Rain

2 Corinthians 12:10
When I start picking passages like this for my devotional it is usually because my health is becoming poor again and so I begin to look for verses to find comfort in the storm.

⁷Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself! ⁸Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. ⁹And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.¹⁰Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor. 12:7-10 NASB).

I have had numerous health issues throughout my life but starting about 2 years ago now, things really took a turn for the worse and there were more than a few times that I figured I was a goner. As a Christian the thought of death doesn't bother me, in fact to be rid of the pain once and for all would be a blessing. However, as that hasn't happened yet I look to the Lord and his grace to get me through, yet again. For those of you who have suffered a bit in this life I know it is hard to keep finding the "silver lining" amidst the clouds and maintain a joy-filled Christian attitude. Thankfully, we are not alone in our pain and our suffering as so many great saints have gone that road and left us scriptures full of inspirational stories of overcoming trials. (read about Paul, Job, David - just to name a few) As Paul infers here he becomes stronger and closer to God in these hardships and I definitely have found that true for myself. I have to admit I don't really like that truth as I greatly dislike being uncomfortable. Like Paul, I have prayed numerous times for healing from the Lord even if that meant "going home," but like Paul, I can't seem to get relief. For those of us in this predicament we need to use our condition to bring comfort to others going through their own suffering. How we handle difficulties may lead others to Christ as they see us being able to go on day after day despite our afflictions. Whenever I can I let others know that the only way I am making it is because God's strength is within me. If our bodies are his temple then whatever happens to us is in his hands. There's nothing better and more reassuring than that. Our problems are just times of testing and shaping as God is molding us into the people he wants us to be. You can persevere, He is with you and for you! Don't let the rain bring you down, go dance in it and splash in the puddles! Today spend time in prayer for anyone you can think of who is suffering and ask God how you may bring his peace to them. Stay strong!

A good song/video for today's devotion is Bring the Rain by MercyMe or Cry Out To Jesus by Third Day. You should also watch the story behind Bring the Rain as well. These are You Tube links, to download a MP3 version of either of these songs click the links, top-right.

Special thanks to all who are linking to or following this blog, I pray that you will be blessed by God through the reading and studying of His word as I am blessed in presenting it!

Jeans

Ephesians 6:11-12
I went out for the evening to watch the sunset in the desert as I try to do whenever possible. Tonight, between the various prickly things I managed to run into, and the pesky mosquitoes, I was quite happy to have very little flesh exposed. Sure it would be nice to wear shorts and t-shirts in the desert since it's hot, but unfortunately you want protection those things just don't offer. Paul talks about some protection God makes available to us, not for insect protection, but it will work against a greater pest, the devil.

¹¹Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. ¹²For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:11-17 NIV).

It is important for us to always be prepared for anything the enemy throws our way. As we try to make an impact in this world Satan will always be after us since we are a threat to him. God doesn't leave us defenseless, he offers what we need to stand. However, if we fail to take all the necessary items we will leave open a place for the enemy to penetrate. If we don't know God's Word it would be like going into battle without your sword, or in our time, your gun. It is critical to have the Word inside you, so you are always armed. Our enemy has all kinds of tactics like temptations, doubts, evil thoughts, and desires that take the right words to combat. Being true to your faith and standing up for what is right will always be a struggle. With God's help we can win and reflect his glory to the lives of those around us. Pray for yourself and all the saints that we will press on to victory and obtain our crowns of glory.

The song/video to go with today's devotion is Echelon by Pillar (Look out - this one will rock you!)

Shoes

Psalm 37:23
(23) The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. (24) Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. We all know how difficult life can be. I certainly don't know how I would make it without God leading me and looking out for me. It is so reassuring to know that God in his infinite grace finds joy in directing my path and guiding me on this challenging journey I'm on. Imagine that - the God of the universe takes delight in YOUR life! GOD is there for you step by step, every moment, every detail. How can that not fill your heart with gladness? With that in mind the best thing I can do for others, and the purpose of this blog, is to help anyone who comes my way to be redirected to the one whose leading those shoes I'm walking in. It is always my prayer that through my life people both young and old will see a reason to allow Christ to be the Lord and leader of their lives as well. It's why I continue to do the job I do and honestly I think that's why God gives me enough strength to keep making it through each day. I pray for you dear brothers and sisters that you will let God have your soul and your soles - allowing him to reach out and take your hand and walk the road of life with you.
It is encouraging to find in his Word stories of so many heroes of the faith and how he lead them to victory. (Some of them are featured in the video below.) We can learn so much from them. Spend time reading about a favorite Bible hero today and identify some godly characteristics about them that you could pray for God to help you add to your life.
A good song for today's devotion is Sometimes by Step by the late Rich Mullins. This is a You Tube video featuring Bible heroes. To get it as a mp3 or album click on the link in the upper right corner.

A Treadmill

Mark 9:2
Ever have one of those days where you feel like you're getting no where fast or you're just stuck in a rut? You're definitely not alone. In fact I think I've had whole weeks and months like that sometimes. I think this happens because we just get overloaded at times and just start short-circuiting because our body wants to shut down for a while and not have to think about anything. It may signal a good time to pull away from what we're doing, relax, and to think and pray about where we are and where we're heading to. It's something Jesus did a lot that I'm trying to incorporate more into my life. He got away from the crowds and the people demanding of his time and spent it getting close to his Father. For me that means a hike away from others in the desert and some photography time. In fact I'm even pondering a new blog about escaping life and enjoying some spiritual r-n-r (rest and relaxation). A retreat, a vacation, or a long walk may do the trick. What I'd really like is 40 days and 40 nights - wouldn't we all! Jesus had one occasion away with his disciples that was really awesome. "After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them (Mark 9:2 NIV)." Intense? That's where our idea of a mountain top experience comes from. This is the kind of thing we need to do regularly to experience God more fully. We need to get away from everything, to step away from the daily grind, to get off the treadmill of life and seek God until we feel the difference - that we have been transformed and renewed by the experience. When can you fit into your week time to really escape life and seek God? It's time to schedule a mountaintop experiece of your own.

A Colander

1 Thessalonians 5:23
A colander is a simple yet handy tool I use frequently to clean my veggies before preparing them for a salad. This is similar to what God does to each of us when we give our lives to him. Often times it takes a good scrubbing and even repeated washings to get us clean but that is what we need so we will be pure, ready to stand before him. Paul in trying to prepare believers for the second coming wrote, "And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) (1 Thessalonians 5:23 Amplified Bible)." Paul left some excellent instructions in chapter 5 that would help us in the dark times we live in to stay pure and ready for Christ's return. He spent much of the conversation warning his brothers to be alert for they would never know the hour that the day of the Lord would come. We must strive to be self-controlled, though that can be so difficult in the defiled world we live in with its many temptations. We must pray and help each other to stay on course, seeking God and giving him glory in all circumstances. Today, read and take to heart 1 Thessalonians chapter 5. "May the grace of our Lord be with you, now and always may you stay, blameless till he comes." (Omega, Rebecca St. James)

Listen to Omega today by Rebecca St. James during your devotional time to help you remember this passage of Scripture.

A Pillow

Matthew 8:20
Ok, I have a confession, I love my pillow, it is just perfect for me. I can go other places and try to sleep on other pillows and it just doesn't work. I do overnight shifts in the group home I work at fairly often and have to take my personal pillow. Let's face it, we are creatures that like to be comfortable and be pampered and catered to. It's not easy as a Christian to step outside our comfort zone yet that is so often what we are called to do. Jesus made it clear that there was a cost to discipleship, after all he laid out a pretty tough example to follow. He made it clear to potential disciples that following him wasn't going to be glamorous. He wasn't going to be living the life of a celebrity. No first class travel, no 5 star hotels, no relaxing mineral bath at the end of the day, not even a pillow. He said to one, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head (Matthew 8:20 NIV)." I used to think I could go that extreme, but the older I get the more I like the comforts of home. Fortunately, God knows what we can and can't handle, and while he pushes us to step outside our box, he calls us to missions that are challenging, but not overwhelming. Case in point, an old friend of mine, Matt runs a childrens home in Cambodia, I work for a childrens home in Arizona. God knows both of us want to touch the lives of kids in need with the love of Christ. God also knows I have health problems and being where I can get proper medical attention is a good idea. While it would be exciting and maybe more challenging to work abroad, the Lord has put me where I can make a difference and still get the food and health products I need to stay functional. After all, I would be of little use somewhere else if I was always sick. What I'm trying to get at is to be ready and willing to accept the call to discipleship that the Lord places on your life, knowing that it won't be easy, but that it will be something that with God's help you will be able to do. God wants our faith to grow but he also says he'll only dish out what he knows is right for us. So as you hit the pillow tonight, thank the Lord that he gave up comfort for the cross and pray that he will give you the strength to be extreme in whatever assignment he calls you to. For some extra encouragement listen to Voice Of Truth by Casting Crowns today in your devotional time.

Luke 4:14-44

In this continuing Sunday series on the book of Luke we examined the passage in chapter 4 where Jesus returned to his home of Nazareth and went to the synagogue on the Sabbath and was asked to read the Scripture. He read from Isaiah 61:1-2 and finished up with the surprise statement that the scripture you just heard has now been fulfilled (by me). Needless to say this took people off guard as well as his following remarks about a prophet not being accepted in his hometown and the people had enough and were ready to throw him off a cliff. Pastor Rob taught on what we should take away from this passage to apply to our Christian walk today. There are a number of things Jesus displayed in his actions, actions that we should be taking as Christians today since we are called to be like him. First, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit, otherwise anything we try to do will fail as it would only be of our own efforts. We must be completely under the Spirit's control at all times and in all areas of our life. No small task. We must be completely focused on and sold out to God and doing his will. Next we have the job of reaching out and evangelizing others so that they may have the opportunity to come to know Christ. Part of that is bringing hope and encouragement to them; that they have an opportunity to be made whole by the Lord's power. Another point is edification - we need to be building up those around us. The only thing we should be tearing down is the walls that divide us rather than each other. The next is that Christ set us free from our bondage to sin and death to equip us. Yes, we have a purpose in God's kingdom designed to bring him glory. I could go into this a lot more, but if you feel your life has no meaning then know right now that only God can bring this to your life. If you're running your own life you may find all kinds of things to be involved in but you will never be satisfied in the way that God brings satisfaction to those that live according to his plan for their life. The final point is exaltation. This one is a favorite of mine. Are you like me and can't wait for Sunday to come around again so you can worship? One of the ways this happens is that if you have been seeking after God all week through prayer, reading his word etc. then you will be bursting at the seams, ready to worship come Sunday. All of your life should be an act of worship. Lift him up each day so that others are drawn to him simply by what is reflected in your own life. Set your mind this week on being a light in this world, so that others will ask what the source of your hope and joy is and you will be able to give God the glory.

A Blanket

Isaiah 49:13
I work for a children's home with kids of all ages. In the one house I work in there is a girl who is like 2 years old and quite often she wanders around the house carrying her blanket and even chewing on it from time to time. She reminds me of Linus from the Peanuts who always had to have his blanket, even when it got dirty and smelly, he couldn't let go of it. While I like to wear one of those Snuggies when it's cold you won't see me carrying it around otherwise because my security blanket is much better. In fact, he holds onto me when life gets scary, rather than me hanging on to him. God is always faithfully hanging on to his people bringing them peace and comfort like a soft fuzzy blanket. "Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted (Isaiah 49:13 KJV)." Jesus knows and understands our broken, human condition. He has walked in our shoes and is there to bring us grace in our times of distress. He wants to lead us home where we can feel his love. Unfortunately, we all too often take our relationship for granted and forget to bring a sacrifice of praise for the security, comfort and love he consistently shows us in good times and bad. He is always worthy of our praise for all he has done. In this cold winter weather as you snuggle up and get cozy in your blanket remember who is warming your heart and soul. Rest in his arms and offer a prayer and song of thanksgiving to God for all he has done and will do in you.

An Umbrella

Luke 8:22-25
It has been windy and stormy lately here in Tucson, which doesn't happen a lot. When the rains come here you usually have to dig around to find your raincoats and umbrellas. In the evening the weather reminded me of when Jesus and his disciples were crossing a lake and he was asleep when a mighty storm came up that was filling their boat with water. The disciples in a panic woke Jesus to inform him of the situation. "When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. The storm stopped and all was calm (Luke 8:23 NLT)!" He proceeded to question the disciples about their faith, and then most likely went back to his siesta as if nothing had happened. First, what I see in that story is that I wish I could be more relaxed when the boat of life is being tossed around. To not be concerned and know that everything will be fine even when my world is falling apart all around me takes amazing faith. Yet if you've been a Christian for a while, you probably could make a good list of when life seemed like a hurricane but in the end the Lord carried you through it. Next it's important to know that when the waves are overwhelming us that we can cry out to Jesus for help. Even when our faith is small and we get scared and panicked, the Lord can bring calm and peace to the situation. Lastly, we must remember that if you've given your life to Christ, you are not your own, he who is greater than the world, he who overcame the world, he who the winds and waves obey is living in you. Allow that thought to set you free from worry. When fear and panic set in remember these words from Junior Asparagus of Veggie Tales, "God is bigger than the Boogie Man, he's bigger than Godzilla or the monsters on TV, God is bigger than the Boogie Man, and he's watching out for you and me." Next time the winds and rain whip up realize that your umbrella and Gore-Tex rain gear don't offer near the protection that God does. Rely on him to be your shelter in the storm.
A great song for your devotional time today is Hope Now by Addison Road.

A Sharpener

Proverbs 27:17
Hallelujah Sunday is here again! Just in case you were thinking of hooking church this Sunday let’s consider an important reason that Christians should be in church each week and be active participants. This little nugget of wisdom comes from Proverbs 27:17 which states, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (NIV)” While a short verse, it makes a huge statement. There are many reasons to gather together as believers. One is hearing and receiving the Word of the Lord. The Pastor brings messages to the people that the Spirit has breathed into him or her, hopefully messages that convict and challenge us in our spiritual walk. The sermon should be pushing us forward and causing us to grow as followers. We also sharpen each other through accountability. Small groups, Bible studies, classes, and the like can take us to the next level in our walk and move us into relationships where we can be there to strengthen and encourage each other. Another reason to come together is the worship experience. I have had some pretty powerful moments on my own with God, but there is just something about public worship that is indescribable, a movement of the Spirit only felt when the congregation is assembled. The moment you enter the sanctuary, the holy space, you feel that presence of God surrounding you. All these pieces come together as we meet and our sharpness as Christians increases, our desire for more of God increases, and our commitment to doing the work of the Lord increases. As Christians we are not meant to be hermits - sure you should spend time alone with your Father, but you should not undertake this spiritual journey alone. So when the bells ring this Sunday make your way to church and get yourself sharpened up to be the strong man or woman of God you are called to be!