On The Way . . . With the Joy of the LORD

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I’m not sure I’ve ever eaten at Waffle House, but every year as we get closer to Christmas, I think maybe this is the year I’ll stop in for some breakfast. My curiosity was piqued when I began to hear stories of eating at Waffle House as a much loved Christmas tradition- either Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.

Being a breakfast lover, the stories of late night trips to a restaurant that’s always open intrigued me. Especially when I learned about the countless ways you can order another favorite of mine- hash browns.

Several years ago, I used my hash brown learnings to write a short devotional. Today I’m giving it a 2020 update and hoping it will encourage you as we close in on the end of what many people are describing as an unprecedented year. I’ll start with a simple question-

Has 2020 left you feeling like Waffle House hash browns? Continue reading “On The Way . . . With the Joy of the LORD” →

Something Has to Give

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As it turns out, the post I wrote last week, No Matter What, has been harder for me to apply in my own life than I care to admit.

Living in this world as one of God’s chosen ones with the work assignment of Colossians 3:12-17 has been a challenge. Circumstances in the world and in my life are testing my patience, leaving me feeling more angry than kind, more critical than forgiving, and more grumbling than thankful.

I’m convicted this morning that if I’m going to make any progress toward Colossians 3 being real in my life, Something Has to Give–

And the something is me.

I’ve pulled out a PIC that I posted in the Journey in Joy series and updated it just a bit. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 is coming to the top of my prayer card stack.

I’ve also gotten a study off my shelf that I completed during another hard season 5-6 years ago called Fight Back With Joy by Margaret Feinberg. I highly recommend this one!

Both the scripture and the study will help me intentionally give my heart and mind to God as I-

Cultivate an attitude of joy;
Pray continually (as I go through the day);
Give thanks in all circumstances (even the challenging ones).

Then I’ll be aligned with God’s will for me in Christ Jesus.

No Matter What will you join me in this today?

No Matter What

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Today seems the right time to share a key learning from my recent study with Jennifer Rothschild in Haggai. The book is short on verses but long on application and timeliness.

One of our first assignments was to read the book several times and highlight repeated words and phrases. “The LORD of hosts” popped up as the most recurring phrase- 14 times in 34 verses. God is making a point He wants his people to remember. It’s one they must know and believe if they are to continue on in obedience and finish the work they’ve begun. It’s a message for me today! Continue reading “No Matter What” →

In A Little While

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My study in Haggai with Jennifer Rothschild has challenged my view of waiting on God. In his second sermon, Haggai is encouraging the people to be strong and work, knowing that God is with them. They are to finish rebuilding the temple even as they feel it in no way compares to the previous one that had been destroyed.

In verse 6 Haggai says,

“This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the LORD Almighty. ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the LORD Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”
Haggai 2:6-9 (NIV)

This is a powerful word of encouragement to the people. God will bring together and provide all the resources needed to complete the work- after all, the resources and power are His! He promises to fill this temple with his glory and assures the people that it will be a greater glory than the splendor of the previous temple. In this place, He will give them peace.

While this is good news, a challenge comes with these brief words- “In a little while,” and it’s one all of us understand. God’s provision and promise will come in a little while, thus- a season of in the meantime and waiting! Continue reading “In A Little While” →

Convinced to Continue

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Today I’m taking a look back at the why behind Daily PICs. While it’s an endeavor God clearly led me to start, sometimes the discipline required to continue moving forward is hard to muster.

The first step of obedience requires faith; the steps to continue involve discipline.

When discipline wanes, it’s important to remember what was true at the start. My devotional reading this morning confirmed this with a challenge from 2 Timothy 3:14–

But as for you, continue in what you learned and have become convinced of –

What I have learned and become convinced of is that writing Prayer Index Cards and praying God’s Word is a powerful and effective tool! It has been the key to unlocking the abundant and victorious life that is promised and found in Jesus. This is the life I long for and that I want for you as well! Continue reading “Convinced to Continue” →