“Prayer and praise are the oars by which a man may row his boat into the deep waters of the knowledge of Christ.” C.H. Spurgeon
Psalms 80:1-2
1 Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.
2 Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery.
I believe when we give God our praise before asking Him for this and that, He is pleased. I know we are to pray and ask Him for things don’t get me wrong; however, I believe that we should begin our communion with Him with praise and thanksgiving, and then pray. I believe we need to end our prayer by giving thanks for answering us. The more I praise, the stronger I feel to face life’s trials.
Father, you are an awesome God. I thank you for your Word that gives us clear understanding of how we can worship you and grow in our Christian walk. Praise your Holy Name.
Be Blessed!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Gratitude!
I can’t believe that in just a few hours I will be flying thru the air on my way to Virginia. It always amazes me how far technology has developed in just my lifetime. I am glad I don’t have to travel all that way by horseback or covered wagon. Although a little part of me thinks that would have been an adventure.
I am thankful for all the things we have to make things easier for us.
“Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.” A.W. Tozer
Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sometimes it is extremely hard to give thanks when you don’t feel good, your out of a job, your children are sick, your marriage is falling apart. Etc. but when you begin even through your tears to offer praise to the Father, something inside of you changes. Your circumstances didn’t change right away, but the way you look at them did.
Father, we thank you for this day. Thank you that no matter what we are going through, that it is nothing that YOU and we can’t handle together. Praise you Holy Name.
Be Blessed!
I am thankful for all the things we have to make things easier for us.
“Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it.” A.W. Tozer
Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sometimes it is extremely hard to give thanks when you don’t feel good, your out of a job, your children are sick, your marriage is falling apart. Etc. but when you begin even through your tears to offer praise to the Father, something inside of you changes. Your circumstances didn’t change right away, but the way you look at them did.
Father, we thank you for this day. Thank you that no matter what we are going through, that it is nothing that YOU and we can’t handle together. Praise you Holy Name.
Be Blessed!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
LOVE!
I was thinking last night as I watched some of the little kids at church and afterward at McDonald’s play together how they would be playing fine one minute and upset with each other the next. Are we that way with the Lord? As long as things go our way and He answers us just the way WE think He should we are fine. Let Him answer differently and we (or I sometimes) get upset. Yet when we look at His way it is so much better than what we thought we wanted.
“When love is felt, the message is heard.” Jim Vaus
John 13:35
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
I believe love is probably the greatest emotion we could have. Children and animals can sense and feel whether we love them or not. If they feel anger or whatever from us they will not respond to us like they would when we show love.
Father, help us to be loving and kind to each other. Help us to reach out to those who seem unlovable showing them your love.
Be blessed and know you are loved!
“When love is felt, the message is heard.” Jim Vaus
John 13:35
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
I believe love is probably the greatest emotion we could have. Children and animals can sense and feel whether we love them or not. If they feel anger or whatever from us they will not respond to us like they would when we show love.
Father, help us to be loving and kind to each other. Help us to reach out to those who seem unlovable showing them your love.
Be blessed and know you are loved!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Assurance!
Topic for Today: Assurance
“None have assurance at all times. As in a walk that is shaded with trees and chequered with light and shadow, some tracks and paths in it are dark and others are sunshine. Such is usually the life of the most assured Christian.” Ezekiel Hopkins
I read this quote last night. It made me think of the walk around the springs. There was a section by the springs that was shaded. In that section we never saw birds, animal tracks, or anything. The kids always said it was haunted. Most of the walk was in the sunshine, but not that part of it. Sunlight filtered through, but you didn’t even hear birds singing.
Sometimes it seems in our Christian walk that we are walking through a dark tunnel. We feel like the Lord isn’t there. Jesus said “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrew 13:5b
Hebrews 13: 8
Jesus, Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
It encourages me to know that whatever Jesus did while He was here on earth, He can still do today. He can and still does do miracles, healings, and anything else we need. Praise His Name.
Thank you, Father, for giving us the same love, miracles, and all the other things Jesus did for people while on this earth. Thank you that He lives in us. We move and breathe because of Him.
Be Blessed!
Joy
“None have assurance at all times. As in a walk that is shaded with trees and chequered with light and shadow, some tracks and paths in it are dark and others are sunshine. Such is usually the life of the most assured Christian.” Ezekiel Hopkins
I read this quote last night. It made me think of the walk around the springs. There was a section by the springs that was shaded. In that section we never saw birds, animal tracks, or anything. The kids always said it was haunted. Most of the walk was in the sunshine, but not that part of it. Sunlight filtered through, but you didn’t even hear birds singing.
Sometimes it seems in our Christian walk that we are walking through a dark tunnel. We feel like the Lord isn’t there. Jesus said “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrew 13:5b
Hebrews 13: 8
Jesus, Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
It encourages me to know that whatever Jesus did while He was here on earth, He can still do today. He can and still does do miracles, healings, and anything else we need. Praise His Name.
Thank you, Father, for giving us the same love, miracles, and all the other things Jesus did for people while on this earth. Thank you that He lives in us. We move and breathe because of Him.
Be Blessed!
Joy
Monday, June 16, 2008
Eyes of our Heart!
“You wake up one day to realize that you are busier than you've ever been, but no deeper in the things of God than you were years ago.” Author Unknown
How true this quote seems to be, I seem to be busier than ever, but have to work at making sure I spend time in the Word and with the Lord each day. It is necessary in order for me to grow in the Lord and to know Him better.
It seems like everything is speeding up until a person wonders if they are spinning out of control.
Ephesians 1:18-19
18 By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),
19 And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,
God’s Word is full of instruction. When we dig into it, then we can have our hearts flooded with light, and understand the hope He gives us.
Thanks, Father for your mighty Word to lead us and guide us as we go about this journey you have placed us on. May we strive to know you more each day.
How true this quote seems to be, I seem to be busier than ever, but have to work at making sure I spend time in the Word and with the Lord each day. It is necessary in order for me to grow in the Lord and to know Him better.
It seems like everything is speeding up until a person wonders if they are spinning out of control.
Ephesians 1:18-19
18 By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),
19 And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,
God’s Word is full of instruction. When we dig into it, then we can have our hearts flooded with light, and understand the hope He gives us.
Thanks, Father for your mighty Word to lead us and guide us as we go about this journey you have placed us on. May we strive to know you more each day.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Blessings!
Greetings,
It is a beautiful morning here on the farm. It brings me joy to watch God’s little critters chasing each other and having fun. I love to wake up to the birds praising the Lord. Makes my own heart sing!
“When we bless God for mercies, we usually prolong them. When we bless God for miseries, we usually end them. Praise is the honey of life which a devout heart extracts from every bloom of providence and grace.” C.H. Spurgeon
Psalms 107:1-2
1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
It is wonderful to know the effect our praise has on getting rid of the trials in our life. The more we give God praise, the quicker they end. God is so awesome. He is a RIGHT ON TIME GOD! It may not look that way to us, but when we really look at things, we see God’s hand in it; and he’s always on time. Praise the Lord!
Father, we thank you that you know the whole plan for our lives. Thanks for not showing it to us all at once. It would overwhelm us. I am so glad I only have to live one day at a time. I’m glad that you help me live in you one day at a time as well. Praise your Name.
Have a SON-shine filled day!
It is a beautiful morning here on the farm. It brings me joy to watch God’s little critters chasing each other and having fun. I love to wake up to the birds praising the Lord. Makes my own heart sing!
“When we bless God for mercies, we usually prolong them. When we bless God for miseries, we usually end them. Praise is the honey of life which a devout heart extracts from every bloom of providence and grace.” C.H. Spurgeon
Psalms 107:1-2
1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
It is wonderful to know the effect our praise has on getting rid of the trials in our life. The more we give God praise, the quicker they end. God is so awesome. He is a RIGHT ON TIME GOD! It may not look that way to us, but when we really look at things, we see God’s hand in it; and he’s always on time. Praise the Lord!
Father, we thank you that you know the whole plan for our lives. Thanks for not showing it to us all at once. It would overwhelm us. I am so glad I only have to live one day at a time. I’m glad that you help me live in you one day at a time as well. Praise your Name.
Have a SON-shine filled day!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Blessing The Lord!
Good morning,
It is a wet, cloudy, and a cool 40* here on the farm this morning. I will be glad anyway.
“Eternity will be too short fully to recount His praise. Let us not shorten our joy by neglecting to begin on earth.” Henry Law
Sometimes it is harder for me to praise the Lord than others, do you ever feel that way?
When I am full of energy, things are going great, bills are paid, the list goes on; and then it is easy to praise the Lord. When I don’t feel good, short on funds, things like that, and then it is harder to praise Him. I find though that when I really praise the Lord from my heart when I don’t feel like it is when I get the greater blessing.
Psalm 34:1-2 (KJV)
1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
I sometimes have to work at blessing the Lord at all times, and praising Him continually; although the more I do it then it becomes a good habit. I really enjoy praising the Lord. I don’t do it because I have too! I do it because I love the Lord and want too! How about you? Why do you praise the Lord?
I give you praise, honor and glory this morning Father. Thank you for your love, provisions, mercy, and kindness. Bless my family and friends. Thanks.
Be blessed!
Joy
It is a wet, cloudy, and a cool 40* here on the farm this morning. I will be glad anyway.
“Eternity will be too short fully to recount His praise. Let us not shorten our joy by neglecting to begin on earth.” Henry Law
Sometimes it is harder for me to praise the Lord than others, do you ever feel that way?
When I am full of energy, things are going great, bills are paid, the list goes on; and then it is easy to praise the Lord. When I don’t feel good, short on funds, things like that, and then it is harder to praise Him. I find though that when I really praise the Lord from my heart when I don’t feel like it is when I get the greater blessing.
Psalm 34:1-2 (KJV)
1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
I sometimes have to work at blessing the Lord at all times, and praising Him continually; although the more I do it then it becomes a good habit. I really enjoy praising the Lord. I don’t do it because I have too! I do it because I love the Lord and want too! How about you? Why do you praise the Lord?
I give you praise, honor and glory this morning Father. Thank you for your love, provisions, mercy, and kindness. Bless my family and friends. Thanks.
Be blessed!
Joy
Monday, June 9, 2008
Setting an Example!
“I agree with Matthew Henry when he says, “They that pray in the family do well; they that pray and read the Scriptures do better; but they that pray, and read, and sing do best of all.” C.H. Spurgeon
I read this and thought of daddy and mom setting an example for us kids with their praying, reading the Word and singing praises wherever they were. They led by example. They didn’t tell us to live one way and they lived a different way, but they both loved the Lord first and foremost.
1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
When we teach our children to love the Lord and be an example then the things in this world will change. I think it is so super to see the parents, their children, their children’s children, and so on living for the Lord.
Father, I thank you for the parents who have set an example to their children, grandchildren, great grand’s, etc. who have set an example of praying, reading the Word and singing praises to you. I pray that if someone doesn’t know you, they will desire you and begin to set that example to their families. Praise your Holy Name.
Be Blessed!
I read this and thought of daddy and mom setting an example for us kids with their praying, reading the Word and singing praises wherever they were. They led by example. They didn’t tell us to live one way and they lived a different way, but they both loved the Lord first and foremost.
1 Timothy 4:12 (KJV)
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
When we teach our children to love the Lord and be an example then the things in this world will change. I think it is so super to see the parents, their children, their children’s children, and so on living for the Lord.
Father, I thank you for the parents who have set an example to their children, grandchildren, great grand’s, etc. who have set an example of praying, reading the Word and singing praises to you. I pray that if someone doesn’t know you, they will desire you and begin to set that example to their families. Praise your Holy Name.
Be Blessed!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Hymns to Grow By!
Good morning,
It is a beautiful morning here on the farm watching the sunrise.
Last night I was feeling a little lonesome, so I got out some Hymn books and started looking to see how many songs I knew. These led me to the understanding of how many (some people say “old songs”) are still very much a part of my life and give me strength when trials come my way.
Sweet By and By
Kneel at the Cross
O Say but I’m Glad
AT Calvary
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
O How I Love Jesus
Never Alone
I Know Whom I have Believed
The list goes on, but one thing about the “Oldies” they have staying power. I want that staying power, so when the hard things come I can say with ASSURANCE the Lord is my helper, He will uphold me. The super great thing is He will do the same for any of you. He is our strength.
Nehemiah 8:10b
For the joy of the Lord is your strength.
It seems like when we feel really good, and feel strong that we can conquer mountains, or anything that comes our way.
Father, I thank you for the people who gave us a legacy of songs (old and new) to worship you.
There is a special strength that comes to us when we offer praise to you. Help us to always remember to sing!
Have a praise filled day!
Joy
It is a beautiful morning here on the farm watching the sunrise.
Last night I was feeling a little lonesome, so I got out some Hymn books and started looking to see how many songs I knew. These led me to the understanding of how many (some people say “old songs”) are still very much a part of my life and give me strength when trials come my way.
Sweet By and By
Kneel at the Cross
O Say but I’m Glad
AT Calvary
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
O How I Love Jesus
Never Alone
I Know Whom I have Believed
The list goes on, but one thing about the “Oldies” they have staying power. I want that staying power, so when the hard things come I can say with ASSURANCE the Lord is my helper, He will uphold me. The super great thing is He will do the same for any of you. He is our strength.
Nehemiah 8:10b
For the joy of the Lord is your strength.
It seems like when we feel really good, and feel strong that we can conquer mountains, or anything that comes our way.
Father, I thank you for the people who gave us a legacy of songs (old and new) to worship you.
There is a special strength that comes to us when we offer praise to you. Help us to always remember to sing!
Have a praise filled day!
Joy
Friday, June 6, 2008
God Ordained our Days!
“The fact that God ordained our days for us should also give meaning to every day, not just the special or exciting days of our lives. Every day is important for us because it is a day ordained by God. If we are bored with life there is something wrong with our concept of God and His involvement in our daily lives. Even the most dull and tedious days of our lives are ordained by God and ought to be used by us to glorify Him.” James Hufstetler
I read this quote and thought how appropriate to put it in this morning’s devotional. It should remind us that all our days are ordained by God. There is nothing we can do to change what God has planned for us that day.
Psalm 16:5-6 (King James Version)
5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
I am so thankful that God takes care of us, no matter how we feel health wise, or emotionally, God takes care of us with all His love and attention. Sometimes when you are talking with someone do you feel they are partially listening or not listening at all? Yet, when we go to the Father, He always listens, understands us, and answers us. How awesome is that?
Father, we thank you that you always listen to our prayers. Sometimes you answer the way we pray, and sometimes you answer differently. Help us to remember you always answer. Praise Your Holy Name.
I read this quote and thought how appropriate to put it in this morning’s devotional. It should remind us that all our days are ordained by God. There is nothing we can do to change what God has planned for us that day.
Psalm 16:5-6 (King James Version)
5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
I am so thankful that God takes care of us, no matter how we feel health wise, or emotionally, God takes care of us with all His love and attention. Sometimes when you are talking with someone do you feel they are partially listening or not listening at all? Yet, when we go to the Father, He always listens, understands us, and answers us. How awesome is that?
Father, we thank you that you always listen to our prayers. Sometimes you answer the way we pray, and sometimes you answer differently. Help us to remember you always answer. Praise Your Holy Name.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Living Life To The Full!
“If Christ came that we might have joy (life to the full), if the Holy Spirit is at work in us to produce joy, then it is a contradiction of God’s purpose for us when we are not joyful.” Jerry Bridges
John 15:11
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
When we are in the presence of the Lord, then His joy is within us. We need to learn how to remain in that joy and live life to the full.
John 15:11
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
When we are in the presence of the Lord, then His joy is within us. We need to learn how to remain in that joy and live life to the full.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Seed for Solution!
Good morning,
It is a gray overcast morning here on the farm. In the dictionary the other word for gray is colorless. I started to put that in place of gray; however, in looking out the window things are far from colorless.
God is so awesome. I just can’t get over how good He is to us. He just keeps on heaping blessings on us, even when we haven’t asked for them. Now isn’t that awesome.
“Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution. If you don't have any problems, you don't get any seeds.” --Norman Vincent Peale
When you plant seeds and take care of them, they come up what they are supposed to be on the packet. If you don’t take care of them and keep them weeded then the weeds will come up and choke out the good plants. When we don’t take care of our minds and allow everything in it but the WORD then pretty soon the good thoughts are rooted out be ugly thoughts.
I don’t know about you, but I want my thoughts to be upright before the Lord. To know He is taking care of my problems. Praise the Lord.
Matthew 13:8
But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
When you go through problems and sow the seeds of the solution God give you then you will reap the benefits.
Father, I thank you for your Word. Thank you for your many blessings. Help each of us to turn our problems over to you and expect you to show us a seed of solution.
Have a wonderful day!
Joy
It is a gray overcast morning here on the farm. In the dictionary the other word for gray is colorless. I started to put that in place of gray; however, in looking out the window things are far from colorless.
God is so awesome. I just can’t get over how good He is to us. He just keeps on heaping blessings on us, even when we haven’t asked for them. Now isn’t that awesome.
“Every problem has in it the seeds of its own solution. If you don't have any problems, you don't get any seeds.” --Norman Vincent Peale
When you plant seeds and take care of them, they come up what they are supposed to be on the packet. If you don’t take care of them and keep them weeded then the weeds will come up and choke out the good plants. When we don’t take care of our minds and allow everything in it but the WORD then pretty soon the good thoughts are rooted out be ugly thoughts.
I don’t know about you, but I want my thoughts to be upright before the Lord. To know He is taking care of my problems. Praise the Lord.
Matthew 13:8
But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
When you go through problems and sow the seeds of the solution God give you then you will reap the benefits.
Father, I thank you for your Word. Thank you for your many blessings. Help each of us to turn our problems over to you and expect you to show us a seed of solution.
Have a wonderful day!
Joy
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