What? Me Work?

For we are God’s handiwork, 

created in Christ Jesus to do good works,

 which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10

God has a good work for us to do today.  In our "Me Work" we'll find it if we are alert to the Holy Spirit's leading.  He made us especially for it and he wants us to do it.  If we don't he'll bless someone else with the task.  Don't end your day without that blessing.

Photo: Artist Trading Card 2008 by Sally L. Smith

Stitches

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves,

 “Quiet! Be still!” 

Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

Mark 4:39

Packing to move daughter and family, drying knives, stabbed finger, 3 hours and 5 stitches in finger, moving day today, herding children, playing for wedding this weekend...looks like I need a little quiet in the storm (we all do.)  Depending on Jesus to pick us up out of the waves this week.  Thank you ahead of time, Jesus.

Photo:Sharon on Flickr

A Prayer for Strength

So put on all of God’s armor. Evil days will come.

 But you will be able to stand up to anything. 

And after you have done everything you can,

 you will still be standing.

Ephesians 6:13

"I pray for you to find the strength in Christ alone to stand. I ask our God to give to you an eternal picture of your life lived souly for him. In Jesus name I pray for His peace and His promises to become the foundation of your faith and may the joy of your salvation become your strength."

From Sheri Rose Shepherd 

I've borrowed this prayer from my devotional today in the hopes that we can gain the strength we need for the day ahead.  

Photo Credit: Chris Waits

Gaining Understanding

 The entrance of thy words giveth light; 

it giveth understanding unto the simple.

Psalm 119:130

Even the King James Version makes sense when one wants to learn.  However, I'm very happy that newer versions say the same thing in words this simple person can more readily understand, such as

Understanding your word
brings light
 to the minds
  of ordinary people.

Contemporary English Version®

Copyright © 1995 American Bible Society 

Thank you, Lord, that you saw fit to allow the common man the ability to understand your Word in their modern language.

Photo Credit: damieneva on Flickr

Keeping Records

[Love] does not dishonor others,

 it is not self-seeking,

 it is not easily angered,

 it keeps no record of wrongs.

1 Corinthians 13:5

Yes, I've tried keeping records before but that is very counter-productive.  When the Word hits me in the face, it humbles me and makes me try to be better for I am selfish and quick-tempered.  Since my memory is not acute, I seem to forget my blow-ups but it is difficult to not notice the scars they have left on others.  As the years have passed I've been able to be a little more in control but every day I depend more and more on God's working in me to accomplish that for me...I'm helpless to do it on my own and still---I lose it.  Guilt is a troublesome partner.

Photo Credit: waferboard on Flickr

The Good Things

Though I make attempts at making beautiful things,  they cannot begin to compare to the beauty the Lord creates.
Praise God from whom all
blessings flow.

I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;
    apart from you I have no good thing.”

Psalm 16:2

 Peter Gronemann on Flickr

jon on Flickr

gnuckx on Flickr

My Best?

Try your best to live quietly, 

to mind your own business,

 and to work hard, 

just as we taught you to do.

1 Thessalonians 4:11

Our world is lacking our best efforts because they do not have Christ as their example.

Out of curiosity, I scanned the scripture to see how many references contained "best"...and most of the 184 say "give (or gave) your (their) best."  "The Best" is not expected anymore.  "Get By With As Little As You Can" is the norm.  More emphasis needs to be made on giving our best in the workplace, the home and the church.  We are not doing what Christ demands of us if we are not doing our best.

Here are just two examples of what is expected of us:

If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best. If we are good to others, we should do it cheerfully. Romans 12:8

and

...and do your best to live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

I admit that I don't do my job either.  Many times I goof off doing my thing.  I get by with as little as I can and make it work.  Others times I work like a fool on things that don't matter and think I've been doing my best.  Rarely do I do the Lord's Work to the best of my ability and have a true feeling of completion and self-worth.  The scripture humbled me today.

Photo Credit: Sharon on Flickr

Sweatin' the Small Stuff

But the LORD said:  You are concerned about a vine that you did not plant or take care of, a vine that grew up in one night and died the next. In that city of Nineveh there are more than a hundred twenty thousand people who cannot tell right from wrong, and many cattle are also there. Don't you think I should be concerned about that big city?

Jonah 4:10-11 

It seems that we are so concerned about the petty things of life when the world around us is clamoring to fill the God-hole in their hearts.  The "Wicked" sign is appropriate in describing our world (though it is the title of a Broadway musical).  My view is so limited.  I need to look beyond my front door.

Photo Credit: Eric Drost on Flickr

Singing the Joyful Song of Life

Let the fields be jubilant,

and everything in them; 

let all the trees of the forest

 sing for joy.

Psalm 96:12

What's more joyful than a field full of lavender...

or

a deer in your backyard?

I'm singing God's praise for the wonders of His earth today.

Photo Credit: Sharon on Flickr

Walking by Faith

 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for

 and 

assurance about what we do not see.

Hebrew 11:1

I'm ready for another day 

of walking by faith.

Come with me.

Photo Credit: r. nial bradshaw on Flickr

Hastening

I will hasten and not delay 

to obey your commands.

Psalm 119:60

1.  Read God's Word.

2. Post God's Word.

3. Drink my coffee....

Well, I don't think drinking coffee is one of God's commands but it certainly puts my brain on "hasten."

  Today is catch-up day.  We had the privilege of visiting our oldest son and his family...a 7 1/2 hr. trip.  It's always good being with family.  Today I stock my refrigerator in anticipation of house guests this week-end, clean my house, visit my daughter and her family and help her pack boxes for an up-coming move...closer to us!

Help me, Lord, in this wonderfully busy life to find where you are working and join you there.

Photo Credit: PineappleXVI on Flickr

Lending, Generosity and Good Will

Good will come to those who are generous 

and lend freely, 

who conduct their affairs with justice.

Psalm 112:5

I've got to admit that lending someone money doesn't come easy for me.  I do it anyway on many occasions and am blessed afterward because I helped someone in need.  Most have paid their debt...many times when we have forgotten we loaned to them.  Loaning can come in many forms other than monetary.  Think about it.  The Bible lists generosity alongside lending.  Cool!  I love being generous!

Photo Credit: Quazie on Flickr

Sing a New Song

Sing to him a new song;

 play skillfully,

 and shout for joy.

Psalm 33:3

It was a great week at Children's Music Camp.  A lot of new songs were learned.  Children were learning to play skillfully and there was much 

"shouting for joy."

We're blessed to be put in a place where we can use our "old folks" abilities and still be accepted.  Thank you Ashley Jackson for your photo post on Facebook.

Righteous Right Hand

So do not fear, for I am with you; 

do not be dismayed, for I am your God. 

I will strengthen you and help you; 

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

It's good to know that we can trust our Heavenly Father.  We may even be afraid when we're being held but we still have the confidence that He won't drop us.  He's in control.

Photo Credit: Ivan M. on Flickr

Fortress

Since you are my rock and my fortress,
    for the sake of your name 

lead and guide me.

Psalm 31:3

Whenever I'm feeling small, discouraged or afraid, the words "you are my rock and my fortress" come to mind.  They are the first to enter my memory as I lay on my bed in the middle of the night wishing I were asleep and bringing scripture to mind to make my brain rest.  It works, too.  God's Word brings me peace and a sense of security.

Photo Credit: vanderfrog on flickr