TURN
6 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations.” Ezekiel 14:6
13 “For the hearts of this people have grown dull.Their ears are hard of hearing,And their eyes they have closed,Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears,Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,So that I should heal them.’ Matthew 13:15
Turn away from those things that damage relationship with God . . . and He will heal. Turn away from those things that damage marriage . . . and He will heal those things broken in the marriage. From beginning to end the Word of God correlates His relationship with His Church to our earthly marriage relationship. We might wonder why sometimes, because marriage seems to be one of the most prominent relationships with the greatest difficulties. It also seems these days that most marriages have their share of problems, if they even last. Not a very encouraging view of the kind of relationship we want with God. But as Christians, I believe God has shown us a better way, a better marriage, a relationship built on grace, a marriage built on turning toward each other. When all our efforts have failed and our pride has broken down everything that could have been ”good” within all relationships that surround us, may we humble ourselves to ”turn” from the hardness of our hearts and ”turn” toward God’s way to receive healing within our marriages, our homes, our friendships, and most importantly in our relationship with God.
In Ephesians chapter 5, we find Christ loving the church, covering His bride with His word, bathing her clean . . . turning toward her . . . never turning away. We are called to do the same, to turn toward our Saviour, to turn away from those things that hinder a passionate, flourishing, growing relationship with Him. As we chose to turn toward Him . . . and toward our earthly partner, or even toward other relationships within our circle of family and friends we will find a place of healing, a desire to give unconditional love, a place where others can find security, and a place to discover each other deeper than we ever thought possible. In the midst of pain we tend to want to self preserve, and go into survival mode; therefore, we put up walls and may turn away in fear, never really coming to that place of intimacy we desire deep down, and so desperately need. If we do not follow God’s instruction to “turn”, to “repent”, to acknowledge our need, we will never find healing. We will remain in darkness, blind and deaf, always searching, always longing, but never really satisfied, never at peace, and never experiencing the fullness of joy God offers us. God’s ultimate desire for us is for us to be in a place of love and security, healthy and happy, and in “relationship”.
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” Ephesians 5:22-33
1 comment September 4, 2011
A Life of Purpose
20″ But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Genesis 50:20
What if all the bad stuff you’ve been through fit into a greater plan for good? Could you accept it, grow from it, learn from it, use it somehow for good, to glorify God? Could you perhaps even come to a place of praising God for the bad things that have happened to you, because through them He has led you to people you can actually encourage and help, who are going through the same or similar circumstances? Where have you come from? What are the things in your life that have shaped who you are today? Do you have everything figured out and are you in a place of perfection?? I know I’m not, but I am a work in progress. You and I are, “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 5:20 This tells me that from heaven’s perspective, I have a master plan for my life, and my “Supervisor” will use everything in my life for His purpose. He wants to be glorified even if it means using those “evil” things that have happened in my life and turning them around for “good”.
Joseph is the perfect example of letting God’s purpose be fulfilled through his life . . . even though he may not have understood how God would work everything out for good, he chose to trust God’s plan through the “evil”. He of all people had reason to be resentful, angry, and hardened. He even had the right to imprison and even put to death his betrayer’s–his brothers. He could have done away with them when they showed up in Egypt, but instead his heart was filled with love and compassion for them. This love that he displayed could only come from the heart of God. Joseph chose to focus on God’s plan and His agenda. He chose to glorify God through every, “unfair” circumstance. What a beautiful testimony of how God crown’s humility with honor.
May our hearts be filled with God’s love today as we live out His purpose for our lives. May our lives bring glory to His name no matter our circumstances.
9 “A man’s heart plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
2 comments September 1, 2011
365 days
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17
A little over a year ago, I made a commitment to myself that I would write one devotion a day, for one year. This all came about with just the right encouragement from a number of different sources and so I started my adventure, called Awakening. This journey became a huge workout in exercising perseverance, and so those days when I just may not have felt like writing for one reason or another I still would press on . . .
There were days when writing came easily, and days when I sat waiting for hours, not knowing what to write . . . but I learned quickly that I must look no further than one day at a time. Always, no matter what, I wanted the focus in my devotions to edify the reader, and most of all to Glorify God. Never have I wanted this to be a “task” or a “burden”, but rather, an overflow of my love for my God.
I knew I liked to write, but never did I think I had the courage, the perseverance, or the ability to write for 365 days straight. So I have to say, if you have something you have been thinking about doing . . . step out and try it . . . give yourself 365 days. You might be amazed at what you can accomplish in a year, especially with God’s help. Also remember, if you have a talent you are wanting to grow, do it to the glory of God, not for self glory, or to receive recognition from others. Although it is wonderful to hear words of praise and to receive positive affirmation, we must remember God has made each of us different, with different talents and where some people may not be interested in what we do, others may be thoroughly blessed by it.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58
P.S. Although I may not write each day, I plan to write as I feel inspired, so if you have followed my blog daily, thank you so much, and please visit again, often…blessings 
5 comments June 22, 2011
Please Bless This Home
1 Blessed is every one who fears the LORD,
Who walks in His ways.
2 When you eat the labor of your hands,
You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
In the very heart of your house,
Your children like olive plants
All around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
Who fears the LORD.
5 The LORD bless you out of Zion,
And may you see the good of Jerusalem
All the days of your life.
6 Yes, may you see your children’s children.” Psalm 128
Rivers of blessings flow from this passage in Psalm 128. Like a waterfall coming down from on high the love of our Father fills every crevice and space, saturating our homes. We cannot find any greater insurance or guarantee of a happy prosperous home, than to have a home that fears and reveres the Lord. Knowing that my husband seeks for his heart to be in alignment with God, I find Psalm 128 to be the perfect promise to claim over him today, as we celebrate our 17th Wedding Anniversary and Father’s Day. Happy Father’s Day my wonderful husband! I Love You!!
I would also like to wish my Dad and my brothers a very Happy Fathers Day!!
(Sorry this devotion did not get posted, it was meant for Father’s Day Sunday June 19)
2 comments June 20, 2011
Love
Love suffers long and is kind . . .
Why is it that I could be so blatantly defiant, as you stood looking at me with tears in your eyes. My unfaithfulness in seeking for myself left me bleeding and wounded, and instead leaving me in my mess you chose, in kindness, to take my wounds upon yourself.
Love does not envy . . .
Always you told me I was enough for you, but I still felt discontented and unsure. You always accepted me just the way I was, never asking anymore of me. You saw me as beautiful even in the midst of all my faults.
Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up . . .
Although you are so far above me, still you stooped down, day after day to carry me–to dress me from my own nakedness and shame–that I could not even see. Never were you embarrassed to call me your own.
Love does not behave rudely . . .
You had every right to demand more from me and yet you chose to nurture me and care for me. You have always provided everything I need.
Love does not seek its own . . .
Every day I was selfish, always seeking what I wanted. Every day you freely gave, never complaining about my thoughtlessness toward you. You should have been my focus, instead of myself.
Is not provoked . . .
Time after time I have acted like a spoiled child and yet you are always there to forgive me, as you wrap your loving arms around me.
Thinks no evil . . .
How could I have though that you caused bad things to happen to me, when your love has been so full, so profound, and so great toward me?
Does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth . . .
No matter how bad I’ve been and no matter what I have done you never want me to hide, but you want me to come to you to confess all that I have done, so that you can replace my shame with your crown of honor.
Bears all things . . .
You already knew all the wrong that I would do, all that would separate me from you, and yet you paid whatever the cost to reconcile me back to you.
Believes all things . . .
Thank you for always believing in me, even when I doubted myself.
Hopes all things . . .
Thank you for giving me hope, when my hope was lost.
Endures all things . . .
Thank you for standing by me when I couldn’t even stand being me. Thank you for never leaving.
LOVE NEVER FAILS . . . !!!
2 comments June 18, 2011
Renew Your Mind
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
How the human brain works is so completely complex and so very amazing. How is it that the very thing that helps us understand how our brain works, is the brain itself? Wow! That’s kind of hard to wrap my mind around. What a gift God has given each of us, a mind that we can think, process data, learn, retain information, and apply whatever we have stored in this human computer.
The complexity of my own brain/computer I have such difficulty understanding. For example, I am completely terrible at remembering times tables, but I can remember all our checking account numbers, my driver’s license, my social security number, and even my credit card number which is 16 numbers long. I can remember all of that but I have to make up rhymes to remember 6×8 is 48, or 7×7 is 49. I just don’t get it!
Above any other creature on Earth, God has given us this very special mind to learn things about Him. He wants us to use our minds to get to know Him. It is through our minds that He teaches us and grows us. It is in our mind that we become changed to think more like our heavenly Father. It is in our mind that we engage with Him, desire Him, and seek Him. What a wonderful gift He has given us so that we might understand Him and His ways better.
“For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 2:16
1 comment June 17, 2011
An Overflowing Heart
My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” Psalm 45:1
“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5
I was thinking about “why I do what I do?”. To be a little more specific, what I am talking about is “doing the right things for the right reasons”, verses “doing the right things for the wrong reasons”. Although these two forms of reasoning are extremely similar in writing, they are very different in action.
If I have a drive and a passion toward doing something I love, I will be more likely to “do the right things for the right reasons.” But if I drag my feet and dread doing the very same thing, my motives completely change and although I might do the right things for the wrong reasons, my own level of satisfaction and my joy within the project will never be fulfilled.
Although God wants us to “do the right things”, it seems to me that it is of great importance that they are done with the “right heart”(or for the right reasons). God will never demand our love and devotion. He does not want to force us to care for the poor and the widow. He does not want us to give our tithes and offerings, out of duty. ” He does not want us to do anything out of guilt, or because we are trying to earn something from Him. He wants us to desire to do all of these things out of a thankful, grateful heart. He wants us to “do the right things for the right reasons.”
As a parent I may be able to “force” my children to do certain things, like chores, school work, brush their teeth , etc., but when they do these things from their own desire it changes everything. They learn a different satisfaction and accomplishment that I never could have taught them through force. As God’s children He may call us to do certain things that we feel obligated to, but the more we follow Him and what He says, we realize everything He asks us to do is good for us, good for our relationships with each other, and most of all good for our relationship with Him. Our “chores”, or “obligations”, change from “I have to. . . “, to ”I want to . . .”
1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.” Psalm 1:1-3
1 comment June 16, 2011
Transforming Power
“3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,” Philippians 1:3-4
“15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:” Ephesians 1:16
“2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,” 1 Thessalonians 1:2
These verses are such a beautiful portrayal of the power of Jesus within the human heart. These are the words of a man, who was once hard, brash, prideful, and arrogant. More bluntly put, he wanted to hunt down anyone professing the name of Christ, and put them to death . . . all in the name of God. But through the transforming love of Christ he became gentle, kind, meek, and tender. Paul testified several times, how he was chief among all his peers when it came to persecuting Christians. He did not realize how dreadfully wrong he was, until he was blinded by Christ, so that he might see the truth.
Paul’s new heart is reflected through him living out the power of the Word, because his change was not merely in speech, but also in action and attitude. His new life in Christ was a pleasure, not a chore. It became his hearts desire to live out the fullness of Christ to everyone around him. His life changed from him wanting to be at the top and instead lift Christ up above all. May we find the same joy that Paul found, in living and dwelling in the love of Christ. May we take pleasure in caring for one another, in praying for one another, and truly being thankful for each other.
“For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.” 1 Corinthians 4:17
1 comment June 15, 2011
Growing Pains
“I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain.” Psalm 3:4
“Now this I know: The LORD gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand.” Psalm 20:6
”I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.” Psalm 120:1
“6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
I was awakened in the middle of the night, this last week, by my little boy. He was nearly in tears because of growing pains in his legs. I have noticed that he looks like he’s getting bigger, but the growth happens so slowly from one day to the next it is difficult to measure. Even though it is happening before my very eyes I have no way of measuring accurately until he plateaus again. It’s like one day he is one size and then a month later I turn around and he’s grown two inches.
When God grows us I think it can be much like my child with growing pains. We may not be able to measure from one day to the next how much we have grown in Him and so the ”waiting” feels painful and frustrating at times. If we have given our life to Jesus he promises to ”do a work in us”, this means we can expect times of “growing pains”. So if you are wondering where God is through your struggle, just hold on, because He promises to answer you in your distress. Growing pains hurt for a season, but we must look to Jesus in faith, trusting that He is using them to mature us.
“20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Philippians 3:20-21
2 comments June 14, 2011
Word Power!
“19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19
“19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
But he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19
“27 He who has knowledge spares his words,
And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.” Proverbs 17:27
As I write today, I am pondering all of the words I have spoken today. Ugh! Not so sure all of them should have been released out of my mouth. Now that they are out there, I have no way of taking them back. In light of that and the scripture passages above I realize that I would be wise to take more care to ponder first, my words, before they come out, rather than after.
Careless words spoken can take a life time of action to try to undo. I have learned this the hard way too many times. James says, even though our tongue is a small member it “sets the whole course of one’s life on fire”(James 3:6). Self-control is critical to controlling our tongue, but I also think there is something else we must be aware of when we speak. We must remember the word’s of Jesus when He said, it is “not what goes into the mouth [that] defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man,”(Matthew 15:11), meaning our words are a reflection of our heart.
Ponder your words, then ponder the words you speak to yourself, your “self-talk”. Is it positive and uplifting, or negative and down-trodden? Is your heart heavy and burdened or at peace? Are your thoughts critical or encouraging? These are all questions I have asked myself . . . I’m gonna need a little work . . . how about you? I hope an honest evaluation of our words will reveal a positive, healthy, heart, but if not do not get discouraged, rather use this time of reflection to claim the help of the Counselor to put into action the fruit of the Spirit in thought, in word, and in deed.
Never underestimate the power of words or the power of the Word!
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
1 comment June 13, 2011
