something to ponder...

Psalm 3:3

But you are a shield around me, O LORD;

 you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.

 Psalm 3:3

Father, I am grateful that:

1) You are a shield around me.  You keep me safe from more than I will ever know or realize. 

2) You bestow glory on me.  I don't have to strive for accolades for myself.  Your glory on me is my deepest desire.

3) You lift up my head. Discouragement or shame might cause my head to hang low...but You give me a reason to face each day head on.

Meditating on Psalm 4:4

In your anger do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
Psalm 4:4

Reading this today led me to three thoughts:

1) Reacting and responding from anger does not bring about the righteous life I seek to live.

2) Searching the heart is not a morbid introspection...it is examining my alignment with Christ's will.

3) Silence leads to listening, which in turn allows God's voice to be heard more clearly.

something to ponder

Faith after Surrender

I am currently reading The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith.  This line stood out to me tonight...still need to meditate on it to fully hear what it is saying to me.  

 this graphic was created by using a background from MyMemories.com and adding text with Picasa.

saying yes to God

We proclaim Him,

admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, 

so that we may present everyone

fully mature in Christ.

Colossians 1:28

Each week I research commentaries, read various versions of the same passage and type up notes so that I can prepare a lesson for the Women's Bible study at our little church.

 Some weeks I also have a  message to prepare for the Sunday service...once a month I get asked to fill the pulpit.


Time spent in study is rewarding yet arduous.

There are days when I want to give up.

However, my desire to understand it better so I can admonish and teach overcomes me and I give in to going on.  

Taking a deep breath and whispering a quick "help me, Lord, to comprehend" I trudge on.

Trusting.  Knowing.  Believing.  It will be worth it.  It is worth it.

I am learning.  I am growing...

and 

He is proclaimed.

Something to Ponder

"Just as the potter, however skillful, cannot make a beautiful vessel out of a lump of clay that is never put into His hands, so neither can God make out of me a vessel unto His honor unless I put myself into His hands."

~Hannah Whitall Smith, The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life, pg.33

My prayer:
God, I wholeheartedly place myself into your hands...I trust You to make out of me a vessel that will honor You.  I know it may not feel good.  And I understand I may not enjoy the process...but, I am willing to endure it.  I am willing to let You shape me, make me and use me for Your divine purpose.

Amen.