I want you to live as free of complications as possible. When you're unmarried, you're free to concentrate on simply pleasing the Master. ~1 Corinthians 7:32
sim·ple
–adjective
1. easy to understand, deal with, use
How often do we use the word simple? Probably not as much as we use complicated. Life isn't always simple but it can be. Too often, we focus on what we don't have and we forget to remember that God is good, all the time. Maybe God hasn't provided me with someone because my life would no longer be "simple" (which I'll be the first to argue with Him and say it's not). My life is simple because I'm able to do my work and focus on Him instead of on someone else. Simple. God provides for us. Isn't that simple to understand?
Father, thank You for the blessing of simplicity in my life. Help me to find true contentment every day by focusing my energies on pleasing You and only You.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Day 12~His Perfect Strength
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. ~2 Corinthians 12:9
"In an uncertain world, it is difficult to say few things for sure. But no matter what life throws our way, we can be confident of this: our demands will never exceed God's vast resources."
Strong and mighty heavenly Father, thank You that in my weakness I can always rely on Your perfect strength. Amen.
"In an uncertain world, it is difficult to say few things for sure. But no matter what life throws our way, we can be confident of this: our demands will never exceed God's vast resources."
Strong and mighty heavenly Father, thank You that in my weakness I can always rely on Your perfect strength. Amen.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Day 11~Walking in God-Confidence
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face...then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ~2 Chronicles 7:14
When I get a new pair of shoes or am wearing something really cute, I walk in confidence. I walk feeling like nobody can touch me and that I am happy. What would happen if we walked that way knowing we're God's children?
Christ's life becomes ours when we welcome Him into our lives. We aren't slaves to sin. We don't have to go around wondering about our future-God has it!
"Our Savior walked in total God-confidence-knowing that His steps were planned-and He had only to listen to His Father's heartbeat to know which way to go. Today, live in total God-confidence, knowing you'll be able to withstand the pressures life throws at you, because He is your life."
Father God, I praise You for Your forgiveness and healing. Thank You that I am called by Your name.
When I get a new pair of shoes or am wearing something really cute, I walk in confidence. I walk feeling like nobody can touch me and that I am happy. What would happen if we walked that way knowing we're God's children?
Christ's life becomes ours when we welcome Him into our lives. We aren't slaves to sin. We don't have to go around wondering about our future-God has it!
"Our Savior walked in total God-confidence-knowing that His steps were planned-and He had only to listen to His Father's heartbeat to know which way to go. Today, live in total God-confidence, knowing you'll be able to withstand the pressures life throws at you, because He is your life."
Father God, I praise You for Your forgiveness and healing. Thank You that I am called by Your name.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Day 10~A Holy Longing
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thrists for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? ~Psalm 42:1-2
God is the greatest thing we could ever long for. He is the beginning and the end. For you planners out there, why wouldn't you want to know the beginning and the end? God's one desire is for us to long to be with Him. He wants to know that we want Him. When we've been away from Him, even for a short time, our souls should start to need the living water.
Long for God today. Long to walk beside Him and talk to Him. Then open your hearts and know, He's already there.
Father, my earthly longings usually get in the way of my spiritual ones. Draw me intou Your presence, God. Reignite my longing for You.
God is the greatest thing we could ever long for. He is the beginning and the end. For you planners out there, why wouldn't you want to know the beginning and the end? God's one desire is for us to long to be with Him. He wants to know that we want Him. When we've been away from Him, even for a short time, our souls should start to need the living water.
Long for God today. Long to walk beside Him and talk to Him. Then open your hearts and know, He's already there.
Father, my earthly longings usually get in the way of my spiritual ones. Draw me intou Your presence, God. Reignite my longing for You.
Day 9~Self-Examination
Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord! ~Lamentations 3:40
How did you spend your day today? Were you stuck in a job you hate? Or spending time learning something new in school? Maybe you were chasing little kids around or helping them with an art project. Whatever you were doing, were you doing it with and for God? Think about your day and listen to your thoughts. Are they filled with the love of Christ or are you cursing the guy who cut you off in traffic.
Taking time to reflect, think, and examine is a huge step towards intimacy with God. Before we run back to Him, we have to repent for the things that moved us away from Him in the first place. Set time aside for reflection...alone. As the Holy Spirit to fill you up and give you the want to need Christ. (Personally, I find while in the shower if the best time to find peace.)
Lord, help me to still myself before You and be willing to examine my ways. Speak to me through Your Holy Spirit of what is wrong in my life. give me the gift of repentance and allow me to enjoy the sweetness of Your forgiveness.
How did you spend your day today? Were you stuck in a job you hate? Or spending time learning something new in school? Maybe you were chasing little kids around or helping them with an art project. Whatever you were doing, were you doing it with and for God? Think about your day and listen to your thoughts. Are they filled with the love of Christ or are you cursing the guy who cut you off in traffic.
Taking time to reflect, think, and examine is a huge step towards intimacy with God. Before we run back to Him, we have to repent for the things that moved us away from Him in the first place. Set time aside for reflection...alone. As the Holy Spirit to fill you up and give you the want to need Christ. (Personally, I find while in the shower if the best time to find peace.)
Lord, help me to still myself before You and be willing to examine my ways. Speak to me through Your Holy Spirit of what is wrong in my life. give me the gift of repentance and allow me to enjoy the sweetness of Your forgiveness.
Day 8~The Mind of Christ
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 2:5
This devotion proves to me that God knows our hearts. Living a life isn't easy. You are responsible for everything you do. What happens if I lose my job? What happens if my car breaks down? What if I get sick and don't get a paycheck? Satan is always trying to poke at us and give us doubt that God won't provide. Next time you get down, remember these verses:
The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. ~Luke 18:27
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. ~2 Corinthians 12:9
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. ~Philippians 4:13
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:19
God's word will remind you where you need to be. God is in control of everything, no matter what comes your way. Take a deep breath, friend, and let God handle the rest.
Dear God, it's my desire to be more like You. when fear creeps in, full my mind with positive thoughts from Your Word and fill my heart with Your peace. Amen.
This devotion proves to me that God knows our hearts. Living a life isn't easy. You are responsible for everything you do. What happens if I lose my job? What happens if my car breaks down? What if I get sick and don't get a paycheck? Satan is always trying to poke at us and give us doubt that God won't provide. Next time you get down, remember these verses:
The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. ~Luke 18:27
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. ~2 Corinthians 12:9
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. ~Philippians 4:13
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:19
God's word will remind you where you need to be. God is in control of everything, no matter what comes your way. Take a deep breath, friend, and let God handle the rest.
Dear God, it's my desire to be more like You. when fear creeps in, full my mind with positive thoughts from Your Word and fill my heart with Your peace. Amen.
Day 7~Between Miracles
Then the Lord said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you." ~Exodus 16:4
Who doubts the Lord's faithfulness? Sometimes, I do, especially when I think things aren't going my way. Too often for my liking, God's plan and my plan don't seem to line up. It's hard to remember to have faith that God will take care and provide for you when the question of "If I put this check into the offering plate, will I be able to get gas?" pops into your head.
On the upside, have you ever experienced a miracle? When I came home for summer, I had no money in my savings account and $80 in my checking account, with a $300 credit card bill on the way. I was FUHREEKING out. I got home to find a check for $50 from one of my aunts. She said she wanted to do it, just because. The next week, I got a nannying job that paid me $450 the first week. God provides for His people.
Things change. God does not.
Father, how sorry I am that I forget Your faithfulness, in spite of Your continuing provision for me. Help me to remember and help me to be grateful. Amen.
Who doubts the Lord's faithfulness? Sometimes, I do, especially when I think things aren't going my way. Too often for my liking, God's plan and my plan don't seem to line up. It's hard to remember to have faith that God will take care and provide for you when the question of "If I put this check into the offering plate, will I be able to get gas?" pops into your head.
On the upside, have you ever experienced a miracle? When I came home for summer, I had no money in my savings account and $80 in my checking account, with a $300 credit card bill on the way. I was FUHREEKING out. I got home to find a check for $50 from one of my aunts. She said she wanted to do it, just because. The next week, I got a nannying job that paid me $450 the first week. God provides for His people.
Things change. God does not.
Father, how sorry I am that I forget Your faithfulness, in spite of Your continuing provision for me. Help me to remember and help me to be grateful. Amen.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Day 6~Lead, Follow, and Bless
You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. ~Psalm 139:5
Think about who you lead, who you follow, and who you bless.
For me, I lead children around, I follow my friends and family, and I try to bless and be a blessing to everyone.
Leading children can be difficult, especially as a 20 year old college student trying to follow friends. In the summer, I work at a daycare. In the past, I've taught Sunday School and worked with the youth fellowship in my church. Being a leader sometimes means being under a microscope, especially with the youth. But leading someone and being a reference and a contact to someone as they walk through and discover their faith is priceless.
I had a little boy in Sunday School one time named Zach. Zach was a two year old sweetheart at the time that I enjoyed seeing each Sunday. I had his older two brothers in Sunday Schools years before I had Zach and knew the family fairly well. What was different, though, was Zach's connection with the Lord. Zach remembered stories week to week and had a passion that inspired even me. One day, he was sitting on my lap and we were reading a story. At the end of the story, I asked Zach if he loved Jesus. His words brought me to tears, "Yes, Miss Emily. I love Jesus because you love Jesus too and taught me how."
It doesn't matter how many times you mess up. God will lead you, follow you, and bless you, which will end up benefiting the other children of Christ.
God, thank You that You lead me, have my back, and bless me daily. Amen.
Think about who you lead, who you follow, and who you bless.
For me, I lead children around, I follow my friends and family, and I try to bless and be a blessing to everyone.
Leading children can be difficult, especially as a 20 year old college student trying to follow friends. In the summer, I work at a daycare. In the past, I've taught Sunday School and worked with the youth fellowship in my church. Being a leader sometimes means being under a microscope, especially with the youth. But leading someone and being a reference and a contact to someone as they walk through and discover their faith is priceless.
I had a little boy in Sunday School one time named Zach. Zach was a two year old sweetheart at the time that I enjoyed seeing each Sunday. I had his older two brothers in Sunday Schools years before I had Zach and knew the family fairly well. What was different, though, was Zach's connection with the Lord. Zach remembered stories week to week and had a passion that inspired even me. One day, he was sitting on my lap and we were reading a story. At the end of the story, I asked Zach if he loved Jesus. His words brought me to tears, "Yes, Miss Emily. I love Jesus because you love Jesus too and taught me how."
It doesn't matter how many times you mess up. God will lead you, follow you, and bless you, which will end up benefiting the other children of Christ.
God, thank You that You lead me, have my back, and bless me daily. Amen.
Day 5~A Prosperous Soul
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. ~3 John 1:2
What makes someone in good shape? Do they have to stop eating McDonalds or work out three times a day? Someone may be in good shape on the outside but what about the inside? What about their souls? "What would it profit a woman to be completely fit on the outside and have a sin-sick soul?"
Are you spending time with God each day and exercising your soul? If you are like me, sometimes you get carried away with everyday life (even though that isn't an excuse) and don't sit down with the Word as often as you should.
Friends, God is always there waiting for you to talk to Him. He wants us to be close to Him. He wants us to want Him. Pray to Him today, even if you have nothing to say. In the depths of your heart, He will be there talking back.
Lord, sometimes I pay more attention to the outside than the inside. I care more about what people can see than what they can't. Today I draw near to You. Make me healthy...from the inside out.
What makes someone in good shape? Do they have to stop eating McDonalds or work out three times a day? Someone may be in good shape on the outside but what about the inside? What about their souls? "What would it profit a woman to be completely fit on the outside and have a sin-sick soul?"
Are you spending time with God each day and exercising your soul? If you are like me, sometimes you get carried away with everyday life (even though that isn't an excuse) and don't sit down with the Word as often as you should.
Friends, God is always there waiting for you to talk to Him. He wants us to be close to Him. He wants us to want Him. Pray to Him today, even if you have nothing to say. In the depths of your heart, He will be there talking back.
Lord, sometimes I pay more attention to the outside than the inside. I care more about what people can see than what they can't. Today I draw near to You. Make me healthy...from the inside out.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Day 4~Full of Grace
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. ~Colossians 4:6
How do you talk to people you don't know very well? How do you talk to your best friend? How do you talk to your best friend's mother? All different tones, right? Are they all nice? Are they all polite? Now, think of how you talk to people in church. Think about what you talk about in church. If you're like me, you know there have been moments of gossip slipping through your lips or whispers about the lady in the church that "just needs to let things go". Your attitude and tone of voice can say a lot (if you're like me, your face says more...). "Words not only convey a message, they also reveal the attitude of our hearts." How do we talk with God's grace?
Grace is defined as the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. So what? Grace is undeserved and unconditional. That's the big deal. The day you welcome Jesus into your heart, you're showered with grace.
Share the grace with one another. When a conversation is full of grace, people will walk away blessed by the love we've shown them. Extend God's grace to the people who are hungry to experience His love. Remember, you may the only light of Christ someone ever sees...will you be shining when they see you?
Dear Lord, may I view each conversation as an opportunity to extend Your grace to others. May my words be a blessing. Amen
How do you talk to people you don't know very well? How do you talk to your best friend? How do you talk to your best friend's mother? All different tones, right? Are they all nice? Are they all polite? Now, think of how you talk to people in church. Think about what you talk about in church. If you're like me, you know there have been moments of gossip slipping through your lips or whispers about the lady in the church that "just needs to let things go". Your attitude and tone of voice can say a lot (if you're like me, your face says more...). "Words not only convey a message, they also reveal the attitude of our hearts." How do we talk with God's grace?
Grace is defined as the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. So what? Grace is undeserved and unconditional. That's the big deal. The day you welcome Jesus into your heart, you're showered with grace.
Share the grace with one another. When a conversation is full of grace, people will walk away blessed by the love we've shown them. Extend God's grace to the people who are hungry to experience His love. Remember, you may the only light of Christ someone ever sees...will you be shining when they see you?
Dear Lord, may I view each conversation as an opportunity to extend Your grace to others. May my words be a blessing. Amen
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. ~Lamentations 3:22-26
How hard is it for us to sit and wait? I know I'm not the most patient person...ever. Put me into a long line when I only have to buy one item and I start rocking back and forth, squeezing whatever I'm planning to buy. Patience is not something that people have much of nowadays. We are used to such a "give me now" society, it's no wonder why we don't know how to wait our turn.
Is it the same way with your relationship with God? Do you question why He takes so long to provide what you really need (or think you need)? Let me tell you a secret I learned a little bit ago...God knows what you really need, and no, it isn't a cute little sports car or a million dollars. God provides for you what He knows you need at the time, even if you don't know you need it. I also believe God has a sense of humor. He's provided me with things that I've wanted and then when I recieved them, I realized I didn't need or want them. Sometimes, I think He does that just to show you that He is all you really need to want. He'll take care of the rest.
I've learned that lesson time and time again. However, it's one of those things that I just keep going back to...for years, I've been patiently (okay, not so patiently) waiting for God to bring someone into my life. Someone for me to hold onto, someone for me to love. I've been reading this single's devotional and it occurred to me last night, as I was laying in bed trying to go to sleep, God has given me so many people to love. No, most of them aren't on a romantic level, but love is love, no matter where it comes from. And further more, I am starting to believe that God knows I'm not ready for a relationship unless it comes from Him. The number one reason why I'm thinking that: If the relationship I'm seeking with a boyfriend doesn't come from God, it won't be centered around God. He knows our hearts better than we do. He knows if I get one ounce of attention from something, I give my entire life to it. If He isn't the center of our relationship, will I turn my back on Him? No, not likely. But I would probably push Him off to the back burner while I go off with my boyfriend.
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Who are you putting your hope into and waiting on? If it isn't God, I promise it won't be worth it.
How hard is it for us to sit and wait? I know I'm not the most patient person...ever. Put me into a long line when I only have to buy one item and I start rocking back and forth, squeezing whatever I'm planning to buy. Patience is not something that people have much of nowadays. We are used to such a "give me now" society, it's no wonder why we don't know how to wait our turn.
Is it the same way with your relationship with God? Do you question why He takes so long to provide what you really need (or think you need)? Let me tell you a secret I learned a little bit ago...God knows what you really need, and no, it isn't a cute little sports car or a million dollars. God provides for you what He knows you need at the time, even if you don't know you need it. I also believe God has a sense of humor. He's provided me with things that I've wanted and then when I recieved them, I realized I didn't need or want them. Sometimes, I think He does that just to show you that He is all you really need to want. He'll take care of the rest.
I've learned that lesson time and time again. However, it's one of those things that I just keep going back to...for years, I've been patiently (okay, not so patiently) waiting for God to bring someone into my life. Someone for me to hold onto, someone for me to love. I've been reading this single's devotional and it occurred to me last night, as I was laying in bed trying to go to sleep, God has given me so many people to love. No, most of them aren't on a romantic level, but love is love, no matter where it comes from. And further more, I am starting to believe that God knows I'm not ready for a relationship unless it comes from Him. The number one reason why I'm thinking that: If the relationship I'm seeking with a boyfriend doesn't come from God, it won't be centered around God. He knows our hearts better than we do. He knows if I get one ounce of attention from something, I give my entire life to it. If He isn't the center of our relationship, will I turn my back on Him? No, not likely. But I would probably push Him off to the back burner while I go off with my boyfriend.
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Who are you putting your hope into and waiting on? If it isn't God, I promise it won't be worth it.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Emily's Favorite Worship Music
Psalm 147:1
Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
I made Mom a CD today that had twenty of my favorite worship songs on it. I thought I'd share the list with you. Click the link to go to the youtube video. :)
Amazing Grace
Break Free
Draw Me Close To You
East to West
Everlasting God
Everyday
Evermore
Give Us Clean Hands
How Great Is Our God
King of Majesty
One Way
Power of Your Love
Salvation is Here
Surrender
Take It All
Tell The World
Of course, there are songs on my playlist that aren't on this list. I can't really count all of my favorites...these are just the ones that hit me today. :)
Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
I made Mom a CD today that had twenty of my favorite worship songs on it. I thought I'd share the list with you. Click the link to go to the youtube video. :)
Amazing Grace
Break Free
Draw Me Close To You
East to West
Everlasting God
Everyday
Evermore
Give Us Clean Hands
How Great Is Our God
King of Majesty
One Way
Power of Your Love
Salvation is Here
Surrender
Take It All
Tell The World
Of course, there are songs on my playlist that aren't on this list. I can't really count all of my favorites...these are just the ones that hit me today. :)
Day 3~Sweet Aroma
The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. ~Proverbs 27:9
com·fort:to soothe, console, or reassure; bring cheer to.
What brings me comfort? Calling my momma, a hug from my Papaw, a warm cup of tea laying in a comfy bed with a journal, a trip to Summit City, driving, Breakfast at Tiffany's or When Harry Met Sally and Reese Cups, all these things bring me comfort when I'm having a bad day or just am feeling off. Most of these things are tangible, but what about words? Yes, talking to my mom involves words (or sometimes, just the occasional silent sob) but what about God's Word? It tells us that true comfort cam be found in sharing a heart-to-heart with a friend. Letting it all out to someone who will pray for you can be the most comforting thing sometimes.
"Friendships that have Christ as their center are wonderful relationships blessed by the Father." Who are you letting pray for you?
Jesus, Your friendship means the world to me. I value the close friendships You've blessed me with, too! Thank You for the special people in my life. Show me everyday how to be a blessing to them, just as they are to me.
com·fort:to soothe, console, or reassure; bring cheer to.
What brings me comfort? Calling my momma, a hug from my Papaw, a warm cup of tea laying in a comfy bed with a journal, a trip to Summit City, driving, Breakfast at Tiffany's or When Harry Met Sally and Reese Cups, all these things bring me comfort when I'm having a bad day or just am feeling off. Most of these things are tangible, but what about words? Yes, talking to my mom involves words (or sometimes, just the occasional silent sob) but what about God's Word? It tells us that true comfort cam be found in sharing a heart-to-heart with a friend. Letting it all out to someone who will pray for you can be the most comforting thing sometimes.
"Friendships that have Christ as their center are wonderful relationships blessed by the Father." Who are you letting pray for you?
Jesus, Your friendship means the world to me. I value the close friendships You've blessed me with, too! Thank You for the special people in my life. Show me everyday how to be a blessing to them, just as they are to me.
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