Money Comes and Money Goes

This week's post comes from Starla at Keepin It Real

My husband and I like to play the lottery.  So far, the most we have won is $9.  The possibility of hitting that jackpot makes it fun and somewhat exhilarating but it's not something that we put our hope in.  Truth be told, we won something far better than the lottery a long time ago when we established our relationship with God.  Christ himself is much more valuable than money.  Money comes and money goes, but money cannot give you peace, bring you happiness, or buy you love. 

 Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. Eccliastes 5:19

God reminded me that when it comes to money or anything else it all belongs to Him.  It can be here one day and gone the next but the One who owns everything will always be here.  This I know because he has blessed me time and time again, even though I never deserved it. We know that we need money to live but God is our provider at the end of every single day.  I try not to look too far ahead because when I do that's when I begin to worry about things that I cannot control.  Hmm, I just thought about something.  My current bible study is on the book of Ecclesiastes.  You know, about King Solomon and his pursuit of wealth, status and things.  The futility of labor and wisdom.   When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? Ecclesiastes 5:11  Part of me is like king Solomon in his pursuit vanity of vanities as he calls it.  I think this study will really help me bind my will to God's will concerning money and loose my will for myself concerning money.  Does that make sense?   


I learned a great lesson about value when my Auntie died over 2 years ago.  My uncle (grandma's brother) lost his sweetheart.  They were together for 53 years.  She was our family matriarch for years and years.  Both of them have always been there for everyone in our family throughout the years.  As you know, when someone dies, their material possessions are often divided. Whether it be in a will or not, some family members will always want what they think they deserve.  My Uncle told them that the most valuable thing he ever owned (Auntie) was no longer in that house.  He told them to take it all.  And he meant it.  I'm not sure what, if anything, was taken by whom or if she even had a will.  I never asked because it was none of my business and my only concern was being there for my Uncle.  He knows that he will see her again.  His faith in God is unwavering.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we are heirs to the treasures awaiting us in Heaven.  ¹⁸ The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. ¹⁹ The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, ²⁰ the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite aka peridot, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.^[f] 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.  Revelations 21:18-21. I can't imagine a more beautiful place myself.  Our treasures are in heaven but if we have nice lavish things on earth is that good or bad?  I guess it depends on where your heart is, and that's the bottom line.


So why do my husband and I play the lottery?  Are we putting our hope in money?  No, even though it would be nice to win but maybe not. I can come up with all kinds of excuses for wanting to win that kind of money.  But I know that God is good and has always provided our every need and even our desires according to His will. God knows what's best for us and we want His will and grace above all else.  I don't know if it's wrong to pursue money this way.  We are not extreme but the more I read about money in the bible, I realize that there are more warnings and negative things about money than anything else.
  

But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 1 Timothy 6:19

When I wake up each day, God is the first thing I think about, not money and may it never be the other way around.  I thank Him for waking me up every day.  Then, I get ready to go to work for...money (release me from this slavery, just kidding).  The reality is we need money and most of us have to work to get it.  That's fine by me because when we work for something we are more careful and appreciate it more.  It is by His grace that I am able to work or that I even have a job.  I give God the glory for blessing me.  We are truly rich with God's grace and mercy, family, health, love and more.   Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” Hebrews 13:5 is a great reminder for me to be careful what I wish for, including winning the lottery.  I really would rather have Jesus than all the money in the world, and that is the honest truth.

God Is My Strength

This week's post comes from Kassie at Guiding Light From His Word

TODAY IN HIS WORD COMES FROM
(Acts 27:13-15 NIV)
When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they
had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.
Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the "northeaster," swept down from the island.
The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind;
so we gave way to it and were driven along.

THOUGHT TO PONDER:
When we are hit with storms in this life, it is important to anchor our self to the One who is stable and can not be moved. It is a must for us to keep our focus on Him who calls us to "come." There is more to it than just the standard phrase of "you can either sink or swim..." Sometimes He calls us to have the faith to walk on water.

TODAY’S INSIGHT INTO HIS WORD:
One morning back in the middle of November of this last year, as I write this, I went to take my dogs out back. As I was chaining our one dog up, I felt the slightest breeze brush across my face. I remember smiling and looking up and taking a deep breath. Though the sun was shining, there was a definite chill in the air, not really cold but pretty nipping. And in the quietness of my heart I heard, "A Northeaster is blowing." I remember smiling and kinda laughing to myself, the soft breeze was nothing like a northeaster, so I chalked my thoughts up to being silly. About two hours later, I got on my computer to load the "Wednesday's with Beth" series I like to watch. As it came on, I curled up with my hot tea, notepad and Bible and got ready to be inspired. As the show Beth started introducing what she would be speaking about, and asked the viewers to turn to Acts 27 and look at verses 13-20. I hadn't quite gotten my Bible opened when I heard as she started talking about the Northeaster Storm that Paul was about to hit! Now needless to say I was speechless! I paused the program, opened up my Bible software and did a search for the word "Northeaster" to see how many times it talks about this. ONE time! It comes up exactly ONE time in the entire Bible-- and it just happened to be what Beth was teaching on this day! I got on my knees and asked God to open my ears to whatever it was He was trying to show me, and help me to understand His message He had for me. I also thanked Him for getting my attention.

Three weeks later the beginning of my storm hit, and when it did, it felt like the rug had been pulled out from underneath me, and I had been hit in the gut. For forty solid days all I could do was focus on breathing. The first thing that happened hurt so much that all I wanted to do was double over. After that it was as if someone had opened up the flood gates, because everything came colliding in from all directions right on top of me. There were some days I would open up my notebook and look at some of the things I had jotted down that morning in November, and I would go back and read Acts 27:13-44 over and over again. I would go and sit in my special prayer spot and just put my head down, and try to listen to God, but it seemed like there was nothing but silence in the midst of this all. I had to remind myself that God had warned me that I would hit a storm. I had to keep going back to those notes I had taken, and the indepth study I had done on Acts 27, and the storm that Paul went through. After many days I could say I knew exactly what it meant in verse 20 when it says, "When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved."

Instead of things getting better for me, it seemed as if everything went from bad to worse. In tears I would read out loud verses 22-25,  "But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island." Also, this is where I need to state that during this time, I haven't been able to write. When I work on these devotionals, or any writing projects, I spend a lot of time in prayer and studying. It is very important to me that when I write-- it is "God's Message" I feel I am sharing and not just my own words. So you might have noticed that there have been days when I did not post a devotional, or if I did, it was something I had written before calamity struck.

It has now been three months since my storm hit. Has my situation changed? In some ways, not really. He hasn't taken the ache from my side, but in other ways I can say that the pounding waves from all directions have let up, and like Paul I think I have "run aground on some island." However, at this point, I am happy for dry land. I can actually smile now and remind myself that a few years ago while I was getting ready to start writing, "The Very Heart of Worship" I prayed that God would give me faith to walk on water. I am here to tell you, I think He heard me! Now in saying this, I know that there will be some who will say, "Well be careful what you pray for..." but the thing is when we pray according to GOD'S WILL we can know it will be done. So apparently my prayer was according to His Will, and when the storm hit Jesus said, "Come." 

The reason I share all this with you today is really NOT to depress you, but to tell you that through this all; God's Word has proven true. He really does bind up the broken hearted. He really does give strength to the weary. In the evenings I have walked up to the top floor of my office and watched the sun go down, and it is as if God has said, "I really am bigger, and I have been here before." So often in the mornings as I take my youngest son to school, and I look out at the beautiful sky, I am reminded that His mercies are made new each day. And when He says, "My grace is sufficient," I have found that He really does hold you up. And each day, I have found renewed strength to take another step. I can honestly say that I have found that when I get the to very end of me, and I have absolutely NOTHING LEFT-- I find that God is there to do so much more. And I have found hope in "That all things are possible to those who believe." God truly has been my strength to get through. My friend, He will do the same for you.

My friend, if you are reading this devotional, then apparently you are not dead. So take comfort in the fact that because you are still breathing-- no matter how hard that breath may be to take-- God is not done. He is not finished with you yet, and each morning when you rise, know His mercies are made new, and there is still hope. He will give you strength to take yet another step until He gets you where He wants you to be, and until you come into ALL that He has for you. Remember that the one who calls you is Faithful. It is by HIS power, and not your strength, that mountains will move and obstacles will crumble, and a path for you will be made.

PRAYING IN FAITH:
Father God, thank You that You warn us of things to come. We just need but listen. Thank you for guiding us, and being with us. Thank You for holding us up, and seeing us through. Thank You Lord for Your strength and mercies that are extended to us each day. Lord, we praise You for  Your faithfulness and being a good God. Lord, we praise You for being our God. Lord, please be with this reader come what may, and help them to know You are by their side..
In Christ Jesus Name,
Amen.

Love Casts Out Fear

This week's post comes from Salina at State of the Heart

Psalm 29:11
"The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace." NKJV

Fear has the tendency to sweep in, curl around inside your body, and burrow deep into your mind. It takes over all normal thought processes and leaves you with a feeling so strong it can only be described as panic. This attack continues until you reach a point where you're sure your heart is going to explode, your legs might fall out from under you, and breathing no longer becomes quite so automatic.

King David was in the midst of these feelings when he wrote Psalm 55." My heart beats violently within me; the horrors of death overcome me. Fear and panic overpower me; terror overwhelms me. I say, "I wish I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and settle in a safe place! Look, I will escape to a distant place; I will stay in the wilderness. I will hurry off to a place that is safe from the strong wind and the gale." (55:3-8).

There are times when I understand exactly how David felt. I too would like to run away from my fears; I'd like to run so fast and so far that eventually I would outrun everything that troubles me. I've reached a point in my life though where I know fear can take such a hold of the body that if left unchecked it will carve away at your soul as though it was a cancerous growth. The more you try to run from it, the stronger that hold becomes, until eventually it will eat through every living cell in your body.

I can’t explain why fear leaves us feeling so powerless, but I guess it's one of the negative consequences of allowing fear into our lives; we start out believing we have the ability to control what happens to us, but in actuality we don't. There is only one way to control our fears. When David continued writing his Psalms, I believe that by chapter fifty six, verse eleven he discovered the way to alleviate this pain and fear. He wrote, "In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Psalm 56:11)

I keep replaying that verse in my head and every time I come to the part that says "what can man do to me" I picture whatever problem I’m facing at the time and read it as "I will not be afraid. What can ____________do to me?" From personal experience I know how paralyzingly fear can be, but God has the cure to remove it. I don't have to fear anyone or anything, there is nothing too big for God to handle, there is nothing He doesn't understand, and He will continue to grant me all the strength and peace I need to get through each and every problem I face. I’m so thankful to have "the peace of God that surpasses all understanding to guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

Please pray with me:
Dear Lord;
We all experience fear at different times in our lives, but You tell us do not fear for You will bless us with peace, the kind of peace that surpasses our understanding. We may not know what the future holds, but we do know that whatever may come You will be there to give us the strength to get through it, and the ability to face it without fear.
Amen 

Let's Be Salt

This week's post comes from Dawn at The Most Perfect Gift

Last night when I called the boys to dinner my three year old immediately came running, "Dinner! Dinner! I'm hungry!" As I was getting the food to the table I noticed he was licking the top of the salt shaker. "Oh, don't do that." His reply, "I like salt!"

My 6 year old and I started talking about something and I didn't notice my 3 year old had gotten a hold of the salt. "Mama! Mama! Do you think this is enough?" Enough!?! It sure was! His fish now looked furry. He took a bite and by the look on his face I knew he thought so too.

After I de-furred his fish, I asked, "I wonder how they get the salt from the ocean? I mean, salt dissolves in water, right?" This led into a great dinner conversation and a little science experiment!

I grabbed a clear glass, added some water, then shook some salt in. Then we stirred. Sure enough the salt disappeared. So, I asked, "Well, we can no longer see the salt, but do you think the salt is still in there?" My 6 year old says yes and my 3 year old volunteers to taste it. "Yup, its salty and good!" I respond, "My goodness, you sure do like salt." Then I hear it in my heart, "You are the salt of the earth."

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless." Matthew 5:13

"Hey, you know, in the Bible, Jesus tells us we are salt. Do you know how we are like salt?" Of course, being the silly boys they are, they start saying silly things and giggle. So I quickly told them what Jesus meant before I completely lost their attention. I'm not sure if they truly understood or if they even heard me.

Tonight, as I was putting them to bed, telling them no more talking its time to sleep, my oldest says, "Let's be like salt." Okay, so they probably didn't grasp the whole salt of the earth teaching, but I think from now on every time they grab a salt shaker they will remember something about, "being salt".

Let's Pray:
Lord, we thank you for giving us these every day opportunities to teach others about your word. Even though, at times they may not fully grasp the message at first, we know You can water those seeds and make them grow into a deeper understanding. Please place on our hearts today a reminder that we are salt. That we must preserve your word and add flavor by standing out from the rest of the world. 
In Jesus' Name, Amen

Nothing......But The Blood

This week's post comes from STARLA ESPINOZA at Keepin It Real 

 The human body has about 5 liters of blood continually traveling through it.  Our blood is composed of plasma, blood cells, and platelets and our blood is one thing that cannot be manufactured.  More than 38,000 donations are needed every day but less than 38% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood. 

 I used to donate blood several times a year.  When I was diagnosed with MS in 2007, I was no longer qualified to donate blood.  I found this out on a day when I was actually planning to donate blood.  I was answering all the screening questions and when they asked if I was taking medication I told them about the meds I was taking for MS.  That put the brakes on my ability to donate blood that day and any other day in the future.  I never thought about it but it makes perfect sense now.  They must do their best to make sure that people receive safe blood.  Blood obviously plays a vital role in our lives.  Without blood, we would not have life.

But there is life giving blood that is always qualified to for us to receive. That's the blood of Jesus.  His blood is more powerful than mine and yours.

²² In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:22

Jesus shed His blood to atone for our sins.  His blood is the only acceptable payment for our sins.  He was wounded for our transgressions and by His stripes, I am healed.  That's what I like to say when I think about having Multiple Sclerosis.  By His stripes, I am healed.  If he had not shed His blood, I don't know where I would be.  I was purchased with His blood.

Who can wash away my sins?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Who can make me whole again?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

No matter how successful we consider ourselves to be in this world, our success cannot save us from hell. Without the blood of Jesus, it is all futile.

Our blood must rely on other systems & organs to be effective but the blood of Jesus cleanses, heals and purifies.  Our blood can become infected with bacteria and other organisms.  His blood cannot be infected with sins.  Our blood can become tainted by viruses.  His blood cannot become tainted with evil.

There is power in His blood.

How important do you consider the blood of Jesus to be?  

"Lord, I lift up the person reading this.  I pray for the power of Jesus' blood over their health, finances, and family.  I pray that they have accepted the gift and understand the power of His blood.  In Jesus name, Amen."

And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood.  Luke 22:20

Before We Need

This week's post comes from Kassie at Guiding Light From His Word

Then the LORD spoke this word to Elijah:

“Leave this place and go east and hide near Kerith Ravine east of the Jordan River.
You may drink from the stream, and I have commanded ravens to bring you food there.”
So Elijah did what the LORD said; he went to Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan,
 and lived there. The birds brought Elijah bread and meat every morning and evening,
and he drank water from the stream."
(First Kings 17:2-5)

===========================================

The interesting thing about this passage is that God said He had “commanded”,  notice that God did not tell Elijah “Go, and I will command…” or “Go, and this is what I am planning to do…”or even “Go, and this is what I am thinking to do…” God said He had commanded. This means that God had already taken care of  the need for food. He had already made provisions. Before Elijah had arrived there, gotten hungry or needed the food, God had already supplied it. Before the need was ever actually a “need”, God had already taken care of this for Elijah. All Elijah had to do was trust that God would be faithful to His word and provide what He Himself had promised. Elijah had to take God at His word and trust that the provisions God had already promised, would in fact be there.

This is an awesome reminder that God is all knowing. He already knew what Elijah would need before he ever got to this Kerith Ravine. Before God had even commanded Elijah to “GO”, God knew what was already there- the stream- but He also knew what would be missing- the food- so God provided.

This also teaches us that if God tells us to “GO” then we can trust that He has already scouted out the area, knows what is there and what we will need and will make provisions for us. The place God is sending us to may be “unknown territory” for us, but God has already gone ahead of us.

I will provide for their needs before they ask,
and I will help them while they are still asking for help.
Isa 65:24 (NCV)

Have you ever been in a situation, possibly you're praying “God please…” and then that very day, or even the day after, you read a devotional or hear a sermon, and it is exactly what you needed? That the very thing you had been thinking about, praying about, or asking about-- even the words that you used-- there it is, the answer you were seeking. Just think, in order for the answer to be given to you at the exact time you needed, weeks possibly even months before, God was working in an individual to write or prepare their thoughts to create a sermon, lesson or devotional that would eventually be placed before you at just the right time to be the answer God had for you.

Have you ever turned on the radio, or picked up a book and in the quietness of your heart, between you and God, all the sudden He is answering you. Think of all the steps, all the pieces having to be put into place just to be ready for when you needed it. Or a job that is suddenly available. You start working, and find out that the preparation or the events leading up to it’s opening for you, actually started weeks before.

Then think about the magnitude of what God would do and the lengths He will go, just for you. Before you needed it, before it was your concern or a thought, before you asked, God in heaven was already preparing to answer you.

• Today, before you go any further, remember God has already been there for you. He has already scouted out the terrain; He has already inquired, and made provisions for you. Thank God that wherever it is that He is sending you, He has already provided for you.

• Today, before you go any further, just think, the LORD our God, has already been at work and has answered you.

• Today, before you go any further, Thank God, that he cares for you.

Praying in Faith:
Father God, thank You that You go before us and know all of our needs. Thank You Lord, for providing for us before we even realize what our needs are. We praise You Father God for all that You are to us, and all that You do for us. We praise You and thank You for this day that You have created and that You are watching over us."
In Christ Jesus name, Amen

My friend, have a wonderful and blessed day, and know that you are thought about.
May God shine upon you.

A Forgiven Heart

This week's post comes from Salina at State of the Heart

Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. NASB

“They all know,” she thought for the thousandth time as she pressed her hands tightly to her forehead and bowed her head in shame.

Hannah was mortified.  She would never be able to show her face again in that Sunday school class.  Seeing Alison today for the first time in years brought back so many painful memories.  She was flashing back to all of the things she and Alison used to do together: the parties, the boys, the time they had gotten so drunk they had to hitchhike back to their dorm, or that horrible night when she made the choice to end the life of a baby she would never know.  These were just a few of the many images she had being trying to suppress for years; now they were streaming through her brain as though a video recorder had been turned on with the repeat button stuck.

For Kasey who was a new Christian, just thinking someone would find out about her former life, was a fear she just couldn’t face.  She had done everything to keep her past a secret from her closest friends, but this morning, at the church she had grown to love so much she had walked into Sunday class to find Alison sitting there.  Horrified to see this friend who knew all of her deep, darkest secrets, Kasey had fled the room and was now sitting in her car feeling so alone.  She couldn't help but worry that even now Alison was telling everyone all about who she used to be.

Kasey is like so many of us.  We know the forgiving grace God’s love pours out, but we refuse to allow that same grace to wash away not only our sins but the memory we have of them.  Sharon Jaynes says in her book Your Scars are Beautiful to God, “Receiving grace and forgiveness for the wrongs we have committed is an act of faith.  It is difficult to fathom such extravagant, unconditional love, yet so many of us leave His gift unopened.  We admire its wrappings or marvel at its enormity, but avoid getting too close.”  (Jaynes, 2006)

It’s very easy to get caught up in the things we have done in our past.  Some of them may not be that pretty, they may shame us to the point of never wanting anyone else to know, but we need to realize that when we become God’s child, He wipes our slate clean.  “We are a new creature, the old things have passed away” and He gives us a brand new starting point.  (2 Corinthians 5:27) Although we may never completely forget our past, God will remove the shame associated with it; so hold your head high today.  Give God the glory that your sins are forgiven as far as the east is from the west.

Please pray with me:
Father,
Many times we allow the sins of our past to take such control of our mind that we become afraid someone will discover the real us.  Lord, help us to realize that You do know the real us and still love unconditionally.  Give us the knowledge and the courage to see that we are made anew in Your eyes and that nothing: not lying, stealing, cheating, sexual promiscuity, drug abuse, abortion, murder, or any other sin can remove us from Your heart.
For it’s in Your name I pray, Amen

__________

Works Cited:

Jaynes, S. (2006). Your Scars are Beautiful to God. Harvest House Publishers