Listen to Every Word from Him

I receive daily emails from a local Christian radio with one Scripture attached.  I read in a daily devotion when I wake up in the morning.  I will open up my current study and the topic fits perfectly with my current situation.  It amazes me how God speaks so clearly through these means to answer my prayer or guide me in a direction I had been confused on at the time. 

"Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.

Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him.  For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills;  a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey;  a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you." (Deuteronomy 8:5-10)

If I choose to read these in the morning and ignore, I fail to walk in obedience.  If I choose to only read the ones which make me feel good about myself and skip over the life-changing ones, I fail to grow.  God disciplines as well as comforts.  Obeying His command and Words may cause some discomfort to our flesh.  But, His Word and Truth are the only Way to follow.  Being obedient to Him fulfills our purpose in life. 

Feed your spirit with His Truth and focus on the messages He has for your life.  At every moment, good or bad, He wants to speak to you.  He wants to have a conversation with you to help, guide and discipline.  Some things in life are tough.  Seek Him for answers, learn and grow with each situation.

God, thank you for this day.  Thank You for loving me and guiding me each step along my path.  Thank You for taking care of my life and planning out every detail to fit Your plan for me.  Use me every day and in any way to spread Your Truth so others may see the goodness of You.  Thank You for healing every hurt and disciplining every sin.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Everlasting Light

Rain and cool winds consumed each day this week.  The weather not only causes me to avoid stepping outside, but also puts a damper on my spirit.  I would rather run back to bed, pull out my current book and slip under the covers for a comfortable afternoon.  AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!

Life continues, my daughter still needs my attention, my son must go on to school, my husband must go on to work and I must fulfill my purpose for the day.  Fighting against the enticing thoughts to avoid the day totally behind a good book can become exhausting.  The battle continues through every hour.

'God has delivered me from going down to the pit,
   and I shall live to enjoy the light of life.’ (Job 33:28)

"Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
   for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
   and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Light shines on the righteous
   and joy on the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous,
   and praise his holy name." (Psalm 97:10-12)

"The sun will no more be your light by day,
   nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
for the LORD will be your everlasting light,
   and your God will be your glory." (Isaiah 60:19)

So, I took a stand and did not allow darkened days to pull me deep in the pit.  I cranked up the Christian music and rejoiced because God is bigger and brighter than the darkest of days.  Hiding under the covers will only allow Satan a foothold which could lead to a stronghold.  Going through the day battling to stay positive becomes exhausting; allow God to battle.

Life can create whirlwinds of chaos every day.  Each negative blow to our spirit may consume our attitude and outlook.  Satan uses anything he can to destroy our joy and create numerous pits on our path.  But, guess what?  God's light, His Truth and His friendship overpowers any lie brought in by the enemy and cover up any pit.  The battle is His, not ours.  Give it to God.

I have encountered too many times where my foot began to slip in a pit and I would take a peak into the pit to see what is down there.  Sometimes, I even fell in without realizing it because what I saw seemed easier than the battle of going around the pit and continuing on the path set before me.  The pit was dark and gloomy.  I quickly recognized the mistake I made of choosing this decision.  I see no light; how do I get out of here? 

Reach your arms up as high as they go, turn your face to God and His light brings you from all darkness surrounding your life.  He is the answer.  God's Word never brings rainy days.  His presence always dispenses light.  Allow God's love to save and keep you out of the pits.

God, thank you for this day.  Thank You for being light, though storms appear outside.  Thank You for allowing Your Truth to bring from any pit and set my foot right to follow the path for my life.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig  
 

Blessing Directly from Above

In my lifetime, I have visited places, moved a few times and worked at a few different establishments.  Throughout each experience, every day spent in that location, I met some really cool people.  Some came and went, others left a wonderful memory in my thoughts and the rest hold a special place in my heart.  I will not forget nor discount the times when God sent someone with skin on to pull me out of a pit.  I read in a chain email last night of someone's experience helping another and she said sometimes angels are really busy, so God uses regular people to do His work.  Well, I can tell you from experience, I have had plenty of people sent from God to rescue me.  I can also tell you God Himself rescued me more times than I can count. 

The people He sent to my rescue will be blessed in return for sure.  Not through a simple thanks from me, but by God.  The greatest blessings come straight from our Creator.  Those blessings may come in tangible items, close friends, a teammate for life or peace in your heart.  At the time, I did not realize the importance of my relationships.  I see now the benefits of following God and acknowledging the work He does through others. 

"Praise the LORD, my soul,
   and forget not all his benefits— " (Psalm 103:2)

My blessings and benefits list is endless.  I can pull out some rather obvious ones to share though.  My husband is number one.  He came into my life at just the right time (both in high school and now) and stuck by my side through the most difficult of times.  He continues to comfort, love and offer friendship beyond what I ever imagined.  Another blessing is my children.  They provide laughter, joy and a hug or kiss at just the right moments.  Continuing down the list would be my mom.  I cannot explain in words how much I love this woman.  She saved me from many pits, loved me when I felt unlovable and comforted at all times.  My Memaw has done the same as my mom. 

Fortunately, I have not experienced any real close friends passing away.  But, I have left some behind due to moving away.  The true friendships have lasted and some rekindled over time.  I just feel so blessed to experience these friendships and know others care to play a part in my life.  I want to share a few quotes from Winnie the Pooh that I just adore:
 "If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you."  - I tell this one to my husband and mother from time to time!
 "If there ever comes a day when we can't be together keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever." - Though distance may separate, the heart will always find residence for those friends.

Relationships with people here on Earth bring much joy, peace and comfort.  But, the most important, everlasting and required relationship for life is the one with God.  Place Him first and foremost and just celebrate all the loving friendships He brings into your life.  Spread the love received from Him to all you meet so as to plant the seed of Truth in their hearts.  It will be an even greater relationship and joyous time when you meet that individual in Heaven.  Let all your relationships revolve around Him and teach one another His Word!

"If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." (1 John 1:6-7)

"We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ."  (1 John 1:3)

Find a way to appreciate a friend, loved one or family member today!

God, thank you for another day here.  Thank You for all the friendships I have, had and will have in this life.  Send me to others who need to hear about You.  I am here to bring as many friends to Heaven as You plan.  Use me every day to spread Truth and love others.  Though I may fail at this from time to time, continue to present opportunities for me to do it right.  Show me where I need improvement and guide me through each lessen needed to learn so I may work wholeheartedly for You.  Thank You for Your friendship and guidance.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

It is Not Always a Stroll in the Park

Mark Merrill, president of Family First, once listed the 7 truths to marriage.  I want to pull out a few of them and elaborate. 

#2 - It is not just "for better", it's also "for worse."
     This one hits home for me.  With my background, I brought lots of baggage into marriage.  Not only did I bring my anorexia, but also my need to please, perfectionism and low self-esteem.  I cannot imagine the struggles my husband dealt with trying to live with someone of this nature.  Most days, I hated living with myself and weighed on my own nerves.  But, he stuck with me "for worse" and focused on the "for better" times. 
     Bringing two individuals, each with different characteristics, under one roof to manage a life as one flesh requires effort.  Marriage differs from dating in so many ways.  Some people say "I do" with intent of living just as they did while dating.  WRONG!  When dating, the two may still hold tightly to their "me" boxes and live selfishly.  After the honeymoon, things change dramatically.  The "me" boxes must be left at the door as the groom carries his bride through the threshold to their new home.  Becoming one in flesh requires one new box together containing compromise, love, grace and joy.  Keep focus on the happiness of the other and both come out joyous.  These ideas lead to Mark's truth #6 - It is not about getting from your spouse, it is about giving to your spouse.

#3 - It is not always a stroll in the park; it's a front line battle in the world.
     Remember those walks on a fall day when the breeze is light and the sun shining.  The leaves are changing color and bring comfort to the soul.  I feel so calm just imagining the scenario.  On the other hand, think of a rainy, cold day when your car gets a flat on the side of the road.  A gas station sits just one mile back and you must walk there for help.  Your cell phone died 10 minutes after leaving home this morning.  This scenario paints a much different feeling.
     Well, marriage can be like either of these mentioned.  One day it is easy, fun and relaxing.  The next day, you want to run so far away because times are too tough.  Outside influences may try and split a marriage.  One partner may be going through the toughest of situations and lacking energy to give to the relationship.  This is when love must conquer.  God created marriage to be a team effort in working for Him.  Together, with Him as the coach, you and your spouse can be victorious.  Don't sit the bench.  Give it 100% effort every day.  If one spouse suffers, the other must take over and carry the load.  Just as on a team, the players on the DL take some time to recover while the other players cover and keep the game running smoothly.  The team does not give up, condemn the injured, blame the injured or ignore the necessary steps for recovery.  No, they listen to the coach, run the plays and continue to aide the injured in healing.  Same goes for marriage.  Be there for each other, focus on God's plan and don't allow chaos in life to give Satan a foothold.  Bond closer in tough times.  These ideas lead to Mark's truth #4 - It is not 50/50 partnership, it's 100/100 give it all you got.

"A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown,
   but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones." (Proverbs 12:4)

"The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.  The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife." (1 Corinthians 7:3-4)

"However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." (Ephesians 5:33)

Marriage will be tough.  Satan hates to see success in couples.  If his lies and schemes can tear the two apart, then a whole family and the life God intended will be destroyed.  Stand on the Truth of God, our Coach, and tell Satan to get behind you and your spouse.  Don't allow footholds by sinning against one another.  Instead, embrace one another, love one another and face this world together serving God.  He will bring peace to the marriage and love for one another beyond your imagination. 

What can you do today to express thanks to God for providing you a teammate for life? 

Find a way today to appreciate your spouse.

God, thank you for another day with my family and my husband.  I cannot express in words how much I appreciate You sending me a teammate.  I enjoy every game encountered in life with him by my side.  You have built up the most perfect spouse for me to face any challenge or struggle.  Thank You for sending him to love me through all the messes in life.  Continue to call out the plays loud and clear to us so we may hear You coaching us and drown out Satan's lies.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

To learn more about marriage, visit Mark Merrill's thoughts at http://www.familyminute.com/.

His Light Shines to Burn Away the Fog

One day the fog lay low to the road and created difficult driving for our family as we headed to church.  Luckily, I was simply a passenger and did not undergo the stress of trying to see where the lines separated the lanes.  Headlights did not even break through the fog to guide our way.  My husband just drove careful without any real understanding of what could come next or what moves might be needed to keep safe.

Our thoughts may come in from time to time like a fog over the road.  Outside influences, troubling times or bondages hinder our ability to even come up with words to pray.  We lose sight of where the lines mark our path.  Straining our eyes, asking everyone we meet for advice or isolation does not break through the fog and get us out. 

What clears up fog?  Sunlight!  Once the temperature reaches just right, the fog lifts.

"The LORD is God,
   and he has made his light shine on us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
   up to the horns of the altar. 

You are my God, and I will praise you;
   you are my God, and I will exalt you." (Psalm 118:27-28) 

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God." (Romans 8:26-27) 

Though fog surrounds, it does not need to consume our every being.  Reach up to God.  In those times, we know not what to even pray for or about because we cannot see clearly.  Guess what?  The Holy Spirit intercedes for us and asks God to help in weakness.  God shines upon situations to open eyes, wipe tears and burns off those thoughts by feeding our spirit with His Truth. 

I have experienced many moments when the words just could not come out for prayer.  I felt so deep in a pit, I just could not muster up the words to get out.  I remained confused, with no sight of where my feet should move.  I sat quietly and simply lifted the words, "God, I need You!"  The Holy Spirit ran to the rescue and turned those words into exactly what prayer lay deep in my heart; a prayer I did not know existed.  Only God knew my heart.  Only God knew what plans lay ahead of all this chaos.  He leads to the path with your name on it.  Only His light can break the fog and place you in safety!

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for lighting the way.  I know as I walk, holding tightly to Your hand, I am led to safety.  Sometimes words cannot be said, but You know the plans for my life and I trust Your guidance.  May I always sit quietly with You to receive teaching, comfort and guidance.  Thank You for loving me so much to pave a life of peace by sacrificing Your only Son to die for little ole me.  I love You!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Which Ride is Right for You?

 A local amusement park just finished the best roller coaster around.  The hype from commercials increased the excitement to experience this roller coaster.  You purchased tickets online, took a vacation day at work and prepared the family to go enjoy the day at an amusement park. 

As the vehicle approaches the park all eyes glue to the huge coaster seen from the parking lot.  Excitement bubbles inside and you almost jump out of the vehicle running to the gates.  Of course, the moment your foot steps through the gate, you walk directly to the line and wait patiently for your turn.  As the previous passengers exit, your time comes.  You imagine the wind blowing in your face, the fun curves, the downhill then uphill travel and now completely fill with enthusiasm.  This will be the best adventure ever.

The cars fill up quickly, but one remains.  The rest of the family would need to catch the next ride or you wait with them and allow another person to ride.  No way, you cannot wait one more minute.  So, you situate yourself in the seat and wave goodbye to them.  The ride starts rather slow; a few turns and a small hill.  Then, the cars accelerate and the hills become bigger, the twists and turns more frequent.  Soon, you feel out of control and unprepared for all the dangers of the ride.  The whole idea was a mistake and now you do not even have your family with you to help in this chaos.  Your excitement quickly turns to fear and joy to misery.

Do you ever feel like life turned into a roller coaster?

At first, decisions appear just right, excitement builds upon beginning a new adventure and all seems well; but, suddenly it changes.  Twists and turns appear that were not accounted for when mapping out this plan.  The acceleration through the adventure exceeds anything you ever imagined.  Worse, loved ones did not sign up for the same experience.  All sight of them is lost and you feel stuck on this ride in life with no end in sight.  How can you scream loud enough for anyone who cares to hear?

"In my distress I called to the LORD;
   I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice;
   my cry came before him, into his ears." (Psalm 18:6)

"I call on you, my God, for you will answer me;
   turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.
Show me the wonders of your great love,
   you who save by your right hand
   those who take refuge in you from their foes." (Psalm 17:6-7)

He will hear.  Sometimes we choose the wrong path, though it seemed so right for our life.  God will carry you from the chaos, mess and danger; then, lead you to the path He planned.  Cry to Him, calmly listen and believe He will answer.  Your prayers do not go unheard when lifted up to Him with a genuine heart.  He knows our hearts and desires.  He sees our faith and will save you from distress. 

Roller coasters are not for everyone.  Amusement parks develop all kinds of rides to meet every visitors needs.  A list of warnings appears before boarding the rides.  Pay attention to those warnings.  Listen to your heart and pray for clarity on which ride to board in life.  God sends clear signs of which direction and path to take; you must be still and pay attention.  Walk in obedience so to prevent risk of dangerous twists and turns in life.  Be prepared for every situation by approaching hand in hand with God. 

God, thank you for another day.  Thank You for clearing showing me where to turn in life.  Though it may be difficult to exit the previous roller coaster, I know another ride better suits Your desires for my life.  I failed to see the warning signs and for that, I am sorry.  I never liked roller coasters, yet thought this one was different.  Thank You for saving me so I did not continue.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig 
   

Stay on His Team

I attended my husband's football game on Friday night.  He officiates Friday night football at various high schools.  The kids and I tagged along this time around.  The weather became colder as the sun sunk into the sky.  The kids and I did not really prepare for such a cool evening.  I did not feel so well and the cool weather depressed my immune system even more.  The kids began climbing the bleachers, running the ramp and paying no attention to the game.  To say the least, my attitude slowly moved from supportive of my husband's passion to regrets of agreeing to tag along. 

As the game progressed, I began feeling worse and my voice faded.  Each quarter is timed twelve minutes, so I gave myself a pep talk to make it through the next 48 minutes.  As I watched the clock stop numerous times, my pep talk faded into the far back of my mind.  Twelve minutes turned into thirty minutes and this mamma's patience was wearing thin.  With each whistle I lost hope of ever getting out of this place.  I felt myself become more ill and saw no way out.  My attitude and outlook became very grim.

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.  May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:4-6)

"to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:23-24)

Your life will inevitably bring trials.  Until the day we meet Christ, times will go against our plans.  Outside influences, change in environments and decisions out of our control appear daily.  These present high risks of depressing our attitude and thoughts.  We may enter a situation with a positive outlook and motivated to come through smoothly; but things happen, Satan pulls out sneaky schemes and lies to us.  Satan lengthens our pain and sadness with each lie believed. 

Just as my attitude shifted to negative and regret, Satan's lies grab a hold of us slowly and cause us to slip away from God.  We must continue to focus on God and make it a point to change every lie to Truth from God's Word.  His Truth encourages, teaches and helps with endurance through every trial.  Though Satan may blow the whistle and try to stop our progress through the trial, God can come to rescue and move you right along to come to the end.     

Focus on God's pep talk found in Scripture.  Avoid lies, negative thoughts and conforming to outside influences to drag out your trials.  Keep the times running by praying, rejoicing for all lessons learned and staying protected by the Truth.  Don't give Satan a foothold by failing to prepare.  Grab all your tools; the Bible, prayer life and armor needed to face daily spiritual battles.  Stay on His team and you will always come through in victory.

God, thank you for another day.  I am sorry I lost focus the other night and honed in on all the negative pieces of my evening.  Not only did my joy vanish, my emotions also became out of control and brought others around me down.  I am reminded to focus on You through everything; no situation is too small to keep Your Truth on my mind.  Continue to teach me and remind me of this important factor of life.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig