Called

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

Matthew 6:33

The writer tells a story about her daughter-in-law, and her search for a job. Her DIL graduated in December from college with a degree to teach special education students. She says that graduating in December is a bad time to find a full time teaching job, but her DIL worked as a substitute. However, before the end of the year the economy did a nose dive, and schools were letting teachers go and increasing class sizes rather than hiring new teachers. Her son and DIL were praying, as were the writer and her husband. Her DIL's student loans were coming due, and their budget was in a big strain. However, a couple of months later her DIL received a job offer, and was finally working with special needs students. The writer says that she didn't know how her DIL did it, the kids were so needy. But her DIL told her that she loved her job, and she loved the kids. She said she felt that God had called her to this work.

Many people around the country have suffered from the down economy. As the writer pointed out, just having a college degree isn't enough anymore, and people from all walks of life are unemployed or underemployed. My husband and I have experienced the strain of unemployment, and the scare of going through many rounds of layoffs. It can be such a stressful burden to bear, but God always watches out for His children.

Steps of Faith:
Father, provide hope for those who are trying to find employment. Give them wisdom, let them find favor with the people who can help them, and provide for all of their needs.

Deeper Walk:
Luke 18:1-8 NAS
Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow.

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, "In certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, 'Give me legal protection from my opponent.' For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.'" And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"

a little side note from me....This passage gives me great comfort right now. I have a situation in my life that I don't understand. I almost feel lost about how this can happen. It is something that is out of my control, there is someone who has made a decision, and I can't change it, and while this decision is not about me, it hurts me deeply because of the love I have for them. It hurts to watch them walk down a dark and dangerous path and feel you have no control. I feel that God is reminding me in this passage that I need to continually bring this to Him, day and night like the widow in the story, and He will not delay over it.

Unique Purpose

My grace is suffcient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.

2 Corinthian 12:9

Yes, I am back 2 days in a row!! I know I'm on a roll!! =)

In today's devotional the writer told a story from her childhood. She wanted to join the band at her elementary school. Her mother got her all signed up, only to learn that the school district would not allow her or her sister to participate due to their being visually impaired. Her mother decided instead of fighting the system, to sign her daughters up for piano lessons instead. She had heard enough "can't" messages, what about the things her daughters could do? The writer goes on to say that whatever her parents original dream for their children, the only disappointment they heard was how hard it was for them to watch their children struggle.

I don't specifically know the heartbreak of having a child with special needs. However, when I was pregnant with my son, we had one bad diagnosis after another. At one point in my pregnancy there was the chance that he had spine abifida (sp?) then at another point they thought that his abdomen wall had not closed and some of his intestine was outside his body. While they assured us they could correct these things it was difficult to hear these diagnosis. Everyone dreams of having a happy healthy baby, with ten perfect little fingers, and 10 cute little toes, that you leave the hospital with 3 days after delivery.

My son ended up coming to us a little more than 6 weeks early, with much trama involved for both baby and mama. The hardest thing I have ever endured in my life, is seeing my newborn in the NICU, being on the maternity ward surrounded by mother's with their newborn babies in their rooms with them, and then being discharged from the hospital without my baby. We brought our son home 4 weeks later, and has been happy and healthy ever since.

Every time we got another possible diagnosis about our unborn baby, it shattered what dreams we had conceived when we learned that we were going to have a child. When we were going through some testing, we were referred to a genetic counselor, who called to set up an appointment with us. I promptly told the counselor, that she would be wasting her time talking with us, because it really didn't matter what the diagnosis was, we would never consider aborting our baby. God carried us through those long months of worry, and even though I wasn't in church at the time, and where I needed to be in my walk with Him, I always knew He was right there beside me guiding me through, and giving me the strength I needed to endure this trial. I always knew that if our baby was born with a special need, then that was God's plan for our lives, and for the life of my son.

Steps of Faith:
Creator God, some see disabilities as flaws while You call all Your work perfect. Abundantly bless children with special needs and their parents. Use the body of Christ to help and encourage them.

Deeper Walk:
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NAS

Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Minister with Joy

Now we ask you, brothers, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you.

1 Thessalonians 5:12

Yes, I am finally back.....if there are any of you left reading my blog I know you will be surprised, I am surprised myself. I have been a slug. I couldn't get a September issue of my devotional, so I pretty much just used that as an excuse not to do it. I however did get an October issue, and as you can see, I have procrastinated, as it is October 4. But I am working on it.....

Today's devotional was a story about a deacon fielding a multitude of complaints about everything from their pastor, to the music to the youth dept. to the children's dept. The deacon was on the phone with a member of the congregation fielding a particularly difficult complaint, when he reminded the memeber that the pastor is called to shepherd God's flock, and that the pastor was appointed by the Holy Spirit.

The pastor is an imperfect person, just as we all are. We all fail in some way or another. It is oftentimes easy to see the flaws in others, but not in ourselves. I know I have been guilty of this myself. We tend to see the leaders of our church as above reproach, we hold them to a higher standard, fair or not. What we need to remember is that they are human, and that we are all sinners. We need to let the petty little things go, and focus on encouraging where there is no encouragment from others.

I think we can be particularly hard on our pastors. We feel like they should be the ultimate man of God. But I think pastors take the most verbal beatings of anyone in the church. I know how hard those verbal beatings can be on a person. Sometimes it seems all you are hearing is what you are doing wrong.....and it can be quite discouraging. I have been guilty of judging my pastor a little to harshly in the past. I am fortunate to have a wonderful pastor, who is a very godly man, and who seeks God's will above all else. I might not agree with everything....but those petty little things aren't worth him hearing my discouragement over. Our pastor needs to hear our encouragment, and know that we love him, and that we appreciate the sacrifice he is making for us and for God.

Steps of Faith:
Father, help us to honor, encourage, and support the pastors You have appointed to lead us, Your flock. Help us to keep any criticism constructive, and build up our pastors.

Deeper Walk:
1 Timothy 5: 17-19 NAS
Concerning Elders

The elders who rule well are to considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages." Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.

A Difference Maker

I know your works-your love, faithfulness, service, and endurance.

Revelation 2:19

Today the writer talks about a woman in her church. She says that she has never seen a more servant-hearted person than Shirley. She tells of all the little things that Shirley does behind the scenes of the church, that probably not many people notice, and how Shirley does these things faithfully, and with a joyful heart. She says that Shirley never forgets to send you a birthday card, or an anniversary card, she holds you up in prayer when your child is in the hospital, and is the first to hug you when you are hurting. The writer says that while Shirley does all of these things faithfully, the most beautiful thing that Shirley does, is her ministry to the children of a nearby apartment complex. Every week Shirley and a few volunteers meet the children in the apartment's clubhouse after school, and for the next 2 hours, Shirley gives the children a snack, reads them a bible story, and helps them with a craft. They sing songs, and play games, all the while learning about Jesus.

Wow, I aspire to be like Shirley. Shirley is a perfect example of someone living for Jesus, and He shines clearly in the way she lives her life. She is someone who definately has her priorities in order. I wish that my life reflected Jesus as much as Shirley. I know that I have the heart to do things, but like I said in my previous blog, I am slug. I start getting busy, and I let the things I have or need to do take priority over the things that I should be doing, like spending time with God. Sometimes I get so busy doing things, even things for church, that I am just doing them, and not doing them with the heart that I need to be doing them with. If I would just realize that if I prepared my heart, and spent time with my Saviour, the time that he wants with me and that I know I very desperatly want with Him, that my impact in my ministries would be greater.

Steps of Faith:
Father, help me to make an impact on my community that will reverberate into eternity. Give me a servant's heart and help me to remember that You see my efforts, no matter how small they may seem to the world.

Deeper Walk:
Mark 10: 43-45 NAS

But it is not this way amoung you, but whoever wishes to become great amoung you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first amoung you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransome for many.

God Promised

God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.

Psalm 46:1

Ok, I have been a slug. I haven't written my blog in sometime. I haven't done my devotionals during that time either, and I have felt the impact on my life. This is actually yesterday's devotional. I did read it yesterday, but wanted to reflect on it a little more before writing. I did intend to write it last night, but instead spent some quality time with my hubby, so I am doing it now.

The devotional talks about crisis. The writer tells a story about how her friend seems to go through crisis after crisis. She got divorced, then struggled with her finances, work became stressful, her son was in trouble at school, and her daughter had been sick, and then broke her arm. She was telling her friend that she was just exhausted. The writer told her friend that she knew she was going through a rough patch right now, and how she can only imagine how hard it is to be a single parent, but that her friend was doing a good job, even if she didn't think she was. Her friend thanked her for the encouragement, but let the writer know that she had reminded her that God hasn't forgotten her.

The writer goes on to talk about how none of us is able to avoid having problems from time to time, but that God promised He would be with us, she also reminds us of Isaiah 43:1-2, 5 which says, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk throught the fire, and the flame will not burn you. Do not fear, for I am with you."

I have to admit, I have had a period of difficult times. It has felt like I have fought one battle after another. It does get exhausting, and at times I feel so battle warn and weary. But then just when I think I can't possibly take it any longer, God picks me up, He gives me the courage and strength to go on and keep fighting. I always know this comes from my Lord, because I know I would not have been able to go on, on my own. My husband always jokes that he thinks that God made me a warrior, and that God made him a peacemaker. Maybe there's some truth to that, I don't know. But I know that through it all, I have had peace that God has always been right there with me, sometimes I needed to be reminded of that fact, but I know he was always there.

Steps of Faith:
"Lord, hear my prayer; listen to my plea for mercy. I call on You in the day of my distress, for You will answer me." Psalm 86:6-7

Deeper Walk:
Psalm 46 NAS
For the choir director. A Psalm of the sons of Korah, set to Alamoth. A song.
Theme: God is always there to help, providing refuge, security, and peace. God's power is complete and his ultimate victory is certain. He will not fail to rescue those who love him.
Author: The sons of Korah (temple assistants)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Come, behold the works of the LORD, who has wrought desolations in the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted amoung the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Where are you, God?

I will never leave you or forsake you.

Hebrews 13:5

The story today is about a woman who has been out of work for a while, in fact for nearly a year. Her bills are piling up, and she's at the point where some bills are going unpaid. She is having a conversation with her mom, and she asks her mom, why she couldn't seem to find another job. She had filled out dozens of job applications, with no job offers, and she just doesn't know what she is doing wrong, or why God is letting her go without a job for so long. Her mom responds that she honestly doesn't know, but tells her daughter that waiting on God is a hard thing to do especially when your hurting. But she reminds her daughter that in every circumstance He's right there with you, even though you might feel He isn't listening. Her mom also suggests rereading the book of Job, and tells her daughter that it's in the tough times that our character is formed, and that God is using this situation to help build her faith in Him.

I have had several different situations where it felt like God was far away, and I couldn't understand why he was letting me go through that tough time. But one time that is sticking out to me is when my husband graduated from college and had a hard time finding a job. We were anxious for him to get a job, he had quit his part job a year before so he could focus on finishing up his classes, and our money from his student loan was running out. It was a stressful time, and he went on a couple of different job interviews in different parts of the country. We actually thought one of the job interviews that he went on was going to work out. It was a job in Panama City, Florida. I was dreaming about what our life in Florida would be like, living near the beach, it sounded so wonderful. At the last minute it didn't pan out, and the job that my husband has now did. God had a different plan for our lives. I remember when the job offer came in, it wasn't great money, but we both really felt like we needed to take the job. We weren't where we needed to be in our walk with Jesus at the time, but I still felt His peace about the decision, and He still had a plan for us. He put us in a completely different part of the country, but we are here for a reason, and we feel like God has a plan for us here, and He's not done with us here yet.

It can be tough to trust God in times when you feel like He's far away, but the stronger you are in your faith with Him, the more you will draw in to Him during those times, and your faith will grow even more because of it. He knows the plans He has for you.

Steps of Faith:
Father God, please let me see that You have a plan for me even when times are tough. Help me to remember that You'll never abandon me.

Deeper Walk:
Psalm 25 NAS
Theme: A prayer for defense, guidance, and pardon. As we trust in God, He grants these same requests for us.
Author: David

To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust, do not let me be ashamed; do not let my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none of these who wait for You will be ashamed; those who deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.

Make me know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and Your lovingkindness, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your lovingkindness remember me, for Your goodness' sake, O LORD.

Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in justice, and He teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the LORD are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. For Your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

Who is the man who fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way he should choose. His soul will abide in prospertiy, and his descendants will inherit the land. The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant. My eyes are continually toward the LORD, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. Look upon my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. Look upon my enemies, for they are many, and they hate me with violent hatred. Guard my soul and deliver me; do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You. Redeem Isreal, O God, out of all his troubles.

So Soon

Put to death whatever in you is worldly: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.

Colossians 3:5

In the devotional today, the writer tells a story about a woman named Alice who was devasted when she heard the news that her 17-year-old son's girlfriend was pregnant. But was more devastated when her son, Dylan, told his parents that his girlfriend, Tara, was going to have an abortion. "I tried to talk her out of it, I told her I would help her support the baby, if she would keep it." Dylan told his parents as tears spilled down his cheeks. Even though Dylan pleaded repeatedly with Tara, she had made up her mind. Tara was college bound in the fall, and she and her parents didn't want the "inconvenience" of a teenage pregnancy. The writer says that eventually, Dylan and Tara's relationship couldn't survive the stress, and they stopped seeing each other.

The writer goes on to say that we have seen a dramatic shift in the American culture over the last 60 years. She talks about how the sexual revolution brought a growing acceptance of pregnant single women.

The media and our culture have made being pregnant and single glamorous. They have also convinced young people that abortion is acceptable. Abortion has become a form of birth control for some, an easy fix to what they see as an inconvenience. However, abortion leaves a scar that will stay with this young woman for the rest of her life.

With the young people in our youth group, and once my kids reach the appropriate age, I believe in educating them about relationships and sex. The world is such a different place now, and they are bombarded with subliminal messages from the world daily. We plan on not only teaching about relationships, and sex, but I hope that we can stress to our youth what God has to say about the subject also, and how it is a wonderful gift, that God intended for a husband and his wife.

Steps of Faith:
Father, please help those who face unplanned pregnancies. Give them Your wisdom and the strength to do the right thing. Lead them to people and resources who can help meet their needs while providing godly counsel and encouragement.

Deeper Walk:
Romans 13:8-14 NAS

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another: for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, "YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTRY, YOU SHALL NOT MURDER, YOU SHALL NOT STEAL, YOU SHALL NOT COVET," and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nerer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

The (not so) Express Lane

Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated-it can only bring harm.

Psalm 37:8

In today's devotional, the writer tells a story about a time she was in the express lane in the grocery store. She was in a bit of a hurry, and was getting aggrivated with the amount of time the cashier seemed to be taking with each customer. When it finally came to her turn to be checked out, she didn't even try to smile at the cashier, she had her debit card already in her hand, and shoved her groceries across the counter. The cashier smiled at her, though, and started scanning her items. The cashier finshed scanning, thanked her with a warm smile and handed her, her receipt. The writer says she felt a little guilty for so openly displaying her anger, so she just nodded and grabbed her groceries. She says that although she felt God telling her not to get upset over something so insignificant, she still wanted to let someone else know. She marched over to customer service and spoke to the head cashier. The head cashier told her that the new cashier, Sheri had had a stroke several months earlier. The writer felt completely embarrassed and humbled, she hadn't sensed that Sheri was disabled in any way, and she had treated her horribly, not at all like God wanted her to treat Sheri. She thanked the head cashier, and went back to apologize to Sheri.

I have to admit, anger is something that I continually struggle with. Over the past couple of years I have learned not to get so bent out of shape over little things, but I still get quite aggrivated over small things. When this happens I end up feeling like the writer in the story, embarrassed and humbled. I have been trying to remind myself that I don't always know what is going on in other peoples lives, that I don't know about, and that I might be able to help show Jesus to someone, by just being nice in a stressful or aggrivating situation. I have a long way to go in working on controlling my anger, but I know God will continue to help me work on it, and will continue His good work in me, to mold me and make me more like Him.

Steps of Faith:
Lord, please forgive me for the times when I get angry without good cause. Help me to understand that this world isn't perfect and neither am I.

Deeper Walk:
Proverbs 15: 1 & 18 NAS

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute.

Happy Birthday

You must willingly open your hand to your afflicted and poor brothers in your land.

Deuteronomy 15:11

In today's devotional, the writer talks about her 15 year old daughter, and how when her daughter's youth group leader challenged his students to find ways to help the poor, her daughter, Jenny took the challenge seriously.

Jenny told her mother about how her youth leader had showed the students a video about poor people in India, she talked about the awful conditions the children and families in India lived in. Jenny's mother could tell that Jenny's heart had been touched by this video, and she prayed that God would continue to give her compassion for the poor.

Jenny began helping organize bake sales, and car washes with her friends on the weekends. She also conviced several of her friends to donate a portion of the money they earned from baby-sitting, mowing lawns, etc to help the poor. Jenny's mother was most proud of her when she invited her friends to her 16th birthday party, and she asked them to donate the money that they would have spent on a present to a Christian organization that helps people in India.

Wow that is a young girl after God's own heart!! My son is almost 10 years old, and right now he has a compassion for others, and others in need that I know God has placed there. It is neat to watch, and my prayer is that as he grows into a teenager, his compassion grows even stronger. We also have several kids in our youth group with this same compassion. I love watching their enthusiasm for helping others. Many of the kids in our youth group help me grow in my walk, just by watching them grow. I know they would never believe it, but they are in an inspiration to me and others around them, and my prayer is that my husband and I can help nuture their compassions and help them to grow in their walk with God, and to truly seek His heart.

Steps of Faith:
Father, please give me a heart of compassion for the poor and the needy. Show me how I can minister to them in Jesus' name.

Deeper Walk:
Psalm 41:1-3 NAS
Theme: A prayer for God's mercy when feeling sick or abandoned. When we're sick or when everyone deserts us, God remains at our side.
Author: David

How blessed is he who considers the helpless; the LORD will deliver him in a day of trouble. The LORD will protect him and keep him alive, and he shall be called blessed upon the earth; and do not give him over to the desire of his enemies. The LORD will sustain him upon his sickbed; in his illness, You restore him to health.

Team Mates

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:21 NIV

The devotional today tells a story of a married couple, who are arguing on a Friday evening over their plans for their Saturday afternoon. They are a blended family, and they have all their kids for the weekend. He wants to go a movie that he knows his kids will love, and she wants to the river, which she knows her daughter will love. The husband eventually concedes, but they were both still mad at one another. As the wife is getting into bed, she chokes out how she is sorry for the way she acted, she talks about how her loyalty to her daughter sometimes gets in the way. He apologizes also, and agrees that his loyalty to his kids gets in the way to. They talk about how complicated the blended family thing is, but they agree that it is worth worth. They believe that God brought them together, ALL of them together, and that they just have to remember that they are on the same team.

I don't have a blended family. My husband and I are both on our second marriage, but neither one of us has children from our previous marriage. However, these same disagreements happen in our marriage also. Sometimes I get overly protective of my kids, and sometimes he feels that I am a little to harsh. We have many moments when we don't agree about things. We are still working our way through it, and I think we still have a long way to go. I have learned over the last 11 years that marriage is a job. It takes a lot of work, by both parties every day. And I think as long as both parties are committed to working on it every day, then you are on the same team, even when it sometimes doesn't feel like it.

Steps of Faith:
Lord, show me how to reach out to blended families who may be struggling. Remind me to pray for them regularly.

Deeper Walk:
Philippians 2: 1-18 NAS
Joy in Serving, Be like Christ

Therefore if ther is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfisness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interest of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and pervese generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

Beyond

Nothing will be impossible with God.

Luke 1:37

Today's devotional is kind of a continuation of yesterdays. The writer talks about sometimes we think our desires are too big, but a lot of times , God might actually be saying, "No, I want you dream bigger." She says if God gives you a desire, a big desire, don't be afraid. She says to attempt things for God that are so great that they're destined for failure unless He's in them. She goes on to talk about how we tend to spend time sweating out things like details, but that God always knows how everything turns out. He knew every day of your life before you ever came to be. The desires that you have are no surprise to Him, He already knows what He's going to do with them.

I am actually watching God work out a big desire. He put a desire for a backyard bible club on my husband's heart late last year. This hasn't been done through our church for quite a few years, and something my husband has never done. Our church had no budget for this at all, but my husband knew God wanted him to do this. We started our first night Monday evening, and are having a pretty good success with it. It is amazing to watch God work, and I am privilaged to be apart of it.

Steps of Faith:
Lord, You are able to do above and byond all that I ask or think-according to the power that works in you-to You be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Deeper Walk:
Ephesian 3:14-21 NAS

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the bredth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Waiting Room

May He give you what your heart desires and fulfill your whole purpose.

Psalm 20:4

In today's devotional the writer talks about how sometimes God puts a desire in you that's really specific. She says that those desires are also one of the ways God establishes a deeper relationship with you, because many times they aren't going to be fulfilled unless you depend on Him. She also says that one of the signs that dreams come from God is that they are bigger than you are, and you can't accomplish them without Him.

She talks about how God may seem slow in fulfilling our desires, He may allow obstacles and hardships in order to weed out the weak desires, to strengthen your resolve, to produce endurance, and to test your faith. She goes on to say that we may be tempted to make what we heard more specific than God intended it be. For example, if God has put missions on your heart, don't narrow it down only to missions in China. She says to have specific desires, but let God handle the details, and to be open to His bigger plans.

I have experienced God putting something specific on my husband's heart, and my desires following along. God has laid several specific things on my husband's heart, and He has put it on my heart to follow my husband in his desires and help him with his ministries. We have experienced obstacles and hardships, but the writer is right. It has strengthened our resolve, and we have drawn deeper into God through the hardships and obstacles. These things are so hard to go through when you feel like you are doing what God has laid on your heart, and you are in the midst of an obstacle, but God always uses things for His glory, and your work for the kingdom never goes unnoticed by God.

Steps of Faith:
Lord, I'm not sure how the desires You have put in my heart will come to fruition, but I trust in You to prepare me and to work out the details. Let me rest in Your love and I will trust You have all things under control.

Deeper Walk:
Psalm 20 NAS
Theme: A prayer for victory in battle. Such a prayer can help us prepare for any great challenge. David knew that trust should be placed in the Lord more than in human power.
Author: David. The events in 2 Samuel 10 may have prompted this prayer.

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high! May He send you help from the sanctuary and support you from Zion! May He remember all your meal offerings and find your burnt offering acceptable!

May He grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your consel! We will sing for joy over your victory, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God . They have bowed down and fallen, but we have risen and stood upright. Save, O LORD; may the King answer us in the day we call.

Does God Care?

He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry for help and saves them.

Psalm 145:19

Today's devotional talks about how when we decided to follow Jesus, we laid down everything in our lives before Him. Romans 12:1 says we became living sacrifices, surrendering our lives - including our dreams and desires-to God. The writer asks the question, does that mean every single desire we ever have is wrong? She answer with a resounding NO, not at all. She goes on to say that God doesn't want us to be passionless and dreamless. The anchor verse tells us that God wants to work through our desires, and some of the dreams and desires we have are from Him. She goes on to talk about how sometimes the Holy Spirit actually works through us by changing and moving our hearts, and our desires. But if we have a stranglehold on our desires we close ourselves off to God, and miss out on things God has for us. She also talks about how some people deny the interest, gifts, talents, and passions that God put inside of them because they think they're supposed to "deny themselves". She explains that what happens is that they keep dismissing God every time He tries to work through their desires because they assume their desires aren't from Him.

I have certainly experience God changing my desires and moving my heart in His direction for my life. A few years ago I could have never imagined myself working with teenagers. They frustrated me beyond all belief, and I didn't really know how to relate. However, my husband and felt the call to attend our first mission trip with the youth of our church. That first trip was a little rough, for a variety of reasons, but over the past couple of years of working with the youth, I have found that my heart has changed, and I am figuring out ways to connect with them. I love working the youth, it really is the last place I ever thought I would be serving, but this is where God has called me, and He has equipped me for His service by changing my heart.

Steps of Faith:
Father, You know all the desires of my heart. Please help me to know which desires are from You and let me put the rest aside so I can follow Your perfect will for me.

Deeper Walk:
Psalm 145 NAS
Theme: A time will come when all people will join together in recognizing and worshipping God because God is full of love, He satisfies all who trust in Him.
Author: David

I will extol You, my God, O King. And I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate. Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, and I will tell of Your greatness. They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness and will shout joyfully of Your righteousness.

The Lord is greacious and merciful; slow to anger and great in lovingkindness. The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works. All Your works shall give thanks to You, O Lord, and Your godly ones shall bless You. They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power; to make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts and the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations.

The Lord sustains all who fall and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in due time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them. The Lord keeps all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.

Doing Some Good

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Romans 12:2

Today's devotional talks about a woman who moved to a new city, and thought a good way to make new friends would be through a knitting class. She envisioned not just knitting with her new friends, but also sharing concerns and praying for one another, as she had done with her old knitting group. Her new group was different though. Although they did share concerns with each other, they did so with heavy doses of criticism and gossip. The woman started praying for her new friends, and fully intended to share God's love with them. However, after knitting with her new friends for a couple of months, she neglected to share her faith with them, started becoming more like her new friends. She felt convited of her actions, so she prayed and asked God if she should drop out of the group to safeguard herself from these ladies influence. In the end she felt God telling her to stay with the group, and felt even more burdened for her friends salvation.

As beleivers we have to make efforts not to isolate ourselves from unbelievers. It is wonderful to be around people who believe the same way you do, and it makes living Christ that much easier. But we are called to go out into the world. When we mix with nonbelievers it becomes difficult to be set apart. I have experienced many times when I allowed myself to become more like my nonbeliver friends. In the end I always feel unhappy with myself for allowing this. I have found though that I can be friends with nonbelievers and still live my life for Christ. My friends see that I am different, and they know why. I hope that some of them will come to Christ because of this. I pray that I can influence my nonbelieving friends to become more like me, instead of me becoming more like them.

Steps of Faith:
Father, I want ot make a difference in this world. Help me live a set-apart life while I connect with the world around me.

Deeper Walk:
Matthew 5:13-16 NAS
Jesus Teaches about Salt and Light

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Receiving God's Provision

The LORD is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion.

Isaiah 30:18

The devotional today tells a story about a single mother named Katy. Katy is telling her friend about a recent Saturday morning surprise. When her doorbell rang, she couldn't understand who would be at her house that early. It was the men's ministry from her church, they were there to put a new roof on her house. She was telling her friend how not only the men's ministry helped her, but that her dad had been doing repair work on her house, the older kids had helped out with groceries, and her friends had given her gift cards for her birthday. She was grateful to recieve these things, but was telling her friend how painful it was to know that she couldn't give anything back right now. Her friend told her that she needed to understand that she was not indebted to these people, that they were simply being God's hands and feet, as He honored His word and provided for her. Her friend told her that she would be robbing these people of great blessings if she refused their kindness, and that one day God would use her to extend that same blessing to someone else.

We all need help from time to time, and I think we all struggle with accepting acts of kindness like this. Even though we may desperatly need it at the time, we deny the help, and yet at the same time wonder why God is not providing for our needs, when if we would have just accepted a blessing from someone we would have been accepting God's provision for our need. During my mission trips I have had the great honor and privilage of being the hands and feet of Jesus, and meeting needs for people who desperatly need them. Some are struggling with accepting our help, and some are overwhelmed with gratitude, but I always feel like I walk away much more blessed then the person I am there serving. I have also learned that I need to accept act of kindness, and not refuse them out of my own pride. I now know the feeling of being blessed by blessing someone, and I do not want to rob anyone who feels they are being led by the Lord to bless me.

My husband and I have someone in our life that has many needs. They have let us help them on a few things, but struggle to let us help them very much. I pray that they would understand that we feel we were placed in their life for this season to help. I just wait and pray that God will show me opportunities to help.

Steps of Faith:
Thank you, Lord, that You are the God who provides. Teach us to recognize and receive Your good provision with thanksgiving and praise.

Deeper Walk:
2 Corinthians 9:6-13 NAS

Now this I say , he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudginingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, "HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER." Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all.

Seek Him

You will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart and all your soul.

Deuteronomy 4:29

So I have been gone for a little while. I was on a mission trip with my yourth group last week, and I didn't post for a few days before either. I am back now though, and hopefully back on track.

Today's devotional talks about how we spend our time. The writer talks about an exercise that she had to do in her workplace where they had to keep track of and account for every minute of their time for a few weeks. She was glad when it was over, but it made her wonder about how she spent her time at home. So she started keeping track of her time at home, time spent cleaning, doing laundry, watching tv, surfing the internet, etc. She was shocked at how much time was spent on things like tv and internet, in comparison to how much time was spent on bible reading and prayer time.

I think we would all be a little shocked to find out exactly where our time is going. While the writer talks about how there is nothing wrong with watching tv, and playing games on the internet, it can get in the way of our spending sufficent time seeking our Saviour. She goes on to say that if we are seeking anything or anyone else with greater fervancy then we seek after the Lord, we are guilty of idolatry.

Last week, I spent most of the week seeking the face of God. I was on a mission trip in Cincinnati. And although every minute was filled with something to do, it was also focused and geared around worshiping and focusing on God. I had a difficult start to my week with a couple of the youth on my crew. I found myself praying everytime eyes were rolled at me, or I heard sighs or glares were thrown my way. By the end of the first workday, I was very frustrated and at the end of my rope. I talked the situation over with my husband, and I prayed about it. I truly felt like God wanted me to wait and see what happened the next day. And then if I had problems with these youth again, I was going to take them on a walk and talk to them. However, the next day went much better, and the next even better.

I was in an environment where I was fully focused on God, and was able to hear what he had to say to me. Now I am back to reality. I always try to bring what I learn on mission trips home with me. I am especially trying this year. Satan is on the attack. He has come at my husband and me with everything he has lately. But he is in for a fight! We have strapped on our armor, and we are ready to take him on.

Bottom line is I think we tend to seek God more when we are feeling Satan attack us, when we should be seeking Him every day. I don't know about you, but I know that I can't make it without His perfect wisdom, strength and guidance each and every day.

Steps of Faith:
Father, please forgive me for letting anything or anyone take the place that rightfully belongs to You. Give me the grace to make You my first priority always.

Deeper Walk:
Deuteronomy 4:15-40 NAS

So watch yourselves carefully, since you did not see any form on the day the Lord spoke to you at Horeb from the midst of the fire, so that you do not act corruptly and make a graven image for yourselves in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky, the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water below the earth. And beware not to lift up your eyes to heaven and see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, and be drawn away and worship them and serve them, those which the Lord your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven. But the Lord has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, from Egypt, to be a people for His own possession, as today. Now the Lord was angry with me on your account, and swore that I would not cross the Jordan, and that I would not enter the good land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance. For I will die in this land, I shall not cross the Jordan, but you shall cross and take possession of this good land. So watch yourselves, that you do not forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a graven image in the form on anything against which the Lord your God has commanded you. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. When you become the father of children and children's children and have remained long in the land, and act corruptly, and make an idol in the form of anything, and do that which is evil in the sight of the Lord your God so as to provoke Him to anger, I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that you will surely perish quickly from the land where you are going over the Jordan to possess it. You shall not live long on it, but will be utterly destroyed. The Lord will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be left few in number among the nations where the Lord drives you. There you will serve gods, the work of man's hands, wood and stone, which neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell. But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul. When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you, in the latter days you will return to the Lord your God and listen to His voice. For the Lord your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them. Indeed, ask now concerning the former days which were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and inquire from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything been done like this great thing, or has anything been heard like it? Has any people heard the voice of God speaking from the midst of the fire, as you have heard it, and survived? Or has a god tried to go to take for himself a nation from within another nation by trials, by signs and wonders and by war and by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm and by great terrors, as the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? To you it was shown that you might know that the Lord, He is God; there is no other besides Him. Out of the heavens He let you hear His voice to discipline you; and on earth He let you see His great fire, and you heard His words from the midst of the fire. Because He loved your fathers, therefore He chose their descendants after them. And He personally brought you from Egypt by His great pwoer, driving out from before you nations greater and mightier than you, to bring you in and to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is today. Know therefore today, and take it to your heart, that the Lord, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other. So you shall keep His statutes and His commandments which I am giving you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may live long on the land which the Lord your God is giving you for all time.

Too Soon?

God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble

Psalm 46:1

In today's devotional the writer talks about how many people were shocked to see her associate pastor at church the day after his wife's memorial service. She says that not only had he lost the love of his life, but she had been taken suddenly. Many wondered was he ready to be around so many people, answering the same questions and rehashing the painful events of the previous week? The writer felt God telling her that her pastor needed to be around his church family.

The writer goes on to talk about how our responses to grief and tragedy are as different as our personalities, and it isn't our job to keep track of how long a person should stay in isolation, or what they could handle when.

I haven't experienced the loss of a spouse or a parent, but I lost my grandmother 2 years ago. It was the first person close to me that I had lost. She had, had a disease that was supposed to have taken her life at any time, but that she ended up living with for 15 years. In the end cancer took her, not the disease. I flew back and took care of her for 2 weeks right before she died. It was tiring, but God gave me the strength each day that I needed. I was so glad that I went to take care of her. It gave me some precious time with her, that I wouldn't have had otherwise. After she died, and I came home, I just wanted to be around my husband and my kids. I didn't feel up to going out and socializing. I got lots of advice on what I should do and how I should handle my grief from well meaning friends. They were trying help me, they are friends that love me and didn't want to see me hurting. But like the writer says the way we each deal with our grief is as different as we all are. And while I may want to go into seculsion for an extended period of time, someone else may want to be surrounded by people to help them get through it. God made us all the way we are, and the way we respond to the things that happen in our lives.

Steps of Faith:
Father, show me how to help when a friend is grieving. Stop me in moments when I evaluate of judge, remembering that there is no right or wrong way to mourn.

Deeper Walk:
Psalm 46 NAS
Theme: God is always there to help, providing refuge, security, and peace. God's power is complete and his ultimate victory is certain. He will not fail to rescue those who love him.
Author: The sons of Korah (temple assistants)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Come, behold the works of the Lord, who has wroght desolations in the earth. He makes wars to cease the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted amoung the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Not Alone

I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you

John 14:18

I am a day behind again. I have had a very sick little one at home to take care of. She is on the mend, so I am going to attempt to get caught up.

Tuesday's devotional tells the story of a woman walking through her local park, looking for a good place to read her book in the sunshine. As she walks she hears the laughter of the neighborhood children, and begins to feel the pangs of loneliness. She found an empty park bench and watched the mother's play with their little ones, remembering her own family, and how she was once a busy mother. But her children were grown now, and had moved away, and she was feeling left behind. All of a sudden a little voice says "hi, what's your name?" She smiled and told the little girl her name. The little girl introduced herself, and told her that this was her grandmother, Louise. The little girl ran off to continue playing, and Louise sat down. Louise told of how her granddaughter was always trying to get her to meet other women when she took her to the park, she thought that her granddaughter knew how lonley she was when she wasn't around.

Isn't it amazing how God answer's our prayers. Even the prayers that we don't speak, just the desires of our hearts. And the ways that He answers them always astound me. In this case he used a little girl, to help not only her grandmother, but the woman in the story, whose family lived so far away. I live far from my family, and understand the loneliness the woman talked about. When we first moved to our town, 8 years ago I felt very lonely. We had lived in a major city before, and moved to a small town. There was a bit of culture shock along with the loneliness. My son was only 2 years old, so he wasn't in school yet. I only knew the people I worked with, and the babysitter. I asked my husband to find a job back home, because I wanted to go back. But I started to adjust to my new surroundings, and I started to make friends, we got involved in our church, and my son started school. I still feel lonely from time to time. I'm not very good at completely sharing my feelings with my friends, or breaking down my wall that I have built around me, and I can tend to be a bit antisocial. I tend to like my alone time, and my time when it's just me and my family. My husband is much more social, and people tend to take to him better, and that can sometimes be a hard thing to take. I am working on it, and it's getting better and easier the more that I interact and socalize with those around me.

I think we all feel lonely from time to time, but the writer in my devotional points out that God can use our loneliness to drive us to Him. So if you are feeling lonely, go to God, who is always pleased to hear from you.

Steps of Faith:
Father, please give me the strength I need to keep moving forward, even when I feel completely alone. Guide me to other people who will help fill the loneliness I sometimes feel inside.

Deeper Walk:
Psalm 27 NAS
Theme: God offers help for today and hope for the future. Unwavering confidence in God is our antidote for fear and loneliness.
Author: David

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, my adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear; though war arise against me, in spite of this I shall be confident.

One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; in the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. When You said, "Seek My face," my heart said to You, "Your face, O Lord, I shall seek." Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me up.

Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a level path because of my foes. Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence. I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.

A Better Plan

Sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of amoung you, as is proper for saints.

Ephesians 5:3

Today's devotional talks about the write'sneighbor, Rita whose husband left her for another woman. She talks about how Rita became bitter about her situation. Rita had gone from being a stay at home mom, living a comfortable life, to a working single mom of two teenage daughters. One day Rita announced that she had met a man. They had been dating for a few months, and he was going to move in with her and the girls. The writer expressed her concern, but Rita did not want to be lectured. The writer explanied to Rita that she was concerned that Rita may be settlinn for something that might not be God's best for her. Rita became defensive and said, "Well we're not living in the 50's anymore. People just take it for granted that couples are going to live together. It's no big deal."

The writer goes on to give statistics of a study done by Rutgers University of living together before marriage, and how it increases the risk of breaking up after marriage, domestic violence for women, and the risk of physical and sexual abuse for children. The study states that unmarried couples have lower levels of happiness and well-being than married couples.

This is one of those areas where I tend to feel like a hypocrit. My husband and I lived together before we were married. If I had it do over, I would do it differently, we both would. I was a Christian at the time, but not where I needed to be with God. I had come out of a very bad marriage, where, to me, I didn't see how abusive my ex-husband was until we were married and living together, and I did not want to go through that again. In reality, I was so young when I started dating my ex-husband, and still so young when we got married, that He was like that the whole time, I just didn't want to see it. I hope to help our youth decided not to live with a boyfriend/girlfriend before marriage, but I also hope that they don't think me a hypocrit for telling them not to do something that I myself did.

Steps of Faith:
Father, please convict couples who are living together without the benefit of marriage that it is not Your best for them. Protect any children involved in those relationships.

Deeper Walk:
Ephesians 5:1-14 NAS
Be Imitators of God

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named amoung you, as is proper amoung saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of the darness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

It's Only Lunch

Each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires.

James 1:14

Friday's devotional is about a woman named Meg. Meg is tired, after another week of being alone with her kids, and trying to hold everything together, while her husband is gone on another business trip. A male co-worker stops by her office and asks her if she would like to grab some lunch with him, she hesitates, but says "sure". As soon as the words were out of her mouth she felt the Holy Spirit warning her, but she ignored it. It's only lunch, she thought. But throughout the morning she found herself thinking about her co-worker. During lunch the conversation started out lively, but turned serious, as her co-worker touched her hand, and told her that he noticed she'd been down lately. She pulled away, and told him that she shouldn't have accepted his invitation, that she was married. The co-worker told her that he knew, but he could be a good friend if she needed one. Back at the office Meg realized that she had used poor judgment. While it felt good to have a man's attention, she knew she was flirting with sin, that could get her into serious trouble.

The writer of the devotional goes on to talk about how our society's standards of what is and what is not appropriate have changed over the years, somewhere blurring the line between right and wrong. And as Christians, we need to be clear about where we stand, and to remember that we represent the King of kings.

I think the writer hit the nail absolutely straight on the head. We have to guard our hearts and our minds. Something may seem so innocent, but lead you towards a dangerous road. I make it a point to never do anything that I wouldn't tell my husband about, and he does the same. We know the passwords to each other's e-mail accounts, and facebooks. I am frequently on my husband's e-mail account. Not because I don't trust him, but because he doesn't always check it, and I can let him know that there is something there that he needs to check. As a matter of fact, about a year ago, and old boyfriend found me through myspace. We messaged each other catching up on each other's life. The old boyfriend was recently single, and I felt a little uneasy, because I had not told my husband. I told my husband immediately about it, and felt much better. I kept my messages to the old boyfriend strictly on a casual basis, and where my husband could read them. There is nothing that my husband and I don't tell each other. Which is the way it should be, but I know that I have to guard my heart and my thoughts always, because Satan is always lurking trying to lead me down the path to sin. I once shared a quote with someone who was trying to justify a sin like this, and it so true. "Sin will take you further than you want to go, for longer than you want to be there, and cost you more than you want to pay." Charles Stanley.

Steps of Faith:
Father, when I face temptation, strengthen me and help me to resist the traps the enemy sets for me. Let me be obedient to Your still, small voice.

Deeper Walk:
James 1:12-15 NAS

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

He Provides

My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Thursday's devotional was about a stay at home mom, Shelly whose family relied completely on her husband's salary. They only had one car, and always had watch how they spent their money. Shelly's husband lost his job in the economic downturn, and they had not family they could turn to for help. Her husband immediately began sending out resumes, and as their rent due date grew closer, they prayed about what to do. After sharing their worries with a few friends at church, a number of people contributed anonymously. Shelly and her husband found a envelope with more than $800 in their mailbox, just enough for them to get by for the their first unemployed month. On a whim her husband sent head shots to a local agent and got a non-speaking part in a new family-friendly television show that was filming in their area. Shelly got a job, during the day, and since her husband filmed at night, he was able to stay at home with their daughter while shelly worked. Their life to a new twist, but their faith grew, as they watched God provide for their needs.

I am always amazed at the ways God provides. My husband and I went through a strain in our finances when his company cut back on overtime. We lost a big portion of our monthly budget. We are like the family in the story. I am a stay at home mom, and we only have one car. We live very close to everything, including my husband's job, so the strain of only having one car, isn't that great. After our we lost the overtime portion of my husband's salary, I watched and was amazed at how God continued to provide. It was always in such creative ways. And last year, as we were feeling the urge of getting out of debt, God provided a small part time job for me, that still allows me to be at home with my children. My husband's company just came out of a bad year, where there were no pay raises, no bonus, and every worker was forced to take 1 week off a quarter, along with lay offs. My husband had enough vacation time to cover the first two quarters, but not the third. We planned it during a month that we got 3 paychecks, and we were able to claim unemployement for that week. My husband made it through around 10 rounds of lay offs, and the company started to rebound, and he didn't have to take any time off in the 4th quarter. Making through each lay off was extremely stressful, since we are a one income family, but I was not as anxious as in the past. I knew if my husband got laid off, then God must have different plan for us, and that He would provide.

Steps of Faith:
Lord, when I feel anxious about the economy, help me to trust You to provide.

Deeper Walk:
Exodus 16 NAS
The Lord Provides Manna

Then they set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the sons of Isreal came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departure from the land of Egypt. The whole congregation of the sons of Isreal grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The sons of Isreal said to them, "Would that we had died by the Lord's hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger." Then the Lord said to Moses, "Behold, I will rain bread from the heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily." So Moses and Aaron said to all the sons of Isreal, "At evening you will know that the Lord has brought you out of the land of Egypt; and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, for He hears your grumblings against the Lord; and what are we, that you grumble against us?" Moses said, "This will happen when the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening, and bread to the full in the morning; for the Lord hears your grumblings which you grumble against Him. And what are we? Your grumblings are not against us but against the Lord." Then Moses said to Aaron, "Say to all the congregation of the sons of Isreal, 'Come near before the Lord, for He has heard your grumblings.'" It came about as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the sons of Isreal, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "I have heard the grumblings of the sons of Isreal; speak to them, saying, 'At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God.'" So it came about at evening that the quails came up and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew evaporated, behold, on the surface of the wilderness there was a fine flake-like thing, fine as the frost on the ground. When the sons of Isreal saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, "It is the bread which the Lord has given you to eat. This is what the Lord has commanded, 'Gather of it every man as much as he should eat; you shall take an omer apiece according to the number of persons each of you has in his tent.'" The sons of Isreal did so, and some gathered much and some little. Whey they measured it with an omer, he who had gathered much had no excess, and he who had gathered little had no lack; every man gathered as much as he should eat. Moses said to them, "Let no man leave any of it until morning." But they did not listen to Moses, and some left part of it until morning, and it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them. They gathered it morning by morning, every man as much as he should eat; but when the sun grew hot, it would melt. Now on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one. When all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses, then he said to them, "This is what the Lord meant: Tomorrow is a sabbath observance, a holy sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over put aside to be kept until morning." So they put it aside until morning, as Moses had ordered, and it did not become foul nor was there any worm in it. Moses said, "Eat it today, for today is a sabbath to the Lord; today you will not find it in the field. "Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, the sabbath, there will be none." It came about on the seventh day that some of the people went out to gather, but they found none. Then the Lord said to Moses, "How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My instructions? See, the Lord has given you the sabbath; therefore He gives you bread for two days on the sixth day. Remain every man in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day." So the people rested on the seventh day. The house of Isreal named it manna, and it was like coriander seed, white, and its taste was like wafers with honey. Then Moses said, "This is what the Lord has commanded, 'Let an omerful of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread that I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.'" Moses said to Aaron, "Take a jar and put an omerful of manna in it, and place it before the Lord to be kept throughout the generations." As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron placed it before the Testimony, to be kept. The sons of Isreal ate the manna for forty years, until they came to an inhabited land; they ate the manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan. (Now an omer is a tenth of an ephah.)

It's Not My Fault

Make you own attitude that of Christ Jesus

Philippians 2:5

Ok, so this is Wednesday's devotional. I'm running a little behind, but today is catch up day! So the title is perfect for me today!! I'm not going to give you excuses, but I'm not an excuse kind of gal.

The story is about a woman, who is continually late for work. Her boss lets her know that she is, once again, late. She runs through her very valid excuses in her mind, she was stuck in traffic, the kids missed the bus, she had to retreve an escaped dog, etc.... but as she was going through her list of excuses, she felt the Holy Spirit convicting her that she needed to take responsbility for her actions.

The writer goes on to say that God wants us to have a good attitude, and in Ephesians 6:7 we are told to "Render service with a good attidue, as to the Lord and not to men." And that if we find ourselves blaming other's for our faults or mistakes, to pray about our circumstances and ask God to change your heart.

For the most part, I am a take responsibility for my actions/mistakes kind of gal. I hate excuses, just ask my husband. Do I own up to every action or mistake? No. But I do try to. I have found that trying to cover up an mistake only makes it so much worse, and I really feel a whole lot less anxiety when I own up to what I did or didn't do.

But I think what this devotional is trying to drive home, is, it's not just about owning up to our mistakes, that we know we should own up to, but about the times when we feel it's truly not our fault. Like in the story, she was continually late but it seemed like she continually had circumstances that were beyond her control. However, we need to be prepared for those circumstances, and adjust, so that we aren't just making excuses, but serving the best way we can. It's so hard to own up to things when you feel you have a valid excuse for what happened. But if we look deeper, we see that we really don't have a valid excuse at all, it's just justification. And I always say if you have to justify it, you probably shouldn't be doing it in the first place. When you are in the midst of being chewed out by a boss for something, this is the most difficult thing not to do, justify your actions. You want to defend yourself, and explain, it's natural and we all do it. But if we take responsiblity, and trust God, things will always get better, and maybe the chewing won't be so bad.

Steps of Faith:
Father, forgive me for not wanting to accept responsibilty for my actions. Please help me to have the right attitude, even when I'm being disciplined.

Deeper Walk:
Philippians 2: 1-11 NAS
Joy in Serving; Be Like Christ

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if ther is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interest, but also for the interest of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, althought He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in apperace as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Right Next Door

Put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12

This is actually yesterday's blog, I will blog today's in a seperate blog. I did read this devotional yesterday, but struggled with it, and what God was trying to say to me through it, so I rebelled and didn't blog about it yesterday.

The story in the devotional is about a woman answering God's call to help her recently widowed neighbor. Her neighbor is a young, mother struggling to balance everything in her life.

The story in the devotional wasn't exactly along the same lines of what I was struggling with. I was struggling with the verses that God was pointing out through the anchor verse and the deeper walk verses. I am having trouble in several different, and completely unrelated areas of my life, with the compassion and kindness that I should feel towards my Christian brothers and sisters. I see women with gentle and quiet spirits and I admire them so, I strive to be like them, but God just didn't make me that way. So this is an area in which I struggle. I have observed my reactions to be much calmer over the last couple years that I have been focusing on this, but I still let my mouth run away with me sometimes, and my hot head gets in the way. I am learning to try to look at the other side of the coin, but I don't always WANT to look at it. When you are so frustrated, you just don't want to, then a devotional like this comes along, where you feel God talking directly to you, and you go ahead and look at the other side. I am struggling.....and I don't understand all the things that are going on....but I know the one who does, and I know that He will bring me through, and mold me in the process, as long as I continue to rely on Him.

Steps of Faith:
Heavenly Father, show me what You want me to do to help people who are in need. Give me a tender heart and use me to further Your kingdom.

Deeper Walk:
Colossians 3:13-17 NAS

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in the word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Be Prepared

Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.

Proverbs 21:20

Today's devotional tells a story of a woman visiting her friend, and they are taking a hike in the Grand Canyon. She is amazed at the number of signs reminding hikers to take plenty of water and food, even for short hikes. She wondered why there were so many common sense reminders, since she had not encountered anything like those signs on any of her hikes out east. Her friend explained to her that because it is so dry and hot in the canyon, you could lose up to two quarts of fluids without realizing it.

The writer goes on to talk about that though Jesus taught us that we aren't to worry about tomorrow, there are plenty of verses about the importance of planning for the future.

It is wise to be prepared, and I try to be to a certain extent. But as anyone with kids knows that can be tricky. You think you are getting ahead of the game, and then something happens, and your back behind the game again. My husband and I are trying to pay off some debt, as most people are. While my husband makes a good salary, we aren't where we would like to be, because of our debt. We should have been more like the ant, in our early days of marriage. We are working hard on it, and we make strides with it, then we have our setbacks.

However, I do believe in the importance of being prepared. I am very much a planner in most everything I do. I always pack much more than is needed for any trip, always thinking about all the things we might need. Bottom line, we need to trust in God's provision, but God also gave us wisdom to help us be prepared for the unexpected, and that is part of His provision to.

Steps of Faith:
Father, help me avoid foolish choices and irresponsibility. Teach me to do what I can to prepare for the unexpected.

Deeper Walk:
Genesis 41 NAS
Joseph is placed in the charge of Egypt

Now it happened at the end of two full years that Pharaho had a dream, and behold, he was standing by the Nile. And lo, from the Nile there came up seven cows, sleek and fat; and they grazed in the marsh grass. Then behold, seven other cows came up after them from the Nile, ugly and gaunt, and they stood by the other cows on the bank of the Nile. The ugly and gaunt cows ate up the seven sleek and fat cows. Then Pharaoh awoke. He fell asleep and dreamed a second time; and behold , seven ears of grain came up on a single stalk, plump and good. Then behold, seven ears, thin and scorched by the east wind, sprouted up after them. The thin ears swallowed up the seven plump and full ears. Then Pharaoh awoke, and behold it was a dream. Now in the morning his spirit was troubled, so he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all its wise men. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them to Pharaoh. Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, "I would make mention today of my own offenses. Pharaoh was furious with his servants, and he put me in confinement in the house of the captain of the bodyguard, both me and the chief baker. We had a dream on the same night, he and I; each of us dreamed according to the interpretation of his own dream. Now a Hebrew youth was with us there, a servant of the captain of the bodyguard, and we related them to him, and he interepreted our dreams for us. To each one he intrepreted according to his own dream. And just as he interpreted for us, so it happened; he restored me in my office, but he hanged him." Then Pharaoh sent and called for Joseph, and they hurriedly brought him out of the dungeon; and when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came to Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it; and I have heard it said about you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it." Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer." So Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, "In my dream, behold, I was standing on teh bank of the Nile; and behold, seven cows, fat and sleek came up out of the Nile, and they grazed in the marsh grass. Lo, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ugly and gaunt, such as I had never seen for ugliness in all the land of Egypt; and the lean and ugly cows ate up the first seven fat cows. Yet when they had devoured them, it could be detected that they had devoured them, for they were just as ugly as before. Then I awoke. I saw also in my dream, and behold, seven ears, full and good, came up on a single stalk; and lo, seven ears, withered, thin, and scorched by the east wind, sprouted up after them; and the thin ears swallowed the seven good ears. Then I told it to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it me." Now Joseph said to Pharaoh, "Pharaoh's dreams are on and the same; God has told to Pharaoh what He is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years; and the seven good ears are seven good years; the dreams are one and the same. The seven lean and ugly cows that came up after them are seven years, and the seven thin ears scorched by the east wind will be seven years of famine. It is as I have spoken to Pharaoh: God has shown to Pharaoh what He is about to do. Behold, seven years of great abundance are coming in all the land of Egypt; and after them seven years of famine will come, and all the abundance will be forgotten in teh land of Egypt, and the famine will ravage the land. So the abundance will be unknown in the land because of that subsequent famine; for it will be very severe. Now as for the repeating of the dream to Pharaoh twice, it means that the matter is determined by God, and God will quickly bring it about. Now let Pharaoh look for a man discerning and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh take action to appoint overseers in charge of the land, and let him exact a fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven years of abundance. Then let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming, and store up the grain for food in the cities under Pharaoh's authority, and let them guard it. Let the food become as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which will occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land will not perish during the famine." Now the proposal seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his servants. Then Pharaoh said to his servants, "Can we find a man like this, in whom is a divine spirit?" So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, an according to your command all my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be greater than you." Pharaoh siad to Joseph, "See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt." Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph's hand, and clothed him in garments of fine linen and put the gold necklace around his neck. He had him ride in his second chariot: and they proclaimed before him, "Bow the knee!" And he set him over all the land of Egypt. Moreover, Pharoah said to Joseph, "Though I am Pharaoh, yet without your permission no one shall raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt." Then Pharaoh named Joseph Zaphenath-paneah; and have him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On, as his wife. And Joseph went forth over the land of Egypt. Now Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of Egypt. During the seven years of plenty the land brought forth abundantly. So he gathered all the food of these seven years which occurred in the land of Egypt and placed the good in teh cities; he placed in every city the food from its own surrounding fields. Thus Joseph stored up grain in great abundance like the sand of the sea, until he stopped measuring it, for it was beyond measure. Now before the year of famine came, two sons were born to Joseph, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On bore to him. Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, "For," he said, "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." He named the second Ephraim, "For," he said, "God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction." When the seven years of plenty which had been in the land of Egypt came to an end, and the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said, then there was famine in all the lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried out to Pharaoh for bread; and Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, "Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, you shall do." When the famine was spread over all the face of the earth, then Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians; and the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. The people of all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine wa ssevere in all the earth.

Relationship Strains

Each one of you is to live his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.

Ephesians 5:33

The story today is about a woman who confesses to her mentor of being overly critical of her husband lately. She explains to her mentor that she has apologized to her husband, but he still seems distant, and their relationship seems strained. She says that she felt like the Holy Spirit was telling her that she needs to accept her husband the way he is, but that it's hard to be quiet when he's constantly glued to the tv watching sports. Her mentor asks her if she's ever tried sitting down with her husband and watching a game with him, just spending some time with him, and showing interest in something that he enjoys. She admits that she hasn't, and agrees to give it a try.

The writer of the devotional goes on to say that every relationship has it's rough patches, and that if your at a point where your struggling, to earnestly seek God's guidance about how to reconnect.

This is the fine dance of being in a marriage. There are things that really bother both husband and wife about each other. When you spend that much time with someone, there are going to be things that get on your nerves. Tomorrow will be my 11th wedding anniversary. I remember that day so well. We were so excited to start our new life together. I have been remembering all month long. Espcially because of the similarities of this year, and the year we got married. We were married on a Friday, the Friday before Memorial day. This year our anniversary is the on the Friday before Memorial day. The year we got married, the month of May was so rainy, and there were lots of tornados. We had an outdoor wedding planned, and it looked like it was going to rain. But it cleared up and was a beautiful evening for a wedding. It was beautiful, and we were blessed. We are still very happily married, but I find myself thinking and sometimes saying to him, (in fact I did say it the other night)"after 11 years, you ought to know me better than that". And by all accounts women are more perceptive of the little things then men are, so I shouldn't expect him to be as perceptive as I am, it can be a bit frustrating.

When I find myself upset with my husband, I try to explain to him how that made me feel, so that he understands more why I am upset about what he did or didn't do. Do I fly off the handle, and let psycho wife in sometimes. Yes. I am ashamed to admit it, but she does make an apperance in my home every now and then.

I used to pray that God would make my husband get it. Then I had a change of attitude, and I started praying for God to change me, and to make me the wife He wants me to be, and I found that as I focused on myself, and making myself a Godly wife, my husband responded more to that, and our relationship grew stronger. I started focusing more on my husband's strength's, and my respect for him grew more also.

Steps of Faith:
Holy God, please help me to treat my loved ones with the same love and respect I would like to receive from them. I know it will help to bridge the distance we sometimes feel between us.

Deeper Walk:
1 Peter 3:1-6 NAS
Godly Living

In the same way, you wives, be submissive to you own husbands so that even if any of them are disobeient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. Your adornment must not be merely external-braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.