May 11, 2013
This past week, my friend Tammy sent me the picture you see on this blog. She took it while out on a walk and counted it as one of those sweet gifts from God. The thing I appreciate about Tammy is that she is always looking for those precious sightings and pictures of God’s goodness and glory. What about you? Are you looking for the blessings God grants you each day? It’s easy to get focused on what is wrong in our lives, and overlook the beauty He brings each day.
The Psalmist wrote, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Just as we want to notice God’s glory in creation, we must also open our eyes to the wonderful ways God reveals himself in His word. Let’s continually look to the Bible to learn more of the power of His majesty and the magnificence of His unfailing love.
As we consider keeping our eyes open to what God wants to show us each day, I want to encourage us also to be aware of the needs around us. Each day as we praise and thank God, let’s also ask Him to help us see how we may reach out and encourage others. May our daily prayer be, Father, open my eyes to see your blessings in the world around me. Help me catch a glimpse of your glory and goodness through reading your word. And help me see the needs of others, so I may glorify you as I serve them.
April 28, 2013
Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
For you are close beside me.
Psalm 23:4 (NLT)
You are not alone. Your Shepherd is close beside you. He protects and comforts you in the midst of your darkest valleys. Do not be afraid for you do not walk your path by yourself. It is a great comfort to know that when we face the scariest times in our lives, He is there with us. The Bible doesn’t say that we will never walk through dark times, but it does reassure us that we won’t walk through them alone.
What great assurance we have in knowing that the Lord our God will not leave us. Do not fear about things that may happen or the possibility of valleys in your life. The “what ifs” need not linger as long as we remember that our good Shepherd will protect and comfort us in the midst. Let us walk in confidence and not fear for the road ahead. Although it may be dark, He is One who lights our paths eventually leading us back to the green meadows.
Devotional thoughts from Pursuing God in the Quiet Places, by Karol Ladd 2012
April 24, 2013
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
Jeremiah 31:13
There were times when the prophet Jeremiah thought there was no possibilities for redemption. God reassured Him with words of hope that speak to us today. There are times in our lives when we cannot see the sunlight, and there may be no glimmer of hope in our circumstances, so we think all is lost. God can turn mourning into gladness and bring comfort and even joy, to replace our sorrow. He brings light and hope to the darkest pit.
Do not lose hope. Although you may not be able to imagine how joy could come from your difficulties, turn your eyes toward God who turns mourning into gladness. Sinclair Ferguson reminds us, “The fact that we cannot see what God is doing does not mean that he is doing nothing.” Trust His redemptive hand which can do far more than we imagine. He brought joy from the sorrow of the cross, and He can bring joy to your sorrow as well.
April 14, 2013
As a young girl, our teacher taught us the phrase, “April showers bring May flowers.” Just as it is true in nature, it is true in the experiences of life. The showers of difficulties that tend to dampen our spirits and tempt us with the dark clouds of despair, are often just what God uses to eventually bring beauty in our lives in unexpected ways. As you know if you have been reading my blogs, I’m a big fan of C. H. Spurgeon. He wrote, “I willingly bear witness to the fact that I owe more to my Lord’s fire, hammer and file than to anything else in His workshop. Sometimes I wonder if I have ever learned anything except at the end of God’s rod. When my classroom is darkest, I see best.”
The difficulties in our lives are what prepare us for greater service, deepen our faith and refine us to use the beautiful gifts He has given us in a fruitful way. Do not despise the difficult rain storms of life, rather look at them as the tools God uses to enrich our color as we glorify Him and bring beauty to this world.
April 6, 2013
Without knowing the whole picture, Noah built an ark. Without being fully prepared for what God had in store, Abraham journeyed to a new land. Without understanding all that God would do, Moses went to free the Israelites from bondage. These men stepped forward in faith and obedience without knowing all the answers. They knew God was calling them, and they stepped forward in obedience. What is God calling you to do? Is He pushing you to step forward in faith?
Are you making excuses for why you can’t? You may not feel ready or equipped, but remember God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. What’s your next step? Prayerfully take it!
If you are looking for a place to plug in, I want to invite you to join us on April 13 for our volunteer training for Engage, Positive Parenting Initiative. You don’t have to be an expert, you just have to be willing to reach out and love parents who are affected by poverty. Take a step and get involved.
Here’s the info:
Engage Volunteer Training
Saturday, April 13
9:00 – 11:30 am
Fellowship Bible Church Dallas, second floor
9330 North Central Expressway, Dallas 75231
Please RSVP so we can have materials ready for you – engageparenting@gmail.com
Here’s the Schedule for the day:
9:00 – 10:00 Session One: Training and Equipping to Engage
Prayer, Vision, Mission, Responsibilities
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 11:00 Session Two: Engage Curriculum and Practice Session
11:00 – 11:30 Final Session: Getting Ready to Step Forward , Q & A
11:30 – Adjourn
12:00 lunch at Buca Di Beppo (Optional)
If you have any questions, please email us at engageparenting@gmail.com
Looking forward to seeing you soon and serving along side you!
Hebrews 11:8 reminds us, “Abraham did not know where he was going.” Take the first step, He will lead you the rest of the way.
