“He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.” – Psalm 23:2-3a NKJV Psalm 23 is likely the most beloved Psalm of all-time. The Psalm’s beautiful imagery has brought comfort to millions throughout the ages. Never have its tender promises been more relevant and … More He Restores My Soul
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” -Matthew 11:28-30 NIV I’ve been feeling tired. It … More Come to Me
I saw it happen over and over again. Years ago, when I worked for a large missions organization, I loved to watch our missionaries head out to their long-term field assignments filled with fire and passion—certain they would see God move in mighty ways. What I didn’t love so much was watching many of these … More Embracing the Journey
We come with nothing Yet have everything in You Christ in us The hope of glory Even more astounding The hope of Your glory Is Christ in us Your glory Entrusted to us The earth filled with glory When You The Source Flow through us Such a marvelous mystery The Infinite Dwelling within the finite … More Spontaneous Devotions: “The Source”
Time What an extravagant and lavish gift Time to simply be Without an agenda Without any obligation to make “good” use of the time and space I find myself in Without anything to prove Without a need to accomplish anything Or discover anything – Other than what always is And that is simply You – … More Consecrated Time
Note: A good friend of mine, artist Aeron Brown, recently opened an art gallery close to my home (The Threshold Art Gallery in Redlands, CA). I dropped by to hang out for a few minutes the other day and we hit upon an idea. I would read a scripture or something I’d recently written (or both) … More Spontaneous Devotions: “Come to Me”
Sometimes … I just need to gaze I just need to gaze upon Your endless beauty Sometimes … I just need a moment I just need a moment to soak in the fathomless depths of Your love Sometimes … I just need to be still I just need to be still and know that You alone … More Sometimes …
In secret In the quiet stillness Before the dawn of a new day You work Your hands Those of a skilled Master Potter Form And transform My heart I couldn’t resist if I tried Helpless without You I surrender To Your touch And To Your relentless love I know You’re answering my prayers I know … More In Secret
“Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you.” – Matt. 7:7 (Amp) “…men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” –Luke 18:1 (NKJV) “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” –James … More Persevering … in rest
Selah. Pause. Ponder. Think about it. Take it in. Consider carefully. That’s what I’ve been doing. Pausing. Pondering. Thinking about stuff. Taking it in. Carefully considering the things stirring in my heart. I’ve started writing a couple of things, but I’m not getting very far. I’m not focused. There’s no flow. When that happens more … More Selah …
Originally posted on Deeper Waters:
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” —John 7:38 (NASB) My sweet persistent child, I love your enthusiasm! I love that You want to please Me and always want to do what is right in My eyes. You…
We’ve been in the Galilee, actually staying on the Mt of Beatitudes for a time of personal retreat these past few days. By the time this posts, we’ll be on our way to Jerusalem, but in the spirit of “rest”–after having the priceless opportunity to slow down to “be” with Him for just a bit–I … More For Just a Moment
Originally posted on iwanttobelieveingod:
Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. –Psalm 116:7 I started listening to the wrong voice again. I started doubting and spiraling into negative thoughts. I was angry, frustrated and confused. “Why?” I asked, “Why?” I was tired and needed sleep. I was sick and…
Take a deep breath right here, right now breathe in life Breathe in the glory of his goodness the beauty of his peace and the joy of his presence Breathe in and be thankful It’s a new day and you still have breath Breathe out the … More Take a Deep Breath
“After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” –1 Kings 19:12 Sometimes his voice comes like a mighty rushing wind–and it’s glorious. Sometimes his voice comes like an earthquake awaking our souls–and it’s powerful. Sometimes his voice ignites our hearts with the unquenchable … More Monday Morning Musings: Gentle Whispers
I wrote this poem several years ago in response to a writing challenge using the word “escape” as a prompt. I hadn’t thought of it in years, but while praying this morning had a little nudge to dig it out and share it. Hoping it ministers to someone. No life or situation is beyond his … More The Journey
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. —Exodus 20:8 I’ve been hearing this verse for over two years now. I’ve been hearing a still small voice telling me I needed to rest–regularly. I thought I was listening. But I didn’t get it. I thought as long as I put chunks of time aside to simply “be” … More Monday Morning Musings: Remember the Sabbath
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. —Luke 5:16 Jesus knew when he needed time alone with God. I’m still learning. But, thank the Lord, I am learning. And one of the things I’m learning is to pay attention to the gentle wooing of the Holy Spirit. I’m learning to pay attention when there is … More Monday Morning Musings: Time to Come Away
Be still and know that I am God. –Psalm 46:10 I’ve written on this verse before. I’ll write on it again. I could ponder it every day for the rest of my life and never get to the bottom of it. That’s because it doesn’t have a bottom. It’s not about finding the end. It’s not about a beginning, either. … More Monday Morning Musings: Be Still and Know
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Look my way. Lift your gaze. See the compassion in my eyes. See my open arms. See my open heart … and come. Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. Get away from the crowd. Steal away with … More The Unforced Rhythms of Grace
Cindy Powell 