Tag: #devotion

Your pain is NOT in vain

Leave a Comment on Your pain is NOT in vain

I just made a big pot of tomato basil soup for dinner since it is ministry day and dinner will be ready when I get home later. My can opener apparently needs replacing, as I had the hardest time opening a can of broth for the soup, but I managed to open it enough, just barely. Now that soup is in the crockpot, I’m studying todays devotion to share with our homeless friends.

It is interesting how God works these devotions in my heart before I can honestly and transparently share with others. This devotion for today came to me one piece at a time. A few weeks ago I saw a pastor use chains as a promp to emphasize his point. On Sunday as God brought this to me, I was greatly frustrated. As I sat praying and meditating, the thought came to make a long paper chain to symbolize things that weigh us down, spiritual bondage for unbelievers and our “hang ups” in life. I knew one day all that construction paper would come to use.

I was unable to go to church Sunday for something completely out of my control. (we woke to a lot of water in part of our back yard. Our neighbors had a pipe burst and they weren’t home.) I was frustrated. I “need” the Word to strengthen me for the week. I watched several online services but I can’t comprehend it all. I was like, “Lord you know if I could see well enough to drive, I’d be able to go. Why do I have to deal with this dependence on others for these things?” Usually it doesn’t bother me, but occasionally it “boils up” and I have to let that frustration out, sometimes in the form of tears. So I made a LONG paper chain and I plan to “bust through them tonight” to show how Jesus can break every single chain.

Pain, whether it be physical or emotional can weigh us down. Frustration, anxiety, worry, addiction, bitterness, unforgiveness, pride, deception, and ANYTHING that weighs you down, God can set us free from. John 8:36  says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”‭‭(ESV‬‬) Jesus does want us to fully surrender to His Lordship and lean on HIm for strength. Our test can become a testimony when we give it to Jesus.

Another verse I plan to share is Isaiah 43:2: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” I love that verse. Notice how it says “when you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” You ARE going to go through things but the promise is that, God is with us as we go through it. Notice how it says “though the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” Think about a river; there’s water currents, rocks, critters, etc but the promise is that it will not overwhelm us. When we walk through fiery things in life, it’s not going to burn or consume us because God is with us.

I also feel impressed to share about the Apostle Paul’s “thorn” that he shared in 2 Corinthians 12. The Bible doesn’t tell us what the thorn in his flesh was, but it does say it tormented him. Three times Paul asks God to take it from him. Three times! 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭says, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”(ESV) Wow! That’s my goal to be able to boast about my weaknesses because Jesus power rests upon me. And for the record, I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve asked God to rid me of these visual and hearing problems. Too many times to count. Then the unforeseeabke pain of having to see our son deal with it too. Life is not fair. Not many can grasp the frustration, BUT GOD! His grace IS sufficient for HIS power is made perfect in my weakness.

Do you see how God works this in my heart before todays lesson? Oh my goodness! Lord fill me and give me the words to encourage these people today. Life can be tough. and they need the encouragement to surrender to Jesus and let Him help them through life. Say a prayer that seeds will be planted and chains will be broken in Jesus name!

http://www.shannonkhinson.com.

Do you have Room?

1 Comment on Do you have Room?
Picture found on Pinterest.

Do you have room? You might be wondering what in the world I’m talking about. Please hear me out. I am going somewhere with this. As Christmas is less than two weeks away, I find myself thinking deeply on the events that unfolded two thousand years ago.

To set the foundation for this blog, please read Luke 2:1-7 “Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all the people were on their way to register for the census, each to his own city. Now Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was betrothed to him, and was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (NASB2020‬: You Version App) (Emphasis mine)

Imagine the crowded roads full of travelers needing to register for the census. Now imagine young pregnant Mary nearing the time of labor, needing a place to stay. In my minds eye, I see a distraught Joseph after hearing there was no room in the crowded inn. The stable where the animals stayed, would have to do for their lodging.

Jesus the Son of God was born in a stable. Many laid him in a feeding trough because there was no crib or bed. If the inn keeper had known who was being born I feel certain room would have been made for Jesus Christ birth. Surely someone would have given up their room. However Jesus got the lowly stable, the feeding trough, the left overs.

Do you have room for Jesus in your heart ? Do you have time for Jesus in your daily routine? Does Jesus get your “leftovers”? You might be saying, “But I have so much going on! There is always something needing my attention. I need more hours in the day!” I hear you! Really I do!

Many times in life, my son has apologized to me saying, “Mom I’m sorry. I’ve just been so busy”. My response is usually, “I understand but you choose how you spend your time. Choose what is most important”.

Prepare room for Jesus today! Everyday! He is God’s greatest gift to us. Oh come let us adore Him…Christ The Lord!