My new senior pastor's wife gave me this devotional book last week, and I absolutely love what God is speaking to me through it. Isn't it amazing how God gives us just what we need exactly when we need it the most? I'm not usually one for devotionals, but this is so beautifully written and so full of encouragement.
Early this afternoon I was feeling extremely overwhelmed with the tasks I had before me, and little if any motivation as I looked ahead to the day. I was beginning to doubt all the things to come(our move, the loan process, my kid's schooling) as well as my ability to keep my focus on Him and his purposes for me. I stopped for a minute and got alone with God and read these words:
Walk on with Me
"Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it." Psalm 119:5
My child, the path of duty is before you. It may look rugged, but it is the only way of divine blessing. Choose some other way, and you shall find only disappointment and frustration of soul. Weariness shall overtake you on the smoothest road, if it is not the pathway of My ordained will. Be not deceived by doubts and be not detained by fears. Move into the center of my purposes for you. You shall find glorious victories are waiting for you, and recompenses far exceeding every sacrifice .
Be obedient: You will bring joy to My heart. Neither the applause nor the scorn of others should be of any consequence to you. My approval is reward enough, and without this, any other satisfaction is not worthy of your pursuit.
Walk on with Me. I will be very near to give you support and encouragement, so you have nothing to warrant your fears. They will vanish as you obey.
Wow, I could not have asked for a more personal response from God through this devotional. As I began to praise God for this special moment, I also began recalling a few other things to praise him for today.
1. I'm thankful for a night of laughter at IHop with the kids yesterday. Sometimes the things they say remind me so much of their father that it's scary. We all had breakfast foods for dinner and it was yummy!
2. I'm thankful that God brought me and Skip through all the trials and struggles we faced this year. I am so proud of the man Skip has become over the last 15plus years we've been married. I always knew that he was a good provider and a devoted husband, but this last year I saw him as a true servant of God and at the same time a warrior fighting for our family's best interests.
3. I'm thankful that I have such love and support from friends that have called and emailed me this week just to check on me, and tell me they have been thinking and praying for me. It means so much, especially from those that have their own personal struggles they are dealing with also.
4. I'm thankful that my sweet friend Sara has started a blog for moms of tweens and teens. Sara is an awesome counselor and now she is sharing some of her wisdom with the blogging world. If you still haven't checked out Liana's blog, you are really missing out on some wonderful writing and inspirational stories.
Sorry this is such a long post, but if you would like to see more Thankful Thursday posts, go over here and leave a link. Have a blessed day!
7 comments:
Thank you for sharing that devotional, I needed to read it. I pray for extra energy for you girl.
Thanks for sharing what God spoke to you through your devotional, it really encouraged me too as I am going through a tough trial right now!
Thanks for such a nice post, bless you.
Great devotional and so for you. I love it the way God does that for us, time and time again. It never ceases to amaze me. He is such a wonderful, personal God.
Susan
It's so neat to read posts like this where women say that they are proud of their husbands. It's great that your's is serving Christ and growing closer to Him.
Well said. Wonderful devotional. Spoke right to my heart.
He is such a wonderful and personal God!!
Susie, this is such a beautiful post. Isn't it neat how we see something like this devotion meant just for us and know it is a God thing.
Thank you for visitng me.
As for your hair, It looks like you have very thick hair that is also very fine so highlights probably give you more body. I like it long with long layers. It is hard to try a new do that is popular when we have a style that works well for us. I've let mine grow out again with bangs and although it is dated it works for me. I'd be interested to see what you decide. And yes, Texas is humid!
Mama Bear
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