October 8 (B) – Presence of God is Real

The following devotion is part of a ten-post series by Shelly. The Secret of Being Content Philippians 4:4-12 Presence of God is real. Verse 4 says “Rejoice in the Lord always.” I’ve always read that with the emphasis on Rejoice and Always. Read it out loud again with the emphasis on “In the Lord” …… I said out loud! 🙂 Why do I... Read More

October 8 (A) – The Secret of Being Content

The following ten posts are from Shelly, a dear friend of the family who watched us grow up. She is the organizer of the 27 in 2011 challenge that I have (sporadically!) updated in the sidebar of the blog. Thank you for these posts, Shelly! The Secret of Being Content Hello Annie! What if I said I had a secret to tell you? It makes a person lean in more closely, doesn’t... Read More

October 7 – Mom's aside

Mom’s aside You know, Annie, self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and I know from experience that when a person is walking in the Spirit, that self-control comes so much easier. But also, remember when we were talking earlier about each small decision being important? That’s so true with self-control, and it builds. Each tiny right choice makes the next right choice... Read More

October 6 – Proverbs 25: 28

Proverbs 25: 28 He who has no rule over his own spirit [NIV – lacks self-control] is like a city that is broken down and without walls. The walls give safety from outside influences and dangers. Nothing is safe inside if those walls aren’t sound. That’s what ruling our own spirits does for us. In our enlightened moments (!) when we make our wise (are they do-able?)... Read More

October 5 – John 14: 21; 15: 9; 16: 27; 17: 23, 26

No comments today. I just want you to hear Jesus’ words. Find time if you can to read the whole verses. John 14: 21; 15: 9; 16: 27; 17: 23, 26 Amp …whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I [too] will love him and will show (reveal, manifest) Myself to him… I have loved you [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love. For the Father... Read More

October 4 – Psalm 46:11

Psalm 46:11 The Lord of host is with us… That verse ends with “Selah,” which the Amplified translates as “pause, and calmly think of that.” So….let’s! Immanuel — God with us. Came to Earth to be one of us; took on flesh to do it. If we went no farther, that would be totally amazing. Lives in us as His Spirit. We discover that... Read More

October 3 – Ephesians 4: 11-13

Ephesians 4: 11-13 It was He Who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of... Read More

October 2 – Ephesians 4: 3

Ephesians 4: 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. “Make every effort.” As far as is possible on our side of the fence, we are to do whatever it takes to keep unity. Forgiveness, a heart-to-heart, going the extra mile, giving the benefit of the doubt, even getting walked on. The goal isn’t being a doormat; it’s... Read More

October 1 – II Chronicles 5: 13-14

II Chronicles 5: 13-14 The trumpeter and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang: “He is good; His love endures forever.” Then the temple of the Lord was filled with a cloud, and the priests could... Read More

September 30 – Psalm 133

Psalm 133 How good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore. One of the things that makes me the... Read More