The Guest Room

Pam Ford Davis

In the days of large families, guest rooms were a luxury only for the wealthy. Hosts vacated their room for out of town visitors and slept on the sofa. Today many middle- class homeowners have sufficient space for the family and a guest room as well. If unexpected company drops by, the host needs little time to present a warm welcome in the designated room.

Imagine the role of preparing a guest room for the Lord Jesus… “Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples? He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there (Mark 14:14-15 NIV).”

Praise and prayer prepare the way for Jesus to enter the guest room in our hearts. He dwells in our adoration; confession through prayer removes sins residue, allowing Christ to enter a cleansed home. We must not occupy his room, be sure to leave the door open and leave the light of his word inside. We have the privilege of preparing a guestroom for the King of Kings!

Christian Growth, Devotionals

Grace Period

Pam Ford Davis

Recently I discovered I was a day late on paying our electric bill, like a flash across my mind I wondered if we neglected to take the check to the local office. I had given the payment to my husband Norm as he was running errands one day a week or two earlier. He simply forgot to drop it off.

He handed it back to me and I dropped it in my purse, which we both know is akin to the black hole in the universe. I thumbed through the contents and found it hiding in the midst of necessities and a collection of crumpled checkout store receipts. There was a grace period before cut-off of power but I had to pay a small penalty for my tardiness.

I never cease to be amazed at God’s amazing grace. There is no grace period; there is grace…. Period! I cannot earn my salvation, nor can I lose it. Christ purchased it; He ransomed me. I owe everything to God’s gift of grace. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God-not because of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9 RSV).” I urge you, please do not neglect to receive His grace.

Christian Growth, Devotionals, Family

House That Frank Built

Pam Ford Davis

My mind mingles memories of Mycenae and home; I left the old home place when I wed at the age of 18, yet at the age of 62 it as close as my current front door. Over a thousand miles separates me from the house that my Dad, Frank built. My thoughts soar to the structure that sheltered me from northeasters and the cold cruel world.

Solomon in his great wisdom built, bragged, and taught me a valuable lesson; a house may serve only as a monument to self. “I increased my achievements. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. I made gardens and parks for myself and planted every kind of fruit tree in them. I constructed reservoirs of water for myself from which to irrigate a grove of flourishing trees (Ecclesiastes 2:4-6 HCS).”

The industrious king had developed a dream home any real estate agent would love to include as a listing to prospective buyers. It is tragic to see the repetitive phrase “for myself” in Solomon’s monologue and to realize I too can become self absorbed and miss countless blessings of investing in others. I think I’ll just mosey on back to Mycenae and see vivid pictures of the house that Frank built…

Bible Studies, Christian Growth, Devotionals

He Willingly Waits

Pam Ford Davis

Unfaithfulness to a mate is both a personal slap in the face and a sign of selfishness. Marriage partners are never to take their vows lightly and adultery, while commonplace in our society is sin. “Thus sayeth the Lord.” (Exodus 20:14)

Once upon a time there was a man with a wayward wife…

“The Lord said to me, ‘Go again and show your love for a woman who is committing adultery with a lover. You must love her just as I still love the people of Israel, even though they turn to other gods and like to take offerings of raisins to idols. So I paid fifteen pieces of silver and seven bushels of barley to buy her. I told her that for a long time she would have to wait for me without being a prostitute or committing adultery; and during this time I would wait for her (Hosea 3:1-3 TEV).” Our Father willingly waits.

As His wayward children, we have turned to materialism as a way to meet our selfish desires. We have sold out yet Jesus paid the price to ransom us. “the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself to redeem all mankind (1Timothy 2:5b-6a TEV). Soldiers slapped him, spit in his face and mocked his name. He forgave. He is faithful and true.

Christian Growth, Devotionals

Peripheral Vision

Pam Ford Davis

Last week I was driving alone to town on an errand; it was a sunny autumn day and I made a turn from one rural road to another and noticed the sun off to my left in my peripheral vision. I felt the warmth of the rays on my face and neck and had one of those rare moments where God gave me a sneak peek into his storehouse of wisdom. The sun was there but it was not what I focused on; my eyes were on the road.

Jesus is with me always yet I direct my attention to the pathway of priorities I place above his presence. Do I sacrifice communion with Him and settle for awareness of Him in my peripheral vision? He wants my undivided attention. “And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete (Hebrews 12:1b-2a CEV).” The Lord will not allow me to run off the road; I choose to focus on him. He will bathe me in the warmth of his love.

Christian Growth, Devotionals

Secure Hold

Pam Ford Davis

The palm of my hand serves me well; it is quite small and yet I can grasp items, make a fist and securely hold what I placed within my cupped hand. My favorite snacks of “M&M’s” or nuts are handy for bite size munching. The small area limits my intake but my Lord knows best the amounts I need to hold in my hand.

He holds the whole world in His hands! He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. “For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalms 50:10 NKJ).” He is the rightful owner to all that surrounds me. “For the world is Mine, and all its fullness (Psalms 50:12b NKJ).” I value what I place in my hands; God places far greater worth on you and me.

“And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand (John 10: 28-29 NKJ).” The hands that created man and woman are our haven of rest…

Christian Growth, Devotionals, Relationships

Isolation Ramifications

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.

Christian Growth, Devotionals

Fatherly Advice

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

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

“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.

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