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