To Him be the Glory and Power Forever!

Casting Crowns, a Christian band, has a song out called, "Glorious Day."  Yesterday I meditated on the chorus.  Each line specifically describes the result of each event Jesus went through for us.  I believe we must remember every day the why of God sending His only Son and Him dying on the cross.

Living among us, He loved.
     Jesus dwelt among men to teach, love, guide and heal.  He developed a team of disciples to extend His teaching.  While here on Earth, Jesus experienced all the temptations we do in our daily lives.  Yet, He did not sin.  He felt much rejection and disbelief, but continued on as His Father asked. 

Dying on the cross, He saved.
     He endured painful blows, beating after beating, flogging, spitting and terrible words thrown at Him.  Yet, He continued with the cross on His back to face death for all us sinners.  They nailed His hands and feet and placed the cross in the ground for His body to dangle and die.  He did not complain one word.  He simply said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."  Wow, He died for each of us.  He loved us so much to take away all our sins.  He washed us clean.

Buried in the grave, He carried our sins FAR away.
     As they buried Him in the grave, our sins went with Him.  He created a life full of God's forgiveness.  Today, we don't receive punishment such as before His death for our sins.  Yet, when we sin, the Holy Spirit does pull at our hearts and we feel the wrong in our decision.  We repent and change direction.  Thanks to Jesus obeying His Father, we are forgiven and set free of the heavy burden of sin.  We now receive righteousness, peace and joy.  The Holy Spirit guides us to the right path, moving us to spiritual maturity and releasing the blessings on our life which God planned.

Rising to His Father, He justified.
     He rose and freed us from responsibility to fight our daily battles.  Our purpose here became clear; to spread the Truth fed from the Holy Spirit and obey the commands of God.  We need not worry about today's troubles, tomorrow's trials or next week's issues; He took those burdens upon Himself.  He sits up in Heaven to intercede our prayers.  At times we feel so overwhelmed, we do not even know what words to speak to God.  Jesus takes our concerns in our heart and tells His Father.  Lay it all at the cross; He will take care of you. 

Take some time to meditate on everything Jesus went through for you and me.  He loved us so much and never gave up on what His Father asked of Him.  He did not grumble, argue, say no, or procrastinate.  He obeyed.  We must follow His example.  Turn our complaints to prayer and asked God for the strength and courage to obey the task laid before us.  God holds plans to prosper us, not to harm.  The enemy prowls around waiting to devour and steal your joy.  Take a stand on the Truth you know and believe all Jesus did for you.  Take Jesus as your Lord and Savior and begin living in peace, joy and righteousness.  Listen to the prompting from the Holy Spirit should your feet get a bit off track. 

You are so precious to Him.  He will not leave nor forsake.  His love endures forever and never changes.  You can count on Him always.  Allow Him into your life and enjoy the comfort He brings to every situation.

"and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

   To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen." (Revelation 1:5-6) 

God, thank you for another day to serve you.  Thank You for sending Jesus to love, save, to carry my sins away and to justify.  Keep my focus on Your Holy Spirit's guidance for every step taken.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Empty Out the Resentment Box

There are times in life when words hurt, people disappoint, anger builds and resentment lingers.  Unfortunately, marriages end, friendships sever or children quit speaking to their parents.  These powerful emotions take over our thoughts and destroy our chance for restoration.  We then search elsewhere for happiness or peace.  Some turn to a bottle, drugs, other relationships, illegal activities or other addictions just to get their minds off the hurt and resentment. 

You have heard the saying, 'The grass is always greener on the other side.'  Well, if we venture over to that 'greener' grass, in due time I bet you will find some dead spots in it as well. 

"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,  then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:1-5)

God never leaves us nor forsakes.  We continually sin and fall short of the glory of God; yet, He is not keeping score or building a resentment box to visit every time we step out of line with His plan.  He forgives always, loves wholeheartedly and yearns for a relationship with you.  None of His children grow 'greener grass' than the other.  Yet, all are created to shine for Him.  We must obey and follow Him to be filled with nourishment.  It is then, we will display His goodness, love and truly see how to forgive.  Be Christ-like.  

What does grass need to be green?  It requires fertilization and water.  Well, don't neglect to water and fertilize your own relationships and daily life.  Without the Living Water and Truths provided from God, deadened spots appear and steal nourishment from other areas in your life.  Take a stand on Truth and have the same mindset as Christ.  Intentionally take the hindered relationship and negative words and replace with good things.  List the positive things about your spouse, family and friends every day so to outweigh any resentment from past hurt.  In order to build a relationship, we must love one another, flaws and all!  Don't give up.  Be thankful for all the people God's places in your life.  Empty out the resentment box.  Give it to God.  He will heal!   

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for opening my eyes throughout my life to empty all my resentment boxes created by hurtful situations.  Place a lock on my empty resentment box to never be opened or filled again.  Help me to work through hurt emotions as they come and not keep a running score to build up anger.  Wash clean the slate and fill it with positive thoughts and an understanding mind.  Thank You for loving me unconditionally and creating me for Your purpose.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Overload

My son missed a day of school, so he brought home all the make-up work.  The pile was a pretty good size for a seven year old to complete.  He sat down after school and began to answer each question/equation.  He grew weary and called out to me for answers so he could get up and play. 

Later, he came to me with a tough question.  I helped him by challenging his thoughts to come up with the correct answer.  He knew the answers, but was just not sure how to get there.  This page was his last and he said he could not think anymore.  His brain activity reached capacity for the day.  He experienced brain overload! 

"My soul is weary with sorrow;
   strengthen me according to your word.
Keep me from deceitful ways;
   be gracious to me and teach me your law." (Psalm 119:28-29)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29) 

Do you ever grow tired and weary?  Tired of being physically sick, working overtime, endless cleaning in your home or studying a new concept.  Weary of pain, constant emotional struggles, sadness or continued condemnation.  Our mind, soul and body must receive rest.  Should we wear ourselves too thin, our efforts and actions may become deficient.  Mind and soul overload may creep up on our lives.  Seek God to be in tune with the required rest for yourself. 

My son could not think straight due to working his mind too much.  He needed a break from learning and thinking to just be.  God asks us to obey His commands and complete the tasks laid before us.  He also asks us to rest.  He will refuel your soul with His Truth.  This process is much needed to provide tools to continue on His Way.  Take a break and refuel.  Nourish your spirit with Truth, faith and belief in His promises.  Pause and wait for His timing to continue. 

"I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits,
   and in his word I put my hope." (Psalm 130:5)

God, thank you for another day to serve you.  Bring rest to my body, soul and mind.  Feed me with Truth, guide my every step and lead me to Your Will.  I leave all my burdens, sorrows and pain at the cross.  Take them and use them to strengthen my walk with You.  I thank You for all given to me so I may be purified through and through.  Thank You for loving me unconditionally.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

As For Me and My House. . .

After picking up some fast food on our journey home from vacation, our travel went from straight interstate to a bit country with a few curves.  My children devoured their supper and onward we traveled.  About 20 minutes down the road, I gaze back at my son.  His face looks pale and his eyes look grim.  I quickly asked if all was okay back there.  He assured me that he was not going to get sick.  My parental instinct knew different, so I searched for a bag of some sort. 

Well, it happened!  He looked and felt much better afterwards.  The poor guy did not have the best of ending to our vacation.

In times such as these, our parental instincts kick in and any thoughts of our own comfort or peace escape quickly.  We drop everything and run to the side of our children.  The same reaction may occur when they fall at a playground, venture off in a store or anytime a need must be met immediately.  Every parent experiences many instances of running to the rescue.

But, what about giving attention?  What about making memories?  What about our children's emotional and spiritual health?  Do we drop everything to fulfill these needs?

"And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17)

"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

". . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15) 

God blessed parents with children to raise and teach of His Truth.  In this world, our everyday itinerary may take power over the time we spend with our children.  The thoughts of bills adding up, work to be complete and appointments to keep steal the joy we could have with our children.  I catch myself too often saying, "In a minute; I am too old to play that game; or we need to get going."  Parenting is one of the hardest assignments from God.  These little people rely on us to provide care, love, discipline and also to HAVE FUN!

Venture out of the parental "me" box and promote yourself from mediocre to extraordinary.  Your children will benefit from the attention, time and memories made.  Also, this allows for parents to guide and clarify any concerns/questions while engaging in a conversation.  Use His Truths to lead them and teach them to turn to Him.  It is much better for children to receive attention from us than from this world. 

So, let the housework go, let the laundry slide for a few hours, mow the lawn later and take time to enjoy parenting.  These tasks must be done at some point and I do not suggest never taking care of your home, work or vehicles; but, check your priority list.  Push the children up the list and be a kid again yourself.  Go down that slide, play tag, read a book, build a fort or just enjoy a stroll down the street.  Not only will this benefit the mind, body and soul of your child, but it will also bring joy to your heart.  Seek God for guidance on how to bond closer to your children and really engage in their lives.  He will provide time to complete all other duties! 

God, thank you for this day.  Thank You for my children.  Open my eyes to the important times spent with them.  Guide my every step to teach, discipline and enjoy my time with them.  Take away my pride and allow me to become a child again to play with my children and give them the attention needed.  I give my "me" box to You and I ask for help to do it right, by placing my children over the temporary pleasures and needs of this world.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig   

'Bee a Worker'

Upon visiting an apple orchard with my brother and his family, I learned some interesting facts.  Every orchard must house bees.  The rows of apple trees rely on those bees every spring to aide in growth of the juicy fruit we sink our teeth into.  The little buzzing creatures live in a colony and produce lots of honey.  Some honey is used for human consumption, while the rest fulfills the daily nutritional needs for these bees throughout the winter months.  Come spring, the bees leave their colony and search for apple blossoms among all the trees in the farm.  One feature of bees is hairy legs.  They carry the pollen with their hair from tree to tree.  Any apple blossom not touched by a bee will not produce fruit!

The colony consists of 'worker' bees and the 'queen' bee.  The workers, obviously do all the work, continually produce honey and are the ones to venture out and pollinate the apple blossoms.  Their work produces a harvest of plenty.  They 'listen' to the queen bee's commands and obey her teaching.  The workers learn the specifics on living as a bee in that colony.  They know what is expected and follow to keep harmony and health among the colony.  All work together, not against one another!

"to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.  Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming."

 (Ephesians 4:12-14)

"The trees of the LORD are well watered,
   the cedars of Lebanon that he planted." (Psalm 104:16)

"but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
   and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
   which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
   whatever they do prospers." (Psalm 1:2-3)

As you wake each morning, do so with a mindset of a worker for Christ.  Build up your mind, soul and body with His teachings and Truth.  Take all learned and spread the good news to those appearing in your path.  Travel outside your little group of friends and step boldly for God.  He will guide you to those in need of His Truth.  As you plant seed of Truth, God will water and produce a harvest of plenty.  He is the Farmer which watches closely and assures successful growth.

Work together in unity to spread the knowledge of Christ.  Avoid neglect of one another and/or condemnation.  Yet, build each other up and teach His Truth in love, care and concern of one's spiritual health.  Listen to the Father's teaching so to understand each other and bring harmony under His Law.

We can learn from these little insects.  Work together to produce good.  Obey our Father's law and commands for our daily work required.  Seek others in your path to plant seeds.  Sometimes the fruit grown may not be seen by you, but continue to plant and the Farmer will water.     

God, thank you for this day.  Thank You for providing Truth so I may live by it and produce a life full of happiness, peace and joy.  Thank You for instructing me in each decision.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

This Too Shall Pass

While visiting my brother, my family and I stayed up a bit longer than his family one night.  We watched television and enjoyed down time before hitting the sheets.  All of a sudden, we heard hard rain pounding on the house, lightning flashed in the sky, thunder rolled and the wind picked up tremendously.  The change in weather grabbed the attention of my kids and brought fear into their little bodies.  Then, my brother's dog escaped his crate and peeped around the corner for some comfort.  He too was scared and a little shaky.  The fugitive increased the fear in my son (he despises dogs). 

I went to put the dog up and my brother came down to reprimand the dog for busting out of the crate.  My family and I ventured upstairs to end the evening.  My son, still scared, try to complete nightly duties (brush teeth, use restroom, etc.).  He found it difficult not to focus on the storm outside.  I told both kids that God allows for storms so the ground can receive some moisture.  God will protect us.  Not sure how consoling this would be to a 7 and 3 year old, but it seemed to calm them a bit.  It is hard for them to grasp the idea that this too shall pass.  As my son lay down he said, "God could have warned us."

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
   let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
   that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous;
   you surround them with your favor as with a shield." (Psalm 5:11-12) 

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:5-7)

"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:15;18)

Once we receive the Spirit, our eyes begin to open.  God comes and meets us wherever we may be and guides us to the path intended for our life.  Accepting Him requires faith, believing in the promises made by Him.  He will protect and guard our hearts.  He remains the same, loves continuously and provides a peace beyond our imagination. 

Though this broken world will present trials every day, we must focus on the glory that waits for us.  There will be tough times come our way without any warning.  Cling to Him in the difficult times as well as the joyous times and all works out for His glory.  Storms occur around us, out of our control.  But, like the story of Joseph, intentions may be to harm you; God will bring good out of it and bring all situations in sync with His Will (see Genesis 50:18-20).

As my husband and I comforted our children, God will comfort and see you through anything.  Trust Him and lean not on your understanding.  Use tough times to grow closer to Him and learn even more how to apply His Truth to every situation.  His Word stands true at all times.  Earth needs storms to bring growth and beauty; so does each of our lives.  Remember, this too shall pass!

God, thank you for this day.  Thank You for sending Your Son to die for us and wash away our sins.  Though free will can get me in trouble and create storms from time to time, I know I am forgiven.  I come to You and fall in Your arms to heal and learn from my mistakes.  Thank You for comforting, loving and growing my spirit.  May I take everything I learn, apply it to my every day and spread Truth received.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig

Humility, Not Pride

As life continues on, words will be said without thought, from others and even from our own mouth.  Some words can make a lasting impression on our esteem.  Words carelessly said could damage our outlook on ourselves or affect the path we take next.  On the other hand words said with love or invoked by God can create growth in spirit.

I watch my kids argue with one another or defend themselves when being disciplined and more often than not words are thrown around without thought.  Each child feels the need to speak the last word.  Their body languages increase the intensity behind the words.  The thing is my children are 7 and 3.  Their level of maturity cannot grasp the process of filtering words.  Unfortunately, this process is hard to learn and keep in the forefront when emotions arise among relationships in life. 

As Thumper says, "If you can't say something nice . . . don't say nothing at all."

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5) 

"The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
   and whoever has understanding is even-tempered." (Proverbs 17:27)

"May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
   be pleasing in your sight,
   LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

The words that come from our mouth must be filtered.  Bring your thoughts in sync with God before uttering a sound.  He will guide your speech, actions and thoughts to bring peace, love and understanding among each other.  We need not have the last word.  Change the body language to allow the other person to see care and concern.

Take a stand on His Truth to captivate each thought, restrain from using harsh words or tones and please Him with the meditation of your heart.  If another person fails to live by His Word and throws out careless words towards you; remember His Word reigns true.  Seek Him for healing from any hurt.  Know that His love never fails and you are His child.  He will comfort you as a mother comforts her child.  Avoid any retaliation or need to speak the last word.  Seek to heal, not to win.  Become humble, not proud.

God, thank you for this day.  Filter my words and bring peace.  I often fly off with my emotions and fail to speak with love.  Guide my thoughts and see if any offensive way in me and lead me to Your Truth.  Reveal my negative thinking so I may correct it with Your Truth.  Thank You for loving me always and showing me who You want me to be in life.  I am here, use me in any way to spread Your Truth and help others see You.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig