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AWESOME DEVOTIONS: January 2008

Thursday, January 31, 2008

ACCEPTING GOD'S PLAN

There was once a day when I had a major career. I was a practice manager for a physician. I loved my job. I loved working with the patients, with the doctor, with the other staff. I have to admit I loved being in charge and making major decisions for the physician, staff, and the practice.

Then one day, I lost it all. I became ill and unable to work. I felt like I lost my identity. Yes, I was a mother, which was and is my favorite job, but I had put so much into my career I felt lost without it. My daughter had even worked with me. I felt so in limbo.

And I felt guilty. I was relatively young and couldn't work anymore! And it didn't look like I would ever be able to work again. Well, God had different plans! While I don't work in an office anymore and I really don't make a salary anymore, I have became active again and it feels great! I am learning that I am able to write articles for different people. I buy and sell items on ebay and at flea markets. I can volunteer my time. None of these are the major career I had, but if I admit to myself, I am much happier! Sure, I wish I hadn't become ill, but God had a reason and one day I will understand it. Right now, I am just trying to follow His commands and do what He wants me to do with my life.

We may not always end up doing what we think we will in life, but if we follow God's plan, even if we don't understand it or like it at the time, things will work out! God always has our best in mind!

Thank you, God, for my life. While things may not have turned out quite the way I had planned, my life has turned out exactly how You had planned and I praise you for that! Help me to continue to accept the changes in my life and open my eyes to what you want me to do with my life!


A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God. Exclesiastes 2:24

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

NO GREATER JOY

I was just going to run a few errands today and then come home. But my daughter called and we decided to have lunch together. I love spending time with her. With her school schedule, work schedule and social life, our time together is less which makes it even more precious!

I am having to realize that she is growing up (she is actually grown up!), and I am having to let go. I know that we will always be close, but she has a life of her own now - and I am so proud of her.

She has done so well in school. She knew from the beginning what she wanted to do with her career, and she has never wavered. She has worked so hard in school to be able to obtain her goals in the future. I am so proud!

She has worked hard at her job. She knows I don't have a lot of money and she works hard to have the extra cash she needs.

She is always there to take care of me when I need help. Sometimes I can't drive or do much around the house. She is always there to help me and support me.

But what I am most proud of is where her heart is. Although she doesn't attend church every Sunday, I know her heart is with Jesus. She is compassionate, caring, and loving. That is what makes me the most proud!! I don't know if she will read this today or not, but I know she knows how proud of her I am. I thank God everyday for her!

Lord, thank you for my child! She is truly a blessing to me! Even if we don't always see eye to eye on things, Lord, please help me to always show her how proud of her I am and how much of a blessing she is to me!

I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth. 3John:5

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

REAPING WHAT YOU SOW

Getting older is a fact of life. It isn't always fun but it is just a fact of life. HOW we age is our choice. Some people think that growing older means you will get grouchy and ill-tempered. Some people grow old gracefully. How we grow old is our choice.

Just because people are getting older doesn't mean they have to get cranky and irritable. Aging doesn't have to make us short-tempered and hypercritical. It is more likely that as we age we become what we have been becoming all along.

Paul wrote in Galatians 6:7-10 - Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

I believe these verses tell us that those who think only of themselves will reap a harvest of misery in themselves and others. On the other hand, those who love God and care for others are sowing seeds that will reap a harvest of joy.

Which way do you want to grow? What type of harvest are you sowing?

Monday, January 28, 2008

THIS IS THE DAY!





This is the beginning of a new day.
God has given me this day to use as I will.
I can waste it or use it for good,
but what I do today is important
because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever,
leaving in its place something that I have traded for it
I want it to be gain and not loss; good and not evil;
success and not failure; in order that I shall not
regret the price I have paid for it.


This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

Sunday, January 27, 2008

GOD'S WONDERFUL PLAN WILL PREVAIL!!

Happiness is a wonderful state of mind and a wonderful state of heart. God, I thank you for blessing my life with many happy times and wonderful experiences. But I am even more grateful to you for the deep and abiding joy that abides in my spirit, even when circumstances have made happiness disappear. For even in the most difficult of times, Lord, the blessings of your joy can bring lift me up and bring a song to my heart. I am always reminded that you have a wonderful plan for my life and your wonderful plan for my life will prevail!

"For I know the plans for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Saturday, January 26, 2008

TRUE FRIENDS

Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away.

--George Eliot


Do you have such a friend? Are you such a friend??

Thank you, Lord, for the dear friends I have, both near and far, who make me feel safe and loved. Help me to be a true friend to others.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

FRIENDS - MICHAEL W. SMITH

Thursday, January 24, 2008

SOLID ROCK OR SINKING SAND?

There was a picture in the paper today of a home whose foundation was sliding down a hill. The owners were about to lose their home because of the foundation they had built on was sinking! Coincidentally (although I doubt seriously if it was truly a coincidence!) when I was reading my Bible today I was reading in Matthew where Jesus talks about the wise and foolish builders.

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus says "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who build his house on the sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

Is your house built on a firm foundation or is it on sinking sand? Are you a wise or foolish builder? Can you withstand any storm that life brings your way? Build your house on a firm foundation with God!

One of the best old time hymns is Solid Rock which was written in 1832 by Edward Mote. These lyrics are perfect for this devotional!

SOLID ROCK

On Christ the Solid Rock
(Edward Mote, William Bradbury)

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

When darkness veils his lovely face
I rest on his unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand

His oath, his covenant, his blood
Supports me in the whelming flood
When all around my soul gives way
He then is all my hope and stay

When he shall come with trumpet sound
Oh may I then in him be found
Dressed in his righteousness alone
Faultless to stand before the throne

WHERE IS YOUR HOME?

I have been trying to decorate my home a little more lately. While I don't own my place, it has become my home and I believe God truly led me here. It is the perfect size for me, the perfect price for me, just the perfect place for me right now. There are some things I would change but for now, it is the perfect fit.

But I started thinking that my home is not found in the house where I live, nor in the community I live or the state where I grew up. I could travel far and wide and never settle down (seems like that is what I did for awhile!), I could lose all my belongings, I could say goodbye to those I love most, and still my home would not be lost. How can this be?

It is true because the home is where the heart is and my heart is truly with God. He is my truest home. No matter where I have lived, He has always been my truest home. I can always come home to God.

Where is your true home?


My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. Isaiah 32:18

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

NEW CREATURES IN GOD

Have you ever heard the story of the farmer who brought his pig into his home, washed him, polished his hooves, put some perfume on him, put a ribbon around his neck and brought him into his living room. The pig looked, and smelled, wonderful! He made a wonderful pet - until the door was left opened! Then the pig went outside as fast as he could and jumped into the first mud puddle he could find? Why? Because he was still a pig!! Nothing the farmer could do on the outside could change who the pig was on the inside. He was still a pig!!

We are like this pig. You can clean us up, put nice clothes on us, make us smell good, put us on the front row at church. But unless we are born again and have Jesus in our heart - we are just like that pig. Our nature has not changed and our true colors will come out. We need to be born again and have Jesus in our heart for our nature to be changed!

Thank you, Lord, for changing us, for cleaning us up and for giving us a new nature!!
Thank you for making us new creatures!

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 3:4-6


ALL THINGS NEW - STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

THANK YOU, JESUS

We have been so used to thinking of giving thanks for the blessings in our lives that we find it hard to think in terms of being grateful for God's gifts that are hidden in experiences that we try to avoid.

We need to give thanks to God for the opposition we meet, the resistance that has forced us to put forth our best efforts, and the disputes that have compelled us to re-examine our arguments and eliminate the flaws.

We need to praise God for the struggles that have made us grow, the defeats that have made us humble, the losses that have made us cautious, and the dangers that have kept us alert.

We need to thank God for the risks we have had to take that have shown us hidden strengths we didn't know we had.

We need to be grateful for the enemies we have made, for to have no enemies means we have not taken any issue with the wrong, defied evil, or rallied to the defense of the oppressed.

We need to be grateful for our critics who tell us the truth about ourselves.

But above all, we need to thank God that good has come out of evil, that struggles we would have preferred to avoid have turned into blessings, that because we are confident and secure in his love and goodness we have found strength and courage to face whatever comes - to run the race that is set before us.

Thank you, Lord, for all of your blessings, even those we don't see as blessings as the time. Thank you for the strength you give us to run the race you have set before use.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but alto to have who have long for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8


WE FALL DOWN - CHRIS TOMLIN

Monday, January 21, 2008

GOD'S TALENT SEARCH

Another season of American Idol has begun. Simon, Randy, and Paula are crossing the country looking for new talent, the next American Idol. To many of this generation, this show may seem like a new concept in entertainment. In actuality, it is hardly a new idea. In the 1980's there was Star Search, in the 1970's there was the Gong Show, and probably the original of these genre was Ted Mack's Original Amateur Hour. It really has been on ongoing theme - looking for the next great talent!

We are always searching for fame and fortune. But the true timeless search is God's own search of hearts that are available for His work in the world. He is not seeking the most qualified or the most talented. He is seeking those who are available, willing, and dependable. In those lives, He will show Himself to be strong and He will be glorified.

All God wants to know is "Are you available?" He will take care of the rest!

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying "Whom shall I send? and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here I am. Send me!" Isaiah 6:8

Sunday, January 20, 2008

HAS GOD GONE ON WINTER VACATION??

It is so cold outside! This past week with cold and snow, it is hard to imagine that winter will ever be gone and springtime will ever be here again!

Sometimes our lives feel like that. Things are so bad - we have no money, trouble with relationships, our kids are having problems. Where is God? Will He ever be back again? Has He taken off and left us for the winter?

God NEVER leaves us! No matter how bad things may seem, God is always there for us. As is says in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9: "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show this all surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed."

If you are having a "winter" day, remember that this is the time to keep talking to God. He never leaves you or goes on vacation for the winter! He is always beside you! This winter weather is only temporary. God is eternal!

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Saturday, January 19, 2008

TEN EXCUSES TO NEVER WASH

1. My parents always forced me to when I was little.
2. People who wash are hypocrites and think they are cleaner than others.
3. There are so many different brands of soap, I'd never know which one to use.
4. I used to wash, but is was the same thing every time and I got bored with it,
so I quit washing.
5. None of my friends wash.
6. Washing is a scam that is perpetuated on people by soap companies who are just
trying to make money.
7. I'm still young. When I get older and need it more, I'll start washing.
8. I'm so busy I can't find the time to wash.
9. I know some people who are regular washers, and they once hurt my feelings,
so I'm not going to wash anymore.
10.It's not like I've totally quite washing. I still wash on special occasions
like Easter and Christmas.

Now, would you like to hear ten excuses why people don't go to church??
1. See #1 above.
2. See #2 above.
3. See #3 above.
4. See #4 above.
5. See #5 above.
6. See #6 above.
7. See #7 above.
8. See #8 above.
9 See #9 above.
10.See #10 above.

There is only one way to wash away our sins and that is through the blood of Jesus. And we need to remember that we need to keep clean "between the ears", not just behind the ears!!!

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

WHAT CAN WASH AWAY MY SINS - THE GAITHERS

Friday, January 18, 2008

The Perfect "Christian"

I have a friend I want to tell you about. We were friends for 17 years. He was a true friend, always there to share the good times and the bad. He never left my side. In all the years I knew him, he never said a bad word, never drank or used drugs, never gossiped, never lied. Sounds like I am describing the perfect person, a good "Christian", doesn't it? In fact, I am talking about my dog, Barkley.

We need to realize that being a "Christian" involves more than refraining from evil. It involves an active pursuit of doing good. And furthermore, no matter how "good" we are, we are not Christians until we come to a relationship with Christ and obey the gospel.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Thursday, January 17, 2008

OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART

Sometimes in our lifes we become so stuck in the same routine. We get up at the same time, go to work or whatever we do during the day, come home, sit on the couch and watch TV. Not much ever changes. We become complacent and content with the way things are.

But sometimes God wants to shake things up! He wants to change some things in our lives. But we become so used to the way things are, whether that is good or bad, that we close our eyes and our hearts to what God wants to do in our lives.

Recently, God has been speaking to me about some things He wants to change in my life. I have been guilty of having a hard heart towards these changes. In fact, I totally ignored what God was saying and pretended I didn't hear Him. Well, I woke up this morning and He was telling me loud and clear! I realized I truly need to soften my heart and open my eyes to what He wants to do in my life! God truly wants what is best for us if we will only listen to him and follow Him. While change may not be fun at times - it is easier just to keep things the way they are, if God is telling us to change things then we need to listen! Certain things have been the same in my life for a long time and while I won't say that I am really ready for change - it is scary - I will say that I am excited about what God has in store for me, even though I don't have a clue what it is! I am putting my trust in Him!

Life really is full of changes but the one thing that never changes is Jesus Christ!

Lord, I pray that you will soften my heart and open my eyes to what You want to do in my life. Thank you for always wanting the best for me and for never giving up on me, even when I don't always listen to You.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in his toil - this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:11-13

OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART - MERCY ME

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

STRIPPING AWAY THE LAYERS

I was trying to decide what to do today. I am becoming bored since I am not driving much yet since I got out of the hospital. I decided to finish stripping my bedroom furniture. This furniture was my mother's when she was young and I have had it for many years. Last summer I stripped the dresser and chest of drawers and it turned out great. It was not easy work because the furniture had been painted and stained many times through the years. It had been used as a makeup dresser, changing table, desk - all painted different colors. It was a lot of work but well worth it.

The makeup dresser has a stool that goes with it that as of right now is still the last color we had painted it for my daughter - bright yellow!! Doesn't exactly fit in with the decor of my bedroom so I am going to finish stripping it and then stain it and the set will be complete!

This all makes me think of our relationship with Jesus Christ. We go to him with so many layers that should be stripped away - our sinful layers. But He looks beyond those layers and loves us despite our sins. He knows what we can be and what we are created to be. All we need to do is let him strip those layers away from us and we can become the beautiful creation that God intends for us to be!!

Lord, thank you for looking beyond my sinful layers and stripping them away. Help me to become the creation that you intended me to be!

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy. " 1 Peter 1:15-16

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

COMMIT TO GOD

In today's society, lasting commitment seems to be fast becoming nonexistent. Couples commit to each other through marriage but then divorce. People no longer really commit to jobs or careers because they fear being laid off or fired so they always search for better positions. Going to church is too much of a commitment to others - who wants to get up early on a Sunday morning??

God is always committed to us. And He expects commitment from us. The following verses show what God expects us to commit and trust to Him:

1. God expects us to commit Ourselves:

He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him. Psalm 22:8.

2. God expects us to commit our Burdens to Him.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22

3. God expects us to commit our Souls to Him.

So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. 1 Peter 4:19

4. God expects us to commit our Way to Him.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him. Psalm 37:5

5. God expects us to commit our Cause to Him.

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 1 Peter 2:23

6. God expects us to commit our Works to Him.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3

Lord, let me be as committed to You as You are to me. Help me to do all that I do for Your glory. I thank you, Lord, for Your faithfulness and unchanging commitment.

Monday, January 14, 2008

SET FOR LIFE

I spend a lot of time on the internet and have numerous email accounts. I have had to come up with numerous passwords. One of my passwords is "Setforlife". I used this on one of the sites that I make money by reading emails. I used "setforlife", kiddingly thinking I would be set for life with all the money I would make off of this site! While I do make a few dollars from it, I am certainly not set for life financially from it!

But I am Set For Life through my relationship with Jesus! It doesn't matter how much money I have or don't have - I am set for life! I have all the important things in life - God always meets my needs! Even though I am guilty of worrying, I never need to worry about anything because God always meets my needs and answers my prayers. He may not answer my prayers in the way or in the timing I want, but He always does in His time - which is perfect. I have never wanted for food, clothing, a roof over my head. Through all the hard times with health, finances, etc., God has ALWAYS been there and provided more than enough!

Lord, I thank You for always being there for me and making me SET FOR LIFE. Thank you for the people you have put in my life who are always there for me - who have helped me financially and emotionally. Thank You for always meeting my needs. Forgive me for ever worrying about things and not having the faith at times to know that You will always meet my needs.


Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food and the body is more than clothes." Luke 12:22-23

Saturday, January 12, 2008

DOGS KNOW EVERYTHING

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side."

Very quietly the doctor said, "I don't know."

"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?" stated the man.

The doctor was holding the handle of the door. On the other side of which came a sound of scratching and whining. He hopened the door. A dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing: I know my Master is there, and that is enough. And, when the door opens, I will pass through it with gladness, but with no fear - if I know HIM!"

- Taken from Thoughts of Others by J. Key Powell

Lord, I thank You that because I do know you that there is no fear on what is on the other side of the door. I do know that there will be no pain, no tears, no sorrow - only joy, health, riches. Thank you, Lord! Help me to share You with others so that they too will know no fear!!

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this.?" John 11:25-26

Friday, January 11, 2008

DELIGHT ONLY IN HIM

There are times when we all worry about our appearance. We are too fat, too skinny, too many wrinkles, the list goes on and on. I certainly worry too much about my appearance. Since I have been ill and because of the medications, my appearance has changed dramatically. It has made me very insecure.

Today as I as praying about what to write in my devotion, I came across this verse that I thought was perfect for how I was feeling about myself:

"His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of man; the Lord delights in those who fear him,who put their hope in his unfailing love." Psalm 147:10-11

This verse really struck me. I deal not only with worrying about my weight but about the fact that sometimes I don't walk well, my legs don't work well at times. I worry about how others view me when I walk slowly or have a funny gait. I realized that I am sometimes more worried about others opinions than I am about God's!

God does not care how I look or how I walk. He cares about what is in my heart!

God has given me a wonderful daughter and wonderful friends who don't care about anything but the person I am - not what I look like! I am so grateful to Him for that!

Let us all remember that God loves us and what us to be happy! We all come in different shapes and sizes, different health issues, some people have more finances than others. We are all different. Our worth is not based on our outer appearance. God loves each of us - no matter what! He just wants us to live for Him and put our hope in Him!!

Lord, while I may not have perfect health or the perfect body, I do have the perfect life You have given me and I praise You for that! Thank you for the friends and family You have given me who love me! Thank you for Your love! Let me always put my hope and faith in You!

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

GOD HEALS!!

It has been a stressful few days. I had not been feeling well for about a week but went to church Sunday morning anyway. Unfortunately, things got worse during the service and when I got up to leave, I ended up passing out. Luckily, there were numerous people there to help me. They called 911 and got me to the hospital and contacted my daughter for me. Not exactly how I wanted to meet more people at church, but I am so truly grateful for their help, their compassion, and their prayers.

The doctors immediately wanted to put me on the ventilator again, but I refused. I just did not want to go through that again unless absolutely necessary. So they put me in ICU and started treatments which required putting a catheter in my leg. Unfortunately, that did not go well and was extremely painful. But they finally got the catheter in and began treatments. I usually have 5 of these treatments over a period of 10 days. However, the catheter was so painful I could not tolerate it and had it pulled out after only two treatments. I was frustrating several doctors!!

But the amazing thing is that it usually takes at least 3 of these treatments for me to tell a difference. This time, however, I began to feel a little better after 1 treatment and even more so after the 2nd treatment. They even let me go home today! God is truly awesome! In addition, I had a doctor who is a strong Christian, not afraid to share his faith with his patients, and truly helped me mentally! It is awesome how God puts people in our lives just when we need them!

While this week has not been fun, it has once again proved to me what an awesome God we serve! By all medical standards, I should have been on the ventilator yet here I am 4 days later writing this. Praise God!!

For I will restore health to you and your wounds I will heal, says the Lord.
Jeremiah 30:17a

Saturday, January 5, 2008

GOD'S WINDSHIELD WIPERS

It is kind of gloomy outside today. Looks like it is going to rain, but at least it is warmer! I was praying and trying to decide on my devotion today when I came across this story that seemed to fit the weather! I am not sure who wrote the original story, but I love it!

WINDSHIELD WIPERS

One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick. Suddenly my son spoke up from his buckled-in position in the back seat. "Mom, I'm thinking of something." This announcement usually meant he had been pondering some fact for a while and was now ready to expound all this his 7-year-old mind had discovered. I was anxious to hear.

"What are you thinking?" I asked. "The rain," he began, is like sin, and the windshield wipers are like God, wiping our sins away."

After the chill bumps raced up my arms, I was able to respond. "That's really good, Matthew." Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little boy take this revelation?

So I asked..."Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you." Matthew didn't hesitate one moment to answer: "We keep on sinning, and God keeps on forgiving us."


Just like the mother in this story, I got goosebumps when I read this story. This 7-year-old child had such a wonderful answer to the rain and windshield wipers! Let us all thank God that He is like windshield wipers, continually wiping our sins away!

Thank you, Lord, that You always wipe away our sins no matter how hard it rains! Thank you that by your grace we are forgiven. Thank you for the wonderful thoughts of children who help us remember your wonderful glory!

---This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22-24

Thursday, January 3, 2008

A MAN OF LEADERSHIP

Everyone, except West Virginians, said it couldn't be done! The WVU Mountaineers could not possibly beat the Oklahoma Sooners in the Fiesta Bowl. Especially not with all the distractions of the once beloved head coach leaving in the circumstances he left. How could our players possibly keep the focus on the bowl game??

Well, they DID keep their focus and they DID win!! They shocked the nation and won 48-28!! They looked fantastic! They made WVU and the entire state of West Virginia proud!

How did they do it? Of course they are an extremely talented team! I won't even begin to list all the talented players they have! But I believe above all was the leadership they had! Bill Stewart, who had been named Interim Coach, proved to be an outstanding coach! He made terrific calls and just coached a great game. But what I was most impressed by was the leadership he was showing! When watching him on the sidelines, you could tell that he truly cared about his players. There were many hugs, many pats on the helmets, many talks to his players. And at the end of the game, there were many tears - from coaches, from players and from fans.

In listening to the interviews after the game, all of the players talked about Coach Stew and how they hoped that he would be named Head Coach. Their wish came true today when Coach Stew was named Head Coach of the Mountaineers! I truly believe that this is a day to celebrate! Coach Stewart truly has a gift of leadership and compassion, and I believe that he will bring the leadership that is so desperately needed for this team. I believe that he is a man to be respected and that he will respect his team, the university, and the state.

God has given us each gifts, whether it be leadership, serving, mercy, encouragement, compassion. While we may not all be coaches, let us all try to use the gifts that God has given us. Let us all honor our commitments and be compassionate to others. Let us show mercy when needed and let us all be generious whether it be with our time, our finances, our hearts.

Lord, thank you for the different gifts and talents you have given each of us. Let us use these gifts and talents to honor You and to show You to others.

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach, if it is encouraging, , let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." Romans 12:6-8

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

DO ALL THAT YOU DO FOR HIS GLORY IN 2008

Wow! It is 2008 - hard to believe! Another year gone by! My 2008 started off great. I went to the party and met some wonderful people and had a great time! So glad I went!

Now it is time to make my New Year's resolutions! I actually started last night - one of my resolutions is to listen more closely to what God is telling me and to obey what He is telling me. He had been telling me to go to this group and I had said on several occasions that I was going to go, but then I backed out. I found out last night that they had been praying for me to come. That made me feel so good, that they cared enough about me before they even met me, to pray for me! I am so glad that I finally listened to God and did what He was telling me to do!

There are so many other resolutions that I hope to keep this year - the typical lose weight, exercise more, etc. But more important are the ones like be kinder to others, make sure everyone I love knows how much I love them every day, spend more time in prayer and really listen to what God is saying to me (not just what I have to say to Him!), share Christ more with others, and I have promised myself (and God!) to read the Bible in its entirety this year! (I did start today!).

Whatever your resolutions are, do all that you do in 2008 for the glory of God!

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16