Archive for the Category »Luke «

29
Apr
The Hidden Blessing of Solitude
meg

I love having my husband at home. We talk, watch British Comedies, and play games together. We take walks, enjoy the outdoors, and dream about the future. I truly enjoy his company. Just the same, I always learn something when he’s gone. I always learn something when I’m alone, late at night in an empty house, with creaky walls and dark hallways. God always seems to teach me something in the quiet.

In my devotions today I was reminded that even Jesus sought out solitary spots from time to time (see John 6:15;Mark 1:35; Luke 4:42). They were places he went to pray and seek the face of God.

For me, solitary places are times when I learn to depend on God. They’re the times when I’m reminded that I am safe and sound in the arms of Jesus. They’re the times when I’m reminded that God is truly all I need to survive. I don’t need anyone or anything else. They’re the times when I move my focus away from earthly things and back to the face of God, where it belongs.

No, I don’t always enjoy be alone. Cooking for one can be tedious, and the bed can get really cold at night without someone beside me, just the same, I’m starting to learn that God is ready and willing to speak to me in these moments of solitude, if only I shut off my brain and open my heart.
What about you? What does God teach you in moments of solitude?

Lord, thank you for comforting me through the lonely times and for reminding me that you are my true refuge and strength (Psalm 46).

Category: John, Luke, Mark, Psalm  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment
17
Aug
That Thing Called Fear
admin

Luke 12:7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Right now I’m sitting on my porch, looking at my beautiful flowers, and enjoying this fine August afternoon. This past month has been a crazy one, but for once, I’m at peace with what lies ahead. Things are starting to come together. My husband’s “deployment check-list” is almost completed. Before I know it I will be saying goodbye. That day will be hard, I know. I’m sure some tears will follow, accompanied by a big bowl of feeling-sorry-for-myself ice cream and a lonely night in a big house. But for today I’m no longer fearful about what lies ahead.

What about you? Are you scared about anything? Or have you given that area of your life back to God. For me, giving fear back to God is something I do on a daily basis. Satan knows how to push buttons in my life. And one of those areas consists of fear.

What do I do then, what I start to become fearful?

I turn to God’s word.

Consider these versus. I hope one of them speaks to you personally today.

• “When I am afraid, I will trust in you” (Psalm 56:3).

• “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2).

• “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
•    ”I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Luke 12:4-7).
•    “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

If you’re fearful, remember that God is with you. He is ready and waiting to comfort you and help you through this rough time. But you have to reach out to him: “For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:8).

Category: 1 Peter, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Luke, Matthew, Psalm  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment
04
Aug
Lord, give me some peace please?
admin

When I heard my husband was going to be deployed, one of the things I struggled with the most was finding peace about the situation. I was worried about my husband’s safety while he was over seas. I was worried about living in a house by myself. I was worried about taking care of the household finances. I was worried about traveling to visit family on my own. I was worried about going to the store, at night without my personal bodyguard (aka husband) by my side. I was anxious about all of these things. Any sense of peace was far from me. In essence, I was a mess. I really needed to ask the Lord for help.
Luke 11:10 says,
“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” (NIV).
God was ready and waiting to give me peace, when I asked for it.
That peace made such a difference in how I looked at the impending deployment. Yes, I still had times when I worried, but beneath it all, I felt God’s comfort through it all.
Here are a few verses on peace that I hold close to my heart. Hopefully they’ll be a blessing to you as well:
•    “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace” (Psalm 29:11 NIV).
•    You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3 NIV).
•    “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 NIV).

Category: Isaiah, Luke, Philippians, Psalm  Tags:  Leave a Comment