Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Psalm 25:15-16

My eyes are continually toward the LORD,
For He will pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn to me and be gracious to me,
For I am lonely and afflicted.

Psalm 25:15-16


This one spoke to me today because I've been feeling particularly lonely lately. I found myself praying to God for help in my life and crying out to Him "I can't do this alone, I need help" and His response was "No, you can't do it alone." I need to focus my eyes continually towards Him.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Bible Verses 3

They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness
And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness.

Psalm 145:7 (NASB)

Being faithful to your spouse or significant other:

Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 26:41 (NASB)

And a little Christmas:

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14 (NASB)

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Colossians 4:12

As usual, here is today's daily devotional verse because it spoke to me.

Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ,
sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his
prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.

Colossians 4:12

It's even more powerful if you read the devotion at http://devotions.proverbs31.org/. It is the December 8 devotion, entitled 365 Days of Blessing. She talks about how her present at a gift exchange was an ornament with a note that the giver would pray for whoever received the gift everyday for the next year.


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23 (NASB)

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Christmas: John 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God....And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:1, 14 (NASB)

You have to understand, I love Christmas. And when I say 'love', I mean it. It is my favorite time of year. I love the music. I love the decorations. I love the religious meaning. I. Love. Christmas. (its also the only time of year I get presents because my birthday's the 21st so I'm sure that's also a factor)

On a normal year, I start decorating on Nov 1 because once Halloween is over, it is Christmas time in my world. My record is five trees in a one bedroom apartment (none full size but still).

This year's been different. I just moved. I'm not sure if the move was a good idea. I've been feeling depressed, trying to figure out what to do with my life, I also have little free time and so the Christmas nazi (nickname based on a tv show) has yet to really make an appearance.

So this verse this morning was just what I needed. And now I have a song from an old Christmas children's play in my head that was based on this verse.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Psalm 106:3

This is definitely one of those verses that has completely different connotations in different translations:

My bible is the New American Standard Bible translation:

How blessed are those who keep justice,
Who practice righteousness at all times!

Psalms 106:3 (NASB)

The bible used by my daily devotional is the New Living Translation:

“There is joy for those who deal justly with others and always do what is right.”

Psalm 106:3 (NLT)


Yes, it basically says the same thing, but it feels different to me. Thoughts?

Friday, November 11, 2011

Psalm 107:13

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble;
He saved them out of their distresses.

Psalm 107:13 (NASB)

Monday, November 7, 2011

Philippians 2:12-13

Although I rarely look to Paul's writing for inspiration (I should really post about what I view as my own religious texts one of these days, because I have an interesting concept to say the least), today's daily devotional (which was only verse 13 by the way) struck a cord.

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now
much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God
who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Philippians 2: 12-13

And since it's November, a few things I am thankful for: My friend Katie who is one of the few friends I can say "And then God told me..." to who won't think I'm weird or crazy. My friend Bobbie who is always there for me and who has no qualms about setting me straight when I'm being stupid. She also feeds me pretty frequently. My boyfriend who does his best to take care of me even when I don't won't him to and who loves me to the best of his ability. And probably more than anything else, my family who is always there for me, no matter what.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Daily Devotional Verse Update

Here's a few recent verses that spoke to me:

First up, God's plans (our running theme).

Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)

I personally do not like Paul, but this is just too good of a verse to pass up:

For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10 (NASB)

And I think I just like this one:

I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the
gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.

Ezekiel 22:30 (NASB)

Monday, August 29, 2011

Bible Verses 2

Here's several verses that have struck a cord within me over the past week or so:

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Romans 10:17 (NASB)

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,

Psalms 30:11 (NASB)

Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.

Ephesians 5:33 (NASB)

And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NASB)

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 (NASB)

Friday, August 12, 2011

Romans 8:31

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Romans 8:31 (NASB)

Monday, August 8, 2011

Hebrews 10:35-36

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

Hebrews 10:35-36 (NASB)

I really just like these God's plans verses don't I?

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

God's Plans

Do you ever feel like someone else is living the life you should be living?

I've been feeling like this a lot lately. And the other day when I was driving home from visiting my parents, the thought crossed my mind and I asked "God, why is she living MY life?"

And God answered me.

He said "Yes, she's living a life that you could have had, if that was the path I chose for you to follow. But I chose something different for you. I have plans for you that don't include that life."

Readers, this was just what I needed to hear. I'd been obsessing over this issue for a few days and really needed to get my head on straight.

Thanks, God.

Jeremiah 29:11 (again) - For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Romans 8:38-39

My friend Jasmine posted this one on Facebook this morning. So true, and I had to post it.

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

Monday, August 1, 2011

Joshua 24:14-15 -- a verse from yesterday's sermon

“Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

Joshua 24:14-15

A few things that were said in yesterday's sermon upset me (including a comment regarding prayer in schools because I believe in the separation of church and state), but this verse managed to worm its way into my brain in spite of my criticisms of the service.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Habakkuk 3:17-18


Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NASB)

Psalms 34:4

"I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears."

Psalms 34:4 (NASB)

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Luke 10:38-42

Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42 (NASB)

The daily devotional this was inspired by implores us to do three things: (1) Stop worrying (2) Start praying and (3) Keep thanking God.

http://devotions.proverbs31.org/2011/07/when-worry-makes-me-wonder.html

Friday, July 8, 2011

Isaiah 55:8

Once again, today's bible verse from my daily devotion adds to my on going theme of God's plans.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.

Isaiah 55:8 (NASB)

Recently I had a friend who was upset over the way her life is going. Since I'm not too keen on the way my life is either, I can sympathize. Knowing that she is Christian and was recently baptized, I just looked at her and said "God's plans are not your plans." And we had a little tiny moment of fellowship.

Do you remember my post about being unhappy about my life? About how everyone is married and having babies? Well, my cousin with only one child just announced that she's pregnant again.

And I find myself looking in a mirror and saying "God's plans are not your plans."

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Proverbs 25.28 - Self Control

Like a city that is broken into and without walls
Is a man who has no control over his spirit.

Proverbs 25:28 (NASB)

The New International Version makes it a bit clearer:

Like a city whose walls are broken through
is a person who lacks self-control.

Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)

The theme of my daily devotionals today (I have two) was self control. One spoke of how we should respond to tense situations instead of reacting and causing more issues. This definitely spoke to me because I have a temper and can fly off the handle at a moment's notice. I definitely need to learn to respond instead of react.

Links:
http://lysaterkeurst.com/2011/07/reactor-or-responder/
http://devotions.proverbs31.org/2011/07/self-control.html

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Matthew 14:31

Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14:31 (NASB)

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

James 1:21

Today's devotional verse:

Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:21 (NASB)

The devotion talked about how for a plant to grow and flower properly, you have to deadhead. This makes perfect sense to me, my mother and father are gardeners. :) And while deadheading is work, its worth it.

The same goes for our lives. We need to cut out the bad for the good to thrive. We need to put aside the filth and wickedness, find humility and save our souls.

I'm reminded of one of my favorite movies here - Boondock Saints. "Destroy all that which is evil. So that which is good may flourish."

Friday, June 24, 2011

Ecclesiastes 7:14

To go with our 'God's plans' theme a little, today's verse is --

In the day of prosperity be happy, But in the day of adversity consider-- God has made the one as well as the other So that man will not discover anything that will be after him.

Ecclesiastes 7:14 (NASB)

God makes the good days and the bad days. Thus you cannot know what your future holds.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Proverbs 10:9

He who walks in integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will be found out.

Proverbs 10:9 (NASB)

Another translation makes a little more sense:

“People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.” Proverbs 10:9 (NLT)

What I take from this is pretty basic: Follow God and walk safely, don't and you're in trouble.


I'm still working on giving my troubles to God.

And I haven't been to church in months. Not for want of desire to go, but because I was not impressed by the new pastor at my church. I know I should go, but I just can't make myself. I should be better about it.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Proverbs 24: 17-18

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles; Or the LORD will see it and be displeased, And turn His anger away from him.

Proverbs 24:17-18 (NASB)

I think this is the most appropriate response to recent events.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Weirdness

But its weirdness that proves God is listening.

Yesterday while talking to my mother about our family, I was mentally bemoaning my singleness, my childlessness.

You see, two of my cousins are married with children -- one wed ten years ago at the mere age of twenty and they've been blessed with two children in recent years; the other met, married and had a child with her husband within the last four years. Both of them are older than me, but my younger brother is also married although they haven't had children yet.

And here I am, approaching thirty, with a boyfriend that talks about marriage but who may not follow through and I'm still undecided whether I even want to have kids for a myriad of reasons. However if I don't have my own, I will adopt.

Thirty. Unmarried. No children.

This is not how I expected my life to turn out. At all.

And this morning, I open up my daily email devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries to find "Answer Envy" -- when God answers your prayers but for someone else. When God tells you no, but someone else yes. She specifically mentioned miscarriages and having to go to yet another baby shower at church.

And I went, "Okay God, I hear you. Once again, my prayers are answered on your terms, not mine."

But as we've discussed before its such a hard concept to grasp. And even harder to follow through on.

Honestly, I'm not very happy with my life. I have a lot of debt, from school and from credit cards, plus my car. I work two jobs and can barely keep my head above water, let alone pay off any of my debt. Plus I can't find a job in my field so not only do I work two jobs but both are way below my education level. I want to get married but can't afford it right now.

And I know that God will provide. I know that He never gives me more than I can handle, even though it may seem overwhelming its really not.

But...I do have a family that loves me and helps when they can, even if its just sending me a Wendys gift card so I can eat a few meals. My parents' finances are worse than mine, but when I visit I never leave empty handed. My mother even mailed me a devotional book that I forgot to bring with me when I left after my last visit! I have friends that make sure I don't go hungry -- my awesome roommate and one of my best friends from law school. I have a boyfriend drives me crazy but who does love me and who does his best to take care of me, even though I tend to resist.

I know my life isn't horrible, I just wish that I had the job I went to school for and that my finances were a little better. I know that God will answer my prayers one day. I just hope its soon.

Link to the daily devotional that inspired this post - http://devotions.proverbs31.org/

Monday, April 25, 2011

My Favorite Part of the Easter Story: The Theif

And one of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!"

But the other answered, and rebuking him said "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

"And we indeed justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."

And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!"

And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."

Luke 23:39-43 (NASB)
I think why I love this passage is because it shows that you can be saved even in the last hour of your life, no matter what you have done.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Yet another trust God and let him lead the way Bible verse:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…” Proverbs 3:5

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Bible Verses 1

He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them. That is why I use these parables, For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.

Matthew 13:11-13 NLT

Just for comparison, this is what my personal bible says. Its the New American Standard Bible translation.

Jesus answered them, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.

"For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.

"Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Current Reading List

I went to the library recently and found myself selecting several Christian fiction books. Actual fiction not my usual inspirational romances (or as one of my friends calls them "Amish porn" - no offense to the Amish, I actually kinda like their religion and totally respect them for living without modern conveniences).

Here's what I picked up:
  1. Unafraid by Francine Rivers. Its the last book in her series Lineage of Grace. The series explores the stories of "five unlikely women who changed eternity" - Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary. Unafraid is Mary's story.
  2. The Priest, also by Francine Rivers. This is the first story in her Sons of Encouragement series and explores the story of Aaron. The other books are about Caleb, Jonathan, Amos and Silas. With both of Rivers' series, I thought I'd give them a chance and if I like them, then I have another eight books to enjoy. I haven't started either yet.
  3. Daughter of Deliverance by Gilbert Morris. This is Rahab's story and seems to have an underlying romantic story. I have started this one, and enjoyed it so far. However, I skipped some stuff. We all know that Rahab ends up a prostitute and the first part of the book tells how that happened. Knowing where she was going to end up, it was difficult for me to read and enjoy. However there is some important stuff in the first part. For example, Morris explores her apparent unhappiness with the gods of Jericho -- she doesn't think the prostitutes at Ishtar's temple are appropriate and she basically doesn't feel like the gods care. But she also wonders how the Israelites can just believe in one God. I'm looking forward to finishing it and will try to post my reaction to it, as well as the other books I checked out. This is also part of a series - the other books are about Jacob, Moses, Joseph, Abraham and Noah. Hmmm I definitely need to read the Joseph book, he is one of my favorites.
I also got two books on American history - one on women who influenced the Revolution and one on unknown heroes of US history. It was funny, I went in looking for books on the Civil War and left with one on the Revolution. Not really sure how that happened.

And to go with my apparent theme of God's plans for you -- "So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!" Psalm 31:24

Saturday, February 19, 2011

How I End a Freak Out

So last night I started freaking out over a variety of things (mainly money) and when I hit the point of tears, I went to bed. By the way, most of my freak outs like this are primarily caused by tiredness, so going to bed was the best option. So I turn out my light, curl up and wrap my hand around the cross I'd chosen to wear yesterday. I collect crosses and frequently just grab one on my way out the door.

As I lay there, the phrase "God never gives you more than you can handle" entered my mind. I started repeating that to myself over and over. Then Jeremiah 19:11 popped into my head again, about God's plans. And then a song - You Never Let Go by Matt Redman (which I had heard on the radio yesterday) popped into my head. The chorus starts "Oh no You never let go through the calm and through the storm." and that line joined the repeat in my head. I started reciting the 23rd Psalm to myself - "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."

And with all this in my head, I drifted off to peaceful sleep. And this morning, even though my worries are still there, I'm not so freaked out about them. As hard as it is, I just need to focus on the fact that He has plans for me and that He is with me always. And that no matter what happens, He will not give me more than He knows I can handle.

Its kind of nice to think that God knows you're capable even if you don't.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Favorite Bible Stories 1 - Joseph

I really love the story of Joseph. I watched one of the cinematic versions on TV last night and I always want to cry when he tells his brothers that he's Joseph and that he has forgiven him and then when he sees his father...*sniff*

I just think its a beautiful story, as well as one with many layers. You see the guilt the brothers have, their need for punishment. And I personally get annoyed with Jacob. If he hadn't played favorites, nothing would have happened. But then again, its kind of hard not to play favorites when you're tricked into marrying one woman when you love another.

I never quite understood how the Jews go from being honored in Egypt, with Joseph in such a high position to being slaves when Exodus comes around.

Monday, January 10, 2011

After sermon thoughts

The sermon yesterday morning was about how God loves us no matter what. And the pastor kept touching on the subject of how we feel unworthy of God's love.

I've never felt that way.

Honestly, there has never been a question in my mind that God loves me, flaws and all, and that Jesus died for my sins. (Even though I don't know if I personally believe in Jesus' divinity, I do believe that he was at least a messenger from God who died for me). Maybe I'm weird because I feel this way, considering how much the pastor emphasized the idea of not feeling worthy yesterday morning. He even talked about how the French have a saying that translates to "God's love is folly". And he talked about how people throughout the centuries have called God's love for his people 'crazy'. I don't see it that way at all. I just accept that God loves everyone, even the people that I may not think are worthy of it (like criminals).

Pastor: God loves you.
Me: Yes, I know.