Recent Posts

Patricia R.
on 9/7/12 4:12 am - Perry, MI
Topic: Dr. Stanley Devotional September 7
 September 7

The Messages Parents Send

1 Samuel 20:30-34

When someone asks, "What do you do?" the reply frequently includes a job title. But anyone who is raising or interacting with children has a role far more important than ordinary career duties.

Parents are communicators. Yet unlike conference speakers, moms and dads don't get to preplan their entire message. Everything we do and say—especially that which happens "off the cuff"—teaches our kids. Think about your childhood days. What did your parents do that illustrated their priorities, beliefs, and passions?

Even without speaking, we send messages by our body language, interests, kindnesses, absence or presence, silence . . . Add words to the mix, and we have a recipe for remarkable impact, whether positive or negative.

Inevitably, our children will be greatly affected by what we communicate and how they interpret it. Be conscious of the way each young one processes information—sometimes our intended message becomes skewed by their understanding. What an incredible responsibility we've been given. No wonder wise parents rely on God's help.

Only troubled parents—like the angry, jealous King Saul in today's passage—would ever set out to hurt their children. But in our busyness, or from past woundedness, we might just be sending damaging messages.

What are you communicating to your kids? Ask yourself: What do my actions point to as priorities in my life? Do my children sense a hunger in my heart for God's direction, counsel, and sustenance? Above all, would they know how to have a thriving relationship with Jesus Christ by watching my life?

Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer
96179

Patricia R.
on 9/6/12 5:56 pm - Perry, MI
Topic: RE: John 10:4
I love this visualization.  I had the privilege of operating a petting zoo for several summers while working at a day camp.  Sheep are basically followers.  They always knew when I was at the gate wtih food.  They recognized my voice.

In the ladies Bible study I worked on in the Spring, it was also pointed out that we can't hear our Shepherd's voice if we are not reading His Word.  His Word, and the Holy Spirit combine to be His Voice.  It's taken me a long time to comprehend that I can't hear Him, if I am not open to hearing Him.  

I confess, I am sometimes, all too often, easily distracted.  I need to carve out daily times of reading and praying, and am guilty of not giving Him top priority.

Hugs,
Trish 
Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer
96179

Hislady
on 9/6/12 2:43 pm - Vancouver, WA
Topic: John 10:4
"When he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice." We also know our Shepherd's voice if we have accepted Christ as our personal Savior. While it is easy to tune out to some things in life, we should try to never tune out our Shepherd because He is there for our own good to help us be more like Him. If we tune Him out it opens the door for other voices, like satan and he is just waiting for us to make this mistake. He'll be there waiting to jump in and lead us astray. So make sure you keep tuned in to the correct voice.

God bless!
Karen
Hislady
on 9/6/12 2:31 pm - Vancouver, WA
Topic: RE: James 1:12
Can't get better than James and Beth, an awsome duo!
Patricia R.
on 9/6/12 4:01 am, edited 9/6/12 4:01 am - Perry, MI
Topic: Dr. Stanley Devotional for September 6
 September 6

The Burden of Inadequacy

Deuteronomy 1:19-36

Standing on the edge of the Promised Land, the Israelites were overcome by fear. The size and strength of the enemy contrasted sharply with their own weakness and inability. Because we're human, everyone at times will experience inadequacy and the uncomfortable feelings that accompany it. The issue you and I face is not whether we are sufficient for a task, but how we will respond when a challenge is beyond our capabilities.

Like the children of Israel, we can give in to fear and then focus on the expectation of certain failure. As the obstacle grows in our minds, our feet run in the opposite direction, away from the challenge and toward safety. However, turning away from the task that God has given us will lead us not to security but into bondage. By allowing fear to control our choices, we'll become chained to feelings of inadequacy, which will shape our future decisions and, ultimately, our destinies.

As a result of their refusal to trust the Lord and move forward to conquer the land, the Israelites were consigned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. The men who did not believe God's promise never saw the land that He wanted to give them. Opportunities are always lost when we let fear overrule our faith.

When God calls you to a task beyond your abilities, instead of giving in to your feelings, choose to rely on what you know about Him and His promises. By moving forward in faith despite your inadequacy, you will discover the Lord's faithfulness. He always empowers us for the works He assigns.

Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer
96179

Patricia R.
on 9/6/12 3:55 am - Perry, MI
Topic: RE: James 1:12
I almost forgot.  I am thrilled that the ladies Bible study at my church will be of James, and it's by Beth Moore.  I've done several of her studies, and they are awesome.  It includes DVD lessons prior to a week's worth of homework.  We split it up so that one week we do the DVD and the next week, we go over the homwork.  I'm looking forward to it, because the last in depth study of James I did was over 20 years ago, at a Kay Arthur study.  It's a wonderful book to study, as they all are.  

Hugs,
Trish

Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer
96179

Patricia R.
on 9/5/12 11:44 pm - Perry, MI
Topic: RE: James 1:12
I definitely can relate to this one, Karen.  Fortunately, or blessedly, I learned a lot while attending Overeaters Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.  The 12 Steps are basically about finding and developing a relationship with God, and telling others.  

The first three Steps are all about God.  I can't resist temptation.  God can help me.  I think I'll surrender to Him, and let him help me.  The next six are about Spiritually cleaning house and making amends to the people we've offended, whether we like it or not.  The next three are about continuing the house cleaning, and maintaining the relationship with God, and then telling others about the hope and help we've found in God.

Because of doing all of these things regularly, I have managed to lose weight, 30 pounds, since leaving rehab in January 2010.  My eating is not 100% clean.  But, it is doing something right.

I hope this has not offended anyone.  I just know what has worked for me.

Hugs,
Trish

Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer
96179

Hislady
on 9/5/12 5:38 pm - Vancouver, WA
Topic: James 1:12
"Blessed is the man who endures temptation." Whoa now doesn't that hit home for all of us over eaters?! That's not even a horrible temptation just a common one. Usually the smaller temptations are easier to justify too. I mean really it's not murder or adultry or something awful like that. Sorry but to God a sin, is a sin, is a sin there are no degrees of sin, just sin. It's easy to see how we can all sin and come short of the glory of God! Our only hope is also in God, only He can give us the strength to turn from temptation and even then it is still up to us in the end to choose that strength or turn away from it. So there's a challenge for us this week, how will we handle those temptations?

God bless!
Karen
Patricia R.
on 9/5/12 11:07 am - Perry, MI
Topic: RE: Matthew 24:44
Hi Karen,
For a long time after I was saved, I had a lot of misinformation fed to me about works theology.  I attended churches that taught if you weren't there every time the doors were open, you were not a good Christian.  Our poor kids were dragged to church three times a week, plus for youth activities.  They learned a lot of self-control, because I learned how to keep them quiet in the evening services when there was no children's church.  When they couldn't read, we brought coloring books and crayons for the sermon, but they had to try to sing during the worship times.  Then, as beginner readers, I gave them a copy of the bulletin, and told them to circle all the vowels, or certain consonants, or words that began with a certain letter.  Once they started reading they brought books.

Now that I understand that God looks at my heart, it motivates me to use my Spiritual gifts in and out of the church, which I am blessed to do in my volunteer work at the agency as well as the church's food pantry.

God bless.
Trish

Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
Albert Schweitzer
96179

Hislady
on 9/4/12 2:23 pm - Vancouver, WA
Topic: Matthew 24:44
"You also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." Some people feel they have to work and do tasks or jobs to be ready for Christ's coming, but in reality all you have to do is accept Jesus as your personal Savior to join Him when He returns. For some this is even harder than doing tasks, they would rather work from sun up to sun down than to surrender to Christ. Once you surrrender the joy comes in doing the tasks happily rather than in drudgery. So be prepared for His return and surrender your life to Him, He will steer you right at every turn!

God bless!
Karen
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