Tag Archives: patience

Holy 30-Devotional, Day 4

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This is a continuation (Day 4*) of a 30 day devotional written and published by First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner. It’s based on I Peter 1:16.

I didn’t write any of this devotional, but I have permission from my church to share it with you. If you would like some additional information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ .

Following each page of the devotional, I’ll share some of my personal notes. Hopefully together, you and I can help one another.

DAY 4:

Lord, I realize this self-indulgence needs to come off. Oh, and self-gratification too. Are they twins? What about pride? The loudest is murmuring. Today, we call that complaining. Oh Lord, help me. That’s what kept the Israelites in the dessert for 40 years. Lord, I can’t remove these extra heavy coverings from myself. Could You help me?

Yesterday I had extra layers of patience. Thank you. They were evident when we went to pay the phone bill. I stood in line and there was a table nearby with stools around it. So while I waited my turn, one grandchild sat on a stool and twirled herself around and around as fast as she could. At first the other grandchild played on her phone, then she began to protest. “Meemaw, make her stop. she’s going to hit somebody with her feet.”

Meanwhile I’m still waiting in line. The lady ahead of me is having difficulty with the payment machine. the first grandchild continues twirling and twirling with a grin of joy and delight. The older grandchild continues her protest, “She’s making the table shake. Make her stop.”The lady ahead had to ask for assistance with the machine. This process is going to take longer.

I smiled at the children, “Honey, make sure you keep your feet down. Don’t hit anybody.” She puts her feet down. The lady ahead finishes and I get my turn, pay the bill, and we leave.

Thank goodness. In the old days, instead of smiling, I would have fussed loudly at both children. Lord, thank you for that blessing of extra patience when I needed it. My reward was a hug later from the twirling grandchild. Thank you for the gift of that hug.

Lord, concerning clothes, I sure would like to get back in those size 10 pants. Do You think it’s possible?

My child, all things are possible if you seek, listen, and follow My guidance.

*My apologies for being late in posting this. Time is an issue with visiting grandchildren (5) and now out of town company. But having family is wonderful. Someone did suggest that I needed to retire from retirement.

God’s Love to you all, Debbie

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Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.          Psalm 51:10

Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23

Almost 200 pounds gone! (From My House)

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  IMG_5654 Lord, I want to scream! Hubby’s fussing, “Get this house clean. Get this clutter out. I want my house free of clutter. Look at this mess. Your friend’s house isn’t cluttered like this.” Grrrrrrrr! Fighting words. Lord, help me not yell at him.

IMG_6197Give me patience. I don’t want lessons, I just want to get through this. Help me keep my mouth shut. (Uh-oh.) Lead me as to what is best and Your will.

Before when I was anxious or stressed at others, I ran to ice cream for comfort. I ran to anything sweet to sooth my feelings and kept my mouth shut. Now that I’m following Your plan for my eating, I have these emotions I don’t know how to handle. It seems I’m gritting my teeth daily just to get through the day. People that didn’t used to bother me now irritate me to no end. Lord, I need help. HELP! Today, it’s him, the one I love.

Listen to him, My child, for I have given him a spirit of wisdom that I didn’t give you. I gave you a heart-cry for others that I didn’t give him. I created both of you and put you two together to serve My purposes. Do not criticize what I created.IMG_6188

For God is not  of confusion but of peace, . . . I Corinthians 14:33 NKJV  

My child, you tend to get full of religious, spiritual pride. I also see selfishness and greed. That’s all clutter in your life. Let it all go. Come to Me. Let Me fill you with Myself.

Let go of these material things you can touch and see for I intend to fill you full of things you cannot touch and see. These are of greater value than these objects you see and touch. Let go My child of what you hold in your hand so that I can fill your hand with what I have for you. You can’t receive when your hand is closed. Let go,  for I have much to give you.

 There is too much clutter in all of your life. I want to empty you out so that I can fill you with Myself.

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Does this look like 200 pounds? The Home of Grace called for donations. They’ll pick it up. I cleaned out three closets and de-cluttered the house per Hubby’s request.

Yes Sir, I want all that You have for me. Help me to let go of what is not important to You. (And help Hubby too.)

And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”  Isaiah 25:9

Let all things be done in decently and in order.                  I Corinthians 14:40

Then the priests went into the inner part of the house of the Lord to cleanse it, and brought out all the debris that they found in the temple of the Lord to the court of the house of the Lord. . . .  2 Chronicles 29:16

Lord, I guess if Your priests had to clean house and bring out all the debris, then I shouldn’t complain. By the way Lord, did You know that we had out-of-town company  coming? Hubby was proud of my work and our house. Thank you Lord for helping me.

The now uncluttered kitchen table.

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The Guest bedroom, all clean and fresh. Totally uncluttered.

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The now uncluttered dining room.

 

Hubby cleaned off the patio where we have our morning coffee.

The now uncluttered family room. God gave me the rug. The name under the corner is “Victory”. How about that.

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The most peaceful spot in the house. This is where I meet with God for my counseling sessions. My grandchildren call this, “The Prayer Room”. Hubby calls it, “The Parlor.” But I have my exercise bike in there too.