A Journey

Last night began the 2012 season of Lent, a time where Christians everywhere walk through the history and emotions of the foundation of our faith. The death and resurrection of Christ.

It all started on a high moment when the heavens opened and Gods voice could be heard as Jesus was baptized. Scripture walks us from that glorious moment into the desert as Christ was led by the spirit to pray and fast for 40 days and then the tempter showed up – with guns blazing.

Matthew 4:1-11 is a great place to stop off this week and spend some time watching how Jesus rebuked the devil, how he shook his head “no” at temptation. He used this phrase again and again, “It is written…”

If you’ve decided this year that fasting “to” or “from” something this year is a bit silly… is something that you drop after a day or two and you really don’t need that on your conscience again, or that because your church doesn’t encourage you to fast during this season, that it’s not something you will bother with – I’m asking you to reconsider.

We are strengthened in our faith, just as Jesus was by praying, fasting, spending time with God and knowing the Word. He (Christ) is our guide for what is expected of us if we are to call ourselves his disciples, his followers… if we are to call him “teacher”.

He rebuked the devil with scripture – the living word of God. Do you know what “is written”?

There is power and strength in the Word and Christ portrays this best when the beast of all beasts hits him at his lowest point. His response? “It is written…”

I urge you to participate in lent this season and if you’re still wondering what to “pick up” or “give up”…

“Give up” your excuses for why you don’t have time to read the bible and “pick up” the book that is alive and has the God-breathed power to change your life.

Verged from the Path (Devo)

Hope this finds you guys going well and enjoying life!
I was reading back through my journal this morning and sat in amazement at the number of times in the last two years I've "verged from the path" God has me on. You know each time I moved away from him it wasn't that I made the decision to, it was a subtle small step of disobiedience. Something that didn't matter in my own eyes.


Joshua 1:7 says, “…do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” (God is speaking to Joshua about sticking to the commandments given to Moses)

I knew God's instructions to me were to stay on the path, but my way seemed better, faster – more efficient. But it wasn’t any of the following, it was a way to rebel that I could justify and remain tucked in my ignorance that every decision I make, every step I take to the right or left of the path God’s planned for me is one that could continue to lead me into the next poor decision.

As I'm trying to correct my small rebellions, I can feel the brilliance of Gods glory warming my heart and a still small voice whispering in my ear, “It is in the little things that I seek your obedience, daughter. Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Might sound trite, but make every decision you make unto the Lord - use his council and guidence and fall back on the old, "How would God feel about this if He knew?" Because He already does. :)


May your day be filled with Joy from the only joy-giver!
Laurie