You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.

To live a spiritual life is to live in the presence of God.

Only God Counts, and in God all people and all things are embraced with love.  To live in the presence of God, however, is to live with purity of heart, with simple-mindedness, and with total acceptance of his will.  Brother Lawrence

Prayer:  Oh, what a wonder of love,  what a mystery of divine grace!  Please, Lord, let me freely choose for your love so that I will not be lost to you.  Henri J.M. Nouwen

Hi, I want to share something I was challenged to do and think it is a great exercise to do with your loved one, family, or just by yourself.

As a result of a bible series our pastor was giving, our Youth leader challenged all the other adult leaders to look at different areas of our lives and see if Jesus is in the center.

For example: marriage, family, work, play, language, actions, money matters, entertainment choices, other significant relationships, and what ever other area you want to look at personally. (Take each area seperate and search it out)

I really was glad for this challenge as I saw it as an opportunity to be more like Christ which is what the Bible tells us to do.  I thought it would be a good opportunity to grow closer to my Lord and maybe even find hidden sin I could repent for.  I also know some areas will not be easy and maybe I might find some habits hard to break, but it is all about the journey and growth with our Savior that matters.

I pray that if this sounds like something you might do–that you will grow to a new level with Christ.  That your life will glorify Him and more people will come to know Him through the example you set.  Our nation and world needs Christ.  There are so many hurting and lost sheep out there.  The healthier we are the more Christ can use us for His will. 

What do you think ??  I know it will be worth the journey !!

Have a great day in the Lord.

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Thoughts from August 26, 2008–Skimming the Surface–Read Job 11:1-20

I was so moved by the whole book of Job that is being covered presently.  The main questions for today were-Are you seeking to know the depths of God, Can you discover the depths of God, Can you discover the limits of the Almighty and some others.

The main thoughts that caught “my” eye were these.

Are you skimming the surface?  Our culture is so busy that  we can become proficient at faking it.  We can look like we are going to the depths when, we are just skating.  This made me look at myself and my walk with the Lord.  Do I get up and crave to spend time with the Lord when my eyes see the new day?  Do I give my day to the Lord before my feet hit the floor running?  Where is my relationship with Jesus on my priority list?  OUCH!!

Then it goes on to say the “the reformers knew we were saved to Glorify God.”  We in our modern culture live to be blessed.  Is this me, and do I look for God to make my road easy ?  It goes on to say:” The mature among us are now thought to be the successful, the happy, the effective people on top of things and doing well . . .We’re more attracted to sermons, books, and conferences that reveal the secrets to fulfillment. . .than to spritual direction that leads us through affiction into the presence of the Father.”  I really did some soul searching and pondering on this.  I want to be one who is like Paul and “gives thanks in all things” and trusts in the Lord, what ever comes my way until the Lord comes to take me home.

Now this really got me as I read this and thought of of those who are “really” struggling and being persecuted for their faith and standing strong.  I have to admit I get caught in this.  I want life to be pleasant for me, my kids, my husband, familly and friends and don’t welcome tough times. “We seem more interested in managing life into a comfortable existence than in letting God spiritually transform us through life’s hardships.”

He wraps it up by saying; “Don’t run from the hardship.  Don’t seek a friend who’ll help you get out from under it quickly.  Stay there.  Stay in it.  The Lord God will get you through it.  As a result you’ll stop skating.”

I hope this was a good devotion for you to think about.  If you do not get his daily devotion on line I really recomend it.  It really has helped me to think and learn more about myself and the bible.  I hope you will share your thoughts with me and how this has touched you.

Life Lab:  Read Haggai 1:2-7

Thus says the Lord of hosts: “CONSIDER YOUR WAYS !”  Haggai 1:7

In these first few verses God was asking the people how they could live in such luxury while His temple remained in ruins.  Because the people had not given God first place in their lives their work was not fruitful or productive, and theri material possessions did not satisfy.  Moses

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Life Lab: Read Haggai 1:2-7

Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways!”  — Haggai 1:7

I would live for Thee, Lord Jesus,                                                                                                                 Keep my eyes so turned toward Thee                                                                                                            That the world and all its system                                                                                                                  May attract no part of me.   –Graves

When Christ is the center of your interests, life will be in focus.

In this very first part of Haggai God asked His people how they could live in luxury when His house was lying in ruins.  Instead of rebuilding the Temple the people spent there energy  beautifying their own homes.  The same happens to us.  If we put God first, l He will provide for our deepest needs.  Caring only for your physical needs while ignoring your relationship with God leads to ruin.  Because the people had not given God first place in their lives their work was not fruitful or productive, and their material possessions did not satify.  Moses predicted that this would be the result if the people neglected God (Deut. 28:38-45)  ((This comes from the commentary of the Life Application Bible))

Personal note:  I know that the world tugs at me constantly.  Our culture is so luring with all it attractions.  I also watch as the world pulls at my children.  It is not an easy task but well worth the fight to put God first.  I do not do it all the time and I trip up a lot but I continue to try to run the race strong.  I know I am going to someday see where God has carried me a lot of times and has had to pick me up.

How do you keep God first in your life ??

PASS IT ON

Lest you forget the things your eyes have seen…teach them to your children and grandchildren.  Deuteronomy 4:9

Begin to train them early                                                                                                                                  To fear and love the Lord,                                                                                                                                To carry on life’s pathway                                                                                                                           God‘s lamp, His holy Word.–Fennema

If children are to find their way to God, we must point the way.

Personal Comment:  I have three children.  Now they are 19,18, and 14 years old.  I have home schooled them and have done my very best to teach them about the Lord.  I have also in my own feeble way tired to set a good Godly example as a mother and wife.  All three of my kids have such different personalities and as I watched them grow they started to choose their own paths and become more independent upon entering puberty.  My two older teenagers are now away at college and instead of teaching them about the Lord I find myself praying that they put the Lord 1st in their lives and walk with him daily.  I watch the world as it tugs on them and pulls them away from the Lord.  It can be very difficult.  I realize that they have to live their lives and have bumps and growth along the way.  It can be hard to let go but I know that my greatest weapon is prayer and my greatest strength is the Lord.  I tell myself that they are in His care and He is in control.

Titles and Responsibilities

Read John 13:3-16  If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. (Jn 13:14)

When Jesus took a servant’s towel- His honor set aside- he humbly showed us how to serve, And how to conquer pride. -Sper.

The more we serve Christ, the less we will serve self.

Personal comment:  I always like to be reminded to take the focus off of myself.  When I take the time to reach out to others and look around me and count my blessings–even during trials–I can see how truly God has blessed me and sustains me each and every day.  So, reaching out to others, counting my blessings and living in the present moment really helps me to stay on track spiritually.