God's insight for me:
Tuesday was a busy day for me for I had (2) programs to present, so I had less time to spend on my devotionals.
Charles Stanley spoke of our daily battles. We definitely have a lot of them. In the Bible, John 16:33 it states just that. People sometimes do not finish reading the complete verse for it also states, "fear not for Jesus has overcome the world". So there is the answer. Many Goliaths will come our way but Jesus is always with us. Mr. Stanley writes in this devotional how David, because of his strong relationship with God, that he knew he was a child of God and had access to the Father's storehouses of power, courage, and wisdom. My friends as children of God we have access to the same storehouses as David had.
Allison Gillaspie's writing spoke of listening. I must admit I have to work at that one. Not only because of some hearing loss but also paying attention to those speaking. I am always trying to listen to what Jesus is saying. Either through His Word or His Spirit in my heart. Also through individuals that He brings into my life.
"He does the work" devotional speaks volumes of the God's Love Outreach Ministry. Though I am the on standing there, singing, speaking and reaching out to the residents, it is Christ in me that is touching their lives. My friends, if you truly love the Lord and yield your life to Him, it is then Him working in you. The last sentence in Dr. Bright's devotional says it all!
This last devotional by Vonette Bright touched me deeply. Here is this man who was watching the woman he loved, slip away to cancer. When he stated,“The thought that she might enjoy sitting at Jesus’ feet in heaven was, frankly, of little delight to either of us. I deeply and dearly loved her.”, my heart twinged. For me that is where I long to be. But I did understand the strength of his love for his wife. The message for sure is in the "living for the joy of today". Yes, there is still joy even in the midst of heartbreak and uncertainty. Find it, embrace it and praise God for it.
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
April 27
Defeating Our Goliaths by Charles Stanley
1 Samuel 17:45-47
Life's Goliaths come in all shapes, sizes, and intensities: an unhappy relationship, a difficult job, a rebellious child, a pile of debt, an uncontrollable habit, etc. David faced what appeared to be an insurmountable problem. Like Him, we can gain victory through God's power, though we may "suffer and bleed" on the battlefield.
Notice that David declared victory over Goliath before the battle even began (1 Sam. 17:46). The shepherd's confidence was rooted in his past experiences. David credited God with protecting and strengthening him when he killed the lion and bear that had threatened his flock.
Furthermore, David believed he would triumph because he was God's servant. The boy had spent hours alone in the wilderness listening to God's quiet voice. Even a giant's discouraging shout could not shake his convictions about who the Lord was and what He could do through His servant.
David had practical faith habits. He spent time with God, which yielded a strong relationship. In turn, he responded to a problem with the certainty that he was a beloved child of God with full access to his Father's storehouses of power, courage, and wisdom. If David had a moment of doubt, he could recall his own poetic words about the Lord's great faithfulness in past troubles.
I often encourage you to practice David's faith habits. Spend time alone with the Lord, and keep a record of His work in your life. Then you can be confident that God is sufficient, no matter how big a problem looms. He gives victory to those who stand in faith and confront their Goliaths.
*************************************************
From 365.org daily devotional
A baby is soothed by its mom’s voice from the day it is born. For nine months the baby has had a front row seat to that voice, and known it as a comfort. So that voice is the one they want to hear when they are tired, when they are hungry, or need to be cuddled. They have heard other voices too, like the father’s voice or a sibling, but none is more comforting than Momma’s voice. Babies learn other things from listening to a mom’s voice; they also learn about joy, danger, excitement, and sadness.
As Christians, we are told to listen to another voice for instruction. Jesus says, "My sheep listen to my voice..." Just like babies hear their mothers, sheep always listen for their shepherd’s voice because they know it will guide them to food, water, and other things they need. With Jesus as our Shepherd, we will always be on the right path if we listen to what He is saying. He will never lead us astray.
Find comfort and peace in following his voice. I know you will find the path is much easier when you listen.
Allison Gillaspie
*************************************************
He Does the Work
April 27th, 2010 by Dr. Bill Bright
"And I am sure the God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns" Philippians 1:6
Howard was adamant in his conviction. "I would never lead anyone to Christ that I could not personally follow up to be sure he matures and grows and becomes all that God wants him to be."
"Since when did you assume the responsibility of the Holy Spirit?" I asked.
Obviously, we are to do everything we can to help a new believer grow to maturity in Christ - by teaching him to trust God, study His word, pray, live a holy life, and share his faith with others. But no matter how much we do, it is the Holy Spirit who helps the new believer come to Christ, and who illumines his heart with the Word. The Holy Spirit teaches us how to pray and empowers us to witness. In fact, there would be no supernatural life apart from the Holy Spirit.
Paradoxically, you and I can be confident, yet humble, when we think of all that we are, and all that we have in Christ, and realize that we are not responsible for any of it, but it is something which God has given us according to His grace. My only boast is in God, His Son Jesus Christ and His indwelling Holy Spirit. How can I boast of my abilities and achievements, when it is the Giver alone who is worthy of all honor and praise? The apostle Paul had the strong conviction that the work God had begun in the believer would be permanent. All events that transpire in our lives, all influences, heartaches, testings and sorrows, as well as all of the blessings, are designed to conform us to the image of Christ.
*************************************************
Joy in the Journey
April 27th, 2010 By Vonette Bright
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5
Author James O’Donnell knew sadness. His wife Lizzie was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer and then heart failure. She also was the mother of their three boys.
He said, “The thought that she might enjoy sitting at Jesus’ feet in heaven was, frankly, of little delight to either of us. I deeply and dearly loved her.”
So what was it like during the daily battle to try to save her life? Every day they were filled with joy! Nothing taught them as much about the value of life as the reality that they might not have another tomorrow here on earth. But holding onto life, amidst devastation, requires courage, love and a huge dose of God’s grace.
Friend, God promises to never leave you or forsake you, no matter where your journey takes you.
*************************************************
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
My Journey - 4/26/2010
God's insight for me:
As I was reading today's devotional I thought back on the weekend when I was in the storm. I wish I could say I was rowing, but I will admit I was sitting still saying, "Please let these storm clouds pass!" What I should of done was "pick up the oar (the Bible) and start rowing, for that is the quickest way out from the storm. His disciples had Him with them, we have His Word and the Holy Spirit to interpret it for us.
George Matheson's words touched my heart. I was thinking of the hymn "In The Garden", which was one of my mother's favorites. "And He walks with me, (God and I) and He Talks with me, (God and I) and He tells me I am His own! Wow!
I loved Adrian Roger's devotional. As I was reading it I thought of a poem that the Lord blessed me with today as I was sitting in my vehicle having lunch before the God's Love 2 PM program. I hope it blesses you as it did me;
In The Shadow Of The Cross
In the shadow of the cross,
I stand with hands raised high.
I lift my voice to heaven,
"Praise God is my cry!"
It is in the shadow of the cross,
that I'll always remain free.
It is there I understand,
God's love and purpose for me.
Though I truly don't deserve to be there,
for it is not for what I said or done.
It's because of God's Grace,
and Jesus, His beloved Son.
There is room there for everyone,
for with Christ you can not lose.
God's Word tells us the truth,
all we have to do is choose.
E. P. Shagott
4/26/10
Charles Stanley's devotional complemented my poem above. It speaks of purpose that we find God has for us and we praise Him for it. I love presenting programs for the "God's Love Outreach Ministry" for it gives me an avenue of telling all I meet about God's love and grace. I loved in the bible where Mr. Stanley quoted Isaiah 43:21 says, "The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise." This is what I try to do to the best of my ability throughout the programs and my life now. Mr. Stanley also wrote about "look for daily evidence of His hand on your life." I was visiting a friend of mine today who is recovering from open heart surgery and stated how he saw God's hand through his personal ordeal.
Allison Gillaspie's writing to me speaks about our daily lives. Too busy that we don't take time to stop and listen to what God is telling us. Oh, we love the relationship with Him, when we can squeeze Him in. That is not what God calls a relationship.
The Keep Your Lips From Speaking Lies devotional is a good one to read slowly and understand. Years ago I had to make a covenant with God to stop lying, even if I thought it was to help someone. Trying not to hurt someones feeling, by not telling the truth. The Lord has brought me a long way in this matter. I will always remember a cartoon I saw one time about a person in church who saw this friend of his coming to him. He said, "Lord I pray for Bob, that He is OK", then as Bob walked up he said, "Hi Bob, I've been praying for you!"
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
We Row By Max Lucado
“He went into the hills to pray.” Mark 6:46
What does Jesus do while we are in the storm? You’ll love this. He prays for us . . .
So where does that leave us? While Jesus is praying and we are in the storm, what are we to do? Simple. We do what the disciples did. We row . . .
Much of life is spent rowing . . . Getting out of bed. Fixing lunches . . . More struggle than strut.
*************************************************
From Streams in the Desert Devotionals
My soul, practice being alone with Christ! It is written that when they were alone He expounded all things to His disciples. Do not wonder at the saying; it is true to thine experience. If thou wouldst understand thyself send the multitude away. Let them go out one by one till thou art left alone with Jesus. . . . Has thou ever pictured thyself the one remaining creature in the earth, the one remaining creature in all the starry worlds?
In such a universe thine every thought would be "God and I! God and I!" And yet He is as near to thee as that--as near as if in the boundless spaces there throbbed no heart but His and thine. Practice that solitude, O my soul! Practice the expulsion of the crowd! Practice the stillness of thine own heart! Practice the solemn refrain "God and I! God and I!" Let none interpose between thee and thy wrestling angel! Thou shalt be both condemned and pardoned when thou shalt meet Jesus alone!
George Matheson
*************************************************
Handling the Sting of Criticism by Adrian Rogers
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
God loves you so much that Jesus Christ hung in agony and blood for you.
•You are precious to God.
•You are the object of God's love.
•The blood of Jesus Christ was poured out on Calvary for you.
Friend, if you know all that, then you can stand up against any criticism. What others say about you won't bother you. The cross sets you free.
He who died for you now lives in you. He gave Himself for you that He might give Himself to you.
When Jesus Christ died for you, He didn't just take away your sins, He took away yourself. You are crucified. So who can harm a dead man?
Have you felt the sting of criticism this week? Remove the stinger and bathe the wound with the balm of Jesus' love. Give your critic to the Lord. Then ask God to teach you from what happened.
*************************************************
A Special Purpose by Charles Stanley
Psalm 150
The Lord has made us a special people in order that we may fulfill a special purpose. Isaiah 43:21 says, "The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise." An integral part of worshiping the Lord is proclaiming His greatness.
To praise our Father is to applaud Him for who He is and what He has done. This involves the release of our emotions, which frees us to express unrestrained adoration of the Lord. When someone loves another person, the most natural response is to speak highly about the cherished one. In the same way, those who love Christ find that praise comes easily to their lips.
Praising the Lord is good for us. In our self-centered society, people are primarily interested in getting their own needs met. Sadly, this same attitude has infiltrated some churches. But God doesn't want us to come to church concerned only about ourselves. Praise lifts our eyes to Christ and fills our hearts with the contentment that eludes us when we focus exclusively on personal needs and problems.
Although praise and worship are usually associated with church services, they ought to characterize us wherever we are. Some of the most intimate and precious experiences of worship can happen during times spent alone with God.
If you find that your praise lacks vitality, tell the Lord you want to learn to extol Him with your whole heart. The focus of worship is the key. Remember how God has cared for you, and look for daily evidence of His hand on your life. Then tell Him how great He is.
*************************************************
A Devotional from 365.org
Kids seem to ask the same questions over and over. Even though you have already answered, they may not like the answer so they ask again. My five year old will do this on a daily basis. He continues to ask and to ask until one or both of us gets completely frustrated.
This is the scene here. The Jewish people continually asked Jesus if he was the Son of God. Each time He gave an answer, but it was not the answer they wanted. The people wanted Jesus to shout it from the rooftops that He was the Messiah, and he wanted them to watch and believe it for themselves. There were no miracles he could perform or sermons he could preach that were going to make some people listen. So they were frustrated and asked him to just tell them “plainly.”
Oftentimes we find ourselves praying the same questions continuously. We are so busy asking the question that we don’t stop to listen for the answer. God is going to answer our questions in a way God knows we can handle. Stop and listen today.
Allison Gillaspie
God, open my eyes and ears to the answers you surround me with daily. Help me to hear the answers you are offering, even when they do not satisfy me. Amen.
*************************************************
Keep Your Lips From Speaking Lies!
By Katherine Kehler
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies” Psalm 34:13
Have you noticed that lying has become acceptable in our culture? Or does it just seem that way to me? Every day, the newscasters have their own spin on stories; adults cheat on their spouses or income tax forms; students cheat in school; padding a person’s resume is normal. And there are gray areas like, “I like your shoes” or “I am sorry, but he is not available.” Not true.
Who are we taking our direction from? The Lord is the Truth. (John 14:5) Satan is the father of lies. (John 8:44)
Lying is wrong and does not please God. We cannot lie and be filled with His Spirit at the same time. Jesus said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4).
Being truthful pleases the Lord and He hates lies. “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful” (Proverbs 12:22).
How can we change our complacency about lying?
1. Ask God to search our hearts and confess the sins He points out. (1 John 1:9)
2. Be controlled and directed by the Holy Spirit
3. Read the Bible every day - fill your mind with Truth.
4. Obey the Lord. Ask Him to enable you to be Truthful.
5. Pray for others who have made a habit of lying
Father, lying has become a way of life for so many people, including many Christians. Cleanse our hearts, Oh Lord! Let nothing but the truth cross our lips. Let there be revival in our hearts and in Your church, Lord Jesus. Amen
As I was reading today's devotional I thought back on the weekend when I was in the storm. I wish I could say I was rowing, but I will admit I was sitting still saying, "Please let these storm clouds pass!" What I should of done was "pick up the oar (the Bible) and start rowing, for that is the quickest way out from the storm. His disciples had Him with them, we have His Word and the Holy Spirit to interpret it for us.
George Matheson's words touched my heart. I was thinking of the hymn "In The Garden", which was one of my mother's favorites. "And He walks with me, (God and I) and He Talks with me, (God and I) and He tells me I am His own! Wow!
I loved Adrian Roger's devotional. As I was reading it I thought of a poem that the Lord blessed me with today as I was sitting in my vehicle having lunch before the God's Love 2 PM program. I hope it blesses you as it did me;
In The Shadow Of The Cross
In the shadow of the cross,
I stand with hands raised high.
I lift my voice to heaven,
"Praise God is my cry!"
It is in the shadow of the cross,
that I'll always remain free.
It is there I understand,
God's love and purpose for me.
Though I truly don't deserve to be there,
for it is not for what I said or done.
It's because of God's Grace,
and Jesus, His beloved Son.
There is room there for everyone,
for with Christ you can not lose.
God's Word tells us the truth,
all we have to do is choose.
E. P. Shagott
4/26/10
Charles Stanley's devotional complemented my poem above. It speaks of purpose that we find God has for us and we praise Him for it. I love presenting programs for the "God's Love Outreach Ministry" for it gives me an avenue of telling all I meet about God's love and grace. I loved in the bible where Mr. Stanley quoted Isaiah 43:21 says, "The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise." This is what I try to do to the best of my ability throughout the programs and my life now. Mr. Stanley also wrote about "look for daily evidence of His hand on your life." I was visiting a friend of mine today who is recovering from open heart surgery and stated how he saw God's hand through his personal ordeal.
Allison Gillaspie's writing to me speaks about our daily lives. Too busy that we don't take time to stop and listen to what God is telling us. Oh, we love the relationship with Him, when we can squeeze Him in. That is not what God calls a relationship.
The Keep Your Lips From Speaking Lies devotional is a good one to read slowly and understand. Years ago I had to make a covenant with God to stop lying, even if I thought it was to help someone. Trying not to hurt someones feeling, by not telling the truth. The Lord has brought me a long way in this matter. I will always remember a cartoon I saw one time about a person in church who saw this friend of his coming to him. He said, "Lord I pray for Bob, that He is OK", then as Bob walked up he said, "Hi Bob, I've been praying for you!"
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
We Row By Max Lucado
“He went into the hills to pray.” Mark 6:46
What does Jesus do while we are in the storm? You’ll love this. He prays for us . . .
So where does that leave us? While Jesus is praying and we are in the storm, what are we to do? Simple. We do what the disciples did. We row . . .
Much of life is spent rowing . . . Getting out of bed. Fixing lunches . . . More struggle than strut.
*************************************************
From Streams in the Desert Devotionals
My soul, practice being alone with Christ! It is written that when they were alone He expounded all things to His disciples. Do not wonder at the saying; it is true to thine experience. If thou wouldst understand thyself send the multitude away. Let them go out one by one till thou art left alone with Jesus. . . . Has thou ever pictured thyself the one remaining creature in the earth, the one remaining creature in all the starry worlds?
In such a universe thine every thought would be "God and I! God and I!" And yet He is as near to thee as that--as near as if in the boundless spaces there throbbed no heart but His and thine. Practice that solitude, O my soul! Practice the expulsion of the crowd! Practice the stillness of thine own heart! Practice the solemn refrain "God and I! God and I!" Let none interpose between thee and thy wrestling angel! Thou shalt be both condemned and pardoned when thou shalt meet Jesus alone!
George Matheson
*************************************************
Handling the Sting of Criticism by Adrian Rogers
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
God loves you so much that Jesus Christ hung in agony and blood for you.
•You are precious to God.
•You are the object of God's love.
•The blood of Jesus Christ was poured out on Calvary for you.
Friend, if you know all that, then you can stand up against any criticism. What others say about you won't bother you. The cross sets you free.
He who died for you now lives in you. He gave Himself for you that He might give Himself to you.
When Jesus Christ died for you, He didn't just take away your sins, He took away yourself. You are crucified. So who can harm a dead man?
Have you felt the sting of criticism this week? Remove the stinger and bathe the wound with the balm of Jesus' love. Give your critic to the Lord. Then ask God to teach you from what happened.
*************************************************
A Special Purpose by Charles Stanley
Psalm 150
The Lord has made us a special people in order that we may fulfill a special purpose. Isaiah 43:21 says, "The people I formed for Myself will declare My praise." An integral part of worshiping the Lord is proclaiming His greatness.
To praise our Father is to applaud Him for who He is and what He has done. This involves the release of our emotions, which frees us to express unrestrained adoration of the Lord. When someone loves another person, the most natural response is to speak highly about the cherished one. In the same way, those who love Christ find that praise comes easily to their lips.
Praising the Lord is good for us. In our self-centered society, people are primarily interested in getting their own needs met. Sadly, this same attitude has infiltrated some churches. But God doesn't want us to come to church concerned only about ourselves. Praise lifts our eyes to Christ and fills our hearts with the contentment that eludes us when we focus exclusively on personal needs and problems.
Although praise and worship are usually associated with church services, they ought to characterize us wherever we are. Some of the most intimate and precious experiences of worship can happen during times spent alone with God.
If you find that your praise lacks vitality, tell the Lord you want to learn to extol Him with your whole heart. The focus of worship is the key. Remember how God has cared for you, and look for daily evidence of His hand on your life. Then tell Him how great He is.
*************************************************
A Devotional from 365.org
Kids seem to ask the same questions over and over. Even though you have already answered, they may not like the answer so they ask again. My five year old will do this on a daily basis. He continues to ask and to ask until one or both of us gets completely frustrated.
This is the scene here. The Jewish people continually asked Jesus if he was the Son of God. Each time He gave an answer, but it was not the answer they wanted. The people wanted Jesus to shout it from the rooftops that He was the Messiah, and he wanted them to watch and believe it for themselves. There were no miracles he could perform or sermons he could preach that were going to make some people listen. So they were frustrated and asked him to just tell them “plainly.”
Oftentimes we find ourselves praying the same questions continuously. We are so busy asking the question that we don’t stop to listen for the answer. God is going to answer our questions in a way God knows we can handle. Stop and listen today.
Allison Gillaspie
God, open my eyes and ears to the answers you surround me with daily. Help me to hear the answers you are offering, even when they do not satisfy me. Amen.
*************************************************
Keep Your Lips From Speaking Lies!
By Katherine Kehler
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies” Psalm 34:13
Have you noticed that lying has become acceptable in our culture? Or does it just seem that way to me? Every day, the newscasters have their own spin on stories; adults cheat on their spouses or income tax forms; students cheat in school; padding a person’s resume is normal. And there are gray areas like, “I like your shoes” or “I am sorry, but he is not available.” Not true.
Who are we taking our direction from? The Lord is the Truth. (John 14:5) Satan is the father of lies. (John 8:44)
Lying is wrong and does not please God. We cannot lie and be filled with His Spirit at the same time. Jesus said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4).
Being truthful pleases the Lord and He hates lies. “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful” (Proverbs 12:22).
How can we change our complacency about lying?
1. Ask God to search our hearts and confess the sins He points out. (1 John 1:9)
2. Be controlled and directed by the Holy Spirit
3. Read the Bible every day - fill your mind with Truth.
4. Obey the Lord. Ask Him to enable you to be Truthful.
5. Pray for others who have made a habit of lying
Father, lying has become a way of life for so many people, including many Christians. Cleanse our hearts, Oh Lord! Let nothing but the truth cross our lips. Let there be revival in our hearts and in Your church, Lord Jesus. Amen
Sunday, April 25, 2010
My Weekend Journey - 4/24 & 4/25/2010
God's insight for me:
This weekend I was definitely facing some storms in my life. But as Max Lucado stated if we look back to previous storms and the messages God gave us then, we can find the stability to get us through this storm. In Sunday School it was stated God does not change. He was the same 2000 years ago than He is today. A storm is a storm. He will always be there for us, He will never leave us or forsake us. The clouds that are hiding the sun today will be gone and the sun will be in view again!
Adrian Rogers writes about the Truth of the Bible. That is God's Words of life to us. As I read one time before, B=basic, I=instructions, B=before, L=leaving, E=earth!
As I was reading Charles Stanley's weekend devotional I was reminded of a book that a friend of mine asked me to read. It was "Who I Am In Christ", by Neil T. Anderson. As I read that book it made my Christianity become more aware to me. Christ is alive and living in me, Praise God!
Allison Gillaspie's writing was right on the money for me this weekend. I was hit by the 2x4. Normally being a happy person, which is each of our choices, I found my joy being harder to come by. My peace was being tested, but as Allison wrote the one constant for us as believers is Jesus. He is for me, for sure.
Squawking or singing? Now there was an interesting title for a devotional. As I read it I did agree as Christians we can draw people to us or drive them away. My friends, people are truly watching us. God is bringing hurting, lost, confused and those that do not know Him to us so we can lead them to Him. Which of the birds do you resemble? Lord, please always let me be singing your sweet praises.
Erasing doubt I thought was a good devotional. I think what it spoke to me was about choice. We have the choice to follow God's direction or not. I can tell you for a fact, when I gave Him control back in 1997, I became a new person. His life became my life.
Max Lucado's Sunday devotional appeared to be talking about me. Introvert, very quiet and shy. So what did God do with me? Put me in front of people singing His praises and let the Holy Spirit speak to them from my heart. I can't wait to meet all of God's children as we share our uncommon but God glorifying stories.
As I read Adrian Roger's Sunday devotional it surely reminded me of many times I could not understand why I was doing something I thought was good was bringing not so good results. The problem my friends lied in the "I". Was "I" doing something "I" thought was good or waiting for God to make good from what "He" wanted me to do to bring glory to "Him"!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
4/24/2010
It’s Still True By Max Lucado
“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard.” Hebrews 2:1, NIV
Stability in the storm comes not from seeking a new message but from understanding an old one. The most reliable anchor points are not recent discoveries, but are time-tested truths that have held their ground against the winds of change. Truths like:
My life is not futile. My failures are not fatal. My death is not final.
*************************************************
The Enduring Beauty of the Word of God by Adrian Rogers
"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever." 1 Peter 1:24-25
The Bible is the incontestable, incorruptible, indestructible, and indispensable Word of God.
•No one can argue with it.
•Nothing can corrupt it.
•Nothing can destroy it.
•Nothing can replace it as the source and wellspring of life.
The late Dr. Robert G. Lee, a great preacher of the last generation, had this to say about the Bible:
All of its enemies have not torn one hole in its holy vesture, or stolen one flower from its wonderful garden, nor diluted one drop of honey from its abundant hive, nor broken one string of its thousand-stringed harp, nor drowned one sweet word in infidel ink.
*************************************************
April 24-25
Special People by Charles Stanley
1 Peter 2:9-10
Whenever feelings of low self-worth threaten us with discouragement, we need to rely on the truth of God's Word rather than our emotions. Today we are going to examine four phrases that describe how the Lord sees every believer.
• A Chosen Race. God chose you and me to be part of His kingdom and family because He wanted us. No one who has been specially selected by almighty God is insignificant.
• A Royal Priesthood. As believers, we are children of God and, therefore, part of a royal family. In other words, we are "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" (Rom. 8:17). Just as Jesus fulfilled the roles of both king and priest, so God has also entrusted us with priestly responsibilities of worship and intercession for others.
• A Holy Nation. The church—or body of Christ—is a group of people who are holy, which means "set apart" for the purposes of God. Our lives are never meaningless, because living for the Lord is the greatest purpose one can have.
• A People for God's Own Possession. You and I are the personal possessions of God (Deut. 14:2; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9). He so values each of us that He sent His Son to die in our place in order that we could be His.
Each of these descriptions shows the high value God places on you. Satan may whisper lies of condemnation and criticism, but he can't change who you really are. Begin today to demonstrate the truth of Scripture by remembering your real identity and living out your high calling from the Lord.
*************************************************
A devotional by 365.org
You fail a test. You break up with a boyfriend or girlfriend. Your parents tell you they are going to go through a separation. You just found out someone very close to you is very sick.
Difficult times happen every day. Sometimes you can see them coming, while other times you might feel like you have been hit over the head by a two-by-four.
Through all the ups and downs there is one constant - Jesus. More importantly, it is not just the fact that Jesus is there, it is the fact that he is leading us; he is helping us rest. He is giving us restoration. He is showing us comfort in time of sadness and fear.
There is no one or nothing that can make us crumble as long as we become like sheep and allow Jesus to be our Shepherd.
Allison Gillaspie
In times of trouble and times of joy, I want you to guide me, God. There is nothing sweeter than taking your hand and following where you want me to go through life. Amen.
*************************************************
Squawking or Singing?
April 24th, 2010 By Marilyn Ehle
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth…” Ephesians 4:29
“…speaking to one another in psalms and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord…” Ephesians 5:19
To squawk: to utter a harsh cry, to complain loudly, to say something shrilly
To sing: to make continuous musical sound
As I closed the car door in the supermarket parking lot, a flock of large birds flew overhead. While my eyes did not detect their presence, their shrill squawk assaulted my ears. I was happy when they swiftly flew into the distance, their high-pitched, penetrating sound now just an echo.
In contrast, another bird sound makes me smile, quickens my step and brightens my day. This is the singing of those birds that arrive in our yard when the spring days turn warm. Seemingly bursting with the joy of new life and abundant food, they sit in the budding trees or greening bushes. They flit from one branch to another, with a song that seems to bubble without interruption. Even on those days when the temperature unexplainably drops and it looks as though winter may be returning, I have seen these birds and heard their song.
Birds are programmed to sing or squawk, but we have a choice as to whether the sounds coming from our mouths are melodic. People are either drawn to the voice of God through our words and the tone of our voices, or they want to turn away. Even without natural talent or formal musical training, we can sing joy to the world.
Lord, please remind me—and even use others to remind me—when what comes from my lips is not pleasing to you.
*************************************************
Erasing Doubt
April 25th, 2010 by Vonette Bright
Stephanie’s dream was to be an author, but family obligations took priority.
When she was forty, however, the urge to write hit again.
She wondered if it was from God.
Friend, you might be wondering about your dream. Is it God’s best for your life?
Well, at first Stephanie’s prayers were filled with doubt.
Then she heard Charles Stanley speak about prayer and fasting.
So she abstained from eating while the family was away. It left her with more time for God.
As she prayed and released her dream to God, His Word spoke to her heart.
Her dream was confirmed. Writing was God’s will for her!
Jesus then took Stephanie Reed with her God-given ability to write and used her for His glory.
And, dear one, God can do the same for you. Give Him your dream today!
*************************************************
4/25/2010
Uncommon Use By Max Lucado
“He gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
Heaven may have a shrine to honor God’s uncommon use of the common.
It’s a place you won’t want to miss. Stroll through and see Rahab’s rope, Paul’s bucket, David’s sling, and Samson’s jawbone. Wrap your hand around the staff that split the sea and smote the rock. Sniff the ointment that soothed Jesus’ skin and lifted his heart . . .
I don’t know if these items will be there. But I am sure of one thing—the people who used them will.
*************************************************
All Things Work Together for Good by Adrian Rogers
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
I read about a farmer who had a big brush pile of debris that he was going to burn.
He noticed that a little bird had built a nest in that brush pile, so he destroyed the nest.
When he came back days later, he found the bird rebuilding the nest. The farmer destroyed the nest again. But the bird built again, and again the farmer destroyed it.
Finally, the little bird gave up.
I can just imagine that little bird going home and saying to his family, "I just don't know why all our good plans of building a home are not working."
Well, there was an unseen hand that was doing something that the bird may have thought was bad, but was really good.
Read Romans 8:28 again. Notice that the verse doesn't say all things are good. All things are not good. There are some terrible things in this world. The point is that only God is good! He alone can work all things together for your good.
*************************************************
This weekend I was definitely facing some storms in my life. But as Max Lucado stated if we look back to previous storms and the messages God gave us then, we can find the stability to get us through this storm. In Sunday School it was stated God does not change. He was the same 2000 years ago than He is today. A storm is a storm. He will always be there for us, He will never leave us or forsake us. The clouds that are hiding the sun today will be gone and the sun will be in view again!
Adrian Rogers writes about the Truth of the Bible. That is God's Words of life to us. As I read one time before, B=basic, I=instructions, B=before, L=leaving, E=earth!
As I was reading Charles Stanley's weekend devotional I was reminded of a book that a friend of mine asked me to read. It was "Who I Am In Christ", by Neil T. Anderson. As I read that book it made my Christianity become more aware to me. Christ is alive and living in me, Praise God!
Allison Gillaspie's writing was right on the money for me this weekend. I was hit by the 2x4. Normally being a happy person, which is each of our choices, I found my joy being harder to come by. My peace was being tested, but as Allison wrote the one constant for us as believers is Jesus. He is for me, for sure.
Squawking or singing? Now there was an interesting title for a devotional. As I read it I did agree as Christians we can draw people to us or drive them away. My friends, people are truly watching us. God is bringing hurting, lost, confused and those that do not know Him to us so we can lead them to Him. Which of the birds do you resemble? Lord, please always let me be singing your sweet praises.
Erasing doubt I thought was a good devotional. I think what it spoke to me was about choice. We have the choice to follow God's direction or not. I can tell you for a fact, when I gave Him control back in 1997, I became a new person. His life became my life.
Max Lucado's Sunday devotional appeared to be talking about me. Introvert, very quiet and shy. So what did God do with me? Put me in front of people singing His praises and let the Holy Spirit speak to them from my heart. I can't wait to meet all of God's children as we share our uncommon but God glorifying stories.
As I read Adrian Roger's Sunday devotional it surely reminded me of many times I could not understand why I was doing something I thought was good was bringing not so good results. The problem my friends lied in the "I". Was "I" doing something "I" thought was good or waiting for God to make good from what "He" wanted me to do to bring glory to "Him"!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
4/24/2010
It’s Still True By Max Lucado
“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard.” Hebrews 2:1, NIV
Stability in the storm comes not from seeking a new message but from understanding an old one. The most reliable anchor points are not recent discoveries, but are time-tested truths that have held their ground against the winds of change. Truths like:
My life is not futile. My failures are not fatal. My death is not final.
*************************************************
The Enduring Beauty of the Word of God by Adrian Rogers
"For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever." 1 Peter 1:24-25
The Bible is the incontestable, incorruptible, indestructible, and indispensable Word of God.
•No one can argue with it.
•Nothing can corrupt it.
•Nothing can destroy it.
•Nothing can replace it as the source and wellspring of life.
The late Dr. Robert G. Lee, a great preacher of the last generation, had this to say about the Bible:
All of its enemies have not torn one hole in its holy vesture, or stolen one flower from its wonderful garden, nor diluted one drop of honey from its abundant hive, nor broken one string of its thousand-stringed harp, nor drowned one sweet word in infidel ink.
*************************************************
April 24-25
Special People by Charles Stanley
1 Peter 2:9-10
Whenever feelings of low self-worth threaten us with discouragement, we need to rely on the truth of God's Word rather than our emotions. Today we are going to examine four phrases that describe how the Lord sees every believer.
• A Chosen Race. God chose you and me to be part of His kingdom and family because He wanted us. No one who has been specially selected by almighty God is insignificant.
• A Royal Priesthood. As believers, we are children of God and, therefore, part of a royal family. In other words, we are "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" (Rom. 8:17). Just as Jesus fulfilled the roles of both king and priest, so God has also entrusted us with priestly responsibilities of worship and intercession for others.
• A Holy Nation. The church—or body of Christ—is a group of people who are holy, which means "set apart" for the purposes of God. Our lives are never meaningless, because living for the Lord is the greatest purpose one can have.
• A People for God's Own Possession. You and I are the personal possessions of God (Deut. 14:2; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 2:9). He so values each of us that He sent His Son to die in our place in order that we could be His.
Each of these descriptions shows the high value God places on you. Satan may whisper lies of condemnation and criticism, but he can't change who you really are. Begin today to demonstrate the truth of Scripture by remembering your real identity and living out your high calling from the Lord.
*************************************************
A devotional by 365.org
You fail a test. You break up with a boyfriend or girlfriend. Your parents tell you they are going to go through a separation. You just found out someone very close to you is very sick.
Difficult times happen every day. Sometimes you can see them coming, while other times you might feel like you have been hit over the head by a two-by-four.
Through all the ups and downs there is one constant - Jesus. More importantly, it is not just the fact that Jesus is there, it is the fact that he is leading us; he is helping us rest. He is giving us restoration. He is showing us comfort in time of sadness and fear.
There is no one or nothing that can make us crumble as long as we become like sheep and allow Jesus to be our Shepherd.
Allison Gillaspie
In times of trouble and times of joy, I want you to guide me, God. There is nothing sweeter than taking your hand and following where you want me to go through life. Amen.
*************************************************
Squawking or Singing?
April 24th, 2010 By Marilyn Ehle
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth…” Ephesians 4:29
“…speaking to one another in psalms and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord…” Ephesians 5:19
To squawk: to utter a harsh cry, to complain loudly, to say something shrilly
To sing: to make continuous musical sound
As I closed the car door in the supermarket parking lot, a flock of large birds flew overhead. While my eyes did not detect their presence, their shrill squawk assaulted my ears. I was happy when they swiftly flew into the distance, their high-pitched, penetrating sound now just an echo.
In contrast, another bird sound makes me smile, quickens my step and brightens my day. This is the singing of those birds that arrive in our yard when the spring days turn warm. Seemingly bursting with the joy of new life and abundant food, they sit in the budding trees or greening bushes. They flit from one branch to another, with a song that seems to bubble without interruption. Even on those days when the temperature unexplainably drops and it looks as though winter may be returning, I have seen these birds and heard their song.
Birds are programmed to sing or squawk, but we have a choice as to whether the sounds coming from our mouths are melodic. People are either drawn to the voice of God through our words and the tone of our voices, or they want to turn away. Even without natural talent or formal musical training, we can sing joy to the world.
Lord, please remind me—and even use others to remind me—when what comes from my lips is not pleasing to you.
*************************************************
Erasing Doubt
April 25th, 2010 by Vonette Bright
Stephanie’s dream was to be an author, but family obligations took priority.
When she was forty, however, the urge to write hit again.
She wondered if it was from God.
Friend, you might be wondering about your dream. Is it God’s best for your life?
Well, at first Stephanie’s prayers were filled with doubt.
Then she heard Charles Stanley speak about prayer and fasting.
So she abstained from eating while the family was away. It left her with more time for God.
As she prayed and released her dream to God, His Word spoke to her heart.
Her dream was confirmed. Writing was God’s will for her!
Jesus then took Stephanie Reed with her God-given ability to write and used her for His glory.
And, dear one, God can do the same for you. Give Him your dream today!
*************************************************
4/25/2010
Uncommon Use By Max Lucado
“He gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6
Heaven may have a shrine to honor God’s uncommon use of the common.
It’s a place you won’t want to miss. Stroll through and see Rahab’s rope, Paul’s bucket, David’s sling, and Samson’s jawbone. Wrap your hand around the staff that split the sea and smote the rock. Sniff the ointment that soothed Jesus’ skin and lifted his heart . . .
I don’t know if these items will be there. But I am sure of one thing—the people who used them will.
*************************************************
All Things Work Together for Good by Adrian Rogers
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
I read about a farmer who had a big brush pile of debris that he was going to burn.
He noticed that a little bird had built a nest in that brush pile, so he destroyed the nest.
When he came back days later, he found the bird rebuilding the nest. The farmer destroyed the nest again. But the bird built again, and again the farmer destroyed it.
Finally, the little bird gave up.
I can just imagine that little bird going home and saying to his family, "I just don't know why all our good plans of building a home are not working."
Well, there was an unseen hand that was doing something that the bird may have thought was bad, but was really good.
Read Romans 8:28 again. Notice that the verse doesn't say all things are good. All things are not good. There are some terrible things in this world. The point is that only God is good! He alone can work all things together for your good.
*************************************************
Friday, April 23, 2010
My Journey - 4/23/2010
God's Insight for me:
In Max Lucado's devotional today I like his opening sentence, "We owe God a perfect life". Yes we do. I have made a commitment to try to the best of my ability, with His help to do just that. Oh, I may slip here and there but as I keep my focus on Christ I slip less and less.
It is amazing how Adrian Rogers devotional goes along with Max Lucado's. As you commit your life to Christ you then reap the rewards "abundantly!" I definitely have more positives now in my life than any other time. Thank You, Jesus!
What Charles Stanley wrote about is what the God's Love Outreach Ministry is all about. Giving of ones self to benefit someone else. See when you are doing something for someone Else you are not thinking of your own problems. Its a win, win situation. Good for you and good for the other person.
In Aleesa Naish's devotional she writes about the elderly. In the past 7 1/2 years presenting programs to senior citizens, I understand what her devotional was about. I have seen so many of "God's wounded" in various stages of their lives. So many with mental, physical and just plain aging problems. One thing that they all have in common is that they are still human beings trying to cope with their own situation.
In this last devotional Vonette Bright writes about our usefulness to God. As I tell many of the residents that I am called to minister to, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called!" I am living proof of that.
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
His Public Offer By Max Lucado
“All of us became part of Christ when we were baptized.” Romans 6:3
We owe God a perfect life. Perfect obedience to every command. Not just the command of baptism, but the commands of humility, honesty, integrity. We can’t deliver. Might as well charge us for the property of Manhattan. But Christ can and he did. His plunge into the Jordan is a picture of his plunge into our sin. His baptism announces, “Let me pay.”
Your baptism responds, “You bet I will.” He publicly offers. We publicly accept.
*************************************************
Experience the Abundant Life by Adrian Rogers
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10
Do you know what is wrong with many of us? We are trying to get out of trouble rather than get into righteousness.
We are so focused on the defensive side of Christianity that we forget about offensive, positive approach.
•Wouldn't you like to get up and stay up?
•Wouldn't you like to experience the abundant life our Lord talks about?
Jesus came to give us eternal life. He came to give us the abundant life. We need to do like the old song says and "Accentuate the positive. Eliminate the negative."
Why don't you determine today that you are going to get right with God and stay right with God? Determine that you're going to take steps that lead to a life of obedience.
*************************************************
God Has Time for You by Charles Stanley
Mark 10:46-52
Because time is such a precious commodity in our fast-paced culture, it is also a tremendously valuable gift we can give someone else. Jesus was the ultimate model of balanced time management. He demonstrated His love for mankind by being available.
Did you ever notice that there are no biblical accounts of our Lord hurrying? You will never come across a verse saying that He "ran to Bethany" or "rushed back to Galilee." Wherever the Savior went, He was sensitive to the needs of the people around Him and reached out in love to help. He wasn't so busy that He could not be interrupted.
Right before He went to the cross to accomplish the most important work of His life, Jesus stopped to help a poor blind beggar, who was a nobody in the eyes of society. Although the redemption of mankind was vitally important, the Lord cared enough about the suffering of one lowly individual to stop and do what He could to relieve the man's suffering.
If the Lord allowed Himself to be interrupted on the way to the cross, will He not also stop and listen when you call out to Him in your distress? He is never too busy governing the universe to hear His beloved child's cry for help.
In order to follow in Christ's footsteps, we have to ask ourselves, Am I willing to be interrupted? We are stewards of all God gives us, including our time. Consider this precious commodity a resource to be used when reaching out in love as Christ did. Give someone your time today.
*************************************************
A devotional from 365.org
Can you imagine your parents as teenagers? What about your grandparents? That could really make me laugh. My grandparents as teenagers? What about your pastor or your favorite teacher? Do you think they got in trouble, or were they the person that sat in the front of the class doing exactly what was expected of them?
Now, picture yourself as an elderly person. Are you able to walk by yourself? Are you able to feed yourself? Are you given choices, or do you have to go where the bus at the nursing home takes you? It is very difficult to picture what we will be like when we are older. Hopefully that day will come.
The next time you have a chance to visit with someone who is elderly, take it. Through them, you will have the opportunity to see Jesus in a whole new way. They will be able to share with you the rejoicing that comes at the birth of a child or the mourning that comes from the loss of a spouse; the strength they gathered from their faith when they thought their faith was all but gone, and the acceptance that comes from the failure of their own body. Look into their eyes and you will see the face of Jesus. If you listen closely, you may even hear him speak to you.
Merciful Lord, give me the opportunity to see you in the faces of those who have lived through times that I can’t even imagine. Help me to see you wherever you appear. Amen.
Aleesa Naish
*************************************************
All You Can Do by Vonette Bright
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Charlie lost both legs, his left arm,
and all but a finger and thumb on his right hand from a terrible crash.
At first Charlie thought he could no longer do anything for God.
Painfully, he could still write.
Could God use his limited ability? Absolutely, yes!
Charlie wrote letters to prisoners.
Because he couldn’t include his return address, the inmates had no way to respond.
Charlie was tempted to give up.
Then he was told a prisoner had requested that Charlie use the best paper possible.
The inmate said, “Charlie's letters are passed from cell to cell until they literally fall to pieces.”
Friend, when you think you have nothing left to give God, you’re wrong.
Use your God-given gifts and talents, experience, and encouragement to minister to others.
In Max Lucado's devotional today I like his opening sentence, "We owe God a perfect life". Yes we do. I have made a commitment to try to the best of my ability, with His help to do just that. Oh, I may slip here and there but as I keep my focus on Christ I slip less and less.
It is amazing how Adrian Rogers devotional goes along with Max Lucado's. As you commit your life to Christ you then reap the rewards "abundantly!" I definitely have more positives now in my life than any other time. Thank You, Jesus!
What Charles Stanley wrote about is what the God's Love Outreach Ministry is all about. Giving of ones self to benefit someone else. See when you are doing something for someone Else you are not thinking of your own problems. Its a win, win situation. Good for you and good for the other person.
In Aleesa Naish's devotional she writes about the elderly. In the past 7 1/2 years presenting programs to senior citizens, I understand what her devotional was about. I have seen so many of "God's wounded" in various stages of their lives. So many with mental, physical and just plain aging problems. One thing that they all have in common is that they are still human beings trying to cope with their own situation.
In this last devotional Vonette Bright writes about our usefulness to God. As I tell many of the residents that I am called to minister to, "God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called!" I am living proof of that.
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
His Public Offer By Max Lucado
“All of us became part of Christ when we were baptized.” Romans 6:3
We owe God a perfect life. Perfect obedience to every command. Not just the command of baptism, but the commands of humility, honesty, integrity. We can’t deliver. Might as well charge us for the property of Manhattan. But Christ can and he did. His plunge into the Jordan is a picture of his plunge into our sin. His baptism announces, “Let me pay.”
Your baptism responds, “You bet I will.” He publicly offers. We publicly accept.
*************************************************
Experience the Abundant Life by Adrian Rogers
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10
Do you know what is wrong with many of us? We are trying to get out of trouble rather than get into righteousness.
We are so focused on the defensive side of Christianity that we forget about offensive, positive approach.
•Wouldn't you like to get up and stay up?
•Wouldn't you like to experience the abundant life our Lord talks about?
Jesus came to give us eternal life. He came to give us the abundant life. We need to do like the old song says and "Accentuate the positive. Eliminate the negative."
Why don't you determine today that you are going to get right with God and stay right with God? Determine that you're going to take steps that lead to a life of obedience.
*************************************************
God Has Time for You by Charles Stanley
Mark 10:46-52
Because time is such a precious commodity in our fast-paced culture, it is also a tremendously valuable gift we can give someone else. Jesus was the ultimate model of balanced time management. He demonstrated His love for mankind by being available.
Did you ever notice that there are no biblical accounts of our Lord hurrying? You will never come across a verse saying that He "ran to Bethany" or "rushed back to Galilee." Wherever the Savior went, He was sensitive to the needs of the people around Him and reached out in love to help. He wasn't so busy that He could not be interrupted.
Right before He went to the cross to accomplish the most important work of His life, Jesus stopped to help a poor blind beggar, who was a nobody in the eyes of society. Although the redemption of mankind was vitally important, the Lord cared enough about the suffering of one lowly individual to stop and do what He could to relieve the man's suffering.
If the Lord allowed Himself to be interrupted on the way to the cross, will He not also stop and listen when you call out to Him in your distress? He is never too busy governing the universe to hear His beloved child's cry for help.
In order to follow in Christ's footsteps, we have to ask ourselves, Am I willing to be interrupted? We are stewards of all God gives us, including our time. Consider this precious commodity a resource to be used when reaching out in love as Christ did. Give someone your time today.
*************************************************
A devotional from 365.org
Can you imagine your parents as teenagers? What about your grandparents? That could really make me laugh. My grandparents as teenagers? What about your pastor or your favorite teacher? Do you think they got in trouble, or were they the person that sat in the front of the class doing exactly what was expected of them?
Now, picture yourself as an elderly person. Are you able to walk by yourself? Are you able to feed yourself? Are you given choices, or do you have to go where the bus at the nursing home takes you? It is very difficult to picture what we will be like when we are older. Hopefully that day will come.
The next time you have a chance to visit with someone who is elderly, take it. Through them, you will have the opportunity to see Jesus in a whole new way. They will be able to share with you the rejoicing that comes at the birth of a child or the mourning that comes from the loss of a spouse; the strength they gathered from their faith when they thought their faith was all but gone, and the acceptance that comes from the failure of their own body. Look into their eyes and you will see the face of Jesus. If you listen closely, you may even hear him speak to you.
Merciful Lord, give me the opportunity to see you in the faces of those who have lived through times that I can’t even imagine. Help me to see you wherever you appear. Amen.
Aleesa Naish
*************************************************
All You Can Do by Vonette Bright
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Charlie lost both legs, his left arm,
and all but a finger and thumb on his right hand from a terrible crash.
At first Charlie thought he could no longer do anything for God.
Painfully, he could still write.
Could God use his limited ability? Absolutely, yes!
Charlie wrote letters to prisoners.
Because he couldn’t include his return address, the inmates had no way to respond.
Charlie was tempted to give up.
Then he was told a prisoner had requested that Charlie use the best paper possible.
The inmate said, “Charlie's letters are passed from cell to cell until they literally fall to pieces.”
Friend, when you think you have nothing left to give God, you’re wrong.
Use your God-given gifts and talents, experience, and encouragement to minister to others.
My Journey - 4/22/2010
God's insight for me:
As I was reading this devotional from Streams in the Desert, it brought back the saying that I tell people very often, "My bags are packed!" Mrs. Cowman wrote, "Christ's people, have vision of something beyond the difficulties and disappointments of this life", for we understand that we are here for such a short period of time and our thoughts are not of just this world.
In the Max Lucado devotional it reaffirmed as stated in the 23rd Psalm, "The Lord is my shepherd, I have no wants!" He is my everything.
Adrian Rogers devotional defines what life is about. We must get our eyes off ourselves. Even as I write these blogs, they are not for me but to help someone else feel the warmth of Jesus' love.
Charles Stanley wrote in this devotional on a subject that touches every life. We all need help in this life. I recall the saying "pride comes before a fall". As humans we feel it is up to us to get us through, but that is not what God wants to hear. He is waiting for each of us to cry out, "I can't do this on my own!" It is at that point we open the locked door to our souls to Him! Praise God for His wonderful grace.
In the Aleesa Naish devotional from 365.org she writes about nagging. I know in my own life when I do not immediately follow the Lords prompting He does not just let me get away without following what He wants me to do. I also find that once I commit to His requests everything falls into place. Maybe not right at that moment for it is in His timing, not mine.
This last devotional is one that I pray all will read, then read again to understand the importance. We are living in this world that has not changed since the fall of man. Sin is sin. We will not get away from it in our earthly life span, but Praise God, that through His Son, Jesus, and the presence of the Holy Spirit we have something greater to keep our eyes and mind focused on. So stay focused Children of God,just as Christ often said, "Father not my will be done, but Yours!"
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
From Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional - Streams in the Desert
The words often on Jesus' lips in His last days express vividly the idea, "going to the Father." We, too, who are Christ's people, have vision of something beyond the difficulties and disappointments of this life. We are journeying towards fulfillment, completion, expansion of life. We, too, are "going to the Father." Much is dim concerning our home-country, but two things are clear. It is home, "the Father's House." It is the nearer presence of the Lord. We are all wayfarers, but the believer knows it and accepts it. He is a traveller, not a settler. --R. C. Gillie
The little birds trust God, for they go singing
From northern woods where autumn winds have blown,
With joyous faith their trackless pathway winging
To summer-lands of song, afar, unknown.
Let us go singing, then, and not go sighing:
Since we are sure our times are in His hand,
Why should we weep, and fear, and call it dying?
'Tis only flitting to a Summer-land.
--Selected
*************************************************
The Good Shepherd
By Max Lucado
“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep . . . and my sheep know me.” John 10:14-15
You have a God who hears you, the power of love behind you, the Holy Spirit within you, and all of heaven ahead of you. If you have the Shepherd, you have grace for every sin, direction for every turn, a candle for every corner, and an anchor for every storm.
You have everything you need.
*************************************************
More Blessed to Give than to Receive by Adrian Rogers
"...remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
Unhappiness comes from mirrors. Happiness comes from windows.
If you want to be miserable, then think about yourself first...
•what you want,
•what people are saying about you,
•what you ought to have done for you,
•how down you feel,
•how good you feel.
Just focus on yourself. Feeling good yet? If you are, then something is wrong. Selfishness and happiness just don't go hand in hand.
If you're thinking it's better to receive than to give, then you'll never be happy. You'll never experience the blessing of giving that Jesus taught.
Hold out your hand and make a fist for at least one minute. Now relax. Which feels better—the clinched fist or the relaxed and flexible hand?
Imagine that your spirit is tight like that fist and think of how severely that can quench His work in your life. Now relax and submit your spirit to the One who truly blesses.
*************************************************
The Source of Our Strength by Charles Stanley
Ephesians 6:10-12
People can have very different reactions to similar circumstances. For instance, suppose two women from the same church are battling cancer—let's call them Jean and Barbara. Both are believers, but only Jean is living peacefully, even joyfully, through her ordeal—she long ago admitted her weakness and need for the Lord's intervention. While Barbara prays for God to "help me get through this," Jean says, "God, I cannot. Please carry me through."
Jean knows that Jesus Christ is the source of her strength, but Barbara is relying mostly upon herself. Everyone has a certain amount of fortitude, but that human capacity can carry a person only so far. Some situations will sap every drop of energy we have and still demand more. Through the Holy Spirit, believers can access an endless well of supernatural power to triumph in any trial.
However, the second woman is not receiving the same infusion of the Spirit's power as Jean. Barbara wants help—which is why she desperately calls out to the Lord—but refuses to admit that she cannot face cancer alone. In truth, we all dislike acknowledging that we are weak. Human pride is a potent force that must be uprooted before we can be filled with the Spirit's power.
Our weakness frees God to make His greatest triumphs. His power is loosed when His children admit they are not in control and can do nothing to help themselves. Only then do we find the energy, courage, and peace we need to go on living for His glory.
*************************************************
How many times do you have to be told something before it becomes nagging? Things as simple as “clean your room” or “do your homework.” Sometimes, however, it may not be quite as simple: “Don’t be tempted by peer pressure,” or “Don’t text and drive.” It may get monotonous, but does it work?
Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him. Three times Peter answers, "Lord, you know that I love you." In fact, Peter was hurt that he had to answer Jesus at all. Peter finally says, "Lord, you know ALL things, so you know that I love you." With that, Jesus tells Peter once more, "Take care of my sheep." He wants to make sure that Peter follows through and continues with the mission that Christ and his disciples began. It wasn’t that Jesus didn’t trust Peter; he just wanted him to truly know and understand the importance of his ministry.
Parents don’t mean to nag; they just want to make sure that their children understand the importance of certain situations. We have all seen the results of people who text and drive and drink and drive. Yet with all of the laws, all of the advertising, all of the "nagging,” people are still doing it with fatal results. The next time it seems as if you are being nagged, remember that it could be because someone loves you and has a greater plan for your life than you may even imagine.
Aleesa Naish
Parent God, I know you have my life in your hands. Help me to realize that I may not always know what is best for me. Amen.
*************************************************
Fruit of Self-Control by Sylvia Gunter
Beloved child of God, listen to your Father's heart and his ways for you in Galatians 5:22-23,25. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control... Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
Galatians 5:16 says "Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Romans 8:5, affirms this. "Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."
Ponder the immense self-control of Jesus. Isaiah 53:7 says, "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." When he was abused, whipped, and crucified, he uttered only forgiveness. He was taunted and insulted and did not retaliate, not one word of bitterness. When he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).
Hear the Word of God in Hebrews 12:1-3. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Jesus is the model of biblical self-control. The daily cross you take up is your opportunity to let your silent Lamb live through you the joy set before him in all circumstances of opposition, criticism, and shame. Jesus was fully God and completely a man and he learned obedience by what he suffered. He is the source of your resistance to every temptation to surrender to sinful words and actions (Hebrews 5:8-9).
Your greatest weapon is the presence of the Spirit of God in you to do your Father's will. Be blessed with victory that comes from having the nature of Christ in your heart and spirit. Be blessed with his correction and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16) which yields peace for those who are conformed to it (Hebrews 12:11). Be blessed to apply the same determination of an athlete for physical exercise to spiritual disciplines for training in godliness (1Timothy 4:8; 2 Timothy 2:5). Be blessed with being in control of your flesh and your mind and being free of the control of the appetites of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Be blessed with a disposition that is even-tempered and does not react to self-indulgence, senselessness, and selfishness.
Be blessed with Proverbs 16:32. "Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city." Be blessed to rise to be all God created you to be in him.
Be blessed with the fruit of the Spirits’ control that he produces in you - because he lives in you (Galatians 5:23).
*************************************************
As I was reading this devotional from Streams in the Desert, it brought back the saying that I tell people very often, "My bags are packed!" Mrs. Cowman wrote, "Christ's people, have vision of something beyond the difficulties and disappointments of this life", for we understand that we are here for such a short period of time and our thoughts are not of just this world.
In the Max Lucado devotional it reaffirmed as stated in the 23rd Psalm, "The Lord is my shepherd, I have no wants!" He is my everything.
Adrian Rogers devotional defines what life is about. We must get our eyes off ourselves. Even as I write these blogs, they are not for me but to help someone else feel the warmth of Jesus' love.
Charles Stanley wrote in this devotional on a subject that touches every life. We all need help in this life. I recall the saying "pride comes before a fall". As humans we feel it is up to us to get us through, but that is not what God wants to hear. He is waiting for each of us to cry out, "I can't do this on my own!" It is at that point we open the locked door to our souls to Him! Praise God for His wonderful grace.
In the Aleesa Naish devotional from 365.org she writes about nagging. I know in my own life when I do not immediately follow the Lords prompting He does not just let me get away without following what He wants me to do. I also find that once I commit to His requests everything falls into place. Maybe not right at that moment for it is in His timing, not mine.
This last devotional is one that I pray all will read, then read again to understand the importance. We are living in this world that has not changed since the fall of man. Sin is sin. We will not get away from it in our earthly life span, but Praise God, that through His Son, Jesus, and the presence of the Holy Spirit we have something greater to keep our eyes and mind focused on. So stay focused Children of God,just as Christ often said, "Father not my will be done, but Yours!"
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
From Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional - Streams in the Desert
The words often on Jesus' lips in His last days express vividly the idea, "going to the Father." We, too, who are Christ's people, have vision of something beyond the difficulties and disappointments of this life. We are journeying towards fulfillment, completion, expansion of life. We, too, are "going to the Father." Much is dim concerning our home-country, but two things are clear. It is home, "the Father's House." It is the nearer presence of the Lord. We are all wayfarers, but the believer knows it and accepts it. He is a traveller, not a settler. --R. C. Gillie
The little birds trust God, for they go singing
From northern woods where autumn winds have blown,
With joyous faith their trackless pathway winging
To summer-lands of song, afar, unknown.
Let us go singing, then, and not go sighing:
Since we are sure our times are in His hand,
Why should we weep, and fear, and call it dying?
'Tis only flitting to a Summer-land.
--Selected
*************************************************
The Good Shepherd
By Max Lucado
“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep . . . and my sheep know me.” John 10:14-15
You have a God who hears you, the power of love behind you, the Holy Spirit within you, and all of heaven ahead of you. If you have the Shepherd, you have grace for every sin, direction for every turn, a candle for every corner, and an anchor for every storm.
You have everything you need.
*************************************************
More Blessed to Give than to Receive by Adrian Rogers
"...remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
Unhappiness comes from mirrors. Happiness comes from windows.
If you want to be miserable, then think about yourself first...
•what you want,
•what people are saying about you,
•what you ought to have done for you,
•how down you feel,
•how good you feel.
Just focus on yourself. Feeling good yet? If you are, then something is wrong. Selfishness and happiness just don't go hand in hand.
If you're thinking it's better to receive than to give, then you'll never be happy. You'll never experience the blessing of giving that Jesus taught.
Hold out your hand and make a fist for at least one minute. Now relax. Which feels better—the clinched fist or the relaxed and flexible hand?
Imagine that your spirit is tight like that fist and think of how severely that can quench His work in your life. Now relax and submit your spirit to the One who truly blesses.
*************************************************
The Source of Our Strength by Charles Stanley
Ephesians 6:10-12
People can have very different reactions to similar circumstances. For instance, suppose two women from the same church are battling cancer—let's call them Jean and Barbara. Both are believers, but only Jean is living peacefully, even joyfully, through her ordeal—she long ago admitted her weakness and need for the Lord's intervention. While Barbara prays for God to "help me get through this," Jean says, "God, I cannot. Please carry me through."
Jean knows that Jesus Christ is the source of her strength, but Barbara is relying mostly upon herself. Everyone has a certain amount of fortitude, but that human capacity can carry a person only so far. Some situations will sap every drop of energy we have and still demand more. Through the Holy Spirit, believers can access an endless well of supernatural power to triumph in any trial.
However, the second woman is not receiving the same infusion of the Spirit's power as Jean. Barbara wants help—which is why she desperately calls out to the Lord—but refuses to admit that she cannot face cancer alone. In truth, we all dislike acknowledging that we are weak. Human pride is a potent force that must be uprooted before we can be filled with the Spirit's power.
Our weakness frees God to make His greatest triumphs. His power is loosed when His children admit they are not in control and can do nothing to help themselves. Only then do we find the energy, courage, and peace we need to go on living for His glory.
*************************************************
How many times do you have to be told something before it becomes nagging? Things as simple as “clean your room” or “do your homework.” Sometimes, however, it may not be quite as simple: “Don’t be tempted by peer pressure,” or “Don’t text and drive.” It may get monotonous, but does it work?
Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him. Three times Peter answers, "Lord, you know that I love you." In fact, Peter was hurt that he had to answer Jesus at all. Peter finally says, "Lord, you know ALL things, so you know that I love you." With that, Jesus tells Peter once more, "Take care of my sheep." He wants to make sure that Peter follows through and continues with the mission that Christ and his disciples began. It wasn’t that Jesus didn’t trust Peter; he just wanted him to truly know and understand the importance of his ministry.
Parents don’t mean to nag; they just want to make sure that their children understand the importance of certain situations. We have all seen the results of people who text and drive and drink and drive. Yet with all of the laws, all of the advertising, all of the "nagging,” people are still doing it with fatal results. The next time it seems as if you are being nagged, remember that it could be because someone loves you and has a greater plan for your life than you may even imagine.
Aleesa Naish
Parent God, I know you have my life in your hands. Help me to realize that I may not always know what is best for me. Amen.
*************************************************
Fruit of Self-Control by Sylvia Gunter
Beloved child of God, listen to your Father's heart and his ways for you in Galatians 5:22-23,25. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control... Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
Galatians 5:16 says "Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Romans 8:5, affirms this. "Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."
Ponder the immense self-control of Jesus. Isaiah 53:7 says, "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." When he was abused, whipped, and crucified, he uttered only forgiveness. He was taunted and insulted and did not retaliate, not one word of bitterness. When he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).
Hear the Word of God in Hebrews 12:1-3. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Jesus is the model of biblical self-control. The daily cross you take up is your opportunity to let your silent Lamb live through you the joy set before him in all circumstances of opposition, criticism, and shame. Jesus was fully God and completely a man and he learned obedience by what he suffered. He is the source of your resistance to every temptation to surrender to sinful words and actions (Hebrews 5:8-9).
Your greatest weapon is the presence of the Spirit of God in you to do your Father's will. Be blessed with victory that comes from having the nature of Christ in your heart and spirit. Be blessed with his correction and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16) which yields peace for those who are conformed to it (Hebrews 12:11). Be blessed to apply the same determination of an athlete for physical exercise to spiritual disciplines for training in godliness (1Timothy 4:8; 2 Timothy 2:5). Be blessed with being in control of your flesh and your mind and being free of the control of the appetites of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Be blessed with a disposition that is even-tempered and does not react to self-indulgence, senselessness, and selfishness.
Be blessed with Proverbs 16:32. "Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city." Be blessed to rise to be all God created you to be in him.
Be blessed with the fruit of the Spirits’ control that he produces in you - because he lives in you (Galatians 5:23).
*************************************************
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Today's Journey April 21st, 2010
Todays insight; Each of the devotionals today brought on a confirmation with each of them. That is how the Lord works. He does not keep you guessing. He may keep you waiting, but it is for a reason. His reason.
In the first devotional I understand what Mr. Simpson was refering to. My life has become so much easier with God's divine love. I have been told by so many people, even someone I have met for the first time how happy a person I am. Also how loving I come across to them. This is what A. B. Simpson writes below "It is to take the heart of Jesus for our love and claim its love for every need of life, whether it be toward God or toward others." Amen to that.
In the poem that followed by Harriet Beecher Stowe it speaks about "peaceful stillness". The deeper we are in the Lord, the more peace we have in our souls. Praise God!
As I read Max Lucado's short devotional I thought of how many doubting Thomas' are in my life. I am always asking God, "please show me how to reach them!"
Charles Stanley writes in his devotional about a period of suffering. I was thinking back as God was working with me to bring His outreach ministry into fruitfulness, that I had time of suffering. Several times presenting programs I felt very uncomfortable, ackward and questioned "why I was picked to do this." I now understand it is through those trials that I became as Charles Stanley writes, "prepared and equipped to serve Him". This sentence that Mr. Stanley wrote in his devotional today explains how God worked with me, "The Lord molds His children in proportion to their willingness to be shaped for divinely appointed work."
Finally in the last devotional I can say 100%, "I am not a Do Not Touch Christian". I truly mean it when I tell everyone I meet, "God loves you and I love you!" As I was ministering to the residents today at Lakeshore Skilled Nursing in one of the songs, "The King Is Coming", is the lyric line, "little children and the aged, hand in hand all aglow, who we crippled, broken and ruined, clad in garments white as snow!" My friends, "the King is coming", praise God, He's coming for me, and I pray you too!!!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
A devotional by A. B. Simpson
"The anointing which ye have received" (1 John 2:27).
This is the secret of the deeper life, but "That ye may be rooted and grounded in love," is the substance of it, and the sweetness of it. The fulness of the divine love in the heart will make everything easy. It is very easy to do things that we love to do, and it is very easy to trust one whom we love, and the more we realize their love the more we will trust them for it.
It is the source of healing. The tide of love flowing through our bodies will strangely strengthen our very frame, and the love of our Lord will become a continual spring of youth and freshness in our physical being. The secret of love is very simple. It is to take the heart of Jesus for our love and claim its love for every need of life, whether it be toward God or toward others.
It is very sweet to think of persons in this way, "I will take the heart of Jesus toward them, to let me love them as He loves them." Then we can love even the unworthy in some measure, if we shall see them in the light of His love and hope, as they shall be, and not as they now are, unworthy of our love.
*************************************************
From Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional - Streams in the Desert
When winds are raging o'er the upper ocean,
And billows wild contend with angry roar,
'Tis said, far down beneath the wild commotion,
That peaceful stillness reigneth evermore.
Far, far beneath, the noise of tempest dieth,
And silver waves chime ever peacefully,
And no rude storm, how fierce soe'er it flieth,
Disturbs the Sabbath of that deeper sea.
So to the heart that knows Thy love, O Purest,
There is a temple sacred evermore,
And all the babble of life's angry voices
Dies in hushed silence at its peaceful door.
Far, far away, the roar of passion dieth,
And loving thoughts rise calm and peacefully,
And no rude storm, how fierce soe'er it flieth,
Disturbs the soul that dwells, O Lord, in Thee.
--Harriet Beecher Stowe
*************************************************
Back From The Dead
By Max Lucado
“Thomas said, ‘I will not believe it until I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were.’” John 20:25
Jesus gave Thomas exactly what he requested. He extended his hands one more time. And was Thomas ever surprised. He did a double take, fell flat on his face, and cried, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
Jesus must have smiled. He knew he had a winner in Thomas . . . Legend has him hopping a freighter to India where they had to kill him to get him to quit talking about his friend who came back from the dead.
*************************************************
A Time to Suffer by Charles Stanley
James 1:1-4
Yesterday's devotion noted that Joseph suffered 13 years before he was pulled from adversity. God could have fixed that mess more quickly or, better yet, prevented Joseph from enduring it at all. But can you imagine a 17-year-old boy skipping into Egypt and sitting down at Pharaoh's right hand? Certainly the Lord's power could make such an unlikely event happen. But would a slightly arrogant, ignorant Hebrew teenager make a good leader? Not until God made him into one.
Our suffering lasts only as long as necessary for God to accomplish His purpose. He is interested in equipping servants and molding followers rather than in providing carefree lives. Yet the Father deeply loves His children—that's why He shares in their hurts and limits the hardship so it doesn't extend one moment beyond its usefulness.
Adversity is God's sharpest and strongest tool for re-forming believers to Christ's image, but He will not force change. The Lord molds His children in proportion to their willingness to be shaped for divinely appointed work. We can refuse to submit to His craftsmanship, but rebellion only prolongs the pain. The wise approach is to say, "God, I do not understand why You have allowed this hardship, but I am willing to follow You through it."
The faithful child of God emerges from trials prepared and equipped to serve God. This is the believer who values obedience and prioritizes prayer and Bible study long before adversity comes. When the going gets tough, he knows that the Holy Spirit's power is sufficient to carry him through.
*************************************************
For Decoration Only by Marilyn Ehle
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” Colossians 3:17
The beautiful building surrounded by trimmed lawns, tall trees and bubbling fountains is over one hundred years old. Once a home for a wealthy family, today its glowing wood floors, towering built-in bookcases and finely painted smooth walls welcome groups for dinners, meetings and other events. Tapestries and rugs woven by some of Europe’s masters still grace the walls and floors. In every room stand desks, tables, chairs and drawered chests that were once enjoyed by the original owners.
On a recent visit I was again captured by the building’s history, what it must have been like to live there each day, eat in one of the grand dining rooms and even watch deer and other animals roam just outside the walls.
In my meanderings I came upon a beautiful grand piano in the library. While the keys were somewhat yellowed by age, they seemed intact, the strings still taut, and the dark wood glowing in the afternoon sunlight. This instrument seemed to be just waiting for the fingers of a pianist to produce a melody to refresh my soul.
Then I saw the sign: For decoration only. Do not touch or play this piano.
This exquisite instrument could no longer be used for its original purpose. It took up space and drew admiring glances, but no sounds could reach my ears. I walked away disappointed; I wanted more from something I knew had within it what I desired.
I wonder how often we Christians display a sign—an attitude—that leaves people disappointed, maybe even hungry for something they suspect we have within us that could satisfy their longings. In my rush to do good things, do people close to me sense a “Do Not Touch” posture?
We were not created to be for decoration only.
Thank you, Lord, for being a touchable Savior. Help me be more like you as people enter my life.
*************************************************
In the first devotional I understand what Mr. Simpson was refering to. My life has become so much easier with God's divine love. I have been told by so many people, even someone I have met for the first time how happy a person I am. Also how loving I come across to them. This is what A. B. Simpson writes below "It is to take the heart of Jesus for our love and claim its love for every need of life, whether it be toward God or toward others." Amen to that.
In the poem that followed by Harriet Beecher Stowe it speaks about "peaceful stillness". The deeper we are in the Lord, the more peace we have in our souls. Praise God!
As I read Max Lucado's short devotional I thought of how many doubting Thomas' are in my life. I am always asking God, "please show me how to reach them!"
Charles Stanley writes in his devotional about a period of suffering. I was thinking back as God was working with me to bring His outreach ministry into fruitfulness, that I had time of suffering. Several times presenting programs I felt very uncomfortable, ackward and questioned "why I was picked to do this." I now understand it is through those trials that I became as Charles Stanley writes, "prepared and equipped to serve Him". This sentence that Mr. Stanley wrote in his devotional today explains how God worked with me, "The Lord molds His children in proportion to their willingness to be shaped for divinely appointed work."
Finally in the last devotional I can say 100%, "I am not a Do Not Touch Christian". I truly mean it when I tell everyone I meet, "God loves you and I love you!" As I was ministering to the residents today at Lakeshore Skilled Nursing in one of the songs, "The King Is Coming", is the lyric line, "little children and the aged, hand in hand all aglow, who we crippled, broken and ruined, clad in garments white as snow!" My friends, "the King is coming", praise God, He's coming for me, and I pray you too!!!
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
A devotional by A. B. Simpson
"The anointing which ye have received" (1 John 2:27).
This is the secret of the deeper life, but "That ye may be rooted and grounded in love," is the substance of it, and the sweetness of it. The fulness of the divine love in the heart will make everything easy. It is very easy to do things that we love to do, and it is very easy to trust one whom we love, and the more we realize their love the more we will trust them for it.
It is the source of healing. The tide of love flowing through our bodies will strangely strengthen our very frame, and the love of our Lord will become a continual spring of youth and freshness in our physical being. The secret of love is very simple. It is to take the heart of Jesus for our love and claim its love for every need of life, whether it be toward God or toward others.
It is very sweet to think of persons in this way, "I will take the heart of Jesus toward them, to let me love them as He loves them." Then we can love even the unworthy in some measure, if we shall see them in the light of His love and hope, as they shall be, and not as they now are, unworthy of our love.
*************************************************
From Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional - Streams in the Desert
When winds are raging o'er the upper ocean,
And billows wild contend with angry roar,
'Tis said, far down beneath the wild commotion,
That peaceful stillness reigneth evermore.
Far, far beneath, the noise of tempest dieth,
And silver waves chime ever peacefully,
And no rude storm, how fierce soe'er it flieth,
Disturbs the Sabbath of that deeper sea.
So to the heart that knows Thy love, O Purest,
There is a temple sacred evermore,
And all the babble of life's angry voices
Dies in hushed silence at its peaceful door.
Far, far away, the roar of passion dieth,
And loving thoughts rise calm and peacefully,
And no rude storm, how fierce soe'er it flieth,
Disturbs the soul that dwells, O Lord, in Thee.
--Harriet Beecher Stowe
*************************************************
Back From The Dead
By Max Lucado
“Thomas said, ‘I will not believe it until I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were.’” John 20:25
Jesus gave Thomas exactly what he requested. He extended his hands one more time. And was Thomas ever surprised. He did a double take, fell flat on his face, and cried, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
Jesus must have smiled. He knew he had a winner in Thomas . . . Legend has him hopping a freighter to India where they had to kill him to get him to quit talking about his friend who came back from the dead.
*************************************************
A Time to Suffer by Charles Stanley
James 1:1-4
Yesterday's devotion noted that Joseph suffered 13 years before he was pulled from adversity. God could have fixed that mess more quickly or, better yet, prevented Joseph from enduring it at all. But can you imagine a 17-year-old boy skipping into Egypt and sitting down at Pharaoh's right hand? Certainly the Lord's power could make such an unlikely event happen. But would a slightly arrogant, ignorant Hebrew teenager make a good leader? Not until God made him into one.
Our suffering lasts only as long as necessary for God to accomplish His purpose. He is interested in equipping servants and molding followers rather than in providing carefree lives. Yet the Father deeply loves His children—that's why He shares in their hurts and limits the hardship so it doesn't extend one moment beyond its usefulness.
Adversity is God's sharpest and strongest tool for re-forming believers to Christ's image, but He will not force change. The Lord molds His children in proportion to their willingness to be shaped for divinely appointed work. We can refuse to submit to His craftsmanship, but rebellion only prolongs the pain. The wise approach is to say, "God, I do not understand why You have allowed this hardship, but I am willing to follow You through it."
The faithful child of God emerges from trials prepared and equipped to serve God. This is the believer who values obedience and prioritizes prayer and Bible study long before adversity comes. When the going gets tough, he knows that the Holy Spirit's power is sufficient to carry him through.
*************************************************
For Decoration Only by Marilyn Ehle
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” Colossians 3:17
The beautiful building surrounded by trimmed lawns, tall trees and bubbling fountains is over one hundred years old. Once a home for a wealthy family, today its glowing wood floors, towering built-in bookcases and finely painted smooth walls welcome groups for dinners, meetings and other events. Tapestries and rugs woven by some of Europe’s masters still grace the walls and floors. In every room stand desks, tables, chairs and drawered chests that were once enjoyed by the original owners.
On a recent visit I was again captured by the building’s history, what it must have been like to live there each day, eat in one of the grand dining rooms and even watch deer and other animals roam just outside the walls.
In my meanderings I came upon a beautiful grand piano in the library. While the keys were somewhat yellowed by age, they seemed intact, the strings still taut, and the dark wood glowing in the afternoon sunlight. This instrument seemed to be just waiting for the fingers of a pianist to produce a melody to refresh my soul.
Then I saw the sign: For decoration only. Do not touch or play this piano.
This exquisite instrument could no longer be used for its original purpose. It took up space and drew admiring glances, but no sounds could reach my ears. I walked away disappointed; I wanted more from something I knew had within it what I desired.
I wonder how often we Christians display a sign—an attitude—that leaves people disappointed, maybe even hungry for something they suspect we have within us that could satisfy their longings. In my rush to do good things, do people close to me sense a “Do Not Touch” posture?
We were not created to be for decoration only.
Thank you, Lord, for being a touchable Savior. Help me be more like you as people enter my life.
*************************************************
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
My Daily Journey 4/20/2010
Each morning before I start my day I usaully begin by reading a few favorite devotionals and scripture. I also spend this time with God as He is fathering me through them. His timing is awesome as I read through these devotionals there is always something that I needed, and He knew that.
May the Lord bless you as you travel this journey with me.
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
Wonderful Comfort By Max Lucado
“What a wonderful God we have . . . who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3, TLB
Encourage those who are struggling. Don’t know what to say? Then open your Bible . . .
To the grief stricken: “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Heb. 13:5 NIV)
To the guilt-ridden: “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1 NIV).
*************************************************
Determining Your Course of Action by Adrian Rogers
"My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise." Psalm 57:7
When I was in college, I kept a motto on my desk that said,
"He who would not fall down ought not to walk in slippery places."
•Keep yourself clean.
•Keep yourself pure.
•Watch what you set before your eyes.
There needs to be discipline. Job said, "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look upon a maid" (Job 31:1). If we are to have a walk of purity in obedience to God, we must determine ahead of time what our course of action will be.
One big decision will take care of a lot of little ones.
Are you going on a trip alone any time soon? If so, make the decision right now to keep your walk pure and holy for God's glory.
*************************************************
The Dark Moments in Our Life by Charles Stanley
Acts 14:21-22
If you want a meaningful life, you will at times travel the road of adversity. However, every hardship in your path has a specific purpose. Our Father allows pain and trials into His good plan for our life (Rom. 8:28).
When we are facing dark times, the first word that comes to mind is usually Why? God welcomes our questions but challenges us to obey Him, even when we don't get answers (Prov. 3:5-6). In fact, we may have to wait months or years before knowing the purpose behind a trial. Sometimes the answers don't come at all in this lifetime.
Joseph spent 13 harsh, dark years in Egypt. He faced betrayal, separation from loved ones, and culture shock followed by slavery, false accusations, and prison time. His only evidence of a sovereign, loving God was that he consistently prospered, even during times of trouble.
Everything Joseph endured prepared him for a job as Egypt's prime minister. While still a boy, he learned the language, culture, and mindset of a foreign nation. Moreover, the man who emerged from hardship was the Lord's disciplined, faithful servant. In the end, Joseph was positioned to save more than a country; he rescued God's chosen people—the family tree of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Living in the center of the Lord's love doesn't guarantee an easy, pain-free life. In fact, the opposite is true. God loves believers so much that He conforms each one to His Son's likeness through any means necessary. In His expert hand, we become servants whose victories and trials glorify Him.
*************************************************
From www.d365.org
Look around you right now. What do you see? Who do you see?
Look inside yourself right now. What do you observe?
Look now for Jesus, who wants to be seen by you.
Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
John 21:4-8
You know the situation. You hurt a friend’s feelings or let them down and now you don’t know what to do about it. You want to talk to them, to make it right, but it is too late to call or text and morning seems so far away. You can’t wait to know if things are going to be okay or if you can fix the problem.
Peter probably felt this way. In fact, he jumped in the water as soon as he realized it was Jesus standing there. He had to make amends. He had to say, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to deny you.” Can you imagine having the opportunity to apologize to Jesus?
You know what? It has already been done. Jesus already knows our weaknesses, and the best news is that he accepts us anyway. You don’t have to wait until morning to clean up the mess. You can talk with Jesus any time and he will listen. There may be something going on in your life today that needs your attention. Don’t wait until morning; you have the chance to set things straight right now.
Aleesa Naish
Jesus, thank you for allowing me the grace to falter and for giving me the strength to pick myself up again. Amen
*************************************************
Be Careful About What You Neglect
by Gail Rodgers
Some seasons of life are more hectic than others. It isn’t always possible to keep on top of all the things we usually tend to. When life gets a little too busy it’s easy to neglect small things. At first no one notices the little things left undone in the house or yard or the growing pile of papers that need tending to. Yet, as the weeds take hold outside and the paperwork and the closets are ignored inside, a growing chaos becomes evident.
The same thing happens in our inner lives when we neglect the regular care of our spirits. We begin to feel the growing chaos within. The reality of our lives becomes contrasted against the promises of our faith. We become discouraged in our spiritual journey.
God’s Word reminds us to be careful about what we ignore. In the book of Hebrews we are given reminders not to ignore the great salvation God has provided for us.
“Do you think we can risk neglecting this magnificent salvation?” Hebrews 2:1-4 (The Message)
It’s so easy to be caught up with the busy things of life that we overlook tending our inner lives. Then we often find chaos in our heart and mind and wonder why God seems distant. During those times we will most likely find our Bible starting to gather dust. God’s Word is nourishment for our souls.
If your life is chaotic and your spirit is dry… if panic is becoming more often present in your heart and mind than peace… check what you are neglecting. Make a beeline back to God’s Word and to fellowship with His people.
Make a fresh determination and declare the words that David declared so long ago in Psalm 119:16.
“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.” (Psalm 119:16)
Keep God’s Word at the very core of your life. As a Christian you simply cannot risk living otherwise.
May the Lord bless you as you travel this journey with me.
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
*************************************************
Wonderful Comfort By Max Lucado
“What a wonderful God we have . . . who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3, TLB
Encourage those who are struggling. Don’t know what to say? Then open your Bible . . .
To the grief stricken: “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Heb. 13:5 NIV)
To the guilt-ridden: “There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1 NIV).
*************************************************
Determining Your Course of Action by Adrian Rogers
"My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise." Psalm 57:7
When I was in college, I kept a motto on my desk that said,
"He who would not fall down ought not to walk in slippery places."
•Keep yourself clean.
•Keep yourself pure.
•Watch what you set before your eyes.
There needs to be discipline. Job said, "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look upon a maid" (Job 31:1). If we are to have a walk of purity in obedience to God, we must determine ahead of time what our course of action will be.
One big decision will take care of a lot of little ones.
Are you going on a trip alone any time soon? If so, make the decision right now to keep your walk pure and holy for God's glory.
*************************************************
The Dark Moments in Our Life by Charles Stanley
Acts 14:21-22
If you want a meaningful life, you will at times travel the road of adversity. However, every hardship in your path has a specific purpose. Our Father allows pain and trials into His good plan for our life (Rom. 8:28).
When we are facing dark times, the first word that comes to mind is usually Why? God welcomes our questions but challenges us to obey Him, even when we don't get answers (Prov. 3:5-6). In fact, we may have to wait months or years before knowing the purpose behind a trial. Sometimes the answers don't come at all in this lifetime.
Joseph spent 13 harsh, dark years in Egypt. He faced betrayal, separation from loved ones, and culture shock followed by slavery, false accusations, and prison time. His only evidence of a sovereign, loving God was that he consistently prospered, even during times of trouble.
Everything Joseph endured prepared him for a job as Egypt's prime minister. While still a boy, he learned the language, culture, and mindset of a foreign nation. Moreover, the man who emerged from hardship was the Lord's disciplined, faithful servant. In the end, Joseph was positioned to save more than a country; he rescued God's chosen people—the family tree of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Living in the center of the Lord's love doesn't guarantee an easy, pain-free life. In fact, the opposite is true. God loves believers so much that He conforms each one to His Son's likeness through any means necessary. In His expert hand, we become servants whose victories and trials glorify Him.
*************************************************
From www.d365.org
Look around you right now. What do you see? Who do you see?
Look inside yourself right now. What do you observe?
Look now for Jesus, who wants to be seen by you.
Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.
John 21:4-8
You know the situation. You hurt a friend’s feelings or let them down and now you don’t know what to do about it. You want to talk to them, to make it right, but it is too late to call or text and morning seems so far away. You can’t wait to know if things are going to be okay or if you can fix the problem.
Peter probably felt this way. In fact, he jumped in the water as soon as he realized it was Jesus standing there. He had to make amends. He had to say, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to deny you.” Can you imagine having the opportunity to apologize to Jesus?
You know what? It has already been done. Jesus already knows our weaknesses, and the best news is that he accepts us anyway. You don’t have to wait until morning to clean up the mess. You can talk with Jesus any time and he will listen. There may be something going on in your life today that needs your attention. Don’t wait until morning; you have the chance to set things straight right now.
Aleesa Naish
Jesus, thank you for allowing me the grace to falter and for giving me the strength to pick myself up again. Amen
*************************************************
Be Careful About What You Neglect
by Gail Rodgers
Some seasons of life are more hectic than others. It isn’t always possible to keep on top of all the things we usually tend to. When life gets a little too busy it’s easy to neglect small things. At first no one notices the little things left undone in the house or yard or the growing pile of papers that need tending to. Yet, as the weeds take hold outside and the paperwork and the closets are ignored inside, a growing chaos becomes evident.
The same thing happens in our inner lives when we neglect the regular care of our spirits. We begin to feel the growing chaos within. The reality of our lives becomes contrasted against the promises of our faith. We become discouraged in our spiritual journey.
God’s Word reminds us to be careful about what we ignore. In the book of Hebrews we are given reminders not to ignore the great salvation God has provided for us.
“Do you think we can risk neglecting this magnificent salvation?” Hebrews 2:1-4 (The Message)
It’s so easy to be caught up with the busy things of life that we overlook tending our inner lives. Then we often find chaos in our heart and mind and wonder why God seems distant. During those times we will most likely find our Bible starting to gather dust. God’s Word is nourishment for our souls.
If your life is chaotic and your spirit is dry… if panic is becoming more often present in your heart and mind than peace… check what you are neglecting. Make a beeline back to God’s Word and to fellowship with His people.
Make a fresh determination and declare the words that David declared so long ago in Psalm 119:16.
“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.” (Psalm 119:16)
Keep God’s Word at the very core of your life. As a Christian you simply cannot risk living otherwise.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
He Is Always There
Act 17:27 to seek the Lord, if perhaps they might feel after Him and find Him, though indeed He is not far from each one of us.
Act 17:28 For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also certain of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring
Below is an excerpt from a devotional from A. B. Simpson. As I was reading this short paragraph I understood how true it is. Most of us, including myself at times, put our trust in so many things such as A. B. Simpson writes about, but not truly in Jesus. In the verses above from the book of Acts it is written the Lord is not far from each of us for indeed we are His offspring.
[From an A. B. Simpson devotional]
[We must come into personal contact with the risen Saviour, and have His very life quicken our mortal flesh before we can know the fullness and reality of His healing. This is the most frequent cause of failure. People are often trusting to something that has been done to them, to something that they have done, or something that they have believed intellectually; but their spirit has not felt its way to the heart of Christ, and they have not drawn His love into their being by the hunger and thirst of love and faith, and so they are not quickened. The greatest need of our souls and bodies is to know Jesus personally, to touch Him constantly, to abide in Him continually.
May we this day lay aside all things that could hinder our near approach to Him, and walk hand in hand, heart to heart, with Jesus.]
He Is Always There
I reached my hand out to Him,
I felt Him grasp my heart,
His love grew even stronger,
than when my walk with Him did start.
I cried out "thank You Lord Jesus",
for He always hears my call.
He is always there for me,
if I stumble or even when I fall.
He loved me before I knew Him,
He is there day by day.
I can not live without Him,
for there is no other way.
And what is truly amazing
is if I feel like this today,
I can't begin to imagine how it will be,
when Jesus and I will be together some sweet day!
E. P. Shagott
4/7/10
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Act 17:28 For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also certain of your own poets have said, For we are also His offspring
Below is an excerpt from a devotional from A. B. Simpson. As I was reading this short paragraph I understood how true it is. Most of us, including myself at times, put our trust in so many things such as A. B. Simpson writes about, but not truly in Jesus. In the verses above from the book of Acts it is written the Lord is not far from each of us for indeed we are His offspring.
[From an A. B. Simpson devotional]
[We must come into personal contact with the risen Saviour, and have His very life quicken our mortal flesh before we can know the fullness and reality of His healing. This is the most frequent cause of failure. People are often trusting to something that has been done to them, to something that they have done, or something that they have believed intellectually; but their spirit has not felt its way to the heart of Christ, and they have not drawn His love into their being by the hunger and thirst of love and faith, and so they are not quickened. The greatest need of our souls and bodies is to know Jesus personally, to touch Him constantly, to abide in Him continually.
May we this day lay aside all things that could hinder our near approach to Him, and walk hand in hand, heart to heart, with Jesus.]
He Is Always There
I reached my hand out to Him,
I felt Him grasp my heart,
His love grew even stronger,
than when my walk with Him did start.
I cried out "thank You Lord Jesus",
for He always hears my call.
He is always there for me,
if I stumble or even when I fall.
He loved me before I knew Him,
He is there day by day.
I can not live without Him,
for there is no other way.
And what is truly amazing
is if I feel like this today,
I can't begin to imagine how it will be,
when Jesus and I will be together some sweet day!
E. P. Shagott
4/7/10
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
Monday, April 5, 2010
The day after Easter
This is a good devotional for the day after Easter. So often we see special days come and go then seldom take the time to reflect on them or use that special day like Easter Sunday to be a starting point to strengthen our walk with Christ.
I encourage you to take some time to read and then meditate on what the author is saying here.
"And after the earthquake a fire; and after the fire a sound of gentle stillness" (1 Kings 19:12, RV margin.)
[A devotional from Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional - Streams in the Desert]
[A soul, who made rapid progress in her understanding of the Lord, was once asked the secret of her easy advancement. She replied tersely, "Mind the checks." And the reason that many of us do not know and better understand Him is, we do not give heed to His gentle checks, His delicate restraints and constraints. His is a still, small voice. A still voice can hardly be heard. It must be felt. A steady, gentle pressure upon the heart and mind like the touch of a morning zephyr to your face. A small voice, quietly, almost timidly spoken in your heart, but if heeded growing noiselessly clearer to your inner ear. His voice is for the ear of love, and love is intent upon hearing even faintest whispers. There comes a time also when love ceases to speak if not responded to, or believed in. He is love, and if you would know Him and His voice, give constant ear to His gentle touches.
In conversation, when about to utter some word, give heed to that gentle voice, mind the check and refrain from speech. When about to pursue some course that seems all clear and right and there comes quietly to your spirit a suggestion that has in it the force almost of a conviction, give heed, even if changed plans seem highest folly from standpoint of human wisdom. Learn also to wait on God for the unfolding of His will. Let God form your plans about everything in your mind and heart and then let Him execute them. Do not possess any wisdom of your own. For many times His execution will seem so contradictory to the plan He gave. He will seem to work against Himself. Simply listen, obey and trust God even when it seems highest folly so to do. He will in the end make "all things work together," but so many times in the first appearance of the outworking of His plans,
"In His own world He is content
To play a losing game."
So if you would know His voice, never consider results or possible effects. Obey even when He asks you to move in the dark. He Himself will be gloriously light in you. And there will spring up rapidly in your heart an acquaintanceship and a fellowship with God which will be overpowering in itself to hold you and Him together, even in severest testings and under most terrible pressures.--Way of Faith]
From God's heart, to your, to mine,
Ed Shagott
I encourage you to take some time to read and then meditate on what the author is saying here.
"And after the earthquake a fire; and after the fire a sound of gentle stillness" (1 Kings 19:12, RV margin.)
[A devotional from Mrs. Charles Cowman Devotional - Streams in the Desert]
[A soul, who made rapid progress in her understanding of the Lord, was once asked the secret of her easy advancement. She replied tersely, "Mind the checks." And the reason that many of us do not know and better understand Him is, we do not give heed to His gentle checks, His delicate restraints and constraints. His is a still, small voice. A still voice can hardly be heard. It must be felt. A steady, gentle pressure upon the heart and mind like the touch of a morning zephyr to your face. A small voice, quietly, almost timidly spoken in your heart, but if heeded growing noiselessly clearer to your inner ear. His voice is for the ear of love, and love is intent upon hearing even faintest whispers. There comes a time also when love ceases to speak if not responded to, or believed in. He is love, and if you would know Him and His voice, give constant ear to His gentle touches.
In conversation, when about to utter some word, give heed to that gentle voice, mind the check and refrain from speech. When about to pursue some course that seems all clear and right and there comes quietly to your spirit a suggestion that has in it the force almost of a conviction, give heed, even if changed plans seem highest folly from standpoint of human wisdom. Learn also to wait on God for the unfolding of His will. Let God form your plans about everything in your mind and heart and then let Him execute them. Do not possess any wisdom of your own. For many times His execution will seem so contradictory to the plan He gave. He will seem to work against Himself. Simply listen, obey and trust God even when it seems highest folly so to do. He will in the end make "all things work together," but so many times in the first appearance of the outworking of His plans,
"In His own world He is content
To play a losing game."
So if you would know His voice, never consider results or possible effects. Obey even when He asks you to move in the dark. He Himself will be gloriously light in you. And there will spring up rapidly in your heart an acquaintanceship and a fellowship with God which will be overpowering in itself to hold you and Him together, even in severest testings and under most terrible pressures.--Way of Faith]
From God's heart, to your, to mine,
Ed Shagott
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Thank You for the Cross, Lord!
A story and a small collection of my poems about the cross. May we each take time to reflect back so that tomorrow will be that more special. Also the link below is from Youtube a song by Hillsong.
The Cross
A young man was at the end of his rope,
Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees
In prayer "Lord, I can't go on," he said.
"I have too heavy a cross to bear."
The Lord replied, "My son,
If you can't bear its weight,
Just place your cross inside this room.
Then, open that other door
and pick out any cross you wish."
The man was filled with relief and said,
"Thank you Lord," and he did as he was told.
Upon entering the other room, he saw many crosses;
Some so large the tops were not visible.
Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall.
"I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered.
The Lord replied, "My son,
that is the cross you just brought in."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azYQqzoEjgU
Luke 23:33 And when they came to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified Him and the criminals there, one on the right, and one on the left.
Back to Calvary
An angel of the Lord
came and said to me,
“I want to take you back
to a place called Calvary.”
So back through time we went
the Lords angel and me,
back before all time that passed
back to that special place, named Calvary!
Though I knew of this place
from the Bible I did read,
I was so excited to be there
where our Lord died for you and me.
As I stood very still
with the Lords angel at my side,
I really didn’t notice anyone but Jesus
as He looked into my eyes.
In my heart I felt His suffering,
in my eyes I saw His pain,
and through it all He smiled at me
and then He said my name.
I fell to my knees and said,
“Lord so many just don’t see
the love you have for all of us
and the importance this place is, called Calvary.
E. P. Shagott
3/9/2009
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
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
I Love You, He Said
I love you, He said,
as the first nail went in.
I do this for you
because of your sin.
The shame that I bear I do this for you,
He said this as
the mallet hit nail number two.
The reason I came
was so all would be free.
I love you, He said
as they hit nail three.
He hung there for hours,
then bowed His head.
“My Father,
why have You forsaken me?
I love You, He said!”
E. P. Shagott
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
The Cross
A young man was at the end of his rope,
Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees
In prayer "Lord, I can't go on," he said.
"I have too heavy a cross to bear."
The Lord replied, "My son,
If you can't bear its weight,
Just place your cross inside this room.
Then, open that other door
and pick out any cross you wish."
The man was filled with relief and said,
"Thank you Lord," and he did as he was told.
Upon entering the other room, he saw many crosses;
Some so large the tops were not visible.
Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall.
"I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered.
The Lord replied, "My son,
that is the cross you just brought in."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azYQqzoEjgU
Luke 23:33 And when they came to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified Him and the criminals there, one on the right, and one on the left.
Back to Calvary
An angel of the Lord
came and said to me,
“I want to take you back
to a place called Calvary.”
So back through time we went
the Lords angel and me,
back before all time that passed
back to that special place, named Calvary!
Though I knew of this place
from the Bible I did read,
I was so excited to be there
where our Lord died for you and me.
As I stood very still
with the Lords angel at my side,
I really didn’t notice anyone but Jesus
as He looked into my eyes.
In my heart I felt His suffering,
in my eyes I saw His pain,
and through it all He smiled at me
and then He said my name.
I fell to my knees and said,
“Lord so many just don’t see
the love you have for all of us
and the importance this place is, called Calvary.
E. P. Shagott
3/9/2009
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
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
I Love You, He Said
I love you, He said,
as the first nail went in.
I do this for you
because of your sin.
The shame that I bear I do this for you,
He said this as
the mallet hit nail number two.
The reason I came
was so all would be free.
I love you, He said
as they hit nail three.
He hung there for hours,
then bowed His head.
“My Father,
why have You forsaken me?
I love You, He said!”
E. P. Shagott
From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott
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