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Helping
others does not consist of making a few stops
on our scenic route through life. It is a lifelong
process, filled with rocky detours and unwanted
surprises. To love and care for those who are
sick is a risk. Choosing not to means losing
our way. Get off the main road and never look
back. (Chapter 1, "Lettuce
Begin," Soul Food for the Sandwich Geneation.)
Since we discussed the role of our wonderful
mothers in May, let's talk about the role of
fathers in June. Again, I had a wonderful
role model with my father, but I know that this
is not always the case. However, we are to
honor our fathers because that is pleasing to
God. Let's look at a few Bible verses
about fathers:
"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy
children, and shalt talk of them when thou
sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by
the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou
risest up." (Deut. 6:7)
"Like a father pitieth his children, so the Lord
pitieth them that fear him." (Psalm 103:13)
"Whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a
father the son n whom he delighteth." (Prov.
3:12)
"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good
gifts unto your children; how much more shall
your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to
them that ask him?" (Luke 11:13)
"Fathers, provoke not your children to anger,
lest they be discouraged." (Col 3:21)
Please remember your fathers this month.
Tell them how much you appreciate them and don't
assume that men don't need the same love and
care that our mothers do. So, to all of
our fathers out there, a very happy Father's
Day!
For the month of May, I want to talk a bit about
the support and encouragement of our mothers.
I happen to have one of the best ones that
anyone could be blessed to have, and so I have
always been the recipient of a lot of love and
encouragement. I realize that this is not
true for everyone, but during this month, let's
pray for all of our mothers. Some are very
young with a myriad of responsibilities for
which they may or may not be prepared; others
are mid-lifers who struggle with teen-age
issues, trying to find time to work, possibly
help with a parent, and raise their own children
at the same time. Then, there are those of
us who are a bit older. Our children are
older and away from home, but that most likely
means that our parents need us even more at this
stage of life. Every mother, whatever our
age, is sandwiched with responsibilities.
We long for time for ourselves, and sometimes,
when we get it, we wish the children were back!
What does the Bible say about good parenting?
Let's look at some verses on this topic:
"Train up a child in the way he should go:
and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
(Prov. 22:6)
"Her children rise up and call her blessed." (Prov.
31:28)
"If any provide not for his own, and specially
for those of his own house, he hath denied the
faith, and is worse than an infidel." (1 Tim.
5:8)
God bless our mothers!
For the month of April, let's look at some
devotions on the topic of blessings. I
don't know about you, but every time I look
outside these days and see the beautiful spring
weather, I am aware of our blessed earth and how
God has made everything beautiful and perfectly
made.
1. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither have entered into the heart of man, the
things which God hath prepared for them that
love him. (1 Cor. 2:9)
2. But my God shall supply all your need
according to his riches in glory by Christ
Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)
3. Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed,
and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might
be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from
evil, that it may not grieve me! (1Chron.
4:10)
4. Behold the fowls of the air; for they
sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into
barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.
Are ye not much better than they? (Matthew
6:26)
March is a season of new beginnings. It is
a season of growth and promise. I would
like to talk about resurrection this month.
Jesus died and lives again so that we might
experience new life and hope each day of our
lives. What does that mean to caregivers?
It means that we are not alone, even on our
worst days and in the most formidable moments.
In one of my devotions, I talk about the witness
of the disciples and the difficulty of their
mission. However, they were not alone.
Jesus said to them, 'and lo, I am with you
always, even to the end of the age.' I go on to
say, "What gave the disciples the courage to do
what they feared? I believe that every
waking and sleeping hour of their lives, they
saw the face of Jesus before them, and it
inspired them." (pg. 45...Soul Food)
Jesus is ready and willing to do the same for
you. Reach out and receive the gift of his
grace.
In February, the love month, let's look at the
sacrifice of love that Jesus gave for us on the
cross.
Matthew 10:38 "And anyone who does not
take his cross and follow me is not worthy of
me."
Matthew 16:24 "Then Jesus said to his
disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he
must deny himself and take up his cross and
follow me."
Mark 10:21 "Jesus looked at him and loved
him. 'One thing you lack,' he said, 'Go,
sell everything you have and give to the poor,
and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come,
follow me.'"
Galatians 6:14 "May I never boast
except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,
through which the world has been crucified to
me, and I to the world."
For the month of January, I want us to
look at the topic of stewardship. I will
be including Bible verses on this topic and
discussing some of the ways in which we can be
good and loyal stewards of the time, talents and
opportunities given to us.
Here are a few verses for us to think
about this month.
Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two
masters. Either he will hate the one and
love the other, or he will be devoted to the one
and despise the other. You cannot serve
both God and money."
Romans 12:13 "Share with God's
people who are in need. Practice
hospitality."
1 Tim. 6:10-11 "For the love of
money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some
people, eager for money, have wandered from the
faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and
pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
endurance and gentleness."
1 Cor. 10:31 "So whether you eat or
drink or whatever you do, do it all for the
glory of God."
DO IT ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD.
THINK ABOUT THAT VERSE THIS MONTH AND MEMORIZE
IT IN YOUR HEART.
Week of Dec. 17th: Christmas is upon
us and it is a season of love, joy and giving to
others. I pray that each one of us will
find it in our hearts to share our time, talents
and gifts with someone who is less fortunate
this year. May you have a very merry and
blessed Christmas and a wonderful, healthy and
happy new year!
Week of Nov. 12th: Thought for the
week:
As caregivers, we struggle to maintain
our dignity and sense of self in an environment
that depresses and weakens us. We hunger
for comfort; we mourn our loss; we sometimes
feel that our work is overlooked and
unappreciated. In our human hearts, we
find it hard to believe that Jesus can lift us
above our circumstances. (Pg. 76, "Hold
the Pickles", Soul Food for the Sandwich
Generation
How do we keep our heads above water in a
sinking situation? How does faith survive
when fear takes over? To answer these
questions, let's look at what the scriptures say
about overcoming adversity:
Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for
thou art with me: Psalm 23:4
Blessed are they that mourn; for they
shall be comforted. Blessed are they which
are persecuted for righteousness' sake'; for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:4,10
If we suffer, we shall also reign with
him. 2 Tim. 2:12
Every branch that beareth fruit, he
purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
John 15:2
Week of Oct. 22nd: Thought
for the week:
Show tenderness and gratitude to
others. Let kindness be your guide.
Never set out to hurt anyone, but in all things,
try to mend fences and broken hearts. (pg.
66, Hold the Pickles...Sour Grapes Make Whine)
It's the beginning of the Thanksgiving
season, and I want to talk today about
gratitude. Let's take a look at some
verses from the Bible which relate to this
topic:
Proverbs 3:9 Honor the Lord with
your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your
crops; then your barns will be filled to
overflowing, and your vats will brim over with
new wine.
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of
Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of
one body you were called to peace. And be
thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks
in all circumstances, for this is God's will for
you in Christ Jesus.
1 Chronicles 29:14 Everything
comes from you, and we have given you only what
comes from your hand.
Psalm 136:1 Give thanks to the
Lord, for his is good. His love endures
forever.
There are many more verses on gratitude,
but if we only took one of these verses and made
it a part of our daily lives, we would alter our
outlook on life. It is so easy to be
ungrateful, especially when life is hard and
things aren't going our way, but the scriptures
say to be grateful in both good times and bad.
Count your blessings and you will be blessed.
Week of Oct. 1st: Thought for the week:
The eldest son remained faithful to his father,
in good times and bad. The youngest son
made a mess of his life, but when he came
running home, no one was happier to see him than
his father. The story of the prodigal son
illustrates family life as it should be.
Forgive and forget the bad times.
Celebrate the good times. (Pg. 108, Cool
as a Cucumber...No Knuckle Sandwich for Me)
Studies today are showing that family life is
definitely not as it should be. When we
have to schedule time to eat together, that's
pretty bad. When I was growing up, we ate
almost every meal together unless there was an
emergency, and then we most likely ate together
in the hospital cafeteria! Our society has
become fragmented, greedy and self-contained.
Parents want their children to have the best of
everything, but neglect to see that not spending
any time with them is the only thing they really
need. Divorce is rampant; couples live
together for years to see if they are
"compatible" and can get married. How far
off base can you be? And we wonder why the
world is in such terrible shape.
You may have to give up something to gain the
most important thing..your family. No one
can have it all..not even in 2007.
Prioritize now, before it's too late.
I apologize for the loss of some material.
I have had computer issues and some of the
meditation morsels have been lost. I am
starting with the fall series for the week of
September 6, 2007:
Thought for the week:
In God's eyes, there are no dates, meetings,
appointments or reservations. God does not
operate on a schedule. He does not hurry,
worry, or fret if something does not get done.
Make a date with God on one of your calendars.
He won't forget, even if you do. (pg. 87,
Why That's Bologna!)
I chose this particular portion of my book
because September is a month for new beginnings
and heavy schedules. It is important for
all of us to remember what is truly important
and what is not. Working hard at what we
do is important; being first in everything is
not. Helping others on our journey through
life is important; giving for recognition is
not. Serving is important, but we should
do it for God's credit and not our own.
Have a wonderful, busy, crazy fall, full of
events, meetings and scheduled events.
Just don't forget to schedule time with God, or
nothing else will matter.
Thought for the week of June 30:
For caregivers, the byword should be "Just the
facts." The rest is pure bologna.
(Why, That's Bologna!, pg. 83)
What are the facts about Jesus and his ministry?
In the first place, Jesus came into the world to
save sinners, like us. He asks nothing in
return except that we accept him and believe
that he is the son of God. It sounds so
simple, but to live in that frame of mind for a
lifetime is the most difficult job in the world.
Jesus would want us to be straightforward with our
loved ones, just as he is with us. He
said, 'If a man say, I love God, and hateth his
brother, he is a liar; for he that loveth not
his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love
God whom he hath not seen?'
Love and provide for those who God has given to
your care. Try not to exaggerate the
situation; listen to the concerns of the sick;
provide comfort where you can, and love...always
love.
Thought for the week of June 11:
Don't be a slave to the world.
Become a slave, and work to change the world.
(Hold the Pickles, pg. 81)
Since the quote from my book is about
work, I am going to write something from
Ephesians 4:22-28:
You were taught, with regard to your
former way of life, to put off your old self,
which being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
to be made new in the attitude of your minds;
and to put on the new self, created to be like
God in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore each of you must put off
falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor,
for we are all members of one body. In
your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go
down while you are still angry, and do not give
the devil a foothold. He who has been
stealing must steal no longer, but must work,
doing something useful with his own hands, that
he may have something to share with those in
need.
Thought for the week of May 28:
Love cleaning up after your kids and your
parents; love giving up your time for someone
else's activities; love those who speak ugly to
you; love the confusion and commotion of bad
times...love, love, love. Only God could
give that order, and you know what...God did!
(Muster the Courage, pg. 51)
Since the topic for today is love, I am going to
quote from the love chapter in the Bible, which
as you know, is 1 Corinthians 13:
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,
but have not love, I am only a resounding gong
or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift
of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all
knowledge, and If I have a faith that ca move
mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and
surrender my body to the flames, but have not
love I gain nothing. Love is patient, love
is kind. It does not envy, it does not
boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it
is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does
not delight in evil, but rejoices with the
truth. It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres. Love
never fails. But where there are
prophecies, they will cease; where there are
tongues, they will be stilled; where there is
knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in
part and we prophesy in part, but when
perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I
thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.
When I became a man, I put childish ways behind
me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in
a mirror; then we shall see face to face.
Now I know in part; then I shall know fully,
even as I am fully known. And now these
three remain: faith, hope and love. But
the greatest of these is love."
Thought for the week of May 14:
Not all of us are asked to travel the world and
proclaim the gospel of Jesus. Few of us
will make great, personal sacrifices for our
faith. But all of us can sit beside a loved one
and wrap them in kindness and compassion.
(Muster the Courage, pg. 60)
This week, I have a lot on my plate, so I need
vision and direction. I know of no
character in the Bible who portrayed these
qualities more vividly than Moses. So,
let's look at a portion of scripture which
recalls to mind a portion of the journey of
Moses and the Israelite nation.
The Lord said to Moses, 'Consecrate to me every
firstborn male. The first offspring of
every womb among the Israelites belongs to me,
whether man or animal.' Then Moses said to the
people, 'Commemorate this day, the day you came
out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery,
because the Lord brought you out of it with a
mighty hand. Eat nothing containing yeast.
Today, in the month of Abib, you are leaving.
When the Lord brings you into the land of the
Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Hivites and
Jebusites--the land he swore to your forefathers
to give you, a land flowing with milk and
honey--you are to observe this ceremony in this
month;'
'So God led the people around by the desert road
toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up
out of Egypt armed for battle. Moses took
the bones of Joseph with him because Joseph had
made the sons of Israel swear an oath. He
had said, 'God will surely come to your aid, and
then you must carry my bones up with you from
this place.'
After leaving Succoth, they camped at Etham on
the edge of the desert. By day the Lord
went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide
them on their way and by night in a pillar of
fire to give them light so that they could
travel by day or night. Neither the pillar
of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night
left its place in front of the people.
(All selections are from Genesis, Chapter 13)
Thought for the week of April 30:
Are you positive about the changes in your life?
Can you see the fruit on the trees or just the
bugs? When it's your turn to help with an
ailing parent, do you jump in with joy or go out
with a pout? Can you be counted on for the
dirty work that no one wants to do?
Caregivers must be hardy and courageous. (Muster
the Courage, pg. 56)
I've been fighting allergies for two weeks and
feel the need to be organized and to get the job
done. So, I've chosen verses for this week
that will hopefully get us moving in the right
spiritual direction.
This is love, that we walk after his
commandments. (2 John 6)
Fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in
truth; and put away the gods which your fathers
served,...and serve ye the Lord. (Joshua 24:14)
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers
only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22)
And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou
considered my servant Job, that there is none
like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright
man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
(Job 1:8)
So I shall keep thy law continually for ever and
ever. And I will walk at liberty; for I
seek thy precepts. And I will delight
myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.
(Psalm 119:44, 45, 47)
Thought for the week of April 15:
Make an effort to be happy around people who
are troubled. Give someone who needs
it a dose of your good nature and write a
prescription for health from your merry heart.
It will do the world a world of good, and it
might just be what the doctor ordered for you. (Spreadin'
It On Thick, Soul Food for the Sandwich
Generation, pg. 39
Since my children and grandchildren were here
this week, I feel blessed and happy. I
would like to share a few verses on the subject
of happiness.
Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have
done. The things you planned for us no one
can recount to you; were I to speak of them,
they would be too many to declare. (Psalm 40:5)
Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in
his ways. You will eat the fruit of your
labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
(Psalm 128:1-2)
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who
gains understanding, for she is more profitable
than silver and yields better returns than gold.
(Proverbs 3:13-14)
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.
(Isaiah 12:6)
But rejoice that you participate in the
sufferings of Christ, so that you may be
overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter
4:13)
Thought for the week of March 26:
Stretch yourself to boundaries
unknown. Blaze a trail of generosity and
compassion. No one ever said it was going
to be easy. It is, however, going to be
right. (Lettuce Begin,
Soul Food for the Sandwich Generation,
pg. 25)
For this week, I am going to share with you a
portion of the Bible concerning stewardship.
It comes from Hebrews 6:10
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work
and the love you have shown him as you have
helped his people and continue to help them.
Thought for the week of March 12:
God's love is wherever you are,
twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week,
three hundred sixty-five days a year.
Don't give up on God. He won't give up on
you. (pg. 32, Spreadin' It On Thick,
Soul Food for the Sandwich Generation)
For this month's devotion, I'm going to
quote from the first chapter of the book of
John. These are some of the most beautiful
words from the Bible, and I will try to
encompass many of them by giving you bits of
several verses:
In the beginning was the Word, and the
Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Through him all things were made; without him
nothing was made that has been made. In
him was life, and that life was the light of
men. The light shines in the darkness, but
the darkness has not understood it. (John
1: 1-5)
He came to that which was his own, but
his own did not receive him. Yet to all
who received him, to those who believed in his
name, he gave the right to become children of
God. The word became flesh and made his
dwelling among us. We have seen his glory,
the glory of the One and Only, who came from the
Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1: 10-14)
Then John gave this testimony: "I
saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove
and remain on him. I would not have known
him, except that the one who sent me to baptize
with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the
Spirit come down and remain is he who will
baptize with the Holy Spirit. I have seen
and I testify that this is the Son of God.'"
(John 1: 32-34)
Thought for the week of Feb. 26:
Many great men and women of the Bible were
not prepared for their journey into service, but
God needed them to do a great work, and he gave
them the strength to survive and thrive.
Now, it's your turn. God has called you to
be a caregiver. Go! (pg. 28,
Spreadin' It On Thick, Soul Food for the
Sandwich Generation)
Since our thought for this time is on the
subject of caregiving, I will use meditations on
the subject of "benevolence".
Monday, Feb. 26: "Blessed is he who
has regard for the weak; the Lord
delivers them in time of trouble." (Psalm 21:1)
Tuesday, Feb. 27: "He who gives to
the poor will lack nothing, but he who
closes his eyes to them receives many curses."
(Proverbs
28:27)
Wednesday, Feb. 28: "Jesus
answered, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell
your possessions and give to the poor, and you
will
have treasure in heaven." (Matt. 19:21)
Thursday, March 1: "I tell you the
truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water
in my name because you belong to Christ will
certainly
not lose his reward." (Mark 9:41)
Friday, March 2: "If anyone
does not provide for his relatives, and
especially for his immediate family, he has
denied the
faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1
Tim. 5:8)
Thought for the week of Feb. 12:
The disciples believed that Jesus would take
care of them. Their faith made the
impossible possible. Step out in faith as
a caregiver. Go where you've never gone
before. It's an adventure of love.
(pg. 24, Lettuce Begin, Soul Food for the
Sandwich Generation)
It's Valentine's Week and our devotions for the
week will speak of God's love for us. Have
a great week and remember that you are never far
from the love and care of your heavenly father.
Monday, Feb. 12: "We love him,
because he first loved us. " (1 John 4:19)
Tuesday, Feb. 13: "Blessed is the
man that endureth temptation; for when he
is tried, he shall receive the crown of life,
which the Lord
hath promised to them that love him."
(James 1:12)
Wednesday, Feb. 14: "This is my
commandment, that you love one another
as I have loved you." (John 15:12)
Thursday, Feb. 15: "If I speak with
the tongues of men and of angels, but
have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a
clanging cymbal." (1 Cor. 13:1)
Friday, Feb. 16: "Be ye kind one to
another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, even as God for Christ's sake hath
forgiven you."
(Ephesians 4:32)
Thought for the week of Jan. 29:
In my life there have been times of weakness
and times of strength. I find it
interesting that when I am feeling weak there is
always someone there to help me, and when I am
strong, I feel a compulsion to reach out and
help others. Truly this is the work of
God, for on my own, I would be selfish and not
selfless. (p. 13, Lettuce Begin,
Soul Food for the Sandwich Generation)
Meditations for the Week of Jan. 29:
Monday, Jan. 29: "When you are
harvesting in your field and you overlook
a sheaf, don't go back and get it. Leave
it for the alien,
the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord
your God
may bless you in all the work of your hands."
(Deut. 24:19)
Tuesday, Jan. 30: "Honor the Lord
with your wealth, with the first fruits of
all your crops;" (Proverbs 3:9)
Wednesday, Jan. 31: "For where your
treasure is, there will your heart
be also." (Luke 12:34)
Thursday, Feb. 1: "Dear children,
let us not love with words or tongue but
with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:18)
Friday, Feb. 2: "If I give all I
possess to the poor and surrender my body to
the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."
(1 Cor. 13:3)
Thought for the week of Jan. 22:
It was not God's plan that Jesus be a conqueror.
It was God's plan that Jesus comes to us as a
servant. When a ruler conquers the people,
it is the people who suffer. When a ruler
saves the people, it is the ruler who suffers.
We are saved because Jesus bled and died for our
sins.
Truly, it is in giving that we receive.
Remember that on long, lonely caregiver days.
(pg. 15, Lettuce Begin, Soul Food for the
Sandwich Generation)
Meditations for the Week of Jan. 22:
Monday, Jan. 22: "A ruler who
oppresses the poor is like a driving rain
that leaves no crops." (Proverbs 28:3)
Tuesday, Jan. 23: "Who is greater,
the one who is at the table or the one
who serves? Is it not the one who is at
the table?
But I am the one who serves." (Luke 22:27)
Wednesday, Jan. 24: "Masters,
provide your slaves with what is right
and fair, because you know that you also have
a Master in heaven." (Col. 4:1)
Thursday, Jan. 25: "Do not take
along any gold or silver or copper
in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or
extra
tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is
worth
his keep." (Matt. 10:9)
Friday, Jan. 26: "Does not man have
hard service on earth? Are not
his days like those of a hired man?" (Job.
7:1)
Thought for the week of Jan. 15:
When God called Moses to lead the
Israelites out of Egypt, Moses saw the glass
half empty, but God knew it was half full.
Sure enough, this guy who suffered with a speech
impediment led a nation out of bondage and into
the Promised Land. A man with a lisp
delivered the Ten Commandments and walked
through the Red Sea like it was a day in the
park." (p.12, Lettuce Begin, Soul
Food for the Sandwich Generation.
Meditations for the Week of Jan. 15:
Monday, Jan. 15: "Come and hear,
all ye that fear God, and I will
declare what he hath done for my soul."
(Psalm 66:16)
Tuesday, Jan. 16: And David said
to Saul, let no man's heart fail
because of him; thy servant will go and fight
with
this Philistine." (1 Sam. 17:32)
Wednesday, Jan. 17: "Thy people
shall be my people, and thy God my
God." (Ruth 1:16)
Thursday, Jan. 18: "And the
people said unto Joshua, nay; but we will
serve the Lord." (Josh. 24:21)
Friday, Jan. 19: "I have fought
a good fight, I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith:" (1 Tim. 4:7)
Thought for the Week of Jan. 8:
From Myra's book, Soul Food for the
Sandwich Generation
"When God whispered, 'Go,' Abraham
went. When God told Abraham to take his
precious son, Isaac, and offer him as a
sacrifice, Abraham did as he was told. Was
it a mystery that this man was chosen by God to
be the father of the nations?
Begin your journey as a caregiver, like
Abraham. Say yes to God.
(From Lettuce Begin, p. 11)
Medications for the Week of Jan. 8:
Monday, Jan. 8: "Some trust in
chariots and some in horses, but we
trust in the name of the Lord our God."
(Psalm 20:7)
Tuesday, Jan. 9: "Do not wear
yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom
to show restraint." (Proverbs 23:4)
Wednesday, Jan. 10: "This is
what the Lord says: 'Cursed is the one
who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his
strength and whose heart turns away from the
Lord." (Jeremiah 17:5)
Thursday, Jan. 11: "I tell you
that this man, rather than the other, went
home justified before God. For everyone
who
exalts himself will be humbled, but he who
humbles
himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:14)
Friday, Jan. 12: "Do not be
deceived: God cannot be mocked. A
man
reaps what he sows." (Galatians 6:7)
MEDITATIONS FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 1:
Since we are now beginning a new year, I want to
look at scripture references for new beginnings
and new birth.
Monday, Jan. 1: "There is neither
Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor
female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
(Gal. 3:27)
Tuesday, Jan. 2: "Jesus answered,
'I tell you the truth, no one can see the
kingdom of God unless he is born again.'"
(John 3:5)
Wednesday, Jan. 3: "Don't be
deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and
perfect gift is from above, coming down from the
Father
of the heavenly lights, who does not change like
shifting
shadows. He chose to give us birth through
the word
of truth, that we might be a kind of
first-fruits of all
he created." (James 1:16-18)
Thursday, Jan. 4: "Therefore, if
anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the
old has gone, the new has come!" (2 Cor.
5:17)
Friday, Jan. 5: "But when the
kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,
he saved us, not because of righteous things we
had done,
but because of his mercy." (Titus 3: 4-5)
THE CHRISTMAS STORY FROM LUKE 2: 1-20, NIV STUDY
BIBLE
Since I will be taking off next week for the
Christmas holiday, I wanted to share with you
the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke.
There are no words written by mortal man, in my
opinion, about this season that can compare to
the original message.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree
that a census should be taken of the entire
Roman world. This was the first census
that took place while Quirinius was governor of
Syria. And everyone went to his own town
to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth
in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of
David, because he belonged to the house and line
of David. He went there to register with
Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and
was expecting a child. While they were
there, the time came for the baby to be born,
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.
She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a
manger, because there was no room for them in
the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the
fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks
at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to
them and the glory of the Lord shone around
them, and they were terrified. But the
angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I
bring you good news of great joy that will be
for all people. Today in the town of David
a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the
Lord. This will be a sign to you; You will
find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a
manger.
Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host
appeared with the angel, praising God and
saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace
to men on whom his favor rests."
When the angels had left them and gone into
heaven, the shepherds said to one another,
"Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that
has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph,
and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
When they had seen him, they spread the word
concerning what had been told them about this
child, and all who heard it were amazed at what
the shepherds said to them. But Mary
treasured up all these things and pondered them
in her heart. The shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God for all the things
they had heard and seen, which were just as they
had been told.
May each of you experience the joy and delight
this Christmas that can come only from the love
of Jesus expressed in your heart and life.
MEDITATIONS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC. 11:
This week we will continue to look at the life
of Christ.
Monday, Dec. 11: "This is how God
showed his love among us: He sent his
one and only Son into the world that we might
live
through him." (1 John 4:9)
Tuesday, Dec. 12: "They are not of
the world, even as I am not of it." (John
17:16)
Wednesday, Dec. 13: "For he
received honor and glory from God the Father
when the voice came to him from the Majestic
Glory,
saying, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I
am
well pleased.'" (2 Peter 1:17)
Thursday, Dec. 14: "Jesus said to
them, 'You will indeed drink from my cup,
but to sit at my right hand is not for me to
grant. These
places belong to those for whom they have been
prepared by my Father.'" (Matthew 20:23)
Friday, Dec. 15: "He was despised
and rejected by men, a man of sorrows,
and familiar with suffering. Like one from
whom men hide
their faces, he was despised, and we esteemed
him not."
Isaiah 53:3)
MEDITATIONS FOR THE WEEK OF DEC. 4:
This week we will begin our daily
meditations on the theme of Christ's life and
ministry. For this first week in December,
I want to concentrate on the birth of Christ.
Monday, Dec. 4: "But when the
time had fully come, God sent his Son,
born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those
under law, that we might receive the full rights
of sons."
(Galatians 4:4)
Tuesday, Dec. 5: "But we see
Jesus, who was made a little lower than
the angels, now crowned with glory and honor
because
he suffered death, so that by the grace of God
he might
taste death for everyone." (Hebrews 2:9)
Wednesday, Dec. 6: "And being
found in appearance as a man, he
humbled himself and became obedient to death--
even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:8)
Thursday, Dec. 7: "On that day a
fountain will be opened to the house
of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to
cleanse
them from sin and impurity." (Zechariah
13:1)
Friday, Dec. 8: "And she gave
birth to her firstborn, a son. She
wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a
manger,
because there was no room in the inn."
(Luke 2:7)
MEDITATIONS FOR THE WEEK OF NOV. 27:
Beginning next week, I will use devotions that
center on the life of Christ...his birth and
ministry. That will be our focus for the
month of December as Christmas draws near.
This week, I want to concentrate on the word
"blessing." We have just celebrated the
Thanksgiving season. Each season brings
some joy and sorrow, but each of us has so much
for which to be grateful.
Monday, Nov. 27: "But I am like an
olive tree flourishing in the house of
God. I trust in God's unfailing love for
ever and ever."
(Psalm 52:8)
Tuesday, Nov. 28: "However, there
should be no poor among you, for in the
land the Lord your God is giving you to possess
as your
inheritance, he will richly bless you.."
(Deut. 5:4)
Wednesday, Nov. 29: "If they obey
and serve him, they will spend the rest
of their days in prosperity and their years in
contentment." (Job 36:11)
Thursday, Nov. 30: "The one who
calls you is faithful and he will do it."
(1 Thessalonians 5:24)
Friday, Dec. 1: "The Lord is my
shepherd; I shall not want." (Psalm 23:1)
MEDITATIONS FOR THE WEEK OF NOV. 20:
It is only appropriate that we look at words of
thanks and gratitude this week of Thanksgiving.
Never forget, in both good times and bad, to be
forever grateful to God for all His blessings.
May each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving
holiday.
Monday, Nov. 20: "This is a day you
are to commemorate; for the
generations to come you shall celebrate it as a
festival
to the Lord--a lasting ordinance." (Exodus
12:14)
Tuesday, Nov. 21: "You will have
plenty to eat, until you are full, and you
will praise the name of the Lord you God, who
has
worked wonders for you;" (Joel 2:26)
Wednesday, Nov. 22: "Enter his
gates with thanksgiving and his courts
with praise; give thanks to him and praise his
name."
(Psalm 100:4)
Thursday, Nov. 23: "Do not be
anxious about anything, but in everything, by
prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present
your
requests to God." (Philippians 4:6)
Friday, Nov. 24: "Through Jesus,
therefore, let us continually offer to God
a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that
confess his name."
(Hebrews 13:15)
Meditation Morsels for the Week of Nov. 13:
This week's theme will be obedience to God.
When we put our lives in His care, miracles
happen!
Monday, Nov. 13: "Blessed is the
man who does not walk in the counsel
of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or
sit in the
seat of mockers. But his delight is in the
law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night."
(Psa 1:1-2)
Tuesday, Nov. 13: "Your word is a
lamp to my feet and a light for my path."
(Psa. 119:105)
Wednesday, Nov. 14: "If you follow
my decrees and are careful to obey my
commands, I will send you rain in its season,
and
the ground will yield its crops and the trees of
the
field their fruit." (Leviticus 26:3)
Thursday, Nov. 15: "Dear friends,
if our hearts do not condemn us, we
have confidence before God and receive from him
anything we ask, because we obey his commands
and do what pleases him." (1John 3:21-22)
Friday, Nov. 16: "If you love me,
you will obey what I command." (John
14:15)
Devotions for the Week of Nov. 6:
This week, to go along with the theme of casting
our cares on God, I am quoting Bible
verses on the subject of trust.
Monday, Nov. 6: "You will keep in
perfect peace him whose mind is
steadfast, because he trusts in you."
(Isaiah 26:3)
Tuesday, Nov. 7: "But blessed is
the man who trusts in the Lord, whose
confidence is in him. He will be like a
tree planted by the
water that sends out its roots by the stream."
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