Each Sunday I check my calendar for the coming week and count the mornings I do not need to set my alarm. Waking up to the natural light of day rather than waking to an alarm ranks near the top of my list of small pleasures.
All in Provision
Renewed Day by Day
Paul encourages me day by day… to go through my life, focusing on my relationship with the Lord and the supernatural power of God’s presence within. This is the treasure! My strength will be renewed by His Holy Spirit. I am to trust Him to fill me with His amazing love, strength, and peace. He will help me live the worthy and called life.
Strongholds
Based upon this biblical definition, believing failure to be beyond God’s redemptive grace, self-deprecating thoughts, and chronic negative attitudes qualify as strongholds. This sobering awareness challenges me to carefully evaluate any thinking pattern that limits my ability to know God as He truly is.
Separated from God
Flood water at the recreational complex as well as the Old Testament story of crossing the Jordan River at flood stage provide useful images of how sin creates a barrier between us and God. Only a holy, sinless, and perfectly righteous person has the authority to make a way for me to receive God’s precious promises of forgiveness of sin, salvation, and eternal life with Him.
A Perfect Picnic
esus wants to give us perfect peace. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies (Psalm 23:5a). Can't you just see Jesus standing guard over us with His mighty arms crossed and a look on His face that says, "Just try it!" as our enemies cower into the shadows? With our Great Shepherd watching, what do we have to fear? We are free to rest, eat slowly, and know we are protected.
A Glorifying Perspective
The widow was out of money and her creditor was threatening to enslave her sons. She turned to the prophet Elisha, who asked her what she had at home. She responded that she had nothing except a little oil. Nothing, except... I have used those words. Have you?
Sticky Wicket
Yes, Esther was lovely in form and features (2:7); but more importantly, she oozed grace. Names were significant in those days. The queen’s Jewish name, Hadassah, means myrtle: “a tree native to Babylonia, (which) the returning exiles took…with them to Canaan... (as) a symbol of the nation of Israel—transplanted from Babylon to the Promised Land.” Her Persian name, Esther, means star: “The myrtle tree bears a beautiful star-like flower…full of beauty and grace.”**
The Puzzle Box
Fascinating, the book of Esther, for as many times as I have read it—fascinating in its place in history; fascinating in its complex simplicity; fascinating in the conundrum of God’s absence. Where to begin?
A Living Sacrifice
During the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem, Solomon prayed with his arms stretched toward heaven. He pleaded with God to hear, to listen, to respond, and to forgive the sins of the Israelites. He followed his prayer of dedication with sacrificial offerings.
Lost Cell Phone Cry
My husband absentmindedly set his cell phone on the hood of my car. I did not notice it and took off for the store.
Along the way, I thought I saw something fly off my hood. I did not have a clue what until my husband called me from his business phone, it was his cell phone.
Trusting Jesus – God’s Got Your Back
Some mornings when the alarm clock blares, I feel like pulling the covers over my head – trying to stop the overwhelming thoughts of the tasks of the day. But something moves in my soul that pushes me out of bed. There is more to our day than a to do list. God has our day all planned out. I am sure He laughs at our day planners.
Battling Your Giants
How many giants are you facing right now? Can you name one as you think back over the past year? Did several giants pop up? Maybe you fear the next one that will arise unexpectedly.
Do What He Says
Remember when your parents said, just do what I say? Did you ever tell yourself, I’ll never say to my kids, because I said so? Did you keep that vow? I said it as well, and I broke that vow as well. I think God says the same thing to us!
God Fights For Us
Has God ever given you an assignment that you were so excited about you shared it with others so they could be excited too? Maybe they would join in on the work of the assignment? Did it go so smoothly and problem-free? Or did you hit some snags?
Thanksgiving is More than a Holiday: God’s Gracious Deliverance
When caught in uncomfortable and painful circumstances, it can feel like they last forever. We tend to pray, “God, if You hear me, fix the problem, fix the other person, get me out of the mess I’m in!” “Now, please.”
Thanksgiving is More Than a Holiday: Remember God
There are times when we feel alone as if God has sent us into exile, like the Israelites felt when exiled to Babylon for seventy years. The pain can be excruciating. Questions may arise that may lead to denial of the reality of our situation. We often cry when we recall our familiar, comfortable, and safe place where we felt God’s presence.
Small, Yet Mighty
Being short in stature, my twins outgrew my height by the age of 10! I used to tell them, I may be little, but I’m mean! It really didn’t scare them, but I tried to make up for what I lacked in height by an authoritative voice!
The Spiritual Journey
I enjoy travel! I like the variety of places. And I have found it helps to be prepared. If I go to the mountains, I bring long pants and sweaters, preparing for colder temperatures. If I go to the ocean, I bring swimsuits, sundresses and shorts, preparing for hotter temperatures. I research a new place to learn what to bring and what to do while I am there.
Chaos Control
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me –
put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:9 NIV
When doing a sewing project, my sewing utensils get everywhere. Multiple pairs of scissors never seem to be handy when I need them. Thread pullers, pins, clips, spools of thread, and bobbins end up all over the room. I wasted time looking for things instead of sewing. It made me so irritated.
I decided to get things together. I went to a local craft store, and there it was – a fabulous organizational system for people like me. Now, everything hangs right on the wall at my fingertips. I can just reach up and grab whatever I need. I look, I see them. I use them. Easy as that.
How silly would it have been for me to have bought the organizational system and not hung it up and used it?
Sometimes life gets chaotic. Irritation with myself and even God happens. Frustrated, I ask him why he will not just fix whatever bothers me.
Then, he lovingly reminds me that he has already provided me with the “system” I need for any situation. My Bible sits right beside my bed as does my Bible study book. He has given me scriptures to memorize. Bible studies help me dive deeper into his Word and to fellowship with other believers. All these things at my fingertips, but I must grab on to them and put them into practice to receive any benefits.
When I look at that organizational system hanging on my sewing room wall, I get such a joyful feeling. Sewing is so much easier. No more mess everywhere. Likewise, looking to him and utilizing the tools he has provided bring me even more joy and peace.
Father, you lovingly lead us to what we need to manage the chaos in our lives. May we remember your words and put them into practice.
Susan Partida
(Spiritual Growth, Wisdom, Provision)
Then, he lovingly reminds me that he has already provided me with the “system” I need for any situation. My Bible sits right beside my bed as does my Bible study book. He has given me scriptures to memorize. Bible studies help me dive deeper into his Word and to fellowship with other believers. All these things at my fingertips, but I must grab on to them and put them into practice to receive any benefits.