Daily Dose 2-6-11

Psalm 30:11-12 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 
that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever.

God’s desire is for His people to be overcomers. Too often, we are so engrossed in our heartache or challenges that we fail to look to the One who cold change the circumstances. God wants us to be in such a close relationship with Him that we immediately go to Him and turn our broken hearts and weary souls in to Him. In exchange, He WILL help us overcome! He never promised that we would have a life free of struggles, but He does promise peace and perspective. If you feel like your wailing will never turn to dancing, give the situation COMPLETELY to Him in unbridled praise. Don’t hold back a sliver of the problem – visualize yourself packing it all up and putting it at His feet. When your hands are free from carrying burdens alone, they can be raised in praise – that’s when perspective can change!

Holy Father, I praise You for taking my burdens and replacing my perspective! You are my strength, my rescuer and my encourager. I praise You for the past struggles You helped me overcome. I praise You in the midst of current concerns; and I praise You in advance for Your Hand remaining with me. I do not deserve Your love and provision. Thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus that allows me to stand before You – pure, redeemed and ready for blessing! Amen

Daily Dose 2-2-11

Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? 
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?

Sometimes life can be a little scary. We may not be hiding in caves from an angry king trying to kill us like David was, but we still experience fear. For some it may be financial fears in this tough economy. Others may have health issues that threaten to end or diminish life. There are others still that are plagued by the fear of loneliness when relationships have ended or changed. Whatever fear may be trying to grip you, know the heavenly God of the universe is keenly aware. He is your source of light on dark days. His salvation brings hope where there is despair. His strength and power is holding you up when you may feel like you can’t go on. Stand up against fear and walk on in faith with the confidence God intends for you to have as His child!

My Stronghold, When fear and anxiety begins to creep in my life, help me stand firm. Keep me focused on you and in Your Word so I may always have Your light when darkness looms. Amen

Daily Dose 1-27-11

Matthew 18:4b-5 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

When you look at the life of a child, you can see the type of trusting faith Christ desires for us. Children rely upon adults for their protection and provision. When they are hurt, they run to their parents for comfort. They laugh and jump into the arms of loving adults. When they are afraid, they come to their parents for assurance. Little children believe what they are told without over-analyzing every word. Does that describe your faith? Do you seek God in your hurt and fears? Do you run to Him in loving praise? Do you believe His promises?

Loving Father, I am Your child. You look upon me with love and Your desire is for me to be close to You and love You. Too often, I feel the need to “grow up” and do it on my own, in areas where You say, “I’ve got this one for you.” Help me to trust more and worry less – praise more and fret less. You are MY Father. I am Your child. I believe You! Amen

Daily Dose 1-25-11

Genesis 50:19-21 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

TRUE forgiveness is a tough thing. We look at the forgiveness Jesus offered and are amazed and as Christian seek to emulate that behavior. However, when our level of pure, complete forgiveness doesn’t measure up, it’s easy to say, “I’m not Jesus.” God gives us pictures of other people in the Bible to serve as examples as well. Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. They tortured their father with grief making him believe Joseph was dead. Once Jacob was dead, the brothers feared Joseph would do what common sense would tell him to do and have the brothers imprisoned or killed. But Joseph knew that was not God’s plan. He forgave. He provided for all their needs – and the last is a kicker – he spoke kindly to them. THAT is complete, true forgiveness. If we can deal with kindness those who have wronged us, we can experience more of God’s blessings.

Father, It’s easy to say I forgive. Let my actions speak louder than my words. May I deal with kindness to those who common sense tells me do not deserve my kindness. I certainly do not deserve the kindness You and Your son have afforded me. Thank You! Amen

Daily Dose 1-22-11

Matthew 14:28-31 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Peter always gets the bad rap on this one, doesn’t he? Everyone remembers that he focused on the wind instead of Jesus and began to sink. Some may read frustration in Jesus’ tone when He questioned Peter about his doubt. However, it seems more likely Jesus was thrilled that Peter got out of the boat and tried. He invested a great deal of effort to growing the faith of these men. To have one step out in faith with courage was rewarding. The tone was probably more of a disappointment FOR Peter not disappointed IN Peter. He was sad that he didn’t continue the experience. What is it Jesus has asked you to get out of the boat and do with Him? If you feel the winds of fear blowing, focus on the eyes of Jesus, not the eye of the storm!

Father, Jesus wants me to be bold in my faith. I want to be bolder, but over-thinking and fears distract me. Keep my eyes focused on Jesus and keep me walking with Him! Amen

Daily Dose 1-18-11

Psalm 16:7-8 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

In the midst of fear, in the heated flee from his enemies - or when times were good - David knew where his focus should be. He kept his eyes on the LORD. David was not a perfect man – he had some major blunders in his walk with God. But, no matter what, David’s heart was focused in praise and quick to repent when he did wrong. He stood firm in the LORD, knowing God would guide his steps. Are you a little shaky in life’s walk? Have you had some rough roads to travel? Turn your eyes to the ONE who can steady your steps and walk you through. Let your last thoughts at night be words of thanksgiving and praise; and open your eyes each morning with hope. Know that no matter what challenges you face – there is a nail-scarred hand holding yours as you journey through the hills and valleys of life.

Dear Jesus, David had a great relationship with God that I desire. However, I have more than David did – I have You as the One to lead me to the heart of the Father! Thank You for making me pure and holy in His eyes, so that my eyes can confidently look to Him for strength. Steady my walk in this life. Thank You for taking my right hand in Yours. May I never let go! Amen

Daily Dose 1-16-11

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

The words in red are always special in scripture. If you are trying to follow Christ, the words spoken directly by Him have great insight. Sometimes He spoke in parables with a need to interpret and find understanding. Other times, like in this scripture, He speaks plainly. How many of us have weary souls from fighting the battles of life? Jesus wants us to turn to Him. He longs to comfort, support and strengthen us. His “yoke,” or what binds us to Him in service, is His teaching from scripture and living before others with a humble and gentle heart. Go to Him for comfort and strength. Be replenished and rest in His words. Then, take His yoke upon you and with a humble and gentle heart give His rest to other weary souls.

Loving Savor, Lord, You must have been exhausted when You spoke those words! I am often tired from struggles in this life, but Your words give me comfort and rest. Please soften my heart to be humble and gentle like Yours. Allow me to be so yoked in service with You that I will see the needs of others. Give me Your desire to comfort and replenish others instead of seeking just my rest. It is then that You give rest to my soul! Amen

Daily Dose 1-11-11

Matthew 8:23-27 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

It is easy for us to look at the apostles in that boat and be completely dismayed by their lack of faith. How could they be worried? They had Jesus – with skin on – in the boat with them! They witnesses first-hand His miracles. Why worry? We are no different. When the storms of life rock our boat, we feel as if Jesus is asleep at the helm. Even though we may not see Him with skin on in our boat, know that He said the One – the Holy Spirit - who would come to us after His death would be better for us (John 16:1-11). Just as the apostles in the boat, we have a choice. Will we cry out in fear when our storms hit, or will we confidently go to the source of our strength and comfort and ride out the waves in faith?

God, my Protector, You have sent Your Holy Spirit to live within me as a constant reminder of your love and protection. Calm the storms in my heart and strengthen my faith! Amen