I will be taking a short break from writing devotionals. I have two things going on at this time and find that I am unable to keep up with all of it.
I am also a genealogist and I'm working on my family history for our big family reunion that is scheduled for the last week end of June. With that I'm working on a novel about my great great grandfather. Plus trying to keep my genealogy blog up to date.
If you are interested in genealogy you can go to my other blog and catch a glimpse of what I'm working on. The link is www.sandralcleary.blogspot.com.
I will continue the devotionals but will wait until June to start again. If you like what you have read please let me know as I am thinking of putting together a book of devotionals in the near future.
Thank you and may you have a blessed day, week, month, and year. May God be with you.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
DESTINY
Isaiah 25:1 (NAS)
O Lord, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will give thanks to Thy name; for Thou hast worked wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfullness.
This morning as I was puttering around doing the usual, washing dishes, brushing my teeth, and so on, my mind wandered. Of course my mind wanders a lot but this morning I started thinking about my destiny. Where am I going? What does God want of me? I know what I want to do, or at least I think I know. But my God has plans.
Jonah, Moses, David, Ruth, great men and women of the Bible all asked God "Why me? I am nobody."
In the King and I, Debra Kerr travels to Siam and becomes a teacher to the King's children, and ends up changing the destiny of thoses around her.
Inn Of The Sixth Happiness, Ingred Bergman went to China and helped people, and in the process used active compassion to overcome cultural and racial taboos.
In the Dead Poet's Society a teacher inspired his students to make their lives extradordinary by creating their own destiny as they struggled with the coming of age obstacles.
God uses the ordinary person to make a difference in another person's life. You may not touch a thousand lives like Billy Graham but He can and will use you to lead a person to Christ. You may not see the fruitation but you can plant the seed.
I know that in my own life, when I feel that tug on my heart, my head, my inner being, I know that it is God speaking to me. He does not want me to run from Him but to run to Him. To let Him fill my small self with His courage to be able to go forth for Him. Greet the stranger, put my arm around someone that is hurting, cry with a friend, or just sit quietly and listen to someone who wants to talk.
So I sit here and ponder my destiny. Will He inspire me to write devotionals to touch lives, pen the greatest novel to show others their pathway to God, or will I be the one in the shadows working hard, putting words on paper, but always helping others with their work. Whatever He wants me to do I am His.
Dear Father thank you for loving me enough to show me what You want me to do. I cannot do enough for You. Lead me and guide me throughout my days, however long they may be. Amen.
O Lord, Thou art my God; I will exalt Thee, I will give thanks to Thy name; for Thou hast worked wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfullness.
This morning as I was puttering around doing the usual, washing dishes, brushing my teeth, and so on, my mind wandered. Of course my mind wanders a lot but this morning I started thinking about my destiny. Where am I going? What does God want of me? I know what I want to do, or at least I think I know. But my God has plans.
Jonah, Moses, David, Ruth, great men and women of the Bible all asked God "Why me? I am nobody."
In the King and I, Debra Kerr travels to Siam and becomes a teacher to the King's children, and ends up changing the destiny of thoses around her.
Inn Of The Sixth Happiness, Ingred Bergman went to China and helped people, and in the process used active compassion to overcome cultural and racial taboos.
In the Dead Poet's Society a teacher inspired his students to make their lives extradordinary by creating their own destiny as they struggled with the coming of age obstacles.
God uses the ordinary person to make a difference in another person's life. You may not touch a thousand lives like Billy Graham but He can and will use you to lead a person to Christ. You may not see the fruitation but you can plant the seed.
I know that in my own life, when I feel that tug on my heart, my head, my inner being, I know that it is God speaking to me. He does not want me to run from Him but to run to Him. To let Him fill my small self with His courage to be able to go forth for Him. Greet the stranger, put my arm around someone that is hurting, cry with a friend, or just sit quietly and listen to someone who wants to talk.
So I sit here and ponder my destiny. Will He inspire me to write devotionals to touch lives, pen the greatest novel to show others their pathway to God, or will I be the one in the shadows working hard, putting words on paper, but always helping others with their work. Whatever He wants me to do I am His.
Dear Father thank you for loving me enough to show me what You want me to do. I cannot do enough for You. Lead me and guide me throughout my days, however long they may be. Amen.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
WILL YOU CRY FOR ME
Psalm 130:1-2
Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. (NAS)
My feelings were rubbed a bit this last week end. Some of my children and grandchildren cried uncontrollably for a step mother, step grandmother, when they heard she had a mini stroke. I do not wish a stroke, even if it is a mini, nor do I wish anyone to have a heart attack. But, I did ask myself. "Will they cry for me?"
Like any human being feelings can get hurt, even if done so without thought. I am no different. But am I? I kept thinking I was the one that went through nine months carrying you, labor pains, watching you grown into adulthood, getting married, having your own children, and when you became a grandparent. There were good times and bad times.
We grew apart. Maybe it was the miles. I chastized myself for feeling like this. Who was I to feel like I mattered more. We are all God's children and we, each one of us, matter to Him. Whether we are saved or not, God loves us. He gives us all the same opportunity to ask His forgiveness for our sins and accept Jesus Christ into our lives. For Jesus to live within us. To share His love with others and let others see Jesus through us. I fell short of that.
Back to my question. "Will you cry for me?" Who cried for Christ when He was crucified on the cross? Did they cry for themselves or did they cry for Him? He fulfilled His destiny and bore the sins of the world as He hung on the cross. Are we going to let Him do that for nothing? God our Father, asks only one thing from each of us. To confess our sins, accept Christ into our hearts, and go tell others of His never ending love.
Dear Heavenly Father thank you for Jesus who died for my sins. I am not worthy. Thank you in knowing I will live for eternity with You in my heavenly home. Amen.
Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. (NAS)
My feelings were rubbed a bit this last week end. Some of my children and grandchildren cried uncontrollably for a step mother, step grandmother, when they heard she had a mini stroke. I do not wish a stroke, even if it is a mini, nor do I wish anyone to have a heart attack. But, I did ask myself. "Will they cry for me?"
Like any human being feelings can get hurt, even if done so without thought. I am no different. But am I? I kept thinking I was the one that went through nine months carrying you, labor pains, watching you grown into adulthood, getting married, having your own children, and when you became a grandparent. There were good times and bad times.
We grew apart. Maybe it was the miles. I chastized myself for feeling like this. Who was I to feel like I mattered more. We are all God's children and we, each one of us, matter to Him. Whether we are saved or not, God loves us. He gives us all the same opportunity to ask His forgiveness for our sins and accept Jesus Christ into our lives. For Jesus to live within us. To share His love with others and let others see Jesus through us. I fell short of that.
Back to my question. "Will you cry for me?" Who cried for Christ when He was crucified on the cross? Did they cry for themselves or did they cry for Him? He fulfilled His destiny and bore the sins of the world as He hung on the cross. Are we going to let Him do that for nothing? God our Father, asks only one thing from each of us. To confess our sins, accept Christ into our hearts, and go tell others of His never ending love.
Dear Heavenly Father thank you for Jesus who died for my sins. I am not worthy. Thank you in knowing I will live for eternity with You in my heavenly home. Amen.
A WRITER'S PSALM
Psalm 37:1-8 NKJ
1. "Do not fret because of evildoers."
Evildoers, those who do not encourage. They think your
writing is a hobby.
"Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity."
Do not be envious of other writers who have already
been published. Remember your work will be in
God's time.
2. "For they shall soon be cut down like the grasss,
and wither as the green herb."
3. "Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land
and feed on His faithfulness."
Feed on His Word. He is always with you. Open
your Bible and feel His presence as you read what
He wants you to hear.
4. "Deight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall
give you the desires of your heart."
Delight,be happy, be in His Word, talk to Him. He
wants to give you gifts, things that are
the best, just for you. You are special.
5. "Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him,
and He shall bring it to pass."
Commit to the Lord. Turn your life around and
do for Him. He, in turn, will do for you.
6. "He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday."
He will bring it to pass in His wonderful timing.
His timing is always right. He knows when you are
ready for it. Focus on Him.
7. "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass."
8. "Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not
fret--it only causes harm."
Do not fret--give it to the Lord. The right editor and
publisher will be there when it's time. You do not
need the ulcers. He can handle it.
1. "Do not fret because of evildoers."
Evildoers, those who do not encourage. They think your
writing is a hobby.
"Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity."
Do not be envious of other writers who have already
been published. Remember your work will be in
God's time.
2. "For they shall soon be cut down like the grasss,
and wither as the green herb."
3. "Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land
and feed on His faithfulness."
Feed on His Word. He is always with you. Open
your Bible and feel His presence as you read what
He wants you to hear.
4. "Deight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall
give you the desires of your heart."
Delight,be happy, be in His Word, talk to Him. He
wants to give you gifts, things that are
the best, just for you. You are special.
5. "Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him,
and He shall bring it to pass."
Commit to the Lord. Turn your life around and
do for Him. He, in turn, will do for you.
6. "He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday."
He will bring it to pass in His wonderful timing.
His timing is always right. He knows when you are
ready for it. Focus on Him.
7. "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass."
8. "Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not
fret--it only causes harm."
Do not fret--give it to the Lord. The right editor and
publisher will be there when it's time. You do not
need the ulcers. He can handle it.
Monday, February 13, 2012
MONEY
Matthew 6:24 NIV
You cannot serve both God and Money.
I saw the movie Mamma Mia probably ten times and I cannot get the one song, although there were a lot of good songs, out of my mind. You know the one I mean, Money, Money, Money, ain't it funny. Yes, that's it.
Movies show how people will lay out plans to hold up banks and higher institutions. Also you see in the news the breakins into a person's home to holding up the people working in fast food restaurants. All for getting money the easy way. Or at least they think it's easy.
God says you cannot serve Him and money. You must love either Him and live eternaly or love money and live forever in the pit of fire.
Psalm 34:11 says "Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Then verse 19 says "A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all."
Whatever trouble you maybe going through, homeless, no money, or maybe you are suffering from an addiction be it either alchol or drugs. If you only turn to Him who created you and talk to Him. Talk to Him like you would to another person. He is not unapproachable. He is there waiting for you. Ask for His forgiveness and confess your sins. Know that He gave His one and only Son, Christ Jesus, to died on the cross for you. Ask Jesus to reside in your heart and help you through each day. He is waiting.
Dear Father I praise You for who You are and for sending Your Son to die for my sins. Forgive me for all my transgressions. Thank you for all You do and what You will do in my life. Amen.
You cannot serve both God and Money.
I saw the movie Mamma Mia probably ten times and I cannot get the one song, although there were a lot of good songs, out of my mind. You know the one I mean, Money, Money, Money, ain't it funny. Yes, that's it.
Movies show how people will lay out plans to hold up banks and higher institutions. Also you see in the news the breakins into a person's home to holding up the people working in fast food restaurants. All for getting money the easy way. Or at least they think it's easy.
God says you cannot serve Him and money. You must love either Him and live eternaly or love money and live forever in the pit of fire.
Psalm 34:11 says "Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Then verse 19 says "A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all."
Whatever trouble you maybe going through, homeless, no money, or maybe you are suffering from an addiction be it either alchol or drugs. If you only turn to Him who created you and talk to Him. Talk to Him like you would to another person. He is not unapproachable. He is there waiting for you. Ask for His forgiveness and confess your sins. Know that He gave His one and only Son, Christ Jesus, to died on the cross for you. Ask Jesus to reside in your heart and help you through each day. He is waiting.
Dear Father I praise You for who You are and for sending Your Son to die for my sins. Forgive me for all my transgressions. Thank you for all You do and what You will do in my life. Amen.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
1 John 3:1 NIV
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.
My husband had asked me to put together receipts, etc. so he could look at it before we took it to our appointment with the income tax man. I wrote down every bit of money spent, from donations to credit cards. Everytime I looked at it I felt like a failure. I wasn't doing enough to put money in the savings or keeping the bills down to a minumum.
I know I spend money and can get caught up with the other ladies when I'm out shopping, but I have cut back. I went over all the events of last year and pieced together our expenditures. There were trips made, children moving in and out, and just the over all cost of living going up and up.
When we sat down to talk I was nervous. I expected him to really be upset with me but he wasn't. There wasn't any accusing, yelling, or finger pointing. I felt relieved but I also felt the love he has for me. I was bathed with the warmness of unconditional love.
Our Lord loves us with a love that is more than that. He loves us enough to send His one and only Son to live on earth and to die for our sins. He gave us His most precious gift. God wants to fellowship with each one of us. He desires to walk, talk, and sing with you daily. He is a loving Father wanting only His best for us. God loves you and wants to live with you for all eternity. Your decision to receive Christ as your Saviour means confessing your sins and believing that the Lord Jesus Christ died for your sins on the cross and was raised for your justification.
Heavenly Father thank you for sending Your son Jesus to die for my sins. Thank you for Your love. Amen.
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.
My husband had asked me to put together receipts, etc. so he could look at it before we took it to our appointment with the income tax man. I wrote down every bit of money spent, from donations to credit cards. Everytime I looked at it I felt like a failure. I wasn't doing enough to put money in the savings or keeping the bills down to a minumum.
I know I spend money and can get caught up with the other ladies when I'm out shopping, but I have cut back. I went over all the events of last year and pieced together our expenditures. There were trips made, children moving in and out, and just the over all cost of living going up and up.
When we sat down to talk I was nervous. I expected him to really be upset with me but he wasn't. There wasn't any accusing, yelling, or finger pointing. I felt relieved but I also felt the love he has for me. I was bathed with the warmness of unconditional love.
Our Lord loves us with a love that is more than that. He loves us enough to send His one and only Son to live on earth and to die for our sins. He gave us His most precious gift. God wants to fellowship with each one of us. He desires to walk, talk, and sing with you daily. He is a loving Father wanting only His best for us. God loves you and wants to live with you for all eternity. Your decision to receive Christ as your Saviour means confessing your sins and believing that the Lord Jesus Christ died for your sins on the cross and was raised for your justification.
Heavenly Father thank you for sending Your son Jesus to die for my sins. Thank you for Your love. Amen.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
CHILDREN ARE LITTLE SPONGES
Proverbs 22:6 NAS
Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.
I watch my granddaughters a couple of days of the week while mommy works. One is two and the other is four years old. I have to say they do not attend Sunday school or church regularly. You can count Christmas and Easter as a regular on their parent's schedule. Last week we were playing tea party when I started singing Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest Name I know. After a few rounds of this they began to chime in.
The following week when they were with me they both were playing on the floor with their tea set and dolls again. I was busy in the kitchen putting away the lunch dishes. I stopped what I was doing when I heard the oldest one singing Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. I went over to where they were playing and started singing along with her. Pretty soon all three of us were praising together.
Growing up I always heard my mother say "Little pictures have big ears". I never knew what she meant until I married and had children of my own. Children are like little sponges soaking up and imitating everything we say and do. Our actions and words don't go unnoticed when children are around. How then are we to set the example for them?
We are to be in God's Word each day asking for His guidance in speech, conduct, and guard our anger. To set an example for the innocent. God has given us the gift of children, but with that gift we are to train them, making sure they know God loves them.
Dear Heavenly Father I want to thank you for allowing me the priviledge of guiding Your children until they are living in heaven with You. I ask for Your help every day to do what You would have me do and say. Amen.
Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.
I watch my granddaughters a couple of days of the week while mommy works. One is two and the other is four years old. I have to say they do not attend Sunday school or church regularly. You can count Christmas and Easter as a regular on their parent's schedule. Last week we were playing tea party when I started singing Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Sweetest Name I know. After a few rounds of this they began to chime in.
The following week when they were with me they both were playing on the floor with their tea set and dolls again. I was busy in the kitchen putting away the lunch dishes. I stopped what I was doing when I heard the oldest one singing Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. I went over to where they were playing and started singing along with her. Pretty soon all three of us were praising together.
Growing up I always heard my mother say "Little pictures have big ears". I never knew what she meant until I married and had children of my own. Children are like little sponges soaking up and imitating everything we say and do. Our actions and words don't go unnoticed when children are around. How then are we to set the example for them?
We are to be in God's Word each day asking for His guidance in speech, conduct, and guard our anger. To set an example for the innocent. God has given us the gift of children, but with that gift we are to train them, making sure they know God loves them.
Dear Heavenly Father I want to thank you for allowing me the priviledge of guiding Your children until they are living in heaven with You. I ask for Your help every day to do what You would have me do and say. Amen.
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