Day 6 Sharp and Ready

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

This journal was penned in England 1932 so the Bible translation used is the King James Version. I like the "thee" and "thou" and "needeth" forms of the word but I also wanted to see how this verse read in a few of a more modern translations.

The NIV says: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

So how do we present ourselves "sharp and ready" to do God's work? I believe the tools to sharpen us are the disciplines of reading the Bible, praying and obedience.

What dulls our ability to correctly handle the word of truth? Prayerlessness. It seems to be the word most heard in these troubling times. Why is it that one of the most effective tools God gives us is something we choose not to sharpen? I've committed to pray more with Steve as we transition into our empty nest that can sometimes be a bit prickly.

The work God has set before me is to pray and study my Bible. To train and discipline myself so that I'm sharp and ready to serve God and go where He asks me to. I'm committed to this discipline of prayer and study. The door will open. God continuously reminds me that I need not fear. He has cared for me. He has protected me. He has given me hope.

How is your prayer life? I challenge you to take your burden to God today in prayer. Gather with a friend or two and share one another's prayer requests. It will be a powerful sharp tool in the toolbox of life.

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

End note: I'm sending a shout out to my brother Bob Devine and my friend Dottie Moffitt today on their birthday. I pray blessings on you both!

This devotional idea was taken from page 16 of the "God Calling" book written in 1932 and published by Barbour Publishing in 1952.

Day 5 Journal the Journey: Hoard Nothing

"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37:5

Holy Spirit Come. I commit this day unto You. Let me rest in your presence which brings me peace. This flowing river of prayer during my morning quiet times cleanses all the irritants of my day away. I'm trying not to listen to my negative voice which sometimes distracts me. I want to rest in God's power. Thank you, Lord, for blessing this day.

Whenever I read something that seems like a "coincidence" of God it reminds me that He is near me and He understands everything going on in my life. It feels like a kiss on the cheek from God through the Holy Spirit. I felt a sweet kiss today as I read this devotional from the "God Calling" book. It is a rather scattered devotional message covering many different topics but there were a few things that touched my heart and made it to my journal.

One thing that jumped out at me was the command to "hope all the time". I like that idea of hope--all the time. One of the books I am writing is titled "Hope in Hard Times". It encourages the same thing. No matter what is going on in your life hope will see you through. In this book I share how my family held on to hope during some difficult seasons of life.

I share about hope for my mom when she was left a widow with ten young children. Hope carried mom through her crippling accident that happened in her senior year of high school. You'll read how hope helped me and Steve after our son Gabe was born with severe congenital birth defects. I hung on to hope for dear life when I found I had taken a detour down the wrong path on the road of life. When my circumstances were disappointing I still found hope.

While I continue to work on the chapters of this book it is exciting to go back through my journals and find hope written all over the stories of my life. My prayer is that God will use it to bring hope to my reader too.

This morning I also wrote in my journal about a few other things from today's devotional. The two listeners who wrote this book are encouraging us not to worry about poverty. Growing up in a family of ten kids with a single mom taught me much about poverty. The main thing I learned was that God always provided. And even though we didn't have much money, mom always fed a few extra kids at the table. She was a very giving person. Even during lean times, giving to others was her way of life. I want to live like that too.

This devotional reminded us that when we do have money we are not to hoard it – but to pass it on. God is asking us to let our gifts, talents and money flow out. He's asking us to pass it on. I am committed to giving. I love it. And God has blessed me because I enjoy giving. It is the law of discipleship.

This season of my writing I plan to continue giving of this talent God has granted me as I pass it on in this blog and in my articles and books that get published. I'm committing my writing to the Lord and asking Him to help me pass it on.

I challenge you today – if you are holding on to any gifts, talents or money please give some of it away today. Let me know what happens when you do.

God Bless your heart!

Gigi

http://www.gigimurfitt.com/

The idea for this blog post came from the devotional for January 5th in the book titled "God Calling" compiled by A.J. Russell and published by Barbour Publishing.

Day 4 Journal the Journey – Do Not Plan

Today's verse is Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." This is one of my favorite verses. It is timely as I begin a new year.

Do not plan – what a funny idea at the beginning of a new year when everyone is setting New Year's resolutions. I've been plannings out my goals for the coming year. But I think God wants me to remember that His plan is so much better than any plan I might design. I think I'll check with Him before I finalize any of my plans.

I was thinking about my life the other day. It turned out different than I had planned. I went to college and earned a degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting. I studied and passed the CPA exam. My plan was to head up the corporate ladder and remain on top as a "big wig" for a large firm. But God had a different plan. He changed my heart and rearranged my priorities.

Now I work part time and enjoy freedom from corporate hassles. The three-letter CPA (Certified Public Accountant) acronym that once followed my name on a business card now has a totally different meaning for me – Cherished, Precious and Adored. These three words might not add a few digits to my paycheck but I like them all the same.

My original plan also included having a large family. I thought I'd have at least five children. I loved growing up in a family of ten children. But God had a different plan and prepared the way for me to be the mother of two wonderful boys. This gives me more time to spend on the issues of our special needs son, Gabe. I also have more time to write as we transition to an empty nest.

God's plan has proven to be so much better because I have to admit that sometimes my plans become my burdens. Plans for better health, financial improvements, writing goals for books or newsletters all carry a burden to finish the goal I set. God is asking me to give my plan to Him one day at a time.

I'll ask the Holy Spirit on a daily basis about the plan for that day. I have a feeling that the best part of my plan is to spend more time with Him. And I know He will give me rest.

"Christ is the Great Burden Bearer. You cannot bear His load and He only expects you to carry a little day-share." (p14 God Calling)

I hope you will give God your plans today. God Bless Your Heart.

The idea for this blog post was taken from my journal entry in a wonderful book titled God Calling published by Barbour Publishing ©1950.

Day 3 Journal the Journey - The Way Will Open

Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength."

Be not afraid, God will help you wait patiently.

We are all waiting for something aren't we? I'm patiently waiting to see my first book Caregivers' Devotions to Go in print. Sometimes it is a difficult wait but I'm reminded that God will help me wait. His timing is perfect and He knows the day it needs to be completed.

I've been waiting on the Lord for nineteen years to know and understand if His plan is to heal my son Gabe's unusually formed body. I hear stories of incredible healings happening all over the world and I wonder as I wait if God's plan is for Gabe to hear without hearing aids and walk with straight legs and reach with long arms. In my waiting I have learned to trust that God is in control and He will open the way. I gladly accept His plan - whatever it is.

Many people all over the world are waiting and wondering if they will be the next person laid off at work. Thousands wait in unemployment lines each day. Others wait by the phone for a call regarding a job possiblity. When you trust that God will open the way the wait is easy.

My niece Katy is waiting patiently counting the days until her February wedding. Shannon and Trisha are both waiting the birth of new babies. Allyson is planning and waiting for her October wedding. These are exciting waiting times with anticipation of new love and new life. Trust in God's sovereignty over their lives makes the wait full of peace.

Many are waiting for an answer to a long ago prayer wondering if God heard. He did. He hears. He loves. He helps. He fights. He wins. He has a plan. We must gladly accept the plan and wait - because the way WILL open.

What are you waiting for?

Day 2 Journal the Journey - Arm of Love

"Never let one day pass when you have not reached out an arm of Love to someone outside your home - a note, a letter, a visit, help in some way." (p12 God Calling Devotional)


This day's devotion resonated in my heart because I love to send cards, notes, Facebook messages or emails to encourage loved ones. Earlier this year I started to pen-pal with one of my great-nieces and it has been much fun to send letters through the mail each week. I have several friends names set as encouragement reminders in my calendar. I try to remember birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions with a quick note, call or email.


I have found that encouraging others benefits me too. It brings the person I encourage love, laughter, courage, faith and hope. It brings me joy. I've found that when I'm feeling bummed out, writing a card or note to a friend lifts my spirits.


I like the idea of the arm of love reaching out to encourage others. This is a timely message since I have felt somewhat downcast this past year. Oh sweet Jesus - Thank You for the reminder that You, Oh God, will strengthen my heart as I wait on You and as I take time to encourage others.


Lord I want to love and to laugh and beckon others to faith and courage. Lord God I cast my burdens upon you and I know You will sustain me. Show me another whom you have called me to encourage that I may share Your love with them and bring them joy!


One of the activities of Gabriel's Foundation of HOPE - our nonprofit organization is to encourage individuals and families affected by disabilities. Loneliness is a common issue in this community and a simple card brightens a lonely heart. For a $5 donation you can help us encourage the people we meet through our foundation. http://www.GabesHope.org/shop/


So today I close this blog ready to go write out a couple of cards to some friends in need of some joy. I hope you will join me in taking time to write a note or a card. It will bring you much joy to extend the arm of love. Just ask God to give you a name or two - He is faithful to call to mind those who need some joy.

The idea for this blog post came from the January 2nd devotional entry in the book "God Calling" by A.J. Russell and the two anonymous listeners who wrote down this message in 1932. This book is published by Barbour Publishing

God Calling - Journal the Journey Day 1 Between the Years

Hello! As I wrote in my "God Calling" devotional journal this morning I was prompted to begin a journey of sharing my response to each day's message from this amazing book in this blog.

It is already January 2, 2010 so I have a bit of catching up to do so forgive me for several blog posts in one day. I challenge you to join me in this journey of journaling the ways God speaks to you through this message written in 1932 and published in many formats over the years. I give credit for the idea each day to the anonymous writer's of "God Calling" and to A.J. Russell who compiled their writings into this amazing book. The copy I'm using is published by Barbour Publishing - Copyright 1952 by Arthur James Ltd., Evesham, UK.

Day 1 Between the Years

Lord I want to face the year before me unafraid. I know I can't do it without your help. This devotional reminds me to not dwell on my past. Because I am a writer who focuses on recording my days, it's easy for me to remember my past. There are many days I'd rather forget.

God is asking me not to DWELL on my past but to take it all to Him and understand His mercy and His grace. The past helps develop our character and allows us to learn and grow. It can be the fertilizer for change. But we must not remain there.

I am committed in 2010 to focus on the positive things of life. The world sees things negative and depressing. But God holds my year in His hands and each day I will trust in His guidance. God has reminded me that one day at a time He will provide me with wisdom and strength for the journey.

I challenge you to bury your fears and failures and go forward in a new joy filled life. For me, I am committed to not dwell on my past mistakes but to look forward to walking hand in hand with my ear leaned in to hear God's call for direction in my next step. I commit to forgive myself and others. I commit to remove any unkindness or bitterness or dislikes or resentments toward others. I commit to take one day at a time and start it with God as my focus.

This is going to be a bright and shiny year! I can feel it in my heart. I can see it as God illuminates the light of life. After all He IS the light of the world!

A Year in God's Hands - A Journal of my Journey

Happy New Year 2010!

I'm excited to share my plan for this blog in the new year. I hope you'll join me in the journey I'm about to begin.

I've kept a journal since I was sixteen years old. I have stacks of them. There are years I kept my notes on a calendar or in a spiral notebook. Other years I wrote in an English composition notebook - those are my favorite - they are sturdy and cheap. I'm often given beautiful journals as a gift. I wish I could say I have a journal that covers every day of every year but I don't.

Some years I was not living a life worth journaling about. Other years I took the time to write each day but those journals were lost in a move. But the memories are still there so I occasionally go back in my mind and heart and recreate a lost journal time.

I see God's hand all over my life - even in the years I'd rather not write about. He was there. He always is. I simply needed to open my eyes and see His hand reaching out to me.

I bought myself a cool journal to keep my daily notes for 2010. It is a beautifully leather bound gold journal with the title "God Calling" and it was compiled and published by A.J. Russell in 1952. The daily musings were written in 1932 by two women who wish to remain anonymous. During a difficult time in their lives wracked with loneliness, sickness and poverty, God called.

He spoke to them as they sat quietly and prayed each day. He reminded them that He was with them always. The encounters filled them with courage and joy - even in the midst of their struggles. He inspired them with the promises of the future. He gave them hope.

God can do that! He has proven to me over and over that He will never leave me or forsake me. Day by day I'm reminded as I read the Bible and write in my journal -- he knows my pain and my path. He sends people into my life to encourage me along the way. And when I choose to ignore His direction, He stays close and is there to catch my tears.

My journals are full of wonderful times and difficult seasons of my life - but the one thing that is constant is God's hand reached out to show me the way. It's a matter of whether I chose to grab it or go my own way.

I've decided to blog my way through this "God Calling" journal. As a writer it challenges me to write every day and share it with my readers. As a devoted journal keeper it provides me a new way to track my journey. I can't wait!

My hope is to encourage you - my blog follower - as I share my responses to each day's message out of this "God Calling" book. These two anonymous women penned this book long before I was born. But the cool thing is how much it applies to 2010 or any year for that matter.

God's message is for yesterday, today, tomorrow and always. His Word is sharper than a double edged sword. It is alive and living and applies to our every day struggles.

So join me in 2010 as I work my way through "God Calling". I hope to encourage you along the way. Feel free to interact and leave comments. I hope you will share my blog with loved ones so where two or more are gathered we'll all hear what God wants to speak to us. If you wish to purchase your own copy of this beautiful book it is available in different formats. I purchased this golden journal from the bookstore at my church and I also found it at http://www.christianbook.com/.

I hear His call -- I best get going and start on day 1 of the journal of my journey through "God Calling". God Bless Your Heart!