Division

Math.  Ugh.  I don't like doing math, especially division.  Today, it became clear to me why.  Division is what Satan uses to keep Christians from fellowship.  Division is what Satan uses to destroy the family.  Division is what Satan uses to cause a church to split.

As I was doing my daily Bible reading from "The Evidence Bible" produced by Way of the Master Ministries, there was a quote by Charles Spurgeon.

"Satan always hates Christian fellowship; it is his (Satan's) policy to keep Christians apart.  Anything which can divide saints from one another he (Satan) delights in."

Then, the Proverbs 31 Ministries daily encouragement was on the topic of division in marriage.  Oh, I hope I am listening to what the Father has to say.  I can see that He is using it to encourage me today.  He is using it to show me what I need to do.  I must heal and not cause division.  I must have care for the members of the body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:25)

(Father God, thank you for talking with me today.  Please help me to act as you desire.  Strengthen me for what is to come.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Encouragement - Where does it come from?

Encouragement.  Where does it come from for you?  Where do you get that extra charge to keep going?  In what form does it present itself?  Do you need verbal encouragement or will a simple smile keep you going?  Does it matter if it's someone close to you or a complete stranger that shares it?  When do you need it the most? Do you happen to fail to notice it if it is given during good times?

I started writing this blog four years ago. (http://dailyswim.blogspot.com/2007/08/welcome-to-daily-swim.html) Sometimes it was easy to write on a regular basis.  Sometimes living life distracted me away.  I have no idea how many people read it or if anyone gets anything out of it.  I've prayed that someone would get a blessing from reading it and that it would honor God for His purpose.

Is it time to stop?  Or, is it time to be more vocal about it's existence?  I need some encouragement here.

(Father God, I leave this blog in your hands.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.)

Getting Back to Full

I often run my bucket more empty than I should. Bucket of what? Anything. Occasionally, I run my vehicle pretty low on gas. I could easily run out and then would have the added burden of searching out fuel. I probably would have to walk to the nearest gas station. That would require me to expend energy that could be better used elsewhere.

Occasionally, I let my fridge get low on groceries. It requires more thought and creativity to come up with a meal on just a few items than it does when there is plenty from which to choose.

Occasionally, I let my spiritual nourishment run low. Praise God, the Holy Spirit never leaves me so I can't run completely out. But, sometimes the everyday cares of life seem to absorb almost all of my bucket. I have to go back to the well to fill it up again and again. Here lately it seems that I let it get more dry than normal. So, God provided a weekend for my husband and I to recharge. God rearranged some priorities and sparked new interest in filling my bucket.

(Father God, thank You for everlasting springs of life. I am so grateful that I can come to You for all my spiritual needs. And that You will meet my physical needs as well.. Father, help me to grasp all that my bucket will hold. Help me to use each drop wisely. Help me to love with Your love. Remind me to daily come to you to refill my bucket. A full bucket is more easily shared and can meet the needs of many. Help me to keep my bucket close to You and full. Thank You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)