The Lord Is My Shepherd...or Is He?

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1, NKJV)

This is a very familiar verse of Scripture to most people. A lot of times, it's the only one they know other than John 3:16. And for Christians, that's really sad. We quote "The Lord is my shepherd" like we're going to the store. But I have a deeper question. Is the shepherd our Lord? I know, ouch! I think I've hit a nerve. (Please don't start throwing things at me!) :) Scripture tells us that we're like sheep without a sheperd. If we want to truly surrender our lives to what God wants, He has to be our Lord. We can't just give Him lip service. Ladies, we have to mean it...and truly mean it. So let me ask once more, is the shepherd our Lord?

Father, thank You for being our shepherd. Help us all to say with confidence, "yes the shepherd is our Lord!" Amen.



***If you need special prayer, please feel free to email me at:
jamiebritt2006@gmail.com
****

Impossible! But God...

But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27, NKJV)

The tears cascaded down my face in a pool of frustration and disappointment. I wanted to be there to minister to a dear friend during an important meeting, and when I realized I couldn't be there my heart was breaking. Though the circumstances were beyond my control, it felt as though Satan was doing everything in his power to make this trip not come to fruition. But then something happened that was impossible, unless you serve the same miracle-working God that I serve! The meeting that was scheduled to take place after the service this past Sunday didn't happen! It was postponed until this Sunday!

But God...

Only He alone could've changed those circumstances! Do you have a situation facing you today that you feel is an impossibility? Maybe it's a failing marriage, maybe it's fear of not passing an exam in school. Ladies, as a friend of mine reminded me, "your Daddy God's got this!" God knew how desperately I wanted to be there for my friend, and in His perfect wisdom He's allowing me to do just that!

Father, thank You for making a way where there seems to be no way. Thank You that when we see an impossibility, You see it as a way to once again proove Your might and power. Help us when we can't see You hand to trust Your heart. Lord we love You and we praise You. In Jesus name, Amen.

What God Wants

Let the little children come to me, do not hinder them, for

the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. 

                                     Matthew 19:14 NIV

www.glendamills.com 

I paused for a moment—

“God wants nothing from us except our needs.” Charles H. Spurgeon

Really?

God  wants  nothing  from  us  except  our  needs?

For someone still recovering from a works mentality, it took a moment for these words to sink in.

Spurgeon goes on to say;

“and these needs furnish Him with room to display His bounty when He supplies them freely…. Not what I have, but what I do not have is the first point of contact between my soul and God.”

This truth was recently brought home to me again, when a sudden bout of food poisoning left me flat on my back—weak as a kitten, crying out for my husband. Within seconds he was there, tenderly caring for my needs. I lay there feeling like a helpless child. When it was all over, I was cleaned up, and lovingly put to bed with a prayer for a quick recovery. 

Actually it took three long days for my full strength to return.... Enough time to know how truly blessed I am when my needs are brought before the Lord. 

The day children were brought to Jesus for prayers and blessings, the disciples scolded the parents for being a bother.... Yet Jesus quickly rebuked them!

 “Let the children come near me. The Kingdom belongs to those who are like these.”

I picture Jesus tenderly scooping up children into his lap…. loving and praying for them…. entrusting them back into each parent’s care.  

Oh how our hearts need to be reminded again and again—we only connect with our Lord as we realize how needy we are…. And how freely He gives!

What needs will you bring Him today?

Father in Heaven,

Help us to run to you today with the heart of a child, bringing our needs and entrusting them to your care. In the name of Jesus our Lord, amen. 

Glenda Mills – Guest Blogger

Glenda was deeply involved for many years in women’s ministry; teaching, training, mentoring, and encouraging women. She believes women find their value and purpose in a living and ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. Accredited with Precept Ministries, Glenda loves to encourage others to seek truth for themselves as they learn to study the Bible inductively. She is a graduate of Christian Communicators and writes for Christian Devotions.us.

Mother of two, and grandmother of six, Glenda enjoys life in her autumn years with her husband Dave, on top of a mountain in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. One of her greatest joys is spending time with her grandchildren and family members. Her hobbies include gardening, photography, bird watching, writing poetry, and creating cards of encouragement.

You’re invited to visit Glenda’s blogsite at www.glendamills.com

Coming Home

And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. (Luke 15:20, New King James Version)
Several months ago, I received a welcome like this son must've received. Standing outside of a restaurant, I waited to be embraced by a group of friends, who over time have become family. While standing in that parking lot receiving warms hugs of welcome, I could picture the father of that lost son standing in anticipation. Like the group of friends I was embracing, it didn't matter how long the son had strayed. He was still welcomed home. Ladies, that's the Lord's cry for each of us. "my child, come home. Come home...where you belong." Have you strayed away from the Lord? Do you feel like you've went too far for Him to save you? Let me assure you, no place is to far. He stand ready and waiting to embrace you and say, "welcome home my child."

Father, thank you for welcoming us home. Thank You Lord that when we feel we've strayed to far, it's never to far from Your hand of mercy, grace and love. I pray for each reader. Bring her back to You...bring her back closer than she was before. In Jesus Name, amen.

Mentors...What a Gift

the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— (Titus 2:3, NKJV)

I've had several women in my life as mentors. They've stepped in at just the time I've needed a spiritual "mom". One such lady stepped in just over 3 years ago. She stepped in when she received my first devotional in her email. Vonda Skelton was the first one that ever said to me "you're gifted to do this, pursue it." Many have stepped in behind her, but Vonda was the first writing mentor in my life and I will always be greatful She not only said I had the gift of writing but she also came along side me to help teach me the craft. You see, God doesn't call us to do life alone. Just as he doesn't call us to do life alone, He doesn't call us to take on a new adventure alone. Do you have the joy of having a mentor? Do you have someone to come along side you to say "you're gifted for this job, let me show you how it's done?" Now that I'm farther along in the journey, yes, Vonda steps in and helps but she also lets me do things on my own. She knows the time of holding my hand for each step is over. It's time for me to take the steps on my own. Ladies, let me encourage you, find a mentor to show you the way things are done.

Father, thank You for the mentor relationship and ultimate friendship that Vonda and I share. I pray for my readers that You'llprovide them with the mentor they need for their new tasks in life. Thank You Lord. We love You and we praise You. Amen

Ever Been a Doubter?

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:6, NKJV

Doubting.

That can be a paralyzing thing to have. I was doubting myself as a writer a few months ago. A dear friend's words changed all that for me though! Did it totally erase the doubt forever? No. Would they assault me once more when I got home from the conference? Absolutely! You see, in that place I was with other writers with my same emotions. I was safe. Once I was home, I was back under the enemy's lies. So what were the words that changed my perspective? My friend, Edie Melson set me straight that day and I will forever be greatful to her! She made me look at her and repeat, "I am a writer." And then? "Now you're a writer because Edie Melson said so!" That may not seem significant to you, but those words changed my life that day. Are you struggling with doubt? Do you feel as though you've been sucked in by the enemy's lies? Ladies, he's a liar and he will cause the roots of doubt to form inside of you. God desires for us not to doubt. Ask Him to help you in this area of doubting today. Let's go forward in what He has for us!

Dear Lord, thank You for pouring confidence into us when we don't have any of our own. Thank You for the sweet reminders of dear friends when we need the nudge. Lord we love You and we praise You, Amen.

Lord, You Are My Hope and Portion

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!" (Lamentations 3:24, New King James Version)

My hope and my portion? Really? This verse was really put to the test just 2 days before Christmas. "I have something to tell you," were the words I read on my computer screen. "You didn't get the scholarship to the conference." The pity party and self-doubting had officially begin. "Am I not good enough?" "Was my essay not what the judges were looking for?" Most of all, "what's wrong with me?"

Then, this verse came to my mind. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" Do I really? He starts speaking to my heart.

"Jamie, do you trust me completely?"
"Yes, Lord."
"Put your gift of writing into my hands."
"Lord I need to be there and this is the only way."
Again, the sweet voice, "Put your gift into my hands."

Well, the hope and trust paid off, as it always does. I didn't get the scholarship, but I received the funds to get me to the conference!

Not only did I receive what I needed, I received more than the cost of the conference.

Is there something today that you desire and you're tired of the waiting game? Let me encourage you, ladies, put your hope and trust in the one who knows the big picture. It will pay off, and you'll be astounded at the results!

Father, help us all to put our complete hope and trust in You. Help us trust You even when we don't necessarily get what we want. Help us be satisfied with what you know is best for us. Amen.

Deliverance

Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them; and
I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the
Egyptians may know that I am the Lord. And they did so. ~Exodus 14:4 (NKJV)


This is the Lord talking in this passage. He didn't harden Pharaoh's
heart so he'd get away, He hardened his heart so He'd chase after
them. These Egyptians were in desperate need of God's deliverance.

But...

Have you ever been in a situation where you didn't know how you were
going to make it through? Let me remind you ladies, we serve a
sovereign God. He knows all thing and is in complete control of every
situation that takes place in our lives. We don't always know what
He's doing, but we can know that that He's very much aware of our
struggles in life. And you know what? Not only is He aware of what
we're going through, He cares. So ladies, whatever you may be facing
today, you're not alone.

Father, thank You for caring about us. Thank You that even when we
can't see You, you're there in the midst of our pain. I ask You to
bring comfort to my readers as they face their various challenges. In
Jesus Name, Amen.

******Thank you so much for participating in the drawing for Vonda
Skelton's book, See Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women
Believe". But we have a winner. 

The recipient of this eye-opening book is...Christina Mckiddy! 
Christina, just email me at: jamiebritt2006@gmail.com
with your mailing address and your book will be on its way!
Jamie

I Will Praise Him Still

Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
For the help of His countenance. ~Psalm 42:5 NKJV

Have you ever been in the place where this Psalmist is? We're not sure who wrote this particular Psalm, but no matter who it was-he was in a time of despair. But I want to focus on one word. I want to focus on the word "yet." 

He was saying that no matter what I go through, I'm going to praise the Lord! He may not have felt like it in his flesh, but he knew that if he'd start praising God, his spirit would lift. I heard someone say once "when you don't feel like praying, pray. Let me rephrase that statement. When you don't feel like praising, praise.

Are you in a place of despair today? Do you feel like your world is crumbling around you? Let me encourage you to praise Him in the midst of it. A dear friend once told me that "when you can't praise God for your circumstances, just praise Him for who He is.

Father, thank you for giving us the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Thank You for giving us the strength we need for each trial in life. Lord you're worthy of our praise. In Jesus Name, Amen

Think You're Too Damaged for God?

By Vonda Skelton, Guest Blogger

I’ve learned a lot during my years of writing and speaking. And some things have surprised me. But nothing has surprised me more than this: we Christians have a hard time letting go of our guilt. Even if we’ve accepted God’s gift of grace and forgiveness, many of us still have a hard time believing He forgets our past. We still hear Satan’s condemnation as he whispers in our ears.

Christ followers voice their struggles everywhere I go. And it doesn’t matter whether the words roll out in a slow southern drawl or escape at a clipped staccato pace, the heartfelt cry is the same. It’s the painful reality that we’ve failed. That we haven’t measured up. That we’ve let God down. The names change and the circumstances vary, but the sad truth is, we still feel dirty, we still feel ashamed, and we think we’re too damaged to be loved and used by Him.

It’s another lie of Satan. The truth is, God doesn’t see us as we see ourselves. Our past failures don’t have to affect our future calling. And whether you’re a single woman, a mother of three kids, or a grandmother trying to make up for lost time, God can still use you.

In his book, God: As He Longs for You to See Him, Chip Ingram says, “. . . what you believe God thinks about you determines how close you grow toward him.” Want to grow closer to God? It begins by realizing how God feels about you.

Our Father truly has a personal, specific plan for your life, and He’s ready for you to grab hold of the vision. He’s ready for you to answer His call, regardless of where you are at the moment or where you’ve been in the past.

“It’s comforting to realize that God calls us from who and what we are,” says Nancie Carmichael, in her book, Selah. “You hear the call and present who you are–not who you wish you were–to see what he will make of you.”

The Lord wants to make much of you. He wants to give you the opportunity to be light in the darkness for Him. And He can, if you’re willing to start where you are today and look forward to becoming what He wants you to be.

Ashamed of your past? Join the crowd. Join the crowd of sinners at the foot of a bloody cross. Paul, David, and Moses were murderers. David added adultery to his list. Ruth was an idol worshiper. Peter denied Christ. Now if God was able to forgive and use these people for His glory, don’t you think He can forgive and use you?

The truth is, God doesn’t waste any scars. Whatever we’ve done, whatever we’ve gone through, He can use those very things to bring glory to Himself, if we let him.

So…are you willing to be used by God? It may require a transparency that hurts, but in doing so, it can release the power that heals.

I praise God that when He looks at me, He doesn’t see me as damaged goods. He sees me as His precious, forgiven child, called to follow and proclaim His Name. Called to be a writer and speaker for Him.

What does He have in mind for you? You can be sure it has nothing to do with your guilt...and everything to do with His grace.

This is what the LORD says--
“Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing!” Isaiah 43:16a, 18-19b

See, He is doing a new thing in you!

Would you like to win a copy of Vonda's book, Seeing Through the Lies? Just leave a comment and you'll be in the drawing! Deadline is midnight on June 30.
**********************************************************************************

Vonda Skelton is a writer and speaker, the author of four books, including Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe and the Bitsy Burroughs Mystery Series for kids 8-12 years old. She can be reached at www.VondaSkelton.com.

There's Just Something About That Name!

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins. (Mathew 1:21, New King James Version)

Jesus!

There's just something about that sweet name!

One day, very soon, we will be saying that name for all eternity! Are you facing something today that you feel is overwhelming you? Just call on that name! It's the name that can calm the storm, heal the broken, and restore lives. It's that precious name of Jesus. When the angel came to Mary to tell her that she would be the one to conceive that child, wow! To think, you will be carrying the most precious gift - the gift of Jesus! That thrills my heart! So, let me encourage you, during this very hectic time of year, call on that name...the name above any other...Jesus!

Father, we worship you! Let us remember to call out that precious name... the sweetest name on earth. Lord we love You and we praise You.

Be Still in My Presence

"Be still and know that I am God..." (Psalm 46:10, NKJV)

How many times do we go about our day, totally ignoring the fact that God is trying to speak to us? The Lord has been teaching me lately to just sit still in His presence. Here's what the Lord has spoken to me, and I think it will encourage you as well.

"my child, why do you insist on running by me so fast? How can I pour my spirit's words into you in this way? Sit in my presence and let me teach you something new. Lay all your burdens and cares at my feet. Do this, and you will find the rest and restoration you long for."

Ladies, are we willing to just sit quietly in His holy presence? I know it will change our lives!

Father, help us to be still before You. Help us to slow down enough to taste of Your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.

The More I Seek You

As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God. (Psalm 42:1, ~NKJV)

"The more I Seek You, the more I find You."

Like the deer longs for a drink of water to quench His thirst, are we taking advantage of the Living Water? Are we tasting the water? I don't mean getting a sip here and there. I mean, are we drenching ourselves in it? Ladies, drenching ourselves in the Living Water is the only way we're gonna grow. We won't grow by just sipping on it. So, my question, are we growing? I know these are hard questions, but we need to be honest with ourselves. More importantly, we need to be honest with God. After all, He gave His life so we can have an all access pass to Him, are we willing to give our lives back to Him?

Father, thank You for the Living Water that you so graciously offer. Lord You offer it but it's our responsibility to drink of it. I pray for each lady; that You'll help her drench herself in Your Water. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Nothing Is Impossible!

For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37, NKJV)

"I'm sorry, but you'll never walk again or be able to bare a child." Those were the words a lady heard when she was just a little girl. You see, this child had just been in a horrific car accident. Her face had gone through 3 windshields, her back was broken and her left leg was crushed in 32 different places. Not only that, but she had over 150 stitches in her face. Well, this lady prooved those doctors wrong! Not only did she walk again, but she had 4 children and she became Miss America! Now, you tell me ladies, is there anything impossible with God? I think this lady can say "no there isn't!" Whatever circumstance you find yourself in today, God can do all things! He can restore a broken marriage. He can heal a terminal disease. He can bring a lost child back home. Are you facing something today that man is telling you you can't do? Let me tell you something greater! Ladies, if God calls you to it, then He will give you what you need to get it done! For He says that "nothing...let me say that again...nothing is impossible with Him!"

Father, thank You that nothing is impossible with You. Lord if You call us to something, we know You'll give us the tools to carry it out. I pray for each reader. Let her know that no matter what she's facing, it isn't an impossible situation with You. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Part of the Plan

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, NKJV)

It happened without reasonable explanation. It was a God-thing, no question! Let me take you back.

Picture the day before Thanksgiving of 2011, excepting a seemingly ordinary friend request on Facebook. But, it was anything but ordinary...it was extraordinary! From that point, that friendship has turned into something I will treasure for the rest of my life.

When we finally got to meet in person for the first time just over 2 months ago, that sealed it for us both.

My point to this story? My point is that God knew before either of us that we were going to be introduced on Facebook by a mutual friend, who in turn has changed both of our lives. He knew that over the months after Thanksgiving, we'd need one another's love and support like never before.

Do you have someone in your life that you know without a shadow of a doubt that God placed them there? You can't explain it, but they're there each time you need a friend? Ladies, let me encourage you that if you don't have someone like that in your life; ask God to send you that special friend you can call on at any time of the day or night.

Lord, thank you so much for the friends you've placed in my life. Thank you that it was by divine appointment that they're placed there. I ask for each of my readers that you send a special person that they can call friend and know they can call on her at any time. Thank You Lord! Amen.