Read:
2 Chronicles 15:7 -"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."
Hebrews 10:35-36- " So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."
1 John 2:25- " And this is what He promised us-even eternal life."
1Thessalonians 1:3- " We continually remember before our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
Galatians 6:9- "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Refresh:
It is now 1:10 am and I have had an unusually busy day. In spite of that fact, I am still going strong and the only logical explanation for that is I am being rewarded by my Father. Not necessarily because I deserve it. I'm pretty positive that I don't. But, because I have been excited today about all the opportunities I am getting to serve Him! Every day of my life is busy. That's for certain. Today I just feel like I got a little more accomplished than usual. I think it is because I set out first thing this morning to do my very best for God and serve Him all I could. I try to do that every day, but my intentions often get sidetracked by reality. Today, I just made a conscious decision not to let ANYTHING get in my way.
I wonder how often have I missed the things He had in store for me by getting caught up in my own agenda. Today held some trying things for me. It probably has for you as well. What was different about today, though, is that I didn't let those things blow me out of the water. I held firm in the belief that God had orchestrated every second of my day and He was going to lead me through the tough spots just as easily as I was gliding through the smooth spots. It's funny, the unexpected bumps in the road didn't even seem problematic to me at all. I can't remember that EVER happening to me.....EVER. If you know anything about me at all, you know that I get upset over little things like spilled cheese, red dirt stains on the clean carpet, or dirty socks left in conspicuous places for all the world to see. Today I even had three customers show up at the same time in my beauty salon ( two that I had forgotten were coming) and I just went right on with the flow and never even missed a beat! That HAD to be God! It certainly was NOT me.
I made a vow to God and to myself, that this year, I was going to relax my mind a little more and trust God to take care of all the details. I made a vow to put Him first in every single, minute speck of my life. I have made a lot of New Year's vows over my 43 years, but I think I am sticking to this one. I have seen the fruit of it today. I am being rewarded with a "well-done" from my Father. It feels good. I know I helped some others have a brighter day today and because of that, I know they saw Jesus in me. That feels good.
Today I have endured and my confidence is boosted in a spiritual way. I know it has all come from God; having nothing to do with me other than the fact that I chose to trust Him today. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 lays out the blueprint for this day and, I hope, all my days to follow. I had faith that He would guide me through my work. I felt a love and appreciation for every person I was with in my labor today. I saw my endurance stay strong because of my hope in Christ and the strength that came abundantly to me from Him because I set out intentionally this morning to do His will and His alone.
Try it tomorrow. Maybe you can start today. Persevere in Christ Jesus. Endure by His promises. Don't grow weary. Trust Him with the details. And, when the day is over, sit back and feel His great love for you; His arms around you. That is your harvest.
Pray:
Father God, I thank you so much for allowing me to feel your presence in such a strong way today. It feels so good to finally let go and give it all to You. What a release from burden that is! May every person reading these words feel that release and reap the harvest of Your great promises. May we all remember to let You hold all that is ours, because it belongs to you anyway. When we allow you to carry it, We can do so much more work on Your behalf. Show us our purpose for each day as it comes and remind us to keep Your agenda instead of our own. In Jesus precious name, Amen!
Love and Blessings,
Starr
Do you hear What I hear? The sounds of Christmas are everywhere! Christmas songs are on the radio, commercials on television, children asking for every toy they see in every store they walk into. I love it! I was listening to the radio while getting ready this morning and thought how great it was to hear actual mention of my Savior's name time and time again on a station that would otherwise never even dare to say such controversial words. After all, people might get offended at the mere mention of the name of Jesus. Let alone, actually referring to Him as the Savior of the world. But, there it was, loud and clear! His name all over the airways! Do you hear what I hear?
He will bring us goodness and light, the song says. What does that mean, really? Do you think anyone even pays attention to the words of those popular Christmas songs they sing so freely? If they did, the world would probably be a much better place. Not only if they listened, but if they kept the Christmas spirit all year long. All that is anyway is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of peace. This is the one time of year people invite Him into their homes and hearts freely without ever giving it a second thought. That is why there is so much joy this time of year, don't you think? That special little baby boy born so long ago brought much goodness and light into this dark world. It was dark even then. Still is, but He bursts right through the darkness if we only invite Him. Goodness is a fruit of the spirit. Light isn't mentioned in Galatians 5, but goodness and light go hand-in-hand, I believe. You can't have one without the other.
The night He was born, a tremendous light beckoned all to come to Him. He was the light! He brought the light! What a perfect way to show His divine goodness; His perfection. The night would have been dark without His presence. He does the same for our lives. Oh, how dark it would be without Him. That is a darkness I never want to experience. My prayer is that no one would ever have to experience it, but many do. What a gift to our world that baby boy was. I truly believe that Jesus' appearance here with us is a perfect example of Psalm 118:27. It says, " The Lord is God and He has made His light shine upon us." Jesus was God come down in the flesh, shining on us all His goodness and love. That night there were songs of praise, just as there are today. Songs proclaiming His goodness. Psalm 145:7 says, " They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness." Do you hear what I hear? That is what is happening right now all around us on this earth. An earth that so often ignores that goodness; doesn't recognize that light. The goodness and light that can only come from Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. It is being proclaimed through the airwaves on a daily basis during this holiday season. If only that could last all year long!
How can we acknowledge His great goodness and the awesome life-changing effect His light has had on us? Can we make this Christmas joy last all year? Psalm 116:12 exclaims, 'How can I repay the Lord for all His goodness to me?" The psalmist continues with the answer for us. Verse 14 says, " I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of His people." That is our outlet for spreading His goodness and light throughout the world in His name. Galatians 5:22 tells us of the fruits of the spirit. "But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Those fruits are evidence that we belong to Him. If we practice those attributes every day, just as our Savior did, we can't help but spread His goodness and light! Let that be our vow to the Lord: that we will bear delectable fruit every day of our lives. That is how the world will know we are followers of that great light. That is how we can show His goodness to those hurting or in need. They will be drawn to us because of our expressions of Him. Do you hear what I hear? Approaching footsteps of the inhabitants of darkness, eager to find the light. Ready to spread that goodness? I am!
Thank you Father, for sending us your only son that we may see and experience first-hand how blessed we can be in His presence. Thank you for His light that bathes us in His goodness and envelopes us with his love. We want so desperately to be carriers of that light so that others can experience the wonder of Him. Help us to accomplish that in your name. Amen.
Love and Blessings,
Starr LaPradd
After writing the above devotion that was actually inspired by this song, I came upon the following story, which includes the words of the song, as well as the writer's explanation of it. How amazing that God opened my eyes to see the picture of peace and love that could overcome the earth through Christ if we would only spread it around. That is, after all, what the songwriters had in mind all along!
Read and Enjoy!
Said the night wind to the little lamb,
do you see what I see
Way up in the sky, little lamb,
do you see what I see
A star, a star, dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite
Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy,
do you hear what I hear
A song, a song, high above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea
Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,
do you know what I know
In your palace warm, mighty king,
do you know what I know
A Child, a Child shivers in the cold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Let us bring Him silver and gold
Said the king to the people everywhere,
listen to what I say
Pray for peace, people everywhere!
listen to what I say.
The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light
The History of Do You Hear What I Hear
Taken from:
http://www.answers.com/topic/do-you-hear-what-i-hear-vocal-classical-work
"Noel Regney (1922-2002) was a Frenchman trained as a classical composer who was drafted into the German army in World War II. He deserted and joined the French Resistance. After the war ended, Regney joined the French Overseas Radio Service and worked out of French Indochina until moving to Manhattan in 1952. He met Gloria Shayne while she was working as a pianist in a hotel dinning room and married her a month later. With Regney writing the music and Shayne the lyrics, the pair had a string of successful songs in late '50s and early '60s, including "Dominique" in 1963 by Soeur Sourire, the Singing Nun.
Regney and Shayne wrote "Do You Hear What I Hear" in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Regney drew the image of Jesus as a newborn lamb from Matthew 2:9 and 2:11 and took his lyrics to his wife to set in the reverse of their usual practice. But while it is often taken for a Christmas carol, for Regney and Shayne "Do You Hear What I Hear" is a hymn to peace.
"I am amazed that people can think they know the song," Regney later said, "and not know it was a prayer for peace." Although the song has been recorded by Bing Crosby and Perry Como and over 120 others, Regney and Shayne's favorite recording was Robert Goulet's 1963 recording for its dramatic delivery and his climatic "Pray for peace, people everywhere." ~ All Music Guide"s
July 2007
Everyone reaches for happiness. In our world today, it is almost an unattainable goal. We grasp at it daily, stretching with all our might, but we never can quite get a hold on it. Sure, every now and then we may touch the tip of it and think, "WOW! This is really it! If I could only just reach a little higher, I could really be satisfied." One little taste serves to make us hunger for more.
Maybe our view of what makes true happiness is slightly distorted. actually, happiness and fulfillment are all around us if we have the Lord in our lives. It isn't out of reach at all. We just seldom fully enjoy it because we are too busy looking for more. There must always be more. The world has trained us to see it that way. There will always be someone who has more and seems happier, but nothing is ever exactly as it seems except the love and purity of God.
How about what the Psalmist says in Psalm 16;5-6: "Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; Surely I have a delightful inheritance".
God is all we need. He is our provider. He has given us each a pleasant share of life! Our part of life is beautiful! Colossians 3:2 says: "Set your mind on things above. Not on earthly things".
Focus on HIM! We can be happy because God loves us and has given us a purpose in life. If I can live my life in praise to the Lord and with contentment in the miracle of His love, then and only then can my heart overflow with genuine joy every moment along the journey!
Precious Father, Thank You for Your provision. Open my heart to receive the blessing of happiness that You are surrounding me with even NOW at this very moment!
May I not get too busy along the way that I miss what You have already given me.
Have a Tremendously Blessed Fourth of July Holiday!!!
Love and Blessings,
Starr LaPradd*
May 2007
READ: A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and
loving favor rather than silver and gold. ( Proverbs 22:1)
READ: Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and
worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but
as wise (sensible, intelligent people). ( Ephesians 5:15
AMP)
REFRESH: Over a one month period of time, my family and I had visited
the funeral home more times than I cared to count. Two of
the deaths were sudden and extremely shocking to us all. I
think the unexpected loss of life is one of the hardest
burdens to bear.
During my attendance at those funeral services, it was
obvious how many lives had been affected by the vivacious
love and generosity of these two souls; One of which I knew
much better than the other. But, I was greatly influenced by
each.
Both were Christians. Both were at prime points in their
lives. One had just gotten married and the other had just
become a grandparent. Both were loving, selfless, caring
individuals. They made positive choices and lived good lives
that produced much fruit. Perfect examples of Luke 1:6- "And
they both were righteous in the sight of God, walking
blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the
Lord".
Of course, I questioned why..... Why would these people be
taken from us? They were a gift to our world. There aren't
enough people like them around. What could be the purpose in
removing them from our midst? Only God knows that answer.
But, more importantly, I began thinking about the mark they
left behind. Their lives may have been cut short by our
standards, but while they were here, they certainly made a
profound impact on many people. Their presence on earth will
be missed and a deep impression has been left by their
footprints.
I can look back over my life and see many people who left a
mark on me. They made choices that led them into my life and
I am a better person because of their influence. It is
really awesome when you think about how your choices can
change the course of not only our own lives, but the lives
of every other person we come into contact with.
If I had not decided to sell cosmetics several years ago, I
may never have net one of my most special friends. If I
hadn't been riding in a car with my cousin 28 years ago on a
Friday night, I may have never known my husband. If I had
allowed my fear to keep me from stepping out in faith, I
wouldn't have the Work-At-Home job I have today that allows
me to stay with my children. If I hadn't decided to check
the Internet on a whim, I may have never found the house my
family and I had dreamed of and our entire life would have
taken a different path!
I met my closest friend because I followed God's leading to
volunteer to serve in my church's library. The list could go
on infinitely!
I started to wonder how many lives I have made a mark on. Am
I making a difference in the world? Is it a brighter place
because I am in it? I'm not sure, but I am striving to reach
that goal. I'm just thankful to have known so many precious
people over the years who have laid out their lives as an
example to me. It's exciting to think of the ones I have yet
to meet! May we all learn from those who have left a
positive footprint on our path.
Someday, I hope there will be lots of folks who will say
they were glad to have known me; That my choices DID make a
difference. Then I'll know that I walked in the divine path
of The One who left the most influential footprints of all!
REFORM: Lord, today is my only possession. Help me to
remember that I cannot live a positive life if I have a
negative mind. I pray that You may guide all my choices so I
can leave behind a positive legacy that leads others to You.
In Jesus' Name, Amen!!
Blessings,
Starr LaPradd
March 2007
READ: II Timothy 1:12b- I am positively persuaded that He is able to guard and keep that which has been entrusted to me and which I have committed to him until that day.
READ: Isaiah 40:11- He will feed His flock like a shepherd: He will gather the lambs in His arms, He will carry them in His bosom and will gently lead those that have their young.
READ: I Timothy 4:12- Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love in faith and in purity.
REFRESH:Two years ago, while going through my old high school momentos, I came across an awesome discovery! I found a handwritten letter I had addressed to myself back when I was in high school. I had written this letter and placed it in my high school senior memory book in hopes that I would one day find it and be reminded of the feelings I had at that tender age. I have no recollection of writing it at all, But it is definitely a word in due season, as I am now the parent of a teenager. The words I had penned almost 30 years earlier were wise beyond my own realization when they were written. It did help me tremendously to read it at this time in my life. Following is the content of that letter:
Dear Starr,
These next few sentences may be very important for you to remember in the future years. It will help you with your children and the young people that surround you. You must think of now, when you are only 16, but no longer a child; of your needs of freedom and independence. Decisions can be made by you, and even though adult help is needed, it should never be forced. Remember how much you need to be loved, but not owned. Try to give as much freedom as possible, within certain limits. Time to create memories must be allowed. Without memories, there would be nothing to look back upon. Boundaries should not be so restrictive that the best things out of life are forbidden. Things like ballgames, dating, going out with friends. Also remember how you felt when your free time was limited to only 2 days a week. Every day isn't too much, as long as certain rules are obeyed. Remember, self, that time is the largest part of growing up. There is never enough of it to spend just finding out who you are and what you want out of life. When the future appears to you, always remember these things.
Never Forget! Love, self
Back to now:
Maybe our teenagers know more that we think they do. I think the thing they would like their parents to give them the most is understanding; True remembrance of how we felt at that age and real support to be there when they need us most. Allowance to find their path in life and help to pursue it. It's ok if they make mistakes. What better way to learn that their decisions have consequences? I'm so glad God, in His wisdom, so long ago lead me to speak such truth to myself as a future parent. Go hug your teenager and respectfully and unconditionally love them on toward their life's purpose.
REFORM: Thank you Father for showing me how to be a better parent. How amazing that You have shown me in such an unexpected way that the freedoms that You allow for us, Your children, should be passed on to our own children. Help me to remember that You love my children even more than I do, which is totally hard for me as a mom to even fathom, but it's true. You will always be with them, even when I can't be. Thank You for that peace. And, thank you for the wonderful gifts you have given me in my kids. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
REFLECT: Entrust your children unto the Father and Your stress in raising them will be greatly relieved.
Blessings and have a great day,
Starr*
March 2007
READ: Psalm 32:8-9- I, The Lord, will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like the horse or the mule which lack understanding; which must have their mouths held firm with bit and bridle, or else they will not come with you.
READ: Proverbs 15:10- Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.
REFRESH: One beautiful morning I was home alone enjoying a peaceful breakfast. The house was quiet and I could hear the sounds of nature echoing from outdoors. As I sat at my table basking in the glow of solitude, I was suddenly distracted by lots of movement outside my front window. Curiously, I walked over to investigate. Through the glass, I could see a caravan of policemen, animal control officers and several other vehicles pulling into the driveway across the street.
I rushed out the front door and stood on the porch. For a moment, I couldn't see what all the commotion was about, then I noticed four large beautiful horses running from around the back of my neighbor's house. I watched in amazement as the rescue team tried earnestly to entice the horses to safety using buckets of food. They were ready with bridles to secure the animals if only they could get close enough. Each person displayed a look of desperate anticipation as they tried to harness the disobedient horses. I watched in fear as the horses ran around the side of the house and headed for the busy street between us. A large truck came barrelling obliviously toward the beautiful animals; barely avoiding disaster as we all looked on in horror.
The lovely creatures were totally unaware of the danger they faced. They were completely out of control as they ran right up to my front porch just a few feet from where I was standing. Abruptly, they turned to catapult down the street in the other direction; all the while being pursued by their discouraged rescuers.
I never saw the outcome, as everyone jumped back into their cars and followed the horses down the street. I could only pray that the ordeal ended positively.
Sometimes we behave much like those horses did that day. God will attempt to lead us in the right direction and we make a sharp turn the other way. In His wisdom, He gives us a choice, but if we follow our own way, we may end up in dangerous territory and not even realize how we got there.
I know without a doubt that our God of Rescue has that same look of anticipation as He waits to secure us within His love and grace. I shudder at the thought of the way we must disappoint Him as we go on about our own path instead, thinking we can achieve freedom on our own. We often don't even see the caution signs along the way.
His way is always the way of true security and triumph! Set a goal today to run TOWARD GOD instead of your own desires. Anywhere He leads you will be abundantly greater than any destination you could possibly reach without His guidance.
REFORM: Father God, Yours is the only path on which we should trod. Teach us to leave our self-seeking ways behind and walk forward into the security of Your true freedom by seeking You first. In Jesus' name, Amen.
REFLECT: I run in the path of Your commands for You have set my heart free! Psalm 119:32
Blessings To You All,
Starr*
February 2007
Read: Hebrews 13:16- And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Read: 1 Timothy 5:4 -....... These should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.
Read: Malachi 4:6- He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.......
REFRESH: My good friend had just lost her father. As I waited in line at the funeral Home with family and friends to speak to her, I was sure of the pain she must have felt behind the shallow smile that graced her face. I could feel in her handshake the emptiness and devastation within her spirit as she glanced toward the casket that held the body of her father.
I suddenly became aware of the many times I had missed the opportunity to reach out to my own father: To offer him a kind word or just to say "I Love You".
Later that evening, as I walked up to my parents front steps, I could see the silhouette of my daddy sitting on the porch swing as it swayed gently back and forth. As always, he was holding a cup of coffee in his hand. I almost unknowingly rushed toward him. I couldn't wait to feel the warmth of him, to hear the familiar sound of his voice!
In my mind flashed the picture of my friend and the distraught expression on her face. She most certainly would have paid any price for the opportunity to hold her own father one more time. I felt so blessed to be able to hold mine!
My daddy and I began a conversation reminiscing about old times that lasted well into the evening. I will cherish it as one of the sweetest moments I have ever shared with him.
My friend who lost her father that night is now in heaven herself. She was diagnosed with cancer at such a young age, not many years after her father's death. She fought it bravely and never uttered a complaint; holding on to the joy God had placed within her. She left this world at Christmas time to run to the arms of her Heavenly Father. I'm sure her earthly father watched with pride as she entered in and greeted him with a warm embrace!
Looking back, I fondly remember many moments we shared together in friendship. We used to have some wonderful conversations about our God and our kids and families.
My dad and mom have now moved to the coast, four hours away, and I don't get to have them near me as often as before. Every moment I can steal with them is a priceless treasure.
That evening so many years ago while sitting in the company of my daddy on the front porch, I made a promise to God and to myself. I realize the importance of that promise even more now than I did then. I vowed to never again let those precious opportunities to spend time with the people I love pass by unnoticed. Eagerly embrace those fleeting days; Savor every second. Make sure your loved ones know how special they are to you.
REFORM: Thank you, Father, for the loved ones you have blessed me with. Teach me to appreciate each day as I go through life with them. Never let me take for granted the time that we have to share. Forgive me for the time I have wasted. In Jesus' name, Amen.
REFLECT: Each opportunity to do good for another is a door that is open for only a moment. The regret of not passing through it can pain the heart for a lifetime.
Blessings to you all,
Starr*
January 2007
Read: 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4---Praise be to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
Read: Isaiah : 43:2---When you pass THROUGH the waters, I will be with you, and THROUGH the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk THROUGH the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.
Read: Isaiah 41:13--- For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not, for I will Help You.
Read: Jeremiah 30:17a--- For I will restore health to you, and I will heal your wounds, says the Lord......
REFRESH:
I could not believe this was happening to me again. There I was, lying alone on that uncomfortable table, waiting for the surgeon to come in to see me. As I looked around the cold room at the clinical charts and diagrams on the walls, I tried profusely to control my fear. In my heart, I knew I was headed for another hospital stay.
Three surgeries and a myriad tests over the past 2 1/2 years had taken a toll on my emotions; not to mention our finances. I was prone to severe panic attacks and anxiety anyway. Why, for goodness sake, was God allowing these trials in my life? Granted, none of them had been life-threatening, but the pain and recovery times were hard for a homeschooling mom of 2.
What about my kids? It really wasn't fair to put them through this again. I could see that, once again, we would be falling behind in our school schedule.
My husband had always been there to help, but he had his hands full working 2 jobs (sometimes 3) away from home. This set-back would surely add too much to his already full plate. There was just no way everything could possibly get done.
This was going to be the most painful surgery I had ever dealt with. It also required the longest recovery period. My mind was racing along full speed ahead. How would we get through it this time?
Amidst my rushing thoughts, I pictured my two boys still sitting in the waiting room alone. One only 4 years old and my 16 year old that I had come to depend on so much lately. He had really stepped up to the plate to help with his younger brother. I was sure they were wondering what was going on back in the examining room.
My 16 year old eventually drove me straight to the hospital. My husband met us there and emergency surgery was performed. The last thing I remember was my doctor holding my hands and praying over me as I drifted into darkness.
During nearly a month of down time following the surgery, Jesus and I talked almost constantly. I'd never had such an abundance of uninterupted time with Him. He reminded me that he had experienced massive pain. He knows hurt far beyond any I will ever face. Those conversations with my Savior certainly seemed to make my own pain much more bearable.
The love for my family and I was overwhelming. God sent wonderful people to surround us with support. We were provided with meals, childcare, housekeeping, and encouragement everyday!
Acting on Psalm 119:50, I placed scripture cards all around my bed and in my bathroom and meditated on them. All the doubts I'd had were gradually washed away and replaced with trust. The fear that had gripped me earlier had been proven to be unfounded. God had never left my side! All of our needs had been met and I was healing!
I have always been terrified of being sick, in the hospital, or having sugery. Now, being restored to health, I have learned that I can handle much more than I thought I could. So can you.
God brings us THROUGH the hard times. We aren't supposed to set up camp and stay there forever! No matter what you're going THROUGH in your own life, it will be over soon. One day, you will look back and see how God was right there in front of you the entire time. He stays a few steps ahead to prepare the way; to smooth the path a little, and BE ASSURED, He's there to pull you THROUGH the darkness into the sunshine again!!
Why are we called to endure such hardships in the first place? Because every trial we face gives us what we will eventually need to help another human being; Positive Proof that Christ is real and constantly working in our lives. We are left with another testimony of His Sovereign goodness, to share with the world! What an awesome gift!
Next time something hard comes your way, focus in on that sunshine ahead and remember Who is walking in front of you. Soak it all in, EVERY DETAIL, so you can spread the news of God's victorious POWER to all who need to hear it!!
REFORM: Thank you Father for holding us in your strong arms; for loving us enough to NEVER leave us. Teach us to trust fully in that love. Remind us to view our dark times as knowledge received; equipping us to encourage others THROUGH to their sunshine. Amen.
REFLECT: Tough times will come sporadically throughout our lives. When they do, focus on the word "THROUGH" and the gift you will receive when the darkness has passed.
Blessings,
Starr*
January 2007
Read: I Corinthians 1:9--"God, Who has called you into fellowship with His son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful".
Read I Corinthians 13-14-- "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all".
REFRESH:
It was very hectic around our home this particular evening. My husband and I were preparing for a night out together. This meant we had to get our son (4 years old at the time) ready and over to Nanna's house.
Upon arriving at her house, I could tell she was exhausted after a busy day at work and we immediately felt guilty about asking her to keep our son. Knowing she would never admit she was too tired for her grandson, we went on with our plans, but made it a short night in order to pick him up a little bit earlier than originally planned.
Because of our guilt and short time allowance, My husband and I felt stressed during the entire evening. What was supposed to be a relaxing time of fellowship together turned out to be a frustration.On the way home, we both came to realize that we needed to spend more time alone together in order to nurture our relationship as friends and marriage partners.
Likewise, we need to spend time with our heavenly Father. You can't produce a growing relationship with someone without taking the time to fellowship one-on-one. I believe that sometimes we want to receive the very best, but in return are giving our very worst.
God is always there. He is constantly waiting for us to acknowledge His presence. We should never begin a new day without FIRST inviting our best friend to walk through it with us.
REFORM: Forgive us Father, for our fast-paced lives that so often shut you out. Teach us to put our relationship with you on the top of our priority list. Amen.
REFLECT: God is, always has been, and always will be sitting beside you. When is the last time you reached over to take His hand?