Weekend Blend!

Welcome to the Weekend Blend at the Internet Cafe Devotionals!

We know that "Tis the Season!" Amidst the hustle and bustle we pray you'll find a place of quiet peace as we serve up some of our favorite devotionals from the past.

As with each month, we'll be serving up devotionals centered around a theme...

We'd like to recommend,

One More Gift

and

Resolution

Ornamental Occasion

What?!? Twenty-five dollars? For an ORNAMENT?

I have to admit it--I have a weakness for Christmas tree decorations, but I drew the line when I saw this ornament in the department store that day. It was the most original one I had ever seen--glass in the shape of a teardrop with etched gold curling in a spiral pattern all the way around the edge--the perfect balance of tastefulness and originality. It would be placed front and center on my tree, and those noticing it would comment on its beauty.

The price tag was nowhere to be found, though, so I waited in line three people back in order to get the price from the cashier. Imagine my surprise when I got to her and she said, "This is our original brand. It's a bargain at $25.00."

No way, I ranted inside my brain. I was so disgusted with the high cost that I didn't even put it back. Instead I said, "Thanks anyway," not so merrily, leaving it on the counter. I'm glad my bitter thoughts did not roll off my tongue.

Hours later, with the whole scene still mulling through my head, the Lord brought a convicting thought to my spirit:

That first Christmas was celebrated so differently than we celebrate it now. Nothing ornamental existed about it, other than THE Ornament, which was Jesus Himself. He was not wrapped up in bows, but in a simple cloth. The scene was not lit up with blinking, chasing lights, but illuminated by the stars alone. No finely decorated fir tree stood with pine-scented potpourri filling the room; instead, the air was filled with the odors of animal manure and hay.

Yet even without such sparkling accessories, that first Christmas was the most beautiful and glowing Christmas of all time. The presence of Jesus is what made it so magnificent.

I can't help but think of all the ways I decorate myself at Christmas. I look for the outfit that will stand out for the party, that blingy jewelry combo, the new trendy hairstyle. I often attach my confidence with how put together I look, how decorated my house is, how great I did on my gift choices. And I do so with my behavior as well--using my tongue to flatter, to dramatize, to draw attention to me, Me, ME.

This is the opposite of the example Jesus set for us when He was on the earth. He was humble and genuine in every way, pointing to God with His Word every time He spoke and with every action he took. My heart's desire is to do the same.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT)
"So all of us who have had that veil removed
can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord-who is the Spirit-makes
us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."

No frills about it: Jesus is the grandest Ornament of them all. His authentic beauty will shine through us as we ask Him to redirect our attempts to decorate our lives with anything other than Himself. Let's wrap ourselves in His glorious image today.

Selah~ Pause. Ponder. Praise.

Weekend Blend!

Welcome to the Weekend Blend at the Internet Cafe Devotionals!

We know that "Tis the Season!" Amidst the hustle and bustle we pray you'll find a place of quiet peace as we serve up some of our favorite devotionals from the past.

As with each month, we'll be serving up devotionals centered around a theme...

This week we recommend,

Miracle on Highway 117

and

A Special Announcement

You Are His Love Story

Once upon a time there was a beautiful love story. You were the delightful daughter. He was the loving Father. A villain entered the story and kidnapped you away. The villain told you lies about who you were. He tried to distort your beautiful love story, yet your face never left the Father’s gaze. He never stopped pursuing you. He sent a Rescuer who rescued you back. Now you are His.

In the beginning, in the shadow of the Trinity, you were created for love. You were created in love. You were brought here to be loved. At the very core of your existence you are the object of His great affection. Your life is a manifestation of the greatest love story ever told.

God had you in mind when He formed the earth. He made it for you. The beauty of the mountains, the depths of the sea, the blue skies that never end, sunrises and sunsets are gifts from His heart to yours. But you, dear one, you are His masterpiece. It is for you that Jesus came. All He has ever wanted was to love you. He relentlessly pursued you to bring you into His embrace. He dances over you. He sings over you. He is enthralled with your beauty

How does the mind grasp it all? How does one move forward to receive that gift that seems so costly? Shouldn’t there be some way to pay Him back? Shouldn’t it cost something? His love is a gift, free to all who will accept. He invites you into His life to be loved in ways beyond your comprehension. In the stillness of His embrace, you discover His life. It indwells you waiting to be offered through you, showing you the things that matter.

God is all about relationship. Relationship is about response. He has no expectations on you. His expectations were fulfilled by Christ. Because He has no expectations, you are never a disappointment to Him.

You have been lied to. Things have been stolen from you. But the Rescuer has come to restore all that was lost. Your sins have been forgiven, past, present and future. You will never be punished for them again. The Rescuer took the punishment of your sins upon HImself. He paid the price, your penalty is forgiven. With mercy and grace He takes you to the cross where forgiveness awaits. He reveals your sins to you to rescue you from them so that you will no longer bear their weight. He bore the weight so that you wouldn't have to. He reveals to restore. He yearns to free you from your captivity.

It is finished. Jesus came to restore all that has been lost. He came to show you the love of His Father. He wants you to believe and see yourself as He does. You are His Beloved.

You are not who you thought you were. You are so much more. He came to heal your broken heart and bind up your wounds. He will exchange your ashes for beauty. You are His treasured possession. He wants you to know.

He loved you first. You are here on this earth because He loves you. It was love that formed you and brought you here. He will move heaven and earth to come to you personally, individually, by name.

He has known you for a lifetime. He has loved you for all eternity. Your picture is engraved on His palms. You are His and He is Yours. Your life is His great love story. It is for you that He came.

The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

You can find Julie at her blog: Jewelz Sightings

I've Just Seen Jesus

The weight of that day was more than I could bear. I got up before the sun. The other Mary was tapping at the door early, but it felt late for the night was long. I couldn’t shut my eyes. When I did I could see Him hanging there, blood dripping from His head. Every time I closed my eyes I could feel His agony.

I wanted to lift Him off of there and run. There was plenty of time that afternoon to imagine the scenario. I would push the cross until it fell over. If it was stuck, there were plenty of His beloved to help me. John would pry out the nails. I wanted it to be a bad dream, but this nightmare was real.

My mind couldn’t comprehend the meaning. Why did He have to endure such humiliation and pain? He was the kindest person I knew. He was different from any other man. Something about the way He looked at me. He looked through me, like He knew my heart. And I believe He did, too.

We rushed, Mary and I, into the dawn. I pulled my shawl tight, not sure if my chill was from sorrow or the cool morning air. A reed from the basket dug into my hand as I walked, but I dared not loosen my grip. The spices and perfumes were costly. Thankfully, I had taken the time to wrap the jars, so they were protected during the brisk walk.

With just a hint of the sun’s rise, we arrived at the burial place. My heart fell as we approached the tomb. I feared someone else arrived first for the stone at the entrance was rolled completely away. No sooner than I stopped, I caught a flash of light above the stone. I raised my eyes afraid and uncertain. Mary beside me was silent.

I can never fully describe what we saw that day. An angelic being sat on top of the massive stone. His clothes were glowing white, and I had to half shut my eyes to look directly at him. Then he spoke to us, knowing exactly why we were there. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. (Matt. 28:6 NIV) I walked to the entrance of the tomb in disbelief. Had He really done it? My answer was inside. It was empty. The tomb was empty, only grave clothes left behind. The angel told us to return to Christ’s disciples to tell them the news.

At first my feet wouldn’t move. The other Mary gave me a little shove on the back. “Go quick,” she said. We ran. I moved the basket up my arm so I could run faster. And then there He was. My Lord. One minute we were running, the next we were staring Him in the face. He was smiling. Smiling. Like He hadn’t been hanging on that cross just days before. For a second I was frozen in my spot. Then Mary moved beside me, and I came out of my trance to fall at His feet. I took one foot and Mary the other.

“This just can’t be,” I remember thinking until I opened my eyes and saw the hole in the foot just below my face. It really was my Lord. He can do anything! I raised my head to see His face, and I knew. Those eyes. His eyes pierced through my soul and the hair stood up on the back of my neck. I was looking at the Son of God.

We came straight here to inform you. He told us to come and find you and tell you the good news. He is alive! Just as He said, He came back from the grave. He is going ahead to meet you in Galilee. Don’t just stand there. Run! Christ, our Lord lives! Go and meet Him. He is waiting!

Go into all the world and preach the good news… Mark 16:15 NIV

Visit Carol at sheep to the right!

Is Your Easter Chocolate Covered?

In a world where a jolly obese man named Santa trumps Jesus every year, it is not a surprise that The Resurrection is in the shadow of a bunny delivering eggs.

We live in a crazy mixed-up place.

Easter is what it is. You can’t get around it, really. Oh, the world tries. The Savior dying on a wooden cross isn’t marketable and doesn’t make very much money. It’s ugly. It’s uncomfortable.

It’s not easy like chocolate bunnies and marshmallow peeps.

My daughter’s second grade class ignored Easter last year. That bothered me. She missed the egg hunt, I missed the reason for the egg hunt. Does ignoring it make it go away? Even in the Bible belt, there is a struggle to be politically correct.

It was just a big reminder that teaching my children about The Resurrection is up to me. My husband and I can’t leave it up to Sunday School or television and certainly not the schools. It’s our job.

Now, don’t misunderstand me. We fill up the Easter baskets to the brim with all things unhealthy and bunny-ish. I am personally devastated if I don’t eat at least one peanut-chocolate-egg-shaped morsel of deliciousness. We are human after all.

But could my kids articulate the importance of Easter? Do they really know what it’s all about? Are we doing our job?

So, I asked them.

My daughter recited the story with amazing accuracy. I knew she would. I whispered a prayer, “God move it to her heart. Help her to understand Your sacrifice. Remind her that You are always with her because You are Alive.”

The little boy in my life said, “Sure. I know all about Easter. It’s God’s anniversary. AND we get candy!”

I chuckled a little. I can NEVER predict what he’ll say. “The anniversary to----“ I prodded.

“You know, Mom, HIS anniversary to it ALL,” and by the way his eyes shone and his emphasis on the word ‘ALL,” I knew he got it too.

As Easter draws near this Spring, I’m going to focus more than ever on the The Savior who died for me and the tomb that is empty. I want to remember His sacrifice and lead my children to the scars on His palm.

John 20:3-8

³So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. ⁴Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. ⁵He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. ⁶Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, ⁷as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.⁸Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.

join Kristen daily at We are THAT family where she serves up a dose of humor daily!

Bold Like an Easter Egg Dip

Please WELCOME Julie Arduini today with a VERY SEASONAL devotional!

Forgive my excitement over something so mundane but I have a confession: I don't eat eggs.

Alright, I eat chocolate peanut butter eggs but not the real kind that you scramble. I'm so against eggs I never decorated them for Easter. When I had children I saved that project until grandma came to town.

This year we had snow storm after snow storm and this last one occurred when my son had a friend visit. Our original plans to travel across state lines to visit a chocolate factory went with the blizzard like winds.I took them to a nearby store for snacks and spotted the egg decorating kit. I went for it.

Since my past experience with making things out of a box rarely translated to success, I read the egg directions a few times. The following directive took me way beyond Easter egg decorating.

To make bolder colors, add vinegar.
The longer you keep the egg dipped, the bolder the egg color becomes.

Vinegar isn't a liquid of choice. It smells and if you have to taste it, well, it's bitter. Just ask Jesus.

The vinegar stick they handed Him wasn't a soda. It wasn't intended to provide true relief.
Bold outcome calls for a long stay in bitter liquid. I can't think of anything more horrific than beating, mocking, whipping and lashing coming from leather strips with sharp blunt objects attached to expose not skin, but bone. That's quite a dip to stay in.

Five years ago our family was submerged in the vinegar of life. Job changes, abnormal newborn test results, medical mix up, doctor error, croup, near death, RSV, pneumonia, new job, moving, terminal diagnosis in family, surgery for oldest child, death of parent, grief, selling home in one state to buy home in another, leaving everyone and everything to obey God's call on our life.

Does the last line sound like the One who took a bold dip in vinegar? If you are facing adversity, think about the decorated eggs. My very favorite ones are the bold and brilliant ones. The ones that carry the trace of vinegar because they stayed in the bitter stuff the longest.

And thrived.
Just like you can.
Just like HE did.

For You.

"The soldiers also came up and mocked Him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself." Luke 23:36-37, NIV

Jesus, thank you for enduring bitter drink offers, beatings, mockings, whippings and death for us. Your sacrifice makes You more bold and brilliant to me. Help me see adversity as Your promotion, and that I won’t mind taking vinegar dips. You are so worthy. In Your name, Amen.

Do you consider hard times a punishment or an opportunity?

Do you remember an experience where the circumstances were so difficult but you came out bolder and more brilliant in Christ on the other side?

Julie Arduini is a graduate of the Christian Writer’s Guild and a columnist with both Take Root and Write and The Cypress Times. She has published credits as a contributing writer. Her quote about being buried by a snow plow will be featured this year in Kathy Vick’s gift book by Howard/Simon & Schuster, Run Like a Girl. To see more of her writing resume, please check the right sidebar of her blog, The Surrendered Scribe. Julie lives in Ohio with her husband and two children.

I Resolve to Lose Weight, (NOT!)

Please Welcome Genikwa Williams back to the Cafe!!

It’s been years since I’ve “resolved” to do anything in the New Year. But when I did it in the past, getting in shape and losing weight always topped the list (even in those years when I was looking and feeling great).

So I ended the self-defeating practice of making resolutions—many of which often get tossed aside only a couple months into the year anyway. As for my health and fitness journey, I came to realize that I needed more than wishy-washy promises. I needed (need) God’s help.

Let’s face it. Getting healthy and fit is easier said than done. After spending years building a habit—especially a “bad” one—it’s unrealistic to think that you can undo its effects overnight or even in a couple of months. It often takes serious discipline—physical, emotional, and mental—a complete reeducation, and lots of prayer.

My love-hate relationship with food (and anything resembling a StairMaster) has been an on-again/off-again battle for years. I’ve fought and won…fought and lost. In the last few years, I’ve won more than I’ve lost, mainly because I’ve been learning and practicing how to discipline myself through prayer, fasting, and the study of God’s Word, which has a lot to say about the matter.

In 1 Corinthians 9:27 (AMP), the apostle Paul writes “But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit].”

Paul is talking about the importance of learning to discipline or train our bodies, so that we are in control of them and not the other way around.

A servant or slave does not rule over his master (See Matt. 10:24; Titus 2:9). When this happens, the results are sure to be chaos and revolution. Such disorder leads to an ever-increasing desire by the servant to supplant the master and rule in his stead. A general tendency toward Godlessness.

Self-control (temperance)—whether it pertains to our eating habits, dealings with money, time, relationships, or any other aspect of life—is one of the indications that we are becoming spiritually mature (See Gal. 5:22).

As believers, we have to be in control of our flesh—what we think, say, and do—as the Holy Spirit leads us. God wants us to be masters over our bodies, as if they were servants in our employ, so that we can be fit for service in His Kingdom (See Rom. 6; 12:1-2).

As I dedicate this month to fasting, praying, and seeking God’s direction for the rest of the year, I won’t make any empty vows, but I will ask God to help me really get in shape—body, soul, and spirit—so that I can be fit for many more years of service in His Kingdom.

How about you?

Firmly In His Grip (and getting fit),

Genikwa

A South Jersey resident, Genikwa R. Williams is a born-again believer, worshiper, and a servant to God and His people. Professionally, Genikwa is a Christian freelance writer and a ministry communications professional. Her devotional and inspirational blog, Everyday Repartee, can be found at www.GenikwaWilliams.com.

Like a Belgian Draft Horse--How I Read the Bible - or - "Do Not Despise the Day of Small Beginnings"

Last January, I charged into a “Read the Bible in a Year” plan like a souped up race horse breaking onto the track. It wasn’t the first time I had attempted the goal, but this time, I was determined to complete it.

Imagine how deflated I was to have to start again in April. Let’s just say that this time I trudged out of the gate like a Belgian draft horse pulling a Levitical plow. It has been slow going, but I keep telling myself, “Slow and steady wins the race,” or at least wins a sharp Sunday school lapel pin for managing to “stick to it!”

Why has this reading plan been so difficult? After all, I read a user-friendly version. I grew up hearing Bible stories and memorizing verses. I was a literature major, so I obviously enjoy reading. If you asked what book I’d take to a desert island, I'd reply, “The Bible.” And I’ve received much guidance and comfort throughout my life from this book.

I do what I can to remind myself, placing my Bible on my nightstand, slipping it into my purse to read in waiting rooms, packing it on trips, sticking it in my tote bag, plopping it into my car—it’s always with me. Yet, I often find myself walking by it on the coffee table. Somehow, I always seem to have one more laundry load or phone call or three more hours on the Internet before I can pick it up.

Unfortunately, my reading has been more of an exercise in discipline than an experience in learning and worshiping. And while there’s nothing wrong with practicing diligence, my heart has not been fully engaged. It’s like the difference between reading a textbook account of an event as opposed to reading the personal letter of an eyewitness.

Although I was frustrated last April, I’m glad I didn’t quit. Now I’m in the race with two goals: to finish my year-long project, yes, but also to be transformed, which makes all the difference.

If you’ve recently set goals, don’t be discouraged over false starts and distractions. Remember how the re-building of the Lord’s temple was stalled time and again.

Zerubbabel, Jerusalem's governor, met lots of opposition as he began the project, but God sent Zechariah with encouragement: “’Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty" (Zechariah 4:6).

When setbacks come, don’t let them rob you of your confidence. When you fall, don’t berate yourself for having leapt. Remember that failures have potential to make you more dependent on Christ, our ultimate strength and only real measure of success.

Zechariah 4:10: Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”


Questions:

If God does not despise (scorn, disdain) small beginnings, is it legitimate for us, his workmen, to do so?

When you find yourself despising yourself and your efforts, what can you do/say to combat those accusations?

Have you invited God to join you in achieving your goals this year?

Have you invited God into your failures and mistakes this year? Do you think this is a negative way of thinking? Why/Why not?



Please visit Linda Crow at her personal blog:









Horse photo credit: Malene Thyssen, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Malene

NEW YEAR...SAME OLD LESSONS!

Last week I bought a new journal to start the New Year. There's nothing like opening it up and seeing the fresh empty pages just ready to be filled with lessons from God.

More...of how He wants me to live!

I have been praying and specifically asking God to show me my areas of need, my blind spots, and the changes that need to take place. He has very clearly been impressing on me some areas that I have not glorified Him as I should. He has also been causing verses and thoughts from books I am reading to stand out, that are giving me a clearer understanding of what exactly it means to glorify God.

As He is teaching me, He is also creating with in my heart a deeper desire to obey HIM and GLORIFY HIM. Now comes the LIVING OUT of what I am learning.

The first verse that stood out to me as I began to pray in this way was found in Jeremiah 4:3 "Break up your ground left uncultivated for a season, so that you may not sow among thorns..."

"What thorns,Lord?"

I didn't have to ask Him twice!!! He has faithfully shown me what I need to see!

"Okay, Gina. Lets start from the beginning!"

I am being reminded that the areas that I would say I "struggle" in, are actually areas where I have not submitted. Where I have held on to MY will rather than submitting to HIS will.

"Self-will is a lack of submission. Independence is stubborn weakness!" (Oswald Chambers)

Matt. 6:33 reminds me to "Seek (aim at, strive after)FIRST OF ALL, His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right.)"

"YOUR kingdom come...but MY will was done..."

"How can I help further YOUR kingdom When I'm so wrapped up in MINE?" (Casting Crowns)

HIS kingdom...NOT MY OWN! It's not about me! But, man, do I ever live like it's about me at times! That would be the independence He has revealed.

YUCK!

I really don't like seeing THAT ...but I'm thankful to see it so I can change!

Then...I Corinthians 10:31 "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." ...the glory of God. Sure. I want that. But, do I?

Elyse Fitzpatrick shares that glorifying God means this:

"That everything we do-whether we're eating, drinking, reading a paper, driving our car, whatever we're doing-is to be done with the attitude and in such a way as to cause others around us to say, 'Isn't God great!' Because of His abounding grace and mercy He has allowed us to be involved in this great plan and purpose...God wants to use your life to show others that He is real and that He can change people..."

GULP!
You mean that others might actually want to know God because of my life?!

That means every part of my life must be lived before Him. That is being a light. So, it's not really about ME glorifying God. It's about me GLORIFYING GOD, so that others might be pointed to HIM!! That means "ME" MUST GO!

THAT IS SOBERING!

Oh, WOW Lord, this is a lot. Can we stop now?"
"NOPE! KEEP READING!"

Philippians 1:20 "...so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death..(21)For me to live is Christ..." (27)"Only let your conduct be worthy of the Gospel of Christ..."

BE WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL!

That is the most important part, I think. It's about the Gospel. It's about my life pointing others to Jesus, and THE GOSPEL!

These areas in my life that are coming to mind. This self will. The things I have trivialized or not seen as such a big deal ARE a big deal. They are a big deal because they are areas that have not pointed others to Jesus, and the Gospel! Even though I know that God would love to see me have peace and victory in these areas because of His great love for me, there is a much bigger picture I need to be looking at.

God wants to use these areas for His glory so that others might see Him.

As I write this post I hear a song coming from my daughters room. A song by the group "Mercy Me" and it keeps repeating these words, "Nothing else matters here, but glorifying Your name..."

"I hear You Lord!"

Oh, Lord, I pray with the hymn writer...

"Take my will and make it Thine-It shall be no longer mine; Take my heart it is Thine own, It shall be Thy royal throne, It shall be Thy royal throne!"

You can visit Gina at her personal blogs:

Chats With An "Old Lady"

and

Bearing Burdens

Clinging to the Old in a New Year

It's a New Year.

I like the feeling of new things.

I like the new smell of a car and the feel of new clothes on my skin. The euphoria that new brings, delights us.

I think this is a great time for new beginnings, fresh starts and decisions resolved in our hearts.

But I think I'm going to focus on the old during this new year.

I think our world, the church, my life has focused so much on the new, we've left behind some pretty important things from the past.

Sometimes, I just want my world, my faith, my church to return to the simplicity of The Cross.

The Bible. Heaven. Hell. Sin. Forgiveness. Love.

I decided to do something different this year, strange to many. I'm leaving my Nativity out all year long.

I want to remember His simple Birth. Her simple faith.

I want to smile when I see His broken porcelain fingers and our decision not to replace this manger piece. (A gentle reminder that we aren't perfect, but broken).

I want to remind myself how I felt on Christmas morning, when we celebrated the birthday of our Savior.

I want this passage of holy scripture to be on my lips and etched onto the hearts of my children. This is what it's all about, at the simplest level:

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”- Luke 2:11-1

There's nothing wrong with new. I look forward to new things in my life. But so many live "out with the old and in with the new."

And that doesn't work for me.

Because some old things are still making people new.

Isaiah 43:19
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.

join Kristen daily at We are THAT family where she serves up a dose of humor daily!

Don't Waste Your Life!

2008 seemed to pass by so quickly and another new year is just beginning. I have found, if I am not careful, I can allow time to slip by too quickly, and when I look back, I am dissappointed, feeling like I have wasted this precious time!

Have you made New Year’s Resolutions yet? Sometimes I make Resolutions with the best intentions, but all too quickly they are forgotten.

Resolutions seem to be important to all of us. As I have talked to women, a common desire has resonated- to find out and fulfill her "purpose." Nobody wants her life to be a waste! Most people want to leave a fingerprint on the world, to make a difference, to have an impact on others’ lives. We want to our lives to be special.

Have you ever wondered what God wants to do with YOUR life? What His purpose is for your life? Does He have a plan?

Yes, God does have a plan for our lives!

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord.
“Plans for hope and a future. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.”

So, how do I live out these plans, WITHOUT wasting precious time?

Paul writes in Ephesians, “Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.” PAUL IS TALKING ABOUT BEING DELIBERATE AT LIVING OUR LIVES- PAYING ATTENTION, ON PURPOSE KIND OF LIVING.

Be careful how you live. Here, the Greek literally means, “don’t stumble through life.” Do you ever find yourself “stumbling through life?” Does life ever seem to fly by so quickly that you find yourself saying, like me, “Where did 2008 go?!”

I saw a billboard once that said, “Time flies, but you are the pilot.” I loved that. That is what Paul is saying here. You are the pilot, and fly carefully! “Be careful how you live … and try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.”

Do you know what the Lord wants you to do? Have you ever thought about it? Maybe you’re thinking, “I didn’t know the Lord wanted me to do anything!”

What is the first thing God wants us to do? He wants us to hunger for Him! More than service or obedience, or anything, God wants us to seek after Him in an intimate, real, living, breathing relationship with Him. Jesus said the greatest commandment was "to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your mind, and all of your strength. Then, love your neighbor as yourself.” You see, sometimes we get confused and we have a religion, but we don’t have a relationship with the One who so desires us.

“What else does God want from MY life?”

He wants it ALL.

Jesus wants a relationship with Him, AND He wants ALL of us. He wants us to make HIM our FIRST passion. God wants our wholehearted devotion, and He wants our whole life ..our whole life, not just part of it, not jut on Sunday mornings, ALL of it! Romans 6:13 says, “Give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your WHOLE BODY as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God.”

Give ourselves completely, completely to God- every part of our lives in total surrender to Him. So often, we only allow God into the “spiritual” part of our lives. We go to church on Sundays. We have our “quiet times.” We even are reading through the Bible.

But, God wants so much more than that- He wants it all- my whole life. Not just the areas that I think are “OK” to give to Him, the “churchy things, GOING TO CHURCH, GOING TO LADIES BIBLE STUDY, RETREATS, SERVING IN THE CHURCH, NOT JUST THOSE THINGS, but every area, my marriage, my relationship with my kids, my home, my friends, my work, my free time. He wants every thought, every decision, every choice to be surrendered to Him, totally making Him Lord of my life!

One of my favorite books is the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. He say, “There isn’t a single verse in the Bible that says you can be a Christian and live your life any old way you want. God wants all of you- not 10%, not 50%, or 99%. He wants all of you. It’s either all or nothing. It’s either true, and that should determine the rest of our lives, OR, we should just chuck it all and go and do whatever we want to do.”

So, for me, this year, 2009, I purpose to NOT waste my life! I intend to slow down and make God my first priority. I want to get lost in my relationship with Him. I want to spend time at His feet, filling up on Him. I want to give Him everything....

"Time flies." But, I am the pilot.

Questions to Ponder:

1. What are your New Year's Resolutions? How does your relationship with your Savior fit into them?

2. How can you "slow down", piloting your time this year?

Father God, I love You! Thank You, God, that You give us "second chances" every morning! Each day we have a new opportunity to begin again, like a new year. Help us to give You every part of us this year and forever. Help us to give You every part of lives, even areas we don't like to surrender. May Your blessings fall down on us this New Year. Praise You, God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Many blessings to you and your family this New Year,

Please visit me-

Past and Present

Wouldn't it be great if the past year could magically disappear along with debts, pain, hurt and illness?

At the time I had ccomposed this, the "New Year" still felt like a million years away, but in the blink of an eye, it is here before we know it.

For many, this turning of the calendar is waited for with baited breath; a start to"a whole new year!" We begin fresh, though really, when we look at it with honesty, it's just a turning of the calendar; when we look in the mirror, we still are who we are.

(Well, unless we use plastic surgery, a box of hair dye and a closet full of new clothes.)

We are still going to have to deal with the same issues that existed 12 hours before midnight. While we wake up with a fresh new date and a new year, the person waking up is still, well, us.

Depressing?

Maybe.

If we had several more helpings of "Granny's" favorite pie, than we probably wouldn't be feeling as great as we should, but if we have faith and trust in our Heavenly Father, be it in the new year, the last year, or the next year, we have every reason to have hope and faith in new beginnings.

2 Corinthians 5:17,"Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things are passed away; behold, new things have come."

The hardest part is allowing ourselves to have that faith and trust and asking our Heavenly Father to give us that new beginning that He promises. The beginning that came in the reality of the cost His Son had paid. We are still who we are, but just different in the fact, though we may have to still get up in the morning (or evening if you work the graveyard shift), life goes on.

Psalm 22:3-5," Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried, and were saved; in you they trusted, and were not disappointed."

For us, the New Year is greeted not with a big party or lavish clothes.

Instead, it's in the midst of a wild herd of dachshunds, children sleeping on the couches and chairs, while adults battle it out over a good game of Scrabble (and yes I think it's cheating when someone uses a foreign language to play Scrabble; If we are going to allow the use of a language no one else can understand then I'm learning Klingon to level the playing field.)

For us, everyday is a New Year!

From the moment we wake up, to the moment we go to bed, we greet each day as the blessing it is from Our Heavenly Father.

Hebrews 4:12,"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

When we wake up in the morning, we are still going to be who we are; The dishes will need to be put away and the stack of bills will be waiting for us on the counter, but the source of the hope isn't in the passing of a year or the changing of a calendar to make things better, but rather in the hope, faith and salvation in our Heavenly Father first and foremost.

Our Christmas tree dried up, a trail of pine needles to announce it's departure to a sand dune somewhere out there. The decorations are going to be put away to gather dust for another year, and I'm hiding that Scrabble board in a better place! As I seek God's never changing words and I lift my voice and heart in prayer to Him, I know that He is always there, never changing, always consistent and always faithful to us.

Psalm 22:22-24,"I will tell of your name to my brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: You who fear the LORD, praise him! all you sons of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you sons of Israel! For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; and he has not hid his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him."

The irony of all this is that I couldn't be here, if I hadn't been there. There in the midst of sorrow, joy, pain, gain, of good times and bad, if all of that was really gone; Wiped away by the New Year, I fear what type of relationship that would have mean having with our Heavenly Father.

As much as I wish we didn't have to suffer, hurt, be ill, or experience earthly loss, at the same time would we really know strength, good health, love, happiness, joy and more than anything, a real, living relationship with Jesus Christ?

Would our relationship be sincere or superficial?

Whoa.

I need to use that word for Scrabble.

How many points will that gain me?

Maybe not as many blessings I pray to gain from Our Heavenly Father by just being in His presence and praising Him through good times, but particularly through the worst times of the old year. He drew me closer to Him and my relationship with Him, grew just a little bit stronger rather than weaker.

As much as it's great to greet the New Year, I don't want to forgot the old year either and the blessings He gave, both visible and invisible.

Psalm 22:25-31,"From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him. The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD! May your hearts live for ever! All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him. For dominion belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations. Yea, to him shall all the proud of the earth bow down; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and he who cannot keep himself alive. Posterity shall serve him; men shall tell of the Lord to the coming generation, nd proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, that he has wrought it. "

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the blessings of the past year and there were many times I felt like I couldn't just make that extra mile, but You didn't give up on me and you pulled me through when I didn't feel like I could be pulled through. Thank You for Your NEVER changing love and hope and faith You offer to all of us. I pray Lord, in this New Year, we seek You more not less.

Though we make mistakes, though we feel like broken vessels, You show us and use us to show the world through and in us, who You are and I thank You Lord. Lord, don't give me a perfect year, but give me a year where I am forever reminded why You are Lord, Our God.

• Many of us have had a tough year. We make choices we later regret; We suffer moments that leave us doubting; Read Psalm 22 ~ how does it remind us that we have to let go of the anchors and allow God to lead us to a new tomorrow?
• One of the things we've learned this past year in homeschooling was the in the lesson of the seasons and the changes that occur. Thinking of the different seasons and how life is constantly renewed, how has God shown Himself to you in life? How has He reminded you that there is always a new beginning to every ending?
• Count up the blessings God has blessed you with and how have they changed/not changed you?

God bless you, Gentle Readers and I look forward to hearing from you.

Join Twinkle Mom daily at, Sunflower Faith, where she journals about homeschooling and her personal reflections of her walk with our Heavenly Father.

New Year Giveaway!

Happy New Year from the Internet Cafe Devotions Team!

We pray you each have a blessed, healthy and prayerful New Year, as we allow the Lord to continue to guide this ministry!

We're going to help some of our readers start the new year off with a few Inspirational Giveaways to help you begin the New Year rejuvenated and re focused!

One of the Internet Cafe's favorite advertisers, Rhonda Jones, owner of Christian Meditations and Relaxation is offering a New Year giveaway for the soul! An e-book titled, "18 Weeks to More Peace, Joy and Intimacy with God," will be sent to the winner!

18 Weeks to More Peace, Joy, and Intimacy with God takes believers through a series of weekly spiritual disciplines that will transform their life. God came so that we would have life more abundantly. Leave stress, worry, and unhappiness behind. Each week consists of a topic and action plan.

Don't worry if you don't win our giveaway, just click on the ad on our sidebar for some WONDERFUL offerings over there for free! It's the perfect addition to prayer time!

We've also been blessed to have a second give~away to start the New Year!

Scripture Stickies are Holy Bible verses to go. Each pack contains two copies of five different scriptures on a topic. Stick them on two different places or share the extra copy with a friend. Use them with children and grandchildren for Bible memorization!

We've been blessed to have 9 to giveaway, in honor of 2009!!

All you've got to do is leave us a comment on something you read here in 2008, and you will automatically be entered in the contest! Winners will be announced on January 9, 2009. Please make sure that you include an email or site so that we can contact the winners.

May your New Year be filled with the blessings of Christ, the hope and the peace that surpasses ALL understanding and may you continue to grow with us here at the Internet Cafe Devotionals!

Happy New Year!

Lori MacMath and Amy Bayliss

The Only Way to a New Start

I tore down the ratty, marked-up calendar and replaced it with a fresh clean one for 2009. Just like everyone else in America, I celebrated the end of 2008 last night and welcomed in a brand new year filled with fresh hopes and new resolutions. The financial sector is ready for a new year and so are the politicians. Dieters and smokers embrace the New Year as an opportunity to knock those bad habits, certain that THIS time around they’ll do a better job of sticking to their resolutions.

A new start seems to bring out the best in all of us, the best intentions, that is. This year, I’ll be a more loving wife. This year, I’ll eat healthy, exercise regularly and cut out caffeine. This year, I’ll stop yelling at the kids or procrastinating at work, or being late everywhere I go. This year, I’ll make a good healthy dinner every night, watch less television, and read more educational books.

This year, I’ll be a better person.

Except, it doesn’t work that way. No matter how hard we try to muster up the strength, pull ourselves up by the bootstraps, and discipline ourselves into submission, we run up against the same walls each year. January starts out looking good, but by February, we’ve already forgotten our resolutions and given up the battle altogether.

But, I really do want to be a better person this year than I was last year. So, is there any hope for me? I relate so deeply to the words of the song from Casting Crown’s CD, The Altar and the Door,

Lord, this time I’ll make it right, here at the altar I lay my life –
Your kingdom come but my will was done, my heart is broken as I….
Cry, like so many times before – But my eyes are dry before I leave the floor,
Oh Lord – I try but this time, Jesus, how can I be sure I will not lose my follow through – Between the altar and the door.

Great intentions become great disappointments, as Romans 7 well documents. I want to be who God created me to be, but I keep getting in the way. Then, I open up the Word of truth and see that there is hope for us all and there is a way to make this year better than the one before, but it’s not the way I imagined.

Romans 3:21-24
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made
known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God
comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely
by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in
me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me
and gave himself for me.

Oh Lord, that 2009 would be a year where I experience more of Your grace, a year where I walk in faith, a year where Your righteousness is known in me. May each new day bring reminders that I am crucified with You and that You live through me.

Points to Ponder:
1. In what ways do you want to be a “better person” this year?
2. What does it look like to die to self and let Christ live in you? How do you do that practically?
3. Instead of focusing on how you can be better this year, make this a year to allow Christ to live through you, by consciously giving Him more of your life.

Come visit me...