Have you thought about God’s promises lately?
I mean, really thought about them?
We read the Bible and listen to sermons at church—and both are full of the promises of God—but how often do we internalize these promises and make them our own? How often do we truly believe them?
And, if we did, what kind of impact would that have on our lives?
Take this promise, for example:
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11
If we believe that promise and have faith, all the uncertainties we might be facing right now, and any anxieties about our future, can be dissolved.
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“…It is more blessed to give than to receive.” –Acts 20:35
Last weekend, my family and I participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure with my mother-in-law, a breast cancer survivor. It was an incredibly inspiring and emotional morning. There’s something amazing about seeing so many people give of their time and resources for others.
And in the midst of thousands of people coming together to make a difference that day, there was one person who did one little thing that made a really big impact.
In previous years, my mother-in-law (and all survivors who participate in the Race for the Cure) received a medal at the finish line.
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The other day, I was in a waiting room, sitting next to a man who was dozing off. But, the interesting thing was, other than his deeper-than-normal breathing and his closed eyes, you’d never know it. Even as he slept, he sat straight as a board, feet flat on the floor, hands folded on his lap.
He didn’t snore.
His head didn’t droop.
He didn’t slouch.
He looked ready and alert, even in his dozing.
And it got me thinking…
That’s how God is.
Sometimes, He may seem “asleep” in our lives. We may pray for something and get no answer.
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My daughter has been working on a science fair for the last month. For her project, she decided to test which item biodegrades the fastest: apple core, banana peel, or a cucumber slice. She created three trials for her experiment, and set three plates outside, each with one apple core, one banana peel, and one cucumber slice on it. It’s all been very scientific.
And quite the adventure…
First, after a week of the plates sitting outside, we had some big winds here in California and all three plates ended up in the pool. Needless to say, my daughter had to start her project over.
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Have you ever put up a front and hidden your true feelings from others?
Have you ever acted a certain way, just to be liked or accepted?
I think it’s safe to say that, at some point, we’ve all done this. Whether it’s during our teen years due to peer pressure, or later in life, to try to fit into a group of friends or family, there’s probably a time we can all think of when we weren’t true to ourselves because we were trying to please others.
Sometimes, the desire to be liked or make others happy can be so powerful that just being ourselves doesn’t seem like enough.
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This week, as I sat down to write my devotion for today, I paused to look out the window and soak in the moment of quiet. My kids were back at school after a very fun (and very noisy) spring break, and I savored the moment of stillness and peace.
And–maybe because of the gorgeous day outside and the beautiful sound of the birds in my backyard, or maybe because I had such a fun week with my husband and kids over spring break–when I finally began to type, I was overwhelmed with gratefulness…
And as I wrote, I prayed…
Thank you, God, for this day filled with peace, because it’s made me appreciate the moments of quiet.
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Do you want to make an impact for God, but aren’t sure how to?
Do you look at others who are serving and wish you felt more qualified to make a difference too?
About ten years ago, I felt a nudging to get involved as a mentor to teen moms through Youth for Christ. At the time, I was a new mom myself. My daughter was only a few months old and my son wasn’t even born yet. As I considered becoming a mentor, I doubted whether I should. After all, who was I to help other moms when I was still learning myself?
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“The whole earth is at rest and quiet.” –Isaiah 14:7a (NRSV)
When I read that verse recently, I laughed to myself. Everyone else on the earth maybe, but not me.
Blame it on my genes. Or my personality. Or both. I just can’t sit still.
I know it’s good to rest and take time out. I know that. I really do. But, of all the areas I need to work on (and believe me, there are plenty) this is one I need to work on the most.
I’ve always envied people who can sit on the couch in the morning and watch Regis and Kelly without thinking about the grocery list or the dishwasher that needs to be emptied.
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