a Mighty Word ~ still

"He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He (God) guided them to their desired haven."  Psalm 107:29-30

What God did for them, He will also do for us.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

how did that happen?

"You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was make complete by what he did... faith without deeds is dead." James 2:22,26

The difference was obvious, but unexplainable.  One squash plant exploded with delicious delights, while the one beside it produced nothing.  Same planting time, same dirt, same watering, same sunshine... but very different results.  How can it be?

Not only does this happen with vegetables, but with other similar groups -- and even Christians.  We can be planted in the same faith, Christianity; same foundation/soil, God; same watering of the Word, the Bible; under the same "Son"shine, Jesus, our Savior -- yet respond differently or not at all.  How can it be?  Like my garden, looking good but not being productive is of no value.

Lord, help me remember it's not about looking right, but doing right.  Let my faith be complete. Prune me daily for Your good; I want to help produce a bountiful harvest for You and Your kingdom.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

how to put out a fire

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." Titus 3:4‑7

Forest fires are raging in the west. As soon as it appears one might be under control, strong winds blow on the dry, parched land to disrupt and spread the fire in yet another direction.  

Are you feeling dry, parched and burned out?  Are you surrounded on all sides by unexpected challenges, foiled plans, forgotten deadlines, and lost thoughts?  Are the unpredictable winds of your life fueling the fires of doubt, anger, resentment and exhaustion -- keeping you in turmoil?  Hear our Father's Word, "Be still and know that I am God."

May the fires in your life be extinguished by stopping and turning to God. Look up. He will soak you with His loving, healing rains from above.  Let His presence calm the winds and fires in your life, and bring refreshment to your dry soul.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

are you packed?

"That you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

Getting ready for a trip is exhausting and unnerving.  Let's see... shorts, shoes, shirts.  Packing consumes time... pajamas, toiletries.  It requires planning... tennis racket, sunglasses, suntan lotion.  For me, no matter how many times i review my list, something always gets left at home... snacks, camera, charger, hat.

Isn't is awesome to know the packing list for our final trip in light, simple and uncomplicated... just give me Jesus!  It only requires trusting our Father... confess and believe.  Our preparation time is spent in peace... just give me Jesus.

With your packing complete, can you think of anyone who could benefit from your packing knowledge?  Share Him with someone today and lighten their load!

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

weather alert

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;   
when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 
3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..." Isaiah 43:2-3

Relentless uncertainty -- best describes the weather of late.  For days on end, all we know for sure is some type of storm will pass through our day... anything from drenching rains, deafening thunder and bold lightening to a soft sprinkling of rain through sunshine.  The question is which weather pattern will permeate our path today.  

Our safest and best protection, no matter what level of storm, is God.  Our relationship with Him enables us to rest under His Shield of faithfulness and in His Arms of unconditional love.  Being a believer doesn't stop the storms, but provides us the power, guidance and strength to go through them -- with Him.  Thanks be to God!

There's another storm on the horizon.  Are you ready for it?  God is; and He will see us through it.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

follow the dots... and Him

 "... hide me in the shadow of Your wings from the wicked who assail me... And I -- in righteousness I will see Your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing Your likeness." Psalm 17:8-9,15

Anger running in his bloodstream led to a lashing out with lies and threats. My first reaction -- to strike back with both fists, spitting out vicious names. The shamelessness of ruthless people can easily pull us out of line with Jesus.

When wrong doings knock on our door, we need to remember how Jesus reacted to the lies and wrongful accusations about Him. He not only humbly responded, but kept walking in the Truth of what He knew and of who He was. In an unfair world, it's difficult, but important, to act rightly despite what others say or how they act.

Don't let hardships, discouragements, distractions define who you are.  Draw the line not to follow the negative, but to move on with God in a better, positive direction.  Picture what God wants, and ask Him to help you keep the dots of your life connected to Him.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

 note:

I've been informed by blogger that emails will no longer be supported by on any blogsite.  This means if you receive my devotions by email, you will no longer receive them starting in July.

I am trying to solve the problem by finding what and how I can add a new email server to my blog.  Unfortunately, technology is not a strength for me, I am struggling.  At this point while I am unsuccessful in making an email transition, starting in July you will need to access my blog in one of two ways: 

1.   look up the blog via the website and bookmark it on your computer or phone,        then check it manually - www.saltshakersforhim.blogspot.com 

2.   access through facebook and "like" my page - Teacher Devotions

I have downloaded/saved you and all my email contacts from my blog.  If I can locate a new email server and add it to my blogsite, I will reinstall the email feature and resume emailing... just don't know how or how long this will take me.  Pray for guidance for me.  Thank you.

a Mignty Word ~ answer

 The Lord says...

"He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him."  Psalm 91:15

Thank You, Father, for always taking my call and picking me up when i am down and distressed. When i reach out to You i never get a busy signal, a not available message, a no service sign, a do not disturb response. On You i can always depend... EVERY TIME  I will praise Your name daily for Your unending faithfulness to me.
 
How can we possibly not love our God? Who listens to our EVERY beckoning call or whimper?  We are so blessed to be called His children.

 

 

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

under the Rock

"For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock...Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." Psalm 27:5,14

The walk on the mountainous path took its toil on her.  It wasn't until we finished that i noticed her level of exhaustion. With tail drooping, tongue hanging Bella searched and found rest from the winding hills, burning sun and thin air.  Coolness under a nearby ledge provided much needed relief.

God knows when and where we need a ledge to provide protection from the troubles and harsh elements in our life.  Broken relationships, sickness and death, specials events, unexpected circumstances can all take a heavy toil on our heart, body and soul.  It's hard to keep going and breathing when the air becomes so thin, or the uphill battles are unending, or the raging, hot storms linger over our head.

How easy it is to cry out, "Where are You, God?? Do You see what I'm going through?? Do You care??"

Then slowly it comes back to me.  Being a believer is not about making life easy and fair.  It is about knowing and trusting our God in all matters. There will be harsh, difficult times.  A look at any one of the people of faith in the Bible confirm hardships do not dissipate due to their faith, but they persevere through then because of their faith.

That ledge in your life is not there for you to jump off, but for you to climb under... for rest, as you look to and wait for our Father to restore peace in your life.  He is our Everlasting Rock for the good.  

God is good all the time... all the time God is good.  BE-lieve.  He cares for you.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ believe

"Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever." Psalm 136:2

No matter what is going on, what we are doing, or what we have done...

GOD LOVES US.

Thank You, Father.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live, love and do like we BELIEVE it,
veneal

back off

 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Closeup our situations and circumstances in life can appear ugly and daunting.  The hopelessness and darkness of the moment can be like a big black hole, sucking the life out of us and filling us with fear instead.  But God does not intend for us to live like that, in fear and distress.  He has a plan... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
 
Father, when  we are overwhelmed and uncertainty is before us, help us to back off from the moment and trust You.  From Your perspective things take on a completely different look. You work beauty out of all things... in Your perfect time.

Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD will be your strength.


we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live, love and do like we believe it,
veneal

let freedom ring!

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1

May the bells of freedom be heard everywhere today!

For the many who dedicated their life and even died for my freedom, I humbly give thanks. Did i do anything to deserve such a sacrifice? Not at all; it was completely their desire to save and serve others.

Sacrifice...
God, You started it all with the sacrifice of Your Son on the cross.  You determined me worthy of saving, even before I spoke Your name.  Such a love I cannot fathom. Grace beyond measure. Mercy deeper than the universe.  I celebrate freedom and peace in You. Thank You.

And to the many selfless public servants and soldiers who have and still fight to protect my life and my homeland, I salute.

I am thankful to be a child of God, and I am thankful to be an American. Long live the free and the brave. May His Peace reign in my heart always.

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

show me your feet!

 "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!'" Isaiah 52:7

It's summer and the perfect time to let our feet breathe and be seen. Don't be shy about showing them because your feet are beautiful!  

Wondering what makes feet beautiful? It's not sparkly nail polish, a pedicure, corn removal or plastic surgery, but feet marred with knots, scratches, bunions, cuts, and bruises -- signs of our trials and disappointments in life.  Experiencing God's goodness and faithfulness in our life is meant to be shared. The Good News is dazzling and life changing.

Take off your socks and shoes... bare your feet and soul to others.  Let your true beauty show for all to see, as we glorify our awesome God together!

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