devotionals--page-2

The Butterfly Circus...

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 22:41:44 +0100

Satan wants us to reflect on our feelings of being unworthy. Our brokenness slows our progress and keeps us from bringing glory to God. When we recognize that we are worthy because God says so...despite our wrong doings, we find peace in our life and we excel. We become an example of God and his life despite “US”. Others strive to find themselves the same way that we did. We inspire…

God wants us to inspire others. It isn’t about our being worthy...it’s about emerging from our cocoon, spreading our wings and flying.

If we give up ourselves, we will never reach our full potential and realize what we are truly capable of doing, despite our circumstance. By striving to do and be more despite the hand we have been dealt, not only do we feel proud of ourselves, but also by standing out to others because we are much more than our circumstance...encourages others and glorifies God's name. Isaiah 61:7 --You will receive a double measure of wealth instead of your shame. You will sing about your wealth instead of being disgraced. That is why you will have a double measure of wealth in your land. You will have everlasting joy.

2 Corinthians 3:18 -- So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Ezekiel 36:26 -- And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Two Priest on Vacation on the Beach in Hawaii...

Sat, 22 Feb 2020 05:28:52 +0100

Two priests decided to go to Hawaii on vacation. They determined to make this a real vacation by not wearing anything that would identify them as clergy. As soon as the plane landed, they headed for a store and bought some really outrageous shorts, shirts, sandals, sunglasses, etc.

The next morning, they went to the beach, dressed in their “tourist” garb. They were sitting on beach chairs, and enjoying a drink, the sunshine and the scenery when a great-looking blonde in a bikini came walking straight towards them. They couldn’t help but stare. As the blonde passed them, she smiled, nodded and said, “Good morning, Father,” “Good morning, Father,” addressing each of them individually, then passed on by. They were both stunned. “How in the world did she know we’re priests?” they asked each other.

The next day, they went back to the store, bought even more outrageous outfits. Once again the two priests in disguise settled on the beach in their chairs to enjoy the sunshine, etc. After a while, the same gorgeous blonde, taking her sweet time, came walking toward them and greeted them individually with “Good morning, Father,” and started to walk away.

One of the priests couldn’t stand it any longer and said, “Just a minute young lady.” “Yes?” she replied. “We are priests, and proud of it, but I have to know, how in the world did you know we are priests?” Replied the young woman: “Father, it’s me, Sister Angela.”

How many times in life do we feel we need to hide who WE TRULY ARE, because we feel others won’t accept us as we truly are? But then other times we feel hurt because we then feel people don’t see us as we truly are? The problem is we are a mixed up society which do not know what our source of happiness is WITHOUT GOD!

Psalm 16:11 -- You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

WITHOUT GOD AND THE SACRIFICE MADE ON THE CROSS, THERE IS NO HOPE. WITHOUT HOPE...WHERE CAN ONE FIND JOY.

Romans 15:13 -- May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Nehemiah 8:10 -- … Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

The Cat's misconception of his status...

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 21:22:38 +0100

A German Shepherd, Doberman and a cat have died.

All three are faced with God who wants to know what they believe in.

The German shepherd says: "I believe in discipline training and loyalty to my master."

"Good," says God. "Then sit down on my right side. Doberman, what do you believe in?"

The Doberman answers: "I believe in the love, care and protection of my master."

Ah," said God. "You may sit to my left."

Then he looks at the cat and asks, "And what do you believe in?"

The cat answers: "I believe you're sitting in my seat."

In the bible we are told that God loves us so much that he gave his only son to make us as clean as snow. When Christ died and rose up to heaven, he was seated at God's right side.

Ephesians 2:6 -- And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

Colossians 3:1-4 -- “ Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Frequently we are more like the cat, indecisive and we don't want to let God have control. Instead we think we can do it all on our own.

Matthew 19:26 -- But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Psalm 22:28 -- For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.

There is only room for one God, and HE IS NOT YOU.

How to Stay Calm in the Midst of Stress...

Sat, 08 Feb 2020 02:54:58 +0100

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. - Proverbs 15:18
A story is told about a little league coach who pulled one of his young players aside and asked him, “Do you understand what cooperation is?” The boy nodded yes.
Then the coach asked, “Do you understand that what matters is that we win together or lose together as a team?” The little boy again nodded yes.
“So,” the coach continued, “when a strike is called or you’re out at first, you don’t argue or curse the umpire. Do you understand that?” Again, the little boy nodded.
“Good,” said the coach. “Now go over there and explain it to your mother.”
It happens, doesn’t it? In the heat of the moment, when emotions are flying and tempers are hot, it’s tempting to sometimes lose your patience and just unleash on whoever is around you. And what’s really interesting is that quite often, it doesn’t even matter what the issue is!
But God has a better plan for you when it comes to managing your temper. As today’s verse says, people who are patient and not easily angered don’t just benefit themselves; they calm others around them as well.
So when you’re tempted to lose it, ask God to give you the patience to react differently. When you do, you’ll notice that your overall stress level will decrease as you foster an environment of patience among those around you!
Prayer Challenge:
Pray and ask God to give you the strength to react calmly when stress hits and to foster an environment of patience with those around you.

Forrest Gump goes to Heaven...

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 04:03:56 +0100

BThe day finally arrived. Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven.

He is at the Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. However, the gates are closed, and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper.

St. Peter said, "Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering an entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into Heaven."

Forrest responds, "It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope the test ain't too hard. Life was a big enough test as it was."

St. Peter continued, "Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions.

What two days of the week begin with the letter T?
How many seconds are there in a year?
What is God's first name?"

Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and sees St. Peter, who waves him up, and says, "Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers."

Forrest replied, "Well, the first one -- which two days in the week begins with the letter 'T'?

Shucks, that one is easy. That would be Today and Tomorrow."

The Saint's eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, "Forrest, that is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point, and I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer.

How about the next one?" asked St. Peter. "How many seconds in a year?"

"Now that one is harder," replied Forrest, "but I thunk and thunk about that, and I guess the only answer can be twelve."

Astounded, St. Peter said, "Twelve? Twelve? Forrest, how in Heaven's name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year ?"

Forrest replied, "Shucks, there's got to be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd..."

'Hold it," interrupts St. Peter. "I see where you are going with this, and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind...but I will have to give you credit for that one, too. Let us go on with the third and final question.

Can you tell me God's first name"?

"Sure," Forrest replied, "it's Andy."

"Andy?" exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St Peter.

"Ok, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up with the name Andy as the first name of God?"

"Shucks, that was the easiest one of all," Forrest replied. "I learnt it from the song...

Andy walks with me,
Andy talks with me,
Andy tells me I am his own"

St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates, and said: "Run, Forrest, run."

Fortunately, God has gifted us with his grace and mercy. His forgiveness has been given to us freely. NO TEST REQUIRED.

Dwight L. Moody once said, “Grace means undeserved kindness. It is the gift of God to man the moment he sees he is unworthy of God’s favor.”

Romans 5:8 -- But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 1:9 -- If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

James 4:6 -- But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

ut He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble

Playing in the rain...

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 23:41:31 +0100

Weather is unpredictable. My husband always says, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes, it will change." I often remember times when we would drive out of the rain or into the rain. There was once a day that we went swimming, in which it rained on half of the pool while we swam, and not the other half. A few times it rained in our backyard and not in the front yard. Those were the days I loved to pull out my shampoo and conditioner and walked towards the backyard sticking my head through and lathered up, conditioning and then rinsing.

My favorite days of all were the days that we had a major downpour. We had a wooded valley in our yard which would flood and create a temporary pond. I would blow up a little inflatable boat grab a stick to maneuver the boat through the area, my imaginary bayou. As I would manipulate my boat through, watching snakes as they would swim by, I would feel such a calm admiring my surroundings. God’s creations!

I find it amazing when I think how such a simple activity could be so memorable. One of my favorite memories of my childhood.

Psalm 145:5 -- “On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.”

Job 12:7-10 -- “heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11 -- “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.”

Jesus is watching you...

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 02:58:45 +0100

A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables, and when he picked up a CD player to place in his sack, a strange, disembodied voice echoed from the dark saying, "Jesus is watching you."

He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight out, and froze. When he heard nothing more after a bit, he shook his head, promised himself a vacation after the next big score, then clicked the light on and began searching for more valuables.

Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard, "Jesus is watching you."

Freaked out, he shone his light around frantically, looking for the source of the voice. Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot.

"Did you say that?" He hissed at the parrot.

"Yep," the parrot confessed, then squawked, "I'm just trying to warn you."

The burglar relaxed. "Warn me, huh? Who in the world are you?"

"Moses," replied the bird.

"Moses?" the burglar laughed. "What kind of people would name a bird Moses?"

"The kind of people that would name a Rottweiler, Jesus."

How many times do we receive a warning, but not heed that warning? God warns us in ways which we often choose to ignore; typically by speaking to our conscience or by just making us feel uncomfortable.

I remember a night when my mother, brothers and I were planning to sleep under the stars. As we laid under the stars, my mom had uncomfortable feelings and a fear of a snake crawling into the blankets. She made us go into the house. This ended up being a blessing in disguise.

That night a drunk drove into our driveway, hit a corner of the house, slightly damaging the vinyl siding on that corner, and then getting his car stuck in the yard. Our neighbor ran him off, leaving his car. He returned early the next morning and our neighbor helped him get his car out. Our neighbor was unaware he had hit our house til we talked later that day. After our discussion we discovered that the car was stuck just a few feet from where we would have been sleeping. We were saved by mom’s uncomfortable feelings.

Jesus was definitely watching us that night, and warned us so we would seek shelter even though we were unaware that there was truly something to fear. We were completely oblivious to the events which occurred outside our house that night while being tucked in tightly to the security of our house.

2 Kings 6:10 -- The king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God had told him; thus he warned him, so that he guarded himself there, more than once or twice.

Ezekiel 33:1-7 -- God has placed more serious warnings in His Holy Scriptures. We must take heed if we expect to avoid the dangers and hazards of disobedience to the commandments of God.

Remember “JESUS IS WATCHING YOU and watching over you”. He sees the good we do and the wickedness which we do...He whispers to your heart not to follow the wicked thought that Satan plants to make us fail.

The Preacher and the Taxi Driver...

Sat, 18 Jan 2020 04:01:00 +0100

A preacher dies, and when he gets to Heaven, he sees a New York cab driver who has more stars in his crown.

He says to an angel, "I don't get it. I devoted my whole life to my congregation. Why did the taxi driver get more stars than me?"

The angel says, "We reward results. Did your congregation always pay attention when you gave a sermon?"

The preacher says, "Once in a while someone fell asleep."

The angel says, "Right. Well, when people rode in this guy's taxi, they not only stayed awake, but they usually prayed!"

While living in Germany, we went to Berlin a few times visiting my aunt and uncle. Driving there was terrifying. If we did not ride in the car with family, we took a cab or the subway. I have to say riding in the cab was just as terrifying. Germans are allowed to have alcoholic beverages on there lunch breaks, and this driver must have indulged. Maybe the taxi driver in this story was our driver. LOL. I know I was praying and definitely not sleeping..

When we are struggling in life, these are the times we find ourselves reaching out to God and talking to him the most. If things are great in our lives we tend to slack in our prayer life.

Psalm 23:4 -- Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.

God wants to be in relationship with us with all areas of our life...the good, the bad and the ugly.

Daniel 9:18 -- “We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy.”

Psalm 145:18-19 -- 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 Lone Ranger and Tonto

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 00:22:42 +0100

The Lone Ranger and Tonto went camping in the desert. After they got their tent all set up, both men fell sound asleep.

Some hours later, Tonto wakes the Lone Ranger and says, "Kemo Sabe, look towards sky, what you see?" "The Lone Ranger replies, "I see millions of stars."

"What that tell you?" asked Tonto. The Lone Ranger ponders for a minute then says, "Astronomically speaking, it tells me there are millions of galaxies

and potentially billions of planets.

Astrologically speaking, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo. Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three in the morning.

Theologically speaking, the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant.

Meteorologically speaking, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow.

What does it tell you, Tonto?"

"You dumber than a buffalo . It means someone stole the tent."

This story reminds me of a time that I took our children to Kentucky to visit my mom (Omma to our children). I thought it would be nice to spend a night camping by a lake in Kansas. Things did not work out as I had planned.

We got in late and we were tired and grumpy as we pitched our tent while the sun was setting.

After turning in, the locusts were noisy so I went out to the car for a pillow to go over my head.

Later I heard voices, which I determined were outside. When we woke I discovered that someone had been our tent as we slept and stolen money from my purse. (I was smart and divided the money up in a few different places. I had $180 in my purse which they only took $38 of it.)

Many things could have gone wrong that night. What if I had lifted that pillow or one of the kids had catch those intruders? I don't even want to think about what could have happened, but God kept us safe.

Deuteronomy 31:6 -- Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Psalm 140:4 -- Keep me safe, Lord, from the hands of the wicked; protect me from the violent, who devise ways to trip my feet.

A Correct Assumption...

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 04:30:42 +0100

A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten The red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.

As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger-printed, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, Naturally... I assumed you had stolen the car."

2 Corinthians 5:20 -- Here we are, then, speaking for Christ, as though God himself were making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ's behalf: let God change you from enemies into his friends!

1 Corinthians 11:1 -- Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.

Through life I have been raised to understand, “Talk is cheap, actions speak.” In knowing and understanding this I know that I am to be a representative of God, which means to put my best foot forward.

In knowing that God does not expect us to be perfect, but we do need to do our best. Remember to ask yourself “WWJD - What Would Jesus Do?” We want others to see our God within us and to recognize that God is Love.

Ephesians 4:2 -- Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.