Day 57 Swift Help

He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you." Luke 17:6

What if you believed that God's help is yours as swiftly and surely as you asked for it?


I want to live with strong faith. I've strengthened my foundation of faith by watching God at work in the lives of those around me. He is at work.


Sometimes we are invited to the King's table but we sit at the "little" table because we don't have the faith to believe we really are in the family of God.

But He wants us to remember we are sons and daughters of the King invited to share at the table of the Lord.

I don't understand everything that happens. Some things are just too difficult to understand. But God's ways are higher than our ways and I trust Him completely to make all things work together for good.

Daily I pray for more faith.

God Bless Your Heart
Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for these blog posts are taken after I read the devotional from God Calling by AJ Russell. I then write in my journal and blog from those journal entries.


P.S. Today I'm publishing three blog posts. We are at my niece Katy's wedding and I wrote each devotional in my journal but didn't have time to type them into my blog. I'm so thankful for my family. We've had some wonderful laughs and the wedding was absolutely beautiful.
 It is there. We need to pray for increased faith to believe it. Faith to believe He will do what He promises.

Day 56 How to Conquer

Now in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. Romans 8:37

I love the coincidences of God. These are times when everything just "happens" to come together in what seems like a coincidence. But I believe it is just an incident where God chooses to remain anonymous.

Today I had one such incident.

On Tuesday at the Ladies' Bible Study at The City Church Pastor JoAnne Ramos preached an amazing message about how we can be more than conquerors in Christ. (I highly recommend you listen to it at http://www.thecity.org/ in the message archive section.)

Two days later I open my "God Calling" devotional book with a message of the same topic. Gotta love it.
God must be reminding me to be a conqueror in the issues of life. So I take note of the ideas recommended in this devotional message and bring them to the Lord asking where I need to apply these truths.

The two witnesses who wrote this book which was then edited by A.J. Russell remind us that we should aim high at conquering the issues of the world around us. That seems like a daunting task but it is really as easy as speaking the name of Jesus in any situation.

"Just say, 'Jesus conquers' – 'Jesus saves' – in the face of every doubt, every sin, every evil, every fear."

There is no other name under heaven whereby men can be saved.

So whatever you are going through today remember Jesus saves.

Unemployed? Jesus saves from poverty.

Living in fear? Jesus saves from fear.

Dealing with sickness? Jesus saves from eternal death.

Living with doubt? Jesus conquers doubt.

Surrounded by darkness? Jesus is light.

You can stand at the foot of the cross and rest assured that the work is finished. He did it for you with His nail scarred hands.

Now go conquer the world with a confidence that He has already finished the work.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/


This blog post was written from the message on page 66 of the "God Calling" devotional published by Barbour Publishing and edited by

Day 55 Share Everything

And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18

Love draws others to you. When God sends someone into your life show them the same love that Jesus has poured out on you.

Welcome each one with a royal welcome. Pull out the red carpet of love.

Share it all with everyone. Your joy, peace, grace, gifts, time, food, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self control, faithfulness and love is to be given away.

Watch what happens when you share these gifts. I think God will surprise you with what He has planned.

Today on my way to work I listened to a Salvador CD that I had not heard in a long time. I love this Latino group's heart. The words to their songs touch a deep place in my soul. I wanted to keep driving instead of pulling into work.

One of these days I'm going to write a book about how the words to songs are used by God to draw us into His presence and peace.

I often write in my journal using the words to songs. God speaks to me in worship and song.

I lift up the name of God and the peace that passes all understanding guides my mind and my heart for the rest of the day. It is powerful! It makes me want to share it with everyone!

I hope you are encouraged. I bless you with the grace to share your love with someone new. You may be the only one to smile at them today.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post was taken from the "God Calling" book by A.J. Russell

Day 54 Secret of Healing

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings. Malachi 4:2

The prophet Malachi uses the same description of healing wings that was described in yesterday's devotional from Psalm 91:4. He compares the Savior to a bird whose comforting wings bring healing to the chicks that gather underneath.

I know when I'm gathered under God's covering, I find healing. When I step outside of that covering I'm vulnerable to the enemy.

This is why community of believers is so critical to our Christian growth.

Our body, soul and spirit are healed when we remain in close contact with the Spirit of God and with the fellowship of other believers.

I've lived outside of God's protective umbrella before. It's not a fun place to live. Sin crouches at my door and it's easy to let it have its way when I don't have people to help me be accountable.

This is why I love my home fellowship group. We can share with each other our journey and struggles and through prayer and encouragement we hold one another up through the tough times.

Today's devotional also mentions that sun and air are God's great healing forces providing "inward joy that changes poisoned blood to a pure healthy life-giving flow."

There is joy in the sunshine and the signs of spring. I've been so thankful the past few days for the gorgeous weather we've been experiencing here in the Pacific Northwest. This warm sun is healing to the body, soul and spirit.

Rain is again in the forecast but the warm love of the SON of God is what brings healing that will last for eternity.  No matter what the weather man says.  God's SON always shines.

Go grab yourself some SONshine.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the February 23 devotional from the book titled "God Calling" by AJ Russell.

Day 53 You Must Trust

He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall refuge Psalm 91:4

Like a mother hen covers her chicks with her wings to love and protect them, God does the same for you. There is refuge under the cover of God's love. You must trust this truth.

If you have not yet purchased a copy of "God Calling" by A.J. Russell (and the two women who wrote the messages then edited by Russell) I highly recommend you spring for the few dollars to purchase this devotional. Even if just for today's message alone.

It's all about trust. Think about how much sooner the Israelites would have been living in their Promised Land if they had only trusted the Lord. Instead their doubts and fears drove them to the wilderness for forty years.

Jesus died so that our sin and doubt and worry would be left on the cross.

I pray you believe this with your whole heart. Trust is the one thing that has gotten me through the trials and tribulations of life in this fallen world. Even when I'm in a season of darkness, I trust the light is on the horizon.

That light is Jesus.

Have a great day. For those living in the Pacific Northwest, we have seen the light! We have a big orange ball in our sky in February! The sun has been out for several days in all its glory and I'm so thankful for the vitamin D!

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

To purchase a copy of "God Calling" edited by AJ Russell, check out www.amazon.com where you can find many different versions of this great tool for devotional study. Written in 1932, it still speaks clearly to my life today in 2010. God's Word is alive and active and sharper than a double edged sword!

Day 52 Nothing Can Hurt

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34

God wants us to take one step at a time. He gives us enough light for each step. No more. No less. His light is the same light that set the sun in place. It's just the right amout of light.

The only thing that casts a shadow on God's light is our own self effort and our worry and fears.

I watched worry and fear steal my Mom's calm toward the end of her life and cast a dark shadow on her future.

Today would be Mom's 89^th birthday. She passed away in 2007 and I really miss her. This devotional reminded me of her.

Mom withstood many tests in her life.

She was paralyzed as a teenager. After a long road to recovery she walked with a painful limp but always wore a smile.

She was widowed at age forty-four and left to raise ten children. She did this with much grace.

All throughout her life she remained calm. She had a deep relationship with Jesus. She knew He would be there for her when she needed Him.

She remained calm and happy until dementia got the best of her. Then she worried about everything. And I mean EVERYTHING.

Each time I visited her she'd ask me twenty worried questions.

"Did you pay my bills? Will they kick me out of here? Are they mad at me because I'm so much work? Who is paying for this? Where is my house? Why am I here? Will you leave me? What if I can't sleep tonight? What if I fall?"

These questions went on and on. It was tiring to try to keep up with them. Worry had invaded Mom's life and sent her calm state packing.

Often I'd remind Mom of this Scripture where God tells us that we should not worry about what tomorrow will bring.

When we worry we lose our peace and calm.

If your calm has been broken, come away with Jesus. Find some alone time with Him. Spend time in Worship and prayer as you wait until the calm comes back to make you strong.

If you open yourself to worry and fear the enemy will find a weak spot in your armor to pierce with his fiery darts.

When we remain calm and happy God will move on our behalf. His power stands up against evil.

God will send His mighty forces to help you in your time of need. Don't let your worry impede their march.

Don't worry. Be Happy. Nothing will hurt you when God's power is your strength.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog was taken from the February 21^st devotional in God Calling which was written in 1932 but still applies to our lives today!

Day 51 Claim Your Rights

If we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us: And if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of Him. 1 John 5:14, 15

Ask. What are you asking for? Do you not ask because you do not believe God hears?

Oh He hears. He longs to hear your petitions asked in faith. But he'd rather we NOT beg. He wants us to come before him with an assurance that He knows what we need and He will give it to us.

Oh Lord, right now I'm asking on behalf of my friends Murray and Karen. They are Canadian citizens living in the USA on a work visa. They have three beautiful American born children. They love the Lord. They are really awesome people.

They have been an incredible blessing in our lives. Karen has used her counseling training and experience to help me walk through life's challenges with mercy and grace and an assurance that God has a good plan for my life.

I've watched her help our son Gabe when he was struggling with feeling abandoned by his friends.

She is ready to pray at any time with Zane and Kelsey as they begin their new life together as husband and wife.

She has counseled numerous relatives through difficult seasons in their life. I am truly blessed that God miraculously dropped Karen into my life. I don't want to see her leave America.

But Murray's job was recently outsourced. So they have decisions to make. The rules of their current visa require Murray to only find work as a Systems analyst. If they can't do that they have to leave the country in the next month.

It makes me want to beg of God. But I trust He sees the bigger picture. He knows the grand plan.

He works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) He simply wants me to ask in faith.

Yesterday on our way to the Tacoma Dome we were stuck in traffic. We stopped for a period of time not knowing the cause of the delay. I was afraid we'd be late and miss the time that our nephew Joe would wrestle. I could only see the few cars in front of me. I was beginning to panic because I wasn't sure what was up ahead.

Life is like that sometimes. Our current circumstances are all we see. But God sees the bigger picture.

It's like He is in the traffic helicopter. He understands the challenges ahead. He has the ability to speak to us and tell us to take the next exit to avoid the traffic jam. Or He can radio down (in our prayer communication) and tell us to hang in there because the traffic is about to clear up so we can be on our way.

So in this situation for my sweet friends, I'm going to keep the communication with the Lord strong and clear. I'm not going to panic and let the noise of the situation prevent me from hearing His radio signal.

I'm praying with the assurance that He'll take care of business.

I'm asking Him to help hurry up their permanent green card which has been waiting approval for three years. Lord, find it on someone's desk or in their computer files and bring it to the front of the line so they can stay and raise their children in this country where they have felt called by You to live.

Will you pray with me for my friends today?

I'm asking God also to bless you for whatever you need. He desires that we ask. Let me know so I can pray on your behalf.

There are many Bible verses related to asking God for our needs. It is found in Phillipians 4:6-8

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I pray for you today – that whatever you ask in Jesus will and by His name will be given to you.  Then peace that passes all understanding will come your way.  This is your right in Christ Jesus - peace.  Claim it today!

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from a really great devotional book titled "God Calling" where in 1932 two women sat quietly before God each day and wrote down what they sensed in their spirit as they prayed and heard from God. A.J. Russell edited their work and it was published as a devotional by Barbour Publishing. It is a great start to my quiet time each day. I use it for the theme of my prayer time and then write down what I sense in my spirit after reading it and applying it to my current situation. It has been most enjoyable since I started on January 1, 2010.

Day 50 Endure

And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, which call you by your name, am the God of Israel. Isaiah 45:3

This message is timely as I endure with courage the path set before me. The season of transition as our boys leave home is challenging.

But it is also an amazing blessing as Steve and I share our lives together in a new way.

We are not interested in rushing anything with God. We are spending time with Him and listening and learning as we do. We are seeing each other with new eyes and it is good.

God's Word reminds us that he who endures to the end shall be saved.

We plan to endure to the end in our marriage and not give up when it might be more difficult than expected.

In the waiting and the listening, God reveals secret treasures to us.

There is joy and peace in God's power.

Tonight we went to Tacoma to watch our nephew Joe wrestle in the state tournament. There were twenty-four mats with wrestler's on each trying to endure to the end of the three two minute periods.

It will start again tomorrow as these incredible athletes work toward a place on the podium tomorrow night.

I'm praying that Joe gets to be part of that award ceremony. He's worked so hard all year even after having surgery on his knee. But he has endured and tomorrow he has a chance to place in state.

I hope you'll work hard to endure whatever you are going through. God will give you the power.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

The idea for this blog post came from the February 19^th devotional in "God Calling" edited by A.J. Russell.

P.S. Today I ordered the book by A.J. Russell that inspired the two women who wrote these devotions for "God Calling. The book is titled "For Sinners Only". The two women felt a desire to try to see whether they could sit quietly before the Lord on a consistent basis seeking guidance and hearing Him speak.

The "God Calling" book was the result of following the pattern that A.J. Russell described in his book. I'm excited to get it in the mail next week and see how God uses it in my devotional time.

Day 49 Let Me Do It

Mary…sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word…Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:39, 42

I want to be more like Mary. Spending time at Jesus feet sets the tone for my day.

I've been busy this week and didn't spend as much quiet time as I'd like. I don't stress about it but I definitely notice it in my spirit. There is just something about starting my day at His feet.

When I spend time with God I gain confidence in the fact that His power is available to me. I know He is capable of doing what I need. I trust Him. After all He created the sunset didn't He?

God wants us to trust Him like a child trusts His parents.

I remember watching our son Zane jumping with reckless abandon into Steve's arms, assured that he would be caught.

God wants us to trust Him with the same child like abandon.

Will you trust Him and let Him do whatever you need today?

God Bless Your Heart,
Gigi

The idea for this blog post was taken from the book God Calling edited by AJ Russell.

Day 48 Psychic Powers

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20

This verse could not be more appropriate after the night we had with our home group last night. We prayed for some friends who were desperately seeking God's will in their life. We gathered around them and encouraged them in the Lord and asked God to speak to them.

In the midst of our home group, God was there. His Holy Spirit was our guide as we prayed.

This devotional is titled "psychic powers" because so many people seek and believe what psychics have to say. I find it interesting that this devotional was written in 1932.  Even back that far people were seeking spiritual things. 

We have a deep need for spiritual things because God put it there. 

But sometimes we receive it from false teachers.

Please be careful. Psychic powers are not necessarily God's Spiritual powers. We must not try to seek spiritual things through material means.  Some of these people are not seeking God at all.

Communion with the Lord is the way to hear from Him. Meeting with the Lord in Communion is soul-food. Yummy soul-food.

We will never have a perfect church. But in the church we can find the means of coming very close to God.

I don't mean the church building. I mean the Body of Christ. Jesus is the Bread of Life that we find in the church.

I love how A. J. Russell explains this concept: "The lesson of the grain is the lesson of My Church and Me.

The real life is all that matters, the outward Church is the husk; but the husk was necessary to present the life-grain to man." (P 58 God Calling)

This is a timely Word today. Thanks God.

Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post was taken from the God Calling book by A.J. Russell.

Today is the first day of Lent. I grew up giving up Reese's Peanut Butter Cups as my Lenten sacrifice.

Now I'm giving up time – by taking a moment each day to write a Lenten Love Letter to someone who needs encouragement. For the next 40 days I will share a note of blessing with someone God puts on my mind. I hope to bless you on one of the days.  :)

Day 47 Never Ruffled

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

I trust God. Even in the struggles of this life I have found God to be trustworthy. I've had things turn out different than I had hoped. But I've never stopped believing God is good and He wills good things in my life.

I have been kept in perfect peace even when my Mom was suffering from dementia and we struggled to help her want to live.

I have been kept in perfect peace even through the challenges of raising a son with multiple congenital birth defects.

I have been kept in perfect peace walking along side two of my sisters as they battled breast cancer.

I have been kept in perfect peace through financial struggles, work challenges, relationship issues and just plain life experiences.

Because I truly trust God. My mind focuses on the fact that He loves me. He sent His son to die for me. Why would I not trust Him? He is faithful.

My prayer for you today is that you trust Him.

If for some reason you are struggling with trusting God, please know that He loves You and desires the best for You.

I'd love to encourage you so please send me a comment on this blog or an email on my website.

May the God of peace keep your feathers from ruffling.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog was taken from the devotion for February 16 in the God Calling book by A.J. Russell.

I'm posting two blogs tonight. We took time last night to pray for some dear friends and didn't get home until nearly midnight so I was unable to type my blog yesterday.

It was an amazing day however. Steve bought me a new (used) car! I've driven a van for the past 19 years and now I have a car!  (Mazda CX-7 GT - a sporty SUV!)  I am blessed.

Plus we had the most amazing Bible study at The City Church. Joann Ramos preached an encouraging message about not being a victim but overcoming and being used by God.  I pray you will listen to this message when it is uploaded to http://www.thecity.org/ I guarantee it will encourage you to overcome!

I love my "homies" – the people in my home fellowship group. The way they pray and lift each other up is truly what church is about.

I love my Bible study friends – an amazing group of women who come beside me and help me keep my peace.

I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church where you can keep your mind stayed on Christ so He will keep you in perfect peace.

Day 46 Inspiration – Not Aspiration

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty gives them understanding. Job 32:8

As a writer, mentor, friend, sister, wife and mother I want to be used by God. I pray God will use me to inspire others to know His love and forgiveness.  I need HIS inspiration and He gives it to me through the Holy Spirit.

I know God's power is sufficient for me to be used as an instrument of love. I won't do everything right. But God doesn't need Super Christians who do everything right. He needs selfless men and women who will let His power work through them.

Think about it. America could be saved tomorrow if only the politicians would let God use them to be inspired by His plan rather than aspire to make a name for themselves.

In the economy of God there is no unemployment. God has plenty of work to be done. The money will come to do it. Think of what happened in Haiti with the churches, ministries, and entertainers who paid the way to get assistance to this hurting country.

The attitude shifted from aspiration to inspiration. The right attitude toward the job makes all the difference in the world.

In my current writing project I don't want to do it to say I've written another book or published another article. My prayer is that I will write something that will touch one heart and give them hope. I pray that my story will inspire others to seek a close relationship with God so they can walk in love on the path set before them.

I pray God will use you too.

God Bless Your Heart

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post was taken from the February 15 devotional of God Calling by A.J. Russell

Day 45 In My Presence

Blessed is the man that hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. Proverbs 8:34

For many years my days were not spent in God's presence. I may have offered up a quick prayer but I did not take time to read the Bible and sit quietly in meditation listening for God's wisdom and direction.

There was a definite turning point in the level of my peace and joy when I started setting aside time in the morning to be in God's presence.

This devotional time renews my strength and gives me courage to face the day.

I started my daily study with the Breaking Free Bible study written by Beth Moore. (http://www.bethmoore.org/) I was not involved with a Bible study group at the time. I went through the daily lessons on my own.

I took my time through the lessons and used my Life Application Bible to help me understand some of the verses. After finishing each week's lessons I listened to the audio tape and took copious notes.

It was an incredibly sweet time in my life. God truly met me in the corner of my living room. My journal is full of rich lessons learned.

Since then I've joined other women in small groups as we share how God speaks to us as we study. Discussing the lessons adds another dimension to my learning.

I hope you find the time to be in God's presence. Oh the Joy!

This is what God came to earth for – to lead each of us back to a personal relationship with Christ. Being in His presence fills that God shaped hole we each have in our hearts. It is amazing!

Oh the Joy! Oh the Peace!

God Bless Your Heart on this Day of Love – I pray you feel God's Love. Happy Valentine's Day. He loves you more than you know!

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post was taken from the book God Calling for February 14^th.

Day 44 Near the Goal

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

I can imagine that the Olympic athletes have grown weary as they trained day after day with hopes of accomplishing their goal. But the goal is now in sight. Hopefully they will succeed in what they set out to achieve. Soon they will reap their reward.

Friends and family have traveled long distances to cheer these athletes on their journey to gold. Even in the noise of the crowd, they can hear that familiar voice of their loved ones.

In our journey of life God is by our side cheering us on to victory. We need to hear His voice of encouragement and direction so we do not lose heart.

There have been times in my life when I desperately needed to hear God's voice as a neared the goal. It's too easy to give up before we reach the goal if the encouragement is not there.

Take time each day to seek the Lord in Bible study and prayer. This will help you remain strong and stay on course as you reach for the goal God has set before you.

My prayer for you as you near the goal is that you will not get weary. Hang on and get ready to reap the harvest.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/


The theme for this blog post is from the God Calling devotional by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing. This devotional is rich with ideas to ponder on your walk with God.

Prayer Shawl Blessing

I am enjoying some time at my Aunt Nina's house.

She showed me a shawl that a friend knit for her. It covers the shoulders and has a string to close the sleeves at the wrist.

The poem that came with it is beautiful so I thought I'd blog about it today. J Wrap this around your heart.

Prayer Shawl For You

This shawl was created with the color: AQUA. In many cultures it symbolizes courage, balance, harmony, stability, soothing.

In celebration of the love, hopes, and dreams you bring – a gift.

As you wrap yourself in it, may it be a gentle reminder that…

• You are loved and cherished.
• You are gifted and giving.
• You share the riches of life experience
• You are knit together with the Creator, the one who is with you always and with all those whose lives touch yours.

May this shawl be for you useful…

• For fun
• For love
• For making up
• For making decisions
• For comfort
• For warmth
• For strengthening

As you wrap yourself…

• May the Spirit of mercy, faithfulness and compassion wrap you in all-encompassing love, day by day
• May you find comfort from all that appears too much to bear at this moment
• May you find comfort from all that feels as if it might be the breaking point
• May you find comfort from all that seems to threaten your peace of heart

May this prayer shawl be…

• A shelter for grief
• A shade in sorrow
• A shield in loss

May you be held by the presence of those who love and support you and by the strength of what you hold most dear.

May you be strengthened …

• In your daily comings and goings
• In your beginnings
• In your unfolding memories

Blessings be with you.

May love and blessings flow from your life to touch this world anew.

God Bless Your Heart

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

Day 43 Meet Me Everywhere

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14

I really need God to meet me everywhere I go. I know He does because He is in me because of the Holy Spirit.

God will never leave me or forsake me. He guides my steps.

Ever have that gut "hunch" that convinces you to make a choice that ends up being the best choice. That's how the Holy Spirit leads.

Sometimes I get an overwhelming urge to pray for a friend or loved one. That's the Holy Spirit's guidance.

The Bible says He'll tell me whether to go to the right or to the left. So I listen close.

There is a beautiful future ahead of me. My close relationship with Christ through the Holy Spirit helps me see it and walk toward it.

Since I'm traveling right now, I like the idea of God meeting me everywhere. Even here in Hayden, Idaho as I visit with my Aunt Nina, I know God is with me. He's with me wherever I go. Tomorrow when I'm on the road headed back home He'll be with me there.

Joy. That's what happens when we KNOW Christ. I am so glad to have Him in my life. Every day. Everywhere.

I'm typing this blog as I watch the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. My heart grieves for the friends and family of 21-year-old Nodar Kumaritashvili from Georgia who was killed on the luge today. Oh Lord, I pray He knew You and is now in heaven where he will have eternal life. Comfort his grieving family and give them peace.

God Bless Your Heart,
Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

This blog post was created from the Feb 12^th devotional in God Calling by A.J. Russell. I read the devotional and then write the blog based on what I get out of it. I have enjoyed doing this every day and God has spoken to me through the Scripture verses and through the devotional. I like to do it first thing in the morning and then I meditate on it throughout the day. Fun stuff.

Day 42 The Difficult Path

Wait on the Lord, and keep his way. Psalm 37:34

Have you ever wanted something badly but had to wait for it? It can be very difficult.

Maybe you are waiting on a promotion. Maybe you're waiting for a relationship to change. Perhaps there is a prodigal child in your life and you are waiting for them to come home. Could it be you are waiting for an apology from someone who has hurt you? Are you in transition and the waiting is making you wonder what the future holds? Are you waiting for healing?

This path of life is difficult sometimes. Waiting for things to improve can be the most challenging.

I'm in a season of transition in my life as a wife and mother. We've done a lot of waiting in our lives. We waited for our wedding. We waited for our babies to be born. Waiting for kindergarten, junior high, high school and college were all transitions we waited through. Our oldest son, Zane, was married this summer. Our youngest son, Gabe, is in college. So now it's just me and Steve.

As we work through this next season of our life we are waiting on the Lord's direction for where to take our nonprofit organization – Gabriel's Foundation of HOPE. We are asking for His help as we work through this season.

I'm confident He will give us direction.

Sometimes when we try to move forward without God's clear direction we end up on a detour that takes longer than the road God would have showed us if we had only waited.

My prayer for you is that you will seek God's will as you wait. Please wait and trust.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post comes from the February 11 entry in God Calling by A.J. Russell.

PS I'm enjoying a little retreat at my son Zane and daughter-in-love Kelsey's house. I'm posting this blog a day late since I was having much fun last night with my aunt Nina at a mystery dinner theater. We had a great time but got home late. I crashed in bed after eating that way too yummy chocolate chocolate cake. So much for watching my sugar!

Day 41 The Life Line

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Psalm 61:2

So what is a Savior? I wonder how many people have no idea what I mean when I say that Jesus is my Savior. What does He save me from?

He saves me from eternal death. Instead He gives me eternal life with Him.

He saves me from dealing with my troubles alone. Instead He is with me always.

He saves me from making mistakes against His will. That is if I am willing to listen and obey.

He is my helper and guide. He saves me from taking the wrong turns.

When I was in college I was saved from drowning by my cousin Danny McMahon. The ocean's rip tide was tossing me around like a rag doll. Danny reached in and rescued me.

Jesus did the same thing. He rescued me from my the thrashing waves of my selfish choices and pointed me to His good plan for my life.

"The life line, the line of rescue, is the line from the soul to God, faith and power. It is a strong line, and no soul can be overwhelmed who is linked to God by it. Trust, trust, trust. Never be afraid." P 51 God Calling

I pray you've found the life line. Trust it. For it saves.

God Bless Your Heart
Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt/

The idea for this blog post came from the February 10 entry in the book God Calling. It is edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour publishing.

If you want to learn more about my near drowning, it is one of the stories in my new book "Caregiver's Devotions to Go" published by Extreme Diva Media and available on my website or at http://www.edmbookstore.com/

Happy Birthday to my sweet friend Cheryl Perez!

Day 40 The Divine Voice

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10

I can't believe I've been blogging from this book for forty days now.  It seems like only yesterday that I started this series of blog posts.

I'm on a writing retreat in Eastern Washington where I hope to rewrite some of the chapters of my current book project.  (The most exciting part of this retreat is I get to see my son Zane and his wife Kelsey.)  I love it!

As I pray about what to write and how to share the hope of Christ through some difficult seasons of my life, I'm stopping to listen to the Divine Voice and to be still before Him so I can hear.  Sometimes my life is too noisy and I need to take time away to be still before God.

I don't hear the audible voice of God.  It's just a knowing.  Sometimes my thoughts or ideas are confirmed by another person.  Sometimes I just know because I never would have thought of an idea or a way to tell the story.

This verse in Psalm 46:10 is one of the Scriptures I used in my Caregivers' Devotions to Go book.  I shared how this verse reminding me to be still and remember He is God came to me at a time I desperately needed to know that God was with me. 

It was when our son Gabe had surgery to attempt to fix his ear canals.  He was only six years old and it was very scary to watch him being wheeled off to surgery knowing they were about to drill into his skull.

But this verse had been given to me at a retreat a few weeks earlier and it helped me during this difficult time.  I learned to be still.  I let God take over.  Peace came over me and I walked through the surgery with a knowing that He was with us. 

Whatever you might be facing right now I pray you will be still and know.  He is God!

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post was taken from the February 9th entry in God Calling by A.J. Russell published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 39 On Me Alone

"But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:4

I read this devotional entry in the "God Calling" book by A.J. Russell as if the words were spoken to me from the heart of God. It is powerful.

As I patiently wait for God's perfect work in my life, I know these things:

• God is my supply
• I must trust
• I must NOT fear
• I can depend on God's Divine Power
• God has NOT forgotten me.
• My help is coming.
• I will know His power
• I must trust and hope while I wait patiently
• Depending on man instead of God never works.
• God is my Strength, my Help and my Supply
• As I wait, God is preparing the way.
• He will show me in His time
• Patience brings rejoicing
• I am victorious when I wait patiently until God gives me the order to start.
• If I REALLY know that God is my supply I will not be anxious.

I hope you will believe these things too.

Let me pray with you if there is any area of your life where you need prayer to believe the statements listed above.  Send me a comment on the blog or on facebook so I can pray with you.

God Bless Your Heart

Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The "God Calling" book gave me the idea for this blog post. I hope you will pick up a copy for yourself. It is published by Barbour Publishing.

Happy Birthday to my niece Kendra!  How can you be 30 years old?  No way!  Bless you today.  You are a wonderful mom and wife, sister and daughter and of course niece!

Day 38 Light Ahead

Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

There are usually several gold nuggets of truth in each of the devotional messages in the "God Calling" book by A.J. Russell. Today was no exception. I could have written several blogs taking off in one direction or another.

This one is about trusting God hears our prayers. It is a rich reminder of the love God has for me and how He desires to answer my prayers.

I realized that the cries of my suffering have pierced the ears of God. The cry from deep in my heart is a trusting cry going right to His Divine Ear.

Life is full of so many things. Some wonderful. Some difficult. When I open my child-like trusting eyes to everything God is doing and the promises He has made to me I find peace.

Even while I'm waiting for an answer to my prayer. Even in the midst of the difficult circumstance. I know that it may only be a few more steps before I see the work He is doing.

As I keep walking – even when my path seems dark because of my difficult circumstances, I hang on to Him – the Light of the World.
What happens next is what is so amazing about my God.

He uses that season of difficulty. He has showed me how when I keep walking with Him He will use me as a light to guide others who may walk that same path.

In my darkest days I never dreamed God would use those times in my mentoring, my writing and my Bible studies to hold the hand of another in need.

He knows the answer to our problem before we even ask. Keep walking. Don't turn from Him. Soon He will show you how your story will bring Him glory and will be the light ahead on someone else's dark path.

Let it be so.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog came from the Feb 7 entry in the book "God Calling" published by Barbour Publishing and edited by A.J. Russell. An excellent devotional book full of wonderful blessings from God.

Today I want to bless my sister Marilyn on her birthday. She is indeed a light to others.

Also today we celebrate my great-nephew Quin Tuckman's birthday. He is a nice young man who is a light to the family.

Our good friend Nate Nystrom turns 23 today. He is a fine young man we are blessed to know.

I'm posting my blog early today so I can go get ready for Superbowl Sunday – come on over!

Day 37 God’s Longing

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His Word do I hope. Psalm 130:5

There is a longing of the Eternal heart of God to spend time with you. He doesn't want you to come to him only when you need something. Sometimes we treat God like a vending machine where we give only to get something back. I don't believe that's the way it works.

Think about those who followed Jesus. Some followed Him so they could be healed. Others wanted to learn from Him.

Oh how He loved those who spent time at His feet. Not to receive a healing or a revelation. They were there just to hang out with Jesus.

I hope you will take the time to sit before Him. Just hang out for awhile.

I know the longing I have in my heart to be loved was taught to me by the very One who formed my heart in his hand. Just as I long to spend time with my loved ones, He longs to spend time with me.

I want to be loved for who I am, not for what I can give to those who love me.

God's longing for your love is the same thing.

Why don't you go spend some time with God today? I can see Him smiling as He sits waiting patiently for you.

To the listening ear He speaks. To the waiting heart He comes.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/
The idea for this blog post was taken from the book "God Calling" edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 36 You Shall Know

If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. John 7:17

My time in prayer, Bible study, fellowship with others at Church and simply being quiet and enjoying my God-given surroundings have developed a closeness to Him that is sometimes difficult to explain. There is a sense of "knowing" that everything is going to be alright even in the most difficult times.

The time I spend with God fills my cup to overflowing with the grace to carry on. I know that everything will work out for good—somehow. It might turn out completely different than I expected but I've learned to trust that God is good. I hang in there and ask for the next step. He guides me and reveals what is from Him and what is not.

For some the concept of a good God is difficult when they have lived through horrific circumstances or lost a loved one or even just watched the daily news. But what I've known as I've studied and learned more about the Bible and as I've listened to what God has to say is this –in this world we will have trouble but remember He overcame the world.

This is what else I know. There is an enemy who wants to kill, steal and destroy our lives. The Bible calls him the father of all lies. When you hang close to God you can discern the lies from the truth.

I've learned so much from the many different teachers in my life. I agree with this statement written in the "God Calling" devotional today:

Life is a school. There are many teachers. Not to everyone do I come personally. Believe literally that the problems and difficulties of your lives can be explained by Me (God) more clearly and effectually than by any other.

Be careful who you listen to….that you shall know the truth.

Hugs all around – I have a busy weekend ahead. Wrestling match – GO JOE, Birthday party – Bless you ElaJean, and the Super Bowl. Go Saints! (And of course time at church with my favorite people!)

God Bless Your Heart
Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post was taken from the book "God Calling" edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing. I highly recommend it. There are wonderful messages on every page. I usually pick one to discuss in my blog.
If there is anything I've learned in my walk with God it is this—I hear His voice more clearly when I spend more time with him.

Day 35 Drop Your Crutch

God has spoken once, Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God. Psalm 62:11

Step by step. He will show me His will. Step by step I trust His direction.

There are many times in my life when the circumstances would normally leave me with no peace. But God has given me peace even when I was walking on shaky ground. Step by step God has given me peace, because I trust Him.

• I trusted Him as an elementary school girl when my daddy died. God is my Abba Father.
• I trusted Him when the insecurities of adolescence pounded in my broken heart. He is my true friend.
• I trusted Him when my first marriage failed miserably. I am His precious bride.
• I trusted Him when my son Zane had surgery. He is our Healer.
• I trusted Him when my son Gabe was born with severe birth defects. He is my Rock of refuge.
• I trusted Him when my mom became ill and I had to help manage her care. He is my Peace.
• I trusted Him during financial difficulties as we faced a $25,000 wheelchair bill. He is my Provider.
• I trusted Him while helping family members work through some difficult times. He is my Guide.
• I trusted Him when my job was stressful and I felt misunderstood. He is my Comforter.
• I trust Him now in the transitions of family, my marriage and my health. He is my Wise Council.
• I trust Him every day and I depend on His power.

Trust moves God's power into action. It is when I drop the crutch of my own human support or material help that His power has room to move.

Drop the crutch of your own efforts, trust God and walk in victory today. His power has no limit.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

The idea for this blog post came from the February 4^th devotional entry in God Calling edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

PS. I want to shout out a blessing today to my niece Melissa Lathrope. Happy Birthday Missy! You are precious in His sight….and I love you lots too! It seems like it was only yesterday that you were born. I loved taking care of you and living with you for a season. So many people thought you were my daughter and I wish you were. You are a precious jewel in the crown of the Devine family! Hugs all around from your Janet Jackson rocking aunt!

Day 34 If Men Oppose

Be not afraid, only believe. Mark 5:36

I wonder if you might be looking at a wall that is blocking your progress.  Is there something in your way?  Maybe it's time to believe that God can move it for you. 

What moved the walls of Jericho?  Was it man?  No!  Was it machinery? No! It was the sound of praise coming from people who believed what God told them to do and then they did it.

It sounded crazy to march around singing songs and praising God.  But they didn't reason with their own minds.  They obeyed what God called them to do.

All the walls that lie before you can be taken down by God - with a word....with a shout.  It is as simple as that.  God's word is powerful.

But just maybe the walls have been left there on purpose to prevent you from going where God knows it would not be good for you.  Maybe what you are looking at is really not an obstacle or the opposition of man, but the plan of God to shift your focus and move you to a different place. 

Or maybe he has a big plan to use you right where you are but you are so busy trying to knock down the wall that you can't hear Him.

Just maybe if we always believed with certainty that God governs the hearts of Kings and governments we'd relax a little.  The plan would unfold and we'd see the power of God at work.

Your faith and God's power.  The only ingredients you need to move mountains.

Be not afraid.  Only believe.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this post was taken from the book "God Calling" edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 33 Practice Love

And this is his commandment...love one another, as he gave us commandment. 1 John 3:23

Wow. How about we all just practice loving each other. Love even those who frustrate you.Your challenge today is to practice. Love.

My blog is short tonight. I just got home from an amazing fellowship night with my "homies". The people I share my heart with at home group a couple times a month. These guys are like family to me.

Tonight I balled my eyes out in thanksgiving for the way God has blessed me through my book. Although it's a little pocket sized book with thirty stories - not some big 350 page novel - He is using it to bless others and I've had some amazing conversations, emails and letters.  I never imagined.

Thanks God.  I feel so loved.

Good night my friends.  It's late.

God Bless Your Heart
Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

Day 32 Another Start

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-15

Oh Lord. I am ever thankful that the wisdom written all throughout the Bible. The promise of a fresh start has been so life-giving to me.

Oh yes, I admit my past failures. But it’s nice to know I don’t have to keep looking back. God wants me to move forward.

For a time in my life I hid one particular past failure. Why? Perhaps it was fear of man. For sure it was pride.

Shortly after I graduated from college I married the man I had dated off and on for five years. (The off and on pattern should have been a clue but I ignored it.) We had a huge wedding. I sewed almost all of the thirteen bridesmaid/flower girl dresses. It was quite a production.

But this beautiful fairy tale wedding ended six months later in a painful annulment. Both of us had deeply hurt the other in our selfishness and pride.

We sought the council of priests and friends but in the end I made up my mind it would never work. My heart had wandered away and I did not want to turn back.

This was one of the most difficult seasons of my past. I moved to Dallas, TX to start over.

But I told no one in my new home about my failed marriage. I was too embarrassed (or prideful) to tell the truth. I wanted my new friends and coworkers to like me. I thought they would think less of me if I told the truth about my failed marriage.  I was full of pride.

Because of the guilt and shame I worked hard to somehow make it up to God by volunteering in the Sunday school class room and going to Mass several times a week. I went through the long process of obtaining an annulment in the Catholic Church. I worked hard at looking good.  It didn't suit me well.  It was ugly.

Oh how the enemy loves it when we choose this way over the truth.  This cover up left me in bondage for years.

So God wants us to give it all to him and receive His forgiveness without looking back.

I’m so thankful that He has given me another start through Christ’s life and the forgiveness offered by His Grace.  It is powerful.  It is life changing.

If you need another start, I hope you will come clean with God and move forward.  If you need to talk to someone about your situation please feel free to email me so I can encourage you in your walk.

I'd love to help you find a new start where mercy and forgiveness runs deep.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the February 1 devotional in "God Calling" edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.