April 2018 - Page 2 of 2 - Tabetha’s Devotions

April 6, 2018

Pray Now?

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

I came across this saying from Corrie ten Boom, “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?”

At first I thought, “Oh, that is so cute!” Then I read it again and I felt like she was really asking me? I mean I felt a deep sense of conviction.

I have a prayer journal that I write in everyday. I spend the day often talking to God about anything and everything. So at first, I kind of felt like Peter when Jesus kept asking him, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15-17)

I prayed and asked God to search my heart. Tell me what I needed to know. Immediately, I thought about several times recently when faced with a problem, I quickly contacted a couple of friends to help me through. I even spoke to my husband. Then when I had talked to anybody and everybody, I prayed.

I made God my spare tire!

Believe me, I am not saying don’t reach out to people for help. We are to share each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). What I was doing was not seeking God first. I wasn’t letting him steer. Really, what I was doing was trying to run the show and do it all by myself.

Needless to say, Corrie ten Boom’s cute little saying is now printed in my prayer journal and hanging in my office. I am going to try and make sure prayer is my steering wheel and not my spare tire.

April 4, 2018

Favored and Chosen by God

John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit–fruit that will last–and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

Luke 1:26-38 covers the story of Mary being told she is going to give birth to Jesus. I always find a couple of the statements particularly interesting. One of them is in verse 29 “Mary was greatly troubled and wondered what kind of a greeting this might be.” I just want to say, “Yep she was a smart girl!”

Gabriel just popped in and said in verse 28 “Greetings you who are highly favored the Lord is with you.” Now I am not sure if her reaction is because as far as she knew it had been many years since God had spoken to his people, or if she was thinking about all of her ancestors who had been called highly favored. But her reaction was simply and totally human, “Oh, this can’t be good!”

I am so sure I would have reacted the same way! I mean look at some of the people the bible mentions as favored: Samuel (I Sam 2:26); Job (Job 10:13); David (Acts 7:46);
and Noah (Gen 6:8). Do you realize the things these people endured? From the outside being favored doesn’t look so favorable!

Then, there is Mary. She is maybe 12 years old. Her future is looking pretty bright. She is engaged to a man who isn’t rich, but isn’t down and out either. He has a home and a profession. Life is looking pretty good. We know Joseph cared for her. Maybe even loved her. If he didn’t, he would of gotten rid of her the second he found out she was pregnant. Yep, her future was set!

Then. Along. Comes. Gabriel.

In the old testament, angels weren’t exactly known for good news. As a matter of fact, they weren’t even known as friendly. Now, not only has an angel appeared, but he calls her favored. Oh Boy! I am in for rocky roads ahead. This cannot be good, right?

No.

In the end, we see Mary going “Challenge Accepted!” Verse 38 says, “May your word to me be fulfilled.” I think it is easy to see why she was favored by God. She saw her future fade, all her dreams and plans crumble. However, She knew God’s plans were greater. She stepped out in faith and chose to walk down the path God laid out for her. She knew the plans He had for her were plans to prosper her and not harm her (Jeremiah 29:11).

Was the road going to be smooth and filled with rainbows and unicorns? No! But it was going to be worth every tear along the way!

What about you? Are you ready to step out in faith on a new adventure he is calling you to? You are highly favored and chosen by God you know!

April 2, 2018

Matthew 11:30 Friend

Matthew 11:30
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all be Matthew 11:30 friends? I think if we followed the commandments we would be just that!

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal 6:2)

This is my command love one another. (John 15:17)

And let us consider how we may, spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up on meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Heb 10:24-25)

If we spent more time loving each other instead of gossiping

If we spent more time walking next to each other instead of tearing each other down.

If we turned to encourage instead of turning to criticize.

As Christians, we are to reflect Jesus. Jesus described himself as a Matthew 11:30 friend. Isn’t it about time we try our hand at it too?

You want the pain to cease
Extend the yoke of peace
We may not agree
But believe you me
What a lighter burden it will be!

Month: April 2018

Pray Now?

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Favored and Chosen by God

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Matthew 11:30 Friend

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Thanks For Sharing!

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Thanks For Sharing!

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Thanks For Sharing!

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