Devotion True or Temporary Value

Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.

We desperately want things to hang onto, things that last. Yet how often do we neglect what has eternal value--God's Word and a relationship with Christ?

In the morning we fuss about clothes, and for women, makeup, yet often neglect what will truly give us the right start to our day--time with God in prayer and meditation on his Word.

How long will we substitute the temporary for the things that truly matter?

Help me, Lord, evaluate my priorities and make You and time in Your Word central in my heart, my life and my daily plans. Amen.

Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

(C) 2016, 2022 Carolyn R Scheidies

From First I Bow
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Blog A Schedule and the Truth About Control

I like having my days scheduled. Not entirely, of course, but I do like to make lists, so I know what to focus on each day. At this point in my life, I have a pretty good idea how much energy I have and can plan accordingly.

There is so much of my life that I cannot control, I relish the control I do have. Yet, life doesn’t often follow my plan.

I get unexpected phone calls. Some days I don’t feel well. In fact, many things in life take away control. There was the blizzard years ago that was so bad our daughter Cassie and her classmates had to spend the night at the middle school.

Our high school son Chris made it safely to a friend’s house. Keith a counselor at YRTC at the time was forced to stay at work. Some had phone service. Some could only call out or in. I had phone service and made calls to let family know where their loved ones were.

I let our dog into the house, and I spent the night, without power, with our dog and cat. Schedules all over the area were disrupted. We like to think we’re in control, but it only takes a blizzard, health crisis or unexpected loss to show us, we don’t have all that much control over our lives--no matter how much we plan.

It is during those times, I realize all my efforts can turn to ashes in a single moment. It is also during those times, I am glad I am not alone. Those times force me to turn to the only one who knows both my past and my future, and yours. It is during times of crisis, I bow my head and relinquish my way to God’s.

It is also during times of crisis I realize I need to be talking to Jesus not only when my world is rocked, but also daily. It is acknowledging God is in control of life itself. He knows. When I follow Him, my plans may be toast and the way may not be always roses, but Jesus promises to walk beside and never let me go.

That provides the incentive to foster my relationship with Him every day, to know Him, to learn to listen to and trust Him. Then when those difficult times come, it is not hard to turn to my Savior and Friend knowing He’ll see me through if I follow that simple but difficult idiom, “Let go and let God.”That’s also a good way to start each day.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.--Psalm 55:22  

© 2022 Carolyn R Scheidies
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Devotion Live Brave and Bold

For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Do not therefore be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;... --II Timothy 1:7-8

Want to be brave and bold? Ask Jesus to take control. There is no fear in love, because God is love. So, when we fear, we're trusting, depending upon ourselves, our experiences, our rationalizations, our intellect and not on Christ or His power within.

Help me, Jesus, stand against fear and chose to trust You and connect with you--even if I do so one baby step at a time.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:6-7 NASB

(c) 2017 Carolyn R Scheidies
From The God Connection