Acts 3:19-20

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Acts 3:19-20

There are often times in life when we feel dry, in need of spiritual refreshment. This verse gives us a promise of that, with an exception. We must first find the parts of us dying in sin and deal with them. How can death be refreshed? It can't. We have to first be made new. So, I ask you today, "what do we need to repent of today in order to have a time of refreshing?"

Prayer: Lord, please bring new life to the death sin has caused. I desire your refreshment.

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.- Romans 12:1-2

I don't know if you realize this already, but I can really relate to Paul. That is one of the reasons I like Romans so much. 

Tomorrow I am leading children's church in a small Bible lesson, so I just started reading the scriptures. I looked over the verses I heard in service last week, I glanced at old notes, I even took in a few verses that just caught my eye. Finally I read this one and I knew what I wanted to share with the kids. I figured if I was willing to share it with them, I should take a moment and share it with you as well. 

These two verses are both about how we are a different kind of people. One, we are not like the other people around us; we are different. Second, we have been changed, therefor we are different than we used to be. There is a reason God made us different. If we weren't different, we couldn't change anything. We wouldn't change our own lives, or the people around us, or the world we live in. It takes a different person to make a difference!

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. -2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Sounds pretty horrible to be "pressed on every side", "perplexed", "persecuted", and "struck down". In fact, if you just look at the life described before the "but", you would miss the point. No matter how crazy, tough, and painful things around may seem, God never allows them to completely over take us. My study Bible puts it this way "[a]ll our risks, humiliations, and trails are opportunities for Christ to demonstrate his power and presence in and through us."

So the question really is, "How many opportunities for Christ are in your life?"

Prayer of the day: Lord, help me to see the difficult and challenging situations around me as opportunities for you to work. Thank you for never letting the "world" crush me.

Philippians 4:12-13

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:12-13

I included both scripture verses today because I find it interesting how often verse 13 is quoted out of context.When Paul speaks of being able to do all things, he is talking about being content in all situations. Personally it is not always easy to be content. Sometimes things are NOT working out the way I want, but God made it clear that it is possible. I took a moment today to look up the definition of content. The first way it was defined was as "satisfied". The second way it was defined is "to appease the desires of"or "to limit (oneself) in requirements, desires, or actions". 

Prayer of the day: Lord, help me to learn the discipline of contentment. Thank you for knowing and caring for all my needs.

Philippians 4:11

Today at church Pastor spoke on contentment. This seems to be a reoccurring theme in my life. Through devotions, church, and study I see something that God is desperately trying to get through to me. Pastor gave a treasure trove of scriptures to help guide me in this study. For this reason I have to choose one and work my way through life of Paul.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.- Philippians 4:11

It was interesting to note that Pastor said contentment was a discipline that must be learned. Am I ready to learn it?

Prayer of day: (Grady) Lord, I choose to rejoice when I face difficulties, challenges and hard times. Regardless of how I feel, I will praise You and give thanks for Your goodness.

John 15:4

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.- John 15:4

Staying connected to the Father keeps our loves from becoming simply a routine without purpose. Without this connection to Christ, we forget who we serve. We can forget why we serve. Nothing will come of the things we do in our power. Only what is fed by the Vine will get what it needs to grow and bare fruit!

Prayer of the Day: Lord, I don't want to lose my first love. Fan the flames of the Spirit in my heart and let me burn with zeal for You. (Lee Grady)

1 Peter 5:6-7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you- 1 Peter 5:6-7


I find this especially important as I go back to work for the school year. I often time feel like I do more than I get credit for, yet I am constantly reminded by God that all that matters is His thought on the matter. In time, God has allowed the things I have done to bless me. I've gotten everything from great friends to superior recommendation letters from giving my all to everything I do.

The second part of the scripture is also important  for me as things start a new again. With things still looking dim around me, its a comfort to know that God truly cares for me. He has the whole situation in His hands. I have no reason to stress and be anxious over it. Its hard not to be, I am regularly guilty of letting things run through my mind endlessly at night, or losing my temper over what we "lack". With God's help I am able to stand up and try to imagine it though His eyes. I read somewhere (although I can remember where now) that "we have a point of view but God has the view."

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me to see my life through your eyes. Whether in a time of plenty or a time of need, remind me that you care.

Psalm 77:11-12

I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
   yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
 I will consider all your works
   and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” -Psalm 77:11-12

Although its hard to see the past good in difficult times, it is an important gift God gives us. When things are not where we think they ought to be, remembering God's faithfulness to us in the past should strengthen us and give us hope. God doesn't take care of us one moment just to drop us the next! It is a testing of our faith to make a point to see the things God has done, rather than focus on what we see on the now.

Prayer of the day: Thank you for taking care of me. I wouldn't be where I am today without you. I know you never forget me and have great plans for my future.

Malachi 3:10

Over the past two months, God has made great efforts to teach my husband and I something, and that is that if you give, he will give. First I must confess, we were not always faithful givers. We wanted to be, we used to be, but when times got hard, we just let that slip away. As things more challenging and even on good months there wasn't enough, we knew we had to make a change. About three months ago the hubby and I decided to give tithe on our dependable (my) income. The first month surprised us. From the time we gave, we kept getting blessed. Our needs were met, many wants were granted... it was amazing. This past month we decided to give on estimated total income. Do you know what happened? We were blessed again. I'm not saying its a magic formula, but it something God truly allows us to test Him on. He said give, we (finally) didn't question Him, and He amazed us! Now that we understand this, I wished we never stopped it in the first place. Perhaps we wouldn't be where we are today if we had. However, I believe in redemption and I know He can bring us back to the place where we were, likely better!

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. - Malachi 3:10

Deuteronomy 8:10

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. -Deuteronomy 8:10

I really like this verse, it is a great reminder to be thankful and give God glory when all is going well. Often we pray hard and are attentive during times of need, but are less involved in our relationship with Christ when things are going smoothly. I strive to be like Paul and be thankful and content and give God praise no matter my situation!

Prayer of the Day: Lord, I thank you for caring for my every need. Thank you for all the good things in my life. Help me to remember to focus on you no matter what my situation is.

Exodus 17:2

So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.”
Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?”-Exodus 17:2

Some problems can only be solved by prayer. I have chosen this week to focus on prayer. This verse specifically shows a time where prayer would have been a better response to the situation. My study Bible says this very powerful statement, " We should make a determined effort to pray when we feel like complaining."

Prayer of Day: Lord, help me to come to you and thank you for what you've done, rather than complain. I know you care for my every need and know my every desire.

1 Peter 2:17

Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. -1 Peter 2:17

 I have to admit this bring me to the point of honoring the leadership of the country. I do not always agree or even like the people who run our country, yet I have a deep respect for the position they hold. This is what God asked us to do. So long as we remember that God is control, we can know he will be watching over the leadership above His people. Pray, its the only thing we can do and know that it is getting somewhere!

Prayer of the day: Lord, thank you for allowing me to live in a country where I have all this freedom to worship and seek You. Give the leadership wisdom, boldness, and the conviction to do what is right.

Romans 13:7

Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.-Romans 13:7

I keep chewing this verse over and over again in my head. I want to see what I am supposed to get out of it for this time in my life. I truly feel like I need to hear it, but why? Who do I lack giving them what they owe? Likely this is related to respect or honor for me, but its going to take some prayerful consideration as to whom I am not doing so with.

My first guess goes to family members. It is easy to overlook the respect and honor they deserve. This is especially true in the marriage relationship. I often find myself over ruling, correcting, or complaining, which are all disrespectful of my husband. There is no perfect person, but as the husband God placed in my life and for the hard job he does of being my husband, he deserves respect and honor for it.

I should really study Biblical submission, I'm no good at it...

Prayer of the Day: (Grady) Lord, let the fear of God keep my heart clean from all hypocrisy. I choose today to keep my heart open and vulnerable to Your refining fire.

Romans 12:9-21

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. On the contrary:

   “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
   if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.-Romans 12:9-21

There is so much going on here. I think I may stay on these for a few days. Let's start here: "Love must be sincere"

Love is a choice, not just feeling. Sometimes choosing love is not an easy route. Yes, its easy to be "nice" but to truly love them, no. One of the next things Paul says is to be "devoted" in love to each other. I don't know about you, but devotion is a powerful word. It means you put every possible moment, energy, possessions into it. If you are devoted to your marriage, you are faithful- you fill all important needs through that person (sexual, romantic, support, etc). A sincere love is a chosen love. One that works hard to be devoted to another.

Prayer of the day: Lord, thank You for having sincere love for me. Teach me to devote myself in love to others.

Church Notes- Honor

Thank you Pastor David for another great word! You too can listen at River Church's podcast.

Today Pastor spoke on honor and it was a timely word for me as well as the house. I wanted to outline some of the notes I took and share the Scripture references he used. Over the next week or so I plan to look more into each scripture mentioned, so hang tight!
Be aware, my notes are going to seem slightly irregular, since they are in single statement format. (It's just how I take notes!)

Kingdom Culture of Honor

1. Honor will produce favor.

• Romans 12:10, 13:7 (suggested translation by Pastor ESV)
• 1 Peter 2:17 

1.   Pay your debt to others through honor.
2. Citizenship in heaven should be more important than any we have on Earth.
3. The church should have a culture of honor.
4. To honor someone- Honor what they honor; love what they love.
5. You don't have to love/like someone to give them honor.
6. Honor- to highly respect, esteem, give recognition, value, worth, to pay a price for

• Luke 6:38

1. This verse refers to everything, not just money: honor too!
2. What you don't sow, you can't reap.
3. If you follow God's principals, His good seed will over flow beyond all the bad seed that Satan sows.
4. Sometimes you have to honor those who are dishonorable.
5. Some honor comes with position.

• Genesis 12:1-3

1. If someone is blessed of the Lord, bless them. You will end up blessed.
2. Dishonor brings a curse.
3. God does not act on "fair", he acts on favor.
4. It's not about "me" when it comes to blessing. 
5. Honor=serving others.
6. How far did Jesus go to serve? The cross.
7. True honor will cost you something. Humble yourself.
8. Church- Come to honor and bless the Lord, not the other way around.
9. How can I bless the Lord? Others? (come to church saying that)
10. The Lord already gave us the best he has, the most honor.
11. It is better to give than to receive. 
12. Church should be a "bless others club" not a "bless me club"

• Philippians 2:3

1. Honoring is a test of humility.
2. Humility is the fruit of honor.

Psalm 13:5-6

But I trust in your unfailing love;
   my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the LORD’s praise,
   for he has been good to me
-Psalm 13:5-6

Its easy in times when things are challenging to forget how much God has done for you. He has truly done so much for me.  I shouldn't be alive but I am. I've been all over the world and I'm only in my mid-twenties. I'm married with two wonderful children. I am a blessed woman! Tell me, how has God been good to you already?

Prayer of the day: (Grady) Lord, You truly have been good to me. Today I will remember Your goodness and remind others of the ways You have proven Yourself faithful.

Jeremiah 29:13

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. -Jer 29:13

The scriptures before and after this one speak of a time when God's people were in bondage. These verses share God's desire to still have a relationship with them, reminding them that they have not been forgotten. My study Bible puts it this way, "In times of deep trouble it may appear as though God has forgotten you. But God may be preparing you, as he did the people of Judah, for a new beginning with him at the center." This leads us to the importance of Jeremiah 29:13. It is God request, no, expectation during those challenging times that we seek him. In prayer, fasting, worship, whatever it takes to put our whole heart into it. Doing something with our whole heart is not an easy task, its a challenge. It requires work. You can't be lazy and seek something that strongly. God is using the times of trouble to teach us these very important disciplines. Just how badly do you want things to change? Badly enough to work for it?

Prayer of the Day: (Grady) Lord, teach me to pray. Give me a seeking heart that is determined to find You no matter what kind of distractions interfere with our communication.

Lord, Rock My Boat

I am sick and tired of trying to control my own life. I keep messing it up. However, if I give it to God, I know he only wants good for me.

In life, it is easy to hold on to things- your job, your finances, your marriage, etc. Yet, God has an amazing ability to care for each of those things. That doesn't mean we stop trying. (We don't sit on the sofa, drink soda, and expect to be healthy, right?) We have to follow God's direction and plan and things will work out for His glory.

Prayer: Lord, take control over my life. Rock my boat if need be. I want to live the life you planned!

Psalms 108:3-6

I will praise you, LORD, among the nations;
   I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
   your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
   let your glory be over all the earth.
 Save us and help us with your right hand,
   that those you love may be delivered.
 Psalms 108:3-6

Today on our nations birthday, remember to thank the Lord that we live in a place where we are free to worship and share His Word. Also, keep our nation in prayer daily. We live in a fallen world and we are surrounded by sin. Pray for our leadership that they will have the conviction and courage to stand for what is right.

Prayer of the day: (Grady) Lord, I ask You to heal our nation today. Let revival begin in the churches. Then, let the power of Your presence be felt in our streets as You deliver us from violence, immorality, corruption, racism, greed and social injustice. 

Ephesians 6:14-18

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. -Ephesians6:14-18

God gave us everything we need to get through any situation in our life. Not only that, he is available to "talk us through it" in our prayer life. By providing us with faith, the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God, he empowered us to defeat every enemy and succeed in any situation he desires for us!

Prayer of day: Lord, thank you for your Spirit and Word. Help me to use them along with prayer to walk through my everyday struggles in life.

Matthew 4:1-4

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” - Matthew 4:1-4

There is so many jewels to be taken from these verses, I am unsure where to start. Thanks to my study Bible I got a new perspective on the temptations of Jesus and the temptations in our own life. It is important to consider that the fact Jesus was "hungry" and eating in no way sinful. Yet, Satan tempted Jesus with fulfilling that "need". It wasn't the food or the need that made this situation a temptation. It was the fact that it wasn't what God intended for him to do. My study guide today pointed out that "[i]n your desert the devil will offer you hundreds of solutions and alternatives except one: to seek earnestly the face of God." This being said, God is able to care for every need we have. He even enjoys giving us our desires as well. My study Bible's notes put it this way, " many of your desires are normal and good, but God wants you to satisfy them in the right way [AND] at the right time." I think the timing thing is the hardest part for most of us. Thankful we have the Holy Spirit inside us and the Word with us to help us stay strong!

Prayer of the day: (Grady) Lord, when I face a spiritual desert [or any desert], give me the grace to thirst for You and to feed on the Bread of Life alone.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11

Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them?- Ecc. 5:10-11

I love what the notes included with my study Bible says about these verses. It says, "Whatever financial situation you are in, don't depend on money to make you happy." Its all about contentment, and its not an easy lesson to learn. From experience I can tell you that living on little is challenging. Its often tempting to think, "if I just made a little more, it would be better," but what I should be thinking is "how can I make the best out of this?"

Although finances are one of the biggest areas many people struggle with contentment in, the struggles are not limited. Some people struggle with "keeping up with the Jones'", others struggle in their marriage, some struggle in their career.

Finding contentment does not necessarily mean you give up hope for more or better. It means that you are happy with what you have and can see the good in what IS there. I will borrow a phrase from a fellow blogger [The Orange Rhino],  make an "at least" statement. Sometimes it takes looking at our struggle and saying something like "I may not make a lot of money, but at least I get plenty of time with my children." Or maybe your situation is "I can not afford cable right now, at least I have plenty of books." These may seem simple, but it can be useful to see everything we have, rather than what we lack.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, Thank you for all the blessings in my life. Help me to have the right attitude about my situation.

Proverbs 3:29-35

Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm. Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways. For the LORD detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence. The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.  He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.  The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame. - Proverbs 3:29-35

Prayer of Day: (J. Lee Grady) Lord, I want to bring joy and delight to Your heart. Make me a worshiper who longs for constant communion with You. 

Proverbs 3:27-28

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor,“Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you” when you already have it with you." Proverbs 3:27-28

It is helpful to also read Matthew 22:34-40

^"Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together.  One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

It really all comes down to love. If you love, you wouldn't hold back. If you love, you wouldn't sit by and see someone in need suffer if you can help. Its cruel, unconsiderate, selfish, and truly unloving. Lev. 19:13 even goes to so far to say that when you do you are stealing. Remember, everything around us and everything we have belongs ultimately to God. We should be using it all for His glory and honor.

Prayer: Lord, Forgive me for the times I've held on to something I should have given (and for times I should have given freely and was begrudged). Give me the strength to love when my weak humanity struggles to do otherwise.