubs of photographs and papers that had been saved. Looking at old pictures, talking of old times.

There were wedding invitations, baby announcements, friendship cards, letters of encouragement and trinkets. Some souvenirs of vacations we had taken, little gifts from friends, they all reminded me of good times and wonderful people.

I sorted through the photograph albums with the kids. Each of them took pictures that were special to them. Passing on the memories made them come alive again.

Even now I collect pictures throughout the year and make one of those hard cover books that you can do through any photo outlet. I’m getting ready to start working on the book of last year’s visitors.

Maybe that’s what prompted my thoughts this morning as I woke from sleep – thoughts of things the Lord has done in my life.

My earliest memories are of singing choruses’ through our house as a 3-4 year old. I always loved singing at home and at church. But I also remember times when I was hurting in the worst way and the Lord was there for me.

I remember when the cupboards were empty and so was the checkbook and the Lord was there for us. I remember when we were searching for answers and the Lord gave us wisdom. I remember when my heart was so full of love and gratitude for the Lord that words couldn’t express what my heart felt and I could do nothing more than be silent in His presence.

So many memories… “Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. 12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.” Psalm 97:11 -12

Jesus talked about remembering to his disciples. At the “Last Supper” as the celebrated the Passover, Jesus told them that each time they ate of the Passover they should do it in remembrance of Him. The Passover was a feast of celebration, of remembrance.

The Jews were to remember when God brought them out of Egypt with the blood applied to the door posts of their homes. It was a type and symbol of Christ giving His life for our deliverance from a life bound by sin. So as Jesus ate the Passover just hours before his crucifixion He said,

“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” Luke 22:19

He then went on to tell the disciples that He was sending the Comforter who would remind them of all things He had taught them.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26

So today, I encourage you to remember. Remember the good things! Remember what the Lord did by dying for you; remember His resurrection; remember how He has walked with you even when you didn’t acknowledge His presence. Remember His unconditional love and His unending grace. Remember that He has blessed you with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places.

Don’t waste your mind by mulling over past failures but rather renew your mind with memories of God’s goodness and blessings.

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has given us every spiritual blessing in heaven. 4 In Christ, he chose us before the world was made. He chose us in love to be his holy people—people who could stand before him without any fault.” Ephesians 1:2-4

REMEMBER!!!!

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He Lives

You all know how I feel about the old hymns. There is so much truth and power in those songs but because I sang them over and over again as a child I didn’t realize the value of the words. Also, sad to say, the message of those songs didn’t line up with the message that many times was being preached from the pulpit.

 

I often heard “this life down here will always be a struggle BUT when we get to heaven it will all be worth it”. I agree with the fact the heaven will be so much greater, not even comparable, with the life we live here but we are called to be victorious, world overcomers, living the abundant life of Christ while we are here. So many times Christians live as if they were saved and stuck.

 

Jesus didn’t live a substandard life and He hasn’t forgotten us. When he died, rose and ascended to the Father He did it for us.  Jesus lives to make intercession for us. He is our source of strength and our example of victory.

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10 NKJV

“But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:24-25 NKJV

Jesus message to all of us is this.

“He said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here. Look at my hands. Put your hand here in my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “You believe because you see me. Great blessings belong to the people who believe without seeing me!” John 20:26-29 ERV

I’m one of those – those who have not seen Jesus with my nature eye but I believe. I see Him with my heart of faith.

This is the song I woke up singing.  It was written by a man named Alfred Ackley.

I serve a risen Savior

He’s in the world today.

I know that He is living,

Whatever men may say.

I see His hand of mercy;

I hear His voice of cheer;

And just the time I need Him

He’s always near.

• He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart.

•  In all the world around me

I see His loving care,

And though my heart grows weary,

I never will despair;

I know that He is leading,

Through all the stormy blast;

The day of His appearing

Will come at last.

•  Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,

Lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs

To Jesus Christ the King!

The Hope of all who seek Him,

The Help of all who find,

None other is so loving,

So good and kind.

 

No matter what type of celebration you have today I hope your heart is filled with this

HE LIVES!

 

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Left But Not Alone

I have a question for you parents this morning. Do you remember a time when you had to leave your child somewhere and it made your heart ache? Maybe it was the first day of kindergarten, maybe it was college or boot camp, it could have been at the door to the operating room in the hospital.

A sinking feeling for sure. Even now those times bring tears to your eyes and ache to your heart.

This morning I was reading I Samuel 1 about Hannah and how she longed so deeply for a child. The Lord heard and answered her prayer and as a response of devotion to Him she then took that little boy and gave him back to the Lord.

“When the boy was old enough to eat solid food, Hannah took him to the Lord’s house at Shiloh. She also took a bull that was three years old, 20 pounds of flour, and a bottle of wine.

25 They went before the Lord. Elkanah killed the bull as a sacrifice to the Lord as he usually did. Then Hannah gave the boy to Eli. 26 She said to him, “Pardon me, sir. I am the same woman who stood near you praying to the Lord. I promise that I am telling the truth. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord answered my prayer. He gave me this child. 28 And now I give this child to the Lord. He will serve the Lord all his life.”

Then Hannah left the boy there and worshiped the Lord.”
I Samuel 1:24-28 ERV

The story of Hannah and Samuel isn’t just a fable that makes a good read. It is the true story of a loving mother and godly woman. Imagine how she must of wrestled with her emotions as she made the decision to give Samuel to Eli, the priest, and leave him there.

Now imagine, if you will, another parent who was willing to give up their child. This time, however, the child was given as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ERV

Hannah gave her son to a loving God but God gave His Son to an unloving world. Hannah knew her son would be well cared for, God knew His Son would be hated and abused.

It’s important that we realize the great sacrifice that our heavenly Father made in giving His Son! We can’t take it lightly. He gave so that we can have life eternal.

He gave because of His great love for us!

“Christ died for us when we were unable to help ourselves. We were living against God, but at just the right time Christ died for us. 7 Very few people will die to save the life of someone else, even if it is for a good person. Someone might be willing to die for an especially good person. 8 But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:6-8 ERV

God gave one Son to gain many. Once we accept the sacrifice of Jesus we are given the right to be called the sons of God.

“The Father has loved us so much! This shows how much he loved us: We are called children of God. And we really are his children. But the people in the world don’t understand that we are God’s children, because they have not known him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God. We have not yet been shown what we will be in the future. But we know that when Christ comes again, we will be like him. We will see him just as he is.” I John 3:1-2 ERV

Maybe you’re going through a tough time right now. Maybe you feel that you have been abandon, left all alone – let me assure you that that isn’t true. Jesus told His disciples that even though He would go away He would send a Helper who would be with us until His return.

“But you are filled with sadness because I have told you all this. 7 Let me assure you, it is better for you that I go away. I say this because when I go away I will send the Helper to you. But if I did not go, the Helper would not come.” John 16:6-7 CEV

God the Father has sent the Holy Spirit to be our helper and our comforter. We are not alone. We have the someone who is constantly with us and gives us the strength we need for each and every day!

“I have told you these things while I am still with you. 26 But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you.

27 I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn’t like the peace that this world can give. So don’t be worried or afraid.” John 14:25-27 CEV

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Safe on Stormy Seas

Dave and I like to watch historically factual movies. Over the last few months we have seen stories on the life of Mary, Queen of Scots; a prison ship that sailed from England to New South Wales; a series on the founding of the western frontier; one based on the fur trappers and traders that opened northern trades routes and another on the Revolutionary War.

At some point during each one of these we have made the comment that we certainly have an easy life compared to those who came before us. We had to consider how we would have reacted if we had been alive during those times.

This morning while I was praying and thanking God for the life I have I began to consider these people and their hardships and then I thought of Paul, the apostle. His life was impacted by persecution and peril. I focused in on his strength and resolve. I want you to see his comments. I think you will find hope and encouragement by seeing how the Lord met him in his greatest struggles.

Paul accepted the life of a missionary. He traveled Europe and Asia proclaiming the message of Christ. Each city he went too had converts but also critics. Some of the critics sought to discredit Paul by bragging about their credentials. This is where we find Paul speaking up in II Corinthians 11. The passage I am including is lengthy but please read it. Listen to the words of a man who has faced severe danger and persecution.

“Are they Jews? So am I. Are they from the family of Israel? So am I. Are they from the family of Abraham? So am I. 23 Do they work for Christ? I have worked for Him much more than they have. (I speak as if I am crazy.) I have done much more work. I have been in prison more times. I cannot remember how many times I have been whipped. Many times I have been in danger of death. 24 Five different times the Jews whipped me across my back thirty-nine times. 25 Three times they beat me with sticks. One time they threw stones at me. Three times I was on ships that were wrecked. I spent a day and a night in the water. 26 I have made many hard trips. I have been in danger from high water on rivers. I have been in danger from robbers. I have been in danger from the Jews. I have been in danger from people who do not know God. I have been in danger in cities and in the desert. I have been in danger on the sea. I have been in danger among people who say they belong to Christ but do not. 27 I have worked hard and have been tired and have had pain. I have gone many times without sleep. I have been hungry and thirsty. I have gone without food and clothes. I have been out in the cold. 28 More than all these things that have happened to my body, the care of all the churches is heavy on me. 29 When someone is weak, I feel weak also. When someone is led into sin, I have a strong desire to help him. 30 If I must talk about myself, I will do it about the things that show how weak I am. 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is to be honored and thanked forever. He knows I am telling the truth. 32 In the city of Damascus the leader of the people under King Aretas put soldiers at the gates to take me. 33 But I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and I got away.” II Corinthians 11:22-33 NLV

People either hated Paul or loved him. His message was one of life and peace but it was greatly opposed yet he kept going. Where did he find the strength? He tells us.

“8 I asked the Lord three times to take it away from me. 9 He answered me, “I am all you need. I give you My loving-favor. My power works best in weak people.” I am happy to be weak and have troubles so I can have Christ’s power in me. 10 I receive joy when I am weak. I receive joy when people talk against me and make it hard for me and try to hurt me and make trouble for me. I receive joy when all these things come to me because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” II Corinthians 12:8-10 NLV

Do you see the answer to Paul’s prayer? “When I am weak, then I am strong”. That’s the same answer that Christ gives to us. When we feel weak, helpless, hopeless, discouraged, misunderstood, pick on or abandoned we can find strength in our weakness because Christ will come to make us strong. Paul wasn’t always saved from the storm but he was always safe in the storm.

“Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” Philippians 4:13 ERV

Jesus said, “A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

We have Jesus’ word that He came to provide us with a good life, a life of victory and peace. He promised to give us strength for whatever comes our way. So many times we want a life that is “storm free” and start to cave when troubles come. Remember, Daniel wasn’t saved from the lion’s den but in it. Noah wasn’t kept from the flood but he was safe above it. Jesus wasn’t kept from the cross but rose victoriously from the tomb. Here’s one final thought from the Apostle Paul. One that will give encouragement and hope.

“We are like clay jars in which this treasure (God’s strength) is stored. The real power comes from God and not from us. 8 We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. 9 In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again. 10-11 We face death every day because of Jesus. Our bodies show what his death was like, so that his life can also be seen in us…

17 These little troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing. 18 Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep our minds on the things that cannot be seen.” II Corinthians 4:7-18 CEV

We need to be like Paul, always aware that God is with us. We draw our strength from Him when we face “little troubles”. We get up and go on knowing that God is there to keep us safe on stormy seas.

When we are weak, we are strong in God!

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Reflection and Imitation

I was reminded today of a picture I took several years ago. Dave and I love exploring the area we live in and we were taking friends to see a small lake that we sometimes fish in.

The conditions were perfect. The sun was shining brightly, there were clouds in the sky and no wind. I was able to take this picture using my cell phone and was surprised at how well it captured the beauty I saw with my natural eye.

How amazing!

The ability to reflect or imitate an object greater than yourself. The moon reflects the light it receives from the sun; water reflects images surrounding it; a mirror gives a true and honest reflection.

As people we often reflect the qualities and characteristics of those we admire. We’ve all heard the expression, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. The Apostle Paul tells us that we are to be imitators of God. I like that.

“You are God’s dear children, so try to be like (imitate) him. 2 Live a life of love. Love others just as Christ loved us. He gave himself for us—a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 ERV

When we accept God’s gift of salvation our lives are changed. We receive God’s nature, we get His DNA and so we should reflect His character.

“For if a man belongs to Christ, he is a new person. The old life is gone. New life has begun. ” II Corinthians 5:17 NLV

A reflection or imitation is never as perfect as the original but it’s a good representation.  Jesus told those who followed Him that the world would know they were His disciples because they loved others the way He did.

“ “I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. 35 All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:34-35 ERV

Yesterday I asked you to consider or think on God’s love for you. Today I ask you to consider being a reflection or an imitator of His love to others.

 

 

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Plant Sorrow, Harvest Comfort

This morning I had but one word on my heart – sorrow. What a strange way to start a morning and it didn’t seem very uplifting until I let the Holy Spirit  put substance around that word.

“I will comfort you as one is comforted by his mother. And you will be comforted in Jerusalem.” 14 When you see this, your heart will be glad. Your bones will get new strength like the new grass. And the hand of the Lord will be made known to His servants. ” Isaiah 66:13-14 NLV

The story I would like to share with you comes from the Old Testament. A sweet lady was one of two wives to a man named Elkanah. He loved her dearly but she had no children. Her counterpart however had children and would mock her. Each year they would travel as a family to Shiloh to bring their offerings to the Lord. This was an extremely tough time for Hannah because Pennieh, the other wife, would taunt her mercilessly. In her sorrow, Hannah cried out to the Lord.

“Hannah was very troubled. She prayed to the Lord and cried with sorrow. 11 Then she made a promise and said, “O Lord of All, be sure to look on the trouble of Your woman servant, and remember me. Do not forget Your woman servant, but give me a son. If You will, then I will give him to the Lord all his life. And no hair will ever be cut from his head.”

12 While she kept praying to the Lord, Eli was watching her mouth. 13 Hannah was speaking in her heart. Her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. So Eli thought she had drunk too much. 14 Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put wine away from you.” 15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have not drunk wine or strong drink, but I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. 16 Do not think of your woman servant as a woman of no worth. For I have been speaking out of much trouble and pain in my spirit.” 17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace. May the God of Israel do what you have asked of Him.” 18 And Hannah said, “Let your woman servant find favor in your eyes.” So she went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” I Samuel 1:10-18 NLV

Have you been there? So upset over a situation that you have wept before the Lord, pouring out your heart and soul, completely oblivious to what others thought about you…just needing God to hear your heart? If you have then you can relate to Hannah.

And so could God. He heard her heart – children were a sign that you had been blessed by God and Hannah’s heart ached because she had no child. I can assure you, when you pour your heart out to God, giving Him whatever it is that is causing your sorrow, He will meet you there. He brings comfort and peace.

“So the people, for whom the Lord paid the price to be saved, will return. They will come with songs of joy to Zion. Joy that lasts forever will be on their heads. They will receive joy and happiness, and sorrow and sad voices will hurry away.

12 “I, even I, am He Who comforts you. Who are you that you are afraid of a man who dies? Why are you afraid of the sons of men who are made like grass,” Isaiah 51:11-12 NLV

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 KJV

God heard and answered Hannah’s prayer and a year later Samuel was born. Samuel was dedicated to the Lord and as a small boy, Hannah took him to the tabernacle to live with Eli and be raised as a priest. Samuel was used mightily of God, a blessing not only to his mother but to the nation of Israel.

“The blessing of the LORD, it makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22 KJV

God’s blessing of a son removed Hannah’s sorrow. God isn’t out to ruin our lives but to complete them!

“The Lord says, “I am the one who comforts you. So why should you be afraid of people? They are only humans who live and die like the grass.” Isaiah 55:11-12 CEV

“Yes, even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid of anything, because You are with me. You have a walking stick with which to guide and one with which to help. These comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NLV

“I know I was ready to fall, but, Lord, your faithful love supported me.
19 I was very worried and upset, but you comforted me and made me happy!” Psalm 94:18-19 ERV

“Remember Your Word to Your servant, for You have given me hope. 50 Your Word has given me new life. This is my comfort in my suffering. 51 The proud always laugh at me, but I do not turn away from Your Law. ” Psalm 119:49-51 NLV

“Do not let your heart be troubled. You have put your trust in God, put your trust in Me also.” John 14:1 NLV

“I have told you these things while I am still with you. 26 The Helper (Comforter) is the Holy Spirit. The Father will send Him in My place. He will teach you everything and help you remember everything I have told you.

27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give peace to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” John 14:25-27 NLV

Pour out your sorrow to the Lord today and let Him turn it into joy!

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Pruning Is Important

Pruning is necessary to the health of every plant. The important thing is to know when and how to prune.

When my flowers are in bloom I am out with my nippers once a week. Sometimes I just remove the dead flowers and leaves and at other times I find it necessary to remove part of a branch that is damaged.

I used to be a vicious pruner. Instead of using a small nipper, I would use the big loppers and before I knew it I had removed 1/2 the plant.

Sad to say but most of the time when I did that I permanently damaged the plant. But God knows how to properly prune so that the branch (us) isn’t damaged.

Yesterday I used the Scripture verses in John 15 where Jesus talks about abiding in the vine. He is the vine, we are the branches and the Father is the one who does the pruning.

“Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch[ of mine that does not produce fruit. He also trims every branch that produces fruit to prepare it to produce even more. 3 You have already been prepared to produce more fruit by the teaching I have given you. 4 Stay joined to me and I will stay joined to you. No branch can produce fruit alone. It must stay connected to the vine. It is the same with you. You cannot produce fruit alone. You must stay joined to me.

5 “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won’t be able to do anything. 6 If you don’t stay joined to me, you will be like a branch that has been thrown out and has dried up. All the dead branches like that are gathered up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 Stay joined together with me, and follow my teachings. If you do this, you can ask for anything you want, and it will be given to you. 8 Show that you are my followers by producing much fruit. This will bring honor  to my Father.” John 15:1-8 ERV

The KJV of this passage says “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” Vs 7. See it’s the Word…the Word and abiding in the Word, who is Jesus, is what bears fruit in our lives.

Jesus said that we have already been prepared (pruned) by the Word. The Apostle Paul tells us that God’s Word brings correction (pruning) into our lives.

“You have known the Holy Scriptures since you were a child. These Scriptures are able to make you wise. And that wisdom leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by God. And all Scripture is useful for teaching and for showing people what is wrong in their lives. It is useful for correcting faults and teaching the right way to live. 17 Using the Scriptures, those who serve God will be prepared and will have everything they need to do every good work.” II Timothy 3:15-17 ERV

God uses the Scriptures to make correction in our lives.  We also have the help of the Holy Spirit, our teacher and counsellor. He will prick our hearts when we do things that are wrong. You know what I’m talking about, that feeling you get and you say “I know I shouldn’t have done/said that”. Ya, that’s the Holy Spirit.

“But I tell you that I am going to do what is best for you. That is why I am going away. The Holy Spirit cannot come to help [a] you until I leave. But after I am gone, I will send the Spirit to you.

8 The Spirit will come and show the people of this world the truth about sin and God’s justice and the judgment. 9 The Spirit will show them that they are wrong about sin, because they didn’t have faith in me. ” John 16:7-9 CEV

There have been times that I have gone through a dry place and have felt withered and almost dead inside. During those times I didn’t see much of a harvest – just brittle, dry stubble with no signs of life.  I like the growth times much better and yes, I am the one responsible to keep the Word planted in my heart.

However, in the dry and brittle times, I have learned that the life is still there. It’s in the root. Sometimes the dry branches have to be pruned back for the health of the plant. I learned when we first moved into our AZ home not to prune until water has been applied to the root.

We have two large Ocotillos in our yard. They looked dead when we moved in. We decided to give them it a little bit of water and see what would happen. Only 5 days of water, just a little water each day and they begin to flourish.

The KJV of this passage says “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” It’s the Word…the Word and letting God’s Word, who is Jesus, live in us that bears fruit in our lives.

I’m so glad that I didn’t prune the Ocotillo thinking it was all but dead. My pruning would have killed it for sure. I’m also very glad that I’m not responsible for pruning my life or the life of other believers but it’s the Father, the master gardener, who is responsible to prune our lives. He knows when something is dead and He knows exactly where to cut without causing damage. He also knows when all we need is water, the water of His word, and we will flourish once again.

“I will pour water for thirsty people, and streams will flow through the desert. I will pour my Spirit on your children, and I will bless your family. 4 They will sprout like grass in the spring and grow like trees by streams of water.” Isaiah 44:3 ERV

Are you in a dry place? Let God’s Word water your roots and you’ll begin to flourish once again.

Blessings to you all this day.

 

 

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