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13 “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life as recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. 17 How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! 18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, You are still with me!”
What beautiful verses—beautiful verses about beautiful you! They tell you that YOU are special, unique—one of a kind! The forming of your body, mind, soul, and spirit was not an accident—you were planned, then created to be the one and only you--designed to have meaning and purpose--to bring honor and glory to the God who made you. I love to picture a kindly grandmother, peacefully rocking in her chair, carefully knitting sweaters for each of her grandchildren, following a pattern downloaded from the internet. The result may be stunning, but it is nothing compared to the designs of our creator! Our knitter, God Almighty, is no ordinary craftsman. For each of His projects, He creates an individual, unique pattern using stitches far beyond those we might consider complex—the beautiful coral eyelet lace, moss diamonds, or mountain peaks. Think of God's stitches as the cells of our bodies, with each cell containing membrane, controlling what goes in and out of the cell; nucleus, containing most of the cell’s DNA; and cytoplasm, the semi-gel like fluid that contains organelles (think little organs ) such as mitochondria and carrying out chemical reactions and functions for cell expansion, growth and replication.1,2 This is just the smallest of beginnings of information about the cell and God’s knitting stitches! Want to be amazed? Look into all that goes into the formation of an eye! You’ll find this mind boggling! It is easy now to say, “Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” (v. 14) Wonderful! Complex! Marvelous! All these adjectives should convey your joy at how God has created you. Indeed—you are a wonder! Only a loving and caring God who is omniscient and omnipotent could accomplish such! Thus God designed you, then planted you in your mother's womb: “You watched me as I as being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born.” (vv. 15-16) How encouraging it is to know that from the time you were just an embryo, God knew His plans for you; He recorded each day of your life in His book and laid out every moment before a single day passed. If you have ever doubted that you are God’s masterpiece, read and reread Psalm 139. He created your very being—everything you are—then He pursued and continues to pursue you each moment of your life, always being your ever guiding light: “If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there Your hand will guide me, and Your strength will support me.” God never forgets you for a moment—His thoughts for you are abounding: “How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!” Imagine every thought God has for you being precious and designed for your eternal welfare! May Psalm 139 remind you that each day you should shout out praises to God, your Creator, for fulfilling the purposes He has planned for your life when He created your body, mind, soul, and spirit. While it is true that your body will fail as you grow older due to living in a fallen world and that one day it will perish, it is also true that having Christ as your Savior enables your never perishing, immortal soul and spirit to grow better—to become more righteous and more like Christ your Savior. Indeed, you are God’s masterpiece; let your every cell sing praise to His glory and His perfect design! 1. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/cell 2. https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Mitochondria VERSES: Jeremiah 1:5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Job 33:4 “For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” Isaiah 64:8 “And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand.” PRAYER: Father God, thank You for creating me so uniquely and wonderfully well. I must admit that I often don’t feel unique or wonderfully well, for as I age, I note how my body fails, and again at times I wonder if I’m serving You as best I can to glorify You; but when I turn my heart to You and read Your Word, I know that the doubts I have about myself do not come from You, but from the enemy. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may rejoice in who You are and who You made me to be. And, Father, please bless those who read this prayer and let them know how very special they are to You—that when they seek You and Your will for their lives, they are fulfilling the purpose for which You made them. You, God, are our Almighty King and Savior, and You created us as masterpieces. May we praise Your Name forever! DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth!
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2 “You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. 5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. 6 Such knowledge is to wonderful for me, too great for me to understand.” Psalm 139:2-6
Are you a cup that is half-full or a cup that is half-empty kind of person? If you are a half-empty cup, you might read verses 2 through 4 of Psalm 139 and be fearful. “Oh my goodness, God knows what I’m doing every second of my life as well as every thought and action! I am saved, and yet thoughts sometimes pop into my mind that even I don’t like, much less God! I wish He didn’t know those things! And then there are my words; some are said in anger or thoughtlessness, and they’ve hurt others. I’ve asked God for forgiveness, but Satan continually points his finger at me saying, ‘Shame on you!’ and guilt raises its ugly face. The half empty cup gets even emptier. Being half-empty is one way of looking at things, but I prefer the half-full cup version! Because God knows everything about us, He knows what we need at all times—the things that we need both to discipline us and those to encourage us—things that will grow us to become more like His Son, Jesus. When we do mess up and sin, God’s correction helps us recognize that; then, when we repent and confess our sin, God promises to forgive, to make us whiter than snow, and tells us we are no longer to feel shame or guilt because Jesus has paid the full price for all sin. On the other hand, when we need encouragement, when we feel low, we may find God brings peace to our hearts when we spend time studying and meditating on His Word or when we spend time glorifying Him through the splendor of His creation. Then there are those times when He’ll have a friend write or phone with an encouraging word; or when He brings to our doorsteps one who says not much, but listens well; or when others arrive who encourage us by relating how we've touched their lives. How wonderful to know God understands us even better than we understand ourselves, so He knows our every need. Thus when we read in verse 5 that God goes before and after us, we know He has our welfare and eternal lives in mind. He is therefore with us in the best of times, cheering us on and rejoicing with us; and in the worst of times, grieving when and if harm is done. The important thing to remember is that God is THERE—with us—at all times! Capping off all this wonderful information is v. 6, “You place Your hand of blessing on my head.” Blessing—on our heads! YES! We are God’s beloved! “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand.” No truer words ever have been said! May you and I always be thankful that God knows everything about us; in fact, we should rejoice in this fact! Who could we trust more to love us unconditionally or direct our paths more truly than our triune God? Psalm 139 tells us how great the Father’s love is for us—total, complete, agape love—unconditional and ever present. Let us rejoice in our God who loves us beyond what any words can describe! VERSES: Psalm 51:7 “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Isaiah1:18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be whiter than snow.” Romans 8:1 “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” I John 1:9 “But if we confess our sins to Him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” PRAYER: Father God, thank You that You do know everything about me. Even though Satan would use the knowledge to cause me to feel guilt or shame, You have shown me that because of my belief in Jesus and His death for me on the cross, I am not to feel condemnation. So when Satan would fire arrows at me, let me physically point to the palms of my hands, indicating Jesus’ wounds and that I’ve been justified through His obedience when He died on the cross in my place. Thank You, also, Father, for being with me always and everywhere! I need never feel alone or hopeless, for You are everything a Father should be—loving, compassionate, full of mercy and grace; You are the supplier of all my needs and my ever-present King and friend. DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! Psalm 139:1-4 “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.”
God—knowing everything about us—from sitting to standing; from our every thought; and from our every action—God knows all these things! This can be a scary thought sometimes, right—having an all knowing, all-powerful God who sees all? Yet the state of our hearts is vital to our relationship to the Lord, for “a good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.” Luke 6:45 You have most likely heard the expression, “This is the heart of the matter.” Well, in Christianity, the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart! God’s Word makes this very clear: “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:9-10 God knows the motives behind our actions, and one day when our works are run through fire, we will be receive rewards based upon whether or not our actions were based on pure motives. Therefore, God directs us in the following verses: “Guard you heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23 and “As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.” Proverbs: 27:19 When we look at the fact that everything we do in life flows from our hearts and that how we live projects what is in our hearts, we can understand why it is so important to regularly examine them. Are the motives behind our actions pure? Is there sin I haven’t faced or renounced in my life? “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.” Luke 15:21 The prodigal son examined his heart, repented of his sinful ways, and returned home. “I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow Your laws.” Psalm 119:59 It is believed King David used these words to teach Solomon his son, Solomon. A great daily habit, then, would be to purify our hearts by confessing sin, asking God for His forgiveness, and examining the motives behind our actions so that we can make certain they are meant to glorify God and not ourselves in the eyes of others. Let us also ask ourselves how obedient we are being to God’s laws, not because of the commands themselves, but because of our all-consuming love for our Savior God. Then let’s pray for the Holy Spirit to fill us until we overflow with the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—so that through us, others can see Jesus' hands, feet, and heart in action. VERSES: Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Job 13:23 “Tell me, what have I done wrong? Show me my rebellion and my sin.” 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.” PRAYER: Father God, when I stop to pray and examine my heart, let me listen carefully for your voice. It is often all too easy to ignore or disregard the sin in me, make excuses for it, or blame someone else. This is not Your way! You long for us to be pure in heart! So, Father, If there is a log in my eye, I ask You to expose it, whether that knowledge hurts or not. “How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.” Matthew 7:4-5 Always help me confess every sin You reveal to me and to examine the motives behind my words and actions. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so I may grow in Jesus’ way. DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! 1 John 3:1a “See how very much our Father loves us, for He calls us His children, and that is what we are!
As Father’s Day approaches, I am drawn to memories of my earthly father. To me, as I grew up, he was a hero. He was there every time I needed him, protecting me from my mother during my teenage years when she was either cold, not speaking to me for days or weeks at a time, or raging, perhaps due to hormones. “I think this would be a great time to go golfing,” he would say, and off we would head for the links. Then there was the time I called him late at night telling him I thought I had tonsillitis, and Dad drove from Portland, Oregon, to Corvallis where I was in college, bringing me medication. It was late when he left Portland and much later when he returned home…approximately 1:30 AM, proof indeed, that though not spiritually nourished by my father, I always felt love and commitment from him. Then came the day, when I was 65 years old, a cousin whom I had not seen for years stopped in for a visit—with a purpose in mind. She told me that for much of her life she had needed to seek out counseling, and that to help with closure, her therapist recommended telling me how my father had sexually abused her in her youth; she then described in some detail what had taken place. I was devastated. I went for long walks with my husband, tears streaming down my face. Who was my father, anyway? I thought I had known my him, but I hadn’t. I’m certain that some of you reading this devotional had loving, Christian fathers who helped you walk through life and nurtured you in your faith; but there are others, I am equally certain, who not only treated you unfairly or harshly, but even abused you in one way or another. This was and is not the intent of your true Father God, who always has had your welfare in mind. While human fathers come in all sizes, shapes, mentalities, goodness, or propensity for evil, you can rely on the fact that your true Father God is always good and never changing; He is the very definition and essence of love. While in our humanness we cannot understand God’s ways, we must understand that although we live in a fallen world with all its consequences, we can trust that God’s justice one day will prevail. From the moment Eve succumbed to the temptation of Satan, God’s plan of salvation was put into action, and God promised a Redeemer from Eve’s seed: “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all animals, domestic and wild. You will crawl on your belly, groveling in the dust as long as you live. And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:14-15 As we read the Bible, we can see that each book points to our Savior, Jesus, because from the beginning God’s desire was for life and the redemption of every man possible. We will see God’s plan of salvation coming to fruition when one day it plays out as foretold in the book of Revelation. Oh, glorious day! If you have had a father who has abused you in any way, Satan will attempt to turn you from your true Father God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, telling you that He is just like your earthly father…that He will punish you for every sin you’ve ever committed and deny you all that is good. He would make you feel shame and/or guilt. What great lies! Your true Father, the One who created you, treasures you so very much that He sent His only Son to die for you and will protect you eternally if you call upon the name of Jesus as your Savior. When you choose Jesus as your Savior, you become God’s child, and He gives you great promises as your Father: “And I will be your Father, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 “The Lord is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:13 And when you ask your Father’s forgiveness, He readily forgives: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” 1 John 1:9 Your God is not a punisher; He is your warrior, your eternal protector, and your life-giver. He sees you not as guilty, but as redeemed; He sees you through Jesus, whose blood has purified you, cleansing you from all sin. To God, you are as fresh and pure as newly fallen snow. When Father’s Day arrives, be thankful if you’ve had a loving earthly father, and if you’ve not, forgive by placing into God’s hands the father who has harmed you; then remember to thank and praise your true Father for all His glorious works and for what He is accomplishing through your life. What a joy it is to remember that God finds you worthy of His everlasting care and love and that you are an inheritor of His eternal kingdom. What more could a child ask for? VERSES: Jeremiah 31:3 “Long ago the Lord said to Israel: ‘I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself.’ ” Psalm 103:10-14 "He has not punished us as we deserve for all our sins, for His mercy toward those who fear and honor Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth." Exodus 15:1-3 “Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD: I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously; He has hurled both horse and rider into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise Him—my father’s God, and I will exalt Him! The Lord is a warrior; Yahweh is His name!” Deuteronomy 31:6 “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Isaiah 55:8-9 “ ‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord. ‘And My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.’ ” PRAYER: Father, I don’t understand how my earthly father could have been so loving to me and yet so abusive to my beloved cousin. I, as all mankind, will never know what lies in the hearts of man! What I can always rely on, however, is who You are: steady, unchanging, promise keeping, and One who defines unconditional, agape love. You will never leave me, fail me, or forsake me. When I don’t understand the things of this world, I will keep my eyes focused on You and choose to trust You fully and completely, for I acknowledge that my understanding, ways, and thoughts could never approach Yours. I thank You with all my heart that I don’t have to rely on an earthly father for love , understanding, or acceptance; I have You! Thank You with all my heart for being my true Father. DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! “Then God said, ‘Let Us make human beings in Our image, to be like Us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground. So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.’ ” Genesis 1:26-27
It was in 1965 that Morris Rosenberg first initiated the term self-image.1 Since that time, hundreds of books have been written about self, which make us ask questions such as, “Who am I? Do I have worth? Do I have value?” The focus is entirely on self. But is this what God taught and intended? I don’t believe so for several reasons. As we read Scripture, we discover that Jesus never was focused on self. In every way, He exemplified placing others before Himself. He put His Father’s will above His own when He said in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from Me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine.” Luke 22:42 He taught His disciples that serving was more important than being served: “ For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28; And He taught that others were more important than self: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 When some focus on self-image, they possibly strive for status gained through wealth and/or power to demonstrate their importance in the world; but not God! “But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:9-12 “The Pharisees, who dearly loved their money, heard all this and scoffed at Him. Then He said to them, “You like to appear righteous in public, but God knows your hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God.” Luke 16:14-15 God does not want us to focus on self or feel valued because of cultural status, wealth, or power, nor does He want us to focus on ourselves to the extent that we question who we are and whether or not we have worth or value. God never intended that we judge our worth by the world's standards! God wants you and I to remember that we are created His own image! Imagine, God’s image! Would we ever question God’s worth or His value? NO! If we started to list proofs of His worth and value, His character, and how much He loves us, the list would go on indefinitely! Therefore, because we are made in God’s image, we NEVER should question our worth and value. I will have to admit that one time I did exactly this, when I was a mature enough Christian that I should have known better! I questioned my value because my life situation had changed and I felt I lacked purpose. I’ll never forget that it was as if Jesus reached down and held me when I expressed this to my husband, for Terry reached out, took me by the shoulders, looked me in the eye, and said, “Candice Mary Thomas, I love and value you not because of what you do, but because of who you are.” This is the knowledge God would have you and I place deep within our hearts. God gives us our worth; He loves us; and He is happy that we are who He made us to be! He never values us because of what we do, but because of who He made us to be! So let’s discard the term self-image, remembering that we are made in God’s very own image and we are God’s treasures indeed! 1. https://www.simplypsychology.org/self-image.html VERSES: Philippians 2:3 “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Matthew 19:30 “But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” Matthew 20:16 “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.” Mark 10:25 “In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” 1 Timothy 6:11-12 “But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.” PRAYER: Father God, I thank You that You made me who I am. When I have doubts about that, please remind me that You created me in Your image! When I think of the depth of all this implies, I honestly admit that this truth is almost incomprehensible to my mind! Yet I know the like You, You have given me a will, emotion, and intellect; please, help me always use these for Your glory. Let me never forget that what You have given me in these areas as well as talents and spiritual gifts are to be used not for my gain, but for use in the spreading Your Good News of salvation through belief in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me always find my value and worth in You, Father, and not in anything in this world. Amen. DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”
Have you ever thought about the blessings God has given you through the people He has brought into your life? Have you thought about how different you would be had they not been there? As I look back, I clearly see God’s hand at work, day after day, year after year, placing people and events in my life that thankfully changed me forever and still continue to do so. I was 29 when God blessed me with Terry as my husband, and as I begin writing this devotional today on my 45th wedding anniversary, May 28th, I praise the Lord for bringing him to me. Without Terry, I might never have learned about the love Jesus has for me and how He wants a relationship with me that is personal and intimate; and because of Terry, I was introduced to a generous and loving family who were the hands and feet of Jesus—living examples of true, genuine Christian faith. It’s a long story, but God provided a miracle which led us to a very small church where Pastor Vaughn Nelson (now with his beloved Jesus) taught the Word, verse by verse, using an overhead projector. He gave us meat, and we were like desperate lions roaring for it! God was giving us His living water: “But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” John 4:14 Pastor was following Jesus’ words to Peter when Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” John 15:17 It was in this church I first saw Jesus’ Spirit being demonstrated, and it was something I had never experienced before. The pastor regularly visited us, answering our many questions, and as we grew in the faith, urged us to share Christ with our neighbors. Also, within the first several weeks of our attendance, Christ’s love was displayed to us in more ways than I can describe. Examples: One dear woman surprised me by knocking on our front door and handing me my first Bible study. “Work through this, then let’s talk!” Then there was the family who invited us for lemon meringue pie to get to know us, while another had us to dinner, talked of Jesus, and introduced us to Christian music. Others had us to their homes many times to talk with us of Jesus. Very importantly, the entire church drew together in unity and began a new believer’s class on our behalf. There we learned the basic truths of Christian faith—the Good News: "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 This describes only the beginning of the blessings God’s family has been in our lives. As we moved several times, our Lord always placed us in churches and careers where there were faithful followers of Christ: pastors teaching His Word, their lovely wives, devoted Christian brothers and sisters, fellow teachers, and best friends—all whose examples grew us then and continue to grow us now in our faith. How can one begin to describe that?! Truly, there is no way, but there are no people dearer than God's people, and I thank Him for each and every one of them and pray His abundant blessings upon them. I also pray the same for you! I would urge you to take some time and think about those God has placed in your life. Who were the people who led you to Christ as Savior? How have they influenced who you are today, and who are those who continue to bless your life? Take a little more time and thank God for how He has directed you on your journey and brought to you those who build you up, grow you in Christ, and walk with you through life’s many ups and downs. May those people be blessed, and may God be glorified through all He is making you to be! VERSES: Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns!” John 15:17 “A third time He asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 “I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” Matthew 28:19-20 “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” PRAYER: Father, thank you with all my heart for blessing me with the people you know I needed and still need in my life to teach me and daily transform me more and more into your image. You have provided pastors, church members, and those who have become my dearest of friends…all demonstrating your love and spirit, shining with the heart of Jesus. As You have been clearly glorified by their love and care, may my life—all I say and do—also glorify You, Father. Indeed, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For You created all things, and they exist because You created what You pleased.” Revelation 4:11 DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”
“Quietness” by Doran 1 “Be still and know that I am God,” That I who made and gave thee life Will lead they faltering steps aright; That I who see each sparrow’s fall Will hear and heed thy earnest call. I am God. “Be still and know that I am God,” When aching burdens crush they heart, Then know I form thee for thy part And purpose in the plan I hold. Trust in God. “Be still and know that I am God,” Who made the atom’s tiny span And set it moving to My plan, That I who guide the stars above Will guide and keep thee in My love. Be thou still. It used to be, as a young Christian, meaning young in my faith, I did not know how to be still and let God be God. I also thought that once accepting Jesus, life would be run through rose-colored glasses. So when hardships happened in my life and in the lives of those I knew and loved, I would ask God, “WHY?” For example, just weeks after accepting Jesus as my Savior and just before closing, the well on the home my husband were selling went dry causing the buyers to back out. Instead of having a handsome profit, we ended up with two house payments because we’d already moved to another city! “Why?” Then, after the failed closing, we could not find another buyer or even renters for that first house, and when we did, why did they destroy that home? Vastly more important came one of my most burdening whys, and that was why wouldn’t my brother listen to anything about Jesus? He didn’t early in my faith, and he didn’t in the mature years of my faith; on his deathbed, he was especially unwilling to listen to the truths of our Lord’s love for him and Jesus' offer of salvation. In years past, I would have asked, “Why?” Throughout ensuing years, however, as I studied God’s Word and grew to know God and His heart, I stopped asking “why” and started truly understanding that our God is One who can be and should be trusted at all times. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 He is the One who, in His perfect knowledge, will accomplish all according to His perfect plan and timing, no matter how things appear to us! God tells the prophet Jeremiah, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5 This clearly reminds us that God is sovereign, in control, and that He has a plan for our lives. A friend asked me after my sudden, February 12, 2019, triple-bypass heart surgery if I asked God, “Why me?” and I replied, “Why not me?” God didn’t give me any deep revelation, but what I did hear over and over within was, “Trust Me!” I did, and I will say that now in every moment of my life, I continue to do so. “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! . . . Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.” Psalm 46:1-3; 10-11 As time goes on, there are many things I don’t understand, especially the stubborn hearts of my loved ones who don’t turn to Jesus, the One would choose to be their Savior; but, I do my best to turn all my concerns and burdens over to my Lord’s hands, knowing He desires no man to perish. I also believe God's promise that He is with us during every trial and/or time of persecution and that He promises to give us strength in all those times. "The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for You." Psalm 9:9-10 "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 No, I don’t understand many things, but then, I’m not meant to; I’m simply meant to be still and trust in our omnipotent, omniscient, ever-present, Almighty God. Let us all rejoice that we have a God we can fully trust in all things at all times, then be still while He performs His mighty deeds in our lives, in the lives of others, and in the world, always remembering Jesus’ words, “Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from Me. Yet I want your will to be done, not Mine.” Luke 22:42 Indeed, let us all be still, knowing that our God is God and the supreme King of our universe! 1. “Quietness,” by Doran. Leaves of Gold, Revised 1948, the Coslett Publishing Company, Williamsport, Pennsylvania. VERSES: Psalm 28:7 “The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm 9:10 “Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for You.” Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!” Matthew 6:25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?” Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” PRAYER: Thank you, Father, that you continue to teach me to be still and let You be God, accomplishing Your purposes in all that happens on the earth and in every life of every person. To me, there are many mysteries and happenings that I don’t understand and can’t possibly comprehend, but I choose to trust you in all situations at all times. Thank you, Father, that I can let my heart be still and turn every worry and/or concern over to You, trusting for your perfect will to be accomplished. DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! ”But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8
(The author of the following poem, "Tribute," is not attributed in the book from which I took it: Leaves of Gold, Revised Edition, 1948 by D.G. Releg, Coslett Publishing Company, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.) One of my favorite poems, “Tribute,” describes true friendship. However, when I read it carefully, meditating on the words, I find it perfectly describes Jesus’ relationship with me and who He is growing me to be as I walk with Him through life. As you read this poem (typed in black), dwell on your Perfect Friend, the One who loves you most! “I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out.” Jesus, I love you because you are my God, the One who created me. I love how you chose to leave heaven to come to earth as a babe and voluntarily submit Yourself to Your Father’s will, dying in our place upon the cross. I love how you are growing me more and more into Your image each day…thank You for what you are making of me and for bringing out the best in me because of who I am in You. “I love you for putting your hand into my heaped-up heart, and passing over all the foolish and frivolous and weak things which you cannot help dimly seeing there, and for drawing out into the light all the beautiful, radiant belongings, that no one else had looked quite far enough to find.” I love how You search me and know me, that You forgive my sin when I ask, then go on to build up the good things You've placed inside me. You see all I can be, not what I have been. I love You for this! “I love you for ignoring the possibilities of the fool and weakling in me, and for laying firm hold on the possibilities of good in me. I love you for closing your eyes to the discords in me, and for adding to the music in me by worshipful listening.” I love how You turned my heart from evil to good when I accepted You as Savior and how You respectfully listen to my every prayer, answering each according to Your perfect will. “I love you because you are helping me to make of the lumber of my life not a tavern but a Temple, and of the words of my every day not a reproach but a song.” Since being saved, I’ve seen You turn my bitterness into joy, my hatred into love, and my depression into song. Indeed, You are building a Temple of my life instead of the tavern it would have been without You; You have given me a beautiful new song to sing, turning a dirge into one of triumph and celebration--all because of who You are! I love you because you have done more than any creed could have done to make me good, and more than any fate could have done to make me happy. You have done it just be being yourself. Perhaps that is what being a friend means after all.” I love you because nothing could have changed my life as You have done. You are what makes me good, and You are what makes me happy. You have done this by becoming MY God--perfect, loving, giving, merciful, compassionate, and awesome God--the One who died in my place to open Your eternal home to me. What greater gift could a friend give? Nothing! Indeed, You are the truest friend of all time! VERSES: Psalm 139:1-6 “O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” Psalm 139:17-18 “How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand. And when I wake up, You are still with me!” John 15:13 “ There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” Lamentations 3:22-23 “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” PRAYER: Thank you, Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit for loving me so greatly that You gave Your everything for me, and in so doing, You gave me life—not a life that blows in the wind, but one that is firmly rooted in You and one that will last forever in Your eternal Kingdom of love and peace. Thank You that in saving me, you began a good work that You will see to completion. I can never thank You enough for making of my life, “not a tavern, but a temple.” You are the greatest friend one could ever hope or pray for, and I thank you for being mine. DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! Matthew 4:16 “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.”
What is your greatest fear? For Timmy, it is darkness. “Mommy, Daddy, I’m scared!” Timmy bravely peeks out from his covers and calls for help. In the distance thunder crashes and lightning flashes. Shadows appear then disappear from his room. The electricity goes out, and with that, his small nightlight that sheds some light in the darkness. Dad and Mom come running. “Ouch,” groans Dad, stepping on a Lego. “Gracious,” moans Mom, stubbing her big toe on a desk leg. “We’re here, Son! We’re here. No worries,” and with that, Dad shines his flashlight into the room. “See, everything is where it belongs!” “What about under the bed?” asks Timmy. Dad shines his flashlight. “Nothing there!” “What about in the closet. Mom opens the door and Dad flashes his light in there. “Nope, nothing there! How about we just snuggle a bit, and you go back to sleep?” So they do, and Timmy does. Darkness—with its absence of light—allows so much to go wrong, from the simplicity of stepping on hidden children’s toys to evil crimes of great significance—burglaries, murders, and so much more. Unless it’s studying the beauty of God’s universe on a dark, clear night, many of us are uncomfortable in pitch darkness; it’s like being in the Oregon Caves with every source of light turned off. All are cautioned to stand still; moving without light places one at risk of falling off nearby rock shelves causing great bodily harm. Moving, e.g. living, without light in our lives is even more dangerous, for darkness—that absence of light—is life without God. This is the life that leads to feelings of hopelessness, despair, and depression. Yet God is our rescuer: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1-3 He was never about to leave us in darkness: “He uncovers mysteries hidden in darkness; He brings light to the deepest gloom.” Job 12:22 “I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them. “ Isaiah 42:16 Thus God guided the Israelites, stiff-necked then as we are now, out of darkness through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, on through Obed, Jesse, and David right up to the true light—that of His Son, Jesus Christ. “The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. “ John 1:4-5 A light that never can be extinguished…what hope! When we read and study God’s Word, the darkness surrounding us begins to fade and we begin to see God’s truths. “The teaching of Your Word gives light, so even the simple can understand.” Psalm 119:130. As we turn our lives over to Christ in faith, accepting Him as our Savior, our paths are made clear: “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’ ” John 8:12 What is your greatest fear? Could it be those dreadful two notes, E and F, played over and over and over building extreme tension before the great white shark, Jaws, strikes? Could it be skydiving, scuba diving, spelunking, spiders, heights, claustrophobia, horror movies, or a thousand other such things? No, these are not fears to dwell upon. The greatest fear should be walking in the darkness without Christ in our lives. Let us choose never to let this be! If you’ve never done so before, now is the time to ask Jesus into your heart! Let Him become your shining light…your Savior…the living water which gives you eternal life. VERSES: 1 John 1:5-7 "This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin." John 8:12 "Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 4:14 “But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. PRAYER: My dear Jesus, I live in a world that greatly needs Your light—Your truth—Your salvation. Over decades, now, You have been faithfully lighting the path before me upon which you wish me to walk. You have not only shown me the light of what is true, YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME THAT YOU ARE THE LIGHT! Each day, please give me strength, wisdom, words, and actions to demonstrate Your light to others, remembering that because I have asked You to be my Savior, I am one of Your chosen people. “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 Help me always to witness to others, especially those in my family who are dear to my heart and don’t know You, that they may walk out of the darkness into Your loving and perfect light and into an eternity with You. DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! “Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back.” Luke 6:30
Looking back on my upbringing, I will have to admit that I was raised in a very selfish family. It is true that in regard to his patients, my father, a doctor, was quite unselfish. He was on call 24/7, made hospital visits each day, and called on his patients at their homes. (So desperate was I to be with him, I would ride with him to those appointments and sit in the car while he made his visits!) Other than this, I did not see generosity or selflessness in action. The handsome income my father earned during the 1950’s-60’s and onward was used, as far as I know, solely upon our family. Without attending church, there wasn't even tithing. My mom, in truth, was a status-conscious social climber who had to have the very best of everything—clothes, furniture, homes, etc. If a neighbor purchased something, my mom had to one –up-them. If a home in a different location seemed more desirable than where they presently lived, my parents moved, with my mother upgrading everything in the new home, needed or not. Please don’t get me wrong—I do love my mom. After some very difficult years during my teens, 20’s, and early 30’s, I finally read a book, Irregular People, that helped me to understand her, and I can readily say today that my love for her is sincere, and my hope is that she is with Jesus in heaven (I believe that after she developed dementia, she accepted the Lord). Contrast this upbringing, however, with the examples I have been given throughout the years after I became a Christian. My Christian brothers and sisters demonstrated to me true selflessness and generosity, and not out of their wealth, but out of whatever little they had. There were financial donations, such as giving to overseas missions, local Gospel Missions, Crisis Pregnancy Centers, Samaritan’s Purse, Compassion International, their churches, etc. When they saw a brother or sister in need, they were quick to offer help. This might be manual labor, helping with construction, plumbing, landscaping, etc.; bringing meals to those unable to cook; transporting others to appointments; helping in the moving process, etc.. There also was great emotional and/or prayer support . . . sometimes daily for months and/or years. This is selflessness; this is generosity; this is the loving hands and feet of Jesus in action! Luke says to give to anyone who asks, but how much better is it to give without a request when we see a need. I’ve the best example of someone just like this, a woman who when she feels God calling her to give, though there be no request, does so most generously with great joy. Again—GENEROUS, SELFLESS LOVE—JESUS IN ACTION! Let us all pray to look to the needs and cares of others and give generously with joy! This giving need not be monetary, but rather, possibly even a greater giving is that of ourselves—our time, listening ears, emotional support and/or prayers. Let’s open our ears and hearts to listen to God when He asks us to give and be quick to obey! VERSES: Matthew 22:37-40 “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.’ 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 “ Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:11 “Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.” Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” PRAYER: Dear Father, I ask You to create in me not only a clean heart, but a loving and generous heart and a right spirit—one not focused upon myself and my felt needs, but upon the needs of others. Especially, NEVER let me give thinking that if I give, I will get, because You are not like a gumball machine: put in a coin and get what I want! You have promised You will provide for my every need, and I choose to trust in that promise. Let my focus be, therefore, today and always, unselfishly on others, and help me to be a generous giver, such as my friend! DISCLAIMER: I am just an ordinary woman who loves Jesus, accepting Him as Savior at the age of thirty-two and digging into the Bible ever since. How could I possibly hope to develop a heart relationship with God and trust Him with my life if I didn't know who He is?! These devotionals are written to help you journey with Christ and grow in your heart relationship with Him. However, it is essential that you examine my words, and those of all other "teachers," with God's Holy Word. Therein lies the source of all truth! |
Author Candice Mary Thomas writes about loving God and loving people! Coming to Christ at age 32 and now in her 70's, Candice knows what a difference it makes living with or without Christ as one's personal Savior. Archives
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