to pick or not to pick?

" The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples... but it was because the Lord loved you..." Deuteronomy 7:6-7

Why did God pick you to be His?

It wasn't because of your color, your size, your personality, your success, your wisdom...

It is solely because He loves you.  That's it.  All are precious in His sight.

we are LOVED and CHOSEN by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

He reigns

"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." Psalm 5:11

The weather today is daunting and unpleasant. Whether it's torrential downpours, tropical storms, floods, gusty winds, showers, thunder and lightning, shelter is required from the elements.  As a child of God, no matter what our day holds, we are under the umbrella of God's love and assured of His complete protection. With Him, we have nothing to fear.

Father, through it all, we are going to hold tightly onto Your "J", Jesus, handle and remember Your ability to protect us through whatever passes our way.  In Your perfect time, i know our hearts will bloom with joy and peace. I can see Your smiling face under the umbrella, and i know we will be okay.

Singing in the rain is possible, thanks to God. He reigns, so we can sing.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it,
veneal

a Mighty Word ~ hold

 The LORD says...

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you..." Isaiah 66:13

When we don't know.... don't understand... don't like....

May we remember, He's still got us.

Can i hear an amen?

Thank You, Father.  

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we love like we believe it,

veneal

EACH step

"He will not let your foot slip -- He who watches over you will not slumber... The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."  Psalm 121:3, 8

No matter what direction we are going in, God is with us.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ heal

 God said...

"I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you." 2 Kings 20:5

He doesn't say how or when, but He says He will.  
Lord, help me to trust and believe Your perfect Will.
Thank You...

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

under attack

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
—Isaiah 41:10

Have you ever felt under attack?  This week one morning was filled with one mistake after the other.  Although the infractions were minor in incident, they were major in quantity.  After about 5 errors before 10am, i felt ready to go home.  The failure monsters were having a heyday stomping out my patience, confidence and joy. They were growing in numbers and power.  It took all i had in prayer and a Good Word (or two) to wipeout  the monsters playing in my head.

Are  you battling any monsters? Fear, doubt, untruths, mistakes, hardships, problems? The battle for our mind is real and ongoing.  Whether tiny or  giant, few or many,  i think you'll agree mind monsters can cripple us, choking out our joy, desire and ability to serve others and God.

Fighting back under our own power alone is not very helpful nor effective. To be victorious, we must turn directly to our Warrior-in-Christ for strength and Truth. Refocusing on God, throws His Light in those dark, scary corners of our mind and allows us to reclaim His peace.  

Thank You, Father, for having our back, our front, and all our sides... always.  Help us remember and trust You, especially in times of difficulties and trails.  You have seen us through hard times before, and You will see us through it again. 

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:7

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ variety

 "The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other people...

Nor because of your color, size or shape
or income level
or social status
or career success
or good deeds
or church work

but it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your forefathers that He brought you out with a mighty Hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery..." Deuteronomy 6:7-8

God's love for us is not about looks, acts or numbers, but the heart... His and ours.  Our outward appearance makes us different and special, our heart makes us His. He loves us all.  Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

renew, please

 "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10

"Can you renew my book, please?"  It's a request i hear daily at the library's check-out desk.  Reading a lengthy book can be a daunting task; but sometimes the request is due to a lack of reading because a student got sidetracked. Either way, renewing it is a positive sign.  It signals the student has not given up and wants additional time to finish the story.  There is no penalty or fine for this action, only the reward of completing the story.  

Lord, sometimes i get off track with You and take a ride on my personal-agenda train.  And when that ride gets bumpy and uncertain, i realize how much i need You. Thank You, for always allowing a way back to You.  Thank You, for seeing a renewing of my heart and spirit not as a weakness, but as a strength to persevere in our story.  Because of You, i know the ending will be glorious!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ loved

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

For this reason, and this reason alone, today is a good day. 

No matter what we are facing... trials, lies, sad memories, hardships, pain, doubts... what God has done for us triumphs it all.  

My friend, no mask, circumstance or season can hide the fact, God loves you!

Father, through it all, help me keep my eyes on You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

creating a masterpiece

 "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ....You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it." 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27

Walking (or running) down the hallways at school is a fun part of my job. Whether delivering or picking up items, i feel there is always Someone with me.  With camera in my pocket, i try and scan the classwork on display in the halls with the eyes of God.  My thoughts are on how God might view it and to look for inspiration from Him to use for devotions. 

A recent piece of artwork portrayed one picture; yet, it was actually made up of several students' individual pieces.  It was as if God had taken an ordinary, simple picture and reminded me, as believers, we each have an important part in this world.  We are each uniquely designed by God to work together in fulfilling His Great Commission.  The picture below would not be as beautiful or complete if even one piece was missing.  It takes all parts to complete the masterpiece... or message.

We can serve Him better when we work together

Father, it is true that on our own we can serve You.  But WOW! when we serve You, our Creator, together a true masterpiece is accomplished. You have placed within our heart a specific role to fulfill in growing Your Kingdom. Without our part in serving You, something or someone would be missed.  May we pick up our brushes boldly and paint a vivid picture of love and service to You today and every day.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

skunk hair and more

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building other up according to their needs... Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 4:29, 5:1-2

If you know what it is, you understand what it means.  Skunk hair is a contrasting color style chosen by some people using hair color.  While some skunk on purpose, many others do not.  Before i gave up the coloring act, skunk hair would inadvertently appear like white magic. The shining streak in my dark hair started as a faint glow and expanded with each passing day. The real stink was when others noticed before i did.

Hair isn't the only thing that can turn skunky... sometimes our attitudes, habits or manners do. Working on career, status or social agendas, we can slip into self-absorption. Our energy and focus revolve on how to make our life easier, better and finer instead of serving God and others around us. 

Take a sniff.  How is the air quality around you?  If you aren't sure, look at the people in your circle.  If their nose is turned up, head lowered or a frown planted on their face, you might want to examine yourself and your current motives.

Father, clear my head and my heart of all skunk-like tendencies. Rid me of bitterness, selfish acts and jealous ways. Fill me with compassion and kindness instead.  Let me overflow with Your sweet fragrance, so others will be drawn to You and your unconditional love and saving grace. In Jesus' name, amen.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ part

"Now you, (your name), are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it..." 1 Corinthians 12:27

"... encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13

Apart or a part?

We can choose to be apart from a situation/person or a part of it.  Just like the words, a small move can make a BIG difference.

What will you do?

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

finger writing

"But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with His finger. When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them,

'If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone...'"

Father, we are living in turbulent, fragile, uncertain times. May we remember Your finger writing and reduce our finger pointing, so healing in our land can occur. Our trust and obedience to You needs to override and rule in our thoughts, words and actions.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

what's love got to do with it?

 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." 1 Peter 4:8  

So, what's love got to do with it, got to do with it?

Absolutely, EVERYTHING!! 

Love matters... it changes actions, thoughts, words. lives and hearts.

“Do everything in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14

May there be a love song stuck in your heart and ways today and every day.

Love by the numbers can be hard; love by God is better.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

going in circles?

"Bless is the person who trusts in the LORD, who confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream." Jeremiah 17:7-8

Life a bit crazy? Feel like you're spinning around in circles?

May you find some comfort knowing you are not alone.  But may your greatest comfort come from knowing while spinning around, God still has us securely in His grasp.

Father, some days i'm unsure what direction i'm moving in... and sometimes even why i'm moving.  But, as long as my roots rest in You and drink from the spring of living water, i am confident You will provide the strength and direction needed for the day.  Thank You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

closer than your shadow

"The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand." Psalm 121:5

Stop, and let this thought sink in. As close as your shadow is to you, God is even closer. 

He knows our every need, want, fear and thought. He also knows what He designed us to do. Nothing and no one can separate Him from us or prevent Him from accomplishing His will in our life.   

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

No matter what the week has thrown out to clutter up your path, may the unfathomable love of our Father for you rule in your heart and mind.  If He is all we have, then we have all we truly need.  

Father, as our shadow is more noticeable with the aid of a bright light, so is the presence of You in our life as we allow Your Light to shine through in all we do and say.

May you find JOY in this Truth and in the weekend. 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

Fall to Him

 The LORD said...

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25

It's what we need most right now... Him.

Father, i am running on empty and running to You.  Thank You for catching and reviving me.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

WHO-oo are you?

"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God..." John 1:12

Seeing one of our regular substitute teachers, i asked her, "Well, who are you today?" 

 
We both laughed as she answered, "I don't even know."

"That's okay, Mrs. H, as long as you remember Whose you are, you will be fine."

On any given day, or hour, we take on various roles... parent, teacher, spouse, coach, referee, mediator, cheerleader, nurse, student, child, counselor, etc.  The mix of roles can sometimes overwhelm or bewilder us as they overlap and possibly conflict with each other.   

How can we pull it all together and keep our sanity?

When all our roles fall under the umbrella of "a child of God", we gain greater peace, guidance and protection.  By claiming our identity as belonging to Him first, God empowers us to handle the various circumstances that develop during the day.

So, WHO-oo are you?  A child of God... first and foremost because that makes everything else possible. 

Thank You, Father!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ spread

"But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him." 2 Corinthians 2:14

There's a sweet aroma in the air, and it's coming from you, my sisters and brothers in Christ!  Keep raining His love on all around you.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

keep it up

 Jesus said...

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35

Giving someone a second chance is like giving yourself another chance in loving and giving... everyone stands to win.
 

Father, we are in need of new beginnings. And we pray it all begins with faith in You.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,
veneal

calling all wrestlers

 Jesus said...

"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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Whatever you might be wrestling with, turn it over to God.  He is already on it, and it will be as He intends. 

REST in Him. Because in Him, we win.  Have a thank-filled weekend.

Thank You, Father!

.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ gently

 "He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11

Tends... gathers... carries  gently.

Thank You, Father.  Oh, how i love Your strong, loving Arms. You know what i need.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal