New Every Morning

Lamentations 3:22-26

²² Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

²³ They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

²⁴ I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

²⁵ The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;

²⁶ it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.

I love the feeling of an early spring morning– my heart just streams full of hope. It’s one of those days that I rejoice in getting out of bed and readying myself for the day – spring is full of such hope. Do you know that you can have that hope today, regardless of the weather – regardless of what’s happening to you or around you?

Are you finding your heart gloomy today? Is worry creeping into your thought life? I encourage you today to take those thoughts captive and look to the Lord and His Word for encouragement today. God is a compassionate God – He is there to encourage you and direct you in His Word.

We are looking at Lamentations today. It is widely believed that Jeremiah wrote the book of Lamentations. Jeremiah had been called to speak for God before he was even born.

⁵ "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Jeremiah 1:5

Isn’t it amazing that God has plans for each of us before we are even born? God has a great plan for you and for this baby you are carrying – praise Him today for that.

Now let’s learn a bit more about Jeremiah. God had a difficult job planned for Jeremiah. Jeremiah’s job was to call Israel, God’s people, to repent and turn away from their idol worshiping lifestyle. He called them to repent and place their faith and trust in the one, true God. Well, Israel half heartedly tried at first, but no true repentance came, and Jeremiah’s message was hated in Israel. Jeremiah saw the destruction of Jerusalem and saw Israel be turned over to Babylon in captivity. Jeremiah is often called the weeping prophet. He had a great deal to weep and mourn over. Yet, here in Lamentations 3, we see Jeremiah looking to the Lord even though Jeremiah had seen very dire circumstances. Jeremiah took his eyes off of himself and the circumstances of God’s people and put his eyes on the Lord. He saw God’s compassion, God's mercy, and God’s plan. God's mercies were new every morning for Jeremiah.

I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him." Lamentation 3: 24

My NIV Study Bible says that the Hebrew phrase for “therefore I will wait” is the same as “therefore I have hope.” Let’s change the words to that phrase:

I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I have hope for him." Lamentation 3: 24

This is the anchored hope we have – we have the hope of the Lord – that He has a master plan and that plan is good. Today is a day He has called to ask us to rejoice in Him and in His plan. We are to hope in His plan for us and for our children. God is good – yes, he allows hard times and hard circumstances, but he works those circumstances for His glory and for the good of His people. God used that time of Babylonian exile to work out His plan for His glory. God is working through your past and present circumstances to bring a future of glory for Him and of molding you to be the Christian woman He desires you to be. I pray that you look to Him today.

Hope in the Lord today. Enjoy this day nurturing and growing the baby in your womb. Remember that God has a plan – He is a God of hope. I pray you cling to that hope today, no matter what your circumstances.

Dear God,

I thank you for the Bible, Your Word. Thank you that it is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Thank you for Jeremiah and the book of Lamentations. God, Jeremiah saw such hardship, yet he could still hope in You and find his rest in You. God, help me today to rest in You, to hope in You. I pray for this precious life You are growing in my womb. I pray God that you would continue to mold and grow this baby to full health. I praise You that You have a plan for all of this child’s life and for all of my life. I praise You that You work all things for your glory. I ask you today to give me that fresh spring-like feeling of joy and hope today. When I find anxiety, bring Your Word to my mind and fill me with the joy of Your presence in my life. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

I am praying for you dear ladies – praying that your day will be filled with the hope of the Lord.

Fernando Ortego is a favorite Christian artist of mine - here is a video which uses the song "Great is Thy Faithfulness" sung by Fernando. I pray the song reminds you of God's faithfulness and His new mercies each morning.

Resting, Resting in Our Lord

^{Psalm 33 NIV}

¹ Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

² Praise the LORD with the harp;
make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.

³ Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully, and shout for joy.

⁴ For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.

⁵ The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

⁶ By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

⁷ He gathers the waters of the sea into jars ^[a] ;
he puts the deep into storehouses.

⁸ Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere him.

⁹ For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.

¹⁰ The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

¹¹ But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.

¹² Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.

¹³ From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;

¹⁴ from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth-

¹⁵ he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.

¹⁶ No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.

¹⁷ A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.

¹⁸ But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

¹⁹ to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

²⁰ We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

²¹ In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

²² May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

Whenever I’m tired, anxious, or down in my emotions, I like to listen to praise music. The Psalms is a great place in the Bible for us to study about how to praise the Lord. Today we are looking at Psalm 33. Now this is not a short devotion today – this Psalm is full of the attributes of God. I pray you bear through this information and are blessed by it.

Verses 1-3 encourage us to focus on God’s great worthiness to be praised – encouraging us to open our hearts and to sing to Him in praise. He is righteous (v. 1).

Verses 4-11 tell much about God’s character. These verses remind us that God’s Word is right and true (v 1). They tell about God’s faithfulness, (v.4) His righteousness, and His justice (v. 5).

Looking at verses 6-9, we see God as the Creator of all. Just His Word made the heavens. The waters of our world are gathered in His jars – think about it – does it not make you full of awe to think that he can gather the ocean in a jar? Our God is tremendous – He is immense. Webster’s defines “immense” as “transcending ordinary means of measurement.” God is beyond our measuring. Does that just blow you away? How can we help but praise such an amazing God.

Verses 10-12 are full of the attribute of God that He is omnipotent. Now, I looked at Webster’s online and got this definition of omnipotent: “having virtually unlimited authority or influence” – evidently “Webster” doesn’t know our great God! God is omnipotent – having UNLIMITED authority AND UNLIMITED influence – that is our God! He thwarts the plans not in His plan. His plans stand firm. The purposes of his heart will go through all generations. ALL GENERATIONS – isn’t that wonderful! If you’ve ever read through 1 & 2 Kings, you’ve read about lots of people – even God’s chosen people – not obeying God and not passing along a life of faith in God. Yet, God’s purposes prevailed and continue to prevail. What an encouragement that is to me, dear ladies. I pray His omnipotence is an encouragement to you today. His plans will NOT fail.

As I now look at verses 13-15, I see God’s amazing knowledge and attention to detail in each person’s life. These verses talk about the Lord looking down from heaven and seeing ALL MANKIND – that’s every person – EVERY person – just thinking about that makes me almost have a headache – it’s almost too much to comprehend. And if that weren’t enough, “he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.” – God considers EVERYTHING they (EVERYONE) do/does. The fancy word for this is omnipresent – “being present at all places at all times” (Webster’s definition) The God who made you – who is creating your baby is actively watching you and your baby and paying attention to every detail in each of your lives. How can we not worship this great God!

Verses 16 & 17 focus on us humans – not one of us achieves success or strength of our own doing. “No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.” Now, let me emphasize that I firmly believe that God uses knowledge of medicine and doctors and medical staff to assist with healing and good health; however, when we put our HOPE in those people or things, our hope is in the wrong place. Our hope is to be with the Lord - that hope is our anchored hope. The Lord can use those people or medicines to help with good health, but don’t put your HOPE in those people or things. Worship the great Creator of those people and of those things – the Lord our God!

This great psalm nears the end with the reminder that God’s eyes are on those who fear him – those who have reverence and awe in God. God will deliver them. That’s why He sent the Lord Jesus.

The last three verses focus on God being our great hope – our shield and our help. Let our hearts rejoice in this great God. Let us put our rest in Him. Rest in His unfailing love.

Dear God,

You are righteous. You are worthy of my praise. I praise you right now. I praise You for being the great Creator. I praise You for your Word. I praise You for your faithfulness. God, you gathered the waters of the sea into jars, yet you also started my little one with two tiny cells and you are knitting this baby together in miraculous ways. You are in control of the expanse of universe and in control of my womb. I praise You that Your plans stand firm. I praise You that your purposes go through all generations. I pray, God, that You will equip me to spread Your Word and Your purposes to generations through this child I am carrying. God, when I am anxious, help me to put my rest and my hope in You. You have a plan. Be my shield and my help. May your unfailing love rest upon me as I put my trust in You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

There is a great hymn that our church sings frequently – it touches my heart deeply. It’s called “Jesus, I am Resting, Resting.” Although my favorite tune to sing this is the upbeat way our church’s worship team leads it (Thanks Pastor Fred!), this you tube version is lovely. I’ve also included the words so that you can sing along while the video is playing. I pray it blesses your day.

Jesus, I am resting, resting
In the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee,
As thy beauty fills my soul,
For by thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.

Jesus, I am resting, resting
In the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of thy loving heart.

O how great thy lovingkindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea!
O how marvelous thy goodness
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in thee, Beloved,
Know what wealth of grace is thine,
Know thy certainty of promise
And have made it mine.

Simply trusting thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold thee as thou art,
And thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart;
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings:
Thine is love indeed.

Ever lift thy face upon me
As I work and wait for thee;
Resting 'neath thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth's dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father's glory,
Sunshine of my Father's face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with thy grace.

Indescribable

The Fullness of God

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:14-19

I have been reading a book which talks about how to handle trouble. Now, when I dreamed of being pregnant before I was pregnant, trouble was not something that came to my mind; however, after experiencing a loss, pregnancy became a time that was stressful, full of anxiety – yes, it could be full of trouble when my eyes were on me instead of on the Lord. And long months of all day sickness (whoever termed it “morning sickness,” sure didn’t have it all day like I did) were a trouble that was difficult for me as well. I was so very thankful to be pregnant, but feeling troubled at times. Are you finding your mind wandering towards anxious, troubling thoughts? Are you tired and feeling troubled? Here is God’s Word for you today – from Ephesians 4. This is a letter from the apostle Paul. He knew all about trouble. He wrote this letter to the church at Ephesus while he was in prison.

Paul is asking God to strengthen the church at Ephesus spiritually – Paul says “out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you”. Let’s look at God’s strength. Psalm 66:6-7 says “who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves.” This God who created mountains and stills the seas is the same God forming your baby. He is the same God who is using you and your body to form this precious life. Remember to look to Him at times of joy and at times of anxiety. Ask the Lord to strengthen you on the inside – spiritually. Spend time talking to God and in His Word – His strength is more than enough for your trouble today.

Paul was also praying that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith. Let’s focus on the word “dwell” – do we dwell in a hotel? No, we dwell in our homes – we visit in a hotel. Paul is praying that Christ’s Holy Spirit would dwell – make a home – in their hearts. To be a lasting master of their hearts.

Paul prays that the Ephesians would be able to grasp the width, the length, the height, and the depth of the love of Christ. Here are some verses that talk about the love of Christ.

"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

“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:
"I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3

“Who, [Jesus] being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:7-8

The Lord Jesus Christ left Heaven – to come to earth as a baby born in a poor family. He came for you – He came for me. He came because He loved us too much to remain in Heaven. He gave up His communion with God the Father while the Lord Jesus suffered on the cross for your sins – for my sins –for the sins of the world – for the sins of this baby you carry. I pray today that you are aware of how wide – how long – how high - how deep the love of the Lord is for you. He loves you more than words can convey – scripture says “it surpasses all knowledge.” It is too great for us to completely know the love of Christ. Isn’t that wondrous!

“And may you be filled with the measure of all the fullness of God.” (v. 19) Paul is praying that the Ephesians would be filled with ALL the measure of the fullness of God – all of it – not just some of it – ALL of it. Ladies, we have to yield ourselves so that we can be filled with ALL of the fullness of God. We have to spend time with the Lord – we need to praise Him. We need to repent our sins. We need to read His Word. We need to talk with Him and give up our wants and our desires and listen to His desires for our lives. It is when we can let go of us that we can be filled with Him. Look to Him today. Spend some time alone with the Lord.

Ladies, I am praying Paul’s prayer for you today.

Dear God,

I praise You that You are holy – that You are powerful – You are the Almighty God. God, You made the mountains. You have power over the seas. You have strength to fill up the weakness of my life. Please help me to yield my will – to yield my desires today so that I can be filled up with Your strength. Help me to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is Your love for me and for my baby. Thank you God for that love. Help me to grow in You and to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of You so that I can pass that on to this baby. When trouble enters my mind, remind me of your strength, your love, and your fullness today. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

All Things New

I'm sorry I haven't posted for a while. The kids had time off from school and I haven't been on the computer much since Tuesday. I have an idea in my mind for my next devotion, but need some more time to get it to fruition. The following You Tube video touched my heart - I've been looking at how God takes the hard times in our lives and makes all things new. Enjoy this video!

I am praying for you - God makes all things new!