Devotional #43: "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"

Through prayer I ask the Lord to point out to me "the good, the bad and the ugly" moments of the previous year. What was good throughout the year is what we all tend to want to remember and it is what we tend to store in our minds as loving, eventful or sweet memories. But now, the bad and the ugly things that happened to us is what we want to forget. Thing is, it is from the bad and even the ugly that we can learn a lot from. We learn from the good too and like I said we cherish those more but, if we stop and ask the Lord to help us learn from the bad and the ugly too the lessons we get are profound.

It is through these lessons of life that the Lord stretches us in ways only "The Potter" can. He is the one that knows what we need to learn from these experiences and why. He is the one that knows what will make us stronger, tougher, wiser, more patient, kind or loving. We grow from the good moments but we also grow from the bad and the ugly moments too. These are our “teachable life moments.”

What “teachable life moments” have you learned from 2013? Sometimes it takes longer than other times to really get and understand why we went through the things we did. Fact is, my fellow believers in Christ, sometimes we may never know why we had to go through what we did until we are in heaven. But, we don't necessarily need to know the "why" in order to learn the lessons.

I pray that we all learn the lessons the Lord is trying so desperately to teach us as we live on in this New Year. I pray that we all pay closer attention to what is going on around us so that we can better understand why these things are going on around us. Life is full of bad and ugly moments. Instead of wallowing in pity-parties we need to instead pray and ask the Lord to help us not only survive but know how He wants us to live life to the fullest despite how hard these bad and ugly moments are. We should want and desire to live, fully and wholeheartedly so that we can enjoy every moment He gives to us.

The people around us, the non-believers, are constantly observing how we choose to respond to life's good, bad and ugly moments. It is through our response to these moments that they determine if God is really there for you and if He would want to be there for them too. We are reflecting Him out to the world. This is how we either attract people to Him or not. If our responses are good no matter how bad or ugly our circumstances are then their curiosity may be peaked, and if it is they may want to personally know Him too.

Do we believe that we can have the strength to endure life's hardships? Philippians 4:12b-13, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." (NIV)

Do we really get that God is with us in all things? "...Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Mathew 6:33-34 (MSG) 

Rejoice my friends! Enjoy 2014! "Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon]. Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." Philippians 4:4-9 (AMP)

God bless you my dear friends! Thank you for reading my first devotional of 2014!

 

 

Thought of the Day: #2 "Don't Take it for Granted"

Thought of the day: 
I was sitting in my room with my laptap on my lap trying to get some work done. I had the a/c on, my fan on, feeling nice and cool. It's a warm day today and was thankful that I was comfortable. Then out of nowhere the power went out! Everything turned off in one quick "whoosh!" No a/c. No fans. No wi-fi either. I checked to see what was going on. Bill was paid so that's not it. Everything checked out fine, so, this was one of those things that was out of my control. Ok. "So," I wondered, "what can I do now? With no electricity, what can be done?" Then it hit! Funny how conviction works that way.

How spoiled are we? We depend so much on electricity and the latest gadgets of the day! So much of our days are filled with things we use that need electricity. It's so normal to have the central air/heat readily available. We walk into a room that's dark and the first thing you do is turn on the light. You're hungry, you walk over to the refrigerator and get something to eat. We have it pretty good don't we? But yet...

We dare to complain. We take so much for granted in our lives that we don't even realize we are taking them for granted. It's not until we lose it, even if it's for a brief period of time, that we realize just how much we depend on these things and value them.

I don't know about you, my dear friend, but the next time I go to switch on the light or enjoy the comfort of the coolness of the a/c I will try my hardest to not take it for granted and be thankful instead.

Philippians 4:12, "I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little."

God bless you my dear friend!

Thought of the Day: Stand Firm

My dear friends my thought of the day: "Stand firm," Eph. 6:14. We are to stand firm on what? On something solid. "Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” 2 Timothy 2:18-20. Some live firmly in what they posess instead of on the firm foundation of God's Truths. We need to choose one or the other; choose God or choose money. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matthew 6:23-25. Money comes and goes but the Lord is constant. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow! So let's all "stand firm" on the solid foundation of God's Truths!

Thank you my dear friends for reading this blog! You're in my prayers. If you're on Facebook come and check out the ministry page at www.Facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries.com 

If you or someone you know would prefer to read these postings in Spanish please visit www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com

Devotional #42: “The Never-Ending To-Do List"

Hello my dear friends! It's amazing how quickly time flies! We're already towards the end of October and it feels like we just rang in 2013! In just about 68 days we will be ringing in 2014! WOW! Do you feel like me? Do you stop and think about how quickly time passes by? Do you wonder, like I do, if we're spending the time that the Lord is giving to us adequately? Are we doing what God wants us to do with the time that He's giving us or are we doing what we want to do? Are we just doing what needs to be done and not realizing that time is quickly fading away and the "to-do" lists will always be never-ending but, our time with God, our spouses, our children and other loved one's is fading too?  Did I just get too deep?  

This is what concerns me when I look at the calendar and look at how much time has passed and how much time is left before the end of the year. I'm not just concerned about living for God instead of "self." I'm concerned for you too, my dear friend. There are so many of you that are dear, sweet, wonderful people that are just living for today...getting things done, very important things done but, not enjoying what's going on around you because you're so busy. Please know that I'm sharing this from my heart. I was just like you, living for the right now. Busy getting done what needed to get done and being so busy that I didn't enjoy life anymore.  

Life became this big "to-do" list. Life became redundant. I remember thanking God for the day but wishing it was done…well, because I was tired of being so tired…I was tired of working so hard at trying to keep up with the “to-do” list that I started to resent the never-ending “to-do” list. I started to resent those around me that seemed to be better at accomplishing everything on their “to-do” lists while I seemed to always be behind with mine. 

Oh, my dear friends, it wasn’t until the Lord convicted me about this resentment that was growing quickly in my heart like a cancer!  My heart was growing cold towards Him, my loved ones and even towards myself. I was headed towards a very dangerous place. A place that many have gone to and have never returned. This place is called “abandonment.”  It is the place in the heart that is cold and harsh.  It is where those that have given up go to.  It is in “abandonment” that they dare to do the unthinkable.  

They abandon their spouses, loved ones, their lives as they know it with the belief that they can start anew again.  What they don’t know is that this place of abandon has been set up by the devil himself. It is a trap that is set like a spider that slowly, quietly, patiently weaves its web. Once what’s caught in the web is felt the spider attacks and kills its prey.  This is what the devil does in the place of “abandonment.”  He kills the joy of God, spouse, children…life as we know it. Ephesians 6:12, “^For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (NIV)

No, my dear friends, let’s not take time for granted. Let’s not allow the never-ending “to-do” list keep us from living this beautiful life God has given to us. Yes, it is very important to be responsible for those we so deeply care for.  Yes, it is very important to be responsible with our work, schools, churches and communities.  But, nothing is more important than our relationship with God.  Nothing on our “to-do” list can compare to the joy of laughter from our children.  Let’s live life the way God intended it.  Let’s live and enjoy every minute we get. Let’s enjoy God’s joy and hope. Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)

 

Thank you for reading! It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a devotional! Hope you have all been well. My dear friends you are all in my prayers. God bless you and yours.  For more of my writing check out my other posts on the blog or you can check out my “Thought of the Day” on the ministry’s Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries.com

 

*If you would like to read this same devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com

 

Thought of the Day: Some Other Time

Hello my dear friends!  I thought I'd start sharing with you my "mini" devotionals I post on the ministry's Facebook page that are entitled "Thought of the Day."  I will continue posting my devotionals too here on this blog.  Hope you've all been enjoying your Summer!  May this post be a sweet blessing for you all.

 

"Some Other Time"

            There’s this lie that is really, really old.  It was crafted and has been used over and over again but, even though it’s been used so many times it never seems to get old.  The Deceiver knows how to make the lie new again and tailors it to each and every person he uses it on.  This lie is that you have time; you always have “some other time.”  Why is it that people have fallen for this lie time and time again?  Isn’t it a well known fact that the best time is always now and not later?  How about you, my dear friend, have you fallen for the lie that “some other time” is better than right now?  I know I have.  How about when it comes to something the Lord is asking us to do, what then?  Are you getting it done or are you leaving it for “some other time?”  How about the Lord’s calling for salvation?  I have witnessed this time and time again, a person’s heart is being tugged by the Lord for salvation and they reject the Lord because they believe the Deceiver.  Instead of responding to the Lord’s calling on their life they reject Him by leaving it for “some other time.”  Luke 8:12, “Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.” (NIV)

            This particular lie, the one of delay, has been and still is a successful one for him.  You see we like to believe we have tomorrow available for us to do what we please.  We like to believe we have a sense of control over time itself, knowing deep down we have no control over time at all.  How do we then resist the temptation to delay?  Do we have any power to combat the devil and his schemes? Yes!  Of course we do!

            Ephesians 6:10-18, “Finally, grow powerful in union with the Lord, in union with his mighty strength!  Use all the armor and weaponry that God provides, so that you will be able to stand against the deceptive tactics of the Adversary.  For we are not struggling against human beings, but against the rulers, authorities and cosmic powers governing this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.  So take up every piece of war equipment God provides; so that when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist; and when the battle is won, you will still be standing.  Therefore, stand! Have the belt of truth buckled around your waist, put on righteousness for a breastplate, and wear on your feet the readiness that comes from the Good News of shalom.  Always carry the shield of trust, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil One.  And take the helmet of deliverance; along with the sword given by the Spirit, that is, the Word of God; as you pray at all times, with all kinds of prayers and requests, in the Spirit, vigilantly and persistently, for all God’s people.” (CJB)

            My dear friends, let us not continue participating in the sin of delay. May we all strive for obedience in our delay lives for it is through obedience that we demonstrate our love for Him.  John 14:23, “Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (NIV)

 

My dear friend, thank you for reading this "mini" devotional.  Know that I appreciate you and am praying for you.  Thanks for passing on this blog to others!  If you have a Facebook account just click on www.facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries  .  Click on the "LIKE" on the top right corner of the page and you'll receive updates and more.  God bless you!

*If you would like to read this same devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com

             

           

           

“At Any Time” Devotional #40

          2 Timothy 3:1-5, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,  treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (NIV)

            How amazing is it that the Apostle Paul penned this so long ago?  This is what is going on today.  People are “lovers of themselves.”  Have you ever heard Burger King’s slogan, “Have it your way?”  People think very highly of themselves in our world today.  How about the “lovers of money” part?  How many people do you know in your personal circles that are this way?  They’ll do just about anything for money.  There have been countless crimes, divorces and suicides that have been committed because of money. 

            This passage begins with “there will be terrible times in the last days.”  We are living in the “last days.”  Now, my dear friends, I am not making any special predictions of when the world is coming to an end.  No one knows when that will be; only the Lord himself knows that!  I am saying that we are getting close.  Some experts say that it may be as soon as two generations from now but, keep in mind that’s a “guess-timate.”  1 Thessalonians 5:1-3, “Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,  for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” (NIV)

            It is because we do not know for sure when is the “end” that we need to live each day as if tomorrow is the end.  This is the kind of urgency the authors that penned the God-inspired New Testament Scriptures lived their lives.  Their writing suggests the urgency in their hearts to always be ready to share the Gospel of Christ with others, to live a God-centered life and to teach others to do the same.  2 Timothy 2:1-7, “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.  Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.  The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.  Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.” (NIV)

            What does this mean then?  Ephesians 4:14-16, “No prolonged infancies among us, please. We’ll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.” (MSG)

            My dear friends, you and I as followers of the One and Only True Living God, need to live our lives committed to the truth.  That all of those that surround us in our daily lives have no doubt that there is something different about us.  That it is clearly evident that Christ lives in us because of how we speak (always being honest), and how we respond to all life throws at us (always reflecting Jesus’ integrity).  I know that sometimes it’s easier to do this than other times but no matter what, with no matter who, we always need to reflect Jesus to others.  The time is now to be ready so that “at any time” we can “fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,” for which we are “ambassadors in chains,” Ephesians 6:19-20 (NIV). 

 

My dear friend, thank you for reading this devotional.  Know that I appreciate you and am praying for you.  Thanks for passing on this blog to others!  Also, I have a Facebook page for the ministry!  It’s a great way to get updates on the ministry and to the latest “Thought of the day” postings. They’re short reads and have gotten great reviews.  Come and join by pressing “like!” on the page:  www.facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries  God bless you!

 

*If you would like to read this same devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com

 

 

“Extenuating Circumstances” Devotional #39

            Have you ever found yourself in an extenuating circumstance?  I have.  There have been times when I have tried to make my mistakes less serious than they really were.  There was a time when I was the Youth Leader of a small church.  I was in college at the time and working part time.  We had planned a Spaghetti Dinner but, because of the lack of time and planning I decided to cancel it.  I thought I had let everyone know that the dinner was cancelled.  There were two ladies that showed up the night the dinner was supposed to be held.  They hadn’t eaten dinner and were looking forward to the meal.  To this day I will never forget the look of disappointment on their faces.  I apologized and gave explanations as to why it was cancelled.  Though to everyone else there the excuses seemed to have calmed the situation but I felt bad about trying to make light of the situation. 

            There were so many times in my life that I tried to cover up my tardiness problem.  They seemed to have been excused all of the time, at school, work, or church but there was one time that the excuses didn’t save me.  I was a new mommy back then and felt like I was in way over my head with my life.  Why?  Wife, mother, almost full time employee and volunteer at church and family functions.  Time was very limited and I was tired all of the time.  I was given a warning and was only given one more opportunity.  If I were to come in late one more time I’d be fired.  It was rough hearing those words but it had to happen.  I didn’t do what I needed to in order to solve my tardiness problem.  They had no choice but to let me go.

            I know that these issues may not sound as bad as the many other “Extenuating Circumstances” that occur in the world every single day.  Some stand out more than others but there is something that ties them all together.  We all have the same reason to make up excuses, to make something sound less serious than it really is.  It’s pride.  Our pride, the fear of “losing face” can become too unbearable if we let it.  It’s the fear of us being “found out” or of someone else being “found out” that causes the pride to take over.  Instead of being honest and deal with the circumstances making up excuses seems to be better and sometimes even easier to do.

            As followers of Christ should we get involved with these “Extenuating Circumstances?”  Should we be doing what the dictionary defines extenuating as?  “Diminish the seriousness of: to make a mistake or wrongdoing seem less serious than it first appeared, e.g. by providing a mitigating excuse for it.” (Encarta ® World English Dictionary © & (P) 1998-2005 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.) 

             Ephesians 4:24-25, “take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.  What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.” (MSG)

            In the end no matter how much we try to make something “bad” not look so “bad” we need to remember that it’s the same as lying.  Just about anything can be justified but a sin is a sin no matter how many different ways we try to cover it up or make it look better.  Just because you can find justification doesn’t mean that you have turned the sin into something good or acceptable.  The circumstances, even if they are “extenuating” remain the same.  Once something is done it is done. 

My dear friends thank you for reading my devotional blog!  Know that I care about you and am praying for you.  It is so exciting to know that these devotionals that have been inspired by God are being read throughout the world!  If you have access to “Facebook” I have a ministry page!  The site can be found at www.Facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries.  God bless you! 

*If you would like to read this same devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com