Month: September 2011

Christian Growth, Devotionals, Relationships

Isolation Ramifications

Pam Ford Davis
Pam Ford Davis

 

We prefer sporadic times alone to gather our thoughts, reflect and unwind. Solitude is a good thing; isolation has a darker side. Two circumstances come to mind. First, a doctor makes a diagnosis of an extremely contagious disease, fears an epidemic, and orders a quarantine of the patient. Second, a prison warden corrects an unruly inmate through drastic measures by solitary confinement.

I link confinement to punishment… A parent confines their child in their room to teach the misbehaving girl or boy a lesson or zoo officials confine dangerous animals to cages. Why would I consciously cut myself off from the interaction and support of others and place myself in isolation? Could it be an attempt to punish myself or am I using invisible barriers as a means of protection from dangers of hurt and disappointment?

John the Baptist met disappointment behind the isolation of prison walls. In his separation from friends, doubts surfaced about Jesus. Was He the Lamb of God he had proclaimed, the long awaited Messiah?  He sent word to Jesus for affirmation. “Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else (Luke 7:19b HCS)?” This incident serves as a warning; if John a paragon of belief floundered in his faith during confinement, I may succumb too. Isolation has ramifications.   

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Christian Growth, Devotionals

Fatherly Advice

Pam Ford Davis
Pam Ford Davis

 

 

We respect our parents and value their opinions; the prudent treasure fatherly advice when shared by a wise and loving dad. Many of our parents have learned valuable lessons through the school of hard knocks; they are eager to warn us of dangers in our path.

Wisdom seekers find jewels in the book of Proverbs; chapter three has a tone of fatherly advice. “My child, remember my teachings and instructions and obey them completely. They will help you live a long and prosperous life (Proverbs 3:1-2 CEV).”

We spend billions grasping for a long and prosperous life. Should we heed the scripture? “With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow (Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV).”

I often find barriers on life’s road; I stumble and fall. Our loving Father comforts me with his promises to both lead and clear obstructions from my way. Worries and fears may become insurmountable roadblocks; he pulverizes them! Father, I welcome your advice.

Christian Growth, GUEST AUTHOR, Poems, Prayer

LORD AT ALL TIMES Psalm 34

Pam Ford Davis

GUEST WRITER: PHOEBE CARTER

Lord, at all times –
May praise be on my lips.
I will boast in You:
May all hear and rejoice:
“Glorify the Lord and
Exalt His name”.

I sought the Lord, and
He took away my fears : ) .
“Look at Him and be radiant –
Never covered with shame!”
(The Lord heard the poor man
And took away his troubles).

“The Lord is good!
Come, taste, and see!
Take refuge in Him,
And blessed you’ll be!
Fear the Lord –
And lack nothing!

You, who seek Him,
Will lack no good thing –
And will be delivered!
Come! … Listen … Love life!
Do good … Seek peace …
And pursue it!”

HE SEES THE RIGHTEOUS,

AND LISTENS TO THEIR CRY.

HE’S CLOSE TO THE BROKEN HEARTED;

AND SAVES THE CRUSHED SPIRITS.

THE LORD REDEEMS THOSE –

WHO TAKE REFUGE IN HIM !

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I read this Psalm this morning, noted down the main lines (as I saw them). It has truth and advice, but most of all, it tells us that the Lord has a heart for us, cares for us, forgives us and makes many promises.

Take refuge in Him …….. TODAY !

Perhaps you can pray this prayer today:

Dear Lord
Thank You so much for loving me;
And letting me know that you can take away my fears,
And things from the past,
And I’ll never be covered with shame.
I give these to You, today.
Please forgive me.

Thank you that you will listen to my cry –
And lift me up;
Especially when I am hurting inside.

I pray that I will learn to trust in You,
More each day, and seek refuge in You.

I look forward to knowing and seeing
All Your promises and plans for me.

May I glorify You and boast in Your name;
And may praise be on my lips LORD, AT ALL TIMES.

I want to lack nothing,
Yet feel radiant and know Your joy.

I want to come to You and
Taste and see what is good.

I want to come to You and
Listen… and seek Your peace.

I pray that I will be righteous,
Do good things, and love my life.

I pray that I will always know Your peace
And feel You near me.

I give You my life in it’s entirety.

I glorify You Lord
And exalt Your name

Thank you for the gift of salvation –
Your gift to me, which I accept with love and thanks,
And the knowledge that I am saved from an eternal death,
And will spend the rest of my days with You.

Thank You Lord, so much.
I give You my hand;

AMEN
x

And when things have been tough,
I will look back and see …….
One set of footprints in the sand
where you have carried me.

N.B. If this is the first time you have said this kind of prayer, and you believe it in your heart to have meaning and truth, and you want to be forgiven for things in your past which you are probably not happy about or proud of, find someone to talk to, perhaps a Christian friend or go along to your local church. I pray that you will start a new life, believing in and knowing Jesus, trusting in Him to guide you for the rest of your days.

Perhaps you have said this kind of prayer once, or many times; it is good to affirm what you believe and have faith in.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU +

Phoebe Carter (5th September 2011)
Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals, Women

Ripples of Peace

Pam Ford Davis
Pam Ford Davis

“And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. For she said to herself, ‘If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.’ But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said; ‘Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.’ And the woman was made well from that hour (Matthew 9:20-22 NKJ).”

I visualize this woman’s medical chart… “Diagnosis: Severe Anemia and Chronic Depression.” Doctors had been unable to offer her relief and she found faith in Jesus as her away of escape from illness and entrance to restored health. She did not want to approach him directly and formed a plan of merely touching the hem of His garment. She came to understand touching the hem instantaneously touched His heart. He heard her unspoken prayer and proclaimed words of encouragement and healing.

The flow of blood ceased. Jesus released a rivers flow of living water!

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke concerning the Sprit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified (John 7:38-39 NKJ).”

The unidentified woman would one day experience the full benefits of living water; ripples of peace sealed His promise.