Waiting...Never Easy but Necessary!

I was asking God to give me a verse from the Bible which will re-affirm the promises He has given me and at the same time help me write today’s devotion. I believe that there is no other verse more appropriate than this key verse:

 

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

The bible compares God’s words to something we can relate to…the rain and the snow. We have all learned the cycle of water during our school days. Even though the cycle continues, each rain drop falls into this earth with a purpose. We probably can’t see what it does on this earth. All that we see is the tangible and visible results of its efforts. It waters the earth and brings flowers, fruits, grains, vegetables and all the green that we see around us. That one tiny drop of rain or snow that falls on the ground has its part in making this earth so beautiful.

God reminded me that the words that He has spoken to us are like that. You might have received the promises from God while you were dry, thirsty, and in need. In the same manner, this earth received a rain drop while it was dry. Now you are in that period of waiting; waiting to see your promise fulfilled. You are waiting to see that tiny bud, but remember there is a process behind it. You may not see or understand everything that is happening around you, but in due time, the bud will spring forth. It will produce its fruit in its appointed time.

 

In the Old Testament, we read that God showed Joseph many visions about him becoming the ruler over his brothers. Did that happen in a day’s time? Between the visions and the actual fulfillment of the promise, lots of things had to happen according to God’s plan. Joseph falling into the pit did not prevent the promise from being fulfilled. While he was at Potiphar’s house and in the Pharaoh’s jail, God was still training him for the promise.

 

God wants to remind you that His words will not return to Him empty; it will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. You might not see it right now, but it’s working out its purpose. God is training you, preparing others, changing your environment, creating new opportunities and is cleaning out the toxicity from your life. If God has promised you a ministry so that you will be a channel to bring forth salvation to the ends of the earth, He will do so. Every encouraging letter you write, every exhortation you say, every devotion you post, every message you speak will not go in vain. You might not see the people you are influencing or the changes you are making in their lives through Jesus Christ, but it will perform its purpose.  And one day, you will see many saved across the world through your efforts. Let me encourage you with this verse from the bible: “For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it lingers, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. ” (Habakkuk 2:3)

Steadfast!

Simple is Best

As parents, we love to give our children the world. As a result, when we experience financial difficulty and can’t provide them with as much, we end up feeling down on ourselves.  Birthday parties are one of the activities that might cause parents to feel pressure. 

 

These days, birthday parties have gotten so out of control where parents are spending a small fortune just to entertain 20-30 children.  What happened to the days when the children had limits to whom they were going to invite, and making the event small but just as eventful, because it meant that mom and dad were thinking about you on your special day?  There were also the days where we spent our birthdays with our family members and enjoyed a small family gathering with minimal gifts, if any.  Remember that birthday parties do not have to be extravagant. The simple thought of loving your child and giving what you have to offer is best. 

Proverbs 12:25 says: “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (ESV). Don’t put the pressure on yourself. Children will be happy with anything.  As long as they are loved and entertained to some extent, they are happy.  Gathering small groups of friends and/or family members goes a long way.  Doing a simple activity where the children can share, have social communication and enjoy being children can be just as fun and less expensive. Don’t try to compete with the next best thing or the next birthday party. Remember, simple is best!

 

 

Be Content, Resist Debt

The pressure begins and the debt rises! There is tons of advertisement looming you in to capitalize on the latest sale; a Black Friday sale.  Can you truly afford to go shopping or are you simply getting into more debt?

 

Unfortunately, people feel the stress of buying gifts for the holidays.  What happened to the days were hand-made gifts were a blessing?  Ladies would bake casseroles and bless a family for dinner.  There wasn’t a need to spend all of this money. A sweet thought and gesture went a long way. 

 

I encourage you not to lose focus of the meaning of the season.  Yes, it’s gratifying to purchase a gift for a family member or friend, but it doesn’t have to cost us a small fortune in order for it to be meaningful.  We should resist getting into debt and purchasing more than we can truly afford.  Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”  Don’t be drawn into all of these sales, racking up the credit card bill, and then being a servant to the lender you owe all of this money too. 

 

We also have to ensure we are being content with what we have and what we are able to afford.  Hebrews 13:5 says, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For he himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you." Don’t compare yourself to others. Get creative with your giving. If you can’t afford buying a gift, consider making a gift. You can also give of your time by helping someone in need or running an errand for a person.  Be content and resist getting into debt!

Count Your Blessings

What are you thankful for? Regardless of your current situation, we should always give thanks for the blessings we do have.  “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT).

 

 

Meditate on this poem by Karl Fuchs and begin counting your blessings!

 

 

More Than A Day

As Thanksgiving Day rolls around
It brings up some facts, quite profound.
We may think that we're poor
Feel like bums, insecure
But in truth, our riches astound.

 

We have friends and family we love
We have guidance from heaven above.
We have so much more
Than they sell in a store
We're wealthy, when push comes to shove.

So add up your blessings, I say
Make Thanksgiving last more than a day.
Enjoy what you've got
Realize it's a lot
And you'll make all your cares go away.

In God We Trust

Hopefully, you took the time to put in your vote for this year’s elections.  It’s fascinating to go through the process of doing your research on the candidates and proposed amendments, and then make your selection.  And to think that many nations don’t have the privilege that we take for granted; the freedom and right to vote!  Although, we have this great benefit, we can’t lose focus of who our trust should rest upon. 

 

 

Engraved on our coins, we have the words “In God We Trust.” This should continue to be our focus regardless of who is in office.  We need to pray for the leaders of this nation so that the decisions made are truly for the people and in line with the word of God. Psalm 33:12 says “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” 

 

So lets join in prayer for this nation.  Pray for God's mercy and blessing to continue. "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14) 

Being Grateful

There are difficult moments in our life. We may go through a marriage separation, custody battle, the loss of a child, etc… However, even in these moments, we need to find peace and be grateful for what we have.  Being positive through these types of situations will help us deal with what we are going through. 

At times we tend to focus more on the negatives and the what-ifs like if any of that is going to bring us peace. It won’t!  Negative thinking will keep the hurt stirring and will give the devil the right to ponder in our thoughts.  We need to let ourselves move forward and allow God the time to help us heal. Find refuge in positive thoughts and ponder on how there are others worse off than we are.  “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4)  We have to learn to surround ourselves with positives vibes, people and things that will help us realize that we are fortunate for what we do have and not take it for granted.  God has given us the gift of life and it is for us to make our lives the best we can; living always for His glory.  Ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” 

Just yesterday I had the opportunity to watch a case on TV where a woman was suing her potential husband-to-be because he wanted to donate his unborn child’s organs.  You see, the baby in her womb was going to be born with a malformation of the brain.  The baby would at most last a year and then die.  The father, once the baby was passing, wanted to donate his daughter’s organs to those little ones who would need then.  The mother wanted nothing to do with it.  As a mother I understood where she was coming from, but at the same time, she was going to have the opportunity to give birth, have life in her arms, express the love for her child, and potentially help someone else live. She was stuck on her ways and wasn’t allowing herself to see the blessing of her child’s organs living in someone else.  In a sense her daughter would still be alive through that other little angel.  “But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.”   (Jonah 2:9)

Sometimes we drown ourselves in our sorrows and negativity and get blinded by what God is trying to do in our lives.  Praises and glory be given to God for everything you have.  Remember you have more than most and God will always provide regardless of your need.  Be grateful, stay positive and move forward with the gift of life.

 

Blessing of Motherhood

“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children arise and call her blessed…” (Proverbs 31:26-28).  What a blessing it is to be a mother!

 

It’s easy to get baffled by motherhood.  We exhaust ourselves cleaning up the house, running around after the kids, doing laundry, taking care of their boo-boo’s, figuring out what meal to cook for them, worrying about them, helping them with school work, trying to be good role model, instilling in them the word of God, and the list goes on.  I’m getting tired just thinking about it.  No doubt, the workload of a mother is huge.  However, none of this takes away from the blessing of motherhood.

 

The bible says “her children arise and call her blessed”.  We are blessed by God when we seek to honor him and through the wisdom he provides, work at raising our children.  I was recently raised with a dilemma that I struggled to explain to my daughter.  I had to pray and seek the Lord for guidance, but as a result, I was able to have an open conversation with her.  We were both able to share our concerns and thoughts and at the end agree on what steps to take. 

 

Let’s be honest moms, we can’t pretend to have any hope of doing a half decent job with our kids, if we don’t seek the Lord for guidance.  It’s tough, but we can do it!  And as we journey through motherhood, let’s enjoy our children.  They say we need to work hard and play hard.  I think most of us focus on the working hard and forget the playing hard.  Have fun! Be silly with your kids.  Dance around, play, laugh and rejoice!