I am posting a very though provoking devotion from Gentle Shepherd today...
Since I often think I am the only one out here ( my flesh thing again)... this kind of puts things in perspective..
Love & Prayers,
Judy
GOD’S FOOTSTOOL
(Isaiah 66:1)
Considering God’s universe has been an eye opener to me. In the beginning, as a young child, I perceived myself as the center of the universe, while in my teenage years, I saw myself as the master of my world. Years later I realize how small I was in my thinking and how foolish I became in my teenage years.
Life has a way of proving that regardless of how smart, strong or wise we see ourselves, we really are being deluded by arrogance. When I think that earth is nothing but a small “pale blue dot” in its galaxy, it causes me to realize how small my world is in comparison. Even though I flatter myself into thinking I am in control of my small world, the truth of the matter is I am unable to control it. There are forces greater than me that influence the world I live in.
This Scripture in Isaiah brings out God’s perspective about heaven, the earth and man. We are told that earth is God’s footstool. Such a thought proves to be incredible. How big God must be for the earth to simply serve as His footstool upon which He can rest. The other amazing consideration is that heaven is His throne, and a believer serves as His temple or dwelling place. His throne is related to His sovereignty as God, His footstool to His kingship, and His temple to the presence of His Spirit.
God’s majesty is brought out even more when we consider how He chose earth (His footstool) in the vastness of the universe to put man (His temple) in a perfect environment. His purpose for this was to have fellowship with His creation as a means to enjoy it. Obviously, one aspect of His creation (the universe) speaks of His power and glory, while the other aspect of His creation (earth) speaks of His heart’s desire to be in communion or agreement with that which He has created.
The video “The Privileged Planet,” explains how everything about earth was designed to maintain life, as well as see into the window of the universe. Clearly, everything about creation declares there is a Creator, who is not only intelligent, but He gave the necessary intelligence to man to explore beyond this world to discover His greatness and glory.
We will be seeing how the various dots found in creation are quite important to God. In fact, He was the one who put these dots in their places. Although man may consider all that God has done as being common, the fact that God is behind it sets it apart and makes it important.
Prayer: Lord, we tend to overlook what is important to You because we do not know Your person or heart. However, Lord I know that every insignificant dot has a purpose. Thank You for Your dots. Amen.
©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for
non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.
www.gentleshepherd.com
Questions or comments welcome. Email: ministry@gentleshepherd.com
Friday, January 8, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Good Morning to another day...
Lately I have been fighting it seems many dark nights of the soul. You know, where you wake up in the wee hours of the morning and it seems everything horrible you ever did rushes in to torment you in full force.
I start wondering about my very existence and if GOD can even love a spud like me. I feel about as flawed as any person on the planet and at those times can even understand why certain people in certain religions have the urge to punish themselves until they drawl blood.
One thing I have to say good about those awful nights is getting up and seeing the sunrise. As I go outside and fight the elements caring for my critters I get almost a sense of accomplishment in that I survived another night and am plowing on into another day.
My life might not have not been what I wanted or expected but it is what I have been given. For all the good and all the bad of it I am here. For some reason the Creator decided to put me here and so I am assuming He has a purpose even if in the most part I am clueless.
I struggle always in my relationship with my Heavenly Father only because I am sure I make it way more complicated then it needs to be. I admit I have not reached the stage in my life where I can always lay down in peace and just have blissful faith all the time. If any of you have reached that stage in your life please let me know. I would love to meet someone who has attained that.
I often struggle with the human in me... fighting the flesh is a full time war...and I do not always win over the flesh. But in my struggles I am finding a realness in my relationship with my Creator that I do not think I would have otherwise.
So with saying all of that here are two new devotions from Gentle Shepherd... they really touched home with me in a very big way and I suspect they will you all as well..
GOD Bless....
Judy
REALITY CHECK
(Job 38:1-4)
Job is a man that I can often relate to. He struggled with the issues of life that do not make sense. He knew about God, yet understood that his present situation was eluding him. He understood spiritual matters in part, yet his present knowledge of such matters brought nothing but confusion and darkness to his soul. The final conclusion he had to come to was that he really did not understand.
It is vital that as believers we occasionally gain a true reality check about our part in the scheme of things. In reality, we are nothing, but our incredible Creator put a price on us when He redeemed us back from the hopeless state of death brought on by sin.
In considering how there are many galaxies that make up the unfolding universe before us, we must remember that even God’s creation cannot contain His power and glory. In light of such a perspective, we can only marvel at how our Creator would choose man out of all of creation to establish a relationship with Him. He would form him from insignificant dust to become a living vessel that could intimately interact with Him, as well as choosing him to house His Spirit, reflect His glory, and commune with Him.
When was the last time you considered your life in light of creation? Take time to consider creation, and then, remember how the Creator desires to have a personal, intimate relationship with you.
Prayer: Lord I am awed by Your creation, overwhelmed by Your greatness, and humbled by the incomprehensible reality that You actually desire a relationship with me. Lord, thank You for regarding me in spite of the vastness of Your beauty, works, and perfect ways. Amen.
STARTING POINT
(Isaiah 44:6)
When I start a new year, I meditate on the purpose for my existence. Why am I here in this place, at this time? Clearly, something cannot simply exist without a purpose or reason. Am I fulfilling my reason for being? There was a time in my quest to come to terms with the “whys” behind my existence when I rationalized that perhaps I must come to terms with my beginning. What marks my beginning: My actual conception in the womb or the beginning of all creation? Clearly, to understand the ending, I must start from the right beginning. After all, the beginning will line me up to the finished purpose or goal for my life.
This consideration in regards to the beginning of a matter brings each us to the big debate: Something had to be eternal to bring about a matter. Was energy eternal or is God eternal? Regardless of the debate, something had to initially exist in order for something to come forth. Life can only come out of life or that which possesses the source of life.
The other aspect of the debate can be clearly observed in creation. Everything in our universe is winding down including the energy that is present in our world. Granted, almost everything has a peak, but like the wind after hitting its peak or potential, it will digress downward into a place where it will cease altogether. Everything is digressing where it is subsiding into a state of ruin and decay. Therefore, such elements as energy could not be considered eternal or the substance behind all that we see. This is why the Bible’s record of creation is so incredible. It clearly states: “In the beginning, God...”
This simple statement found in Genesis 1:1 says it all. All matters of life, creation and purpose can be found in the reality of God. In Him everything existed that was, became and will become. The answer to my question was simple: my existence began with my Creator.
Thought: God is all inclusive. Everything stands completed in Him, whether in design or purpose, and it will all come forth to perfection in His timing.
©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for
non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.
www.gentleshepherd.com
Questions or comments welcome. Email: ministry@gentleshepherd.com
I start wondering about my very existence and if GOD can even love a spud like me. I feel about as flawed as any person on the planet and at those times can even understand why certain people in certain religions have the urge to punish themselves until they drawl blood.
One thing I have to say good about those awful nights is getting up and seeing the sunrise. As I go outside and fight the elements caring for my critters I get almost a sense of accomplishment in that I survived another night and am plowing on into another day.
My life might not have not been what I wanted or expected but it is what I have been given. For all the good and all the bad of it I am here. For some reason the Creator decided to put me here and so I am assuming He has a purpose even if in the most part I am clueless.
I struggle always in my relationship with my Heavenly Father only because I am sure I make it way more complicated then it needs to be. I admit I have not reached the stage in my life where I can always lay down in peace and just have blissful faith all the time. If any of you have reached that stage in your life please let me know. I would love to meet someone who has attained that.
I often struggle with the human in me... fighting the flesh is a full time war...and I do not always win over the flesh. But in my struggles I am finding a realness in my relationship with my Creator that I do not think I would have otherwise.
So with saying all of that here are two new devotions from Gentle Shepherd... they really touched home with me in a very big way and I suspect they will you all as well..
GOD Bless....
Judy
REALITY CHECK
(Job 38:1-4)
Job is a man that I can often relate to. He struggled with the issues of life that do not make sense. He knew about God, yet understood that his present situation was eluding him. He understood spiritual matters in part, yet his present knowledge of such matters brought nothing but confusion and darkness to his soul. The final conclusion he had to come to was that he really did not understand.
It is vital that as believers we occasionally gain a true reality check about our part in the scheme of things. In reality, we are nothing, but our incredible Creator put a price on us when He redeemed us back from the hopeless state of death brought on by sin.
In considering how there are many galaxies that make up the unfolding universe before us, we must remember that even God’s creation cannot contain His power and glory. In light of such a perspective, we can only marvel at how our Creator would choose man out of all of creation to establish a relationship with Him. He would form him from insignificant dust to become a living vessel that could intimately interact with Him, as well as choosing him to house His Spirit, reflect His glory, and commune with Him.
When was the last time you considered your life in light of creation? Take time to consider creation, and then, remember how the Creator desires to have a personal, intimate relationship with you.
Prayer: Lord I am awed by Your creation, overwhelmed by Your greatness, and humbled by the incomprehensible reality that You actually desire a relationship with me. Lord, thank You for regarding me in spite of the vastness of Your beauty, works, and perfect ways. Amen.
STARTING POINT
(Isaiah 44:6)
When I start a new year, I meditate on the purpose for my existence. Why am I here in this place, at this time? Clearly, something cannot simply exist without a purpose or reason. Am I fulfilling my reason for being? There was a time in my quest to come to terms with the “whys” behind my existence when I rationalized that perhaps I must come to terms with my beginning. What marks my beginning: My actual conception in the womb or the beginning of all creation? Clearly, to understand the ending, I must start from the right beginning. After all, the beginning will line me up to the finished purpose or goal for my life.
This consideration in regards to the beginning of a matter brings each us to the big debate: Something had to be eternal to bring about a matter. Was energy eternal or is God eternal? Regardless of the debate, something had to initially exist in order for something to come forth. Life can only come out of life or that which possesses the source of life.
The other aspect of the debate can be clearly observed in creation. Everything in our universe is winding down including the energy that is present in our world. Granted, almost everything has a peak, but like the wind after hitting its peak or potential, it will digress downward into a place where it will cease altogether. Everything is digressing where it is subsiding into a state of ruin and decay. Therefore, such elements as energy could not be considered eternal or the substance behind all that we see. This is why the Bible’s record of creation is so incredible. It clearly states: “In the beginning, God...”
This simple statement found in Genesis 1:1 says it all. All matters of life, creation and purpose can be found in the reality of God. In Him everything existed that was, became and will become. The answer to my question was simple: my existence began with my Creator.
Thought: God is all inclusive. Everything stands completed in Him, whether in design or purpose, and it will all come forth to perfection in His timing.
©2008 Rayola Kelley, Gentle Shepherd Ministries. Permission is granted for
non-commercial (free) distribution provided this notice appears.
www.gentleshepherd.com
Questions or comments welcome. Email: ministry@gentleshepherd.com
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