Let Me Teach You Thankfulness.

-
April 26, 2013
Welcome problems as perspective-lifters. My children tend to sleepwalk through their days until they bump into an obstacle that stymies them.
If you encounter a problem with no immediate solution, your response to that situation will take you either up or down. You can lash out at the difficulty, resenting it and feeling sorry for yourself. This will take you down into a pit of self-pity. Alternatively, the problem can be a ladder, enabling you to climb up and see your life from My perspective. Viewed from above, the obstacle that frustrated you is only a light and momentary trouble. Once your perspective has been heightened, you can look away from the problem altogether. Turn toward Me, and see the Light of My Presence shining upon you.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 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. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.- Psalm 89:15
-

-April 27, 2013
Come to Me with empty hands and an open heart, ready to receive abundant blessings. I know the depth and breadth of your neediness. Your life-path has been difficult, draining you of strength. Come to Me for nurture. Let Me fill you up with My Presence: I in you, and you in Me.
My Power flows most freely into weak ones aware of their need for Me. Faltering steps of dependence are not lack of faith; they are links to My Presence.

"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one; I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."- John 17:20-23

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.- Isaiah 40:29-31
-

-April 28, 2013
As you look into the day that stretches out before you, you see many choice-points along the way. The myriad possibilities these choices present can confuse you. Draw your mind back to the threshold of this day, where I stand beside you, lovingly preparing you for what is ahead.
You must make your choices one at a time, since each is contingent upon the decision that precedes it. Instead of trying to create a mental map of your path through this day, focus on My loving Presence with you. I will equip you as you go, so that you can handle whatever comes your way. Trust Me to supply what you need when you need it.

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.- Lamentations 3:22-26

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!- Psalm 34:8
-

-April 29, 2013
Let Me teach you thankfulness. Begin by acknowledging that everything- all your possessions and all that you are- belongs to Me. The dawning of each new day is a gift from Me, not to be taken for granted. The earth is vibrantly alive with My blessings, giving vivid testimony to My Presence. If you slow down your pace of life, you can find Me anywhere.
Some of My most precious children have been laid aside in sickbeds or shut away in prisons. Others have voluntarily learned the discipline of spending time alone with Me. The secret of being thankful is learning to see everything from My perspective. My world is your classroom, My Word is a lamp to your feet and a light for your path.

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire."- Hebrews 12:28-29

You word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.- Psalm 119:105
-

Obsessed with this husband and wife duet, can't help but share another song for you to hear.

Holy Spirit- Bryan and Katie Torwalt

Be blessed all the days of you life,
Britt

Make Me your FOCAL POINT.

Catch up time, again.

-April 19, 2013

I love you regardless of how well you are performing. Sometimes you feel uneasy, wondering if you are doing enough to be worth of My Love. No matter how exemplary your behavior, the answer is that question will always be no. Your performance and My Love are totally different issues, which you need to sort out. I love you with an everlasting Love that flows out from eternity without limits or conditions. I have clothed you in My robe of righteousness, and this is an eternal transaction: Nothing and no one can reverse it. Therefore, your accomplishment as a Christian has no bearing on My Love for you. Even your ability to asses how well you are doing on a given day is flawed. Your limited human perspective and the condition of your body, with its mercurial variations, distort your evaluations.

Bring your performances anxiety to Me, and receive in its place. My unfailing love. Try to stay conscious of My loving Presence with you in all that you do, and I will direct your steps.

The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." -Jeremiah 31:3

I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.- Isaiah 61:30

Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.- Psalm 31:16

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.- Psalm 107:8

-

-April 20, 2013

Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Hear Me saying Peace, be still to your restless heart. No matter what happens, I will never leave you or forsake you. Let this assurance soak into your mind and heart, under you overflow with Joy. Through the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, you need not fear!

The media relentlessly proclaim bad news: for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A steady diet of their fare will sicken you. Instead of focusing on fickle, ever-changing news broadcasts, tune in to the living Word- the One who is always the same. Let scripture saturate your mind and heart, and you will walk steadily along the path of Life. Even though you don't know what will happen tomorrow, you can absolutely be sure of your ultimate destination. I held you by your right hand, and afterward I will take you into Glory.

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.- Mark 4:39

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.- Deuteronomy 31:6

Therefore we will not fear. though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.- Psalm 46:2

Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.- Psalm 73:23-24

-

-April 21, 2013

Let me control your mind. The mind is the most restless unruly part of mankind. Long after you have learned the discipline of holding your tongue, your thoughts defy your will and set themselves up against Me. Man is the pinnacle of My creation, and the human mind is wondrously complex. I risked it  all by granting you freedom to think for yourself. This is godlike privilege, forever setting you apart from animals and robots. I made you in My image, precariously close to deity.

Though My blood has fully redeemed you, your mind is the last bastion of rebellion. Open yourself to My radiant Presence, letting My light permeate your thinking. When My Spirit is controlling your mind, you are filled with Life and Peace.

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.- Genesis 1:26-27

The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.- Romans 8:6

-

-April 22, 2013

Listen to Me continually. I have much to communicate to you, so many people and situations in need of prayer. I am training you to set your mind on Me more and more, tuning out distractions through the help of My Spirit.

Walk with Me in holy trust, responding to My initiatives rather than trying to make things fit your plans. I died to set you free, and that includes freedom from compulsive planning. When your mind spins with a multitude of thoughts, you cannot hear My voice. A mind preoccupied with planning pays homage to the idol of control. Turn from this idolatry back to Me. Listen to Me and live abundantly!

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."- John 8:36

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.- Proverbs 19:21

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."- John 10:27

-

-April 23, 2013

Keep your eyes on Me, not only for direction but also for empowerment. I never lead you to do something without equipping you for the task. That is why it's so important to seek My will in everything you do. There are many burned-out Christians who think more is always better, who deem it unspiritual to say no.

In order to know My will, you must spend time with Me- enjoying My Presence. This is not an onerous task but a delightful privilege. I will show you the path of Life; in My Presence is fullness of Joy; at My right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge- do not give me over to death.- Psalm 141:8

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.- Psalm 16:11

-

-April 24, 2013

Rest in the stillness of My Presence while I prepare you for this day. Let the radiance of My Glory shine upon you, as you wait on Me in confident trust. Be still and know that I am God. There is both a passive and an active side to trusting Me. As you rest in My Presence, focusing on Me, I quietly build bonds of trust between us. When you respond to the circumstances of your life with affirmations of trust, you actively participate in this process.

I am always with you, so you have no reason to be afraid. Your fear often manifests itself in excessive planning. Your mind is so accustomed to this pattern of thinking that you are only now becoming aware of how pervasive it is and how much it hinders your intimacy with Me. Repent of this tendency and resist it, whenever you realize you are wandering down this well-worn path, Return to My Presence, which always awaits you in the present moment. I accept you back with no condemnation.

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."- Psalm 46:10

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.- Romans 8:1

-

-April 25, 2013

Make Me your focal point as you move through this day. Just as a spinning ballerina must keep returning her eyes to a given point to maintain her balance, so you must keep returning your focus to Me. Circumstances are in flux, and the world seems to be whirling around you. The only way to keep your balance is to fix your eyes on Me, the One who never changes. If you gaze too long at your circumstances, you will become dizzy and confused. Look to Me, refreshing yourself in My Presence, and your steps will be steady and sure.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.- Hebrews 12:2

But you remain the same, and your years will never end.- Psalm 102:27

-

I know that's a lot to take in, but we can never get enough of our Lord so I felt empowered to catch you up all in one day. I will get better about taking the time each day to put it up, that way we aren't catching up days and days at a time.

I am obsessed with Indie/Folk and this is an amazing song by a couple that sings so beautifully together!

You Saved My Soul- Bryan and Katie Torwalt

Prayers lifted up for everyone who may need them or even if you don't, we could all use a little blessssssings every now and then! 

-Britt

Peace is My continual gift to you.

-April 17th, 2013
I am training you in steadiness. Too many things interrupt your awareness of Me. I know that you live in a world of sight and sound, but you must not be a slave to those stimuli. Awareness of Me can continue in all circumstances, no matter what happens.  This is the steadiness I desire for you.
Don't let unexpected events throw you off course. Rather, respond calmly and confidently, remembering that I am with you. As soon as something grabs your attention, talk with Me about it. Thus I share your joys and your problems; I help you cope with whatever is before you. This is how I live in you and work through you. This is the way of Peace.

He will have no fear of bad news; his heart steadfast, trusting in the Lord.- Psalm 112:7

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."- Isaiah 41:10
-

-April 18th, 2013
Peace is My continual gift to you. It flows abundantly from My throne of grace. Just as the Israelites could not store up manna for the future but had to gather it daily, so it is with My Peace. The day-by-day collecting of manna kept My people aware of their dependence on Me. Similarly, I give you sufficient Peace for the present, when you come to me by prayer and petition with thanksgiving. If I gave you permanent Peace, independent of My Presence, you might fall into the trap of self-sufficiency. My that never be!
I have designed you to need Me moment by moment. As your awareness of your neediness increases, so does your realization of My abundant sufficiency. I can meet every one of your needs without draining My resources at all. Approach My throne of grace with bold confidence, receiving My Peace with a thankful heart.

Moses said to them, "It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat. This is what the Lord has commanded: 'Each one is to gather as much as he needs.'...No one is to keep any of it until morning."- Exodus 16:15-16

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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...And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.- Philippians 4:6-7

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.- Hebrews 4:16
-

I love this song.

Not For A Moment- Meredith Andrews

Be blessed,
 Britt

I am calling you.

-March 31st, 2013
Taste and see that I am good. The more intimately you experience Me, the more convinced you become of My goodness. I am the Living One who sees you and longs to participate in your life. I am training you to find Me in each moment and to be a channel of My loving Presence. Sometimes My blessings come to you in mysterious ways: through pain and trouble. At such times you can know My goodness only through your trust in Me. Understanding will fail you, but trust will keep you close to Me.
Thank Me for the gift of My Peace, a gift of such immense proportions that you cannot fathom its depth or breadth. When I appeared to My disciples after the resurrection, it was Peace that I communicated first of all. I knew this was their deepest need: to calm their fears and clear their minds. I also speak Peace to you, for I know your anxious thoughts. Listen to Me! Tune out other voices, so that you can hear Me more clearly. I designed you to dwell in Peace all day, every day. Draw near to Me; receive My Peace.

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.- Psalm 34:8

So she called the name of the Lord Who spoke to her...[The Living One who sees me].- Genesis 16:13-14

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"- John 20:19

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.- Colossians 3:15
-

-April 16th, 2013

I am calling you to a life of thankfulness. I want all your moments to be punctuated with thanksgiving. The basis for our gratitude is My sovereignty. I am the Creator and Controller of the universe. Heaven and earth are filled with my glorious Presence.
When you criticize or complain, you are acting as if you think you could run the world better than I do. From your limited human perspective, it may look as if I'm mismanaging things. But you don't know what I know or see what I see. If I pulled back the curtain to allow you to view heavenly realms, you would understand much more. However, I have designed you to live by faith, not by sight. I lovingly shield you from knowing the future or seeing into the spirit world. Acknowledge My sovereignty by giving thanks in all circumstances.

And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."- Isaiah 6:3

We live by faith, not by sight.- 2 Corinthians 5:7

Gives thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
-

I Surrender- Hillsong Live

Be blessed all the days of your life,

Britt 

Trust Me, and don't be afraid.

Time to catch up again.

-March 30th, 2013
I am taking care of you. Trust Me at all times. Trust Me in all circumstances. Trust Me with all your heart. When you are weary and everything seems to be going wrong, you can still utter those four words: "I trust You, Jesus." By doing so, you release matters into My control, and you fall back into the security of My everlasting arms.
Before you arise from your bed in the morning, I have already arranged the events for your day. Every day provides many opportunities for you to learn My ways and grow closer to Me. Signs of My Presence brighten even the dullest day when you have eyes that really are. Search for Me as for hidden treasure. I will be found in you.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.- Proverbs 3:5

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, "Destroy him!"- Deuteronomy 33:27

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found in you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."- Jeremiah 29:13-14
-

-April 13th, 2013
When I give you no special guidance, stay where you are. Concentrate on doing your everyday tasks in awareness of My Presence with you. The Joy of My Presence will shine on you, as you do everything for Me. Thus you invite Me into every aspect of your life. Through collaborating with Me in all things, you allow My Life to merge with yours. This is the secret not only of joyful living but also of victorious living. I designed you to depend on Me moment by moment, recognizing that apart from Me you can do nothing.
Be thankful for quiet days, when nothing special seems to be happening. Instead of being bored by the lack of action, use times of routine to seek My Face. Although this is an invisible transaction, it speaks volumes in spiritual realms. Moreover, you are richly blessed when you walk trustingly with Me through the routines of your day.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.- Colossians 3:23

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."- John 15:5

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.- Psalm 105:4
-

-April 14th, 2013
Heaven is both present and future. As you walk along your life-path holding My hand, you are already in touch with the essence of heaven: nearness to Me. You can also find many hints of heaven along your pathway, because the earth is radiantly alive with My Presence. Shimmering sunshine awakens your heart, gently reminding you of My brilliant Light. Birds and flowers, trees and skies evoke praises to My holy Name. Keep your eyes and ears fully open as you journey with Me.
At the end of your life-path is an entrance to heaven. Only I know when you will reach that destination, but I am preparing you for it each step of the way. The absolute certainty of your heavenly home gives you Peace and Joy, to help you along your journey. You know that you will reach your home in My perfect timing: not one moment too soon or too late. Let the hope of heaven encourage you, as you walk along the path of Life with Me.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ the first fruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.- 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.- Hebrews 6:19
-

-April 15th, 2013
Trust Me, and don't be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable. Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.
When you are shaken of out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities. Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new. I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom. Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust Me, and don't be afraid.

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.- Isaiah 12:2

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.- Psalm 61:2-4

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.- 2 Corinthians 3:18
-

Check out this song by this awesome group!

The Proof of Your Love- For King and Country

Keep Boston and our country in your prayers...
Our faith can't be shaken.

Be blessed,
Britt

Trusting Me.

-March 29th, 2013
Stop trying to work things out before their times have come. Accept the limitations of living one day at a time. When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is a part of today's agenda. If it isn't, release it into My care and go on about today's duties. When you follow this practice, there will be a beautiful simplicity about your life: a time for everything, and everything in it's time.
A life lived close to Me is not complicated or cluttered. When your focus is on My Presence, many things that once troubled you lose their power over you. Though the world around you is messy and confusing, remember that I have overcome the world. I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have Peace.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.- Ecclesiastes 3:1

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."- John 16:33
-

-April 12th, 2013
Trusting Me is a moment-by-moment choice. My people have not always understood this truth. After I performed miracles in the wilderness, My chosen children trusted Me intensely- but only temporarily. But soon the grumbling began again, testing My patience to the utmost.
Isn't it often the same way with you? You trust Me when things go well, when you see Me working on your behalf. This type of trust flows readily within you, requiring no exertion of your will. When things go wrong, your trust-flow slows down and solidifies. You are forced to choose between trusting Me intentionally or rebelling: resenting My ways with you. This choice constitutes a fork in the road. Stay on the path of Life with Me, enjoying My Presence. Choose to trust Me in all circumstances.

Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.) So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What are we to drink?" Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. There the Lord made a decree and a law for them, and there he tested them.- Exodus 15:22-25

But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God."- Psalm 31:14
-

Check out one of my favorite songs by Jesus Culture!

Rooftops- Jesus Culture

Be blessed,

Britt

This is the day that I have made.

Today was a very sad day. I traveled to Alabama to celebrate the life of two individuals killed by a reckless driver, under the influence of alcohol. It's so crazy how life can change in such an instant, how quickly someone so dear to us can be stolen from our lives without so much as a second glance or warning of any sort. Life shatters right before our eyes and we don't know how we are ever going to pick up pieces and move on, but God promises us that nothing can ever separate us from his love. He is with the brokenhearted, always. His hand was all around today, it was evident and clear. I just pray for comfort and peace for the family of these two because the days ahead may get harder before they get easier, if you could ever consider days after you lose a love one easy. But God offers us a promise that we will one day see them again, living and walking with him in Heaven.

-March 28th, 2013
I am a God who gives and gives and gives. When I died for you on the cross, I held back nothing; I poured out My Life like a drink offering. Because giving is inherent in My nature, I search for people who are able to receive in full measure. To increase your intimacy with Me, the two traits you need the most are receptivity and attentiveness. Receptivity is opening up your innermost being to be filled with My abundant riches. Attentiveness is directing your gaze to Me: searching for Me in all your moments. It is possible to stay your mind on Me, as the prophet Isaiah wrote. Though such attentiveness you receive a glorious gift: My perfect Peace.

But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.- Philippians 2:17

"I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."- Mark 10:15

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.- Isaiah 26:3
-

-April 11th, 2013
This is the day that I have made. Rejoice and be glad in it. Begin the day with open hands of faith, ready to receive all that I am pouring into this brief portion of your life. Be careful not to complain about anything, even the weather, since I am the Author of your circumstances. The best way to handle unwanted situations is to thank Me for them. This act of faith frees you from resentment and frees Me to  work My ways into the situation , so that good emerges from it.
To find joy in this day, you must live within its boundaries. I knew what I was doing when I divided time into twenty-four hour segments. I understand human frailty, and I know that you can bear the weight of only one day at a time. Do not worry about tomorrow or get stuck in the past. There is abundant Life in My Presence today.

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.- Psalm 118:24

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.- Philippians 3:13-14
-

The King is Here- Kim Walker

Prayers lifted for everyone to feel the love of God extra today.

Be blessed-
Britt

Be Still in My Presence.

So it's been a while since I have posted...and I do apologize for the slack. I have been busy with family in town, being on vacation and then dealing with a tragedy but I do not want to keep up with the neglect of the blog because I think these devotions are very heartfelt by the hand of the Lord.

To make up for the loss time, I will post 2 devotions a day to make up for the time.

-
March 27th, 2013
Be still in My Presence, even though countless tasks clamor for your attention. Nothing is as important as spending time with Me. While you wait in My Presence, I do My best work within you: transforming you by the renewing of your mind. If you skimp on this time with Me, you may plunge headlong into the wrong activities, missing the richness of what I have planned for you.
Do not see Me primarily for what I can give you. Remember that I, the Giver, am infinitely greater than any gift I might impart to you. Though I delight in blessing My children, I am deeply grieved when My blessings become idols in their hearts. Anything can be an idol if it distracts you from Me as your First Love. When I am the ultimate Desire of your heart, you are safe from the danger of idolatry. As you wait in My Presence, enjoy the greatest gift of all: Christ in you, the hope of Glory!

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will.- Romans 12:2

"Yet I hold this against you; you have forsaken your first love."- Revelation 2:4

To them 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
-

And today's devotion.
-Trust Me in every detail of your life. Nothing is random in My kingdom. Everything that happens fits into a pattern for good, to those who love Me. Instead of trying to analyze the intricacies of the pattern, focus your energy on trusting Me and thanking Me at all times. Nothing is wasted when you walk close to Me. Even your mistakes and sins can be recycled into something good, through My transforming grace.
While you were still living in darkness, I began to shine the Light of My Presence into your sin-stained life. Finally, I lifted you up out of the mire into My marvelous Light. Having sacrificed My very Life for you, I can be trusted in every facet of your life.

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him."- Jeremiah 17:7

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.- Romans 8:28

He drew me up out of a horrible pit [a pit of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay [froth and slime], and set my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps and establishing my goings.- Psalm 40:2

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.- 1 Peter 2:9
-

That devotion brings some peace that I needed, knowing that everything that happens fits into a pattern for good, even if it may bring us sorrow. Losing someone we love is so difficult for us, but they are rejoicing and up in heaven celebrating with Jesus. I wish there was a way to make it less painful, but God is the only source of peace and strength. I think the grieving process is even harder when it doesn't happen because of old age, but because of a terminal illness or even suddenly in a car crash. Like someone dear to my life, who has lost both of her parents due to a drunk driver. Both gone in an instant. To us, that's before their time. It wasn't old age, it wasn't a sickness....their lives were stolen by a reckless driver. And for the children of these two innocent victims to stay positive and keep God as their source of strength is a living testimony. And to also ask for prayer for the young man who caused the accident, blows my mind at such forgiveness. It's such a heartbreaking tragedy but has a way of leading many people to Christ through such strong testimonies of faith and forgiveness.

I have to read the Bible today and search for verses for comfort about the situation and I would like to share the verses I have discovered to help bring peace to those who have lost loved ones.

Verses for when we do not understand God's ways:

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways, my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.- Isaiah 55:8-9

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.- Jeremiah 33:3

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?- Romans 8:31


Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.- Romans 8:35-37

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.- 1 Peter 4:12-13

What to do when you are in grief:

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death,so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Shout for joy, you heavens;
    rejoice, you earth;
    burst into song, you mountains!
For the Lord comforts his people
    and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.- Isaiah 49:13

When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and 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.- Isaiah 43:2

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.- II Thessalonians 2:16-17

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.- Matthew 5:4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.- II Corinthians 1:3-4

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,^[a]
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
³     and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.- Isaiah 61:1-3

Hopefully these will bring anyone who has lost a loved one some kind of comfort, as they have helped me.

Praise You Through This Storm- Casting Crowns


Bless everyone that is suffering from a loss, and I pray that God brings you peace in the days to come.

-Britt