This is a wonderful devotional by Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional - Streams in the Desert, that we should read and reread. To grasp this message is to learn about life. The poem by A. E. Finn is awesome! May your eyes read, your mind process and your heart store and surround with love.
"It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good". (1 Sam. 3:18)
[See God in everything, and God will calm and color all that thou dost see!" It may be that the circumstances of our sorrows will not be removed, their condition will remain unchanged; but if Christ, as Lord and Master of our life, is brought into our grief and gloom, "HE will compass us about with songs of deliverance." To see HIM, and to be sure that His wisdom cannot err, His power cannot fail, His love can never change; to know that even His direst dealings with us are for our deepest spiritual gain, is to be able to say, in the midst of bereavement, sorrow, pain, and loss, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath, taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."
Nothing else but seeing God in everything will make us loving and patient with those who annoy and trouble us. They will be to us then only instruments for accomplishing His tender and wise purposes toward us, and we shall even find ourselves at last inwardly thanking them for the blessings they bring us. Nothing else will completely put an end to all murmuring or rebelling thoughts.--H. W. Smith.]
["Give me a new idea," I said,
While musing on a sleepless bed;
"A new idea that'll bring to earth
A balm for souls of priceless worth;
That'll give men thoughts of things above,
And teach them how to serve and love,
That'll banish every selfish thought,
And rid men of the sins they've fought."
The new thought came, just how, I'll tell:
'Twas when on bended knee I fell,
And sought from HIM who knows full well
The way our sorrow to expel.
SEE GOD IN ALL THINGS, great and small,
And give HIM praise whate'er befall,
In life or death, in pain or woe,
See God, and overcome thy foe.
I saw HIM in the morning light,
HE made the day shine clear and bright;
I saw HIM in the noontide hour,
And gained from HIM refreshing shower.
At eventide, when worn and sad,
HE gave me help, and made me glad.
At midnight, when on tossing bed
My weary soul to sleep HE led.
I saw HIM when great losses came,
And found HE loved me just the same.
When heavy loads I had to bear,
I found HE lightened every care.
By sickness, sorrow, sore distress,
HE calmed my mind and gave me rest.
HE'S filled my heart with gladsome praise
Since I gave HIM the upward gaze.
'Twas new to me, yet old to some,
This thought that to me has become
A revelation of the way
We all should live throughout the day;
For as each day unfolds its light,
We'll walk by faith and not by sight.
Life will, indeed, a blessing bring,
If we SEE GOD IN EVERYTHING."
--A. E. Finn]
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
His Cross, My Cross
Carry Your Cross
"Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Mark 8:34).
This is a very good devotional. An excellent read before you start your day. Yesterday I had two programs to present for the God's Love Outreach Ministry. Both of the nursing homes I was in I felt His presence there. The program for the month was about having fun, being happy. Every time I enter a home I see the looks on the faces of these residents, some I see each month for it is where they live now. Because of their own physical or mental problems they are facing, it is their life now.
I wonder to myself if this is their cross that they are called to bear. We belong to a loving God who I know did not bring this on them and He is there with them to help ease the burden from it.
Toward the end of this devotional the author writes as to how this burden is lifted. He wrote "ripen my wisdom, to deepen my peace, to increase my courage, to augment my power to be of use to others", and that is exactly what I see in these residents. They are always saying, thank you, smiling, even holding someones hand who is hurting. They are using their crosses to help them on, day by day!
[Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional - Streams in the Desert]
[The cross which my Lord bids me take up and carry may assume different shapes. I may have to content myself with a lowly and narrow sphere, when I feel that I have capacities for much higher work. I may have to go on cultivating year after year, a field which seems to yield me no harvests whatsoever. I may be bidden to cherish kind and loving thoughts about someone who has wronged me--be bidden speak to him tenderly, and take his part against all who oppose him, and crown him with sympathy and succor. I may have to confess my Master amongst those who do not wish to be reminded of Him and His claims. I may be called to "move among my race, and show a glorious morning face," when my heart is breaking.
There are many crosses, and every one of them is sore and heavy. None of them is likely to be sought out by me of my own accord. But never is Jesus so near me as when I lift my cross, and lay it submissively on my shoulder, and give it the welcome of a patient and unmurmuring spirit.
He draws close, to ripen my wisdom, to deepen my peace, to increase my courage, to augment my power to be of use to others, through the very experience which is so grievous and distressing, and then--as I read on the seal of one of those Scottish Covenanters whom Claverhouse imprisoned on the lonely Bass, with the sea surging and sobbing round--I grow under the load.--Alexander Smellie.
"Use your cross as a crutch to help you on, and not as a stumblingblock to cast you down."
"You may others from sadness to gladness beguile,
If you carry your cross with a smile."]
Crosses
I had a dream I walked with Jesus,
carrying our crosses, side by side.
Though mine was so much smaller,
I felt Him lift the burden as time went by.
With each step He looked at me,
His eyes were filled with love
He steadied me when I began to stumble,
giving praise to the Father above.
At first the journey seemed too long,
to carry my cross all that way,
Jesus spoke to me and said,
“It’s not about the burden but what you do through it today”.
So whatever the cross you are carrying
may it become an aide to you,
to help someone else that is hurting
and show them Jesus is with them too.
E. P. Shagott
3/17/10
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
"Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Mark 8:34).
This is a very good devotional. An excellent read before you start your day. Yesterday I had two programs to present for the God's Love Outreach Ministry. Both of the nursing homes I was in I felt His presence there. The program for the month was about having fun, being happy. Every time I enter a home I see the looks on the faces of these residents, some I see each month for it is where they live now. Because of their own physical or mental problems they are facing, it is their life now.
I wonder to myself if this is their cross that they are called to bear. We belong to a loving God who I know did not bring this on them and He is there with them to help ease the burden from it.
Toward the end of this devotional the author writes as to how this burden is lifted. He wrote "ripen my wisdom, to deepen my peace, to increase my courage, to augment my power to be of use to others", and that is exactly what I see in these residents. They are always saying, thank you, smiling, even holding someones hand who is hurting. They are using their crosses to help them on, day by day!
[Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional - Streams in the Desert]
[The cross which my Lord bids me take up and carry may assume different shapes. I may have to content myself with a lowly and narrow sphere, when I feel that I have capacities for much higher work. I may have to go on cultivating year after year, a field which seems to yield me no harvests whatsoever. I may be bidden to cherish kind and loving thoughts about someone who has wronged me--be bidden speak to him tenderly, and take his part against all who oppose him, and crown him with sympathy and succor. I may have to confess my Master amongst those who do not wish to be reminded of Him and His claims. I may be called to "move among my race, and show a glorious morning face," when my heart is breaking.
There are many crosses, and every one of them is sore and heavy. None of them is likely to be sought out by me of my own accord. But never is Jesus so near me as when I lift my cross, and lay it submissively on my shoulder, and give it the welcome of a patient and unmurmuring spirit.
He draws close, to ripen my wisdom, to deepen my peace, to increase my courage, to augment my power to be of use to others, through the very experience which is so grievous and distressing, and then--as I read on the seal of one of those Scottish Covenanters whom Claverhouse imprisoned on the lonely Bass, with the sea surging and sobbing round--I grow under the load.--Alexander Smellie.
"Use your cross as a crutch to help you on, and not as a stumblingblock to cast you down."
"You may others from sadness to gladness beguile,
If you carry your cross with a smile."]
Crosses
I had a dream I walked with Jesus,
carrying our crosses, side by side.
Though mine was so much smaller,
I felt Him lift the burden as time went by.
With each step He looked at me,
His eyes were filled with love
He steadied me when I began to stumble,
giving praise to the Father above.
At first the journey seemed too long,
to carry my cross all that way,
Jesus spoke to me and said,
“It’s not about the burden but what you do through it today”.
So whatever the cross you are carrying
may it become an aide to you,
to help someone else that is hurting
and show them Jesus is with them too.
E. P. Shagott
3/17/10
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
You have a part!
I like this devotional by A. B. Simpson. As I was reading it my thoughts went back to the early programs that the God's Love Outreach Ministry were presenting to nursing homes for shut-ins. In the early beginning of this ministry, a group of 6-8 of God's children, were going as a supporting group to help in any way to bring the message of His love and grace. Next month on the 17th of April this ministry will be presenting in celebration it's 1000th program.
Are the same 6-8 people still helping as in the beginning? No, and probably many would say they just can't see or understand what their role is. Of course for me, it was my calling. God put this on my heart. So I guess I would be considered as Mr. Simpson wrote "the machine". For I am the one in the forefront delivering His message. Does that mean that those others had a less important part of what God wanted them to do? No. It was just as important.
I will always remember back to one of the 1000 programs that the ministry was presenting. A friend of mine was one of the 6-8 who went to help. As a song was being sung I looked out at the residents and he was there holding a hand of a young woman who was in a bed chair and they were singing together. Though I was standing in front my friend was the one, through his love for Christ, ministering to this young woman.
Maybe he thought he had a small part, a rivet holding the machine in place, but to God because of my friends obedience, my friend was doing just what God wanted him to do!
*******************************************
"How ye ought to walk and please God" (I. Thess. iv. 1).
[A devotional by A. B. Simpson]
[How many dear Christians are in the place that the Lord has appointed them, and yet the devil is harassing their lives with a vague sense of not quite pleasing the Lord. Could they just settle down in the place that God has assigned them and fill it sweetly and lovingly for Him there would be more joy in their hearts and more power in their lives. God wants us all in various places, and the secret of accomplishing the most for Him is to recognize our places from Him and our service in it as pleasing Him. In the great factory and machine there is a place for the smallest screw and rivet as well as the great driving wheel and piston, and so God has His little screws whose business is simply to stay where He puts them and to believe that He wants them there and is making the most of their lives in the little spaces that they fill for Him.
There is something all can do,
Tho' you're neither wise nor strong;
You can be a helper true,
You can stand when friends are few,
Some lone heart has need of you,
You can help along.]
Your Purpose
You have a job to do for God,
something you were designed to do.
So many people go through life
never understanding what theirs is too.
The work that He has for us,
to many may seem simple or small.
But to God, our Father above,
important work for one and all.
See the more you focus on Jesus,
you'll understand the work He begun,
for He always said, "Father not my will,
but let Your will be done!"
Friends, you will never understand your purpose,
that God created you to be,
until you can look in the mirror
and say to yourself, "It's not about me!"
E. P. Shagott
3/9/10
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Are the same 6-8 people still helping as in the beginning? No, and probably many would say they just can't see or understand what their role is. Of course for me, it was my calling. God put this on my heart. So I guess I would be considered as Mr. Simpson wrote "the machine". For I am the one in the forefront delivering His message. Does that mean that those others had a less important part of what God wanted them to do? No. It was just as important.
I will always remember back to one of the 1000 programs that the ministry was presenting. A friend of mine was one of the 6-8 who went to help. As a song was being sung I looked out at the residents and he was there holding a hand of a young woman who was in a bed chair and they were singing together. Though I was standing in front my friend was the one, through his love for Christ, ministering to this young woman.
Maybe he thought he had a small part, a rivet holding the machine in place, but to God because of my friends obedience, my friend was doing just what God wanted him to do!
*******************************************
"How ye ought to walk and please God" (I. Thess. iv. 1).
[A devotional by A. B. Simpson]
[How many dear Christians are in the place that the Lord has appointed them, and yet the devil is harassing their lives with a vague sense of not quite pleasing the Lord. Could they just settle down in the place that God has assigned them and fill it sweetly and lovingly for Him there would be more joy in their hearts and more power in their lives. God wants us all in various places, and the secret of accomplishing the most for Him is to recognize our places from Him and our service in it as pleasing Him. In the great factory and machine there is a place for the smallest screw and rivet as well as the great driving wheel and piston, and so God has His little screws whose business is simply to stay where He puts them and to believe that He wants them there and is making the most of their lives in the little spaces that they fill for Him.
There is something all can do,
Tho' you're neither wise nor strong;
You can be a helper true,
You can stand when friends are few,
Some lone heart has need of you,
You can help along.]
Your Purpose
You have a job to do for God,
something you were designed to do.
So many people go through life
never understanding what theirs is too.
The work that He has for us,
to many may seem simple or small.
But to God, our Father above,
important work for one and all.
See the more you focus on Jesus,
you'll understand the work He begun,
for He always said, "Father not my will,
but let Your will be done!"
Friends, you will never understand your purpose,
that God created you to be,
until you can look in the mirror
and say to yourself, "It's not about me!"
E. P. Shagott
3/9/10
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Fruit from the Cross
As I came upon this devotional by Charles Stanley today, I thought to myself, "that is me!" In my testimony that I love to share with people, I understand now that at the age of 15 years I was empowered by the Holy Spirit. When asked on that day If I would want to give my heart to Jesus, I said "Yes!" Enter the Holy Spirit. Now as you read Mr. Stanley's devotional and also the Word of God before it, you can see what a gift was given to me that day.
The other part of the devotional below which is very important is a key word "surrender". Until you come to that time in your life to do that, willingly,the leading of the Spirit can be "turned off" or ignored as it was stated below. As I was reading this devotional I said to myself, "that is what happened to me". For a lot of years I had the Spirit "turned off, tuned out, shut-down", well, you can pick the term you want but I did. Then, on that special day, I surrendered all! Now you can understand the change in my life. Now I am "living a Godly life, producing "Fruit from the Cross!"
********************************************
Walking in the Spirit [by Charles Stanley]
Galatians 5:16-25
Gal 5:16 I say, then, Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. And these are contrary to one another; lest whatever you may will, these things you do.
Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are clearly revealed, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lustfulness,
Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, fightings, jealousies, angers, rivalries, divisions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 envyings, murders, drunkennesses, revelings, and things like these; of which I tell you before, as I also said before, that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 meekness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Gal 5:24 But those belonging to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
[The Holy Spirit is one of God's most precious gifts to His beloved children. He takes up residence within the believer at the moment of salvation and empowers him to overcome sin and live for God's glory and purposes. However, the Spirit's power can be "turned off" or ignored. Only those who choose to walk with Him have unhindered access to His strength and guidance.
Walking by the Spirit denotes reliance upon Him. He leads the way, and we follow. As He speaks, we listen, heed His warnings, and obey His directions. The Spirit's way is a path of surrender which, although difficult, leads to fullness of life.
God's Spirit not only guides; He also empowers because the challenge of obeying Him is impossible in our own strength. The Holy Spirit supplies everything we need to live a godly life, and He produces His amazing fruit in us.
Being led by the Spirit should be the natural lifestyle of the sons and daughters of God. As you intentionally seek to maintain an awareness of His presence throughout the day, He is only a thought away. When your mind turns to Him, He gives sensitivity to the things of God and understanding about the situations and people in your life.
Take a walk with the Spirit today, and learn to know His voice. Whenever your mind is not occupied with the duties of the day, focus your thoughts on Him, asking for His guidance and looking expectantly for His leading. When He gives it, rely on His power to obey.]
Fruit From The Cross
Who would of thought,
that something so sweet,
could come from tree
where Jesus died for you and me.
A tree that was used
to bring suffering and shame,
to the Son of Man
and Jesus was His name.
But from that tree
His fruits began to live on,
it took His unwavering love,
before it all began.
So praise to God the Father,
for on that tree His Son paid the cost.
It was the only way that through us,
we can bear fruit from the Cross!
E. P. Shagott
3/3/10
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
The other part of the devotional below which is very important is a key word "surrender". Until you come to that time in your life to do that, willingly,the leading of the Spirit can be "turned off" or ignored as it was stated below. As I was reading this devotional I said to myself, "that is what happened to me". For a lot of years I had the Spirit "turned off, tuned out, shut-down", well, you can pick the term you want but I did. Then, on that special day, I surrendered all! Now you can understand the change in my life. Now I am "living a Godly life, producing "Fruit from the Cross!"
********************************************
Walking in the Spirit [by Charles Stanley]
Galatians 5:16-25
Gal 5:16 I say, then, Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh. And these are contrary to one another; lest whatever you may will, these things you do.
Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are clearly revealed, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lustfulness,
Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, fightings, jealousies, angers, rivalries, divisions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 envyings, murders, drunkennesses, revelings, and things like these; of which I tell you before, as I also said before, that they who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 meekness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Gal 5:24 But those belonging to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
[The Holy Spirit is one of God's most precious gifts to His beloved children. He takes up residence within the believer at the moment of salvation and empowers him to overcome sin and live for God's glory and purposes. However, the Spirit's power can be "turned off" or ignored. Only those who choose to walk with Him have unhindered access to His strength and guidance.
Walking by the Spirit denotes reliance upon Him. He leads the way, and we follow. As He speaks, we listen, heed His warnings, and obey His directions. The Spirit's way is a path of surrender which, although difficult, leads to fullness of life.
God's Spirit not only guides; He also empowers because the challenge of obeying Him is impossible in our own strength. The Holy Spirit supplies everything we need to live a godly life, and He produces His amazing fruit in us.
Being led by the Spirit should be the natural lifestyle of the sons and daughters of God. As you intentionally seek to maintain an awareness of His presence throughout the day, He is only a thought away. When your mind turns to Him, He gives sensitivity to the things of God and understanding about the situations and people in your life.
Take a walk with the Spirit today, and learn to know His voice. Whenever your mind is not occupied with the duties of the day, focus your thoughts on Him, asking for His guidance and looking expectantly for His leading. When He gives it, rely on His power to obey.]
Fruit From The Cross
Who would of thought,
that something so sweet,
could come from tree
where Jesus died for you and me.
A tree that was used
to bring suffering and shame,
to the Son of Man
and Jesus was His name.
But from that tree
His fruits began to live on,
it took His unwavering love,
before it all began.
So praise to God the Father,
for on that tree His Son paid the cost.
It was the only way that through us,
we can bear fruit from the Cross!
E. P. Shagott
3/3/10
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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