by Gail Rodgers
**Perhaps you are struggling today. Please, let us help you: http://thelife.com/interactive/share.html
We sat around our backyard fire. As we watched the stars come out we talked about how to walk our faith out on a day-to-day basis. We would look at what the Bible had to say about business ethics, raising kids, and dealing with church politics or prickly people. At the end of many of our discussions Jerry would say, “It really all comes down to abiding.”
I still keep coming back to that. It truly is the answer to walking out our Christian faith where the rubber meets the road…and it affects our praying.
John 15 describes so well the picture of what abiding is. The picture is clear of the branch attached to the vine and producing much sweet fruit.
Jesus explains the picture and reminds us that He is the vine and we are the branches. It is only when the power of the Holy Spirit flows through us that we are able to touch lives with His love. A life changed by Jesus’ love is the fruit produced. Apart from Him we are able to do nothing of any eternal value.
Life Lesson: Biblical perspective on the end times
Experience It: Living in the power of the Holy Spirit
Then Jesus goes on to say something truly amazing…
“If you remain (abide) in me and my words remain (abide) in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15: 7, 8).
Suddenly it is very clear. My abiding in Christ will even affect my prayers. In the original Greek this word “abide” means to “continue to be present.”
If I “continue to be present” with Christ and make time in His presence a priority, I abide in Him. As I seek Him throughout my day, in each decision I encounter, I abide in Him.
If I let His Words of truth from the Bible “continue to be present” in my life, applying them to my heart and my actions, then His words abide in me… and even my prayers will be effective.
This, in turn, will make my God renowned. It will show the world around me just who my God is and others will be drawn to Him.
When God’s Word is a continuing presence in my life, guiding my thoughts, actions and attitudes, then my prayers will be different from the self - centered requests I often beg God for. The results will be for eternity.
Our fulfillment in this life comes as we bear fruit for the next life. Keep God’s Word central in your heart and in your life. Let His words “continue to be present” as you walk out your faith in front of a world that needs to know “who my God is”!
~ Father God,
Fan the desire in my heart to read Your Word. Make it clear to me so it will guide my thoughts and my actions. Reveal to me the treasures in Your Word. Cause me to pursue it more than silver or gold or any other thing, for Your words are life to my soul. In Jesus’ strong name I pray, amen.
Questions: In your own words, what does “abiding in Christ” mean to you? How will the fact that you are abiding in Christ affect your prayers?
About the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/authors/gail-rodgers/
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October 25th, 2007 at 3:14 am
OH wow!!!!!What a wonderful devotional. I never thought of thing this way. Gail you did a wonderful job with this devotional.
October 25th, 2007 at 4:29 am
Thank you for this devotional for we need to be reminded that our actions are just a reflection of how we let God abide in us. Reading His word and practice what it says in our daily walk and earthly relationships is what every christian should practice.
Sylvie
October 25th, 2007 at 5:14 am
Thanks for the explanation of abiding as “continue to be present” that is a phrase that will stay with me and remind me of who I am in Christ as I seek to let His love flow through me
October 25th, 2007 at 6:52 am
Good Morning, Thank you for such a reminder of abiding in Jesus Christ. Prayer, is such a sweet smelling aroma to Our King Jesus! Sometimes, I find myself talking about him, rather, than to HIM! One of my favorite parables in scripture is found in Luke 13:6: The man had a gardener who served him was there to be nurturing the ground on his property or presence. However, when the owner checks his tree for fruit…there is none. I do not want this tree to be taking up ground and bearing no fruit. This fruit was of great importance as the owner stated, “I have come SEEKING fruit on this fig tree (us). Finally, the owner said, “CHOP IT DOWN!” The tree had been there for 3 YEARS!! Wow, now that is enough time to abide in it’s source of growth and fruit. Repentance, then comes in and a promise to Our King to forgive and another chance to dig and fertilize. The worker, knew in his heart, he had not been feeding (our daily bread) and weeding (confessed sin). This resulted in a barren tree just taking up space but most of all standing out to others that this man calls himself a gardener (Christian). The tree should have been cut down. However, we serve a King of Mercy and Compassion. The man was given another year (yeah God) to abide by and in his word. Yes, Jesus abides in us and sometimes we take him for granted. He is so faithfull as we become withered and dried tree’s, however, the Lord also knew his heart and he was sincere. Today, Ladies…prepare your tree’s as it is time to FALL on our knee’s and reliaze our part, of faithfullness to a Father we serve. Lord, I am hoping to bring you a plate of fruit with your love and name on it! The fruit, will be healthy and fresh as you Lord, are my fertilizer … my Miracle Grow and Bloom Buster!! Abiding, in Christ and the Indwelling Waters of the Holy Spirit, WE thank you in the name of Jesus! Your servants, keep us and find us faithfilled… fruitfilled…we ask in your Precious name, “JESUS!” Oh, by the way Lord you, kept seeking after the heart and soul for that man, so let us be wisemen that still seek YOU!! AMEN!!!
October 25th, 2007 at 6:54 am
thank you for a wonder reminder of what we are to do
sharon
October 25th, 2007 at 6:59 am
As we returned from our home after being evacuated from the fire storm, this is such a wonderful reminder. Even in such stressful times, it is even more important to remember, that Christ is with us and abides in us as we abide within him. I have seen Christ these past few days in so many people who are so willing to help and show their care and concern to those who are in need. Thank you Jesus for being with us, protecting our family and even bringing out rainbows when it seemed like fire storms were threatening to overtake us.
October 25th, 2007 at 7:09 am
This scripture has always confused me, as I have been taught to believe “once saved, always saved”….the security of the believer. The scripture John 15:7 & 8, where it says “If you (remain) abide in me”…..seems to me indicates that one may fall from grace….losing their salvation.
I realize there are other scriptures that tell us otherwise…that nothing can snatch us away from our Savior, but this very verse has always bothered me.
There was a time that I walked so closely to the Lord and it was only Him that led me through a most difficult time in my life. I knew His presence then….He spoke to me )Not audibly) giving me the assurance that I would get through that time. This happened several times as I was in fervent prayer with Him.
Now I am finding that I have drifted so far away from Him, I no longer even have a desire to read His word, communicate with Him. I do and have been praying that He will give me the desire to walk intimately with Him once again, but just feel He has let go of me.
October 25th, 2007 at 7:23 am
patti iwill be praying for you to get back closer to the Lord
bless you
sharon
October 25th, 2007 at 7:25 am
Patti,
He has not let go of you and never will. He loves you. My prayers are with you … just dive back into His Word and loving arms for He has them wide open for you always but at this time (the gentleman that He is) is waiting on you. So please don’t delay and discipline yourself to start back up - k? (((( patti )))))) we love you Sis
October 25th, 2007 at 7:31 am
Patti,
We have all been where you are and it will pass as you continue to make a conscious decision to believe the truth of who God says you are in Him. His grace is sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9) and God can be trusted (Isa 28:16) I join your other sisters in Christ here in praying for a renewal of your spirit as you spend time in His Word
Ginger
October 25th, 2007 at 7:39 am
Patti
I too will be praying for you to bring you closer to our LORD. I have learned by turning things over to the LORD the right decisions are made. I learned a long time ago that the little voice or gut feeling I get is the LORD speaking to me letting me know what is right for me. The times I haven’t listened to that voice or feeling i’ve gotten myself into trouble. But by letting God take control the right things for me have happened.
I will pray for you Patti
October 25th, 2007 at 7:52 am
Thank you ladies so much. I’m overwhelmed with your kindness and assurance that you are praying for me….
October 25th, 2007 at 7:55 am
Hi Patty…I hope, I did not say anything to confuse you. The reason, I can write that is because, I am that person as I run the race home to heaven. Like you, we all do fall or just take Jesus for granted. Jesus, spoke in parables because even today can see and receive things other’s with cold stone hearts WILL not accept. WILL, is what makes us all different as we are not robots. You made a decision and acceepted Jesus by your own personal will. You are saved and sealed..that is by, the blood of Jesus, who at that point had not been offered as our payment for sin. The sacrifice of his blood was not nailed to the cross. The scripture I pointed out in Luke was actually talking about Israel or for us when we start doing things on our own. However, they did not have the act of SALVATION OR RECEIVED the INDWELLING of the HOLY SPIRIT!! The comforter and counselor. YOU, are saved and yes…I am a sinner and I am need of a saviour. We, all do the same thing to the tree as he seeks us even when we are sleeping. One drop of his blood saved the world of all that receive and believe. Patty, Jesus loves you so much as he see’s our heart’s desire and even our undesire’s before we do. The people from 911, Katrina, Fires and the decline of our economy is really making me question myself. Is my oil lamp lit? Jesus, made us and we are written in the palm of his hand. I have to sit still and know that he is GOD. Because, you and I would not even be reading these devotional’s. Please, forgive me if sent a wrong message on abiding or indwelling. His indwelling love, is within our hearts and the marrow that only Jesus can see. I prayed at the end for all of us!! You have a God of miracle’s…so today..ask for Miracle Grow…Jesus, does have a sense of humor!…..In his abiding and indwelling Love your sister in Jesus Christ.Toni
October 25th, 2007 at 7:58 am
Ladies,
I appreciate these so much. Please join me in prayer again for my daughter. Some of you have prayed with me this summer at various times. She is 19 years old and has been making bad choices one after another. I thought this time was over, and found out last night that probably it is not. My heart is very grieved with this situation, and I have been reading these devotionals and your replies during the day to help and to also pray for you.
October 25th, 2007 at 8:02 am
Patti - How it must make you feel to know that the Holy Spirit was with you all the way through your previous problem and how good it must make you feel to know that God has sent so many to pray for you today. He wants you back doesn’t He? Of course He does - He just loves you so much. But I think it is our human selves that can get guilt going when we are not talking to Him as much and maybe feel we don’t deserve to come back to Him. But of course He loves you - “indescribably” and will show that great, wonderful grace! I’m sure you will make those steps toward Him - afterall, you are reading the daily devotional and that is time in the Word.
Cathy from California - It is great to hear a true current story of strength gained from knowing the Lord during a crisis of such magnitude. It is hard to know that some people go through the same crises without the knowledge of His promises to protect and provide. Keep spreading the word out there in California!
Lynda from Texas
October 25th, 2007 at 8:04 am
Patti,
I know exactly how you feel. I am going through an extremely difficult time in my life. I am battling depression and my husband’s unemployment. I want so badly to feel God wrap his arms around me, and I’m not feeling his presence in my life. I know how you feel when you say you don’t have a desire to read his word. I want to be close with him, I just don’t feel like I know how. I do know that I have been praying in a very selfish way, and I want to learn how to pray differently. Thank you for sharing Patti. I will pray for you!
October 25th, 2007 at 8:26 am
Michelle,
Your story is very much as mine. One day out of the blue, something happened to me…depression enveloped me as I have never known. I felt driven to suicide, yet knew I had everything a woman would want…a good husband with a good job and wonderful children. I could not understand what was happening. Long to short, I ended up in a hospital on several occassions, not just for treatment, but to keep me safe from myself. It wasn’t so much that I wanted to die as it was that I couldn’t face another day with the unbearable sense and pain of the depression. Thank God I hung on somehow, sought treatment for over 4 years, in and out of the hospital and therapy twice a week during that time. I praise God for sending me to the doctors that He provided. It was during those years that He covered me with His love and protection. Even so, it was ever so difficult, but I came out of it a stronger woman than I went into it. I might add that tho I couldn’t pray for myself, there were family and friends bathing me in prayer and I knew I was in the shadow of His love.
Four years later after I was released from treatment, my husband lost his job of 20 years. It was devastating and came right on the heels of my healing and coming back to the Lord. We really didn’t know what we were going to do, but God provided and He will for you too. For us, He didn’t provide a job for my husband, He did provide a means of income. Our marriage is stronger from these experiences and I believe we both realize the important things in life and recognize the blessings.
October 25th, 2007 at 8:37 am
Hi ladies, it’s Dianne (:-})here. I just want everyone to know that my Internet is down as of last night. I am writing from the library and have limited time, so I can’t respond to any of the messages that I have been able to scan from today and the last two days. Hopefully my husband contacts tech support in between his bus runs today! I will take more time to go over everything once we are back up at home.
Ironically, just yesterday afternoon, my husband once again told me that he is concerned about how much time I spend with this site, and I told him that I have been getting the greatest portion of my encouragement and teaching from women at this site these days (that might not be entirely good though, because I DO have access to women at church and in recovery, some of which are in both, and I am not as comfortable talking with people face to face as I am on the net, and I am not risking with them the way I should be). Then when I came home last night, and tried to check up on replies, we couldn’t connect. The diagnostics program couldn’t fix the problem either, and directed us to contact our ISP.
You know, I am not crazy about the subject of Satan’s manipulations and influence, but I am beginning to wonder how much of what we have been going through–me especially–actually is that. From 17-19 years old, I was very into the occult, but God helped me get away from that by putting me into recovery (He answered “yes” to my prayers about getting away from it and staying away from it.) promptly (and eventually to church and to Christ)!
My husband has told me that he thinks the reason I have such a tough time with recovery and spiritual growth is because I once was involved in that stuff. That kind of situation wasn’t part of what I was taught growing up in the church that I grew up in, but probably because the church I am in now draws people from many different denominations, I have heard at least one other person say what my husband has said.
I don’t want to fall too far into blaming the devil for my negative thoughts and patterns, because that is such a perfect way for me to make excuses for myself (and believe me, I can!) On the other hand, things like the computer going down right after I said what I said, on top of the struggles I have had–especially after he came to Christ and we have gotten back together–makes me wonder at least a little bit.
But once a Christian, Satan isn’t supposed to be able to touch me, right? I read in a Christian magazine that the battle is to be between Christ and Satan (and Christ already won) and all I have to do is ask God to handle it when it appears that I am being harassed.
Maybe I need to consider this possibility with a more open mind. When I was into the occult, there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that the devil was real and powerful. Now I tend to see him as a pesky little thing that can be brushed away like fly. I deny his reality.
I hope I haven’t opened up a can of worms that will scare away people new to the site, or new to Christianity, or seeking. I know this is a very touchy subject to many people, but maybe I DO need to look more closely at it. Maybe it would be better to do this with face to face people in my life?
What do you think?
Oh, I have to go! Hopefully we will be back on line tonight!
Thank you SO much, ladies :-}!
October 25th, 2007 at 9:12 am
These comments about not knowing how to pray or not being able to at this time, etc. were all on Charles Stanley’s sermon this morning. I listened on the way to work and it was great. Stanley said that he too struggles at times and Paul in the Bible stuggled - basically - we all struggle. But Stanley said that even if we don’t know exactly how to state our prayer, that God knows what you are trying to pray and what is in your heart and He will listen and reply.
Dianne - On the devil not being able to touch you because you are a Christian……It is my understanding that he is indeed all around and can touch your actions as he is now in your life. That is why it is important to stay in fellowship with the Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit so you can put on the armor of God. I like to picture that “wormy” little devil trying to get into me and say to myself, “There is NO WAY that you are going to win over my loving Heavenly Father. He loves me too much and has done too much for me.” You will be fine - just have that faith and expect to be.
Lynda
October 25th, 2007 at 9:34 am
This was a great reminder of abiding in Gods Word, I looked up the defanition of abiding and this is what I found: Lasting, permanant, continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place “imperishable truths”
What streangth the word abiding has PERMANANT, LASTING!!!
I know we all are facing things in our life that seem impossable but the Word says that if we abide in him HE WILL MAKE A WAY!
Patti: Abide in him and he will make a way he loves you and he wants you to trust him in the middle of this tragic fire, my prayer is that God puts you in the path of many that need hope be his light he will use you!!
Tammy;Abide in him…Trust Gods word he will show you the steps to take…I was your daughter once and my Mother prayed daily for me and because she spoke Gods promises into my life I turned to God, So today I stand with you believing Gods word and Trusting he will keep your daughter safe and change her heart..Never give up nothing is impossible for our God!!!
October 25th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Michelle & Patti I sure wish I new you and what you were going through as My story is the same as yours. I just woke up one day and it was if someone pulled down the blinds and I was depressed, super depressed and I just want to clear one thing up this had nothing to do with the death of my daughter it was quite a few years later.. I started to see a physciatrist but I was still driven to suicide about 4 or 5 times. I spent many weeks in the hospital, had shock treatments which did nothing except cause me to loose my long term and short term memory. I am still on medication and still have days when I wake up totally depressed but my point is first I am a Spirit Filled Born Again Christian but all through that time there was no way I had any desire to read the Word Of God. I had a hard time understanding why this was happening to me as I had been through so much in my life already but one thing I could do was listen to was Christian Music. I totally believe that scripture that says Nothing Can Separate You From The Love Of God but still I continually doubt my Salvation. Just a week ago I was out for coffee with a Christian Friend and I turned around and she was gone & my heart skipped a beat because I thought Oh!!! The Rapture Has Happened. When I was a Teenager every time there was an alter call I went down for salvation, every time, I was so afraid that I was not saved.
I know God has been with me through everything & I have gone through for a reason and so far that has mostly been to help encourage other who are going through the same situation but I would never tell any of them my doubt of my salvation, because on the other Hand I Know God Is In Control Of My Life and NOTHING GOOD OR NOTHING BAD HAPPENS TO ME WITHOUT IT PASSING BY JESUS FIRST. So I guess what I am saying is I sure would appreciate along with Patti that Complete Peace From God Knowing That I Am Saved And Am Going To Go To Heaven When I Die Or If He Comes Back First. May The Lord Richly Bless Each & Everyone Of You!
October 25th, 2007 at 10:03 am
Linda….how well I know your fears and doubts. Just lately I have been thinking about rapture and fear I will be left. I could tell you ways the Lord spoke to me during those years of deep deep dispair…that are just beyond my understanding. Some would doubt if I told my story, but I know and what revelations they were to me during that time.
I too, during that time listened to Christian music. In fact I am a muscian…a keyboard/pianist. I stayed up untold nights..playing Christian music until the wee hours. I was trained a classical pianist, but it was during those times that gospel music simply fell upon my fingers…arrangements that were not mine, but His. That music…was my only refuge and communion with the Lord during those times. I still have the original recordings and tho beautiful as He gave them to me, are a haunting reminder of the pain in my soul then. Do immerse yourself in your Christian music ..
I wish I could connect with you personally….Tho, as I have said I have a hard time even wanting to pray and read the word, I will pray for you…and you as well, Michelle.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Uplifting each prayer request and believing for and with you, Dear Sisters… What a wonderful “outpouring” of love and prayer one for another have just read..Gail’s devotional full of wisdom and strength for our daily Walks..Keeping an “open line” daily with the Savior our unherited gift when we become His Child.
“Thank you, JESUS, for leading us here today and for the genuine caring and “fellowship” at this uplifting place…where your Daughters can be honest and express concerns and be helped..and help others.. in their journeys..Be with each one who is separated from your Precious and freeing Word, dear Lord..We rebuke the enemy in this in JESUS’ Name..Help them get your Word down in them that they can deflect the enemy’s darts..Encourage and give all teachable spirits, Lord, and “make a way” for them, Father. Each one that has been so honest here today before your Throneroom and seeks your help..YOU are the Healer and can remove depression and we ask for that in your powerful name..Guide, lead, draw and comfort, Beloved Father..We Praise You for all the ways you indwell our days and are there for us as we turn towards You..Blessings upon each precious Daughter here today, Father…We Love You and feel your unconditional love towards us, too. Cause Praises to overflow from us this day, Father, we ALL love you and want to sing your Praises..Thank you for never giving up on us..For always being nearby..just a prayer away..Fill us with your Holy Spirit and give us your strength and your Joy…We love you with all our hearts and souls”. Amen and Amen.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:46 am
So sorry I ment to type cathy’s name in my comment but put patti instead..BUT Patti; my prayers are with you also hold fast to Gods promises never give up on him because he won’t give up on you-There are days I don’t feel like I’m where I should be with God and there are even days I don’t feel like talking to God, and on those days I have to tell satan to get under my feet where he belongs that no matter what he says or how I may feel that day that I am a CHILD OF GOD..He’ll bring you through this Patti just keep praying.. and always know ther are so may here believing and praying for you daily!!
October 25th, 2007 at 11:01 am
Cathy,
Forgot to “thank you” for the beautiful Praise report from CA..which heartens us all and increases hope in other circumstances in each life here today..Amen and Amen…So grateful for your safe return to your home and for all the love you saw HIM do through His Children out there during that situation… Loved your beautiful thought about the Rainbows in the aftermath of those threatening storms..His Promise..Hallelujah.. (((Cathy and Family)))
October 25th, 2007 at 11:09 am
Patti, thank you very much for being so understanding and for your prayers. I have things that I made while I was hospitalized that I won’t have around also because of the horrible memory that they bring back to me. I would love to hear from you if you really did want to email me. Just go back to http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2007/10/20/a-glorious-future/
and you will find my email address listed in that sight. If you choose not to then I understand.
Fran once again as always for your words of wisdom and your prayers,
and Michelle & Patti I will be praying for you both also. May The Lord Surround you Both With His Love.
October 25th, 2007 at 11:19 am
Linda R, Michelle and Patti…
“See” wonderful things through my spirit eyes for each precious one of you! YOu each have such talents..and HE has used them, right now, today at this site! Remember? Our Lord had to go away by Himself, at times, to fellowship with His Father..The “burdens” are so great sometimes in this earthen walk..But HE understands because He walked this earth and experienced in the human body! He cherishes and loves each precious one of you! And? The thought occurred to me just now reading the additional comments before heading out for the afternoon? He brought you ladies here for “such a time as this” to help one another! Great things are going to be birthed out of this..And am sooo excited at the prospects of that!! Thank YOU Lord…Will be lifting us all as am out and about..And BELIEVE in you and Your LOVE OF HIM!!! That LOVE will heal, too! (((HUGS)))
October 25th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Linda R. and Patti;
There is a web site called Simpletruths.com if you will go there and click on Inspirational movies it will give you different “Short movies” to watch there are 2 that are really good they are called “The Dash” and “The Strangest Secret” I would love for you to go there and watch them hope they lift you up today God Bless!!
October 25th, 2007 at 11:49 am
Maia I went to that site and watched both of the movies, I first watched Dash, I had to go back to what I had written as my comment in todays devotional as to be honest I am not really sure why you suggested that to me and was a bit taken back, then I watched The Strangest Secret once again I reread my comment and I clearly feel that you do not Understand that depression (mine is bipolar) is a disease not a state or choice I make my mind to be in. I only explained my situation to tell Patti I knew exactly how she felt. Either movie has nothing to do with my doubts I have once in awhile of being a Christian and yet I Know Deep Down That I Am Because Of Gods Word. I hope I haven’t offended you but I felt I needed to clear this situation up.
October 25th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Linda R;
No offense taken I’m sorry I misunderstood what you were going through.. my prayers and thoughts are with you.
October 25th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Linda, I have your email and will be in touch. It is so difficult to understand things when we haven’t walked in another’s shoes. Christians are not immune to things like depression, etc.
I want you to listen to these words. It is from a beautiful song called “Through” It speaks volumes to me..I believe it will to you also.
“When I saw what lay before me, I cried Lord, what will you do? I thought He would just remove it, but He gently led me through. Without fire there’s no refining. Without pain, no relief. Without flood, there’s no rescue. Without testing, no belief.
Thru the fire. Thru the flood. Thru the waters. Thru the blood. Thru the dry and barren places. Thru life’s dense and maddening mazes. Thru the pain…and thru the Glory. Thru will always tell the story. Abba, God…Whose power and mercy will not fail to take us through.”
I will pray for you dear friend…..and thant you, all of you ladies that have ministered to me in a glorious way today.
October 25th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Maia, thank you for your prayer & I am sorry if I sounded rude, I have not been sleeping at night. The last two nights I have been up till 5:30am because of my chronic pain.
Patti the song is beautiful just beautiful. Who wrote is or sings it? Thank you too for your prayers and looking forward to hearing from you. You also will be in my prayers.
Thank you ladies each and everyone of you. We all live in different parts of North America yet we all seem so close to each other & it is so wonderful that we can all connect Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. I try to keep a little diary by my computer so I can write down each new prayer request as it comes in, so I too can be praying for each one of you. remember “KEEP SMILING FOR JESUS”
October 25th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
Linda, it was written by Bill and Gloria Gaither and recorded by the Gaither Vocal Band. The title of the CD is “Give It Away”. There are two more songs on the CD that I especially relate…”I Will Go On” and “A Place Called Hope”.
This is the first time I have come to this site and what a blessing it has been. I am already feeling the prayers of you ladies.
God bless all of you!
October 25th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
Linda R;
I’m sorry too for misunderstanding the problems you were having, I often go to the web site I told you about to get motavation they truly have beutiful messages there..and again you wern’t rude at all, I pray that God touches your body and that you have a restful night tonight.
October 25th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
This devotional is so true. Speaking for myself I pray and get discouraged because I don’t get my prayers answered and may be it is because I am not being all I can be for the Lord. It is a close walk isn’t it? That verse comes to my mind If you abide in me and keep my commandments what ever you ask will be given to you. (Or something like that)I know I need to abide more in the Lord. Dear Lord help us. We know the time is getting shorter and we need to be about your business and make sure we are ready.
October 25th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
Patti,
I kind of feel differently about John 15. Look at the entire passage and see that He’s talking about we can do nothing without Him. He also mentions that if we are His disciples we will bear much fruit. I don’t feel like this is about salvation it’s about loving Him, following His commands and being His disciple. Another thought, if His Word is not in us, we don’t know what our rights are as a Christian nor what we are to be doing for Him. Just my thoughts. Hope it may help a little.
October 25th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
Hi again Ladies, I have been praying for all of us today. I am new to the site and yes…Depression..can rob us of sleep to thinking we are totally lost. My best friend reads the devotionals at this site but doesn’t comment. We spoke about abiding and being saved. Well, as the day ends I am happy that we all have Jesus. As he see’s us fall asleep tonight, (even if it’s for 5 minutes) give him all your tears and fears as he is up all NIGHT anyway!! To all of you ladies from California (I’m in the Midwest)prayer’s and thoughts are with you. Do you all live near each other? Hi Fran..I am happy you are here! My computer was down! Just like the flesh sometimes..Down! This was such a great topic. I know Jesus is happy and smiling that we all want to make sure we abide in him but, most of all we will reside with him eternally. Jesus, again I thank you for a special site as this. These ladies here all love you and me included! Rest within us as we hide your word in our hearts. Jesus, you are the word! No matter what tomorrow holds may you continue to abide in us when we aren’t abiding. Your faithfullness and mercy’s are new every morning! Great is your Faithfullness!! Yeah God!! In his perfect time and in his perfect peace. toni
October 25th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
Dianne,
I’ve had you on my mind the past two days, hoping to hear from you at this site. This site has been very helpful in that we all can share with one another without fear. Sometimes in person people won’t share things that could help free others because they’re afraid. I would pray and ask the Lord to guide you about spending time here. There is a lot of good advice here and many of us ladies share the same things. It just helps to talk.
On the other hand, I can understand somewhat of where you’re coming from re: the occult. My parents (and us kids) were involved in the deliverance ministry. My advice to you is to know that if you have renounced satan and your involvement in these things (forgiveness) and asked Jesus into your heart, satan has no more hold on you. But be wise, he had you once and he will try harder to get you back if he can. Know what the Word says and make it your goal not to associate yourself with any of those past things. If satan tries to tell you that God could never use you because you’ve messed up in the past…..DO NOT BELIEVE HIM!!!! You command those thoughts to leave in the name of Jesus and plead the blood of Jesus over yourself, you’re forgiven, it’s gone. I don’t know if you read my response to you yesterday but I will tell you again, “When satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!” He is powerful but God is more powerful and Jesus went to hell and took the keys away from him. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be our friend and teacher, ask Him to help you see and hear things clearer. My e-mail is renaelawson1@yahoo.com if you should ever want to talk. Freedom is yours and always will be…praying for you…renae
October 25th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Thank you Renae…I will read that again with what you said in mind…..
October 25th, 2007 at 5:43 pm
Back from afternoon of errands and Praising the Lord for a car today (thanks to a precious, loving daughter and her family’s scarfice..Praying HE reigns down blessings on them!) And, Praising HIm that we “could” get out and about! Will never take things like that for granted, again! Prayed the whole time..Believing for miracles of pain relief for you precious ones dealing with that! For ALL prayers offered earlier today to be heard by our Father and “relief” in ALL ways for those seeking.. Thank you, dear Patti, for that Praise Report that you are feeling the prayers..Amen and Amen…Got encouraged all over again reading the ways you are lifting one another UP and learning ..And, Toni?! Am so glad you are here, too! You are a special “vine” He’s placed here.. Each precious one of you a blessing! The Lord is doing something very special at this site..an anointed meeting place where His unconditional love reigns..And? I believe with all my heart..we are “called” here by HIM..He is “teaching” through these wonderful devotional writers..And, through all the sharings..Linda R is right! We are all over the North America.. and world… yet our hearts and prayers joined as if we were “right next door”! Only YOU Lord could do that!! Thank you for each daughter here, Father..Amen.
October 25th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Ladies, during prayer I was reminded of Jesus being tempted in the desert. We ALL go throught times where we feel like we’re in the desert (alone) or lost somewhere out there but take this passage to heart and read with your spiritual eyes on (Matthew 4:1-11)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=4&version=31
October 25th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Lynda and Patti - I have 2 small children, which obviously leaves me very little time to actually sit at the computer and read or type. That is why it is now 8PM before I am finally able to get back to the postings. I thank you SO much for sharing your stories, for the first time, I don’t feel like I’m crazy, there is someone else out there who knows what I’m going through. Is there a way to e-mail either one of you? Can I click on the link Lynda and possibly e-mail you? I hope you read this as I know it is late and there will be new postings tomorrow. Thanks to each and every one of you who has shared your wisdom, encouragement love and most of all prayers. God Bless each and every one of you!
Michelle
October 25th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Renae..
Thank you for the powerful reminder in Mark 4:1-11..HIS “It is Written…” and teachings of how to deflect the enemy a strong addition..Amen!
October 25th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
Correction ..Matthew 4:1-11…The enemy trembles when those powerful “It is Written” passages repeated to him..and he does “flee” …Hallelujah!!!!
October 25th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Michelle….my personal email is pstew49@hotmail.com. I will be out of town all day tomorrow, but will be in touch…..No, you aren’t crazy.
October 25th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Michelle, it is Linda R and if you were talking about me I would more than love to hear from you. I don’t think you are crazy at all. I think it is so wonderful how The Lord brings people together who have gone through the same or similar situation and can be an encouragement to one another. My email address is lrohne@shaw.ca You take care and you will be in my prayers tonight along with the other women. May The Lord Richly Bless You & Guide You!
Hugs & Prayers,
Linda
October 27th, 2007 at 9:34 pm
It may not have been Satan this time after all. I have gotten strong messages from God to go over certain parts of my life in order to work on my testimony, and to learn to let Him direct that better, too. Having the Net down gave me the time to do this. There is a good deal more–in His time. But VERY good excersize in the meantime!
Have yet to read the replies that have piled up in my inbox, but not tonight. Got a bit of the flu.
Nite, ladies :-}!
October 27th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
P.S. I haven’t been reading the replies, yet. Just got my Internet back up and have the flu. Going to bed. Will read as soon as I can :-} Thanks.
October 27th, 2007 at 9:50 pm
Dianne :-}
God Bless You ..so sorry about the flu..just prayed for you and hope you feel better soon.
October 28th, 2007 at 4:10 am
Fran, The scripture you pointed out Mark 4:1-11 is perfect. I know these scripture’s, but, we sometimes do not stop to ask, “Why is this the utmost importance of this being written into God’s truth written within his word (Jesus)? 411 is what I call for the operator assistance in finding a number. 4111, goes a step further. I will remember this evil temptation and it’s meaning and that I cannot do it alone. I need to get the saviour’s assistance to get his word and connect to the power of his Holy Spirit! Amen and thank. The comments on here have spoken volumes and it affirms and confirms that without prayer we blame God for being distant when he is right there. Have a Blessed day, Toni
October 28th, 2007 at 10:15 am
Toni…
Hello There and hope you are having blessed, beautiful day! Isn’t it wonderful how the Lord “works”…That Mark 4:11 came through and blessed you! He works in marvelous and mysterious ways! Was on quickly to check a photo from our daughter and was just blessed by your comments! (((Toni)))