Daily Dose 1-28-11

Psalm 23:1-6 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 
He makes me lie down in green pastures, 
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. 
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
 I will fear no evil, for you are with me; 
your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 
You anoint my head with oil; 
my cup overflows. 
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, 
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD 
forever.

Committing scripture to memory is a wonderful thing. It allows you to tuck meaningful promises, guidance and comfort away in your heart to bring up when you are tempted to be overcome by fear or despair. Most Christians can quote the 23^rd Psalm. With good reason, it is one of the most popular passages in the Bible. Whether you know this scripture by heart or not - read it like you are reading it for the first time. Meditate on the beautiful imagery an let the God of all comfort refresh your soul!

Father, I look forward to the day I will live in Your house forever. But for now, there are valleys and paths I must walk . Thank You for the green pastures of Your peace and the still waters of Your Word. May I never take them for granted and call upon them every day to refresh my soul for better service for You. 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 1-23-11

Psalm 19:14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart 
be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Maybe David was considered the Man After God’s Own Heart because he was so concerned about the condition of his own heart. We read studies and follow guidelines for heart healthy lifestyles for our physical hearts; but what do we do to keep our spiritual hearts in condition? Praying for protection is a first step. Ask God to soften, prick and strengthen your heart to remain molded to His will. Second, spend time feasting on God’s word…no calories there! Meditate on its laws and commands. Stand on the promises; and revel with joy at the unconditional love and salvation provided by our Holy God and His sacrificial son. Third, have a daily check-up to test the condition of your heart by listening to the words that come from it. Are they words of encouragement, blessing and peace to those around you? Do you deal with others with kindness and respect? As with any ailment, early detection is always best for a cure!

Father, Provide the therapy my heart needs to be in its best condition for You. Massage the hardened areas that prevent the growth of the Fruit of Your Spirit. Protect my heart from bitterness and fill it with Your joy! Amen

Daily Dose 1-13-11

Genesis 29:35 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” So she named him Judah.

Poor Leah! The story of the less attractive, older sister whose father deceived Jacob to get him to marry her seems disturbing. All she wanted was to be loved by her husband. She had three sons, hoping each would be the key to unlock Jacob’s affections. At the birth of her fourth, she did something different, she praised God in the acceptance of her rejection and moved on. Through that action, she produced the lineage of Jesus, the savior of the world! Have you ever worked so hard to gain the affection of others that you miss the big picture of how much you are TRULY loved! Stop living in rejection! Realize that some people will care about you, others won’t. Your job is to love no matter what. Love others with the acceptance you have received by God through Christ. Who knows what God may have in store for you once you decide to move on!

Accepting, Loving Father, Too often I spin my wheels seeking love and acceptance from others when my goal should be to live out YOUR love and acceptance for me and others. Take my focus away from what I want and mold my heart to be what you need. Amen

Daily Dose 1-10-11

Proverbs 3:3-6 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart 
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

What does it look like to have love and faithfulness bound around your neck and written on the tablet of your heart? The analogy probably goes back to the way slaves or cattle were bound to their masters in chains. If Christ is our master, we are bound to His ministry of love. Could it be that when His love is bound so tightly, there is no opportunity for bitterness and hate to penetrate? It’s interesting the source of binding - the neck - lies between the head and the heart. Our mind can quickly affect what comes into our hearts. What Christ desires, is for us to subject our hearts to Him. Then, the flow will be reversed. Our hearts, bound to Christ, will change our thoughts. When our thoughts become engrained with hearts chained to His, our actions become motivated by love.

Loving Father, I try so hard to figure things out with my head. Your desire is for me to purify my heart and allow your love to figure it out for me. Bind me today! Amen