Bible Says http://e-gracenotes.org GraceNotes offers Short Devotions that speak to the heart en-us Copyright 2010, e-gracenotes.org info@e-gracenotes.org gracelines@e-gracenotes.org News RSSGenerator by SimpleUpdates.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://e-gracenotes.org/images/rss-by-simpleupdates.com.gif e-gracenotes.org http://e-gracenotes.org Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:50:46 EST Forgetting the Girl http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=3511 I keep forgetting her. My brand new baby girl. There's been nothing traumatic yet, but I just keep forgetting that she exists. I'll be driving along and suddenly remember that she is behind me in her car seat. The Bible Says Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST Joelle Yamada
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I keep forgetting her. My brand new baby girl.

There's been nothing traumatic yet, but I just keep forgetting that she exists. I'll be driving along and suddenly remember that she is behind me in her car seat. Or I'll be talking to someone and mention going somewhere with my boys—and they'll say, “Aren't you taking Kira, too?” Or she'll be quietly asleep upstairs and I'll be downstairs and it will suddenly hit me KIRA EXISTS! The worst is that I have dreams of forgetting her for real. Of accidently leaving her home when I go to dinner or something like that.

Unfortunately, this is not a totally unfounded fear.

When Jake was a baby, we were living in England. One day when he was very young, I went to our little local market, parked in the parking lot and walked the 15 steps to the door. Bought some lettuce, asparagus and tomatoes, paid, and walked back to the car. Halfway back I PANICKED seeing that there he was, asleep in his car seat. I had left him in the car.

Luckily, the weather was cool, he was locked in and I had only been away from the car for maybe 4-5 minutes. But these are the things people call Child Protective Services for—and I'd done it.

Imprinted on My Mind

I'm not sure why this happens. Maybe it’s a mixture of post-natal brain hormones and the blowing of all your previous paradigms by the arrival of a new member of the family? Whatever the reason, it is a little scary and I'm looking forward to having her so imprinted in my mind that it stops happening!  

In the mean time, I have a new procedure. Before leaving the house or starting the car or getting out of the car, I've started counting my children! (But my husband is on his own. I can't remember him, too!)

Luckily, our Father in heaven does not have any problems with remembering His children. Isaiah reminds us that even when we accuse him of forgetting us, He is there.

“Yet Jerusalem says, “The Lord has deserted us; the Lord has forgotten us.”

“Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you! See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands””  (Isaiah 49:14-16a).

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By Joelle Yamada. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW LIVING TRANSLATION © 1996.]]> Walled-In Hearts http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=3471 Years ago a man purchased a remote castle in Spain. Vandals were destroying the old building, so the man hired a builder to put a protective wall around the castle. Weeks later the man checked on the builder’s progress and... The Bible Says Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST Curtis Rittenour
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Years ago a man purchased a remote castle in Spain. Vandals were destroying the old building, so the man hired a builder to put a protective wall around the castle. Weeks later the man checked on the builder’s progress and nothing had been done. The builder complained, “I cannot find any materials to build a wall.” The owner replied, “I don’t care what it takes, build a wall!”

The next time the owner visited his castle, he smiled at a new wall being built around his valuable citadel. But when he walked through the gate he discovered the builder had used materials from the castle itself to build the wall. His fortress was being destroyed!

Our hearts are like a castle. Some of us have built walls around our hearts to protect ourselves. Perhaps we have been hurt so deeply in life that we are determined to never allow anyone or anything to hurt us again. But these walls to protect ourselves can end up destroying our hearts. We can be so walled in, that we can no longer love those around us. We close up emotionally. Our hearts become hard toward others. Our spouses and children can be deeply wounded because we are unavailable relationally.

Born Again

There is only one solution to a walled-in heart. Jesus says in John 3:3 that we must be born again. We need to let the cold, rock walls around our hearts come down so that God can give us new hearts. A Scripture verse I have memorized and often quote in my own prayer time is this: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).

There is nothing wrong with walls to protect you. It is not wrong to say to people, “You may come this far, but no further.” The problem is not building a wall. The problem is building a wall without doors or windows. These types of walls keep all people out—not just people who might hurt us, but people who love us as well. God wants you to love and be loved. You cannot give love or receive love unless you open your heart. If your heart is like stone, or if it is hidden by thick, cold walls, open your life up to the God who can give you a new heart.

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By Curtis Rittenour. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
]]> Who Are You? http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=3502 There comes a time in our lives when we need to define who we are—when we need to figure out what defines us. But, wait. Who is the doing the defining? The Bible tells us in Job 9 that God can move mountains... The Bible Says Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST Raquel Levy
Photo: Studiomill
There comes a time in our lives when we need to define who we are—when we need to figure out what defines us. But, wait. Who is the doing the defining?

The Bible tells us in Job 9 that God can move mountains, but anyone who has ever surrendered their life to Christ can tell you that sometimes He will move the mountains to you instead of from you. Sometimes he will place mountains in our path, not because He wants us to fail or give up, but because He knows that climbing mountains builds strength.

When faced with a mountain, people will react differently. Some will tackle the mountain with all they’re worth, some will strategize the best way to get around it, some will give up before even trying, and others, after a failed attempt or two, will look at the mountain and say “Hmm, I could get used to this.”

Choose to Keep It

Who are you? What defines you? To the person who has given up after a try or two, and has chosen to adapt, the mountain is who they are. This person has become so used to the mountain that they find they are not themselves without it. So they will not climb it, go around it, or attempt to get rid of it at all. The mountain, complaining about the mountain, and wishing the mountain were gone, have become such big parts of their lives that even when it becomes easy to get rid of the mountain, they choose to keep it.

God did not place mountains in our path so that they overcome and become us, He meant for us to overcome them. He wanted us to look at the mountain and ask Him for help, to surrender everything that held us back and weighed us down, and with His strength overcome our problems.

Are there problems in your life that you’re holding on to? At first look, it’s easy to make excuses and say that we can’t get rid of the problem. But can God? Yes! Face your problem, pray about your problem, and then let it go.  We are to have our lives center around one thing, and it’s not a mountain. We are to be defined by the awesome and all- encompassing love of Christ. The love than can move mountains.

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By Raquel Levy. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.]]> Amazing Grace http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=3494 It all happened many years ago in the small town of Granger, Washington. And I’ll never forget it. There was a weekly event that took place during the summer months. A group of boys, myself included, would round up a wild... The Bible Says Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST David Snyder
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It all happened many years ago in the small town of Granger, Washington. And I’ll never forget it. There was a weekly event that took place during the summer months. A group of boys, myself included, would round up a wild pony from the surrounding foothills. We’d bring it into a corral on the edge of town, and see if anyone could ride it without getting bucked off.

One Sunday we brought an especially wild horse into a confined chute. We needed a bucking saddle, so I mentioned that my neighbor had just purchased a new saddle and maybe I could borrow it. I soon started off towards Joe’s house a couple of blocks away. Joe greeted me with a nod, and reappeared at the door with his beautiful new saddle, placing it at my feet.

I slung the saddle over my shoulder and proudly walked back to where the boys were waiting. We proceeded to strap it on the reluctant pony’s back. It was then that things went terribly wrong.

The animal started to thrash around in the chute as we scattered in all directions. The pony finally ended up on its side, wedged tightly in the wooden poles. Someone removed the saddle and sheepishly dropped it at my feet. I’ll always remember the site of it. The once beautiful saddle was nothing but a pile of leather scraps, torn and damaged beyond repair.

I dropped to my knees before Joe’s pride and joy, knowing that I would have to knock on his door again. I reluctantly dragged the saddle behind me and soon stood before the dreaded door. When he appeared there was a long silence. Neither of us spoke. Joe’s expression didn’t change as he surveyed the scene. Finally I blurted out, “I’m sorry, Joe….” He reached down, grabbed his “saddle” and pulled it into the house. Just before he closed the door he spoke in his usual calm and gentle voice, “That’s okay, Dave. It’s all right.” I couldn’t believe what had just happened!

My Life, a Broken Saddle

It was years later, when I began to re-examine the claims of Christ, that this event came back to mind. When I accepted Jesus, my life looked like that broken saddle. All I could offer Him was, “I’m sorry.” And something incredible happened! He said, “That’s okay. I can repair everything broken.”

How many times have I laid my messed up life at the feet of Jesus and His response has always been the same? He will never say, “That’s enough. Don’t drop any more junk at My feet. You’ve had too many chances.”

The fact is, you can always knock on Jesus’ door and He will always appear. Don’t be afraid to knock. He loves to open the door regardless of the mess you lay before Him. That’s what Calvary was all about.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

Is His grace amazing? You decide.

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By David Snyder. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
]]> Look Up, Lifted Up http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=3464 Ally is eighteen months old and is loving life. Surrounded by people who are always ready to read her a new book or share a new experience with her, she is almost constantly embracing fresh experiences. The Bible Says Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST Gwen Simmons
Photo: Inna Paladii
Ally is eighteen months old and is loving life. Surrounded by people who are always ready to read her a new book or share a new experience with her, she is almost constantly embracing fresh experiences.

One new adventure that Ally experienced during an extended family gathering was being introduced to family dogs, Henry and Lucy. While she was very intrigued with the furry friends and quickly identified them with repeated chants of “doggie,” she was still a little nervous when they ran behind her. On those occasions, she would run to a parent, hold up her arms and say, “Up!”  Naturally, she would immediately be picked up. Looking down at the dogs from the arms of her protector, Ally would smile securely.

Secure and Familiar Arms

Up. It's a simple word, but it packs a lot of power for a toddler. When you think of it, that word packs a lot of power for all of us. No matter what giants we face, we can always hold up our arms to our heavenly Father and say, “Up!” We can know that we will then be lifted to the secure and familiar arms of the One who has already proven to be there for us so many times before.

Ally knew where to go for help, and she had no doubt what would follow her lifted arms and one-syllable request. Her parents knew exactly what she meant, and she had learned from experience that they can always be depended on, no matter what. Whether it's a scraped knee or a game with the doggies, they would be there.

We can have the same assurance. Luke 21:28 speaks about looking up as we watch the signs of the end of this world unfolding. “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” As we look up, we will be lifted up. Up, up into the secure and everlasting arms of Jesus.

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By Gwen Scott Simmons. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
]]> Contentment Search http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=1000 I once read a story about a music therapist named Ken Medema. As a pianist, Ken’s concerts draw large crowds and standing ovations. The Bible Says Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST Kathy A. Lewis
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I once read a story about a music therapist named Ken Medema. As a pianist, Ken’s concerts draw large crowds and standing ovations. According to the article, his music inspires people of all faiths.

But even more inspiring than his music is his attitude. You see, Ken has been blind since birth. Yet, he doesn’t consider this a hardship; instead he counts it as a blessing. At one concert held in Manila, Philippines, he even announced that he would not wish that his life were any other way. Can you imagine that? This man who has never had his sight does not wish he had it! He is content with his life just the way it is. What an amazing story!

To be content is a quality as rare as diamonds. And, it’s easy to see why. Advertising which cries out to us from the pages of slick magazines, freeway billboards, T.V. commercials, and even the Internet, disturbs whatever contentment we do possess, creating within us a sense of dissatisfaction, stirring inside a desire for more. We are continually prodded to buy something newer, bigger, better or faster than what we already have. No matter if what we own still works and is in good shape. It is very difficult to remain content amidst this subtle barrage.

Genuine Contentment

But contrary to the underlying message communicated by the images that tempt us to buy more, contentment does not come from the acquisition of material goods. While possessions do give pleasure for a season (albeit sometimes a very short season) genuine contentment is found first and foremost in relationships, with God and with people.

The apostle Paul demonstrated a surprising grasp of this concept when he announced in Phillippians 4:11 that he had learned in whatever state he was in to be content. For a man who owned very little and had been shipwrecked, beaten and imprisoned more than once, this was an amazing statement. Paul’s disposition, his attitude of peace and satisfaction, was unaffected by the ebb and flow of the circumstances of his life. His contentment came through his relationship with God and Christ. Like Paul, we too can experience the peace that passes all understanding, in every circumstance with whatever we have, and with whatever we lack, through a growing relationship with the Lord.

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By Kathy A. Lewis. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.]]> Seeing the Truth http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=3472 I could not see very well. My optometrist had dilated my eyes to get a better view of the inside of my eyeballs. It’s a pretty common procedure. But with my pupils forced to expand, it’s a bit difficult to see clearly, even with the cheap... The Bible Says Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST Curtis Rittenour
Photo: Studiomill
I could not see very well. My optometrist had dilated my eyes to get a better view of the inside of my eyeballs. It’s a pretty common procedure. But with my pupils forced to expand, it’s a bit difficult to see clearly, even with the cheap, plastic sunglasses they give you to wear for a couple hours until your eyes return to normal. I drove myself to my appointment, so I carefully drove myself home. I did a lot of squinting and made it safely. I wanted to see clearly right away, but I had to wait.

Sometime later I was on my knees praying for God to speak to my heart. I was convicted by the Bible passage that says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way of everlasting” (Psalm 139:23, 24). I wanted to see the way of everlasting more clearly, so I asked God to search my heart and reveal to me anything offensive that needed to be dealt with. And I waited … and waited … and waited. I did not hear God share anything with me. I expected to hear the Lord speak to my heart right then! I was a little disappointed, not that I like finding sinful stuff hidden in my heart.

Later that day, while talking with a family member, I spoke in a hurtful way to them and they let me know about it. I had been praying for God to help me grow in how I relate to this person and thought I had made some progress. But this encounter popped my bubble. I was a bit discouraged.

Needed to Wait

The next morning in my quiet time, God spoke to my heart. The Lord revealed to me that I couldn’t see what needed to be seen at the moment I asked. I needed to wait. God’s searching and testing do not always happen in my reflection time. Sometimes the testing and revealing happens in the daily grind of life.

I had prayed, “Search me, O God,” and the Lord did search me. But God didn’t reveal to me what I needed to see because I was not ready. The Lord did reveal to me some things hidden from my sight. When the time was right, the Spirit said, “Here is something offensive that you need to deal with.” Then I could see.

Sin blinds us from clearly seeing. Pride damages our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit helping us know God’s will in our lives. When we are focused on how well we are doing or defending ourselves, we are most challenged to see the truth. Sometimes we need to pray and wait. Sometimes the searching requires testing. Then the truth comes through clearly. Then we can see.

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By Curtis Rittenour. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.
]]> Passed Over http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=1734 My dad was dying. He’d been sick with Hepatitis C for years and we all knew it was only a matter of time. I’d been staying in his hospital room night and day for the past few days. The Bible Says Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST Dixie Dee Reed
Photo: MorgueFile
My dad was dying. He’d been sick with Hepatitis C for years and we all knew it was only a matter of time. I’d been staying in his hospital room night and day for the past few days. We had some good talks and for the first time, I actually listened to him.

At one point, he got tears in his eyes and I knew he was going to say something significant.

“What is it, Dad?”

“Why did they stop asking me to play the violin at church? Was it because they thought I couldn’t play well enough?”

His question surprised me. Was this something an 81-year-old person thought about on their death bed? Granted, Dad and I were way too similar in our personalities and melancholia is a hard trait to hide. In fact, when I was a magazine editor, I used to tell my staff to remind me occasionally that everything was not all about me. Hearing Dad reminded me again where I inherited that tendency.

I tried to explain to Dad that the torch was being passed to younger members in his church. It had nothing to do with his ability. It was time for the young people to learn responsibility and leadership. We’d already had our turn.

Maybe My Turn is Over

I’m now reminded of that because I’m a new member of a church where I’m one of the oldest choir members. A few are chosen to stand in front each week with microphones leading their section. I haven’t been invited to do that and there’s a part of me dying to tell them how talented I am, what a great voice I have and how long I’ve been a church soloist. But approaching my 60th birthday, it’s possible my turn is over, too. I’m still consulted on creative writing tasks and children’s drama, but there’s not much room for “Dee the star.”

When Moses had to step down and hand the reins over to Joshua, did he feel the same way? “Now Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him, doing just as the Lord had commanded Moses” (Deuteronomy 34:9). Moses is considered one of the greatest generals of all time. He was a powerful and charismatic leader. I think Moses was very sad that he was being passed over, but he was so close to God that he knew it was time to step down.

Knowing when that time comes requires sensitivity on our part—whether we’re the ones being passed over or the ones being handed the torch. I’ve learned these important concepts: serving in any aspect in a church body is a gift, our job is to mentor those younger and newer in the faith and special care should be taken when older members are being replaced. We’re in a church body to make it stronger, not to tear it down, and we all have special gifts. “Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you” (1 Corinthians 14:26).

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By Dee Litten Reed. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the New Living Translation © copyright 1996.]]> Saving Socks http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=3466 Socks was about the sweetest dog anyone could ever want. She was a family dog, part border collie and part just plain precious. We rescued Socks accidentally from death row. The Bible Says Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST Gwen Simmons
Photo: Robert Byron
Socks was about the sweetest dog anyone could ever want. She was a family dog, part border collie and part just plain precious.

We rescued Socks accidentally from death row. We had been wanting a dog and had gone to the vet clinic to take a look at a puppy being given away there. While we were looking over the little puppy, our eyes were caught by a young, black dog quietly coming around the corner toward us. Our son whistled at her and immediately her face lifted, her eyes smiled and she came running to us as though she had been born in our own backyard. We fell in love with her and suspected that our chance meeting had not been by chance at all.

When we asked the vet assistant who the dog belonged to, she said it was a stray and that it would be put to sleep soon. We wasted no time deciding to bring her home with us, and she willingly came along. In fact, Socks seemed more than willing. She seemed truly grateful. And she remained that way until the day she died, just a few months ago.

Gratitude Not Forgotten

Throughout her life, whether a young playful companion or a mature and faithful friend, Socks never lost sight of her gratitude for being saved. She had been lost, but then found. She had been rejected, but then loved.  And her sweet gratitude blessed our family more than a dog can ever comprehend, I'm sure.

When I think of Socks, as I'm tearfully thinking of her now, I start to wonder. I wonder how many of us are half as grateful to be saved as Socks was. We've been saved from eternal death and have been given an offer of eternal life. We have, by the sacrifice of Jesus, been rescued from the hand of our executioner and adopted into the family of God. Like Socks, each of us stands in line on death row. But Jesus has seen our need and has called us to his side. Are we running to him with the same unquestioned trust that Socks ran to our family?

Being saved is a precious gift. Socks embraced that gift and never forgot it. Hopefully, we won't forget either.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

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By Gwenn Scott Simmons. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION © 1982.

]]> Thin Air http://e-gracenotes.org/article.php?id=3468 I’ve been fascinated lately with books on people who climbed Mount Everest, the highest mountain on our planet (29,035 ft.). Ever since 1852 when the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India discovered Sagarmatha. The Bible Says Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST Curtis Rittenour
Photo: Galyna Andrushko
I’ve been fascinated lately with books on people who climbed Mount Everest, the highest mountain on our planet (29,035 ft.). Ever since 1852 when the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India discovered Sagarmatha (Nepali “goddess of the sky”) the eyes of mankind have been drawn to conquer the summit. Little did anyone know that it would take 101 more years, fifteen expeditions and the lives of 24 men before Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay would capture the peak on May 28, 1953.

Supplemental oxygen is often used at this high altitude where breathable air is one third that of sea level. Without it, brain cell damage is rapid and energy levels plummet. The body hungrily uses up its reserves to stay alive, especially above the “death zone” (above Camp Four at 26,000 ft.). Climbers become sluggish, their thinking gets blurred, and many have died by making “little mistakes” that have cost them their lives (stepping off a 3,000 foot cliff while not being “clipped in” to a safety line).

A new challenge was created when climbers claimed that with “acclimatization” one could reach the summit without supplemental oxygen. It required spending time at higher altitudes and then coming down to a lower base camp and then going back up again over a period of several weeks. Eventually, the body adjusted and the climber could make it without carrying the extra bottles of oxygen. But, it was still extremely fatiguing and harsh on the body.

Safe at High Altitudes?

Mankind is still fascinated by climbing. The challenges may not be physical (like climbing a mountain), but social or mental. We can be driven to reach our own summits of success, but we must be careful. We can learn from the mountaineers of Everest. The higher we go on our own journeys, the greater the risk of thin air. Can we be safe at such high altitudes?

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that being “lowly spirit” brings us closer to the high and holy God.

“For this is what the high and lofty One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite’” (Isaiah 57:15).

When you are climbing high, God can revive your breath. We come close to the Lord of heaven through prayer—the only safe way to breathe when you are in thin air.

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By Curtis Rittenour. Copyright © 2010 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®.

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