Though You Slay Me, by Shane & Shane

This week, let's focus on some more worship.  We all feel as though we've been slain in our lives.  But can we truly worship God in those trying moments?  Take a few minutes during your 20 minutes today to worship with Shane & Shane as they lead us and focus our thoughts on God Almighty!

Click here:  Though You Slay Me, by Shane & Shane

Google Or Jesus?

We are fortunate to live in a time when we have access to the Internet.  We can Google anything from how to fix a dishwasher to finding a new recipe we desire to try.  The list is endless.  And just like a web, one search leads us to countless of others.  Not only is there an abundance of information, it’s also quick, accessible, and immediate. 

But I must ask: where do you go for “searches” like a broken heart or relationship, a broken family, illness, and other life events that seem to completely sideline us?  Where do you turn when answers aren’t necessarily abundant or immediate and when there seems to be no hope? 

Turn to Google and we find just a blank space…a place where we click refresh, yet no refreshment follows.

We have been challenged to take 20 minutes a day spending intentional time with God.  Of the numerous methods in which to follow, I have found that simply reading my Bible has been the most effective for me.  My Bible “Google” search consists of looking in the concordance for the areas in my life where I am burdened to learn and grow, as well as areas in which I am challenged. 

It’s a process that isn’t necessarily quick or immediate as with the Internet. I have learned that reading the Bible is not so much about searching for answers, but, rather, facing the truth that I need Jesus.  In finding Jesus we come to know just how much God loves us. In this process, we discover that there is hope, joy, and peace in any circumstance or situation we encounter because we come to know God.  Our hearts are opened to more of God, his love for us, and his son Jesus Christ.  

God’s Word is complete, timeless, and accurate. His Word is abundant, immediate, and thorough.  It tells of the past and shows us the future.   I have learned through “searching” that my focus has changed from searching for answers to seeking God.  I encourage you to take the opportunity to spend time in the Word, seeking Him.

Stephanie

 

Fighting Back!

Hello sisters!  

I recently finished a Bible study on spiritual warfare. I've been contemplating how Satan tries to attack in this world (from which he will ultimately be destroyed).  But he seems to have such power here, doesn't he? Are you recognizing Satan's attacks for the lies that they are? Here are a few things to watch for! 

Satan's plan against us:

-     Doubt - makes us question God's Word, his goodness, and His promises.

-     Diversion (temptation, lies, deception, and deceit) - makes the wrong things seems attractive so we will want them more than the right things.

-     Defeat (accusation, condemnation, hand to hand combat) - makes us feel like a failure so we do not even try.

-     Delay (discouragement, battle of our minds) - makes us put off something so it never gets done.  

However, we are NOT left without a defense...Our defense in the Lord is perfect! (Ephesians 6: 10-18)

God's defense plan for us: 

-     When you doubt - Shod your feet (understand the gospel and walk in its truth).

-     When you're being diverted by lies, temptation, or deceit - Put up the shield of faith (have absolute confidence in God, his promises, power, and plan).  Put on the belt of truth (be honest with God).

-     When you're feeling defeated or in a battle - Put on the breastplate of righteousness (apply what you know to be true).  Use the sword of the Spirit (know God's word). The Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is living in you (Romans 8:11).

-     When you're being delayed - Put on the helmet of salvation (be certain of your deliverance because of Jesus' sacrifice for you). 

Don't let these attacks scare you; God's perfect love drives out fear! (1 John 4:18) Use God's plan to have confidence and to fight back! 

In Him,

Grace

Give Ear to My Word

I was reading through a booklet of devotions the other day and came across this verse:

 “In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

 It is part of a Psalm that David wrote as he prepared to pray to God for protection from enemies.  While the devotion focused on the first part of the verse, it was the second part that got my attention: 

 “…in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

 Webster’s definition of expectation is as follows:  to anticipate the occurrence of the coming of; the act or state of looking forward or anticipating.

So, David was praying and looking forward to hearing back from God regarding answers to his prayers!  Do I pray with that same attitude…am I looking forward to hearing from God? Am I anticipating answers from him?  To be honest, not really.  I may pray boldly, but do I really believe that God will answer my prayers?  Why not?  If I lay my requests before someone, I expect an answer.  Why wouldn’t I not only expect an answer from God, but also look forward to it?  After all, He has only my best interests in mind.  His answers are always the best – maybe not always what I want – but the best for me.

 Just for fun, I checked out some other Bible translations of “wait in expectation” and found the following:  

“In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch.”  (NASB)

 “Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar and watch for fire to descend.” (The Message)

“In the morning I will order my prayer unto thee, and will keep watch.”  (ASV)

“In the morning I will direct my voice to you and look up.” (NKJV)

“In the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.”  (ESV)

Am I eagerly watching?  Am I watching at all?  And what about watching for fire to descend?  No, I’m not, but I should be.  God is listening to me and I need to be looking for and anticipating His answers!

Susan