With all Earnest...

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 26
~ This weekly devotional can be found on Facebook. ~

"Here is what you must do - and don't put it off any longer: Get down on your knees before God Almighty .. and if you are pure and live with integrity, he will surely rise up and restore your happy home."

Job 8:5 (Message), 8:6 (NLT)

Scripture has much to say about seeking the Lord. But life has become so busy lately that I have let my "seeking" slip to a lower priority. And, sadly, it is not long before I start to lose the desire to seek. It is a vicious, downward cycle.

I am reminded of the Psalms and David's incredible thirst for God ... "Earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." (Ps 63:1 - my emphasis)

Am I not also thirsty? I have to stop and realize ... I am parched; I am dry; I am desperate. My heart cries out (as David's did) "Seek his face!" Your face, Lord, I will seek. I must seek. (Ps 27:8)

Once again, I hear his voice calling me back - back to his presence, back to the waters, back to the only source of life. This week I have begun meditating on the Psalms again. Reading David's hunger and thirst - pondering his worship and praise - begins to stir my heart to a place of thirst and of worship.

Dear Lord,
I cry to you again, in my unfaithfulness, trusting in your mercy, falling on your faithfulness, knowing you are not far from me. Stir my heart again, to hunger and thirst for you. Fill me anew with a reciprocal love for you. Teach me afresh that only you bring life, healing and rest. Let my desire to know you motivate my every action, thought and word. Help me to seek you first, and trust that you will guide me in all the other things in life.
In Jesus' Name,
AMEN

A Closer Walk with Him!

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 24
~ This weekly devotional can be found on Facebook. ~

"My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline ... God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children.... At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God."

Hebrews 12:7,11

I just loved this paraphrase of Hebrews 12. Discipline is really education, not punishment. Isn't that exactly how I treat my children? I am training them how to live with self control and wisdom.

But the most beautiful part, discipline can lead to maturity, and especially maturity in our relationship with God. Isn't that the true desire of my heart? To walk more closely with my God? I want to be stretched, corrected, taught.

Dear Lord,
Although it is hard to receive it at time, I need your discipline in my life. Teach me, correct me, train me, discipline me - that I may grow up to be mature and fruitful in my relationship with you. I pray that I will learn from my mistakes to avoid going through them again. Thank you that you love me enough to discipline me and that you desire me to grow into something better than I am right now.
In Jesus' Name,
AMEN

Faith to Move Mountains

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 23
~ This weekly devotional can be found on Facebook. ~

"Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction."

Mark 5:34

Did I walk in faith today, or in doubt and fear? How quickly I forget my faith! It is so easy for the daily tasks and unknown future to drown out the quiet faith that should rule my heart. In this devotional series, as we seek to overcome the disorganization in our lives, it is too easy to look at the to-do list and lose sight of the work God is doing in our hearts.

This small verse was a strong reminder to me this week to set my sight on God and how he can do the impossible. It is not my strength, or my determination that will bring about real change in my life. It is the work of Christ in my heart, transforming me to his image, as I set my eyes on things above.

Dear Lord,
I pray that I will be focused on you, and that I will walk in faith and not in fear. Do not let me be consumed with the things of the day. And do not let me stray from you while trying to get things done. I pray that you would guide me and heal my afflictions. Bring me peace, and let me rest assured that you do know the answers. Thank you, Lord, that in this world of confusion, I can walk in peace and trust in you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen

River of Chaos

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 22
~ This weekly devotional can be found on Facebook; the group is called "A Clean Heart." ~

"The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; he turns it wherever he wishes."

Proverbs 21:1

Why does everything seem to come back to control? I try to control the details of my life – my family, my kids, my time. Yet I am surrounded by things I cannot control – my family, my kids, the economy, our country, the world.

But in all the chaos all around me, I find peace in the fact that God is truly in control. Nothing is outside his reach. If he can turn hearts, if he turns and directs the rivers, then surely my small stuff cannot be outside his hands. This was my meditation this week – God is still in control.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for your work in my life. Forgive me for the times I’ve been overwhelmed in doubt by the chaos around me, for complaining when I should have been praising you for leading me through it. Guide me in my chaos today, and help me rest knowing that everything is under your control.
In Jesus Name,
Amen

Less Is Best

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 21
~ This weekly devotional can be found on Facebook; the group is called "A Clean Heart." ~

"Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife."

Proverbs 17:1

This week's devotional was a perfect reminder of the benefits of all the purging I have been doing for the last several weeks - less is best. There is a freedom and peace in not having so much clutter and stuff to maintain.

I originally meditated on this devotion last Sunday, but have prayed this prayer several times this week - as I sorted through the clothes I had saved from the kids, as I got rid of all the maternity clothes I had "just in case", as I purged the book cases of books I meant to read but never have.

Yesterday we sold all the stuff we had purged in a yard sale. There was no sense of loss, just a feeling of peace and joy as everything we sold our extra "baggage" to people who will hopefully enjoying using it. God has been so faithful!

We still have a long way to go before we have purged every area of our home, but I am encouraged and know that God will answer every time I cry out for help.

Lord,
I have saved too many things over the years and, as a result, I have too much clutter. I have attached to much value and meaning to ‘things’ and have a hard time letting go. Release me from these feelings that prevent me from getting my home in order. Guide me so that I know what to keep and what to clear out. Teach me to trust you for all that I need, so that I can get rid of the things that I haven’t used, looked at, taken out, or needed in years. Give me peace as I purge our home of all this stuff. Thank you for your blessings and for your provision in all our needs.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Joy Through Trials

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 20
~ This weekly devotional can be found on Facebook; the group is called "A Clean Heart." ~

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

James 1:2-3

Rejoice! Consider it pure JOY! Be joyful in your trials, in all things, especially in the bad things! Do I have to confess that this is a big struggle for me? I do not exude joy in my trials, small as they are. Instead, I complain and make a big deal about it all.

I remember an incredible Christian woman I worked with at my first real job when I was 16. She was a truly joyful person, all the time. I know that her husband was having serious medical complications and there were some hard things going on with her kids, but she was still always joyful. It caught everyone’s attention! She had amazing opportunities to minister to others because of her attitude. It attracted people, and they were curious and asked questions. That is the kind of person I want to be.

Rejoice in the Lord always! I will say it again, REJOICE!

Lord,
Thank you for the trials that I go through that help me learn perseverance. Please give me strength during the times that drag on so that I may learn to be joyful in all things. Remind me that you are using these times as a chance for me to grow into a more patient person. Show me the times I am not being patient or perseverance in love; when I am not walking in your joy (which is my strength). Help me to wait on you for the answers to my struggles. Only through your strength and help I will persevere joyfully.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Let Him Lead Your Heart

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 19
~ This weekly devotional can be found on Facebook; the group is called "A Clean Heart." ~

"A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps."

Proverbs 16:9

These last few weeks my head has been spinning with all the planning required for our probable move to Scotland this fall. But our plans are really not set yet, and the options and possibilities keep changing.

I have found myself getting my heart set on certain options, instead of seeking God's will and waiting on him to direct my steps. Then, I feel impatient or frustrated when things change.

I become like a child, wanting my own way; sometimes I even throw my own temper tantrums. But, as my loving Father, God gently reminds me to calm down and allow him to direct my steps (hopefully I listen to the still, small voice, and don't end up needing further correction). Even as I direct my children to keep them safe and to help them learn and grow, God faithfully directs my steps.

Lord,
I admit that too often I want my own way; I make my own plans; and I have stubbornly done my own thing, without seeking your will. Soften my heart to listen to you and wait for you to direct my steps. Lead me in the way I should go. Give me your wisdom and stir me to obey you, knowing that your way is the best way, the only way.

Thank you for loving me, as you child, and disciplining me when I stray. Teach me and help me to grow into the person you want me to be.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Order In Your Heart

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 18

Be sure that everything is done properly and in order."

I Corinthians 14:40

Can these words be used to describe my home? my life? my heart? Recently it feels like I can hardly keep my head above water, let alone do things "properly" and "in order".

This chaos isn't just about my home, but it is about my life and the way I am choosing to live.

I was convicted this week about the state of my heart, and how I have let the chaos around me invade my time in with the Lord, leaving me dry and thirsty. This needs to be addressed first, before the other issues can be properly addressed.

Lord,
I am struggling with my lack of organization. So many thing are suffering because of it. But the one that has suffered the most is my heart. I pray that you would bring me back to the place I need to be so that my whole being my be properly ordered. I know that when this happens, other things will begin to fall into place. Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit in me.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

'Establish' your house

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 17 - "'W.U.K.' In The House"

"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches."

Proverbs 24:3-4

The devotional this week was a strong reminder that only God can truly establish a home, only He can provide the wisdom I need each day to love my husband, to raise my kids, and to run my house.

While pondering my need, I was reminded of a few encouraging truths. First, God gives wisdom freely to those to ask (James 1:5).

Second, God desires us to have complete understanding so that we may know Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2-3). More than wisdom and knowledge, I need to seek Christ himself. Everything else is nothing in comparison (Philippians 3:8).

Lord,
Thank you for this home you have blessed me with. I need to have your wisdom, understanding and knowledge foundational in my home. I look to you for these precious riches, and wait on you to provide them in your way. May my mind, eyes and heart remain open as you teach me. Bless me with increasing wisdom, understanding and knowledge, so my home may be overflowing with your goodness and love.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Cast Your Burden

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 16

"Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy! Attend to me, and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and I moan ... My heart is in anguish within me ...

'Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.' ...

Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved."

Psalm 55: 1-2,4,6-8,22

Do you ever feel like running away, even just for a little while, to escape it all? Sometimes I hide in the bathroom for a few minutes, just for a little break from the kids, the noise, the house. But what I really need is a long-term solution.

I am slowly learning how to find refuge in my God. I know he is my strength and my hiding place, but I struggle with the practical application of this truth in my life. How do I practice this on a daily basis, so I am not worn down by the cares of life?

How do you find refuge in God? What ‘rubber-meets-the-road’ solutions do you use in your life to “hide in the shadow of his wings”?


Lord,
Some days I feel so overwhelmed and wish I could escape it all. Today, I cast my burden on you, and I pray that you will sustain me through this. I lean on you for strength. Thank you for being my escape. I rest in your peace, keeping my mind steadfast on you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Through the Darkness

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 15

"I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight."

Isaiah 42:16

As a family, we are in just such a time described in this verse; I feel like a blind person wandering on a crooked road that is unknown to me. I need the light and the straight paths a fore mentioned.

My husband graduates with his M.Div. degree in May. We were hoping to be heading somewhere (or staying here at Princeton Theological Seminary) for a Ph.D. program, but did not get accepted to any schools. Originally, we talked about just staying at PTS another year for a Th.M. degree, and applying again next year.

But with the economic changes, PhD programs are becoming more competitive and my husband needs to be more aggressive about making his application stand out next year, which means looking at other schools that could provide a bigger impact on his application.

So, the applications have gone out to several other schools for one-year, Th.M. programs. And now we wait! In a few months, school ends and we have to move ... but to where?

Yup, very curvy roads; can't see around the next bend. But God has promised to lead, to bring light, to make paths straight.

Lord,
Thank you for your promise of light and wisdom. Teach me to focus on you alone during this time of "blindness." Make the darkness light before me, and my crooked places straight. Remind me to see you for the answers, and rest in your peace while we wait.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Be Still!

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 14

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

I repeatedly need to be reminded to STOP and bask in the presence of God. It seems that life continues to get busier, and I lose perspective so quickly. I almost feel at times that I don't even know how to stop.

The idea of contemplation is so appealing to me, and I can force myself to physically spend time in prayer and in scripture everyday. But I cannot physically force contemplation just by not doing things. It is a discipline of the mind.

I need to discipline my mind to focus on the task at hand (prayer, scripture, meditation), and not constantly jump to the next task on my list. This is my big challenge ... to be still and to meditate in the presence of my God.

Lord,
Thank you that you are always faithful and will finish the work you have begun in me. I am tired of struggling, of fighting, of losing. I desperately need to listen, to "be still." I am willing, but I need your strength ... I need you.

I admit that many times in the past I have asked for you guidance and wisdom, but have not remained patient waiting for you to answer. Forgive me. Help me to rest in you, to "be still." Calm my worries and fears; give me your peace.

Thank you for walking beside me, behind me, before me, beneath me, above me through all the pressures of life. I submit myself to you. Transform me, in the solitude and quiet, into your image.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Pressing Toward the Goal

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 13

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already made complete, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own ... I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 3:12, 14

What a beautiful reminder! I have become so consumed with fixing this mess I have made by my laziness and lack of attention to detail, that I have forgotten the big picture.

Is there anything in life that can compare to "the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord"? He is my "exceeding great reward." (Gen 15:1 KJV)

I can feel my heart stirring as I review this devotional again. There is nothing I desire more than knowing Christ Jesus, who is my life, my future, my hope.

Lord,
Thank you that you always remain faithful, even when I am faithless (and distracted). I admit I have gotten caught up in my desire for organization and planning and schedules - in my desire to run a smooth household - instead of desiring You first and foremost. Forgive me! I long to have you touch me, reach me, each day that I may feel your presence. I yearn to be "complete" even more than for my tasks to be completed. Help me to stay true to that, to remain focused on "the upward call of God."
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Strength to Bring Down the House

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 12

"Then Samson called to the Lord, saying 'O Lord God, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray...'"

Judges 16:28

I have been convicted this week of my negative attitude. I have not been very joyful lately. This needs to change!

I am called to walk in strength, not my strength (which is actually weakness), but HIS strength. What an amazing gift that God gives us joy and strength beyond ourselves and our circumstances!

Lord,
Remember me today and give me strength. I have faith that You will enable me to face the overwhelming tasks that I am facing. Give me strength, Lord - physically, to stay well and fit to finish my work - and emotionally, to keep healthy thoughts about it along the way. Help me to walk in your joy today, for "the joy of the Lord is my strength."
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Written On Your Forehead!

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 11

"…Make straight your way before my face."

Psalm 5:8

The devotion for the week was about keeping our focus on God and his will for our lives. We know God has a plan, a purpose for our lives. He has called us to participate in his plan for creation, for humanity, for eternity. What an abundant and amazing life we are called to! Yet we forget who we are; thus, the need for it to be “written on your forehead.”

This brought to mind the Shema (from the Hebrew for “hear”), the Jewish confession of faith.

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon you hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door-frames of your houses and on your gates.”

I think about how my life would be impacted if I kept the word of God and his will for my life this present in my daily life. Too many times, I lose my focus in the urgency of the day. Throughout this week, however, I felt the Spirit calling me back to peace, back to God’s plan for my day.

Lord,
Thank you for your goodness and your faithfulness; thank you for caring enough for me to have a plan for me. I pray that Your will, Your plan, would be clear to me as I got about each day this week. I know that your plan for me is not just for some future time, but for today as well. Remind me throughout my day to focus on You and Your plan, not my own.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Do You Need A "Time-Out"?

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 10

"As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing.

She came to Jesus and said, 'Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.'

But the Lord said to her,'My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.'"

Luke 10:38-42 (NLT)

I was reminded this week what is most important in life. As I have been encouraged through this devotional series to "get organized", it was good to be reminded to always keep the tasks for each day secondary to my relationships -- with God, my husband, my children, my friends, etc.

This passage of scripture provides such beautiful imagery of our time with the Lord. I would love to be found each day sitting at his feet, basking in his presence. And there is no higher example I would like to provide for my children.

There are always things to get done, and they need to be done, but there also must be time to sit -- with my children on the floor as they play, with my friends, with my husband, and with my Lord at his feet as he teaches and encourages and transforms me.


Lord,
Thank you for the precious lives and relationships you have blessed me with. Remind me daily to be like Mary, not Martha, and choose Jesus and people over house work.

Please help me get done the things that you want me to accomplish for each day, and help me to respond properly to any interruptions to my schedule. Give me peace in knowing that I will get it all done in your timing.
Amen.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 9

"Seek first God's kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well ... Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come when the time comes."

Matthew 3:33 (NCV) / Matthew 6:34 (Message)

This week's verse is a beautiful call to review and revise my priorities. Do I allow the concerns of life to take my sight off of all that God is doing and forget his faithfulness? Have I let the urgent tasks of life take priority over what is more important?

I have been thinking and praying this week about my priorities. Even though I know what is most important, it takes discipline to not allow the "squeaky wheel" or the urgent demands to run my day, instead of keeping my priorities in order.

If my priorities are off, I no longer have my focus on God, and the concerns of my daily life rule my heart with fear and worry.

Lord, I confess that I worry about too many things. Forgive me; help me to seek first YOUR will. Breathe your peace and rest into my heart. I don't know how I am going to accomplish everything that lies ahead of me, but I will look to you for answers and guidance, and rest knowing that you have everything under control. Amen

A Heart of Gold

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 8

"The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the hearts."

Proverbs 17:3

I remember loving the song "Refiner's Fire" when I was young. "Refiner's fire, my heart's one desire is to be holy." That was the cry of my heart.

It seems so long since I felt that yearning for the purifying process. Maybe I have grown too cold. Or maybe I have come to realize that the refining fire is not as "romantically" wonderful as I thought when I was young.

I do still desire to be used for His purpose, to be set apart for His use. And I know that there is much in me that needs to be "purified." Maybe I'm not as excited about the refiner's fire, but I am confident that the fire will come when necessary and that he who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion.

Lord,
Thank you for the work you are faithfully continuing in my life; thank you that you are a tireless refiner, a patient potter; that you bring me the heat, the fire, the tests that will purify me.

Give me a soft heart to learn the lesson you have for me, may they bring me closer to you. Remind me to focus on you through the flames - you will keep me in perfect peace when my mind is stayed on you.

I need you Lord. And I need your refining work in my heart.
Amen

Wake Up Call!

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 7

"Do not love sleep, or you will become poor. Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with food."

Proverbs 20:13

Ouch! Not that I'm concerned about becoming poor, but this verse is quite clear on the downside of loving sleep a little too much.

I like sleep and do not function well without it. I am not a morning person. I do not get up cheerfully in the morning and stay in bed until I HAVE to get up.

But when I sleep until the last possible moment, I start the day feeling I'm already "behind" and I spend my entire day playing "catch-up." Needless to say, this week's devotion hit me hard.

God is challenging me to GET UP in the morning; to approach each day as a day that He has made; to be glad and rejoice in it.

Lord, please give me the strength to wake up each day and rejoice. I pray that I will not give in to laziness or procrastination. I need your strength to overcome my weaknesses. I pray that I will seek you first each morning and pursue your presence throughout my day. Amen

"Get Out, Doubt"

Create in Me a Clean Heart - Week 6

"... Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

Matthew 16:23

In the devotion for the week, this verse was a reminder to not allow the doubts and negative thoughts to be a stumbling block to us, but to put them "behind" us.

I admit that I did not always remember to put my doubt behind me this week, and there were times that I should have done just that. But as I review this verse again today, I am encouraged to put the failures and doubts of the week behind me, and move forward in hope and peace.

Lord, release me from my thoughts of fear and doubt; replace them with your love and hope. Help me to always been mindful of You and to draw my strength and joy from you. Amen.