God's Plan is the best one!

Wednesday August 1 2012:

Psalm 139:3  “You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest.  Every moment you know where I am.”

How often I have worried and fretted about things that never happened.  It all seems to come down to total trust in our Maker.  I have heard individuals say, “God does not care about the little things in my life.” 

His word tells us he cares about all our actions and here the Psalmist tells us God is even concerned about our time of resting.  This indicates, we are to take the time to rest.  So many of us are too busy to rest and reflect on His will.  Yes!  God has a perfect and right plan for our lives but we need to seek Him in order to know what it is and then   we need to follow His desire.  He always allows us to choose our action but he is aware of our choices because He knows where we are every moment.

Prayer for today:  Heavenly Father, thank you for being concerned about me every moment of each day.  I want to do your will and I need your help to know what your will is for me. Help me to take the time to rest and reflect on your word and to listen for your voice to guide and direct me.  In Jesus name, Amen

What are your plans??

Monday July 30 2012:

Jeremiah 29:11.  “ I know the plans I have for you”, says the Lord.”  They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

As parents, we always have a plan for our children.  I remember our plans!  They were perfect!  Our child would always listen to us, do as we ask, never complain because we were going to be ‘perfect’ parents! I was never going to lose my temper and always give reasonable explanations to everything.  Our children were going to finish school, attend University, and go on to a career they would love and eventually marry and have children, which would then be perfect as well! 

It wasn’t long before I realized my plans were not coming to fruition as I had visualized. Many times we were frustrated parents because our children would not heed our advice or they would do things that they knew would make us unhappy and angry.  Through all of it we never stopped loving them because we believed they would return to the basic moral and ‘right’ truths of what they were taught as small children.  Our children are now all grown and despite the detours they took, we are proud of each one and believe it or not all have grown into beautiful people.  If we instill the basics in our children and take time to teach them right and wrong and implement the consequences needed, most times our parenting will be successful.

In times of confusion and despair, turmoil and defeat, when we feel abandoned and don’t know which way to turn, God’s promise is vivid in Jeremiah.  God’s plan is always in place and we need to trust him fully, to lead us and direct us in the path he has chosen for our journey.  Even though we detour from time to time, the way to the ‘planned’ road is always available.  This is the path that is filled with hope for a blessed future.  Our job is to seek after the perfect plan and follow it.  Ask the Lord to direct you and show you wisdom and give you the courage to follow the plans he has chosen for you.

Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that you have a plan for my life.  So often, I try to do things my way only to realize that my way is neither the best way nor the way to success.  I realize you have given me the freedom to choose and I want to choose your way.  Help me to listen for your voice and heed your direction in my life.  In Jesus name, Amen.

A Poem to share with you!

Weekend Read July 28 2012:

The year our son was taken from our family, Christmas was a little less festive.  Although we still had a joyous time with the grandchildren, Drew’s Dad and myself felt his absence.  On Christmas Eve we were standing by the front window waiting for the festivities to begin and the children to start arriving, when right in front of our eyes, under the huge spruce tree in our yard we saw him!

The Pheasant Visit:

I had a visitor today, before Christmas day

What a wonderful blessing, sent by God

To say, “He loves me”

To confirm his presence

To bring peace, joy, contentment

But most of all, beauty

What an awesome privilege

To behold the beauty of this wonderful creature.

There he sat - under the branches

Protected by the canopy of green

Brilliant colors, blue, green, red and brown

Long flowing tail feathers

Gentle as a lamb

Just sitting there; in all his splendor

For so long a time

So I could watch and appreciate

The beauty of what God gave

On December 24 1998.

( Is it a confirmation of the beauty of my precious son, Drew?)

"He" always forgives!

Friday July 27 2012:

Psalm 30:5.  “His anger lasts for a moment but his favor lasts a lifetime!  Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning.”

When I was a child, I vividly remember being scolded and punished for being disobedient to my parents.  My Father’s lectures and reprimands often led me to see my errors quickly and I remember my repentance when I realized his disappointment in my behavior.  These experiences always resulted in tears followed by promises to never “do it” again. The following morning or even that same evening, my father always surprised me with a special little treat and tenderness, which confirmed his love for me, was intact and would never disappear.  I was always assured of forgiveness and unconditional love.

I liken this to being a child of God.  Our lives seem to be paths of troubles and trials with consequences or lessons to be learned but when that has been accomplished, we have joy that is full of glory.

No matter what you are experiencing now, we are assured of joy in the morning.  Our hope is in the promise of our Creator who travels with us through the foul-ups that we inevitably bring about.

The realization of error brings tears of remorse accompanied by a need to be forgiven, and with the assurance of forgiveness comes joy.  As often as we err, Jesus waits for us to come to him and repent because he delights in our joy, which is the product of the process.

Prayer for today: “Dear Jesus, How can I say “Thank you” for all the times you have forgiven me and the joy that you have filled me with because of this action.  Help me to dwell on the good things and especially the joy that comes from repenting.  To know that you love me so much that you will always forgive me, is peace in itself.  thank you for your wondrous love.  In Jesus name, Amen.

All good things come from the Lord!

Thursday July 26 2012:

Psalm 16:2.  “ I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Master!  All the good things I have are from you.”

We all have sadness in  our lives, some more than others.  Often the sadness overshadows the blessings and joys.  While sad times are often necessary, with Jesus as our Master, we can always experience the deep inherent joy that is such an important component in our walk with Christ.  Even though there is sadness, there is never despair and we find the peace and courage to dwell on the good things. 

David tells us, all the good things we have are from the Lord;  we need to do our part and will our thoughts to dwell on the good things and blessings that we receive every day.  Even though sadness comes, we cannot evade it, we have the ability to concentrate on the blessings and good things that the ‘Master’ provides. when we do this it’s amazing how the sadness often changes to peace and even joy!

Prayer for Today: “Heavenly Father, You never promised a life without sadness or trouble  and I am so thankful you  walk with us through all our experiences.  So when I am saddened by circumstances, let me dwell on your presence and realize you are still with me and that alone will bring me peace.  I am so blessed in so many ways because you have provided me with The Holy Spirit who comforts me everyday.  Thank you for the promise of being with me, always. In Jesus name, Amen

Who/What is your Master?

Wednesday July 25 2012:

Romans 6:16.  “Don’t you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master?”

Who is your master?  Every day I am tempted by invitations and requests to participate in activities and time consuming past-times, most of which I enjoy.  There are also the obligations of friends and family and the visitations to the elderly and so on and so on.  We are members of a golf club which most of our closest friends belong to as well.  There’s always the dilemma of being more actively involved in the church.  The house is often neglected because of pressing appointments and obligations.  We ‘have’ to entertain and return dinner invitations not to mention the numerous phone calls to return and spend time being a ‘good’ listener.  I have several half finished craft projects to complete and a plethora of material to begin new projects.  I need to spend at least one hour a day practicing my music and keeping my voice in ‘shape’ so when I do my entertaining in senior homes, I’ll be able to make the notes!  And I have only 24 hours in a day!

My husband tells me I have choices and he’s right!  I have often chosen the spirit of ‘busyness’ instead of the Spirit of God to fill my life!  Unless we choose to put God first, our lives will never be what they could be.  God desires for us to be ‘fully alive’!  When we choose to remove him from the number one position, we interfere with his plan for our lives.

There are so many opportunities for us to neglect our relationship with Christ but when we realize the importance of our choices, we can take steps to insure our master is our Creator.  As a result, our lives will unfold as they should and we will experience what it means to be ‘fully alive”!

Prayer for today.  “Dear Heavenly Father, I want to be obedient to you and yet I put other things in front of serving you and allowing you to be my Master.  Help me to prioritize my life so that you always come first.  Help me not to get caught up in the busyness of this life, I don’t have to do it all. Let me be willing to say “no” when I need to and take time to be with you and serve you in the capacity you have chosen for me. In Jesus Name. Amen

Have you touched Jesus today?

Tuesday July 24 2012:

Luke 8:45, “Who touched me”? Jesus asked.”

The woman who had been afflicted for many years, knew if she could just “touch” the hem of his garment, she would be healed.  The crowds were numerous and it was questionable as to whether or not she could even get near him. The crowd was not interested in allowing her access to Jesus, but she determined in her heart, not to give up.  As she shoved and pushed she finally managed to squeeze through the crowd to be close enough to touch the hem of his garment. How often have I longed for the same thing?  “If I could just touch him, everything would be okay!” I tell myself.

Have you ‘touched’ Jesus lately?

Have you felt his healing power?

How much time do you give to Jesus, daily, weekly, monthly?

I have learned, there are no better moments in my life than the moments I spend alone with Jesus.  He is a friend, a Saviour, a loving Father, a comforter, a peace giver, a joy filler and a loving companion.  He not only gives but he takes as well.  He takes my heartaches, my loneliness, my fears and my tears and replaces them with songs of victory and assurance of freedom from depression and anxiety. He provides healing for me each day from hurts, concerns and maladies that befall me.  Praise His name!

Our responsibility is to “squeeze” time into our busy agenda’s for Jesus. We need to acknowledge him in our conversation and  thoughts and meditate on his word and listen to his still small voice speaking to our hearts.  It is in these times that we can touch the Great Physician and receive healing in our lives.  Reach out and touch him today.

Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, I want to touch you.  Hear my prayer of praise right now as I come into your presence. When I am in your presence, I have assurance that all is well but often I get so busy and forget to include you in my daily life.  Even though I neglect you, I know you are still with me and I am so thankful for that.  Help me ,Lord, to touch you and acknowledge you more often.  In Jesus name, amen.

Persistence pays off!

Monday:

Matthew 15:23. “.........But Jesus gave her no reply, not even a word.............”

This is part of the verse regarding a woman who asked Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter.

I’m sure, we have all felt like this woman, we pray and pray and ask and ask and there does not seem to be a reply.

We had a grandson who was born with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease that only allows recipients a short life expectancy.  We prayed for his healing but God had other plans. (If you are a regular reader, you are familiar with our Grand son who was killed in a motorcycle accident.)

I have prayed for loved ones who are unbelievers, for many years and often the reply seems to be silence.  We don’t know or understand why the response is such as it is.  Perhaps a silent answer gave the woman an opportunity to think about her life and her situation.  We are not told much about her but I wonder what her life was like. Was she a single Mom? It does not say anything about her husband.

 As the story continues, there seems to be a turn of events: at  the persistence of the woman we see that Jesus has compassion and ultimately heals her daughter.  I believe we need to be more like this woman, and continue to trust and ask, even though we think there is no hope. 

In the silence there are benefits to gain and lessons to learn.  We can take advantage of the “lull” and learn important values like perseverance and patience and it gives us an opportunity to look at ourselves objectively.  Ultimately, God is in control and as we believe in his promises and learn to trust him more and more, our lives become less stressful and more joyous.

Prayer for today: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for hearing my requests and even though your answer is sometimes silence, I know you are taking care of my concerns.  Help me, Lord to use the “lulls” to grow and gain wisdom by thinking about the situation I’m praying about. I am so glad that you, Lord are ultimately in control and as I learn to trust you more and more, let me be patient and wait for your answer because your timing is perfect.  In Jesus name, Amen.

A Tribute to Drew, from Robyn, his sister!

Weekend Read July 22 2012:

Our family ties were very strong after our son, Drew was a killed in a car accident.  Every sibling had an opportunity to share at his memorial service.  Our daughter, who was very close to her brother, wrote this poem.

My Brother, My Friend:

The sibling rivalry within me calls out

“It’s not fair”

I want some of what you have, you have to share

You can’t be the only one free from this pain

Why are you free, to soar, again?

You have to share, my brother, my kin.

And then I cry out and ask again

Why God? Why did he hear your call?

Oh Holy Father, make him share with us all

And then I realize, my brother, my friend

You are sharing even at your life’s end

We still feel pain and tears overflowing

But you shared with us a love that was growing

You get to party and dance and sing in God’s glory

And for my jealousy, Drew, I am sorry

For a time will come when we will all share

In worship and song in God’s loving care

So rejoice my dear brother and please party on

We will see  you again when our struggle is gone.

I Love You Drew!

Robyn Movold, October 1998

God is a fair God!

Friday July 20 2012:

Psalm 9:8, “He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness.”

God is God!  That is a fact:  and he can do whatever he wants but his Word tells us he is just and fair! We know God cannot make a promise without keeping it.  This would be against all he is.  We know he will rule in justice and fairness. 

His Word tells  us, one day we will stand before him to be judged!  How can we avoid the awesome fear that comes with this knowledge?  Our desire is to be seen as perfect and forgiven.  The only way to be forgiven is to ask Jesus, God’s son to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  When we stand before the Almighty Creator, we can do so with the assurance that he will accept us.  We cannot comprehend the greatness of God or understand all his actions but we can be assured of his love for us and his fairness in judging us.

He will also judge our Nation. Is this a call to pray for our nation? 

I encourage you to take some time out of your busy schedule to pray for your country, your Province or State, your community, your home and family and finally yourself.  One day we will be required to give an account for ourselves and part of that account will include our community and country.

Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, I am not worthy to even expect your attention but I know you love me and you do listen to me.  Thank you for taking the time to hear my concerns.  I know one day, I will stand before you as you rule and judge and I am so thankful that your word says you are fair and just.  While I am on earth,  I often fail at being what I should be and only by your Holy Spirit can I be what you want me to be.  Dear Jesus, help me to rely on your guidance.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Obedience to our faith even though everyone might laugh at us1

Thursday July 19 2012:

Hebrews 11:7, “..............by his faith he condemned the rest of the world and was made right in God’s sight.”

This verse speaks of Noah who continued to obey God, even though everyone laughed at him and probably thought he had lost his mind.  Imagine someone starting to build an ark to float on water when no one had even experienced the sensation or reality of rain up to that point.  Noah believed God and  performed an act of faith and trusted God despite what the world thought.

After confession and repentance comes faith.  We must believe that Jesus has forgiven us and in faith, go forth and tell others what he has done for us.

Yes; there will be rejection, ridicule and condemnation but the rewards will far outweigh the actions of non-believers.  In faith, miracles have been witnessed and in faith, the sick and afflicted have been made whole.  Faith cannot be seen, rather, it is a hope and belief that God is now and will be forever, what he says he is and promises to be in His word.  In faith we believe we are forgiven and made whole.

Prayer for  today:  Heavenly Father, I believe you have forgiven me and I am your child.  Just like the centurion in the Bible I am asking you to help my unbelief and increase my faith so that I may be able to tell others about salvation and the promises you have given to us.  Help me to spread the Good News about your saving grace and give me grace that I may obey your desires for my life.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Are you longing for a new peace?

Wednesday July 18 2012:

Romans 5:1  “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”

Because a repentant heart  leads us to ask for forgiveness, we are made right with God.  This not only assures us of an eternity with Jesus but an abundance of benefits while we live here on earth. One special gift is the peace that comes to our hearts, a peace so wonderful and deep that it is indescribable, a peace that passes all understanding.  This peace is given to us because of the simple act of receiving Jesus and the forgiveness that he gives, it is the presence of the Holy Spirit who comes and fills that void that we are all born with.  That longing  is inherent in everyone, and people spend many years and “mega” dollars  attempting to find something to fill this emptiness.  Nothing on this earth can fill that void, only salvation through Jesus Christ meets the need of true fulfillment.

Jesus never forces himself on anyone, he requires an invitation and a welcoming spirit but once he is asked to enter, the peace that fills us is more than wonderful because we are  made right with our Creator.

Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, I don’t know how to thank you for forgiving me all my trespasses and making me righteous in your sight.  Thank you for the peace and the assurance that I will one day be with you in eternity.  You, Oh Lord, have given me more than I could ever imagine having and because of you I can live each day to it’s fullest.  In Jesus name, Amen.

You can be perfect in God's eyes!

Tuesday July 17 2012:

Romans 3:23, “We are made right in God’s sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins.  And we can all be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.”

As a teacher, I often found it necessary to have a talk with myself regarding students who took advantage of me.  I remember a grade six boy who inevitably would do things to get my “goat.”  Many times I struggled with myself and asked God for the desire to forgive and forget about this boy’s pranks and escapades. He had gained a reputation in the school as being  “trouble” so I decided to invest some time getting to know him and perhaps I could figure out why he was like this.  As I became better acquainted with him and his family, I realized why he behaved as he did and as I started to understand him, he changed and started to try to please me.  By Christmas, I had gained enough trust for him to realize I would  treat him fairly and we started on the road to a relationship that was healthy and co-operative.  It gave me great pleasure to write his final report card with positive remarks.  I saw him as a potential success in the years ahead. I believe God sees us as potential perfect lives when we come to Christ for forgiveness.

We are all guilty of sin in our lives, no one is perfect.  And none of us can ever do anything to erase that sin from our lives.  It can only be done by the one and only sacrifice of Jesus Christ who shed his perfect blood as a sacrifice for each one of us.  When we ask forgiveness, he takes all our sins and makes everything right between God and us.  After, God sees us as perfect. 

There is forgiveness for everyone that comes in repentance.  Praise Jesus for his unspeakable gift of righteousness that makes us clean and able to stand before God in confidence to hear him say, “Come in thou good and faithful servant.” (Matt. 25:21)

Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that you see me as righteous.  Thank you for sending Jesus who forgives all my sins.  Help me to remain in Christ who is the forgiver even now, of all sin.  In your eyes I am perfect even though I’m not.  I want to praise you more, love you more, and serve you more.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Walking a "smooth" road!

Monday July 16 2012:

Isaiah 26:7, “But for those who are righteous the path is not steep and rough.  You are a God of justice and you smooth out the road ahead of them.”

I thank God I can still learn valuable lessons!  As I recall the times in life when the path was steep and rough, I realize it was then that I “grew” in the Lord and really learned to trust Him.  I realize now, the protective hand of God has been upon me  through it all.  At times my life could have ended tragically because of foolish choices I made.  I know that God rescued me often, and smoothed out my  path.

Even though we make foolish choices and go down detours that were never meant for us to take, God continues to look at the heart that desires to please. Even when the “flesh” is weak and the result is poor choices, whenever we repent and ask forgiveness, he sees us as righteous and when we are seen as righteous he makes the path smooth.  This is God’s justice, which is promised to his children.  Isn’t it wonderful to be a child of God?

Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, Thank you for smoothing out my paths and seeing me as righteous.  I am your creation and I know you love me unconditionally, even though I make foolish choices.  Thank you for giving me wisdom and strength to face each day and help me to continue to trust you to smooth out the path that I walk daily.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Let go of your burdens!!

Weekend Read July 15 2012:

Several years ago my husband and I were on a wonderful vacation on the Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, Canada. We found a delightful little bed and breakfast on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. The weather was perfect for water and wave watching.  As we sat on the beach and watched the ‘water’ traffic, I noticed a barge in the distance pulling, what looked like, an entire city of huge logs.  The little tug was moving about the speed of a snail and seemed to take forever to get passed us.  As I watched this little Tugboat working to transport the logs, I thought of how much it reminded me of many human beings who carry so much weight with them.  Travel would be so much faster and easier if we could give all our burdens to Jesus, so I wrote this little poem.

Trust In The Lord:

There’s a small working barge sailing by in the sea

And it’s going so slow it may never pass me

The task it has chosen seems unrealistic

Destination is far out on the Pacific

 The Captain is confident, he knows what to do

Take the route that is easy and he will come through.

It’s quite like some humans that travel this life

Towing the burdens of every day strife

And yet when we take the time to be real

We know that our Saviour knows just how we feel.

Let it go, feel the freedom

Give it up, spread your wings

Don’t harbour the baggage, give it air, hear it sing

Live life to the fullest

Drop your luggage, lose the weight

Learn to love and receive it

Drop the gossip, lose the hate

Give it up, learn forgiveness

Don’t take pity on yourself

Be light headed, run more freely

Drop the pain and hurts you’ve felt

You’ll be amazed what life can offer

If you choose to look ahead

You can meet your days with laughter

You’ll feel joy, where you are  led.

Adena Paget, Feb. 26 1998.

Who is your Rock?

Thursday July 12 2012:

Ephesians 2:20 “ We are His house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets.  And this cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.”

The house was magnificent, every detail had been deliberately and professionally planned.  The designer was highly recommended and the interior decorator was the best in the area. After many months of waiting, it was finally complete and ready to be occupied.  The furnishings were perfect!  This was the dream home they had so painstakingly planned and waited for, and now it seemed to be a reality!

Soon after they moved in, the rains came, a huge deluge of water poured incessantly and with the rain came great power.  As the rain came down, he could hardly believe his own eyes but there, on the hillside, which they had insisted the house should stand, and which gave them the glorious panoramic view of mountains, valleys and ocean, the earth was eroding.

It became evident that soon the dream home would crumble if something wasn’t done immediately.  He realized then, the builder had neglected to ensure the strength of the brace at the cornerstone that was needed to withstand the elements of the weather on this coastline.

Often, our lives reflect this dilemma as well!  If our principles or “cornerstone” are not grounded on the Word of God, we begin to crumble when the storms of life come.  We need Christ as our cornerstone and then when the “rains” come down upon us, we simply let Him take the deluge and trust Him to be the Rock that helps us stand firm in every situation.

Prayer for today: Precious Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that you are the Rock on which I base my faith.  You are The King of Kings and Lord of Lords and You are able to withstand all the storms that come my way.  Help me to build my life on you and you alone.  I want to trust you as my anchor in the storms in my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Praying God's Will

Wednesday July 11 2012:

! Peter 2:6.  “........I am placing a stone in Jerusalem, a Chosen cornerstone, and anyone who believes in Him will never be disappointed.”

What an interesting concept!  A stone personified!  Only the Lord Jesus Christ can be called a “Stone” because he is:

1) Everlasting

2) Steadfast

3) In every area and part of the world

4) Strong enough to kill “giants”

5) Small enough to carry with us everywhere

6) Is found in all shapes, colors, sizes and weights.

7) Solid

The scriptures say, He will never disappoint us.  Put your trust in the Cornerstone because when we truly believe in Him, there are no disappointments or letdowns. However, we need to be careful not to confuse this promise with a fictitious genie that grants wishes. 

What we wish or whatever our desires, they are not always in our best interests.  We are not able to see the “big” picture but God sees it all!

If you have been asking God for something and it seems like He’s not hearing you, someone once said,  “prayer that does not line up with God’s will, will not be answered.” Ask yourself if this request is in your best interest and would this request be in God’s will for your life?  When you examine the answer, perhaps your prayer will be changed.

Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, Help me to be in your will so that my prayers will be what you desire for me.  Draw me closer to you.  I want to know you more. I want to follow your plan for my life.  Sometimes I need to be vividly reminded of who I am, which is a sinner saved by grace.  I need you Lord more than the air I breathe, more than my next heartbeat, more than anything. Help me to be what you want me to be.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Are you taking ownership of your burdens? You don't need to!

Tuesday July 10 2012:

Ephesians 6:10.  “.........Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power.”

She had tried so hard and yet, it appeared as if it was a losing battle.  The daughter she had put so much trust in was straying from all she had been taught.  She had tried to be an understanding Mom with listening ears, careful not to fall into the “shock” mode reaction at anything.  She had spent time with her, even taken her for dinners and shows and made a special effort to be a friend!  Now she felt betrayed, almost abandoned because she had done everything her own Mother had neglected to do and what for?

She opened her Bible to Ephesians 6 verse 10 and there was the answer.  As she read, God opened her eyes to the realization that it was not by her own power that anything could be accomplished but His Word instructed her to be strong with  “The Lord’s power”.  She had been carrying the burden to no avail, there was no need to carry it anymore because Jesus had already bore all the burdens when He carried the cross to Mount Calvary.  She knew she must give it to the Lord and allow Him to take care of it.  She immediately cried to God with a repentant heart and asked Him to take her burden.  Immediately, the load was lifted and she knew she could be at peace about her daughter.  No matter what would happen next, the Lord had already carried the burden so she did not have to.

We need to give our burdens to Jesus because He has already taken care of them and left them at Calvary.  He knows our needs and waits for us to accept his answer.  Everything is ultimately in His hands if we allow Him to take it.

Prayer for today: “Heavenly Father, Today I want to give you my burdens and rid myself of the weight of them.  You are my strength and you are a mighty power and you can handle anything I submit to you.  Please forgive me for thinking I can solve problems and change people on my own.  Help me to give you all my concerns and trust you to take care of them.  And Lord, help me not to feel guilty when I give them to you and not to take them back.  Thank you, Father, for taking my worries and giving me peace.  In Jesus name, Amen.”

Are you in a "storm" today?

Monday Monday July 8 2012:

Isaiah 26:4.  “Trust in the Lord, always, for the Lord God is the eternal rock.”

The wind was fierce, the waved were turbulent, the ship seemed like it would not withstand the storm, but the Captain gave the order,” Drop the anchor.”  As the command was obeyed, all knew that they could now outwait the storm.  Even though the little ship rocked, it remained on course and stable.  The Captain had assured himself that the anchor was as strong as a “Rock” in order to withstand even the fiercest of storms. The passengers and crew were calm because they had complete trust in their Captain.  They had been on this ship before!

In life, we are faced with one storm after another, some stronger and fiercer than others.  If we have an anchor that holds and is trustworthy, we can be assured of being able to withstand any storm that might develop. The Lord God is that rock!  Whatever storm you may be in right now, give it to the Captain and let him take care of it for you.  Jesus Christ is the Captain you can trust and put your faith in.  He will never let you down or let you drown if you ask Him for help.

Prayer for today:  Dear Jesus, I thank you for being my Captain in life’s storms. I know I can depend on you no matter what happens. I pray that I would learn to trust you and rely on you and not try and solve life’s problems by myself .  Help me to give you my fears, in Jesus name, Amen.