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.



Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep -- plus Winner of Book Give-Away

Beautiful sunset courtesy of Eileen DeCamp

"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet," Proverbs 3:24 (NIV).

 

          Friends and colleagues often comment about their inability to sleep well.  I am grateful to God that I sleep well now.  But I remember times when I didn't.  One time in particular comes to mind.

          When I was nineteen years old, I got married and within the week moved 3000 miles away from home.  I knew no one in this new place.  In addition, my husband's job took him away from home regularly for one to six weeks at a time.  Loneliness made the fears loom large at night.  Every little bump and creak brought imaged horrors that stole my sleep.

 

           One day as I read the Bible, I came across Psalm 4:8.  It became a companion and a promise of God's abiding care.  I reasoned with myself before my nightly prayers.  While I sleep, God is awake; so why not allow myself to rest in His arms and let Him take care of my world while I sleep.  My fears would subside.  Sleep was sweet.

 

           Today, Psalm 4:8 is literally written on my bedroom wall.

 

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

 

           My heart goes out to the many people who experience insomnia for whatever reasons. I hope these Scriptures minister peace to you as they did for me and offer you sweet sleep. 

 

Photo courtesy of Jeanne Henriques Collage of Life

        Congratulations to Joy Hannabass who will be receiving a copy of Unconditional by Eva Marie Everson.  I'm very pleased so many of you visited the blog and left comments.  Thank you so much for supporting my writing by visiting and leaving comments. Please visit often. Prayers and blessings to all of you who read these words.

 

Obedience is Better than Sacrifice

 

My son Justin's 5th grade class--He's that well-behaved child in the blue stripped shirt on the front right.

"And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat the rams" 1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV).

          I am the mother of six children.  When one of my children listens to me and obeys my directions, I am delighted.  Simple obedience brings peace and contentment; whereas disobedience can bring much disappointment, confusion, and grief.  How many times as a parent have I lamented, "If only she had listened to me . . . if only he had listened."  So much heartache, so many troubles could have been avoided, if only they had listened and obeyed my voice.

          Our mature perspective shaped by life experiences allows us as parents to foresee the outcomes of some actions and decisions, giving us the wisdom to direct our children to make right choices.  When they don't obey, and the inevitable consequences follow, we endeavor to intervene to keep heartache from turning into heartbreak, setback into disaster, disaster into ruin.  We waste countless hours; we lose peace.  Simple obedience would have been better than all our efforts to make up for the disobedience.

          How much more so does God see all things?  He knows the beginning from the end.  How much more does God desire for His children to obey His voice?  God asks for our obedience.  He expects us to pay attention to His words.  In fact, He says that if we love Him, we will obey His commands (John 14:21). 

"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."

          Have you had the experience of wishing you had listened to the wise counsel of God found in the Scriptures?  Can you use that experience as a reminder to obey God in all things. 

Anne Marie, Justin, and Robbie--Three of my children.

 

          Thank God for His mercy to forgive us when we have caused Him pain by our disobedience.  I pray for the strength and the will to be obedient to Him at all times.   

 

Note to my readers:  The book give-away continues through Friday, so read the previous post and follow the instructions to enter.  Blessings to you today.

Eva Marie Everson, featured author plus monthly book give-away

Eva Marie Everson at Maranatha Christian Writers Conference

Today I'd like to introduce to you Eva Marie Everson.  I was delighted to meet Eva Marie in June at the Write to Publish Conference in Wheaton, near Chicago.  She had just given the opening key note address.  When I met her afterwards, we learned we had grown up less than twenty miles from each other, knowing many of the same people and local places.  We became fast friends as we entertained each other with stories of our parallel childhoods.

Eva Marie was born and brought up in Sylvania, Georgia. She says the best part of being from the South is the core values of its people.  A seminary graduate and former nurse turned award winning novelist, Eva Marie has published more than twenty-five books since signing her first contract with Barbour Publishing in 1999.

In her distinct voice with Southern charm, she endeavors to impart those values and her faith through her writing.  Eva Marie is a wife, mother, and grandmother.  She lives and works in her lakefront home in Florida.  If you would like to know more about Eva Marie and her work, please visit her website at www.evamarieeversonauthor.com.

Since I met Eva Marie, I've read three of her Christian novels.  In September, I read Unconditional, a novelization of the movie by the same title.  In my opinion, Mrs. Everson has created a significant piece of fiction, destined to be another enduring, award-winning novel.  With her authentic prose she weaves together the lives of memorable, endearing characters.  There is nothing contrived or predictable about their story.  Universal themes thread throughout, one in particular, man's search for purpose and meaning in life in spite of the rain that falls on everyone.

This story has a positive message of hope, without being preachy.  Samatha Crawford and Papa Joe Bradford create meaning in their everyday lives in spite of personal tragedy and heartache.  As Sam watches Joe love and care for the kids in his struggling neighborhood, she begins to realize that no matter what life's circumstances may be, the love of God is always there for us.  She learns to love again and forgive in unexpected ways.  I laughed and cried as I read this moving story which flowed from the lives of its characters. I couldn't put it down.  Unconditional will be one of those rare novels I will read again and again.  I am looking forward to seeing the movie Unconditional by LifeWay Films which is playing in theatres now.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,"  Matthew 19:14.

Now, for an opportunity to receive a copy of Unconditional.

At least ten readers must comment in order for there to be a book give-away.  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.)

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. Friday, October 7th.  A winner will be announced on October 8th.

Thank you for supporting my writing by reading and commenting on this blog.  Another devotion will be posted on Wednesday, October 3rd, so please come back.
Now, have a wonderful day.  God bless you.