Friday, June 21, 2013

Free from Worry

   







“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear.
 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV)

Recently, my devotional reading was about worry. The author, Sarah Young, (Jesus Calling), used the phrases “form of unbelief” and “anathema to me.” (Each devotion is written from the point of view of Jesus.)
In my Christian walk, I learned that worry was the opposite of or shortage of faith. As I read the words “form of unbelief,” I felt my heart quicken; had I been worrying about something that needed to be given to the Lord?
Quite possibly, I had been worried about some health issues my husband has been dealing with.
Whenever the weather forecast for our son’s area, Hubby tells me I should be in prayer about him. Sometimes this causes me mild anxiety. A week before his trip home the region south of him had tornadoes. Three of our friends called to inquire how he was. All three of us felt touched by the kindness shown by these close friends.
On a recent Sunday, our pastoral assistant spoke during our church’s two worship services.
My “Saturday Night Insomnia” struck me hard. I had set my alarm to give me enough time to try to attend the early service. I believe I was worried about getting up in time because an hour before my alarm was to go off; I turned on the television and watched a program. Resetting the alarm, I dozed but when it did ring, I woke in a stupor. Again, I changed the time for the alarm to ring. I still felt almost drugged when I awoke.
The next afternoon, a friend and I stopped in at the church office. I had earlier emailed our pastoral assistant and explained my absence. While we were there, I told the pastor I needed to apologize for not being in worship. I told him what had happened. He told me he understood and that I didn’t have anything to apologize for.
I believe my worry was over the fact that our pastoral assistant is a friend and, on the Sunday before, she had asked me to pray for her. When I saw her on that Monday, I asked for a copy of her message which she gave me. It was an excellent message; God was in it.

I have been a believer in Jesus for several years and He still teaches me, every day.


__________
 graphic from conscious-manager.com


Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Free to Live Holy Lives


“Live as free men, but do not use our freedom as a cover-up for evil.”1 Peter 2:16 (NIV)








I watch a lot of detective/police shows on television. The basic outline for these dramas is a crime has been committed and the police have to find out who broke the law. My husband doesn’t understand that my attraction to these shows is that in these dramas there is a group of people attempting to do something about the harsh circumstances of life.
Most of the time, the perpetrator is someone who they have already questioned and basically cleared. That person of interest got by the police because he or she has misrepresented the facts.
Our scripture tells us we should not use our freedom to cover up evil. This tells me we need to not allow ourselves to put our goodness on display to lead others to think we are something we aren’t. It also speaks of the need to have pure hearts. This means we shouldn’t allow evil to be present in our hearts. Simply stated; it tells me we should strive to live as holy people, set apart from the evil of the world and carry ourselves as truly free individuals.
We can only achieve a cleanness of heart by having a vital, strong, living relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord Jesus:

               We thank You for our salvation and grace You have shown to us. We ask You to help us keep our hearts cleansed and pure in order that we can live for You and serve You. We will give You the praise. In Your name we pray. AMEN

__________
Graphic from www.theekklesia.co.uk

Monday, June 17, 2013

Sensing God



HAVE YOU SEEN GOD?
In your daily walk have you seen His handiwork, the clouds, and the colors in nature, the trees and all their foliage?

Have you sensed His presence?
During times of prayer, Bible study and devotions, God hears us when we pray, guides our Bible studies, and speaks to us through a simple devotional reading.

Have you heard Him?
               Do you hear Him in the laughter of a child? Do you listen to Him in the birdsong of early morning?
When you were confused or searching for an answer to something, have you heard His voice? He speaks to us through a whisper. He wraps his arms of love around you and pulls you close to Him and speaks words into our ear.

Have you felt his touch?
When you have a ‘circumstance’ in your life, did you feel his hand upon your shoulder as you stood at the brink of something big in your life? Did you feel that hand on your elbow as he guided you through a difficult time? His healing presence makes itself known as we seek His guidance for a problem.

Have you inhaled His fragrance?
               In the smell of mock orange in bloom, the fragrance of roses, the dainty scent of fresh carnations, or in the inviting aroma of brownies baking in the oven. 

Or have you seen His face?
When you close your eyes to sleep, can you make out His calming eyes? Have you seen His face as you pass someone on your way to transact business?

     At different times in our lives we experience God as he makes His presence known to us. One thing we must remember is He chooses when and how He reveals Himself to us. It’s our job to watch and wait for Him.


God Alone

  Jesus and the children at our church's prayer walk.          I will both lie down in peace and sleep;  For You alone, O LORD make ...