Devotional Thread

[Colleen Davis]

12/8/05 All Is Gift

“Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven.” James 1:17 The Message

Each morning we wake to a world…that is given by God. God shares who He is and what He makes, His love and His salvation. He is not just maker of heaven and earth; He is not just the revealer of truth; He is not just architect of salvation. He gives…

Where all is gift, I do not own things or persons and thus don’t have to protect them. Therefore I don’t have to be anxious. In a world of grace I do not live in laborious struggle trying to fashion a world that suits my needs and desires, hammering together a life out of the bits and pieces of scrap lumber that come my way. I do not live in anxious suspicion, nervous about what others might do to me, what others might think of me. I simply discover and receive.

From “Traveling Light” by Eugene H. Peterson

[Cecil Wallace]

12/8/05 All Is Gift
“Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven.” James 1:17 The Message
I do not live in anxious suspicion, nervous about what others might do to me, what others might think of me. I simply discover and receive.
From “Traveling Light” by Eugene H. Peterson
I say a great "Amen" to that.
It expresses my desire to live each day as a gift from God.
:fav18

[Colleen Davis]

12/10/05 Wise Growth
“Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18 The Message

Whe we grow, in contract to merely change, we venture into new territory and include more people in our lives—serve more and love more. Our culture is filled with changes; it’s poor in growth. New things, models, developments, opportunities are announced, breathlessly, every hour. But instead of becoming ingredients in a long and wise growth, they simply replace. The previous is discarded and the immediate stuck in—until, bored by the novelty, we run after the next fad.

Men and women drawn always to the new never grow up. God’s way is growth not change.

From “Where Your Treasure Is” by Eugene H. Peterson

[Cecil Wallace]

The message in this devotional is soooo true in the age in which we live.
Some (not all) children go from one toy to another, discarding the "old." They seem to take that habit with them as they grow in age, but not in character.
I was reminded of this "instant" satisfaction age yesterday in a department store in a mall.
Someone was demonstrating a new coffee maker that would make an cup of very delicious coffee almost instantly.
Yes, the coffee was good, but if I had that machine, I would need to purchase the prepackaged coffee that came in individual serving sizes. The cost for that, as I figured it, would be about $.61 per cup.
Just so I could have "instant" coffee.
Oh, and the machine would cost about $100.00.
All for that instant satisfaction.
Hmmm... perhaps there is a spiritual application there somewhere...
Thanks for sharing, Colleen.
And it is good to see you back on line.
:fav18

12/10/05 Wise Growth
“Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18 The Message
Men and women drawn always to the new never grow up. God’s way is growth not change.

From “Where Your Treasure Is” by Eugene H. Peterson

[Colleen Davis]

“[I want] their hearts (to) be encouraged, being knit together in love.” Colossians 2:2

Who doesn’t love throwing confetti up in the air? At weddings or parties or on New Year’s Eve, everyone wants something in their hands to throw. It’s a way of lavishing our love on people. Whether it’s paper, rice, or birdseed, it’s a way of cheering others on. Confetti is a tangible expression of our intangible emotions. Like happiness you can see and throw someone’s way.

Encouragement is to a relationship what confetti is to a party. It’s light, refreshing, and fun. It’s cheer you can throw someone’s way. But even deeper, it is the assurance you are there, that you are standing behind them and supporting them. The time it takes to gather little pieces of love, grace, strength, and hope is well worth it when you see what happens as you shower those gifts on someone else. It’s like spiritual confetti, and it’s the ultimate encouragement.

From “Encouraging One Another” by Nicole Johnson

[BobHunt]

Colleen,
I am very sincere when I say that I have actually prayed that you would come over on this section of NazNet to post your devotionals! I have often sneaked on W2W to read them because I have enjoyed them so much! This one is tops!

[Colleen Davis]

12/12/05 A Heavenly Hope Chest

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:20

Did you have a hope chest when you were a teenager? They were all the rage several decades ago. Every girl had one. Hope chests were a throwback to the days when a girl must have a dowry in order to marry. In more recent times, they were more of a practicality. As a girl learned the skills of sewing and homemaking, she began to set aside certain items for her hope chest. Embroidered pillowcases, lace doilies, quilts, rugs. No bride came empty-handed into her new home. Even before she was engaged to be married, she was laying aside little treasures that she would use later.

In a way, heaven is our hope chest, for we can lay aside treasures there, where they cannot be destroyed. Are you making preparations for eternity? Is your treasure in heaven?

From “Living in Jesus” by Christa Kinde

[Colleen Davis]

12/13/05 God Came To Us

“Christ heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

When Jesus came, He came in a way that no one expected. He came to do what no one else could do. He came to bring healing that no one else could bring. He came to you and to me. He came to fulfill the promise of Psalm 147:3: Christ heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” That is His commitment to us.

So many missed Him the night He was born. They were so close, but so far away, like someone who has sat in church for fifty years and never gotten the point. You can be inches away from the Christ and still miss the gift. You can be a very religious person and never receive the hope and healing offered through the sacrifice that Jesus made. You can stand staring up at the sky, crying out, “Does anyone in this cold, cruel world see me?” Jesus stepped into all the horror and betrayal of our world to answer our cries for help.

From “The Heartache No One Sees” by Sheila Walsh

[Colleen Davis]

12/14/05 Never Apart From God

“Neither death nor life….nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God.” Romans 8:38-39

Some of the greatest words Paul ever wrote start with questions: Can anything separate us from the love Christ has for us? Can troubles or problems or sufferings? If we have no food or clothes, if we are in danger, or even if death comes, can any of these things separate us from Christ’s love?

Paul’s answer is that nothing—absolutely nothing—in this entire world can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. “For I am persuaded,” Paul said, “that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God.”

What an overwhelming statement! No matter what happens, Jesus is enough.

From “Life Is Tough but God Is Faithful” by Sheila Walsh

[Colleen Davis]

12/15/05 Living in the Present

“Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.” Ephesians 4:1

Moments come and go so fast, but they are what make up the whole of life. Little bitty moments here and there. They turn into hours and days and weeks—ultimately an entire lifetime…

Life is short and everything is irrevocable. No matter what we do to lengthen the moment, we can’t no matter how eager we are to shorten uncomfortable events, that can’t be done either. If we don’t learn to live fully in the present, much of life passes us by, lost in the cobwebs of time forever. The passage of time can’t be retrieved except in our memory banks.

That’s why we must be all there at any given moment. Even during the times that are frightening or difficult. Everything has a purpose, and if we don’t want to miss that purpose and the adventure along the way, then we must be conscious, alert, curious, open-hearted. When we capture the moment we’re in, we’re fully alive.

From “I Married Adventure” by Luci Swindoll

[Colleen Davis]

12/16/05 A Formula for Laughter
“As he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7

I don’t usually respond to formulas for this and that; they feel a bit too tidy. But I have developed one for cheerful thinking I’d like to toss your way for consideration. To begin with, I love to laugh. I believe a giggle is always loitering about even in the most devastating of circumstances. I make a point of shuffling through the ruble in search of that giggle.

This isn’t denial. I need to feel and express my pain. But I also need to find the light side—and there is always a light side! I’ve noticed that when I laugh about some minor part of a problem or controversy or worry, the whole situation suddenly seems much less negative to me.

After a good laugh, I can then rethink my circumstances. As a result, that which was threatening may now seem less threatening.

From “I’d Rather Be Laughing” by Marilyn Meberg

[Colleen Davis]

Sorry I missed yesterday. I got my sick PC back today, so maybe I'll get back on track.
12/17/05 Come to Me...
with your gaping emptiness, knowing that in Me you are complete. As you rest quietly in My Presence, My Light within you grows brighter and brighter. Facing the emptiness inside you is simply the prelude to being filled with My fullness.

Therefore, rejoice on those days when you drag yourself out of bed, feeling sluggish and inadequate. Tell yourself that this is a perfect day to depend on Me in childlike trust.

If you persevere in this dependence as you go through the day, you will discover at bedtime that Joy and Peace have become your companions. You may not realize at what point they joined you on your journey, but you will feel the beneficial effects of their presence.

The perfect end to such a day is a doxology of gratitude. I am He from whom all blessings flow!

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord. “ Psalm 150:6

From “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

[Colleen Davis]

12/18/05 When You Are Plagued...
…by a persistent problem—one that goes on and on—view it as a rich opportunity. An ongoing problem is like a tutor who is always by your side. The learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be teachable.

In faith, thank Me for your problem. Ask Me to open your eyes and your heart to all that I am accomplishing through this difficulty. Once you have become grateful for a problem, it loses its power to drag you down.

On the contrary, your thankful attitude will lift you up into heavenly places with Me. From this perspective, your difficulty can be seen as a slight, temporary distress that is producing for you a transcendent Glory never to cease!

“Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more, with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it” Isaiah 30:20-21

From “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

[Colleen Davis]

12/19/05 Do Not Be Weighed Down...

…by the clutter in your life; lots of little chores to do sometime, in no particular order. If you focus too much on these petty tasks, trying to get them all out of the way, you will discover that they are endless. They can eat up as much time as you devote to them.

Instead of trying to do all your chores at once, choose the ones that need to be done today. Let the rest slip into the background of your mind, so that I can be in the forefront of your awareness. Remember that your ultimate goal is living close to Me, being responsive to My initiatives.

I can communicate with you most readily when your mind is uncluttered and turned toward Me. See My Face continually throughout this day. Let My Presence bring order to your thoughts, infusing Peace into your entire being.

From “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

[Colleen Davis]

12/20/05 When I Joined the Ranks…

…of humanity, born into the humblest conditions. My Glory was hidden from all but a few people. Occasionally, streaks of Glory shone out of Me, especially when I began to do miracles.

Toward the end of My life, I was taunted and tempted to display more of My awesome Power than My Father’s plan permitted. I could have called down legions of angels to rescue Me at any point.

Imagine the self-control of a martyr who could free Himself at will! All of this was necessary to provide the relationship with Me that you now enjoy. Let your life become a praise song to Me by proclaiming My glorious Presence in the world.

“It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. How great are your works, O Lord, how profound you thoughts!” Psalm 92:1-5

From “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

[Colleen Davis]

12/21/05 My Plan For Your Life...is unfolding before you. Sometimes the road you are traveling seems closed, or it open up so painfully slowly that you must hold yourself back. Then, when time is right, the way before you suddenly clears—through no effort of your own. What you have longed for and worked for I present to you freely, as pure gift. You feel awed by the ease with which I operate in the world, and you glimpse My Power and My Glory.

Do not fear your weakness, for it is the stage on which My Power and Glory perform most brilliantly. As you persevere along the path I have prepared for you, depending on My strength to sustain you, expect to see miracle—and you will. Miracles are not always visible to the naked eye, but those who live by faith can see them clearly. Living by faith, rather than sight, enables you to see My Glory.

“I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.” Psalm 63:2

“We live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

From “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

[Colleen Davis]

12/22/05 Come to Me and Rest in My Presence

As you ponder the majestic mystery of the Incarnation, relax in My everlasting arms. I am the only Person who was ever sired by the Holy Spirit. This is beyond your understanding. Instead of trying to comprehend My Incarnation intellectually, learn from the example of the wise men. They followed the leading of a spectacular star, then fell down in humble worship when they found Me.

Praise and worship are the best responses to the wonder of My Being. Sing praises to My holy Name. Gaze at Me in silent adoration. Look for a star of guidance in your own life, and be willing to follow wherever I lead. I am the light from on high that dawns upon you, to guide your feel into the way of Peace.

“because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to use from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace: Luke 1:78-79

From “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

[Colleen Davis]

12/23/05 I Am King of Kings
and Lord of lords, dwelling in dazzling bright Light! I am also your Shepherd, Companion, and Friend—the One who nevers lets go of your hand. Worship Me in My holy Majesty; come close to Me and rest in My Presence. You need Me both as God and as Man. Only My Incarnation on that first, long-ago Christmas could fulfill your neediness. Since I went to such extreme measures to save you from your sins, you can be assured that I will graciously give you all you need.

Nurture well your trust in Me as Savior, Lord, and Friend. I have held back nothing in My provision for you. I have even designed to live within you! Rejoice in all that I have done for you, and My Light will shine through you into the world.

“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32

From “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

[Colleen Davis]

12/24/05 I Speak to You...

...from the depths of eternity. Before the world was formed, I AM! You hear Me in the depths of your being, where I have taken up residence. I am Christ in you, the hope of Glory, I, your Lord and savior, am alive within you. Learn to tune in to My living Presence by seeking Me in silence.

As you celebrate the wonder of My birth in Bethlehem, celebrate also your rebirth into eternal life. This everlasting gift was the sole purpose of My entering your sin-stained world. Receive My gift with awe and humility. Take time to explore the vast dimensions of My Love. Allow thankfulness to flow freely from your heart in response to My glorious gift. Let My Peace rule in your heart, and be thankful.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

From “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young

[Colleen Davis]

12/25/05 He Became Human

"The Word became a human and lived among us. We saw his glory--the glory that belongs to the only Son of the Father--and he was full of grace and truth.. John tells the truth about him and cries out, saying 'This is the One I told you about: The One who comes after me is greater than I am, because he was living before me.'" John 1:14-15

Leaving His heavenly home, Jesus put on human flesh to bring us God's Good News.

It all happened in a moment, a most remarkable moment...that was like none other. For through that segment of time a spectacular thing occurred. God became a man. While the creatures of earth walked unaware, Divinity arrived. heaven opened herself and placed her most precious one in a human womb...

God as a fetus. Holiness sleeping in a womb. The creator of life being created.

God was given eyebrows, elbows, two kidneys, and a spleen. He stretched against the walls and floated in the amniotic fluids of His mother.

God had come near....

The hands that first held him were unmanicured, calloused, and dirty.

No silk. No ivory. No hype. No party. No hoopla.

Were it not for the shepherds, there would have been no reception. And were it not for a group of star-gazers, there would have been no gifts...

For thirty-three years he would feel everything you and I have ever felt. He felt weak. He grew weary. He was afraid of failure. He was susceptible of wooing women. He got colds, burped, and had body odor. His feelings got hurt. His feet got tired. And his head ached.

To think of Jesus in such a light is--well, it seems almost irreverent, doesn't it? It's not something we like to do; it's uncomfortable. It is much easier to keep the humanity out of the incarnation. He's easier to stomach that way....

But don't do it. For heaven's sake, don't. Let him be as human as he intended to be. Let him into the mire and much of our world. For only if we let him in can he pull us out.

If people want to know what God is like, they can look at Jesus. If they want to know what Jesus is like, they should be able to look at his followers. Can people see Christ in you?

From "God Came Near" by Max Lucado