thoughts by Gail Rodgers Archives - Page 15 of 16 - Daily Devotionals by Thoughts about God

Published February 27, 2013

Help in Conflict

“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

No one likes to be thought of as needy. We prefer other adjectives for ourselves, words that reflect strength or wisdom. Think about your own needs for a moment. It’s easier to think of someone else and how to help them but can you identify where you are have been needy lately?

There is a tool we can use to help us see our own need. It is the tool of paying attention to any conflict in our lives. Conflict often reflects unmet needs. Think about it for a moment.

Take a moment to recall the last encounter you had with conflict. Most of us don’t have to dig very far into our memories. Sometimes the unmet need is basic and easy to remedy such as the need for sleep. Yet often it is much deeper. The need to feel valued and heard or the need to be accepted or respected can cause conflict from a wounded heart.

Control and manipulation often finds their root in an unmet need. Trying to manage the outcome of all that is going on around you is exhausting and causes conflict at many levels.

Think about where conflict exists in your life and ask God to help you identify any unmet need, yours or someone else’s that may exist at the root of it. Begin to pray about those needs.

When you see potential conflict on your horizon… stop… and use the opportunity as a tool to build into your own life or to pray into another’s. Look honestly at yourself and GROW through conflict.

G- Give God the opportunity to reveal to your heart any unmet need that may be at the root of this conflict. Be open to seeing your own need and to praying for the needs of another. It will help dissolve hostility too.

R- Recognize that God is the only One who can meet all of your needs.

O- Open your heart to God’s help, asking Him to be the Source you need for that unmet need in your life. Consider asking another Christian to pray for you in this.

W- Walk beside another in prayer as you pray for their unmet needs asking God to be their source in meeting the needs of their soul.

God promises to be the Source for all of your needs.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

Father God, Please help me to identify the unmet needs that exist in the conflicts I find myself in. Help me to turn to You to meet the deep needs of my heart. Help me to pray for the needs in the lives of those I have conflict with. Be the source of all I need today. In Jesus’ strong name I pray, Amen.

Question: How does that “conflict often reflects unmet needs” change the way you see the challenges in your relationships?

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Published January 31, 2013

Set Apart

by Gail Rodgers

“Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him.” Psalm 4:3

The sharply dressed young people lined the room. They looked fresh, eager and expectant, as they stood ready to step into their new roles. These were the teaching teams for the schools in the villages. They knew they had a unique opportunity to help shape the lives and the future of the children in this corner of Central America.

For two and a half hours I watched them each step forward and declare out loud to one another and to those of us there that they were setting themselves apart this year to be completely dedicated to God in their roles.

Their leaders gathered around each one and prayed earnestly for them. With hands turned upward toward God they received the blessings prayed over them.

With repentant hearts they went to one another to ask for forgiveness in places where relationships were not right. God’s presence was there!

Then they turned and with the others present they gathered around their leaders and prayed for God’s blessing, strength and wisdom for them in the year ahead. I was moved by the depth of sincerity and by the deep awareness of their need for God to be the one who led them into this new school year.

Openly they set themselves apart to be His vessels in this place. I was challenged in my own heart. “Set apart”. What does that look like for you and for me today as we head into this new year?

I thought of Psalm 4:3 where it says, “The Lord has set apart him who is godly for Himself. The Lord will hear when I call unto Him.”

God has set us, as believers, aside for Himself. He calls us to live godly lives in open repentance and forgiveness, in open declaration that we seek Him in all we undertake to accomplish.

As I go about my day this means I will keep my heart open to His Spirit. I will guard my heart attitudes, my thoughts and my schedule as I ask Him what is on His heart for me to do today.

“Set apart” for God Himself. “Set apart” to be active in the family business of giving His love away. “Set apart” from the noise of my day to listen to the quiet voice of His Spirit.

Today you and I are “set aside” for the greater purposes of His plans. “Set apart” from the rest of the world to hear and obey His voice in the places our feet go today.

Heavenly Father, thank you for Your divine plans and purposes that are part of my life. Thank you that You have called me to be set apart for You. May I be aware today of being Your vessel. What is on Your heart today, Lord? I present myself to You to be available to step into Your story today. I pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Question: What has God set you apart for this year?

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Published December 23, 2012

It’s Almost Christmas!

by Gail Rodgers

In this final week of Advent, as we lead up to Christmas Day, how is your heart doing? Are you feeling at peace … or is pressure mounting in your home?

Take a moment to ponder the peace that the angels announced that first Christmas. “Peace on Earth, good will toward men”.

This morning I read a verse in Ephesians 2:14 that says “He Himself is our peace”.

That first Christmas God sent His Son, Jesus, in human baby form, to reach out in love to connect humans to Himself … and we celebrate His birth. The journey comes full circle when we come to Easter and observe the death of Jesus as He took the punishment upon Himself for mankind’s willful independence apart from God. We celebrate His resurrection as He rose again from that death and took His place with the Father … leaving those who believe in His birth and death and resurrection with the amazing gift of the Holy Spirit as the Divine comfort and power within to live as a testimony to His love and power.

“He Himself is our peace”. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh today with the Peace that is His presence in our lives filling us with purpose, peace and a passion for life!

Is His peace the piece you are missing this Christmas?

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Peace and Thanksgiving

Published November 22, 2012

Peace and Thanksgiving

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
(Colossians 3:15)

We live in a world that often produces within us the very opposite of peace. Our stress and busyness is a normal response to the rush and cares of the day. Yet God calls us to something higher. He calls us to peace.

Is peace ruling your heart today? It can. When you and I first believed that Jesus is the Son of God and opened our hearts to receive His forgiveness and power in our lives we were given the gift of God’s peace. Do you recall receiving that peace? It’s a peace that is unexplainable and peace that remains even as life and the news of the day swirl around us.

Yet it’s easy to loose our grasp on that wonderful gift. It’s offered afresh to us every morning as one of His great mercies toward us.

•   We need His peace to calm our hearts in challenging days.
•   His peace brings health to our minds and our bodies.
•   Living with peace in our hearts honors God.
•   Our peace helps point others who are looking for peace to God.

His peace is free for the taking. God tells us how. Listen again to the wonderful words of life from His word:

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”

It sounds like it’s a choice. I can let peace rule or I can let peace get buried at the bottom of all those other responses to life. Just how does one go about letting peace rule the heart? God tells us one of the basic steps to walking in peace. He always gives the “how to” when He asks something of us. Catch the often-overlooked words that this verse ends with: “and be thankful”.

Choosing to look at your day and your circumstances and your life with a heart that is filled with gratitude will open the door to peace. Yes, it’s true.

Life is not perfect anywhere on this planet. There are challenges both large and small that come to each one of us. Each challenge has the potential to rob our peace. Yet as we choose to be thankful to God in the midst of those challenges His peace will begin to rule our hearts.

Yes, it can sound trite especially if you are walking in a deep and challenging place today but the principle is sure. It is foundational to a heart that is ruled with peace. “And be thankful.”

If it feels impossible to be thankful where you stand right now ask God to help you to say “thank you” to Him that He alone can give you peace. Thank Him for His love and His care and His power to lead you today through the maze of your life. He will help you as you choose gratitude today and let peace rule your heart.

Prayer of action:

Father God, so often my heart finds it easier to see the things that I am not thankful for. Open my eyes and my heart to having a new attitude of gratefulness to You.

Help me today to enter into each part of my day as doing what is in front of me for You and as one representing You. Help me to be keenly aware of all the places today that I can offer You my thanksgiving as I choose this day to LET Your peace rule my heart. Fill my mind with the things You bring to my life: Your strength, Your power, Your help and Your love. Thank you that You will help me choose well what rules my heart today. I choose Your peace. In the strong name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Questions: What are you thankful for? How can you be more thankful?

by Gail Rodgers

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Published October 27, 2012

Joyfully Drawing a Long Cool Drink

by Gail Rodgers

“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
Isaiah 12:3

I love the word picture that Isaiah 12:3 gives us. Can’t you just picture taking your bucket with a long rope attached and dropping it down into the deep well? You hear the splash below and feel the tension on the rope as the bucket fills. As you draw the bucket up you know the drink will be long and cold and refreshing. Ahhh, coming to the well is so worth the trip. Especially when the day is dry and hot and dusty.

The only thing that can prevent that long and refreshing drink is a hole in the bucket. Though you long for the life giving water, if there’s a hole you’ll draw up an empty bucket.

As we begin to explore the refreshing truths and sure principles of following Jesus let’s first make sure our bucket is intact. The biggest holes in our buckets of faith are generally caused by one thing: a lack of confidence. As we draw from the well of salvation the cool refreshment simply leaks out when we harbor a lack of confidence in who our God is and in who we are in Jesus Christ.

In order to draw deeply from the well of salvation we must first be confident that our God is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do. Often we find our confidence in God has slipped away when things have not gone as we had hoped and planned. Yet God alone is the one who sees the road ahead. Only He knows just what our hearts need to keep going. Refresh your confidence in God today by reviewing His character as revealed through His names here:

http://www.thoughts-about-god.com/meditating/kk_attributes.htm

If your confidence in who you are in Jesus Christ has slipped and you feel the promises of God don’t include you then take some time to review just how God sees you. As His child you are every bit included in those who can draw deeply from His well. Review how He sees you here:

http://www.ficm.org/index.php?command=textwhoamiinchrist

Patch the hole in your bucket. Believe God with fresh faith. Walk in who He says you are with fresh confidence. Then you will be able to draw from His deep well with a joy that is overflowing.

Father God, Often my confidence in You can wane when I don’t understand what You are doing or not doing in my life. Help me to fully believe and completely trust that You have my best interests at heart. May I lean hard on You in complete assurance that Your love for me will carry me through. Help me to see myself as You see me – forgiven, dearly loved, accepted, chosen, and fruitful. Give me a deep understanding of being clothed in the strength and dignity that You provide for me. Restore my bucket of faith so that I may draw deeply and with great joy from the well of salvation. In Jesus’ name I pray, with thanksgiving. Amen.

Question: What holes are in your bucket right now? What truth will you apply to patch them up?

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Published October 3, 2012

The Name of the Lord

by Gail Rodgers

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10

She had no idea what her friend meant. Just how does one “call on the name of the Lord”? As she faced this new challenge she knew she needed God’s help in her life. Yet how could the name of the Lord help her?

Like a many-sided diamond, the name of the LORD reflects His power and majesty with a depth and clarity that we sometimes miss. The Bible says “The name of the LORD is a strong tower, the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10)

As we praise God for who He is, He will begin to change who we are. The reality of His presence will impact our circumstances and our lives in fresh ways.

I think of it as taking the reality of our circumstances and covering them over with the truth and majesty of God’s name. Like this …

Are you in a time of transition? He is called Changeless (Malachi 3:6)

Lord, You alone know how the changes in my life challenge me and how uncertainty effects me. I praise you that You never change. You are the same yesterday and today and forever. Help me to remember Your faithfulness. Thank you that I can lean on Your stability to anchor me through my change.

Are you feeling inadequate? He is called The Lifter of My Head (Psalm 3:3)

Lord, You know the feelings I have right now of just not being enough. My tendency is to walk with my head lowered. I praise You that You have called me by my name, You have saved me and You will be my strength where I am weak. I thank You and praise You that You, O Lord are the lifter of my head!

Do you need wisdom? He is called All Wise (Proverbs 3:19 — 20)

Lord, You know I need direction. I praise You that You are all wise. You alone can see the beginning from the end. You alone can direct me. Speak to me from Your Word, bring others alongside me, give the quiet voice of Your Holy Spirit to guide me. Thank you that You are all wise. I trust You to show me the way.

As we run to the strong tower of the name of the LORD, our hearts are quieted as we view His majesty. His power is invited to work in our hearts and minds and lives. We praise the name of the LORD our God!

Question: Have you ever meditated on some of the names God is given in the Bible?

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Published September 3, 2012

A New Song

by Gail Rodgers

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.”
Psalm 40:3

Life has been busy. The house has been full. Meal planning, grocery shopping, washing sheets and changing beds along with all the regular stuff of life has kept the days full too.

This morning I had a coffee date with a friend over the phone. Her life is busy as well so we scheduled an early morning call and brought our coffee cups to comfortable chairs a province apart.

We talked about the song in our hearts and how busyness and life’s general challenges can tend to drown out the music at times. Often, as we make room for our phone coffee times together, a principle of life will emerge as a take-away nugget to enrich our lives. Today was no exception.

We talked about making the choice to live thankfully; of seeing the goodness of God in the things around us; of being grateful for His hand in our lives even if, at times, the path is obscured.

We know from God’s word that we are called to live thankfully. “In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 6:18

We know from experience that thankfulness as a way of life keeps our souls soft and our hearts in tune with our great God.

We shared the verse of Scripture that holds the promise of a new song. “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.” Psalm 40:3

And suddenly the principle of life was there: As we choose thanksgiving, He puts the song in our hearts.

The song in our hearts cannot be conjured up. It is placed there by God as His gift to a thankful heart.

Choose thankfulness today and experience His fresh song of praise flooding your heart. Choosing thankfulness is your part. Putting the song in your heart is His part.

Make the choice to live thankfully and experience the melody of praise that will arise fresh within your heart today!

Father God, Thank you for the principles of Scripture that are sure. Help me today to choose thankfulness. Thank you that as a result You will put a new song in my heart. ?Help me to choose well today. Open my eyes to see the goodness of God around me. I ask this in Jesus’ name and with a grateful heart for Your hand in my life, amen.

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Published June 30, 2012

Praying the Scripture

by Gail Rodgers

Prayer for God to continue His work in the hearts of those I love.

“I thank my God every time I remember you… being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.I have you in my heart… and this is my prayer:

*that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,

*so that you may be able to discern what is best

*and be pure and blameless until the day of Christ

*filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ –

to the glory and praise of God.”

Philippians 1: 3-6 & 7-9

Prayer & reflection

Father God, I thank you for ______________ and for the desire of his heart to follow You. I know there are many distractions in the day-to-day life that could draw his focus away from You. Thank you that You promise to carry on the good work that You have started in his heart and bring it to full completion.

Thank you that, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, You are able to accomplish this in ____________’s heart.

Please help his love for You to grow and draw his heart to Your word. Give him an increasing desire to spend time listening to You through the Scripture and through quiet times in Your presence. May Your word grow in increasing priority to him and may You offer him deep treasures from the times he spends in Your word. Grant him an ever-increasing knowledge and depth of insight that comes from You as he seeks to determine his steps each day.

Father, grant Him discernment by Your Spirit so that he will be able to discern what is best in each and every situation and walk confidently because You are whispering in His ear. May his eyes be open to deception and may His mind be covered with the truth of Your word and the wisdom of Your heart.

Father God, please keep his heart pure and his spirit free from rebellion in any form. Grant him humility and peace in his interactions with others. Grant him wisdom to understand what is happening in the spiritual realm. Help him to keep his heart and mind, his eyes and his lips clean and yielded to You daily.

Fill __________ with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus. As he walks may His heart have a continual “yes Lord” attitude in all he does. May his life bear the fruit of one who is yielded to You. May his prayers be powerful as he allows Your word to abide in his heart. May the thirsty and dying all around find refreshing through his encouragement and his demonstration of Your love.

Please protect him with the covering of Jesus. Thank you that Your angels camp around him as he goes out each day. May Your presence amaze and strengthen him as You accomplish more than he could ask or imagine by the power of Your Spirit in him.

I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus, with thanksgiving, amen.

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Published February 8, 2012

Be Careful of What You Neglect

by Gail Rodgers

Some seasons of life are more hectic than others. It isn’t always possible to keep on top of all the things we usually tend to. When life gets a little too busy it’s easy to neglect small things. At first no one notices the little things left undone in the house or yard or the growing pile of papers that need tending to. Yet, as the weeds take hold outside and the paperwork and the closets are ignored inside, a growing chaos becomes evident.

The same thing happens in our inner lives when we neglect the regular care of our spirits. We begin to feel the growing chaos within. The reality of our lives becomes contrasted against the promises of our faith. We become discouraged in our spiritual journey.

God’s Word reminds us to be careful about what we ignore. In the book of Hebrews we are given reminders not to ignore the great salvation God has provided for us.

“Do you think we can risk neglecting this magnificent salvation?” Hebrews 2:1-4 (The Message)

It’s so easy to be caught up with the busy things of life that we overlook tending our inner lives. Then we often find chaos in our heart and mind and wonder why God seems distant. During those times we will most likely find our Bible starting to gather dust. God’s Word is nourishment for our souls.

If your life is chaotic and your spirit is dry… if panic is becoming more often present in your heart and mind than peace… check what you are neglecting. Make a beeline back to God’s Word and to fellowship with His people.

Make a fresh determination and declare the words that David declared so long ago in Psalm 119:16.

“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.” (Psalm 119:16)

Keep God’s Word at the very core of your life. As a Christian you simply cannot risk living otherwise.

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Published January 18, 2012

Shrinking Back

by Gail Rodgers

We met in Starbucks. She was just passing through town and it was a treat to get together in person. As usual, we jumped in at the deep end and wanted to share what God was teaching us these days. As she raised requests I suggested we pray. Quietly, with open eyes, I asked God to meet the needs of her life.

We talked more and then she said she wanted to pray for me. With not so quiet a voice and with eyes pressed closed and hands grasping mine across the table she lifted her heart to our Heavenly Father.

And I felt my heart shrink back. Could she pray a little quieter or a little less intensely? I am ashamed to say I felt a twinge of embarrassment enter my heart.

Very shortly after that God put a book in my pathway that challenged just this very thing in my life. In essence I was denying Christ. I thought of Peter and how easy it was for him to deny Jesus on that night of Jesus’ death. Then in my own devotions I read these words,

“For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with him.
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.” Hebrews 10: 38-39

It took me by surprise that I could find myself in that same position as Peter found himself in ….. only I was in Starbucks where there was no threat at all to my faith or my life.

How good God is to reveal the very nature of our hearts to us when we feel we are being “faithful” followers. What a challenge it is to grow in our boldness in following our Lord and Savior.

Today, whether you are a quiet Christian, a bold witness, or somewhere in between why not join me in asking God to fill you with a greater boldness and more courage to stand in persevering faith… one never knows when in this world we will be called upon to stand firm. We need to be determined not to shrink back. God will help us as we ask Him to.

Heavenly Father, Forgive me for shrinking back when You call me to boldness. May my heart be ever more courageous to stand for You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

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Published December 31, 2011

A Fresh Start

by Gail Rodgers

Kelly loved the prospect of a new year at her doorstep. It made her anticipate a fresh start.

This year she was thankful for the calendar turning. As she looked in the mirror she was reminded of some of her choices and the consequences they had brought to her life. She had some regrets this year. Yes, a clean start would feel good. She would make some resolutions and hoped, this year, to keep them.

Yet she knew herself all too well. Fear nibbled at her heart and mind as she hoped she had the courage to make the changes she needed to.

God knew the desire of her heart to change. He used a Bible verse that came in a card to remind her how to make a lasting change.

The words flew off the card and, unexpectedly, went straight to her heart…

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

With sudden clarity Kelly knew she would not likely succeed in her hope for a change in lifestyle. No, in herself she would simply circle back to where she had been. She didn’t want that. She realized it was only God who could create a clean heart in her and give her the right attitude.

Silently she prayed asking God to forgive her stubborn independence, she asked for His help to create in her the kind of change that she needed. Only with His help could she make the turn and go the other way in her life.

God is the only true source of help when we need a fresh start. Turning to Him, asking His forgiveness and turning away from the wrong attitudes or the destructive behavior is the only way to true freedom. He can direct us to those who can help us along our pathway as we make the changes and face the challenges.

His strength, given to us on a daily basis, is more powerful than any resolution we can determine in our own heart. He will do it! We need only ask and depend on Him to act.

Father God,Thank you for Your desire for me to make a clean start. Thank you for Your forgiveness for my stubborn independence. Please create a clean heart in me. Give me daily strength to make the right choices. Renew the attitude of my mind with new thoughts and desires that will help lift me above the pull of wrong choices. Help me to follow Your pathway. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so I can walk in a way that pleases You and in turn also refreshes me. In Jesus’ strong name I pray, amen.

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Published December 28, 2011

Acknowledge Him

by Gail Rodgers

We both entered the doorway at the same time. She paused and looking at me, waved her arm in front of her gesturing me to go first. Acknowledging my presence she let me lead the way.

In much the same way God has given us the wise instruction to acknowledge Him in all of our ways; to look to Him and let Him lead the way. With that instruction comes the promise that He will direct our paths.

Today as you go through your day be mindful to acknowledge the Lord God in everything that concerns you. In doing so He will enter every situation and conversation ahead of you and He will direct the way.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3: 5 & 6

As you wake up not feeling enthusiastic about going to work:
Lord, please go ahead of me today as I walk into work. Give me peace and confidence as I acknowledge You as the source of this provision for me. Guide my path through this day as I work diligently for You.

As you walk into a meeting, a conversation, a change meeting on the street:
Lord, I step aside right now and ask You to step ahead of me and prepare the way so that my words and attitudes will bring Your light into this moment.

As you engage in your relationships and your work in your home:
Lord, thank you for my family. Right now I acknowledge that I need You to prepare the way as You go ahead of me into… this supper hour/this hour that I work on my bills and finances/this time that I help the kids with their homework/this mountain of work that overwhelms me/this conversation I need to have with my spouse. Thank you for Your presence and Your promise.

As you feel weary and frustrated with tiredness and health issues:
Lord, I acknowledge You as my strength and my Great Physician. Please direct my path to greater health and give me Your strength and grace today.

Lord, I trust You with every detail of my life. I want to trust You more whole-heartedly every day. I know that my own understanding is so limited and I thank You that You see the whole picture. I ask You to go before me today, to remind me to acknowledge You throughout the events of my day. Thank you that You will guide me with Your wisdom and strength and You will make the way straight for me. I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus, amen.

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Published November 12, 2011

Ripples

by Gail Rodgers

Daily devotionals I stood on the shore of the lake and watched the kids throw rocks into the water. Whole fistfuls of pebbles or stones flew through the air. Each one hit the water with the same result…ripples. Ripples that circled out and intersected with the other ripples, ripples that went far beyond the spot where each stone landed.

This image of the ripples never fails to bring the same thought to my mind over and over. Small as each pebble is, not one touches the water without these resulting ripples.

We are like the pebble. No matter how influential or insignificant we see ourselves, we each send out ripples that circle out further than we might ever dream.

Words and deeds of kindness or cruelty, gentleness or abrasiveness, generosity or greed, all ripple out and touch other lives far beyond the boundaries we think they go. Our families, co-workers, neighbors, and even strangers are often touched by an act or a word of ours that we never dreamt would get that far.

My husband is good at skipping rocks across the water. The kids count the skips; the more the better. Sometimes we think we too can skip through life, independent, not touching others, hurrying on without time to stop and be concerned about anyone else. The inevitable ripples still flow out.

We do influence, we do touch others, even when we are not aware of it. God even reminds us of our ripples…

“…you be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1Timothy 4:12

As you go through your day today be reminded that you are sending out ripples. You have no idea how far they go. Ask your Heavenly Father to help you bring His heart of love and grace into your setting and be conscious of the ripples you are sending out.

Prayer & reflection

Heavenly Father, I sometimes forget that I am an influence in the places I walk each day. Help me today to be aware of the ripples I send out with my words and conversations and even with my tones. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit today so that the ripples from my words and actions touch and encircle those around me with strength and encouragement. Help me to be an example of love and faith and purity today because You have placed me in this very spot to bring Your love to the people around me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/11/12/gr_ripples/

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Short Thoughts for Cell Phones – God-daily.com

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Gail Rodgers Thoughts by Women

Published October 11, 2011

Distorted

by Gail Rodgers

Susan had wanted the photo to be perfect. But it came back distorted and she realized she had moved at just the wrong moment.

Distortion is subtle. We often don’t know its happening. It’s a bending or twisting out of shape. It can happen in conversations, in creative projects, in paintings and in photos. It often isn’t even noticed at the time.

My husband laid some hardwood floor in our house last week. At one point several rows were down and we noticed an end in one of the boards had twisted out of place and a sharp edge appeared where it should have been smooth. Immediately he reworked the area to remove the distortion. It seemed small but in the overall view it would have distorted the look of the whole floor.

It’s much the same with our hearts. Jagged edges pop up of resentment, anger, negativity, self-pity and any number of little things we rationalize away. Left alone they will create a distortion in our hearts that will interfere with the picture God wants to paint of our heart in connection with Him.

Psalm 101:4 says “A perverse heart shall depart from me.”

In the original Hebrew language the word “perverse” means “distorted” and the word “depart” suggests to “sour” or “decline”.

Normally we would never view our Christian hearts as perverse and departing from God. We recoil at the thought! But here we are warned to be careful we don’t let our hearts become distorted. It can cause a heart to become sour and decline away from our God. Distortion is so subtle.

Are you feeling a sourness in your heart? Is there a slight decline away from your God and you are puzzled by it? Ask God today to show you if there is a distortion in your heart that you have allowed to come in by resentment, hurt, or some emotion or circumstance that has caused your trust in your God to falter just a bit. Ask for forgiveness and let God know you want a pure heart so you can see Him undistorted.

Prayer & reflection: Father God, I confess to You that I have allowed distortion of my view of You to creep into my heart by some relational or circumstantial difficulty I have experienced. I recognize my potential for a sour heart that can decline away from You. I don’t want that Lord. I ask that You would forgive my wrong attitude and heal my hurt. May I see You clearly and draw near to You with a pure heart today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/10/11/gr_distorted/

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Gail Rodgers Thoughts by Women

Published August 2, 2011

Fruit in Season

by Gail Rodgers

New kinds of fresh fruit began showing up on the grocery store shelves this week. Fruit that has been out of season for months is back!

The Bible says that “peace” is one of the “fruits of the Spirit.” Sometimes it feels as if that fruit goes out of season too. As the realities of the evening news come into my living room I think of that fruit of the Spirit. As the images and stories parade across the TV screen I sometimes feel my own sense of peace fading.

So I turn my attention to God’s Word to see again what He has to say about this fruit called peace. I discover afresh that His peace is never out of season. His peace is one that is offered to our hearts. But how do we pick this fruit? How do we have this peace in the midst of troubling news? Listen to what Jesus says.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”
(John 14:27).

I am reminded that His peace is a gift. It won’t be found in conventional places or in ways the world offers. It is something directed to the heart and it replaces fear and anxiety.

To pick this fruit, to have this peace, I need to take action. I need to ask God to quiet my heart. I need to pray for those in charge in troubled days. I need to pray for those who suffer and for those who are hurt, confused and angry. I need to ask God to take the unease in my own heart and replace it with His gift of peace. I need to share the peace He gives me as I go through my day. This may mean offering to pray together with another who is worried.

Sometimes when the storm rages and the sea of life is not calm, the mighty hand of God comes in, by our invitation, and simply calms us. The peace of heart that comes from the Holy Spirit is a mystery. In the middle of the storm He brings a calm that can be explained no other way than by His divine care. We receive it in order to share it.

Ask God today for His fruit of peace in your heart and mind. Ask Him for an opportunity to share that fruit with those around you who need His peace in their heart today.

Question: Are you experiencing peace today? If not, how can that peace be restored?

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2011/08/02/gr_fruit-in-season/

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