TODAY’S VERSE(S)
“Some nations boast of their chariots and horses, but we boast in the name of the LORD our God.”
Psalms 20:7
“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:20-21
TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is easy to get our priorities mixed up. It seems that people are judged by the money they earn and the things they acquire. Even criminals are honored if they have the “rich and famous” lifestyle. Are fame and fortune the goals that we aspire to? The issue isn’t whether “riches” are good or bad. The issue is that there is something more important than materialism. There is a spiritual reality that we need to be concerned about. Jesus told us to store “spiritual” treasures in heaven. David said not to boast in our earthy positions and pleasures but to “boast in the Lord.” Why is this important? Because what we treasure is a reflection of what we are inside. If we treasure God, it is because He has the affection of our heart. If we boast in the Lord, it is because we are pleased with our relationship with Him. Do we want to have a deeper, more satisfying relationship with God? Seek Him like we would gold. Go after Him like a lost treasure. Make Him the most valuable part of our life and our heart with follow.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I want to treasure You more than gold. I want to love You more than my possessions. Help me to know You. Help me to experience Your love. Help me love You more and more until I understand the valuable treasure Your love really is. ~Amen
~Tamara
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Today's Devotional
TODAY’S VERSE
“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.”
Ephesians 3:18-19
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Unconditional love. What a thought; better yet, when we realize it, what a reality! God loves us with no strings attached. But do we really believe that? Brennan Manning, in his book “Abba’s Child,” challenges whether we do or not. He writes, “It is one thing to feel loved by God when our life is together and all our support systems are in place. But what happens when life falls through the cracks? What happens when we sin and fail, when our dreams shatter, when our investments crash, when we are regarded with suspicion? What happens when we come face-to-face with the human condition?” If we are honest with ourselves, we would probably begin to doubt whether God could love us. Why is that? Could it be that we want something to do with our own salvation? Is it the cross plus our worthiness? Is it His death plus all the good things we have done? We need to pray what Paul prayed, that we would have the power to understand how much He really loves us. Manning wrote it this way, “Whether you understand it or not, God loves you, is present in you, lives in you, dwells in you, calls you, saves you and offers you an understanding and compassion which are like nothing you have ever found in a book or heard in a sermon.” May you, may we really begin to believe and experience this reality.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, thank you for the fact that you love me unconditionally. Please give me the power to fully understand how deep Your love really is and the fact that it is a gift, not something I have to earn. Thank you for such an amazing truth. In Jesus Name. ~Amen!
~Tamara
“And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.”
Ephesians 3:18-19
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Unconditional love. What a thought; better yet, when we realize it, what a reality! God loves us with no strings attached. But do we really believe that? Brennan Manning, in his book “Abba’s Child,” challenges whether we do or not. He writes, “It is one thing to feel loved by God when our life is together and all our support systems are in place. But what happens when life falls through the cracks? What happens when we sin and fail, when our dreams shatter, when our investments crash, when we are regarded with suspicion? What happens when we come face-to-face with the human condition?” If we are honest with ourselves, we would probably begin to doubt whether God could love us. Why is that? Could it be that we want something to do with our own salvation? Is it the cross plus our worthiness? Is it His death plus all the good things we have done? We need to pray what Paul prayed, that we would have the power to understand how much He really loves us. Manning wrote it this way, “Whether you understand it or not, God loves you, is present in you, lives in you, dwells in you, calls you, saves you and offers you an understanding and compassion which are like nothing you have ever found in a book or heard in a sermon.” May you, may we really begin to believe and experience this reality.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, thank you for the fact that you love me unconditionally. Please give me the power to fully understand how deep Your love really is and the fact that it is a gift, not something I have to earn. Thank you for such an amazing truth. In Jesus Name. ~Amen!
~Tamara
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Today's Devotional
TODAY’S VERSE
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
II Corinthians 12:9
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Troubles happen. There are so many variables in life. It is good to have dreams, to make plans and to choose paths; however, you and I know that things don’t always go the way we plan. What do we do when things seem to get all messed up? We’ve asked for wisdom, for guidance but now it calls for something more. Something very special. It calls for grace.
According to Merriam-Webster, grace means, “unmerited divine assistance”. This was given to us when He we asked Him to forgive us from all that we did to separate ourselves from Him. And more that that, He made us His child. Our forgiveness was totally unmerited. There was nothing we could do to deserve it. There was nothing we could do to earn it.
In today’s verse, Paul is saying that God wants us to live life in the same way we received His forgiveness and became His child – by relying on God’s unmerited divine assistance. Paul gave us his own testimony. When nothing was going right and Paul kept asking God to move in certain directions, God had to say, “No!” It was not the direction God had for Paul. Instead God was saying, “Paul you are going to have to trust me, but don’t worry, my grace, my intervention in your life that you could never earn, is going to get you through.”
This is what hope is about. This is what faith is based on. This is the reality of our walk with Christ. No matter what we go through, God promises that His grace is all we need! Today, admit to God your need for His grace in your life. Humble yourself before Him, and acknowledge His ability (and desire) to see you through this day.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I need You in my life today. I need Your divine assistance. I need Your amazing grace. I know that I do not deserve it. You have lavishly poured Your love into my life and I praise You. Thank You for all that You have done for me. Thank You that today, Your grace is all I need to get me through. In Jesus Name ~Amen!
~Tamara
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
II Corinthians 12:9
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Troubles happen. There are so many variables in life. It is good to have dreams, to make plans and to choose paths; however, you and I know that things don’t always go the way we plan. What do we do when things seem to get all messed up? We’ve asked for wisdom, for guidance but now it calls for something more. Something very special. It calls for grace.
According to Merriam-Webster, grace means, “unmerited divine assistance”. This was given to us when He we asked Him to forgive us from all that we did to separate ourselves from Him. And more that that, He made us His child. Our forgiveness was totally unmerited. There was nothing we could do to deserve it. There was nothing we could do to earn it.
In today’s verse, Paul is saying that God wants us to live life in the same way we received His forgiveness and became His child – by relying on God’s unmerited divine assistance. Paul gave us his own testimony. When nothing was going right and Paul kept asking God to move in certain directions, God had to say, “No!” It was not the direction God had for Paul. Instead God was saying, “Paul you are going to have to trust me, but don’t worry, my grace, my intervention in your life that you could never earn, is going to get you through.”
This is what hope is about. This is what faith is based on. This is the reality of our walk with Christ. No matter what we go through, God promises that His grace is all we need! Today, admit to God your need for His grace in your life. Humble yourself before Him, and acknowledge His ability (and desire) to see you through this day.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I need You in my life today. I need Your divine assistance. I need Your amazing grace. I know that I do not deserve it. You have lavishly poured Your love into my life and I praise You. Thank You for all that You have done for me. Thank You that today, Your grace is all I need to get me through. In Jesus Name ~Amen!
~Tamara
Monday, January 25, 2010
Today's Devotional
TODAY’S VERSE
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:6-7
“I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance… Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”
Revelation 2:2, 4-5
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Remember when you first came to Christ? You were keenly aware of your need for a Savior. You were humbled by His love, appreciative of His sacrifice for you. You wanted to help everyone else know Him. What happened? How did we allow our intimate relationship with Christ become a ritual? When did we trade our freedom? When did we forsake our joy? Have we traded our relationship with Christ for a religion? Have we given up grace for rules and regulations? Have we traded the mission of the church for membership in a country club?
Paul encouraged the Church in Colossians to continue to live in Christ just like they did the first day they tasted of salvation. The first day the Spirit of God was born in their heart, the first time the tears from God’s forgiveness stained their cheeks. John wrote to the church in Ephesus that even though they worked hard and persevered, they lost their first love. He admonished them to repent and do the things that they did at first. Oh that we would never forget the wonder that God loves us. Or extinguish the joy from knowing that He has chosen us to be His children. Today examine your heart. Do you feel far from God? Who moved? Go back to the place you met Christ. Rededicate your heart to Him. Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, take me back to the time I first knew you – restore to me the joy of my salvation!. Renew the joy in my soul. Reignite the fire that burned in my heart. Help me to remember and to live this day in the fresh awareness of your love and forgiveness. ~Amen
~Tamara
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:6-7
“I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance… Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”
Revelation 2:2, 4-5
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Remember when you first came to Christ? You were keenly aware of your need for a Savior. You were humbled by His love, appreciative of His sacrifice for you. You wanted to help everyone else know Him. What happened? How did we allow our intimate relationship with Christ become a ritual? When did we trade our freedom? When did we forsake our joy? Have we traded our relationship with Christ for a religion? Have we given up grace for rules and regulations? Have we traded the mission of the church for membership in a country club?
Paul encouraged the Church in Colossians to continue to live in Christ just like they did the first day they tasted of salvation. The first day the Spirit of God was born in their heart, the first time the tears from God’s forgiveness stained their cheeks. John wrote to the church in Ephesus that even though they worked hard and persevered, they lost their first love. He admonished them to repent and do the things that they did at first. Oh that we would never forget the wonder that God loves us. Or extinguish the joy from knowing that He has chosen us to be His children. Today examine your heart. Do you feel far from God? Who moved? Go back to the place you met Christ. Rededicate your heart to Him. Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, take me back to the time I first knew you – restore to me the joy of my salvation!. Renew the joy in my soul. Reignite the fire that burned in my heart. Help me to remember and to live this day in the fresh awareness of your love and forgiveness. ~Amen
~Tamara
Friday, January 22, 2010
TODAY’S VERSE
“If you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”
James 3:14-16
“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them.”
James 4:1-2
TODAY’S THOUGHT
There is a plague in our world. At its worst it is the root of wars, poverty, hatred and injustice. In our everyday life it is what causes arguments, hurt feelings, disappointment and ungodly behavior. James calls this plague “jealousy and selfish ambition”. He goes further to call it, “unspiritual and demonic behavior” and assures us that wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and evil of every kind. Now does this mean that it wrong to have ambition? Is it wrong to desire goals? Is it wrong to have nice things? The answer to all three questions is, “No!” Where wrong comes in is when we live our lives independently of God. It is when we make our goals without considering the way He desires us to live that we are susceptible to major discontent. We listen to the world and start to desire fame and fortune. We create goals that we think will lead us to the place we need to be and nothing better get in our way. The cure for jealousy and selfish ambition is to develop a relationship with Christ. Talk to Him. Tell Him about your desires and dreams. Ask Him to show you how you should live. Ask Him to help you create goals that will honor Him. When you do, you can also leave the results to Him. You are already accepted by Him and loved unconditionally. When you really start to believe that, there will be no room in your heart for cheap imitations. There will be no reason for jealousy or selfish ambition.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, forgive me for taking my eyes off of You and setting up my own kingdom. I know that jealousy and selfish ambition have been prevalent in my life. I renounce these attitudes and ask that You would show me Your will for my life. Help me be content and live a life pleasing to you. ~Amen
~Tamara
“If you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.”
James 3:14-16
“What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them.”
James 4:1-2
TODAY’S THOUGHT
There is a plague in our world. At its worst it is the root of wars, poverty, hatred and injustice. In our everyday life it is what causes arguments, hurt feelings, disappointment and ungodly behavior. James calls this plague “jealousy and selfish ambition”. He goes further to call it, “unspiritual and demonic behavior” and assures us that wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and evil of every kind. Now does this mean that it wrong to have ambition? Is it wrong to desire goals? Is it wrong to have nice things? The answer to all three questions is, “No!” Where wrong comes in is when we live our lives independently of God. It is when we make our goals without considering the way He desires us to live that we are susceptible to major discontent. We listen to the world and start to desire fame and fortune. We create goals that we think will lead us to the place we need to be and nothing better get in our way. The cure for jealousy and selfish ambition is to develop a relationship with Christ. Talk to Him. Tell Him about your desires and dreams. Ask Him to show you how you should live. Ask Him to help you create goals that will honor Him. When you do, you can also leave the results to Him. You are already accepted by Him and loved unconditionally. When you really start to believe that, there will be no room in your heart for cheap imitations. There will be no reason for jealousy or selfish ambition.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, forgive me for taking my eyes off of You and setting up my own kingdom. I know that jealousy and selfish ambition have been prevalent in my life. I renounce these attitudes and ask that You would show me Your will for my life. Help me be content and live a life pleasing to you. ~Amen
~Tamara
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Today's Devotional
TODAY’S VERSE
“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”
Psalms 16:8
TODAY’S THOUGHT
As a child I was afraid of going down to the basement by myself. Actually, we called it the cellar and it was dark, it was damp and dank and it was creepy. Yet that is where my mom and grandmother stored the canned vegetables from the garden. Often I would be asked to go and get a can of veggies and bring it upstairs. Once, after my brother turned off the lights on me, I was really frightened. I remember standing still, holding my breath and listening for the sounds of my family from upstairs. It seemed all that I could hear was the sound of my own heart pounding in my chest. I waited until my eyes had adjusted to the darkness, found the requested can of vegetables and headed back upstairs. I was determined that in my fear, I would not let my brother know how afraid I had been!
David knew about darkness, too. He was a lonely shepherd, out many nights taking care of the sheep. But he knew the secret to overcoming the fear of the dark. He wrote, “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”
Today you can have that same assurance. Acknowledge His presence. Spend time with Him and allow Him to guide you throughout this day. He truly is right beside you.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I thank you that you are with me. Help me today to be keenly aware of your presence. Guide me, direct me and make me conscious that you are always at my side. ~Amen
~Tamara
“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”
Psalms 16:8
TODAY’S THOUGHT
As a child I was afraid of going down to the basement by myself. Actually, we called it the cellar and it was dark, it was damp and dank and it was creepy. Yet that is where my mom and grandmother stored the canned vegetables from the garden. Often I would be asked to go and get a can of veggies and bring it upstairs. Once, after my brother turned off the lights on me, I was really frightened. I remember standing still, holding my breath and listening for the sounds of my family from upstairs. It seemed all that I could hear was the sound of my own heart pounding in my chest. I waited until my eyes had adjusted to the darkness, found the requested can of vegetables and headed back upstairs. I was determined that in my fear, I would not let my brother know how afraid I had been!
David knew about darkness, too. He was a lonely shepherd, out many nights taking care of the sheep. But he knew the secret to overcoming the fear of the dark. He wrote, “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”
Today you can have that same assurance. Acknowledge His presence. Spend time with Him and allow Him to guide you throughout this day. He truly is right beside you.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I thank you that you are with me. Help me today to be keenly aware of your presence. Guide me, direct me and make me conscious that you are always at my side. ~Amen
~Tamara
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Today's Devotional
TODAY’S VERSE
“Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.”
Psalms 15:1-3
“If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.”
James 1:26
TODAY’S THOUGHT
The Lord puts a premium on what we say. James warns us, “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
David makes a list of the qualities of a holy life and includes speaking the truth, refusing gossip and not speaking evil of others. It is so easy to let what we say get out of hand. We say Jesus is the “Lord of our life.” Jesus would ask, “Am I the Lord of your tongue?” Today, give God control of your words. Make a conscious effort to weigh what you say in order to honor Him. James said it best when he wrote, “be quick to listen and slow to speak.”
“Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.”
Psalms 15:1-3
“If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.”
James 1:26
TODAY’S THOUGHT
The Lord puts a premium on what we say. James warns us, “The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”
David makes a list of the qualities of a holy life and includes speaking the truth, refusing gossip and not speaking evil of others. It is so easy to let what we say get out of hand. We say Jesus is the “Lord of our life.” Jesus would ask, “Am I the Lord of your tongue?” Today, give God control of your words. Make a conscious effort to weigh what you say in order to honor Him. James said it best when he wrote, “be quick to listen and slow to speak.”
TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord, I give you control of my tongue. Please help me guard my mouth today. Help me be quick to listen to others and slow to speak. May I remember that I have two ears, but only one mouth. Help me weigh carefully everything I say that I may be a testimony of your love and grace. In Jesus Name ~Amen!
~Tamara
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Today's Devotional
TODAY’S VERSE
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Colossians 3:12-14
TODAY’S THOUGHT
I like to determine the clothes I’m going to wear for the next day before I have to get up and go to work. It is one less thing I have to think about when I get up. It allows me to be more objective and intentional instead of rushing to decide what to wear. Paul shares that intentionally is also important in wearing the wardrobe that God has for us to wear. Paul uses the analogy of clothing because our behavior is something that people see about us. Just like a bad suit we look bad in negative behavior. Instead, Paul admonishes us to clothe ourselves in love. He then says to accessorize love with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. What an ensemble. Can you imagine if we were intentional in putting on this behavior everyday? What a difference it would make in our life and the lives of those around us. Today, decide what you want to wear. It is your choice. God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, has custom made an outfit just for you. The clothes fit perfectly and bring out your true self. Go ahead, find a quiet changing room and go change. Clothe yourself today with love, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I know I need to wear something different in my heart. I haven’t been wearing the clothes you gave to me when I became a Christian. Help me today to change the clothes of my heart and put on love, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness. Amen
~Tamara
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Colossians 3:12-14
TODAY’S THOUGHT
I like to determine the clothes I’m going to wear for the next day before I have to get up and go to work. It is one less thing I have to think about when I get up. It allows me to be more objective and intentional instead of rushing to decide what to wear. Paul shares that intentionally is also important in wearing the wardrobe that God has for us to wear. Paul uses the analogy of clothing because our behavior is something that people see about us. Just like a bad suit we look bad in negative behavior. Instead, Paul admonishes us to clothe ourselves in love. He then says to accessorize love with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. What an ensemble. Can you imagine if we were intentional in putting on this behavior everyday? What a difference it would make in our life and the lives of those around us. Today, decide what you want to wear. It is your choice. God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, has custom made an outfit just for you. The clothes fit perfectly and bring out your true self. Go ahead, find a quiet changing room and go change. Clothe yourself today with love, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I know I need to wear something different in my heart. I haven’t been wearing the clothes you gave to me when I became a Christian. Help me today to change the clothes of my heart and put on love, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and forgiveness. Amen
~Tamara
Friday, January 15, 2010
TODAY’S VERSE
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Psalms 46:10
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Have you ever noticed how we hate silence? I don’t mean the momentary silence after you walk inside from loud street noise. I mean the “quiet yourself down and think” kind of silence. It’s so hard to shut off all the inward noise and chatter. We’re obsessed with busyness. It’s as if we’re afraid to face who we really are and where we are in our journey. But facing our loneliness is something we need to do, something we need to reckon with. Leanne Payne makes this point in her book, “Listening Prayer.” She writes, “Our Pastoral task is to help all needy individuals face their inner loneliness, and there begin to hear God and their own true self. Everyone one of us – not just those who are the most visibly wounded by the darkness in humanity and the world – has to face that inner loneliness and separation from God. We all need to begin the rigorous but sternly magnificent work of converting the ‘desert of loneliness’ within into the spaciously beautiful ‘garden of solitude’ where the true self comes forward and flourishes. This is the self that is capable of friendship and Christian fellowship.” As we face our life, we need to stop filling in the gaps with empty “busyness”. Instead we need to consider who we are and all that God is. This will lead us on a beautiful journey of the soul. Throughout this day, stop and listen to your inner self, bring it to God and dialog with Him. May you begin to hear God and embrace your true self in Him.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord, so many times during the day You cry out my name, but I am too busy “keeping busy” that I do not hear You. How many times Lord, You have wanted me to turn to You in my loneliness but I fill the void with noise. Lord, I am sorry. I want to hear You, I want to know You. Help me start today to convert my “desert of loneliness” into a “garden of solitude.” Amen!
~Tamara
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Psalms 46:10
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Have you ever noticed how we hate silence? I don’t mean the momentary silence after you walk inside from loud street noise. I mean the “quiet yourself down and think” kind of silence. It’s so hard to shut off all the inward noise and chatter. We’re obsessed with busyness. It’s as if we’re afraid to face who we really are and where we are in our journey. But facing our loneliness is something we need to do, something we need to reckon with. Leanne Payne makes this point in her book, “Listening Prayer.” She writes, “Our Pastoral task is to help all needy individuals face their inner loneliness, and there begin to hear God and their own true self. Everyone one of us – not just those who are the most visibly wounded by the darkness in humanity and the world – has to face that inner loneliness and separation from God. We all need to begin the rigorous but sternly magnificent work of converting the ‘desert of loneliness’ within into the spaciously beautiful ‘garden of solitude’ where the true self comes forward and flourishes. This is the self that is capable of friendship and Christian fellowship.” As we face our life, we need to stop filling in the gaps with empty “busyness”. Instead we need to consider who we are and all that God is. This will lead us on a beautiful journey of the soul. Throughout this day, stop and listen to your inner self, bring it to God and dialog with Him. May you begin to hear God and embrace your true self in Him.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord, so many times during the day You cry out my name, but I am too busy “keeping busy” that I do not hear You. How many times Lord, You have wanted me to turn to You in my loneliness but I fill the void with noise. Lord, I am sorry. I want to hear You, I want to know You. Help me start today to convert my “desert of loneliness” into a “garden of solitude.” Amen!
~Tamara
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Today's Devotional
TODAY’S VERSE
“My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”
Job 42:5
TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is so easy to walk in our Christian experience and really believe that we know God. We are like a baseball fanatic. You know the kind. He can tell you everything about a certain player. He can quote their batting average, number of homers, lifetime RBI’s. He knows where they played college ball, the names of his wife and children. He even has an autographed baseball. Yet he has never met the player. Never went to his house, sat with him at dinner or even had a discussion. Everything he knows is from reading or listening to commentators. Now don’t get me wrong, there is passion! Chances are he will fight you if you say something derogatory about the player. There is passion but it is based on admiration not friendship.
Job came to a place where everything he thought he knew about God seemed empty and vain. And then He met God. Job knew all about God, He “worshipped” God, He even lived the way he thought God wanted him to; but when he saw God, all that changed. Knowing God in a personal and intimate way changes everything. And the beauty is this: God created each of us with the ability to know Him. He has equipped us with the Holy Spirit who is to teach us all things and bring us into intimate fellowship with Him. But the choice is yours. You can choose to spend time with God and ask Him to reveal Himself to you or you can continue to “know” about Him. Cry out to God today and ask Him to open your eyes like He did Job’s and you will be able to say, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, sometimes I feel so very, very phony inside. I talk about You, I read about You, I pray to You, but I don’t seem to see You. Today, Lord, help me to be conscious of Your presence. Father, speak to me. Help the eyes of my heart to see You. I want to know You in a deeper and more personal way. I pause now Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, reveal Yourself to me. Thank you Lord for Your reality. I love You Lord with all my heart. In Jesus Name ~Amen.
~Tamara
“My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”
Job 42:5
TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is so easy to walk in our Christian experience and really believe that we know God. We are like a baseball fanatic. You know the kind. He can tell you everything about a certain player. He can quote their batting average, number of homers, lifetime RBI’s. He knows where they played college ball, the names of his wife and children. He even has an autographed baseball. Yet he has never met the player. Never went to his house, sat with him at dinner or even had a discussion. Everything he knows is from reading or listening to commentators. Now don’t get me wrong, there is passion! Chances are he will fight you if you say something derogatory about the player. There is passion but it is based on admiration not friendship.
Job came to a place where everything he thought he knew about God seemed empty and vain. And then He met God. Job knew all about God, He “worshipped” God, He even lived the way he thought God wanted him to; but when he saw God, all that changed. Knowing God in a personal and intimate way changes everything. And the beauty is this: God created each of us with the ability to know Him. He has equipped us with the Holy Spirit who is to teach us all things and bring us into intimate fellowship with Him. But the choice is yours. You can choose to spend time with God and ask Him to reveal Himself to you or you can continue to “know” about Him. Cry out to God today and ask Him to open your eyes like He did Job’s and you will be able to say, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.”
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, sometimes I feel so very, very phony inside. I talk about You, I read about You, I pray to You, but I don’t seem to see You. Today, Lord, help me to be conscious of Your presence. Father, speak to me. Help the eyes of my heart to see You. I want to know You in a deeper and more personal way. I pause now Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, reveal Yourself to me. Thank you Lord for Your reality. I love You Lord with all my heart. In Jesus Name ~Amen.
~Tamara
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Today's Devotional
TODAY’S VERSE
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ They were terrified and asked each other, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!’”
Mark 4:39-41
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27
TODAY’S THOUGHT
I've never been on a stormy sea. I can only imagine how fierce the storm must have been. Here are seasoned fishermen and they were afraid. Now it didn’t help that they were going across the lake. The deep part of the lake in the center regions was referred to as the “abyss.” Many frightening fishermen stories were based on journeying into the abyss. Add to that the fact that they left in the evening. It was dark! Finally, they were going to the “other side”. Everyone knew what the “other side” was. It was where that horrific demon processed person lived in the caves. Jesus knew where they were going and fell asleep on the back of the boat. The storm was fast, furious and fierce and they cried out to Jesus. What they saw happen next was shocking to them, and they had seen healing miracles! Jesus stood and commanded the sea to be still! And it did. Now I don’t know about storms on the sea, but I know about storms inside the “sea” of my mind. There is an abyss, there is an “other side” that frightens all of us. Dread, fear, worry, remorse, addictions, obsessive thinking; it seems that our ship is going to sink. When you feel all is lost, do what the disciples did — cry out to Jesus. Name your fear, tell Him exactly what it is that you dread; be specific with your doubts. This same Jesus that said to the sea, “Be still” says to you, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Jesus, you calmed the sea, please calm my troubled heart with the peace only you can give. I take the horrific storms of my life and submit them to your command. You say, “peace be still” so I choose not to be troubled or afraid.
~Tamara
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’ They were terrified and asked each other, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!’”
Mark 4:39-41
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27
TODAY’S THOUGHT
I've never been on a stormy sea. I can only imagine how fierce the storm must have been. Here are seasoned fishermen and they were afraid. Now it didn’t help that they were going across the lake. The deep part of the lake in the center regions was referred to as the “abyss.” Many frightening fishermen stories were based on journeying into the abyss. Add to that the fact that they left in the evening. It was dark! Finally, they were going to the “other side”. Everyone knew what the “other side” was. It was where that horrific demon processed person lived in the caves. Jesus knew where they were going and fell asleep on the back of the boat. The storm was fast, furious and fierce and they cried out to Jesus. What they saw happen next was shocking to them, and they had seen healing miracles! Jesus stood and commanded the sea to be still! And it did. Now I don’t know about storms on the sea, but I know about storms inside the “sea” of my mind. There is an abyss, there is an “other side” that frightens all of us. Dread, fear, worry, remorse, addictions, obsessive thinking; it seems that our ship is going to sink. When you feel all is lost, do what the disciples did — cry out to Jesus. Name your fear, tell Him exactly what it is that you dread; be specific with your doubts. This same Jesus that said to the sea, “Be still” says to you, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Jesus, you calmed the sea, please calm my troubled heart with the peace only you can give. I take the horrific storms of my life and submit them to your command. You say, “peace be still” so I choose not to be troubled or afraid.
~Tamara
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Today's Devotional
TODAY’S VERSE
“Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.”
Philippians 3:1
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4
“The joy of the LORD is your strength!”
Nehemiah 8:10
TODAY’S THOUGHT
I remember years ago reading a book that deeply touched me. It was called, “Happiness is a Choice!” Often we are tempted to think that joy is the result of our circumstances. However, the premise of “Happiness Is A Choice” is that we don’t have to be subject to all the variables around us. We can choose to be happy. We can choose joy. Webster defines joy as “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.” As a Christian, we can agree with the first part. Our joy does come from a deep sense of well being. However, unlike the rest of the definition, our joy is not dependant on success, good fortune or prospect of possessions. Rather our joy is an emotion that is evoked by a deep faith in a God that loves us.
Nehemiah tells us that joy that comes from God is a great source of strength. Paul takes our joy to a new level and says, “no matter what happens, we should be joyful.” In fact he says we should “Always be full of joy in the Lord.” He meant it so much that he repeated it for emphasis when he wrote, “I say it again – rejoice.” What are you facing today? What circumstances do you find yourself in? It doesn’t matter, you can choose joy! If you are struggling and not sure how you can be joyful, ask God to supernaturally open your eyes to who He is and to give you a joyful heart. He will.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, today I choose joy. Fill me from the top of my head to the depth of my soul with joy. Help me rejoice today in my well being in You. Help me rejoice today dear God in who You are, and that I am your child. Help me rejoice today, that all my sins are forgiven, that You know me personally and love me unconditionally. This is a fantastic reality and today Lord, I choose joy! ~Amen
Tamara
“Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.”
Philippians 3:1
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4
“The joy of the LORD is your strength!”
Nehemiah 8:10
TODAY’S THOUGHT
I remember years ago reading a book that deeply touched me. It was called, “Happiness is a Choice!” Often we are tempted to think that joy is the result of our circumstances. However, the premise of “Happiness Is A Choice” is that we don’t have to be subject to all the variables around us. We can choose to be happy. We can choose joy. Webster defines joy as “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.” As a Christian, we can agree with the first part. Our joy does come from a deep sense of well being. However, unlike the rest of the definition, our joy is not dependant on success, good fortune or prospect of possessions. Rather our joy is an emotion that is evoked by a deep faith in a God that loves us.
Nehemiah tells us that joy that comes from God is a great source of strength. Paul takes our joy to a new level and says, “no matter what happens, we should be joyful.” In fact he says we should “Always be full of joy in the Lord.” He meant it so much that he repeated it for emphasis when he wrote, “I say it again – rejoice.” What are you facing today? What circumstances do you find yourself in? It doesn’t matter, you can choose joy! If you are struggling and not sure how you can be joyful, ask God to supernaturally open your eyes to who He is and to give you a joyful heart. He will.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, today I choose joy. Fill me from the top of my head to the depth of my soul with joy. Help me rejoice today in my well being in You. Help me rejoice today dear God in who You are, and that I am your child. Help me rejoice today, that all my sins are forgiven, that You know me personally and love me unconditionally. This is a fantastic reality and today Lord, I choose joy! ~Amen
Tamara
Monday, January 11, 2010
Today's Devotional
TODAY’S VERSE
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”
Micah 7:7
TODAY’S THOUGHT
He hears our prayers. He hears and the very fact that He hears assures us that He in turn answers us. Prayer is not a one way street. Prayer was never meant to be a list of demands or a message we leave on some devine answering machine. Prayer is a conversation. A Biblical Christian is not just someone who holds certain beliefs about the Bible. He or she is also someone who leads the kind of life demonstrated in the Bible: a life of personal, intelligent interaction with God.”
We worship the God who listens. We serve the God who answers. Our God desires a conversation and a relationship. Isn’t it time you really talked to Him. Today, talk to God. Share with Him your concerns, desires and hopes. But don’t just pray – have a cConversation with Him. Ask Him questions and listen for answers.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, today I come to you to have a conversation. You have called me your “friend” so I come as a friend. As I pour out my heart to you, as I strike up a conversation, tune my heart to hear your reply. Fill my heart with your peace, joy and hope. Might I experience your loving presence during our time together. In Jesus Name I pray ~Amen.
Tamara
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.”
Micah 7:7
TODAY’S THOUGHT
He hears our prayers. He hears and the very fact that He hears assures us that He in turn answers us. Prayer is not a one way street. Prayer was never meant to be a list of demands or a message we leave on some devine answering machine. Prayer is a conversation. A Biblical Christian is not just someone who holds certain beliefs about the Bible. He or she is also someone who leads the kind of life demonstrated in the Bible: a life of personal, intelligent interaction with God.”
We worship the God who listens. We serve the God who answers. Our God desires a conversation and a relationship. Isn’t it time you really talked to Him. Today, talk to God. Share with Him your concerns, desires and hopes. But don’t just pray – have a cConversation with Him. Ask Him questions and listen for answers.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, today I come to you to have a conversation. You have called me your “friend” so I come as a friend. As I pour out my heart to you, as I strike up a conversation, tune my heart to hear your reply. Fill my heart with your peace, joy and hope. Might I experience your loving presence during our time together. In Jesus Name I pray ~Amen.
Tamara
Friday, January 8, 2010
Today's Devotional
TODAY’S VERSE
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13
“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”
Hebrews 11:1
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Faith is such an important part of our Spiritual walk. But faith in what? The author of Hebrews says that faith is “the confidence that what we HOPE for will happen.” What do you hope for? Jeremiah shares three great truths that you can put your faith in. The first truth is that God has plans for you, plans to give you hope and a future. What a promise! Have you claimed it? The second truth that Jeremiah shares is that when you call upon God and pray that God will listen! What a truth, what a precious reality -- God listens to you when you pray! The last truth is this; when you seek God with all your heart, He will be found!
There are many goals and aspirations that you have had in life that for one reason or another, ended up being an elusive dream, but not God. When you seek God with all your heart He promises that you will find Him. Today stop and consider that God has plans for your life. His plans are to give you a hope and a future.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I have come today seeking you with all my heart and know that you are listening to me. I am so glad that I have found you, the true and living God. I claim today the fact that you have plans for me. Plans with a hope and a future. Thank you dear Father that I can put my full confidence in that promise. In Jesus Name ~Amen.
Tamara
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13
“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”
Hebrews 11:1
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Faith is such an important part of our Spiritual walk. But faith in what? The author of Hebrews says that faith is “the confidence that what we HOPE for will happen.” What do you hope for? Jeremiah shares three great truths that you can put your faith in. The first truth is that God has plans for you, plans to give you hope and a future. What a promise! Have you claimed it? The second truth that Jeremiah shares is that when you call upon God and pray that God will listen! What a truth, what a precious reality -- God listens to you when you pray! The last truth is this; when you seek God with all your heart, He will be found!
There are many goals and aspirations that you have had in life that for one reason or another, ended up being an elusive dream, but not God. When you seek God with all your heart He promises that you will find Him. Today stop and consider that God has plans for your life. His plans are to give you a hope and a future.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I have come today seeking you with all my heart and know that you are listening to me. I am so glad that I have found you, the true and living God. I claim today the fact that you have plans for me. Plans with a hope and a future. Thank you dear Father that I can put my full confidence in that promise. In Jesus Name ~Amen.
Tamara
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Today's Devotional
TODAY’S VERSE
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
II Corinthians 10:5
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
TODAY’S THOUGHT
I'm sure you've heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” I think in reality we are more like what we think.” Thoughts, whether conscience or on a more hidden level, affect the way we feel, perceive reality, act or react. Thoughts help create our moods, attitudes and beliefs. Anger, jealously, pride, envy, sadness, rebellion, these and many other negative emotions or behaviors have their root in the way we think. That is why it is so important to be aware and take responsibility for our thoughts. Paul instructs us to consider our mind in a Spiritual war. We are to demolish any rouge thoughts that set itself up against Godly thinking. We are to take our thoughts captive and put it through a Godly filter so it becomes the way He would have us think. Paul also gives us a list of the kinds of thoughts we should dwell on. We should dwell on thoughts that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. We have a choice, we can rule our thoughts or we can let them rule us. Today, let Jesus be the Lord of your thought life. Let Him help you with the way you think.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I bring you my mind and my sub-conscious mind. Help me bring all my thoughts into the light of Your Holy Spirit. Today, Dear Lord, help me dwell on thoughts that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. In Jesus Name ~Amen!
~Tamara
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
II Corinthians 10:5
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8
TODAY’S THOUGHT
I'm sure you've heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” I think in reality we are more like what we think.” Thoughts, whether conscience or on a more hidden level, affect the way we feel, perceive reality, act or react. Thoughts help create our moods, attitudes and beliefs. Anger, jealously, pride, envy, sadness, rebellion, these and many other negative emotions or behaviors have their root in the way we think. That is why it is so important to be aware and take responsibility for our thoughts. Paul instructs us to consider our mind in a Spiritual war. We are to demolish any rouge thoughts that set itself up against Godly thinking. We are to take our thoughts captive and put it through a Godly filter so it becomes the way He would have us think. Paul also gives us a list of the kinds of thoughts we should dwell on. We should dwell on thoughts that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. We have a choice, we can rule our thoughts or we can let them rule us. Today, let Jesus be the Lord of your thought life. Let Him help you with the way you think.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I bring you my mind and my sub-conscious mind. Help me bring all my thoughts into the light of Your Holy Spirit. Today, Dear Lord, help me dwell on thoughts that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. In Jesus Name ~Amen!
~Tamara
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Today's Devotional
TODAY’S VERSE
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
Ephesians 6:10
TODAY’S THOUGHT
We need strength. Perhaps you're suffering with chronic pain, struggling to pay the bills, arguing with your teenage daughter, feeling discouraged about your job, or rocking from a ruined relationship. All of us have a story. None of us goes unscathed. But we do not have to bear our sorrows alone and afraid. We don’t have to be helpless victims. Instead Paul ends Ephesians with this word, “Finally, be strong.” Be strong. The presence of a resilient attitude, a hopeful spirit, a resolve to never give up, to fight, to hang on. But how? How can we get the strength we need? Listen to how Paul finishes his verse. “Be strong in the LORD and in His mighty strength.” What a difference a few words can make. We can be strong in His strength. It is mighty strength. It is loving strength. It is your strength. Like a child is carried in the strength of his father’s arms, so let God carry your burden today. Today be strong, but not in yourself. Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power!
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, you told me to be strong. You know I need to. But I confess Lord, I have tried to be strong in my own power not yours. I need your power. I need you. Please take my burdens. Help me today to be strong in You and Your mighty power. ~Amen
~Tamara
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
Ephesians 6:10
TODAY’S THOUGHT
We need strength. Perhaps you're suffering with chronic pain, struggling to pay the bills, arguing with your teenage daughter, feeling discouraged about your job, or rocking from a ruined relationship. All of us have a story. None of us goes unscathed. But we do not have to bear our sorrows alone and afraid. We don’t have to be helpless victims. Instead Paul ends Ephesians with this word, “Finally, be strong.” Be strong. The presence of a resilient attitude, a hopeful spirit, a resolve to never give up, to fight, to hang on. But how? How can we get the strength we need? Listen to how Paul finishes his verse. “Be strong in the LORD and in His mighty strength.” What a difference a few words can make. We can be strong in His strength. It is mighty strength. It is loving strength. It is your strength. Like a child is carried in the strength of his father’s arms, so let God carry your burden today. Today be strong, but not in yourself. Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power!
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, you told me to be strong. You know I need to. But I confess Lord, I have tried to be strong in my own power not yours. I need your power. I need you. Please take my burdens. Help me today to be strong in You and Your mighty power. ~Amen
~Tamara
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Today's Devotional
TODAY’S VERSE
‘“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”’
Matthew 22:36-38
TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is so easy to stay busy. Family, work, church. Responsibilities, duties, ministry. Shoulda, coulda, woulda... Everyday pressures mount up and we find ourself running from one activity to another. Like a giant hamster wheel we go and go and yet we don’t seem to get anywhere. Jesus knew this, but not the Pharisees. All they knew was the law and all the activity it required. So they asked Jesus which commandment He thought was the greatest. They weren’t ready for how profound His answer would be. Jesus didn’t say that the greatest commandment involved ministry, family or career. He didn’t suggest tremendous feats or a myriad of activities. Instead Jesus said, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” In her book, “Listening Prayer”, Leanne Payne, writes, “Centering on the work of the Lord and the helping of others, can cloud our first duty of loving, glorifying and enjoying God always. As Oswald Chambers says, ‘The greatest competitor of devotion to Jesus is service for Him.” ”It is never ‘Do, do’ with the Lord, but ‘Be, be” and He will ‘do’ through you.”’ So today, let us be conscious of Him. Let us worship Him, love Him and spend time with Him. If we do, we will find that everything else will fall into place.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, help me love You today with my whole heart, soul and mind. Take my life, I give You complete control, yet I know I will snatch the control back and try to handle it all myself. But in Your loving kindness, You will forgive me when I ask. I do want to spend time with You, share my thoughts with You and hear from You today. Help me take charge of my schedule and all my busyness so that I can carve out the time I need to better worship You. ~Amen
~Tamara
‘“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”’
Matthew 22:36-38
TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is so easy to stay busy. Family, work, church. Responsibilities, duties, ministry. Shoulda, coulda, woulda... Everyday pressures mount up and we find ourself running from one activity to another. Like a giant hamster wheel we go and go and yet we don’t seem to get anywhere. Jesus knew this, but not the Pharisees. All they knew was the law and all the activity it required. So they asked Jesus which commandment He thought was the greatest. They weren’t ready for how profound His answer would be. Jesus didn’t say that the greatest commandment involved ministry, family or career. He didn’t suggest tremendous feats or a myriad of activities. Instead Jesus said, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” In her book, “Listening Prayer”, Leanne Payne, writes, “Centering on the work of the Lord and the helping of others, can cloud our first duty of loving, glorifying and enjoying God always. As Oswald Chambers says, ‘The greatest competitor of devotion to Jesus is service for Him.” ”It is never ‘Do, do’ with the Lord, but ‘Be, be” and He will ‘do’ through you.”’ So today, let us be conscious of Him. Let us worship Him, love Him and spend time with Him. If we do, we will find that everything else will fall into place.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, help me love You today with my whole heart, soul and mind. Take my life, I give You complete control, yet I know I will snatch the control back and try to handle it all myself. But in Your loving kindness, You will forgive me when I ask. I do want to spend time with You, share my thoughts with You and hear from You today. Help me take charge of my schedule and all my busyness so that I can carve out the time I need to better worship You. ~Amen
~Tamara
Monday, January 4, 2010
Today's Devotional
TODAY’S VERSE
“Choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:15
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Choose today whom you will serve. Many people treat Christianity as if it was a “once for all” decision. We decide to receive Christ as our Savior and that's it. We are “born again” and then we go on auto pilot. But the term “born” indicates that it is the beginning of a life long process, not the end! Christianity starts with a single choice but is followed by a life time of choosing to live for Him. The trouble is our life becomes such a routine that we make choices out of habit. Worse, we don’t even see our behavior as a choice any more. We are just responding as if we were programmed. We need to wake up to the fact that we do have choices. If you have been going down the wrong road you can stop today and CHOOSE to go a different direction. Have you been sad? The good news is that you can CHOOSE to be happy. Have you struggled with wrong choices? You can CHOOSE to come to God with your problem and He will help you make the right choices. You have a choice because God gives it to you. All the power of God is available and waiting for you to make a choice. What will you choose today?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, thank you that I do have a choice. I can choose to follow you every day. Help me see all the opportunities ahead of me. Help me to see all of the hundreds of actions I make every day as choices. Thank you that with your Holy Spirit, I am not powerless, I don’t have to be the victim of negative habits. I pray that today Father, you will help me, guide me, and give me strength to choose wisely in everything I do. In Jesus name ~Amen
~Tamara
“Choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:15
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Choose today whom you will serve. Many people treat Christianity as if it was a “once for all” decision. We decide to receive Christ as our Savior and that's it. We are “born again” and then we go on auto pilot. But the term “born” indicates that it is the beginning of a life long process, not the end! Christianity starts with a single choice but is followed by a life time of choosing to live for Him. The trouble is our life becomes such a routine that we make choices out of habit. Worse, we don’t even see our behavior as a choice any more. We are just responding as if we were programmed. We need to wake up to the fact that we do have choices. If you have been going down the wrong road you can stop today and CHOOSE to go a different direction. Have you been sad? The good news is that you can CHOOSE to be happy. Have you struggled with wrong choices? You can CHOOSE to come to God with your problem and He will help you make the right choices. You have a choice because God gives it to you. All the power of God is available and waiting for you to make a choice. What will you choose today?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, thank you that I do have a choice. I can choose to follow you every day. Help me see all the opportunities ahead of me. Help me to see all of the hundreds of actions I make every day as choices. Thank you that with your Holy Spirit, I am not powerless, I don’t have to be the victim of negative habits. I pray that today Father, you will help me, guide me, and give me strength to choose wisely in everything I do. In Jesus name ~Amen
~Tamara
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Weekend Edition
For this weekend edition, I'm sharing something written by Mart De Haan of Radio Bible Class in his monthly perspective entitled "Been Thinking About". The copy we have shows the date of July 2005. It was as timely then as it is even now. Then, I would ask for your prayers for us, my husband and me, as we are 'between churches'. Please pray that the Spirit of the Lord would guide, direct and confirm where we are to be planted.
1. I don’t go to church expecting to see a group of people consistently reflecting the attitudes and values of Christ.
I’ve seen enough of myself in church sanctuaries, meeting halls, and boardrooms to know that we all are at varying degrees of spiritual growth or regression. Some of us are like noisy newborns. Others are showing signs of spiritual senility. Most are somewhere in between, trying to figure out why we are acting like mere men and women rather than mature members of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:3).
All of this would be disillusioning to me if I didn’t find that the New Testament depicts the first-century church in the same condition of imperfection (Revelation 2-3).
2. I don’t go to church expecting to hear music that will lift everyone to the same level of worship.
In theory, church music is a shared language of the soul rooted in the theology and anthems of heaven (Colossians 3:16; Revelation 5:11-14; Isaiah 51:11). In reality, however, the songs of the church are the down-to-earth sounds of changing generations that are united by Christ but divided by preferences as varied as bluegrass, country, or Bach. Because music is an art that resonates differently in all of us, we can’t all feel the same way about our songs of worship.
The idea of “worship wars” is probably a contradiction in terms. But from the first century until now, the music of the church has been an opportunity for the Lord’s people to show whether they are submitted to the Spirit of Christ and to one another in the process (Ephesians 5:18-21).
3. I don’t go to church expecting to see men and women consistently giving one another the mutual honor and consideration they deserve.
The curse of Genesis 3 describes our reality. Just as we still work to get weeds out of our yards, and just as we do what we can to reduce the pain of childbirth, so our challenge is to see the misuse of gender-based power and influence as a problem to be solved rather than as a right to be defended (Genesis 3:16-19).
We need to remember that the One who calls us together gave women more love and respect than they received in their own culture, not less (John 4:25-27).
4. I don’t go to church to feel morally superior to those who wouldn’t be caught dead in a house of worship.
The apostle Paul thought of himself as “the chief of sinners” years after he “saw the light” on the road to Damascus. Long after he discovered that there is no life outside of Christ, he urged those who joined him to remember where they had come from. He reminded them what they were still made of (Galatians 5:16-17), and how far they all had to go (Philippians 3:12-13).
The self-righteousness of church people was a concern, but no surprise, to the authors of the Bible. They wrote with transparency not only about the failures of the church (1 Corinthians 11:17), but also about its tendency to be morally proud (Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:3-5).
5. I don’t go to church looking for a perfect sermon with no errors in content or delivery.
I’ve walked with enough pastors along the way to know that no matter how thoroughly they prepare their messages, they almost always fall short of their own expectations, let alone the needs of their people. Many wake up Monday morning knowing they’re being measured by memories of the past and compared with the pastor of a bigger church on the other side of town.
The shortcomings we see in our church leaders can be a reminder to us that a pastor’s performance is not nearly as important as the perfection of the Savior and His Word that together we are called to honor.
Because unrealistic expectations are a formula for disillusionment, I’m convinced that we do far better when our motives are more in keeping with the original purpose of the church.
1. I want go to church not because I’m good, but because I’m not. I need to meet with others who realize that we all are like addicts in need of reminders that life is not found in another drink, another television program, or another hour at work. Life is found by seeing every circumstance as an opportunity to discover that God’s ways are better than our own.
2. I want to go to church to be counter-cultural in the best sense of the word. Because everyone is important in the eyes of Christ, there is no better place to go to reverse the short-sighted values of a materialistic culture. There is no place on the face of the earth that gives us more reason to affirm the value of every person than a body of people “called out” by the Lord of the universe to regard everyone as someone for whom Christ died (James 2:1-9).
3. I want to go to church to confess with others the life-changing truth that meeting together is not just about us. From the beginning, the church was established to be a place where the words of God are contemplated, where the Spirit of God is heard, where the goodness of God is confessed, and where the wisdom, power, and love of God are praised.
Father in heaven, thank You for the countless ways You have used men and women of Your church to enrich our faith. Forgive us for focusing only on our disappointments. Renew in us a willingness to hear Your servant who, for our good, wrote, “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
My love in Christ,
Tamara
Why I Don’t Go To Church
1. I don’t go to church expecting to see a group of people consistently reflecting the attitudes and values of Christ.
I’ve seen enough of myself in church sanctuaries, meeting halls, and boardrooms to know that we all are at varying degrees of spiritual growth or regression. Some of us are like noisy newborns. Others are showing signs of spiritual senility. Most are somewhere in between, trying to figure out why we are acting like mere men and women rather than mature members of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:3).
All of this would be disillusioning to me if I didn’t find that the New Testament depicts the first-century church in the same condition of imperfection (Revelation 2-3).
2. I don’t go to church expecting to hear music that will lift everyone to the same level of worship.
In theory, church music is a shared language of the soul rooted in the theology and anthems of heaven (Colossians 3:16; Revelation 5:11-14; Isaiah 51:11). In reality, however, the songs of the church are the down-to-earth sounds of changing generations that are united by Christ but divided by preferences as varied as bluegrass, country, or Bach. Because music is an art that resonates differently in all of us, we can’t all feel the same way about our songs of worship.
The idea of “worship wars” is probably a contradiction in terms. But from the first century until now, the music of the church has been an opportunity for the Lord’s people to show whether they are submitted to the Spirit of Christ and to one another in the process (Ephesians 5:18-21).
3. I don’t go to church expecting to see men and women consistently giving one another the mutual honor and consideration they deserve.
The curse of Genesis 3 describes our reality. Just as we still work to get weeds out of our yards, and just as we do what we can to reduce the pain of childbirth, so our challenge is to see the misuse of gender-based power and influence as a problem to be solved rather than as a right to be defended (Genesis 3:16-19).
We need to remember that the One who calls us together gave women more love and respect than they received in their own culture, not less (John 4:25-27).
4. I don’t go to church to feel morally superior to those who wouldn’t be caught dead in a house of worship.
The apostle Paul thought of himself as “the chief of sinners” years after he “saw the light” on the road to Damascus. Long after he discovered that there is no life outside of Christ, he urged those who joined him to remember where they had come from. He reminded them what they were still made of (Galatians 5:16-17), and how far they all had to go (Philippians 3:12-13).
The self-righteousness of church people was a concern, but no surprise, to the authors of the Bible. They wrote with transparency not only about the failures of the church (1 Corinthians 11:17), but also about its tendency to be morally proud (Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:3-5).
5. I don’t go to church looking for a perfect sermon with no errors in content or delivery.
I’ve walked with enough pastors along the way to know that no matter how thoroughly they prepare their messages, they almost always fall short of their own expectations, let alone the needs of their people. Many wake up Monday morning knowing they’re being measured by memories of the past and compared with the pastor of a bigger church on the other side of town.
The shortcomings we see in our church leaders can be a reminder to us that a pastor’s performance is not nearly as important as the perfection of the Savior and His Word that together we are called to honor.
Because unrealistic expectations are a formula for disillusionment, I’m convinced that we do far better when our motives are more in keeping with the original purpose of the church.
Why I want to go to church
1. I want go to church not because I’m good, but because I’m not. I need to meet with others who realize that we all are like addicts in need of reminders that life is not found in another drink, another television program, or another hour at work. Life is found by seeing every circumstance as an opportunity to discover that God’s ways are better than our own.
2. I want to go to church to be counter-cultural in the best sense of the word. Because everyone is important in the eyes of Christ, there is no better place to go to reverse the short-sighted values of a materialistic culture. There is no place on the face of the earth that gives us more reason to affirm the value of every person than a body of people “called out” by the Lord of the universe to regard everyone as someone for whom Christ died (James 2:1-9).
3. I want to go to church to confess with others the life-changing truth that meeting together is not just about us. From the beginning, the church was established to be a place where the words of God are contemplated, where the Spirit of God is heard, where the goodness of God is confessed, and where the wisdom, power, and love of God are praised.
Father in heaven, thank You for the countless ways You have used men and women of Your church to enrich our faith. Forgive us for focusing only on our disappointments. Renew in us a willingness to hear Your servant who, for our good, wrote, “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
My love in Christ,
Tamara
Friday, January 1, 2010
Welcome Twenty-Ten
Psalm 1
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
And so it goes... a new year and perhaps a new beginning. That is what is so wonderful about being a Christian for me, each day I wake up, I have a new and fresh start to improve upon the day before. It is especially wonderful to know that if I mess up my Father, my Abba, my Daddy will forgive me, if I but ask. I believe the hardest part of forgiveness is that of forgiving ourselves. I want to work on that this coming year.
I don't make 'resolutions' any more. It always seemed as if they were more of suggestions, rather than true, life changing resolutions and somewhere around month three, I'd waver. So I journal things and changes I'd like to see in myself.
Happy New Year, my friends and Sisters in Christ! I wish you all the best for the coming year.
Tamara
1 Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
And so it goes... a new year and perhaps a new beginning. That is what is so wonderful about being a Christian for me, each day I wake up, I have a new and fresh start to improve upon the day before. It is especially wonderful to know that if I mess up my Father, my Abba, my Daddy will forgive me, if I but ask. I believe the hardest part of forgiveness is that of forgiving ourselves. I want to work on that this coming year.
I don't make 'resolutions' any more. It always seemed as if they were more of suggestions, rather than true, life changing resolutions and somewhere around month three, I'd waver. So I journal things and changes I'd like to see in myself.
For example, this year I would like to listen more and speak less.I have also decided that I will not wait until a new year to make necessary changes, when I am made aware of them, I will immediately try to incorporate the necessary changes.
I would like to hope for the best instead of expecting the worst.
Instead of joining in on 'character bashing' I have determined to list (out loud) at the very least, one positive thing about the person being discusseed.
I have decided to become a better person and a better disciple.
Every night before bed, I have determined that I will write down three things that were blessings to me that very day.
Happy New Year, my friends and Sisters in Christ! I wish you all the best for the coming year.
Tamara
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