Wise Counsel
Today’s Devotional comes from Anabel Gillham. Anabel (and sometimes other members of her family) write(s) a daily devotional for Lifetime Guarantee Ministries http://www.lifetime.org/. Today I was facing the day feeling defeated, given all that I think I have to accomplish. Then I got frustrated because my computer would not access the Oswald Chambers devotional for the day and I was unable to complete this task of inserting the Chambers devotional and music link. I tried over and over but could not access the Oswald Chambers devotional for the day.This occurred right after I had tried to make my “to do” list for the day all the while feeling defeated and overwhelmed. I had been deep in prayer earlier about my list of things to do….and then with time and task tension mounting, I could not get a simple devotional posted. I tried everything. And then decided to see if it was just the link to Oswald Chambers or if I could access another devotional site; as a way of testing my computer and the current problem……so I reached out to Anabel Gillham’s devotional to see if it was my computer, my network or…..and then her devotional, exactly the message I needed to hear, popped up quickly and easily…
…Perhaps it was written just for you today too. It was/is certainly the message I was supposed to read this morning. I suspect we will be back to Oswald Chambers tomorrow……or not. JDV (David is in Europe on vacation)
Tuesday 01 June, 2010 by Anabel Gillham
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8ZVpYgVyQk&feature=related
Iron sharpens iron,
So one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
I was having some problems with work, knowing just what was expected of me, just who was my superior, how I was to conduct myself in the office, and other things. I was really pretty defeated, feeling that I was not living up to the expectations others had for me and a few other bothersome things. So, I sought Pres to talk to him and profit from the gift of wisdom that God has given him.
These were the thoughts he shared with me that day way back when and I still carry those words in my heart – words of truth – and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. [1]
Mom, if you consider your job or day an opportunity to accomplish something, then you will be discouraged if you do not accomplish – encouraged if you do, but you will be “living” to accomplish.
If you consider your job or day an opportunity for you to allow Christ to manifest Himself through you, then each day will be a successful experience under His guidance.
What freedom! What wisdom for facing the “unexpecteds” that will come. I am that tedious sort of person who makes a list – sometimes an actual list on a clean sheet of paper, sometimes just in my head – but a list of things I would like to accomplish today (a problem of wanting to control – sigh). Since I am now more “mature” in my walk with the Lord after all these years, am I free of that controlling habit in my life? Not completely, but I have come to realize that I’m taking the reins into my hands when I get frustrated because my “list” has been tampered with! If you are a born-again Believer, God is working to accomplish His plan in your life and He is a determined God!
For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure (Isaiah 46:9).
I lean heavily on Philippians 1:6 not only for my own life (what relief to know that He is not going to give up on me regardless of my reticence) but for the lives of the loved ones within my circle.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 NAS
And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ – right up to the time of His return – developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.
Philippians 1:6 The Amplified Bible
What I must remember (and I keep forgetting) is that God isn’t really interested in “my list” for the day, but He is vitally interested in how I face the day. His plan for me is that I will be transformed to be like His Son, Jesus Christ.[2]. From what we have read of the life of Jesus, I don’t think He had a single day where the “unexpecteds” were not there. He was going out to see the daughter of Jairus when the woman with the issue of blood took precious seconds from His plan to see the dying child; [3] the ten lepers tenuously and fearfully blocked His path as He was going to Jerusalem;[4] the Samaritan woman at the well; [5] the money-changers;[6]the determined Pharisees and Sadducees. He was constantly being interrupted, but He faced each interruption with determination, compassion, anticipation, and love – knowing that God was in control.
Mom, if you consider your job or day an opportunity for you to allow Christ to manifest Himself through you, then each day will be a successful experience under His guidance.
The problem with which we wrestle is giving God control. We find it difficult to recognize His hand at work in our life. We are reluctant to be sensitive to His slightest whisper, a different route, or obedient to the words He has given to us.
Well, there are several things on my “to do” list today – must run. (Smile)
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Journal Entry for the Day June 1, 2010
June 1, 2010
I began the day worried and anxious about my day. I feel ovewhelmed by the list of things to do and just the sheer volume of communications issues I must address today, if I am to be a responsible person. I have a number of things that “must get done”. Things I have prayed over, things I have asked God to help me get done, things that are important!!!!
And God says……”I am the one that can and will guide your day, if you will simply let me. How would you like to end your day knowing that you were in my will all day long? Joyful living is different from being happy. Happy is a fickle emotion. However, joyful living is knowing you are living in my will and I am in control of your life. The freedom and joy associated with living in my will is like no other feeling, and simple happiness cannot match the joy of living in my will. You have experienced this and know it. Live in my will, give me your lists and tasks, and at the end of the day look back over your day and tell me what has occurred, and how you felt living and acting in my will.”
a journal entry by J D this morning…..
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