This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion was a great encouragement to me. Meyer talks about how Jesus intercedes and prays for us. Right now I’m only a few hours away from leaving to move over two thousand miles from home. I’ve been stressed and nervous, and it seems like all of the people I usually go to with prayer requests have dropped off the face of the earth.
I need prayer, and knowing that Jesus is praying for me has encouraged me greatly!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 20)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion is about how God has better plans for us than the things we desire, and that when our desires are not met, it’s because He has better things in store for us. It also mentioned giving every desire to God, and making sure that every desire was placed before Him for Him to give to us or take away.
One time I was in love. That isn’t unusual for a teenaged girl. I was so convinced that he was the one for me, and from what he said, he felt the same way about me. But then circumstances out of our control took him out of my life. I prayed to God, “God, if it’s Your will to bring him back, thank You. If it isn’t, I know you have a better idea and a better person in mind.”
I still pray that sort of prayer whenever I don’t get something I wanted. I realize that God knows the big picture, and even if it hurts right now, this will all someday work together for my good.
It isn’t always easy to give all of our desires to God, but when we do, it is the most rewarding thing!
Today’s devotion is about how God has better plans for us than the things we desire, and that when our desires are not met, it’s because He has better things in store for us. It also mentioned giving every desire to God, and making sure that every desire was placed before Him for Him to give to us or take away.
One time I was in love. That isn’t unusual for a teenaged girl. I was so convinced that he was the one for me, and from what he said, he felt the same way about me. But then circumstances out of our control took him out of my life. I prayed to God, “God, if it’s Your will to bring him back, thank You. If it isn’t, I know you have a better idea and a better person in mind.”
I still pray that sort of prayer whenever I don’t get something I wanted. I realize that God knows the big picture, and even if it hurts right now, this will all someday work together for my good.
It isn’t always easy to give all of our desires to God, but when we do, it is the most rewarding thing!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 19)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion really struck me. It was about how Satan can use our desires against us if we feel we cannot be happy without something that is not God. When we are lusting after anything (even a good thing) that is not God so much that we feel like we will be miserable without it, Satan uses that. God wants us to seek Him above all things, and everything else will be added on later. Our highest priority needs to be seeking God and His righteousness, peace, and joy.
I’ve been learning to worry less and seek God more. I have been worried about making money for tuition. I gave it up completely to God a week or so ago, and since then God has provided ALL of my tuition money.
I’ve come to the point where I have desires, but I’m learning to trust God with them. When I find myself wanting something so bad, I just give it to God. Right now I’m at an age where I’ll be dating and possibly finding the person I will spend the rest of my life with. I really want to meet them. I want to be with them, whoever they may be, and I want to just get to that part of my life. But God is showing me that I need to wait and depend fully on Him before I can have that person in my life in that way. It’s not easy, but I don’t have to do it on my own, either. God is with me every step of the way.
As I seek Him, everything else will fall into place.
Today’s devotion really struck me. It was about how Satan can use our desires against us if we feel we cannot be happy without something that is not God. When we are lusting after anything (even a good thing) that is not God so much that we feel like we will be miserable without it, Satan uses that. God wants us to seek Him above all things, and everything else will be added on later. Our highest priority needs to be seeking God and His righteousness, peace, and joy.
I’ve been learning to worry less and seek God more. I have been worried about making money for tuition. I gave it up completely to God a week or so ago, and since then God has provided ALL of my tuition money.
I’ve come to the point where I have desires, but I’m learning to trust God with them. When I find myself wanting something so bad, I just give it to God. Right now I’m at an age where I’ll be dating and possibly finding the person I will spend the rest of my life with. I really want to meet them. I want to be with them, whoever they may be, and I want to just get to that part of my life. But God is showing me that I need to wait and depend fully on Him before I can have that person in my life in that way. It’s not easy, but I don’t have to do it on my own, either. God is with me every step of the way.
As I seek Him, everything else will fall into place.
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 18)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion talks about asking God for things in prayer. Matthew 7:7 says, “Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.” When we ask God for things, He will answer our prayers. He may not give us the answer we are expecting, but that doesn’t mean He doesn’t answer us.
Meyer warns us that we need to be sure that our petitions to God do not ever outweigh our praises and thanksgiving to Him. We need to keep things in perspective while praying to God. That’s why when I am in a group of people and we plan to pray, I like to start off by going around and talking about all the great things God has been doing in our lives. It helps put the prayer requests into perspective so we are spending that time sharing and praying for the most important things, and not praying for ever second cousin and their dog just for the sake of filling up time in prayer.
I would rather spend my time praising God; wouldn’t you?
Today’s devotion talks about asking God for things in prayer. Matthew 7:7 says, “Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you.” When we ask God for things, He will answer our prayers. He may not give us the answer we are expecting, but that doesn’t mean He doesn’t answer us.
Meyer warns us that we need to be sure that our petitions to God do not ever outweigh our praises and thanksgiving to Him. We need to keep things in perspective while praying to God. That’s why when I am in a group of people and we plan to pray, I like to start off by going around and talking about all the great things God has been doing in our lives. It helps put the prayer requests into perspective so we are spending that time sharing and praying for the most important things, and not praying for ever second cousin and their dog just for the sake of filling up time in prayer.
I would rather spend my time praising God; wouldn’t you?
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 17)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion is about being able to do amazing things through the Holy Spirit. That’s something I’ve learned so much more about this past month.
When I try to do things on my own, I get tired and cranky and I just fail in general. Sure, I can do a couple of things on my own and do a good job (by the world’s standards, at least). But eventually I’ll be worn down and unable to do anymore on my own.
That’s why we need the Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to do things we wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. This doesn’t have to be just the big things, though. Sometimes we need the power to do the little things, too.
When I got home from my trip to Ohio, there were a lot of stressful things waiting for me at home. Within 24 hours of getting home, I was at the end of my rope. I couldn’t do it. Later in the week, someone asked how I was holding up and I just said, “I was at the end of my rope four days ago. Each day feels a little like three or four. But God’s giving me the strength hour by hour to do what I need to get done.”
The Holy Spirit helps us find the strength to get through what we need to get through. Without the Holy Spirit, we can do nothing. With the Holy Spirit, we can do anything. Don’t limit yourselves by your own views of what the Holy Spirit can and cannot do. Be open and He will surprise you.
Today’s devotion is about being able to do amazing things through the Holy Spirit. That’s something I’ve learned so much more about this past month.
When I try to do things on my own, I get tired and cranky and I just fail in general. Sure, I can do a couple of things on my own and do a good job (by the world’s standards, at least). But eventually I’ll be worn down and unable to do anymore on my own.
That’s why we need the Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to do things we wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. This doesn’t have to be just the big things, though. Sometimes we need the power to do the little things, too.
When I got home from my trip to Ohio, there were a lot of stressful things waiting for me at home. Within 24 hours of getting home, I was at the end of my rope. I couldn’t do it. Later in the week, someone asked how I was holding up and I just said, “I was at the end of my rope four days ago. Each day feels a little like three or four. But God’s giving me the strength hour by hour to do what I need to get done.”
The Holy Spirit helps us find the strength to get through what we need to get through. Without the Holy Spirit, we can do nothing. With the Holy Spirit, we can do anything. Don’t limit yourselves by your own views of what the Holy Spirit can and cannot do. Be open and He will surprise you.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 16)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion tells us that when Jesus died on the cross, that freed us from the legalism of the Old Testament. This doesn’t mean that we are encouraged to be lawless or lazy, but that we are free to hear from God and listen to Him for direction. And when we mess up, He meets us there with grace.
This past month, I’ve been really focusing on changing my religious views to “relationship” instead of “religion.” What I mean when I say this is that I am working on building that relationship with Jesus instead of working on making sure my life and my works appear perfect. That doesn’t mean the works aren’t important, but they will come naturally as I grow up in Christ.
Jason Gray’s song, “More Like Falling in Love,” focuses on this idea that we need to stop focusing on “religion” and start to work on our “relationship” with God. One line in the song says, “All that religion ever made of me was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet; it never set me free.” That line always sticks out to me because it is so true. God’s laws are not easy to follow. I mess up on a daily basis. The Law does not set us free; it condemns us. But because of the love of Jesus and what He did on the cross, we are set free from the Law and offered forgiveness!
Today’s devotion tells us that when Jesus died on the cross, that freed us from the legalism of the Old Testament. This doesn’t mean that we are encouraged to be lawless or lazy, but that we are free to hear from God and listen to Him for direction. And when we mess up, He meets us there with grace.
This past month, I’ve been really focusing on changing my religious views to “relationship” instead of “religion.” What I mean when I say this is that I am working on building that relationship with Jesus instead of working on making sure my life and my works appear perfect. That doesn’t mean the works aren’t important, but they will come naturally as I grow up in Christ.
Jason Gray’s song, “More Like Falling in Love,” focuses on this idea that we need to stop focusing on “religion” and start to work on our “relationship” with God. One line in the song says, “All that religion ever made of me was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet; it never set me free.” That line always sticks out to me because it is so true. God’s laws are not easy to follow. I mess up on a daily basis. The Law does not set us free; it condemns us. But because of the love of Jesus and what He did on the cross, we are set free from the Law and offered forgiveness!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 15)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
In today’s devotion, Meyer talks about submitting to spiritual authority. She says that so many in the church want to leave the church when they are corrected by the pastor or another spiritual leader.
That was me a few years ago. The pastor of my church didn’t want anyone under the age of 18 to talk to a certain young man in the church, since he was having legal troubles and his probation wouldn’t allow him to be alone with someone under that age. The rule was made to protect him from getting in trouble, but I saw it as forbidding a friendship that had already developed between this young man and me. I was crushed. I even remember telling my friend Caleb, “My church is the biggest obstacle in my faith right now.” He told me to change churches.
I’m glad I didn’t. I learned to accept and submit to those rules, and years later I learned that it was the best way to handle the situation. By refusing to submit to spiritual authority (I often went behind the pastor’s back and spoke to this friend), I was hardening my heart towards that pastor and not getting as much out of the sermons, if anything. During that time, my faith was weakened. I was so bitter towards the pastor that nothing I “learned” at church stuck except the bitterness.
Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to us, but we should submit to the spiritual authority of those that lead our church. Unless, of course, it is one of those rare cases that what they are saying does not come from God or His Word. We are supposed to follow God above all else, and as long as what the spiritual leaders say lines up with God’s Word, we should submit to them as well.
In today’s devotion, Meyer talks about submitting to spiritual authority. She says that so many in the church want to leave the church when they are corrected by the pastor or another spiritual leader.
That was me a few years ago. The pastor of my church didn’t want anyone under the age of 18 to talk to a certain young man in the church, since he was having legal troubles and his probation wouldn’t allow him to be alone with someone under that age. The rule was made to protect him from getting in trouble, but I saw it as forbidding a friendship that had already developed between this young man and me. I was crushed. I even remember telling my friend Caleb, “My church is the biggest obstacle in my faith right now.” He told me to change churches.
I’m glad I didn’t. I learned to accept and submit to those rules, and years later I learned that it was the best way to handle the situation. By refusing to submit to spiritual authority (I often went behind the pastor’s back and spoke to this friend), I was hardening my heart towards that pastor and not getting as much out of the sermons, if anything. During that time, my faith was weakened. I was so bitter towards the pastor that nothing I “learned” at church stuck except the bitterness.
Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to us, but we should submit to the spiritual authority of those that lead our church. Unless, of course, it is one of those rare cases that what they are saying does not come from God or His Word. We are supposed to follow God above all else, and as long as what the spiritual leaders say lines up with God’s Word, we should submit to them as well.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 14)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion is about saying “yes” to God and following wherever He may lead, even if it is not where we want to go, and even if we aren’t shown all of the steps.
That is where I am right now. I am following God, and some people don’t understand why I don’t have a full plan for college and after college. But for me, it’s simple: I’m following God one step at a time. The fact I state it so plainly doesn’t mean I think it’s easy at all. In fact, it’s probably one of the hardest things for me. I like to know the entire plan, but God is revealing His plan for my life one step at a time.
Despite this struggle, I am choosing to say “yes” to Him. He will take care of me.
Today’s devotion is about saying “yes” to God and following wherever He may lead, even if it is not where we want to go, and even if we aren’t shown all of the steps.
That is where I am right now. I am following God, and some people don’t understand why I don’t have a full plan for college and after college. But for me, it’s simple: I’m following God one step at a time. The fact I state it so plainly doesn’t mean I think it’s easy at all. In fact, it’s probably one of the hardest things for me. I like to know the entire plan, but God is revealing His plan for my life one step at a time.
Despite this struggle, I am choosing to say “yes” to Him. He will take care of me.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 13)
This blog is about today’s devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today’s devotion used the same verse (Ephesians 4:31) that my lesson from a Bible study I went to last night used. It talks about casting off all bitterness (along with indignation, wrath, resentment, quarrelling and slander, along with all other malice). The emphasis of this devotion is casting off bitterness, which is the one that got me last night, too.
Sometimes I am bitter without really realizing it. Today’s devotion tells us not to be bitter towards God, because He doesn’t control what people do to us, and He’s the best friend we could have. If we’re bitter toward Him because of things that happen to us, we’re putting a wall up in that friendship, and we can’t hear His voice as clearly.
But my thoughts to a little further than just saying bitterness towards God hinder our relationship with Him. I believe if we have bitterness against anyone it hinders our relationship with God, and blocks His voice from our hearts. And right now, I’m really struggling with that. I’m bitter over a situation that happened between my best friend and me less than a week ago. I try to tell myself the reason we haven’t talked is we just haven’t had time or we have nothing to talk about, but the truth is, I’m usually the one to initiate conversation and I’ve had no desire to talk to him this past week, because inside I’m still really hurt. I fear it has started to turn to bitterness. In fact, just yesterday I was in my (old) room crying and thinking about how much I don’t want to move right now because I don’t want to see him.
It’s something I really need to hand up to God, because only God can erase those feelings from my heart. I can’t do it on my own, because on my own I want to stay bitter and mean and see him get what he deserves. But Christ living in me wants me to forgive and restore that friendship completely.
Today’s devotion used the same verse (Ephesians 4:31) that my lesson from a Bible study I went to last night used. It talks about casting off all bitterness (along with indignation, wrath, resentment, quarrelling and slander, along with all other malice). The emphasis of this devotion is casting off bitterness, which is the one that got me last night, too.
Sometimes I am bitter without really realizing it. Today’s devotion tells us not to be bitter towards God, because He doesn’t control what people do to us, and He’s the best friend we could have. If we’re bitter toward Him because of things that happen to us, we’re putting a wall up in that friendship, and we can’t hear His voice as clearly.
But my thoughts to a little further than just saying bitterness towards God hinder our relationship with Him. I believe if we have bitterness against anyone it hinders our relationship with God, and blocks His voice from our hearts. And right now, I’m really struggling with that. I’m bitter over a situation that happened between my best friend and me less than a week ago. I try to tell myself the reason we haven’t talked is we just haven’t had time or we have nothing to talk about, but the truth is, I’m usually the one to initiate conversation and I’ve had no desire to talk to him this past week, because inside I’m still really hurt. I fear it has started to turn to bitterness. In fact, just yesterday I was in my (old) room crying and thinking about how much I don’t want to move right now because I don’t want to see him.
It’s something I really need to hand up to God, because only God can erase those feelings from my heart. I can’t do it on my own, because on my own I want to stay bitter and mean and see him get what he deserves. But Christ living in me wants me to forgive and restore that friendship completely.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 12)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today's devotion was about not hardening our hearts by turning off our feelings. Sometimes when we've been hurt a lot in our lives, we harder our hearts in order to protect ourselves from being hurt again. But when we tear down those walls, we can really hear God's voice. God created us to have feelings, and if we try our best to block out those feelings, are we really living the way God intended us to live?
For a while I had turned off my feelings (or at least tried to) to escape all of the pain I was feeling. I put up walls and locked myself away from everyone else. In my mind, it was justified. I've been through so many types of pain in my life, so my reaction wasn't exactly unusual.
But I felt God working on me, telling me to open my heart again. It was not an instant thing, and a couple months later, I'm still working on it. When I cry (which is a lot this past few weeks), I try to remember that it isn't showing weakness when you cry, it's showing that we're human. Don't ever be afraid to cry or hurt; but don't stay there. God wants to show you the good He can do in any situation.
Today's devotion was about not hardening our hearts by turning off our feelings. Sometimes when we've been hurt a lot in our lives, we harder our hearts in order to protect ourselves from being hurt again. But when we tear down those walls, we can really hear God's voice. God created us to have feelings, and if we try our best to block out those feelings, are we really living the way God intended us to live?
For a while I had turned off my feelings (or at least tried to) to escape all of the pain I was feeling. I put up walls and locked myself away from everyone else. In my mind, it was justified. I've been through so many types of pain in my life, so my reaction wasn't exactly unusual.
But I felt God working on me, telling me to open my heart again. It was not an instant thing, and a couple months later, I'm still working on it. When I cry (which is a lot this past few weeks), I try to remember that it isn't showing weakness when you cry, it's showing that we're human. Don't ever be afraid to cry or hurt; but don't stay there. God wants to show you the good He can do in any situation.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 11)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today's devotion was about not taking a worldly view on things and being desensitized to the suffering in this world. Watching too much graphic television or learning to think about tragedies in the matter-of-fact ways that the news portrays them are not what God wants from us. He wants us to feel for the suffering of others in this world and pray for them.
Back in January when the earthquake in Haiti happened, everyone on the news and everyone in my church kept going on and on about how terrible it was. I was wrapped up in my own world and didn't feel anything about it. I even remember praying to feel something because I hated not feeling anything for all of these people.
It's easier for me to feel for individuals than it is for me to feel for whole nations, and I know that isn't what God wants for me to feel. I'm not as desensitized as I was back then, but I still need to work on it.
Today's devotion was about not taking a worldly view on things and being desensitized to the suffering in this world. Watching too much graphic television or learning to think about tragedies in the matter-of-fact ways that the news portrays them are not what God wants from us. He wants us to feel for the suffering of others in this world and pray for them.
Back in January when the earthquake in Haiti happened, everyone on the news and everyone in my church kept going on and on about how terrible it was. I was wrapped up in my own world and didn't feel anything about it. I even remember praying to feel something because I hated not feeling anything for all of these people.
It's easier for me to feel for individuals than it is for me to feel for whole nations, and I know that isn't what God wants for me to feel. I'm not as desensitized as I was back then, but I still need to work on it.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 10)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today's devotion was about praising God, even when it's a sacrifice to praise God because of hard times.
I feel like God has been working on me a lot with that lately. He's been pointing out little things for me to praise Him for: a beautiful display of clouds, a butterfly, or something else of His creation. I try to remember to praise Him every chance I get for those things that make me smile, because I know that my praise is pleasing to Him.
A lot of people think that if you're in a bad situation, there is nothing to praise God for, and all of your prayers should be, "Help me, God," but I don't think that's right. I think that God puts someone in our lives that we can praise Him for every day. It's one of those things where it depends how you look at it. You can look at your situation and say, "Well, my dad is in jail because he does drugs, so my life is not good at all. I wish I had a family like the Smiths over there." Or you could look at it and say, "Even though my dad made a mistake, I still have my mom, who works so hard for us kids." I think a big problem a lot of us have (me included) is that when we get into a bad situation, the bad just consumes our minds. But God wants us to look for things to praise Him for.
Today's devotion was about praising God, even when it's a sacrifice to praise God because of hard times.
I feel like God has been working on me a lot with that lately. He's been pointing out little things for me to praise Him for: a beautiful display of clouds, a butterfly, or something else of His creation. I try to remember to praise Him every chance I get for those things that make me smile, because I know that my praise is pleasing to Him.
A lot of people think that if you're in a bad situation, there is nothing to praise God for, and all of your prayers should be, "Help me, God," but I don't think that's right. I think that God puts someone in our lives that we can praise Him for every day. It's one of those things where it depends how you look at it. You can look at your situation and say, "Well, my dad is in jail because he does drugs, so my life is not good at all. I wish I had a family like the Smiths over there." Or you could look at it and say, "Even though my dad made a mistake, I still have my mom, who works so hard for us kids." I think a big problem a lot of us have (me included) is that when we get into a bad situation, the bad just consumes our minds. But God wants us to look for things to praise Him for.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Beautiful Skies
On June 28 I was sitting on a bench on the MVNU campus, knitting and waiting for the others in my prayer group to arrive. I didn't get much knitting done, however, because I was so distracted and amazed by the skies I looked up at.
When the rest of the group began to arrive, I was smiling up at the sky, admiring it.
And I make a point of looking up at the sky at least once during the day. I consider every sunset, every display of clouds, and even the plain blue (or gray!) skies a painting that God has made for us to look up at and admire. Even today, as I was driving home from running some errands, I looked up at the beautiful clouds on the horizon and I just had to shout, "Thank you, Lord!" I began to laugh at myself, but I know that God was laughing with me.
I make it a point to thank God for the beautiful things I see, when I see them. I wonder if He creates each display of clouds with me in mind? Does He think, "I hope my daughter looks up and thanks Me for this today"? I like to believe He does. Because He is my Heavenly Father, and that's where I get my creativity from. And I like seeing His work!
When the rest of the group began to arrive, I was smiling up at the sky, admiring it.
And I make a point of looking up at the sky at least once during the day. I consider every sunset, every display of clouds, and even the plain blue (or gray!) skies a painting that God has made for us to look up at and admire. Even today, as I was driving home from running some errands, I looked up at the beautiful clouds on the horizon and I just had to shout, "Thank you, Lord!" I began to laugh at myself, but I know that God was laughing with me.
I make it a point to thank God for the beautiful things I see, when I see them. I wonder if He creates each display of clouds with me in mind? Does He think, "I hope my daughter looks up and thanks Me for this today"? I like to believe He does. Because He is my Heavenly Father, and that's where I get my creativity from. And I like seeing His work!
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 9)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today's devotion is about being willing to mature in Christ and in that relationship with Him. When we grow in maturity in God, we are more in tune with His will, and we will follow where He leads us.
Not long ago, I had put God in a box of what I expected God to be like. I thought, "God will only do this, or speak like this, or heal this." But the thing is, God is not limited by what we think of Him. When I took my trip to Ohio, I really learned that you can't limit your view of God, because God has no limit to what He can--and will--do.
When we grow in our relationship with Him, we will learn more about Him, and we will be able to discern what is His voice and what is not His voice. Just yesterday I was talking to a friend and he said, "I keep praying and praying and I don't know why God won't answer me on something this important." I felt sad because I've been there. The thing is, God is answering and we just need to listen for Him. Sometimes the answer is "no," sometimes it is "slow," and other times it is "go." As we grow in Christ, we will get better at hearing those answers--and acting upon them!
Today's devotion is about being willing to mature in Christ and in that relationship with Him. When we grow in maturity in God, we are more in tune with His will, and we will follow where He leads us.
Not long ago, I had put God in a box of what I expected God to be like. I thought, "God will only do this, or speak like this, or heal this." But the thing is, God is not limited by what we think of Him. When I took my trip to Ohio, I really learned that you can't limit your view of God, because God has no limit to what He can--and will--do.
When we grow in our relationship with Him, we will learn more about Him, and we will be able to discern what is His voice and what is not His voice. Just yesterday I was talking to a friend and he said, "I keep praying and praying and I don't know why God won't answer me on something this important." I felt sad because I've been there. The thing is, God is answering and we just need to listen for Him. Sometimes the answer is "no," sometimes it is "slow," and other times it is "go." As we grow in Christ, we will get better at hearing those answers--and acting upon them!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Confession
I have a confession to make. It is about my lack of faith in a situation a couple of weeks ago. It has been on my mind a lot lately.
When I went to church with Aaron, I saw a painting. It really grabbed my attention. It was of the woman with the bleeding problem reaching out to Jesus' robe to be healed.
I felt a burning in my chest, and the whisper of the Holy Spirit, "Touch it, Faith. You'll be healed." Even Aaron told me to touch it. But the closer I got, the more I tried to stay "logical," and the more I wanted to run away from it. When Aaron told me to touch it, I said, "No!" and then walked away quickly. By then it was time to go, and we left.
But ever since, I've thought, "If I had touched it and had that faith, I would have been healed." God wanted to heal me by having me listen to His voice, reach out in faith, and touch His robe. But I ignored His voice.
And my health problem is getting worse.
When I go back to Ohio, I will probably go to church with Aaron again. If I feel the tug of the Holy Spirit again, I will not ignore Him again. God will give me a second chance.
When I went to church with Aaron, I saw a painting. It really grabbed my attention. It was of the woman with the bleeding problem reaching out to Jesus' robe to be healed.
I felt a burning in my chest, and the whisper of the Holy Spirit, "Touch it, Faith. You'll be healed." Even Aaron told me to touch it. But the closer I got, the more I tried to stay "logical," and the more I wanted to run away from it. When Aaron told me to touch it, I said, "No!" and then walked away quickly. By then it was time to go, and we left.
But ever since, I've thought, "If I had touched it and had that faith, I would have been healed." God wanted to heal me by having me listen to His voice, reach out in faith, and touch His robe. But I ignored His voice.
And my health problem is getting worse.
When I go back to Ohio, I will probably go to church with Aaron again. If I feel the tug of the Holy Spirit again, I will not ignore Him again. God will give me a second chance.
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 8)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today's devotion talks about eliminating anything in our schedules that does not bear good fruit. When we feel over-burdened by things that we feel we have to do, they are either not what God wants from us or we are trying too hard to do them on our own power.
This devotion was just what I needed to read right now. I woke up tired because this past week has been the longest for me. All the days are blurring together, and each day feels like three or four days. For those that don't know, my dad was recently sent to jail. He bailed out, but my mom doesn't really want the kids with him (and the kids don't want to be around him). So I'm making sure all the kids are looked after while getting ready to move (I move across the country in 14 days). I'm not even close to ready to go. And in addition to that, I have tons of stuff to do for my college--stuff my dad is supposed to help with, but in his current state, probably won't be able to help me with.
A couple of days ago (I think?), I was talking to the pastor at my church, along with the secretary (who is the mother of a girl I have been close to since I was seven), and the pastor asked how I was really doing. I thought for a second, and realized I actually was doing really well. I told him, "I'm doing alright. Yes, this is hard, but God's here. I was at the end of my rope days ago. Now any energy I get is from God. Any smile is from God. Any sleep I manage to get is a blessing from God. So even though all of this is going on, God is still pouring His blessings on me."
That's a feeling I really needed to be reminded of. This is why I do my devotions in the morning. When I wake up and think how little sleep I got and how much I have to do, it can be too much. But I need to remember that God is here with me, holding my hand and leading me where I need to go.
Today's devotion talks about eliminating anything in our schedules that does not bear good fruit. When we feel over-burdened by things that we feel we have to do, they are either not what God wants from us or we are trying too hard to do them on our own power.
This devotion was just what I needed to read right now. I woke up tired because this past week has been the longest for me. All the days are blurring together, and each day feels like three or four days. For those that don't know, my dad was recently sent to jail. He bailed out, but my mom doesn't really want the kids with him (and the kids don't want to be around him). So I'm making sure all the kids are looked after while getting ready to move (I move across the country in 14 days). I'm not even close to ready to go. And in addition to that, I have tons of stuff to do for my college--stuff my dad is supposed to help with, but in his current state, probably won't be able to help me with.
A couple of days ago (I think?), I was talking to the pastor at my church, along with the secretary (who is the mother of a girl I have been close to since I was seven), and the pastor asked how I was really doing. I thought for a second, and realized I actually was doing really well. I told him, "I'm doing alright. Yes, this is hard, but God's here. I was at the end of my rope days ago. Now any energy I get is from God. Any smile is from God. Any sleep I manage to get is a blessing from God. So even though all of this is going on, God is still pouring His blessings on me."
That's a feeling I really needed to be reminded of. This is why I do my devotions in the morning. When I wake up and think how little sleep I got and how much I have to do, it can be too much. But I need to remember that God is here with me, holding my hand and leading me where I need to go.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 7)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today's devotion was about spending time seeking God instead of using all of your spiritual energy trying to please God through religious works. This doesn't mean we shouldn't do religious works, but sometimes we do a bunch of things and get worn out because we're doing it out of obligation, not out of love.
We need to listen to God and hear His voice to know what he wants from us. If we're spending all of our time working "for God" but aren't taking the time to listen to Him, who are we really doing those works for? Most of the time we try to replace the relationship with God with all the good things we are doing for Him. It would be like a friend doing a bunch of things for you, but not spending the time to talk to you and do the other things friends do. It just doesn't work. God doesn't want us as His slaves. He wants us as His friends and children.
Today's devotion was about spending time seeking God instead of using all of your spiritual energy trying to please God through religious works. This doesn't mean we shouldn't do religious works, but sometimes we do a bunch of things and get worn out because we're doing it out of obligation, not out of love.
We need to listen to God and hear His voice to know what he wants from us. If we're spending all of our time working "for God" but aren't taking the time to listen to Him, who are we really doing those works for? Most of the time we try to replace the relationship with God with all the good things we are doing for Him. It would be like a friend doing a bunch of things for you, but not spending the time to talk to you and do the other things friends do. It just doesn't work. God doesn't want us as His slaves. He wants us as His friends and children.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 6)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
I love today's devotion! It talks about focusing on our relationship with God instead of religion and doing "religious" things. This has been my theme, more or less, this past month or so. I've been really focusing on God and what He is trying to tell me instead of keeping up that image of being a strong Christian.
The funny thing is, when we start to focus on God instead of doing all of those good works, the good works come naturally and we don't even realize it. And when the body of Christ is focused on God instead of the walls they've built up, that opens the doors for God to do some amazing things!
For me personally, my "religious acts" weren't so much doing good deeds with the wrong motive, but it was going through the motions at church--including pretending to be happy when I am not. By changing my focus from pleasing the church to pleasing God and being real with Him, the way I act in church has changed completely. When I'm around believers, those walls that used to be there are gone. I'm not afraid to tell people what's going on, because I also have such overwhelming praises in my heart to share with them, too. Instead of saying, "I'm fine," I tell them what's wrong, but then I get the chance to share all of the things that are right. I may cry, but I may also sing and laugh and share that joy with someone else.
God opens doors when we're focused on Him.
I love today's devotion! It talks about focusing on our relationship with God instead of religion and doing "religious" things. This has been my theme, more or less, this past month or so. I've been really focusing on God and what He is trying to tell me instead of keeping up that image of being a strong Christian.
The funny thing is, when we start to focus on God instead of doing all of those good works, the good works come naturally and we don't even realize it. And when the body of Christ is focused on God instead of the walls they've built up, that opens the doors for God to do some amazing things!
For me personally, my "religious acts" weren't so much doing good deeds with the wrong motive, but it was going through the motions at church--including pretending to be happy when I am not. By changing my focus from pleasing the church to pleasing God and being real with Him, the way I act in church has changed completely. When I'm around believers, those walls that used to be there are gone. I'm not afraid to tell people what's going on, because I also have such overwhelming praises in my heart to share with them, too. Instead of saying, "I'm fine," I tell them what's wrong, but then I get the chance to share all of the things that are right. I may cry, but I may also sing and laugh and share that joy with someone else.
God opens doors when we're focused on Him.
Braggin' on God
I've decided the best feeling ever is being able to spend a few hours braggin' on God, telling people about all the wonderful things He has done. I got the chance to do that tonight.
I wasn't so sure about going to this Bible study with David again. Although I really enjoyed it last time, I still didn't know many people and it is a BIG group, which kind of intimidates me.
But a couple of times during the lesson I had thoughts that I wasn't too insecure to share. The whole time I was silently praying, "God, give me the chance to tell someone about what You have been doing in my life."
And God answered that prayer.
When we broke into groups to pray, I ended up with three girls: Alivia, Nichole, and Heather. We were all sitting down to get ready to share prayer requests and I suggested we start by talking about what God has done in our lives recently, since I have recently learned that when you start by talking about all of the good, it helps to keep your prayer requests in perspective (along with the rest of your life).
We spent over an hour talking. I got a chance to share all about what God has been doing in my life, and it felt AMAZING!! The best part is, I could feel that burning in me and I knew that parts of what I was saying really meant something to these girls. God has given me a powerful testimony, and it feels so great to be able to use it!
God is incrasing my faith daily, and my outlook on life has changed so much this past few weeks! One of the girls (I think it was Nichole, but I'm not sure) mentioned that I was so positive about everything, and I told her that I wasn't like this some time ago, and it's true. And now, when I pause and really think about it, God has changed my attitude towards everything so much. This isn't just a happy face I put on so people don't ask me questions. I am truly happy!
Praise God! He heals our physical, spiritual, and emotional wounds! What can I do but praise Him?
I wasn't so sure about going to this Bible study with David again. Although I really enjoyed it last time, I still didn't know many people and it is a BIG group, which kind of intimidates me.
But a couple of times during the lesson I had thoughts that I wasn't too insecure to share. The whole time I was silently praying, "God, give me the chance to tell someone about what You have been doing in my life."
And God answered that prayer.
When we broke into groups to pray, I ended up with three girls: Alivia, Nichole, and Heather. We were all sitting down to get ready to share prayer requests and I suggested we start by talking about what God has done in our lives recently, since I have recently learned that when you start by talking about all of the good, it helps to keep your prayer requests in perspective (along with the rest of your life).
We spent over an hour talking. I got a chance to share all about what God has been doing in my life, and it felt AMAZING!! The best part is, I could feel that burning in me and I knew that parts of what I was saying really meant something to these girls. God has given me a powerful testimony, and it feels so great to be able to use it!
God is incrasing my faith daily, and my outlook on life has changed so much this past few weeks! One of the girls (I think it was Nichole, but I'm not sure) mentioned that I was so positive about everything, and I told her that I wasn't like this some time ago, and it's true. And now, when I pause and really think about it, God has changed my attitude towards everything so much. This isn't just a happy face I put on so people don't ask me questions. I am truly happy!
Praise God! He heals our physical, spiritual, and emotional wounds! What can I do but praise Him?
Monday, July 5, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 5)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
This blog is a reminder of what I have been learning from the prayer group I've been going to. God blesses and answers our prayers when we pray boldly and with faith.
This is a short blog, since I really have not much to say except this: My only prayer right now is for the strength to get through today. And God gives me that strength.
This blog is a reminder of what I have been learning from the prayer group I've been going to. God blesses and answers our prayers when we pray boldly and with faith.
This is a short blog, since I really have not much to say except this: My only prayer right now is for the strength to get through today. And God gives me that strength.
Church: July 4
I have not been getting much sleep. I am tired. But God is sustaining me.
During the church service, I cried through worship. I cried when people talked to me. And during prayer I was crying so loud that I decided I had to leave. I went into the girl's bathroom and cried my heart out.
I felt God leading me towards the church office area and the church library. I started to calm down, and I saw a book that stood out to me. I picked it up and opened it to look through it. The page I opened to said in large letters, "Take Things One Step at a Time." I knew it was God saying, "Faith, slow down, don't worry about more than today."
I cried a little more, then went outside for a walk. I sat down and sang a few praises to God, and just waited. Then I started to really enjoy the nature around me. God's creation has been what He uses to comfort me recently. I saw a huge bee, a beautiful brown and orange butterfly (my favorite colors!), and two dragonflies flying by. I just sat and praised Him while enjoying His creation.
God comforts us and leads us. We just need to listen and wait for Him.
During the church service, I cried through worship. I cried when people talked to me. And during prayer I was crying so loud that I decided I had to leave. I went into the girl's bathroom and cried my heart out.
I felt God leading me towards the church office area and the church library. I started to calm down, and I saw a book that stood out to me. I picked it up and opened it to look through it. The page I opened to said in large letters, "Take Things One Step at a Time." I knew it was God saying, "Faith, slow down, don't worry about more than today."
I cried a little more, then went outside for a walk. I sat down and sang a few praises to God, and just waited. Then I started to really enjoy the nature around me. God's creation has been what He uses to comfort me recently. I saw a huge bee, a beautiful brown and orange butterfly (my favorite colors!), and two dragonflies flying by. I just sat and praised Him while enjoying His creation.
God comforts us and leads us. We just need to listen and wait for Him.
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 4)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
I needed this. Today's devotion said not to be led by our own minds, but to let the Spirit take the lead. Sometimes the logical choice isn't always the choice God wants us to make.
I've had second thoughts about moving back to Ohio so early. I feel like I should be responsible for my little sisters and brother and take care of them while mom works and dad is in jail. But I also have to look forward to school and my own life. I have a lot of things I need to do in Ohio before school starts, too. And I need to be emotionally ready to start school. If I stay here, I'll be stressed out before school starts.
I'm supposed to take things one step at a time. This is my one step. Once I get to Ohio, God will show me what to do next. And I need to do that, even if it doesn't seem logical.
I needed this. Today's devotion said not to be led by our own minds, but to let the Spirit take the lead. Sometimes the logical choice isn't always the choice God wants us to make.
I've had second thoughts about moving back to Ohio so early. I feel like I should be responsible for my little sisters and brother and take care of them while mom works and dad is in jail. But I also have to look forward to school and my own life. I have a lot of things I need to do in Ohio before school starts, too. And I need to be emotionally ready to start school. If I stay here, I'll be stressed out before school starts.
I'm supposed to take things one step at a time. This is my one step. Once I get to Ohio, God will show me what to do next. And I need to do that, even if it doesn't seem logical.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 3)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
In today's world, we are kept so busy. We run from one thing to the next and sometimes we don't leave time to listen to God and find out what He wants for our lives. Instead of praying about things going on, we just rush around trying to deal with them ourselves. But when we do this, everything falls apart. We need God in our life for anything to thrive.
My life recently became really stressful, but the only way I've gotten through it is by praying and keeping God a huge part of my day. I play worship music constantly, and praise Him as I work. It keeps this stressful situation from overwhelming me.
In today's world, we are kept so busy. We run from one thing to the next and sometimes we don't leave time to listen to God and find out what He wants for our lives. Instead of praying about things going on, we just rush around trying to deal with them ourselves. But when we do this, everything falls apart. We need God in our life for anything to thrive.
My life recently became really stressful, but the only way I've gotten through it is by praying and keeping God a huge part of my day. I play worship music constantly, and praise Him as I work. It keeps this stressful situation from overwhelming me.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Problems and Prayer
Last night my dad was acting very strange. I was so upset and worried. I spent hours crying. Aaron called me and talked to me and encouraged me that God was there and I would be okay. Then I sent a message to everyone in the prayer group asking them to pray for me or call me to pray with me. A few minutes later, Heather called me. She said she never wakes up in the middle of the night, and that God must have made her wake up so she could pray with me. I told her about the crazy things my dad had been doing.
Then I cried to sleep.
This morning I decided that I was going to move out. I got several offers of places to stay, and I decided I would just move to my grandma's house, since that would be easiest. I told my mom about it, and she gave me her blessing.
Then told me that my dad was in jail. For meth.
I was shocked, but it makes a little more sense now. A lot of things he did and said before are explained by this now.
I told my mom I couldn't handle being here if he was here, and that I was going to live with grandma. Later, I got a message from a friend's mom saying that I was welcome to stay with her until school started. So I have made arrangements to fly to Mount Vernon on July 22nd to stay with her. I will book the flight once I confirm with her that it is really okay.
All throughout the day I have been praying and having people pray for me. It's the only way I am able to hold myself together right now.
I spent the entire day working, but kept K-love on while cleaning, driving, and resting. Some of the songs on there really have helped comfort me and keep my focus on God in this hard time.
Then Aaron, Laura, David, and Ray called me. They prayed with me, and I cried some more. Just as we finished praying, I heard the song "Held" by Natalie Grant in the background, and I just know that God sent that song for me at that time because it is perfect for what I am going through right now.
I'm so hurt, but God and the friends He blessed me with are keeping me going. I will not get cold. This will make the fire in me burn brighter, and I will be a living testimony of the power of God!
Then I cried to sleep.
This morning I decided that I was going to move out. I got several offers of places to stay, and I decided I would just move to my grandma's house, since that would be easiest. I told my mom about it, and she gave me her blessing.
Then told me that my dad was in jail. For meth.
I was shocked, but it makes a little more sense now. A lot of things he did and said before are explained by this now.
I told my mom I couldn't handle being here if he was here, and that I was going to live with grandma. Later, I got a message from a friend's mom saying that I was welcome to stay with her until school started. So I have made arrangements to fly to Mount Vernon on July 22nd to stay with her. I will book the flight once I confirm with her that it is really okay.
All throughout the day I have been praying and having people pray for me. It's the only way I am able to hold myself together right now.
I spent the entire day working, but kept K-love on while cleaning, driving, and resting. Some of the songs on there really have helped comfort me and keep my focus on God in this hard time.
Then Aaron, Laura, David, and Ray called me. They prayed with me, and I cried some more. Just as we finished praying, I heard the song "Held" by Natalie Grant in the background, and I just know that God sent that song for me at that time because it is perfect for what I am going through right now.
I'm so hurt, but God and the friends He blessed me with are keeping me going. I will not get cold. This will make the fire in me burn brighter, and I will be a living testimony of the power of God!
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 2)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
Today's devotion talks about walking by faith, and not what is going on around us and how we feel. That's big for me right now. I don't know how I'm going to get to Mount Vernon with the way my dad has been acting. I can't get him to do his taxes, and I may have to take the steps to become independent of him in order to get any financial aide. I'm looking into moving out, since I can't handle it where I am right now. There are all of these doors I need to go through to get to Mount Vernon, but they're closed. God needs to open them before I can do anything.
I need to live day by day, grow closer to God, and trust Him to lead me where I need to go. It's difficult, but it's what I need to focus on right now.
Today's devotion talks about walking by faith, and not what is going on around us and how we feel. That's big for me right now. I don't know how I'm going to get to Mount Vernon with the way my dad has been acting. I can't get him to do his taxes, and I may have to take the steps to become independent of him in order to get any financial aide. I'm looking into moving out, since I can't handle it where I am right now. There are all of these doors I need to go through to get to Mount Vernon, but they're closed. God needs to open them before I can do anything.
I need to live day by day, grow closer to God, and trust Him to lead me where I need to go. It's difficult, but it's what I need to focus on right now.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Hearing from God Each Morning (July 1)
This blog is about today's devotion in the book Hearing from God Each Morning by Joyce Meyer.
The Bible says that we will "fully know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:20). Today's devotion is about examining the fruit in both your life and the lives of others. This doesn't mean we judge them, but we do need to keep our eyes open for those living a genuine Christian life so we know who to follow and who to pray for.
But more important that examining the fruit in others' lives is examining the fruit in my own life. Sometimes I need to stop and look at my own life. Am I really living up to what I believe? Am I being patient, loving, kind? Am I listening to the Spirit when He presses me to do things?
The answer is this: the fruit in my life is not always the fruit of the Spirit. When I am at church and with friends, most of the time it appears that I am the good, Christian girl I claim to be. But at home, I am often times rude, greedy, and all around rough. I can blame it all I want on the environment and how no one else really knows God blah blah blah. But the truth is, part of it is me. I've stayed quiet and turned down my faith in the presence of my family before, but not anymore! That's not what God wants! God wants me to be me ALL THE TIME. And that is what I plan to do.
Anyone reading this: Please hold me accountable to this. It's something I need to work on.
The Bible says that we will "fully know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:20). Today's devotion is about examining the fruit in both your life and the lives of others. This doesn't mean we judge them, but we do need to keep our eyes open for those living a genuine Christian life so we know who to follow and who to pray for.
But more important that examining the fruit in others' lives is examining the fruit in my own life. Sometimes I need to stop and look at my own life. Am I really living up to what I believe? Am I being patient, loving, kind? Am I listening to the Spirit when He presses me to do things?
The answer is this: the fruit in my life is not always the fruit of the Spirit. When I am at church and with friends, most of the time it appears that I am the good, Christian girl I claim to be. But at home, I am often times rude, greedy, and all around rough. I can blame it all I want on the environment and how no one else really knows God blah blah blah. But the truth is, part of it is me. I've stayed quiet and turned down my faith in the presence of my family before, but not anymore! That's not what God wants! God wants me to be me ALL THE TIME. And that is what I plan to do.
Anyone reading this: Please hold me accountable to this. It's something I need to work on.
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