God's Megaphone (Word 4 U 2day, Wednesday 24th March)

Pain speaks volumes. Headaches tell us we need to lie in a dark room; backaches tell us we need to lift safely; stomach-aches tell us to step away from the Doritos. Yes, pain tells us somethings not right.

Pain captures our attention. It can be the same with our lives, sometimes pain is necessary for change. the pain of depression can lead us to seek help. the pain of loss can help us re-evaluate what matters most in life. The pain of emptiness can bring us back to God.

CS Lewis rote, 'Pain in God's megaphone'. Maybe, this year had been tough for you, life seems a bit pointless and you've been left wondering, 'Where is God in all of this?' The Bible says,'...don't be surprised at the fiery trial you are going through...Instead, be very glad - for these trial make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.' (1 Peter 4:12 - 13 NLT) Pain is never easy! Actually, life isn't easy, but one thing we can count on is God hasn't just left us to it. God id on the job: 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.' (Romans 8:28 NIV) Sometimes God has to use his megaphone to shout: 'This is the way; walk in it.' (Isaiah 30:21 NIV)

My daily devotional today really spoke volumes to me today. I have personally experienced alot of pain over the last few years and particularly in the last 6 months. Being without work has left me feeling lonely and quite empty. I really do feel that I have taken this time to refocus my relationship with God, I do feel the benefits and am extremely thankful. God has brought many things and people into my path to fill my life while I am on the search for work. I am so thankful for that.

Daily devotional is from Word 4 U 2day from UCB, www.word4u2day.com.au.

This what it feels like....

I was reading my daily devotion this morning and I came across something that is so obvious but I had not thought about.

When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.
Ecclesiastes 7:14

It came with the description 'Good times' can be less helpful than 'tough times'; and the 'hard times' can be better for you than the 'easy times'. Whatever changes and challenges come your way; whether planned or unexpected, whether you feel like you're going forward or sliding backwards - God is waiting for you to turn to him and know him.

I am defiantly going through 'hard times' at the moment, looking for work and going to interviews has been really hard especially emotionally. I will say the worse thing is being at home, especially when there is nothing to do, I just feel lost and very lonely. These are the times when I find myself wanting to pick up my bible and read, God is waiting for me.

My daily devotion comes from Word 4 U 2 day from UCB, you can get your own copy at their website www.word4u2day.com.au (only available postage in Australia), you can also read their devotions online.

You hear about it happening

I always hear stories about God giving scripture verses to people when they needed to hear them, I have always thought that that was great for those people but come one does that really happen?

It did to me today, I was doing my devotional this morning before my husband got up and I was flipping to a passage when Philippians opened to a page where previously I had circled a couple of verses that just shouted at me.

'Don't be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God' Philippians 4:6

'I can do all this through him who gives me strength' Philippians 4:13

These verses are just what I needed to read this morning as I prepared to go for my interview this morning. By the way I think the interview went well, not sure that I got to say everything that I wanted to say. But I tried my best and that is all that you can do. I will keep praying that I have gotten this job, it would be a great company to get involved with. But I was so blessed to get these verses this morning, they gave me the confidence that I can get this job that I am what this company is looking for.

Today it's Friday

End of another week, this week has been one of my busiest. This morning I was doing my daily devotion and it really hit home.

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart...' Deuteronomy 6:5

The devotional that cam along with this verse wasn't what you would expect associated with this verse, but it did speak to me alot. It talked about the different masks we put on for other people and different situations. And how we can't and shouldn't try to do that with God, that he knows us behind the mask, and that we should take the masks off and love the Lord with all your heart (Deut 6:5).

I defiantly know that I do this, or was doing this alot. Especially at work, I felt alot of pressure to be just like everyone else. Everyone was into (on pretending to be into) grooming and the way they looked and I was buying into it. I became obsessive about the way I was presenting at work, whether I had a hair out of place or a pimple. Everyone was into golf (which I do enjoy but only in a par 3 setting, which was looked down on) and my boss was into yoga and obsessively into 'healthy living'. None of that is me I shouldn't need to put on a mask to be accepted by others. I need to focus more on loving God and that attitude will shine through.

I get my devotions from UCB Word 4 U 2 day, it is a great devotional series for teenagers and young adults. You can get your copy on their website www.word4U2day.com.au (only available in Australia).

Maybe.....

Ok....what am I doing? I have been unemployed for something like a month and I honestly still feel like I am walking in circles. What on earth is God's Plan for me? There is one thing I am very aware of, right now me not having a job has been good for other people. I am able to do things for others that I wouldn't have been able to do if I was working. Maybe that is my path right now, being there for others.

I have done a few favours for Mum & Dad, picking up their dogs from the groomers and picking up my sister from her work. I have been able to look after our nephew for my husbands brother and his wife, and also have been available to help them pack and in the next couple of days move to their new house. I have been doing alot of helping, I defiantly enjoy being there for friends and family who need that extra set of hands.

Our car is starting to look like a moving company, with boxes and newspaper!

Though I do feel like I am walking in circles, I am actually satisfied with the way things are. I defiantly think that my sense of satisfaction comes from helping others and that I am really taking the time to have some personal time with God. I have been doing a daily devotional and spending alot of time preparing for Tuesday Night Bible Study. At Tuesday Bible Study we have been doing a great series by our Pastor on different Religions, it has been great getting a real understanding of the history and origins of some of the biggest and most popular religions and also where their short comings lie and how Christianity is always the only way. But I will talk more about that another time, stay tuned!