Pray For Mothers Everywhere

Pray without ceasing.   I Thessalonians 5:17

Tomorrow is Mother's Day. Many times we think of our own "circle" of mothers. We don't look outside and see the many mothers who are struggling. I found this on Internet Cafe Devotionals. Take a few minutes to read and pray for others in difficult and trying circumstances.

PRAY FOR:

There are mothers who have children lost and buried in earthquake rubble in Nepal…

There are mothers who fear for their children as they struggle to raise them in urban America…

There are mothers whose children have committed their lives to public service in tense social times…

There are mothers whose children are incarcerated…

There are mothers who are incarcerated…

There are mothers who patiently wait for the return of their children from foreign lands as they protect our freedoms…

There are mothers who see their children return from war very different people who often can not find a way to cope with their new reality…

There are mothers who watch their adult children make choices that break their hearts…

There are mothers who are victims of abuse, who fear daily for their children…

There are mothers whose tragic choices have separated them from their children…

There are mothers who step in to become something every child deserves; foster mothers…

There are mothers who did not bear the child that has stolen their hearts, adoptive mothers…

There are mothers who sadly live on the streets…

There are mothers who have given their children up in hopes of a better life, longing to know they are safe…

For Mothers…in all circumstances. WE PRAY FOR YOU. 

Be in Prayer,
Donna

Prayer

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14

As I watch the steady decline of our country, I mediate on this verse. I pray this verse often asking God to show me my short comings as well as others who call themselves “by His name”.  The action of this verse is a group action not just an individual but an entire community of believers coming together to seek and plead for the interceding of the Heavenly Father.

Watching the news and following different blogs I see that the world as a whole and our country in particular is no longer following the tenets of God. Even some churches are calling “good evil and evil good”. People are saying certain things are right or “ok” when the word of God, the Bible, tells us not to do it. Everyone is following “what is right in their own eyes” (Proverbs 3:7)

Now is the time to turn back to God. How does one do this? By doing it God’s way and not our own way, here’s how:

The steps:

·        Humble ourselves

·        Pray

·        Seek God’s face

·        Turn from our wicked way

The result:

·        God will hear

·        God will forgive

·        God will heal the land

The Bible has many verses regarding prayer. Here are a few:

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. Psalm 5:3

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. Psalm 55:17

The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:18

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippines 4:6

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. I Timothy 2:8

Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17 

Prayer is talking to God. Have you talked to Him today?

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Lessons from Esther: Esther’s letter

29 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim. 30 And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, 31 To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry. 32 And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book. Esther 9:29-32

A second letter, Esther’s letter, is written and sent to all the Jews. This letter is to confirm the days of Purim. She was verifying Moridecai’s letter and encouraging the Jewish community to never forget this time in their history. The letter was sent with “words of peace and truth”.

Jewish communities took heed to this writing and celebrate yearly the victory given to them by the Almighty God in Heaven.

Take a few minutes today to thank God for everything in your life, it may be small, it may be big, it may be good, it may be bad, but in everything there is a lesson. Thank Him for his goodness and graciousness in all trials and tribulations.  

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Ephesians 5:20

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13;15

Remember to be thankful!

Have a blessed day,
Donna

The 5W’s of Thanksgiving

As the month of November comes to a close I wanted to share my 5W’s of Thanksgiving. Enjoy and remember to be thankful each and every day for all your blessings.

Who should be thankful?

Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. Psalm 18:49

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.  Psalm 30:12

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. Psalm 95:2

What should we be thankful for?

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. II Corinthians 9:15

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; I Thessalonians 1:2

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Hebrews 13:15

Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. Psalm 30:4

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:57

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalm 26:7

When should I be thankful?

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18

And to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD, and likewise at even; I Chronicles 23:30

Where should we be thankful?

Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. Psalm 18:49

Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. I Chronicles 16:8

I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people. Psalm 35:18

Why should I be thankful?

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. I Chronicles 16:34

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. Psalm 139:14

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Kings and Leaders

16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! 17 Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! Ecclesiastes 10:16-17

Solomon is concerned about the leadership abilities of kings, rightly so, since he was a king and the wisest person who ever lived.

Solomon says there will be sorrow when a land is ruled by a servant, or an unqualified person. During biblical times the title was passed down through families, not much different than countries that still hold to royalty traditions today. The rulers were not knowledgeable of the tasks and duties set before them. Parties and feasts were held throughout the day instead of ruling the country. Priorities were not right.

He contrasts it with a country that has a noble ruler or one who is qualified to run a country. Someone who will lead with leadership qualities and not just think about partying and having feasts, a king who has the welfare of the country in mind. One who leads with wisdom and knowledge of what is needed in his country.

As I wrote I thought of the countries of the world and the various leaders. No matter which country or state you might live in we are to pray for our leaders.

… The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16 

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:6 

Pray without ceasing. 1Thessalonians 5:17 

As you meditate on today’s reading, pray for our leaders.

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Unjustness

8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it. 9 All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. 10  And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity. Ecclesiastes 8:8-10

At first look, one might say, the unjust get away with sin. In this life it may seem that way, people call good evil and evil good, but remember that is in this life. The Lord says:

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20 

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14 

As Solomon said, someone did “hurt” to someone else but then it is forgotten once he is buried. It may be forgotten here on earth, but if the one who did the wrong did not ask forgiveness of God, it is not forgotten by God. When we do unjustness to others we are indirectly doing it to God.

In this world of” tick for tack” it is hard to turn the other cheek or walk away when someone is being unjust to us, but if you are a Christian, the Bible says this is exactly what we need to do.

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 
1 Thessalonians 5:15 

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:39 

The old hymn, "This World is not my Home” by Jim Reeves says,

This world is not my home I'm just a passing through
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue
The angels beckon me from heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore
Oh Lord you know I have no friend like you
If heaven's not my home then Lord what will I do
The angels beckon me from heaven's open door
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore

When people are unjust, don’t let it get you down, but think about the justness and righteous of Jesus, Who will never let you down.

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

Have a blessed day, 

Donna

In everything give thanks…

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1Thessalonians 5:18 

What is God’s will for our life? To be thankful for everything that comes our way. This is not something most of us want to hear.  When tragedy happens the last thing we want to do is be thankful. The Christian life is not about how we feel about things but what God wants us to do with our life.

I read of someone having a “thankful book” for the month of November. Each family member or friend who entered the home was encouraged to write something they were thankful for with colorful pens in a notebook. The family will read the thankful notes on Thanksgiving day. I thought that was a neat way to celebrate Thanksgiving month.

Look around each and every day and come up with at least __ (you come up with a suitable number) things you are thankful for.

Today I’m thankful for:

Family

Warm home

Clean water

Be thankful,
Donna

Contrasts

7 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. 8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Ecclesiastes 7:7-8

At first glance one might  say, “What is this talking about.”  We need to do a little word study to help with the explanation of verse seven.

Word meanings from the Hebrew:

Oppression means injury, fraud … unjust gain: … extortion…

Mad means …to shine; hence to make a show; to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; …

Gift means … a present; specifically (in a good sense) a sacrificial offering, (in a bad sense) a bribe: - …

Destroyeth (destroys) means … wander away, that is lose oneself; by implication to perish …

The interpretation would be this: Surely fraud makes a wise man to boast, and a bribe makes the heart wander.

Solomon tells us the end of something is better than the beginning. One is usually apprehensive embarking on a new project or a new phase in life. When we have dealt with some new period in our life, we become familiar with all the workings weather it is a new job, new family member, or some other activity new to us.

Solomon then tells us it is better to be patient than proud. John Gill says, “…patience is a fruit of the Spirit of God; and is of great use in the Christian's life, and especially in bearing afflictions, and tends to make men more humble, meek, and quiet; and such are highly esteemed of God;…”

The Bible says many things about the proud and the patient here a just a few verses:

Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. Proverbs 16:5

The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow. Proverbs 15:25

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:6

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.  Romans 12:12

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 1Thessalonians 5:14

Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.  James 5:8

Patience is not one of my strong points, but through the years the Lord has taught me many lessons. I am still learning but I am extremely thankful that the Lord is patient toward me. Can I be any less toward others?

Have a blessed day, 

Donna

Man or Beast??

18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. 19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. 20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. 21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? 22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? Ecclesiastes 3:18-22

Man compared to beast (animals). Are we like animals? In one sense we are inclined to say yes, because both are born, both eat to physically strengthen themselves, both breathe air to live and both die.

Warren Wiersbe says,”For when man leaves God out of his life, he becomes like an animal. He lives like a beast and dies like a beast.” (Be Satisfied, loc 973, Kindle version)

19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. II Peter 2:19-20

Man has body, soul and spirit. Animal has body. The similarities end there. Are we better than animals? I say yes, there are some that would disagree but let’s look at what God’s word says about man.

God made us in His own image

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Genesis 1:26 

God wants us to walk right

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23 

They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Psalm 119:3 

God wants us to trust Him

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8 

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8 

God wants us to follow Him

Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. III John 1:11 

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 1Thessalonians 5:15 

God wants us to obey Him

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:9 

Next time you see an animal remember you are not related, but you were created in the image of God. Praise God for giving you LIFE!

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Lessons from a trip – Lost and found

Did you ever lose something and look and look but could not find it? When you think it is gone you usually stop looking. We were gone on vacation for ten days. I stopped delivery of the mail and newspaper. We let the neighbors know we would be gone and asked them to keep an eye on the house. I made arrangements for my son to come over and feed the cat.

Everything was set. We left early Friday morning packing the car the night before. We doubled checked everything and were starting out the door when my husband asked if I saw Mimi. I did not see her that morning, which is not unusual because she will “hid” for hours and sometimes for a whole day. We set off for our vacation.

Two days later my son texted me to let me know he had been at the house but did not see the cat. Again I was not overly concerned because she will hide when someone comes over to the house. He stopped by again in a few days and noticed that food and water were not touched. He looked everywhere but could not find Mimi. Oh did I mention that Mimi is a house cat and does not go outside.

When we arrived home my husband looked inside and out, calling “Mimi” but still no cat. We resigned ourselves that she was gone. We went to bed after a long two days of driving. As we prayed together my husband prayed for Mimi, that we would find her. I was surprised and comforted by the prayer.

The next morning I got up and sat in my favorite chair to have quiet time. I was reading and happened to look up through my glass door. A cat was walking down my driveway and it didn’t look like one of the neighbor cats but it looked a lot like Mimi. As I opened the door the cat ran under my porch. I put slippers on and went to look under the porch. As I walked I called “Mimi” and heard a familiar meow. After a few minutes of coaxing she came to me. I could not believe my eyes. She was thin but otherwise looked healthy. I carried her inside, put her down and she ran to her food. After a ten day adventure Mimi the cat was home safe and sound.

This was a gentle reminder that God answers prayer. No matter how small or large the problem God knows. The answer may not always be the one we want but it is always the right one.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1Peter 5:7 

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippines 4:6 -7

Is there a “small” problem in your life? Pray, God is there. Is there a “LARGE” problem in your life? Pray, God is there. No matter what the situation God know and cares. We need to reach out as He is reaching out to us.

Pray without ceasing. 1Thessalonians 5:17 

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Lessons from a trip – Tunnels

Have you ever been in a situation where you thought there was absolutely no way out? At one time or another I think all of us have been there.

Last week as we traveled to Alabama we went through West Virginia. The views were spectacular. At one point we were traveling up a mountain and could only see the sky and green trees around us. Cresting the top of the mount it was breath taking. Absolutely beautiful, we were at the top of one of the mountains and we could see for miles, or so it seemed. I cannot explain the beauty that lay before us. Most of the trip through West Virginia was up and down mountains and hills; we traveled into the valleys at the bottom of the hills. At one point it looked like we were in a valley with only mountains around us. As we were traveling along the highway, and wondering how long we would be in the valley a tunnel came into view. The tunnel was cut straight through the mountain. We found the way out of the valley. Thinking about the trip and all the beautiful views from Massachusetts to Alabama, I thought of the tunnels.

Throughout our lives we will be on the mountain tops as well as in the valley. The valley is usually where we learn the precious promises of God. “I will never leave or forsake you” “draw close to me and I will draw close to you” “come unto me all you who are heavy laden”.

Through each valley there is a way out. Sometimes our valleys are self made, sometimes they are trials, and sometimes they are a schoolroom. Whatever the valley in your life is remember God has made a passageway, to draw us closer to him.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 1Thessalonians 5:24 

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: II Peter 2:9  

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Restoring order

[9] Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense. [10] And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field. [11] Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place. [12] Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries. [13] And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren. [14] Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.  Nehemiah 13:9-14

This last chapter in Nehemiah is all about restoration. In this portion, the chambers, it appears that Tobiah had more than one to live in, are cleansed and restored to the original use. The vessels and offerings were placed back in the chamber.

Nehemiah continues his investigation and finds that the Levites had not been paid and went “back to the field” to earn their living. He gathers the rulers to ask “why God’s house is forsaken”, bringing back the words they said to him when the covenant was made (Nehemiah 10:39).

Gathering the Levites, Nehemiah brings them back to the temple to perform their duties. Ever the organizer Nehemiah appoints treasurers to oversee and distribute the tithes brought into the treasury.

Through all this Nehemiah does not lose sight of why he is doing this. He prays and calls out to God. Commentaries call these prayers, ejaculatory prayers. In this brief but powerful prayer, Nehemiah asks God to remember him and not wipe out his good deeds for the temple.

God is with us, just as He was with Nehemiah. Our prayers do not need to be elaborate, but sincere from the heart.

Three things I learned from this portion of scripture:

Let God lead:

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23  

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Psalm 119:133 

Be organized:

Let all things be done decently and in order. 1Corinthians 14:40 

Be prayerful:

Pray without ceasing. 1Thessalonians 5:17  

Have a blessed day, 

Donna

Hallelujah Anyhow

I heard this song and tapped my feet, clapped my hands and praised God for all He does for me. Take a minute to think of some of the trials and tribulations you have been through. Then take another minute to think of what the sinless Son of God went through for you. Then take yet another minute or two or three to Praise and Thank God for everything.


Hallelujah Anyhow

I believe I’ll testify, God’s been good to me.
Through every test and trial, I’ve got the victory
The enemy has tried his best to make me turn around, bring me down
But my God has never failed me yet so I’m gonna stand my ground.

No matter what comes my way
I’ll lift my voice and say
Hallelujah anyhow
Wait a minute one more time
I think I’ll say it again.
God’s been so good to me; He’s my closest friend
I’ve come too far to turn around now
I’m gonna stand, I’m gonna wait,
Watch God work it out somehow
No matter what comes my way,
I’ll lift my voice and say,
Hallelujah anyhow!

Oh, Hallelu, hallelujah anyhow!
Hallelu, hallelu anyhow!
Hallelu, hallelu anyhow!
Hallelu, hallelu anyhow!
No matter what comes my way, I’ll lift my voice
Oh, Hallelu, hallelujah anyhow!
Hallelu, hallelu anyhow!
Hallelu, hallelu anyhow!

No matter what comes my way,
I’ll lift my voice and say
Hallelu anyhow
Hallelu anyhow
I’ll keep singing
Hallelu anyhow
Hallelu any how

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Thankful

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is a time to gather with family and friends and enjoy each other’s company. The dinner is an added bonus with family members all participating with a favorite dish. Thanksgiving is the time of year when the weather is “crisp” and you can “smell” autumn coming to an end, with winter sneaking around the corner. I look forward to this holiday as soon as the leaves start to change color.

We need to be thankful every day not just one day in the month of November. This month I will be blogging on thoughts and reflections of being thankful. Please leave a comment to share your thankful thoughts.

Giving thanks,
Donna