Sunday, November 22

For several days now, I have been in a bundle about writing these devotions. Prayer comes easy for me; but writing a devotion is something I have never done. My prayers for the past week have been for the Lord to "Give me the words and scripture that would be acceptable to the Lord and my reading audience." Being the impatient person that I am and not finding the scripture or words fast enough, I began to question why I even volunteered for such a task. Especially because I don't know and can't quote a lot of scripture.

As always, God in His time and not mine, spoke to me. Pastor Mike's message on Sunday was that "God is not so much concerned with how much knowledge we have, as what is in our hearts." Although I am lacking in knowledge of scripture; my heart certainly wants to please God and my reading audience. My pastor's message was exactly what I needed to move on with these devotions.

I have been pouring through my Bible and devotion booklets looking for passages that would work for me. And as I edit and finalize these devotions, I look back and see God's hand pushing me to yearn for scriptural knowledge and the study of the Bible. Through God's hand I found and studied some of Paul's wonderful words to the Thessalonians.

Dear God, You answer my prayers; not necessarily when and how I might want them; but always in a way that is right and good. Help me to be patient and trust in You in all things.

Monday, November 23

Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica and believers: "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Jesus Christ."

It is six years ago today that due to a sudden and unexpected death, we had to say goodbye to our daughter, Crystal, at her memorial service. Paul speaks of being joyful always. This day, six years ago, was not one in which I could find much joy. The little joy that I could muster was from wonderful kindnesses of church, friends, and family.

My friend, Adrias Gironomi in "A Psalm of Thanksgiving" says: "I was brought up in the cradle of Your love, and learned of You through my parents, who held You close to their hearts." Because my parents, like Adrias', brought me to God, I know that Crystal is in Heaven with Him and we will see her again. Through this faith and knowledge of God, I can find the joy that Paul speaks of. I am now able to look back and be joyous for the time we had with Crystal, the memories, and all that she taught us.

I pray that, through a faith in God, the joy Paul speaks of will come to those who lose a loved one.

Tuesday, November 24

Paul goes on to tell the Thessalonians and ALL believers to "pray continually."

As I stated earlier, prayer usually comes easy to me. But there have been countless times, the death of our daughter being one, when I did not even know WHAT to pray for. Grief, sadness, and confusion overwhelmed me. But Romans 8:26-27 tells us "...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for but the spirit Himself intercedes for us..."

Pastor Mike, in his sermon on Sunday told us that "You don't receive if you don't ask." During the times that I don't even know what to ask for God intervenes. He knows my heart and needs even better than I. All I have to do is pray for him to give me what I need.

Dear Heavenly Father, You know my heart. Thank You for giving me what I need when I am too weak or weary to ask.

Wednesday November 25

Back to Paul in Thessalonica.

Paul tells believers to "be thankful..."

It is easy for me to think of having a conversation with God when I or someone else might need something (like relief from sorrow, pain, or grief.). As I type this devotion I'm very mindful of God. I see the sun shining brightly outside my window, I am aware of my health, and even how blessed I am to have this opportunity to devote time for prayer and meditation. At this moment I could go on and on thanking God for so many blessings in my life.

This Thanksgiving Day will be easy for me to give thanks. I will be with a loving family; healthy parents, and mother-in-law. Our son and daughter-in-law have recently given us a first grandchild. Our daughter is packing up to come home shortly from Afghanistan where she is ending a tour of duty with the U.S. Army. And, I have a loving and devoted husband of 32 years. Praise the Lord for all of these blessings!!

Sadly enough, I am not always so mindful of God.. When my life holds little or no disruption or discourse and everything is going smoothly, I often fail to speak to God. I'm guilty of not thanking God for his many blessings.

Dear Lord, Thank You for the countless blessings in my daily life.

Thursday "Thanksgiving Day", November 26

Paul speaks not only of "giving thanks," but of doing so "in ALL circumstances."

Six years ago I angrily stood outside ready to toss my 20# turkey off the deck. We said good bye to Crystal only days earlier and I was not ready to praise or thank God for anything. Today, though, I look back and am so very thankful for the family and friends that God put in my path to help me that day. Through the death of Crystal, the Lord gave me strength, compassion and understanding that I never had.. In ALL circumstances, there are reasons to be thankful.

Heavenly Father, Help me to see and thank You for the blessings in a ALL of my circumstances.

Friday, November 27

Paul speaks not only of being joyful always and giving thanks in All circumstances, but of God's Will.

Being the willful person that I am, so many times in my life I think that "my way" is the BEST. I have fought many battles with other people as well as God Himself over how I think things should go in my life. Invariably what happens with God is that I get exhausted fighting my battle and in the end He has His way. When my will goes against God, I can make a big mess of things before He gets it right for me.

On our fridge at camp I have a photocopy of a pair of open hands with a message from God. It says: “Good Morning. This is God. I will be handling all your problems today. And I will NOT need your help.”

Dear God, Help me to step back and "not help you so much." You know what I need and what is best for me and the people in my life. Thank you for handling my problems.

Saturday, November 28

Paul concludes his message with the fact that "being joyful always, praying continually, giving thanks in all circumstances and knowing that these things are God's Will" is not enough.

All this must be done in Jesus’ name.

The ending part of Paul’s words sets us apart as Christians. For me, these are the most consoling of Paul's words. In Jesus Christ!! Hallelujah!! He who saves me from all of my sin and weakness. Jesus is my Savior. Although I am sinful and fall short, Jesus Christ died on the cross to grant me grace and save me.

Dear Father in Heaven, Thank you for sending Your son into this world to save people like me. May others come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior.