Freedom in Captivity

Devotion:  Acts 16:25

A little bird was heard singing from his cage.  His song, although beautiful; was sung from inside his two foot wire house.  He couldn’t open the door; so what was he to do?  He continued to sing.  Even though he was held captive, the people listening to his song , were incredibly blessed.

What is freedom in Christ?  Does it mean freedom to do anything I want?  Before we can answer those questions, we must answer what does it mean to be enslaved?  Slavery brings bondage, and captivity.

I love the story of Paul and Silas.  Even though they were in bondage; with their feet fastened in stocks, they were praying and singing hymns to God and the prisoners were listening to them. How does one do that?  Sing praise songs while enslaved? Really?  If we can sing as unto the Lord, it makes the word of our testimony even stronger.  You may be saying, but I don’t sing.  You can still make melody and praise in your heart.

Some people are imprisoned in a body, riddled with sickness, while others are literally imprisoned and persecuted for their faith.  It amazes me that people can sing praises to their Savior, while they are suffering.  They suffer for the Lord and will receive crowns; which they will in turn, cast at the feet of their Savior. The Bible says:

         “Blessed are the persecuted, for they shall see the                                       kingdom of God.” Matthew 5:10

We can choose to offer a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to our Lord, even during our captivity.  When we praise God in the midst of the pain; during suffering and captivity; we bless those who are watching and listening. God will pour out blessing upon us, so that there will not be room enough to receive it.  Sweet freedom rushes over us; because when we are free in Christ, we are free indeed.  “No weapon formed against us can prosper.”

As a Christian; when you find yourself trapped in a body filled with sickness, or suffering persecution, how will you respond? Can you sing or speak truth in love, because you have freedom in Christ to do so?  We can do all things through Christ that strengthens us.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord, please help me sing and praise You throughout any past, present or future suffering or persecution.  May I walk in the freedom of Christ, as a living testimony, to the grace and mercy of my risen Savior.

 

A Way of Escape

Devotion:  Genesis 7:7

God will always speak to those who live to seek His face.  He wants His children to walk with Him and talk with Him; for their good and the good of those who come after them.  God tells us in Genesis 6:9:

                               “…Noah walked with God.”

If you will take time to read the whole chapter of Genesis 6, you will see why God decided to make a way of escape for Noah and his family.  The earth had become corrupt:

                        “…for the earth is filled with violence.”

Night after night, we watch from our televisions and computers; the violence occurring in this once, United States of America.  Is our nation still, “One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all?”  It would seem our liberties; once strong and sure, are about to be stolen from us.  If one is not certain of his or her relationship with the Lord Jesus, it could be most unsettling.

In Genesis 6:18, God promised Noah:

                      “But I will establish my covenant with you…”

God will not go back on His Word. Ever!  It is the one thing you can count on.  When everything else passes away, His Word will not pass away.  He established His covenant of peace with us through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:13:

               “…He will also provide the way of escape, that you                      may be able to endure it.”

In the latter days, Satan would have you forget the availability of, a covenant “peace that passes all understanding.”  We must “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Remember,  “God is not a God of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. “

Nothing takes God by surprise.  God will take care of you both now and always.  We cannot escape the strange things happening in this world, but our God has made a way of escape through His Son Jesus Christ.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord, may I remember that no matter what my eyes behold in this fallen world; You have made a way of escape, through Your Son Jesus Christ.  I will not be afraid, for You are with me. Thank You Lord Jesus!  It’s in Your Name, I put my trust and offer up this prayer.  Amen

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blessed by the Blesser

Devotion: 1 Chronicles 4:10

I am blessed with life, with family, with friends and with a Savior who gave me all of these, as well as eternal life.  I am full of gratitude and thanksgiving;  for the boundless love the Father has shown toward me.  On a daily basis; He walks with me and talks with me and brings me peace and joy unspeakable. I hope I never get over my God’s unconditional, everlasting, faithful, love shown toward His children.

It is the Lord who blesses us every single day we live and will bless us through out eternity.  He alone is the Blesser of heaven and earth.  He makes a way when there doesn’t seem to be any way.  He reveals the hidden things and opens the eyes of the physically and spiritually blind.  His ways are always higher, better and for our benefit.  He will bring peace in the midst of the worst storms.  That’s our God and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Why would God bless us when we are so undeserving? Because He delights in bringing joy to His children.  He created us for fellowship and longs to pour out oceans of blessings, upon His creation.

We can be blessed by others or we can be a blessing, but the reason we can be be blessed or be a blessing only comes through God our blesser.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord, You are my blesser. You alone bless us and bless us indeed.  We praise You and magnify Your great Name.

 

 

God’s Still On His Throne

Devotion: Romans 8:34

My friend Danny Benton has a saying.  “God’s still on His throne, where He’s been all along and He knows what’s going on.”  His little rhyme speaks volumes of truth, to all who believe.

The unexpected can happen at any time; in the lives of those who profess to know Christ and those who do not.  The difference lies in our response.  At least, there should be a significant difference in how Christians respond.  Jesus said, “In this world, you will have tribulation.  Do not be afraid; for I have overcome the world.”

On the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus went up to heaven and sat down at the right hand of the Father.  He is ever interceding for us, from His throne.  The throne represents a place of authority given only to kings.  Kings grant or deny petitions and requests. That’s what they do.  Jesus receives our prayers and then talks with our Father, about our petitions and requests.

It’s hard for our minds to comprehend the truth of the scripture from. Psalm 139:17-18  God declares HIs thoughts of us, are as the grains of the sand. We are never out of His mind and heart.  NEVER! What immeasurable love!

No thing takes Him by surprise. Nothing.  Not one thing physical, emotional or spiritual.  Not an attack from our enemy.  Even that has to be allowed by God for our testing.  He wants us to come forth as pure gold.  God will accomplish what concerns us.  How else could we learn; “He will never leave us nor forsake us,” if we are kept from any adversity?  The infinite truth of His Word is most understood by our finite minds, during times of great trial. It will become a healing balm to our hurts and disappointments, if we choose to apply It.

When the winds of adversity blow, do not fear or be afraid, for “the Lord your God is with you and He is mighty to save.”  Rely on God’s Word. Speak His truth aloud, to yourself; so your ears and your heart will hear and receive the truth implanted.

Prayer in Motion:

Oh God may I remember, “You are still on Your throne, where You’ve been all along and You know what’s going on.”  In Jesus Name.  Amen

 

An Expensive Stay

Devotion: Luke 10:30-37

Just for precaution, the doctor had me do an overnight in the hospital.  That’s an expensive precaution!  My heart had been feeling very tight and I could hardly put one foot in front of the other for several days.  I am normally a very high energy type person.  This extreme tiredness came on suddenly. On the fourth day I drove myself to an emergency room and began to  hear statements like, “You might be staying at the “big house” tonight.  I knew that meant, “HOSPITAL!”  I also knew that meant “Big Expense.”  I was wishing I hadn’t made the phone call but also have a healthy respect for what my body is telling me.

After a sleepless night, the doctor came in at 5:40 and was in my room, under 30 seconds.  I’m not kidding. I was watching the clock.  He put his stethescope to my chest twice and said let us see what we can find out. Mercy

There’s a story in the Bible, regarding a man who was beaten and left for dead, on the side of the road.  People passed him by, barely glancing his way.  Finally a good Samaritan came by, picked him up, placed him upon his animal and took him to an Inn. The Samaritan gave instructions for the man to be cared for, until he came back through the area.  He made provision for a person he didn’t even know.

I wasn’t placed upon an animal but had a very expensive carriage ride, known as an ambulance. The ladies who brought me, were very kind and funny.  I asked the one who rode beside me; in this modern day transport, how I could pray for her.  Isn’t it interesting to hear what people will share within a six minute ride?

I had a 75% blockage in one of the arteries in my heart, so I had to have a stint put in. Dollar signs were flashing in my head but you know what?  We have insurance and a God who always provides.  He takes care of us.  Always!  Period!  He paid the price for our eternal life but takes care of our needs on a day to day basis.

Prayer In Motion:

Lord, may I always acknowledge Your provision.  You always take care of me and You always will.  Forgive me for ever doubting You.

 

 

 

Competition or Complementary Companionship

Devotion: Genesis 2:18-25

God created husbands and wives to fit together, not only physically but emotionally and spiritually.  When God formed this precious union, He desired for you to become soul mates, bound together in one accord.

For those who have been married for a few years, you begin to find yourself thinking alike.  There are times Ben and I look at each other and smile, knowing what the other is thinking.  Many husbands and wives live in a state of competition; which one can make the most money, win the most affection from children and or other family members, have the most “toys” and the list can go on and on.

Competition should be reserved for the sports arena and in many instances, the work world, but there’s no place for it in marriage.  We are to work together to model and maintain the companionship, for which God created us,  What does that look like?

Here are some ways companions can compliment each other:

*     Do the things you know pleases  him or her.

*     Prefer your soul mate over others.

*     Praise him or her in public.

*     Take time to listen with your ears and your heart.

*      Pray together daily.

What God has ordained; let no man put asunder.  Marriage is ordained by God, between a man and a woman who desire to enter into a covenant with God and each other.  God’s game plan for husbands and wives is to compliment, not compete.  By love we are to serve one another.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord may I compliment my God given companion at all times, in the way I speak to him or her and by my actions as well.  Thank you for the gift of my soul mate.  In Jesus Name I pray.  Amen

 

Women!

Devotion: Genesis 2:18,20-23

Women drivers!  Growing up, I heard my dad make that remark many times.  Women slam men and men slam women.  Hurtful humor is so not funny.  It’s well, hurtful.  It’s demeaning.  It’s not at all how God intended it to be.

Women are under so much pressure by our society to look a certain way, act a certain way, be a certain way. We exercise ourselves into the ground, starve ourselves, have facelifts, teeth whitened, buy expensive creams and makeup, color our hair and the list goes on and on.  Why?  To be accepted.  To be well thought of?  To feel good about ourselves?

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be beautiful for the men in our lives.  God made us to be beautiful!  It’s when we become obsessed with our looks, that life becomes out of balance.  The pressure can be so great to be perfect in every way, that women will go to any lengths to achieve goals that can be at the least superficial.  Where’s the balance of true womanhood?

What does the God who created us for Himself, believe about womanhood?  He stated the truth about women all throughout His Word, beginning in Genesis.  Women are called helpers for men.  He redeemed Rahab the Harlot, brought love to Ruth, gave a son to Hannah, used Esther to save a nation, blessed Mary to carry His only begotten Son, loved on two sisters, Mary and Martha. He delivered Mary Magdalene from darkness to light.  The God who created women loves them.  We are created intentionally by God, to fulfill His purpose and plan for our lives, to love and help those whom God gives us.  I love being a woman and thank God to serve Him and those He has given me.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord, may the women You created, enjoy fulfilling their God given role. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Men!

Devotion: Genesis 1:26-28

From the beginning of time, the position of men was ordained by God. Men were given authority over all; women included. I’ve heard women use the word, “Men!” at times when they were frustrated with their husband, brother, boss or any man in authority over them. There are times we don’t understand the position of a man.  We take offense at their God given authorityI

Sometimes; men make mistakes, as do women.  We all sin and fall short of the glory of God.  That’s part of the human condition. However, it does not give us an excuse to slay each other with mean, hateful words and unkind actions.

Men are called to love their wives; as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.  Women are called to submit to their husbands.  Here’s my confession.  When my husband and I were preparing for our wedding day; we went through counseling with our pastor.  He gave us a book of vows to choose from.  I didn’t like the page that said; to honor and obey, so I found one that said; “to love, trust and stand by, as long as we both shall live.” Obedience sounds so subservient, doesn’t it?  That’s kind of the idea.  We are to be their helpmate.

There are many women in competition with their husbands, their brothers, their co-laborers, and their bosses; so rather than enjoy the God given protection factor of the relationship, they just bail out altogether.  Here’s a news flash:

The role of men was God’s idea.

Women, let’s begin to look at the men in our lives, as a gift from God.  I believe life will become so much richer, fuller and more satisfying, if we will walk according to the whole counsel of God.

Encourage your husband, father, brother or boss in appropriate ways.  Do not belittle them or discourage them.  Address issues as they come up; but in a respectful way.  From the first man Adam, to the last man child born to this world, may we women do our part, to restore the honor and respect God intended for the men in our lives.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord, teach women to respect and honor the men You have ordained in their lives.  May observers be impacted greatly by the way they see Christian women respecting the men You have given.  In Jesus Name. Amen

 

 

 

 

Lighten Your Load

Devotion:  Mark 6:7-9

When I travel, I always take too much.  As a girl scout, I was taught to “be prepared.”  There is a difference in being overly prepared and being equipped for the journey. What do I actually need for my time away from home? Everything I add to my suit case makes it heavier with more things to shuffle through.

We are travelers in this world.  There are things we need, to live in this world; food, clothing and shelter.  When does one recognize excess and begin the process of lightening his or her load?  Examine more than your suitcase. Examine your closet space, your drawers, your shelves and furniture surfaces.

Author Francine Jay in her book “the joy of less,” gives three words to explain how to lighten your load.  Consolidate, Cull and Contain.  It will bring order and peace.  Put all your like items together.  Weed out the things you haven’t used in years, either send them on their way or trash them.  Then place like item treasures in a container for easy retrieval.  You have lightened your load and your motto becomes:

                     Simplify life by restoring it to peace.

This can apply to your calendar as well.  Is everyday filled to the brim?  Do you need to lighten your load?  Is there any time for meditation and rest?  Even Jesus came aside to talk to His Father.  Ask the Lord to show you what needs to go and what needs to stay on your calendar.  It doesn’t mean you’re being lazy, if you say No to some things.  It means you are being responsible with the time God has given you.

Prayer in Motion

Lord, please help me lighten my load.  I want to hear Your voice concerning my stuff and my schedule.  In Jesus Name. Amen

 

 

 

Surface Problems

Devotion: 1 Corinthians 14:40

Unless you are a meticulous housekeeper; many of us struggle with a surface problem.  In other words, at any given time you find “stuff” gathering on the surfaces in your home; the coffee table, the end tables, your desk, the kitchen counter tops, and bedroom dressers as well.

Piles and piles of “stuff,” find their homes in misappropriate places. The surface of our homes can become cluttered and out of control.  Rather than allowing things to land a few yards away from their proper home; we need to put them in their rightful place. Instead of putting that “thing” down, put it away.  If it rests in it’s wrongful spot too long, it will then be thrown into the wrong place, just to get it out of sight.

The same is true for our spiritual lives.  We can have surface problems that cause clutter to our minds and hearts. It is God’s command, to “Let all things be done decently and in order,”  Here’s an example of a surface issue; that we allow to go deep into drawers and closets of our heart. The argument you had with your mate, friend or family member.  Resolve it.  Ask forgiveness and mean it.  It’s more than just saying “I’m sorry.” You probably shouldn’t say, “I’ll never do it again” because our soul dwells within a sinful body.

The weight of the sin of un-forgiveness, brings surface issues to our bodies. I will name a few: acid reflux, ulcers, heart palpitations, sleepless nights. It’s an outward manifestation of an inward struggle.  It becomes a vicious cycle.  What was once outward drops into your mind and heart, then is outwardly displayed through physical sickness.

When we constantly neglect the surface soul clutter; by refusing to take care of it as quickly as possible, the surface clutter navigates into the hidden places in our heart.  It has to go somewhere, so why not into the sea of forgiveness? Break the vicious cycle of surface problems.  Develop the habit of putting away the anger by asking forgiveness.

Prayer in Motion:

Lord Jesus please help me to deal with my surface problems, whether they be physical or spiritual.  I want all of my life to be done decently and in order, because I want to honor and obey You.  In Jesus Name. Amen