"Look for the Joy"

Day #114 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever." Psalm 16:11 NLT

"Among the most joyful people I have know have been some who seem to have had no human reason for joy. The sweet fragrance of Christ has shown through their lives." ~ Elisabeth Elliot

... to be continued!

Have a blessed EASTER weekend! Remember that EASTER is the reason for CHRISTMAS!

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

"His Comforting Hand"

Day #110 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy." Psalm 94:19 HCSB

Well today is a day of NEW BEGINNINGS, and I am excited, yet anxious about entering into the joys & challenges of the day. But knowing that God is on my side, and His comforting hand is upon my life I can take on any challenges the world has to offer. For I do remember that "...we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[c] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" and "therefore [I will] take up the whole armor of God, that [I] may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:12-13 NKJV)


Looking at the whole chapter of Psalm 94, and not just the 19th verse, God is reminding us that He is there. He sees what the evil of the world are doing, those who are led astray by the wiles of the enemy. They brag and boast because it seems as they are not receiving the punishment so deserved, but God sees & hears the truth. Even in cases where we are tested or challenged, and in times of discipline or correction, trouble or misruled. He is there to comfort us amidst our storm, 'providing a circle of quiet within the clamor of evil' for us. He will see that justice is brought forth, He protects His innocent & precious people. 'Can Troublemaker pretend to be on [His] side'?? The truth will be made known, and the truth will set us free! “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31b & 32) Jesus is the TRUTH, and He shall be made known to the world through the gospel and our lives as an example.

Here's Psalm 94 (below)... read and remember that the Lord is on your side if you are a true believer and 'real' follower of Christ. Be blessed & thank Him today as you walk through the clamor of evil, and remember that He will place you in a circle of quiet, as He gives peace that passes all understanding. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)




"Psalm 94 - God, put an end to evil; avenging God, show your colors! Judge of the earth, take your stand; throw the book at the arrogant. God, the wicked get away with murder— how long will you let this go on? They brag and boast and crow about their crimes! They walk all over your people, God, exploit and abuse your precious people. They take out anyone who gets in their way; if they can't use them, they kill them. They think, 'God isn't looking, Jacob's God is out to lunch.' Well, think again, you idiots, fools—how long before you get smart? Do you think Ear-Maker doesn't hear, Eye-Shaper doesn't see? Do you think the trainer of nations doesn't correct, the teacher of Adam doesn't know? God knows, all right— knows your stupidity, sees your shallowness. How blessed the man you train, God, the woman you instruct in your Word, Providing a circle of quiet within the clamor of evil, while a jail is being built for the wicked. God will never walk away from his people, never desert his precious people.
Rest assured that justice is on its way and every good heart put right. Who stood up for me against the wicked? Who took my side against evil workers? If God hadn't been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, "I'm slipping, I'm falling,"

your love, God, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself,

you calmed me down and cheered me up.  Can Misrule have anything in common with you? Can Troublemaker pretend to be on your side? They ganged up on good people,

plotted behind the backs of the innocent. But God became my hideout, God was my high mountain retreat, Then boomeranged their evil back on them: for their evil ways he wiped them out, our God cleaned them out for good. "
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

"This Is The Day"

Day #96 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 NIV

...to be continued!

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

"Celebrating His Gifts"

DAY #54 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in Heaven..." Matthew 5:12 KJV
NKJV - "Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven..."
NIV - "Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven..."
MSG- "You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company..."
NLT - "Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven."

The devotional message from the book starts out with the sentences, "Do you celebrate the gifts God has given you? Do you pray without ceasing? Do you rejoice in the beauty of God's glorious creation?" Three great questions, and three integral parts of blessing. Now at first thought when 'gifts' is mentioned, one immediately thinks of talents or spiritual gifts. But we must remember also that God has gifted each of us with life, salvation, unconditional agape love, protection, healing, the right to be called 'children of God', our families, our homes, our jobs & workplace... and more! We need to truly celebrate 'being alive'. I rejoice in the truth that God IS. Whatever we need Him to be, our protector, our teacher, our banner, our healer, our provider... He does that, and MORE! In all those things we need to give thanks, and we need to be in prayer. Pray without ceasing. Ceasing means;
–verb (used without object)

1. to stop; discontinue: Not all medieval beliefs have ceased to exist.
2. to come to an end: At last the war has ceased.
3. Obsolete . to pass away; die out.
–verb (used with object)
4. to put a stop or end to; discontinue: He begged them to cease their quarreling.
Therefore, we should never stop praying, nor let our praying come to an end. We should be in constant prayer, or communication with the Father. Praying is not always a loud, long extended prayer with requests, or blessing those around the world, healing our friends & family, etc. It can be a simple 'thank you Lord' throughout the day. Not just calling on Him in tough times, or hard times, but also just talking to Him as you go about your day. Thanking Him for His forgiveness, so that we in turn can forgive others. Thanking Him for His provisions, so that we in turn can give to others. But remember the old saying remains true, if you don't use it, you just may lose it. (Parable of the Talents - found in Matthew 25:14-30 {click link to read} - it says of the man who didn't invest his talent, "So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.")



I truly celebrate the spiritual gifts and talents He has given to me, as I love to work with my hands. However, I know there are spiritual gifts that remain dormant, that I have yet to open, or that I have opened but not used very often. Something to pray about, and step out in faith about. What a blessing it is to be able to use what He has given to me to bless the world. Glorifying Him in all that is done, and not looking for worldly praise. Humbly working for the Lord, and not for man gives you some of the greatest blessings here on earth, -- but importantly, 'REJOICE & BE EXCEEDINGLY GLAD; FOR GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN.'

The seeds we sow, plant, water, harvest and watch multiply here on earth will allow us to receive even greater blessings in Heaven. THANK YOU LORD for your PROMISES!!

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

"The Donut and the Hole"

Day #16 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life." Proverbs 4:23

Are you a pessimist or an optimist? Barbara Johnson once quoted, "A pessimist is someone who believes that when her cup runneth over she'll need a mop." Do you see the glass half-filled with water, as half-empty or half-full?

Our devotion today starts out with a cute story, "On the wall of a little donut shop, the sign said: As you travel through life, brother, whatever be your goal. Keep your eye upon the donut, and not upon the hole." ('A Woman of Faith' Devotional. Day 12. ©2007 Freeman-Smith, LLC. Nashville, TN. 37202) Do you have the bad habit of looking at the negatives in life, such as the hole in the donut? Fortunately, there are such things as 'Timbits' which turn the negative hole into a positive (which I can hear some of you saying... well timbits if you are Canadian - or someone blessed with Tim Horton's).

God wants us to look positively at things in our life... that's why He told us to be joyful, be thankful and pray in ALL circumstances. (see a devotional on that verse here) "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing, give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV If you are a true Christian, then Christianity and pessimism should not mix... God should be filling you to overflowing with His joy and peace, and you should be looking on the bright side. (Well that makes me think of the funny song by Monty Python -- yes not a Biblical song, as it speaks of the crucifixions of the Jews by the Romans... but the words are super-true.) I posted the song in a little better version than the movie... at the end of this post. Sorry if I offended anyone by playing it... but I always try to look on the bright side of life... and it makes me smile. Hopefully it makes someone else smile too!

God wants us to be filled with His "joy unspeakable that won't go away" (I will post that song at the end of this message too). We will be filled with an inexpressible joy... "Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9 NIV)

Our joy will be bubbling up inside of us, that we will want to share the joy and optimism with those around us. Then both you and they will feel better. When someone starts saying negative things, or even when you do... catch yourself, and think of a positive. Actually I've heard that for every negative, you need to say two positives... or something like that anyway. So try first to THINK positively, then you will act and speak positively. Your mind is a terrible thing to waste on negativity. Be glad and rejoice, even in the roughest and toughest of circumstances!

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Here's the Monty Python song, "Always Look On the Bright Side of Life"...


... and here's 'Counting on God' sung by Desperation Band which talks about the 'joy unspeakable'... except we sing the words, "MORE THAN enough strength..." instead of "just enough strength..."

 
ENJOY!

"Joy is..."

Day #14 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing, give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV

Joy is not just a superficial happiness based on the circumstances or things around you. Joy is a welling up of the Father's love inside of you, and can be outpoured to those around you, even in times of trials or temptations. God's joy can and will be our joy. He gave us His joy, so that we could inturn share it with others, who will then share it again. We need the JOY of GOD to go on with our daily lives. Each day we will meet and face things or people that will change our thoughts, circumstances, etc for the 'negative'... but through the love and blessings of God, we can face those trials, and overcome them with Joy. Happiness can change to sadness, mourning or even anger in a moment, but with Joy we can accept the peace that comes in knowing and having a personal relationship with God.

The verse above states that we are to be joyful, pray all the time and to be thankful giving thanks in everything at all times. Is this the way we truly are? I know in truth I'm not... I am striving to be, but it doesn't work all the time, as we let our circumstances or others behaviour get to us. We just cannot allow anger and bitterness to get a foothold in our lives. Bitterness is a quality that no one should live out in their lives, for it also rots you from the inside out. In the Bible (in the book of Ruth), Naomi and her family made some wrong decisions, and things turned out pretty bad for them. Naomi's name means 'pleasant', but because she was looking at her circumstances, she wanted to change her name to Mara because it meant 'bitter' for she thought that's how the Lord was treating her. Eeek... It is in times like this I feel compassion and pity for people... I try very hard not to allow bitter feelings to be portrayed in my life, and try to live through the JOY of Jesus, but as in the names Mara, or even Mary, Mitzi is a derivative and also can mean 'bitter'. However, I do not let that 'characteristic' truly tell who I am. I am trying to live a life of example for those around me, to not 'sweat the small stuff', but it is hard when those around you continuously do it. It just serves as a reminder that we are to be a 'light' in this 'dark' world, and be different! So if you are struggling with rage, anger, or even bitterness, know there IS a way out... His Name is Jesus! "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

So, if you have this JOY, then share it with the world... Go and Do... Go and Be... Go and Shine! If you however are struggling, or have not found this 'JOY' or a relationship with the giver of joy... then your first step is as simple as A...B...C!

1. ADMIT you are a sinner. (Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God") Tell God that you are not perfect, that you are struggling, that you are a sinner. ('Cause yep, we all are.) You also have to repent of that sin... be sorry for it, and TRY not to do it again. (But when you do, 'cause yep we all are tempted to, just repent again.)

2. BELIEVE in your heart that God is real, and that He sent His Son to die for YOU. (His Son now does live again, as He was raised from the dead by His Father) Sin is only punishable by death... Jesus has come to make a way. (Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.") Don't be afraid to ask God if He is real, He wants you to seek Him from your heart. Allow the Holy Spirit to show you, and guide you into the truth. We all know, but do not truly understand the full meaning of John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life."

3. CONFESS your faith in Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. ("If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." Romans 10:9-10 NLT) Let God know that you want to change, you want Him to fill the voids or holes in your heart that you tried to fill yourself with things of the world. Some of you have tried drugs, alcohol, sex, work, etc to fill that void in your life... but it can only be filled by LOVE! The Love that the Father has for each one of us.

When God hears you pray this pray with your own words, from your own heart, He is blessed. The angels in Heaven rejoice when a sinner repents. "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent... In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15: 7 & 10) When you pray this prayer, and allow God to move by the power of His Holy Spirit, you will NEVER BE THE SAME! (Let me know if you've prayed this prayer... for the first time or for the 101st time... just send me a comment, I won't post it if you don't want me too. I'd love to pray alongside you. Even if you just write your name. Thanks!)

May you be blessed with the ABUNDANCE of JOY, and may it OVERFLOW out of your belly and may you be a blessing to others around you, so that they will receive this JOY as well!

"Finding Fulfillment"

Day #9 (Catch-up) - "A Woman of Faith" Devotional
Verse: John 16: 24 ~"You haven't done this before. Ask, using My name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy."

There are soooooo many promises in God's Word, as many of these 'A Woman of Faith' devotionals of mine have already quoted (and other devotional thoughts as well). There are however some of those promises that require us to act or to do our part, for those promises to truly be fulfilled.

I want to live a fulfilled life when I come to the end of my life here on earth, I don't want God to say great, you went part way with me, but what about the rest. I had a whole 'arm-full' of blessings for you, but you just got from one hand. (example, as God's hands and arms stretches farther than we can even imagine) The world tries to promise 'fulfillment', but it is just temporary. God's promises fulfilled, and our life living fulfilled is eternal. Our physical/natural bodies will be fulfilled temporarily... lasts a moment basically. But we don't take those bodies with us, when we face God in heaven.

God promises healing, provision, protection, comforting, unconditional love, mercy, and soooo much more. However, some of us just seek Him at bedtime, or mealtime... or even just in 'times of trouble'. Some of us call on Him all the time, but definitely not in the manner we are to... (as in OMG!) We cannot just live our lives wiithout daily living for Him. "Sometimes, amid the inevitable hustle & bustle of daily life, we can forfeit--albeit temporarily-- the joy of Christ as we wrestle with the challenges of daily living. Yet God's Word is clear: fulfillment through Christ is available to ALL who seek it & claim it. Count YOURSELF among that number. See first a personal, transforming relationship with Jesus, and then claim the JOY, the fulfillment, and the spiritual abundance that the Shepherd has to offer His sheep." ('A Woman of Faith' Devotional. Day 9. ©2007 Freeman-Smith, LLC. Nashville, TN. 37202)

So step out TODAY and seek Him for yourself. I can't seek Him for you, yet I can intercede for you, as you make this decision that will TRANSFORM your life forever (not just a temporary 'fix').

Be Blessed & Be a Blessing!

"Comforting Others"

Day #5 - "A Woman of Faith" Devotional
Verse: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

{*Editor's Note: So... obviously the devil didn't want any posts today... or someone to receive a word, as there was technical difficulties posting on the original 5th of January (as you can read by my first comment below). But the devil couldn't get a foothold in our lives, as God wanted and wants to do something great! We have been blessed by 2 special conferences with 2 special men of God... they will tell you they aren't special, but it's the amazing power of God working inside of them. (which I know, but I also know they are special to me too!) ALL PRAISE & GLORY to GOD!!}

Psalm 118 tells us that 'This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it'. Our devotional today is regarding comforting others... something some of us don't usually want to play a big role in. God comforts us, brings us joy, heals us, delivers us, etc... so that we can in turn do the same or share our testimony with others. Our testimony is our 'in-your-face' example of God at work in our world today. Some people think their problems are too big for anyone to handle... but they just don't know the power of God yet! If they see God at work in our lives, and the power of God moving in us and changing us, then they will be able to blessed knowing that He will be able to do the same for them. They just need to believe...

Every day there are those around us that need comforting, or even just a smile or a hug. Now, I know some of us aren't 'huggers', but even a hand-shake or a simple gesture that tells them you recognize they are there will help them out. We have the power of God inside of us to help those around us... His love in us helps us love those around us, even those tagged as 'unlovable'. His peace inside of us can overflow and help those who need the peace of God in their stormy lives. His joy that will bubble up inside of us and ooze out can lift even the darkest of spirits. His strength inside of us can help uplift those around us that are in need of some supernatural power. We just need to be AVAILABLE! I have heard a quote by ministers or preachers alike, "God's not interested in our abilities, he wants our availability". God wants us to be obedient and available... there are simple little things called 'shoulder taps' where God might just whisper something in your ear, or tap you on the shoulder for you to stop from your busy day, and realize that there's a hurting world of people around us. The world does not revolve around us... and sometimes we think our problems are leading us to the end of the world... but really there are ALWAYS those who are worse off then us. God wants us to be a light to them... to shine the Light of His Son. A simple word of encouragement (yes, even if your gift is not encouraging or exhortation) can make a BIG difference in someone's life.

Get out there and be the 'hands and feet' of Jesus... that's not just a cute saying someone made up, that is what God wants us to do and be. He cannot physically touch others, without us first using our hands and or feet to do so. We need to GO where he sends our feet to go, and TOUCH who He tells us to touch with our hands... or be his mouth or ears and SPEAK or LISTEN (truly listen) words of affirmation and blessing. A simple testimony of what God has done for you in the past, or even just yesterday or today will help someone else out more than you know. (I am speaking to myself here too, I don't always remember to stop and help... nor share my testimonies as often as I should.) But the Word tells us that we can OVERCOME by the Blood of the Lamb, and the WORD of OUR TESTIMONY... whether it be spoken or written...

The devil is a deceiver and he will try to tell you that your life doesn't make a difference... but GOD knows (and I know) and YOU SHOULD TOO... that your life DOES make a difference! Go M.A.D. (Go Make a Difference) Be the M.E. that God has called you to be. (M.E. = Maximum Effectiveness) Are you living up to your potential? Do you know what your potential is? None of us really are, and none of us really know... but GOD does, and He will guide us and direct us down the right paths if we just TRUST in Him!

To read other 'A Woman of Faith' devotional messages, click here...
To read other devotionals regarding the M.E. you are called to be (your MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS) Click here...

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!!

Day 29: October 29th, 2009 - - Mark 9:35

“POINTS TO PONDER” – Day 29
Written by M. Hall
Please feel free to agree or disagree with points made, and feel free to comment if so desired. If you would like, you could write your own thoughts on the verse of the day, and include that in your own comments below. Thank you and may you be blessed!! =)

Jesus sat down and called the twelve apostles to him. He said, "Whoever wants to be the most important must be last of all and servant of all." Mark 9:35

Last? Who wants to be last? I work in a daycare, and the children, like these disciples always argue over who is going to be first in line. Being first is important to today’s society. That is why everything is ‘fast’ now. We have fast food, microwaves, internet banking, debit machines, express lines at stores, self-checkouts, etc… we have learned that we need to do things quickly, to get ourselves ahead of the other guy. Jesus says in this verse that we are to be last, and servant to all. That doesn’t mean every time in the grocery store you should let someone ahead of you, but yes, sometimes you should. Sometimes Holy Spirit may be telling you to pay for the groceries, or the gas, or Timmy’s, or whatever for the person ahead of you or behind you in line. Serving others is a difficult thing, because it requires a humble spirit on our part, and we need to show a little grace, and kindness. We also need to strip ourselves of our selfish fleshy desires, and put others desires first. We are not called to be ‘doormats’ though, or to be taken advantage of, and we do have the right to say ‘No’.

A servant’s heart is an important character trait to have, and it is not easily come by. It takes time to train yourself to put others first. You need God to help you see others with His eyes. Simple things like making dinner for a family who’s mom is sick, or watching the kids for a young couple who have a lot of things on their plate can truly be a blessing to those with needs. Slipping $20 to a single mom in church on Sunday, playing baseball with her son who doesn’t have a dad… taking time to care! Being like Jesus… it’s not as hard as we may think!

Rick Warren did a study on a “Servants Heart”. He found 6 main points or characteristics to know if you have a servant’s heart:

1. AVAILABILITY - Real ‘servants’ do what’s needed, even if it is inconvenient for them. It’s been said that ‘God isn’t interested in your ability He’s interested in your availability’. Are you available for your family, friends, co-workers, enemies, strangers?? What steps can you take to make yourself available?
2. PAY ATTENTION TO NEEDS – Real servants see the needs and act on them before anyone else may even notice the need. They take initiative and do what needs to be done. They see the need, and do their best to meet the need, or at least try to find someone who can. Do you have the ‘eyes of Christ’? Can you see the needs of others quickly and easily? Are you too occupied with your own needs that other’s needs fall to the wayside? What steps can you take to pay more attention to other’s needs?
3. DO THE BEST WITH WHAT YOU HAVE – It basically goes along with the last one, where they do what needs to be done, with what they have available, or who they have available. This leads us back to the first one as well. Are you available for others to use to help serve someone? Do you procrastinate, and wait for a better time to help… wait for more money to help… wait for… ? Can you use everyday items or giftings that are available to you to make things work for other’s needs to be met? Are you one who says, “Well I haven’t gone to Bible College…” or “I don’t have the training…” or use other excuses not to serve?
4. DO EVERY TASK WITH EQUAL DEDICATION… or with all your heart. Small tasks or large tasks, tasks where you get noticed and appreciated, tasks with which you remain anonymous… Do you work diligently at every task, no matter what it is or who it’s for? It says in the Bible, in Colossians 3:23, “In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people.” Do you serve with the heart that you are working for the Lord, or do you work grudgingly or looking for a reward all the time? Do you feel yourself to be too important to be doing the ‘little jobs’?
5. BE FAITHFUL TO YOUR MINISTRY – Finish what you begin. Stay committed, and don’t quit. Commitment these days isn’t as strong as it once was. Lack of commitment in marriages today results in a really high divorce rate. People are giving up too easily on things of great importance. We need to remember that we are working for the Lord, and He has given us the gifts, talents and traits to fulfill the position we are in. Sometimes we may feel like we are insignificant compared to others in the church… but we should still work hard at what we’ve been called to do, as we are all the same in the Lord’s eyes. We need the fruit of faithfulness in our lives to grow, so that we may persevere. Can you be counted on? Can people trust your word? Are you faithful in the little things?
6. MAINTAIN A LOW PROFILE – Be humble. “Hey everyone, look at me, see what I did, I’m so humble” is not a sentence that should be in your vocabulary. No one should think they are more important than others, and you certainly should not brag about it. Doing a service or fulfilling a task in ministry should not be something that you brag about to others. Others may lift you up and thank you for a job well done, but you are not to seek praise from others. We are working for the Lord, so it is His rewards that we should seek. No one is more important than another. “If anyone thinks he is important when he really is not, he is only fooling himself.” Galatians 6:3 (NCV) WOW… do you seek the praise of men or the praise of God? Do you do tasks only when others are watching or can notice that you are doing them? Can you anonymously fulfill a task large or small, and not receive praise? Do YOU take credit for work that someone else did? Can you do the ‘little things behind the scenes’ and not receive acknowledgement or acclaim? Are you a self-promoter?

A servant’s heart is a humble heart, it requires a lot of work, yet it should be really easy to accomplish once you set your mind to it. These steps are just a start… putting others above yourself, requires putting Jesus first in your life, and spreading the JOY of being in a relationship with Him. To have real JOY, you need to have your priorities in the right order – J.O.Y. = Jesus, Others & You! Be blessed and ask the Lord to help you have a servant’s heart.
Serving… it’s not really that difficult. It’s an important part of life, one that should not be overlooked. Where would the game of volleyball be without serving?
1 Corinthians 15:58 –“So my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Do not let anything move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.”

Here are some ‘Christian cartoons’ regarding humility, and servant-hood… enjoy! (Clicking on the link below the cartoons will take you to the cartoonist’s website – REVERENDFUN.COM and CHURCH MICE)

http://www.reverendfun.com/

http://www.zorowski.com/churchmice/frames.htm

PRAYER: O’ Lord it’s hard to be humble… help us to have a heart for others instead of ourselves, and to walk in humility. Help us to STEP UP and SERVE! Help us to love others like you love us, so that we may put their needs ahead of our own. Let us be filled with joy when we perform both large and small tasks for your glory and not our own. Continue to guide us and direct our steps so that we may glorify You and Your Son, and it’s in His Name I pray, AMEN!

Day 21: October 21st, 2009 - - James 1:2-4

“POINTS TO PONDER” – Day 21Written by M. HallPlease feel free to agree or disagree with points made, and feel free to comment if so desired.
If you would like, you could write your own thoughts on the verse of the day, and include that in your own comments below. Thank you and may you be blessed!! =)

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4 (The Message)

My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience. Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need. James 1:2-4 (NCV)

WOW… I am finally coming to realize that God has been using this very verse in my life for quite some time now, and I have finally gotten a hold of more of this revelation. I always knew the verse was there, and knew it was a good one to try to follow, and did try to have JOY in all circumstances, but never really thought much about the rest of this verse. I know in my own life, I love challenges. Some challenges do get frustrating, let me tell you, but for the most part I think life would be pretty boring without them. For those of you who don’t know me, I am an Early Childhood Educator, and I work with Preschoolers. These children range in age from 2½ to 5½ years old, and some of them can be very challenging. I am realizing now that this verse is a very important one in my life.

I usually am a very patient person, but when something has been tested over and over and over, my patience feels like it’s whittling away and I have to pray and seek God for more. I am trying to live out my life as open and ‘real’ as I can. I am not one person one place and another person somewhere else. I am ‘Me’ wherever I am. I am a very compassionate, and empathetic person, which helps me to ‘give people chances’ more often than some other personalities. Yet it also frustrates me, because I am also assertive, and don’t like when people seem to have to get their own way to be happy. I hate tantrums! (Who doesn’t?) LOL! My personality and characteristics do not match (according to textbooks and studies), as I can be very enthusiastic and outgoing, and extroverted, and assertive; yet I can also be very quiet, observant, introverted & passive. After doing many personality and character tests and quizzes, my two highest are opposites each other on the scales.
I always remember a statement from a VBS or March Break outreach that we did when I was in Youth regarding your character, and finding out who you really are; “If you want to know who you are, you must first know Jesus!” This statement is sooooooo true, and you do have to have that relationship to gain the whole revelation. I know that I am ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14), and that God created me to be who I am, with all my flaws, character traits, gifts, personality traits, talents, and more. He made ME like that for a purpose. I am beginning to understand that purpose more and more as I continue to seek Him and His will for my life, not my own.

I thank God for the increase in FAITH that I have, and the increase in PATIENCE that I have been given. I love the Lord with all my heart, and I am not afraid to tell you that, or to live my life according to that truth! If you walk each day of your life, transparent, in a ‘real’ way that shows your true colours, people will trust you more, and see the Light of Jesus that comes from the inside out. I pray that I can be an example to the little lives that are in my care each day at work, and also at church. I also pray that I can be an example to the adults I meet each day, and work with, play with, pray with, worship with, learn with, shop with, etc. I pray that YOU can live your life as ‘an open book’ as well, where people can see the ‘Light of Jesus’ shining in your heart too. (If you don’t have this ‘Light’… you can! If you do not know Jesus as your personal friend, brother, and Saviour then please do not hesitate any further. Take that step today - - It’s as simple as A.B.C., & it only takes a moment, to change your life forever. If you so desire, you can re-commit your life to Him as well too ~ it's never too late, while you are alive anyway.
A - - Admit to God you are a sinner, and repent and turn away from your sin
B - - Believe that Jesus is the Son of God and He gave His life for you and me
C- - Confess your faith in Jesus as your Saviour and your Lord forevermore

This simple prayer will change you from the inside out.
The verse today says, ‘then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need’. We will never ever truly be perfect, until we walk on those Heavenly streets, but we can be made perfect only through the power of the Holy Spirit. God will complete the good work that He started in you, and if that good work has challenges along the way, step up to those challenges remembering the verse, ‘I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13’. How many things can you do?? ALL things… Isn’t that an amazing truth all in itself? Do you have the FAITH to believe this? Do you have the PATIENCE and PERSEVERANCE to press on through the challenges that come your way? If so, God promises us that we ‘will have everything [we] need’. Amen and hallelujah! Amen means ‘so be it’ for those of you who may not know. Thank you Lord, for Your promises that will be fulfilled and completed.
God we put our trust in You, and lean not on our own understandings, and we acknowledge you, so that You may make our paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Prayer: Father God, we thank You again for Your Word, the living Word that we can put our full trust in. We thank you that we can put our full trust in You as well as your words and promises. All your promises are Yes, and Amen! Help us to accept all our flaws and traits, and to walk in the ones that You have called us to do. Help us step into the roles and traits that you have placed in our lives, and help us not to covet other’s personality traits and gifts. You have made us in Your image, and to fulfill Your purposes. Help us to set aside or throw away some of our own desires, to take up the desires of Your heart. Increase our faith, and our patience as we will walk through many trials and challenges. Help us continue to gain exciting revelations from Your Word, to teach us and equip us. Give us the words to use as we teach and equip others! Let Your anointing fall on us, as we seek Your will. We ask all these things in the name of JESUS, AMEN!
Be blessed, and be a blessing, and be filled with the JOY of the Lord as you face challenges of many kinds!

Day 18: October 18th, 2009 - - 1 Peter 3:3-4

“POINTS TO PONDER” – Day 17Written by M. HallPlease feel free to agree or disagree with points made, and feel free to comment if so desired. If you would like, you could write your own thoughts on the verse of the day, and include that in your own comments below. Thank you and may you be blessed!! =)“It is not fancy hair, gold jewelry, or fine clothes that should make you beautiful. No, your beauty should come from within you—the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that will never be destroyed and is very precious to God.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
According to Wikipedia, here is the definition of beauty, ‘Beauty is a characteristic of a person, animal, place, object, or idea that provides a perceptual experience of pleasure, meaning, or satisfaction. Beauty is studied as part of aesthetics, sociology, social psychology, and culture. As a cultural creation, beauty has been extremely commercialized. An "ideal beauty" is an entity which is admired, or possesses features widely attributed to beauty in a particular culture, for perfection.’ There is also the old saying, ‘Beauty is in the eye of the beholder’. God is the only one whose opinion we should be listening to, but in this world today so many of our young girls look to Hollywood for answers. They see themselves as too fat, too thin, too ugly, too big of butt, too small of a butt, too big of a chest, too small of a chest, and more… the list goes on. Most girls are trying more to be like someone else, than being the one that God created them to be. (It goes the same for boys as well – with looks and sports).

Our beauty is not only skin deep, it goes deeper into your heart, spirit and soul. Our beauty does come from within, as this verse states. Sometimes when a mother suggests a boy for her daughter, the daughter of course asks if he’s cute, and usually the answer is, well he has a nice personality. We usually laugh it off and make fun. However, I think a person’s character has a lot to do with their beauty. We watched a reality show a while back now, called ‘True Beauty’, where contestants were competing to see who was the most beautiful. However, they thought they were only being tested on outer beauty. The show wass hosted by three judges: Nolé Marin, Cheryl Tiegs, and Vanessa Minnillo who judged the contestants on their inner beauty as well. It was funny to see them competing with each other, and actually judging each other in the house. There were usually tests during the photo shoots, or activities that they were involved in; simple things like helping a girl who is really upset, to helping an older man who fell and dropped his groceries. Most of the contestants didn’t help. Sometimes they even got irritated at the person, and it was really disheartening to see that they were so consumed in their own outer appearance and life, than to take time to help others.

Now, we all have flaws, inside and out, but we aren’t to dwell on those flaws. We are made in God’s image, so we are perfectly flawed. God made us just as we are. We are special in His sight. He gave us our looks, character, attitude, talents, and no one else in the world is exactly like us. We need to think of ourselves in the same way that God does. Again, it involves changing our mind-set and using words of life!

I read a list in one of the “tween” books I have, and I’m going to add it in to this devotional, for those of you who may be feeling unloved, unworthy, & unimportant. I have added some as well.
NEVER EVER…• think you are ugly
• believe that you cannot change for the better
• that you have to look like the girls (or guys) in magazines or on TV/movies
• say, “I hate myself” or “I’m a loser” or “I’m ugly” or “I’m worthless”
• think that your worth is only about grades, money or looks
• accept the lie that if you aren’t ‘popular’ you aren’t important
• do things that you know are wrong just to be accepted
• cut or mutilate yourself to make yourself feel better
• listen to others opinions about who YOU are
• think or believe or declare that you are unlovable, incapable, unworthy, or unimportant
• give the devil a place in your heart – HE IS UNDER YOUR FEET!!!
• lose your faith in God, or your JOY!

Prayer: God, thank you for creating us in Your image, for making us who we are, whether we like it right now or not. Help us to view ourselves through your eyes. Remind us in troubled times that we are special, worthy, loved, capable, beautiful & important. Thank You Lord that You overcame sin and death, and that we have the same victory in You. Help us believe in You, and to believe in ourselves. God I pray right now for girls (& guys) who may be in this situation right now. (No matter how young or old), Jesus I thank you for your healing power. We declare HEALING and RESTORATION now in the name of Jesus. We bind the spirit of deception, and loose the joy of Your Spirit to fill us with your love and peace, and the power to defeat the enemy. Remind us how important our spoken words are. Help us to declare words of life, and not words of the enemy or the negative opinions of others. Guide us and direct us in the steps we should take to fulfill our destinies in You. Enable us to use the character, talents and gifts that You have given us to the fullest capacity. We are capable, and we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us. Give us a great week, and help us to shine Your Light to others who may be in this darkness of despair. In JESUS’ name, AMEN!

God help us overcome... OVERCOME by Desperation Band

Be blessed and be an OVERCOMER!!

Day 17: October 17th, 2009 - - Proverbs 15:13

“POINTS TO PONDER” – Day 17Written by M. Hall
Please feel free to agree or disagree with points made, and feel free to comment if so desired. If you would like, you could write your own thoughts on the verse of the day, and include that in your own comments below. Thank you and may you be blessed!! =)
“Happiness makes a person smile, but sadness can break a person's spirit.” Proverbs 15:13

According to Wikipedia, here is the definition of happiness. ‘Happiness is a state of mind or feeling characterized by contentment, love, satisfaction, pleasure, or joy.’ Did you know that it takes more muscles to frown then it does to smile? Happiness is not just having a smile on your face it’s actually feeling happy and content. How does one feel happy and content in a world of sadness, despair, and discouragement? It’s simple, have the joy of the Lord, for it is your strength. Joy is more than just having happiness though.

“Some people spread happiness wherever they go, and some whenever they go” is an interesting quote by Oscar Wilde. I believe it is a choice. It is definitely a state of mind, but it’s also a mindset. You have to physically and mentally change your mind to happy. Feelings do come, and feelings do go, but in essence, we have to choose how to feel. God has given us all feelings, but to some, he made their hearts more open to other’s feelings. Empathy is seldom found in the world anymore. Putting other’s feelings above your own, and comforting others in their time of need. Some people spread joy and happiness wherever they go. I choose to try and do this. Some people have mentioned to me on several occasions that it’s hard not to smile when I am around. Some family members and friends have called me ‘a breath of fresh air’, which I don’t take lightly or boast about. I am not boasting in saying that I am usually a happy person and like to share that happiness with everyone. I also have the JOY of the Lord in my Spirit, so I can be happy in most circumstances. When I get angry or emotionally stressed, I find myself getting frustrated at myself more than anything, because I allow my heart, mind and spirit to lose that feeling of happiness. But, I never lose the JOY!

Today’s verse says, ‘Sadness can break a person’s spirit’. Anger and sadness try to creep their little selves into our minds, spirits and hearts. When we allow them to creep in and ‘make a home’, that’s when things like depression set in as well. There is a verse in the Bible that talks about demons, and when anger & sadness get a hold of you, they are a form of demonic power that satan has over your life, and it brings more trouble like depression, and then that brings more trouble. "When an evil spirit comes out of a person, it travels through dry places, looking for a place to rest, but it doesn't find it. So the spirit says, 'I will go back to the house I left.' When the spirit comes back, it finds the house still empty, swept clean, and made neat. Then the evil spirit goes out and brings seven other spirits even more evil than it is, and they go in and live there. So the person has even more trouble than before. It is the same way with the evil people who live today." (Matthew 12:43-45 NCV) I stated above that I lose the feeling of happiness, because it is that, just a feeling. But I never lose the JOY, because I still have Jesus in my heart, and He is my peace. His joy is truly my strength, and I can use that supernatural strength to push away those feelings of stress, anger, sadness, frustration & defeat. The verse above found in Matthew, says just that, when you allow anger and sadness to live in your heart, and then ‘clean house’ and you get rid of them. You need to fill that ‘empty clean house’ with something else, like Jesus. He is the only thing that can fill that God-shaped void. It’s good to make your heart, and life ‘clean and neat’, but if you leave it empty, then those evil spirits can come back, and see it empty and go get more spirits to come and fill you. Who wants a life like that? Not me!

Are you experiencing sadness right now? Anger? Jealousy? Depression? Do you find it breaking your spirit? Take a stand! Get strength to fight! Not of your own power, but supernatural power that can help you achieve victory over your situations! If you have a relationship with Jesus, then it’s a little easier for you to grab a hold of that power. However, if you do not have that JOY that I spoke of, then you have just an additional step. ASK HIM IN TODAY! He is standing at your heart’s door, just waiting to come in, and help you ‘clean house’. He will fill that empty God-shaped void that’s inside. There is another quote that comes to mind about having faith in God, and the door to your heart. “Fear knocked. Faith answered. No one was there.” WOW! Powerful quote eh? I just read on a blog, that FEAR can be summed up into an acronym, F.E.A.R. - 'False Evidence Appearing Real'. So cool! WOW! God is sooooo amazing! We truly need to take Him at His Word. His Words will never return void. The words to a song are now coming to mind, 'I Walk by Faith' from my youth group days. (see YOU TUBE videos following the prayer below)

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, the giver of JOY and happiness, we thank you for your love and faithfulness. We need only walk in faith to believe that You will do the things You say You will do. God, I thank you that You are healing us as we read/say this prayer, and ‘cleaning house’. Father, I accept that I am a sinner, and know that I have done, and will do more wrongs in my life. However I believe that You sent Your Son Jesus into this world to die for our sins. I believe that He rose again, and sits with You in Heavenly places, and that He will return one day for His bride. God I also believe in the Holy Spirit and the power He gives, which also gives me JOY. I thank you that the JOY of the Lord is my strength. Help us be over-comers today! Lord, I thank you that You are who You say You are, and You will and can do exceedingly and abundantly more than we think or ask. Jesus, come in and fill the God-shaped void in my life, and help me to have the faith to scare off the devil when he knocks at my door. I pray a blessing on each person who is praying/reading this right now. In JESUS’ name, AMEN!

Here's a YOU TUBE video of the song by Maranatha singers... 'No weapon formed against me shall prosper... If my God is for me, tell me who can be against me.'




Here's another "walk by faith" song by Jeremy Camp! AWESOME!! =) 'I will walk by faith, even when I cannot see'.

Be blessed, and be a blessing!