January 5, 2015
"But he answered and said, it is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4
Jesus said those words to Satan while he was fasting in the desert. He was at the end of His fast of 40 days and 40 nights. The thought of fasting that long just overwhelms me. 40 days and nights without ANY food??? Wow! I am an athletic person.
I am very active, and I value good nutrition. But I love food! There is nothing like having a yummy meal alone or with someone. It is so satisfying to me. I notice there are times when I tend to overdo my eating. If it is a delicious meal or snack, I just want more and more of it.
I was once a smoker. I realized that at some point I stopped enjoying the smokes, yet I continued to smoke for almost 6 years. Why? I realized I'd done this because I was chasing after something. I was searching for something to satisfy me. Something to fill an immediate need. I was chasing after that feeling I got the first time I took a drag. That's how it get sometimes for me with food now that I no longer smoke. Actually, I have always loved food and felt that way about it. What I learned and continue to learn is that food can only satisfy my natural appetite. but at some point, I begin to over compensate because I am spiritually unsatisfied. I need more Jesus. I need more of the word of God.
Jesus makes reference to this at the end of His 40 day and 40 night fast in chapter 4, verse 4. He must have been hungry. He may have even been tired. Yet He stands His ground and states with confidence what is the truth. It isn't enough to feed our physical body. We need to feed our spiritual body as well.
There is nothing like a great meal, therefore, fasting is a challenge for me. However, we are more than just a natural body. We are body, mind and spirit wrapped into one. Each part needs food for survival. We need to feed our bodies food and water. We need to feed our brain with intellect. We need to feed our spiritual man so that we are truly made full and feel satisfied.
Our bodies need food for fuel. Our spirit man needs Jesus. We need the word of God. It helps strengthen us, sustain us and renew us.
Patricia
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
4/365
January 4, 2015
"He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." Psalm 121:3-4
As a parent, sleep goes out the window. In the beginning, the baby wakes up every few hours, and some nights every hour...you can reach the point when you wonder if you will ever get a good night sleep again. We were at that point. Then a miracle occurred, our son started sleeping through the night. We were starting to enjoy this for a while when all of the sudden, he began teething. Now it was a bit dicey. Some nights he'll sleep all the way through. Other nights, he'll wake up between midnight and 3:00am.
The other night, I woke up to his crying over the monitor. I went to get him. Usually, he will settle when I bring him to our room. But on this particular night, he kept crying. I tried calming him with rocking. He kept crying. I gave him water. That usually helps. It did not help. I even changed his diaper thinking that would help him. It calmed him for about a minute. Then he went back to crying. I prayed asking God to help. "Lord please give me some wisdom here. I am tired and frustrated because I can't seem to figure out how to calm him down."
I prefer not to give him milk between 8:30pm and 6:00am, but I honestly felt desperate. I prayed a little more for God's wisdom, and finally decided to give him milk. He gulped it down and was out in a matter of seconds. He wanted to cuddle, so he snuggled against me and sailed off to dream land once again. I lay there wide awake relieved as I watched him sleep.
Then I had a thought, "I wonder if this is how God watches over us." I then, had a further thought, "I wonder if God can sleep, but chooses not to because He wants to keep an eye on His children." I mean, I was wide awake, but my body was sleepy. I yearned for sleep again, but at the same time, I wanted to stay awake and keep an eye on my little guy. I wanted to make sure he was okay.
I continued to chew on the thought of God's ability to sleep. Can God sleep? I mean, we were created in His image. So can He sleep, but He just chooses not to? I realized that I probably will never know the answer to that question...at least on this side of eternity. But I did know that His word says, "He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." Psalm 121:3-4 So even if He is able to sleep, He does not. He finds it more important to keep watch over His children.
Although I was up and tired from interrupted sleep, God gave me this revelation and wisdom about Himself. The nights are a time for me to stay up late and over think things and worry while I lay in bed. He is our protection, so we need not worry. I can rest (pun intended) in confidence knowing that He is keeping watch over me. If He is able to do this for me, He is also able to do this for my son.
Patricia
"He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." Psalm 121:3-4
As a parent, sleep goes out the window. In the beginning, the baby wakes up every few hours, and some nights every hour...you can reach the point when you wonder if you will ever get a good night sleep again. We were at that point. Then a miracle occurred, our son started sleeping through the night. We were starting to enjoy this for a while when all of the sudden, he began teething. Now it was a bit dicey. Some nights he'll sleep all the way through. Other nights, he'll wake up between midnight and 3:00am.
The other night, I woke up to his crying over the monitor. I went to get him. Usually, he will settle when I bring him to our room. But on this particular night, he kept crying. I tried calming him with rocking. He kept crying. I gave him water. That usually helps. It did not help. I even changed his diaper thinking that would help him. It calmed him for about a minute. Then he went back to crying. I prayed asking God to help. "Lord please give me some wisdom here. I am tired and frustrated because I can't seem to figure out how to calm him down."
I prefer not to give him milk between 8:30pm and 6:00am, but I honestly felt desperate. I prayed a little more for God's wisdom, and finally decided to give him milk. He gulped it down and was out in a matter of seconds. He wanted to cuddle, so he snuggled against me and sailed off to dream land once again. I lay there wide awake relieved as I watched him sleep.
Then I had a thought, "I wonder if this is how God watches over us." I then, had a further thought, "I wonder if God can sleep, but chooses not to because He wants to keep an eye on His children." I mean, I was wide awake, but my body was sleepy. I yearned for sleep again, but at the same time, I wanted to stay awake and keep an eye on my little guy. I wanted to make sure he was okay.
I continued to chew on the thought of God's ability to sleep. Can God sleep? I mean, we were created in His image. So can He sleep, but He just chooses not to? I realized that I probably will never know the answer to that question...at least on this side of eternity. But I did know that His word says, "He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep." Psalm 121:3-4 So even if He is able to sleep, He does not. He finds it more important to keep watch over His children.
Although I was up and tired from interrupted sleep, God gave me this revelation and wisdom about Himself. The nights are a time for me to stay up late and over think things and worry while I lay in bed. He is our protection, so we need not worry. I can rest (pun intended) in confidence knowing that He is keeping watch over me. If He is able to do this for me, He is also able to do this for my son.
Patricia
Monday, January 5, 2015
3/365
January 3, 2015
(Intended January 3rd, written January 4th)
"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14
I goofed! I totally did not make the time to complete my devotional for this day. How ironic that I would miss finishing my blog the day after after writing about being a sluggard gets you no where and being diligent does...
I kept telling myself, "You need to do your devotional. But I just never got around to it. As time ticked closer to 12 am, I became more and more disappointed in myself. When I looked at the clock and it read, 12:01 am, I felt like a failure. I'd missed a day already. It was only day 3 and I missed a day! I felt like a failure. I felt like a loser. I was so upset with myself and began comparing myself to other more successful people I know. I told myself, "So and So would have made time to get it done. But you failed once again, Patricia..."
I went on and on beating myself up until I drifted off to sleep. The next morning, I started up again, when I was reminded that I missed the 3rd day. But then, instead of going on and on with the negative self talk, I was reminded of my identity in Christ. I was created in His image. Therefore, I am NOT a failure. God is not a failure, and He created me with a purpose. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I needed to believe that. I needed to remember that and stand firmly on that truth. Also, the last thing I needed to do was compare myself to others. God doesn't work like that. He didn't create me so that I could be more like Halle Berry (who was once my hero when I had acting dreams). He created me so that my life could bring Him glory.
I was also reminded of all the times God used certain people in the Bible from what they believed were their "failures": Moses killing an Egyptian, Abraham and Sarah taking having an heir into their own hands, instead of waiting on God, Peter denying Jesus three times...I could go on, but I think you get the point. Each time, these individuals believed they had failed. But God was able to use their missteps for His good and for their glory.
So having this confidence in mind, I was able to admit that I did not complete the task, plan accordingly so that in the future I am more diligent about completing the blog. Just because the individuals mentioned earlier messed up, or didn't do what they said they would do, did not take away from God's ability to use them. Their mishaps did not make them any less loved or accepted by God. The same is true for me. It all starts with remember who I am in Christ and walking in it.
Patricia
(Intended January 3rd, written January 4th)
"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14
I goofed! I totally did not make the time to complete my devotional for this day. How ironic that I would miss finishing my blog the day after after writing about being a sluggard gets you no where and being diligent does...
I kept telling myself, "You need to do your devotional. But I just never got around to it. As time ticked closer to 12 am, I became more and more disappointed in myself. When I looked at the clock and it read, 12:01 am, I felt like a failure. I'd missed a day already. It was only day 3 and I missed a day! I felt like a failure. I felt like a loser. I was so upset with myself and began comparing myself to other more successful people I know. I told myself, "So and So would have made time to get it done. But you failed once again, Patricia..."
I went on and on beating myself up until I drifted off to sleep. The next morning, I started up again, when I was reminded that I missed the 3rd day. But then, instead of going on and on with the negative self talk, I was reminded of my identity in Christ. I was created in His image. Therefore, I am NOT a failure. God is not a failure, and He created me with a purpose. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I needed to believe that. I needed to remember that and stand firmly on that truth. Also, the last thing I needed to do was compare myself to others. God doesn't work like that. He didn't create me so that I could be more like Halle Berry (who was once my hero when I had acting dreams). He created me so that my life could bring Him glory.
I was also reminded of all the times God used certain people in the Bible from what they believed were their "failures": Moses killing an Egyptian, Abraham and Sarah taking having an heir into their own hands, instead of waiting on God, Peter denying Jesus three times...I could go on, but I think you get the point. Each time, these individuals believed they had failed. But God was able to use their missteps for His good and for their glory.
So having this confidence in mind, I was able to admit that I did not complete the task, plan accordingly so that in the future I am more diligent about completing the blog. Just because the individuals mentioned earlier messed up, or didn't do what they said they would do, did not take away from God's ability to use them. Their mishaps did not make them any less loved or accepted by God. The same is true for me. It all starts with remember who I am in Christ and walking in it.
Patricia
2/365
January 2, 2015
"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat." Proverbs 13:4
One of the main reason people make resolutions, or set goals, is because they want better for themselves. Most of us spend our whole lives wishing and hoping a better life to come along and sit in our lap. But we never find it.
Why is this? We set goals, yet we do not accomplish them. Some of us are afraid. Afraid of failure and yes even afraid of success. Others want what they want, but don't want to have to put in the effort or hard work to get it. There are times when God shows out in our lives without us ever having lifted a finger. However, the majority of the time, we have to put some effort into getting what we want.
Proverbs clearly speaks to this. Sluggard means lazy. A lazy person is no different from a hard working person in that he or she has desires. The difference between the two is in the work effort and ethic. Diligent means attentive and persistent in doing anything. A synonym of diligent is hard working. God may decide to show up and show out in your situation; or He may decide to bless you according to the seeds you've sown. Either way, the importance in keeping any resolution or set goals is to decide what you want. Create a plan so that you don't overwhelm yourself. Make sure you have an end date. Then do a little bit each day that will assist you in getting closer to reaching your goal, AND becoming a better you!
Patricia
"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat." Proverbs 13:4
One of the main reason people make resolutions, or set goals, is because they want better for themselves. Most of us spend our whole lives wishing and hoping a better life to come along and sit in our lap. But we never find it.
Why is this? We set goals, yet we do not accomplish them. Some of us are afraid. Afraid of failure and yes even afraid of success. Others want what they want, but don't want to have to put in the effort or hard work to get it. There are times when God shows out in our lives without us ever having lifted a finger. However, the majority of the time, we have to put some effort into getting what we want.
Proverbs clearly speaks to this. Sluggard means lazy. A lazy person is no different from a hard working person in that he or she has desires. The difference between the two is in the work effort and ethic. Diligent means attentive and persistent in doing anything. A synonym of diligent is hard working. God may decide to show up and show out in your situation; or He may decide to bless you according to the seeds you've sown. Either way, the importance in keeping any resolution or set goals is to decide what you want. Create a plan so that you don't overwhelm yourself. Make sure you have an end date. Then do a little bit each day that will assist you in getting closer to reaching your goal, AND becoming a better you!
Patricia
1/365
January 1, 2015
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God gave us not the spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline."
Happy New Year! Every year we plan new years resolutions as a way to let go of our disappointments of the previous year, and hold on to hope for a new beginning. What a way to wash away the regrets of the old year...
In addition to the hope that most people have going into the new year, for as long as I can remember, I've always had fear. I'm thankful because I made it through this year, but what does the new year hold? I have a dozen questions motivated by fear. "God spared my family this year, but what about next year? Would Him doing it again be too good to be true?" "Will I make it?" "Will something terrible happen to me, or to someone I love?" The thing is, there are no guarantees for those answers. Holding on to the fear and worry over these questions cannot change the outcome. But there is one thing I can hold onto NO MATTER WHAT: GOD!
He is the unshakable hope. And He is so much bigger than all the fears and worry going into the new year. Because He did not give me the spirit of fear, but that of power, love and discipline. The King James version reads this way, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind." In order to keep a sound mind, we must have discipline. Discipline helps us keep our eyes on God. Discipline helps us keep our thoughts on God. It also helps us remember God's promises, even when things don't seem to be going according to God's promises.
Power is something that God has given us through the blood of Jesus. So we must walk in that power. The very same power that raised Christ from the dead lives within us, so we must remember that when fear starts creeping in. We have the power to discipline our minds and decide what thought we'll allow in them and what thoughts we'll throw out.
And of course, God's love is what we must walk in. Knowing God's love, will remind us that His word and promises are true. That He has a great plan for us and although it doesn't always feel like it, He is always with us.
Patricia
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God gave us not the spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline."
Happy New Year! Every year we plan new years resolutions as a way to let go of our disappointments of the previous year, and hold on to hope for a new beginning. What a way to wash away the regrets of the old year...
In addition to the hope that most people have going into the new year, for as long as I can remember, I've always had fear. I'm thankful because I made it through this year, but what does the new year hold? I have a dozen questions motivated by fear. "God spared my family this year, but what about next year? Would Him doing it again be too good to be true?" "Will I make it?" "Will something terrible happen to me, or to someone I love?" The thing is, there are no guarantees for those answers. Holding on to the fear and worry over these questions cannot change the outcome. But there is one thing I can hold onto NO MATTER WHAT: GOD!
He is the unshakable hope. And He is so much bigger than all the fears and worry going into the new year. Because He did not give me the spirit of fear, but that of power, love and discipline. The King James version reads this way, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and of a sound mind." In order to keep a sound mind, we must have discipline. Discipline helps us keep our eyes on God. Discipline helps us keep our thoughts on God. It also helps us remember God's promises, even when things don't seem to be going according to God's promises.
Power is something that God has given us through the blood of Jesus. So we must walk in that power. The very same power that raised Christ from the dead lives within us, so we must remember that when fear starts creeping in. We have the power to discipline our minds and decide what thought we'll allow in them and what thoughts we'll throw out.
And of course, God's love is what we must walk in. Knowing God's love, will remind us that His word and promises are true. That He has a great plan for us and although it doesn't always feel like it, He is always with us.
Patricia
365 Posts
So everyone likes doing new years resolutions. I am not immune to this tradition. I wanted to do something that would allow me to contribute to the world using my gifts once again. Ever since we moved back from LA in 2011 and I stopped acting, I've felt like I haven't given much to the world. It wasn't until I made the decision to embrace health coaching through Herbalife with my hubby that I started feeling more like I was giving back. There is nothing like encouraging people to become better versions of themselves. I honestly believe I have the gift of encouragement. I mean, I was a cheerleader for 4 years, then a cheerleader coach for one year. Now it all makes so much more sense. :)
Writing is also one of my gifts. I have missed writing for a very long time. Each year, I plan to get back to it. But I always fall off. As 2014 came to a close, I thought again about how I could make an even bigger contribution to the world in 2015. A friend of mine is a photographer, and one year she did a 365 photo project. That meant she did a photo for each day of the year. It was pretty impressive. I don't think she missed a day either. That thought occurred to me as I wondered what I would do in 2015. I was inspired, and wondered if I should commit to 365 devotionals. So this is my contribution.
Patricia
Writing is also one of my gifts. I have missed writing for a very long time. Each year, I plan to get back to it. But I always fall off. As 2014 came to a close, I thought again about how I could make an even bigger contribution to the world in 2015. A friend of mine is a photographer, and one year she did a 365 photo project. That meant she did a photo for each day of the year. It was pretty impressive. I don't think she missed a day either. That thought occurred to me as I wondered what I would do in 2015. I was inspired, and wondered if I should commit to 365 devotionals. So this is my contribution.
Patricia
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Purpose
Do you know your purpose? Why you were created? Some of us are fortunate enough to figure it out as early as 5 years of age. Others have to wait a little longer to discover their purpose. Furthermore, some of us leave this earth without ever realizing our purpose.
Do we all realize what it is we're supposed to do by the time we reach 5 years old? Is it that some of us are just wired to focus on that purpose and more willing to move toward it, while others are too afraid to go there? Is the decision ours or is it out of our control?
What does God say about purpose?
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
God seems to have a lot to say about purpose, which leads me to believe it is important. The challenge is figuring out your true purpose. What with all the distractions in this world, it's hard not to see why it takes some so long to figure it out.
What do you do when you feel like you have no purpose?
Ephesians 2:10 clearly states, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
So whether we feel it or not, we all were created with a purpose. Now to discover it...that is the challenge. Our journeys are all different. We are not all purposed for the same thing. But one thing we can know is that we do have a purpose. Even when it does not feel that way, it is important for us to remember that our feelings are fickle. No matter how we feel, it is up to us if we want to let them keep us chained down, or if we will let them go and move forward. Trust in Him and what He says, not what you feel.
It is also important to remember that God said to ask, and it shall be given. If we're not sure, we can go to God and ask. We may have to wait on Him, but we must be confident that He hears us, and that He will respond. Most importantly, we must remain confident that He can do all things but lie.
PAR
Do we all realize what it is we're supposed to do by the time we reach 5 years old? Is it that some of us are just wired to focus on that purpose and more willing to move toward it, while others are too afraid to go there? Is the decision ours or is it out of our control?
What does God say about purpose?
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Proverbs 16:4 The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
Psalm 138:8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
What do you do when you feel like you have no purpose?
Ephesians 2:10 clearly states, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
So whether we feel it or not, we all were created with a purpose. Now to discover it...that is the challenge. Our journeys are all different. We are not all purposed for the same thing. But one thing we can know is that we do have a purpose. Even when it does not feel that way, it is important for us to remember that our feelings are fickle. No matter how we feel, it is up to us if we want to let them keep us chained down, or if we will let them go and move forward. Trust in Him and what He says, not what you feel.
It is also important to remember that God said to ask, and it shall be given. If we're not sure, we can go to God and ask. We may have to wait on Him, but we must be confident that He hears us, and that He will respond. Most importantly, we must remain confident that He can do all things but lie.
PAR
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)