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thanking God for all things

June 21, 2010
Filed In Daily Devotionals

God, I thank you for our food and for our many blessings like my car whose air conditioner died right before the summer, my annoying coworker who constantly keeps giving me “projects” that she is supposed to do, the bugs that keep eating my tomato plants, my food allergies and hip that keeps hurting, that family member that constantly holds grudges, my friend who only “listens” for her turn to start talking about herself again…

Sounds strange, doesn’t it?  Do I count these things as blessings?  Trials, tribulations, minor annoyances maybe, but blessings?

“So much of our praise to the Lord is limited to the moments when we have determined that what he has done is good: the times of physical healing, financial provision, improved circumstances, restored relationships, or solved problems.  In these situations, we praise God for his faithfulness.  But what does all of this communication miss? The fact is that God is active in every moment of our lives, and that he brings all things into our lives for our redemptive good.”-Paul David Tripp

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thes. 5:18

This is really a challenging teaching if you apply it to all kinds of things that can happen in a day.  But what a change in perspective when we do this!  Instead of immediately grumbling, I have the choice to step out of the moment and see that God is using this “bad” thing to show me what is in my heart and to change me.  When I remember, as Romans 8 says, that He is working in all things to conform me to the image of Jesus Christ, it puts trials in perspective.  Then I can truly thank him for doing his work in my life.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

How about you? Look past the sunshine and simple daily provisions and see God’s hand at work in every situation.  What are some things that you can thank God for today?

[copyright, 2010, Emily Riley; A Sacrifice of Praise]

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8

overwhelmed?

June 13, 2010
Filed In Daily Devotionals

Ever have one of those days (or weeks, or months) where you are just overwhelmed?  Life has turned upside down and you don’t think you can handle it all?  Struggling to stay afloat yourself, you don’t feel like serving others. You struggle to see God’s goodness in the “hiccups” of your day. Life is too much and you just want to sleep for days.

To one degree, that’s where I’ve been tempted the past few weeks.  I recently got married and have found my life completely thrown upside down.  Clothes and cans of food are still in boxes, I have never done this “wife” thing before and want to do it well but am not completely sure what that looks like, and no matter how well I plan, hiccups seem to take over my day.   I’ve cried a lot.  I’ve been angry a lot.  I’ve struggled with the fact that God knows I just want to start this season of my life well, and yet I find myself struggling with bitterness, anger and exhaustion.   I want to hide from the world.

I’ve spent a lot of time asking God what my response should be.  I’m called to love my enemies.  What about folks who cause extra work in my already busy schedule? Do I have to love them too?  yes.  What about the times when I’m just tired and want to sleep? Do I have to care and serve then?  yes.  What about when my plans are continually interrupted?  Can I trust God’s control over my life then?  yes.

But how do I do this?  I am one person and honestly don’t have the strength to do it all.  There are just too many plates to spin.  That’s where I’m grateful for God’s promises…  it’s what I need to cling to at times like this when I am tempted to feel overwhelmed…

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.  (Psalm 46:1-3)

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”  “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed…  (Luke 10: 40-42)

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2)

Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.  The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.  I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.  I have set the LORD always before me.  Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  (Psalm 16:5-8)

No matter the season, no matter the events of the day, I can trust my God.  He is the foundation upon which everything else is built.  So, with confidence I can both rest and walk forward knowing that my foundation is sure and my God is always faithful.

[copyright, 2010, Emily Riley; A Sacrifice of Praise]

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0

don’t complain

June 11, 2010
Filed In Daily Devotionals


It’s easy to complain when circumstances don’t go our way.  Or just as easy to feel justified in being upset.  Thankfully, God has encouragement for us when we are tempted to give in to feelings of self-pity or bitterness.

“Do everything without complaining or arguing.” (Philippians 2:14 NIV)

There is a clear directive to not complain (or grumble, as other versions translate it).  We should remember how much the Lord has done for us, and how He is working in every situation, even situations that seem unpleasant at the time.  We deserve hell and have instead received mercy.  That truth alone should not only be enough reason to stop complaining, but more than enough reason to walk through any situation in life with joy.

I once sat, frustrated, as I told a friend that I would walk through what God had laid out for me , but I didn’t have to enjoy it.  She quickly countered with James 1: 2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

God doesn’t want us just to refrain from complaining, but to truly “consider it joy” when trials come our way.  This attitude takes into account God’s goodness, faithfulness, and overall character that has been demonstrated over and over in our lives and the lives of those around us.  We can consider trials as joy because we know the One who is working through them and in us– both for our benefit and for His glory.  We can give thanks because of what God has done and is doing rather than being caught up in our own emotions.

[copyright, 2010, Emily Riley; A Sacrifice of Praise]

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4

Am I really growing in Christlikeness?

May 18, 2010
Filed In Daily Devotionals

As Christians, we know that we are supposed to grow in Christlikeness.  We are supposed to reflect the nature of God himself through our lives and actions (Rom 8:29, Gal 4:19, Rom 12:2, Phil 2:3-5).  But do you ever feel like you’re just not growing? Do you see sin in your life and think that nothing is changing?  Often, I’m tempted to think of my spiritual growth this way.

Last night, I was thinking about it like this…  I’ve been working out with a trainer at the gym since last August.  I still can look in the mirror and think that I don’t look that different than I did then.   But the reality is that since last summer, I’ve lost 56 lbs and 5 pant sizes.  When I look in the mirror and still “feel” like I look the same I desperately need the objective truth of the number on the scale to tell me otherwise.

Our Christian walk is much the same.  Christ has promised to work in us.  He has promised to reveal himself to us as we diligently seek Him.  He has promised that as we seek first the kingdom of God, He will transform us.  There is command after command to labor for growth in Christ, trusting God as the ultimate One who works to shape us into the image of Christ.  But it’s easy to feel like no growth is happening.

Seeking Christ is a discipline much like going to the gym.  Sometimes it does not seem that the 20 reps of weights or 30 minutes on the treadmill really paid off.  Sometimes we read our Bible and walk away thinking we didn’t really learn anything.  We didn’t find a “nugget for the day.”  But God promises to continue to work.  Keep pursuing growth in godliness whether you feel like the growth is there or not.  Have hope.  As you continue to look to Christ with the end goal in mind, He will continue to change you.

[copyright, 2010, Emily Schankweiler; A Sacrifice of Praise]

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are you too busy for God?

May 13, 2010
Filed In Daily Devotionals

Most people know the importance of spending time with God.  But in the midst of life, sometimes it’s just hard to find the time.  Schedules fill up quickly, work consumes our thoughts at night, family and friends vie for our attention, and then there’s this thing called sleep.  How do you fit it all in?  What do you let “drop”?  What do you do when you simply need 36 hours in a day instead of 24?

There can be many reasons and causes for our busy lives.  But, no matter the season, no matter the busy schedule we have, God demands our worship.  The sisters, Mary and Martha are a good example of this.  Its easy for me to relate to Martha… busy with serving… busy with something good, but missing what was most important.

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.  But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are) anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)

I want to grow in that faith that Mary had… faith to rest and not be anxious.  The wisdom to see what is most important.  Faith to trust in God to provide and to be able to simply rest there.

Prayer: Father, Help us to look to you, no matter how busy our lives may be.  Be our number one priority and help us to in faith, trust you to provide the needed strength for the other events of our day.  You are all powerful and you care for us.  Help that truth to increase our faith and trust in you.  Forgive us for where we are anxious.  Thank you for the reminder that if you care for the needs of the birds of the air, you care for us.

[copyright, 2010, Emily Schankweiler; A Sacrifice of Praise]

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4

Did God Forget Me?

May 9, 2010
Filed In Daily Devotionals

Several years ago, my single friends and I started a time of fasting and prayer.  We prayed for the single guys in our church… that God would make them strong leaders.  We prayed that God would make them good husbands one day.  We prayed that God would prepare us to be good wives.  And we prayed specifically that God would provide a husband for each of us.  And then we waited.  We waited in hope that God would work.  We trusted not our fasting and prayer to be a manipulation to get the results we wanted, but rather we waited trusting our loving Father to provide this good gift to us.

As birthdays passed and the number of my age kept increasing, one thing stayed constant… my marital status… SINGLE.  It was easy to think that God forgot me…that He hadn’t heard my prayers.  It became easy to question.  God, this seems to be a good gift… I don’t understand… why would you withhold it from me?

I found comfort in the stories of Hannah and Job and Abraham and Sarah … ordinary folks who trusted their extraordinary God for amazing results.  I found comfort in Psalms like “search me and know my heart, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  I grew in faith as I was reminded to “… in everything by prayer and thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God…”

God used that several year period of asking yet hearing no response to teach me that my trust has to be in Him, not in a response.  The character of God is faithful, whether or not the results would be my choosing.  By digging into the Word of God for comfort, I found an answer so much greater than I had anticipated … I found a God who revealed Himself to me.  And I learned to follow the example of guys like Abraham: 

In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness”.” (Romans 4:18-22)

No distrust made him waver concerning the promises of God.  May we have that same trust in our God who is always faithful.  Let us look to God and grow in faith as we consider His might.

Prayer: Father help me not to doubt your love. Help me not to doubt your concern and care in my life. Thank you for how you have sovereignly worked in the past few years. I pray that you would continue that work – show yourself even greater by providing our needs and answering our prayers. Be gracious once again in your lovingkindness. Thank you that your steadfast love never ceases. It never ends. We look to you with hopeful anticipation for what you can do.

[copyright, 2010, Emily Schankweiler; A Sacrifice of Praise]

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praising God for closed doors

April 29, 2010
Filed In Daily Devotionals

I came across this journal entry today.  I was greatly encouraged to be reminded of what God did.   I pray that He uses this time from my life  to encourage you as well.

My job seems to be a continual pattern of closed doors. I suppose I should rejoice, for this is an answer, but it is difficult when 8x in a year, the answer is no. My boss did a good job explaining why and I do not take it personally (and now have some areas to work on improving) but nonetheless, “no” is difficult to hear so often. The reason has been different each time, therefore my only conclusion can be that this is God’s will for me right now and that whatever state I am in, I must learn to be content (not simply for  the sake of “doings” but because I know that no matter what state I’m in, He is with me).

“For I lead the blind in ways that they do not know, in paths that they have not gone, I guide them. I turn the rough places before them into level ground. These are the things I do; I do not forsake them.”

I’m not forsaken. Stuck behind the same door, stuck in the same room, stuck in limbo, I am not forsaken. Still wondering why and when, God is saying, “I’m here, I haven’t left you alone to figure this out on your own. I’m guiding. I’m leading. And I’m comforting.”

That must be and remain my comfort. If it is not then I start to question and accuse God. Job questioned God and was met by the all-powerful Creator. That all-powerful God is the same one holding back right now in my life. He’s the same one closing the doors in front of me. He’s the same one not opening other doors which I long to walk through.  But, keeping this in perspective, I don’t deserve a new job. I don’t deserve better pay. I deserve hell.

And God opened the greatest door in all of eternity – the door to eternal life, rest and complete fulfillment in Him. With that in mind, how can I complain? In light of eternity, how can I question Him?

God has been so kind to me – eternally, immensely kind. He’s right now preparing a place for me – who once was a filthy, vile sinner and now has been justified not by my own merit, but by the righteousness of His Son. That’s why our lives are commanded to be a sacrifice of praise. I don’t want to sacrifice that right now. I want to lament. I want to cry.

But He says – NO!!! Grab your soul – arrest your mind and focus it on me. Don’t give in to the devil’s lie that you deserved this and I’m unkind in withholding it from you. Focus on truth – I loved you so much (and continue to love you) that I gave ALL for you – I sacrificed with JOY for your good. Rest there. Rejoice in that truth.

Let your conduct be the same as mine – offering up sacrifices of praise to God when your circumstances deem the opposite. That’s how I receive glory here – through yet another closed door. That’s where the world will see your differences and glorify me. Trust me, my child. I know what I’m doing.”

[copyright, 2010, Emily Schankweiler; A Sacrifice of Praise]

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3

remembering in the wilderness

April 27, 2010
Filed In Daily Devotionals

They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things… (Psalm 106:21)

As I read the Old Testament, I am often amazed by the children of Israel.  There are times I’m tempted to think, “How could they forget? Look at all God did for them… If I had been there, I wouldn’t have acted like that.”  Over and over, the children of Israel turned from God.  They created false gods; they relied on their own strength; they didn’t listen to wise council; they often forgot the mighty hand of God that had been at work in their lives (read Psalm 106).

I think these things and can tend to look down on the Children of Israel for their dullness to recognizing God at work. Then I look in the mirror and I am reminded how often I forget God too.

“In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.  The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in Egypt!” (Exodus 16:2-3)

Really!?  They had just walked through a sea and watched an entire army drown.  But sadly, their perspective was short-sighted.  They were now in a wilderness.  The amazing works of God from just days before were now a forgotten memory.

All of us have some kind of “wilderness” in our lives… a time when God seems distant and when we forget the mighty acts He’s done for us.  I sure have.  But, my sufferings are meant to produce endurance, character and hope in God.  My trials and wildernesses are meant to remind me of God’s faithfulness to me.  Let this truth free us from complaining and cause us to rejoice in the mercy of our God to us.

Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin.  But he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. (Psalm 106:43-45)  Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;  his love endures forever. (Psalm 106:1)

Prayer: Father, thank you for your mercy to me.  Over and over again, you have blessed me, yet I so often forget that.  Please keep me always aware of your cross and your graciousness to me.  Thank you for your love. Thank you for your forgiveness and grace to me.  I praise you that you design every trial and test to teach me more of your unchanging character.

[copyright, 2010, Emily Schankweiler; A Sacrifice of Praise]

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