What Are You Exchanging?

Read this great devotion and wanted to share it with you...

Do You Have Anything That Needs Exchanging?
This devotional was written by Jim Burns

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. —Matthew 11:28-30

Today, stores are busy processing exchanges. It happens every year right after Christmas. But have you ever thought about spiritual exchanges? They are always in season.

Do you have anything that you need to exchange with God today? I know I do. Is there anything going on that is particularly burdensome? Then God wants to take your burden and exchange it with His presence. Here is a prayer that I pray that often gives me great perspective.

Away from the world and hidden from public view,

I exchange my weariness for His strength,
I exchange my weakness for His power,
I exchange my darkness for His light,
I exchange my problems for His solutions,
I exchange my burdens for His freedom,
I exchange my frustrations for His peace,
I exchange my turmoil for His calm,
I exchange my hopes for His promises,
I exchange my afflictions for His balm of comfort,
I exchange my questions for His answers,
I exchange my confusion for His knowledge,
I exchange my doubt for His assurance,
I exchange my nothingness for His awesomeness,
I exchange the temporal for the eternal,
I exchange the impossible for the possible,
I exchange my fear for His love.

GOING DEEPER:
Today, take a moment to relinquish your will to the will of God. After all, He can take whatever you give him and lighten your load with His peace and presence.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7

God the Father

Sharing a GREAT Devotion Today!

How do you see God as Father?

"To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12 NLT

God's fatherhood

Most people in the world would agree with the statement that "we are all God's children." It's a nice sentiment. It just isn't what the Bible teaches. According to God's Word, unrepentant sinners are actually God's enemies(see Romans 5:10 and Colossians 1:21)! It's only when we put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ that we are reconciled to God and experience forgiveness and adoption into God's forever family (Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5).

For a Christian going through hard times, this "adoption" truth is the best of all possible news. God is not just the powerful Creator or a righteous Lord, he is a loving Father. He sees your trials. He listens to your pleas. He cares and protects and supports. He is never harsh or impatient with you. He is never "too busy" for you.

Take all the best qualities of all the best earthly dads you've ever seen, add them together, and multiply by infinity. That's the kind of heavenly Father God is to Christians who hurt.

Lord Jesus, I do believe in you. I have accepted you as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for revealing yourself to me. Thank you for saving me! Because of your grace and my faith, I am a child of the living God. I praise you. What a privilege! What joy to know that in every situation I have a loving, wise, and good heavenly Father to counsel and help me.

adapted from Praying God's Promises in Tough Times by Len Woods, Tyndale House Publishers (2002), pp 68-9

As a substitute father for hundreds of youth over the past thirteen years, I've yet to encounter a young person in trouble whose difficulty could be traced to the lack of a strong father image in the home.
PAUL ANDERSON

A child is not likely to find a father in God unless he finds something of God in his father.
AUSTIN L. SORENSEN

Living Free Every Day

Today's morning devotion really hit home with me today... so I thought I'd share just in case someone else needs to hear this today.

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Monday, October 31, 2011

Today's Scripture
"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need." Psalm 23:1 NIV

Thoughts for Today
Studying the facets of God's character helps us see how he meets human need at the right time and in the right way. He cares for us—personally. He is Jehovah-rohi: the Lord is my Shepherd. God is our heavenly Father who watches over, feeds, keeps company with, and is a personal friend to us.

Many children do not have the benefit of an earthly father who shepherds them with care, security, consistency, gentleness, or as a personal friend. Some children grow into adulthood with this vacuum. The best of earthly fathers cannot provide the gentleness, consistency, or personal friendship our heavenly Father brings.

Consider this …
David wrote Psalm 23. Having a close relationship with his heavenly Father, David sought the heart of God. Psalm 23 describes this picture of God as his shepherd. He related to his heavenly Father in a personal way. "The Lord is my shepherd." My shepherd. David didn't see God as a shepherd or the shepherd. He saw his heavenly father as his personal Shepherd who would provide his needs.

How do you view God? Is he personal to you? Do you trust him to provide your needs?

He loves you personally. He loves you so much, he sent his only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for your sins so you can be forgiven and have a personal relationship with him—forever. He cares about everything that concerns you. He wants to meet your every need. Will you let him?

Prayer
Father, thank you for loving me. I thank you that Jesus died on the cross for me, personally. Please forgive my sins and help me follow you. Help me stop looking at my problems and focus on you, my Shepherd. Help me trust you to meet my needs at the right time in the right way. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Knowing God My Father: Applying the Names of God to My Personal Life by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This curriculum is designed to help people strengthen their relationship with their heavenly Father by applying His names to their personal life. Along with helping Christians know God better, it can serve as an evangelistic tool by giving a true picture of God to people who may have a distorted view of Him because of an absent or abusive earthly father who did not or does not provide for them. This group can also help men who want to be better fathers. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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©Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org

Good Reads

Max on Life by Max Lucado

I am a HUGE Max Lucado fan. There are very few things he's written that I didn't just simply love. This book falls once again into the category of a great Max Lucado book. Max has an incredible way of drawing you in and making you feel like you're sitting down next to him with a cup of coffee listening to him share his heart. In this book, Max offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions he’s received either via email or in person on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter. Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ultimate hope. He responds to the day-to-day questions-parenting quandaries, financial challenges, difficult relationships-as well as to the profound: Is God really listening? This book is timeless and something that can easily be read all at once or over the course of time. You definitely can't go wrong buying this for yourself or a friend. Also a special addendum includes Max's advice on writing and publishing.

How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen

Being an unpublished writer, I was looking forward to reviewing the 4th edition of How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen. This book is easy to read, filled with relevant examples. This Writer's Digest classic outlines in a clear step-by-step manner how to create an effective nonfiction book proposal. This edition of the book features information about recent changes in the publishing industry, updated trend information, new sample proposals, a completely updated resources section, and a new chapter on online promotion. This book is a comprehensive how-to guide filled with lists, bullet points, dos and don'ts, hot tips, and sample proposals that will help writers create a winning proposal. The information in this book is well organized and presented in a way that the layperson can easily understand and apply. Larsen covers subjects such as Your Subject Hook, Your Title, Your Promotion Plan, Your Bio, and Your Competition. He also provides tips on marketing and research, as well as sample proposals and information on what editors and agents want. If you're a writer looking to get published and perhaps gain some insight into the publishing industry, this is well worth the read.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews
I am a big fan of Andy Andrews and I really enjoyed reading Andrews' new book, The Final Summit. It is a book filled with wisdom and laced with history. The story line has the lead character David Ponder working with historical leaders like Anne Frank, Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln to find the one principle that will save mankind before the hourglass runs out. It’s filled with highs and lows, thrills and chills and twists and turns. This book really caused me to stop and think about a lot of things in my life. I was enlightened. I was challenged. I was inspired. I would strongly encourage anyone who has a love for history or a passion for experiential reading to pick up a copy of this book. Then give a copy to a friend. This is definitely a book I would highly recommend. It would also make a great book for a study group. The Reader’s Guide poses a lot of really great questions that would make for a great discussion. I promise if you read this book you will be delighted and entertained but you will also be challenged for sure.

The publisher sent me a complimentary copy of each of these book through BookSneeze®, but all opinions stated are honest and true.

Enabled to Give

There are several devotions I read on a daily basis. It's my spiritual nourishment and I'm constantly amazed by the timing of each message. Is it too bold of me to believe that God knows exactly what I need to hear and when I need to hear it? I think not. I'm going through some tough trials right now... and when I read today's devotion... I knew it was meant for me. It gave me peace in terms of how I've handled a few situations. I'm grateful for God's grace. He has saved me!

Here's the devotion:

Enabled to Give

Luke 18:18-30

"If it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously."
(Romans 12:8b)

God is sovereign, even in the uneven distribution of wealth, just as He is sovereign in the distribution of His gifts of grace. Some people seem destined to financial success while others are not.

There is a temptation for those with above average wealth to use it as a means of power. That alone is not necessarily bad if the power is used in submission to Jesus Christ and for His glory. Often, however, our wayward hearts use wealth to manipulate others to our own ends. We are naturally controlling. The love of money grows great, making it very hard to keep Jesus as our first love (see Matthew 6:24).

Paul says to give generously. He means that we should give "with no strings attached." When you give, allow the receiver to be accountable to God and not to you. It requires faith, a measure of which God has given to the giver. We can give with no strings attached because Christ's love for us came not with strings attached, but with overflowing grace and with nails attaching Him to a cross.

INSIGHT
Regardless of material wealth, you are rich in Christ. Give freely of the treasure of the gospel that you have in "clay jars"
(see 2 Corinthians 4:7).

If you'd like to sign up to receive this devotion... here's the link:
http://www.haventoday.org/anchor-devotional.php

The Help

A few weeks ago I went to see the movie The Help. I'd heard great things about the book and the movie, but I had no idea it was going to be sooooo good.

I'm an avid movie fan. I grew up watching movies. I worked in video stores back in the late 80s when VHS was at its peak. I've seen so many movies I probably couldn't count them all. As much as I love them, I find that there are just a lot of movies that aren't very good. Then there are the select few I could watch over and over and over.

The Help is one of those movies. I can't wait to see it again. I will probably buy the DVD. It made me laugh. It made my cry. My belly hurt after the movie was over because of all the laughter.

It's been a long time since I've seen a movie that evoked that much emotion.

I have taught my two-year-old son to say "I'm smart, I'm kind and I'm important." I did however add "and Jesus loves me."

There are some valuable lessons to be learned from this movie.

I can't wait to read the book. I'm sure it will be awesome too.

If you haven't seen this movie... go. You won't regret it.

Now, if I could just get BzzAgent to pick me for The Help project, then my life will be complete. #imabzzagent

Loving Jesus

The last week has been one of the most challenging for me as a single mom. My two-year-old son has moved from one daycare to another daycare... new location, new teacher... thankfully some of the same kinds he's been in class with are there... but still it's a lot of change for my little guy. I also am dealing with my first real experience of "separation anxiety" - at least that's what my girlfriends are telling me. He's cried when I dropped him off at the nursery at church, he's cried at the daycare. It breaks a mother's heart to hear those types of cries. You know they are going to be fine, but you just hate to hear them cry begging you not to leave them.

Not only has this affected our daytime routine, but seems as if it has also carried over to nighttime. We've had many nights this week where Jadon doesn't want to go to bed. He wants me to hold him and rock him (which I love) but when I lay him down, he will cry and cry and cry. I'm not a fan of letting him cry it out, because he doesn't stop. I know that works for some moms but it hasn't been effective for me.

Needless to say I'm exhausted. I'm drained. I'm worn out. I feel like a walking zombie.

Being a mom is a tough job. Probably the toughest. Yet, it is also one of the most rewarding jobs. Last night after giving Jadon a bath, he started singing some song I'm sure he's made up about cars. He LOVES cars. I'm not sure of all the words, but I kept hearing the word "car" and at the end he yelled "yea!" and was delighted with himself. It was a moment of pure joy for this mommy.

When he woke up this morning, he was talking about the images on his wall... pictures of monkeys, zebras and lions... along with his name. He pointed at one of the letters and said "o" - and he was right... it was the letter "o." He also recognized the letters "a" and "d." He's only two and he's already so smart. He sings the ABC song and makes very few mistakes. He can count to 15. He's recognizing shapes and colors and can talk all about cars, trucks, tractors, trains and airplanes - basically anything that goes.

I'm trying to find joy in the little things. It helps me when I deal with some of the major challenges... or when I'm exhausted beyond explanation.

One of my dear friends told me that this is just a season and that if he cries to be held, hold him. Right now he is my #1 ministry. She's right.

Another dear friend shared the following poem with me. I couldn't help but cry as she read it aloud. It certainly puts things in perspective.

I share this with all the mothers who are and are yet to be... may it touch your heart and remind you of just how valuable and special you are.

Loving Jesus

I started my day early,

Before the room was light.

I lifted my son from his crib

And wished it was still night.

But as I held him close and said,

"Hi, Kenneth, precious one,"

I knew that as I greeted him,

I greeted too God's Son.

When my daughter woke up later,

Calling, "Mommy! Mommy! Down!"

I picked her up and hugged her

In her worn Elmo nightgown.

I know she felt the closeness

That a mother's touch affords.

I welcomed not just Ellie,

But so, too, the Lord of Lords.

That day, I mixed some formula

And opened jars of peas.

I fixed some "pizza butter" bread

When she grinned and said, "Pleeeeease."

I heated up some leftovers;

I had to nuke them twice.

And when I fed my children,

I was feeding Jesus Christ.

I made some funny faces,

And "played puzzles" on the floor.

I dressed kitties, ran around outside,

And played with them some more.

We laughed and jumped and tickled,

Making memories to be stored.

When I spent time with my children,

I spent time with my Lord.

I wiped up sticky cereal

And washed the dishes clean.

I straightened, picked up, put away,

And dusted in between.

I did six loads of laundry

And folded it like new.

When I cleaned for my children,

I cleaned for my Savior, too.

When my children were both crying,

I held them in my arms.

I cuddled them and whispered

That I'd keep them safe from harm.

I told them how their Father saved them

With His perfect Lamb.

When I comforted my children,

I comforted I AM.

Later on that evening,

I put them in the bath.

I washed their little bodies

As they kicked around and splashed.

I dried them in soft towels

And put their jammies on.

When I had washed my children's feet,

I'd washed the Holy One.

I cooked and cleaned and rearranged,

Made beds and taught and played.

I made sure that we had food to eat

And that we often prayed.

I died to self. I made a home

From ordinary things.

But when I served my children,

I served the King of Kings.

To some, I have done nothing,

But to two, I've done the world.

I made eternal difference

To my precious boy and girl,

And to the One who watches over

Every pathway that I've trod.

For when I've loved my precious children,

I've loved Almighty God.

- Megan Breedlove

http://www.mannaformoms.com/loving_jesus.html

Kay Arthur's "When The Hurt Runs Deep" is Powerful!

Kay Arthur's book, "When The Hurt Runs Deep" is a powerful book. I've had my fair share of hurts and disappointments. In fact, the timing of this book couldn't have been better. I'm going through a divorce and now a single mom. Life has been harder than I ever imagined. This book helped me see God and His power, His love, His goodness, in the midst of my struggle.

Kay has an amazing way of taking scripture and applying it to our daily lives. She's extremely talented and truly a teacher of God's word. She speaks from her heart and her own personal experiences. It's easy to relate to her. I've always enjoyed her books and Bible studies and this book is no different.

I enjoyed reading every word and look forward to reading it again.

God's Hands

Today is in God's hands and so are you.

His hands are strong and will uphold you;
His hands are great and will enfold you;
His hands are gentle and will embrace you;
His hands are protective and will cover you;
His hands are reassuring and will quiet you;
His hands are powerful and will defend you;
His hands are parental and will train you;
His hands are masterful and will conform you;
His hands are compassionate and will care for you;
His hands are healing and will renew you;
His hands are calming and will comfort you;
His hands are giving and will bless you.

The hands that hold you will never let you down.

-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer

Holding On To HOPE

I've often wondered where so many of the catchy sayings we use come from.

Here are just a few:

You get more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

As slow as molasses.

Caught between a rock and a hard place.

And my all time favorite... and I'm sure it's Mr. Murphy's as well:

When it rains, it pours.

I suppose tonight we could take that quite literally, as we are facing some HUGE storms coming through the Nashville area. As much as I would like to be asleep, I'm listening to the rain, wind and thunder while seeing magnificent bolts of lightening flash through the sky. There is some sort of strange beauty in the midst of this type of destruction.

Tonight I'm praying for my friends and neighbors... that all are safe and sound, that no one loses a life, a home, property or even electricity for that matter.

My heart goes out to those in Joplin, Missouri, who have lost so much through the tornado that recently hit their town. It brings back memories of all those in my community who lost so much in the flooding of last year.

Just writing this reminds me of all I have to be grateful for. I'm healthy. I have a home. I have a job. I have my family. I have my son who I love more than anything.

Yet I'm struggling. I'm down. I'm depressed. I won't bore you with all the details... it's nothing compared to losing your life or your home... but it's still something tough I've got to deal with.

I'm trying to hold on to HOPE.

I'm praying for a miracle. I need a miracle. God knows. He knows exactly what's going on, what I need, what I feel, what I think. He knows. I do trust Him! I do believe Him! I'm holding on to HIM. He is my HOPE.