Welcome! Let's Do Devotions Together!

Let's grow together!
Here's how God is using the daily readings from Jesus Calling to speak into my life.
What is He saying to YOU? Share it with someone & have a BLESSED day in Jesus!

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Trained to Tune Out

"I am training you to find Me in each moment and to be a channel of My loving Presence...you can know My goodness only through your trust in Me. Understanding will fail you, but trust will keep you close to Me." (94)
This devotional thought from today's reading brings to mind how I've tried to wrestle through doubtful and fearful thoughts.  During these times I sense that I am lacking something, even if it is simply an understanding of what is. REALLY happening. I've discovered my assignment, at that moment, while quite challenging, is simply... to "tune out other voices...(in order) to dwell in Peace all day, every day!"  To "dwell in peace"  indicates that we "settle into" peace, tuning out the noises, voices and other things that confuse or complicate, in order to "settle into" God's peace. That's when His Peace corrals my worrisome, wandering thoughts.  His Peace tunes out the distracting roar and lets me simply focus on HIM.  Ah yes, even now, I am...
Moving into a restful, peaceful mindset...dmc

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

The BIG Search

"Every day provides many opportunities...Search for Me as hidden treasure. I will be found by you." (93)
This makes me think of a much loved spring tradition many families do every year...hunting for carefully decorated, trinket or candy filled, Easter eggs. Children love the the process of searching, discovering and collecting tiny hidden treasures!
Jeremiah 29:11 says that God is preparing "a future and a hope" for us. He has big plans in mind for each of us. The next 3 verses (Jer. 29:12-14) seem to indicate that we must CHOOSE to begin this big search for God and His big plan of "a future and a hope."  It says, "...when you pray ...if you look ... you will find."
God offers a big "future and a hope" plan. So now it's MY turn to respond by taking action to activate this Big Search in my own life! Prayerfully seeking God with ALL my heart, every day, at every opportunity, "to learn of (His) ways and grow closer to (Him)!"
It's not just Him activating His plan in my life...it's also about me activating my search for Him, to discover more about Him and more of the "hidden treasure(s)" He has planned for me TODAY!
The Good News is a Big Promise that when we search "with all (our) heart, (He) WILL be found!"
I guess it's like we can have Easter everyday! The Big Hunt is on...
Today's Big Plan: My Big Search for the Big Treasure...dmc

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

My Agenda...Simplicity!

"Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today's agenda. If it isn't, release it...When you follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life..." (92)
Releasing is so freeing, yet so foreign to many of us who feel responsible to plan ahead and organize every detail. I search for balance in this area of my own life; recognizing the necessity of vision without applying wisdom can create overwhelming confusion.
So, staying in step with Him helps me pace and plan much better. Today I will be...
Adjusting my Agenda...dmc

Monday, March 28, 2016

Living Close to a Giving God

What a powerful thought...God is SO giving, but we must be receptive and attentive in order to fully enjoy His "inherent" generosity! (91)
What an impacting Truth!
In my own life, when I am wrestling with any sense of detachment or discouragement, I try to honestly search my own heart...acknowledging any lack of open receptivity or confessing any tendency to be distracted. I try to quickly respond in order to readjust my own thoughts.
Generally, it involves three steps I must take:
1. Respond 2. Repent 3. Readjust
The outcome is a rewarding, overwhelming inner peace that powerfully protects my heart and mind! Phil. 4:7- "And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Grateful for His Giving Living Presence ...dmc

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Wrapped up in Idolatry?

Today, let's briefly consider one surprising way we can deeply grieve God...by transforming the blessings He brings our way into idols. "Anything can be an idol if it distracts (us) from (Him) as (our) first love." (90) This reminded me...
We were invited to a one-year-old's very first birthday party where a crowd of friends and family had gathered, bearing lots of carefully chosen gifts. However, the charming, cheery little one-year-old was mostly captured with all the feastive gift wrapping!  The people, the gifts, the whole celebration was lost behind mounts of eye-catching gift wrap.
What has caught our eye?  What has distracted us from God?  We can get quite captured with life's wrappings or even His well chosen gifts, ignoring the Gift Giver, Himself!
So, how do we enjoy God's blessings without getting all wrapped up in idolatry?
As we are enjoying our blessings, we can make it a priority to intentionally thank Him and to share the blessing with others rather than selfishly hoarding them! Ps. 34:3 helps us maintain balance. "Magnify the Lord with me, let us exalt His Name together."
We magnify Him...not the gift! We exalt His Name...not our many blessings! And HOW do we do it....
"TOGETHER"...dmc

Saturday, March 26, 2016

God's Hopeful Waiting Room

WAITING...WAITING...WAITING..."is the way I designed you to live, all day, every day. I created you to stay conscious of Me as you go about your daily duties." (89)
Waiting is usually one of our least favorite ways of spending time. Yet, I've noticed it's during HOPEFUL waiting when we tend to become more aware of God, more keenly attuned to His presence and more likely to search out His higher perspectives and purposes!
Over the years I've made numerous trips to doctors' offices, with my precious aging parents. We've often commented on how nice it is to wait WITH someone, rather than having to wait alone. Having another caring person there to chat with, makes the long wait far more tolerable and hopeful.
Because waiting can be such a challenge, I'm grateful for those who will enter Life's Waiting Room with us and just wait and wait and wait, hopeful, even when we're (not so)...
Willing to Wait...dmc

Friday, March 25, 2016

Grateful or Grumbling

"A thankful mind-set keeps you in touch with Me. I hate it when My children grumble..." (88)
We've all been around those who habitually grumble or around children who tend to fuss and whine, or even adults who love to complain. God has many, many children and I'm guessing the ones who've learned to be gracious and grateful must certainly be refreshing to Him! Zephaniah 3:14 & 17 speaks of how God rejoices over those who have a heart that rejoices! Psalm 5:11-12 tells us that they are surrounded with God's favor "like a shield."
I was especially blessed by being brought up in a home where being grateful, even awed with life, was not uncommon! Words of affirmation and encouragement were readily spoken. So, to turn that same kind of response towards God just makes a lot of sense to me.
The thought that captured me today was that when we grumble we are "casually despising (God's) sovereignty." That "a grateful attitude becomes a grid through which (we) perceive life."
How distorted our perspective can be when we choose to interpret life through the grumbling gird rather than the grateful grid!
Even more grateful...dmc

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Let Go...Take Hold!

How often do you feel like the fiber of life is a bit frayed and fragile?  Well, I believe there is good reason for that overall flimsy, floundering feeling!  Just look at all the significant changes that brew nearly every day on nearly every side...socially, financially, politically, climatically, technically, morally, etc...!  So, how does one ever manage to "feel secure, even in the midst of cataclysmic changes?" (87)
By being more and more aware of Christ's "continual Presence." By learning to "let go," releasing "more and more things into (His) care." (87)
What I especially like about this Truth is also the same Truth that challenges me...
I must let go, so I can take hold! Letting go of what fills my hand so I can fully take hold of His Holy Hand.  Letting go of what fills my head, so I can take hold of what fills His Holy Head.  Letting go of what fills my heart, so I can take hold of what fills His Holy Heart.  To hold on to what is Holy usually means... "change" is about to invade my life...or about to INSPIRE my life!
Taking Hold, Prepared to be Inspired...dmc

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

God of Abundance

Today's devo speaks of a God of "overflowing abundance" Who showers us with blessings and Who can be trusted with the "intricate details" of our lives. (86)
Although we can usually think of some detail of prayer God has not yet answered or some request He has not fulfilled, if we stopped to list all the blessings He HAS supplied... whether we'd asked for them or not... we would be amazed!
I like how my friend, Carolynn taught her 3 year old grandson about prayer. "God answers prayers like a traffic light…sometimes He gives us a green light for “yes,” sometimes He gives us a red light for “no,” but many, many times He gives us a yellow light for “wait.” She stressed that this doesn’t mean God has not answered our prayers or isn’t going to answer them. A good reminder, at any age, to wait on His perfect timing and to watch the answer unfold!
Today I am reminded of my over-and-above daddy, Kaehl Volesky, always full of life, laughter & reasons to celebrate.  He spent a lifetime generously giving of himself to others in very practical ways, including repairing nearly anything that was broken! Whenever Daddy did something, he did it in an "abundant" sort of way.  Isn't that like our Abundant, Eternal Father... repairing, renewing, restoring, redeeming? May our earthly fathers help us understand our eternal Father's Heart!  My earthly father loved celebrations and today is his earthly birthday.   So, I'm lighting a candle...
In Grateful Celebration... dmc

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

T & T Shifting

What is the great "paradigm shift that will revolutionize your life?" (85)
This brings back memories of my first car. A Fairlane Ford 500 with a tricky little gear shift. I worked hard to master shifting gears with my foot on the clutch, then slowly releasing the clutch while engaging the gas pedal. Synchronizing the two were critically important otherwise the car would choke, lunge, sputter and die! It was especially challenging on a cold day when I was on an icy incline! Needless to say...winter days in South Dakota helped me master fast & furious prayers in my Fairlane Ford 500!  However, when I successfully navigated the entire awkward process of shifting without killing the engine, it felt so rewarding!  It revolutionized my driving confidence!
Living a Thankful life while learning how to Trust is much like stepping on the clutch and engaging the gear shifting process, all at once. It takes both, being Thankful and Trusting, to empower and totally revolutionize a life!
Taking on the T & T (Thankful & Trusting) Challenge....

Monday, March 21, 2016

Salvation's Strength & Song

Today's devo speaks of the "strength and song" that is found in our relationship with God. (84)
The Isaiah 12:2-3 passage goes on to share where we gain our strength and where we find our song. "You will joyfully draw water from the wells of salvation." (Is. 12:2-3)
I am so thankful for the "wells of salvation" in my life...the people, places and opportunities God has placed in my life to refresh and encourage me, giving me more strength and many more songs.
My "wells of salvation" have come in various forms... through an old friend or a chance acquaintance, a new Truth or a well-seasoned Truth applied in a new way, through a caring smile, a kind comment, a random billboard quote, a phone call from a grandchild, a timely text message or even a hilarious email.
At just the right moment, God has given me a "well of salvation." Strength seeps into my soul and a song bubbles up in my heart!
Grateful for His Strength and Song...dmc

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Fully Giving Thanks

"Thank Me...This is like priming the pump of a well... regardless of your feelings." (83)
I have experienced this so many times. I make a conscious decision to BE thankful, no matter how my feelings are responding. It usually takes a lot of focused discipline because I am coming against my own inclination to succome to worry, fear, doubt, or whatever is weighing me down. At times, I can actually sense the push-back and I will have to intentionally verbalize my thanksgiving.
Speaking out loud helps, after all, I am hearing my own voice declare my own intentions over my own emotions! In these times, I usually have to verbally "give thanks" before I experience the emotional feelings of being thankful.
However, it really works...soon a deep sense of His Presence "clears the blockage" and gratitude overtakes my attitude... Giving thanks helps me to be full of thanks!
Thankfully His....dmc

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Untangled Thoughts

"Let the Spirit take charge of your mind, combing out tangles of deception." (82)
I especially liked this word-picture because of how I could relate to combing out tangles. Our little granddaughters have such pretty locks of hair, but when tangled need some careful taming. This is also true of our thought life.  It is so amazing how a tangled thought can be set free by combing a new truth of insight into a snagged and snarly situation. For me, it is often that new perspective that acts like a comb of clarity realigning and adjusting my frame of reference. I am SO grateful for how God's Word and Presence makes life much more manageable.
Striving to be Tangle-free...dmc

Friday, March 18, 2016

Worry-Webbing

Today's devo warns us to not get "tangled up" in tomorrow's "worry-webs." (81)
Most likely we are all familiar with "worry-webs." But, did you know, brain imaging can capture "worry-webs." They are thorny-like structures that inhibit productive thought processing in the brain.
Ever noticed how difficult it is to concentrate on a task when you are distracted by a "worry-web" that has snagged and entangled your thoughts?
Trust is a great de-snagger allowing us to have an eternal focus; free from the thorny issues that entangle us. The Holy Spirit is our "resident Tutor, helping (us) in this supernatural endeavor."
Striving to be thorn-free, web-free...dmc

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Eyes of Grace

"I view you through eyes of grace... As I fill you with My Love, you become a reservoir of love, overflowing into the lives of other people." (80)
To be "viewed through eyes of grace." To be fully known, fully loved and fully forgiven! What a blessed way to live!
My friend, Kay, shared how she loved Joshua 1:5, "I will never leave you or forsake you."
What comfort! I don't have to worry that Jesus will turn His back on me. In this world, when people you think would never do that DO do it, it's so good to know that our heavenly Father will not leave us!
Amen, Kay! My prayer is that I will be another set of His "eyes of grace" in this world! No wonder "forgiveness is at the very core of (His) abiding presence!"
What a challenge...what a privilege...dmc

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Discovery Mindset

"Instead of trying to fit this day into a preconceived mold, relax and be on the lookout for what I am doing. This mindset will free you to enjoy Me..." (79)
I was fortunate to attend a workshop with Chap Clark where he mentioned the difference between a "formation identity" and a "discovery identity" while raising kids. In one case, their identity is based on how well they learn to fit into expected "form," while in the other case, their identity is based on the "discovery" of their own personal gifts and interests. While a careful balance of the two may be wise, it's the discovery process that ends up most rewarding, more lasting; it creates a more fulfilling life!
Our spiritual journey is far more than "a preconceived mold" fashioned by a fallen world. (79) It is a God-inspired, life-impacting, day-by-day discovery! Such a freeing, fulfilling mindset!
Discovering Him in My Day...dmc

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

God's Singing

"Listen to the love song that I am continually singing to you. I take great delight in you." (78)
Think about God rejoicing over you "with singing." (Zeph.3:17) Even if I knew God was just simply humming over me, it would be THRILLING!
This reminds me of all the silly little songs Joe and I sang to our boys when they were growing up. We crafted on-the-spot songs about tying your shoes, brushing your teeth, feeding the dog, taking out the trash, going to church, and so many other life experiences. Here's one song we made up and sang often, especially when the boys would want to snuggle in-between us:

You're the crunchy peanut butter, You're the melted Velveeta;
You're the slice of Salomi, You're the Mayo and Tuna;
You're the slice of Life among us, in the middle of it all.
And we thank the Lord, He gave you to us all."
(Hmmmm, I guess...You'd have to "be there" to really enjoy it!)

When they had to memorize scripture verses or the books of the Bible for Kids Club, we'd make up a tune to sing the words to... getting it in their heads...and deep into their hearts!
Now, we do the same with our grandkids (careful to spare the older ones from too much embarrassment over our corny on-the-spot songs!)
What could we do today to give God something to sing about? Something to smile about? He wants to be...
Singing over You...dmc

Monday, March 14, 2016

Little Boys & Transformer Toys

"In the Light of My Love, you are gradually (being) transformed from glory to glory."(77)
Years ago our boys collected transformers; little toys that flipped, clicked and twisted from one thing to another....a monster truck could become a robotic man or some fierce weapon. Our boys totally enjoyed the transformation process and were quite skilled in speedy transformations!
As Christians, we are also being transformed, however, our transformation process is probably more steady than it is speedy! 2 Corinthians 3:18 says we are "constantly being transfigured (transformed) into His very won image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another." "From glory to glory," continually changing, becoming transformed into the image of Christ.
We are a little like those transformer toys. We were created in the image of God, clicked and twisted into something fierce and fallen and now, we're being transformed from glory to glory into the image of Christ.
Incidentally, the boys were also "transforming!" Day by day, from little boys into godly men! Aren't we all grateful for that transforming process!?
From Glory to Glory, Image to Image...dmc

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Overcomers Speak Out

"Trouble and distress are woven into the very fabric of this perishing world." To "overcome the world" and its "endless flow of problems" we need a Savior who has already "overcome the world." (John 16:33) Certainly, to be set free from "earthly shackles and lifted up above circumstances" and our "endless flow of problems," sounds like a difficult, daunting task... thus, we NEED an Overcomer in order to overcome! (76)
I love to learn from overcomers.  What do they have to say?  Here's a few...
Carolynn shared...
"Most who come to CR (Celebrate Recovery), including myself, are riddled with trouble and distress. As we begin our recovery journeys, learn more about who God is and how He can empower us to be overcomers with "good cheer", we are truly “freed from our earthly shackles and lifted up above our circumstances” that once kept us bound in Satan’s chains. On our recovery journeys, step by step, He shines “His peace into our troubled minds and hearts,” giving us “Joy that no one can take away.” Because of HIM, I celebrate recovery and HIS freedom."

Leslie shared the following insight...
I was just thinking how we can never live as true overcomers if we are disobedient. We cannot expect to be experiencing the blessings of His peace and joy if we are walking in disobedience, yet it's amazing that if we are obedient and submissive to Him, we can experience the fullness of His peace and joy even in the midst of trying circumstances! "As for God, His way is perfect." (2 Sam. 22:31, Ps. 18:30)

Thanks, Carolynn & Leslie for sharing from your own overcoming hearts! Great advice for all of us who are relying on Jesus' perfect perspective and His peaceful presence as we OVERCOME.
With Eyes on an Overcoming Savior...dmc

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Braided & Secure

"Waiting, Trusting, and Hoping are intricately connected, like golden strands interwoven to form a strong chain. Trusting is the central strand... Waiting and hoping embellish the central strand and strengthen the chain that connects you to Me." (75)
Today's devo reminded me of the Isaiah 40:31 passage. "But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint."
Various versions of scripture will say, "those who wait on the Lord," "they who trust in the Lord" or "those who hope in Him." The original language allows for this; weaving the three (wait, trust, hope) together much like a braided cord.
While we wait, we trust! While we trust, we hope! While we hope, we wait & trust some more! It is the most secure place, tucked snuggly amidst what we are waiting for, trusting for, hoping for! These three braided strands strengthen us and give us confidence. Our questions and requests are intricately being woven into a united network of miracles!
At times, when my faith has been especially challenged over some particular concern, I've taken three different colored cords, representing each (wait, trust, hope) and braided them together as a braid of promise...God will provide!
Waiting, Trusting, Hoping....dmc

Friday, March 11, 2016

Tales of Donkey Tails

Todays devo reminded me of when our boys were young, we had a pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey party with tons of tails and prizes! All the little guys at the party would size up the situation, don the bandanna blindfold, take a few spins and strategically aim for the appropriate "spot" on the donkey! But they were AMAZED to discover just how far OFF their carefully tagged tail was! Why? Because they underestimated how much the "spin cycle" had disoriented them.

We often underestimate just how disoriented we've become in the "spin cycle" of life. When we start to "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5:7) it will often seem ackward and challenging. Human perspective can so blindfold us and so disorient us that to accomplish something beyond our strategic human efforts absolutely requires divine intervention.

To our great eternal advantage, God wants to redirect us to the right "spot" at just the right time. The great disadvantage of human blindfolds is that they highly interfer with eternal perspectives. All the more reason why we must have willing, yielded, compliant hearts that follow His gentle nudges and promptings.

I've discovered, when God helps me to "walk by faith, not by sight," that a whole herd of donkeys have been tagged and tailed... for HIS glory! Some were even used to carry Jesus... straight into the middle of somebody's world!! (Read John 12:12-15)
Blindfolded yet Blessed...dmc

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Abandoned for Good

"You are mine for all time...into eternity!" (73) What a strong affirmation of total acceptance!
Quite often I will deal with those who wrestle with issues stemming from abandonment by someone in some significant way, at some point in their lives. Our human experience sets us up for this because we live in a relationally, spiritually suspect world where abandonment hisses and haunts from nearly every corner.
So, to hear God whisper, "you are mine for all time," directly comes against our fears of being abandoned.  One online dictionary said that "abandoned" meant to be "left completely and finally; utterly forsaken; deserted or given up on and withdrawn from."
However, "abandon" can also means to "yield (oneself) without restraint or moderation; to give (oneself) over to," much like we are invited to do when we totally surrender our lives to Christ.
So, we can be abandoned for good or abandoned for bad. Christ wants us to be abandoned for His good and our ultimate good..."for all time...into eternity!"
What a joy to live in total abandonment to the One who will never abandon us!
Captured by His love...dmc

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Cushion of Calm

Have you discovered your "cushion of calm at the center of your life, where you live in union" with Christ? (72)
As a young teenager, I recall mom encouraging me to go to my room, quiet my heart and seek God, especially when I was overwhelmed with things. That became such a beneficial discipline. It is still a strong soul-anchor that I continue to practice.
Time alone with God is the sweet solitude that strengthens me to move into my very busy, highly relational life. Since my life is basically a series of interactions with others, returning to my "cushion of calm" helps to anchor, level and empower me.
I love Isaiah 30:15b - "You will be delivered by returning and resting; your strength will lie in quiet confidence."
Returning & Resting...dmc

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Seeking God's Face

Today's devo says "Save your best striving for seeking My Face... Anything that you desire more than Me becomes an idol." (71)
We live in a generation of obsessions. Simple interests or dreams can become overwhelming desires that stir us to "striving." Some are good, some are bad and some start out good and become bad!
It reminds me of the award winning show "American Idol." While it both amazed and amused many of us, the search for a superstar soloist continued to appeal to our desire to see a worthy, obscure, least-likely take center stage. When the underdog went over the top we were overwhelmed...with cheers...and tears!!
This also reminds me of what God often does with those who "seek His face." He can do amazing things with an obscure, least-likely who faithfully keeps Him the focus and the center stage of life.
Psalm 24:6 speaks of the "generation of those who seek Him, who seek the face of God." One thing we know about a God-seeking generation...they climb "the mountain of the Lord."(Ps. 24:3)
They become God's superstars, not by kneeling at some altar of idolatry, but by diligently seeking His Face! So, today, I'm inspired to do some...
Face-Planting before His Face...dmc

Monday, March 7, 2016

Keenly Aware

Today's devo reminds us that being "keenly aware of (our) helplessness...opens up a choice: to doggedly go it alone or to walk with (Jesus) in humble steps of dependence." (70)
Helplessness can work as a great reminder... that I have an all-knowing, all-caring, all-about-it Savior who has everything under His control. Jesus is keenly aware!
I am keenly aware of my need for Him. He is keenly aware of my need for Him. So, together, we are...
Keenly Aware & Completely Covered....dmc
What a relief! :-)

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Always In All Ways

I just love the scripture for today, Heb. 7:25. "Jesus ALWAYS lives to ALWAYS make intercession for us." Always, in all ways, He is there! Always standing in the gap for us. Always praying for us. Always defending and protecting us from the enemy. Always. Always. Always.
That simply leaves me...
Always, In All Ways, Grateful...dmc

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Befriending My Problems?

My natural response is to avoid problems. Not a bad idea... just not always possible or profitable!!
Difficulties and problems are just a "given" in this fallen, hurtful world. So, to daily overcome, I must daily present them to Jesus.
Much like introducing one person to another, the problem must encounter the great Problem Solver, the beloved Burden Bearer...Jesus!
With Jesus next to me and the problem in front of me...I can simply present the problem to Jesus. It's a matter of introducing the problem to the One who knows me best and knows exactly how to overcome or optimize that problem for my ultimate good!
So, I'm making sure, every day, in every way, all the time, I'm...
Sticking Close to my Burden-Bearing Friend...dmc

Friday, March 4, 2016

Wolves of Worry

"Refuse to worry! See problems from My perspective. Live close to Me! Keep the wolves of worry at bay." (67)
Wow...it is so easy to worry. It just comes so readily. However, we are not equipped to handle worry. There's no place in our minds or bodies designed to successfully house worry. Worry wrecks havoc on our ability to think clearly and to live healthy.
So God tells us to "rejoice always, pray constantly and give thanks in everything for this is God's Will for you..." (I Thes. 5:16-18)
I've discovered that good worriers can make great intercessors.  As we turn every worry into a prayer and praise session a lot is accomplished... plus, we are living in "God's Will" believing more in Him than in the problem!
"Wolves of worry" don't hang out in the center of God's Will!
Tucked in Tight...dmc

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Learn to Discern

"Learn to discern what is My voice and what is not. Ask My Spirit to give you this discernment... My sheep know My voice and follow Me wherever I lead." John 10:4 (66)
What struck me in this devotional was the importance of discerning who's voice we are listening to...others, God's, my own doubts, expectations or some other compelling source. Wherever is comes from, if it is not God's voice, it will fragment and frustrate my life.
However, learning to selectively tune into God's voice may mean others will not understand or appreciate the unique journey God has called me to. What a comfort to know that God has set each of us apart for a carefully crafted journey He desires for us.  Gratefully, He will be our constant companion all along the way.
Years ago we watched a shepherd call his sheep and it was absolutely true... they KNEW his voice! Without hesitation, the sheep responded and readily obeyed their shepherd. All the little lambs were safely huddled in amongst the moving flock. What a lesson...as we follow Him, our "lambs" will safely make the journey, too. I want to carefully...
Follow the Shepherd & Lead the Lambs....dmc

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Re-Presenting Christ

Have you ever pondered and prayed over just how you would bring Christ's presence and perspective into a certain situation?
A simple, yet profound Truth encourages me from Colossians 1:27, "God wanted to make known to those among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is
Christ in you, the hope of glory." As we allow Christ to live IN us, we can be confident that He will BE PRESENT in every and any situation we are involved in! Just think of that!!
Our devo today said, "I fill you with My very Life. This is how I choose to live in the world and accomplish My purposes." (65) To think that Christ re-presents Himself, to the world through us, is quite staggering! We are to re-present "the hope of glory" to a hopeless, not-so-glorious world. We are called to be more than just a representation of Christ; we are called to re-present Him! That means we intentionally give expression to, who and what HE is! Why? Because hope... Glorious Hope...is produced when we display the nature and character of God.
May we be so tuned-in and fully alive in Him that our encounters are opportunities to...
Re-Present Christ, over & over, again...dmc
Happy Birthday to our grand-daughter, Trinity Dawn! A delightful God-sent little Lady Bug in our lives!

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Well Developed Trust

"When something in your life or thoughts makes you anxious, come to Me and talk about it." (64)
Difficulties can elicit all kinds of responses in us....anywhere from being mildly annoyed to intensely angry. Learning how to use difficulties in a constructive way changes the whole environment around us and in us! Since "well developed trust" comes "wrapped in difficulties," we would be incredibly wise to learn how to purposefully deal with difficulties.
I have found it especially insightful to glean wisdom from others who are familiar with difficulties. Examples: Watching our parents age graciously in the midst of challenges that come with so multiple changes & losses has been quite impacting. Walking arm in arm with others who are spiritually resilient, even in the grip of heartache, speaks deeply to my soul. These trusting souls give me reason to pause and reflect on how I can incorporate that kind of heroic trust into the fabric of my own life.
Several things I have learned: Don't become oppositional; rather, become more open to God. I do much better when I recognize how this can be used beneficially and praise God for the opportunity to fine tune a "well developed trust."
Another lesson I've learned, is how the power of praise will exponentially increase the 'opportunity index' of my mind...using difficulties as valuable triggers to index potential opportunities, praying, "God, show me how this can be used to bring You more glory?" Then, what a joy to share that 'opportunity index' with our kids, or others, so they can also maximize their own potential...
For God's Glory...dmc