Monday, May 30, 2016

Fruit of the Spirit - Goodness

The goodness of God is immeasurable. From creating the whole world from nothing for us to the goodness and mercy He shows daily, He continues to prove His love for us.

"O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him." Psalm 34:8

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

Everything we receive we must give. The Lord requires us to act justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with Him. (Micah 6:8) We can glorify the Father by letting our light shine, ( Matt. 5:16) and we are instructed, when we have the opportunity, to be good to all people. (Galatians 6:30)

I remember reading that St. Francis said to his followers, "Go out and preach the Gospel; if necessary, use words."
I still love that.

"If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn't do it, it is a sin for them." James 4:17

Being good and kind and just is the right thing to do in any situation. Being Christ-like is required for the journey to be heaven bound.

We've also been taught The Golden Rule - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Old advice that still rings true today.


Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to rest and approve
what God's will is - His good, pleasing and
perfect will.

Gratitude (Prompts from aholyexperience.com)
3 Gifts you gave today
1. Love
2. Thankfulness
3. Servitude

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Fruit of the Spirit - Patience

Patience is the first attribute of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4. I think that makes it pretty important. We all struggle with it from time to time; I'll admit I do. Awareness is the first step in changing any habit.

Again, God commands us to be patient with one another through out the Bible. We first learn that He himself is slow to anger (patient) in Exodus 34:6 and  Psalm 86:15.  Romans 9:22 tell us of His great patience.

Ephesians 4:1-2 instructs believers to be humble, gentle and patient to one another in love. Paul tells us we need to stay in "the unity of the Holy Spirit" to endeavor to keep these.

Finally, our patient God does not want any of us to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (Peter 3:9)

A Prayer for Patience
From "365 Pocket Prayers"
by Ronald A. Beers

Dear Jesus,

Forgive me. I have been more frustrated than usual. I long for you Holy Spirit to produce patience in me. I feel as if I'm losing my cool over everything. I want to be patient right away - buy how can I without the opportunity to practice patience? Your Word tells me that I need patient endurance to do your will. By enduring life's difficulties without becoming anxious or annoyed, I can be more patient. And as I grow in patience, my trust in You will also grow. Lord Jesus, you have answered my prayer for patience by bringing opportunities for Your Holy Spirit to perfect this area in my heart. When frustrating circumstances come my way, help me to react with calm dignity and quiet strength. Amen.

Psalm 86:15
But You, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger,
abounding in love and faithfulness.

Hebrews 10:36
Patient endurance is what you need now,
so that you will continue to do God's will.
Then you will receive all that He has promised.

Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.com)
A gift worn, white, whispered
1. My wedding ring
2. A skirt
3. I love you

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.





Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Fruit of the Spirit - Peace

Peace is a very important Bible concept; not just world peace, but inner peace. I truly believe that is where it has to begin, with our own inner peace. If we are peaceful inside we are better able to handle anything that comes at us on any given day. If we don't let others effect our peace, we have begun the journey. This takes training, discipline and time to cultivate, but it can be done. It is a goal I am working on, but I've a long way to go. Meditation and contemplative/centering prayer are helping me gain the inner peace I desire and, of course, spending time daily reading His word and through study.

The Bible says we are to "Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it,' according to Psalm 34:14. A believer's heart should not be troubled because, not only did Jesus leave us His peace, He gave it to us. (John 14:27). We are to strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind and live in peace. (II Corinthians 13:11)

If we have faith, we have peace with God. (Romans 5:1)

A prayer from "365 Pocket Prayer," by Ronald A. Beers.

Dear Jesus,
So many things rob me of peace - conflict, uncertainty, busyness, worry, fear. How can I have peace amid so much turmoil? Lord, I want to have the quiet, unshakable peace that comes from placing my trust fully in you, the same peace that allowed you to go to the cross on my behalf. Help me to rest in the knowledge that my treasure is truly in heaven. Amen

Psalm 4:8
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
Make me dwell in safety.

James 3:18
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.come)
3 Gifts hard giving thanks for
1. Criticism
2. Comparisons
3. Illness

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah








Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Fruit of the Spirit - Joy

I don't know about you, but when I read some of the Psalms I just want to jump up out of my chair, raise my arms and dance! They are so joyful, uplifting and full of hope.

"Joy is in the presence of the Lord!" (Psalm 16:11)

David desired to be restored in the joy of God's salvation. (Psalm 51:12)

Psalm 66:1 says, "Shout for joy to God, all the earth," and Psalm 100:2 tells us to "worship the Lord with gladness, come before him with joyful songs!"

We find in Psalm 126:3 that, "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."

There are many more Psalms that tell us of joy, but we can find it in other books of the Bible, too.

Isaiah 12:3 tells us that water will be drawn from the well of salvation with joy and the humble will increase their joy in the Lord. (Isaiah 29:19)

As a mother I agree with 111John 1:4 that says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

Did you know that there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent? (Luke 15:7)

All of this makes my cup run over with joy! In a world of chaos we need all the joy we can find. You know where to look for some.

Nehemiah 8:10 "...the joy of the Lord is your strength."

Gratitude (prompts found on aholyexperience.com)
A gift n a plate, pot, package
1. Breakfast served in bed
2. Homemade soup
3. A present from a friend

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah



Monday, May 23, 2016

Fruit of the Spirit - Love

The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is a love story about God's love for us, that gives us many instructions on how to love.

We are to love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our strength and all our mind. (Luke 10:27) God  loved us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8) by giving His only Son. (John 3:16) Love fulfills the law to love our neighbors as ourselves (Romans 13: 8-10) and we are to even love our enemies, not always easy. (Matt 5:44) Peter instructs us to respond to each other deeply, from the heart, (1 Peter 1:22) and John tell us that love is from God and you cannot know God if you do not know love. (1 John 4:7-8) John also tells us that perfect love casts out fear. (1John 4:18)

We learn in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, that love is patient, kind, it does not envy or boast, it is not proud nor does it dishonor others. It is not self-seeking, not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not rejoice in evil, but truth and protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres and does not fail.

Let your love be sincere and know that God is rich in mercy and has great love for all of you. (Eph. 2:4)

Psalm 118:1
Give thanks to the Lord,
for He is good;
His love endures forever.

Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.com)
3 Gifts found in community
1. Friends
2. Loyalty
3. Belonging

Phil 1:4 In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings, Deborah

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Why I Don't Shake My Fist at God

Why do bad things happen to good people?
Why do children go to bed hungry?
Why are there homeless?
Why are there terrorist?
Why are there poor in this world of plenty?
Why do we get cancer or diabetes or any other disease or illness?
Why do we fight with each other?
Why is there so much crime and hatred?
Why is there war?
Why are children riddled with disease?
WHY?  WHY?  WHY?

Do you know why I don't I shake my fist at God and ask Him why all these happen?

Because I'm afraid He'll ask me the same question.

Be the change you want to see in the world.

Psalm 9:10
Those who know Your name trust in You,
for You, O Lord, do not abandon
those who search for You.

Gratitude (from aholyexperience.com)
3 gifts that made you laugh
1. My pets
2. My sons
3. Slipping and s.l.o.w.l.y falling on my back in the yard on a little mound

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all you,
I always pray with joy.

Have a blessed Sunday,
Deborah





Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Do Not Be Afraid

Do you ever feel afraid? Sometimes I do. I've had cancer twice and afraid it will come back again. I'm afraid I won't be able to pay the bills caused by the cancer. I fear for my grown children and their families in today's world. This was the prayer letter I wrote to God today. Then I reached for my Bible and found scripture to help calm me.

Dear Lord,
The world can be a big scary place and sometimes I feel so afraid. I fear for my health, I fear for my finances, I fear for my family and the list goes on and on. I am just one human thinking, "I can't do all of this!" Please help me Lord. Amen.

Genesis 15:1 After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."

Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Proverbs 3:24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Matthew 28:10 Then Jesus said, "Do not be afraid."

Gratitude (from aholyexperience.com)
3 Gifts unexpected
1. A new friend
2. Blessing to many to count
3. Healing

Psalm 18:33 He makes my feet like hinds feet and sets me upon my high places.

Phil 1:4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.

Blessings, Deborah

Monday, May 16, 2016

Devotion

My all time favorite devotional is "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. The author wrote each day's devotion as if Jesus is talking to you. Very powerful, comforting and inspiring. ( The author does not know I am talking about her book and I am not receiving anything by mentioning it here.) I simply love the book and thought it worth telling you about.

Today's entry:

I AM YOUR LORD! Seek Me as Friend and Lover of your soul, but remember that I am also King of kings- sovereign over all. You can make some plans as you gaze into the day that stretches out before you. But you need to hold those plans tentatively, anticipating that I may have other ideas. The most important thing to determine is what to do right now. Instead of scanning the horizon of your life, looking for things that need to be done, concentrate on the task before you and the One who never leaves your side. Let everything else fade into the background. This will unclutter your mind, allowing Me to occupy more and more of your consciousness.

Trust me to show you what to do when you have finished what you are doing now. I will guide you step by step, as you bend your will to Mine. Thus you stay close to Me on the path of Peace.
***************************

Then she adds a few scripture verses that apply to the reading.
Isn't that beautiful?



Proverbs 19:21
"...to shine on those living in darkness and in shadow of death.

Gratitude

1. My son and girlfriends visit.
2. The beauty in this valley
3. My husband

Phil 1:4 In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings, Deborah

Monday, May 9, 2016

The Empty Chair

I borrowed a little book from my Jewish sister-in-law called "The Empty Chair," written by Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. First published in 1994, Rabbi Nachman lived from 1772-1810. His advice is as needed today as back then. I want to share a few of his insights with you.

 Don't make the same mistake
as all those people who give up
    trying to change because
they feel stuck in their habits.
 If you truly want to, and are
willing to work hard enough,
    you can overcome them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Everything in the world-
whatever is and whatever happens
 -is a test, designed to give you
freedom of choice. Choose wisely.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All beginnings require that you
           unlock new doors.
  The key is giving and doing.
Give charity and do kindness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

           Peace heals
When your own world
is fractured, increase your
knowledge of God. It will
    spawn inner peace.

When the outside world
is fractured, promote the
  search for truth. It will
  spawn universal peace.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 75: 1
We praise you, God,
  we praise You, for Your Name is near;
  people tell of your wonderful deeds.

Gratitude (prompt found on aholyexperience.com)
3 Gifts found in the dark
1. Stars
2. Moon
3. Galaxies

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Sunday, May 8, 2016

God Bless Mothers Everywhere

Psalm 139:13
For You created my inmost being;
  You knit me together
In my mother's womb.

Gratitude
1. My two mothers and my mother-in-law
2. My children
3. For all the other "Moms" who nurtured me through life.

Phil 1:4  In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings, Deborah


Thursday, May 5, 2016

Reminder That God Loves You

It was a long day with a Doctor appointment and errands. I just wanted to touch base and share a couple of quotes I found on Pinterest.

Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light
  and my salvation
 whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life,
  of whom shall I be afraid?

Gratitude (found on aholyexperience.com)
1. Street signs
2. A smile from my boss
3. Cheese and crackers

Phil 1:3  I thank my God every time I remember you.
Blessings, Deborah

 
 


Wednesday, May 4, 2016

Prayer Notebook

A couple of years ago, I realized my prayer life was not what I would like it to be. Although I prayed everyday, it fell short of the depth and meaningfulness I wanted.  I knew I wanted to make a book of some kind to organize my prayer life, so I did some research and found a multitude of resources and ideas. I started with my search browser which led me to websites and You Tube. There are just so many talented people out there!

I found Gina Garland on You Tube who has a video on how she made her Prayer Notebook. She even gives her email address in the comments, so you can send her a note and ask for her directions on how she made hers. I did this and it is a wealth of information.  This is how I set mine up using her guide. Of course I added my own touches and mine is kind of fancy, because I am a crafter. I just can't help myself. :) It really doesn't need to be more than a journal and some tabs.

I also used the smaller binder 7 1/4" x 8 3/4"  that Gina talks about. You can find them at Staples and Office Max. I like the portability of this size. I found packs of binder paper to fit this size, also. Paper is 8 1/2" x 5 1/2." Remember to click on pictures for a larger view.

Cover
 
Adoration
 
Confession
 
Thanksgiving
 
Supplication
 
I've always been able to remember the order of prayer by the word ACTS. Adoration, Confession,
Thanksgiving and Supplication.
 
 
 
In each section I added prayers, psalms, bible verses and songs.
 
A great website for printable prayers is the unveiledwife.com
The prayers are formatted like the above and you just click and print.
 
I have a section for Our Government. I found a great printable prayer pamphlet on the Billy Graham website. I feel, especially during this election year, that we need to pray for our leaders.
 
A recent website I found is rachaelwojo.com. Look for the 20 Prayer Journal prompts and this will lead you to many great items. 
 
I will be honest and say I don't use this everyday, but that is my goal. It is a great help in keeping me focused and on track during prayer time.
 
Gratitude (prompts found on aholyexperience.com)
3 Gifts found in difficult people.
1. A challenge to make them smile
2. God
3. Empathy
 
 

Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions
with all kinds of prayers and requests.
With this in mind, be alert and always keep
on praying for all the Lord's people.
 
Phil 4:6
In all my prayers
for all of you,
I always pray with joy.
 
Blessings, Deborah
 
 
 
 

Monday, May 2, 2016

Bible Journaling

The past few times I have read through my Bible in a year I haven't taken notes. This year I decided to keep a journal of my journey. I bought a Moleskin A5, my favorite size, and decorated the front. If you click on the pictures, you get a bigger view.

 
I have even decorated some of the pages inside.

I am much further along now, but this is the only picture I have. My camera batteries died on me today. *sigh*  But you get the idea. I make notes after each chapter, so when I wonder where in the world I read something, I can look in here and find what I want. Brilliant! I love the internet and the ideas I find there.
In my next post, after I buy new batteries, I will share my Prayer Journal.

I read a Psalm a day and today's was Psalm 44.
My favorite passages were 23-26.

23. Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep?
        Rouse Yourself! Do not reject us forever.
24.  Why do you hide Your face
         and forget our misery and oppression?
25.  We are brought down to the dust;
          our bodies cling to the ground.
26.  Rise up and help us;
           rescue us because of Your unfailing love.

Phil 1:4  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray for joy.

Blessings, Deborah
 
 
 

Blank Pages Can Be Intimidating

Greetings from the bower on Church St. Yes, blank pages can be intimidating sometimes. I sat looking at this one for quite some time thi...