Change.
Change can be good. Change could be bad.
But most often, change isn't necessarily all good or all bad. Change is usually nothing more than, well, change. It's a mixed bag sometimes eliciting just as many supporters as naysayers.
We often resist change because we fear the unknown. We like things the way they were before. We knew what to expect. But then change comes along and our world is different. We can't as easily predict what will happen. We have a new learning curve . We have to adjust our thinking, our way of life, how we do things, or even our schedule. We become afraid of what might be. And if we are not careful, our inflexibility can prevent us from enjoying positive change.
Yet, as unsettling as change is, we can always count on change. Change happens. It's a given in this life.
Change can take flight in the wind just as we think we've got it by the tail. Or it can dig in and stand it's ground, demanding it's way. Change is always just around the next corner, waiting to happen.
How we face change reflects our character and convictions. In some cases,we fight change kicking and screaming but sooner or later, change still comes. We might have victory over change, for a little while at least, but it still comes. We may mold change into what we want it to be or think it should be,but it still comes.
Change is inevitable. But ultimately, change must answer to the Only ONE who holds real power for change.
If you are facing a lot of changes in your life and you are feeling as if you have no power over those changes, know that Christ does have the power. In Him you will find strength and power to overcome change (or anything else that is thrown your way)!
Trust in Christ today!
"...Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." ~Jesus (John 16:33)
In His Love, Cathy
PS - There's been a lot of change in my life over the past several years but Jesus Christ has been my rock and fortress throughout it all. You can count on Him...I guarantee it!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
It's Back to Work...
How appropriate that this would be my e-devotion this morning on the second day of teacher preplanning. God is good and as always, His timing is perfect! Have a blessed day!
"On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, 'Doesn't your teacher pay the Temple tax?'
'Yes, he does,' Peter replied. Then he went into the house.
But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, 'What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?'
'They tax the people they have conquered,' Peter replied.
'Well, then,' Jesus said, 'the citizens are free! However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.'"
Matthew 17:24–27
"Jesus knows we have to live in this world of nitty-gritty, everyday realities such as paying taxes. He wants Peter to see that if one is part of the Kingdom of God, one is free and owes allegiance primarily to that Kingdom. We still must pay taxes, so God provides for that too. He provides through Peter's obedience and Peter's occupation in the world: fishing. Our earthly needs are provided for as we work at our occupations. As we do the work in obedience and with the perspective that we are primarily citizens of God's Kingdom, we experience true freedom."
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
In His Love, Cathy
"On their arrival in Capernaum, the collectors of the Temple tax came to Peter and asked him, 'Doesn't your teacher pay the Temple tax?'
'Yes, he does,' Peter replied. Then he went into the house.
But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, 'What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the people they have conquered?'
'They tax the people they have conquered,' Peter replied.
'Well, then,' Jesus said, 'the citizens are free! However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.'"
Matthew 17:24–27
"Jesus knows we have to live in this world of nitty-gritty, everyday realities such as paying taxes. He wants Peter to see that if one is part of the Kingdom of God, one is free and owes allegiance primarily to that Kingdom. We still must pay taxes, so God provides for that too. He provides through Peter's obedience and Peter's occupation in the world: fishing. Our earthly needs are provided for as we work at our occupations. As we do the work in obedience and with the perspective that we are primarily citizens of God's Kingdom, we experience true freedom."
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
In His Love, Cathy
Friday, July 15, 2011
Walking on Storm Waves
"Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
"Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. …
"Then Peter called to him, 'Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.'
"'Yes, come,' Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus."
Matthew 14:22–25, 28–29
view in context
"Jesus sent the disciples away—into a storm. For a time, he left them alone to battle the fierce storm without him. While they struggled, Jesus was praying. Then he came to them, walking on water. He calmly walked on the very water that was causing so much trouble and fear for his loved ones. Remember this: When you battle a storm, Jesus is praying for you. Then Jesus comes to you on the choppy waves of your distress. And, if you keep your eyes on Jesus, as Peter did, you too can walk on the waves of your storm."—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
Sometimes we wander far away from the shores of our faith. This happens when the waters seem calm and clear. We think, "Okay, I really don't need God's help right now. I've got this." But then, out of nowhere, a storm quickly arises, dangerously rocking our boat - threatening to capsize us in the middle of our circumstances. It's in the midst of our storms that we realize just how much we do need Jesus. And when we cry out, our always faithful Savior walks on the tumultuous waters to our sinking ship. Jesus has power over our storms. Some storms He may calm. Others we may have to go through. But no matter what, if you keep your eyes on Him, you can walk on the waves of the storm!
Our part is to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus. No matter how far from shore our hearts are tempted to wander...with Christ's help we can step out of our boat in faith.
In His Love,
Cathy
In His Love, Cathy
"Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. …
"Then Peter called to him, 'Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.'
"'Yes, come,' Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus."
Matthew 14:22–25, 28–29
view in context
"Jesus sent the disciples away—into a storm. For a time, he left them alone to battle the fierce storm without him. While they struggled, Jesus was praying. Then he came to them, walking on water. He calmly walked on the very water that was causing so much trouble and fear for his loved ones. Remember this: When you battle a storm, Jesus is praying for you. Then Jesus comes to you on the choppy waves of your distress. And, if you keep your eyes on Jesus, as Peter did, you too can walk on the waves of your storm."—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
Sometimes we wander far away from the shores of our faith. This happens when the waters seem calm and clear. We think, "Okay, I really don't need God's help right now. I've got this." But then, out of nowhere, a storm quickly arises, dangerously rocking our boat - threatening to capsize us in the middle of our circumstances. It's in the midst of our storms that we realize just how much we do need Jesus. And when we cry out, our always faithful Savior walks on the tumultuous waters to our sinking ship. Jesus has power over our storms. Some storms He may calm. Others we may have to go through. But no matter what, if you keep your eyes on Him, you can walk on the waves of the storm!
Our part is to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus. No matter how far from shore our hearts are tempted to wander...with Christ's help we can step out of our boat in faith.
In His Love,
Cathy
In His Love, Cathy
Monday, June 27, 2011
Creative Freedom
God is working some good things in our lives right now. He is always good and faithful, but we've really seen Him come through in some unexpected ways lately. But isn't that the way God is? He is always doing something new and wonderful. That is, when God moves in your life, He doesn't just reinvent the wheel, He totally reengineers it down to its molecular level.
That's just the way God works...always creating something new and wonderful often from nothing! One word and the entire universe was created! One breath and man came to life. He can not only create something from nothing, He can take something that already exists and create something completely new! He can create hope from despair. He can create love from hate. He can create healing from pain. He can create beauty from ashes! That's just how awesomely creative our God is!
"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:" 2 Corinthians 5:16-18
When we ask Christ to become our Lord and Savior, we become a new creation...a totally new person. Our old self is totally replaced by the new person we have become in Christ. The Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, comes to live inside of us. God doesn't just rearrange the furniture to make us appear prettier to others. He does an extreme makeover, tearing us down to our very foundation and rebuilding our inner core from the ground up.
Sure, we still have a lot of our old selves to overcome. However, from the moment we are saved, we have this new power to help us overcome. This new power is now available to us through Jesus Christ!
Even though we become new creations in Christ, our own willingness to yield completely to God determines how much of a spiritual makeover can be accomplished. If you are unyielding in some areas of your life, you can bet that God will continue to deal with you in those areas until you finally 'get it' and give it to Him. But once you surrender wholly to God, even in those stubborn areas, you'll experience a relief like none other...a freedom that you never thought was possible!
Surrending it all to God gives Him the creative license to work freely within you...creating the beautiful, new being He desires you to become! But, the choice is yours. He doesn't barge in univited. Accepting Christ as Savior is the first step. Once you do, you are a new creation in Christ! The next step is to allow God to continue this new work within you.
Allow Him to search your heart, revealing areas where you aren't allowing Him to do a new work. Give Him creative freedom and watch what wonderful things He can do within you.
In His Love, Cathy
That's just the way God works...always creating something new and wonderful often from nothing! One word and the entire universe was created! One breath and man came to life. He can not only create something from nothing, He can take something that already exists and create something completely new! He can create hope from despair. He can create love from hate. He can create healing from pain. He can create beauty from ashes! That's just how awesomely creative our God is!
"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:" 2 Corinthians 5:16-18
When we ask Christ to become our Lord and Savior, we become a new creation...a totally new person. Our old self is totally replaced by the new person we have become in Christ. The Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, comes to live inside of us. God doesn't just rearrange the furniture to make us appear prettier to others. He does an extreme makeover, tearing us down to our very foundation and rebuilding our inner core from the ground up.
Sure, we still have a lot of our old selves to overcome. However, from the moment we are saved, we have this new power to help us overcome. This new power is now available to us through Jesus Christ!
Even though we become new creations in Christ, our own willingness to yield completely to God determines how much of a spiritual makeover can be accomplished. If you are unyielding in some areas of your life, you can bet that God will continue to deal with you in those areas until you finally 'get it' and give it to Him. But once you surrender wholly to God, even in those stubborn areas, you'll experience a relief like none other...a freedom that you never thought was possible!
Surrending it all to God gives Him the creative license to work freely within you...creating the beautiful, new being He desires you to become! But, the choice is yours. He doesn't barge in univited. Accepting Christ as Savior is the first step. Once you do, you are a new creation in Christ! The next step is to allow God to continue this new work within you.
Allow Him to search your heart, revealing areas where you aren't allowing Him to do a new work. Give Him creative freedom and watch what wonderful things He can do within you.
In His Love, Cathy
Monday, June 20, 2011
My Morning Devotion
"I love you, LORD;
you are my strength.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and he saved me from my enemies."
Psalm 18:1–3
"In uncertain times, what a comfort and strength these verses are! Meditate on the images of God here: rock, fortress, savior, shield, the power that saves you, and place of safety. Call on this God today to rescue you from anything or anyone that oppresses you."—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
In His Love, Cathy
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Storms
"Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, 'Lord, save us! We're going to drown!'
"Jesus responded, 'Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!' Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.
"The disciples were amazed. 'Who is this man?' they asked. 'Even the winds and waves obey him!'"
Matthew 8:23-27
"The disciples were terrified. A fierce storm kicked up, and that's all they could see. They did not reason that nothing would happen because Jesus was in the boat with them. He was asleep. Sometimes it feels like Jesus is "asleep" when we go through our storms. We think he's asleep because he's unaware or he doesn't care. That's "little faith." In reality, he's asleep only because he's not worried. If we believed that, we'd have "more faith" and would feel peace in our storms as well. It starts on the inside, with faith in the one who is not worried in our storms because he knows he has them under control"
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
There's a saying that goes something like this, "Don't tell God how big your storm is, tell your storm how BIG your GOD is!" Our God has power beyond compare. HE is in control. And GOD can take care of anything we face. The disciples were seasoned fishermen. They were not afraid of some small thunderstorm. This storm must have been fairly severe for these veteran seafarers to be in fear of their lives. But Jesus wasn't worried. Instead, he REBUKED the wind and the waves. He was in control of this storm and not the other way around.
So when the storms arise in our lives, we can turn to the one who can REBUKE them with only a word or thought. We can trust that GOD is in control of our storms and not the other way around. Trust in Christ today! He will guide us into safe harbor...he will see us through the storm!
Grace and peace, friends!
In His Love, Cathy
"Jesus responded, 'Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!' Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.
"The disciples were amazed. 'Who is this man?' they asked. 'Even the winds and waves obey him!'"
Matthew 8:23-27
"The disciples were terrified. A fierce storm kicked up, and that's all they could see. They did not reason that nothing would happen because Jesus was in the boat with them. He was asleep. Sometimes it feels like Jesus is "asleep" when we go through our storms. We think he's asleep because he's unaware or he doesn't care. That's "little faith." In reality, he's asleep only because he's not worried. If we believed that, we'd have "more faith" and would feel peace in our storms as well. It starts on the inside, with faith in the one who is not worried in our storms because he knows he has them under control"
—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions
There's a saying that goes something like this, "Don't tell God how big your storm is, tell your storm how BIG your GOD is!" Our God has power beyond compare. HE is in control. And GOD can take care of anything we face. The disciples were seasoned fishermen. They were not afraid of some small thunderstorm. This storm must have been fairly severe for these veteran seafarers to be in fear of their lives. But Jesus wasn't worried. Instead, he REBUKED the wind and the waves. He was in control of this storm and not the other way around.
So when the storms arise in our lives, we can turn to the one who can REBUKE them with only a word or thought. We can trust that GOD is in control of our storms and not the other way around. Trust in Christ today! He will guide us into safe harbor...he will see us through the storm!
Grace and peace, friends!
In His Love, Cathy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)