Hush - be still!

Artwork used by permission from Erin of ArtbyErinLeigh

Usually, my morning devotions consist of some scripture reading, some journaling and end with prayer, but when I'm really in a dither, when what I really want to do is rant and insist that God give me some answers, I've learned that best thing to do is to just get quiet.

I turn on some soothing music, grab a cup of something warm and comforting and sink down into the cushy chair in my bedroom and just sit and soak up the peace of God. There is a peace that comes no other way than to spend time in His presence, asking nothing, saying nothing.

In this, I find a clarity and confidence in knowing that He is God, that He is with me and that He is in control.

He Orders Our Steps

Artwork used by permission from Erin of ArtByErinLeigh

A couple of weeks ago, I met Cathy. She was new to our church. We struck up a conversation on the patio and talked for about 30 minutes. The very next Sunday I was chatting with someone in the lobby, when I saw Cathy slide down the wall onto the floor. I rushed to her side to see what was wrong. She was pale and shaking and sweating. I prayed with her immediately and asked what I could do to help. She said she just needed to get home. After a few minutes we decided that I would drive her home in her car while my husband followed in our car to help me get her into her house. (She also had a badly swollen ankle and could barely walk on it.) Turns out her blood sugar was very low.

As we drove home later, I marveled at how God had orchestrated the whole thing. Had I not met her the week before that and spent a little time getting to know her, I doubt that she would have felt comfortable allowing a stranger drive her car, practically carry her into her home and help her get settled on the sofa.  But God knew. He knew that Cathy was going to need help, so he orchestrated our introduction ahead of time so that I immediately recognized her and she felt comfortable with me.

Has anything like that ever happened to you? Have your found yourself in exactly the right place at the right time in order to help someone?

That's what happened to Queen Esther. God placed her in the right place at the right time to prevent an evil man with an evil plan from succeeding.

This is nothing new. God does it all the time. What we see as a coincidence or providence is really Psalm 37:23 in action.

 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord...

As you go through your day, keep your eyes open for divine appointments. God will bring people in and out of your day for a purpose. You may be there to help them, share the love of Christ with them...or they may be there to help YOU!

Jesus and Coffee

Scripture Art used by permission from Erin of ArtByErinLeigh

 I confess. I am not a morning person. When I wake up, I want silence and coffee. I want to ease into the day and when I’m ready, I’ll be civil. Of course, life and the people in my life do not play nice. They want me to pop out of bed, bright eyed and…well, you know.  On weekdays my husband goes to work before I wake up, so my mornings are sweet. A quiet house, a hot cup of coffee, my favorite chair and Jesus. There is no better way to start the day!

Those precious moments when I’m curled up in my quiet spot, reading my Bible, praying, listening to soft worship music playing in the background…those are the moments that strengthen me to face whatever the day might throw at me. It’s in those quiet times that I hear Jesus speak to my heart, sense the Holy Spirit leading me, feel the Father’s love wash over me.

If you don’t have a quiet time in the morning, let me encourage you to begin.  Your days will be brighter for having started it with Jesus…and coffee.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Psalm 90:14

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