James 1:6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
This takes me back to a poem I wrote; "James Admonition", this poem was a sum of the book of James. This is the first part of the poem:
Consider it pure joy
when you face trials of many kind.
Testing of your faith
develops perseverance of body and mind.
Perseverance must finish its work
so you can become mature and complete.
The unstable will be tossed by the wind
and face certain defeat.
Sometimes we doubt God; I know I have many times. When we doubt we "choose to be weak, deciding this is the easiest way to live. Actually the easy life is empty, fruitless and meaningless; it is contrary to the essential character God planed for us. God created us with the desire to meet and overcome obstacles, to enjoy the fruit of success, and to feel the thrill of adventure in full confidence that he is with us and will lead us to share the victory with him." (from Dear Tammy - a letter inspired by God through BSF notes)
We miss out on the blessings that God has for us when we choose the "easy life" because we doubt God. God promises to always love and take care of us, all we have to do is believe and trust him. I know it can be hard to look past the scars that life may have placed in your heart, but with God you can overcome. He wants to celebrate that victory with you. It just takes one small step of faith.
Dear God,
Thank you for watching over me and loving me unconditionally. You are so patient and faithful. Help me to always remember that with you I can overcome anything. You have showed me time and again in my life that you will take care of me. I have no reason to doubt you. Satan is so good at trying to make me doubt you; he likes to remind me of my weaknesses and try to convince me that trying is hopeless. He wants me to forget that I have all the strength and confidence I need because I belong to you and you provide me with all I need.
With all of my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
Daily Devotion
Matthew 12:7 "If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice', you would not have condemned the innocent.
Mercy: An act of kindness, compassion, or favor.
Sacrifice: To surrender or give up, or permit injury or disadvantage to, for the sake of something [or someone] else.
God wants us to sacrifice but, sacrifice is not a form of self-punishment or a way to make people pity you for what you have given up. Sacrifice is selfish if done for the wrong reasons. We need to show mercy; that is so much more important then sacrifice. Sacrifice is nothing if there is not true love, compassion or kindness with it. For someone who can't not seem to get out of victim mode, mercy can be difficult at times.
Jesus, I thank you for the sacrifice you made for me; the gift you have given me that I truly do not deserve. You are the ultimate example of love and mercy. I want to be more like you. Help me to always show the same kind of mercy you show me to those I come in contact with everyday. With all my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen.
Mercy: An act of kindness, compassion, or favor.
Sacrifice: To surrender or give up, or permit injury or disadvantage to, for the sake of something [or someone] else.
God wants us to sacrifice but, sacrifice is not a form of self-punishment or a way to make people pity you for what you have given up. Sacrifice is selfish if done for the wrong reasons. We need to show mercy; that is so much more important then sacrifice. Sacrifice is nothing if there is not true love, compassion or kindness with it. For someone who can't not seem to get out of victim mode, mercy can be difficult at times.
Jesus, I thank you for the sacrifice you made for me; the gift you have given me that I truly do not deserve. You are the ultimate example of love and mercy. I want to be more like you. Help me to always show the same kind of mercy you show me to those I come in contact with everyday. With all my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen.
Daily Devotion: October 20
Picture this: The family gathered together playing a game. There is joy, peace, love; just good quality time together. Time with family makes the connection between you stronger. You know you are right where you belong; you are home. Inside your home you feel secure and warmth; Outside a cold winter storm blows. Outside you would be exposed and vulnerable to the harsh effects of the winter. Outsid...e you are anxious for warmth and security; you feel lost and alone.
Job 38:29 "From whose womb comes the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens." A reading from a devotional: Winter is essential for growth. Stripped down to the bare minimum our economic, emotional or spiritual winter makes clear to us the essentials from the superfluous."
God, Thank you for the winters in my life. They can be a real challenge to go through but, when I look back I see the growth they have produced in me. Winters give me a stronger desire to rest in your warm and secure arms. Those times in your arms are times of bonding that give me strength, encouragement and a better understanding of you. In your arms I am secure. In your arms I am home. With all my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen.
Job 38:29 "From whose womb comes the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens." A reading from a devotional: Winter is essential for growth. Stripped down to the bare minimum our economic, emotional or spiritual winter makes clear to us the essentials from the superfluous."
God, Thank you for the winters in my life. They can be a real challenge to go through but, when I look back I see the growth they have produced in me. Winters give me a stronger desire to rest in your warm and secure arms. Those times in your arms are times of bonding that give me strength, encouragement and a better understanding of you. In your arms I am secure. In your arms I am home. With all my love and trust in Jesus' name Amen.
Daily Devotion: October 19
Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Dear God, thank you that you will turn my difficulties into valuable lessons. Thank you that you have a plan a purpose for every part of my life. When I take the time to be still at your feet you are faithful to reveal to me the lessons you have for me; you reveal to me, in the right ...time, the plan and purpose you have for each situation in my life. There is a plan for every joy, sorrow, victory and hardship and your plans are always for the good and your plans never fail. Forgive me for the times that I try to take control; for thinking I know what is best for my life. Help me to be more disciplined and being still before you and to be patient. With all of my love and trust in Jesus' name. Amen.
Dear God, thank you that you will turn my difficulties into valuable lessons. Thank you that you have a plan a purpose for every part of my life. When I take the time to be still at your feet you are faithful to reveal to me the lessons you have for me; you reveal to me, in the right ...time, the plan and purpose you have for each situation in my life. There is a plan for every joy, sorrow, victory and hardship and your plans are always for the good and your plans never fail. Forgive me for the times that I try to take control; for thinking I know what is best for my life. Help me to be more disciplined and being still before you and to be patient. With all of my love and trust in Jesus' name. Amen.
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