Reading the entire bible, cover to cover, in 90 days so no cakewalk. Today's devotion is more of an inspirational moment. I am writing for myself and for you...readers. I'm fortunate to have a little help today...Dory take it away. I have watched this movie a million times. However, while watching this short clip I can't help but think of the white light as our goal (completing the bible on, or before, April 2nd). They look into the light and feel happy, motivated even. Then you see that very...hum...shall I say scary fish emerge. The scary fish zaps their feel-good moment. It takes their the warm and fuzzy moment and replaces it with fear. So what's your scary fish? What jumps out at you and makes you forget the joy and accomplishment you'll feel on April 2nd? Don't let it!!! Just keep reading. Just keep reading. I'd sing right now but I really want you to visit again. (smile) 2 Comments Bible in 90 Days Daily Devotional: Unlovable 01/12/2011
 Scripture: Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18 Observation: Love others as you love yourself. Application: I have always loved this verse. As I approach my anniversary I am embracing a new understanding. I’ve thought of the verse, almost exclusively, as a reminder to love others, but what about when I’ve unlovable? I know, kind of hard to consider...yeah right! My husband and I will celebrate our 12th anniversary. We have experienced our entire adult lives together. We have seen the good, bad, ugly, and uglier. As I consider the greatest love, God’s love for us, I think about the love shown to me, by my husband, when I could be a little nicer. When I could give a little less attitude. When I could be much more like Christ. I’m thankful that he loves me a Christ loves His bride. Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for loving us enough to send your son.Thank you for blessing me with a loving husband. I pray that you will keep our hearts and minds focused on you and the work you’ve called us to do. I pray that you will strengthen our union and teach us how to love each other just as you have loved us. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.  Scripture: You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Exodus 18:18 Observation: God may give a task to an individual; however, there is no fault in requesting and/or accepting help from others. Application: Years ago, the term “superwoman syndrome” was everywhere. I recall attending a certification course and exploring the topic. We discussed the outward manifestation of this “syndrome”. We learned how it affected women, how women could move beyond this debilitating “condition” to be authentic in their lives and relationships with others. It’s not uncommon for me to say “my cape is off and my boots are hidden under the bed somewhere.” I usually get a chuckle. But the words are true. I once thought I do it all myself. That is...until nearly everything came tumbling down on my head. You see, life is like a master juggler. A master juggler can grab various objects and slowly add them into a rotation of items suspended in air, only meeting her hand for a mere second before it’s off again. However, she will miss an important connection should she make one wrong move--a sneeze, a disruption, etc. This connection is the moment when the next item up for grabs is supposed to pass through her hand. Should she miss it everything--not just the individual item--will start to tumble, leaving her with nothing. This may not be the case for you. But I’m certain, as I work with women and men, that it’s true for many people. You have everything in the air, praying, you don’t sneeze. Praying that you don’t get sick or that you don’t lose a client. That one mishap would cause everything to tumble down. Moses was in the desert and his father-in-law, Jethro, visited. Jethro noticed that Moses was not using the resources--people--around him. Moses was attempting to do it all himself. Jethro expressed his concern, “You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone” (Exodus 18:18). Moses was a master juggler. The people of Israel depended on Moses and Jethro did not want to see Moses fail by letting it all tumble to the ground. Moses had a God-given assignment to lead the people out of Egypt. However, as Jethro pointed out, there is no fault in requesting and accepting help to complete the assignment. “If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied” (Exodus 18:23). Are you a master juggler? Are you an ex-juggler trying to pick up the pieces? Consider Jethro’s advice to Moses, ask for help and submit your requests to God in prayer. Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for trusting me with you work on earth. God as you work through me help me to see the others willing to ensure your work is accomplished. Bless the works of our hearts, minds, and hands that it is honoring you. And I will be sure to give you the glory and praise. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.  Bible in 90 Days Daily Devotional: Trust 01/07/2011
 Scripture: But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. Exodus 9:16 Observation: God’s purpose prevails. Application: Today’s devotional is still trapped in my heart. I usually sit and it flows out but the Holy Spirit is holding on to it. I feel it, but I’m not ready to share it. In the meantime, I encourage people to keep reading. In Day 5, we read about Moses and the Israelites. We see God speak and work in a magnificent way. When I consider the children of Israel, I usually remember the grumbling. Today, however, I noticed their ability to trust God for their safety. They lived in captivity, yet as they journeyed out of Egypt, they trusted Moses, God, and the pillar of cloud leading the way. Do I trust God? Do I trust God when life is uncertain? I can say, “Yes”. What about you? Prayer: Heavenly Father, Teach me to proclaim You name to all. We are in a world that needs you more than ever and I want to be usable for kingdom. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.   Scripture: Israel said to Joseph, "I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too." Genesis 48:11 Observation: God loves His children. Application: Have you ever lost your child in the grocery store? I haven’t but I once thought I lost my son…in my house. I know you’re probably thinking…how did she do that?
Well, my son was about two and he loved playing hide-n-seek. He would hide and scream, “Mommy come get me!” I would play along. I would walk around his room. I’d open and close drawers, loudly. I would shout, “Where are you?” He’d giggle. This would go on for a while before I’d find him. I would tickle him like crazy before leaving him to play again. Sure, that he would call me again. Well, one day he did the same. He called. I went through the motions but when I called out to him I couldn’t hear him giggle. I moved around the room and I went to his favorite spots. He wasn’t there.  Scripture: "I will not let you go unless you bless me.” Genesis 32:26b Observation: God wants in all. Application: Have you ever felt you were in a fight for your life? You duck. Your finances land a solid right hook. You weave. And your health sweeps you off your feet. You land flat on the ground. You contemplate staying and throwing in the towel. You can hear the shady ref counting…ten…nine…eight..and something, someone, says “Get up, I want to see what you’re made of.”
Jacob wrestles with God (Genesis 32:22-32). They are rolling and tussling. God is trying to overpower Jacob, but Jacob refuses to give up. God stands to leave and Jacob becomes the aggressor. He latches onto God and forbids Him to leave…”I will not let you go unless you bless me” (Genesis 32:26). WOW!  Scripture: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14a) Observation: God will cause you to question your doubts and your faith in Him. Application: God created the heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1). He knew each of us before our birth (Jeremiah 1:5). I share these verses first because I have to remember that no thoughts are my own. My doubts, my fears, my love…are all known to Him. I can’t hide anything. And why would I?
He is God. I mean, He is the one that created it all. "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14a). I have heard this verse in many ways, but reading it this morning it struck me that this is a question, not a statement. God asked a question of Sarah in which He knew the answer. Why would He do that? Why would He ask her whether anything was too hard for the Lord?  Scripture: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." (Genesis 15:1) Observation: God is a comforter and protector. Application: God has called me to do much for His kingdom. I would hate to admit it, but fear had been a hindrance. It kept me from fully knowing and trusting God. I called on God at a time when I was broken. I knew He was the only way through the situation. But it required trust on my part. The word says that we only need have faith the size of a mustard seed. And I was at a point where I felt like all I had was a little faith.
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Dana Pittman is a wife, mother, speaker, author, teacher, friend, crocheter, runner, God's daughter...oh goodness, the list could continue. Here, you will have access to the workings of her mind and she'll share her beliefs, passions and life altering media. Join My Mailing List
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