Psalm 139:1-18

“O Lord, You have searched me
And You know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
You perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
You are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
You know it completely, O Lord.
You hem me in – behind and before;
You had laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.
Too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Where can I flee from Your presence?
If I go up to the Heavens, You are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, You are there.
If I rise on the wings on the dawn,
If I settle on the far side of the sea,
Even there Your hand will guide me,
Your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me
And the light become night around me,’
Even the darkness will not be dark to You;
The night will shine like the day,
For darkness is as light to You.

For You created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from You
When I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
Your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
Were written in Your book
Before one of them came to be.

How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
They would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with You.”

Sometimes we don’t let people get to know us completely because we are afraid they will discover something about us that they won’t like. But God already knows everything about us, even to the number of hairs on our heads (Matthew 10:30), and still He accepts and loves us. God is with us through every situation and every trial – loving, protecting, guiding. He knows and loves us completely.

Isn’t it comforting to know that God knew each of us before He created us? He planned what each of us would look like, who our parents would be, if we would marry, and how many children we would have. Before we could know God, He cared for us. He hid each of us away as a treasure until he brought us to be. God says that He fashioned each of us with awe and wonder.

I pray that when you have days that you are down and feel worthless, remember that God made you. And when He made you, He made you in His own image. Let us see ourselves as valuable as our Maker does. We are His treasure. Never think anything less!!

YOU ARE LOVED!! :)

In Him,
Shannon

“He Knows My Name” (Artist Unknown)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_BXOiqo808&feature=related

Why So Stubborn?

Hey!!
Hope everyone had a great weekend! :) Again, I apologize for not being able to write for a couple days. But I am back in town with some great stuff to share with you! The Lord has definitely been working on my heart! Earlier today when I was on my flight home from Virginia, I was reading Exodus. I then came to a phrase that is not anything new, but, for some reason today, struck me with a bit of curiosity. The Bible verse that got me thinking was Exodus 4:21 – “…But I will make him stubborn.” This is when God was talking of how He was planning to harden Pharaoh’s heart. As I said earlier, this is not a new idea, however, I feel I often glance over it so quickly and don’t give it the time and thought it deserves.

A few questions I thought of when I read this were:
Why and when does the Lord stubborn hearts? Then I began to wonder what it would look like if He hardened mine…and if I would notice. How do we allow our own hearts to be hardened? Is this process so subtle that we would not be able to tell a difference once we have tuned out God’s voice completely? It got me thinking that when our hearts are hardened or have become stubborn, we become blind to the will of God.

After doing a bit of research and studying the Bible I came to understand that when the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, it just meant that the Lord strengthened His heart with boldness. I found out that the word “harden” in this particular passage does not hold the same meaning as when we harden our own hearts (as a result of turning away from the will of God). God moved in Pharaoh's heart in such a way that he became exceeding bold; which also may be read as foolishly bold and aggressive. Because of this, Pharaoh challenged even the hand of God, leading to his own destruction. As a result, God hardened (or “strengthened”) Pharaoh’s heart in order for His name to be glorified through the humiliation of Pharaoh.

There is a lot that can be said on this topic, but unfortunately I have limited space so I will just send you a link to a neat story that explains this even better than I could.

http://www.awmi.net/extra/article/hardness_heart

It is a bit long so for those who don’t have time here are a few key bullet points:
-People with hard hearts are not mere God-haters or those who rebel against the Lord; even we, as Christians, can develop hard hearts toward the Lord.
- “…Being shocked, amazed, or surprised at a miracle was an indication of a hard heart.”
-A hard heart was initially meant to be a positive thing created by God.
-“A hardened heart dulls a person’s ability to perceive and understand.”
-“ …Whatever you consider, your heart becomes softened toward. Conversely, whatever you fail to consider, your heart becomes hardened to.”

The reason this topic struck my heart today is because I find myself too often focusing on the here and now and the cares of this world rather than Eternal things. When I’m so focused on my life here on earth, I limit God’s spiritual work in my life. So I challenge us all to be more open to the opportunities God has in store for our lives if we are open to His leading. And I pray that we allow God to remove the blinders from our eyes so that we may see His glory!

As always -
Thanks for reading and God bless!
<3 Shannon

Oh and by the way, I have a lot more material and Bible verses on this topic so if anyone is interested in learning more and/or discussing this please let me know, because I’d be more than happy to do what I can to help! :)

“Unveil” by Jeff Deyo
http://www.myspace.com/jeffdeyo
This song is on his playlist. All you need to do is click on the song “Unveil (Album Version)” on this link. Hope you enjoy!!

You Instead Of Me

“Because I’m playing for keeps this time around
I’m in too deep
To think about falling down
And giving up again
I want to live each day just like
It was my last chance to prove
You’re all I have
And that is all I need

This is it, it’s what we’re waiting for!
This is it, it’s all we’re fighting for!
I finally get a chance to show the world
What You have done for me
So let this moment be
You instead of me

Tired and bruised, every broken bone
Reminds me that I’m far from home
And these scars remind me who I am
But You’re the one
the Reason that I run
And I won’t stop until You’re done
You’re the only hope I have

I’ve counted the cost and I know
Everything that really matters is
Everything worth fighting for” - “This Is It (You Instead of Me)” by Jonah33

I included these lyrics tonight because a few phrases caught my attention. The first couple lines that stuck out to me was the part on living each day just like it was his last chance to prove God was all he had. I think this is such a cool way of thinking! It inspires me to consider this when I am going through my day, especially during the most mundane activities. If we would remember that each day, each moment is our chance to prove we are living to glorify and honor God alone and that He is all we need, our lives would look dramatically different!

The chorus is another part of the song that got me thinking. “Let this moment be You instead of me.” Similarly to the other verse I pointed out, when we consciously focus on letting God shine through our lives with each and every moment, things will take a turn for the best! We no longer will be easily angered by a customer’s rude comment, no longer controlled by our road rage, and, most importantly, we will not hesitate to demonstrate unconditional love to those around us.

Last, but not least, the last couple lines reminded me of the Bible passage in Luke 14.

Luke 14:28-30 (New International Version)
28"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'

It is so true: That which costs nothing is not worth anything! Living for Christ may cost you your life (figuratively, and possibly literally), but when compared to the opposite (death without Christ), it is not hard to see how it is the only thing really worth fighting for.

I pray that today we will use our lives to bring praise to our Heavenly Father and allow Him to work through us to touch the lives of those around us. God loves as no one else ever can! :)

Blessings,
Shannon

“This Is It (You Instead Of Me)” by Jonah33
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muujKMeu-3I
NOTE: This song is a bit hard rock so feel free to check out the other song if this doesn’t interest you :)

“Counted The Cost” by Cory Asbury, IHOP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3RTg3vBLHE

Let God Do His Job

Tonight I was reading a devotional on contentment and it gave me a revelation that I have been having an anxious heart lately. The problem arises when I don’t yield to God’s leading in my life. Although I desire to trust Him wholeheartedly with my life, sometimes I get impatient when He is teaching me patience. When the Lord is moving at, what I think is, a snail’s pace, I unconsciously decide He needs my help.

This is the biggest mistake because God does not need any help from anyone, including me! When I step in to manipulate the circumstances, my actions are saying, “God, You’re not doing what I think needs to be done, so I’ll help You out.” I have come to realize that it is our “helping God” that leads to an anxious heart.

When we take over and try to control what happens, we take our focus off the One who is in control and put our eyes on our circumstances. As a result, we become anxious and stop trusting that God will do what He says.

1 Timothy 6:15 reminds us, “God…is the blessed Controller of all things, the King over all kings and the Master of all masters.” This is such good news!! God is the One who controls our life and He is the BLESSED Controller. He wants what is best for us so we have no reason to worry! :)

“Contentment is essentially a matter of accepting from God’s hand what He sends because we know that He is good therefore it is good.”

Psalm 16:5 – “Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure.”

May we find rest in knowing that God’s hands are holding our lives - And He doesn’t make mistakes :) I pray that the Lord gives us quiet hearts that are content with what He gives.

God bless!
<3 Shannon

“Blessed Assurance” by Third Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFyp880DEiA
Note: There is more after the audience cheers :)

“Take My Life (And Let It Be)” by Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4dRLFFADKQ&feature=related

Lessons from Numbers 22

Tonight I was reading Numbers and I found so much to take from the reading. Consequently, I thought it would be a great idea to use one of the lessons I learned for today’s devotional.

The passage starts off with the people of Israel (God’s chosen people) settling in the plains of Moab. Balak, son of Zippor, the Moabite king, knew that the Israelites had conquered the land of the Amorites, so he was terrified that this would also happen to his land. He then sent his men to bring Balaam, son of Beor, to help them out. Balaam was known for his curses and blessings since he obeyed God and allowed the Lord to work through him. Balak’s men bribed Balaam multiple times to come back with them and curse the Israelites. Every time Balaam told them that he would only do as the Lord told him, no matter the offer.

After the third bribe, the Lord instructed Balaam to go with them but to only do what He told him to do. So Balaam saddled his donkey and went with the Moabites. But because Balaam had the wrong intentions (we learn later in Numbers that he was only going with the Moabites for the rewards), the Lord was furious and sent the angel of the Lord to block his way. Because Balaam was blinded by his own interests for the rewards involved, he could not see the angel of the Lord. However, his donkey saw the angel of the Lord so he did all he could do turn away. As a result of the donkey’s disobedience to Balaam, Balaam struck the donkey three times.

The Lord then allowed the donkey to speak. The donkey cried out, “What have I done to you that deserves your beating me these three times?”

This question made me think of our relationship with God. So often we disrespect Him by turning away from Him and following our own paths. Our disobedience is like a “slap in the face” to the Lord. It is as though we are walking away from a loved one during a rough patch in the relationship.

I know it’s a simple lesson but I’d really like to encourage us to ask ourselves what God has done to deserve our disrespect and disobedience. When answering this, think of the other devotionals you have read on His love for us, the grace He offers, and the mercies that our new every day! And, most importantly, think of all God has done for you! I’m sure the list could go on…

May you have a wonderful day in the Lord and cherish the relationship He has offered!

Wishing you all the best,
Shannon

I couldn’t find this song on YouTube so once you click on the link you just go down to #8 – Embracing the Call and press the play button to the left of #8. Let me know if that doesn’t work!

“Embracing The Call” by The Glorious Unseen
http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music.artistalbums&artistid=10218916&ap=0&albumid=9523537
“We expect the best and nothing less from You, but will we embrace the suffering too as part of Your plan for us, O Lord?”

Return To Me And I Will...

Isaiah 1:1-20
“The children I raised and cared for have turned against Me…No matter what I do for them, they still do not understand…They have despised the Holy One of Israel, cutting themselves off from His help. Why do you continue to invite punishment? Must you rebel forever? Your head is injured, and your heart is sick…Listen to the Lord…Listen to the law of God…’I am sick of your sacrifices,’ says the Lord…’Why do you keep parading through My courts with your sacrifices?...For your hands are covered with the blood of your innocent victims. Wash yourselves and be clean! Let me no longer see your evil deeds. Give up your wicked ways. Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the orphan. Fight for the rights of widows. Come on now, let us argue this out,’ says the Lord. ‘No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool. If you will only obey Me and let Me help you, then you will have plenty to eat. But if you keep turning away and refuse to listen, you will be destroyed by your enemies.”

The above passage gives us a mere glance at God’s hatred toward sin. Tonight after researching this passage I learned that it took place in Judea. Judea was desolate and their cities burned. As a result, the people of Judea brought sacrifices and offerings in hopes of making amends with God for their disobedience. Although bringing sacrifices and offerings was encouraged in this time, the people of Judea did not have the right heart/intentions behind these actions. Sacrifices and offerings were to be made along with turning away from sin and turning toward the Lord. In this case, the Judeans were not willing to give up their sins so their sacrifices and offerings were meaningless to God.

Similarly to the Judeans’ situation, we must also avoid being “all talk” or “all for show” when it comes to living for Christ. If we are going to claim Christ in our lives, we must be willing to turn from our sinful behaviors, thoughts, etc. and follow Him. Let us do as this passage suggests by washing our blood-stained hands.

To bring a little light into this devotional… There is so much encouragement that can be found in the second part of this passage - When God points out sin in our lives, He tells us how to make things right and that He will be there the whole way to help us get back the intimate relationship we had with Him before we walked away. For a reminder, I am referring to the part that says: “’Come on now, let us argue this out,’ says the Lord. ‘No

Not only does He says we will argue this out together (“let us”), but He promises to make us as clean as freshly fallen snow and as white as wool!! :) What an incentive to live for a higher calling, right?!

Zechariah 1:3 – “Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'Return to Me,' declares the LORD Almighty, 'and I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty.”

I pray today that we find strength in the Lord to turn from our ways and to turn back to Him. And may we be motivated to pursue the righteousness God has in store for those who love and follow Him!

Blessings,
Shannon

“Return To Me” by Jason Upton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K_vsseSgtI

Not About Me

During a youth service last year, I heard a pastor say, “The hardest thing about the Christian faith is believing and receiving what God says about you vs. what you know about yourself.” I really love this quote because I think it is so true in our lives, including mine!

Every time you TRY to please God, you’ll mess up. That statement may sound discouraging, but I do not say it to make you feel bad about yourself. I mean to say that we are His children NOT because of our behavior. We are God’s children because He loves us enough to allow us this inheritance. And most importantly, He loves us, because He loves us!! The key word here is GRACE!

Grace calls a sinner, a saint! :)

But even though our attempts to please God are destined to fail and we are covered by God’s grace, this does not mean we are not called to follow and obey Him. The road of Christ’s children is narrow but it is the way of faith. In addition, the way of faith is all about believing what Christ has done for you and in you.

The wonderful thing about grace is that it is not about what we can do, but accepting and receiving what Christ has ALREADY done for us. It is a gift – it has nothing to do with us!

Ephesians 2:4-9 – “4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast.”

You will be changed/transformed when you start believing what God thinks about you. May we believe with confidence that we are who God says we are!
Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

In Christ,
Shannon

“Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” by Chris Tomlin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqJsBRFdrA0