Date: January 9, 2011 5:42 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
"Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD from the heavens...Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens" (Psalm 148:1a, 13).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 148:1-14
In the movie Bruce Almighty, Bruce drives down the road praying for God's direction in life. He ignores a flashing neon sign warning "Caution Ahead" and a truck full of signs warning "Dead End," "Wrong Way" and "Stop!" After ignoring every answer God sent, Bruce crashed.
in my past, I prayed that God would tell me what to do to resolve a problem. Like Bruce, I pleaded with God for direction and initially missed His reply since it wasn't what I wanted.
While studying the Psalms, I continued to read about our need to praise the Lord. Each of the last five chapters tells us that, but it wasn't the instruction I was listening for. I wanted to do something, and then praise God after my action contributed to the solution. He wanted me to praise Him. God doesn't always lead us to do something. Psalms 148-150 may be our flashing neon signs: Praise Him! Praise needn't be reserved for when a problem is solved; it should flow from our hearts continually for the One who has saved us from eternal death.
Insight: Reflect on the ordinary, the joyful, and the difficult circumstances in your life. Praise God for what He has done for you in each one.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
WORDS YOU DON'T HEAR ANYMORE.
WORDS YOU DON'T HEAR ANYMORE.
Be sure to refill the ice trays, we're going to have company.
Watch for the postman, I want to get this letter to Willie in the mail today.
Quit slamming the screen door when you go out!
Be sure and pull the windows down when you leave,
it looks like a shower is coming up.
Don't forget to wind the clock before you go to bed.
Wash your feet before you go to bed, you've been
playing outside all day barefooted.
Why can't you remember to roll up your britches legs?
Getting them caught in the bicycle chain so many times is tearing them up.
You have torn the knees out of that pair of pants so many times
there is nothing left to put a patch on.
Don't you go outside with your school clothes on!
Go comb your hair, it looks like the rats have nested in it all night.
Be sure and pour the cream off the top of the milk when you open the new bottle.
Take that empty bottle to the store with you so you won't have to pay a deposit on another one.
Put a dish towel over the cake so the flies won't get on it.
Quit jumping on the floor! I have a cake in the oven and
you are going to make it fall if you don't quit!
Let me know when the Fuller Brush man comes by,
I need to get a few things from him.
You boys stay close by as the car may not start and I will need your help to push it off.
There's a dollar in my purse, get 5 gallons of gas when you go to town.
Open the back door and see if we can get a breeze through here, it is getting hot.
You can walk to the store; it won't hurt you to get some exercise.
Don't sit too close to the TV. It is hard on your eyes.
If you pull that stunt again, I am going to wear you out!
Don't lose that button; I'll sew it back on after a while.
Wash your neck before you come to the table, you have beads of dirt and sweat all under there.
Get out from under the sewing machine; pumping it messes up the thread!
Be sure and fill the lamps this morning so we don't have to do that tonight in the dark.
Here, take this old magazine to the toilet with you when you go, we are almost out of paper out there.
Go out to the well and draw a bucket of water so I can wash dishes.
Don't turn the radio on now, I want the battery to be up when the Grand Ole Opry comes on.
No! I don't have 10 cents for you to go to the show. Do you think money grows on trees?
Eat those turnips, they'll make you big and strong like your daddy.
That dog is NOT coming in this house! I don't care how cold it is out there, dogs don't stay in the house.
Sit still! I'm trying to get your hair cut straight and you keep moving and it is all messed up.
Hush your mouth! I don't want to hear words like that! I'll wash your mouth out with soap!
It is time for your system to be cleaned out. I am going to give you a dose of castor oil tonight.
If you get a spanking in school and I find out about it, you'll get another one when you get home.
Quit crossing your eyes! They will get stuck that way!
Soak your foot in this pan of kerosene so that bad cut won't get infected.
When you take your driving test, don't forget to signal each turn.
Left arm straight out the window for a left turn;
left arm bent up at the elbow for a right turn;
and straight down to the side of the door when you are going to stop.
It's: 'Yes Ma'am!' and 'No Ma'am!' to me, young man, and don't you forget it!
Y'all come back now, ya hear.
Bring back any memories? It sure did for me !
Be sure to refill the ice trays, we're going to have company.
Watch for the postman, I want to get this letter to Willie in the mail today.
Quit slamming the screen door when you go out!
Be sure and pull the windows down when you leave,
it looks like a shower is coming up.
Don't forget to wind the clock before you go to bed.
Wash your feet before you go to bed, you've been
playing outside all day barefooted.
Why can't you remember to roll up your britches legs?
Getting them caught in the bicycle chain so many times is tearing them up.
You have torn the knees out of that pair of pants so many times
there is nothing left to put a patch on.
Don't you go outside with your school clothes on!
Go comb your hair, it looks like the rats have nested in it all night.
Be sure and pour the cream off the top of the milk when you open the new bottle.
Take that empty bottle to the store with you so you won't have to pay a deposit on another one.
Put a dish towel over the cake so the flies won't get on it.
Quit jumping on the floor! I have a cake in the oven and
you are going to make it fall if you don't quit!
Let me know when the Fuller Brush man comes by,
I need to get a few things from him.
You boys stay close by as the car may not start and I will need your help to push it off.
There's a dollar in my purse, get 5 gallons of gas when you go to town.
Open the back door and see if we can get a breeze through here, it is getting hot.
You can walk to the store; it won't hurt you to get some exercise.
Don't sit too close to the TV. It is hard on your eyes.
If you pull that stunt again, I am going to wear you out!
Don't lose that button; I'll sew it back on after a while.
Wash your neck before you come to the table, you have beads of dirt and sweat all under there.
Get out from under the sewing machine; pumping it messes up the thread!
Be sure and fill the lamps this morning so we don't have to do that tonight in the dark.
Here, take this old magazine to the toilet with you when you go, we are almost out of paper out there.
Go out to the well and draw a bucket of water so I can wash dishes.
Don't turn the radio on now, I want the battery to be up when the Grand Ole Opry comes on.
No! I don't have 10 cents for you to go to the show. Do you think money grows on trees?
Eat those turnips, they'll make you big and strong like your daddy.
That dog is NOT coming in this house! I don't care how cold it is out there, dogs don't stay in the house.
Sit still! I'm trying to get your hair cut straight and you keep moving and it is all messed up.
Hush your mouth! I don't want to hear words like that! I'll wash your mouth out with soap!
It is time for your system to be cleaned out. I am going to give you a dose of castor oil tonight.
If you get a spanking in school and I find out about it, you'll get another one when you get home.
Quit crossing your eyes! They will get stuck that way!
Soak your foot in this pan of kerosene so that bad cut won't get infected.
When you take your driving test, don't forget to signal each turn.
Left arm straight out the window for a left turn;
left arm bent up at the elbow for a right turn;
and straight down to the side of the door when you are going to stop.
It's: 'Yes Ma'am!' and 'No Ma'am!' to me, young man, and don't you forget it!
Y'all come back now, ya hear.
Bring back any memories? It sure did for me !
Thursday, January 6, 2011
+DEV+ How Sweet It I
Date: January 6, 2011 9:07 PM
Topic: +DEV+ How Sweet It Is
How Sweet It Is
"I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts...I have not departed from your laws...How sweet are your promises to my taste" (Psalm 119:100-103a).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:89-104
Are you one who resorts to eating in times of stress? You may even have a stash of chocolate for such occasions (I love chocolate). David loved God's Word (I love the Word too). Even during times of great distress, he received sweet joy and security from the Scriptures. David wanted to obey the Scriptures because in doing so they revealed God to him. When life is hard and others disappoint us, God is faithful. Problems overwhelm us; God is powerful. Loneliness and fear surround us; God is compassionate and merciful. Scripture might not give every answer to our "whys," but it does reveal the One who is always loving, merciful, and faithful.
The more we study God's Word, the sweeter it becomes and the greater our desire to obey it. Disobedience tempts our human nature, but God's Word sours the evil path which draws us away from Him. Studying His Word on a regular basis increases our understanding of who God is. As we study and obey the Scriptures, they become increasingly sweeter.
Insight: Ask God to give you a hunger for knowing Him and for obeying His Word. Run to it instead of to whatever pleases your stomach.
Topic: +DEV+ How Sweet It Is
How Sweet It Is
"I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts...I have not departed from your laws...How sweet are your promises to my taste" (Psalm 119:100-103a).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:89-104
Are you one who resorts to eating in times of stress? You may even have a stash of chocolate for such occasions (I love chocolate). David loved God's Word (I love the Word too). Even during times of great distress, he received sweet joy and security from the Scriptures. David wanted to obey the Scriptures because in doing so they revealed God to him. When life is hard and others disappoint us, God is faithful. Problems overwhelm us; God is powerful. Loneliness and fear surround us; God is compassionate and merciful. Scripture might not give every answer to our "whys," but it does reveal the One who is always loving, merciful, and faithful.
The more we study God's Word, the sweeter it becomes and the greater our desire to obey it. Disobedience tempts our human nature, but God's Word sours the evil path which draws us away from Him. Studying His Word on a regular basis increases our understanding of who God is. As we study and obey the Scriptures, they become increasingly sweeter.
Insight: Ask God to give you a hunger for knowing Him and for obeying His Word. Run to it instead of to whatever pleases your stomach.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
+DEV+ Be Still
Date: January 5, 2011 10:55 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Be Still
Be Still
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth'" (Psalm 46:1, 10).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 46:1-11
Years ago when my daughters were young, when they talked to me, I often neglected to give them my full attention. "Look at me, Dad!" they would plead. She wanted my full attention, to my full shame...
How often it must seem that the Lord has to call out to us that way when we show little interest in Him. The pressing details of life dominate when really what we need to do is be still. Psalm 46, addressing this, could be summarized: "Look at God; give Him your attention!"
We may recognize God's presence more when we are still than when we are signing up for more Bible studies or church activities. The Bible never encourages over-scheduling. But it does encourage us to be still as He writes on our heart, stirs our conscience, and whispers in our ear.
Psalm 46 tells how God directly impacts our lives. We can be still because we are safe: God is our refuge. We can be still because we are strong: God is our strength. We can be still because we are supported: God is our help. We can be still because we are in awe: God is exalted.
Insight: Be Still, Give God time to impress your heart with His attributes and bring to mind the qualities He wants to use in your life.
Topic: +DEV+ Be Still
Be Still
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 'Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth'" (Psalm 46:1, 10).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 46:1-11
Years ago when my daughters were young, when they talked to me, I often neglected to give them my full attention. "Look at me, Dad!" they would plead. She wanted my full attention, to my full shame...
How often it must seem that the Lord has to call out to us that way when we show little interest in Him. The pressing details of life dominate when really what we need to do is be still. Psalm 46, addressing this, could be summarized: "Look at God; give Him your attention!"
We may recognize God's presence more when we are still than when we are signing up for more Bible studies or church activities. The Bible never encourages over-scheduling. But it does encourage us to be still as He writes on our heart, stirs our conscience, and whispers in our ear.
Psalm 46 tells how God directly impacts our lives. We can be still because we are safe: God is our refuge. We can be still because we are strong: God is our strength. We can be still because we are supported: God is our help. We can be still because we are in awe: God is exalted.
Insight: Be Still, Give God time to impress your heart with His attributes and bring to mind the qualities He wants to use in your life.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
+DEV+ The Potential of Praise
Date: January 4, 2011 11:37 PM
Topic: +DEV+ The Potential of Praise
The Potential of Praise
"I waited patiently for the Lord...He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD" (Psalm 40:1a, 3).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 40:1-10
Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest benefit us noticeably. Others may benefit from our good health, too.
One of the greatest benefits of waiting for God to work in our lives is the potential for our situation to draw an unbeliever to Him. Others may trust in Jesus when we praise Him in the midst of our waiting. Praise does not minimize our struggle; it acknowledges His love, power and grace.
Displaying godly attitudes is one way to praise Him. We display God's forgiveness while we wait for a change of heart in the prodigal of the family. We display His love while we wait for courtesy from one who's critical. We display God's wisdom while we wait humbly for direction.
We often gauge the value of waiting according to our own benefits. Indeed, God may develop our character, redirect our priorities, or strengthen our faith. Yet we dare not overlook the potential for our praise to be instrumental in leading others to Christ.
Insight: Praise God in practical ways today. Rely on His strength; display His compassion; tell others of His faithfulness.
Topic: +DEV+ The Potential of Praise
The Potential of Praise
"I waited patiently for the Lord...He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD" (Psalm 40:1a, 3).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 40:1-10
Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest benefit us noticeably. Others may benefit from our good health, too.
One of the greatest benefits of waiting for God to work in our lives is the potential for our situation to draw an unbeliever to Him. Others may trust in Jesus when we praise Him in the midst of our waiting. Praise does not minimize our struggle; it acknowledges His love, power and grace.
Displaying godly attitudes is one way to praise Him. We display God's forgiveness while we wait for a change of heart in the prodigal of the family. We display His love while we wait for courtesy from one who's critical. We display God's wisdom while we wait humbly for direction.
We often gauge the value of waiting according to our own benefits. Indeed, God may develop our character, redirect our priorities, or strengthen our faith. Yet we dare not overlook the potential for our praise to be instrumental in leading others to Christ.
Insight: Praise God in practical ways today. Rely on His strength; display His compassion; tell others of His faithfulness.
Monday, January 3, 2011
+DEV+ Waiting with Confidence
Date: January 3, 2011 8:33 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Waiting with Confidence
Waiting with Confidence
"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (Psalm 27:13-14).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 27:1-14
David's confidence in God gave him strength. God's faithfulness sustained him as he waited for deliverance. Today's reading identifies the challenges David faced when his enemies attacked him, his parents abandoned him, and others falsely accused him. Such circumstances would threaten anyone's confidence. Yet God had proven Himself faithful in the past, so David knew He would be faithful in the future. David didn't ignore his problems; he remembered God's goodness.
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us how to obtain confidence in God, even in the midst of difficulty. If we trust God rather than trust our own understanding, we're promised He will lead us. Our own reasoning and expectations disappoint us, leaving us feeling vulnerable and fearful. Yet we are secure in the One who has always been faithful and trustworthy.
Reading the Bible regularly develops our awareness of God's provision. Some people keep a journal listing how God provides for various needs. Keep God's faithfulness in mind and see God's goodness.
Insight: Take time to recognize the examples of God's goodness that surround you. Let His faithfulness strengthen you to wait with confidence.
Topic: +DEV+ Waiting with Confidence
Waiting with Confidence
"I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord" (Psalm 27:13-14).
Scripture Focus: Psalm 27:1-14
David's confidence in God gave him strength. God's faithfulness sustained him as he waited for deliverance. Today's reading identifies the challenges David faced when his enemies attacked him, his parents abandoned him, and others falsely accused him. Such circumstances would threaten anyone's confidence. Yet God had proven Himself faithful in the past, so David knew He would be faithful in the future. David didn't ignore his problems; he remembered God's goodness.
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us how to obtain confidence in God, even in the midst of difficulty. If we trust God rather than trust our own understanding, we're promised He will lead us. Our own reasoning and expectations disappoint us, leaving us feeling vulnerable and fearful. Yet we are secure in the One who has always been faithful and trustworthy.
Reading the Bible regularly develops our awareness of God's provision. Some people keep a journal listing how God provides for various needs. Keep God's faithfulness in mind and see God's goodness.
Insight: Take time to recognize the examples of God's goodness that surround you. Let His faithfulness strengthen you to wait with confidence.
+DEV+ In the Meantime
Date: January 3, 2011 1:24 AM
Topic: +DEV+ In the Meantime
In the Meantime
"So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed [David] in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power" (1 Samuel 16:13).
Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 16:10-13, 18-21
God directed Samuel to anoint David as the next king of Israel. But years passed before David would assume that role. So what did he do in the meantime? He tended his father's sheep. He played his harp. He became the king's armor bearer. For many of those years he lived a very ordinary life while waiting for his extraordinary appointment.
We may grow restless waiting for God to work in our lives. We shouldn't devalue the significance of "the meantime." How easy it is to idealize our goal and not appreciate the process. While David waited to become king, he continued to shepherd his sheep, a task that later gave insight in shepherding God's people (2 Samuel 5:2). He became Saul's armor bearer but apparently learned more about the armor of God.
There are seasons of life when God calls us to live "in the meantime." David didn't waste the meantime. We can wait as he did, allowing God to work in our ordinary days to teach us extraordinary truths about Him. And that's what we're called to do.
Insight: While You're Waiting For God To Work, Continue To Be Diligent With The Ordinary Responsibilities He Has For You Today.
Topic: +DEV+ In the Meantime
In the Meantime
"So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed [David] in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power" (1 Samuel 16:13).
Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 16:10-13, 18-21
God directed Samuel to anoint David as the next king of Israel. But years passed before David would assume that role. So what did he do in the meantime? He tended his father's sheep. He played his harp. He became the king's armor bearer. For many of those years he lived a very ordinary life while waiting for his extraordinary appointment.
We may grow restless waiting for God to work in our lives. We shouldn't devalue the significance of "the meantime." How easy it is to idealize our goal and not appreciate the process. While David waited to become king, he continued to shepherd his sheep, a task that later gave insight in shepherding God's people (2 Samuel 5:2). He became Saul's armor bearer but apparently learned more about the armor of God.
There are seasons of life when God calls us to live "in the meantime." David didn't waste the meantime. We can wait as he did, allowing God to work in our ordinary days to teach us extraordinary truths about Him. And that's what we're called to do.
Insight: While You're Waiting For God To Work, Continue To Be Diligent With The Ordinary Responsibilities He Has For You Today.
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