Fear NOT

Fear NOT




So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am our God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you and with my righteous right hand~Isaiah 41:10



As I was reading in Acts today this verse popped in my head, Paul was facing raging waters, storms which threatened his and his friends' life, instantly I thought of this verse..I did have to search my index for awhile for me to find the right one, I'm not that great of just knowing verses off the top of my head:).

Anyways I think we can all appreciate this verse as we all have gone through times where there was a lot of uncertainty whether it be a new job, new baby, new location, new home, illness, ect. The unknown is often quite frightening. And no we currently are not planning for any of these things but I've noticed that many around me are so thought this verse would be comforting. We do not need to fear anything when we have faith in God because we are always in HIS hands, and he will hold us, strengthen, and help us through whatever life may throw at us. Whatever you are facing today please remember you do not need to fear when God is with you.



In God's Love,

Sarah

God loved us THIS MUCH!!!!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life~John 3:16"



I was planning on using a different scripture this morning, in fact had it all typed out and then deleted it to put this wonderful verse that I'm sure we have all memorized before as children. It is the bible verse for todays VBS session at my parents church that we are helping out with. We have probably all memorized this verse as children, and today still know it by heart. But as we live life do we know just how much God loves us? I'm afraid that we probably don't as we often get busy buying into what the world wants us to focus on and forget the wonderful reality that God gave his only son so we can have eternal life. It's unimaginable for me to think of giving up one of my children's life to ensure the everlasting life for the world, but I'm not God. But just the thought of loosing one of my children volunteerily demonstrates what a sacrifice of love God gave for each of us.



Any one that has children knows that we love them unconditionally even through the tantrums, back talk and any other rebellion that may come our way. God's love is the same way, he loves us inspite of our sins, he has already paid for our sins through the death of Jesus, and all we need to do is believe, have faith, and ask him into our hearts.



This evening at VBS the entire evening will be focused on what God did for us, and how much he loves us. Please pray with me today that the children's hearts will be opened to the message and those who are not yet saved will find salvation through tonights VBS message. And if anyone reading this has not been saved please please please call, or email me, I'd love to share this message of salvation with you in person. Okay sorry to be coming across as a bit preachy this morning, remember I'm just another human with a sinful nature trying to live my life for Jesus who loves me. To end this morning I think I'll leave you with a wonderful song by David Crowder that illustrates beautifully just how much God loves us.



How he loves by David Crowder

He is jealous for me,

Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,

Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.

When all of a sudden,

I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,

And I realise just how beautiful You are,

And how great Your affections are for me.



And oh, how He loves us so,

Oh how He loves us,

How He loves us all



He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves.

Yeah, He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves.



We are His portion and He is our prize,

Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,

If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.

So Heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss,

And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,

I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,

When I think about, the way…



He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves.

Yeah, He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves us,

Oh how He loves.

Todays Devotion

Love HIM like Children do






Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive and accept and welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] positively shall not enter it at all.~matthew 10:15



Last night the boys, Sheldi, her girls and I all went to my parents church for their Vacation Bible School. Sheldi, Evan, Elle, and I hung out in the nursery while the others participated in all the activities, and learning that VBS offers, but all of us attended the beginning and ending worship time, and I must say it was an awesome thing to see all the children singing, raising their hands, and dancing for the Glory of God. Even Elle and Evan were having a great time, yes they are young, and probably do not realize they are singing and dancing about God, but that doesnt matter because in God's eyes children are welcome and accept HIM often times much easier than adults. As we all returned to Nana and Granddad's for a sleep over (where unfortunately me and my boys were the only ones who got much sleep) the big kids couldnt help but talk about what they learned and express their excitement for the next VBS. Its a challenge sometimes for me to keep the energy, excitement, and endurance going that comes with being an active Christian because sometimes the world and its challenges get in the way, but if we see God through the eyes of children our excitement, motivation, and energy will be renewed. So today, who cares what kind of day you've had know that God loves you as a child, and think back to those exciting times as a child when you heard your first bible stories, sang your first songs, or better yet asked him into your heart for the first time. I still remember that it was such a relieving, exciting time, and as I write this I will recall that memory anytime I become a complacent Christian.



In God's love,

Sarah

Devotion-072010

We are a masterpeice




For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10



Wow what a refreshing, reassuring, and encouraging verse for me today. I have felt anything but a masterpeice today, instead I've felt like scribble markings by a toddler...you know running around constantly but getting absolutely nothing accomplished...I know you moms out there know what I mean.



Anyways, its 3:30 and I've finally had some time to read my daily scripture form Air 1, not enough time to read my Bible today but this scripture is what I needed today. Its amazing that before we were even created God had his plans for us, and created us as his masterpeice. Through Christ we can get back to the way God created us, so even though today I've felt a bit scattered, unproductive, and irritable, if I can get down to the original "art work" God has done on me I can accomplish anything through HIM. So today whatever you are facing, or however you are feeling know you are not only a work of art that God created but a beautiful masterpeice, and go out and do good unto others as God has planned.



In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Devotion-071910

Case of the Mondays!!




Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise~Proverbs 19:20



Okay as I woke up today I was not in the best of moods, probably partly because it was Monday morning, and partly because I was unable to get my morning started alone with reading my Bible as Aiden woke up early. Then I went into to work prepared to get my day started by logging onto my computer and then remembered our server is down all day today so I had no access to any of my files, internet, email anything. I drove to the library so I could at least check my email realizing that they don't open until 9!!!! So I tried to be productive with my time waiting for them to open by getting gas and cleaning out my car. Upon arrival to the library the second time I decided I better start by reading my bible online, and went to Proverbs for some wisdom, and encouragement to shake off my "case of the Mondays". I was convicted to focus on this verse today because one of my weaknesses is taking advice and instructions from others, specifically when it comes to parenting. I always think my way is better than anyone elses. Yes I know this is something I'm not proud of and am constantly going to God in prayer about this human weekness I'm afflicted with. You see the majority of the reason I woke up grumpy this morning is that Nathen and I had a disagreement in regards to parenting, and TV watching~yes its a minor issue but my response to him allowing the boys to watch 30 minutes of TV while I went on a run last night initiated a heated discussion in which he felt I did not respect him as a parent, which could not be farther from the truth. A very minor issue of TV watching elicited a response in me that I got on my parenting pedelstal and made my partner in parenting feel inept, unvalidated and well just plain old lousy. Again something that I did not intend but it happened because I was not open to his reasoning, advice, or instruction. I think that we are not alone, I'm sure many parents have many discussions over discipline. This morning I wondered how our discussions would go if I accepted the advice and instructions of others around me as not a criticism to my own parenting skills but rather a way to gain more insight and wisdom. I try to respect other people's parenting skills and styles and do try to steer away from throwing in my opinions because I feel that is not my business, however after reading and reflecting on this verse this morning I am going to be more open to Nathen's advice and instruction regarding parenting, because we should be on the same side, and it would eliminate hurt feelings. Just think of it if we all accepted other peoples advice and instruction as a way to help not hurt what a happier society we would all live in.



In God's Love,

Sarah

Be Patient

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes~Psalm 37:7."I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry~Psalm 40:1".

Well as promised I'm writing about patience today, and I'm reminising a childhood song that we listened to quite often on a record player...yes I'm that old. Mom and Cammie probably remember it as well, it went "Be patient, Be patient, don't always get in such a hurry remember be patient" that is all I can remember right now but I know there was a line about God taking care of everything --Mom and Cammie please feel free to chime in and help me:)



Anyways, even though patience was taught and modeled for me at a young age it is still very difficult to practice and I think I'm not alone. We live in a very instant gratification society when we expect speedy service, and instant replies. How often do we wait in the check out line and think "wow what a wonderful thing to rest for a minute"? NEVER we usually are thinking "can this checker be any slower" or "why is that person writing a check just use your debit card!" Yes I'm guilty of this too, and if we slowed down a little we may see that the checker is doing his/her job perfectly and probably being very friendly making small talk with a customer, and shouldn't we exchange the same friendliness and slow down?



With our relationship with God it can be very frustrating to see all the bad things going on around us. I'm not going to get too political but it saddens me to see what a change our leaders are today from when our country was established, our forefathers had Christ at the center of their decisions. And thankfully we still have a small glipse of that with National Day of prayer and some states establishing a separate day of prayer. But overall I think we have become a society that demands things now and often do not turn to God for guidance, and rarely do we patiently wait for his response. Instead we become frustrated, bitter, and cold and may just stop praying. My aunt shared something with me about prayer that goes along quite well with this...it is PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens). So be patient and continue to pray to God he will answer your prayer.



In God's Love,



Sarah

Never Unanswered Prayers

"Then when you call, the Lord will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply~Isaiah 48:9 NLT"



As I read this verse today it took me back a couple of weeks ago to the Jonny Diaz concert (which ironically I'm actually wearing the t-shirt I got there??:) anyways, during the concert he talked about how all prayers are answered, but sometimes the answer may be "wait". He also shared how he enjoyed country music but thought Garth Brooks had it wrong the best gift is not Unanswered prayers, because all of the prayers are answered, we just may receive "wait" as the answer. It kind of reminds me of when we were children, we would ask mom about something, and she would say ask your dad, and then he would tell us to ask mom...until they both decided upon an answer to give us.



To piggy back on what I wrote about yesterday God is always there, and always listening, we just need to call upon him, and know that he will respond quickly. Sometimes the response may not be what we want but it will be what HE wants for us, and he knows our needs, desires, and all of us better than we know ourselves, not to mention he LOVES us more than anyone on the earth can imagine! So today if you are praying and feeling a bit like Garth Brooks and not getting your prayers answered, know that they are it just maybe a different answer than what you expect, the answer of "Wait". Maybe tomorrow I'll write a devotion on patience:)



In God's love,

Sarah

Always and Never Shaken

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken for he is right beside me~Psalm 16:8 NLT

As I woke this morning I was really looking forward to reading my bible, taking a shower, and writing my devotion. Well my plans were squashed when Aiden and Evan both decided to wake up at 6:15 too. Determined to have a good day I sang to Evan while showering to keep him happy, singing Jesus loves the Little Children while Aiden looked at his new children's bible we just got inthe mail yesterday. Then we read the boys' devotional book in which it had this verse, which I so needed today. Throughout the morning I've really been reflecting on this verse, how would our lives be different if we went about our daily business knowing God was right there with us. Personally I think we would all be a little bit less hurried, less stressed, and more happy. So I've remembered that today that God is with me, whether it be unintentionally hurting a good friend, dodging slaps from a 3 year old, or showering God has been with me. And as a human I've felt a little shaky, and out of control (especially in the last hour as I tried to get Aiden down for a nap) I've tried to keep this verse in mind--God is with me with him I can handle anything. I know that I am so blessed and really hate complaining about "my problems" because I know they are really minor but as any parent or friend knows in the moment of conflict whether it be with an adult or child it can be stressful, so whatever you are facing today know that God is there, and he will provide sturdy, strong, and firm ground for you to land on if only we just acknowledge and know HE is ALWAYS with us.



In God's Love,

Sarah

NOT JUST RUNNING BUT FINISHING THE RACE!!!

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace~Acts 20:24

We have all heard the saying fight a good fight, run to the finish line, and I recalled this verse as I read it this morning, but never noticed or remembered the first part of it, my interpretation we are worthless unless we share the gospel and do God's work here on this earth. I'm far from a biblical scholar so please feel free to correct me if my interpretation is incorrect. But for now I'm going with I'm right because I feel God placing this on my heart tonight:).

At the end of our lives will it really matter how clean our house is, what our occupation is, our education is, or prestige in a community (the list is endless of what we often put importance on, isn't it?). NO what will matter is that we finished the race of life by shining the light of Jesus to others. I know I'm sounding like a broken record but as Christians I think its our responsibility to tell others of God's grace and love. And if we don't I think we are running the race of life half heartedly. Most of you know that I ran in High School and 2 years at Juco, and although I'm not blessed with the natural running talent that my sisters have I'm proud that every race I ran I finished even if I was one of the last ones:) I strive to live my life in that way: running to the finish line for God's glory. Yes its difficult to go out on a limb and testify, show God's love, and reach out to unbelievers~but if one of them end up believing that to me is worth the challenges that may come along with it. So lets run the best race and finish strongly telling others about the ultimate Winner, God.



In God's Love,

Sarah

Prayer

I usually post these only on my facebook account but thought I'd go ahead and post today's devotion here as well as I'd like it to reach as many people as possible... to create a large circle of prayer.

PRAY!!




Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer~Romans 12:12",And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying~Ephesians 6:18", "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful~Colossians 4:2", "pray continually~1 Thessalonians 5:17

As for today, God has laid it on my heart to write about prayer. It's been something that has been running through my mind a lot the last several weeks. You see so many of us say to others "I'll be praying for you", or "you've been in my prayers". I know I've said those words a lot lately as there seems to be a lot of people around me affected by loss, sickness, and tragedies. As I drove to work this morning I felt God almost lecturing me "Sarah, you need to pray for those you've said you would pray for". Yes I always pray when I say I will but it is usually just that day, and not a constant prayer for those who are grieving, sick, or hurt. I also felt God was telling me to share these prayer requests with others so we all can pray together, creating a circle of prayer. I remember a devotion mom wrote awhile back about a photograph my Uncle Larry took in which there was a group of people holding hands in prayer. Today I ask we create that unity and lift up these prayers to God:

1) a little baby born June 17th is currently in surgery for heart please pray for comfort for her family, and guidance for her surgeons, as well as speedy recovery for her. You can learn more about Baby Kaiya at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kaiyaaberle/mystory

2) The Nihart family, as I wrote a few weeks ago a classmate of mine died in an ATV accident leaving wife, 2 small children, sister, and his parents. I saw his sister at the pool Friday and was able to give my condolences and let her know I'd been praying, and I could feel the pain of greif she had.

3) A friend I went to high school with brother has cancer on his spine, and he and his son are having a difficult time accepting the diagnosis, please pray for Brent's health, and the rest of his family.

4) Another friend I went to high school with best friend committed suicide about a month ago please pray for Ben. I know he feels a lot of guilt and grief during this time.



Also, if you have any prayer requests please let me know I consider it a blessing to pray for others.



In God's Love,

Sarah