Devos

Into the Word Wednesday

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I am so glad to be back with everyone today at Into the Word Wednesday.  It is Upward Not Inward’s mid week blog about what the Word is saying to you this week.

I had talked about last time about how I have been reading in the Old Testament.  This week I have been reading through Exodus.  I love reading about the camaraderie of the children of Israel, in Moses’ time.  The Lord was speaking directly to Moses.  He was telling him what to do & Moses was without a doubt obeying.  The children of Israel remind me of the humanly responses we all still have.  They were impatient, at times & unsure about what was about to happen.  They continued to believe in God.  Remarkable as it was, they had such blind faith. When I was reading about them in Exodus this week, I ran across this conversation Pharaoh & Moses were having.

Exodus 10:24-26

Then Pharaoh called to Moses & said, “Go serve the Lord, only let your flocks and your herds be kept back.  Let your little ones also go with you.”  But Moses said, “You must also give us sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God. Our livestock also shall go with us, not a hoof shall be left behind.  For we must take some of them to serve the Lord our God and even we do not know with what we must serve the Lord until we arrive there.”

This passage is so beautiful to me. Moses, being the leader, getting all his ducks in a row to be released out into the world with all these people following him, was worried about what?  Being acceptable to God even when he did not know what was going to be required of him.  But he wanted to be ready.  Am I that concerned about obedience that I can take a leap of faith & say, “I don’t know where this will take me, but I know God’s gonna be there when I get there?”  No, I would be wringing my hands & probably doing nothing to prepare.  From studying this I know I have got to be more like Moses.  I have to have blind faith, obedience & courage. (Ahhh!  My one word surfacing again- see my post about that here.)

faith

I sure hope you come on by Upward Not Inward & link in with us.  I know it will bless you richly.  I have enjoyed sharing with you today, what the Word has spoken to me.   Thanks for stopping by & spending part of your day with me .  Feel free to comment on what you have learned from God’s word lately.  I would love to hear about it.   However,  I have to going for now, because I should be washing clothes.

into the word wed

A cow with no horns

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cows with no horns

“Mister, why doesn’t this cow have any horns?” asked the young lady from a nearby city, on a trip to the country.

The farmer kinda had a funny look on his face, for a moment.  He then began in a very patient tone. “Well ma’am cattle can do a powerful lot of damage with horns.  Sometimes, we keep’em trimmed down with a hacksaw.  Other times we can fix up the young’uns by puttin’ a couple of drops of acid where their horns would grow in, and that stops’em cold.  Still, there are some breeds of cattle that never grow horns,” the farmer continued.  “But the reason this cow don’t have no horns, ma’am, is ’cause it’s a horse.”

Have you ever felt misunderstood?  I know I have.  Sometimes I feel like no one could ever understand how I feel about certain things in my life.  My kids, my family, my church- these are all things I have a particular emotional tie to.  I feel like there are times that it’s hard to put into words my love, my attempts of caring, and my concern.  When my college age daughter doesn’t answer her phone, it may be something as simple as she’s in a spot with no service or she’s driving.  I start to worry.  And by the time I do talk to her, I may be a tad impatient.  (By a tad, I mean a gigantic frenzy of WHAT IN THE WORLD HAVE YOU BEEN DOING??)  She & I may be a little misunderstood with each other at that moment.  She doesn’t seem to  know what all the hoopla is about.  I don’t know why she has to be so nonchalant about my hissy fit.  In the end, we agree, that if I did not love her & care about her well being, it would not matter if she answered her phone or not.  We may sometimes misunderstand each other.  However, there is One that is always here to understand us.  All we have to do is trust.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord, with all your heart. And lean not on your own understanding.  v.6 In all your ways acknowledge Him & He shall direct your paths.

I hope that if you feel misunderstood, that you will seek out the understanding that God gives us.  He can love us & be there for us like no other.  There is nothing that can fill the God shaped void in one’s life, but God himself.  I am so glad you stopped by to visit with me today.  I love it when you drop by.  Until next time,  I have to be going, because I should be washing clothes….

The funny cow story was taken from a ‘House to House Heart to Heart’ bulletin.  You can visit them at www.housetohouse.com

Courage- to make relationships better

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MonthlyOneWord150

I am glad to get the chance to link up with Melanie at Only A Breath blog to talk about my one word.  This year I chose “Courage” to be my one word.  When I was thinking about my one word, I was thinking a word that would help me to be the best I could be.  I made a list & thought about what I should work on.  It came to mind that everything in my life, that was holding me back, had to do with action.  It was being afraid to step out & act on something.  It was being too lazy to act on something.  It was getting my thoughts together.  It was communicating & trusting. It was wallowing in situations, that I just did not have the will to overcome.   All of it was entwined in the word “Courage”.  Since I picked my word, I have never looked back.

Just this past week, I made a commitment to myself that I would have the courage to make some of my relationships better.  I started by talking to my Daddy for about 30 minutes on the phone.  For he & I that is like 3 hours to someone else!  He is retired & doing his own thing.  My mother passed away in 2002.  Since then, he has enjoyed being able to be on his own, without responsibilities.  Sometimes I resent that just a teeny bit.  Probably because I think he should be over at my house, seeing what I need, doing things with my family, hanging around, seeing what I need, telling me everywhere he is going & what he is doing, seeing what I need, etc.,.(Do you see a pattern here?)  He is more of the “if you need me call me” type.  When I need him, I call him & he comes.  HOWEVER,  I thought, you know, I should be less selfish about this.  Not having my feelings hurt because I don’t know what he’s doing every day.   So, I am planning to call him more, visit him more, & then just leave him alone (like he likes )  Then, I talked to my brother & emailed him & text him multiple times.  He is another that I want to make more time with. He & his family live 4 hours away.  So, that does not always give the best circumstances.  We did say we were visiting each other VERY SOON.  I love him so much.  It’s just when you have your own family & live 200 miles apart, you kinda get in your own routine & forget to call & email & text- not to mention visit.  It takes courage to keep relationships going.  I can’t get my feelings hurt about the relationships with them not being all that I want them to be, when I am not making an effort.  I am using my courage to help be more involved in my Daddy & brother’s lives.  Hopefully, next month I can tell you about some great memories we’ve made !

Thank you, Melanie for having this wonderful link up to tell about our one word.  I have been so inspired by Courage this year.  It has helped me make some really simple decisions .  I already feel better about where this year has been taking me.  I appreciate you stopping by my blog.  It’s always great to have company!  I have to be going now, because I should be washing clothes.

Into the Word Wednesday

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This is the first time I am participating in “Into the Word Wednesday”. To Falen & Laura from the Upward Not Inward blog: please accept my apologies off the front end if I end up with the craziest post ever! I have been reading these posts for some time now. I decided a week or two ago that I would give this a shot!  You can go to their awesome blog by going to http://www.upwardnotinward.blogspot.com100x100UpwardNotInward

I have been recently reading through Proverbs & now am in Ecclesiastes. One of the things I want to share this week is about how relevant these two books are, even now. I have been so delightfully encouraged about what the book of Proverbs says about controlling our mouths. I will admit I need to hear these verses, just as much as anyone.

telling secrets

Proverbs 26:20
Where there is no wood, the fire goes out: And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases.

Proverbs 29:11
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.

Proverbs 6:16
These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood.
18 A heart the devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among the brethren.

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.

Proverbs 12:22
Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.

Proverbs 12: 18
There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

These are just some of the verses that have spoken volumes to me. The moral to this story is, Yes, yes I can keep my mouth shut & it’s ok. It’s pretty much what God wants. I don’t have to comment on everything. I don’t have to have my ears open to gossip. I don’t have to pass judgment on someone else. I don’t have to keep the fire stoked with unkindness & bitterness. Proverbs is a wonderful reminder of what it takes to be moral & righteous. If you haven’t read over it in a while or at all, you should take time to read it. This book in the old testament is sure not to disappoint.

I hope my thoughts today have blessed you in some way. Go on over to Upward Not Inward & link up to Into the Word Wednesday. It is a wonderful link up where we tell what we have learned & what has inspired us, as we have been “into the word.” I hope everyone is having a wonderful Wednesday. Thanks for stopping by & visiting with me. I have to be going now, because I should be washing clothes!

Link up with Falen & Laura at Upward Not Inward

Link up with Falen & Laura at Upward Not Inward

Where your treasures are……

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bth_praying-hands

II Corinthians 12:7-10

When my mother was in the last stages of Multiple Sclerosis, she used to call my Dad to her bedside.  “Pray for me.”  She would say, “I am so tired, I just want to go.”  My Daddy would pray for her, then he would try to lighten the mood.  He would tell her that her illness was helping her to lay up treasures in heaven.   That by her being sick, it was allowing others to do good deeds for her.  And by that, she was allowing God to work through her.  He would tell her, God even allowed the Apostle Paul to have a thorn in the flesh. 

II Corinthians 12: 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

With that she would reason, if God wanted her to have this disease, He would take care of her.  Just as Paul reasoned in

II Cor 12: 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

At this point in the conversation, my mama would tell Daddy “Then, go lay up some treasures in heaven & get me some ice cream!”

We never know what God has in store for our lives. However, we know where to turn when the storms of life get rough.  He is the one & only hope that we have.  During the holidays I miss my mama more than ever.  But I do find comfort in knowing what a strong faith she had. At this time of the year, let us remember, with thanksgiving & hope the wonderful blessings God has given us, no matter what our circumstances.  Christmas is a time of giving.  We should be mindful that the giving of ourselves, for the work of the Lord, is most important.

I have loved having you stop by & visit today.  Please come back again soon.  I have to be going now because I should be washing clothes…..

An attitude of gratitude

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With Thanksgiving on the way, it is a great time to think about being grateful.  We should make gratitude a way of life, each day of the year.  Let me challenge you with a couple of things.

1. Pay attention to the simple, small, gifts God brings into your life everyday.  Things like hot showers, reliable transportation, electricity, clean running water, work to do, friends and family to see, and food to eat.

2. Accept each day as a gift.  Create & cultivate a thankful spirit.  You find what you look for.  So, focus on reasons to be grateful.  Your gratitude will color your attitude and make you more inspiring to be around.

3. Make a list of all the things & people around you that make you smile.  Post it on the refrigerator door as a reminder of what you are grateful for.

I am reminded of the lepers that Jesus healed.  There were a group of 10 of them, but only 1 came back & said “Thank you.” (Luke 17:11-19)

When one of them saw that he was healed, he came back. He praised God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him. – Luke 17:15

Let’s make sure we show our gratefulness this week.  I am going to make my list tonight.  I hope you will, too.  Thanks for stopping by & visiting with me.  I have to be going now, because should be washing clothes.

Parts of this was taken from a book 101 Ways to Make a Difference today by Candy Paull

Where did it go??

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I was looking for something today.  I looked everywhere & don’t know where it went to.  I promise it was here somewhere, then it was gone.  Maybe you have seen it.  It’s called 2012.  Where did it go to?   Time is slipping by so quickly. It seems like not long ago we went down to the beach on vacation. Today I have on a thick sweater & Christmas is next month!  (Did I just say next month??)  And FINALLY got this gosh awful election out of the way.  All I know about that is, if you don’t like who the president is, just wait 4 years.  Then, he will never be able to be president again. Ever.Ever. Ever. Never. Ever. Ever. (Thank you, Taylor Swift for that obnoxious song that I can’t ever, ever, get out of my head.)

The only thing that stays the same is that things will change.  I’m so glad I don’t have to wonder where God went.

Lo, I am with you always, even to the end.  Matt 28:20

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, & forever. Hebrews 13:8

…I will never leave thee or forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5

…He is not far from each one of us. Acts 17:27

If you ever look around & wonder where the time went- remember Jesus is always near.  We just have to draw near to Him.  He will be there for us.  Being Christians, we have that avenue of prayer to the Father.  We can personally talk to the Lord anytime we want to.  That in itself lets me know Jesus is only as far away as we choose Him to be.

Thank you so much for visiting with me today.  I love it when you stop by!  I have to be going now, because I should be washing clothes.

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I was taking one of Miss Neenee’s friends home the other day.  I saw this beautiful field, with all these big bales of hay.

It was such a pretty sight.  One that’s very familiar in Mississippi, this time of year.   To begin with, when I looked out into the field, it did not take but a second to realize what kind of seeds the farmer had sown.  The grass seeds yielded grass, that was cut & made into hay.  You may be thinking, “Alright, so what is that supposed to mean?”  It just got me to thinking about what the apostle Paul had said in

Galatians 6: 7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 

We should not be surprised if we sow seeds of discontent, judgment, impatience, hatefulness, jealousy, resentment, etc.  that we get that same behavior in return from others. If we sow seeds of kindness, understanding, peace, love, fairness, & patience- don’t be surprised if you see a lot of that come your way.  If I am quick to point a finger at someone, then I need to be aware that others could do the same to me.  What if God called for a harvest of our decisions & actions?  What kind of harvest would He get from us?

Dear Lord, Help us to be kind to one another.  Help us to be understanding & not quick to cast judgment on others.  Help us to know that we are just people & no one is without fault.  In Jesus name, Amen.

I have enjoyed you stopping by for a visit today.  Please leave me a comment, if you want to.  Hearing from you makes me smile!  I have to be going for now, because I should be washing clothes…..

What else can God do for me?

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Sometimes I am not so grateful for things.  I think it’s easy to do, sometimes.  When you are working & living normal every day life, things can get mundane.  At the check out line at the grocery store, I am conscious of how much it takes to feed my family.  It takes a lot just to pay the power & water bill.  Then, comes the car payments, insurance, gas, taxes, & all the other things we think we can’t live without! I sit & talk to God & ask why other people, who are not trying to live according to His will, how they can seem so much better off than my family.  I think about what we do have- a roof over our heads, food in our stomach, clothes on our back.  It occurs to me that I must learn contentment.  Instead of asking God, “Why can’t You do more for me?”  I need to be saying “Thank You” for sending Your Son, who died on the cross for my sins.   God has promised us  the hope of eternal salvation- for those who obey His will.

Act 2:38 Then Peter said to them, Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

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

We have  an aunt who has been through a lot here lately.  She has just finished treatments for Lymphoma.  She also had part of her colon removed.  Now, she has blood clots, that she has been hospitalized for.  I talked to her today & she was in the best spirits.  She was excited that she was getting to go home from the hospital.  During this process, she has made friends with the nurses, that are taking care of her.  She laughed & said, “Yes, they all know me on a first name basis here (hospital).”  I told her what a strong person she was.  She said that through everything that had happened to her, she had never been scared or upset.  She said she knew God was with her & she was at peace. What a wonderful thing to be sure of!  God did not promise us days without pain.  He did promise us peace, comfort, & strength for tomorrow.

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me all you that labor & are heavy laden & I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart & you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts & minds through Christ Jesus.

So, as I sit fretting about all my problems- I can find comfort in knowing I have a God that’s bigger than all of that!   Instead of using prayer as a wish list to gain more material things, I need to thank God for what I have.  Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in what the world portrays as what you should have.  I just need to remember to quit thinking about what else God can do for me.  I need to remember the blessings of life, salvation, & peace, that’s already been given to me freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit with me today.  I have to be going now, because I should be washing clothes…..

Our timing is not God’s timing

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Have you ever been disappointed?  I know I have.  There have been things that I have wanted & wished for in life, that never came about for me.  Yet, when I look back at those times in my life, I realize my life may have very well turned out differently, if God’s timing had not had it’s place.

READ:Psalm 37:3-11

All things work together for good to those . . . who are the called according to His purpose. —Romans 8:28

Perfect timing is rare—at least where humans are concerned. But God has specific purposes and plans for us, and His timing is always perfect.

We see that timing in the life of these Bible characters: Abraham’s servant prayed for a wife for Isaac. God answered his prayer by bringing the young woman to him (Gen. 24). Joseph was sold as a slave, falsely accused, and thrown into prison. But eventually God used him to preserve many people’s lives during a famine (45:5-8; 50:20). And we marvel at Esther’s courage as Mordecai reminded her, “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Est. 4:14).

Are you disappointed in the pace of God’s plans? “Trust in the Lord” (Ps. 37:3). God will open doors when the timing is perfect.

Have faith in God, the sun will shine Though dark the clouds may be today; His heart has planned your path and mine, Have faith in God, have faith alway. —Agnew

God’s timing is perfect—every time!

Maybe God tests our faith by having disappointments come our way.  Maybe He has us wait so that we can obtain something better.  Whatever the reason, God knows best.   It can be hard to trust an unknown future- but we have an all knowing God that’s going to take care of us.   We must trust Him no matter what.

Miss Neenee has come to me saying,”Mama, can I get on the computer, now?  And you can ‘ya know, do laundry.” Then points at the pile of Mount St. Laundry (as my friend refers to it) in my bedroom floor.  So, friends, you know why I have to be going………

Parts of this message was taken from ”Our Daily Bread” written by Cindy Hess Kasper & accompanied by Agnew