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 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 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 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 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.

Day 31 Suffering Redeems

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I remember the first time I heard this verse. It was music to my soul. It was not long after our son Gabe was born and I was uncertain of what our future held. This verse helped me see the light on the horizon during a dark time. It was the light of hope.

When Gabe arrived, we had no prior knowledge that there was anything wrong. The shock of his deformed arms and legs was overwhelming. We had no idea what the future held for our new baby boy. It was frightening.

I have to admit I entertained thoughts that maybe God was punishing me for the sins of my past. I wondered if He was making me suffer through my future.

But this verse in Jeremiah 29 told me that God's plan for me (and for Gabe) was good. He didn't have any plan to harm me. His plan is to give me hope.

Seventeen years after Gabe was born we established our nonprofit organization to help other families walk through the issues and challenges of living with a disability. We named it Gabriel's Foundation of HOPE because God's promises to give us a hope and a future. He has redeemed our story to help other people. Our foundation is secure in Him.

I know now without a shadow of a doubt that God redeems. He takes what the enemy means for evil and shows us how to work it for good.

I hope that whatever you are going through you'll consider the truth that God's plan for you is good. Over and again in the Bible we are reminded of His promises.

Everything we go through is redemptive. God will use it to teach. God will use it to help others.

It is all beyond our comprehension because man does not think like God does. So it is by faith we choose to believe.

I'm so glad this has been my choice. Will you make it yours?

God Bless Your Heart

Gigi
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

You can learn more about our nonprofit organization at http://www.gabeshope.org/

The idea for this blog post was taken from the January 31^st devotional in "God Calling" edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing. I hope you'll pick up a copy of this encouraging book.

Day 30 The Soul At War

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

This has been so true in my life. God has been faithful. He doesn't allow me to be tempted beyond what I can bear. He has always been faithful to speak to me but there have been times that the noise of the world made it difficult to hear His directions.

Oh sometimes I heard but chose to ignore it. It was during those times it felt like I was truly at war in my soul.

But God knows how much I can take. He has always pulled me back into His will. It's a matter of whether I want to turn to Him or not.

Over the years I have found that the more time I spend in the Bible and prayer, the more clearly I hear His warning when I'm headed off path. More often than not the Bible study I'm working through hits on an issue I need to hear about at that time in my life. This is when I feel His love and experience Joy and Peace.

It's so cool when that happens.

This devotional also recommends planning a retreat to spend quiet time apart from the distractions that steal my joy. It is on retreat that I get rested and refreshed – physically, mentally and spiritually. This allows me to carry on what God has called me to do. It calms the soul at war with the flesh.

My favorite place to retreat is at my sister Kathy's house. I enjoy fellowship with her and my brother-in-law Denny. I stay in the room downstairs with the big down comforter on a king size bed. There is a desk for me to do my Bible study and writing. At night we sit in the hot tub under the Montana star filled sky.

Oh yeah. And she always bakes me oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

I think I better go book a ticket.  I hope you'll find a place of retreat too.

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

The idea for this blog post was taken from the January 30 entry in the "God Calling" devotional edited by A. J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 28 Low Ambitions

"Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" Isaiah 30:18

 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

God longs to be gracious to You. He is waiting to bless your ambitions to serve others. He gives You the grace to do the job.

Ask the Lord today. How best can I serve?

We tend to think more on how we can BE served by others than on how we can SERVE. I've found that when my focus turns to what I can do for others, God supplies more than I need.

I must examine my ambitions to be sure they will bring me peace. Striving never brings peace or happiness.

But rest in God's plan does.

Think about those worldly ambitions of movie stars or athletes like Brittney Spears, Barry Bonds or Tiger Woods. Compromising themselves, taking steroids, losing their sense of self, seeking happiness in things that don't last – all in an effort to succeed.

They play a very dangerous game with the life God has given them. They end up weary and burdened and deeply disappointed.

But in turning to God we find a whole list of things God is. (quoted from this devotion in the God Calling Book page 38 - January 28)

God Is…..

• Joy of the weary
• Music to the heart
• Health to the sick
• Wealth to the poor
• Food to the hungry
• Home to the wanderer
• Rapture to the jaded
• Love to the lonely

God is whispering to you. Turn off the noise of the world and hear…"Come to Me. I'll give you rest."

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi Murfitt


http://www.gigimurfitt.com/


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

Hey! I've added a new gadget - Immediate reaction buttons. Click one.  Suggest others in the comments section.

Day 27 Height of the Storm

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6:68

Dear Lord, thanks for the reminder that in the height of the storm we can come to You. It was when the storm was at its worst that You spoke. Your word calmed the raging sea.

Lord, speak now to the storms attacking my friends who have sent me prayer requests. Calm the fear. Heal the body and the mind. Restore the turbulent relationship. Bring protection and provision. Speak Your Word and bring peace.

Remember how the disciples thought Jesus had forgotten them because he slept during the storm? They were wrong. He had not forgotten. He had waited for the height of the storm and then he responded.

Why? Perhaps it was then the disciples most realized their need for the joyful dependence on Him. Maybe they were trying on their own and totally forgot they had a Savior in their boat.

When I was in college I nearly drowned in the ocean at Mission Beach, San Diego, CA. I had just learned to body surf and the waves were strong. I was trying to make my way to the beach and I was quickly losing the battle. When the waves were the strongest I called out for help and my cousin Dan heard my desperate plea.

I'll never forget how grateful I was for his muscular arm around my neck as he pulled me to safety.

In the same way, I will never forget how the arms of Jesus rescued me from the raging waves of my selfish choices. In my desperation He heard my call.

I hope you realize that He isn't sleeping. He's waiting to hear your cry.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi Murfitt

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post was taken from the January 27 devotional in "God Calling" edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 24 Your Great Reward

""I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Today's devotion is another one full of wisdom and reminders that abiding in Christ is our great reward. I could have written several blog posts from the rich message in this devotion. But I've chosen to focus on the verses in John 15 and how they have touched my life.

Anyone who has been in my home knows that I love grapes. In almost every room you'll see something with grapes in the décor. Many years ago I did a wonderful study by Henry Blackaby titled Experiencing God. We studied many different verses but focused on the Gospel of John, the fifteenth chapter. (I highly recommend this study.)  http://www.henryblackaby.com/

This is where Jesus reminds us that we need to remain in the vine to bear any fruit. Once a bunch of grapes is cut from the grape vine, it loses its source of life. After that the grapes will remain fresh for a while, but not for long.

John 15 tells us that we bear much fruit when we remain in the vine. When we cut ourselves off from the vine we lose our power to do God's will.

When we remodeled our kitchen I decided to use a grape theme in my decorating. I did this to remind me of the importance of remaining in the vine. I do this by being connected to a body of believers who will pray for me, make me accountable and teach me God's Word. There is life in being part of a local church.

The fruit of my life comes from my rich relationship with God and through the Holy Spirit's power.

If you read the whole chapter of John 15 it reminds us that without remaining on the vine, the fruit withers and dies.  But when we are connected, there is power to ask God for our needs.

Perhaps if the fruit of your life is dry and withered and your needs are not being met, maybe it's time to reconnect to the vine. Find a Body of Christ where you will learn life giving truth from the Bible. Participating in a home fellowship group has sustained me for many years. Many churches have groups for Bible study or special interests. These are friends I know I can count on to pray with me and support me in time of need. Feed your soul with a daily dose of Bible study, prayer and worship and the fruit from your life will be sweet and rich.

This my friend is your great reward – a life that is rich and full of God's mercy and grace.

God Bless Your Heart with His great reward!

Gigi Devine Murfitt
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

I hope you will read the entire chapter of John 15 and ask for wisdom in how to apply this to your life. Here is a link to a website I use often to study. The link takes you to John 15 in the New International Version translation. There are other translations available on this site as well.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2015&version=NIV

The idea for this blog was taken from the January 24 entry in "God Calling" edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 23 How Power Comes

"He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." – Psalm 91:1

I am so thankful for the way the Lord has blessed me with a deep desire to be in His presence. My time dwelling in that secret place – Bible and journal open, pen in hand and ready to hear from God -- have sustained me all of these years. It is in God's presence I find strength, power, joy and the rich life God has set before me.

Psalm 91 has become one of my favorites. The whole chapter is encouraging and has comforted me over and again.

Several years ago our home group had Fran Lance come and share with us. She supports an orphanage in Cambodia and is an amazing prayer warrior. She prayed for me that night and read the first part of Psalm 91. Fran encouraged me to continue to spend time with the Lord because he sees me in that dwelling place.

What was really cool about that prayer was that it was the first time I had ever met Fran and she had no idea that I spend time every morning in my Bible and in my journal (in my dwelling place). It was one of those kisses on the cheek from God where He used someone's words to bless my day as He reminded me that He understands my heart.

My dwelling place is usually our comfy family room. I sit in the recliner couch with the fireplace burning. Next to me is a stack of books and several pens. The books include a Kindle, my Bible and my daily journal (God Calling) and my prayer journal.

My prayer journal is a composition notebook like the ones used in English class. This is where I'm recording prayer requests and notes as I read through the One Year Book of Hope by Nancy Guthrie (a highly recommended book). I also use the Kindle to look up different translations of the Bible. My I-pod is nearby for music inspiration.

I cherish this time early in the morning. I sit on one couch and Steve is on the other. It is a wonderful way to start the day. It recharges my spiritual and emotional batteries. It is where the power to "do life" comes. I highly recommend this daily discipline. It is powerful!

I close this blog entry with the words to this favorite Psalm 91. I hope God uses these words penned thousands of years ago to bless your heart today.

Psalm 91

 ¹ He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
       will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

 ² I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
       my God, in whom I trust."

 ³ Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
       and from the deadly pestilence.

 ⁴ He will cover you with his feathers,
       and under his wings you will find refuge;
       his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

 ⁵ You will not fear the terror of night,
       nor the arrow that flies by day,

 ⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
       nor the plague that destroys at midday.

 ⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
       ten thousand at your right hand,
       but it will not come near you.

 ⁸ You will only observe with your eyes
       and see the punishment of the wicked.

 ⁹ If you make the Most High your dwelling—
       even the LORD, who is my refuge-

 ¹⁰ then no harm will befall you,
       no disaster will come near your tent.

 ¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you
       to guard you in all your ways;

 ¹² they will lift you up in their hands,
       so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

 ¹³ You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
       you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

 ¹⁴ "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
       I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

 ¹⁵ He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
       I will be with him in trouble,
       I will deliver him and honor him.

 ¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him
       and show him my salvation."

 God Bless Your Heart with a long and powerful life!

Gigi Devine Murfitt
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog was taken from the January 23 entry in "God Calling" edited by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 19 Love Anticipates

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." Ephesians 3:20

There are several awesome truths in today's devotional. I hope you get a chance to read it in the "God Calling" book.

I love the truth that God sought after me. He saw what my heart needed before I even cried out to Him. He knew the answer before I realized I had a problem.

God anticipates. He loves us so much. He's not some mean God waiting for us to cry out to Him before He gives us our treasures. Instead he has prepared treasures for us long before we even asked. With joy He anticipates our response to His love.

It's like the beautiful handkerchief I set aside for my sons that was given to me when they were babies. It was stitched together to form a tiny bonnet for them to wear home from the hospital. The hanky had a poem with it about how boys grow up and find a wife. I saved it as a reminder to pray for their future wife. It was then intended to be given to their bride. My daughter-in-laws can then save it in anticipation of giving it to their future children.

There is much thought when I go shopping for a gift for my husband and children. I wonder if they'll love the gift. I can't wait to give it to them. My heart is filled with love as I imagine the joy on their face when they open it.

The love I have for my family is the same kind of love God has for you. He is overjoyed at the very thought of you. It is anticipatory love. I hope you receive it.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi Murfitt


http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post was taken from the January 19 Devotional in the "God Calling" book compiled by A. J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 18 Faith - Works

"Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith." Habakkuk 2:4

"True righteousness before God is linked to genuine faith in God. A proud person relies on self, power, position or accomplishment: a righteous person relies on the Lord." (The Nelson Study Bible Pg 1522)

Pride. Boy did I learn the hard way that relying on self didn't get me very far. Some of the worst decisions I've ever made were made with no trust that God could help me get to where I needed to be. I simply didn't want to believe His way was better so I ignored it.

Too often I went my own way and I found out the hard way which avenue was better.

Mighty deeds are accomplished when I live by faith in God. Not by faith in Gigi. Trusting that God's way is better becomes a necessary weapon in my arsenal against evil. It is the way I overcome the challenges of everyday life. It is a gift God gives me daily. It gets me through the tough times. I simply can't do it on my own. I've tried too many times on my own power. If just doesn't work. So I need to live by faith.

When I turn to God and get to know Him through prayer and Bible reading, my faith grows. And that faith gives me the power to do God's work. Because I want to be used by Him to accomplish His will in this nutty world. Genuine faith goes a long way.

God Bless Your Heart,
Gigi Murfitt


http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post was taken from the January 18 Devotional in the "God Calling" book compiled by A. J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

 

Day 16 Friend in Drudgery

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" Jeremiah 32:27

Drudgery. I looked it up in the dictionary to get a better word picture because drudgery is not a word I commonly use. It means dull, menial, distasteful or hard work. All of those words can be part of our day. God is our friend in the drudgery.

So often we only look for God to appear in the big things in our life. But He is there in the day to day, dull or menial things too. He stands by as a friend in the hard work of every day life. He joins us in the things we need to persevere through. There isn't anything too hard for God. He is God over all.

So hang on. Understand that He cares about every little piece of the puzzle. He's big enough for the hard stuff as well as the small stuff. Spend some time sitting quietly before Him and ask Him to be the Lord of ALL. Ask Him to be your every day friend.

That is where I get my joy. Even when life is hard and there are some things I don't understand. I know that nothing is too difficult for God. He sticks closer than a brother and I trust His plan.
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I continue to pray for the people of Haiti as rescue workers attempt to deliver aid. The effects of the earthquake hit closer to home when my son Zane emailed to tell me the sister of one of his college friends died in the rubble of the orphanage where she worked. My heart goes out to the Hightower family of Port Orchard, WA who lost their 22 year old daughter Molly. She was serving a year in Haiti helping the disabled and volunteering at an orphanage. I'm asking the Lord to be Lord over all that their family is going through. Please keep this family in your prayers.

I'm also praying for Chris Sahlman who just arrived in Haiti last week to serve at another orphanage. Thankfully Chris is okay and so are the children he works with. However, they are waiting for aid. He said the hardest part is the smell of death.

Oh God, I pray you will send ministering angels to meet the needs of everyone in Haiti today. Be merciful Oh God. I admit I don't understand it all. But I know You are there to help. Show yourself big. Let beauty come from these ashes – as you promise us in Scripture. (Isaiah 61) Thank You God that You love every one of us and you catch our tears in Your bottle. (Psalm 56:8) I trust in Your everlasting love that never fails. I ask for wisdom and revelation about where best to help. Heal our land Lord Jesus. Amen.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi Murfitt
http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the devotional book "God Calling" by A. J. Russell published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 15 Relax

"Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Matthew 28:18

This world is ever changing isn't it? The busy fast paced life can be scary some times. Why do we forget the power of Christ? Has fear or busyness stolen your peace?

Have you ever wondered what would happen if we used the power of Christ every day of our lives? I think we'd relax! I know we'd have peace.

Have NO fear. Don't despair. Change is good when God's in charge of our lives.

Remember that God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He's got it covered when everything around us is changing.

Have you ever wondered why you are so busy? Is it perhaps because of fear?

I remember when our son Zane had surgery on his thyroid. He was only fifteen months old. It was scary. I stayed busy at work so I didn't have to deal with my fear as we approached the surgery. Thankfully everything turned out okay but I took no time to relax!

The same thing happened when Gabe was born. Our world was turned upside down and I was afraid of the future. So for a little while I buried myself in work. Steve did too. It was an easy escape in an attempt to make our uncertain times go away. But the reality was that my busyness didn't make it go away. It simply buried it only to resurface again.

In another season of my life that was particularly difficult, my mom was not doing well and I was arranging doctor appointments for her while trying to work full time and take care of our boys. At the same time Gabe needed surgery to repair his deformed ear canal. My sister was struggling and I was trying to get her some help. In the frenzy of trying to stay on top of it all I kept fear at bay by staying busy. Once again I buried my fear in a pile of paperwork.

I heard a great quote the other day by Joyce Meyer related to being busy. Joyce created a meaning for each letter in the word B-U-S-Y. Buried Under Satan's Yoke. That is where I was. I was living under a yoke of bondage.

Then one day a friend took my hand and placed it in the hand of Jesus and I gave him my busyness and my fear! I learned how much easier it was to live under God's power. I started to relax and enjoy life. Peace returned and life was good.

The next time you find yourself feeling too busy, or too afraid I hope you will take some time to relax and let the peace of God wash over you. Give him your burden's and receive His power!

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

The idea for this blog post came from the January 15^th entry in the God Calling devotional by A. J. Russell published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 14 Mighty and Marvelous

"I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily." 1 Corinthians 15:13

When I have chosen to walk with God there is a profound sense of security.  The Holy Spirit comes into my life and the result of his work is mighty and marvelous. 

But too often I've chosen to go my own selfish ways.  My thoughts, words and actions are all selfish.  I ignore the prompting of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide my day.  It can be a real struggle.  There is no peace or joy.  I've been down some pretty painful detours.  Been There.  Done that.  And now I'm writing a book about it!

When I choose to die to my own selfish ways on a daily basis, everything just seems to work out.  I move out of the way and God moves in.  He gives me the grace for the day and just enough light for the path I'm on.  Even in the midst of the struggles I have joy.  Even when I don't understand it all I have peace.

Sometimes all the things in this world are hard to understand.  It's a very weird place.  But daily God can give us the power to be victorious in this time and place.  When I walk with Him and listen for His voice and obey His commands, I get to see how glorious his teachings are.  They are unbelievably mighty and marvelous. 

Dying to yourself is worth it because "every blow to self is used to shape the real, eternal, imperishable you." (P24) We are being shaped for eternity.  Some days I just can't wait for heaven.  But I've got work to do here on earth.



Have a wonderful self-less day. 

God Bless Your Heart
Gigi Murfitt

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from page 24 of "God Calling" by A. J. Russell published by Barbour Publishing.

Happy Birthday to my niece Chelsea Beckwith who turns the big 2-0 today.  No longer a teen Chelsea.  We love you.  God's Blessing sent your way!

Day 13 Friends Unseen

"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter 5:7

My heart is heavy today as I pray for the people of Haiti after the devastating earthquake rocked their world. But I am touched that today's devotional reminded me to cast my care upon God.  He does care.

My son Zane's former youth pastor Steve Cecil and the team of people from Beautiful Child ministry left Haiti just hours before the quake on Tuesday.  I am grateful they arrived home safely.

But one of their team members, Chris Sahlman, is still there.  He stayed to help at the orphanage they support.  The orphans are living in a field because their home was destroyed.  But thankfully the kids are okay.  Chris is there being God's hands and feet to continue helping where he can.  I pray for ministering angels - those friends unseen sent by God to help in this time of need.

Please take the time to give where you can in the relief efforts.  Check out this news story for more information: http://www.fox47.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/vid_800.shtml or go to the church's website at http://www.thejourneycommunity.com/ to learn how you can help be that ministering angel and give in whatever way you can.

My friend Karen Kingsbury (http://www.karenkingsbury.com/) asked for prayer today for her adopted son Josh's birth mom who lives in Haiti.  They have not heard from her today.  Please pray that she is okay.  Please also lift up a prayer for Josh as this young teen processes this news of the earthquake.  Karen lists several relief agency websites on her website too.

Things like this are difficult to understand but we must not despair.  We should be a channel of helpfulness in whatever way possible.  Pray. Give. Hope. 

I pray that I will be sharing miracle stories on my blog - even in the midst of the tragedy.  We do not understand.  But we know the One who does.

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

(This year I am blogging through a great devotional book titled "God Calling" by A.J. Russell, published by Barbour Publishing.  I encourage you to pick up a copy and work through each day's message on your own.)

Day 12 Thanks for Trials

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Today I'm thankful for trials because they have made me more flexible. Flexibility is important in our mind as well as our body. I've never been very flexible in my body and often have back pain because I don't stretch my muscles after exercise. Stretching indeed makes me more flexible and it is good for me.

God has used the trials in my life to stretch my faith. We all go through trials and sometimes they really hurt. If you haven't faced a trial you just might be dead. Life is full of trials. Our parents will age and die. A sibling might get sick. Relationships often go wrong. Divorce happens at breakneck speed. Jobs are lost. Financial difficulties arise. Children are born with disabilities. Marriage is not easy. Family members make poor choices. I could fill up this blog with a list of trials.

When things are hard I reach for God's hand rather than trying to do it on my own. For me, these trials have been fertile ground for God's seed to grow. In the midst of tough times I learn from the Bible, pray with friends and fellowship with other believers who can lift me up when I'm weary. I never have to go through it alone.

Lately it seems my prayer journal is loaded with prayers requests from people who are going through tough times. The enemy of our souls is in a full blown attack on our marriages and our children. Several of my friends are dealing with difficult issues involving their children's life choices. Parenting is definitely not for wimps. It is full of trials. But God is asking us to give thanks even in the middle of these struggles.

When I pray with my friends I give thanks for the things I believe God will do in the lives of these families. I don't dwell on the trial but I believe for the victory. I am reminded of the incredible power of Jesus which helps us triumph over every issue in our life. While giving thanks, the focus shifts and hope arises.

What trial are you thankful for today? Do you need me to pray with you for something going on in your life? I hope you'll share it so we can thank God together and believe in hope that God will work it out for good.

God Bless Your Heart,

Gigi Murfitt

www.GigiMurfitt.com

The idea for this blog came from the "God Calling" book by A. J. Russell published by Barbour Publishing.