Category Archives: DEVOTIONAL WRITINGS

Listen Up

Listening is a special art form. Good listeners are hard to come by these days. The world is noisy and it seems everybody has something to say as more and more people live out loud on social media. I have found people who don't listen never get what they want. The best relationships I've had are the ones where I listened and learned. They are often the ones where I chose wisdom over foolishness.

Here are a few scriptures to help remind me of the choices I make. I also use them to stay in tune and sharpen my listening skills.

Proverbs 12:15 (NASB) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

Psalm 81:11-14 But My people did not listen to My voice, And Israel did not obey Me. So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart, To walk in their own devices. Oh that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways! I would quickly subdue their enemies And turn My hand against their adversaries.

Proverbs 1:33 But he who listens to me shall live securely And will be at ease from the dread of evil.

Ecclesiastes 7:5 It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man Than for one to listen to the song of fools.

Be encouraged and listen up because God is speaking. What's your favorite scripture on listening?

Wanting More

hands

Photo Credit:© Pakhnyushchyy ID 7949425 | Dreamstime Stock Photos

Have you ever made a reservation, received the confirmation and then got more than what you asked for or wanted? Has this ever happened to you?    You reserved a table for two at a restaurant and got seated at a nice booth instead. You reserve a mid-size car and got offered a free upgrade.  You ever reserve a spa treatment and got extra services or more time in the chair to relax.   You reserved a time for your  hair appointment and got called to come in earlier.  You ordered a general admission ticket and got moved to the front of the line like a VIP ticket holder.    I have experienced most if not all of these scenarios and it’s a good feeling to know when we’re being taken care of or treated special.  Sometimes benefits come because of our connections with a supplier.  It could be our  status as a member in  a rewards program, it could be because we’re celebrating a special day or event,  or that we’re part of a preferred group.   Sometimes I  want my life to be like that with God. I want those unlimited hook ups and promotions. I  want the VIP treatment. I want more, more, more.  I’ve learned God’s reward program is not based on any points earned or membership dues I’ve paid. The Bible says God rewards those who diligently seek Him.  He is the One who supplies all my needs.  He is able to give us more, not just because of a special status, not because of anything we earned or accumulated.  God has a unique way of confirming our reservations then giving us more just for being faithful, committed and true to Him.  When we sign up to serve, God gives us more opportunities. When we reserve a place for God in our heart, confess our sins and declare to live boldly for Him, He confirms it and give us so much more.  God  gives us life everlasting, unconditional love, joy unspeakable, indescribable peace, a blessed hope and assurance of our salvation.  Now, that’s more than we could ever imagine or ask for.

Prayer: Lord, I acknowledge you God today as my preferred supplier. Thank you for having  everything I need.  Thank you for loving and caring for me.  Thank you for being more than enough. Thank you for the overflow of grace.  Thank you for both earthly and  heavenly rewards.

Sing Your Way

I love to sing and listen to good music. I can get lost pretty quick in a sweet melody that keeps me humming all day long. I can go from the shower to the car, from the car to the desk. I can sing of God's love and not even rest. From the desk to the gym, don't let it be an old hymn. I keep those in my heart for days I don't even want to start. Music is truly an amazing thing God created. Thank God we can sing our way through everyday. God gave us music, and He allows us to express creativity as we sing. No matter what your day looks like add a song to it. Encourage yourself in the car, in the shower, at your desk or as you walk down the street. Sing your way through today. Make it a concert, let your heart sing, your hands clap and your feet pat. God hears you and your voice stands out to Him.

Thought: Today, I choose to worship on purpose and give it my all.

Psalm 96:1
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth.

I Chronicles 16:23
Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day.

Do You Know Who Are You Talking To?

Have you ever felt angry or upset with God?  Have you ever felt like God didn’t  understand  what you were going through?  You pick up the phone and call a friend, then you proceed to tell them all about it. You forget to even check your knee mail because you’re so upset and overwhelmed.  You don’t realize you have tons of messages waiting.  Everybody can tell something’s wrong. Your joy has been cooked rare and your peace is medium rare. You really want a well done life. Life can be rough, turns can take twist and things can get a little crazy but God fully understands our feelings, frustrations and He knows exactly what we are going through. As we are quick to talk to others about our feelings or frustrations, it’s important to remind ourselves to talk to God about everything. God speaks your language and understands your emotions so why not talk to Him? God hears. God listens.  Only God can say well done good and faithful servant.  Trust Him today and do not doubt, then you’ll be able to say it is well with my soul.

Psalm 17:6 I have called upon You, for You will answer me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech. 

New Beginnings

Sometime I have to just start over. I get off track, I lose focus and I don’t always stick to the goals I have planned. I have to constantly remind myself of the beginning whenever I’m trying to live healthy and eat healthy.  I must focus on the genesis, that  initial starting point. I start to remind myself of the commitment made, the desire to do better and take care of this temple God gave me.   I remind myself of the promises of God. When we start to feel alone or stagnant we can always start over. God is with us and for us. I love how the Bible shows us that living on pitch is not a solo act.  In reading Genesis, two words stood out in chapter 1 verse 26 then God said, “let us”.   We need God, the Creator and Lord of all.  He doesn’t need us. It starts with God and a “let us” mentality.  Do you have a new beginnings prayer? 

Here’s mine: Dear Lord I need You and I am totally relying on your help. I don’t want to do anything without you. Help us stay in tune and focused, let us start over, let us make the right choices to reach our goals and let us desire to please you.  Amen.

In The Garden

I love flowers in the garden. I don’t have a physical garden in my home but I’ll admit sometimes I go to Home Depot just to walk through the garden section and see all the pretty colors blooming.  I’ll see someone watering the plants and flowers to keep them alive and fresh.  As I step in the garden I start to think, there’s hope for me if I just plant a seed. I may not have a green thumb but I have a garden of hope.  You also can have a garden of hope. When we decide to plant seeds of hope, trust in God and water them regularly by reading God’s word we come alive.  If we allow God to grow us up in faith, love, and truth we will see the beauty that surrounds us when we are in the garden. 

How I Say Good Morning to God

My prayer this morning is simple. The words to the hymn I Am Thine O Lord say it all. Draw me nearer Lord, Nearer blessed Lord. My favorite verse says :

Consecrate me now, to thy service Lord, By the power of grace divine

Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope and my will be lost in Thine. 

My morning prayer is Lord help us  live with purpose and grow closer to you. 

Now that’s what I call living on pitch.  It’s all about #thatworshiplife.