4/29/21 4/29/21

Devotion How Shallow Am I? Spiritual Discernment?

Read:Matthew 15:5-12

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. --Colossians 2:8-9

Jesus sometimes appeared amazed at the obtuseness of his disciples. By then, they’d been with Him for quite some time. They’d witnessed miracle after miracle, including the provision of multiplying bread--twice!

They’d heard His teachings. Surely, they could have figured out Jesus didn’t need to chide them for not bringing enough bread.

They had seen His demonstration of power in healing the sick, casting out demons and stilling the storm. They knew Jesus explained present circumstances through parables and Old Testament prophecies. Nevertheless, when Jesus asked a question, they immediately assumed He spoke of physical needs.

The disciples showed little spiritual discernment and even less faith. It was for this reason Jesus chided them. Many of us have grown up with the Bible and the availability of Sunday School, church, and other Christian activities.

Yet, how much spiritual discernment do we have? Are we more shallow than the disciples? Have we allowed tradition and a bit of teaching here and there to substitute for spending time communicating with Jesus and getting into His Word?

Are we easily manipulated and misled, rationalizing our entertainment choices, as well as substituting our own desires for God’s? Do we shrug our shoulders at abortion, alternate lifestyles, pornography, debt, and divorce? By our choices, do we deny our Lord?

What we believe reveals the state of our hearts. When we separate ourselves from communicating with and listening to Jesus and His Word, we are no longer following His will, His way or His Word. We’ve become shallow, weak imitations easily led away in sin.

Help me, Lord, seep myself in You and Your Word that I might have spiritual discernment and not be misled or manipulated by my rebellious heart or to allow Satan to turn me away from You. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Philippians 4:6-9T
Tuesday: Galatians 1:6-9
Wednesday: Colossians 2:6-10
Thursday: II Timothy 2:15; 3:1-5
Friday: Psalm 119:1-11
Saturday: Psalm 42

4/27/21 4/27/21

Devotion God Hates Sin: Loves the Sinner--ME?

Read: I Corinthians 10:1-14, 23, 31

There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it. --1 Corinthians 10:13

Eve listened to the serpent and ate of the forbidden fruit. Did she smile when she turned and tempted Adam? Did he merely wish to please his wife when he chomped his teeth into the fruit and ignored God’s plain admonition to not eat it?

The serpent said doing so would enlighten them. It did that. What he failed to mention were the consequences, already clearly laid out, that disobedience would open them to the world of evil as well as good. They found death, terror, and fear. They lost their innocence, their security, and their dependence on their Creator.

They forfeited an intimate relationship with God and a perfect world for momentary pleasure and a world twisted by evil, hate, loneliness, and death. Is it any wonder God hates sin? He knows the devastating results.

Joseph’s older brothers became so consumed with hatred and jealousy, they lost their reason and critical thinking skills. They were so focused on hatred they planned to murder their own brother until they found a horrifying alternative--sell him into slavery. They meant what they did for evil. From then on, uncertainty, fear and guilt followed them—even after discovering Joseph was alive.

What of Korah? Was he not as important as Moses? He thought of himself so highly he chose to not only defy the leader God had chosen, the man who led them out of years of slavery in Egypt but also misled others in his rebellion. The consequences were grave--death for the rebels and their immediate families.

God hates sin because it leads to harm of self and others. It is destructive, and a vehicle for more evil. Out of fear, the Israelites refused to go in and conquer the Promised Land. Their disobedience brought them 40 years of wandering in the desert until the adult population died. Their sons and daughters were the ones who entered the land promised by God.

David committed murder out of fear his adultery would be exposed. It was revealed anyway. The son of that affair died soon after birth. Though his repentance restored his fellowship with God, the seeds of his actions took their long-term toll on his family and his people. God really does hate sin, because he knows there are always negative consequences.

How lightly do we take sin--if we admit that word into our vocabulary at all? Do we fudge on taxes, cheat on a test? Have we taken towels from a motel, glasses, etc. from a restaurant? Have we taken the mind we gave to Jesus and filled it with a profusion of adultery, fornication, violence, greed, and other sins in our search for “entertainment?”

Do we rationalize our sin, calling it by some other name? Excuse ourselves? Do we not realize there are consequences for not following God’s principles? Our choices matter for ourselves, our families, and who knows how far our choices for good or evil will reach. What we do in the privacy of our homes, with our families, and on the internet does matter.

Help me, Lord, maintain a clear and clean conscience before others and before You. If there are things in my life that do not please You, show me and give me the courage and strength to eliminate them from my life and home. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Numbers 16:1-14
Tuesday: Deuteronomy 1:19-36
Wednesday: Genesis 3
Thursday: Exodus 20:1-17
Friday: Romans 6:23; I Peter 4:12-19
Saturday: Psalm 37:27-40; Acts 24:16

c) 2018, 2021 Carolyn R Scheidies
Feel free to share.
From Listen! Who me?
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4/11/21 4/11/21

Poetry How do I start my day?

What a way to start the day.
Did I start today?
With a groan and complaint?
Growling through the day.
Or did I start with
Blessings and Praise,
With God’s Word open,
Letting the Holy Spirit speak into my life?

Starting my day with peace, and hope, and light.

I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart;
I will tell of all Your wonders.
I will rejoice and be jubilant in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.—Psalms 9:1-2 (NASB 2020)

4/8/21 4/8/21

Devotion Salvation more than a single action

9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.
11 Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing. —1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (NASB 2020)

Christians talk about Salvation as though everyone knows what it means. Yet over time, the meaning has been simplified and dumbed down until even many individuals of faith have only a small inkling of the depth of what this word implies.

True. We are SAVED when we realize our need to accept Jesus into our lives as our Savior, our center, and our hope of eternal life with Christ. This original decision is a work of God’s grace, His unmerited favor called Justification —just as though we never did wrong.

This is a past action for those who’ve made this choice. But if this is all you know, it will be difficult to grow in your walk of faith. Salvation means so much more than a single action.

Salvation is also a present action as we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. The work of Sanctification is growth as we deepen our relationship with Jesus and our knowledge of His Word.

Salvation is also future. When He takes us home with Him and we share in His final triumph, we are saved forever in him.

Glorification is another element of Salvation. What we need to know is that God has this. He cares, is there, loving us and working for us past, present and future. How can I not trust the One who died and rose again to offer me such a gift?

That is Salvation.

3/21/21 3/21/21

Devotion. Victor or Victim

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; —Hebrews 5:8-9 (KJV)

Who am I to get mad at God when life gets difficult, tragedies happen and things don't go as planned? Jesus was God. He didn't have to go along with His Father's program for humankind.

Jesus didn't have to leave Glory to live in poverty, be ridiculed, and have no earthly home. He didn't have to allow Himself to be tortured and murdered and treated like a common criminal.

He did it out of trust in His Father and love for us. Nothing that happened to Jesus was His fault. Can we say the same? Nothing that happens to you or I rises to the level of what Jesus went through. He took responsibility. He lived without recriminations, or turning His back on His Father. He trusted, and in that trust offered a way for you and I to know life—now and forever.

Jesus was, is a victor, not a victim. In Him, we can be victors, too. It's a matter of trust—and obedience.

Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve the LORD. —Joshua 24:14

3/19/21 3/19/21

Devotion The Trust Factor—Respect

There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. —Joshua 21:45

We don't trust or respect God. We don't trust He is good, that He has our ultimate best in His plans, that He actually cares enough to answer our prayers. We don't trust or we'd make different decisions.

Often, we are determined to do things our way, in our time and on our schedule.

We consult and listen to those we respect and trust. The truth of how much we truly honor God is in time spent with Him, time in His Word, time seeking His will, listening when He speaks, and following His principles and guidance.

When was the last time you asked...and waited for an answer. When did I? It is a matter of respect, of trust--and choice.

Help me, Jesus, not just claim to follow You, but actually do so. Amen.

3/12/21 3/12/21

Devotion poetry My Will—Yours Lord

Lord Jesus,
You are my Savior
I pray to and praise Your name
Even though the path is rough
I will trust You care, are there

Remembering how Your presence in the past
has protected,
provided,
and brought peace.

You are faithful, Lord,
I will stand on Your Word
And offer You what You want most
My heart,
my mind,
my will.

My hands I raise to You
In grateful praise.
Find in surrender that
I know forgiveness,
peace and hope...
Abundantly.

Isaiah 25:1 O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt You, I will praise Your name; for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

3/3/21 3/3/21

Devotion True & Honest Witness?

Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.

Even our courts no longer hold to this standard. What about me, do I accept what someone says without investigating the matter for myself? Do I pass on something I heard from media reports, a whisper, or a word and end up harming reputations or hurting relationships because I eagerly accepted the unconfirmed information?

Am I too eager to pass on a juicy tidbit? Am I too willing to become part of the cancel culture without checking out the truth beyond media agendas and spin?

Deuteronomy 19:18b-19 ... if the witness has lied, and has testified falsely against his brother; Then shall you do unto him, as he had thought to have done unto his brother: so shall you put the evil away from among you.

Passing on falsehoods whether in court or daily life is evil. God judges such behavior harshly. Am I careful in conclusions reached, in checking things out, before passing things on?

Help me, Lord, not be a gossip and always be an honest witness to the truth.

2/22/21 2/22/21

Devotion A Time to Rest and Refresh

How often do we give and give until we have nothing left physically, emotionally, and spiritually? Even Jesus got away to refresh and recharge.

Jesus, while on earth, didn't reach out simply on His own strength. He knew the source of strength, of hope, of compassion was His Father. We try to reach out in our strength and wisdom and exhaust ourselves.

We forget it isn't about us, but about God working through us. It is relying on Him. It is also taking time to communicate with Him, absorb His Word and allow times of refreshing.

Sometimes we just need a break. When guilt assails, we need to look at Jesus' example. If He needed time away, how much more do we? We are no good to anyone totally depleted.

Give yourself permission to be refreshed. One way is to start each day in God's Word and with prayer.

II Corinthians 1:4 Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2/19/21 2/19/21

Devotion Games We Play

Proverbs 16:2-3 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weighs the spirits. Commit your works unto the LORD, and your thoughts shall be established.

We like to play the game of “let's pretend,” rationalizing our thoughts/words/actions. The trouble is, playing the game and rationalizing is dishonest. It is a lie.

We cannot live a lie and live the abundant, joy-filled life God intends for us. We may fool others. We do not fool God. He IS honesty and integrity.

Dishonesty puts a barrier between us and God, brings darkness instead of light, and ends up hurting the very one you so want to protect--yourself.

Help me, Lord, to stop playing games with truth and be honest with You (who already knows the truth), with myself, and with those around me. Amen.

2/2/21 2/2/21

Devotion The People of God Shall be Strong

...but the people that know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.--Daniel 11:32b (KJV)

In today’s society, surrounded by material possessions, untold entertainment, and the pressure to keep our faith to ourselves, many of us are all too willing to do just that. Sharing Christ can be embarrassing, even detrimental, to our work or school environment and even to friendships.

We often go about our daily lives, leaving Jesus for Sunday and church and not much else. We’re very good at hiding our light. But God is not the God of apathy, fear, or inaction.

He calls us to be strong and do exploits in His name. He clearly calls on us to fight the evil forces around us and to speak and stand up for what is true and good and right for ourselves, our families, and our culture.

Jesus calls on us, not to hide away, but to show forth His word and His light and to make a difference in the world for Him. This is the time to stand. This is the time to hide God’s Word in our hearts and let Jesus direct us into taking action as God’s people.

This is the time to work against the forces of darkness and evil that seek to destroy our nation, our culture, and our families.

It is time to stand against the forces that seek to destroy the most vulnerable among us from the pre-born baby to the helpless, elderly, and the disabled. We need to stand against forces that teach that life does not have intrinsic value.

This is the time to stand before another holocaust sends evil agents to your door because this time it is your life that is forfeit. Such a future doesn’t need to happen today or tomorrow if God’s people will fill their hearts and minds with His Word and power and stand strong in faith and trust against evil--evil often parading as tolerance or an alternate lifestyle or some other politically correct view.

Such action must start with a right relationship with Jesus Christ, move to earnest prayer for our families and nation, and then wait for God’s guidance and direction. We will only be successful if we fight in His will, His time, and in His way.

Help me, Lord, be informed and sensitive to the issues of the day. Help me to view them from your perspective, not mine by meditating on Your Word. Also, give me the courage to speak up and stand firm for righteousness and truth, no matter what, but do so in truth--and love. Amen.

Meditations: Read Psalm 28
Monday: Mark 11:15—19; Proverbs 1:7
Tuesday: Proverbs 8:13, 12:1; 16:2-3
Proverbs 17:15, 18:5; 25:5,11
Wednesday: Psalm 18:1-6, 17-24, 32
Thursday: Jonah 1-2
Friday: Jonah 3-4
Saturday: Psalm 40

1/24/21 1/24/21

Devotion Am I Loving God by my Actions?

Read: Matthew 22:34-40

Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. --Matthew 22:37

Loving God with every aspect of who I am? That’s not simple or easy. What does it entail? We can’t even know the depth of the verse in Matthew unless we read, meditate, and study God’s Word.

We need to not simply read a verse here or there, hit or miss, but we need to be reading God's Word every day. This allows God to fill us with His perspective, principles, and guidance. We also need to be in regular communication with Jesus.

Can you imagine letting days, or weeks go by without talking or discussing things with your best friend? Would you ignore emails, posts, or letters sent? Umm. How often do we claim Jesus is our Savior and friend, yet ignore His Word and stop communicating with Him? Hard to know His direction without His input.

What happens when I ignore Him? Much easier to scream at the kids for messing up the living room or not cleaning their rooms. Much easier to sneak a look at that racy show that caught my interest, though it promotes everything God says is harmful to those He loves and created. Much easier to take offense at something said or done. Loving God--not with my mind.

Without His guidance, it is easier--and without as much guilt—to pass on that juicy piece of gossip. And complaints, they get easier, too, whether about the neighbor's tree branch that hangs over the fence or about the city blocking streets for construction. Instead of trying to help, I judge my neighbor for how she cares for her children. What a terrific witness I make with my better-than-thou attitude!

Loving the Lord, with all my heart, soul, and mind--and my neighbor as myself. Whew! I have a lot of maturing to do and it starts with a commitment to study God’s Word and to communicate with and listen to the One who loves me best--Jesus.

Help me, Jesus, not only claim I belong to You but help me to show both by my speech and actions that, indeed, I do love You with all my heart, soul, and mind. Help me practice loving others as I follow You. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Deuteronomy 6:4-25
Tuesday: Mark 12:29-44
Wednesday: Luke 10:30-37
Thursday: Romans 3:9-10; Galatians 5:14-16
Friday: Ephesians 4:21-29
Saturday: James 2:1-10 & 4:8

1/22/21 1/22/21

Devotions. Exposing & Fighting Evil

Jenni sighed and put down the paper. The statistics on abortion legislation depressed her, not so much because of the article itself, but due to the gross inaccuracies evident within the story.

“So-called ‘facts’,” she mumbled cynically, “produced by the vested interest of pro-abortion lobbying organizations.”

She shook her head, saddened by the overwhelming magnitude of self-interest proliferated by the media without regard to truth. Remembering the violent immorality of the movie she and her husband had started to watch on TV the night before, she shuddered. How could anyone broadcast such awful stuff, knowing that children watch television, often without much supervision?

She recalled reading about lawsuits perpetrated by pornographers against regular, everyday people who want to shop without exposing themselves or their children to violence and pornography in pictures, posters, magazines and videos. Women and children are degraded in horrific ways. The music companies were almost worse.

Jenni sighed again. How futile her own small efforts seemed. Why even bother? Nothing changed. In fact, the release of horror and porn, and evil got worse every year. And yet, the quote from Edmund Burke flashed in her mind. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

God called her to light a candle. Sitting down at her laptop, Jenni typed out a letter to the media and social media. How often do we feel like Jenni, but give up in despair and do nothing, say nothing

The Bible tells us to “Expose evil.” But how can I fight such pervasive evil? God does not expect us, or any individual, to right all the world’s numerous problems. He expects only that each of us be available and faithful to obey Him when He calls us to step forward as His witness of what is good and true and righteous. Not more, but not less.

Have children? Our task is to love them and raise them to love and follow Jesus. Maybe He is calling you to write a letter, call a friend, volunteer at church or a local pro-life center. Maybe there is a way to share Christ through your attitude and actions at work as well as through words of encouragement.

In the right circumstances, and by listening to the leading of Christ, share God's Word. We need to be faithful to God's guidance. That means asking Jesus to live through us with a light that “exposes evil.”

And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.--Ephesians 5:11 (KJV)

Help me, Lord, not become so overwhelmed by the evil I see around me that I forget You are in control. Help me remember, that with Your guidance, I can do any task You ask of me. Amen.

Meditations:
Sunday Read: I Peter 3:10-16
Monday: Ephesians 5:1-11
Tuesday: Colossians 3:1-15
Wednesday: Ephesians 6:11-18
Thursday: I Timothy 6:11-14, 17-21
Friday: Romans 12:16-21Saturday: Isaiah 40:29-31; Daniel 11:32b

1/18/21 1/18/21

Devotion God is Good and There in Time of Need

Read: John 10:1-15

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. --John 10:11

“I am the good shepherd, “Jesus said. “I am the door.”

In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but through me.”

Throughout the Bible, in illustration after illustration, God lets us know that the One to turn to in times of need is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only one with the answers for the problems that beset our daily lives.

Whether war erupts, or our neighbor threatens to sue over some minor disagreement, Christ has an answer and way to deal with the situation without hate or revenge, and with an attitude that leads to freedom regardless of what happens with the situation.

While it is easy to speak in platitudes about God’s love and care, most of us wish for specific direction. How?
First, we need a close, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Without Him, our lives will be adrift with our own will and way.
Second, we need to spend premium time reading, studying, meditating and memorizing God’s Word every day. Why is this important?

Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”

Following Jesus means knowing His Word.

Third, each day we need to spend quality time in prayer, worshiping God, asking His blessings and direction for our lives, confessing our sins and turning from them, and praising God for who He is.
Fourth, regardless of circumstances, we need to commit to doing things in God’s way, and in God’s time.
Finally, the key to positive problem solutions is our willingness to obey and follow the God we claim to serve, believing He truly is the “Good Shepherd” who will not lead us astray.

Thank you, Lord, that You are a good God and have my best interests in mind. Help me be willing to both seek and follow Your, not my, solutions to the problems I face each day. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Psalm 23
Tuesday: Matthew 11:28-30
Wednesday: Psalm 34
Thursday: Psalm 136
Friday: Psalm 27
Saturday: Psalm 86

1/17/21 1/17/21

Devotions Whom Do I Serve with my Time and Resources

Read: Matthew 6:19-24

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. --Matthew 6:21 (KJV)

Work! Work! Work! We strive to earn an extra dollar or to pay for that new car (when the other one might hold up for a few more years), for a new, larger, house (when, with some creative planning, the present one would serve), for that vacation (when did vacations become a “right” or a “need” rather than a “want?”) All those hours, all those wish lists end up with bottomless debt.

There are all sorts of rationalizations for spending long hours working, reasons for leaving children in the care of a nanny or in other child care--adding to the expenses that need to be paid. All in the pursuit of some nebulous “dream.”

Some work simply to pay bills, living paycheck to paycheck. Many have no idea what their income or expenses even are. Yet, often expenses--such as expensive cars, eating out, etc.-- are not necessary and could be cut to meet income.

If we were satisfied with fewer and less expensive clothes, shoes, gifts, travel and entertainment, less expensive housing and transportation, we could manage on far less income. If we cut back our lifestyles, we’d have more time for our family. Maybe then, we’d also have more time for God.

In our busy schedules, how often do we stop, relax, take time to ask for God’s direction before charging ahead with our own plans, expecting God to fall in with and bless our plans?

He won’t. He doesn’t bless when we’re more concerned with career or volunteer work that siphons time away from family (however noble). He doesn't bless when we're more interested in buying “things,” than in investing time and effort in people, especially with our own families. (Do I really need to go shopping--again?)

Such pursuits are self-centered, not God or other-centered, and do not help our witness or further God’s kingdom. They also further shred our relationships with spouse, kids, family, and friends.

How often do I warm a pew a Sunday, feeling smug that I never miss church with my family, while ignoring my family and their needs the rest of the week? Maybe it is time to prune my lifestyle, commit to a budget, and make sure I give my best, not just leftovers to those closest to me.

Help me, Lord, to begin putting You first in my life and my home. Help me listen to You, reading Your Word, not only alone but also with my family. Help me get my spending habits under control and make sure to have my priorities in order. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: Matthew 6:33; Ephesians 4:24-32
Tuesday: Philippians 2:3-13
Wednesday: Titus 2:1-8
Thursday: I Peter 3:5-9Friday: Psalm 63
Saturday: Romans 12

1/15/21 1/15/21

Devotion Exercising Spiritual Discipline

Read: I Timothy 4:7-12

But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.--1 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

Today, many individuals seem to be out jogging. There are even baby strollers created for taking along that little one. Others exercise in one of the hundreds, or thousands, of gyms operated all over America--even the world. Healthful eating habits and exercise are common buzzwords in advertisements and conversations. Maintaining physical health takes desire, commitment, and follow-through.

More important than physical health is our spiritual well-being. Sometimes we forget that, like physical conditioning, spiritual health takes planning, time, training, and discipline.

Every day, we’re faced with choices--good and bad. When we choose God’s Way, we’re strengthening those spiritual muscles. When we choose our own way, we lose momentum and spiritual ground.

What steps can we take to make sure we’re gaining, not losing, ground in building up our spiritual health?

We need to commit to reading God’s Word every day. We also need to study and to memorize-- hiding God’s Word in our hearts for guidance and direction. Regularly reading God’s Word is a spiritual discipline. Doing so in the morning sets the tone for the day.

Though dragging ourselves out of bed Sunday morning may take effort, Hebrews 10:23-25 asks us not to forsake the fellowship of other believers. Fellowship encourages us in our walk of faith and lifts us up. We hear a message from God’s Word, and weekly fellowship gives us the opportunity to receive and reach out in love and care to others.

Consider ways to incorporate both physical and spiritual exercises, doubling benefits. (Example: practice Bible verses memorized while jogging.)

Help me, Lord, make a commitment to being spiritually as well as physically fit by putting my walk with You and knowing Your Word as a top priority in my life. Amen.

Meditations:
Monday: II Timothy 3:16-17
Tuesday: Hebrews 12:1-3
Wednesday: II Timothy 2::4-7
Thursday: Hebrews 5:12-14
Friday: I Corinthians 9:24-27
Saturday: Psalm 119:9-16

12/8/20 12/8/20

Poetry Count the Blessings

Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endures forever. —Psalm 136:1

We look before and after,
And desire what we have not;
Instead of being thankful,
For all that we have got....
Loving family, caring friends,
To support and lend an ear:
But most of all for the Savior,
Who is always near.

Help me Lord, count my many blessings, and be content with what I do have...you. Amen.

12/2/20 12/2/20

Devotion Oh Give Thanks

Read: Psalm 106

Praise ye the Lord, O give thanks unto the lord; for He is good: for his mercy endures for ever.--Psalm 106:1 (KJV)

Oh, give thanks to the Lord!
But not this evening.
I had a rotten day at the office
and have this beastly headache.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord!
Not now! Not when I’ve put up
with the kids squabbling all day.
Jimmy messed his diapers on the way to the store. What a mess!
Besides, I may be coming down with the flu.

Oh give thanks to the Lord! Good grief!
How can I give thanks
when my favorite aunt just died?
We were so close, and I wasn’t ready for this.

For all our many and varied excuses, God’s Word doesn’t change to suit our vacillating moods or circumstances.

Philippians 4:4 (KJV) reads, "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice."
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) reads, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Most of our problems, big or small, cannot compare to God’s love, care and power. By complaining and refusing to be thankful, we imply God either isn’t strong enough or doesn't care enough to help us in our times of need.

By our negative words and actions, we deny ourselves the comfort of His presence to lift us up and give us a new perspective on our circumstances.

Do I truly wish always to be unhappy, dragging down my family, friends, and everyone around me? Or do I wish to look up and let God’s life, laughter, and love flow through me, changing my perspective and my attitude?

Help me, Lord, remember to give you thanks, no matter what the circumstances or no matter what my mood. Please, help me develop an attitude of gratitude. Amen.

Meditations: Psalm
Monday: 9
Tuesday: 34
Wednesday: 47; 66
Thursday: 75
Friday: 92
Saturday: 95
(c) 2018, 2020 Carolyn R Scheidies
From Listen! Who Me?
Feel free to share

10/28/20 10/28/20

Devotion Ask His Direction or Go My Own Way?

Joshua 9:14-16 And the men (of Israel) took of their (Hivites) provisions and didn't seek counsel at the mouth of the LORD. And Joshua made peace with them (the Hivites), ... to let them live: and the princes of the congregation swore to them. ...at the end of three days ...they heard that they were their neighbors and that they lived among them.

It is easy to think, “Hey, I can handle this situation and not bother God about it.” The problem is—when we do we mess up.

As the Israelites discovered, all the physical evidence in the world can lead us to believe a lie because we don't have God's perspective. In doing things “our way” we're actually in rebellion against God. Not a good place to be, as the Israelites discovered. We need to look up and follow Him, not our own logic or rationalizations.

Joshua 9:19-20a But all the princes said ...We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them. This we will do to them; we will even let them live, lest wrath be upon us,...

Lord, help me seek your guidance for my life and not depend on “doing it my way.” Amen.

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10/18/20 10/18/20

Devotion Staying on Track—Don’t Be Misled

Satan doesn't care how He gets God's people off track as long as he does so. One way he trips us up is to get us entangled with details of life and faith that take time and energy, but that leads others away rather than to Christ, divides rather than unifies, and makes us more concerned with format and legalism than a living relationship with and faith in Jesus.

Timothy 1:3c-5 ...charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of true faith:

We need to be wise to Satan's tricks, and always, always realize we are saved by God's gift of grace not by works which we do. It's about allowing Jesus Lordship in our lives, not about earning our way. About following Him, not “me.”

I Timothy 1:15 (KJV) This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

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