marylaw
Life Plan Devotion #245 [Abide in Fruit-bearing]
Jul 07, 2010
Today's devotion is the last one in the Abiding in Christ mini-devotional series. Like the other topics, I feel we have just skimmed the surface. If, after reading today's devotion about Fruit-bearing, you would like to read more, I would recommend that, along with reading John chapter 15, you read a small yet powerful book called Secrets of the Vine by Bruce Wilkinson.
Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will post the Flashback Friday Devotion and then will be back on Monday with a new topic in the Life Plan Devotion. It is a topic that the Lord spoke to me just yesterday, and I'm very excited about it. As always, I appreciate your prayers for me, as I seek to read and meditate on the Word, that I will listen carefully and be obedient.
Please pray for those having surgery today, as well as those recovering from surgery. Please pray for those who are (or will be) submitting to God's careful pruning in their life, so they can bear much fruit (see devotion).
Blessings,
Mary
Life Plan Devotion #245 [Abide in Fruit-bearing]
John 15:5 “[Jesus said,] 'I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing'” (NIV).
Abiding (dwelling, continuing, enduring, remaining, standing) in Christ begins with salvation, but it is meant to be an ever-deepening relationship with our Savior and Lord. Every believer would do well to ask her(him)self, “Is Jesus merely my Savior, or is He the Lord of my life?” There is a difference, and the result of that difference will be seen in whether or not the believer bears fruit in her(his) life, for the kingdom.
Chapters 13 through 17, in the Book of John, contain Jesus' last earthly words to His disciples (and to us), before He is betrayed, arrested, tried, and crucified. Last words carry weight. Jesus' last words carry instruction laced with love. As with all of His words, the message is simple so that the one open to it will understand, yet so deep that the brightest biblical scholar can study for a lifetime and barely uncover the first layer of meaning.
One of the most precious results of abiding in Christ, and one about which I am most passionate, is that of bearing fruit—much fruit. God wants every believer to be fruitful, from the inside out. That is one of the reasons He gave us the Holy Spirit, that the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control--Galatians 5:22) will be experienced in our heart and life, and will positively impact those around us, hopefully for all eternity.
Yes, being fruitful is a mark of an abiding believer. Just as the only grapevine to bear much fruit is the one whose roots are strong, whose branches are well-connected and pruned, only the believer who is rooted and grounded in God's love and the Word, who stays connected to Him in prayer, and who submits to His pruning (to the cutting away of anything that would hinder her[his] relationship and walk with the Lord) will bear much fruit.
What fruit are you bearing? What eternal impact is your life having? It is more than giving service to others, in some ministry or church, although that is important. It is pouring out, from yourself, of what you have allowed the Lord to pour into you. It is living a life of purpose, of looking for every opportunity to share the good news of Christ, with passion and compassion. The fruit you bear should be attractive and attracting to others, so that they want what you have.
Today, and every day, ask the Vinedresser to tend to you in such a way that you will not only bear fruit, but bear much fruit, a fruitful life overflowing with purposeful abundance, yielding the Fruit of the Spirit and touching lives for all eternity. Be prepared, though, not only for the heart changes required, but also to becoming equipped to share your faith, as the Lord gives you the opportunity. If you do the abiding, God will do the fruit-bearing, and it will be awesome.
What this has to do with weight loss: Reaching goal will be the result of what you eat and how you move. That's true, but for the believer, it will also be the result of abiding in Christ, for one aspect of the Fruit of the Spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:22). If self-control is an area of lack for you, the solution to the problem is to spend more time allowing the Holy Spirit to fill you up, to tend to your needs. If you do, you will not turn to food to do that, at least not past the point of fuel that your body needs.
Prayer for Today:
“Heavenly Father, I desire to bear much fruit in my life, and I know that is Your desire for me, too. Today, I submit myself to You, and I ask that You would tend to me in whatever way You deem best. I invite You to do the pruning, the cutting away of anything that hinders fruitfulness. Even if that is a bit painful, I know there is purpose in it, and I know it will result in fruit—in me and for me, for others, and for Your glory. Be pleased to do this work, Lord, and give me the opportunity to share Jesus with someone today. I pray in the Name of my Savior and Lord—Jesus Christ. Amen.”Life Plan Devotion #244 [Abide in Answered Prayer]
Jul 06, 2010
Blessings,
Mary
Life Plan Devotion #244 [Abide in Answered Prayer]
John 15:7-8 “[Jesus said,] 'If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples'” (NIV).
Abiding (dwelling, continuing, enduring, remaining, standing) in Christ begins with salvation. Clothed, at that moment, in the robe of righteousness (right standing with God), we have a choice. We can abide and grow in relationship to the Lord, or we can begin to drift and stay a baby believer. I have been in both places. Abiding is much more rewarding, in all ways.
One of the most rewarding, and most misunderstood, results of abiding in Christ is answered prayer. To be sure, prayer is always answered, but the answer (whether a “no,” a “yes,” or a “not now”) and the timing (the arrival of the answer) are up to God. Period. He is not a magic door, that, if we pray the right words, will open to all our fondest wishes and dreams.
It is all too easy to take a verse of scripture and use it, out of context. Believers and non-believers do it quite often. To understand God's words (and heart), one must read The Book...the whole Bible, and, as far as abiding in Christ, the New Testament is particularly important, for in it we see the way of the Master lived out, based on the words of Christ, and we see the Father as we look at the Son.
Humans are, basically, selfish creatures. We tend to want what we want, when we want it, and that is seen, quite often, in our prayers. There's nothing wrong with asking God for what you need, but if you ask out of greed, it is a sign that you are not abiding. Those who truly abide in Christ will be others-centered more than self-centered, not only in how they live their life, but in the content of their prayers.
Having said that, it is true that for those who truly remain in Christ, who walk and talk with Him throughout their day, who spend time with Him in prayer and in reading God's Word, who whisper His name before falling asleep, and who think of Him upon waking, their prayers, which are full of and line up with His Word, receive more “yes” answers than those who are baby believers or carnal Christians. There is nothing like a loving, godly “no” or “not now” to gently guide a believer into a deeper walk with the Lord. The Father longs to say “yes” to our prayers, but we have to do our part, too.
Our part to seeing rewarding answers to our prayers is to abide in Christ, and to prove that by praying prayers that line up with God's Word, line up with God's Will, and seek to bring God glory. If those conditions are met, the pray-er will “bear much fruit, showing [themselves] to be [Christ's] disciples” (John 15:8).
The mark of an abiding believer is not merely the number of “yes” answers to prayer, but it is seen in his/her reaction to a “not now” or even a “no” answer. It is at those times, when the abiding believer rests in the sovereignty of God, in His omniscience (all-knowing), and is able to lift up holy hands and pray, “I am not offended with You, for although I do not understand this answer, I trust Your Heart, and it is well with my soul.”
What this has to do with weight loss: God is concerned about that which concerns you, and that includes matters of weight loss and health. If you abide in Him, take your weight-loss journey needs to the Lord, knowing that He will help you, in His way and in His time.
Prayer for Today:
“Heavenly Father, I want to know You so intimately that my prayers prove that I am confident in what is Your Will and Way. I long to bear much fruit for the Kingdom, and so I bring the needs of others, as well as myself, to You, in prayer, confident in the knowledge that as I remain close to You, my prayers are 'Yes, and Amen,' just as Your promises are 'Yes' in Christ, to the glory of God (II Corinthians 1:20). Thank You, that as I say 'yes' to You, You are able to say 'Yes' to me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.”Life Plan Devotion #243 [Abide in Peace]
Jul 05, 2010
Thank you for your patience yesterday, and I appreciate all those who left a prayer request through a comment or personal message. Please know that I have prayed and will continue to pray for your need(s). Please keep me posted on when the answer comes.
Please pray for all those having surgery today. I have a dear friend who is undergoing plastic surgery today, and I know she would appreciate your prayers. Pray for all those recovering from surgery (including my friend, Sophie), and pray for all those facing a storm, that they will experience great peace (see devotion).
Blessings,
Mary
Life Plan Devotion #243 [Abide in Peace]
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (NKJV).
When I write a devotion, if it fits, I use a personal story, so as I was thinking about how abiding in Christ gives peace in the midst of a storm of life, I was trying to decide which “storm” I would share. Like others, I've been through many storms: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual. I've dealt with the death of friends and loved ones, attempted suicides (and even a few completed), financial difficulties (including losing a car and nearly losing our home), physical challenges that brought me to the brink of death, mental challenges (amnesia and then the trauma of remembering, suffering from panic anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression that led to a near suicide), and questioning God and His plan or will for my life.
In thinking back over the various experiences I've had, I could not sense which story the Lord would have me share with you, so I asked Him. As I got quiet before Him, I “heard” Him say, “Focus not on the storm. Focus on the peace.”
That is the point. Everyone, believer and unbeliever alike, will face one or more storms in life, but abiding in Christ is what gives you peace in the midst of the storm. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). The Greek word for “tribulation” is thlipsis, and it means “pressure (literal or figurative):--afflicted (-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.” That covers all difficult life experiences, and that's what we tend to focus on—the trouble of the moment.
However, God would have us focus on His promise of peace (defined in the Greek as “one, peace, quietness, rest, and set at one again”). Just as joy is not dependent upon circumstances, peace is not dependent upon circumstances, as well. When one is abiding in Christ, it really doesn't matter what's going on, for God's peace that surpasses all understanding is promised, known, and felt.
The amount of peace you experience in the midst of a personal storm is a direct indicator of (and result of) how little or how much you are abiding in Christ. The next time you experience a trouble, burden, affliction, or anguish, take your peace pulse. If it's “racing,” then run to Him, and get back to abiding. If it's quiet and steady, then stay in Him, and enjoy the peace from the One who says, “be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]” (John 16:33b, Amplified).
What this has to do with weight loss: When weight-loss complications arise, whether benign or serious, stay in peace. Remind yourself that God has a plan for your weight-loss journey, and He will bring you through to the end.
Prayer for Today:
Life Plan Devotion Announcement
Jul 05, 2010
I hope you had a great 4th of July, celebrating this great nation and our freedoms, and that you prayed for our country and leadership.
Speaking of prayer, please post your prayer requests here. My husband is home from work, and while he's a dear man, he's this writer's greatest distraction, so I've given up trying to write today's devotion.
If I had realized last night that he has today off work, I would have stayed up late, to try to write. I apologize to anyone who is disappointed to see no devotion posted today. Feel free to visit my Profile Blog, and read a previous devotion. You might just see something "new." :)
Along with posting your prayer request, please pray for those having surgery today, as well as those recovering from surgery.
I look forward to posting the next Life Plan Devotion tomorrow, as we continue in the Abiding in Christ series.
Blessings,
Mary
Flashback Fri.--new--Devotion #57 [Filling Up A Different Way]
Jul 01, 2010
I really shouldn't call today's devotion a "Flashback Friday" Devotion, because it isn't a repeat of a previous devotion from my journal, but it is in response to the Lord's prompting. In my obedience, I leave the results up to Him. :)
Please pray for those having surgery today, as well as those recovering from surgery.
Have a wonderful, safe 4th of July weekend. I love that the 4th is this Sunday, a day when every believer should celebrate the freedom he/she has in Christ. Of course, we should do that every day. :)
Lord willing, I'll be back on Monday with the Life Plan Devotion, as we continue in the theme of Abiding in Christ.
Blessings,
Mary
Flashback Friday Devotion #57 [Filling Up A Different Way]
Isaiah 6:1-7 "I saw the Lord seated on a throne high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.' At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 'Woe to me!' I cried. 'I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.' Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, 'See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for'" (NIV).
Colossians 1:16 tells us that all creation was created by God and for God. Revelation 5:13 tells us that every creature will sing praises to God. What I am coming to realize is that when we believers fill ourselves up with praise for the Lord, we become satisfied spiritually, and when we are satisfied spiritually, especially before a meal, we find that it doesn't take much food to satisfy us physically.
Yesterday, in response to Life Plan Devotion #242, my friend T. posted a beautiful prayer, that she and her sisters would pray together. I have taken the liberty of condensing and re-wording it just a bit, and putting it in first person, so you can readily pray it for yourself. That is what I'd like for you to do, before your next meal, if you're willing, and follow the prayer with listening to a song for about 7 minutes. First, the prayer:
"Help me, Heavenly Father. Save me. Forgive me of the sin of overeating, which I detest, and heal my brokenness. Take away my dependency on food, and replace it with an intense desire for You. Magnify my faith so that I can ask You for what I need, that I will put all my trust in You. I love You. I worship You. I adore You. All these requests I pray in the name of Jesus, who loves me and gave His life for me. Amen."
After praying that prayer, listen (you can close your eyes and just relax, or you can sing along) to Terry MacAlmon singing Holy, Holy, Holy Are You, Lord. If you'd like to sing along, here are the lyrics, which are followed by the link:
Verse:
Hear the sound of heaven, like the sound of many waters
It's the sound of worship, coming from the throne
Cries of adoration, as men from every nation
Lift their voice to make His glory known, singing
Chorus:
Holy, holy, holy are You, Lord
Holy, holy, holy are You, Lord
The elders and angels bow
The redeemed worship You now
Holy, holy, holy are You, Lord.
http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=8020019871f3c6e1f7d4
After the prayer and listening or singing to the song, eat your meal. Stay in that mode of worship, and see what a difference it makes in how satisfied you are with the food and how quickly you feel that satisfaction. Write down your thoughts, your experience, and, if you're willing, send me a personal message or, better yet, post a comment here, for the encouragement of others, as well. If at all possible, make this first "filling up a different way" meal one in which you are the only one dining. That way, you'll have fewer distractions. I'm excited for you to try this. You just may find a way of eating that will bless you in your mind, will, emotions, and body.
Life Plan Devotion #242 [Abide in New Light]
Jul 01, 2010
Usually, I retype the devotion in one forum post, and then copy and paste it into another forum, and then into my blog. Today, I'm going to try to copy and paste from my word-processed document. I've tried that before, and, for some reason, the result was that certain parts of the devotion were in different order. That was early on, in posting, though, so I'm hopeful it will work now. It will save me some time, for sure.
Please pray for those having surgery, those recovering from surgery, and all those trying to living in both light and darkness, as well as those living in total darkness (see devotion).
Blessings,
Mary
Life Plan Devotion #242 [Abide in New Light]
John 8:12 “[Jesus said,] 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” (NIV).
There are results of abiding (dwelling, continuing, enduring, remaining, standing) in Christ. Last time, we looked at the robe of righteousness, with which we are clothed at the moment of salvation, with true salvation being the entrance to abiding. Today, we look at another, most precious result, and that is light.
Webster's gives many definitions for the word “light.” I have chosen three, in the interest of space. 1. something that makes things visible or affords illumination. 4. an illuminating agent or source, as the sun, a lamp, or a beacon. 9. a device for or a means of igniting, as a spark, flame, or match. For the believer, Jesus is all that and more. He is The Light of the World, He is the Light of our mind and heart, and He ignites a flame of power and passion within us.
Webster's defines “darkness” as: 1. the state or quality of being dark. 2. absence or deficiency of light. 3. wickedness or evil. 4. lack of knowledge or enlightenment. 5. lack of sight; blindness. For the unbeliever, not knowing Jesus keeps him/her in darkness. The sad thing is that unbelievers do not realize they are in darkness. Only when the Holy Spirit presents an unbeliever with an opportunity to open up, even if it's just a crack, will enough light come in to bring some enlightenment, some sight. There is that first inkling that perhaps one has been living in darkness, that one's knowledge has been merely natural facts instead of supernatural truth.
When one is truly abiding in Christ, there can be no darkness, no evil, no blindness of mind or heart. You see, what we surround ourselves with is what we become. If I live in light, I become full of light. If I live in darkness, I become full of darkness. I choose to live, to abide in Christ, and His light is in me, His light surrounds me, and His light shines through me. I do not say that with a false sense of pride or arrogance. It humbles me, like nothing else. There is nothing about me that warrants that, but that's the beauty of the light that Jesus gives. He is no respecter of persons. Light is available to all.
The darkness of this world, of the enemy and those who follow him, cannot affect us believers, because darkness has no affect on light. Darkness cannot cause light to become dark, but light will always overpower darkness.
What is surrounding you, today? Is it light, or darkness? If you are a believer, but there is some area that is tainted with what belongs in darkness, then you are not truly abiding in Christ. You may be saved, but any darkness means that you are holding something back from the Light of the World, Jesus. Trying to live in both darkness and light never works. There's too much conflict, within. Invite the Light of the World to shine His light into every corner and crevice of your mind and heart, and wherever there is a dark blemish, turn it over to Him. He will heal it and make you wholly full of light.
What this has to do with weight loss: For the believer who has experienced issues of obesity, one must look at the root reason. It's never just about food or appetite. There is an area where the believer has sought to be filled up with food, rather than filled up with Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what the root reason is, for you. He will be faithful to do that. Once you see it, and ask Him to make you whole, He will do so. You will then release weight, as you continue to abide in Christ.
Prayer for Today:
Life Plan Devotion #241 [Abide in New Clothing]
Jun 30, 2010
It's a wonderful Wednesday, here in Kansas...a beautiful, warm, sunny day, with a slight breeze. I wish you could come over. We could sit on my back porch swing, and chat.
Please pray for those having surgery today and those recovering from surgery. I'm praying for each of you, as we have this new day before us.
Blessings,
Mary
Life Plan Devotion #241 [Abide in New Clothing]
Philippians 3:9 "[That I, Paul, may] be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith" (NIV).
The word "abide" comes from the Greek word “mĕnō,” and it means "to stay (in a given place, state, relation, or expectancy):--abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for) thine own" (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance). Abiding in Christ, as we learned last time, begins with being in Christ, and that comes from a true salvation experience.
There are many results of abiding in Christ, and today we look at the first one. At the moment of salvation, we are given everything we need, although we may not realize it, and we may not fully appropriate all that we're given. At the moment we say "yes" to Jesus, when we ask for (and receive) the gift of forgiveness of sins, we are clothed in a robe of righteousness.
Paul speaks of two types of righteousness, in Philippians 3:9. One type of righteousness is that which could be earned by keeping the Old Testament law. It was imperfect, in that a human cannot earn true and permanent "right standing with God," which is what the word "righteousness" means. God, in His mercy, set in place animal sacrifice, as a way to have one's sins excused. It was part of the old covenant.
When Christ came, however, He cut the new covenant, with His own blood. Because of that, no longer are our sins merely excused; they are expunged, wiped away, as if they never happened. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22). What the law could not do--clothe us in righteousness--the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, once, and for all, accomplished.
Abiding in Christ presents us sinless, before God. That is how He sees us, because He sees us through the Cross, through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The truly saved have shed their tattered rags of self-righteousness, and are clothed in the perfect robe of righteousness.
The challenge is to realize that we're clothed in righteousness, and to allow that to affect our thinking and our actions. It is not a license to sin. No, because to do that which is counter to "right standing with God" tramples the grace of God, and causes much misery. We believers have done that, at one time or another, and we know the sorrow it causes, the pain, until we get things right with the Lord.
That precious robe of righteousness, bought and paid for by Jesus Christ, gives the believer justification (that status of "just as if I'd never sinned"). As we abide in Him, as we stand and continue in His presence, we humbly appreciate and treasure our new clothing, our robe of righteousness, gifted to us through faith.
What this has to do with weight loss: When a believer meditates on their state of "right standing with God," even before sitting down to a meal, there will be a strong sense of "fullness." When the spirit is satiated, it does not take much for the body to reach satiety, as well. Try it, and you will see it is so.
Prayer for Today: "Heavenly Father, I am humbled by Your gift of righteousness, through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. I often close my eyes and think about that moment when my tattered rags of self-righteousness and sin disappeared, as You clothed me in a new robe of righteousness. I think of how that cold feeling of sin and despair was replaced by a warm feeling of perfection and forgiveness. It felt so right. For the first time, I felt truly good, whole and well. In You, I have everything I need and all that I want. There are no words to thank You for what You have done for me, for what You continue to do for me. May I show my thanks by wearing the robe of righteousness well, so that others will see Jesus in me. That will happen, as I continue to abide in You. It's the right place to be. Amen."
Life Plan Devotion #240 [Abide in New Life]
Jun 28, 2010
I'm excited about the new theme for the Life Plan Devotion. It feels a bit overwhelming, but it always does, mainly because I know that, on my own, I cannot write, but that only makes me realize all the more that this is God's project, and He is faithful. He will give me each day's writing. Please join me by praying for me, that I will listen carefully to His voice, and join by reading and responding to each devotion, if you're willing.
Let's pray for those having surgery today, as well as those recovering from surgery, and please pray for those who cannot see themselves in today's devotion, as they decide whether or not to find new life, in which to abide.
Have a terrific Tuesday, everyone.
Blessings,
Mary
Life Plan Devotion #240 [Abide in New Life]
II Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (NIV).
In praying about the next step to take in the Life Plan Devotion, the next verse or theme, the Lord spoke three words, "Abide in Me." I believe that the Lord would have us to consider what it means to abide in Christ. What does that look like? How will you know if you are abiding in Him?
Webster's defines "abide" in 7 ways, as quoted below:
--v.i. (intransitive verb)
1. to remain; continue; stay: Abide with me.
2. to have one's abode; dwell; reside.
3. to continue in a particular condition; last; endure.
--v.t. (transitive verb)
4. to put up with; tolerate; stand: I can't abide dishonesty!
5. to endure or withstand without yielding: to abide a vigorous onslaught.
6. to wait for; await: to abide the coming of the Lord.
7. to accept without opposition or question: to abide the verdict of the judge.
If one desires to abide in Christ, it cannot happen unless one is "in Christ." There must be a true salvation experience, and nothing less (not any ritual--like dedication, baptism, confirmation, or partaking of communion, etc.) will do.
I had attended church for many years, but I did not have a personal encounter with Christ until July 13, 1969, at the age of thirteen. Before that, I had head knowledge of Christianity; after that, I had heart knowledge of Christ. There is a big difference between the two.
The moment I said "yes" to Jesus, I became a "new creation," but it took many years for me to truly understand what that meant. The "old" was "gone," but not forgotten. Like many believers, I found myself clinging to the "old," and, eventually, I experienced the battle that is waged within when the "old" is not allowed to leave.
The "new" was amazing, though. I felt different. I saw the world differently. I had an instant love for people--all people. I saw the Creator in His creation, and all of it looked so beautiful and vibrant. It took my breath away. He took my breath away. It was the beginning of abiding, of new life in Christ.
What this has to do with weight loss: Having an unhealthy lifestyle, living in an obese body, is a result of not abiding in Christ, of not recognizing that "you are not your own; you were bought at a price" (I Corinthians 6:19c-20a). Whatever you keep from Him will deteriorate, because He is life. When you realize that Jesus paid the price for your body, and you invite Him to move in, to abide in that area of your life, you will submit to the command, "Therefore honor God with your body" (I Corinthians 6:20b). You submit, and God will do the rest, helping you to honor Him in your body.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, when I accepted Jesus as my Savior, You gave me new life. I have not always submitted to that new life, and where I have not done so, what a mess it has turned out to be! I desire to abide in You, to learn what that means, and to learn what that means for me. Show me any area of my life (my mind, my will, my emotions, and my body) where I am not truly abiding, and help me to understand what I need to do to get to the place where new life is invited in, where, with Your help, I honor You with my mind, will, emotions, and body. I pray in Jesus' Name, and with anticipatory joy in truly abiding. Amen."
Life Plan Devotion #239 [And Grace Will Lead]
Jun 27, 2010
Today, we complete the miniseries on grace. As I finished the prayer at the end, saved the devotion, and waited for it to print, I thought that if the Life Plan Devotion ever gets published, as a yearly devotional book for those on the weight-loss journey, I'd put the series on grace at the end of the book, because it would make a great ending. What do you think? It doesn't matter if it gets published or not. I've had a blast bringing it to you, my OH friends.
Let's pray for those having surgery today and those recovering from surgery. Please pray for me, as I seek God's direction on where we should go from here, with the Life Plan Devotion. It's always a bit nerve wracking, but fun, to wait on the Lord, to hear His voice, to receive His guidance. This is His project, and He is faithful.
Have a marvelous Monday.
Blessings,
Mary
Life Plan Devotion #239 [And Grace Will Lead]
II Timothy 2:1 "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (NIV).
Grace, the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God, is seen in the gifts of salvation, godly instruction, and divine strength. Grace is what brought Jesus to us, and it is grace that helps us to follow Him. Grace is available, to help the believer be transformed rather than conformed, and grace can make the difference between a life overpowered by weakness and a life empowered by Jesus Christ. It is by grace, found in Jesus, that gives the believer, who receives, the strength to handle whatever comes his/her way.
At my age, I have more years behind me than ahead of me. There is peace in admitting that, and that peace comes from knowing Jesus, from being confident in my salvation, and years of experience that has taught me that nothing is a surprise to the Father, and I am never alone. It reminds me of the old song that says, "The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows. The more that I love Him, more love He bestows. Each day is like Heaven, my heart overflows. The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows" (The Longer I Serve Him, by William J. Gaither, 1965).
It is getting more difficult to live as a believer. It is politically incorrect to bash a religion...except Christianity, that is. Just a few days ago, I received the latest issue of a magazine that keeps believers updated on the latest imprisonment of Christians or even the most recent story of martyrdom, around the world. Since the early church, believers have been thrown to the lions, literally and figuratively. What do we do? We must remain strong, strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
The grace that is found in an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ is what will give each of us strength. It is that grace that enables each believer to rise and greet the day with confidence, knowing that whatever comes, the Lord will enable and empower. Spending the first few moments of every day with Jesus is like drinking Living Water, and reading God's Word is like partaking of the Bread of Life. There is absolutely nothing that compares with walking the way with the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God and Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
The Bible has much to say about the end times, and it appears that we are in it. I don't know if I will live long enough to see Jesus split the sky wide open and return for His children, but I sure would love to. I long to hear that trumpet sound and the Hallelujah call. Life has given me some difficult moments; I'm sure you can say the same, but one day, "It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus. Life's trials will seem so small, when we see Christ. One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrows will erase, so bravely run the race, 'til we see Christ" (When We See Christ, by Esther Kerr Rusthoi). Until then, I echo the last words of the Bible, Revelation 22:21, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
What this has to do with weight loss: When a believer turns to the Lord for help on his/her weight-loss journey and then gives God all the glory for his/her weight loss, there will be those who mock and ridicule. It takes courage to bear the jeers, but that courage can be found in grace. Who cares what anyone thinks, anyway. The only opinion that really matters is God's, and if you are looking to Him and living for Him, even with your body, He is pleased. Walk the weight-loss way with courage, strength, confidence, and grace.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, how precious it is to walk this day with You, to know that You have all the grace I need, the courage I need, the fortitude, the love, the provision--everything. No matter what may come my way today, I know that You are with me. I pray that I will be faithful, like You; loving, like You; and empowered, like You. Thank You for Your grace that has brought me safe this far, and I know that Your grace will lead me Home. I love You, Lord, and I love your awesome, abundant, amazing grace. Amen."
Take a final listen to our theme song, Were It Not For Grace, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-X7FoXIuu4&feature=related and then the wonderful old hymn Amazing Grace, written by John Newton, who ran a slave trade ship until he found Jesus, here sung by 10-year-old Melissa, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkiGDUfizb0&feature=related.
Life Plan Devotion #238 [All-sufficient Grace]
Jun 27, 2010
Post Date: 6/24/10 5:01 am
Hi, Everyone.
I didn't post yesterday, but I'm not sure anyone noticed. ;) Maybe your week has been as busy as mine, although yesterday I didn't post because I was busy. I didn't post because I spent the day resting from the previous very busy days, as well as meditating on today's verse and studying the Greek meanings of the main words in today's key verse. I love to do word studies. It's the best way to make sure that we're thinking on God's Word in the correct way.
Tomorrow, Lord willing, I will post the Flashback Friday Devotion, and on Monday, we'll have our final devotion on the topic of grace (unless the Lord directs otherwise). Please pray that I will listen carefully to where He'd like for us to go, next.
Let's pray for all those having surgery today, as well as all those recovering from surgery, that God's grace will manifest in a miracle in their body and life.
Blessings,
Mary
Life Plan Devotion #238 [All-Sufficient Grace]
II Corinthians 12:9 "And [the Lord] said to [Paul], 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (NKJV).
Grace, the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God, is seen in the gifts of salvation, godly instruction, and divine strength. Grace is what brought Jesus to us, and it is grace that helps us to follow Him. Grace is available, to help the believer to be transformed rather than conformed, and grace can make the difference between a life overpowered by weakness and a life empowered by Jesus Christ.
Being a believer does not come with a guarantee of a life free of care. However, we are not meant to be buried by care, weakness of any kind, or sickness. A believer can call on God's grace to sustain him/her while experiencing those difficult times, but God does not desire that we settle for that. I know this because the Word says that "in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). "All" meansall. If a "thing" is conquering you, rather than you conquering it, you are living a "less than" life.
If you realize you are living a "less than" kind of life, because you are experiencing a care, weakness, or sickness that has not gone away, and doesn't look like it ever will, I want you to know that God's "grace is sufficient for you." The Greek word for "sufficient" is pronounced "ar-keh'-o," and it is "the idea of raising a barrier, to ward off, and to avail." It can mean "to be content," but there is much more power in the former meanings than the latter, and it is that power that Paul brings up and that we should appropriate, by grace.
In II Corinthians 12:9, the Lord says to Paul, and to us, that His "strength is made perfect in weakness." The Greek word for "strength" is "dunamis," and it means "special miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself), ability, abundance, meaning, might (mightily, mighty, mighty deed), (worker of) miracle(s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work" (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance). That tells me that God desires to fill us with such power and strength that not only will we prevail over whatever is going on in our life and/or body, but we can be used of God to share miracles with others, because of that power.
That's what happened to Paul. Every time Paul's "thorn in the flesh," which he called "a messenger of Satan sent to buffet [him]" came around to torment him, he experienced Christ's power (II Corinthians 12:7-9). We know that Paul used that power to share miracles with others, for Acts 19:11-12 says that "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul. Handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them" (NIV).
Let's look at the Amplified Version of II Corinthians 12:9, where the Greek definitions are added, for greater understanding. "But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!"
Whatever care, weakness, or sickness you may be experiencing, God is behind it only if you're experiencing great God power, too. Anything less, and it's a "messenger of Satan," something you're not meant to put up with. Call on God's grace, and then take, receive, and appropriate that grace to receive your miracle, so that God can use you to share a miracle in the life of someone else.
What this has to do with weight loss: Too often, we who are on the weight-loss journey try to prevail under our own power. That's why we struggle, for if Jesus, the very Son of God said, "By myself I can do nothing" (John 5:30), what makes us think we can do this by ourselves, on our own power. Ask for, receive, and appropriate God's grace and power, to help you prevail on your weight-loss journey.
Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, for too long I have settled for a 'less than' kind of life, but no more! I don't want anything less than what You have for me. I want Your miraculous power to work in me and through me, and I'm not going to settle for less. Humbly, I ask for Your grace to come to me. I know it is a free gift of love from You, so, in prayer, right now, I reach out and take that gift of grace. I receive it into my mind and heart, so that my mind and heart can be 'made perfect' and every care be healed. I receive it into my body, so that my body can be 'made perfect' and every weakness and sickness be healed. Thank You for performing a miracle in me. I will look for the evidence of that miracle, in Your timing. Thank You for the power of Your Word and Your grace, that does for me what I cannot do for myself. I 'boast' in that; I 'boast' in You. Use me to share a miracle in the life of someone else, I pray. In Jesus' Name. Amen."
