Tag: Scripture meditation

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Listening to God

Today I was reading from the book of Jeremiah (Ch. 26). Heavy stuff. I thought to myself, “geeze Louise why didn’t they ever just listen?” Then this little voice in the back of my head said, “why don’t you?” Yikes, then I had to think about it.

I noticed that God ALWAYS warns us before we get ourselves into trouble. He doesn’t withhold knowledge of His Will from us. In the Old Testament He gave the people prophets. Now under the New Testament & Covenant He has given us His Word in the Bible and He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit of God ministers to us through the scriptures, through our own conscious, through our Church leaders, through our friends, even through our own children sometimes (don’t you just love those moments *cough, cough*). It seems the voice of God is everywhere IF we choose to listen.

How often are we too busy, too tired, too distracted, too “whatever” to notice that the Spirit of God is present to guide us?
How much frustration and hurt could be avoided if we took a moment to listen?
What would the day be like if we heeded His warning or followed His lead?
Where would it take us?
Who would benefit with us?
What if? What if instead of charging on ahead with my own words and deeds, I took a deep breath and listened to His voice? What if I paused long enough to receive His instruction?
What if I started right now? Today?
With just one deep breath…
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My Life Verse

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The Lord settles me in my home and makes me to be 
a JOYFUL mother of children.
Praise to the Lord!
(Psalms 113:9)
This has been my mantra for the past several years. I cannot even count the number of times I have recited it. I used to confess it before I even met my husband in a faith-goal sort of way. After we were married and conception became a challenge I clung to this verse as desperate promise. Now I say it as a thankful prayer and reminder- especially on the tough mommy days.
Do you have a life verse? Do you use scripture to keep you focused? Please share!
 
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Jesus Love me This I Know…

Do you know that God loves you? I mean, really, really, really loves you.  It’s a given for most Christians, right? The whole John 3:16 thing- EVERYone knows it.  Even non-believers at football games know it. It’s probably the most memorized verse in the whole Bible. It’s the foundation of every believer’s salvation. But you know what? I’ve walked this earth for 43 years and I’m just now beginning to understand that God loves ME- me, as an individual. Sounds a little weird, huh?Heart Rocks by LN

Heart Rocks by LN

I knew God loved me in the sense of John 3:16. I knew he loved me as a part of this world He created, a part of all mankind, as a part of His Church. I always felt though like He loved me because He HAD to, as a parental obligation. I figured He probably didn’t like me very much. I thought He had to be perpetually disappointed in me because of past stupid decisions, common mistakes, a sassy attitude, and multiple failures.  He couldn’t possibly LIKE me. He knows everything. He knows my heart. He knows my secrets. He knows I don’t measure up. How could He possibly like me?


Now you might think that this is crazy. It is. It is TOTALLY crazy. That’s what happens after years of comparing myself to others, after years of self-imposed condemnation, years of listening to the lies of the enemy. Know what’s even crazier? What that kind of thinking leads to: a life of trying to be worthy of salvation. It’s the complete antithesis of grace and mercy! It is a never ending striving to obtain the unobtainable. It’s a life void of the very peace and joy that Christ died to give us. The life His resurrection promises is ours.

His forgiveness, mercy and grace mean that He loves ME- and YOU just the way we are. Do you love your children? Of course! We love them even when they are not, gasp, perfect. He loves us, knowing we will never, ever be perfect.  When we are at our very worst, He loves us.
               

For the past year, God has been showing me and teaching me at virtually every turn that HE loves me. Yes, even me.  It is such a relief to know that I can stop trying to earn His affection! This revelation has birthed an even greater love that I have in my heart for others. What freedom! What joy! What true gospel- good news!

Have you ever struggled with false guilt? Do you compare yourself to other Godly women? Have you ever felt unworthy of His love? Well just stop it right now! I mean right now.  Want to learn more? Need encouragement? Check out these resources:
                
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A Moment in Meditation

Love is patient and kind.

NLT 1 Cor 13:4

How do I really love those around me? In the hectic often frustrating details of everyday life it is easy to let things get the best of me. Do I respond to my family with the love of Christ- in patience and with kindness- or am I irritable and short with them? Lord, please help me to treat them as the treasures that they are and to better show Your patience and Your kindness to those around me. Amen

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A Moment in Meditation

Christ Himself has made peace between [us] by making us all one people. He has broken down the wall of hostility that used to separate us. NLT Ephesians 2:14

Am I working toward peace or away from it? Do my words and my actions reflect my desire to love others? How do I react during conflict? Am I creating unity or separation? Lord, help me to live in peace by acting peaceably.
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A Moment in Meditation

I’m so excited about starting a new series on scripture meditations. For each mini-post, I’ll highlight a Bible verse.  These are the verses that I contemplate throughout the day.  Scripture meditation is a powerful way to practically apply the Word to your daily life and super-charge your faith.  I’ll begin with a scripture that was stationed on my sidebar for awhile.  It makes me re-think my to-do list.
I glorified You on earth by completing down to the last detail what You assigned me to do. MSG John17:4

I am busy, but with what? My own agenda or with His? What’s on my to-do list?  Is it just busy work or is it really worthwhile? Lord, let me yield to Your will for me. Thank you for giving me the grace and strength to complete the plans and tasks that you have for me.