Sunday, July 18, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
A God Who Hears Me Before I Call!
What a joy to be free to write today! It has been two months since I have been able to do so and I pray that something will be shared within this devotional that encourages you and your friends. For those of you who have written comments of support or prayers as I studied for my surgical exam on January 30th, I say THANK YOU! I am looking forward to sharing my testimony of what great things God has done when the scores are released in early March. I praise and thank Him in advance!
I have received so much excellent feedback from you guys. I was told that the devotionals were a blessing, but way too long! With your comments in mind, I am changing the format to a more concise style of writing. I certainly welcome your thoughts and comments, and if the Lord lays a Word on your heart that you would like to share on Dr. Sha’s Daily Dose, please send it to my inbox or email me at Ms.SRJMD@gmail.com. I will be more than happy to offer individuals this online forum to share reflections on the Believer’s life as long as they are founded on Biblical truth. Proverbs 27:17 tells us “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (NLT) I am excited about growing stronger and better everyday. I too press toward the mark. Dear friends, let’s keep pressing forward to the Glory of God!
“Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear.”
—Isaiah 65:24
Have you ever had the experience of thinking to call up a friend or family member, only to have the phone ring with that person being on the other line? “I was just about to call you” is usually the first statement we utter. Sometimes, you may actually need a favor from that person and it is fortuitous when they call you first, since you are instantly more at ease to present your request to them. It’s just uncanny how these things often work out! While man has been mandated by God to “pray without ceasing” (1Thessalonians 5:17), it seems that prayer remains low on the list to our immediate reactions to life’s situations. It sometimes becomes more natural to seek solace, advice and communication with people as opposed to God. Even seasoned believers can be found guilty of calling Auntie, Sister, Brother, Co-worker and Friend before taking our needs to the Father in prayer. While there is certainly worth to acquiring wise and Godly counsel, it’s important that we understand that our true Source of strength and clarity in life’s most trying situations is found solidly in the Lord. Simply put, God is a great listener! Isaiah 65:24 is a simple, yet beautiful verse that reflects the nature of a patient and prayer answering God: “Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear.” With this passage in mind, I can close my eyes and almost imagine God leaning attentively in the direction of my heart. Like any good father, He searches my face for any sign of longing, hunger, anxiety or fear. The Creator and Sustainer of the universe is listening and waiting for me to make my requests known to Him (Philipians 4:6: “…let your requests be made known to God.”) While it certainly pleases God that we turn our thoughts, hearts and prayers to Him first, if we do succumb to human nature and turn to mere mortals, He in His grace is still faithful to answer even our yet unspoken prayers. What an amazing Father we have! He anticipates our needs before we ask and begins to lovingly orchestrate the answers that perfect His purpose and plan in our lives. We see in Luke 12:32 that it excites God to bring Kingdom blessing into our lives: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” God is not sitting on a bag of emotional, material, and spiritual gold in Heaven mandating that you beg Him for blessing. Our Lord promises meet all of our needs according to His riches in glory! Know that every aspect of your existence matters to God. Romans 8:28 reads: “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.” Even when we are unsure of our true needs, have difficulty articulating them to the Father, or are simply too disheartened to earnestly pray; we can find comfort in knowing that Daddy God is there listening and answering your every call. God is ever near to us. He knows just what we need and is working it out for our good!
Dr.’s Orders: Take a moment to reflect on the God of Isaiah 65:24 in your mind. Recognize that He is already on the “other end of the line” before you even decided to call. If you feel that there is a huge space between you and God, start today to do whatever it takes to be closer to Him. Be determined to dedicate additional daily time spent in prayer and quiet reflection on the things of God. As you dare to believe the Word of God in that He is listening and answering your every prayer, you will begin to enjoy a miracle invoking attitude of faith that will empower your life in a mighty way!
I have received so much excellent feedback from you guys. I was told that the devotionals were a blessing, but way too long! With your comments in mind, I am changing the format to a more concise style of writing. I certainly welcome your thoughts and comments, and if the Lord lays a Word on your heart that you would like to share on Dr. Sha’s Daily Dose, please send it to my inbox or email me at Ms.SRJMD@gmail.com. I will be more than happy to offer individuals this online forum to share reflections on the Believer’s life as long as they are founded on Biblical truth. Proverbs 27:17 tells us “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (NLT) I am excited about growing stronger and better everyday. I too press toward the mark. Dear friends, let’s keep pressing forward to the Glory of God!
“Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear.”
—Isaiah 65:24
Have you ever had the experience of thinking to call up a friend or family member, only to have the phone ring with that person being on the other line? “I was just about to call you” is usually the first statement we utter. Sometimes, you may actually need a favor from that person and it is fortuitous when they call you first, since you are instantly more at ease to present your request to them. It’s just uncanny how these things often work out! While man has been mandated by God to “pray without ceasing” (1Thessalonians 5:17), it seems that prayer remains low on the list to our immediate reactions to life’s situations. It sometimes becomes more natural to seek solace, advice and communication with people as opposed to God. Even seasoned believers can be found guilty of calling Auntie, Sister, Brother, Co-worker and Friend before taking our needs to the Father in prayer. While there is certainly worth to acquiring wise and Godly counsel, it’s important that we understand that our true Source of strength and clarity in life’s most trying situations is found solidly in the Lord. Simply put, God is a great listener! Isaiah 65:24 is a simple, yet beautiful verse that reflects the nature of a patient and prayer answering God: “Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear.” With this passage in mind, I can close my eyes and almost imagine God leaning attentively in the direction of my heart. Like any good father, He searches my face for any sign of longing, hunger, anxiety or fear. The Creator and Sustainer of the universe is listening and waiting for me to make my requests known to Him (Philipians 4:6: “…let your requests be made known to God.”) While it certainly pleases God that we turn our thoughts, hearts and prayers to Him first, if we do succumb to human nature and turn to mere mortals, He in His grace is still faithful to answer even our yet unspoken prayers. What an amazing Father we have! He anticipates our needs before we ask and begins to lovingly orchestrate the answers that perfect His purpose and plan in our lives. We see in Luke 12:32 that it excites God to bring Kingdom blessing into our lives: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” God is not sitting on a bag of emotional, material, and spiritual gold in Heaven mandating that you beg Him for blessing. Our Lord promises meet all of our needs according to His riches in glory! Know that every aspect of your existence matters to God. Romans 8:28 reads: “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.” Even when we are unsure of our true needs, have difficulty articulating them to the Father, or are simply too disheartened to earnestly pray; we can find comfort in knowing that Daddy God is there listening and answering your every call. God is ever near to us. He knows just what we need and is working it out for our good!
Dr.’s Orders: Take a moment to reflect on the God of Isaiah 65:24 in your mind. Recognize that He is already on the “other end of the line” before you even decided to call. If you feel that there is a huge space between you and God, start today to do whatever it takes to be closer to Him. Be determined to dedicate additional daily time spent in prayer and quiet reflection on the things of God. As you dare to believe the Word of God in that He is listening and answering your every prayer, you will begin to enjoy a miracle invoking attitude of faith that will empower your life in a mighty way!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Great Expectations
Romans 5:3-5
3) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4) And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5) And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
December 24, 2009. Just like every Christmas Eve before, young and the old worldwide, giggled with blanketed delight in expectation of fanciful Christmas morning presents. Despite a global economic downturn, many of us yet relished in the newest toys, gadgets and “must-haves” for Christmas ‘09. Less desirable gifts were quickly tucked into dark corners of basements and closets. Goofy “Snuggies”(as seen on TV), twirling spaghetti forks (also, as seen on TV) and yes, more pairs of Argyle socks for good old dad tend to make excellent fodder for the so-called “bad gift” pile. These tokens simply failed to meet our expectations. The adage that “It’s the thought that counts” grows increasingly antiquated, as our consumptive and comparative attitudes prove misplaced and sadly insatiable. As young children, we learn to compare our possessions to those of others and invariably enter a rat race marked by the rotten cheese of covetousness. When our expectations are not grounded in the purpose of God for our lives, we grow disappointed with life; resolute to operate in spiritual and emotional defeat and stagnation whilst pursuing the beloved “American Dream”. Certainly, it is God’s will for us that we have great expectations; but not merely for material goods and personal success. He desires that we heighten our expectation in matters of spiritual merit leading us to eternal riches in God! Besides a shiny new car, beautifully toned physique and broadened financial territories, what more are you expecting from God in 2010? To what great, new spiritual heights do you stand trusting God for?
Opposition is the path to great expectations…and greatness
Here in Romans 5, we are reminded that as believers we will certainly encounter “problems and trials”. It is equally true that your recognition of the power of God in your life will prevent your growing weary in well doing. You have to understand that if you desire to be an Olympic level spiritual giant in God, your faith will be exercised. When we pray and ask God “ Lord increase my faith” we should expect some things to go wrong that require deeper levels of trust in God. If we ask for patience, it should not surprise us when time seems to stand still and people and situations fail to move forward. Allow God to develop your character on a daily basis. When people rub you the wrong way, lie to your face, cheat you for material good, or even feign love for you while harboring hatred, face them with a smile and utter thanks to God for shaping you into the man or the woman of greatness that you have been called to be.
Opposition truly is the path to greatness and great expectations. Resolve within yourself to persist at all costs! Endure when others quit, and then dare to lift your brother or sister up along the way.
Be consumed with God’s Great Expectations for your life!
It is so easy to become weighted down with negative thinking. When you fail to focus on the promises of God for your life, the enemy has free reign to introduce anxieties and frustrations that disallow the peace of God. Get your mind right. Practice thinking good thoughts and outcomes for your situation. Remind yourself of the faithfulness of God in times past. When my back hurts with arthritis and a bulging disk, I remind myself of how God healed my legs in fifth grade during a period when I was unable to walk without assistance. While our family doctor never sorted out the cause of my painful month of immobilizing symptoms, a gracious God had mercy on my 11 year old body and miraculously the pain melted away. If He healed me then, certainly, He can do it again! I am reminded of a precious verse of scripture: “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Phillipians 4:8 I will “fix my thoughts” on the truth of God’s power, the honorable nature of His faithfulness toward mankind and above all His undying love for us. We can’t help but have great expectations from God! He has a track record for doing GREAT things!
Hope in God eliminates disappointment
If we are honest with ourselves, we have all felt some sort of disappointment in this life. Oftentimes, the source of our disappointment are people; family, friends, husbands, wives, children. People. Yes, we recognize the fact that they are made of flesh, blood and imperfections, and yet we hold each other to very high levels of perfection. When people fail us, we often harbor harsh feelings of hurt and unforgiveness that leave us spiritually vulnerable to sin in our lives. I know personally several young people who having been “failed” by imperfect fathers have turned to lives of bitterness and self-hatred propelled by disappointment. As we mature in God, we grow to understand that our hope must reside in God who “dearly loves us” (verse 5) and that we can be comforted by the Holy Spirit who will “fill our hearts with his love”. Before I truly understood and embraced God’s Love and the power of the Holy Spirit in my life, I too carried the weight of disappointment. For years I wanted my natural father to be the surreal individual that I created in my dreams. When he turned out to be a mere mortal with limited emotions, resources and guidance, I grew to resent him and in doing so grew increasingly disconnected from my Heavenly Father as well. I grew to know that my real Source and Hope can not lie in people. My hope is in God. I learned to love and accept my father for the man that he was and is. For the first time in my adult life I went home recently with an attitude of forgiveness and a sense of expectation that God was going to do something special. It turned out to be the most positive time I have spent with my fathe in years! To God be the glory for what He is doing and can do in our lives! God heals our disappointments when we base our expectations and hope not in the capabilities of people, but in the power and provision of a Loving God.
Dr's. Orders
Think about an area of disappointment in your life. Where is your focus currently? Is your focus on pursuing the plan of God while He is developing you, or are you simply looking for an easy way out? Pray that God will renew your mind to push past opposition on to victory!
Write down your top five expectations for this year. What are you doing TODAY to bring any of these to pass? Incorporate your Great Expectations into your daily prayer time and trust God for bringing it to pass!
Choose TODAY to release feelings of disappointment from your thoughts. Whether it is a family member, situation or even yourself, I pray that you will let go of disappointment now! Choose to expect something great from God in this matter, and let the real healing begin!
3) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4) And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5) And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
December 24, 2009. Just like every Christmas Eve before, young and the old worldwide, giggled with blanketed delight in expectation of fanciful Christmas morning presents. Despite a global economic downturn, many of us yet relished in the newest toys, gadgets and “must-haves” for Christmas ‘09. Less desirable gifts were quickly tucked into dark corners of basements and closets. Goofy “Snuggies”(as seen on TV), twirling spaghetti forks (also, as seen on TV) and yes, more pairs of Argyle socks for good old dad tend to make excellent fodder for the so-called “bad gift” pile. These tokens simply failed to meet our expectations. The adage that “It’s the thought that counts” grows increasingly antiquated, as our consumptive and comparative attitudes prove misplaced and sadly insatiable. As young children, we learn to compare our possessions to those of others and invariably enter a rat race marked by the rotten cheese of covetousness. When our expectations are not grounded in the purpose of God for our lives, we grow disappointed with life; resolute to operate in spiritual and emotional defeat and stagnation whilst pursuing the beloved “American Dream”. Certainly, it is God’s will for us that we have great expectations; but not merely for material goods and personal success. He desires that we heighten our expectation in matters of spiritual merit leading us to eternal riches in God! Besides a shiny new car, beautifully toned physique and broadened financial territories, what more are you expecting from God in 2010? To what great, new spiritual heights do you stand trusting God for?
Opposition is the path to great expectations…and greatness
Here in Romans 5, we are reminded that as believers we will certainly encounter “problems and trials”. It is equally true that your recognition of the power of God in your life will prevent your growing weary in well doing. You have to understand that if you desire to be an Olympic level spiritual giant in God, your faith will be exercised. When we pray and ask God “ Lord increase my faith” we should expect some things to go wrong that require deeper levels of trust in God. If we ask for patience, it should not surprise us when time seems to stand still and people and situations fail to move forward. Allow God to develop your character on a daily basis. When people rub you the wrong way, lie to your face, cheat you for material good, or even feign love for you while harboring hatred, face them with a smile and utter thanks to God for shaping you into the man or the woman of greatness that you have been called to be.
Opposition truly is the path to greatness and great expectations. Resolve within yourself to persist at all costs! Endure when others quit, and then dare to lift your brother or sister up along the way.
Be consumed with God’s Great Expectations for your life!
It is so easy to become weighted down with negative thinking. When you fail to focus on the promises of God for your life, the enemy has free reign to introduce anxieties and frustrations that disallow the peace of God. Get your mind right. Practice thinking good thoughts and outcomes for your situation. Remind yourself of the faithfulness of God in times past. When my back hurts with arthritis and a bulging disk, I remind myself of how God healed my legs in fifth grade during a period when I was unable to walk without assistance. While our family doctor never sorted out the cause of my painful month of immobilizing symptoms, a gracious God had mercy on my 11 year old body and miraculously the pain melted away. If He healed me then, certainly, He can do it again! I am reminded of a precious verse of scripture: “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Phillipians 4:8 I will “fix my thoughts” on the truth of God’s power, the honorable nature of His faithfulness toward mankind and above all His undying love for us. We can’t help but have great expectations from God! He has a track record for doing GREAT things!
Hope in God eliminates disappointment
If we are honest with ourselves, we have all felt some sort of disappointment in this life. Oftentimes, the source of our disappointment are people; family, friends, husbands, wives, children. People. Yes, we recognize the fact that they are made of flesh, blood and imperfections, and yet we hold each other to very high levels of perfection. When people fail us, we often harbor harsh feelings of hurt and unforgiveness that leave us spiritually vulnerable to sin in our lives. I know personally several young people who having been “failed” by imperfect fathers have turned to lives of bitterness and self-hatred propelled by disappointment. As we mature in God, we grow to understand that our hope must reside in God who “dearly loves us” (verse 5) and that we can be comforted by the Holy Spirit who will “fill our hearts with his love”. Before I truly understood and embraced God’s Love and the power of the Holy Spirit in my life, I too carried the weight of disappointment. For years I wanted my natural father to be the surreal individual that I created in my dreams. When he turned out to be a mere mortal with limited emotions, resources and guidance, I grew to resent him and in doing so grew increasingly disconnected from my Heavenly Father as well. I grew to know that my real Source and Hope can not lie in people. My hope is in God. I learned to love and accept my father for the man that he was and is. For the first time in my adult life I went home recently with an attitude of forgiveness and a sense of expectation that God was going to do something special. It turned out to be the most positive time I have spent with my fathe in years! To God be the glory for what He is doing and can do in our lives! God heals our disappointments when we base our expectations and hope not in the capabilities of people, but in the power and provision of a Loving God.
Dr's. Orders
Think about an area of disappointment in your life. Where is your focus currently? Is your focus on pursuing the plan of God while He is developing you, or are you simply looking for an easy way out? Pray that God will renew your mind to push past opposition on to victory!
Write down your top five expectations for this year. What are you doing TODAY to bring any of these to pass? Incorporate your Great Expectations into your daily prayer time and trust God for bringing it to pass!
Choose TODAY to release feelings of disappointment from your thoughts. Whether it is a family member, situation or even yourself, I pray that you will let go of disappointment now! Choose to expect something great from God in this matter, and let the real healing begin!
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