what do you want to be?

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

Of all the things we can be, may kind be first.

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

forgotten...

"...I will not forget you! See I have engraved you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me." Isaiah 49:15-16

Have you ever felt invisible?  Ever felt like the lack of your presence wasn't even noticed, much less missed?  As a child (and even an adult), it hurts to go unnoticed by others, especially by those we know. Whether an oversight or intentionally, nothing knocks the air out of our gut much more than the feeling of being forgotten.  

While friends, coworkers or family may forget us, we can rest assured, our "Daddy" never, never will... nor will He forget our needs, wants and desires.  He holds our heart next to His, and we are merely a beat away from Him always.  May our value in His eyes be our sustaining power of Truth in trying time.

Thank You, God.

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

it's never too late for this... (SYATP today)

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

If you missed the opportunity to pray with others around a school flagpole this morning, remember it's never too late to pray. Just stop right now and pray for your school, it's entire leadership, faculty and staff, all the students and parents. Your prayer will join the thousands of others and strengthen our request to God for favor, guidance, blessings, and protection for our children. Obedience to our Father has a sweet sound to it... it's called peace.

Go about your day in the confidence of knowing God is with you and for you.

you are loved and chosen by God, 

and prayed for by many,

veneal

BE alert and pray...

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Ephesians 6:18

Flashback... do you remember your school days as a student?  Did you have fire drills?  Earthquake drills? Tornado drills? How about evacuation drills?  Perimeter lockdown drills?  Active intruder lockdown drills? I only remember fire and earthquake drills.  But i must say, as unnerving as it might be to experience such drills now, i am thankful our schools recognize and practice for all these serious events.  I pray there is never a need to implement plans for actual emergency situations, but i am grateful to know we have procedures and plans in place if ever needed.

BE aware, BE alert, BE prepared, BE wise, Be ready... and most of all, BE prayerful.

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


REMINDER:  Wednesday, September 26, (usually 7am) is See You At The Pole.  For over 25 years, SYATP has been about one simple act— united prayer before God interceding for our schools... whether around the flag pole at a school or in your heart, please join others in praying for our students, administrators, staff and parents.

safety, first

"Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge." Psalm 16:1

EVACUATE...

Strong orders for those in harm's way or in the path of possible severe destruction.  But being creatures of habit, choosing safety in the unknown and facing abandonment of our norm is a difficult task.  Yet for our own good, we must heed the order of experts who understand the situation.  Where can we go for safety at such times?

Father, in fearful, stressful times i pray we remember to take refuge in You.  May Your Spirit lead us to safety and peace.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal

a Mighty Word ~ believe

Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness." Genesis 15:6  

Maybe we can't always believe "it"...
But we can ALWAYS believe Him.

Thank You, Father... for Your Truth and unconditional love, always.

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

are you shining?

"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life." Philippians 2:14-16

At first glance, i thought someone had made a mistake.  Surely there shouldn't be a period after the word shine. But when i said it out loud, "Shine period", i heard the Voice of God say, "Yes." 

2018 has been a trying year.  The unexpected gift reminded me of what i needed to hear. SHINE -- PERIOD. As children of God, we need to let the love of Christ shine through us for others to see and know Him.  Yet, in times of difficult testing, when trials are banging at the door, it's sometimes hard to keep our eyes on God instead of the rattling door. 

The shirt is a bright reminder for me of what God desires:  

Hit with injustice?   shine 
Relationship in shambles?  shine 
Financial hardship at hand?  shine 
Battling sickness?   shine 
Lost identity?   shine 
Filled with loneliness?  shine 
Heart broken?   shine 
Destruction of property? shine
Results/tests unfavorable?   shine 
Overloaded with demands?   shine 
Wronged at work?   shine 

              Shine -- period

Father, although i flicker terribly in times of bitter testing, may nothing ever extinguish Your Light in me.  In my dark, stormy times, i pray for an extra surge of Your strength.  May Your Power be revealed as we witness to other our steadfast connection to the One True Source of Light - You.  

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

a Mighty Word ~ friend

 "A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:17

Sometimes i am good, sometimes i am not.  
Will you be my pal, no matter what?

Thank You, Father, for pals in my path.
P.A.L. = People Always Love

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

Words to Live By... love

"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."
I John 4:16

.

As we come to the end of our yearlong study of Words to Live By, how appropriate that the last word is LOVE.  I John 4:16 emphasizes some important connections to God's love--knowing and relying on the love He has for us makes everything possible and difficult things purposeful. 

This week, let's ask the Lord to help us know, experience, and share His love in a profound, powerful, and personal way. Let's live in love and live in God through our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. LOVE:  such a small word but such enormous potential for changing our hearts, our homes, our world.

Have a love-filled week. 

Dalene Parker, guest blogger

Words to Live By: One Word a Week (pages 307-312)

https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/

out of the mud...

"He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:2 

Heavy rains, rushing waters, gray skies and thick mud... not only does this describe our current land conditions, but also some current heart conditions.

How do you handle storms? I like to think my faith is strong, but i must confess to falling weak on my knees in some turbulent seasons. Unanticipated and ongoing storms in my path, leave me considerably frail and feeble. Harsh circumstances and uncertainties have a way of knocking the wind out of one's faith, with doubt rising as quickly as flood waters.  When we are unable to hold our heads above the swirling tides of trials, our cries for relief to God surges.  For it clearly is God, and God alone, who can and does sustain us through storms.  When our foundation of comfort and confidence crumble about our stumbling feet, His Presence alone proves to be our True Rock. As the pull of the miry mud on our exhausted souls tugs heavily on our hearts, our trust in God is the anchor of Truth that frees us from the bondage of fear. 

Father, forgive me when i panic in the midst of storms, as if you neither knew nor cared. You have not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow, peace without pain.  But You have promised strength from above, unfailing sympathy and undying love.  And that, Father, is enough.  Thank you.

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

just one thing...

"The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Galatians 5:14

We got to love, hug and love some more.  God knows we all need it right now.

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

a Mighty Word ~ trust

"The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." Psalm 145:18

Whether we speak, scream, whisper or cry out, we are not alone.  God hears every whimper of our soul.
  

Trusting with all my might... the comfort of our Father is at hand and will not be removed from us.

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

storm brewing

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

There's a storm crashing outside... and inside. 

Is God really working all things to the good to those who love Him?

He says so, and i must believe Him... 

Father, increase my faith. You and You alone are Truth and Goodness, Mercy and Grace, Hope and Refreshment, Restoration and Life. In all our mistakes, waywardness and independence, You still love us enough not to leave us alone. Sometimes we cause the storm, sometimes You bring it to us, and sometimes it just happens.  But whatever the case, we know when the storm clears and even in the midst of its raging hours, You still reign. Help us hold on to the Truth, to believe and to share Your Light.   
 
Today we are lifting up special prayers to You for all in the path of Hurricane Florence.  May their hearts by flooded with Your peace, strength and comfort in the hours/days ahead.

And, we thank You, amen. 

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

9/11... again and again

"Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up." Psalm 71:20

(Note:  Sifting through my "casserole of devotions" for a special word for 9/11, i selected the one from just last year.  As we face a similar circumstance again this year, i was comforted by the reminder God is in all our 9/11 days.  May it bring you comfort too.) 

Remembering all people affected by 9.11.2001 and 9/11 2017, 2018...  

True news:  Troubles surround us continually -- What changes is the year, the month, the day, the hour.

Good news:  God surrounds us continually -- He is unchanging; we never face a single storm or second without Him.  

As i traveled this weekend, i witnessed many rescue vehicles and people rolling down the road, preparing for the hurricane's landfall.  It was a distinct reminder of God's faithfulness and love for His children.  Before the storm hits, He is already on it.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.


I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure.

we are loved and chosen by God,
may we live like we believe it.
resting in God... no matter what,
veneal

Words to Live By.. lead

"Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long." Psalm 25.5 (ESV)   

Our new pup, Marshmallow, is teaching me much about what it means to lead.

Nearly every morning, I fasten on her leash, invite her on my morning walk, then fly along as she propels me along the path of her choosing.  There's no way she could plan for the best route, fathom the potential hazards, or supply the requisite water to prevent overheating, so it's important that I lead. And after the first mile or so, I do! 

But until she gets tired, I am not leading like I'm supposed to, in spite of my diligent digestion of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Puppy Training!

Sometimes I skid to a stop, bend down to look in her eyes, and between gasps for breath, say, "Now, Marshmallow, I am the one who is supposed to be leading you instead of you pulling me. I promise our time together will be much more pleasant that way." 

I can't help but wonder how God feels about my walk with Him. There's no doubt my path is more pleasant when I allow Him to lead--not just when I get tired or upset, but every step of the way. After all, He knows the best route, how to avoid potential hazards, and what will supply the rest and refreshment I need to keep going. 

This week as we activate the word LEAD in our lives, I want to make sure I follow the Leader who knows the best way.

Blessings,

Dalene Parker, guest blogger

Words to Live By:  One Word a Week

https://www.facebook.com/weeklywordstoliveby/

save our children

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

With tubing and string, the tender, impressionable sapling received strong guidance on how to become a fine shade tree.  In due time, the restraints and guides will all be removed.  And hopefully when it reaches maturity, the bending and shaping from its younger days will result into a strong, magnficent tree.

Our schools are filled with young students stretching and yearning to grow. Many have a wonderful, solid support system at home.  Some are weathering difficult hardships with little to no home support.  As we prepare for today's opportunities, may we remember our instructions and guidance might provide the needed life line for some... connecting and anchoring them to a future with hope and peace.

Father,  Help me to shepherd the hearts around me with Your love and gentleness. 

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

a Mighty Word ~ wonderful

"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I, (your name), am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:13-14
    

God doesn't make junk... you, my friend, are a priceless jewel created by Him for His glory.  Shine so all my see and know Him!

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

a royal pane

"... God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27

A picture is worth a thousand words.  Never has this saying been more true to me than last week. While walking down a school hall, i stumbled on a golden nugget of truth.  In public schools, there is a cautious sensitivity to Christianity and the fear of offending non-Christians.  But, i am joyfully at peace knowing God cannot be kept out of school or any establishment as long as a Christian can be found within it's walls.

Look at the above picture.  The window panes are crosses!  What a beautiful reminder God is alive and cannot be kept out of school.  Christ who is in me (and you), goes with us wherever we go.... including school.   He is  the very essence of our fiber.

Being a Christian is not about what we wear, but how we act, talk and treat others.  Christ in school is possible because He lives within us... Jesus with skin.  Let's put a smile on His face and let His light shine through our "panes"... and joys.

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

Words to Live By... abide

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."  John 15:7 (NKJV)

In an online article entitled "What Does it Mean to Abide in Christ?" author Sinclair Ferguson shares this explanation:

  

"In a nutshell, abiding in Christ means allowing His Word to fill our minds, direct our wills, and transform our affections. In other words, our relationship to Christ is intimately connected to what we do with our Bibles! Then, of course, as Christ’s Word dwells in us and the Spirit fills us, we will begin to pray in a way consistent with the will of God..."

Wouldn't it be wonderful to know we are thinking, praying, and acting in a way that is consistent with God's will? This week as we activate the word ABIDE in our hearts, minds, and wills, may we know that deep soul satisfaction that comes from abiding in Christ and in His Word.

Blessings,

Dalene Parker, guest blogger

Words to Live By:  One Word a Week (pages 295-300)

HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/WEEKLYWORDSTOLIVEBY/