Devotionals Archives - Page 3 of 9

Laugh at the Future

Happy Monday to my blog readers! It has been a hard few weeks of up and down emotions, bad health, and a few very overwhelming days that were filled with worry. I am a worrier by nature and I am constantly repenting to the Lord for this. Yes, I had a life threating bowel blockage and now a severe bladder infection, and yes I am on Hospice and will probably pass away before many people that are my age. When I start dwelling on these things my heart and mind worries because I am a planner and like to be in control. However, God has been reminding me lately that if I believe in Him and His word then I should have peace no matter how bleak my earthly circumstances are. He also reminded me that I will not leave this earth until its my time and that there is nothing else I can do to change the situation except for my new motto “Pray First, don’t fear.”

So often we share our problems with others and talk for hours with our girlfriends about what is going on in our lives when we should be taking our worries to God first and lay them at His feet trusting that He will do what is best. Once we do this peace that passes all understanding will fill your heart, mind, and soul. Some theme verses that have been going through my mind lately are:

“Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she laughs at the future. ~Proverbs 31:25

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” ~1 John 4:18

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ~1 Timothy 1:7

“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” ~Deuteronomy 31:8

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~Romans 15:13

Fearing and worrying during a time of trial makes you feel even worse and makes it harder to press on with the right attitude. It is a daily surrender but if you seek the Lord He will carry you and ease your fears even if things around you do not change. God wants us to call out to Him and acknowledge is great and wonderful power and share everything with Him above all else- both good and bad.

I don’t know what you are going through but spend some time with Jesus meditating on these verses and ask Him to help you laugh at the future no matter what comes your way. That has come a part of my daily prayers these days, and I pray that you are encouraged by these passages. Have a great week!

Articles, Christian Living, Daily Inspirations, Devotionals, Reading

The Legacy of Billy Graham

I know it is a little late in posting about Billy Graham, but I was admitted in the hospital right after the announcement that he had passed. Although, I was able to watch funeral coverage at the hospital and it was such a beautiful tribute to his legacy.

I have known who he was my entire life, and emember growing up watching multiple crusades on television with my parents. Also, I worked at Camp Cedar Cliff on the property of BGEA each summer. However, before it was Cedar Cliff, and the ownership change, it was called “The Cove Camp.” Regardless of the new ownership the camp would not have been created initially if it had not been for Billy Graham and his ministry. I was working at Cedar Cliff the summer Ruth Graham passed away and the amount of media was amazing. Just like her husband she had her own testimony and story to tell. What a wonderful woman who supported Billy Graham in all he did. Since his passing, I have read so many testimonies of how Billy Graham affected their life and walk with the Lord. One of those comes from Author DiAnn Mills. With her permission, I am sharing her story below.

So many wonderful online and print posts are honoring Billy Graham. While heaven is rejoicing in his homecoming, we will miss a great man of God. The best way for me to pay tribute to Billy Graham is to post a devotion, one you may have already read from 8-1-17.

As a child, I looked forward to summer visits at my grandparents’ farm along the winding Ohio River in Kentucky. From their living room window, I watched barges float by, picturesque and peaceful. I loved every moment—picking wild berries, helping in the vegetable garden, and watching my grandfather hook up milkers to the many cows. In the evenings, aunts and uncles arrived bringing cousins. We caught lightning bugs and had the kind of fun that should have gotten us into trouble. Many memories were made on that Kentucky farm.

On Sundays, we attended a small country church. No air conditioning, only a soft breeze to cool us. We sang and listened to how Jesus wanted us to live.

Many of the people in the church frightened me. Their gentle words and kind actions should have soothed and welcomed me. But instead something in their eyes chilled me, as though I’d entered an alien world. I inwardly referred to the people at my grandparents’ church as Eagle-Eyed. I shied away from them, afraid and confused about how they made me feel.

Some years later while watching a Billy Graham TV Crusade, I saw the same piercing eyes in Dr. Graham. The Holy Spirit spoke to me, and I realized the look in his eyes meant he had a relationship with Jesus Christ. I asked Jesus into my heart and became one of the Eagle-Eyed people.

John 9:25 “. . . I was blind, now I see.”

Articles, Christian Living, Daily Inspirations, Devotionals

The Legacy of Billy Graham

I know it is a little late in posting about Billy Graham, but I was admitted in the hospital right after the announcement that he had passed had occurred. Although, I was able to watch funeral coverage at the hospital and it was such a beautiful tribute to His legacy.

I have known who he was my entire life I remember growing up watching multiple crusades on television with my parents. Also, I worked at Camp Cedar Cliff on the property of BGEA each summer. However, before jt was Cedar Cliff, and the ownership changed it was called “The Cove Camp. Regardless of the new ownership the camp would not have been created initially if it had not been for Billy Graham and his ministry. I was working at Cedar Cliff the summer Ruth Graham passed away and the amount of media was amazing. Just like her husband she had her own testimony and story to tell. What a wonderful woman who supported Billy Graham in all he did.

Since his passing, I have read so many testimonies of how Billy Graham affected their life and walk with the Lord. One of those comes from Author DiAnn Mills. With her permission, I am sharing her story below. So many wonderful online and print posts are honoring Billy Graham. While heaven is rejoicing in his homecoming, we will miss a great man of God.

The best way for me to pay tribute to Billy Graham is to post a devotion, one you may have already read from 8-1-17. As a child, I looked forward to summer visits at my grandparents’ farm along the winding Ohio River in Kentucky. From their living room window, I watched barges float by, picturesque and peaceful. I loved every moment—picking wild berries, helping in the vegetable garden, and watching my grandfather hook up milkers to the many cows. In the evenings, aunts and uncles arrived bringing cousins. We caught lightning bugs and had the kind of fun that should have gotten us into trouble. Many memories were made on that Kentucky farm.

On Sundays, we attended a small country church. No air conditioning, only a soft breeze to cool us. We sang and listened to how Jesus wanted us to live. Many of the people in the church frightened me. Their gentle words and kind actions should have soothed and welcomed me. But instead something in their eyes chilled me, as though I’d entered an alien world. I inwardly referred to the people at my grandparents’ church as Eagle-Eyed. I shied away from them, afraid and confused about how they made me feel.

John 9:25 “. . . I was blind, now I see.”

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals

The Goodness of the Lord

I would have despaired had I not seen the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. ~Psalm 27:13 NASB

The past few weeks have been very hard, especially after being in the hospital for a complete bowel blockage- it is literally a miracle that I’m alive and that I’m writing this from home and not a hospital. However, the goodness of God has prevailed. One of my favorite verses right now states, I would have despaired unless I had seen the goodness of theLord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13).

These days, sometimes finding the good in the circumstances is difficult. Sometimes my flesh wants to scream out, how can any good come fro this. However, God has blown me away with His compassion and Mercy. According to my doctors, I could still be in the hospital trying to survive from a complicated surgery. My doctors exact words were “If you don’t have the surgery you will die, and even with surgery you might die.” That overwhelmed my parents and I so much but we prayed and called on all prayer warriors and praise God in His perfect timing and goodness, surgery was not needed.

Also the Lord has allowed me to see and spend time with dear friends who I never get to see. Our fellowship and conversations may have taken place in a hospital room or in my hospital bed at home, but visiting with everyone was is encouragement my weary soul needed and it is good. With each day that comes a God reminds me of his goodness in ways both big and small.

I have been blessed to meet and talk with some of my blog readers and prayer warriors – people I did not even know, but they took time out of their day to visit and share how God has ministered to them through my blog. I wrote this with tears because I’m humbled and amazed. Each of these testimonies have shown me just how good God is, and how He ministers to my exact needs. He sees me.

No matter how hard your circumstances may be there is always goodness to be found. It’s nit easy on some days but it’s there. When feeling discouraged pray and ask God to show you an example of His goodness, and that He encourages you in His word. If you ask, He will do it.

To God be the glory great things He has done.

31 Days - Nehemiah, Articles, Devotionals

Mornings with Nehemiah Introduction

Happy Monday! I have stopped and started this series so many times due to major health issues that arise. Being chronically ill leaves bo room for consistency but I’m starting again,

One week ago I came home from the hospital due to a severe bowel obstruction that was life threatening and it is a miracle that I’m able to write this today. Glory to God and great things He has done,

Nehemiah is one of my favorite books in the Bible and I’ve been reading it over and over the past few days. The way he trusted God in times of adversity is inspiring and is the encouragement that I need during this season. The Lord recently reminded me that the same God that helped Nehemiah to stand firm and press on through hard times, is the same God helping me today. God wants us to surrender and believe that He will carry us through no matter what comes our way.We can learn so much about this from Nehemiah’s example.

With each post, I will be writing about a different quality or character trait found in Nehemiah, and how we can apply what we learn from him to our livess. I will post in the series once a week and sometimes twice so stay tuned for more. I hope you will join me on the journey and study Nehemiah as well. I pray that it will be comforting to your soul.

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals

Olympics 2018 – I am Second

On Monday, I shared a guest post from one of the most popular figure skaters – Scott Hamilton. To keep the Olympic theme going I thought I would share his “I Am Second” video where he briefly shares his testimony. It is one of my favorites and worth a watch. I hope it encouraged you as it has me.

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Holidays

Happy Valentine’s Day

Today is Valentine’s Day and for many it is a day to celebrate with the ones you love. However, not everyone has a spouse or significant other to celebrate with, and on a day filled with lots of love, flowers and chocolate, it can be very depressing for single folks. While others are waiting to receive a special gift, singles go into the day not expecting anything. For us, it is another reminder of what we long for but do not have.

As I have been pondering this over the past few days, the Lord has gently reminded me that on Valentine’s Day I am not alone because I have Him. He is greater than a boyfriend, husband, friend, or any gift that I could ever receive. He is the greatest gift. He is enough. I have everything I need in Him. As Isaiah 54:5 states, “For your Maker is your husband– the LORD Almighty is his name– the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.”

Because of Jesus, I am able to go through life completely fulfilled and content even if He never chooses to bless me with an earthly love story.

No love story is complete without Him because He is the greatest lover of all time.

With or without a husband, Jesus should always be the greatest lover of our souls. Nothing or no one should ever take the place of His rule in our hearts and lives.

During the past week, the Lord has brought to mind several verses that displays His great love for us. I am calling these my “Love Letters from Jesus.” Take a moment to read them and be encouraged. Whether you are married or single today, evaluate your relationship with the Lord. Are you allowing Him to be the Lord of your life? Do you make His relationship the most important one in your life?

When we put our relationship with Jesus above all else, every other relationship in our lives will become more beautiful.

Please know that you are not alone. Jesus loves you with a perfect and everlasting love. Unlike people, He will never let you down, and will always remain faithful. Allow these words from Scripture to penetrate your heart and mind, and choose to believe them.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love.” ~Jeremiah 31:3

“But now, this is what the LORD says– he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” ~Isaiah 43:1

“He has brought me to his banquet hall, And his banner over me is love.” ~Song of Solomon 2:4

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” ~Zephaniah 3:17

“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” ~Deuteronomy 7:6

“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” ~Song of Solomon 6:3

“For your Maker is your husband– the LORD Almighty is his name– the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.” ~Isaiah 54:5

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Holidays

Love Bears all Things

Below is an article I wrote a while ago but I thought it would be fitting to share this week. It’s also a good reminder to myself as well.

Love may be easy when things are going our way, but this verse is not just talking about loving in the good times. This verse specifies the word all, which also means loving when times are tough and being willing to suffer for the sake of that love. When I read this particular verse I always think about the love of Christ, and ask myself, do I love Christ enough to suffer for the sake of loving Him? Am I willing to bear anything – persecution or death for the sake of loving Christ, and for others in my life that I love. I think that is what Paul is referring to in this statement, and is a sobering reminder for us to love in the same manner that Christ loved us.

Jonathan Edwards, one of my favorite theologians speaks of this matter and he gives several ways “love bears all things” in this regard. They are:

Love bears all things is being willing to undergo all sufferings, of all kinds, that are in the way of duty. For example, to prefer the honor of Christ before their own. This means to suffer and being willing to lose all things whether it be family, earthly possessions, etc. for that love.

Love bears all things is being willing to undergo all sufferings, of all degrees that are in the way of duty. This means to forsake all for the sake of Christ and to endure all degrees of mocking, contempt, etc for the sake of that relationship.

This type of love mentioned above is one that never gives up and has the ability to endure any hardship, sorrow, or disappointment that comes. This is how we should strive to love Christ and the people he puts into our lives. I think the true test of love in any relationship comes not when things are easy but when things are hard, and loving a person during the unlovable times. After all, that is how Christ loves us. When we are going through hard times and love does not come easy, Christ loves us anyway. There is nothing that we could go through that would make Christ not love us, and we should apply that concept to all the relationships God places in our lives.

Take some time today to pray and to surrender yourself to the Lord. Ask Him to show you how to love Him better, and ask him to give you wisdom in finding the ability to love the ones He has placed in your life.

Articles, Devotionals, Uncategorized

Olympics 2018 – Testimony of an Olympic Champion

From Super Bowl to the Olympic it has been a couple week sof my favorite sports.

Although my Patriots did not win, it was as wonderful game, and the Eagles deserved it Regarding the Eagles, a bunch of their players are Christians so to hear their testimonies throughout the week was amazing. No matter how high people put sports, fame, riches etc., nothing will ever be as powerful of Jesus. He and He alone is worthy to be praised. Jesus gives everyone different gifts and abilities, and uses them to build the body of believers. A super bowl champion who is being obedient to Jesus is no different than a janitor being obedient for Jesus. Whether it be sports or something else, we can easily get caught up in the hype and allow certain things or people to be an idol even if its a good thing in and of itself.

Also, I have always enjoyed watching the summer and winter olympics but the winter has always been my favorite especially the figure skating (individual, pairs, and ice dancing), as well as skiing , and bobsledding. My DVR is going to be full this next couple of weeks to cover it all..ha! But years ago I started watching them and loved every second of the skating routines, especially seeing American Scott Hamilton perform. Not only was he a great skater but his story and testimony is encouraging especially now. Scott has been through a lot in his life to get where he is today so I am excited and honored to share his story below.

In October I hosted a series on my blog titled, 31 Days of Thanksgiving.” I was so honored and thankful for everyone who wrote a guest post for me. One of them was olympic gold medalist figure skater from Scott Hamilton. Due to the Olympics starting this week I thought it would be appropriate to share this again. I am so encouraged by Scott’s testimony, and I know you will be too.

Gratitude comes in all shapes and sizes. It can come in quiet moments of reflection, or it can come with a win from your favorite hockey team in the Stanley Cup Finals.

For me, gratitude is inspired by so many memories. Being adopted by two amazing parents and the expert coaching I was given when I first laced up my skates. Later it would be for the medals I was able to win and the tests I was able to pass on the ice. None bigger than an Olympic Gold Medal. Why me? I often ask.

How could it be that with all the obstacles in my way I was able to break through and make a life for myself and family doing something I loved to do. And then there were the tough times. Ironically, these are the times I am most grateful for. My childhood illness that kept me in and out of hospitals for four years stunting my growth and development. It was only when I started skating that my health started to improve. Since I had very little development, every muscle I grew was built to make me a better skater without any excess baggage. Losing my mother to cancer is something I wrestle with everyday. Through the devastation of mourning my mother, I had the only choice to become the person she wanted me to be.

Through broken relationships, I was able to grow in new directions and build a life I never could have dreamed of.

On the ice, I estimate that I fell 41,600 times. Through each and every one of those falls I learned and grew stronger. And each time I fell, I simply and naturally got up. Looking back, I learned very little from my victories, but am grateful for every one. It was the failures and defeats that I most grateful for. I learned the most from them. God saw me through each and every painful moment in my life. Jesus’s words, obedience, and resurrection have given me hope like nothing else. And the Holy Spirit guiding me toward a brighterÂ tomorrowÂ allows great comfort, knowing Iâ€™m not nearly as lost as I could be.

Each breath we take has God in it. Every moment we experience is a gift. Each day is an opportunity.

Each expression of love changes the world in ways we cannot imagine. My gratitude has no boundaries.

About the Author:

The most recognized male figure skating star in the world, Scott Hamilton has won 70 titles, awards and honors including an Emmy Award nomination, induction into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame and a privileged member of the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame.

In 1984, Scott captured the attention of the world with his Olympic Gold medal performances in Saravejo and since has shared his love and enthusiasm for the sport as a analyst/commentator, performer, producer and best-selling author (Landing It, 1999; The Great Eight, 2009. His third book, Finish First: Winning Changes Everything, will be released in February 2018). He further inspires others as a speaker, humanitarian, and as a cancer and pituitary brain tumor survivor.

After losing his mother to cancer, then becoming survivor himself, Scott turned activist, launching the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation (Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship. He founded several education and survivorship programs including Chemocare.com and the 4th Angel Mentoring Program and events such as Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer and An Evening with Scott Hamilton & Friends galas fund research into treatments that kill the cancer and spare the patient.

He is also the founder of the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy at Ford Ice Center in Antioch, TN, where he may frequently be found coaching Learn to Skate students and sharing his love of skating.

In what little free time remains, Scott can be found on the golf course and enjoys spending time with his wife Tracie and four children – at their home outside Nashville, Tennessee.

Articles, Christian Living, Devotionals, Holidays

Hope a Little More in 2018

To live is Christ and to die is gain. ~Philippians 1:21

Hi friends! I hope you all enjoyed the holiday season. Due to infections and other health problems I am behind on writing, and it is now almost February. I’ve written a little at a time and finally have it completed. Hopefully, I will be able to go back to my previous blogging schedule soon.

I’ve been in what I call a medical fog and it has been difficult to say the least. Even though it has been rough, God continues to sustain me. Thankfully, I was able to spend lots of quality time with family during the holidays. Due to my sickness, everyone came to our house so I could be a part of the festivities. Those times are the best, and I’m grateful for family and friends who took extra time to be with and encourage me. From decorating my room for Christmas, brunches in pajamas, singing my favorite Christmas Carols — I have been surrounded by loved ones continually which has kept me going on the hard days.

We are now well into January, and the days keep flying by. One of my new year hopes for this past year was for the Lord to provide healing and allow me to be out and about again. My other New Years hope from 2017 was to write more on my blog. While healing didn’t come in the way I expected, it is a miracle and part of God’s healing when I wake up each morning and able to live.another day.

In years past I have set goals for the year but for this one I am keeping it simple. Being chronically ill, and not knowing how things will be from one day to the next has allowed me to simplify life and declutter all of my plans. Therefore, my theme for thie year is to “just live.” Over the past couple years a lot of my earthly desires, hopes, dreams, friendships, etc have been stripped away but in turn the has provided His love, comfort, and strength. I understand what Corrie Ten Boom meant when she said,

”You don’t realize that God is all you need until God is all you have.”

Those are true words and they describe my current season of life perfectly. The stripping away proxess has been hard. It has not been easy losing life as I once knew it, but Jesus provides all I need to live well in the midst of my hard.

My utmost desire is to live well in the life God has left for me, and be completely obedient to Him in every circumstance. I have cried out to the Lord for Him to deliver me many times, but whether or not He answers me in the way I prefer, but even on the hardest days my goal should always be the same – to live with the peace and joy of Christ and praise Him in all things. The Lord is good and His goodness always prevails. In closing, here is one of my favorite Bible verses, and focusing on this truth helps me get through each day. Psalm 27:13-14 states,

“I would have despaired had I not seen the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

I look orward to seeing what God does in the year ahead, and I am confident that no matter my situation, I am not without hope. Where there is life, there is hope, and that hope comes from Jesus. He will never fail me.

I pray my blog is a place for you to come and be encouraged in your walk with the Lord throughout the year. Thanks for your continued love, support and prayers.

I thank God for each of you (Philippians 1:3).

Laugh at the Future

The Legacy of Billy Graham

The Legacy of Billy Graham

The Goodness of the Lord

Mornings with Nehemiah Introduction

Olympics 2018 – I am Second

Happy Valentine’s Day

Love Bears all Things

Olympics 2018 – Testimony of an Olympic Champion

Hope a Little More in 2018

ameliamcneilly

ameliamcneilly

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