Why do I choose to be nice...even when I am not treated nicely?
* Because God has chosen to respond to my sin with GRACE.
We are to have the mind of Christ (Phil 2:5) He died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins while I was still a sinner (Romans 5:8) It is God's grace that carries us from our sin into His forgiveness. (Ephesians2:8&9) Also, that grace was a gift of God's. Me showing grace to another person is a gift from me to them. It is only by God's grace that we are able to love anyone who hurts us. I think of the ways I have hurt God, but yet He continues to love me and continually shows His love for me in tangible ways. My passion and compassion for others is my response to the grace that He has given us. It is only by the grace of God that I am where I am today. My desire is to share that grace with others, that they may know HIM.
I Peter 4:1&2 "So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you are willing to suffer for Christ, you have decided to stop sinning. And you won't spend the rest of your life chasing after evil desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God." The same attitude there is translated- mind - in the King James Version of the Bible. If we have the same attitude of Christ we will not bend towards sin. I Peter 3:17 says "For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing" and earlier...Peter in I Peter 3:8 & 9 says "Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it." Peter says that we will be blessed if we respond to evil with good!
*God will fight our fight for us.
Romans 12:19 "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath {of God,} for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord."
Exodus 14:14 "The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."
* We need to put others first.
Eph 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Phil 2:3 - "In humility consider others better than yourselves"
This verse doesn't say that we only need to consider those people that are nice to us better than ourselves. It says OTHERS~! That is everyone - the good, the bad and the ugly~!
* We will reap what we sow~!
Galatians 6:7 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."...and it goes on to say in verse 9 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
This is just the beginning of why I must treat others with kindness...even when I am not being shown kindness. This is a choice that I must make. Please add to my list~! We all need reminders to respond to others with kindness.
Two choices on the shelf,
pleasing God or pleasing self!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Trash to Treasure
So I've been needing to clean my carpets. In the past, I've borrowed a carpet cleaner from Margaret. But this time, I decided that I needed my own. If I'm going to have dogs...I'm going to want to clean my carpets, and not have to ask a friend every time I want to clean them. All last week, I was wanting to buy one, but just did not feel peace about going to the store and putting it on my credit card. I have so many things that I want more than a carpet cleaner really! You know, I never did pray about this, but obviously the Lord knew my heart and my needs. He knows our needs even before we open our mouths to tell Him.
Well, Monday, I went out for tea and crumpets :) with Amy. It was so nice to see her again and catch up! I hope we can get together again soon. On the way home, I noticed someone had a carpet cleaner at the end of their driveway for the trash truck to take away. I was talking on the phone to my mom and said...hold on mom, I have to get this carpet cleaner....I've been wanting this exact one~! She was like, "Brook, if it's in the garbage, it's probably there for a reason. Next, it's going to be sitting in your garbage". Not to be discouraged, I stopped and put the cleaner in my trunk. Took it home and plugged it in...WALLA! It works~! I've cleaned my carpets now, and I think they look great.
I'm so thankful that God chooses to bless us~! He didn't have to do that for me. But He chose to. Now, I need to choose to bless others~!
One person's trash is another person's treasure~!
Well, Monday, I went out for tea and crumpets :) with Amy. It was so nice to see her again and catch up! I hope we can get together again soon. On the way home, I noticed someone had a carpet cleaner at the end of their driveway for the trash truck to take away. I was talking on the phone to my mom and said...hold on mom, I have to get this carpet cleaner....I've been wanting this exact one~! She was like, "Brook, if it's in the garbage, it's probably there for a reason. Next, it's going to be sitting in your garbage". Not to be discouraged, I stopped and put the cleaner in my trunk. Took it home and plugged it in...WALLA! It works~! I've cleaned my carpets now, and I think they look great.
I'm so thankful that God chooses to bless us~! He didn't have to do that for me. But He chose to. Now, I need to choose to bless others~!
One person's trash is another person's treasure~!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Books That I have read this year :)
My goal this year is going to be to read 52 books...so we'll see how I do as the year goes on.
1. Hope For the Separated - Gary Chapman (Thanks Rebekah)
2. Christian in Complete Armour - (Thanks Mom)
3. The Invisible War - (Thanks Kim)
4. A Wife After God's Own Heart - Elizabeth George
5. Creative Counterpart - Linda Dillow (Thanks Becky)
6. The Excellent Wife - Martha Peace
7. They Said It Wasn't Possible - Karen R Hurd
8. Thy Word In My Mouth - Ruth G Dewing (Thanks Angela)
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1. Hope For the Separated - Gary Chapman (Thanks Rebekah)
2. Christian in Complete Armour - (Thanks Mom)
3. The Invisible War - (Thanks Kim)
4. A Wife After God's Own Heart - Elizabeth George
5. Creative Counterpart - Linda Dillow (Thanks Becky)
6. The Excellent Wife - Martha Peace
7. They Said It Wasn't Possible - Karen R Hurd
8. Thy Word In My Mouth - Ruth G Dewing (Thanks Angela)
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Thursday, February 19, 2009
God's Promises
Knowing that the quarrel is God's surely He will not have you go forth to war at your own expense~! I am so thankful for that statement...so many times I feel like I'm in it on my own, and I forget that this is God's battle and if we are trusting in Him, it is his obligation to prove Himself trustworthy. He has bound Himself with promises that He has made in His word.
* I Corinthians 10:13 - There hath 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 ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
*James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
*James 4:7&8a - Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh unto you.
*James 4:10 - Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
*James 5:11 - Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and o9f tender mercy.
*I Peter 5:6-11 - Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him;for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
*Romans 6:14 - For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace.
*Matthew 6:33 & 34 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
*I John 4:4 - Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
These are just a few of God's promises to us, and I am thankful for them. It's not always that we remember them...but He does remember them and abides by them. Has God ever broken a promise? When Satan comes against you, remember that it is God and no other that justifies you. I John 3:20 says..."For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things." Sometimes...I think my heart starts to believe the lies that Satan is telling it...just as Eve believed his lies in the Garden of Eden, but I need to remember that God is greater than our heart. He knows everything...and it is in His love, grace, and mercy that I need to rest in.
I've been reading the series "The Christian in Complete Armour" and would recommend it to everyone~!!!!!!! Some statements I'd like to share from this book are as follows:
*One Almighty is more than many 'mighties'!
*Begin the work God has given you, and you will engage His strength for you; run from your work, and you engage God's strength against you.
*Never let the weakness of your faith keep you from the presence of God.
Thank you Lord, for the trials you have brought in my life. I only pray that I will run this race of life with patience (Heb 12:1) and may I be filled with the fruits of righteousness that You may be glorified above all(Phil 2:11). Help me to forget those things that are behind, and press forward in your grace.(Phil 3:13-15) Lord, please fill me with Your love for others. Love that is patient, kind, doesn't envy, doesn't boast, is not proud, is not rude, is never obscene, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no records of wrongs, does not delight in evil, but rejoices with truth, that always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always hangs in there, and last but not least does not fail. (I Corinthians 13) It is only through You that I am able to love as you have loved and Lord, please pour that power of yours into me. I submit myself to You and resist the devil and claim James 4:10 that he will flee from me. As the man in Mark 9:24 called out to you, I say "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" It is through faith in You that You will carry out what You have said You will do that I ask all of these things in Jesus name. Amen
* I Corinthians 10:13 - There hath 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 ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
*James 1:5 - If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
*James 4:7&8a - Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh unto you.
*James 4:10 - Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
*James 5:11 - Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and o9f tender mercy.
*I Peter 5:6-11 - Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him;for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
*Romans 6:14 - For sin shall not have dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace.
*Matthew 6:33 & 34 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
*I John 4:4 - Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
These are just a few of God's promises to us, and I am thankful for them. It's not always that we remember them...but He does remember them and abides by them. Has God ever broken a promise? When Satan comes against you, remember that it is God and no other that justifies you. I John 3:20 says..."For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things." Sometimes...I think my heart starts to believe the lies that Satan is telling it...just as Eve believed his lies in the Garden of Eden, but I need to remember that God is greater than our heart. He knows everything...and it is in His love, grace, and mercy that I need to rest in.
I've been reading the series "The Christian in Complete Armour" and would recommend it to everyone~!!!!!!! Some statements I'd like to share from this book are as follows:
*One Almighty is more than many 'mighties'!
*Begin the work God has given you, and you will engage His strength for you; run from your work, and you engage God's strength against you.
*Never let the weakness of your faith keep you from the presence of God.
Thank you Lord, for the trials you have brought in my life. I only pray that I will run this race of life with patience (Heb 12:1) and may I be filled with the fruits of righteousness that You may be glorified above all(Phil 2:11). Help me to forget those things that are behind, and press forward in your grace.(Phil 3:13-15) Lord, please fill me with Your love for others. Love that is patient, kind, doesn't envy, doesn't boast, is not proud, is not rude, is never obscene, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no records of wrongs, does not delight in evil, but rejoices with truth, that always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always hangs in there, and last but not least does not fail. (I Corinthians 13) It is only through You that I am able to love as you have loved and Lord, please pour that power of yours into me. I submit myself to You and resist the devil and claim James 4:10 that he will flee from me. As the man in Mark 9:24 called out to you, I say "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" It is through faith in You that You will carry out what You have said You will do that I ask all of these things in Jesus name. Amen
Friday, February 13, 2009
Frugal Friday
If you have pets, save your used dryer sheets. This past week, I saw on a website that you can use your used dryer sheets as a lint roller for pet hair. I was very excited about this as I use my lint roller way too much on our cream couches. What ever possessed me to buy cream slip covers for our couches when we have 2 dogs with dark hair, I do NOT know.
Well, tomorrow, I'm having my Pampered Chef party...which I'm very excited about. BUT what I was not excited about doing today was taking the couch covers off to wash them...thank God, he brought to memory the used dryer sheet. So I just tried it and I'm amazed. I will not have to take the slip covers off~! They look great~!!!!! I will be saving all my dryer sheets from now on. They also make your furniture smell good too.
YEAH for dryer sheets~!
Well, tomorrow, I'm having my Pampered Chef party...which I'm very excited about. BUT what I was not excited about doing today was taking the couch covers off to wash them...thank God, he brought to memory the used dryer sheet. So I just tried it and I'm amazed. I will not have to take the slip covers off~! They look great~!!!!! I will be saving all my dryer sheets from now on. They also make your furniture smell good too.
YEAH for dryer sheets~!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Crossing The Jordan
If we would only move straight ahead in faith, the past would be opened for us. But we stand still, waiting for the obstacle to be removed, when we ought to go forward as if there were no obstacles at all...
When the Israelites went to cross the Jordan, it's waters were opened once they set foot in it. Can you imagine having the faith that the waters were going to split and there would be an open path to walk on. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says we are to walk by faith and not by sight. That raised the question in my heart..."How often am I walking by faith?" and that is in all circumstances??? How many times do you think we stand aside and wait for God to part the waters for us...and then we will step forward. I think Satan uses this to keep us quiet...God has not given us a Spirit of fear, and He is greater than he that is in this world. We have the victory through Jesus Christ who gave himself as an sin-offering for us.
I found this poem today...and really like it
Chance has not brought this ill to me;
It's God's own hand, so let it be,
For He sees what I cannot see.
There is a purpose for each pain,
And He one day will make it plain
That earthly loss is heavenly gain.
Like as a piece of tapestry
Viewed from the back appears to be
Only threads tangled hopelessly;
But in the front a picture fair
Rewards the worker for his care,
Proving his skill and patience rare.
You are the Workman, I the frame.
Lord, for the glory of Your Name,
Perfect Your image on the same.
When the Israelites went to cross the Jordan, it's waters were opened once they set foot in it. Can you imagine having the faith that the waters were going to split and there would be an open path to walk on. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says we are to walk by faith and not by sight. That raised the question in my heart..."How often am I walking by faith?" and that is in all circumstances??? How many times do you think we stand aside and wait for God to part the waters for us...and then we will step forward. I think Satan uses this to keep us quiet...God has not given us a Spirit of fear, and He is greater than he that is in this world. We have the victory through Jesus Christ who gave himself as an sin-offering for us.
I found this poem today...and really like it
Chance has not brought this ill to me;
It's God's own hand, so let it be,
For He sees what I cannot see.
There is a purpose for each pain,
And He one day will make it plain
That earthly loss is heavenly gain.
Like as a piece of tapestry
Viewed from the back appears to be
Only threads tangled hopelessly;
But in the front a picture fair
Rewards the worker for his care,
Proving his skill and patience rare.
You are the Workman, I the frame.
Lord, for the glory of Your Name,
Perfect Your image on the same.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Washington Monument
Yesterday, I was able to go up the Washington Monument with Rebekah and her sisters. Thanks Rebekah for getting the tickets. I really liked seeing DC from the top. It's amazing to see all the monuments from this one place. I always remember the first time that I ever saw the Washington Monument. We had went to DC for a class trip. It was on Mr Sartain's Birthday...and he was turning 30~! We sang Happy Birthday to him 30 times that day. I always think of that every time I see it.
One of my favorite Monuments is the Lincoln Memorial...and here's what it looks like from the Washington Monument.
Here is my 2nd favorite monument. The Jefferson Memorial. I had never been to this one until last year when my parents and Sarah were here. I love what is inscribed on the walls here. When we went to visit...a spider fell down on my mom's head from the ceiling. Of all the people there, and it chose her head. I think she will forever remember that.
One of my favorite Monuments is the Lincoln Memorial...and here's what it looks like from the Washington Monument.
Here is my 2nd favorite monument. The Jefferson Memorial. I had never been to this one until last year when my parents and Sarah were here. I love what is inscribed on the walls here. When we went to visit...a spider fell down on my mom's head from the ceiling. Of all the people there, and it chose her head. I think she will forever remember that.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Going Green
So as many of you know, while I was at home this fall...I learned how to make Laundry Detergent...and I love it. I'm so thankful Rayne persuaded me to try. She has made it and used it for a long time...and loves it also. Since doing this, I've really wanted to start making my own cleaning supplies, fabric softener...everything. I want it to be more natural and I don't want to be paying so much for good cleaning supplies. So this last week I've been researching making some of my own things. Thursday, I made Fabric Softener, and I tried it yesterday....Lo & Behold, it worked~!!!!! And it's much cheaper than store bought stuff...and I can change the scent when I want. This one was Cucumber Melon :) I also tried making Rug Freshener, also Cucumber Melon scent...it was great~!!!! I'm so thankful to be able to start making these things on my own. I would love to start making more scents and have some products ready for the Farmer's Market this summer. Last night, I started getting things together to try my hand at making a Powder Laundry Detergent, and from what I've read, you can use it in front loading washing machines. I've been having a hard time finding all the ingredients out here...I guess that's why we have Amazon.com right.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
My New Do
So I've been wanting to cut my hair for sometime. I finally made the decision on Thursday...and called to make the appointment immediately before I changed my mind. Then Friday night, I did my hair...and loved it long. This caused me to have some question as to what I was going to do on Monday when it came time to get it cut. Infact, on the way there, I told my sister-in-law, I think I'm just going to get it trimmed...I'm not quite ready for it to be short yet. YIKES~!!!! I got to the salon, and told the girl to just do whatever she wanted...and this is what I came out with. I LOVE IT~! I just hope that I can do it again after I wash my hair. You know how that is. I absolutely love the Paul Mitchel School Salon in Tysons Corner. I've gone there 3 times now, and the students always do a great job~!
I need to blog more often
Another week has flown by again...God has been teaching me so much, and I wonder how I can even blog this all to make sense...so I think I need to make a commitment to be blogging more often~!!!! I've been listening to a series on James, and I'm loving it~! I'm learning so much...and so thankful to have found this.
James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you face trials of many kinds; Knowing, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
The testing of our faith proves the genuineness of our perspective of God. What are our reactions to trials? Are reactions show what we think about His character, His sovereignty, and His promises. Do we believe what He says in His Word? Do I believe that He works all things for the good of those who love Him? Do I believe that He has a purpose for everything that He brings into my life? Even the people that I meet day to day...the places I go...where I live...everything~!
So what is my view of God? What is your view of God?
1. Do I believe that he does not know or control the future?
2. Do I believe that He knows, but does not control the future?
3. Do I believe that He knows the future, but does not control it?
4. Do I believe that He knows and controls the future?
Trials do have purpose...
* to test our stregnth of faith and obedience
* to humble us
* to wean us from our dependence of worldly things
* to foster a desire to be with Christ
* to help us discover what we really love
* to value God's blessing
* to develop us for greater actions - to help others
One statement Rae made was "Your husband is not a perfect man. He has failures...I know this isn't new news, but as a wife, those failures are going to be your trials in life. God has brought your husband into your life for you to grow through these trials. It is not your job to change him. It your your job to grow through these trials. How you react to these trials is your test." I thought that was sooo good. not only is this true with our spouse, but it's also true with every person that God brings into our life and allows us to interact with. We need to be focusing on ourselves...getting the log out of our own eyes.
God's plan is a perfect plan and for that I am thankful.
James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you face trials of many kinds; Knowing, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
The testing of our faith proves the genuineness of our perspective of God. What are our reactions to trials? Are reactions show what we think about His character, His sovereignty, and His promises. Do we believe what He says in His Word? Do I believe that He works all things for the good of those who love Him? Do I believe that He has a purpose for everything that He brings into my life? Even the people that I meet day to day...the places I go...where I live...everything~!
So what is my view of God? What is your view of God?
1. Do I believe that he does not know or control the future?
2. Do I believe that He knows, but does not control the future?
3. Do I believe that He knows the future, but does not control it?
4. Do I believe that He knows and controls the future?
Trials do have purpose...
* to test our stregnth of faith and obedience
* to humble us
* to wean us from our dependence of worldly things
* to foster a desire to be with Christ
* to help us discover what we really love
* to value God's blessing
* to develop us for greater actions - to help others
One statement Rae made was "Your husband is not a perfect man. He has failures...I know this isn't new news, but as a wife, those failures are going to be your trials in life. God has brought your husband into your life for you to grow through these trials. It is not your job to change him. It your your job to grow through these trials. How you react to these trials is your test." I thought that was sooo good. not only is this true with our spouse, but it's also true with every person that God brings into our life and allows us to interact with. We need to be focusing on ourselves...getting the log out of our own eyes.
God's plan is a perfect plan and for that I am thankful.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
"David Found Strength In the Lord his God"
I Samuel 30:6 says "David found strength in the Lord his God" I found this interesting in my devotions today ~ Sometimes God reserves the right to withhold others and to pull you aside with Him so you can experience His strength. The KJV says "David encouraged himself in the LORD his God." Many times we may go to others for encouragement, when the Lord is right there with us waiting for us to call on Him. He desires to meet our needs just as a mother desires to meet the needs of her children.
At times, I think of myself, being out here in Virginia. God has given me some friends here, but I feel as if I'm here alone. Most of my friends and all of my family is in Wisconsin. Sometimes, I think to myself, why did God bring me all the way out here? Why can't I just live by everyone else and have them to do things with. This devotional helped me to realize that God just wants me to be with Him. I do not need to busy my time with doing things with people...I need to spend my time wisely that He has given me and use it as an opportunity to grow through His Word. I need to seek His friendship and rely on Him for my strength and encouragement.
I've arrived at a conclusion,
maybe one of life's rare finds
that there's not a lot worth salvaging
within this heart of mine.
It's ever ready to destruct
and lie above all things...
It tends to laugh when it should cry
and mourn when it should sing
I've waited countless hours begging,
"Fix this heart, Lord, please!"
while it stomps its feet, demands its way
and floods with sin's disease.
At last, you're able to get through
and lay it on the line:
You must give up that heart of yours
and trade it in for mine."
So I cry out with the psalmist,
create within me, Lord
A new heart crystal clear
that only Calvary could afford.
A heart which pounds the rhythm
of heaven's metronome
and issues forth a boundless love
and beats for You alone.
I want to love that which You love,
despising what you hate
and see myself as least of these
oh Lord, retaliate
The efforts of the evil one
who seeks to make my plea
that of his own, "I'll make no move
til I've considered me."
Peel away my fingers,
finally make me understand
the power to love and please You
can't be found within a man.
So, my Lord, I bring this offering;
a stubborn heart of stone
And ask You, in it's absence,
please exchange it for Your own.
Beth Moore
At times, I think of myself, being out here in Virginia. God has given me some friends here, but I feel as if I'm here alone. Most of my friends and all of my family is in Wisconsin. Sometimes, I think to myself, why did God bring me all the way out here? Why can't I just live by everyone else and have them to do things with. This devotional helped me to realize that God just wants me to be with Him. I do not need to busy my time with doing things with people...I need to spend my time wisely that He has given me and use it as an opportunity to grow through His Word. I need to seek His friendship and rely on Him for my strength and encouragement.
I've arrived at a conclusion,
maybe one of life's rare finds
that there's not a lot worth salvaging
within this heart of mine.
It's ever ready to destruct
and lie above all things...
It tends to laugh when it should cry
and mourn when it should sing
I've waited countless hours begging,
"Fix this heart, Lord, please!"
while it stomps its feet, demands its way
and floods with sin's disease.
At last, you're able to get through
and lay it on the line:
You must give up that heart of yours
and trade it in for mine."
So I cry out with the psalmist,
create within me, Lord
A new heart crystal clear
that only Calvary could afford.
A heart which pounds the rhythm
of heaven's metronome
and issues forth a boundless love
and beats for You alone.
I want to love that which You love,
despising what you hate
and see myself as least of these
oh Lord, retaliate
The efforts of the evil one
who seeks to make my plea
that of his own, "I'll make no move
til I've considered me."
Peel away my fingers,
finally make me understand
the power to love and please You
can't be found within a man.
So, my Lord, I bring this offering;
a stubborn heart of stone
And ask You, in it's absence,
please exchange it for Your own.
Beth Moore
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