Day 176 God’s Friendship

For who has despised the day of small things? Zechariah 4:10

Even in the small stuff God is big. He turns the gray hues of ordinary boring days into bright and beautiful moments – if we see Him in all things.

Like the huge moon in the sky sprinkled with wispy clouds last night.

Combined with the smell of fresh summer air my day was transformed as I slogged home from a very long day at work.

There is rest for my weary, worried, fretful life when I remember I have a relationship with God. The same God who created the Universe.

Scripture tells me He calls me a friend. He's a friend who is available at all times.

I stand in awe and worship my King who has time to be with me when I ask Him to come into the little things of every day life.

God Bless your heart with friendship with God. It is yours for the asking.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the June 25 entry in the devotional titled God Calling. I've enjoyed the past 176 days as I watch how God takes the words of this devotional and shows me where it applies to my life. Another reminder that God's Word is alive and active.

Day 175 When Guidance Tarries

You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. Psalm 73:24

Today's devotional was a God S-T-O-P for me. I needed to be reminded that God does guide us with counsel.

I've been praying with my friends who have been asking God what to do regarding employment since they were laid off several months ago. It is a rather bizarre situation because they don't have their permanent green card to work in the USA.

They are limited to the types of jobs they can apply for. They've been here ten years and contributed much to this country. They don't want to go back.

They are seeking wisdom and guidance from the Lord for the next step.

The clock is ticking on how long they can stay. Money is running out. The way does not seem clear. Confusion about what to do can make one wonder if God is really listening.

He is listening. He has heard.

Sometimes we simply need to go forward one step at a time. No fear. No panic.

He gives us just enough light for the step we are on.

An attitude of faith will receive a reward just as surely as the obedience to follow a clear step guided by the Lord. Trust goes a long way with the Lord.

Sometimes in what seems to be silence, God is simply asking us this question.

"Do you REALLY trust me?"

He wants you to know He loves you and will never leave you or forsake you.

God bless your heart with peace as you wait for His guidance.

Gigi

The idea for this blog post came from the June 24 entry in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Beth Moore refers to a God S-T-O-P as a time when we Savor The Observable Presence of God. The letters in S-T-O-P help me remember that God is with me always and he'll show me every day when I stop and observe His presence. He is present in the small things and in the big things too. If you've never listened to Beth's teaching I HIGHLY recommend it. http://www.lproof.org/ is where you can order some of her weekly teaching CD's or you can purchase her books and Bible studies at any bookstore.

Day 173 Your Red Sea

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1

I've got a secret. Life is not for wimps.

As we celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary today Steve and I recounted the major events of each year of our marriage. It has been an amazing ride. It has at times been a roller coaster and other times it has been smooth sailing.

I know I can trust that God will get us through the next 25 years too. God is faithful.

This morning I prayed with my friend and counselor, Karen. She has been such a great encourager and has pushed me hard to be bold as a lion as I move into the next season of my life. I thank God every day for her ministry to me and my family. I dare even think where I'd be without her prayer and counsel.

Karen and Murray are standing at the border of the sea - well actually the USA-Canada border. Their papers have been sitting on someone's desk for three years. They have been here working and raising their family for ten years. But a work lay off is sending them back to their homeland of Canada. No papers. No job. No USA for them.

None of us want them to go. We love them so much. God is using them mightily.

So we pray.

The message we got from the Lord as we prayed for this situation was to remember the Red Sea. When the situation looked horrible and the Egyptians were closing in on the fleeing Israelites it seemed hopeless. But they did as they were instructed and headed toward the Red Sea.

The waters parted and they escaped on dry ground. They passed over to their Promised Land.

We are asking God to open the eyes and ears of the immigration specialist holding their file. We want them to see this particular application and approve it. The time is running out. They have to leave the country by Juen 30th when their current papers expire. Will you pray with me for Karen and Murray?



But God is faithful! Can you believe that "coincidentally" this devotional entry in my God Calling book would be about knowing God parts the waters for us. I love those God stops!

Is there a situation that feels like roaring waters standing right in front of you? Is it big enough to keep you from what God has promised? Do you need your red sea to part?

Tell me what you need us to pray about. Let's join together and watch the waters part as we pass over to our own Promised Land.

I want you to know He is faithful. Go forward fearlessly. Tell me all about it because I want to sing His praises.

God Bless your fearless heart.
Gigi

The idea for this blog post came from the June 22nd devotional in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Day 172 See as I See

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30

So many people in my life are in transition. It can be a stressful time if we let it.

My great-nephew Kohl finished pre-school and is preparing for kindergarten.

My great-niece Jade completed elementary school and is looking forward to junior high.

My niece Laura's years in middle school are over and she'll move on to a new high school.

My nephew Joe graduated high school and is heading to college in the fall.

My niece Brooke graduated from the U of Montana and is now a member of the working class.

My niece Trisha will add another family member when she is induced tomorrow. We'll welcome a new baby boy to the family.

As we move from one season of our life to another we can take on burdens that are not meant to be ours.

In this season of busyness and transition it's easy to miss what God wants us to see.

How about giving the burden of transition to the Lord. He'll make it light and give us rest for our souls.

God Bless your heart with rest.

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the June 21 entry in God Calling by AJ Russell.

Day 164 God Inspired

I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? Psalm 121:1

We've been invited to several graduation parties. The excitement in the eyes and the hearts of these young people is contagious.

They have their whole life before them with thousands of decisions to make that will change the course of their life.

Where do they go for help in those decisions?

Friends? Mom or Dad? Siblings? Grandparents? Aunts or Uncles? Teachers? Pastors? The list of people with advice for their life goes on.

Oh how I hope these young eyes will look up. I pray the first person they look to is the Lord.

Where the help is sure.

Psalm 121 is one of my favorite Psalms of Ascent. I want to encourage you today with the words to the whole Psalm.

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

 ¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills—
       where does my help come from?

 ² My help comes from the LORD,
       the Maker of heaven and earth.

 ³ He will not let your foot slip—
       he who watches over you will not slumber;

 ⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
       will neither slumber nor sleep.

 ⁵ The LORD watches over you—
       the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

 ⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
       nor the moon by night.

 ⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
       he will watch over your life;

 ⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
       both now and forevermore.

I share these verses as a heartfelt blessing from me to you and a reminder that the Lord loves every hair on your head as He watches you come and go every step of the way.

God Bless your heart with God inspired steps on the journey through life. As my sister Patti always says, "I love your guts."

Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the June 13 entry in the devotional – God Calling – by AJ Russell.

Day 155 Divine Patience

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. Jeremiah 18:4

Living a life pleasing to God is difficult. My selfish desires, motives, actions, words and thoughts would be enough to drive any Dad crazy. But God has Divine Patience. He is molding me into the woman He created me to be.

He is the potter. I am the clay.

I've walked with God at my side for fifty-two years. He has patiently walked one step at a time like a young dad walking with his toddler. It takes patience as the young one learns the way.

When I fall down I cry "Daddy" and He picks me up. He holds my hand as I learn to walk in His way. The more I cooperate with Him the easier it gets.

His grace allows me to keep moving forward step by step.

He is patient and strong. He teaches me Divine Patience.

God Bless your heart with patience,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the June 4^th devotional in God Calling by AJ Russell