Friday's Devotion: The Choices We Make! USED

Modified and used 11-23-21

Psalm 139:9-10  If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,  even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

Yesterday unexpected encounter with 89 year old Martha Guest was a real treat.  I could not believe what great shape she was in. During our lengthy conversation I realized this fitness was in mind, body and soul.  She told me about her church, her children, her friends and her theology and her philosophy.  As we talked about what makes us young and vital she left me with these parting words:

“You have to make a choice in everything you do
  so just remember in the end
  the choice you make, makes you!”

Martha and I really rely on our Lord to help us make those life choices. No matter where we are in life; no matter what decision we must make, God is there to help if we will sincerely seek him.  We can trust in the fact that God never leads us down the wrong paths.

I offer my life to you, Lord.  My God, I trust you.  Make your ways known to me, Lord;

teach me your paths.  Lead me in your truth—teach it to me— because you are the God who saves me. I put my hope in you all day long. Lord, remember your compassion and faithful love— they are forever!  I know you, Lord are good and do the right thing; you teach us sinners which way we should go. You guide the weak to justice, teaching them your way. We are secure in our trust of you because we know all your paths are loving and faithful for those who keep your covenant and laws.  Guide and bless us today and always.  We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.    (Adapted from Ps. 25)

 

Have a great and safe holiday weekend!

Paige

 

 

Thursday’s Devotion: Choose to Stay Young USED

Modified and used for TFP 11-3-21 and Musings 11-4-21

John 21:18   Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”

Too often I have seen this scripture reflected for elderly people who had to move out of their homes when they didn’t want to because they needed more care and attention than they could provide for themselves.  It’s great when people move to assisted living on their own and really enjoy the more carefree environment.  As I go about I encounter people who are of all ages even though their chronological age may be nearly the same.  Ageing depends on more than the passing of years.  It has as much to do with attitude, self care and health as it does with the year one was born.  Many people my age are already too old for me while I have older friends who are young at heart and a joy to be with.  This morning I made a new friend while walking. Martha just turned 89.  She arrived at the ball fields flying an American flag from her car window.  She was dressed in black slacks and blouse, had a pretty black and white scarf draped around her neck and a white bow in her perfectly coiffed gray hair.  Her mind was as sharp as mine.  We had a great chat some of which I’ll share with you later.

 God values mature people and did great things through them in the Bible.  Our relationship with God also leads to vitality as a fruit of that is help with stress which can affect our health and age us.  The Psalmist writes, “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green.” (92:12-14). 

Praise the Lord, my soul! Praise his holy name, all that is within me.  Praise the Lord, my soul, and never forget all the good he has done: He is the one who forgives all your sins, the one who heals all your diseases, the one who rescues your life from the pit,             the one who crowns you with mercy and compassion, the one who fills your life with blessings so that you become young again like an eagle. Amen and Amen.
---Ps. 103:1-5

Blessings,Paige

Wednesday’s Devotion: Pondering Yard Art

Proverbs 19:23  The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
Philippians 4:12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

I had a pleasant walk on the street behind my house yesterday morning. I noticed yard decorations at a number of houses including big plaster statues of horses, cowboys, lions, fish, cats and even a black and white penguin.  Others had wooden plaques on their mailbox posts or things hanging from the trees.  One lone pink flamingo graced a flowerbed.  As I approached a section of larger, nicer homes I noticed that the preponderance of yard décor diminished.  I thought, “These houses are nicer inside than the others so maybe the owners are satisfied to the point they don’t sense a need to decorate the outside to make the homes more attractive.” That happens with people, too.  When we don’t feel good about ourselves on the inside, we surround ourselves with external pleasures to try to compensate – expensive jewelry, clothes, cars, partying, drinking too much, and more.  Both these scriptures point to the fact that a good relationship with God leads to contentment in any situation. I don’t think the writer of Proverbs is saying we aren’t faced with troubles, but when we are in step with God, we are better off to defend ourselves when they come.

Lord, we want to know you in our hearts.  Help us to bind ourselves to you each new day, seeking the peace that passes all understanding.  We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Bless,
Paige

Tuesday’s Devotion: The Really Important Stuff

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

So much on TV today is just banality.  Jersey Shore, Say Yes to the Dress, The Bachelorette.  That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Too many shows are about self-centered people seeking to please themselves.  There's no mention of God as creator or of the importance of God in a person’s life. It is the dress that's most important in a wedding ceremony now, not the vows.  God as our Creator is important in our lives.  When we get caught up on all the minute details, we need to stop and focus on the thing that really matters. 

Holy God, help us to focus on you today and not all the details of our wants and needs.  Help us to realize that if we seek your kingdom first, all our needs will be filled.  Help us discern between needs and desires. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Have a good day,

Paige

Monday’s Devotion: Going Green in a Throwaway World

Genesis 2:15  "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."

As I walked around the ball fields last week a man passed me on a bicycle.  He was carrying a plastic bag.  At first I thought he had been to the grocery store but in a minute he threw the bag into the recycle bin.  “How green is that”, I thought.  It made me feel good to see someone caring for the earth to that extent.  Joe and I recycle, too.  We probably put more in the recycle containers in the carport than we put in the trash to go out by the road.  Once a week Joe loads up all four of them in his truck and takes them to the recycle bins around the corner.  When I was at the cabin, I actually felt guilty every time I threw away a plastic bottle or toilet paper cardboard roll, or anything we normally would recycle.  I even thought about putting it aside and bringing it home to recycle but only for a moment. We recycled when we lived in Loganville too, although the drive to the center was further and we had to do our own sorting.  I’m thankful Hapeville has this program.  God charged us with care of the earth and we as a whole have not done a good job of conserving it.  I read last week how one scientist who recently set out to disprove global warming came back from his research a die-hard believer in its existence.  The less we care for the gifts God gives us perhaps the less God will give. Let’s live each day this week grateful for all we have from God and maybe pledge to do a little better a caring for his creation.

Holy God, as you care for us let us in return care for others, especially the earth upon which we live.  May those who come behind us find us good stewards of your creation.  In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Have a blessed week.
Paige

Friday’s Devotion: Paddling Forward, Rowing Backwards

Isaiah 48:17 This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

I hadn’t given it much thought until I watched the boating events of the Olympics but it seems that you paddle facing the direction in which you are travelling but when you row, you are facing away from your destination.  The rowers had a coxswain who did face forward to help guide them and keep them in rhythm with one another.  I’m sure when there were multiple paddlers in a boat someone also was appointed as leader but that position wasn’t quite as crucial.  I think in life sometimes we paddle forward and sometimes we row backwards.  Even when we know where we are going and are looking at our goal we need help from our higher power but when we are muddling around and can’t see our destination we really need Jesus to be our coxswain. 

Be our guide, O Lord.  We often wonder where we are going and worry if we have lost our way.  Keep us on the right path, drawing us ever closer to you.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Happy Friday!
Paige

Thursday’s Devotion: The Blessings of Returning a Kindness

Luke 6:34-35  If you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, why should you be commended? Even sinners lend to sinners expecting to be paid back in full. Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend expecting nothing in return.

I have written before of the exploits of our little dog, Dandy who is very afraid of thunderstorms.  If we’re not home when one comes up he runs out the doggie door, climbs the fence, goes to some neighbor’s house and asks to be let in.  He is truly seeking a higher power.  Thankfully, their name and Joe’s cell number is on all our dogs’ collars.  One lady let me know quickly when I went to retrieve him that she wasn’t really a dog person; they had an outside dog but she let Dandy in and tried to give him water in three different bowls.  I was so embarrassed.  Yesterday morning when I was walking I found a pair of dog tags in the street.  In addition to the rabies tag there was a heart shaped tag with a name, address and phone number.  I picked it up and started looking at mailboxes.  As luck would have it, the tags belonged to that family’s dog and the woman and her husband were sitting on the front step when I walked up.  She said they must have come off when someone was walking the dog the previous evening.  She recognized me and asked how Dandy was doing.  Still climbing, I said.  I know scripture says we should perform acts of kindness with no expectation of repayment. Yet it is a blessing to be able to repay an act of kindness.  As for the used condom I saw in the street on the way home, I thought I’d pass on that one.

Gracious and holy God,   Thank you for giving us the opportunity to do kindnesses for others.  Help us to seek places where we can serve, not expecting anything in return, but receiving blessings from you.  In your Son’s name we pray. Amen.

Wednesday’s Devotion: The Cure for Fear is Understanding

Today's devotion is an evening addition!

Proverbs 2:10-12 (CEB)  Wisdom will enter your mind, and knowledge will fill you with delight. Discretion will guard you; understanding will protect you.  Wisdom will rescue you from the evil path, from people who twist their words.

Perhaps this is the final installment of my tales from the front porch:
I was reading on the cabin porch one morning last week when I was startled by a loud buzzing sound.  My immediate thought was “danger—hornet” because there was a nest at the next door cabin.  I looked up to find a hummingbird checking me out.  A few moments later I heard something else loud and near.  This time it was only a dried leaf blowing across the porch floor by my feet.  As soon as I sought understanding of the sources of these alarming sounds, my fears were relieved.  I made a note of these because I thought they would be a good illustration of the importance of understanding and wisdom to our lives.  A Ministry Matters e-mail yesterday included a long article by a pastor on the polarization in our country over sexuality. He confessed that he was caught up in gay bashing as a college student like many others.  It was only when he entered seminary and then began actually knowing and conversing with people who were gay that he began to see things differently.  He did that as he gained understanding of something that had been foreign and in a way threatening to him.
He believes and I agree that the way to relieve the conflict in our churches and beyond on this issue is not by throwing bible verses and legalese at one another but instead of dialoguing with those who hold different views.  When we do that with open hearts and minds we often find our initial impressions and beliefs are changed.  Just like what I feared might be a danger turned out to only be a cute hummingbird and dead leaf.

God of heaven, grant us wisdom and understanding so that we may not take the path of wrongdoing.  Often we judge others simply because we do not understand them. Help us to see all people as your children and to love them as you do. Yet, give us discernment so that we may know when there is truly danger from another.  We ask that you help others to do the same that we may find unity among all Christians.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Ministry Matters™ | Articles | Let's Talk About Sexuality

Ministry Matters™ | Articles | Let's Talk About Sexuality

Tuesday’s Devotion: Pulled Two Ways

Romans 12:2  "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Sunday morning was strange for me.  Not only was I away from home and pulpit, we didn’t even have to be at church until 10:55.   Usually by then we’ve been at church for hours.  So I took my coffee and sat on the front porch of the cabin to smell the fresh air and listen to the birds and crickets.  Joe was watching TV inside and the sound of the TV was competing with the sounds of nature.  I thought about the trees in front of the porch and how they were so much closer to what God was thinking when he created them than humankind is.  We have changed ourselves from the innocence God intended in the first of us and through hybridization and gene modification and global warming and clear cutting and dams and pollution we are changing the world. I felt the pull that morning to be in the world but not of it.  The TV was symbolic of all that pulls me away from quality time with God and from living out the life God would prefer for me.  Naming the distractions is a step in the right direction.  I hope to take more in the future.

Holy God, Many things pull us from you.  Help us to remember that you and only you are the true creator and sustainer of life.  Be with us this day; keep us in your care, drawing us ever closer to you.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a good day!

Paige

Monday’s Devotion: From the Mountains to the Valleys Hear Our Praises

Psalm 95:3-5 (NIV)  For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.  In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.

Joe and I love the mountains and discovered this week that Franklin, NC has many panoramic long range mountain views. You can see layer upon layer of mountains that go from green to blue to dark gray the further away they get until they finally blend in with the sky. We went to an old stone tower at the top of Wayah Bald where there was an almost 360° view.  We had never been to this place before and were so happy to find a new spot to explore.  Even around town we would round a corner and be confronted with beautiful views.   We found that for the most part we could get better views in the valley than when we headed up the mountain.  It reminded me of our searching for God.  Often it’s when we are in the valleys of our lives that God seems to suddenly be the nearest.  Could it be that we spend more time looking for God then? 

God of sea and sky and mountain, thank you for the beauties of nature.  Thank you for meeting us on the mountain tops and also in the valleys.  Bless us this day and this week.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Have a very blessed week,

Paige

Monday’s Devotion: A Prayer for the Day

Psalm 9:1-2  I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name,  O most High.

I’m on vacation this week! In an hour or so I will head for the NC mountains.  The cabin supposedly has Wi-Fi and I want to keep in touch, however I may take a vacation from writing daily devotions.  I love sharing them with you but it can be quite a bit of pressure to come up with something thoughtful and original each weekday to share.  One of the many books and magazines I’m taking with me is a book of prayers, Quiet Spaces by Patricia Wilson.

Here is one of her prayers and a good one for you to have this week:

“Here is today, O God.  I don’t know what this day will bring although I like to think that I do. I have my schedule, my to-do list filled in, my agenda duly noted. I like to think that I have this day under my control. But I know that’s not how most days go. I know that today I will be surprised by sorrows, joys and challenges. I know that today I will face both problems and adventures. I know that today might be just an ordinary day or it might be the most extraordinary day of my life. And I know that you are the only one that knows what lies ahead. So I offer this day to you.

Here is today, O God. I give it to you, trusting that you will take whatever happens in this day, and use it for your glory. I trust that whatever happens today, you will be with me. Thank you for this day and its endless possibilities. Thank you that I can face this day with you.

Here is today, O God:  a part of all the days we have spent together, a part of all the days to come, a part of who I am and where I am on my journey, a part of the plan that you have for me. Take this day, use it for your glory.  Thank you, God.  Amen.

Have a great week!

Paige

Friday’s Devotion – Strong in the Lord

Ephesians 6:10  Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

I watched the Olympics again last night.  The BMX races were crazy.  In one heat the rider in second place crashed and took out the entire rest of the field with him.  These riders must have really strong legs.  The women divers were amazing as they slowly rose to handstands and then held them perfectly straight for several seconds. The runners had big muscles in their legs and in their arms.  However, I don’t think any Olympic athlete no matter how strong physically could succeed without extreme inner strength.  It was nice to see many winners giving the glory to God. Joe and I work with weights and it’s nice to begin to see a little muscle developing and to feel stronger.  I never want to get to the point where I couldn’t get up off the floor by myself should I fall.  But that doesn’t negate our need for the inner strength we get from God.  We know if we should fall in other ways, God will be there to lift us up.  It takes dedication and work to be strong in body and strong in the Lord.  But it definitely pays off!

Holy God, Thank you for the strength you offer us.  Keep us close and help us get through each day.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a blessed day!
Paige

Thursday’s Devotion – A Prayer for Comfort

Psalm 23:4  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Jeremiah 31:13  Then young women will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.

A Candler classmate and her husband lost their baby yesterday. She had been born a few days before with numerous challenges. Our church had them on our prayer list and the reports had been encouraging. I am very sad for them.  This birth was preceded by nine months of planning and joyful expectation for a new life. We can do nothing but pray for comfort for this couple. A few days ago a friend’s wife was diagnosed with an egg-sized brain tumor.  How quickly life can change.  I hope that each day we are walking closely with God so that we may find God’s comfort in times like these.  We assign importance to many things in life, but all can be fleeting.  The only thing that is unchanging – from age to age the same is God’s love and care for us. 

Loving God, we pray your blessings and comfort for our friends who have lost loved ones, who face serious illnesses or who have lost their way in life.  You Lord are the One who can restore life and guide us.  Keep us in you care.  In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Love and Prayers,

Paige

Wednesday’s Devotion: Many Hats

1 Corinthians 12:6  There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

On the expressway yesterday I came up behind a car with a license plate that said something like “IwalkwGod.”  I thought, “Me, too.”  Then another car came in between us. The back window was decorated with hats lined up all in a row. Each hat was different, mostly ball caps.  The middle hat appeared to be a Marine dress hat. Many hats, maybe representing many roles, but all placed on the head of the same person.  I thought about all the roles each of us fill.  And I wondered how many of us let Christ permeate each of those roles.  Do we let God work though us at work, in our social life, among casual friends, in our family relationships, at church and in our moral choices?  I’ve known some people who appeared to put on God like they would put on a hat to come to church but it was not very evident elsewhere.  Our goal is to have God at work within us in each of our roles.

Loving God, please help us to be filled with you each day so that we may be the same even when we have different roles. May we represent Christ wherever we go and whatever we do.  In His name we pray, amen.

Have a great day,

Paige

Tuesday’s Devotion: Life Comes Back!

Isaiah 41:10 "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."

I watched an episode of Rookie Blue a while back.  Generally I don’t remember much about episodes but one scene stayed with me.  A man who was very upset because his wife, tired of physical abuse was leaving him, pulled a gun and was holding her hostage.  The police try to negotiate a peaceful ending.  When the man expresses his anger about losing his job and all his other misfortunes, the officer replies, “Life comes back.” Three simple words --life comes back.  Often we have disappointments; failures; discouragements.  And yet life comes back if we trust God to be with us and for us in our efforts.  It may not be in the way we imagined but life comes back.

Holy God, encourage us where we are discouraged, comfort us where we are sad, restore in us the joy of our salvation.  We ask in the name of the one who has overcome the world. Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Paige

Monday’s Devotion: Deep Roots

Proverbs 12:12  The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers, but the root of the righteous endures.
Colossians 2:6-7  And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.  Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

The asphalt driveway down to the neighborhood pool is so bumpy that one must drive on it with much care.  These large bumps are caused by tree roots pushing the pavement up.  On one of my walks last week I came upon and entire section of thick concrete sidewalk that had been pushed out of place by a tree root.  The bible talks about roots in numerous verses.  It’s used to describe ancestry – Jesus comes from the “root of Jesse” and as a foundation for strength and stability as in the above verses. I want to have my roots deep into the foundation of Christ – meaning that my faith in Christ gives me the boldness to get through each day confident of the help of the Holy Spirit and grace and blessings of God.  This past week I saw news clips of numerous large old trees that had fallen over during local storms.  One fell on Fox Brothers BBQ destroying a dining room, delivery van an employee’s car.  Although large, these trees fell because they had shallow root systems.  They were felled by the winds of adversity.  We can protect ourselves by growing strong in our faith and rooting ourselves firmly in the body of Christ.

Holy God, help us to anchor ourselves in thee. Guide and bless us this week. Help us to overcome challenges and to feel you love and strength each day.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have a great week!
Paige

Friday’s Devotion: Waiting for the Final Score

Revelation 17:14  They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings —and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”

Someone posted a spoiler on Facebook last night congratulating Gabby Douglas on winning the all around gold medal before the event was telecast.  In spite of this at the end of the competition when they were waiting for the final score for her nearest competitor to decide between gold and silver I found myself holding my breath along with them. Scripture tells us that the victory over this world is ours through the Lamb whom we follow. And yet sometimes we still find us holding our breath and wondering if evil is not going to win out especially when Christians find themselves set against one another on theological issues. The devil laughs when we argue.  Gabby Douglas gave the glory to God in her follow-up interview.  So should we as we acknowledge that ALL followers of Christ will be victorious. And all means ALL.

Dear God, forgive us our petty arguments and our doubts in your love and grace. Help us to live the best life we can without judging others as we look to the final victory.  We ask in the name of the one who conquered the grave. Amen.

Have a blessed weekend. I hope to see you Sunday!

Paige

Thursday’s Devotion: Resisting Rest

Mark 6:31  Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Once again I got caught up in watching the Olympics and was up well past midnight. I’m glad they only come every four years!  I don’t watch the winter games as closely.  Maybe because I’m from the sunny South I can’t relate to all that snow and ice.  I’m going on vacation shortly after the games end so I will have time to rest and catch up on my sleep.  Jesus knew the value of rest.  He is shown going off to pray and get strength from his Father.  He told people, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.”  I’ve found that even those who are retired can find themselves filling their days with activities.  It’s hard to stay still in this fast paced world. Yet we should follow after Christ’s example and take time out to restore our minds and bodies.  Maybe I’ll record tonight’s events or maybe I’ll just drink a lot of coffee in the morning.

Loving God, we are so active and don’t find rest to be productive.  Help us to see that it produces the energy we need to better perform and enjoy all our activities.  Help us to turn to you for rest when we finally are too tired to go on.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Blessings,

Paige

Wednesday’s Devotion: Considering Patience

Philippians 1:21-25 Because for me, living serves Christ and dying is even better.  If I continue to live in this world, I get results from my work.  But I don’t know what I prefer. I’m torn between the two because I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is far better.  However, it’s more important for me to stay in this world for your sake.  I’m sure of this: I will stay alive and remain with all of you to help your progress and the joy of your faith.

My nephew’s girlfriend delivered a baby girl last night.  Along with the rest of the family we’ve watched the pregnancy progress over the nine months.  Then at the end the doctor decided to induce labor.  Even so it then took over a day to deliver.  She was admitted Monday night.  Aunts and grandparents in Ohio were anxiously waiting for Narissa to arrive.   This reminds me of many times in life when I got close to the end of a project or goal and just could hardly wait until the conclusion.  Paul is in this place now.  Yet he recognizes that his work is not yet complete.  In those anxious times when we’re almost there lets dig in and stay the course patiently taking things step by step until our goal is met.

Gracious God, we know that you are a patient God.  How you wait for us to turn to you! Please bless us with this fruit of the Spirit that we may endure in and through all things. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

PS  Please say a prayer for Narissa.  Her esophagus did not form completely so she will need extra medical attention. 

Blessings,

Paige