Good Morning folks! Happy Tuesday.
Today's Topic: Tidal Reminder
Scripture Text: Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
-Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)
THE back porch of a cabin we rent for holiday looks across a tidal creek lined by colorful houses and boats of all shapes and sizes. Each morning we wake to a new view, according to the state of the tide. Sometimes the water laps at the bright, sea-grass islands and reflects the jetties and vividly painted mooring buoys. At other times the water recedes, leaving boats stranded at odd angles on the shell-spattered mud. The reflections are confined to a ribbon of water snaking down the middle of the creek.
I live in a town far from the sea. But on holiday, I am reminded of the constant change of tides, flowing in and out twice a day, altering the scenery hour by hour, varying according to the changes of the tides. Behind the changes, the moon drives the steady rhythm, reliable and unstoppable. Each day is the same, yet each day is different.
This truth causes me to think of God. How wonderful that the God we worship is unchanging, "yesterday and today and forever"! God's love is reliable and unstoppable. Yet it is also "new every morning." Each time we open our eyes to a new day, the possibilities God offers us are endless and always fresh.
Liz Howden (Cheshire, England)
Prayer
Creator of goodness and beauty, in each new day, encourage us by your faithfulness and delight us by the constant surprises you bring. Amen.
Thought for the Day
God has surprises in store for us every day.
Prayer Focus
Those working in coastal industries
Have a blessed day!
:: LA ::
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Daily Devotion for 6/20/11 What's the rush?
Good Morning Everyone. I received this devotion this morning from a fellow reader...Enjoy!
What's the Rush
by Joyce Meyer - posted June 20, 2011
To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven.
—Ecclesiastes 3:1
Much of the world is in a hurry, always rushing, yet very few people even know where they are going in life. If we want to be at peace with ourselves and enjoy life, we must stop rushing all the time. People rush to get to yet another event that has no real meaning for them or that they really don't even want to attend. Hurry is the pace of the twenty-first century. Rushing has become a disease of epidemic proportions.We hurry so much, we finally come to the place where we cannot slow down.
I can remember the days when I worked so hard and hurried so much that even if I took a vacation, it was almost over by the time I geared down enough to rest. Hurry was definitely one of the "peace stealers" in my life and still can be, if I do not stay alert to its pressure. Life is too precious to rush through it. I find at times that a day has gone by in a blur. At the conclusion of it, I know I was very busy all day, yet I cannot really remem¬ber enjoying much, if any, of it. I have committed to learn to do things in God's rhythm, not the world's pace.
Jesus was never in a hurry when He was here on earth, and God is absolutely not in a hurry now. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, "there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven." We should let each thing in our lives have its season and realize we can enjoy that season without rushing into the next one.
Be Blessed
:: LA ::
What's the Rush
by Joyce Meyer - posted June 20, 2011
To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven.
—Ecclesiastes 3:1
Much of the world is in a hurry, always rushing, yet very few people even know where they are going in life. If we want to be at peace with ourselves and enjoy life, we must stop rushing all the time. People rush to get to yet another event that has no real meaning for them or that they really don't even want to attend. Hurry is the pace of the twenty-first century. Rushing has become a disease of epidemic proportions.We hurry so much, we finally come to the place where we cannot slow down.
I can remember the days when I worked so hard and hurried so much that even if I took a vacation, it was almost over by the time I geared down enough to rest. Hurry was definitely one of the "peace stealers" in my life and still can be, if I do not stay alert to its pressure. Life is too precious to rush through it. I find at times that a day has gone by in a blur. At the conclusion of it, I know I was very busy all day, yet I cannot really remem¬ber enjoying much, if any, of it. I have committed to learn to do things in God's rhythm, not the world's pace.
Jesus was never in a hurry when He was here on earth, and God is absolutely not in a hurry now. Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, "there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven." We should let each thing in our lives have its season and realize we can enjoy that season without rushing into the next one.
Be Blessed
:: LA ::
Friday, June 17, 2011
Daily Devotion for 6/17/11 The Anchor Holds
Happy Friday People!!!
Today's Topic: The Anchor Holds
Scripture Text: Hebrew 6:19
"We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul."
I huddled in a corner, tears flowing. Though the marks on my body were new, they were not unfamiliar. For years I had prayed for my husband, a Christian, and for an end to the beatings he inflicted in his rages. God had been my anchor as I grew up, and I wondered why God had not intervened to stop the abuse.
Earlier that evening as I left to attend a Christian concert, my husband had told me not to come back. When I returned, he threw me into a wall. This time, to my amazement, through my tears the words "I want a divorce" fell out of my mouth. And as they did, I felt the chains of fear and oppression lift. God whispered to me that I would never be hurt again by this man. That night, my Anchor held.
Until that very moment, I never understood how much God loved me or the vastness of God's grace. God does not intend for any of us to be oppressed and abused, and God wanted a safe harbor for me. I am a living example of the words from the song, "the anchor holds, though the ship is battered." I was battered, and I thank God for being my steadfast and true anchor. God helped me to leave the raging sea of abuse and led me to the freedom Christ offers and wants for each of us.
Prayer
O God, free us from all that oppresses us. Amen.
Thought for the Day
God calls us from bondage to freedom and fullness of life.
Prayer Focus
Those living with abuse
Have a blessed, safe and wonderful weekend :)
Love y'all
:: LA ::
Today's Topic: The Anchor Holds
Scripture Text: Hebrew 6:19
"We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul."
I huddled in a corner, tears flowing. Though the marks on my body were new, they were not unfamiliar. For years I had prayed for my husband, a Christian, and for an end to the beatings he inflicted in his rages. God had been my anchor as I grew up, and I wondered why God had not intervened to stop the abuse.
Earlier that evening as I left to attend a Christian concert, my husband had told me not to come back. When I returned, he threw me into a wall. This time, to my amazement, through my tears the words "I want a divorce" fell out of my mouth. And as they did, I felt the chains of fear and oppression lift. God whispered to me that I would never be hurt again by this man. That night, my Anchor held.
Until that very moment, I never understood how much God loved me or the vastness of God's grace. God does not intend for any of us to be oppressed and abused, and God wanted a safe harbor for me. I am a living example of the words from the song, "the anchor holds, though the ship is battered." I was battered, and I thank God for being my steadfast and true anchor. God helped me to leave the raging sea of abuse and led me to the freedom Christ offers and wants for each of us.
Prayer
O God, free us from all that oppresses us. Amen.
Thought for the Day
God calls us from bondage to freedom and fullness of life.
Prayer Focus
Those living with abuse
Have a blessed, safe and wonderful weekend :)
Love y'all
:: LA ::
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Daily Devotion for 6/16/11 Do you know why you're living
Good Morning folks...My prayer today is that the Lord will keep you in perfect peace. Here's today's devotion
Today's Topic: Do you know why you're living
Scripture Text: John 18:37
"For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world."
Jesus knew exactly why He lived. "For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world to testify to the truth." That's what He thought about, prayed about, planned for, worked toward, sacrificed for, died and rose again for, and finally accomplished. By fulfilling his destiny He changed the world forever. So, do you know your destiny? What are you doing to achieve it? "We are...created...to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10) Does that sound like a life of aimless wandering with no known destination? the Bible says: "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9) Plan well, but always stay open to God's direction. "All the days ordained for me were written in you book before one of them came to be." (Psalms 139:16) God's plan for your life was set before you were a twinkle in your parents' eyes! If you fail to follow His path you'll miss His best for your life. The Bible is full of examples of those who crashed and burned at some point. King Saul is a great example.
Recalling it, David, his successor, prayed:
#1 "I desire to do your will" (Psalms 40:8): Your desires are the driving forces in life, so make sure you're in harmony with God.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
#2 "Teach me to do your will" (Psalms 143:10) When it comes to doing God's will, the Psalmist acknowledged he needed God's help. You do too.
Song of Inspiration: http://youtu.be/UrXnAWvA3iI
I am praying for you today!
Peace and Love Family
:: LA ::
Today's Topic: Do you know why you're living
Scripture Text: John 18:37
"For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world."
Jesus knew exactly why He lived. "For this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world to testify to the truth." That's what He thought about, prayed about, planned for, worked toward, sacrificed for, died and rose again for, and finally accomplished. By fulfilling his destiny He changed the world forever. So, do you know your destiny? What are you doing to achieve it? "We are...created...to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10) Does that sound like a life of aimless wandering with no known destination? the Bible says: "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9) Plan well, but always stay open to God's direction. "All the days ordained for me were written in you book before one of them came to be." (Psalms 139:16) God's plan for your life was set before you were a twinkle in your parents' eyes! If you fail to follow His path you'll miss His best for your life. The Bible is full of examples of those who crashed and burned at some point. King Saul is a great example.
Recalling it, David, his successor, prayed:
#1 "I desire to do your will" (Psalms 40:8): Your desires are the driving forces in life, so make sure you're in harmony with God.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
#2 "Teach me to do your will" (Psalms 143:10) When it comes to doing God's will, the Psalmist acknowledged he needed God's help. You do too.
Song of Inspiration: http://youtu.be/UrXnAWvA3iI
I am praying for you today!
Peace and Love Family
:: LA ::
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Daily Devotion for 6/15/11 Living without regret
Good Afternoon Folks! Got so caught up that I forgot I hadn't sent the Daily Devotion. Thanks goes out to one of the loyal readers who reminded me :)
Today's Topic: Living Without Regret
Scripture Text: Acts 20:24
"That I may finish my race with joy"
Imagine your life is over and you're standing in front of a big DVD player. God inserts a disc with your name labeled on it. The label reads "What might have been" it details everything He wanted to accomplish through you: How He wanted to bless you financially, but you were afraid to sow into his kingdom and be generous with others. How He wanted to use your gifts, but you lacked the discipline to develop them and the courage to use them. how He gave you great relationships, but you weren't truthful and loving enough to maintain them. How He longed to reproduce in you the character of Christ, but you refused to deal with your sin, resist temptation, and pursue spiritual growth. The poet said, "Of all the sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these-it might have been."
But there's a bright side. As long as you are still breathing, you can close the gap between what is and what can be. So stop and ask yourself, "what can I do now to live without regrets later?" Here's what:
Start renewing your mind each day with God's Word instead of filling it with junk. Use your talents and your treasures to build His kingdom instead of your own. If you do, you'll discover that God gives "seed to the sower" (2Corinthians 9:10) The more seed you sow, the more seed God will give you. And how about making time to disciple somebody? That way your legacy will be greater than your lifespan. It's not too late to become the person you might have been-if you're willing to start today!
Wow! How awesome is that word? So think about what you can do so that when you leave this earth, you can say "My living was not in vain"
Be Blessed Family!
:: LA ::
Today's Topic: Living Without Regret
Scripture Text: Acts 20:24
"That I may finish my race with joy"
Imagine your life is over and you're standing in front of a big DVD player. God inserts a disc with your name labeled on it. The label reads "What might have been" it details everything He wanted to accomplish through you: How He wanted to bless you financially, but you were afraid to sow into his kingdom and be generous with others. How He wanted to use your gifts, but you lacked the discipline to develop them and the courage to use them. how He gave you great relationships, but you weren't truthful and loving enough to maintain them. How He longed to reproduce in you the character of Christ, but you refused to deal with your sin, resist temptation, and pursue spiritual growth. The poet said, "Of all the sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these-it might have been."
But there's a bright side. As long as you are still breathing, you can close the gap between what is and what can be. So stop and ask yourself, "what can I do now to live without regrets later?" Here's what:
Start renewing your mind each day with God's Word instead of filling it with junk. Use your talents and your treasures to build His kingdom instead of your own. If you do, you'll discover that God gives "seed to the sower" (2Corinthians 9:10) The more seed you sow, the more seed God will give you. And how about making time to disciple somebody? That way your legacy will be greater than your lifespan. It's not too late to become the person you might have been-if you're willing to start today!
Wow! How awesome is that word? So think about what you can do so that when you leave this earth, you can say "My living was not in vain"
Be Blessed Family!
:: LA ::
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
What would you do?
“I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray."
What would you do if you ever came face to face with a monster?
What would I do? After I unfreeze myself I'd probably take off running in panic. Since I'm not a runner I probably wouldn't make it too far. Lol! So I'd just have to stop turn around and just say "take me now!" I'm not gonna keep running unless I know I can out run them. Of course this is all, only if I ever get the chance to run. I'm more than sure that I'll probably freeze in my place as soon as I see the monster.
I've had a ton of dreams where I've been chased by monsters and everything went in slow motion. I sure hope that doesn't happen in real life!!!!
Order your copy of Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray here today: http://bit.ly/k3Lbpz !
I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray."
Daily Devotion for 6/14/11 How to avoid burnout
Good morning everyone!! I need this lesson for myself...I'm getting to that point where stress is attempting to overtake me. Here's today's lesson...
Today's Topic: How to avoid burnout
Scripture Text: Exodus 3:2
"The bush burned...yet was not consumed"
Do you remember the story of the burning bush? It burned, but it didn't burn out. There are some folks that used to burn for God, and have now burned out. They were loyal workers in church for years and then disappeared. Burnout, has been described as, "fatigue brought about by devotion to a cause that failed to produce the expected reward."
So how can we avoid burnout?
#1 Seek God's Input: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault" (James 1:5) Did you forget that God is an expert? Go ahead and consult him
#2 Realign your priorities: Too many irons in the fire mean none of them gets adequate attention. Learn to say no. Your family will appreciate it, even when others don't
#3 Practice the art of Thanksgiving: Get into the habit of nurturing, and noticing the unspectacular good things that happen to you
#4 Learn the art of physical relaxation: take about 15-20 min out of the end of your day and spend it relaxing and stretching in a comfortable chair. Coax your body and mind to relax. Try meditation...
A popular chant I like to say to clear my mind is: Be still and know that I am God
#5 Exercise: (I need to get back at it) It's one of the best antibiotics for burnout. Pick something that works best for you! Everyone is not supposed to be on that P90x or Taebo. Take a nice relaxing walk...
#6 Develop your own relief devices: Read a good book...go for a run.
#7 Find someone to share with: Shutting yourself off increases the problem rather than solving it. Find someone you trust to talk with.
I hope this helps someone that may feel like they are under a lot of stress/pressure. I know it is helping me. I was just in conversation with a friend about needing a mental break. There are some things I need to realign in my life, and I need to take more time for me. I was doing and as soon as I stopped, it was like a downward spiral...I pray this helps someone on today.
Have a blessed Tuesday Everyone!!!
Please keep the city of Baltimore in your prayers. A friend of mine is soliciting prayers for their city. Within a two week period during the month of May, 30 people were slain. One of which was a 12 year old boy. So pray for someone today.
I am praying for you!
Peace and Love
:: LA ::
Friday, June 10, 2011
Daily Devotion for 6/10/11 The Clock Is Ticking
Good Morning Folks! Happy Friday! Here is today's devotion!
Today's Topic: The Clock Is Ticking
Scripture Text: Psalms 31:14-15
I trust in you, O Lord . . . My times are in your hands.
I seem to spend a great deal of my day fighting against the clock. There are always more things to be done than hours in the day to do them. Sleeping, nurturing my marriage, and taking time with each of my children can't be done quickly. And it seems that before I've blinked, another day has gone. Often the tasks don't seem worth the time they consume. Little time seems to be left to do the things I really want to do.
I never expected life to look like this. As a teenager and young adult, I prayed that I wouldn't be average. I wanted to be different and to change the world. I didn't expect life to involve rushing around washing socks.
How relieved I am, therefore, to discover that God can and does make the ordinary extraordinary. Day by day, as I follow God's paths -- as I trust and obey -- I become more content. I've seen that however mundane some tasks may seem, small acts can have greater impact than anyone could have imagined. Who knows, for instance, how my children might change the world for God? What I do know is that God goes ahead of me and walks beside me. God is not restricted or pressured by clocks or calendars, and my times are in God's hands.
Jenny Sanders (Hampshire, England)
Prayer
Dear Father God, help us to know your peace as we walk through the days you have ordained for us. Amen.
Thought for the Day
When we obey in trust, God can use our small actions to accomplish much good.
Prayer Focus
Those who feel harried
Have a great and safe weekend. Sunday is Pentecost Sunday as well as Children's Day at Shiloh come on out and enjoy a wonderful service.
:: LA ::
Today's Topic: The Clock Is Ticking
Scripture Text: Psalms 31:14-15
I trust in you, O Lord . . . My times are in your hands.
I seem to spend a great deal of my day fighting against the clock. There are always more things to be done than hours in the day to do them. Sleeping, nurturing my marriage, and taking time with each of my children can't be done quickly. And it seems that before I've blinked, another day has gone. Often the tasks don't seem worth the time they consume. Little time seems to be left to do the things I really want to do.
I never expected life to look like this. As a teenager and young adult, I prayed that I wouldn't be average. I wanted to be different and to change the world. I didn't expect life to involve rushing around washing socks.
How relieved I am, therefore, to discover that God can and does make the ordinary extraordinary. Day by day, as I follow God's paths -- as I trust and obey -- I become more content. I've seen that however mundane some tasks may seem, small acts can have greater impact than anyone could have imagined. Who knows, for instance, how my children might change the world for God? What I do know is that God goes ahead of me and walks beside me. God is not restricted or pressured by clocks or calendars, and my times are in God's hands.
Jenny Sanders (Hampshire, England)
Prayer
Dear Father God, help us to know your peace as we walk through the days you have ordained for us. Amen.
Thought for the Day
When we obey in trust, God can use our small actions to accomplish much good.
Prayer Focus
Those who feel harried
Have a great and safe weekend. Sunday is Pentecost Sunday as well as Children's Day at Shiloh come on out and enjoy a wonderful service.
:: LA ::
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Daily Devotion for 6/7/11 Sowing Tears
Good Morning Folks. First I'd like to send out a sincere apology for negating my duty of sending out the daily devotion. Life should not be so busy that I forget to do the things God asks of me. I'm back! Here's today's devotion...
Today's Topic: Sowing Tears
Scripture Text: Psalms 126:5-6
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.
THIS year my youngest daughter received for her birthday a kit with all she needed to grow flowers. On a sunny day in June we filled the pot with soil, planted the seeds according to the instructions, and set it on our deck. Over the coming weeks we faithfully watered the plants, anticipating a colorful display of marigolds, cosmos, and zinnias. Slowly, we saw the transition from seed to seedling to bud to flower. It's hard to fathom how such a rich tapestry of color could come from such an unspectacular beginning. Seeds that were no more than gray flecks were the genesis of a rainbow of color -- green, blue, red, orange, and yellow.
The flowers reminded me of the words of Psalm 126 -- that our sorrows can be the seeds of joy, an un-wonderful beginning that brings a wonderful crop. The psalmist sings of God's redemption in bringing back captives and restoring their fortunes, taking them out of their captivity and deprivation. In sadness can be seeds that God will cultivate to grow a rainbow of joy.
Philip Huber (New York, USA)
Prayer
Dear God of all comfort, help us to rest in the hope that you will bring joy out of our sorrow. Amen.
Thought for the Day
God can transform sorrow to joy.
Prayer Focus
Those celebrating birthdays today
Have a blessed day everyone!!!
Love me some you!
:: LA ::
Today's Topic: Sowing Tears
Scripture Text: Psalms 126:5-6
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.
THIS year my youngest daughter received for her birthday a kit with all she needed to grow flowers. On a sunny day in June we filled the pot with soil, planted the seeds according to the instructions, and set it on our deck. Over the coming weeks we faithfully watered the plants, anticipating a colorful display of marigolds, cosmos, and zinnias. Slowly, we saw the transition from seed to seedling to bud to flower. It's hard to fathom how such a rich tapestry of color could come from such an unspectacular beginning. Seeds that were no more than gray flecks were the genesis of a rainbow of color -- green, blue, red, orange, and yellow.
The flowers reminded me of the words of Psalm 126 -- that our sorrows can be the seeds of joy, an un-wonderful beginning that brings a wonderful crop. The psalmist sings of God's redemption in bringing back captives and restoring their fortunes, taking them out of their captivity and deprivation. In sadness can be seeds that God will cultivate to grow a rainbow of joy.
Philip Huber (New York, USA)
Prayer
Dear God of all comfort, help us to rest in the hope that you will bring joy out of our sorrow. Amen.
Thought for the Day
God can transform sorrow to joy.
Prayer Focus
Those celebrating birthdays today
Have a blessed day everyone!!!
Love me some you!
:: LA ::
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