Taste and See That The Lord is Good

July 2, 2013July 2, 2013Leave a comment

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34:8

The aroma of sweet cinnamon apple pie baking in the oven is enough to scent the house like a glade plug in. The smell not only conjures up warmth in your heart, it makes your mouth water thinking of the crisp, sugary taste. You can hardly wait to sink your teeth into this delicacy, and when the apple goodness is gone – you try and snatch up every last buttery crumb.

God’s goodness is better than a piece of apple pie. His goodness is sweet and savory. However, it does not last just for a moment. You will not be scraping the pan wanting more. His goodness and favor lasts a lifetime. His love is a never-ending stream of honey.

Psalm 30:5 notes, “All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God! Thank him to his face! He gets angry once in a while, but across a lifetime there is only love.” (The Message)

– PRAYER –

Lord,

Thank you for your goodness and favor. When I look to you all I can taste and see is sweet love. Thank you for your love that lasts a lifetime. I pray that I will radiate this love to others – when they see me that they will feel your undying goodness. May I always look to you and always be grateful of your love!

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Holding the Reins in a Whirlwind

June 12, 2013June 12, 2013Leave a comment

Do you ever feel caught up in a whirlwind? You feel encircled by a violent air fury that blows your hair in tangles. You keep your eyes open – looking forward, but the wind stings your eyes. It’s almost like you cannot catch your breath. You are exhausted.

Life can be like a whirlwind sometimes. Like riding a galloping horse, the breeze whips you in the face, and you are shaken. You grasp onto the reins tightly – afraid you will tumble off the horse. You are not only set back by the speed, but the intensity forces you to grip on for your life!

However, Dear One, do not fret – for your God holds the reins! He is the master horseman, and He rides with you into the dark battle of life. He illuminates the forest, makes the trails smooth – and the sound of His voice calms the hooves of the horse.

The hard breeze may scare you, but you have a Father that is in control. He wants you to overcome the whirlwind of fury with grace and His strength! Let God hold tightly to the reins of your life. Let him speak peace to your worrisome mind. There is no need for unnecessary calloused hands! Remember, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) Trust Him always.

– PRAYER –

Almighty God,

I will trust you when I am afraid. Please erase the doubt and uncertainty in my heart. You are the Maker of All – and you want the best for me. I look up to you in times of trouble, and you always smile at me and relieve my worries. Thank you for your constant protection.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PEACEFUL DANCER

January 29, 2013June 7, 2013Leave a comment

And David danced before the LORD with all his might, wearing a priestly garment.
– 2 Samuel 6:14

Ballet dancers have always intrigued me. They are full of grace, elegance and style. When I think of a ballerina, I think of a milky white swan –gliding on a pristine lake. What a picture of peace!

In the Bible, King David danced before the Lord! I am not sure if it was as graceful as a ballerina’s pirouettes. However, this image of David dancing for the God of All Creation sends chills up and down my spine. It is not only beautiful – it’s full of grace.

God has called us to be his peaceful dancers. Trials in life might set us back or make our dance a little less graceful – but the truth is this – God is the giver of peace and grace. He loves to see your dance before him. We never need to feel embarrassed. He yearns for us to step out and dance in his truth.

– PRAYER –

Savior,

It is my honor to dance before you. Though my dance may not be as graceful and perfect as I would wish, this dance of joy and hope is for you! Give me your beauty and your precision in life. I long to continue dancing in your truths! May I be an example of your love to others always!

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

January 22, 2013June 7, 20131 Comment

Life is God’s novel. Let him write it.
-Isaac Bashevis Singer

New life is a miracle. It is incredible to think about how new life can be formed from a tiny seed. It’s planted in the dirt and after nurture and care – it spouts forth – leaves reaching up to the sun! Or to think on a new baby wrinkled and wet –eyes gazing open to the world in front of them. Their heart beating in constant motion! Life from the womb, now looking at you! Yes, life is a miracle. It is a precious gift from God.

I am sure you have heard the saying, “Life is God’s Gift to Man. What We Do with It Is Our Gift to God.”

May we honor God with the life that he has given us! May we live out his love to others! There is nothing more beautiful than using the hands and feet he has given us to touch others lives!

– PRAYER –

God,

Thank you for this life you have given me. I pray that I will honor you with this precious gift. Every day, I seek to worship you and bring you praise. Live in my hands and my feet. I give you my life, Lord. May I serve you in my words and actions always!

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

IN THE QUIET

January 18, 2013June 7, 2013Leave a comment

“There is no one else for me, None but Jesus! Crucified to set me free, Now I live to bring Him praise.” -Hillsong

There is nothing quite like peace and quiet. It is refreshing to escape the noises of the city and the company of friends’ jovial laughter– just to listen to the wind. For in the stillness and tranquility, we hear God’s calming voice more clearly. Psalm 46:10 urges us to, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

I am reminded of the beautiful song that goes, “In the quiet, in the stillness, I know that you are God. In the secret of your presence, I know there I am restored.” Quietness restores a baffled mind. It eases an anxiety laden heart.

May we find time to escape from the worries of the day and reflect on The Calmer of the Storm – Jesus! He is the only one that can stand up on the violent waters and calm the currents in our lives. Let us look to his guidance and follow his light daily!

– PRAYER –

Lord,

You the Giver of True Peace! I pray you calm my anxious and worry-laden heart. You say never to be anxious for anything – but by prayer and petition present my requests to you! I ask you for your peace that passes al understanding to fill my life today and always.

In Jesus’ Name Amen.

HE GIVES ME REST

January 16, 2013June 7, 2013Leave a comment

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:29

Our bodies are flesh and bone. They fail. We get tired. Our feet get weary from a long day at work. Our emotions go haywire from caring for someone in need. We are overwhelmed from chasing after little feet or chauffeuring mini-soccer players. However, no matter how busy life is – isn’t it wonderful to know that we rest in the arms of a loving God!?

He says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He will give us rest. But, this rest is not just any rest – its divine. The Lord extends his hands out and envelops us in his strength. When we feel powerless that’s when He is the strongest.

His words of blessings will rejuvenate our bodies. Just looking to his light gives us power beyond measure. We can rest knowing that our strength does not come from the sinews and muscles in our physical body – but our might comes from an Everlasting God. His provision never runs dry!

– PRAYER –

Father,

I praise you – for you give me rest not just in the stress of life, but also in the quiet times. You are my provider and your power never runs dry in my life. Thank you for your divine rest. I can close my eyes and know you have me safe in sound in the palm of your hands.

In Jesus’ Name Amen.

CHILDLIKE WONDER

January 14, 2013June 7, 2013Leave a comment

May Your wonders never cease. May Your Spirit never leave. -Third Day

Remember childlike wonder? Looking up at the sky and marveling at the intense blue colored backdrop of creation or feeling the smooth green grass under bare, cold feet? Our wonder was in the simple. We were awed by the raw beauty around us.

Though we are no longer children, we can and must still stand in admiration of the magnificent characteristics of our Savior. God is wonderful. In fact, Isaiah 9:6 describes our Lords as our “wonderful counselor.” It goes on to call him “Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” His love is simple. Proverbs states, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.”

May we seek God not just in the simple – but also in the complex nature of life! Like a child, we need to look to the heavens in sheer wonder and marvel at his beauty, provision and wonderful character.

– PRAYER –

Wonderful Counselor,

You are not just my Savior and provider – you are my friend. I stand in wonder of the works of your hands. It’s my desire that I remain awestruck in your presence. Like a gleaming, glistening robe, I want my life to shine brightly for you. Thank you and may my wonder in your works never cease!

In Jesus’ Name Amen.

BUDDING BEAUTY

January 9, 2013June 7, 2013Leave a comment

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. -Isaiah 40:8

God’s creation is beautiful. It is so easy to just pass by the trees and forget to admire their sturdy trunks. Or pass by a stream and not rest in the musical melody of its trickling current. Or feel the warmth of the sun and not be elated by its warmth. How can we see the bright colors of the redbird and not give all glory to God for his handiwork?

The Lord is the Master Creator. He is the artist of everything beautiful we see. And, he does not just make creation beautiful. He makes his children radiant – for how can we not be beautiful, when we gleam our assurance from the best light source!

We are budding beauties in the Lord’s hands. He has crafted us to spread his love, joy and hope to the world. We are like the red roses in the mixed flower bouquet – made to stand out.

– PRAYER –

Lord,

You have created me to standout. I thank you for your favor, Father. I will dance in your presence and lift my hands in praise to you! May my feet always be rooted in the beauty of your precious Words! I will fix my eyes on your mercies daily. They are rain water to my parched heart.

In Jesus’ Name Amen.

DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

January 8, 2013June 7, 2013Leave a comment

You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. Isaiah 62:3

Diamonds represent love and affection. They are sparkly little stones that cost a fortune. They stand for eternity, forever, endlessness. When placed on a woman’s finger they represent marriage and commitment. They are priceless.

Everyone has heard the expression “diamond in the rough.” This common phrase is used to describe “a person who has good qualities despite a rough exterior; a person with great potential.”

Did you know that we are all “diamonds in the rough?” We are that regular pebble in the stream – waiting for someone to pick us up and excavate us. We are all looking for someone to notice our exterior and cut us open to find beauty beyond compare.

God notices our regular pebble exterior and calls us blessed. He turns our ordinary hearts into something extraordinary. We are no longer a “Plain Jane” in Christ. God has set a crown of diamonds on our heads. We no longer look through the eyes of a commoner, but gaze at the world through a princess privileged view.

– PRAYER –

God,

I thank you for calling me blessed and favored. Looking to you sets my heart afire. You have given me so many rich blessings. My appreciation will never be enough. All I can do is fall on my face in sheer gratefulness. You have set a crown of splendor on my head. I praise you for your provision. You will always be my King.

In Jesus’ Name Amen.