what's under the wrapper?

"...God does not judge by external appearance..." Galatians 2:6

Janie didn't like the looks of the candy i gave her. The wrapper was slightly discolored and wrinkled with age and the candy bar, no longer a perfect rectangle. Because of it's ugly outward appearance, she threw it away without a second thought.

When in doubt,toss it out... maybe that's a good rule regarding food, but not people.  We often set boundaries or conditions on acceptable terms with people in our lives.   A quick decision on others might come from what we see, hear or smell, as well as, income level, career titles, and other socioeconomic factors.  In judging how others are wrapped, we could be missing out on a sweet and priceless relationship the Father has in store for us.   

Father, help us take the time to get pass the wrapper to what really matters... the heart of the person.

have a Sweet‑filled day!

veneal

a Mighty Word - you?

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 
'Whom shall I send? and who will go for us?'"... Isaiah 6:8


Who will hear Him?  Who will answer?  Will i?  Will you? 
Lord, let it be us, we pray.

have a willing-filled day!
veneal

how is your house standing?

"...God is the Builder of everything... Christ is faithful as a Son over God's house.  And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast."  Hebrews 3:4,6

Thanksgiving… it delivered big -- incredible food, sweet gatherings with family and friends and joyful celebrations.  But it didn’t stop there. Pounds from a reckless self-will inched its way under my skin too. The days between Thanksgiving and New Year boil over with temptations -- guaranteed to bring even the strongest to their knees.  What’s a person to do?

Accepting what is ahead, i have a plan.  A plan to remove what causes useless bulges.  I have a Mind and Body Builder Who can steer me clear of costly temptations.  I need only confess my weaknesses to Him and keep in close contact.  So here goes.

Father, keep me from overindulging in the fats of the land, from buying excess gifts for those who are not in need and from greedily stuffing my plate and life with needless things.  Instead, help me butter the life of the hungry, spread warmth over the cold, dry the tears of the lonely and heap layers of Your love on those who feel hopeless.  Father, You and only You, can give me the strength and will power to do good and not become a victim of this fallen world.  Build me up in Your Ways.

have a strong-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word - hooky

"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is any one happy? Let him sing songs of praise." James 5:13

Yesterday i did not play hooky and skip a devotion, but i did skip town and pray.  Thankfully, a necessary doctor's visit revealed i needed a "sweet tweak" and not more surgery.  Needless to say, i am singing and praising Him today!

Father, some of Your Words are easier to follow than others.  Help me, i pray, to be a better follower of them all.

have a song-filled day!
veneal 

 

THANKS giving day... every day

"Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in THANKSGIVING TO GOD.
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God." 2 Cor 9:10-12

So very, very thankful for the many blessings from God... family, friends, life. Let us respond to His wondrous love with giving and caring for others. Have a thanks-giving day every day...

have a thanks-filled day!

veneal  

home for thanksgiving

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:7

No matter where i am Thursday, i will be home for Thanksgiving.  Home is where the heart is… and because my heart belongs to Jesus, i will be home.  Join me, and let's celebrate with peace and thanks -- His faithfulness to us.

Jesus said...
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me  My Father’s house has many  rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am." John 14:1-3

have a true Thanks-giving filled day!
veneal

i am thankful for _______.

"I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now..."  Philippians 1:3-5 

It’s Thanksgiving week, and the wisdom of the Kindergarteners’ turkey place mats keep swirling in my mind.  The typical responses expected from 5 year olds on what they're thankful for… toys, bikes, electronic devices… were minimal.  Their overwhelming response centered on relationships... mom, dad, pets, cousins, brothers, sisters, God and Jesus.

Out of the mouth of babes, truth flowed -- hearts still untainted by the world.  The genuine riches on earth are planted in our relationship with each other... God, family and friends. The love, care and trust we develop in our relationships is priceless and everlasting.  How very grateful i am memories can sustain and comfort us, when physical contact is not possible.

Father, thank You for the many acts of kindness, encouragement and goodness You provide me through my sisters and brothers in Christ.  And thank You for Your indescribable gift, your Son, Jesus, my Savior.  What a wonderful Thanksgiving this will be!

have a thank-filled day!
veneal

follow the Leader

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established." Romans 13:1

It was the day after the election; and Ms. Fields, wanting to be sure her kindergartners understood the outcome, asked who our country's leader was? With a beaming smile and excitement Jimmy answered, "Jesus".  

Through the mouth of a child, Truth prevails.  Presidents and Royalty come and go, but Jesus, our King, reins forever! May we follow Him in honoring and loving each other.

have a right-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ Home

"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek:  that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life..." Psalm 27:4

If i wake up today at home, it's a good day.  If i wake up today in His Home, it's still a good day!  It's going to be good, no matter where i am.  Do you know what i mean?

Thank You, Father!  Praising You in all things.

how does your turkey look?

"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth!...It is He who made us, and we are His... Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise."  Psalm 100: 1,3,4

As of today, I’ve  cooked  97 turkeys, and have 18 to go.  The size and trimmings for each turkey is unique, and promises to be a beautiful, colorful bounty for the recipient.  Laminating the turkey place mats made by the kindergarteners for their Thanksgiving lunch is one of my favorite tasks.  Some turkeys are painted on with brushes and others with their hands and fingers. For sure, no two turkeys are alike, but all are special. Most include a line saying what they are thankful for...family, mom, dad, sister, brothers, puppy, house, toys, God, Jesus.  Simply thanks... yet genuine thanks for what matters to them.

How would your turkey place mat look?  Would you draw a fat turkey with lots of colorful feathers and short legs or a bare, long legged skinny one?  And if that turkey could talk, would he be spouting out words of thankfulness for simple blessings?   It's time to get our hearts and place mats ready for the feast.

Father, we want to present our Thanksgiving place mats before You overflowing with sincere gratitude for all You do in our lives.  We are so grateful, that even though we are many and uniquely made by You, we are each special in Your eyes.  

And that, my friend, is no turkey! 

have a thank-filled day!
veneal

Speak UP! tonight...

This Weeks Show

Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! November 13 – Veneal Williams & Dalene Parker

6:00 p.m. EST

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott discusses the importance of the Christian believer in the trenches of the public school arena with Veneal Williams and Dalene Parker. Veneal Williams has been writing and emailing devotions for over ten years to a group, The Salt Shakers, while working in an elementary school library. She is also a contributing writer to The Upper Room. Veneal attended the University of Florida and received a B.S. in Business Administration, majoring in marketing. Her devotions are based on the needs she sees in others and her day-by-day life experiences. Dalene Vickery Parker is first and foremost a teacher, but also a public speaker and writer who seeks to inspire others to share her enthusiastic passion for students. Her work has appeared in journals such as Home Life, Brio, and Focus on the Family. She currently lives with her family in Spartanburg,South Carolina, where she is completing her doctorate in education. If you know someone who would be a great guest on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! contact Scott@christiandevotions.us.

Link for listening live or later:  
 http://www.christiandevotionsspeakup.com/

have a Christ-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word - Speak UP!

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


Lord, i pray for humbleness in all i say and do.  For if anything is good in me, it's because of You.  Give me the strength to allow Your guidance, love, wisdom and discipline to rule in my life.  In You, i give praise for all things.

have a wise-filled day!
veneal

************************

Tonight Dalene Parker, author of "Christian Teachers in Public Schools: 13 Essentials for the Classroom", and i will be guest speakers on the online radio broadcast, "Christian Devotions Speak Up!"  from 6-7 pm.  

We invite you to join us for what promises to be an informative, joy and loved filled hour ~ encouraging Christian teachers to be bold in who they are in their mission field.
Tune in tonight, November 13th, 6-7p, on one of the links below:

http://christiandevotions.us/category/homepage-sub-section-1/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/ChristiansSpeakUp?fref=ts

ready for battle?

^"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

In a world where tolerance is demanded of everything and everyone, there is one place the tables have turned.  Just speaking Jesus' name causes numerous lashings -- hatred, jealously, selfishness, fear, etc.  During a time when our world is more desperate for Jesus than ever, many want to silence His name. 

Thanks be to God! as believers, we are given clear direction on how to stay strong in our faith.  God's Word provides the tools needed on how to survive, as well as, on how to still share Him with others.

Jesus said, "As i have loved you so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

 And there you have it.  Sharing Jesus with others is as simple as that... love one another with our words and actions.  No rules needed, no lectures required, no contracts signed. If we as Christians are truly living our faith and doing as God intends... what law would we possibly break?  In Christ there is freedom for all.

have a love-filled day!
veneal


***********************
TUNE IN!  Tomorrow night, Dalene Parker, author of "Christian Teachers in Public Schools: 13 Essentials for the Classroom", and i will be guest speakers on the online radio broadcast, "Christian Devotions Speak Up!"  from 6-7 pm.  

We invite you to join us for what promises to be an informative, joy and loved filled hour ~ encouraging Christian teachers to be bold in who they are in their mission field.
Tune in tomorrow tonight, Tuesday, November 13th, 6-7p, on one of the links below:

http://christiandevotions.us/category/homepage-sub-section-1/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/ChristiansSpeakUp?fref=ts

it's YOUR day!

“Be joyful ALWAYS,
pray CONTINUALLY;
give thanks IN ALL circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you, (your name),  in Christ Jesus.” 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Celebrate each day as if it's your birthday.  Because when you woke this morning, you received a priceless gift.  The present?  Today, with love from God. 

Know He is watching with the excitement and anticipation of a Daddy to see what you do with your present.  You can’t return it, save it or re-gift it.  Let's be joyful, prayerful and thankful and then live today to His glory.  What an incredible party we have to look forward to!

have a joy-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word

" I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4


^{pray for all...}

 

a One vote difference

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with 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 purpose." Philippians 2:1-2

Today is a monumental one... and i am not referring to the highly touted election. I am focused on an event of even greater significance.  One that didn't impact a country, but did directly impact one, me. Today is the one year anniversary of the discovery of my brain tumor.... and survival.  The day our Mighty God cast a vote in my favor for a miracle.

Anyone who's touched the robe of death, will tell you life afterwards is not the same.  Every day i wake up, i am aware of the present of the morning.  I am thankful for the ability to walk, talk and function. My personal celebration and joy for today might appear minute compared to a presidential celebration, but it's one that acknowledges our Awesome God and His eternal benefits.  As believers, we each have a  daily opportunity to celebrate by passing on what God has so graciously provided us.  A chance to share His love with all others, in what has become a love-deprived world.  Presidents can change every four years, our King is everlasting... serve Him first, and survive what ever comes our way in this world.

have a praise-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word - the turning vote

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:17

My people refers to us... the healing of our land, starts with us, prayer and a right relationship with God.

have a prayer-filled day!
veneal

Who do you trust?

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." Psalm 20:7

What do you prefer, chariots or horses?  Undoubtedly, both choices offer pros and cons.  A vote for one is a vote for the preferred benefits as seen by the voter.  One voter might has a love for speed and the feel of vibrating metal under his feet, while another is driven by the snorting of the horse in his ears and the mane whipping over his hand.  

Which can you trust to be best?  Consider, there's a possibility the chariot's wheel could roll off and down a valley.  So the horse, right?   But, the horse could possibly trip over a limb and break his leg, as well as yours.  There is no perfect, error-free choice. Both have frailties and drawbacks.

Our country's election day is Tuesday.  Some will vote for horses and others for chariots, based on how they view the needs of our country, our neighbors and ourselves.  There is no perfect sanitizing, sanctifying Mr. Clean for our sin-infested land.  Who can you trust?

Lord, i pray for our land as we elect our President on Tuesday.  May there be wisdom and discernment on who and what we support.  While i feel unable to trust all i have heard in the campaigns from the candidates and the parties, i rest in the fact there is one Source i can trust.  God, in You, i have complete trust. You might not tell me what i want to hear, but what i need to hear... truth. No matter who wins Tuesday, i will cling to You and Your promises for they are True and Trustworthy, always. You are not into marketing Yourself, but into making disciples of us.  Thank You.

have a truth-filled day!
veneal

humble pie

"Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord... and Christ will shine on you." Ephesians 5:8-10,14

He knew more than I thought.  After enjoying a delicious meal, the waiter brought our ticket.  And there is was without my asking… the senior citizen discount.  Our looks spoke truth without uttering a word. 

The truth... even when embarrassing or hard, is always right - and beneficial.  And many times, truth is exposed more from how we live and act, than by what we say. 

By the way, dessert that night was on the house... a big ole slice of humble pie!  0 calories and 100% soul-filling.

have a sweet-filled day!
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ excess

"Even a child is known by his actions..." Proverbs 20:11


The day after Halloween - it will easy to detect which children had too much candy.

What will our actions reveal about us?