Be Content with What You Have--You'll Save Money

Vietnamese persimmons courtesy of Jeanne Henriques

Be careful to guard  yourselves against every kind of greed, because a person's life doesn't consist of the amount of possessions he has.  Luke 12:15 ISV

Black Friday deals!  Cyber Monday savings!  They all involve spending our hard earned money.  (Although often it's plastic money.)  And getting more things.  I haven't shopped on the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) for twenty-two years, but I do confess I love shopping on the internet. I get caught up in those cyber sales!  Free Shipping! calls my name.  I get excited just hearing the UPS truck at Christmas time.  But, on a more serious note, let me offer this mediatation for our consideration.

          Materialism is “a preoccupation with or stress on material rather than intellectual or spiritual things,” according to Webster’s Dictionary. Materialism has been a spiritual concern for centuries, even before Ralph WaldoEmerson spoke out against materialism 200 years ago. Much of the way we think is shaped by the culture in which we find ourselves.

          Who can dispute that our society has become steeped in materialism.  We are practically programmed to want all the newest technology and gadgets, the most comfortable and stylish homes, cars, clothes, and the most exotic, luxurious vacations.  You name it!  We work to afford the highest standard of living we can possibly attain for ourselves and our families, but when is enough, enough?  I ask myself that question.

          Jesus’ parable of the rich man is a parable for our times. This man had so 

many possessions that he built bigger barns to hold them all—just like we buy bigger homes 

or put the extra in storage.

          Self-satisfied, he said to himself: Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry. The parable continues: But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have  provided?” (Luke12:19-20NKJV)

          God calls the man a fool. This is a  warning to us not to  lose sight of the condition of our souls.

          How do we guard ourselves and resist the temptation to become preoccupied with 

things?

 

          Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome, Do not be conformed to this world, but 

continually be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may be

able to determine what God’s will is—what is proper, pleasing, and perfect  

(Romans12:2).

 

          Do you think that being immersed in materialism might hinder our availability to the 

things of God?



                                               Daughter Melanie's cute kitty Roscoe

I Am Satisfied with Jesus



My mother-in-law's tongue plant flourishing on my deck this summer.

 



The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.  Psalm 34:15

I want to share this story about a kindness the Lord did for me many years ago when I was a recently divorced, struggling single parent.  I needed to make a big purchase.  The heating and air conditioning system for the house had broken beyond repair and I had to purchase a new system.  I had no money and no credit  (because I had been a stay at home mom).  I don't remember how I heard about Doc Savage Heating and Air, but I remember the journey in search of the business. This was before Mapquest or gadgets guided the way. It seemed so far away from my home, located in south Augusta, on the other side of town, in unfamilar neighborhoods.  I felt vulnerable and unsure of myself.

 

I had prayed for fair treatment, and that the owner would sell me a unit without a down payment, with monthly payments same as cash.  I was unused to doing business, and I knew the best I could do would be modest monthly payments.  I asked God for His favor.  As I drove the twelve miles, I began to sing an uncommon old hymn that I hadn't heard for years.  I sang it over and over with all my heart.  Here are the words.  I'd like to know if you are familar with this song.

 

Satisfied with Jesus by B.B. McKinney

 

 I am satisfied with Jesus,
He has done so much for me:
He has suffered to redeem me,
He has died to set me free.

Chorus
I am satisfied, I am satisfied,
I am satisfied with Jesus,
But the question comes to me,
As I think of Calvary,
Is my Master satisfied with me?

He is with me in my trials,
Best of friends of all is He;
I can always count on Jesus,
Can He always count on me?

 

Chorus
I am satisfied, I am satisfied,
I am satisfied with Jesus,
But the question comes to me,
As I think of Calvary,
Is my Master satisfied with me?

I remember driving down the dirt road to the little rustic building.  I entered the quiet shop and introduced myself to the only person I saw.  The receptionist said she would tell Mr. Doc Savage that I was there.  As I stepped aside from the window, I noticed a picture on the wall.  Framed there was a page torn from an old  hymnal.  The name of the hymn--"I am satisfied".  The very song I sang on the way to the shop.

Along with my astonishment, joy arose in my heart.  Gone were my doubts and fears, and perfect peace and confidence filled my heart.  I did purchase a unit (I've bought a second unit from them and still do business with them.)  The owner kindly gave me monthly payments, same as cash, as if it were the most natural thing for him to do.

God knew this man.  Apparently, we all knew the same song.  And of course, God knew I'd see that song on the wall of his shop.  He had directed my path, even though I hadn't realized it at the time, and He gave me special confirmation with a song that He was looking out for me.

 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths.  Proverbs 3: 5-6

 

I am so thankful that He watches out for me, and He cares about the things that concern me.  The everyday moments of my life.  And yes, I am satisfied with Jesus.
 

                                              Have you ever seen this particular plant bloom?
                               Very old plant, practically an heirloom, first time I've seen it bloom
 

 As we celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States, I'd like to wish you and your loved ones a very happy Thanksgiving.  I pray God blesses you today.  Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  I appreciate you and hope you will come again.

Giving God the Credit

 

November 10, 2012--It's fall at my house.

Bless the LORD, O my soul:  and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  Psalm 103: 1 (KJV)

One of my children told me about a health issue that had been resolved.  It had been a significant problem for many months, but now it was completely resolved.  I recalled saying to him some time ago that we needed to pray about it.

"That's an answer to our prayers you know," I said.  "It certainly is," he replied.  "Praise God."  We smiled at one another.

I was happy that God had answered our prayers, and that my son had told me about it, and I was also pleased that he had acknowledged God's hand at work.  While I sat there, considering God's mercy, I was struck by the thought, how many times must we fail to acknowledge that God has answered our prayers?  We experience the answered prayer, enjoy the benefits of His mercy and grace, but fail to stop and thank Him, and tell others about what's He's done for us.

I want to share the Scripture about Jesus healing the ten lepers.

 

Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

 

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Luke 17: 11-19 NIV

 

Only one returned to thank and praise God!  Jesus knew he had healed all ten.  Maybe only the one  leper realized in his body and his soul what Jesus had just done for him.  The miracle.  Maybe even greater than the physical healing was the healing of his inner man that allowed him to see Jesus for who He  really is.

 

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:2a (KJV)

 Photo courtesy of Marissa Nicole Photography

 

May God bless you today.  I pray that you will realize in your body and your soul all the good things that God has done for you,  that you will rejoice and praise Him and in so doing feel a real lift in your spirit.  The God of the universe has done great things for you.

 

Thank you so much for visiting the blog today.  I hope you have been encouraged in some way.  I'd be pleased if you'd leave a comment below, or write me a message at writemoments@gmail.com. 

 

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever

Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Augusta, Georgia--oldest Catholic Church in Georgia



Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.  Hebrews 13:8

Through the years, harmonious and happy living has been my desire for me and my family.  With diligence and a sense of purpose, I try to maintain a certain balance.  My home is a peaceful oasis in a chaotic world--most of the time.  Life goes smoothly--most of the time.  The everyday routine seems much the same--most of the time.  Until the expected happens:  auto accidents, illnesses, financial upsets, death.  Life is interrupted; peace is disrupted.

Changes occur.  It might be as simple and seamless as a new supervisor at work, or as profound and life-changng as the death of a loved one.  A child grows up and moves away from home.  One of my daughters is about to move 4500 miles away from here; I didn't see it coming.  I'm still reeling from that seismic change.

Oh, why can't life stay just as we like it, all the time?  We long for a type of heaven on earth.

Wise Solomon told us quite eloquently that "to every thing there is a season".  (see Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Then, besides change, what can we depend on?

We can depend on Jesus.  He does not change.  His plans for me have not changed.  My soul's destiny has not changed.  My circumstances and my perspective might change.  But, Jesus Christ is unchangeable.  That essential reality remains constant. 

He is for all Eternity.  He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 1:8) 

God is the only unchanging variable in our lives.  I praise God that no matter what changes may come in my life, I can put my trust in Him.

Alpha and Omega symbol in

the Church of the Most Holy Trinity

 

 

May God bless you today.  Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  I hope you will come again.  I'd also love to hear from you.  You can add a comment below if you like, or write to me at writemoments@gmail.com.  

 

 

Now, I'd like to announce the winner of last week's book give-away.  Congratulations to Kathleen Belongea who will be receiving one of Ann Tatlock's books.  I'd like to thank you all on behalf of me and Ann for making the monthly Christian author feature a success.  We had well over 200 visitors.  Blessings to you.  May God be with you.

Blessed is He Who Watches

Watching for Daddy -- photo courtesy of Marissa Nicole Photography

I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven. As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he shows us his mercy.  Psalm 123:1-2

 

Psalm 123 offers a beautiful affirmation of God's sustaining power.

. . . Our eyes wait upon the Lord our God until that he have mercy upon us. . .

 

We find dual meanings in the Scriptures about "watching". We are watching in

faith knowing that God is about to bring salvation to our situations. 

 

As we know all too well, dreadful circumstances can come upon us as suddenly as a thief, knocking us off our earthly foundations and destroying our world as we know it. 

 

Behold, I come as a thief, Blessed is He that watches.  Revelation 16:15a

 

Circumstances can be disappointing, at worst devastating.  The longer we look at the problems and hardship, the more discouraged we become.  Fear will flood our hearts and minds; sadness and sorrow will come in a torrent. If we can but lift up our eyes to Him. . .

 

Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord: for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.   Psalm 25:15

 

And we are watching for the promise of His return.  

 

Our Lord, Jesus Christ, will return one day.  Scripture refers to His coming again.  He himself told us that He would come again (John 14).  As Christians we look forward to that day. 

 

And we want to be ready. 

 

In faith we lift up our eyes to Him, our hope and our deliverer. 

 

Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He comes shall find watching. Luke 12:37a 

 

Glorious sunrise

 

I'm happy you have visited the blog today.  I hope that together we can encourage each other to look to the Lord.  May His mercy and grace be with you. 

 

Please feel free to leave a comment here, or if you'd prefer, you can send me a message at writemoments@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Ann Tatlock, featured author, plus Monthly Book Give-Away

Ann Tatlock www.anntatlock.com

It's my pleasure to introduce award-winning author, Ann Tatlock, as our guest writer today.  Recently I read the devotions which she had written on Christian Devotions website. I was so intriqued by her inspiring messages, I read every one of hers on the site. Then, I ordered her book I'll Watch the Moon.  Set in St. Paul, Minnesota, during the 1948 polio epidemic, this is a beautifully written story with an inspiring message of trust in God.  I've asked Ann to tell us about herself and her writing.

	Every morning I write a Bible verse in a notebook and leave it on my daughter’s bed for her to read when she comes home from school. Today the verse is 1 John 4:19: “We love him, because he first loved us” (AKJV).           I never cease to be amazed by the “I’ll-make-the-first-move” love of God. That love has wrapped itself around me from the day I was born and, no matter what I’ve done through the years, it has always been true to the words of one of my favorite hymns: “O Love that will not let me go.”      At the age of six I wrote my first poem in very large letters on a very large piece of ruled writing paper. In it I named all the things I loved—Mom and Dad, the singing birds, my teachers—and I concluded with this line: “But most of all I love God.”           That says more about God than about me. To think He revealed himself to a little child—how great a gift! In return, I’ve always wanted to serve Him and to tell about what He has done for us through Jesus Christ.           When I went to college, I thought the best way for me to serve God would be to take care of the sick, but I dropped out of the nursing program when the Lord made it clear to me that my calling was to write.           Deciding to write true testimonies as to what God was doing in the world, I eventually got a master’s degree in journalism. That led to a job with Billy Graham’s "Decision" magazine, where I spent five years as staff writer and assistant editor.            But the Lord impressed upon me the power of story as a vehicle for truth. After all, Jesus used fictional stories to teach while he was here on earth. We know those stories today as the parables.             So I switched gears and started writing novels in the hopes of revealing through them something of the character of God. My novels are both contemporary and historical; I have a particular interest in 20th-century America as it was a time of incredible advancement, unthinkable tragedies, glorious victories and boundless faith on the part of believers.            My new friend Rose Chandler Johnson recently read I’ll Watch the Moon and asked what inspired me to write it. Since I like to choose a particular era or event to serve as backdrop for my stories, I’ll Watch the Moon arose from my curiosity about the 1948 polio epidemic. As I researched the epidemic, I realized I’d be writing a story about hope. When people face trials like war and disease (the Second World War also figures into the story), they so often discover what the narrator of the story discovers, that “even a grain of hope can manage to eclipse a whole world of despair.”      Let me share too the historical time frame and the theme of some of my other novels: A Room of My Own  The Great Depression, 1932   Servanthood A Place Called Morning   1980s                 Forgiveness All the Way Home   WWII and 1960s Civil Rights Era   Redemption The Returning     Contemporary                      Grace Promises to Keep   1967-68                           Discernment Travelers Rest     Contemporary                     Restoration Sweet Mercy        Prohibition Era, 1931             Mercy            I share this with you only because the desire of my heart is to reveal God’s character and announce his truths. Because He loves us, our lives are filled with his grace and mercy, hope and forgiveness, redemption and restoration. I hope my readers will enjoy my stories and--even more important--come away feeling comforted, encouraged and a little bit more certain of God’s unfailing love. Ann Tatlock * * *   Now, for an opportunity to receive a copy of Ann's book of your choice. At least ten readers must comment and share in order for there to be a book give-away. So come on everyone.  Join in.  Follow these easy steps to qualify for the random drawing. 1. Leave a comment on this blog which includes your name and email address. (I will use your address to contact you if you win.) I love to read your comments. 2. Share this blog post on Facebook or mention it on your own blog. If you do not have a facebook, or a blog, become a follower of this site. Complete these steps by 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 10th. A winner will be announced on November 12th. Thank you for supporting my writing by reading and commenting on this blog. I will write for you again on Thursday, November 8th, so please come back. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6. May God be with you.

The Comfort of United Prayers

Some comfort food--Fully Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup

A friend confided in me and asked for my prayers for some troubling concerns.  I marveled at the similarities in the challenges we faced.  I actually felt comforted myself as I expressed empathy for her, and it seemed she too felt comfort as a result of our commitment to join together in prayer. 

Again I say to you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.  Matthew 18: 19-20

Does this mean that God gives special attention when believers unite in prayer?  This Scripture says that indeed He is there in our midst. 

When I join my prayers with fellow believers I feel that I am standing with them and helping support their burdens.  Likewise, I feel that they are supporting me and mine.  I believe that in the Spirit that we are indeed doing just that.  And we are comforted.

Bear you one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:3 NKJV

We know we are not alone.  We can unite our prayers with fellow believers to find comfort and hope.  God intended for us to join together and find strength in the body of Christ.  Even the Spirit of God within us helps us pray.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Times of need can overwhelm us.  We need to partner together with fellow believers and trust that God is with us.  We will obtain the mercy and grace sufficient for our needs.

My thanks to all of you who pray with me and for me.  Your prayers are a precious gift.  I would stumble and fall under the weight of my burdens without your prayers. 

I unite my prayers now with all of you praying for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  I am so sorry for their sorrow and loss.  I pray for the God of all comfort to be with them and with you as well.

Photo courtesy of Eileen DeCamp 

 

 

To Write the Right Words

Foggy Morning, Thompson, Georgia courtesy of Marissa Nicole Photography

For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.  1 Corinthians 2:2

This morning during my prayer time, I had a little talk with the Lord.  It's the same little talk we have each time I must prepare a devotion for this blog.  I feel in a bit of a fog, knowing that in myself I have no ability to reach others with the good news of Jesus Christ.  I feel inadequate, knowing that anything I could say has already been said and much more eloquently than I can say it.  How do I choose the right words to express what I have on my heart?  And there is always the biggest question.

What do you want me to write Lord?

I knew before starting this blog that I wanted it to be about God showing Himself in the everyday things.  I wanted to focus on the reality of Christ and how that makes all the difference in each moment.  I wanted my words to encourage others on their everyday journeys.  I don't want to get in the way of anyone's view of God.  So, He reminded me again to be His witness.

I can not save a soul.  Only God can.  But I can tell of the great things he has done for me.  I know what I know.  I know how He gives me strength for each day, and His mercies are new every morning.

Come and hear, all you that fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.  Psalm 66:16

So many are weary and lonely and hurting.  So many don't know the friend who sticks closer than a brother.  And we all need encouragement each day.  The Lord wants me to tell of His mercy and grace and tell what He means to me.  I don't have to worry about writing the right words as long as they focus on Him.  That is the point of these devotions.  I want you to know my Lord. 

That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.  And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
1 John 1:3-4 NKJV

I hope we can encourage each other and rejoice together as we testify about what He has done for us and what He will do for those who will only believe.



 Photo courtesy of Jeanne Henriques Collage of Life

Keep Praying because God is Faithful and Just

Monastere des Augustines, Quebec City, Quebec, June 2011.

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.  He said, "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men.  And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with her plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary'."

This parable captured my heart and attention this week.  I intended to bring you a different devotion, but I kept returning to these verses instead.  Maybe it's because I identify with the vulnerable and defenseless widow.  She keeps going to the unjust judge with her plea, probably knowing full well he was unjust. 

For some time he refused.  But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!'

This unjust judge could represent many entities that hold our interests in the power of their hands.  He doesn't respect God, nor does he care about men, but at last he gives in to her pleas.  Not because of any virtue or compassion in himself; He has his own self-interest in mind.  He's tired of her bothering him.

And the Lord said, 'Listen to what the unjust judge says.  And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?  Will he keep putting them off? 

Jesus is asking this question.  And what must the answer be?

 I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. 

God is Faithful and Just.  Keep taking your petition to Him in prayer.  Keep going to Him night and day.  He will grant you justice against our adversary. 

This parable encourages me to persist in prayer, and gives me hope.  But this parable ends with another question from Jesus that I had never noticed before,which causes me to search my heart.

However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?'  Luke 18:1-5

Be encouraged today to pray and not give up.  I pray that your faith endures until Jesus comes again. 

Thank you for visiting the blog today.  Please feel free to leave a comment below or write me a personal note at writemoments@gmail.com.  I look forward to hearing from you.





The Fountain of Tourney, Quebec City, Quebec.

In God's Economy



Sugar Hollow Shenandoah National Park--Photo courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.  Psalm 24:1

I've done my share of complaining along with everyone else about this economy.  Gas prices, food prices, unemployment--there's a lot to be concerned about.  But let's get this economic situation in perspective.  Whether the stock market is up, or the stock market is down; whether the economy is booming, or unemployment abounds, God, the Creator of the universe, owns everything--all the silver, all the gold, the cattle upon every hill, and even "they that dwell therein". However little or much we might have, it's all God's; we have what we have only by His grace.  Even our lives are in His hands.

I try to be a good manager of what God provides for me, taking care of my household, and when I am able sharing with others who have needs. Other than that, why should I stress?  In the media and all around us, people are agonizing about the economic downturn.  Some despondent, who have lost their jobs or their fortunes, have taken their own lives.  I'm sorry to say I've wasted countless hours over the years worrying about finances.

The Lord has reminded me through His Word to take heed, lest my soul become bankrupt as I worry about the things of this world.

Constantly be on your guard so that your hearts will not be loaded down with self-indulgence, drunkenness, and the worries of this life, or that day will take you by surprise.  Luke 21:34 ISV

God is good.  No matter what situation we find ourselves in, no matter how rich or poor, God loves us, his children.  If we can keep that in mind, and concentrate on our soul's worth, our hearts can enjoy peace.  After all, God has promised to provide all we need no matter what the economy. 
 

                                      My daughter Melanie took this picture in India in 2010.

My prayers to you no matter where you are.  May God bless you with all you need and give you peace. 

Stories of Hope--Let's See What God Will Do

Photo courtesy of Jeanne Henriques Collage of Life

 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened to me have fallen out rather to the furtherance of the gospel. Philippians 1:12

          I thought of this Scripture this weekend as I listened to a family friend as she quietly talked about surviving breast cancer.  Her eyes twinkled with emotion as she told me how her experience had turned out to be a "beautiful thing".  She talked about how amazed she was to have grown so close to the Lord through all that she had experienced.  She had expected the hurtful things that came with a double mastectomy.  She had not expected such an outpouring of love and support that came from all her friends and co-workers.  Nor did she expect all the spiritual blessings that came her way as she drew close to God.

"I love to tell my story," she said.

We all face crises in our lives.  The initial reaction is often fear and dread.  If only we could hang onto stories of hope, and have a "let's-see-what-the-Lord-will-do" attitude. 

And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28

Thank you Debra for sharing what God has done for you.  It seems to me that your story is an actualization of Paul's words--"the things which happened to me furthered the gospel."

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Augusta Chronicle is featuring breast cancer survivor stories in its Faces of Survival portraits.  You might like to read more there.  (www.chronicle.augusta.com/survivors)

                               
                                           Photo courtesy of Jeanne Henriques Collage of Life

                             

Words of Authority--Just Do It

Saint Anne de Beaupre Cathedral Quebec City -- I took this with my daughter Katie in June, 2011.

His mother said to the servants, Whatever he says to you, do it.  John 2:5 NASV

          My youngest son and I used to enjoy our popcorn and movie nights.  He liked the old war movies as much as I did.  One night we watched Back to Bataan, a WWII film, starring John Wayne as Colonel Madden, the courageous U.S. Marine.  The story takes place in the Philippines after the Japanese invasion.  Col. Madden instructs a Filipino resistance fighter regarding the new man in charge, saying "Do whatever he tells you to do."  His words brought to my remembrance the words of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee.

          Jesus and his disciples attended the wedding.  When the host ran out of wine for the guests, Mary said to Jesus, "They have no wine."  "Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee:  mine hour is not yet come."  John 2:4 (KJV)

          Then his mother spoke to the servants.  "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it."  Mary, who knew better than anyone the divinity of Jesus, demonstrated complete confidence--faith--in His power and authority.  Jesus turned the water into wine, the first of the miracles Christ performed on earth to manifest His glory.

          I don't know about you, but there are very few people whose words I would follow without question.  But we are all under a  higher authority.  Jesus spoke as one having authority, indeed having been given "all authority in heaven and on earth"  by God the Father.

          Mary's words call to action:  "Do it."  I wish I would remember her words to those servants every day of my life, and do without question whatever Jesus tells me to do.

May God bless all of you who are reading these words.  I hope my writing offers some encouragement to you.  Thank you for visiting my blog, and do come again.  Many thanks to my talented friends who allow me to use their pictures.  Thanks, Eileen.

 

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail by Eileen DeCamp

 

 



That the Power of God May Rest upon Me

Jeanne Henriques beautiful photo -- see more at Collage of Life
 

And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  2 Corinthians 12:9

           I am working full-time in a beautiful high school teaching a subject I love.  Although I have enjoyed my teaching career, and I am grateful to have my position, I would prefer to retire at this time, slow down a bit, write full-time, and concentrate on my children and their children.  I'm not complaining.  I'm just speaking openly.

           However, the reality is that I need to continue working as I do now in order to have adequate income.  The reality doesn't quite add up to the ideal. With that being said, I believe God has blessed me with my job.  He knows exactly where I work, and He is more than able to change my circumstances if He so desires.  In the meantime, I know He gives me the grace I need not only to do what I need to do, but to glorify Him each day.

        The apostle Paul reminds us that God's grace is sufficient for us.  Taking his words to heart, I need to rely on God's strength rather than my own, and focus on God's will rather than mine.  "That the power of Christ may rest upon me."  What a wonderful promise.  It's no wonder Paul said he would "most gladly rather glory in his infirmities". 

          We can apply this Scripture to all of life's circumstances -- finances, health, family.  All our endeavors, every relationship and need, require God's grace.  In our weakness, His strength is made perfect. 

          "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."  2 Timothy 2:1

          May the power of God rest upon you.  His grace is more than sufficient for all your needs, and His strength is made perfect in your weakness.  Thank you for reading today.  You can leave a comment below if you'd like to share your thoughts, or you can email me privately at writemoments@gmail.com.