I know it has been since Oct. 10 since my last blog. A lot has been going on between now and then with my health and helping my parents. I will probably have to cut my devotions down to once to twice a month, but will still give inspirational posts on my Facebook site.
I know you all have heard of Joel Osteen. Some might have their opinion of him, but he does have some good material out there. I found a book several years ago that is a Daily Devotional by his mother, Dodie Osteen. It is entitled, "Choosing Life, One Day at a Time". She was healed of metastatic liver cancer in 1981.
In her introduction, her last paragraph says,"Whether you need healing in your body, family members to be saved, a marriage restored, to grow in your Christian walk, or to be made whole from a fragmented life, this book will help you. I encourage you to be assured that it is always God's will to save, heal, deliver, and prosper you as you continue to choose life...one day at a time."
I am going to share one of her devotions with you that is one of my favorites. It is entitled "Jesus Can Stop Your Storm".
"It is taken from Luke 8:24. This is where Jesus calms the storm. It actually begins in verse 22 where Jesus told His disciples to go to the other side of the lake with Him. Jesus fell asleep as they were traveling across. A storm of wind came down and filled the boat with water and they were in great danger. Then in verse 24 it says,"The disciples went and woke Him, saying, "Master,Master, we are going to drown".
Don't we do the same thing when we are faced with a crisis? We cry, "Where are you God? Why aren't You doing something?" Then Jesus asked the disciples, "Where is your faith?" (v.25) And that is the same question He asks us today. Where is our faith when we get bent out of shape over issues we could easily transfer to Him if only we were willing?"
She encourages us today that this same Jesus who calmed the stormy sea is still in charge of the rough waters you are facing. All you have to do is call upon Him, for He is a God of mercy, and He won't let you down. Remember, He will never leave you or forsake you. If He brings you to it, He'll bring you through it.
Blessings,
Beth
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
The Love of God
Dear Friends,
How I long for you to know without a doubt that nothing can separate us from the love of God and to rest in that truth. All the trials, tribulations, and persecutions that come into our lives are not meant to destroy us. We go through them to send us into His everlasting arms of love.
God's love for us is more than we could ever comprehend. God does not put these trials on us, but does allow things to happen because we are sinners by nature and gives us free choices. Going through trials make us stronger and learn lessons from them.
It reminds me of a great old hymn by George Young titled; "God Leads His Dear Children Along"
"In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water's cool flow bathes the weary one's feet,
Gos leads His dear children along.
Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long."
That is part of the song. Next time you are going through a crisis, remember it's down in the valley where He'll give you strength and there is nothing you have lost that He can't replace.
Get a glimpse of Jesus for He is always right there with you and He always knows what you need just when you need it.
Remember this when the next time you are in a trial. My preacher always said,"If you are not in a trial, you will go through a trial at some point, be in the middle of a trial, or coming out of a trial."
God will always be there to carry you for as long as you need. His arms are always open wide.
Blessings,
Beth
How I long for you to know without a doubt that nothing can separate us from the love of God and to rest in that truth. All the trials, tribulations, and persecutions that come into our lives are not meant to destroy us. We go through them to send us into His everlasting arms of love.
God's love for us is more than we could ever comprehend. God does not put these trials on us, but does allow things to happen because we are sinners by nature and gives us free choices. Going through trials make us stronger and learn lessons from them.
It reminds me of a great old hymn by George Young titled; "God Leads His Dear Children Along"
"In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water's cool flow bathes the weary one's feet,
Gos leads His dear children along.
Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long."
That is part of the song. Next time you are going through a crisis, remember it's down in the valley where He'll give you strength and there is nothing you have lost that He can't replace.
Get a glimpse of Jesus for He is always right there with you and He always knows what you need just when you need it.
Remember this when the next time you are in a trial. My preacher always said,"If you are not in a trial, you will go through a trial at some point, be in the middle of a trial, or coming out of a trial."
God will always be there to carry you for as long as you need. His arms are always open wide.
Blessings,
Beth
Monday, October 3, 2011
Do you Remember to Thank God?
For those of you on facebook, you have probably been seeing this on your friends post in a big box. It says,"What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?". WOW!! Would you have woke up this morning? I'm glad I did. Some mornings I wouldn't if God decided to make good on this statement.
When we pray, we do need to pray with a thankful heart. I Thessalonians 5:18 tells us,"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you". (KJV). I try to remember and start my prayers off with Thanksgiving first. God knows our hearts and what we are going to pray before we even ask. He wants us to be obedient and come to Him with a heart of Thanksving and our burdens we have and leave them with him.
We have a lot to be thankful for and in this world we live in today we must not leave God out and His many blessings He wants His children to have. When we get caught up in this world, we miss so many blessings when we take our eyes off Jesus. I struggle with this as I know many of you probably do too.
Let's remember to thank God for each day for all He has done for us which the greatest is, the sacrifice He made when He gave His one and only Son to die on a cruel cross on Calvery for our sins. But it doesn't stop there. He rose three days later so we can spend eternity with Him. That in itself, is cause
enough to give Him thanks for sacrificing His Son.
Next time you pray, remember to thank Him for all your blessings. You think you don't have blessings, if you are reading this, you are blessed.
God bless you today and always,
Beth
When we pray, we do need to pray with a thankful heart. I Thessalonians 5:18 tells us,"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you". (KJV). I try to remember and start my prayers off with Thanksgiving first. God knows our hearts and what we are going to pray before we even ask. He wants us to be obedient and come to Him with a heart of Thanksving and our burdens we have and leave them with him.
We have a lot to be thankful for and in this world we live in today we must not leave God out and His many blessings He wants His children to have. When we get caught up in this world, we miss so many blessings when we take our eyes off Jesus. I struggle with this as I know many of you probably do too.
Let's remember to thank God for each day for all He has done for us which the greatest is, the sacrifice He made when He gave His one and only Son to die on a cruel cross on Calvery for our sins. But it doesn't stop there. He rose three days later so we can spend eternity with Him. That in itself, is cause
enough to give Him thanks for sacrificing His Son.
Next time you pray, remember to thank Him for all your blessings. You think you don't have blessings, if you are reading this, you are blessed.
God bless you today and always,
Beth
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Relationships
Tomorrow, my grandmother is going to be 96-years young. She is my Dad's mother. She is the last grandparent I have left. I hope I got her genes. Her mother, my great-grandmother lived to be 102.
This is a different type of devotion in that it will be from my heart, than from a specific bible verse. I asked the Lord earlier today about my devotion. I have missed several days without posting one though I knew I wouldn't be able to post one everyday due to my health.
My grandmother's birthday came in my mind this afternoon as I was on my way to Hallmark. I thought, there's your devotion. Relationships.
Our Heavenly Father should be our first family relationship. Other family follows, then our friends.
How are your relationships with your family? Thinking of all that is going on today as families grow and separate through the 50 states, it is easy to lose touch. A lot are now in the military and serving overseas. Some never make it home alive.
I have had a lot of friends that are going through rough times these past several weeks. One had some serious heart conditions, one is sitting vigil by his dad's bedside waiting for his last good-bye. Today would have been my brother-in-law's nephew's 38th birthday. He died at age of 11 with a brain tumor.
If truth be known, we all are going through hurtful relationships that some, we as humans, believe are beyond repair. God can repair any relationship if we do our part. I am just as guilty in letting some relationships go, that perhaps, I should try and restore. We are all human and hold grudges we shouldn't. I am the first to admit that.
I would like to challenge each one, including myself, to take a look at the relationships you have with family and friends and with God's help we should strive to model after His example and mend them. Life is really short and we are not promised tomorrow.
We need to pray for one another and if you don't have a relationship with God first, then that is where you need to start. I'll pray for each person that reads this to make sure God is #1 in your life, for without Him, life has no meaning.
Blessings,
Beth
This is a different type of devotion in that it will be from my heart, than from a specific bible verse. I asked the Lord earlier today about my devotion. I have missed several days without posting one though I knew I wouldn't be able to post one everyday due to my health.
My grandmother's birthday came in my mind this afternoon as I was on my way to Hallmark. I thought, there's your devotion. Relationships.
Our Heavenly Father should be our first family relationship. Other family follows, then our friends.
How are your relationships with your family? Thinking of all that is going on today as families grow and separate through the 50 states, it is easy to lose touch. A lot are now in the military and serving overseas. Some never make it home alive.
I have had a lot of friends that are going through rough times these past several weeks. One had some serious heart conditions, one is sitting vigil by his dad's bedside waiting for his last good-bye. Today would have been my brother-in-law's nephew's 38th birthday. He died at age of 11 with a brain tumor.
If truth be known, we all are going through hurtful relationships that some, we as humans, believe are beyond repair. God can repair any relationship if we do our part. I am just as guilty in letting some relationships go, that perhaps, I should try and restore. We are all human and hold grudges we shouldn't. I am the first to admit that.
I would like to challenge each one, including myself, to take a look at the relationships you have with family and friends and with God's help we should strive to model after His example and mend them. Life is really short and we are not promised tomorrow.
We need to pray for one another and if you don't have a relationship with God first, then that is where you need to start. I'll pray for each person that reads this to make sure God is #1 in your life, for without Him, life has no meaning.
Blessings,
Beth
Saturday, September 24, 2011
What are Your Treasures?
Matt. 6:19-21,"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"
These last few days people have belly ached about how FB has gone too far with their changes. Let's all send them a message we do not like it. I admit I was right threre with everyone. Then I was reminded of the above verse. It is human to react as we did. But we really should be focusing on heaven bound treasures. There will not be FB in heaven, so let's make sure we are ready if the Lord were to come back tonight. Would you be ready? Do you know for sure you would go to heaven? If not, I would be focusing on how to become a born again Christian.
FB started out to be a social network where people could reconnect and share the joys of our lives and share pictures that mean a lot to us and thrilled to find old acquaintances or classmates and catch up. But here lately, it seems to have turned into airing everyone's dirty laundry including your own. Also reading things like the following: "Throwing words out to someone without saying their name, but you know who you are".
Let's step back and re-evaluate why we are on FB. Let's get back to sharing joy with each other. Counting on each other for love and support when we have health issues and deaths. You can still hide people and if you have such a problem with someone, unfriend them.
This was not intended to step on anyone's toes or say I'm better than anyone else. I am still a sinner and definitely not perfect and will never be. I hope I have challenged each one reading this to try and get back to enjoying this social network and support one another. We laugh together and share sorrow together. That is what I like about FB. I enjoying reading encouraging post and sharing encouragement with those on FB.
I thank Jesus for loving a sinner such as I and dying on the cross for my sins because I know I'll never be perfect but through the blood of Jesus, I am forgiven. If you are reading this, you are my friend and I care about you.
Blessings,
Beth
This was not intended to step on anyone's toes or say I'm better than anyone else. I am still a sinner and definitely not perfect and will never be. I hope I have challenged each one reading this to try and get back to enjoying this social network and support one another. We laugh together and share sorrow together. That is what I like about FB. I enjoying reading encouraging post and sharing encouragement with those on FB.
I thank Jesus for loving a sinner such as I and dying on the cross for my sins because I know I'll never be perfect but through the blood of Jesus, I am forgiven. If you are reading this, you are my friend and I care about you.
Blessings,
Beth
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Lost Sheep
I posted a passage on Facebook earlier in the month that some seem to like. It was John 10:27-29 (KJV). "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never parish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."
We are His sheep and He our Shepherd and cares for each one of us. We, as Christians are to tend to His sheep in today's world. Who are His sheep we are to care for? They are our neighbors. If just one is lost, we are to go to that neighbor and bring them to the the flock that know Him by His name. He cares for each person on this earth and wants them to have eternal life through Jesus Christ.
We have to be Jesus to our neighbors and friends and even strangers. We may be the only Jesus they will ever see. If only one out of 100 are lost, we are to be Jesus to that one and bring them to the flock and rejoice.
There is a song I remember singing when I was a child and my Dad use to sing it to me. I believe it can be found in an old Hymn book. The title was "The Ninety and Nine". I remember it going something like this:
"There were ninety and nine that safely lay in the shelter of the fold.
But one was out on the hills away, far off from the gates of gold.
Away on the mountains wild and bare.
Away from the tender Shepherd's care."
There were several other verses. But the message is: Will you be the one to go and get that lost sheep and bring it back to the fold. The Shepherd cares even if only one has wandered off.
Be Jesus to that lost sheep.
Blessings,
Beth
We are His sheep and He our Shepherd and cares for each one of us. We, as Christians are to tend to His sheep in today's world. Who are His sheep we are to care for? They are our neighbors. If just one is lost, we are to go to that neighbor and bring them to the the flock that know Him by His name. He cares for each person on this earth and wants them to have eternal life through Jesus Christ.
We have to be Jesus to our neighbors and friends and even strangers. We may be the only Jesus they will ever see. If only one out of 100 are lost, we are to be Jesus to that one and bring them to the flock and rejoice.
There is a song I remember singing when I was a child and my Dad use to sing it to me. I believe it can be found in an old Hymn book. The title was "The Ninety and Nine". I remember it going something like this:
"There were ninety and nine that safely lay in the shelter of the fold.
But one was out on the hills away, far off from the gates of gold.
Away on the mountains wild and bare.
Away from the tender Shepherd's care."
There were several other verses. But the message is: Will you be the one to go and get that lost sheep and bring it back to the fold. The Shepherd cares even if only one has wandered off.
Be Jesus to that lost sheep.
Blessings,
Beth
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Trials of Life
I need to confess I should have written a devotion last night, but I just didn't get around to it as I should have. God blessed me with such a good day. I spent most of it gone to a baby gathering and then to visit a friend who had outpatient surgery on Friday. Philip and I actually ate out last night and didn't get home till 9pm. Praise God for days like that.
So I promised Him I would do one today. Not been a bad day. I have had crickets with me, but we all survived the day. As I thought of what my devotion should be, I must admit I hacked into Philip's facebook and came across something one of his friends had quoted from a book titled, "Love Comes Softly". I hear the book is wonderful and should read it one day. I believe it is part of a series written by Janette Oke.
That was earlier in the day. As the day has gone on, I have had learned of friends diagnosed with Breast Cancer, a surgeon who suffered a stroke last night, another friend battling melanoma. In fact, there seems to be a ration of people diagnosed with that lately and other cancers in general. I think I have heard the word cancer more now than when I worked on the ambulance and dealt with cancer patients.
I could tell you of others that I recently found out they had cancer and I bet you could too. We always wonder why so many people go through so many trials in life, not just sickness, but a loss of a job because of the economy, death of a loved one. I could go on and on.
What I read earlier on Philip's post by author Janette Oke was, "The truth of God's love IS NOT that He allows bad things to happen, it's His PROMISE that He will be there with us when they do.
I know I have said in some of my other blogs that very promise in a different way. But it always comes back to the reality that God will always be with us if we will call on him and always seek His ways and not ours.
It reminds me of the song by Daniel W. Whittle, "Moment by Moment".
"Never a trial that He is not there,
Never a burden that He does not bear,
Never a sorrow He does not share,
Moment by Moment, we're under His care".
We don't always know why God allows trials to enter our lives, but we do know He intends to use them to heighten our maturity and deepen our faith. Lay them at Jesus' feet. He will carry them from there.
Blessings,
Beth
So I promised Him I would do one today. Not been a bad day. I have had crickets with me, but we all survived the day. As I thought of what my devotion should be, I must admit I hacked into Philip's facebook and came across something one of his friends had quoted from a book titled, "Love Comes Softly". I hear the book is wonderful and should read it one day. I believe it is part of a series written by Janette Oke.
That was earlier in the day. As the day has gone on, I have had learned of friends diagnosed with Breast Cancer, a surgeon who suffered a stroke last night, another friend battling melanoma. In fact, there seems to be a ration of people diagnosed with that lately and other cancers in general. I think I have heard the word cancer more now than when I worked on the ambulance and dealt with cancer patients.
I could tell you of others that I recently found out they had cancer and I bet you could too. We always wonder why so many people go through so many trials in life, not just sickness, but a loss of a job because of the economy, death of a loved one. I could go on and on.
What I read earlier on Philip's post by author Janette Oke was, "The truth of God's love IS NOT that He allows bad things to happen, it's His PROMISE that He will be there with us when they do.
I know I have said in some of my other blogs that very promise in a different way. But it always comes back to the reality that God will always be with us if we will call on him and always seek His ways and not ours.
It reminds me of the song by Daniel W. Whittle, "Moment by Moment".
"Never a trial that He is not there,
Never a burden that He does not bear,
Never a sorrow He does not share,
Moment by Moment, we're under His care".
We don't always know why God allows trials to enter our lives, but we do know He intends to use them to heighten our maturity and deepen our faith. Lay them at Jesus' feet. He will carry them from there.
Blessings,
Beth
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Pennies from Heaven
Earlier today I told the Lord I need to blog today. I must say my ears were not as quiet today as yesterday, but the Lord and I were doing just fine. I went about doing some more daily chores and ended up in my office for some much needed attention. Then I remembered I still had some laundry that I didn't finish yesterday. I put a load on and went back to my office.
A short while later I went back to the laundry room and hung all the clothes up on hangers. I always let mine air dry. Better on your clothes and dryer bill. I always look in the washer one last time to make sure I have gathered all my clothes and there lay 2 pennies. Granted, I'm sure those probably fell out of the pocket of an item I had just washed, and then, maybe not. As like yesterday, I suddenly thought, there's my topic. Pennies from heaven. Now I know some of you may be skeptical about this subject, but I am a true believer God sends pennies from heaven just when you need or ask Him for a sign that you are making a right decision or just need a lift at that moment.
Call me crazy, but I have had this happen to me too many times. It all started when I was younger and my mother and I use to walk a lot and go to a lot of places together. She would find a penny and say, "Thank you Lord". You would just have to know my mother and me. We were always looking for money whenever we went anywhere. But we got to talking about finding pennies and she told me they came from heaven. She never failed to find one when she needed one the most.
I started thinking about what she said and and it soon spread to the rest of the family. My sister is a strong believer in the meaning of finding pennies. Heads up or tails down. Means the same. People who say if you pick up a penny heads down, it means bad luck. No such thing. God doesn't work that way.
I can't tell you how many times in the past when I was at my lowest point in life or needing a sign from God, I would look down and there would be a penny. Sometimes in the most odd place you would think there is no way someone could have dropped one there.
There have been times I didn't get a penny right away, but in God's time when He wanted me to have one, there it would be. I have passed right by a spot before and just a few minutes later go back that same way and there would be a penny right in the middle of the sidewalk that I couldn't have missed the first time. No one else could have been by because I was in that vicinity the whole time.
Believe me or not, your choice. Next time you need a sign or just a pick me up, talk to God about sending you a penny. Just remember, you have to believe and it has to come from your heart.
Blessings,
Beth
A short while later I went back to the laundry room and hung all the clothes up on hangers. I always let mine air dry. Better on your clothes and dryer bill. I always look in the washer one last time to make sure I have gathered all my clothes and there lay 2 pennies. Granted, I'm sure those probably fell out of the pocket of an item I had just washed, and then, maybe not. As like yesterday, I suddenly thought, there's my topic. Pennies from heaven. Now I know some of you may be skeptical about this subject, but I am a true believer God sends pennies from heaven just when you need or ask Him for a sign that you are making a right decision or just need a lift at that moment.
Call me crazy, but I have had this happen to me too many times. It all started when I was younger and my mother and I use to walk a lot and go to a lot of places together. She would find a penny and say, "Thank you Lord". You would just have to know my mother and me. We were always looking for money whenever we went anywhere. But we got to talking about finding pennies and she told me they came from heaven. She never failed to find one when she needed one the most.
I started thinking about what she said and and it soon spread to the rest of the family. My sister is a strong believer in the meaning of finding pennies. Heads up or tails down. Means the same. People who say if you pick up a penny heads down, it means bad luck. No such thing. God doesn't work that way.
I can't tell you how many times in the past when I was at my lowest point in life or needing a sign from God, I would look down and there would be a penny. Sometimes in the most odd place you would think there is no way someone could have dropped one there.
There have been times I didn't get a penny right away, but in God's time when He wanted me to have one, there it would be. I have passed right by a spot before and just a few minutes later go back that same way and there would be a penny right in the middle of the sidewalk that I couldn't have missed the first time. No one else could have been by because I was in that vicinity the whole time.
Believe me or not, your choice. Next time you need a sign or just a pick me up, talk to God about sending you a penny. Just remember, you have to believe and it has to come from your heart.
Blessings,
Beth
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Does your Faith ever waiver?
For those of you who are following my blog, you know of my medical issues. Yesterday was one of those days I had to say, OK Lord. Carry me in your arms. My ears were really up. He is such a faithful God and never leaves you. When I was talking to Him today about what should my devotion be today, I was doing laundry and thinking how nice to have both ears very quiet today after yesterday. I thought how glorious it would be if this were my healing. Then it was as if the Lord spoke out loud, "Where is your faith my child"?
See, He always knows my next thought is, I am very thankful for my quiet days for I know they probably will be up to some degree the next day.
Wait!!!!
What happen to your Faith? O ye of little faith. I always then remember that verse in Matthew that talks about having little faith and all it takes is the faith the size of a mustard seed and you can move mountains.
What is your mountain? We all have them. Don't let your mountain take your faith away, tell your mountain how big your God is and tell that mountain to move and it will when you have faith in God. It might take some time. God's timing is not our timing. God's timing is ALWAYS right on time. Just keep the faith.
Another virtue I have learned on this journey with my ears is patience. I have never been one to be patient. But God has taught me so much about patience and is still teaching me how to be more patient. God has not given up on me yet and never will. He will do the same for you.
Have that faith of a mustard seed and give your mountains to God and be patient. I am going to work harder on keeping my eyes fixed on my Heavenly Father as the child of His I am. Doubt is of the devil. Don't give in to him.
I want to end with a quotation from one of my favorite author's, Robert J. Morgan. "God allows our faith to be tried, and He permits troubles to crowd into our lives. Sometimes they seem more than we can bear, but Christ can bear them". He will carry you too. All you have to do is ask and have that child-like faith.
Blessings,
Beth
See, He always knows my next thought is, I am very thankful for my quiet days for I know they probably will be up to some degree the next day.
Wait!!!!
What happen to your Faith? O ye of little faith. I always then remember that verse in Matthew that talks about having little faith and all it takes is the faith the size of a mustard seed and you can move mountains.
What is your mountain? We all have them. Don't let your mountain take your faith away, tell your mountain how big your God is and tell that mountain to move and it will when you have faith in God. It might take some time. God's timing is not our timing. God's timing is ALWAYS right on time. Just keep the faith.
Another virtue I have learned on this journey with my ears is patience. I have never been one to be patient. But God has taught me so much about patience and is still teaching me how to be more patient. God has not given up on me yet and never will. He will do the same for you.
Have that faith of a mustard seed and give your mountains to God and be patient. I am going to work harder on keeping my eyes fixed on my Heavenly Father as the child of His I am. Doubt is of the devil. Don't give in to him.
I want to end with a quotation from one of my favorite author's, Robert J. Morgan. "God allows our faith to be tried, and He permits troubles to crowd into our lives. Sometimes they seem more than we can bear, but Christ can bear them". He will carry you too. All you have to do is ask and have that child-like faith.
Blessings,
Beth
Monday, September 12, 2011
God, our Rock
As I woke this morning, thanking God that the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 had brought no more sadness like that day 10 years ago. I thought of the families and workers that were affected that day.
We are living in the midst of a violent, sinful, unstable society. It is imperative that we build our lives on the Rock, who is God, and take refuge in him daily. If we do this, we can find ourselves able to handle whatever problems come our way. The devil is constantly working to destroy any stability we might have in God.
2 Samuel 22:2-4 says, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and my horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior from violent men you save me. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies".
As we go forward in this world full of uncertainties, let's remember God, is our Rock, our shield and protector in whom we all can turn to every day.
Blessings,
Beth
We are living in the midst of a violent, sinful, unstable society. It is imperative that we build our lives on the Rock, who is God, and take refuge in him daily. If we do this, we can find ourselves able to handle whatever problems come our way. The devil is constantly working to destroy any stability we might have in God.
2 Samuel 22:2-4 says, "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and my horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior from violent men you save me. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies".
As we go forward in this world full of uncertainties, let's remember God, is our Rock, our shield and protector in whom we all can turn to every day.
Blessings,
Beth
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Where was God on 9/11/2001?
All I have been reading in the paper and hearing on the news this week, is the coverage of the upcoming 10th anniversary of 9/11. News is even playing again the actual footage and interviewing those who survived. 9/11. That is all we have to say and everyone knows what that means. If I were to do a survey, I bet everyone could tell me in a second what they were doing when they heard the news. I was watching Good Morning America when they broke in live. I was in the kitchen washing dishes and watching it on my little TV. I just stood there in disbelief. The more I watched the worse it got. How did terrorists take over so many planes in such a short period. Are we going to continue to let terrorists take what freedoms we have left? God where are you? We need you.
He is where He always is, on His Throne. How could He sit there and cause something so awful to happen to good people? It makes no sense. Right?
He didn't cause this to happen. He allowed it to perhaps because we have taken Him out of everything else. We took Him out of the schools, took His commandments and threw them out of Goverment buildings like they were trash. Trying to get "One Nation under God" out of the Pledge of Alligance, and even wanting "In God we Trust" off the money we spend. A new book that came out this past Christmas titled "Charlie Brown's Christmas" left out the part where Linus tells what the true meaning of Christmas is. People tried a few years ago to make it Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. They were afraid they would offend someone or their religion. What is Merry Xmas? I'm sure I could go on and on.
God will eventually get our attention if we continue to leave Him out of everything. You think 9/11 could have been one of those occassions? Think about the wars it has caused in the last 10 years. It reminds me that Freedom is NOT FREE; it is bought and paid for by the blood of those who chose to lay their life down for our country. Wars have been going on for years.
It reminds me that our TRUE freedom comes from God whose Son Jesus shed His blood long ago on a hill called Calvery on a cruel cross beaten and mocked so that we might be free, free indeed.
9/11 falls on a Sunday this year. My prayer is that those who can be in church be there down on your knees thanking God for all He has done and the sacifrice He made all those years ago giving up His only Son for a freedom we could never pay back.
Remember the old hymn, "Have Faith in God, He's on His throne; Have faith in God, He watches o'er His own; He cannot fail, He must prevail; Have faith in God, have faith in God".
Blessings,
Beth
He is where He always is, on His Throne. How could He sit there and cause something so awful to happen to good people? It makes no sense. Right?
He didn't cause this to happen. He allowed it to perhaps because we have taken Him out of everything else. We took Him out of the schools, took His commandments and threw them out of Goverment buildings like they were trash. Trying to get "One Nation under God" out of the Pledge of Alligance, and even wanting "In God we Trust" off the money we spend. A new book that came out this past Christmas titled "Charlie Brown's Christmas" left out the part where Linus tells what the true meaning of Christmas is. People tried a few years ago to make it Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. They were afraid they would offend someone or their religion. What is Merry Xmas? I'm sure I could go on and on.
God will eventually get our attention if we continue to leave Him out of everything. You think 9/11 could have been one of those occassions? Think about the wars it has caused in the last 10 years. It reminds me that Freedom is NOT FREE; it is bought and paid for by the blood of those who chose to lay their life down for our country. Wars have been going on for years.
It reminds me that our TRUE freedom comes from God whose Son Jesus shed His blood long ago on a hill called Calvery on a cruel cross beaten and mocked so that we might be free, free indeed.
9/11 falls on a Sunday this year. My prayer is that those who can be in church be there down on your knees thanking God for all He has done and the sacifrice He made all those years ago giving up His only Son for a freedom we could never pay back.
Remember the old hymn, "Have Faith in God, He's on His throne; Have faith in God, He watches o'er His own; He cannot fail, He must prevail; Have faith in God, have faith in God".
Blessings,
Beth
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
God's Love for Us. Do you know that Love?
I was reading through 1 John today and came to Chapter 4 where it talks about God's Love. What better way to explain it than God's word. So if you will allow me to share his word with you today. 1 John 4:7-12 NIV.
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us."
That sounds familiar doesn't it? Remember John 3:16 that we all memorized growing up? "For God so loved the world He gave His one and only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Do you know that kind of Love. The kind that can only come from God. It comes unconditionally.
When I first started this devotion, I guess I took for granted that most who would read this would be born again Christians and understand what the above verses mean. Maybe you are a church goer and a good person. But do you really know this God and what he did for you and me? Do you have this Jesus living in your heart?
We know we were born sinners and the bible tells us the wages of sin is death. But it does not have to stop there in your life. You can have life eternal with Jesus. All you have to do is admit you are a sinner.
Romans 10:9-10 says "If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved". (NIV)
Ephesians 2:8 says "We are saved by grace through faith, not of works". It is a free gift from God for you to take. Faith is trusting in Jesus. Do you ever stop and think before you sit in a chair? No, most of us just take for granted that chair is going to hold us up and we just sit down. Well, my friend, what you just did was have faith and trust that the chair was going to hold you up. That is the kind of Faith you need in trusting in God and accepting that He gave His only son, Jesus, to pay for our sins.
Romans 10:13 says,"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
So the last step is asking Jesus to save you by praying the sinner's prayer. It is simple and should come from your heart. You simply acknowledge Jesus is God's son and that he died on the cross and was raised 3 days later. Acknowledge you have sinned and need forgiveness and be willing to turn from your sins and ask Jesus to come into your heart to liveas your Savior and Lord. Thank Him for saving you in Jesus' name. Amen. You then will receive the Holy Spirit to empower you and guide you in the direction you are to go. To encourage you, help you make the right decisions. To live in every area of your life and comfort you.
When I started today's devotion, my intentions were not ending with the plan of salvation. But God laid on my heart that this needs to be addressed first, or my devotions could be meaningless to some who read if you do not know this Jesus. If you would like to know more I would be glad to mail you a witness tract and talk with you if you feel God tugging at your heart. He loves you more than you can ever imagine and I could not live each day without Him. Message me if you are reading this on FaceBook or e-mail at justcats@eplus.net and I'll be glad to mail you the booklet. It is be the best thing you could ever do for yourself. Securing an eternal life with Jesus.
God Bless,
Beth
"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us."
That sounds familiar doesn't it? Remember John 3:16 that we all memorized growing up? "For God so loved the world He gave His one and only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Do you know that kind of Love. The kind that can only come from God. It comes unconditionally.
When I first started this devotion, I guess I took for granted that most who would read this would be born again Christians and understand what the above verses mean. Maybe you are a church goer and a good person. But do you really know this God and what he did for you and me? Do you have this Jesus living in your heart?
We know we were born sinners and the bible tells us the wages of sin is death. But it does not have to stop there in your life. You can have life eternal with Jesus. All you have to do is admit you are a sinner.
Romans 10:9-10 says "If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved". (NIV)
Ephesians 2:8 says "We are saved by grace through faith, not of works". It is a free gift from God for you to take. Faith is trusting in Jesus. Do you ever stop and think before you sit in a chair? No, most of us just take for granted that chair is going to hold us up and we just sit down. Well, my friend, what you just did was have faith and trust that the chair was going to hold you up. That is the kind of Faith you need in trusting in God and accepting that He gave His only son, Jesus, to pay for our sins.
Romans 10:13 says,"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
So the last step is asking Jesus to save you by praying the sinner's prayer. It is simple and should come from your heart. You simply acknowledge Jesus is God's son and that he died on the cross and was raised 3 days later. Acknowledge you have sinned and need forgiveness and be willing to turn from your sins and ask Jesus to come into your heart to liveas your Savior and Lord. Thank Him for saving you in Jesus' name. Amen. You then will receive the Holy Spirit to empower you and guide you in the direction you are to go. To encourage you, help you make the right decisions. To live in every area of your life and comfort you.
When I started today's devotion, my intentions were not ending with the plan of salvation. But God laid on my heart that this needs to be addressed first, or my devotions could be meaningless to some who read if you do not know this Jesus. If you would like to know more I would be glad to mail you a witness tract and talk with you if you feel God tugging at your heart. He loves you more than you can ever imagine and I could not live each day without Him. Message me if you are reading this on FaceBook or e-mail at justcats@eplus.net and I'll be glad to mail you the booklet. It is be the best thing you could ever do for yourself. Securing an eternal life with Jesus.
God Bless,
Beth
Monday, September 5, 2011
Labor Day
Today is Labor Day. Suppose to be a day of rest for the working people. I googled it and read some history about Labor Day. Believe it or not, the first Labor Day was declared on Sept. 5, 1882, by the Central Labor Union of New York. Oregon was the first state to make it a holiday in 1887. The rest is history.
So every first Monday of September is declared a Labor Day holiday. We all can't wait to have one last holiday which has become known as the end of summer. One last vacation.
Did you know the Lord created a day of rest? He calls His the Sabbath Day. In Exodus 20:8-part of 10, it reads, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work." Verse 11 ends by saying, "Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." This is one of the 10 commandments.
WOW! Talking about stepping on some toes, including mine. We have slowly gotten away from that commandment year by year till all the days seem to run together. Sure on Sunday you may go to church, but what do you do with the rest of the day? I will be the first to admit I'm right there with the rest of you.
Some Christians have become so caught up in the things of this world that they have forgotten God created a seventh day for us to rest and enjoy the beauty of His creation.
I certainly didn't write this to offend anyone. It just seem appropriate since this is Labor Day, a day of rest for the working people, to be mindful that God commanded a day of rest for His people. So whatever day your Sabbath day is, just remember God created it for us to keep it holy.
Blessings,
Beth
So every first Monday of September is declared a Labor Day holiday. We all can't wait to have one last holiday which has become known as the end of summer. One last vacation.
Did you know the Lord created a day of rest? He calls His the Sabbath Day. In Exodus 20:8-part of 10, it reads, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work." Verse 11 ends by saying, "Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." This is one of the 10 commandments.
WOW! Talking about stepping on some toes, including mine. We have slowly gotten away from that commandment year by year till all the days seem to run together. Sure on Sunday you may go to church, but what do you do with the rest of the day? I will be the first to admit I'm right there with the rest of you.
Some Christians have become so caught up in the things of this world that they have forgotten God created a seventh day for us to rest and enjoy the beauty of His creation.
I certainly didn't write this to offend anyone. It just seem appropriate since this is Labor Day, a day of rest for the working people, to be mindful that God commanded a day of rest for His people. So whatever day your Sabbath day is, just remember God created it for us to keep it holy.
Blessings,
Beth
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Spiritual Gifts
This is new for me so bare with me as I begin a new chapter in my life. A blog. Never thought I would do this as I am dangerous around computers. For a while now I have felt there was something more I needed to give back and not keep to myself. My Spiritual Gift.
I'm calling my blog, Daily Devotion. I need to give you some history about how this blog came to be. I am a born again Christian that was saved at an early age. I have had bumps in my life that set me back like everyone else. We are NOT perfect and will never be. Since 1979 all of my jobs have been in the medical field. Currently I am a licensed paramedic and worked on the ambulance and also taught at our local college in the EMT/Paramedic Program for about ten years. I am a member of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson since 1987.
I have been married for 27 years to the most wonderful Christian man who swept me off my feet in EMT school in 1982. He just didn't know it at the time. For the most part, life has been good for me. Grew up in a Christian home with two wonderful parents that set an example of a Christian life. I have a great older sister and a younger brother who means the world to me and are great Christian influences in my life.
One Sunday, when my preacher delivered a sermon on spiritual gifts which we are all given when we become a child of God's, I knew mine was Serving. I was always so humbled when I saw a need and was able to help with that need in whatever resources it required. I thought I had it all. Life was great. I loved my job. Loved going to church and worshiping with all my brothers and sisters in Christ and always enjoyed fellowship with my friends by going to the movies, ballgames, traveling on vacations, etc. Then all of a sudden WHAM. I hit the biggest bump I had ever experienced.
I woke up on a May morning with numbness and tingling in both of my hands and arms up to my shoulder. I brushed it off for a few weeks and it was still there. Long story short, I had the worse whiplash you could have from a wreck in the late 90's from a vacation in Boston where we were rear-ended by a hit-and-run driver. Had no idea till that May morning how drastic my life was going to change.
Had MRI in June of 2004 which revealed my 5th vertebrae in my neck was pressing on my spinal cord and causing blood to cease flowing to that area. The Doctor couldn't give me any guarantee I could be fixed or not paralyzed. The numbness had already spread from my waist to my feet. Was rushed to surgery and when I woke, I was not paralyzed, but still had all my numbness. I praised God that I was still able to walk and have my motor function. No pain. Just about 65% of my body numb. I continued teaching till December 2005. Took two more neck surgeries to get my neck all straightened out. I was ready for a break and to just enjoy my hobbies.
All was going well until Memorial Day week-end 2006. I started hearing crickets. Yes crickets. I found out the medical term is Tinnitus. I said ok Lord, what is going on. I can't live with this. I went to two ear specialists and had every test possible including an MRI and no physical reason could be found for having this. To add to it, I would have to have the kind also known as hyperacusis. Meaning sounds are amplified louder if I get around loud noises. I was devastated to say the least when all I got was, "you will have to learn to live with it". I wasn't going to have that. But five years later, guess what, I still have it. I won't say I have learned to live with it, but I have, for the most part, learned to cope with it.
By the Grace of God which is sufficient, and the many prayers from my friends and family, I do get through each day. God is so good. I have to admit I was very angry at God for a while. How could he allow something like this to happen to me and cut me completely off from my social world. And worst of all, CHURCH! I couldn't go anywhere there was noise. No ballgames. No movies. No eating out at night when resturants are packed and playing music. How could He not want me in His House of Worship on Sunday's?
WHY ME?
WHY ME?
Why not me. I'm no different from anyone else. Why, God gave up His ONLY son to die on a cruel cross for ME and you. I'm not worthy of that. But that is how much He loves me. I am fortunate that the noise does fluctuate where some days believe it or not, they are quiet. (use ear plugs then if needed) Some days tolerable. Some days I can't leave the house for they are already very loud. I have to be careful on days they are low because of the hyperacusis. External noise will make them louder by the end of the day.
I know this is long. They will not always be this long, but I felt you needed some history about who I am and how going through all these medical conditions has strengthen my faith and walk with Jesus although there are still days I take my eyes off of Him and He ALWAYS brings me back into the fold as He is my Shepard, and I His sheep.
I have felt God working on me how I could still use my talents for Him from the house. A Devotion Blog. I can't promise one every day, but will blog every day the Lord gives me the strength and wisdom. I believe this is enough for one day. I will begin tomorrow with what God has done for me in the last five years. I am on facebook and plan on having it on there too for those that are my friends. Should be on my profile page.
Lastly, I would like to leave you with one of my favorite verses.
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me". KJV
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