Thursday, December 24, 2009

Christmas 2009


Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.


The Shepherds and the Angels

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.


My Thoughts and Perspective

Can you imagine being as heavy with child as Mary was and traveling all the way from Nazareth to Bethlehem? That was a distance of approximately 90 miles and they had to either walk that distance or be carried by an animal, a beast of burden. Our traditional Christmas story has Mary riding a donkey. I cannot even imagine such a journey being that pregnant and so close to delivery.

I would imagine, since they were a poor couple, that they were hoping to get to Bethlehem as soon as possible, to be counted (as a couple, as two) and to pay the taxes for that amount, hoping the baby would not be born and having that additional tax burden.

Then the time arrives and there was “no room in the inn” and so the child was born in a ‘barn’ and placed in a manger. While some describe the innkeeper as an example of uncaring, sinful mankind who rejected the Savior, was he? He allowed them an area of privacy where they could bring their child into the world. Privacy is something I required when giving birth, I can’t imagine the Mother of our Lord would be any different.

Shepherds were the first to whom the angels appeared and announced the birth of a Savior. Stinking, smelly, working men. Lowly in stature and yet the angels who heralded the birth of Christ appeared to the common, working man. Perhaps that is why people who heard the shepherds story were so amazed. Recently I heard a sermon that equated shepherds and fishermen of that era to truckers and bikers of our day. I wonder how accurate that is? It is a wonderful contrast though.

Next, at all these happenings, Mary was in awe and treasured them in her heart. Isn’t that just like a mother? How many of us recall little things about the birth of our children and little things they did when growing up? Perhaps we didn’t write these things down, but that have become a part of the oral history of our family. These are the things we share in a family gathering or with our child when they are feeling low or perhaps ill.

Finally, and most important, the Christmas story is about the Savior who was God in human flesh coming to earth to save us from our sins and to establish His Kingdom in our lives, in our hearts and in our homes. The issue is, will we allow Him to be the King, the Ruler of our lives? Will we submit to His authority and deny our own selfish ambitions? That is the chief of all questions, isn’t it? It is the question each of us needs to consider and ponder in our hearts for not only this Christmas season, but for the coming year.

I won’t be posting possibly until after the New Year, but I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a blessed Christmas and to thank you for your friendship, your prayers and for becoming such a very real part of my life. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Because we’re His,

Tamara

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
“This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”
I John 4:10

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8

TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is one thing to “say” you love someone. It is another, to really love them. You see the real language of love is not found in some poetic phrase. The language of love is in our actions. Love should be a verb. So when I say, “God loves you!” I am referring to much more than some simple sentiment. I am referring to the fact that you are important to God. You are special to Him. Paul shares that “God demonstrates His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” When we are at our worst, when we are farthest from Him, His love for us is still there. God sent Jesus to be the sacrifice for our sinfulness, so we could have a legitimate relationship with Him. So we could experience His love and begin to express our love back to Him.


Have you received His love? Have you made it personal? If not acknowledge the fact that He loves you today. Thank Him for providing a way for you to come before His Holiness, cleansed, forgiven and as His child. Jesus said it best, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, God gave the right to become children of God.”
If you believe that He died on the cross for you, then receive His death as a substitute for you by acknowledging it as a fact and thanking Him for it today.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I have heard the words, “God loves me” before. Today I want to make it personal. I want you to know how thankful I am that you sent Jesus to be my substitute, so I could come before you Holy and blameless. So that I could be “born again” as your child. Today, I receive these words into my heart, “God loves me!” "Jesus loves me!"  Help me to really understand it and all the joy that it brings. In Jesus name I pray ~Amen


Yours, because we're His,

Tamara


Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Today's Devotional Scripture

TODAY’S VERSE
“We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
Romans 5:2-5


TODAY’S THOUGHT
Births and funerals. Health and disease. It seems that life has its contrasts. On one hand we have the promised land, on the other we have the wilderness. None of us goes through life unscathed. We all have trials and difficulties. Some self inflicted others inflicted upon us. Paul knew that the temptation during difficulties is to complain and give up, so he wrote to the church in Rome to encourage them during their time of persecution. Paul admits to them that on one hand we have our hope of heaven and on the other hand we have suffering in this life but he instructs us in both circumstances to rejoice. I understand the rejoicing in the hope of heaven, but why would Paul say that we should rejoice in our sufferings? Paul says we should rejoice in our sufferings because of “hope”. Hope is the word that makes all the difference. You see our suffering produces perseverance which produces character which results in hope. But what really makes hope spectacular is what Paul writes next. Five words: “Hope does not disappoint us!” Hope in Christ will never fail. Today, you may have disappointment. You may have difficulties. But friend, today you also have hope!

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, today, where there is darkness help me see hope. Where there is pain help me feel hope. Where there is disappointment help me realize hope and where there is doubt, fear and anxiety, help me know hope. Father, thank You that You promised that Your hope will not disappoint us. I receive Your hope today. In Jesus name ~Amen


Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Monday, December 21, 2009

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Matthew 5:14-15

TODAY’S THOUGHT
This past Saturday night, we took our grandson on a mini-trip to see all the local Christmas lights.  Being only two years old, he was enamored with all the lights and displays.  "Lights, lights, lights!" he'd cry out and point to the ones that really caught his interest.  It's interesting to watch a child and their fascination with lights.


As Christians, we are the light for the world. We are the illumination on the path that leads through the wilderness along the dangerous ravine. Jesus reminds us that we must not hide the light but instead should put it where everyone can see by it brightness. He concludes with this command, “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Today you have a choice. You can contribute to the darkness of those around you or you can be the light. There is no neutral ground. When God give us opportunity today, might we shine with the Love of Christ that God will get the praise and glory.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I pray that today you would shine your light through me as you guide me to the darkness that you want me to shine upon. Help me see the needs around me and respond with your love and compassion so others will praise you. ~Amen

Friday, December 18, 2009

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
“Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.


Now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.”

Colossians 3:5-10

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Just say NO! Okay, so maybe it’s not quite that easy. But you have to admit that the attitude you take into a situation can help shape the outcome. If we can read this list that Paul gives us and determine that with God’s strength we are going to say “No” before we get into a challenging situation it will help.

Paul uses phrases like “Have nothing to do with” and “get rid of”. This indicates that God expects us to take some initiative, so action. What I like the best about today’s passage is the phrase, “Be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.” So do we get victory over these sins because we focus on them and fight diligently to overcome them or because we focus on God and try to be more like Him? I know, I know, it's some of each, but I really believe that a positive focus will always win over the negative. Try what Paul suggests, focus on God, get to know Him, let Him mold you more into His likeness and He will help you take care of any negative behavior.


And let's be honest, this isn't an easy subject to address.  It helps to remember 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." NIV  Just say NO!

TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord you know I want to live a life that pleases you. I don’t want to be sexually immoral, evil or greedy. I don’t want to be angry or full of slander or dirty language. I don’t want to lie. Help me today to focus on you. Help me to know you, to love you, to commune with you and I will trust you with all my other behaviors. Help me today, to be more like you. In Jesus Name I pray ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
Galatians 6:9

TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is hard work doing good. It seems like there is always a shortcut, a reason to delay, and an easier way. It is easier to complain than to fix something. It is easier to quit than to go the extra mile. We find ourselves asking, “If this is so good, why is it so hard?” Besides, there is no way you will ever get paid for all you are doing, most of the time your efforts will go unrewarded. And yet we do good because it is the right thing to do. It is His will, it is what Jesus would do. Nobody knew this more that the Apostle Paul. So he pens these words for our encouragement, “Don’t get tired of doing good! You will reap a harvest of blessing, just don’t give up!”

What good are you doing? What have you started but need to get back to? Are you discouraged? Do you feel like giving up? Talk to God about it today. Let Him know. Ask Him for strength and joy. Ask Him to give you a glimpse of the possibilities and then get back up and continue on. You will see the end, there will be a blessing, don’t give up.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord, you know where I am at. You know the good I am trying to do. You know my struggle. I cannot see the end. I need your help. I need your strength. I recommit myself today to doing the good that you have called me to do. Lord, I want to see the harvest of blessing. ~Amen

Yours, because we're His,
Tamara

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Today's Devotional

TODAY'S VERSE
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.”
James 1:19, 26


TODAY’S THOUGHT
James doesn’t pull any punches and comes right to the point. He knows how easy it is to pretend we are living for Christ. We have all the right outward behaviors. We know all the right phrases, go to all the right programs, and do all the right ministries. But James doesn’t talk about any of that. Instead he gets right to the heart of Christianity. He says that we MUST be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry. How different would this world be if all would heed what James has said? How many fights, feuds and even wars have been fought because people would not control their tongue or emotions? How worthless has our Christianity seemed to others because we did not allow James’s admonition to permeate our behavior? If Jesus would be Lord and Master of our life then He must be Lord and Master of our tongue and temper. If this has been a weakness, confess it to Christ and ask for the help of His Holy Spirit. He will guide you.  He will guide me.  Today might we give our emotions to Christ. When given an opportunity today, might we be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.


TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, you know how very many times I have been so swift to speak and get angry. You know how I have not listened to others the way I should. I confess my poor habits and ask dear Lord Jesus that you would forgive me and fill me with your Holy Spirit. Give me the discipline I need today to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  In Jesus' name I pray. ~Amen

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
“One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”
Psalms 27:4


TODAY’S THOUGHTS
Have you ever gone somewhere or some place and when it was time to go you hated to leave? Have you ever enjoyed something so much that you did not want it to end? Is there anything in your life that has become that “one thing”? This is what David felt about his relationship with God. If we had to choose a word to describe David it would be “worshipper”. David really loved God. He was sold out to Jehovah God. So much so that if he had to choose just “one thing” it would be to worship God all the time.

What about you? What role does the worship of God play in your life? Is it just an hour of church on Sunday? That wasn’t enough for David. If he could, he would have stayed in the Temple of God worshipping all the time! The good news is that we don’t have to go to a Temple to worship God. We are the temple. Our body is His temple and our heart is an alter for worship. We can stop anytime, anywhere and gaze upon His beauty in the quietness of our own soul. Bring your praise and adoration to Him in your own temple throughout the day and night. Let loving God and living for Him become your “one thing.”

TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord, I admit I have been preoccupied with so very many things that scream for my attention, that worshipping you has taken a back seat in my life. I am so sorry. I do love you. I really do want to get my priorities right. Help me know and love you more and more until worshipping you becomes the “one thing” in my life. ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Monday, December 14, 2009

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalms 27:1


TODAY’S THOUGHT

Sometimes we just need to answer that question. It may seem that the answer is obvious. “Who should I fear?” It is almost rhetorical, yet sometimes we are blinded to the truth. I remember seeing a little boy who thought he was lost, start screaming. He cried hysterically and yet his father was right next to him. The little child was so overcome with fear of abandonment, he cried so hard that he could not see his father right in front of him. It wasn’t until the dad picked him up and hugged him for a few moments that the boy took comfort in his father’s arms. Fear is like that. When we fear, it blocks out all other reality. Here is God, our light and salvation, and yet we act as if we are lost in utter darkness. We are in the stronghold of God’s love and yet fear blinds us from the reality of our salvation. Is this your reality? What is it that you fear? Look into the eyes of Jesus and let His light penetrate your mind and heart. Let Him be your stronghold.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Father God, Abba, I admit that I let my emotions overwhelm me. I don’t allow myself to fully understand what it means that you are my light, salvation and stronghold. Forgive me Lord. I want your peace. I want your joy. I want to know you more fully. Even today let me experience your presence in my life. Even today Lord, I ask you to make me fully aware of your love and power – and I will not be afraid. Thank you Lord! ~Amen

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
“Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”
Hebrews 7:25

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
Romans 8:26

TODAY’S MESSAGE
Have you ever had anyone intercede for you? You know when you are in situation and you need something and because of the circumstances someone else is a better choice to represent your needs. Perhaps a lawyer, a customer service representative, a trusted friend or medical professional? Someone who becomes your advocate. When they are qualified and earnest it is a beautiful thing to watch. When they are inept or insincere, watch out!


Now here we are, trying to live our life, one person among billions of others. We have great needs, not only in this life but in the life ahead. We need help but who will help us? Who can understand our plight? Who would care enough for us to do something? Who would have the power to effect any change?

Thank God the Father for His son Jesus and His Holy Spirit. They are the ones interceding for us. Jesus intercedes for our sins with His own blood and the Holy Spirit intercedes for our weaknesses and needs in this life. Even when we don’t know how to pray, the Holy Spirit passionately groans and pleads our case to God the Father. What compassion, what mercy. Even now confess to Jesus your deepest needs. Come to Him with your hidden secrets, your most perplexing problems, your most heinous sins. He will intercede, and when He does He will bring peace and deep joy to your heart.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus, I come to you just as I am, desperate and needy for your touch. I need your help. You know my situation. I need you and your Holy Spirit to intercede for me to God the father. To Him, who can do all things. To Him, who is all love and all power. Dear Jesus, I give you my life. I give you today. Guide me, direct me, fill me with your peace and power. I pray this in your name, Lord Jesus. ~Amen


Yours, because we're His,

Tamara
TODAY’S VERSE
“Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen.
       He is my Beloved, who pleases me.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
       and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not fight or shout
       or raise his voice in public.
He will not crush the weakest reed
       or put out a flickering candle.
Finally he will cause justice to be victorious.
       And his name will be the hope
of all the world.”
       He is my Beloved, who pleases me.
I will put my Spirit upon him,
       and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
He will not fight or shout
       or raise his voice in public.
He will not crush the weakest reed
       or put out a flickering candle.
Finally he will cause justice to be victorious.
       And his name will be the hope
of all the world.”
Matthew 12:18-21


TODAY’S MESSAGE
You can tell a religion by the God it follows. We follow Jehovah who made Himself a man in the person of Christ Jesus. He could have chosen to come as a ruler, a dictator, a mighty military leader or a tyrant. Instead, He came to earth in the person of Jesus. Isaiah says that Jesus came to proclaim justice. He came to be our hope. He did not come to crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering flame. What a picture Isaiah is painting. Here we are - messy, needy and weak. We get beat up, confused, tempted and tired. What does Jesus do? Does He step all over us? Does He crush the reeds? No, not at all. Does He rant and rave? Does He blow out the littlest bit of a flame that we have left? No, He does nothing that would cause the flame to go out. His name is Hope! Hope today in His unconditional love for you.


 
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Father, what a picture You paint of Your love for me! I need Your love. I need Your understanding, Your mercy and Your total forgiveness. I fully receive them right now. I praise You for your kindness, I shout with joy even now for Your unconditional love for me. Thank You Jesus. My hope is in You! ~Amen


Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’”
Matthew 9:35-38


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


TODAY’S MESSAGE
In Matthew 9, Jesus heals a paralyzed man, raises a dead girl and gives sight to two blind men. He is exhausted and feeling cramped in by all the throngs of people coming to him for help. Even after all this, Jesus goes from town to town teaching, preaching and healing every disease and sickness.

But then there is a dramatic shift in strategy – Jesus sees all the people harassed, helpless and needing help and then tells His disciples to pray that God would send you and I to help Him do His work. Do you get it? Jesus didn’t come here to help and heal everyone by Himself. He came to redeem mankind, begin the process of helping mankind find the way, the truth and the life and then commissions us to take His power and ministry to the whole world! He has empowered us to aid Him in bringing His message of salvation and healing to a desperate world - the world where you and I live. Might our response be like Isaiah’s, “Here am I. Send me!”

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for your tireless mission of love that reaches out to me. Today I hear your voice saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go?” May I have the courage to respond like Isaiah and say, “Here am I. Send me!” ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven’”.
Matthew 18:21-22

TODAY’S THOUGHT
It’s interesting that Peter was the one that came to Jesus and asked, “How many times should we forgive another person?” Peter thought he was generous and asked, “Seven times?” But the answer that Jesus gave Peter was based on grace and mercy, not on merit or our puny benevolence. Jesus said, “Seventy times seven.”


 
Peter learned to identify himself with Christ’s answer. When the crowd came to crucify Jesus, Peter denied that he knew Jesus three times. When he realized the wrong he committed he went and “wept bitterly” over his sin. How awful Peter must have felt. When Jesus rose again he went and found Peter. Jesus forgave Peter and told him three times to go and serve Him. And that’s what Peter did. He did not go and become self righteous. He did not go and think of himself as some sinless leader of the church. He did not set up a Country Club Church for members in good standing. No, Peter never lost sight of the fact he was just a forgiven fisherman, saved by the grace of God.

Other people recognized it too. The book of Acts says, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Peter and his followers carried a sign saying, “No perfect people allowed! We are just ordinary people forgiven of our sins.” Shouldn’t we do the same?

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank you for all that you have forgiven in my life. Might I live filled with your Holy Spirit and in the fresh awareness that I am loved by you! Help me in turn to love and forgive others so when they see me they will take note that I have been with you. ~Amen!


Your's because we're His,

Tamara





Monday, December 7, 2009

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
“This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all.” NLT
I Timothy 1:15

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Why is it we go to church and pretend that everything is okay and never seek out the help we need? Could it be due to the fact that when someone does something wrong they so often end up being ostracized from the rest of the fellowship? It often seems that Christians “shoot their wounded”. We need to work on getting rid of the stigma of falling down in our Christian walk and learn to help each other back up.


People are looking for a Christianity where they can belong and feel comfortable, where they can be authentic and real with their life’s story. Paul tells us to “bear one another’s burdens” not to pretend we don’t have any. Paul starts his spiritual journey admitting that he is the “chief of all sinners”. As he goes through his journey he changes focus to who Christ is and what He does with sin. Christ convicts, corrects, forgives, gives grace and helps us get up after a fall and try again.

We are not perfect, but thank God, He has a perfect plan. Let’s begin today, with all our struggles and imperfections, to live for Him and rejoice in His unconditional love for us. After all, like the bumper sticker states, “Christians aren’t perfect, they are forgiven.”

TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord I am tired to trying to be perfect or to appear perfect. I can’t do it. I do, however, know how to accept your grace and forgiveness. I accept it today. Thank you Lord for accepting me with all my imperfections and helping me live for You. In Jesus name. ~Amen!


Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Friday, December 4, 2009

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you.”’
II Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
I never get use to God’s grace! Grace is God’s “unmerited favor” towards us who believe. In other words, He lavishes His love on you and me for no other reason than He “wants to”. His love is a perfect love. God’s grace is His purposeful manifestation of perfect love toward us. Paul came upon a tremendous burden in his life and he sought relief from God but he ended up getting so much more. He received grace from God that was sufficient to meet his every need.

I once viewed a PBS program that was titled “Amazing Grace” and hosted by Bill Moyers. They traveled all over the United States asking people to sing the song for them and to describe what grace meant to them. It was so interesting to see and hear all the variations of the song in all the different geographical locations. I once was privileged to attend a prison service for a Christian inmate who had passed on. The inmates sang “Amazing Grace” as I’ve never heard it before and in such beautiful harmony. Recently I saw a Christian Tee Shirt that merely stated, “I am the wretch in the song.” I considered purchasing it.

Today may you be conscious of His grace toward you. May you sense it in His attention, mercy, peace, strength and love that He directs toward you. Today, may you truly hope in this and His grace will indeed be sufficient for what ever will come your way.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, how amazing is Your grace! Thank You that no matter what comes my way today, You promised that Your grace toward me will be sufficient enough to see me through. Thank You for your grace of love, of forgiveness, of mercy, of peace, of joy, of strength and of provision. I praise You for You are truly gracious toward me. ~Amen!


Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Today's Devotional

TODAY’S VERSE
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
II Peter 1:5-8


TODAY’S THOUGHT
Do you sit around wishing there was something you could do about your Spiritual life? Do you feel helpless to live the kind of life that Christ has asked you to? Girl! Do I have good news for you! We don’t have to be victims of satanic attacks or the pull of our old nature. God in His word has suggested a better way. He tells us to make every effort to “add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” Every effort - I can live with that. Every effort means that we try, really try. It acknowledges that there may be set-backs but that’s okay. Get up, and make every effort again!

That’s what Peter means when he writes that we need to possess these qualities in increasing measure. He is talking about baby steps. We make every effort, fall down, get up and make every effort again. When we do, look at the hope, look at what God promises. He says if we make every effort to increase our faith, goodness, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love in baby steps, that it will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our Christian walk. You can claim this promise for yourself. Don’t buy the lie. You can live for God today. You can make a difference, I can make a difference – one baby step at a time.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, I want to live for you, but I keep tripping up. Help me take my faith and add to it goodness, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love in baby steps. Holy Spirit, convict me, guide me and give me the discipline to begin these baby steps today - so that I may eventually, progressively walk in Your way and in Your word. In Jesus Name I pray. ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Today's Devotional Scripture

TODAY’S VERSE
“And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, ‘Abba, Father.’”
Galatians 4:6

TODAY’S MESSAGE
What a tender thought. Paul was very deliberate in using “Abba Father”. This is a more affectionate term that simply saying, “Father.” The real translation of Abba Father is “Daddy!” Imagine, God invites us to call Him our affectionate Father, “Daddy”. Can you say that? Have you thought of Him that way? Paul says that as God’s children, He has given us His Spirit and the job of the Spirit is to help us fall more and more in love with the Father until we can call Him “Daddy.” Will you let Him do that? Will you begin to meditate, to really stop and consider that He is your loving Father? Imagine His deep love for you. Imagine you coming into His presence, calling Him “Daddy”. Ask God to help you know this reality deep in your heart. After all, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”

I find it easier when I imagine myself as a three or four year old little girl, dressed in denim bib overalls and pulling a wagon full of broken toys. The broken toys are actually broken dreams, broken promises, broken hearts and sometimes even a broken spirit. One by one, I give them to my “Daddy” to fix and lovingly He takes them from me and either fixes the “toy” or discards it and provides something much, much better.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Father, Abba, Poppa, thank You for being my “Daddy”. Holy Spirit, speak to my heart and help me feel the Father’s love, to know the Father’s love. Prompt me Holy Spirit to call God, “Dear Father, Dear Daddy” on a more frequent basis. In Jesus’ name ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,
 
Tamara

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Today's Devotional Scripture

TODAY’S VERSE
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10

THOUGHTS ON TODAY’S VERSE
Some people search a lifetime for a purpose. Why am I here? Where can I find meaning? We look for this bigger than life significance and we can’t find it. We search for something that will fill this hollow feeling inside. There is a craving in our soul that we can’t satisfy, a thirst that we cannot quench. It’s like the song says, “we are looking for love (purpose) in all the wrong places.” All the while the Bible gives a very fundamental answer to the secret of life satisfaction. Paul sums up our purpose in one simple verse. You and I will never be happy, never feel fulfilled until we figure out what Paul is saying. He says that you and I are the workmanship of God – a specific, personally made creation by almighty God Himself. More that that, we were created for this one simple thing, to do good works! That’s it. Our meaning, purpose, life satisfaction comes from living for God, from loving in His name, from doing good because He created us specifically to do good. What joy, what purpose, what meaning to know that we are hand picked agents of God’s good in this world. Do you believe this? Are you living this? If not, you can start today! And so can I!


TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, help me to fully understand what it means to be your workmanship created for good works. Help me to comprehend that you really know me, love me deeply and have specifically called me to be your representative in this world. Thank you for such a glorious calling. Help me today to do your good works which you prepared me to do before I was even born. You are my creator, I am your servant. Thank you Lord. ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara