"Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I
am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" 1 Corinthians 9:16 NIV This morning
I am reading Oswald Chambers' book My Utmost - for His Highest, it is a little one minute devotion book - today's devotion
is titled "The Awareness of the Call" ... I was thinking of the calling we all have on our lives. Everyone
has a gift. We all have at least one talent we can do. Sometimes we have low self esteem and we can not
see what is right before us that the Lord has blessed us with. Sometimes we can recognize someone elses' talents
before we can see our own. The one thing I was not blessed with and so wish I was - is a singing voice. When I
make a joyful noise - I think oh, maybe the Lord is tone deaf. LOL. I think when He hears me, I sound like the
most talented singer ever. But what the Lord hears is my heart. He hears the intent of our hearts through
our actions. The joyful noise in praise and worship to Him. I am so thankful for the gifts the Lord has blessed
me with - for one an able body. Last night I had insomnia, I only had 2 hours sleep from 3:30-5:25 ... but I am thankful
for that rest. I pray that I will be able to function today on His strength. I am thankful for my family and the
two children that He trusted Scott and I with to raise and I pray that if I do nothing else for them - that I teach
them about Jesus and how much He loves them! Discover your gift (s) and talents today that the Lord has given to
you. Use them for His Glory. I hope that you all have a blessed day and that you are blessed to be a blessing
to someone today. Love, Tracy
Prayer of the Day ... Majesty
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop
and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.
Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers, as an example
of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed
those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord
is full of compassion and mercy. Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else.
Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned. Is any one of you in trouble?
He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church
to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person
well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray
for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:7-16 NIV I
love the end of these verses, let your yes be yes and let your no be no. If anyone is in trouble - pray - are you happy
- sing songs ... this reminds of something I read recently that my brother wrote. He said music helps him in hard times.
That is true for a lot of us. For me listening to praise and worship music. Then the verse says, if you are sick,
have someone pray for you. The Lord will raise up the sick ... whether it be a healing on this earth or in Heaven.
It is wonderful to know that when we get to Heaven there will be no more suffering and sickness. Our bodies will be
made whole. The way the Message puts it is my friends, wait patiently for the Lords arrival. Seems like the older
we get the closer we are. We notice more and we desire His coming more and more with each passing day. Psalm
150:6 says ... Let everything that has breath PRAISE HIS NAME. How can we not praise his name? As I was driving
home yesterday, I was listening to my children (who are 13 and 11) argue. I was looking at the clouds in the sky, they were
so majestic - big and puffy and white and in certain areas the suns rays where shinning out through the bottom ... I guess
my daughter noticed too, she said look Mommy, that looks like God! It did. It was like God was saying, I know
you are tired after your long day. I know that the nights are short - but take time and acknowledge the beauty that
I have created. It was gorgeous and changed the whole focus of our conversation and our moods. How MAJESTIC is
His name? I hope you all have a great weekend. I hope that the Lord shows you today just how beautiful
He is. Love, Tracy
Prayer of the Day ... Beauty
"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16 "Get
wisdom; get insight: do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth." Proverbs 4:5 Sometimes, even
at my "young" age I feel like I am literally losing my mind. I start a sentence and can not finish it.
The words my brain is processing are thinking one thing but say something else. A thought comes and nothing comes out
of my mouth for a few minutes it is odd. Life of busy people. Someday's, like today, I think about my day and
have to write myself a list so I don't forget all I need to do. Then I even add something's along the way - I guess
so I feel like I have accomplished something! Some days I think we need to slow down so we can enjoy the beautiful things
that God has given us. Fall is the most beautiful time of year to me. The weather is getting prettier, the leaves
are beginning to change and we can see all of God's creation changing right before our eyes! If you are facing
life's trials and maybe some unfortunate circumstances, I hope that you will think about God's beauty and God's Grace and
just take some time to reflect on all the Lord has done in your life and know that He will also bring you through this circumstance.
Those of us that are currently on the mountain top ... can you picture God's creation below you? The green crisp grass
... the tall green trees that are about to change color ... the birds flying around them, peacefully gliding through the air.
Serenity. I know in the South today it has been a beautiful day. Even though I work in a building that is all
brick - no windows. I can picture the trees blowing in the breeze and the sun shining brightly and it has just made
me so grateful for all of God's blessings. I hope you all have a great Thursday. Love, Tracy
Prayer of the Day ... Enjoy The Moment
"But as for me, I will look to the Lord" Micah 7:7 NIV I love this devotion I was reading this morning
... God, how refreshed I feel when I release worry and doubt and give everything over to You for a divine solution.
I realize that as I free my mind of fear and concern, I open myself to healing. Isn't that so true. Whenever
we just "let go and let God" ... what a weight of burden that is lifted off our shoulders. Life is not always
easy, but through it all the Lord is beside us as our companion, He is in front of us as our protector, He is carrying
us as our Savior. His love for us is so grand - nothing can compare. The challenges we face, can be very small
or the most unbearable, but through it all (big or small), the Lord is right there with us. See these challenges that
you face along your journey as a opportunity to learn and to grow. Each and every day start your day out quietly thanking
the Lord for all your blessings and asking Him to guide your steps through this day. Take each day, one day, one moment
at a time. Don't look at tomorrow - or look back to yesterday, enjoy this moment today. I hope you have a great
Wednesday today. Please pray for the Medford family, Sid's Mother Penny has cancer and it is in the end stages.
Thank you. Love, Tracy
Prayer of the Day ... Peace Speaker
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled
and do not be afraid. "You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be
glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29I
have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. I will not speak with you much longer,
for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do
exactly what my Father has commanded me. John 14:27-31 NIV Here is a quote by a writer Elizabeth George, "God,
who gives us His peace, extends rest to the weary and renewal to the exhausted. He wants our souls to be at peace and
He promises to accomplish that peace." I was reading an e-mail devotion from Pastor Greg Laurie yesterday and he
was talking about a rainbow, to me a rainbow brings peace, it is beautiful and it is a reflection of God's promises.
When you are weary and feeling the burdens that life hands you, go to a place where you feel peace. Did you ever just
stare out into an ocean? It is so peaceful. Did you ever sit outside at night and listen - just listen to
the sounds of nature? That brings peace. We stay so busy that we forget to take time out of our day to just reflect.
Life is passing us by. I was 18 yesterday ... today I am almost 44, where did the time go? I am reminded of the
23rd Psalm ... The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he
leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your
rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You
anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and
I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. No matter what we face each day these verses stand true and
"surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life" Today, take time to reflect on the blessings
that the Lord has given you, trust Him in all circumstances. Know that no matter what God is in Control! He speaks
peace over your life and over your situation. He is your provider and He is your comforter. Have a blessed Tuesday!
Love, Tracy
Prayer of the Day ... Renewal
"He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Psalm 91:11 I was
loading a new printer onto an old computer yesterday and was looking at some devotion books while I was waiting.
I rediscovered some books that I had bought 10 years ago. As I was sitting there looking through them my daughter said
what are those? She said you are going to read them again? I said - of course, anytime you re-read these books
God will have something fresh and new for you. It is like when you read the Bible, one verse may say something to you
today ... but next week it might encourage you through a totally different circumstance. It is an amazing thing about
the scriptures! We make take forgranted our day to day blessings, but just when we get comfortable things can get shaken
up. God reminds us through His word that He is with us. That no matter what we face, we don't have to face it alone!
We can let go of worry, let go of fear ... Jesus will make a way when there is no other way. I hope you have
a great Monday and that your week is off to a good start! God has something fresh and new just for you today!
Love, Tracy
What Giants Are You Facing
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your
rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 I love the Psalms, the first two words - even though.
We can place that on our whole lives, even though I may walk through many valley's - God is with me. Even
though I face many trials, God is with me. You are with me Lord, through everything I face and there are many
days I don't feel your presence because I am only looking at my circumstances. I know myself when I am feeling depressed,
I am focusing on my circumstance and my feelings, I am "praying" but am I really? I am just wondering why me - I
am not searching and seeking. When I finally come to the realization that I can't handle this alone, I just break and
say "Oh God, I am so overwhelmed!" Did you ever feel that way? I love the movie Facing the Giants.
It was about a football team the Giants, but it was also about facing OUR "giants" in life. Life's problems,
first trying to face them alone and then putting God first and facing them. It is an amazing movie and a movie everyone
can relate to. If you need encouragement today watch that movie. As we face our day to day circumstances,
are we putting God first? Are we thankful that all the Lord has provided for us? Are we starting our day praying,
Lord I don't know what you will have in store for me today, but I pray that you remove my thoughts and I pray that anything
I do today is done for your honor and glory and that you would guide and direct any decisions I need to make. I received
an e-mail just a few minutes ago - a devotion of Dr. David Jeremiah's and it was titled "Slaying the Giants in your
Life" ... very interesting, without questions this is God's word for the day. The first paragraph
said this ... "How many giants have invaded your life? What about loneliness? Discouragement?
Worry? Anger? What about procrastination? Doubt? Guilt? Temptation? Resentment? Everyone
faces some — or all — of these daunting personal foes." I found that interesting. What is your
giant today? It may be small and it may be tall. With God, you can face it! I hope you have a great
day today. Please continue to pray for Pam's mom (Rachel) and her family. Love, Tracy
God is Good
I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They
are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed. Turn from evil and do good; then you will
dwell in the land forever. For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They
will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off; the righteous will inherit the land and
dwell in it forever. The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. Psalm 37:25-30
NIV I first want to apologize, I reread the end of yesterday's devotion and where I asked for prayer for Ann and
for Pam's Mom, Rachel - I asked that you pray for her recuperation. That was for Ann with her knee surgery today.
I did not mean any disrespect to Ms. Rachel as the moment she passes from this life to life eternal she will be completely
healed. Thank you all for praying and please pray for Pam as she is there for her Mother. I had to kind of
laugh when I read the first line of this verse. The older I get, the more I feel that way - I once was young ... now
I am old. LOL (laugh out loud). It seems like it was just yesterday that I was 18 and with Internet helps like
facebook that keep you in touch with high school classmates it is even more real. I ran into an old neighbor in WalMart
the other day, so great to see them - they were great neighbors. As we stood there catching up, she was telling me about
all of her and her husbands health issues. But after every valley she faced she said, but God has been so good to us
and provided everything we need. She must have said it 5 times. What a testimony. I hope as we all go out
today, we can think of this simple story and as we start to murmur or whine, we remember just how GOOD that the Lord has been
to us. Life is tough, because we live in a world that is not focused on the Cross anymore. So sad. If we
would each do our part and just share the Good News imagine how positive our days and our impact can be. After someone
speaks to me I don't want their remembrance of me to be "wow, she complains a lot". I want it to be, wow,
she has joy - I want that joy!!! I hope you all have a great Tuesday! Share the Good News! Love, Tracy
Psalm 72:19 ..."And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled
with His glory. Amen and Amen." I heard this quote in church last night that I wanted to share with you
by Oswald Chambers ... "The only obligation that I have today is to be rightly related to God." That is a
good thought to live by. Because in the grand scheme of things, not much else holds that much importance.
As we go through life and get older, what becomes important to you? Is it your family, your job, your home, your cars?
Do you make time each day to have a quiet moment reflecting on your journey? "Making time" to sit down and
say a prayer for others? People are so busy. From the time we get up in the morning most of us have a full day.
I know myself, I have to plan out first thing in the morning to start my day in God's Word. Usually I get my shower
then it is 30-35 minutes of peace and quiet before I let all the craziness of my day to cut loose. As I sit here and
reread that verse, I almost can't take it in the literal sense, because I do have to leave here and take my daughter to school
and I have to go to work - but in a spiritual sense ... that is what I have to do each and every morning.
Remind myself that God is first - everything else falls behind. I attended a memorial service for a cousin of mine
that passed away. The minister did not know my cousin, but still delivered a great message about how we should not live
a life full of regrets and live a life full for Jesus. On my drive home I was thinking about how many people live their
lives just to please themselves and not even give a second thought about Jesus. I wonder why they even have a desire
for Heaven when they die. People are missing out on so much in their lives because they are living for self. I
hear so much ... I'm being punished, life's not fair, bad luck ... bad luck ... bad luck ... what? Oh so sad.
I have heard this so much, I feel like such a coward sometimes - I should be shouting ... have you not heard the GOOD NEWS?
Jesus, who was born of a virgin birth, suffered on a cross for me and for you & HE ROSE from the grave 3 days later so
that at the end of our life here we could have eternal life in Heaven with Him. He is seated at the right hand of the
Father. That is GOOD NEWS - you have an advocate. Yeah, so maybe you may have messed up in life, who hasn't?
We all have faults, but repentance to Jesus has freed you from that sin and gives you eternal security and rest in Christ.
God created Jesus, His only Son to pay our sin debt. We are so unworthy, but JESUS finds us so worthy. Don't go
another day blaming yourself for past mistakes or thinking you've done something so awful that God would never forgive you.
If our children are sorry, don't we forgive them? If we sincerely come to the Lord and ask Him to forgive us - it is
done. Just because He loves us that much. Please pray for my cousins who are grieving over the loss of their
brother. Please also pray for my friend Ann, she is have knee replacement surgery tomorrow and Pam whose mother is in
the end stages of Alzheimer's. I would ask that you would pray for her that she will have a quick easy recuperation.
Thank you all! Know that you are blessed for giving your time to pray for others! Have a great Monday. Love,
Tracy
Prayer of the Day ... Fearless
DAY 11 .. FEARLESS Remember that I commanded you to be strong and brave. So don't be afraid. The
Lord your God will be with you everywhere you go. Joshua 1:9 I was reading this verse this morning, actually
in a devotion book of my daughters. I found it so appropriate on this day. 9/11. I reflect back 8 years,
where I was that day and my own reaction to the days events. I certainly was not fearless - fear penetrated my body
and I was 800 miles away. But I was thinking about the so many hero's that day. My sister in laws first husband
was a hero that day. Although the loss to her, her children, my brother and Joe's family was oh so great that
day - he was such a hero. Helping others get to safety, not thinking about his own safety ... his earthly life was lost
that day. Can you imagine the people entering heaven on 9/11/01? I never really thought about it until right now,
but imagine what the Lord was saying to the men and woman on that flight from New Jersey that went down in the Pennsylvania
hill. I hope you still think about that day, I hope you don't have to see a video or get to the actual date to appreciate
your family and all you are blessed with. This week God has just reminded me time and time again how blessed I am.
The last line in verse 9 of Joshua, The Lord YOUR God will be with you everywhere you go. Everywhere. Do not be
afraid or troubled. Do not have fear. Be fearless in the name of Jesus! No one knows what tomorrow will
bring. Not one of us. We just have to walk in faith that the Lord will carry us through. He says, you are
weak, but I am strong! Deuteronomy 20:3-4 gives the same message ..."Don't lose your courage or be afraid.
Don't panic or be frightened. The Lord your God goes with you." All over scripture are reminders from the
Lord ... where you go, I am saith the Lord. I hope you all have a blessed day. Please be in prayer for our
Nation and all those families that lost someone on 9/11. You may not know someone personally, but God knows each one
by name. Please pray for my brother and his wife (John and Rose) today. Have a great weekend. Go to Church
this Sunday. If you don't go to Church, I pray that the Lord will place that desire in your heart to get your family
in Church. Love, Tracy
|
