Habakkuk 3:17-19

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strenght' he makes my feet like the feet of a deer."

In uncertain times, Habakkuk's words give me hope.  God will provide whatever I need for whatever challenges the future holds.

Failing Fast

I wanted a mocha. I ordered a mocha. I drank the mocha. It reawakened my desire, so a few days later I went back and had another one. One taste was all it took to rationalize it was okay to do it again. I told myself, "You didn't make a vow, you just thought you would TRY it" (the Lenten fast). 

How easy it is to fall back into old habits/sins. Craving what I can't have. My desire for more of Jesus was overridden by my desire for a physical comfort.  What's even worse, I didn't really care. I think I have a lot to learn about fasting and how to make it meaningful.

O Lord, help me to desire You above all else, to be faithful to You at all times. Teach me what it means to love You with ALL of my being.

A Lenten Fast

This year I am doing a limited fast for Lent. I decided to fast from Starbucks mocha coffee drinks because most of my cravings resulted in a purchase at Starbucks. I expected that I would learn to crave Jesus instead of Starbucks. Well, maybe that is is the final result, but I realized it in an unexpected way. 

I thought it would be difficult to give up my Starbucks. After all, whenever I craved mocha,  I would go buy one. I figured after a few days I would be desparate for a Starbucks and it would be really hard to tell myself, "No!" Instead, the more days that pass, the less desire I have for a mocha.  The spiritual lesson for me is the more I fill myself with Jesus, the more I will crave him. And the less attention I pay to Jesus, the less I will want Him.

Prayer for Today

My sister sent me this prayer today. I think it comes from one of Phyllis Tickle's Books of the Hours. When she sends me the title, I'll post it.

O Lord my God, to you and to your service I devote myself, body, soul, and spirit. Fill my memory with the record of your mighty works; enlighten my understanding with the light of your Holy Spirit; and may all the desires of my heart and will center in what you would have me do. Make me an instrument of your salvation for the people entrusted to my care, and let me by my life and speaking set forth your true and living Word. Be always with me in carrying out the duties of my salvation; in praises heighten my love and gratitude; in speaking of You give me readiness of thought and expression; and grant that, by the clearness and brightness of your holy Word, all the world may be drawn to your blessed kingdom. All this i Ask for the sake of your Son, my Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Mozambique Acrostic

I used this acrostic for the devotions for our first Mozambique team meeting. (I guess that means I am going to Mozambique in May) I started the acrostic last year when I was praying about the opportunity to go to Mozambique.

Making the Decision – Does God want me to do this?. My fears: how will I raise the money? Will I be able to do what I am asked to do? It’s so far away!

Offering Myself to God –  Romans 12:1-2MSG – So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. 

Zeroing in on the Mission – David Livermore:  “Missions – short term, long term, overseas, next door – is about giving people a living picture of who God is, what He cares about, and how He acts.”

 Colossians 2:2-3 – “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Amy Carmichael: “Can you show us the life of Jesus?”

Asking God to equip me – Pray Psalm 25:4-5  – Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Mirror Christ’s glory – 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) – “….we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.”  Lord, I want to sparkle with the delight of knowing you and to brightly reflect your glory.

Believe God’s Promises – Make a list. Psalm 18:30-31 – As for God, His way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection. For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock?

Imitate Christ. Be humble, be a servant, be willing to receive. Philippians 2.

Quietly trust God  - Philippians 4:19 – “My God who takes care of me will supply ALL your needs from His glorious riches which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

Undergird Everything with Prayer – Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Expect God to Work – Praise the Lord that we don’t have to do it on our own. “The One Who calls you is faithful and He will do it.”

 I Thessalonians 5:25

Sunshine

The sun came out this morning! Sunny days in Michigan are a rarity. It was wonderful to feel the warmth of the sun and see the sparkling snow on the ground. The sunlight makes everything better.

"Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord." Psalm 4:6b

Mozambique

I've been reflecting on last year's mission trip to Mozambique. Another trip is being planned for May and I've been invited. Trying to decide whether or not to go. I've been praying and asking God to show me if I should pursue this opportunity.